Encounter Table for 2 Kings 2
This encounter table is designed for a quest set in the region of the Jordan River, specifically focusing on the transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha as described in 2 Kings 2. Players will navigate through various character encounters, find significant objects, and uncover important information related to this biblical story.
Hurtful Encounters (1-5)
- The party is ambushed by a group of 5 bandits (AC 13, HP 15 each) who demand all their possessions. If fought, they inflict 1d6 damage each round.
- An aggressive lion appears suddenly, blocking the path. It has 30 HP and attacks anyone that comes within 20 feet, dealing 2d4 damage on a successful bite.
- The party encounters a false prophet who claims, “The Lord has commanded you to leave this land.” If followed, the party will find themselves lost in the wilderness for 1d4 days.
- A local merchant attempts to swindle the party, offering them a “miracle oil” that he claims will heal any wound for 50 shekels, but it is actually just olive oil.
- The party inadvertently disturbs a nest of venomous snakes while exploring near the river. Each party member must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 1d4 poison damage.
Mild Nuisance Encounters (6-10)
- The party encounters a wise elder who gives them a riddle: “What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees?” They gain +1 Intelligence for solving the riddle correctly.
- A heavy rainstorm strikes, causing muddy paths that reduce movement speed by half until the rain subsides. The party must navigate carefully to avoid slipping.
- The party meets a group of curious children who have seen a vision about Elisha, but their stories contain inconsistencies, leading to some confusion about the prophet’s whereabouts.
- The ground is littered with old shards of pottery; upon investigation, one shard reveals an inscription that gives insight into a historical event related to the prophets.
- The party finds a vehicle waiting by the way, but it is broken down and needs 5 shekels worth of materials to be repaired. However, it will assist in travel once fixed.
Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)
- The party encounters a group of farmers who share news that Elisha has recently performed a miracle. The farmers offer some extra produce, providing +2 rations.
- A traveling merchant offers a scroll containing “the words of Solomon,” granting the party +1 to their Wisdom for a limited time after studying it.
- The party discovers a hidden stash of healing herbs, enough to heal 1d6 HP for each member in the party when used properly.
- The party stumbles across a seasoned warrior who shares his battle strategies with them, granting them advantage on the next combat roll.
- The party meets an old prophet who blesses them with a prayer for safe travels, granting them +1 to their next Survival check.
Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)
- The party finds a well-preserved cloak belonging to Elijah, which grants +1 to Charisma while worn, becoming a symbol of respect and authority.
- A mysterious traveler shares insight about the spiritual significance of the Jordan River, providing the party with a heightened awareness of their surroundings (+2 to Perception).
- The party is gifted a handcrafted wooden staff, which serves as a walking stick and can be used to enhance spells or actions requiring focus, granting +1 to spellcasting roles.
- They come across an ancient altar that provides a prophetic vision relevant to their quest, revealing crucial information about Elisha’s future challenges.
- The party discovers a hidden passage leading to a cave filled with ancient scrolls that detail prophetic teachings, granting wisdom and insight into future quests (+1 to future Wisdom rolls).
Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)
- The party meets Elisha himself, who offers to guide them for a short period, providing protection and +2 to all checks related to prophecy until they part ways.
- A wise sage provides a prophetic insight that perfectly aligns with the party’s current quest, granting them +1d10 to their next roll.
- The party finds a cache of highly valuable silver artifacts, equivalent to 100 shekels, which can be used for future endeavors or traded for supplies.
- They discover a beautifully crafted silver chalice inscribed with prophetic words that when held, gives the party +1 to Diplomacy checks.
- The party unearths a relic from the time of Elijah, which gives them a greater understanding of divine connections, allowing them to cast one additional spell or prayer per day.
Bible Trivia Encounter
As part of their journey, the party encounters other travelers who have heard stories about Elijah and Elisha. They can engage in a trivia challenge to gain blessings or insights if they can answer correctly. Roll 1d20 and add the number of correct answers for the total.
- What did Elijah strike to part the waters of the Jordan River? (Answer: His cloak)
- What did Elijah and Elisha do just before Elijah was taken up into heaven? (Answer: Crossed the Jordan)
- How did the company of prophets react when they saw Elijah’s ascension? (Answer: They were in awe and bewildered)
- What did Elisha ask for from Elijah before he was taken up? (Answer: A double portion of Elijah’s spirit)
- What was the sign that indicated God was taking Elijah away? (Answer: A chariot of fire)
Correct Answers
1. His cloak
2. Crossed the Jordan
3. They were in awe and bewildered
4. A double portion of Elijah’s spirit
5. A chariot of fire
