BRPG Encounter Table: Path of David's Deliverance

The BRPG Encounter Table offers thrilling scenarios set in Judah after David's triumph, immersing players in the challenges of leadership and divine favor.

Encounters in the Shadow of David’s Song

This encounter table is designed for a campaign set in the region of Judah shortly after David’s victory over his enemies, as recorded in 2 Samuel 22. The players find themselves navigating the complexities of political alliances, personal relationships, and the ongoing effects of David’s reign. Each encounter reflects the themes of deliverance, divine favor, and the realities of leadership.

Table

Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

A faction of discontented Philistines ambushes the party. They consist of 3 warriors (AC 15, HP 20 each). Each warrior has a spear (1d8 damage). On a successful ambush, the party suffers 1d4 damage from surprise.
The party meets a false prophet claiming to speak for Yahweh, who misleads them by declaring that a nearby city has turned against David and plans to attack. The party could lose valuable time and resources based on this misinformation.
A sudden storm erupts, causing the party to navigate treacherous terrain. Each character must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity check or take 1d4 bludgeoning damage from falling rocks.
The party encounters a group of mercenaries demanding tribute in exchange for safe passage. They require 10 silver shekels each, or the party will have to face them (2 mercenaries, AC 14, HP 15 each, 1d6 damage).
One of the party members is bitten by a venomous snake while traversing a dense part of the wilderness. They must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or suffer 1d6 poison damage.

Mild Nuisances (6-10)

The party hears gossip in a nearby village that one of David’s commanders may be plotting against him. The suspicious nature of this talk causes distrust among the party, resulting in a -1 penalty to Charisma checks until they can dispel the rumor.
A farmer approaches the party seeking help with a wild boar that has been destroying his crops. The party can help dispatch it, gaining 5 silver shekels and the farmer’s gratitude, yielding a +1 bonus in future dealings with local villagers.
The party finds a small sack of silver coins (15 total) but stumbles upon a farmer claiming it belongs to him. The party can choose to return it (gaining favor) or keep it (risking local resentment).
The party encounters a wounded traveler who speaks of treachery within David’s ranks. The traveler offers a piece of misleading information about David’s leadership style that may cause confusion amongst the party.
A merchant is selling ‘enchanted’ stones said to bless one’s farm. They offer them at 3 silver shekels each, but the party knows they are mere pebbles. Choosing to expose him grants the party +2 Reputation in the market.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

The party comes across a shrine with inscriptions detailing David’s victories. They learn of a previously unknown enemy force that he defeated. This knowledge grants them advantage on future battle tactics.
The party meets a soldier loyal to David, who can share insights about the king’s recent decisions, granting +2 Intelligence checks about political matters in future encounters.
The party finds a broken sword, which they can repair with local blacksmith help, adding +1 to their attack when used in future battles.
A local elder recounts stories of David’s bravery, inspiring the party. They gain +1 to all checks related to military strategy for the next encounter.
The party discovers an ancient scroll containing the lyrics to a song of deliverance (2 Samuel 22). They can sing it for local residents, gaining +2 to their next Charisma check.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

An emissary from David’s court offers the party a token of goodwill — a royal decree ensuring safe passage through any Judean territory for the next month.
The party finds a hidden stash containing a slingshot of superior craftsmanship (+1 attack) and 20 stones, ideal for ranged combat.
A friendly priest provides healing services to the party, restoring 2d6 health to any injured members, and shares a prophecy about a coming period of peace.
In a small village, the party helps resolve a local dispute, which leads to the villagers offering a bounty of 5 silver shekels and a loaf of the finest unleavened bread for their efforts.
The party discovers an old map indicating a secret route to the water supply of a nearby city, providing +2 advantage on stealth checks while traveling in that area.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

Upon finding an old scroll detailing the wisdom of leaders before David, the party gains +2 Wisdom for the next three encounters as they draw insights from it.
The party meets a renowned artisan who offers to forge custom items for them, giving them the ability to create a unique (+1) item once.
The party is invited to a feast hosted by a local noble loyal to David, granting them +3 to all social interactions in the next town.
A skilled scout joins the party, providing +2 to all navigation and survival checks for the next ten days.
They receive a divine dream revealing a hidden danger approaching Judah, allowing them to prepare defenses in advance and giving +5 to any future defense-related rolls.

Trivia Encounter

As part of your journey, you will come to a point where you reflect on the teachings from 2 Samuel 22. Test your knowledge with the following questions: