BRPG Encounter Table: Turbulent Encounters Amidst David’s Rebellion

Nuanced Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 17

This encounter table is designed to immerse players into the political intrigue and turmoil surrounding David’s reign as they navigate the fallout from Absalom’s rebellion. Each encounter reflects the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of warfare prevalent in this biblical narrative.

Table

Extremely Hurtful (1-5)

1. A band of Absalom’s loyalists ambushes the party, led by a fierce warrior named Ahithophel (AC 15, HP 30, Attack +4). There are 3 attackers. Each takes 1d6 damage to the party. The party must flee or face certain defeat.
2. The party encounters a double agent in their midst pretending to be a friend. They lead the group into a trap, where they are surrounded by 5 soldiers loyal to Absalom. The party loses 1d4 morale points due to mistrust.
3. As night falls, the party is caught in a sudden storm causing them to lose precious supplies (1d6 rations). Additionally, they must make a DC 15 survival check to avoid exhausting themselves, taking 1d4 fatigue damage.
4. A false prophet delivers a dire message claiming that God has turned His face from David and favors Absalom instead. This causes a -2 penalty to all Wisdom checks until the party seeks reassurance from a true prophet or cleric.
5. The party unknowingly stumbles into a battlefield where a skirmish between factions is taking place. They must succeed on a DC 14 stealth check to avoid being detected, or they will take 1d10 damage from stray arrows.

Mild Nuisance (6-10)

6. The party overhears a rumor in a local tavern that suggests Absalom has received aid from foreign allies, causing unease. This gives everyone in the party a -1 to Charisma checks until they can assure the townsfolk of David’s strength.
7. A merchant attempts to sell the party faulty provisions at an inflated price. If they fail a DC 12 charisma check, they end up buying 2 rations that spoil in 1d4 days.
8. The party encounters a lost sheep that delays their travel by several hours. While helping it, they find a small pouch containing 5 silver pieces.
9. They meet a weary messenger who knows about David’s plans but is too exhausted to provide full details. The party can either help him recover +1 stamina using a healing skill or get limited information resulting in a +1 to their next intelligence check.
10. The party finds a broken sling in an abandoned hut. It requires repair but can provide a +1 to ranged attack if fixed using a DC 10 crafting check.

Somewhat Helpful (11-15)

11. A local farmer offers the party a place to rest in exchange for help with his crops. The party gains 2 rations and +1 to their health through rest but must help for half a day.
12. The party discovers a hidden scroll detailing secret routes around enemy encampments. This grants them advantage on their next stealth mission.
13. They encounter an itinerant prophet who offers to share a vision about the outcome of David’s campaign. The party gains +1d6 insight points that can be used for one future decision.
14. A healer provides the party with a restorative balm, which grants a +1 to their next saving throw against disease or fatigue.
15. The party finds a sturdy wooden shield (+1 defense) left behind after a skirmish. It can be equipped for increased protection.

Very Helpful (16-20)

16. The party saves a wounded soldier from Absalom’s forces. In gratitude, he shares vital intelligence about the terrain, granting advantage on their next two checks for navigation.
17. An old sage recognizes one of the party members from David’s court and blesses them with a charm that gives +1 to diplomacy checks for the next town visit.
18. They stumble upon a hidden cache of supplies abandoned by fleeing troops, containing 3 healing herbs and 1d10 silver pieces.
19. A local blacksmith offers to forge a new weapon following a successful negotiation, providing either a strong sling or a rusty sword +2 attack at a discounted price (1d6 silver pieces).
20. The party successfully speaks to a nobleman who provides them with a temporary pass to safely travel through enemy territory once, assuring their safety.

Extremely Helpful (21-25)

21. A prominent supporter of David offers the party a rare gem worth 50 silver pieces. Additionally, he reveals important secrets regarding Absalom’s movements.
22. The party rescues a trapped local noble who rewards them with armor that provides a +2 AC bonus, as well as an ally in the local rebellion against Absalom.
23. They discover a scroll detailing the plans of Absalom, which provides foreknowledge of the enemy’s strategies. This can be used to grant advantage on any future encounters with Absalom’s forces.
24. A spiritual leader offers to bless the entire party, giving them divine protection (+1 to AC) for the next significant battle.
25. The party retrieves a legendary blade, once wielded by a soldier in David’s army, granting +3 to attack and the ability to inspire nearby allies, giving them +1 morale on a successful hit.

Trivia Questions

Answer the following questions based on 2 Samuel 17:

1. Who was the counselor that advised Absalom to pursue David at a critical moment? (Hardest)
2. What was Absalom’s plan regarding David’s women? (Hard)
3. What did Hushai say to Absalom to mislead him? (Medium)
4. How did David respond to the news of Ahithophel’s counsel? (Easy)
5. Who ultimately gained information about Absalom’s intentions from Hushai? (Very Easy)

Roll 1d20. Add the number of correct answers. Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

• 1. Ahithophel
• 2. To sleep with David’s concubines on the roof
• 3. Hushai urged Absalom to gather a larger army
• 4. David prayed for Ahithophel’s advice to be turned into foolishness
• 5. Hushai