BRPG Encounter Table: Encounters of Hospitality and Miracles in Shunem

Encounters in Shunem offer a rich narrative of hospitality and miracles, inspired by 2 Kings 4.

Encounters in Shunem

This table presents a series of nuanced encounters based on 2 Kings 4, set in the region of Shunem during the time of the Prophet Elisha. The players will navigate the challenges and blessings presented by this rich biblical narrative, which highlights themes of hospitality, divine provision, and miraculous works.

Table

Extremely Hurtful Encounters (1-5)

  1. A band of hostile raiders, armed with bronze pikes (attack +5, AC 12), ambushes the party when they traverse the nearby hills. If defeated, the party suffers 1d8 damage each from their initial ambush.
  2. The local harvest has been cursed! All food gathered in the last three days rots immediately upon touching the ground, causing a -1 to all Constitution rolls for 24 hours, as the taint affects the party.
  3. A merchant attempts to sell the party “miraculous healing poultices” made from toxic herbs. If 1d4 gold pieces are spent, the party suffers disadvantage on the next Wisdom saving throw due to sickness.
  4. A prophet of Baal loudly denounces the party in the marketplace, causing them to lose favor with the local townsfolk (-1d4 to Charisma for interactions until the next sunrise).
  5. A vengeful widow mistaken for a contestant is convinced the party stole from her. A local magistrate summons them for a trial, causing a loss of 1d6 gold pieces in legal fees.

Moderate Nuisance Encounters (6-10)

  1. A severe storm breaks out while the party travels, forcing them to lose a day of travel due to flooding. They must shelter with a suspicious local who charges triple for their food.
  2. Their campfire smoke attracts the attention of hungry wild animals (1d4 damage if not successfully scared off with a DC 12 Charisma check).
  3. The party meets a wandering scribe who is eager to document their journey, though he demands an uncomfortable 2d3 gold pieces for his writings.
  4. A nearby non-believer challenges the group’s faith, leading to an arduous debate that drains morale, resulting in -1 to their next group skill check.
  5. The local baker gives the party stale bread that decreases their maximum hit points by 1 until they receive proper nourishment.

Somewhat Helpful Encounters (11-15)

  1. The party finds remnants of a well-maintained garden, providing fresh vegetables that restore 1d6 hit points if consumed.
  2. A local artisan offers a discounted price on a cloak that grants +1 AC against ranged attacks for 1d4 gold pieces.
  3. A kind-hearted villager shares a story about the Prophet Elisha, inspiring the party and granting them +1 to their next Wisdom roll.
  4. The party stumbles upon a hidden spring that refreshes their spirits, granting +1 to Constitution for the next six hours.
  5. A merchant offers a good deal on a large jug of oil (10 measures) for 3 gold pieces, which can be used for cooking or as a light source during their travels.

Very Helpful Encounters (16-20)

  1. The party finds a small chest buried in the ground containing 10 gold pieces and a silver ring worth an additional 15 gold pieces.
  2. An elderly woman, a former resident of Shunem, shares her knowledge of Elisha’s miracles, inspiring strong faith, granting +2 to their next Wisdom saving throw.
  3. The party encounters a skilled healer who provides one healing treatment (1d8+2 hit points) free of charge, in exchange for a story of their exploits.
  4. A friendly traveler gives the party a special loaf of bread, which grants them +1 to any Strength or Constitution checks for 12 hours.
  5. The local elders bestow upon the party a blessing, giving them one reroll on any failed roll before they complete the quest.

Extremely Helpful Encounters (21-25)

  1. A well-respected man of Shunem offers the party his hospitality, allowing them a place to rest and recover. They gain a long rest and can restore all hit points, plus gain a +2 bonus on their next endeavor in Shunem.
  2. The party discovers a hidden stash of herbs near the woman’s land, which can be used for healing (2d4 hit points) when prepared properly.
  3. The inhabitants of Shunem, inspired by tales of Elisha, donate 5 gold pieces to the party for their mission, believing in their divine cause.
  4. A wise old mentor offers to teach the party a new skill: they all gain proficiency in a skill of their choice for the next challenge.
  5. They find an ancient scroll describing the miracles of Elisha and a one-time use divine blessing, which can provide an advantage on any one roll in the upcoming quest.

Trivia Questions

  1. What was the name of the woman who recognized Elisha as a holy man? (Answer: The Shunammite woman)
  2. What did Elisha use to multiply the oil for the widow? (Answer: Empty vessels)
  3. What item did the Shunammite woman prepare for Elisha? (Answer: A small room on their rooftop)
  4. Who was the Shunammite woman’s husband? (Answer: A wealthy man)
  5. What miracle did Elisha perform for the barren woman? (Answer: He promised she would have a son)

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

Correct Answers

  1. The Shunammite woman
  2. Empty vessels
  3. A small room on their rooftop
  4. A wealthy man
  5. He promised she would have a son

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