Location Type:
Village
Specific Location:
2 Samuel 18
Main Quest:
The players are tasked with investigating the aftermath of Absalom’s rebellion against King David, focusing on gathering information and items that might shed light on the loyalties of the villagers and the remnants of the conflict.
LOCATION SUMMARY
The setting is a small, war-weary village near the forest of Ephraim, where the forces loyal to Absalom clashed with David’s men. The village shows signs of recent strife: damaged homes, a few makeshift shelters, and a gathering point where villagers share tidings about the conflict. The atmosphere is tense, with whispers of betrayal and loss mixing with the cries of children and the occasional bleat from livestock.
BASE LOOT
- A clay oil lamp, chipped but functional, bearing the markings of a local potter.
- A simple wooden bowl, lightly worn, likely used for daily meals.
- A bundle of dried herbs tied with twine, used for medicinal purposes.
- A sack of barley grain, sufficient for a small family’s provisions.
- A pair of well-used sandals, one cracked but still usable for short journeys.
ADDITIONAL LOOT IF 6+
- A rusted iron dagger, likely belonged to a villager who fled in haste during the conflict.
- A tattered piece of parchment with notes, possibly detailing routes taken by the rebel forces.
- A woven basket, containing a few apples, recently harvested.
- A small collection of clay figurines, possibly used for children’s play or religious offerings.
ADDITIONAL LOOT IF 10+
- A hidden compartment in a storage shed reveals a concealed stash of dried fish, a vital protein source.
- A loose stone in the wall of a nearby hut contains a small pouch of silver coins, likely leftover from market transactions.
- Evidence of hastily buried items in the courtyard, uncovering a short spear and a few pieces of armor, hinting at a quick escape.
ADDITIONAL LOOT IF 15+
- A weathered scroll, partially legible, detailing a message from a loyalist to the king.
- A livestock pen contains an extra goat, surprisingly well-fed despite the recent turmoil.
ADDITIONAL LOOT IF 20+
- A small, overlooked basement in one of the houses holds a hidden cache of medical supplies, including bandages and herbal remedies.
- A map etched on a wooden tablet shows the routes taken by both Absalom’s and David’s forces, marked with possible ambush points.
ADDITIONAL LOOT IF 22+
- A concealed chamber behind a false wall in a granary reveals a significant amount of gold and silver jewelry, likely taxes or offerings meant for the temple.
- Evidence of a recent meeting – discarded clothing with a faded insignia that matches a known supporter of Absalom, leading to further investigation of possible collaborators.
LOWER WISDOM DISCOVERY
Passive Wisdom Requirement: 12
A perceptive character might notice that some village families are unusually well-fed, suggesting hidden caches of food or secretive trade with the rebels.
HIGHER WISDOM DISCOVERY
Passive Wisdom Requirement: 15
A highly observant character may overhear villagers discussing a nearby grove that many avoid, rumored to be the site of a recent skirmish, hinting at undiscovered valuables or dangers.
OPTIONAL EVENT
A villager approaches the characters with a desperate plea for help. Their child has gone missing during the chaos, and they suspect a connection to a group of young men who have been seen gathering in the forest. This could lead to a side quest to rescue the child and uncover more about the local dynamics during the rebellion.
