BRPG Encounter Table: Divided Loyalties and Encounters in Shechem

Nuanced Encounter Table: The Division of the Kingdom

In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam’s decision leads to the split of the united kingdom. This encounter table reflects the tension, alliances, and consequences following this pivotal moment in biblical history, set in the region of Shechem, where the people of Israel gathered. Players may encounter characters, messages, and items reflecting the strife and politics of the time.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

  1. The players encounter a band of marauding Canaanite soldiers (Health: 30, Attack Strength: 5, AC: 12) who demand tribute in exchange for safe passage. If refused, they will attack with daggers and swords.
  2. A prophet of Baal tries to sway the players, offering false prophecies of prosperity if they abandon their allegiance to the House of David, causing confusion and -1 Wisdom.
  3. The players stumble upon a plot by a group of dissidents intending to assassinate Rehoboam. If they intervene, they will be attacked by five armed rebels (Health: 20 each, Attack Strength: 4, AC: 14).
  4. A merchant offers to sell the players a cursed olive oil that causes them to suffer -2 to all checks for the next day, claiming it provides visions.
  5. A local elder mistakenly blames the players for the chaos in the land and spreads rumors about them, leading to -2 Charisma in the next town.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

  1. The players meet a scribe who offers to write a letter to Jeroboam for a hefty price, but he only writes favorable things about them, misleading the noble.
  2. The party finds a broken set of ceremonial robes that belonged to a priest. Repairing them requires a week’s worth of work and costs 10 shekels.
  3. A local innkeeper refuses to serve the players until they complete a task for him, specifically retrieving a lost sheep in the wilderness.
  4. The players overhear a group of elders sharing rumors about Rehoboam’s heavy-handed taxation, leading to a -2 to reputation in Shechem.
  5. The players find a scroll containing false prophecies about the future of Israel, causing misunderstandings about Jeroboam’s intentions (-1 Intelligence while in Shechem).

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

  1. The players encounter a group of women carrying water who offer them insight on the local political climate, granting +1 Charisma for interactions in Shechem.
  2. They find a hidden stash of dried figs and pomegranates worth 15 shekels, which can be sold or used to gain favor at local meals.
  3. A traveler shares an inspiring tale of unity during the reign of David, providing the players with +1 on their next persuasion check.
  4. The players discover a forgotten prayer stone etched with ancient blessings, granting +1 to Wisdom for their next major decision.
  5. They meet a young boy who informs them of a safe route through the hills, granting +1 to navigation checks for the next journey.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

  1. A wise elder shares a prophecy that suggests Rehoboam should heed the advice of his father’s counselors, granting players an advantageous position in negotiations with him.
  2. The players find an ancient coin with the seal of David, worth 20 shekels, which can be used to gain favor or as a bribe.
  3. They are approached by a merchant who offers a finely crafted dagger (+1 attack) in exchange for helping him transport goods to Jeroboam.
  4. A local craftsman offers to repair their equipment for free after hearing them speak favorably about King David, providing a +1 to equipment durability.
  5. The players meet a shrewd diplomat who provides insight into the political landscape of the north, granting +2 to future diplomacy rolls.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

  1. The players encounter a hidden assembly of loyalists who pledge their support, granting +5 followers who can assist in political maneuvers.
  2. A renowned seer reveals critical details about the future leadership of Israel, allowing players to make choices that will significantly benefit the Kingdom’s stability (+3 to future strategy rolls).
  3. The players discover the tomb of a loyal servant of Solomon, containing ancient relics that offer +2 to all divine spellcasting for the next week.
  4. A high priest in hiding provides players with a sacred blessing, which grants +1 to all Wisdom-related rolls for the next significant event.
  5. They unearth a secret cache of weapons from David’s time, including a gleaming sword (+3 attack), which boosts their standing among supporters of the House of David.

Bible Trivia Encounter

Players must answer the following questions related to 1 Kings 12 to unlock additional blessings or insights amid their encounters.

  1. What advice did Rehoboam receive from the elders who served his father? (Answer: To speak kindly to the people and lighten their burden)
  2. How did Jeroboam respond in the face of Rehoboam’s ascension? (Answer: He fled to Egypt)
  3. What request did the people make of Rehoboam upon his ascension? (Answer: To lighten the heavy yoke)
  4. What was the reason for the division of the kingdom? (Answer: Rehoboam’s refusal to heed the people’s concerns)
  5. What happened after Jeroboam became king of Israel? (Answer: Israel revolted against the House of David)

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

Correct Answers

  • 1. To speak kindly to the people and lighten their burden
  • 2. He fled to Egypt
  • 3. To lighten the heavy yoke
  • 4. Rehoboam’s refusal to heed the people’s concerns
  • 5. Israel revolted against the House of David

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