BRPG Encounter Table: Political Tensions Along the Path of David

Nuanced Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 19

This encounter table is designed to provide diverse interactions and challenges for players in the context of 2 Samuel 19, where David’s return to Jerusalem after Absalom’s rebellion provides a backdrop of political tension, loyalty, and reconciliation. The players navigate through the town, meeting various NPCs, uncovering information, and experiencing the complexities of allegiance during this tumultuous time.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (Roll 1-5)

1. The players are ambushed by a group of disgruntled rebels loyal to Absalom. There are 4 rebels (HP 15 each, AC 12; Attack 3, Damage 1d6) who demand the players choose a side. If the players refuse, they must fight, or risk losing -2 to their next charisma check when dealing with other locals.
2. An informant gives misleading information about King David’s position and intentions, stating that David plans violent retribution against all traitors, causing panic among the players. They now have disadvantage on all persuasion checks in this session.
3. The players encounter a ruined home of a supporter of David, where they find a note pleading for help, blaming David for unresolved grievances. If they don’t intervene promptly, the players gain a -1 penalty on wisdom rolls in the next encounter.
4. The players are falsely accused of being spies for Absalom by a local elder, leading to a crowd gathering aggressively against them. They must succeed on a DC 15 charisma check to convince the crowd of their innocence, or suffer -2 to their next social interaction.
5. A fierce dog, trained to protect a tavern, goes rogue and attacks the party. It has HP 12, AC 14; Attack 4, Damage 1d8. If it reduces a player to 0 HP, the tavern’s owner will see the party as enemies unless they manage to appease him with a gift.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (Roll 6-10)

1. The players meet a merchant who offers to trade a battered shield for three gold coins. The shield has lost its sheen and provides only +1 defense. The merchant will not negotiate further.
2. A child spills her half-eaten bread on a player’s attire. The player must roll a DC 10 dexterity save to avoid getting dirty and suffer a -1 disadvantage on charisma checks until they clean up.
3. The players overhear gossip outside a well, hinting that some townspeople are not welcoming of David’s return and may hold secrets. They gain a +1 insight bonus for their next stealth check.
4. A local farmer offers to share news in exchange for help fixing his fence. If the players assist, they learn of a plot against David and gain +1 to persuasion when speaking to allied NPCs in the next session.
5. The party discovers an abandoned cart filled with old supplies (3 rations, 2 ropes, and a broken pickaxe). However, the cart is cursed with a lingering aura of betrayal, imposing a -1 penalty on wisdom saves until they clear the aura.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (Roll 11-15)

1. The players meet Zadok the priest, who offers a blessing for their journey. They gain +1 to all wisdom checks for the next four interactions.
2. The players find a tablet with inscriptions speaking of loyalty and betrayal during David’s rule. Studying it grants knowledge enhancing history checks by +1 for the session.
3. A family welcomes the players into their home and provides a warm meal. In gratitude, the players gain +1 to their next charisma roll for being seen as honorable guests.
4. The players encounter a wounded soldier from David’s army who shares critical intelligence about Absalom’s remaining forces. This grants +2 to tactics rolls when planning their next moves.
5. A merchant offers a mysterious scroll that illustrates King David’s shield, hinting at its significance. Players can use it to gain insight, granting +1 on their next history or religion check.

Very Helpful Encounters (Roll 16-20)

1. A wise woman, known for her counsel, shares her knowledge about current tensions in the city, helping the players to gain +3 on their next persuasion check regarding David’s supporters.
2. A local craftsman offers the players a durable bow (attack +2), on the condition they gather wood from a nearby forest. This will also count as a light weapon.
3. The players find a hidden cache of supplies amidst the ruins, including 5 healing herbs (restore 1d4 HP each) and a sturdy cloak that gives +1 AC against cold weather.
4. The party encounters a bard singing praises of David, who encourages them to share their exploits. Each player gains +1 charisma for the next social interaction.
5. The players receive a message from Joab, providing critical information regarding the next steps in securing David’s throne. They can add +2 to their next strategy or leadership roll.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (Roll 21-25)

1. The players meet Abishai, David’s loyal commander, who offers them personal protection for their journey, granting a +2 bonus to AC for their entire next mission.
2. The players discover a hidden trove of ancient coins (worth 10 gold total) beneath the floorboards of an old tavern. This wealth can be used to leverage support among the townsfolk.
3. Upon rescuing a villager from bandits, they offer their allegiance and report back to David about the heroic deeds of the players, granting +3 reputation in Jerusalem.
4. A local historian reveals the location of a document detailing David’s covenant with God, granting the players a +2 bonus on all future religious encounters.
5. The players are invited to a secret meeting of David’s loyalists, where they can speak and influence the next steps forward in David’s restoration, granting them +3 on their next leadership attempt.

Bible Trivia Encounter

As the players navigate the tensions of Jerusalem, they may come across a scholarly priest who tests their knowledge of the events surrounding David’s return. Answering correctly can garner favor or assistance from the locals.

1. What was Absalom’s fate after the battle against David? (Answer: He was killed by Joab).
2. Who showed David kindness by bringing him food and provisions? (Answer: Barzillai).
3. What was David’s emotional reaction upon hearing of Absalom’s death? (Answer: He mourned deeply).
4. How did David instruct his men regarding Absalom? (Answer: To deal gently with Absalom for his sake).
5. What did David do as he returned to Jerusalem after being restored as king? (Answer: He wept and was humble).

Roll 1d20.

Add the number of correct answers.

Final result = 1–25.

Correct Answers

• 1. He was killed by Joab.
• 2. Barzillai.
• 3. He mourned deeply.
• 4. To deal gently with Absalom for his sake.
• 5. He wept and was humble.