Once a land of vineyards and pristine lakes, the Okanagan Dominion now stands as the largest bastion of civilization in the Columbian Wastelands—a ruthless fusion of warlords, scavenger clans, and high-tech enclaves fighting for dominance. Towering scrap metal citadels rise over roads choked with dust and diesel fumes, where cybernetically enhanced raiders barter stolen tech for biofuel. Beneath neon-lit domes and rusted steel skywalks, mercenaries, artificers, and gene-spliced mutants carve out their twisted version of the good life. The highways are lawless battlegrounds, ruled by nomadic war bands and roving mechs, while the remnants of pre-Fall technology pulse beneath the cracked earth, waiting to be unearthed—or to consume the fools who dig too deep. In this world of savage beauty and brutal survival, the Okanagan Reborn is both a beacon of hope and a proving ground for those who dare to call it home.
History
The Okanagan Valley, initially inhabited by the Syilx Nation, was characterized by its Indigenous Peoples who lived sustainably and spiritually connected to the land through traditions and oral histories. However, the 19th-century arrival of European settlers disrupted this harmony, leading to displacement, resource exploitation, and the establishment of new communities. By the late 1800s, irrigation projects transformed the valley into a prominent agricultural center known for its orchards and vineyards.
As the 20th century unfolded, the Okanagan Valley became a thriving tourist destination, with cities like Kelowna and Penticton emerging as vibrant economic and cultural hubs. This growth, however, came at a cost. Mid-century urban sprawl, deforestation, and increasing water usage altered the delicate balance of the valley's ecosystem. Seasonal wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, grew more destructive, threatening the natural beauty that had once attracted visitors.
Entering the early 21st century, the valley found a unique synchronization between its agricultural roots and the rise of technological innovation, embracing advancements in smart farming and eco-tourism. Amidst this evolution, Indigenous activism gained momentum, working to restore cultural practices, protect sacred sites, and reclaim ancestral stewardship of the land. Yet, as urban expansion and over-tourism escalated alongside the growing threat of wildfires, the valley's ecosystem teetered on the brink of collapse, setting the stage for unprecedented challenges in the face of an impending disaster known as the Hodgepocalypse.
The Hodgepocalypse
In the wake of the Hodgepocalypse, a catastrophic fusion of nuclear fallout, dimensional rifts, and magical surges shattered the foundations of global civilization, leaving the Okanagan Valley irreversibly altered. As reality fractured, ley lines surged with power, transforming the valley into a surreal landscape where the boundaries between nature and magic blurred. The very essence of the biosphere mutated under the influence of radiation and magical energies; lakes shimmered with supernatural properties, forests became sentient entities, and animals evolved into sapient or monstrous forms.
Amidst this chaos, the initial survivors sought refuge in the wilderness, retreating into caves or scavenging among the ruins of once-bustling cities like Kelowna. Displaced and isolated, these survivors formed distinct factions—banding together as scavengers, rainmakers, and Faustian Mechanics, each adapting uniquely to the stark new realities of their world.
As the years turned into decades, a Rebirth Era emerged, roughly 50 to 100 years after the Hodgepocalypse. New factions like the Ungo, the Malarkoids, and the Verkhail established footholds in the valley, intertwining pre-Hodgepocalypse wisdom with survival necessities. Sacred sites, such as Spotted Lake and the Bridge of Shadows, became contested hotspots of magical potency, drawing settlers and explorers eager to harness their power. In this tumultuous environment, trade flourished alongside conflict as fresh water, arable land, and magical artifacts became the lifeblood of competing factions.
Fast-forward over 150 years post-collapse, and the remnants of cities like Kelowna and Penticton stand as enigmatic ruins, brimming with traps, relics, and mutated threats. The valley presents a stark juxtaposition—lush ecosystems enriched by magic thrive alongside barren wastelands and scorched remnants of the past. Sapient species have emerged, melding their cultures with the remnants of humanity's forgotten legacy. Amidst the beauty and danger, factions struggle for dominance over magical hotspots and ancient ruins, crystalizing a new chapter in the valley’s dynamic history.
Throughout these transformations, themes of growth and ruin resonate strongly. Reflecting the valley's journey from the stewardship of the Syilx Nation through colonial exploitation to the chaotic rebirth following the Hodgepocalypse. The rich tapestry of magic and mythology, once abstract tales like that of Ogopogo, now possesses tangible presences that blur the divide between legend and reality. Though human influence has waned, their remnants—ruins, technology, and stories—serve as a rich backdrop for the valley’s evolving cultures and newly emerged species.
Key Themes
1. Resilience and Adaptation
- Survival in a Changed World: The Okanagan Valley’s population clings to life amidst environmental upheaval, mutated landscapes, and lingering magic.
- Communities Rebuilding: Small settlements band together, adapting old infrastructure and traditions to new realities.
2. Conflict Between Nature and Industry
- Wild vs. Civilization: Tensions between factions seeking to preserve the valley’s wilderness (Ungos, Druids, Stumpies) and those exploiting it for resources (Tech Salvagers, Fossilborn Clans).
- Magic’s Impact on Nature: Magical phenomena, like Spotted Lakes or living forests, create powerful centers of conflict and mystery.
3. Mysticism and Superstition
- Sacred and Cursed Locations: Spotted Lake, the Bridge of Shadows, and Okanagan Mountain Park are steeped in myth and supernatural power, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and power-hungry factions.
- Ogopogo and Other Myths: Local cryptids and spirits, such as the Ogopogo, influence daily life, and some communities worship or fear these entities.
4. Scarcity and Resourcefulness
- Limited Resources: Freshwater, arable land, and magical artifacts are vital, leading to conflict and trade among factions.
- Repurposing the Old World: Survivors scavenge and retrofit technology, blending it with magic to craft new tools and weapons.
5. Isolation and Connection
- Geographic Barriers: Lakes, mountains, and treacherous terrain create isolated pockets of civilization, fostering unique cultures and rivalries.
- Trade and Bridges: The need to connect settlements through trade and alliances adds layers of diplomacy and intrigue.
6. Mystical immigration
- Magical Evolution: Radiation and magic reshape and catapult people and creatures to the area, leading to species like Malarkoids, Fossilborn, and Ungo.
- Personal Change: Themes of physical and spiritual transformation, often through exposure to magical phenomena or personal trials.
7. Power and Corruption
- Faction Rivalries: Competing groups vie to control resources, sacred sites, and strategic locations, often exploiting weaker populations.
- Corrupted Magic: Ancient artifacts or rituals can grant immense power but at a significant cost, drawing in power-hungry factions like the Harvesters or Vamps.
8. Exploration and Discovery
- Uncharted Wilderness: Large swaths of the valley remain untamed and unexplored, filled with ruins, magical anomalies, and dangerous creatures.
- Lost Knowledge: Forgotten technologies and ancient magics lie buried, waiting to be rediscovered by daring adventurers.
9. Community and Identity
- Diverse Populations: The valley has many species with unique cultures and challenges.
- Cooperation vs. Division: Communities must decide whether to work together or prioritize their survival, shaping the valley’s future.
10. Pulp Heroism and Danger
- Heroic Ventures: Opportunities abound for bold adventurers to shape the valley’s destiny, whether overthrowing tyrants, uncovering ancient relics, or defeating monstrous threats.
- High Stakes and Drama: Every action has weight, from navigating faction politics to battling mutated monsters, creating a constant sense of peril and adventure.
Species of Note
Humans
In the transformed world of the Okanagan Valley, humans have carved out their existence amidst the chaos of the Hodgepocalypse, showcasing remarkable resilience and adaptability. Faced with a harsh new reality, these survivors blend resourcefulness with desperation. They scavenge remnants of old technology, forge alliances with various species, and adapt to a landscape imbued with magic and mutation, all while navigating the dangers of their unpredictable environment.
Hardship has shaped the survivors, instilling a deep sense of self-reliance and practicality. Distrustful yet resourceful, they harness their ingenuity to meet daily challenges head-on. As they navigate this wild new world, humans often mediate between the valley’s many factions. Their unique position allows them to negotiate and trade, maintaining fragile peace or cunningly manipulating rivals when necessary. Simultaneously, they carry the cultural remnants of a bygone era—fragmented traditions, old religions, and long-forgotten rituals—that continue to influence their relationship with magic and nature.
Small human enclaves have sprung up among the ruins of their former civilization. In the shadow of the Kelowna Ruins, scavengers work tirelessly to reclaim lost technology and knowledge. Some humans form mobile salvager camps, following seasonal resources and scavenging opportunities, while others have staked their claims along the valley’s edges, transforming reclaimed farmland into thriving agricultural hubs. Strategic trade outposts bridge these isolated communities, connecting the diverse factions that populate the valley.
The evolving landscape has given rise to various factions and subcultures among humans. Faustian Mechanics and Salvagers specialize in unearthing remnants of the past, wielding ancient technology for survival and influence. Meanwhile, groups like the Old Faithful revere pre-apocalyptic symbols, venerating places such as Spotted Lake for their spiritual significance. Not all are so noble, however; some desperate factions resort to raiding weaker groups, their survival often hinging on theft and violence. In contrast, the Rewilders—a group of mystics and druids—strive to restore harmony within the magically charged environment, often collaborating with creatures like the Stumpies and Ungo.
Amidst the uncertainty and strife, a few ambitious individuals seek power through magical means, probing the valley’s anomalies for artifacts and spells that could provide an advantage. Faction leaders occasionally emerge—charismatic figures who command respect and loyalty, forming diverse groups that blend species and ideologies.
Key Locations for Humans
The Okanagan Valley is dotted with key locations that hold meaning for the human inhabitants.
Spotted Lake Area: Revered for its mystical properties, this site attracts those who see it as sacred and those who exploit its magic for their own gain.
Kelowna Ruins: A bustling scavenging ground, where small communities salvage old technology while facing threats from mechanical life forms and mutated beasts.
Okanagan Lake (Ogopogo’s Domain): Here, humans live in awe and fear of the legendary Ogopogo, some worshiping it as a deity while others try to avoid its unpredictable wrath.
Myra Canyon and Kettle Valley Rail Trail: Humans maintain outposts in this defensible region, taking advantage of its height and using it as a vital trade route.
Abandoned Orchards and Vineyards: While reclaimed for agriculture, these lands often bear the scars of magic and are patrolled by mutated creatures, making cultivation a precarious endeavor.
Okanagan Mountain Park: Survivalists and rewilders inhabit this area, working to protect the land while living sustainably off its resources.
Penticton Outskirts: Known for its mercenaries and traders, this area thrives on the fringes, supplying settlements with food, weapons, and salvaged goods.
In this brave new world, humans navigate a landscape filled with both danger and opportunity, their roles constantly evolving as they adapt to the realities of life in the Okanagan Valley post-Hodgepocalypse.
Deerfolk (Cervidites)
In the wake of the Hodgepocalypse, the Deerfolk, or Cervidites, emerged as survivors and guardians of the fragmented wilderness, intertwined with the chaotic energies released during the Revelations. Once believed to be ancient protectors of the land, their bodies and spirits were altered by the collapse of reality, imbuing them with heightened instincts, mystical resilience, and an innate connection to the natural world. Whether serving as reclusive shamans, swift-moving scouts, or steadfast guardians, the Deerfolk remain a mysterious yet crucial force in the ongoing battle to reclaim the wilds of the Columbian Wastes.
Garter Folk
These snake-like humanoids thrive in the Okanagan’s semi-arid wilderness, embodying scavengers and spiritual guardians. Some slither through the ruins as opportunistic survivors, while others act as mystical wardens, protecting ancient ley lines and sacred sites. Their keen senses and cold-blooded pragmatism make them skilled trackers, oracles, and negotiators but also unpredictable allies. Feared and respected in equal measure, they maintain a deep connection to the land, enforcing a balance between nature and the chaotic forces of the Hodgepocalypse. Whether striking from the shadows or offering cryptic guidance, the Garter Folk remains an enigmatic force in the valley.
Little Bears
The Little Bears, small but fiercely determined humanoid bears, thrive in the Okanagan's rugged forests and mountain valleys, particularly around Myra Canyon and Okanagan Mountain Park. Drawn to the region's abundant resources and natural magic, they formed a deep bond with the Canadian Griffins—hybrid creatures blending Canadian Geese and Wolverine traits—by offering them sanctuary in cliffside aeries and sharing their foraging expertise. Over time, their partnership flourished, with Little Bears taming the griffins through trust, shared hunts, and magical bonding rituals. Today, they use these majestic creatures as mounts and companions, soaring over the valley to defend their homes and trade with distant settlements.
Tree Octopus
Once dismissed as an urban legend, it has become a real and unsettling presence in the Okanagan’s tangled forests and misty shorelines. Adapted to land and water, these brilliant and dexterous creatures use their camouflaging skin and prehensile limbs to ambush prey from the treetops or silently slink through the underbrush. Scavengers by nature but opportunistic hunters, when needed, have been known to snatch unsuspecting travelers, drag small animals into the canopy, and even infiltrate settlements in search of food. Their eerie, near-silent movement and unsettlingly curious eyes make them both a marvel and a menace, blurring the line between cryptid and apex predator in the chaotic world of the Hodgepocalypse. Despite this, they are familiar traders within the settlements, provided they can behave themselves.
Transband
A species of brilliant mutant raccoons has adapted to the ruins of human civilization with alarming efficiency, turning abandoned towns, junkyards, and garbage dumps into their hunting grounds. Enhanced by radiation-induced mutations, they have developed heightened dexterity, problem-solving skills, and, in some cases, eerie levels of mimicry and communication. These nocturnal marauders operate in tight-knit bands, expertly dismantling machinery, picking locks, and even setting rudimentary traps to outwit predators and scavengers. Some settlements see them as a nuisance, others as a potential resource—black-market traders have been known to bribe or bargain with them for stolen technology and rare salvage. Yet, no matter how clever or cunning, the Transband remains a wildcard in the wasteland, blurring the line between pest, predator, and unexpected ally.
Ungo
Towering, fur-covered humanoids are an enigmatic presence in the mountainous and forested regions of the Okanagan Wastes. Reclusive and elusive, they are rarely seen, yet their influence is felt across the land—massive footprints in the mud, guttural calls echoing through the trees, and crude yet sturdy shelters deep in the wilderness. Some believe them to be the last remnants of an ancient, pre-cataclysmic species. In contrast, others claim they are mutated survivors, changed by the Hodgepocalypse into something more primal yet wise. Though they typically avoid human contact, the Ungo are known to act as silent guardians of the deep wilds, protecting sacred sites, warning travelers of impending danger, or driving out those who despoil the land. They may even offer reluctant aid to the desperate or the worthy, but earning their trust requires proving one’s respect for nature and the balance of the world.
Locations of Note in the Okanagan Dominion
Kelowna's Bridge of Shadows
- Description: Once the iconic William R. Bennett Bridge was built, it became a supernatural phenomenon. It connects the mortal realm to shadowy dimensions at night, guarded by spectral sentinels who patrol its length.
- Plot Hooks:
- Spectral Bargain: A player must negotiate with a spectral guardian to traverse the bridge safely. The Guardian offers a quest to reclaim a lost relic trapped in the shadow realm.
- Phantom Traders: If the party crosses successfully, they might encounter ghostly merchants offering strange wares—if they can solve their riddles and prove their worth.
- Rift Expansion: The shadow dimensions are spilling over; adventurers are tasked with sealing a rift that threatens to engulf nearby settlements.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail
- Description: This scenic trail traverses diverse landscapes, now marked by danger and intrigue post-Hodgepocalypse.
- Plot Hooks:
- Wandering Caravan: Meet a nomadic group of merchants or Feylin entertainers. Engage in trading or uncover secrets regarding the magical anomalies that plague the trail.
- Ambush Zones: Expect ambushes by Trollitariot or Garter Folk. Adventurers must devise strategies to protect themselves or turn the tables.
- Lost Train Depot: Discover an abandoned station packed with mechanical monstrosities or treasures of old technology but be prepared for combat with lurking guardians.
Ogopogo’s Crypt
- Description: Hidden beneath the lake's waters lies a mythical underwater shrine teeming with relics and enchanted water, protected by dangerous guardians.
- Plot Hooks:
- Seekers of Favor: Adventurers are summoned to retrieve a sacred artifact from the crypt that could grant favor from the lake spirit—or anger it, unleashing a torrent of wrath.
- Rival Expedition: Face off against another group of treasure seekers with their agenda, leading to tension and conflict over the limited resources within the crypt.
Okanagan Lake (Ogopogo's Domain)
- Description: A massive, iconic lake that serves as an anchor for life in the valley, home to the fearsome lake monster, N'ha-a-itk, whose nature could be varied from a leviathan to a fey guardian.
- Plot Hooks:
- Leviathan Awakening: Investigate reports of the lake monster emerging, causing havoc along the shores and unintentionally revealing hidden underwater ruins rich with treasures.
- Floating Communities: Encounter survivors living on makeshift islands who hold valuable secrets or artifacts but may require assistance battling pirates or mutants roaming the waters.
Okanagan Mountain Park
- Description: A wilderness area known for its beauty, now altered with burnt forests and magical anomalies.
- Plot Hooks:
- Burning Threats: Investigate the source of fire-based creatures or undead that have claimed the scorched land, offering rewards for restoring balance or eliminating the threats.
- Druid Circle: Players can join or defend a gathering of Deerfolk, Ungo, and tree-octopus shamans dedicated to preserving the natural order and unveiling new powers or knowledge.
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- Description: Recognized for its climbing cliffs, the Skaha Bluffs now serve as a magical hotspot filled with peril and mystery.
- Plot Hooks:
- Elemental Nexus: Adventurers are tasked with stabilizing the elemental forces erupting from the bluffs before they tear apart the surroundings.
- Gargoyle Predators: Players must navigate ambushes set by stone-like predators that guard ancient secrets hidden within the cliffs.
- Cult Encampment: Uncover a secretive cult harnessing the area's mystical properties. Adventurers could join, sabotage, or redeem the cult with information.
Spotted Lake (Kliluk)
- Description: This striking saline lake, with its naturally occurring "spots," is now fraught with peril and intrigue post-Hodgepocalypse.
- Plot Hooks:
- Portal Lake: Each spot serves as a gateway to another realm. Players might wish to explore these portal spots, risking unforeseen consequences or incredible rewards.
- Resource Node: Protect the lake’s magical properties from Harvesters or local tribes who seek to exploit its resources, leading to potential alliances or conflicts.
- Toxic Wasteland: Investigate reports of a mutated wildlife threat that has turned the lake into a toxic wasteland, with adventurers needing to navigate carefully through hazardous areas to unveil the origins of the mutation and possibly find a cure or antidote.
Habitation Zones in the Okanagan Valley
Big White Ski Resort
- Description: Once a popular ski destination, this resort has become a formidable stronghold due to its high elevation and fortified lodges.
- Plot Hooks:
- Verkhail Citadel: Adventurers are hired to negotiate peace or thwart the efforts of liberated demons using the resort as a base of operations. Players could be tasked with infiltrating or sabotaging their machinations.
- Supplies Run: A vital supply route has been disrupted by raiders; the players must venture out to secure necessary provisions for the beleaguered inhabitants of the resort.
Myra Canyon Trestles
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- Description: An abandoned railway with towering wooden trestles commanding breathtaking views, this area is now a stronghold for opportunists.
- Plot Hooks:
- Bandit Coalition: Players might need to confront or negotiate with a coalition of raiders using the trestles as a base for ambushes, potentially forming alliances or rivalries.
- Treasure Hunt: A map leading to rumored treasures hidden along the trestles surfaces, spurring adventurers to navigate traps and bandit ambushes to claim the riches.
Penticton 
- Description: Nestled between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, Penticton is a hub for agriculture, now overseen by powerful factions.
- Plot Hooks:
- Vintner Lords: Players are drawn into the political intrigue of the vampiric aristocrats controlling the mutated vineyards, tasked with land conquests, and may have to expose or infiltrate their ranks.
- Uprising: A group of enslaved agricultural workers seeks liberation, and players can choose to lead a rebellion, secure supplies, or sabotage the lords’ operations to free the oppressed.
Vernon (Floating City) 
- Description: This partially submerged city creates a unique habitat for survivalists, blending rafts and pontoons, adding another layer of defense.
- Plot Hooks:
- Aquatic Syndicate: Join Garter Folk and Tree Octopus entrepreneurs to develop a lucrative water trade, gaining influence while unraveling conspiracy-threatening shipping lanes.
- Pirate Lords: Players may have to deal with opportunistic raiders preying on the floating settlements, requiring strategic combat and negotiation skills to secure waterways.
Related Themes and Adventure Concepts
- Cycle of Growth and Ruin: Throughout the valley, characters can explore how cycles of growth lead to downfall, mirroring the journey of pre-Hodgepocalypse settlement to post-apocalyptic survival.
- Magic and Mythology: Each location can reveal aspects of ancient myths brought to life, allowing players to participate in blending the stories of their ancestors with the current reality.
- The Legacy of Humanity: Players will encounter remnants of humanity’s past—technology, culture, or lore—sparking quests to rebuild or understand what was lost.
Final Thoughts
The Okanagan Valley is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience amidst catastrophic change. Each location offers rich opportunities for exploration, conflict, diplomacy, and adventure—intertwining the magical, the mythical, and the remnants of civilization's past. Characters can engage with its evolving landscape while navigating the complex web of alliances, survival, and the pursuit of power, creating a dynamic narrative filled with challenges and triumphs. Whether standing atop the Skaha Bluffs, delving into the Ogopogo Crypt, or trading in the ruins of Penticton, the stories unfolding in this vibrant, dangerous world await intrepid adventurers.
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