BRPG Encounter Table: Pursuit and Peril: Encounters in Ancient Israel

Nuanced Encounter Table for 2 Samuel 20

This encounter table is designed for a campaign in the region of ancient Israel, following the events in 2 Samuel 20. The main quest involves pursuing Sheba, the son of Bichri, who has incited rebellion against King David. Players will navigate through towns, fields, and mountainous terrain, encountering challenges and opportunities that enrich their quest.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters

As the party travels through a narrow pass, they are ambushed by a band of mercenaries hired by Sheba. The mercenaries (AC 15, 20 HP each, attack strength of 4) attack with swords, dealing 1d8 damage per hit. After the fight, players may find a bloody message bearing a warning from Sheba.
Encounter with a rebellious faction within a town. The leader claims to have information about Sheba’s whereabouts but demands 50 shekels of silver for the truth. Failure to pay results in a brawl, causing 2d6 damage to random party members.
A mysterious fire breaks out in a wheat field caused by rebels trying to cover their tracks. Characters must save against DC 12 to escape unharmed; failure results in 1d6 fire damage and a -1 to their next stealth check.
Discover a trap set by loyalists to King David, who mistake the party for enemies. The trap hurts one character for 1d10 damage and leaves them immobilized until freed by another party member. A DC 15 perception check reveals how to disarm it.
Witness a public execution of a presumed traitor during your travels, resulting in morale loss; all party members suffer a -1 to Charisma for the next two encounters.

Mild Nuisance Encounters

Run into an overly zealous prophet who insists on delivering a lengthy prophecy about the future of Israel. The players lose 10 minutes and find themselves delayed in their quest, potentially missing a vital lead on Sheba.
Discover a local merchant attempting to sell counterfeit maps claiming to lead to Sheba. Investigation reveals the maps are fake, but players may negotiate for real information, resulting in a -1 to Intelligence during the barter.
Encounter a group of farmers who request help with a pest problem in their crops. Completing the task earns players a modest 15 shekels and a boost in town reputation; failure causes issues with the townsfolk.
Fall into conversation with gossiping townsfolk who unintentionally misinform about Sheba’s location. This results in wasted travel time and a -1 to Wisdom for one encounter.
Find a broken cart blocking the road. While clearing it, players may find a hidden stash of goods valued at 20 shekels, but suffering minor scratches (1d4 damage) from sharp edges.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters

Meet a wise old man who shares tales of Sheba’s past failures, providing valuable insight. Players gain +1 to their subsequent persuasion checks related to rallying support against Sheba.
Come across a well-preserved artifact from the time of King Saul, a bronze amulet providing +1 to any Wisdom checks for the next two sessions after it is attuned.
Find a message left by a former ally of David, detailing a secret route Sheba may take. This grants advantage on tracking checks against him for the next 48 hours.
Encourage a town guard to share his knowledge about the last known movements of Sheba, resulting in a +2 bonus on the next navigation roll.
Rescue a traveler from a bandit trying to steal their possessions. In gratitude, the traveler provides a healing salve that restores 1d6 health when used.

Very Helpful Encounters

Meet a former soldier of David who offers guidance and a map of the surrounding area to facilitate the search for Sheba, granting +2 on navigation rolls for the next 48 hours.
Discover a hidden hideout of loyalists to David, who provide +1d4 troops to aid in the quest against Sheba upon completion of a small favor.
Come across evidence of Sheba’s passing, including a personal item that can be used to track him. Characters gain a +1 to stealth checks while tracking.
Receive a blessing from a local priest, bestowing +1 to all morale checks for the next two sessions.
Encounter a loyalist who offers to scout ahead and share information about enemy movements in exchange for a promise of protection. This grants valuable intel and a +2 to strategy rolls.

Extremely Helpful Encounters

Discover a cache of weapons and supplies intended for Sheba, including a dagger (+1 attack), a leather shield (+1 AC), and enough provisions to sustain the party for three days.
Come upon a hidden sanctuary where supporters of David are gathering. They inform the party of secret alliances and provide a +1 to diplomacy rolls for the next two sessions.
Meet an influential town elder who offers to rally support against Sheba in exchange for a public promise of protection for his people, which can lead to additional allies in the next encounter.
Find a rare scroll detailing military tactics used effectively during David’s reign. Gain +2 to strategy and planning rolls for the next encounter.
Encounter a skilled blacksmith willing to upgrade one weapon (including a sling and shield) for free, adding +1 attack or +1 AC respectively, if sufficient materials are supplied.

Bible Trivia Encounter Mechanic

The players can engage in a biblical trivia section connected to 2 Samuel 20. Successfully answering these questions may grant additional bonuses or advantages.

Question 1: What does Joab say to his brother Abishai when pursuing Sheba? (Hardest)
Question 2: What city did Sheba retreat to during his rebellion against David? (Hard)
Question 3: Who was the wise woman from Abel who spoke to Joab? (Medium)
Question 4: What was the fate of Sheba at the hands of Joab? (Easy)
Question 5: What instrument did David use to call his troops to war? (Very Easy)

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