BRPG Encounter Table: Temple Trials and Treasures of Solomon

Nuanced Encounter Table for 1 Kings 7

This encounter table is designed to immerse players in the rich details and historical significance of 1 Kings 7, focusing on the construction of Solomon’s Temple and its grand architecture. Set in Jerusalem, the players are on a quest to gather rare materials and wisdom from artisans to aid in the completion of the Temple. The encounters reflect the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel during the reign of Solomon, providing opportunities for challenge, discovery, and character development.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (Rolls 1-5)

1. A band of Canaanite raiders ambushes the party. There are 4 raiders (HP 15 each, AC 12, Attack +3, Damage 4) led by a fierce warrior who demands a toll of tribute or threatens violence. The party must decide whether to fight (risk damage) or pay 10 shekels each to pass unharmed.
2. The party stumbles upon a poisonous snake guarding a cache of precious metals (15 gold pieces). The bite deals 1d6 poison damage each round until treated, and players must roll a DC 12 to navigate away unharmed.
3. A treacherous stone falls from a construction site above, dealing 1d8 damage to one random party member. Players must succeed on a DC 10 dexterity saving throw to avoid the strike.
4. A false prophet appears, claiming he has a message from Yahweh and asks for 5 gold coins to receive revelation. Those who give him money learn a misleading prophecy that their quest will fail unless they abandon their current path.
5. The party is cursed by a jealous worker in Solomon’s service, imposing a -1 penalty to all skill checks for the next 24 hours.

Mild Nuisance Encounters (Rolls 6-10)

1. The group encounters a flock of sheep blocking the road, delaying their travel by an hour. They must successfully navigate or herd the sheep away with a DC 11 animal handling check.
2. A merchant attempts to swindle the party into buying inferior wood, claiming it is from the cedars of Lebanon. They can negotiate down to a fair price of 7 shekels for a batch of decent quality wood by succeeding on a DC 15 persuasion check.
3. The party hears rumors of hidden treasures within the Temple, but they are only told vague directions that lead to dead ends. This costs them a day of travel as they search futilely.
4. An injured worker seeks aid. If helped, he provides insight into the workings of the Temple and offers +1 to the party’s wisdom checks for the next encounter.
5. The party encounters a street musician playing a captivating tune. Players can spend an hour listening and gain +1 charisma for their next social interaction, but they risk being distracted and losing a day of progress.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (Rolls 11-15)

1. A skilled craftsman is willing to teach one of the party members a special technique for working with stone, granting +1 to all stonework-related skill checks for the next three weeks.
2. The party meets a former builder for Solomon who shares information about the Temple’s construction secrets, giving +2 to their next skill check related to construction or architecture.
3. A sage offers to share wisdom in exchange for food or provisions. If they fulfill this, he will provide a protective blessing (+1 AC) to the party for the next battle.
4. The players discover a hidden cache of tools, including a sturdy chisel and a hammer, which allows them to accomplish specific tasks with a +2 bonus for the next two instances of craftsmanship.
5. The party befriends a local herbalist who gives them a healing balm. Upon using this, they regain 1d6 health points one time in an upcoming encounter.

Very Helpful Encounters (Rolls 16-20)

1. The party discovers an ancient scroll hidden in the walls of a construction site. It contains a blueprint of the Temple, granting advantage on any task related to its construction.
2. A wise elder offers guidance, resulting in the party gaining insight into the Temple layout, allowing them to navigate more easily through the city (+2 to navigation checks).
3. The players find an abandoned cart filled with supplies, including 20 shekels worth of timber and materials useful for their quest. They can sell these materials for goods in the next town.
4. The group encounters a delegation of dignitaries seeking craftsmen for the Temple. They can negotiate positions, earning 5 gold pieces each for their work, and gaining favor with the King.
5. The local priest invites the party to a ceremonial dinner. Attending awards them with the village’s blessing—providing +1 to all social interactions within the city for one week.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (Rolls 21-25)

1. The party meets a master stonecutter who offers to join their quest, providing +3 to any stonework skills and a unique knowledge of the Temple’s construction.
2. They discover a hidden vault of provisions dating back to Solomon’s time, containing food and water enough to sustain the party for an additional week, ensuring no one suffers hunger or thirst.
3. A messenger brings news of a favorable decree from Solomon, reducing taxes by 50% for the next month, which increases the party’s wealth and standing in the community.
4. A traveling merchant offers rare and exotic items, including an anointing oil that increases healing effectiveness (+2 health per use) for a fair price of 15 shekels.
5. The party finds an ancient artifact belonging to King David, granting +1 charisma and increased respect from the townspeople, leading to easier interactions in all social engagements.

Bible Trivia Encounter

The players can also engage in a trivia challenge related to 1 Kings 7. For each correct answer, they will gain insights that can assist them in their quest, earning a bonus to relevant skill checks.

1. What was the main purpose of Solomon’s Temple?
2. How many cubic feet was the main hall of the Temple?
3. What materials were used in the construction of the Temple?
4. Who provided the timber for the construction?
5. What was the name of the craftsman who oversaw the construction?

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

Correct Answers

1. To house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as a place of worship.

2. 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.

3. Cedar wood, gold plating, and fine stonework.

4. Hiram of Tyre provided the timber and skilled labor.

5. Hiram, the skilled craftsman from Tyre.