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The Planewalker's Handbook is a 160-page softcover accessory for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition released in August 1996..

Official synopsis[]

The secret of survival ain't who you are, berk - it's what you know!

-Planewalker adage

Feeling overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities of the multiverse? Wondering how to roleplay a tiefling, what spells to memorize, and how to manipulate portals? Here's the dark of it: The Planewalker's Handbook is the essential manual for survival on the planes - a Players Handbook for the PLANESCAPE setting! This 160-page book, written for players and Dungeon Masters alike, builds on material from the PLANESCAPE Campaign Setting boxed set, presenting new information crucial to anyone playing or running a PLANESCAPE campaign.

This definitive full-color guide features new illustrations by DiTerlizzi and contains the following:

  • All the information needed to create and customize characters, including new races, archetypes, proficiencies, equipment, and a Planewalking kit designed for each character group;
  • a taste of the multiverse: a look at each of the planes, with commentary and helpful hints by noted planewalker Tarsheva Longreach;
  • a guide to planar travel, from portals to conduits to the Great Paths;
  • tips on surviving and profiting in PLANESCAPE, from dealing with specific races to the rundown on the factions of Sigil;
  • an overview on how magic really works (or doesn't!) on the planes;
  • new spells and magical items useful in exploring (and surviving) the planes; and
  • a special section on the power of belief, and how it can change the multiverse - including a new rules system that allows player characters to actively affect the planes around them!

Content[]

Development and release[]

Development[]

The book was written by Monte Cook. Art was provided by Ned Dameron, Tony DiTerlizzi, Alan Pollack, Sam Rakeland and Robh Ruppel.

Release[]

The Planewalker's Handbook was released by TSR in August 1996 for $[missing data] US or $[missing data] Canadian.

On October 22, 2013, it was re-released in digital format. It is currently available on DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild for $12.99.

Reception and influence[]

Critical reception[]

As of 2023, The Planewalker's Handbook reached the rank of Platinum seller on DriveThruRPG.

Influence on other works[]

External links[]

References[]


Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition
Core rules
Player's HandbookDungeon Master Guide
Monstrous Compendium Volume OneMonstrous Compendium Volume TwoMonstrous Manual
First QuestIntroduction to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons GameThe Complete Starter SetDungeons & Dragons Adventure Game
Optional core rules
Player's Option: Combat & TacticsPlayer's Option: Skills & PowersPlayer's Option: Spells & Magic
Dungeon Master Option: High-Level CampaignsCampaign Option: Council of Wyrms
Supplement lines
Player's Handbook Rules SupplementDungeon Master's Guide Rules Supplement
Monstrous Compendium AppendixMonstrous Compendium Annual
Encyclopedia MagicaHistorical ReferenceThe Magic EncyclopediaMonstrous ArcanaPriest's Spell CompendiumWizard's Spell Compendium
Other supplements
Bastion of FaithBook of ArtifactsCastle SitesChronomancerCity SitesCollege of WizardryCountry SitesDen of ThievesDungeon Builder's GuidebookGuide to HellLegends & LoreRogues' GalleryShamanTome of MagicThe Vortex of Madness and Other Planar PerilsWarriors of HeavenWorld Builder's Guidebook
Adventures
The Apocalypse StoneAxe of the Dwarvish LordsCleric's Challenge (II) • The Dancing Hut of Baba YagaDestiny of KingsDie Vecna Die!Dragon MountainDungeons of DespairFighter's Challenge (II) • The Gates of Firestorm PeakA Hero's TaleLabyrinth of MadnessThe Lost Shrine of BundushaturMoonlight MadnessThe Murky DeepNight Below: An Underdark CampaignA Paladin in HellReturn to the Tomb of HorrorsReverse DungeonRoad to DangerThe Rod of Seven PartsThe Shattered CircleThe Silver KeySwamplightTale of the CometTales of EnchantmentTemple, Tower, & TombThief's Challenge (II) • TSR Jam 1999Wizard's Challenge (II)
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