BRPG Encounter Table: Thrilling Encounters in the Succession Crisis of Israel

Nuanced Encounter Table: The Succession Crisis

This table is designed to capture the tension and intrigue surrounding the events of 1 Kings 1, specifically the struggle for succession to the throne of Israel following King David’s declining health. Players will navigate through character encounters, important objects, and the political atmosphere of Jerusalem.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

A band of supporters of Adonijah ambushes the party, attempting to gain intelligence on their loyalties. They are armed (Attack: +4, Health: 15, AC: 12) and succeed on a stealth roll (DC 15) to surprise the party. Each party member takes 2d4 damage and rolls to avoid being captured.
The party is intercepted by a messenger from Joab, who falsely claims that King David has already given his support to Adonijah. This misinformation causes the party to suffer a -1 to Wisdom until they can verify the truth.
A rabid dog roams the streets, attacking anyone it sees. It has 10 HP and deals 1d6 damage. Each encounter roll results in a bite (DC 12 to evade), forcing the party to spend the next hour tending to injuries.
A secretive figure named Nathan, who claims to be a prophet, tries to convert the party to Adonijah’s cause, promising them wealth and influence. If they don’t resist (DC 14), they suffer a -1 to Charisma for the next town.
A sudden mob forms around the party, demanding they declare their loyalty to one claimant or the other. The mob is hostile (Attack: +3, Health: 20, AC: 10) and will not disperse until someone is harmed. Each member of the party must save against a Charisma check (DC 16) or be forced to declare allegiance, resulting in potential future consequences.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

The party is approached by a merchant offering fake manuscripts claiming to be royal decrees from the King. If they refuse to buy one (50 shekels), they lose an hour of travel time as the merchant argues.
A local beggar sneezes on one of the party members, causing minor distress and a -1 to Dexterity for the next encounter as they feel unclean and distracted.
The party finds a weathered scroll on the ground that outlines the genealogy of King David’s family. Studying it grants a +2 bonus to History checks regarding the royal line for the next hour.
While searching for information, the party overhears a conversation about a hidden treasure linked to David. It leads to a misread area on the map, causing a delay in their quest (subtract 1d4 travel hours).
A child approaches asking for help, claiming he lost his sister. Helping him leads to a dead end but gives the party a morale boost (+1 to future Charisma checks) and a warm meal.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

The party meets a former advisor to King David who has insider information about the king’s wishes regarding the succession. If they convince him of their loyalty (DC 14 Persuasion), he reveals hints regarding Solomon’s claim, granting +1 to future diplomacy checks.
A wise elder shares ancient proverbs that resonate with the party, providing them with foresight (+1 to Wisdom checks for the next town). He indicates that true wisdom lies in humility before God.
The party discovers a collection of forgotten bronze coins hidden under a rock in an alley, worth 100 shekels. This amount can aid them in bribing local officials or merchants.
The town’s blacksmith offers to repair weapons and armor for free in exchange for news about David’s health. Each repair grants a +1 to defense or attack until the next major encounter.
An influential woman in the settlement provides the party with food and shelter for a night, granting +1 to Constitution checks (due to rest) for the next day.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

The party stumbles upon a gathering of loyalists to Solomon, who provide them with a safe passage through enemy territory in exchange for their assistance in securing more supporters. The party gains +5 followers as allies.
A hidden haven filled with scrolls detailing King David’s decrees regarding leadership and justice is discovered, granting the party advantage on their next Persuasion check.
The party meets a skilled scribe who offers to draft a letter of recommendation for them, increasing their standing among nobles (+2 to future interactions with high-status individuals).
A healer recognizes the party and offers to provide restorative herbs, granting an area heal of 1d8 when consumed, usable once per member.
They find a ceremonial horn believed to belong to David’s reign, which, when blown, grants temporary influence—allowing the party to gain +2 Charisma in one conversation or negotiation.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

The party encounters Nathan the prophet, who is seeking allies against Adonijah. He offers prophetic guidance and bestows upon the party a blessing of wisdom (+3 to all Intelligence checks for 24 hours).
A hidden cache of ancient weapons belonging to King David is found, including a Glorious Sword (+3 attack), a Shield of Valor (+2 defense), and a Bow of Righteousness (+2 ranged attack).
They learn of a secret meeting organized by Zadok the priest to support Solomon’s claim. The party may attend, gaining influential contacts and a +3 to future political maneuvers.
The party stumbles upon a sacred well said to hold healing properties, allowing them to restore 1d10 HP each if they drink from it, usable once for each party member.
A favorable oracle predicts a great future for the party members, granting them each a +2 to their next skill check and a sense of peace that provides immunity to fear for one encounter.

Bible Trivia Questions

What was the name of the man who exalted himself as king instead of Solomon? (Hardest)
Who did King David ultimately support for the throne? (Hard)
What did Nathan the prophet advise to secure Solomon’s claim? (Medium)
Which significant event was King David too weak to control? (Easy)
Who was Bathsheba’s son that became king following David? (Very Easy)

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