Welcome to Planegea

Have you ever wanted to experience a young, restless world in which dinosaurs roam the plains, clans struggle for survival by building huge, welcoming clanfires, and prehistoric evils lurk in forbidden caves, forests, and mountains? If so, Planegea—a Stone Age campaign setting by Atlas Games—might be the perfect setting for your next D&D campaign.

This article provides a campaign outline set during the annual migration known as the Winterwalk, blending survival, exploration, and epic, primal storytelling. It is based on a campaign I ran set in Planegea in 2024.

Check out these other campaign outlines on Illusory Script!

• City of Mind – Level 1-20 Campaign Outline
• The Extinction of Icarus – A Level 1-20 D&D Campaign Outline
• Tales of Thalassia: A Nautical Mini-Campaign
• Veragon’s Doom: A D&D Adventure Path in Eberron
• How to Run a Radiant Citadel D&D Campaign

Campaign Elevator Pitch: The Winterwalk

With the coming of fall, the clans move southwards in a migration called Winterwalk to escape the bone-dry winds of the northern cold season. The characters are part of a small clan trying to survive the journey, to grow, and to make a name for themselves.

Truths of Planegea

The following truths are known by any character from Planegea:

1. The world is young and restless. The planes of existence are one, and adventurers can travel by foot from the Sea of Stars to the volcanic peak of Blood Mountain. Every step is fraught with peril and opportunity.
2. No universal gods. Deities are local and unpredictable, often appearing in surprising forms. They grant boons to those who provide offerings or complete strange quests.
3. The clanfire is sacred. Clan life revolves around the clanfire. It is a place of safety, and hospitality, but sometimes rival clans will raid other clanfires for honor and resources.
4. The black taboos. Breaking the laws of no writing, no numbers over nine, and no wheels or money invites the wrath of the Hounds of the Blind Heaven—a mysterious force ensuring these taboos remain unbroken.

Characters in Planegea

In a session zero, we can build characters with a shared motivation, and unique mechanics from the Planegea sourcebook.

• Part of a Clan: Characters form a small clan traveling south during the Winterwalk, working together to survive, thrive, and build their reputation.
• Character Creation: The descriptions for race and class in chapters 4 and 5 of the Planegea sourcebook replace the original descriptions. Players are encouraged to use one of the backgrounds from chapter 6 of the Planegea sourcebook.

Villainous Factions

These three villains are the main antagonists of the characters in this campaign. All three have their own goals and villainous plans, and the characters decisions will determine which of these villains is kept in check and who will grow in power. 

1. Vyrkha the Shepherd: A ruthless warlord using Winterwalk’s chaos to forge an empire.
2. Crawling Awful: Aberrations from the Aberrant Vaults, awakening to devour Planegea.
3. Winter Gods: Petty deities of Wintersouth, demanding worship and spreading their influence.

Example Quests and Adventures

The following outline provides inspiration for adventures and quests for each tier of play. As we run the campaign, we can refer to the bullet points for ideas, but we will follow the story as it unfolds from the decisions made and paths taken by the characters.

Tier 1: Preparing for the Journey (Levels 1-4)

• Location: Great Valley (northern arc). The fertile homeland of most clans.
• Example Quests:
  • Gain favor and magic items from local gods.
  • Form alliances with other clans.
  • Defend against raids by Vyrkha and others or conduct your own raids.
  • Explore small Aberrant Vaults for treasures.

Tier 2: Following the Herds (Levels 5-10)

• Location: Allhunt. Open hunting grounds where any hunting party may pursue game here without fear of harm from another clan. Unless someone breaks that covenant.
• Example Quests:
  • Track great herds south.
  • Hunt beasts for food and resources.
  • Secure shelter and medicines.
  • Please local gods
  • Fend off Vyrkha’s growing forces.
  • Investigate larger Aberrant Vaults and uncover the Crawling Awful’s schemes.

Tier 3: Gods of Wintersouth (Levels 11-15)

• Location: Wintersouth (southern arc of the Great Valley). Wide, sparse grazing lands, the seasonal refuge of herd animals and the clans that depend on them for food. This land is unwelcoming, and its little hills and valleys are claimed by the Winter Gods.
• Example Quests:
  • Win favor of the petty Winter Gods.
  • Stop Vyrkha’s growing army.
  • Seal Aberrant Vaults to halt an impending aberration invasion.

Tier 4: Winter Breaks (Levels 16-20)

• Location: Great Valley (return north)
• Example Quests:
  • Safely lead your clan home.
  • Defeat Vyrkha’s empire.
  • Confront the Crawling Awful in their final form before they devour Planegea.

Closing Thoughts

Planegea lets us break out of the usual fantasy mold of D&D. Whether the characters face the wrath of the Hounds, challenge petty gods, or confront prehistoric horrors, every session is an opportunity for a unique Stone Age adventure. Gather your clan, light the fire, and begin your journey through the restless world of Planegea!