## Goal <verbatim Boss prompt — copy exact wording, do not paraphrase> ## Steps - [ ] Step 1 — <one line: what + rough complexity hint (S/M/L)> - [ ] Step 2 — ... ``` **Epic rules:** - `Steps` = top-level checklist only. Enough for another caveman to gauge complexity; no file paths, no sub-tasks yet. - Token-tight: one line per step. - **STOP.** Ask Boss: want changes to Epic before planning begins? Do not create Plans until Boss OK (or Boss edits Epic). ## Phase 2 — Plans After Boss approves Epic: 1. Create folder `.plans/epic_<short-slug>/` (same basename as epic file, minus `.md`). 2. **Split rule (mandatory):** Create **multiple** `plan_<topic>.md` files — one hunt file per Epic `Steps` line item **minimum**. - Epic has **N** steps → you need **≥ N** plan files before Boss checkpoint (usually exactly N). - Step marked **L** → split into **2–3** plans (e.g. data / API / UI) — counts toward ≥ N. - Step marked **S** and truly trivial → may stay one plan for that step only. - **Forbidden:** one `plan_*.md` covering 2+ Epic steps unless Boss explicitly asked to combine. 3. Write `plans-manifest.md` in the epic folder **before** asking Boss to hunt: ```markdown # Plans manifest | Epic step | Plan file(s) | |-----------|--------------| | <copy epic step line> | `plan_<topic>.md` | ## Hunt status | Plan file | Status | Turns | |-----------|--------|-------| | `plan_<first>.md` | **current** | 0/3 | | `plan_<other>.md` | pending | — | Every Epic step row must appear exactly once. If manifest rows < Epic steps, Phase 2 not done — split plans. Exactly one `current` plan before first hunt. 4. Each plan = one focused hunt. Header must name its Epic step. Use superpowers-plan rules inside: ```markdown # Plan: <title> Epic step: <which Epic Step line(s) this plan serves> ## Assumptions (only if non-obvious) ## Hunt checklist - [ ] Task name - Files: `path/to/file` - Change: (1–2 bullets) - Verify: `exact command or check` ### Risks & mitigations (brief, if any) ### Rollback (one line if risky) ``` 5. **Self-check before STOP:** Count `plan_*.md` in epic folder (exclude `plans-manifest.md`). If count < Epic step count → split; do not proceed. 6. **STOP.** Show Boss: manifest table + plan filenames. Ask: time to go hunting? Templates: [reference.md](reference.md) ## Phase 3 — Hunts **One hunt** = exactly **one** `plan_*.md` file, then **end turn**. Boss must reply before next hunt starts. ### Hunt boundaries (mandatory) | Allowed in one hunt | Forbidden until Boss replies | |---------------------|------------------------------| | Tasks inside **current** `plan_*.md` only | Open or edit next `plan_*.md` | | Code/files for current plan tasks | "While I'm here" work on other plans | | Update current plan checkboxes + Follow Ups | Start Inventory (Phase 4) | | Update `plans-manifest.md` hunt status | Batch multiple plans in one response | **Hard stop:** After hunt ends, **stop all tool use and implementation**. End message to Boss. **Wait for Boss reply.** Next hunt only when Boss says go (e.g. "next hunt", "continue", "yes"). ### Hunt status (track in `plans-manifest.md`) Keep a `## Hunt status` section. Exactly one plan `current` at a time; rest `pending` or `done`. ```markdown ## Hunt status | Plan file | Status | |-----------|--------| | `plan_foo.md` | done | — | | `plan_bar.md` | **current** | 2/3 | | `plan_baz.md` | pending | — | ``` Before first hunt: set first plan to `current` with `0/3`, others `pending`. Bump Turns each agent response on current plan. After Boss approves next hunt: mark finished plan `done`, next `pending` → `current`. ### Per hunt workflow 1. Confirm Boss approved this hunt (first hunt: approval from Phase 2; later hunts: Boss said yes after prior stop). 2. Set that file to `current` in manifest. Open **only** that `plan_*.md`. 3. Work tasks in order. **Kill** = implement + verify per Verify line. 4. Mark `- [x]` **only** when task truly dead — zero doubt. 5. If **any** doubt: do **not** check off. Append to same plan: ```markdown ## Follow Ups - [ ] <question for Boss — specific, actionable> ``` Then next task **in same plan only**. 6. All tasks in this plan addressed (killed or Follow Ups logged) → mark plan `done` in manifest. ### Two stops — never skip, never merge **STOP 1 — Follow Ups (end turn):** Report what killed, list Follow Ups from this plan. Ask Boss to answer Follow Ups. **Do not** open next plan. **Do not** start next hunt. **STOP 2 — Next hunt (separate turn after STOP 1):** After Boss handles Follow Ups (or says none needed): - **Manual mode:** ask **time to start next hunt?** End turn. Wait for Boss yes. - **`/goal` mode:** wait for Boss **`NEXT HUNT!`** (exact phrase preferred; close variants OK if obvious). Only when Boss approves → set next plan `current`, reset `turns: 0 / 3` → begin new hunt at step 1. If Epic has more `pending` plans and Boss has not replied since STOP 2 → **you are done for this turn.** ### End-of-hunt message (required format) ```markdown ## Hunt complete: `plan_<name>.md` **Killed:** (bullets) **Follow Ups:** (list or "none") **Next plan waiting:** `plan_<next>.md` (or "none — ready for inventory") Boss: answer Follow Ups above. Boss: time for next hunt? (yes/no) ``` **During hunt:** caveman voice to Boss; code/commits/PR text stay normal (per caveman skill). ## Phase 4 — Inventory kills All plans hunted → inventory pass: 1. Re-read Epic `## Goal` and `## Steps`. 2. Compare actual work (commits, files, behavior) to Goal — gaps? 3. Walk each Epic step — fully done? If not, either hunt more or add Follow Up to relevant plan / new `plan_*.md`. 4. Check all Epic `Steps` boxes only when truly complete. 5. Tell Boss Man hunting complete **only** when Epic fully satisfied. ## Checkpoints (mandatory) | After | Action | Ask Boss | End turn? | |-------|--------|----------|-----------| | Epic written | — | Changes before planning? | **Yes** | | Plans written | — | Time to go hunting? | **Yes** | | Each plan hunted | STOP 1 | Answer Follow Ups? | **Yes** | | Boss replied to Follow Ups | STOP 2 | Time for next hunt? / **`NEXT HUNT!`** (goal mode) | **Yes** | | Boss approved next hunt | start next plan only; `turns: 0/3` | — | No (hunt begins) | | Hunt hit 3 turns, plan open | STOP (limit) | Blockers / split plan? | **Yes** | | All plans `done` | Inventory | (report when done) | **Yes** after inventory | **Between hunts = always end turn.** Two Boss replies minimum between plan files (Follow Ups, then next-hunt approval) unless Boss message answers both in one reply. ## Rules - Never skip Boss checkpoints. - **Never chain hunts** — one `plan_*.md` per hunt, then stop; no next plan same turn. - **Never** skip STOP 1 or STOP 2 between plans (goal mode: STOP 2 = wait for **`NEXT HUNT!`**). - **Never** exceed **3 turns** on one hunt without stopping and escalating to Boss. - **Never** collapse a multi-step Epic into one plan file — default is **one plan per Epic step**. - Never mark task complete on uncertainty — Follow Ups instead. - Epic stays high-level; detail lives in `plan_*.md`. - New scope from Boss mid-hunt → update Epic + Plans first, then resume hunt. - `.plans/` lives at repo root unless Boss says otherwise. Always gitignore `.plans/` before first Epic file. ## Dependencies | Skill | Role | |-------|------| | `caveman` | Terse Boss communication during workflow | | `superpowers-plan` | Small steps, files, verify commands inside each plan | Read dependency skills at hunt/plan time if not already loaded. ## Quick commands - `/caveman-plan` — start Epic phase from current Boss prompt - `/caveman-plan hunt` — resume hunts (pick next incomplete `plan_*.md`) - `/caveman-plan inventory` — run Phase 4 only - `/goal Epic file created. All plan files created. Every checkbox in epic and every plan checked off.` — Claude goal mode (set at start) - **`NEXT HUNT!`** — Boss advances to next plan (goal mode, after Follow Ups)

# Caveman Plan > Large-project planning and execution in caveman voice. Creates epic checklists in .plans/epic_*.md, breaks each Epic step into its own plan_*.md hunt file (never one plan for whole epic), superpowers-plan detail per file, runs one hunt per Boss approval (hard stop between plans — never chain hunts in one turn), Follow Ups for uncertainty, then inventory-kills against the epic Goal. Depends on caveman (communication) and superpowers-plan (plan steps). Use for epics, multi-phase projects, /caveman-plan, "epic plan", "go hunting", "NEXT HUNT!", or when work spans many files/sessions and needs Boss checkpoints. - Skill: `spikeon-studio/caveman-plan` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add spikeon-studio/caveman-plan` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/spikeon-studio/caveman-plan/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: Spikeon-Studio (https://skillmd.com/u/spikeon-studio) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/spikeon-studio/caveman-plan --- # Caveman Plan Large project = **Epic** → **Plans** → **Hunts** → **Inventory**. Load **`caveman`** skill — speak caveman to Boss during workflow (lite OK for checkpoints). Load **`superpowers-plan`** — each `plan_*.md` task uses its step format (files, change, verify). ## Claude `/goal` mode **When:** agent is **Claude** and `/goal` is **available and enabled** → drive workflow with `/goal`. Otherwise use manual Boss checkpoints below. **Set goal once** at workflow start (after Boss gives project prompt): ``` /goal Epic file created. All plan files created. Every checkbox in epic and every plan checked off. ``` Work toward that goal across phases. Do not mark goal done until Inventory passes. **Between hunts (goal mode):** After STOP 1 (Follow Ups), end turn. Boss advances with: ``` NEXT HUNT! ``` Treat `NEXT HUNT!` like Boss approval for STOP 2 — set next plan `current` in manifest, begin that hunt only. Until Boss says it, do not open next `plan_*.md`. **Goal mode vs manual checkpoints:** | Phase | Manual mode | `/goal` mode | |-------|-------------|--------------| | Epic | Ask Boss: change Epic? | Still ask before Plans | | Plans | Ask Boss: time to hunt? | First hunt may start when goal set; still show manifest | | Hunts | STOP 2: "time for next hunt?" | Boss says **`NEXT HUNT!`** | | Done | Inventory + report | Goal complete when all boxes checked | ## Hunt turn limit (mandatory) Track **turns per hunt** — one turn = one agent response while `plan_*.md` is `current` in manifest. 1. At hunt start, set in `plans-manifest.md` under hunt status: `turns: 0 / 3` for current plan (or append column). 2. Each agent response on that plan before hunt complete: increment. Example: `turns: 2 / 3`. 3. **Turn 3 reached** and plan not fully killed (open tasks or unresolved Follow Ups) → **STOP hunt immediately.** No more tasks this hunt. Report blockers. Ask Boss: split plan, clarify Follow Ups, or reset hunt. ```markdown ## Hunt complete: `plan_.md` (turn limit) **Turns:** 3/3 — hunt stopped (limit). **Open tasks:** (list unchecked) **Follow Ups:** (list) Boss: split plan / answer Follow Ups / say NEXT HUNT! after fix? ``` Do not start next plan until Boss responds. After Boss fixes scope, reset that plan to `turns: 0 / 3` when re-hunting same file. ## When to use - Multi-file or multi-session work - Behavior, auth, billing, or production impact - Boss wants phased approval before code ## Phase 1 — Epic 1. Read Boss prompt. Load **caveman** skill for voice. 2. Ensure `.plans/` is in `.gitignore` at repo root (create or append line `.plans/` if missing). Planning artifacts stay local — do not commit. 3. Create `.plans/epic_.md` (slug = kebab-case topic, no spaces). **File shape:** ```markdown # Epic: ## Goal <verbatim Boss prompt — copy exact wording, do not paraphrase> ## Steps - [ ] Step 1 — <one line: what + rough complexity hint (S/M/L)> - [ ] Step 2 — ... ``` **Epic rules:** - `Steps` = top-level checklist only. Enough for another caveman to gauge complexity; no file paths, no sub-tasks yet. - Token-tight: one line per step. - **STOP.** Ask Boss: want changes to Epic before planning begins? Do not create Plans until Boss OK (or Boss edits Epic). ## Phase 2 — Plans After Boss approves Epic: 1. Create folder `.plans/epic_<short-slug>/` (same basename as epic file, minus `.md`). 2. **Split rule (mandatory):** Create **multiple** `plan_<topic>.md` files — one hunt file per Epic `Steps` line item **minimum**. - Epic has **N** steps → you need **≥ N** plan files before Boss checkpoint (usually exactly N). - Step marked **L** → split into **2–3** plans (e.g. data / API / UI) — counts toward ≥ N. - Step marked **S** and truly trivial → may stay one plan for that step only. - **Forbidden:** one `plan_*.md` covering 2+ Epic steps unless Boss explicitly asked to combine. 3. Write `plans-manifest.md` in the epic folder **before** asking Boss to hunt: ```markdown # Plans manifest | Epic step | Plan file(s) | |-----------|--------------| | <copy epic step line> | `plan_<topic>.md` | ## Hunt status | Plan file | Status | Turns | |-----------|--------|-------| | `plan_<first>.md` | **current** | 0/3 | | `plan_<other>.md` | pending | — | Every Epic step row must appear exactly once. If manifest rows < Epic steps, Phase 2 not done — split plans. Exactly one `current` plan before first hunt. 4. Each plan = one focused hunt. Header must name its Epic step. Use superpowers-plan rules inside: ```markdown # Plan: <title> Epic step: <which Epic Step line(s) this plan serves> ## Assumptions (only if non-obvious) ## Hunt checklist - [ ] Task name - Files: `path/to/file` - Change: (1–2 bullets) - Verify: `exact command or check` ### Risks & mitigations (brief, if any) ### Rollback (one line if risky) ``` 5. **Self-check before STOP:** Count `plan_*.md` in epic folder (exclude `plans-manifest.md`). If count < Epic step count → split; do not proceed. 6. **STOP.** Show Boss: manifest table + plan filenames. Ask: time to go hunting? Templates: [reference.md](reference.md) ## Phase 3 — Hunts **One hunt** = exactly **one** `plan_*.md` file, then **end turn**. Boss must reply before next hunt starts. ### Hunt boundaries (mandatory) | Allowed in one hunt | Forbidden until Boss replies | |---------------------|------------------------------| | Tasks inside **current** `plan_*.md` only | Open or edit next `plan_*.md` | | Code/files for current plan tasks | "While I'm here" work on other plans | | Update current plan checkboxes + Follow Ups | Start Inventory (Phase 4) | | Update `plans-manifest.md` hunt status | Batch multiple plans in one response | **Hard stop:** After hunt ends, **stop all tool use and implementation**. End message to Boss. **Wait for Boss reply.** Next hunt only when Boss says go (e.g. "next hunt", "continue", "yes"). ### Hunt status (track in `plans-manifest.md`) Keep a `## Hunt status` section. Exactly one plan `current` at a time; rest `pending` or `done`. ```markdown ## Hunt status | Plan file | Status | |-----------|--------| | `plan_foo.md` | done | — | | `plan_bar.md` | **current** | 2/3 | | `plan_baz.md` | pending | — | ``` Before first hunt: set first plan to `current` with `0/3`, others `pending`. Bump Turns each agent response on current plan. After Boss approves next hunt: mark finished plan `done`, next `pending` → `current`. ### Per hunt workflow 1. Confirm Boss approved this hunt (first hunt: approval from Phase 2; later hunts: Boss said yes after prior stop). 2. Set that file to `current` in manifest. Open **only** that `plan_*.md`. 3. Work tasks in order. **Kill** = implement + verify per Verify line. 4. Mark `- [x]` **only** when task truly dead — zero doubt. 5. If **any** doubt: do **not** check off. Append to same plan: ```markdown ## Follow Ups - [ ] <question for Boss — specific, actionable> ``` Then next task **in same plan only**. 6. All tasks in this plan addressed (killed or Follow Ups logged) → mark plan `done` in manifest. ### Two stops — never skip, never merge **STOP 1 — Follow Ups (end turn):** Report what killed, list Follow Ups from this plan. Ask Boss to answer Follow Ups. **Do not** open next plan. **Do not** start next hunt. **STOP 2 — Next hunt (separate turn after STOP 1):** After Boss handles Follow Ups (or says none needed): - **Manual mode:** ask **time to start next hunt?** End turn. Wait for Boss yes. - **`/goal` mode:** wait for Boss **`NEXT HUNT!`** (exact phrase preferred; close variants OK if obvious). Only when Boss approves → set next plan `current`, reset `turns: 0 / 3` → begin new hunt at step 1. If Epic has more `pending` plans and Boss has not replied since STOP 2 → **you are done for this turn.** ### End-of-hunt message (required format) ```markdown ## Hunt complete: `plan_<name>.md` **Killed:** (bullets) **Follow Ups:** (list or "none") **Next plan waiting:** `plan_<next>.md` (or "none — ready for inventory") Boss: answer Follow Ups above. Boss: time for next hunt? (yes/no) ``` **During hunt:** caveman voice to Boss; code/commits/PR text stay normal (per caveman skill). ## Phase 4 — Inventory kills All plans hunted → inventory pass: 1. Re-read Epic `## Goal` and `## Steps`. 2. Compare actual work (commits, files, behavior) to Goal — gaps? 3. Walk each Epic step — fully done? If not, either hunt more or add Follow Up to relevant plan / new `plan_*.md`. 4. Check all Epic `Steps` boxes only when truly complete. 5. Tell Boss Man hunting complete **only** when Epic fully satisfied. ## Checkpoints (mandatory) | After | Action | Ask Boss | End turn? | |-------|--------|----------|-----------| | Epic written | — | Changes before planning? | **Yes** | | Plans written | — | Time to go hunting? | **Yes** | | Each plan hunted | STOP 1 | Answer Follow Ups? | **Yes** | | Boss replied to Follow Ups | STOP 2 | Time for next hunt? / **`NEXT HUNT!`** (goal mode) | **Yes** | | Boss approved next hunt | start next plan only; `turns: 0/3` | — | No (hunt begins) | | Hunt hit 3 turns, plan open | STOP (limit) | Blockers / split plan? | **Yes** | | All plans `done` | Inventory | (report when done) | **Yes** after inventory | **Between hunts = always end turn.** Two Boss replies minimum between plan files (Follow Ups, then next-hunt approval) unless Boss message answers both in one reply. ## Rules - Never skip Boss checkpoints. - **Never chain hunts** — one `plan_*.md` per hunt, then stop; no next plan same turn. - **Never** skip STOP 1 or STOP 2 between plans (goal mode: STOP 2 = wait for **`NEXT HUNT!`**). - **Never** exceed **3 turns** on one hunt without stopping and escalating to Boss. - **Never** collapse a multi-step Epic into one plan file — default is **one plan per Epic step**. - Never mark task complete on uncertainty — Follow Ups instead. - Epic stays high-level; detail lives in `plan_*.md`. - New scope from Boss mid-hunt → update Epic + Plans first, then resume hunt. - `.plans/` lives at repo root unless Boss says otherwise. Always gitignore `.plans/` before first Epic file. ## Dependencies | Skill | Role | |-------|------| | `caveman` | Terse Boss communication during workflow | | `superpowers-plan` | Small steps, files, verify commands inside each plan | Read dependency skills at hunt/plan time if not already loaded. ## Quick commands - `/caveman-plan` — start Epic phase from current Boss prompt - `/caveman-plan hunt` — resume hunts (pick next incomplete `plan_*.md`) - `/caveman-plan inventory` — run Phase 4 only - `/goal Epic file created. All plan files created. Every checkbox in epic and every plan checked off.` — Claude goal mode (set at start) - **`NEXT HUNT!`** — Boss advances to next plan (goal mode, after Follow Ups)