diff --git a/docs/cli.md b/docs/cli.md
index 624852d..09fc742 100644
--- a/docs/cli.md
+++ b/docs/cli.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@
 narratio run 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-This command uses default system discovery for `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, and local `session.yml`. If local session discovery misses and S3 storage is configured, the positional session ID loads remote `session.yml` from the canonical session prefix.
+This command uses default system discovery for `pipeline.yml`, the pipeline default campaign ID, and local `session.yml`. If local session discovery misses and S3 storage is configured, the positional session ID loads remote `session.yml` from the canonical session prefix.
 
-Default discovery checks system config locations only. Pass `--config`, `--campaign`, and `--session` to use files from the current working directory.
+Default pipeline and session discovery checks system config locations only. Pass `--config`, `--campaign-file`, and `--session` to use files from the current working directory. Pass `--campaign <id>` to select a campaign from `pipeline.campaigns.root`.
 
 Ordinary local and remote `session.yml` files must be concrete YAML. Templates belong to `narratio session init`, which renders a configured campaign template before writing the concrete file.
 
@@ -45,7 +45,8 @@ For config semantics, see [docs/config.md](./config.md). For operator lifecycle
 Most session-aware commands accept:
 
 - `--config <path>`: optional explicit `pipeline.yml` path.
-- `--campaign <path>`: optional explicit `campaign.yml` path.
+- `--campaign <id>`: optional campaign ID selector.
+- `--campaign-file <path>`: optional explicit `campaign.yml` path.
 - `--session <path>`: optional explicit concrete `session.yml` path.
 - `--previous-session-id <value>`: expected previous session identifier.
 
@@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ The positional `<session_id>` is required even when `--session` is provided. It
 ### `run`
 
 ```bash
-narratio run <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
+narratio run <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -66,7 +67,8 @@ Success output:
 - `narratio run: session <session_id>; executed=<n> skipped=<n>; manifest=<path>`
 
 Common failure cases:
-- missing system default config/campaign/session paths when flags are omitted.
+- missing system default config/session paths when flags are omitted.
+- missing selected campaign under `pipeline.campaigns.root`.
 - missing local session plus missing/unavailable remote `session.yml`.
 - templated `session.yml`; run `narratio session init` to generate concrete YAML.
 - concrete session identity mismatch.
@@ -75,7 +77,7 @@ Common failure cases:
 ### `resume`
 
 ```bash
-narratio resume <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
+narratio resume <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -88,7 +90,7 @@ Success output:
 ### `run-stage`
 
 ```bash
-narratio run-stage <stage> <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
+narratio run-stage <stage> <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
 ```
 
 Valid stage names:
@@ -111,7 +113,7 @@ Success output:
 ### `analyze`
 
 ```bash
-narratio analyze <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
+narratio analyze <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -123,7 +125,7 @@ Purpose:
 ### `publish`
 
 ```bash
-narratio publish <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
+narratio publish <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -135,7 +137,7 @@ Purpose:
 ### `clean`
 
 ```bash
-narratio clean <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--dry-run] [--clear-cache]
+narratio clean <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--dry-run] [--clear-cache]
 narratio clean --all [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--dry-run] [--clear-cache]
 ```
 
@@ -156,7 +158,7 @@ Cache behavior:
 ### `session plan`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session plan <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force]
+narratio session plan <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--force]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -170,7 +172,7 @@ Success output includes:
 ### `session status`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session status <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
+narratio session status <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
 ```
 
 Output includes:
@@ -183,7 +185,7 @@ Output includes:
 ### `session validate`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session validate <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
+narratio session validate <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
 ```
 
 Checks include:
@@ -200,7 +202,8 @@ Warnings do not fail the command. Any `ERROR` finding exits non-zero.
 ```bash
 narratio session init <session_id> --output ./session.yml
 narratio session init <session_id> --remote
-narratio session init <session_id> --config <pipeline.yml> --campaign <campaign.yml> --remote
+narratio session init <session_id> --config <pipeline.yml> --campaign icewind --remote
+narratio session init <session_id> --config <pipeline.yml> --campaign-file ./campaign.yml --remote
 ```
 
 Additional flags:
@@ -214,7 +217,9 @@ Additional flags:
 
 Behavior:
 - exactly one of `--output` or `--remote` is required.
-- `--config` and `--campaign` are optional overrides; omitted values use normal default config discovery.
+- `--config`, `--campaign`, and `--campaign-file` are optional overrides; omitted campaign selection uses `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`.
+- `--campaign <id>` selects a campaign under `pipeline.campaigns.root`.
+- `--campaign-file <path>` loads an explicit campaign file.
 - if `campaign.yml` sets `session_template_file`, the template path is resolved relative to `campaign.yml` and rendered from init flags.
 - if no session template is configured, a minimal concrete session file is generated directly.
 - template variables must be supplied by matching flags, and supplied template-related flags must be used by the template.
@@ -225,7 +230,7 @@ Behavior:
 ### `session restore`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio]
+narratio session restore <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -241,7 +246,7 @@ When `--include-audio` is set, S3 audio files are restored through the shared au
 ### `session artifacts`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session artifacts <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--remote]
+narratio session artifacts <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--remote]
 ```
 
 Purpose:
@@ -252,9 +257,9 @@ Purpose:
 ### `session locks`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session locks <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
-narratio session locks add <session_id> <source> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--reason <text>] [--force]
-narratio session locks remove <session_id> <source> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
+narratio session locks <session_id> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
+narratio session locks add <session_id> <source> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>] [--reason <text>] [--force]
+narratio session locks remove <session_id> <source> [--config <pipeline.yml>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <campaign.yml>] [--session <session.yml>] [--previous-session-id <id>]
 ```
 
 Behavior:
diff --git a/docs/config.md b/docs/config.md
index 495b39e..f0ad026 100644
--- a/docs/config.md
+++ b/docs/config.md
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ Behavior:
 - strict YAML decode is enabled (`KnownFields(true)`): unknown fields fail.
 - ordinary local and remote `session.yml` files must be concrete YAML; template placeholders are rejected.
 - defaults are applied for optional pipeline fields.
+- campaign identity is selected by ID from the pipeline campaign registry unless `--campaign-file` is used.
 - campaign-level stable input paths fill missing session input paths.
 - session-level stable input paths override campaign-level input paths.
 - campaign config may point `session init` to a session template.
@@ -60,11 +61,14 @@ Pipeline config lookup:
 
 Campaign config lookup:
 
-- if `--campaign <path>` is provided, that path is used.
-- if omitted, Narratio searches in order:
-  1. `/usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml`
-  2. `/etc/narratio/campaign.yml`
-- first existing file wins.
+- pipeline config is loaded first.
+- if `--campaign-file <path>` is provided, that path is used.
+- otherwise, if `--campaign <id>` is provided, Narratio loads:
+  - `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{id}/campaign.yml`
+- otherwise, Narratio uses `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id` and loads:
+  - `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{default_campaign_id}/campaign.yml`
+- `--campaign` and `--campaign-file` are mutually exclusive.
+- campaign IDs must be single path segments, not paths.
 
 Session config lookup:
 
@@ -76,7 +80,7 @@ Session config lookup:
 - if no local session file is found, a positional `<session_id>` is present, storage is configured, and campaign identity is resolved, Narratio loads remote `session.yml` from:
   - `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`
 - local discovery always runs before remote fallback.
-- local files in the current working directory are used only when passed explicitly, for example `--config ./pipeline.yml --campaign ./campaign.yml --session ./session.yml`.
+- local files in the current working directory are used only when passed explicitly, for example `--config ./pipeline.yml --campaign-file ./campaign.yml --session ./session.yml`.
 
 ## 3. Session templating
 
@@ -109,6 +113,9 @@ Template behavior for `narratio session init`:
 ### `pipeline.yml`
 
 ```yaml
+campaigns:
+  root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
+  default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
 whisperx:
   transcribe_url: "https://transcription.example.com/transcribe"
 ```
@@ -116,13 +123,14 @@ whisperx:
 Why this is sufficient:
 
 - `whisperx.transcribe_url` is required.
+- `campaigns.default_campaign_id` selects the default campaign when `--campaign` is omitted.
 - `workspace.root` defaults to `/var/lib/narratio`.
 - optional sections (`seriatim`, `audita`, `archive`, `scriptorium`, `trim`, `normalize`, etc.) receive defaults or stay inactive.
 
 ### `campaign.yml`
 
 ```yaml
-campaign: sample-campaign
+campaign_id: sample-campaign
 session_template_file: ./session.template.yml
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
@@ -132,7 +140,7 @@ inputs:
 
 Why this is sufficient:
 
-- `campaign` supplies the stable campaign identity.
+- `campaign_id` supplies the stable campaign identity.
 - stable input files are required and resolve relative to `campaign.yml` when copied during `prepare`.
 
 ### `session.yml`
@@ -153,7 +161,8 @@ Why this is sufficient:
 Minimal local-file usage:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign ./campaign.yml --session ./session.yml
+narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign sample-campaign --session ./session.yml
+narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file ./campaign.yml --session ./session.yml
 ```
 
 Previous-session-enabled variant:
@@ -166,7 +175,7 @@ inputs:
 ```
 
 ```bash
-narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign ./campaign.yml --session ./session.yml --previous-session-id 2026-04-26
+narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign sample-campaign --session ./session.yml --previous-session-id 2026-04-26
 ```
 
 ## 5. Production-oriented config set
@@ -187,6 +196,10 @@ storage:
     access_key_id_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY_ID
     secret_access_key_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY
 
+campaigns:
+  root: /srv/narratio/campaigns
+  default_campaign_id: forsaken
+
 spool:
   root: /var/spool/narratio
   delete_audio_after_archive: true
@@ -230,7 +243,7 @@ scriptorium:
 ### `campaign.yml`
 
 ```yaml
-campaign: forsaken
+campaign_id: forsaken
 inputs:
   speakers_file: /srv/narratio/campaigns/forsaken/speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: /srv/narratio/campaigns/forsaken/autocorrect.yml
@@ -260,7 +273,7 @@ For S3-first operation, upload the same `session.yml` content to:
 Then run with explicit or discovered pipeline/campaign config and no `--session`:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml --campaign /usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml --previous-session-id 2026-04-26
+narratio run 2026-05-03 --config /usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml --campaign forsaken --previous-session-id 2026-04-26
 ```
 
 Operational notes:
@@ -279,6 +292,8 @@ Operational notes:
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | `pipeline.workspace.root` | string | No | `/var/lib/narratio` |
 | `pipeline.workspace.cleanup_after_archive` | bool | No | `false` |
+| `pipeline.campaigns.root` | string | No | `/usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns` |
+| `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.secrets.env_dir` | string | Conditional | none |
 | `pipeline.storage.backend` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.storage.s3.bucket` | string | Conditional | empty |
@@ -434,7 +449,7 @@ Restore-related implications:
 
 | Path | Type | Required | Default |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `campaign.campaign` | string | Yes | none |
+| `campaign.campaign_id` | string | Yes | none |
 | `campaign.session_template_file` | string | No | none |
 | `campaign.inputs.speakers_file` | string | Yes | none |
 | `campaign.inputs.autocorrect_file` | string | Yes | none |
@@ -448,7 +463,7 @@ Campaign input paths and `campaign.session_template_file` may be absolute or rel
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | `session.session_id` | string | Yes | none |
 | `session.previous_session_id` | string | No | empty |
-| `session.campaign` | string | No | `campaign.campaign` |
+| `session.campaign` | string | No | `campaign.campaign_id` |
 | `session.date` | string | No | empty |
 | `session.title` | string | No | empty |
 | `session.inputs.audio_dir` | string | Conditional | empty |
@@ -499,8 +514,11 @@ Maintained examples:
 - `examples/pipeline.minimal.yml`
 - `examples/pipeline.production.yml`
 - `examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml`
-- `examples/campaign.yml`
-- `examples/session.template.yml`
+- `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/campaign.yml`
+- `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/speakers.yml`
+- `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/autocorrect.yml`
+- `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/glossary.yml`
+- `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/session.template.yml`
 - `examples/session.local-audio.yml`
 - `examples/session.s3-audio.yml`
 
diff --git a/docs/internal/command-restore.md b/docs/internal/command-restore.md
index 364d105..2799da5 100644
--- a/docs/internal/command-restore.md
+++ b/docs/internal/command-restore.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Define the implemented `narratio session restore` contract: committed remote-sta
 ## Inputs and outputs
 Inputs:
 - CLI syntax: `narratio session restore <session_id>`.
-- CLI flags: `--config`, `--campaign`, `--session`, `--previous-session-id`, `--dry-run`, `--force`, `--include-audio`.
+- CLI flags: `--config`, `--campaign`, `--campaign-file`, `--session`, `--previous-session-id`, `--dry-run`, `--force`, `--include-audio`.
 - Resolved/validated `pipeline.yml` and `session.yml`.
 - Configured remote object store.
 - Remote committed current-state markers (`current/run_id.txt`, `current/manifest.json`).
diff --git a/docs/internal/stage-prepare.md b/docs/internal/stage-prepare.md
index 37940b8..4ba1b1e 100644
--- a/docs/internal/stage-prepare.md
+++ b/docs/internal/stage-prepare.md
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ Does not own:
 - `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts.<name>.enabled`
 - `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts.<name>.inputs.<key>.source`
 - `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts.<name>.inputs.<key>.required`
-- `campaign.campaign`
+- `campaign.campaign_id`
 - `campaign.inputs.speakers_file`
 - `campaign.inputs.autocorrect_file`
 - `campaign.inputs.glossary_file`
diff --git a/docs/operations.md b/docs/operations.md
index 3e46f5e..2c4306d 100644
--- a/docs/operations.md
+++ b/docs/operations.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ narratio run 2026-04-04
 - use `narratio session status <session_id>` for inspection.
 
 Notes:
-- default config/campaign/session discovery checks system config locations unless `--config`, `--campaign`, and `--session` are passed.
+- default pipeline/session discovery checks system config locations; campaign selection uses `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id` unless `--campaign <id>` or `--campaign-file <path>` is passed.
 - when local `session.yml` discovery misses, positional `<session_id>` loads remote `session.yml` from `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`.
 - S3 audio mode requires `session.inputs.audio_s3.prefix` and valid object-store access.
 
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Initialize a remote session skeleton:
 narratio session init 2026-04-04 --remote
 ```
 
-Remote init uses normal default config discovery and writes `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`. If `campaign.yml` sets `session_template_file`, init renders that template from the supplied flags and writes concrete YAML. Pass `--config` and `--campaign` when testing non-system config files. It fails if the object already exists unless `--force` is passed.
+Remote init uses normal default config discovery and writes `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`. If `campaign.yml` sets `session_template_file`, init renders that template from the supplied flags and writes concrete YAML. Pass `--config`, `--campaign <id>`, or `--campaign-file <path>` when testing non-system config files. It fails if the object already exists unless `--force` is passed.
 
 Validate before running:
 
diff --git a/docs/roadmap/campaign.md b/docs/roadmap/campaign.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb94f9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/roadmap/campaign.md
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+# Roadmap: Campaign Registry
+
+Status: Implemented
+
+## Problem
+
+Narratio currently treats campaign configuration as one selected
+`campaign.yml` file:
+
+- command flags use `--campaign <path>`;
+- default discovery searches fixed system file locations;
+- `campaign.yml` uses `campaign:` as the identity field.
+
+That model works for a single campaign, but it is awkward for installations
+that manage multiple campaigns. Operators need to pass file paths or maintain a
+single global campaign config, while the newer session-oriented CLI already
+uses concise positional session IDs and remote session lookup.
+
+The campaign selection model should become ID-based and pipeline-owned.
+Pipeline config should describe where campaigns live, commands should select a
+campaign by ID, and each campaign directory should contain its stable campaign
+materials.
+
+## Target Model
+
+`pipeline.yml` owns the campaign registry:
+
+    campaigns:
+      root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
+      default_campaign_id: dilfs
+
+Campaign files live at the conventional path:
+
+    {campaigns.root}/{campaign_id}/campaign.yml
+
+The first implementation should use only the conventional path. Recursive
+discovery of every `campaign.yml` under `campaigns.root` is deferred to a
+future stage.
+
+Each campaign file uses `campaign_id` as the canonical identity field:
+
+    campaign_id: dilfs
+    session_template_file: ./session.template.yml
+    inputs:
+      speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
+      autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
+      glossary_file: ./glossary.yml
+
+Campaign-relative files continue to resolve relative to the selected
+`campaign.yml`, including stable input files and `session_template_file`.
+
+The public CLI changes from path-based campaign selection to ID-based campaign
+selection:
+
+- `--campaign <id>` selects a campaign ID.
+- `--campaign-file <path>` explicitly loads one campaign file for
+  development, tests, and unusual local workflows.
+- `--campaign` and `--campaign-file` are mutually exclusive.
+
+If neither `--campaign` nor `--campaign-file` is passed, Narratio uses
+`pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`. If no campaign can be selected,
+commands fail clearly before session loading or stage execution.
+
+Resolved campaign ID remains the campaign segment used for:
+
+- workspace paths;
+- spool paths;
+- S3 session prefixes;
+- remote `session.yml` lookup;
+- archive locks and promoted output keys;
+- session/campaign mismatch validation;
+- status, plan, restore, and helper output.
+
+## Compatibility Policy
+
+This is a breaking public/config contract change.
+
+After the cutover:
+
+- `--campaign` no longer accepts a filesystem path;
+- default fixed campaign file discovery is removed;
+- `campaign:` is no longer accepted in `campaign.yml`;
+- `campaign_id:` is required.
+
+Keep `--campaign-file` as the only explicit file override. Do not retain hidden
+aliases for the old `--campaign <path>` behavior.
+
+## Implementation Stages
+
+### Stage 1: Add Campaign Registry Selection
+
+Status: Implemented
+
+Add the registry model and switch command loading to resolve campaigns through
+pipeline config.
+
+Implementation requirements:
+
+- Add `pipeline.campaigns.root`.
+- Add `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`.
+- Add `campaign_id` to campaign config and make it the canonical identity.
+- Resolve pipeline config first, then campaign selection.
+- Use this selection order:
+  1. explicit `--campaign-file <path>`;
+  2. explicit `--campaign <id>`;
+  3. `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`;
+  4. fail clearly.
+- For ID selection, load `{campaigns.root}/{campaign_id}/campaign.yml`.
+- Validate that the loaded `campaign_id` matches the selected ID.
+- Reject `--campaign` with `--campaign-file`.
+- Preserve strict YAML decoding.
+- Preserve campaign-relative stable input and session template resolution.
+- Keep storage details behind the existing storage adapter and object-store
+  helper.
+- Keep remote session lookup and archive key construction based on the
+  resolved campaign ID.
+
+Acceptance criteria:
+
+- Commands can run with only a pipeline config and the pipeline default
+  campaign ID.
+- Commands can select another campaign with `--campaign <id>`.
+- Commands can load a specific file with `--campaign-file <path>`.
+- Existing session loading, remote session fallback, prepare materialization,
+  restore, archive, locks, clean, analyze, and publish behavior continue to use
+  the same resolved campaign identity.
+- No generic config registry framework is introduced.
+
+### Stage 2: Remove Old Single-File Campaign Behavior
+
+Status: Implemented
+
+Remove the old public campaign file model after registry selection is in
+place.
+
+Implementation requirements:
+
+- Remove fixed default campaign config discovery from command loading.
+- Remove `DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths` and related path-only resolution if
+  no current tests or helpers still need them.
+- Remove support for `campaign:` from `campaign.yml`.
+- Update validation errors to refer to `campaign_id`.
+- Update examples to use campaign directories and `campaign_id`.
+- Update current-behavior docs to document:
+  - `pipeline.campaigns.root`;
+  - `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`;
+  - `campaign_id`;
+  - `--campaign <id>`;
+  - `--campaign-file <path>`.
+- Update troubleshooting examples that currently pass `--campaign <path>`.
+
+Acceptance criteria:
+
+- `campaign.yml` files with `campaign:` fail strict decoding.
+- `--campaign /path/to/campaign.yml` is treated as a campaign ID and fails
+  unless that ID exists under `campaigns.root`.
+- `--campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml` is the supported file override.
+- User-facing docs no longer describe fixed campaign config discovery.
+
+## Test Guidance
+
+Focused tests:
+
+- `go test ./internal/config -v`
+- `go test ./internal/app -v`
+- `go test ./internal/stage -run Prepare -v`
+
+Full validation:
+
+- `go test ./...`
+
+Config tests to add or update:
+
+- strict decode accepts `pipeline.campaigns.root`;
+- strict decode accepts `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`;
+- strict decode accepts `campaign_id`;
+- selected campaign ID mismatch fails;
+- missing campaign root fails when ID selection is needed;
+- missing default campaign ID fails when no explicit campaign selector is
+  passed;
+- old `campaign:` fails after Stage 2.
+
+App tests to add or update:
+
+- `--campaign <id>` resolves `{campaigns.root}/{id}/campaign.yml`;
+- omitted `--campaign` uses `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`;
+- `--campaign-file` loads an explicit campaign file;
+- `--campaign` plus `--campaign-file` fails;
+- remote session fallback uses the resolved campaign ID;
+- `session init`, `run`, `run-stage`, `resume`, `analyze`, `publish`, `clean`,
+  and `session` subcommands all use the same campaign selection path;
+- path-based `--campaign` examples and tests are removed after Stage 2.
+
+## Documentation Guidance
+
+Update current-behavior docs only after implementation lands:
+
+- `docs/config.md`
+- `docs/cli.md`
+- `docs/operations.md`
+- `docs/troubleshooting.md`
+- relevant files under `docs/internal/`
+- `examples/`
+
+Planned campaign registry behavior belongs only in this roadmap until the code,
+tests, examples, and current-behavior docs are updated.
+
+## Architecture Guardrails
+
+- Keep Narratio explicit and stage-driven.
+- Do not introduce a generic configuration registry or workflow framework.
+- Keep YAML decoding strict.
+- Keep defaults centralized and testable.
+- Keep campaign-relative path resolution centralized.
+- Use centralized S3 and workspace path helpers.
+- Keep storage details behind `storage.ObjectStore`.
+- Keep secret-backed object-store construction in `internal/app`.
+- Preserve manifest-driven resume and restore behavior.
+- Do not store raw secrets in campaign configs, manifests, logs, generated
+  configs, or archive metadata.
+
+## Assumptions
+
+- The canonical pipeline schema is grouped under `campaigns`.
+- The canonical campaign identity field is `campaign_id`.
+- `--campaign` means campaign ID.
+- `--campaign-file` is retained as an explicit override.
+- Recursive discovery is planned but not part of the first implementation.
+- Existing production configs can be migrated from `campaign:` to
+  `campaign_id:` and from `--campaign <path>` to `--campaign <id>` or
+  `--campaign-file <path>`.
diff --git a/docs/troubleshooting.md b/docs/troubleshooting.md
index 953b9e9..4e4de1f 100644
--- a/docs/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/troubleshooting.md
@@ -9,20 +9,20 @@ Symptom:
 - `run`, `resume`, `run-stage`, `session plan`, or `session restore` fails with config/session not found.
 
 Likely Cause:
-- `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, or `session.yml` is missing from system discovery paths.
+- `pipeline.yml` or `session.yml` is missing from system discovery paths.
+- the selected campaign ID does not exist under `pipeline.campaigns.root`.
 - a local working-directory config file was not passed explicitly.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
 ls -l /usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml /etc/narratio/pipeline.yml
-ls -l /usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml /etc/narratio/campaign.yml
 ls -l /usr/local/etc/narratio/session.yml /etc/narratio/session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
-- pass explicit `--config`, `--campaign`, and `--session`.
-- or place files in documented discovery paths.
+- pass explicit `--config`, `--campaign <id>`, `--campaign-file <path>`, and `--session` as appropriate.
+- or place files in documented discovery paths and set `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`.
 
 Links:
 - [docs/config.md](./config.md)
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session ./session.yml
+narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session ./session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
+narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts player_handout
+narratio run 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts player_handout
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run-stage polish 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts session_recap
+narratio run-stage polish 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts session_recap
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
+narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
 narratio session status 2026-04-04
-narratio run-stage analyze 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts player_handout
+narratio run-stage analyze 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --artifacts player_handout
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml --dry-run
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ Likely Cause:
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
+narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
 narratio session status 2026-04-04
-narratio run-stage archive 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
+narratio run-stage archive 2026-04-04 --config /path/to/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/to/campaign.yml --session /path/to/session.yml
 ```
 
 Safe Fix:
diff --git a/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/autocorrect.yml b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/autocorrect.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe51488
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/autocorrect.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+[]
diff --git a/examples/campaign.yml b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/campaign.yml
similarity index 84%
rename from examples/campaign.yml
rename to examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/campaign.yml
index 148c663..58725d2 100644
--- a/examples/campaign.yml
+++ b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/campaign.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-campaign: sample-campaign
+campaign_id: sample-campaign
 session_template_file: ./session.template.yml
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
diff --git a/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/glossary.yml b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/glossary.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe51488
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/glossary.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+[]
diff --git a/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/session.template.yml b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/session.template.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..140e414
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/session.template.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+session_id: "{{ session_id }}"
+inputs:
+  audio_dir: ./audio
diff --git a/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/speakers.yml b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/speakers.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7357b02
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/speakers.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+match:
+  - speaker: "Eric Rakestraw"
+    match:
+      - "Eric_Rakestraw"
+      - "Eric"
diff --git a/examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml b/examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml
index e3f2827..7b89d7b 100644
--- a/examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml
+++ b/examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml
@@ -27,6 +27,12 @@ storage:
     access_key_id_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY_ID
     secret_access_key_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY
 
+campaigns:
+  # Optional; defaults to /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns.
+  root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
+  # Optional command default when --campaign is omitted.
+  default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
+
 spool:
   # Optional; defaults to /var/spool/narratio.
   root: /var/spool/narratio
diff --git a/examples/pipeline.minimal.yml b/examples/pipeline.minimal.yml
index e9a7e17..fc47e33 100644
--- a/examples/pipeline.minimal.yml
+++ b/examples/pipeline.minimal.yml
@@ -1,2 +1,6 @@
+campaigns:
+  root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
+  default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
+
 whisperx:
   transcribe_url: "https://transcription.example.com/transcribe"
diff --git a/examples/pipeline.production.yml b/examples/pipeline.production.yml
index b6bc4f4..4a8e6d5 100644
--- a/examples/pipeline.production.yml
+++ b/examples/pipeline.production.yml
@@ -11,6 +11,10 @@ storage:
     access_key_id_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY_ID
     secret_access_key_env: OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY
 
+campaigns:
+  root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
+  default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
+
 spool:
   root: /var/spool/narratio
   delete_audio_after_archive: true
diff --git a/internal/app/analyze_artifacts_commands_test.go b/internal/app/analyze_artifacts_commands_test.go
index 3aef53b..07480d8 100644
--- a/internal/app/analyze_artifacts_commands_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/analyze_artifacts_commands_test.go
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageArtifactsUnsupportedStageFails(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"run-stage", "polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+		[]string{"run-stage", "polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageArchivePropagatesSelectedArtifacts(t *testing.T) {
 		[]string{
 			"run-stage", "archive", "2026-05-03",
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--artifacts", "session_recap",
 		},
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ func TestExecuteUnknownArtifactsFailValidation(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
+		[]string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ func TestRunStageArtifactsDoesNotImplyForce(t *testing.T) {
 	var out bytes.Buffer
 	err := RunStage(
 		context.Background(),
-		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap,session_recap"},
+		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap,session_recap"},
 		&out,
 	)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ func TestResumeArtifactsWithSucceededAnalyzeSkipsUnlessForced(t *testing.T) {
 	var out bytes.Buffer
 	err := Resume(
 		context.Background(),
-		[]string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+		[]string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 		&out,
 	)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ func TestExecuteAnalyzeForceRunsAnalyze(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ func TestExecuteAnalyzePropagatesSelectedArtifacts(t *testing.T) {
 			"analyze",
 			"2026-05-03",
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--artifacts", "player_handout,session_recap",
 		},
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ func TestExecuteAnalyzeUnknownArtifactFailsValidation(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
+		[]string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ func TestExecutePublishForceRunsArchive(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+		[]string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ func TestExecutePublishUnknownArtifactFailsValidation(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 	code := Execute(
-		[]string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
+		[]string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "unknown_artifact"},
 		&stdout,
 		&stderr,
 	)
diff --git a/internal/app/campaign_config_path.go b/internal/app/campaign_config_path.go
index a11199a..d5b0278 100644
--- a/internal/app/campaign_config_path.go
+++ b/internal/app/campaign_config_path.go
@@ -1,49 +1,44 @@
 package app
 
 import (
-	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
 )
 
-func resolveCampaignConfigPath(flagValue string) (string, error) {
-	return resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates(flagValue, config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths)
+func resolveCampaignConfigPath(pipelineCfg *config.PipelineConfig, campaignIDFlag, campaignFileFlag string) (string, error) {
+	campaignID := strings.TrimSpace(campaignIDFlag)
+	campaignFile := strings.TrimSpace(campaignFileFlag)
+	if campaignID != "" && campaignFile != "" {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("--campaign and --campaign-file are mutually exclusive")
+	}
+	if campaignFile != "" {
+		return filepath.Clean(campaignFile), nil
+	}
+	if campaignID == "" && pipelineCfg != nil {
+		campaignID = strings.TrimSpace(pipelineCfg.Campaigns.DefaultCampaignID)
+	}
+	if campaignID == "" {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("no campaign selected; pass --campaign <id> or set pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id")
+	}
+	if err := validateCampaignIDToken(campaignID); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if pipelineCfg == nil || strings.TrimSpace(pipelineCfg.Campaigns.Root) == "" {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("pipeline.campaigns.root is required to select campaign %q", campaignID)
+	}
+	return filepath.Clean(filepath.Join(pipelineCfg.Campaigns.Root, campaignID, "campaign.yml")), nil
 }
 
-func resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates(flagValue string, candidates []string) (string, error) {
-	if explicit := strings.TrimSpace(flagValue); explicit != "" {
-		return explicit, nil
+func validateCampaignIDToken(campaignID string) error {
+	if filepath.IsAbs(campaignID) ||
+		strings.Contains(campaignID, "/") ||
+		strings.Contains(campaignID, `\`) ||
+		campaignID == "." ||
+		campaignID == ".." {
+		return fmt.Errorf("campaign id %q must be a single path segment", campaignID)
 	}
-
-	ordered := make([]string, 0, len(candidates))
-	for _, raw := range candidates {
-		path := strings.TrimSpace(raw)
-		if path == "" {
-			continue
-		}
-		ordered = append(ordered, path)
-		info, err := os.Stat(path)
-		if err == nil {
-			if info.IsDir() {
-				continue
-			}
-			return filepath.Clean(path), nil
-		}
-		if errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
-			continue
-		}
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("check default campaign config %q: %w", path, err)
-	}
-
-	if len(ordered) == 0 {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("no campaign config path provided and no default locations configured")
-	}
-	return "", fmt.Errorf(
-		"no campaign config path provided and no default campaign config found; searched: %s; pass --campaign to use an explicit path",
-		strings.Join(ordered, ", "),
-	)
+	return nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/app/campaign_config_path_test.go b/internal/app/campaign_config_path_test.go
index fca8458..ae6165d 100644
--- a/internal/app/campaign_config_path_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/campaign_config_path_test.go
@@ -1,49 +1,84 @@
 package app
 
 import (
-	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
+
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
 )
 
-func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathExplicitWins(t *testing.T) {
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathCampaignFileWins(t *testing.T) {
 	explicit := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "custom-campaign.yml")
-	got, err := resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates(explicit, []string{filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "campaign.yml")})
+	got, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(&config.PipelineConfig{}, "", explicit)
 	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates() error = %v", err)
+		t.Fatalf("resolveCampaignConfigPath() error = %v", err)
 	}
 	if got != explicit {
 		t.Fatalf("path = %q, want explicit path %q", got, explicit)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathUsesFirstExistingDefault(t *testing.T) {
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathUsesSelectedCampaignID(t *testing.T) {
 	dir := t.TempDir()
-	missing := filepath.Join(dir, "missing.yml")
-	found := filepath.Join(dir, "campaign.yml")
-	if err := os.WriteFile(found, []byte("campaign: sample-campaign\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("write campaign.yml: %v", err)
-	}
+	pipelineCfg := &config.PipelineConfig{}
+	pipelineCfg.Campaigns.Root = dir
 
-	got, err := resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates("", []string{missing, found})
+	got, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(pipelineCfg, "icewind", "")
 	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates() error = %v", err)
+		t.Fatalf("resolveCampaignConfigPath() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	if got != filepath.Clean(found) {
-		t.Fatalf("path = %q, want %q", got, filepath.Clean(found))
+	want := filepath.Join(dir, "icewind", "campaign.yml")
+	if got != filepath.Clean(want) {
+		t.Fatalf("path = %q, want %q", got, filepath.Clean(want))
 	}
 }
 
-func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathErrorIncludesSearchedPaths(t *testing.T) {
-	_, err := resolveCampaignConfigPathWithCandidates("", []string{"/usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml", "/etc/narratio/campaign.yml"})
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathUsesDefaultCampaignID(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	pipelineCfg := &config.PipelineConfig{}
+	pipelineCfg.Campaigns.Root = dir
+	pipelineCfg.Campaigns.DefaultCampaignID = "dilfs"
+
+	got, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(pipelineCfg, "", "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("resolveCampaignConfigPath() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	want := filepath.Join(dir, "dilfs", "campaign.yml")
+	if got != filepath.Clean(want) {
+		t.Fatalf("path = %q, want %q", got, filepath.Clean(want))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathRejectsCampaignIDAndFile(t *testing.T) {
+	_, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(&config.PipelineConfig{}, "dilfs", filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "campaign.yml"))
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "searched") {
-		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want searched paths", err.Error())
-	}
-	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "pass --campaign") {
-		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want explicit-campaign guidance", err.Error())
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "mutually exclusive") {
+		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want mutual exclusion", err.Error())
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathRequiresCampaignSelection(t *testing.T) {
+	_, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(&config.PipelineConfig{}, "", "")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no campaign selected") {
+		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want missing selection guidance", err.Error())
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveCampaignConfigPathRejectsPathLikeCampaignID(t *testing.T) {
+	pipelineCfg := &config.PipelineConfig{}
+	pipelineCfg.Campaigns.Root = t.TempDir()
+
+	_, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(pipelineCfg, "../icewind", "")
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "single path segment") {
+		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want path segment guidance", err.Error())
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/app/clean.go b/internal/app/clean.go
index e97d0fc..9051a82 100644
--- a/internal/app/clean.go
+++ b/internal/app/clean.go
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ func cleanSession(ctx context.Context, flags commonConfigFlags, dryRun, clearCac
 	if strings.TrimSpace(flags.sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("clean: session_id is required unless --all is set")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.campaignFilePath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("clean: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -92,10 +92,11 @@ func cleanSession(ctx context.Context, flags commonConfigFlags, dryRun, clearCac
 
 func cleanAllLocal(flags commonConfigFlags, dryRun, clearCache bool, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(flags.campaignPath) != "" ||
+		strings.TrimSpace(flags.campaignFilePath) != "" ||
 		strings.TrimSpace(flags.sessionPath) != "" ||
 		strings.TrimSpace(flags.sessionID) != "" ||
 		strings.TrimSpace(flags.previousSessionID) != "" {
-		return fmt.Errorf("clean: --all cannot be combined with --campaign, --session, a session_id, or --previous-session-id")
+		return fmt.Errorf("clean: --all cannot be combined with --campaign, --campaign-file, --session, a session_id, or --previous-session-id")
 	}
 	resolvedPipelinePath, err := resolvePipelineConfigPath(flags.pipelinePath)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/internal/app/clean_test.go b/internal/app/clean_test.go
index e32f389..9ff73ec 100644
--- a/internal/app/clean_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/clean_test.go
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanSessionDeletesWorkAndSpoolButPreservesCache(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanSessionDryRunDeletesNothing(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--dry-run"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--dry-run"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanMissingSessionPathsSucceeds(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--clear-cache"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--clear-cache"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanLocalAudioClearCacheIsNoop(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--clear-cache"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--clear-cache"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanAllRejectsSessionScopedFlags(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--all"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--all"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/commands_test.go b/internal/app/commands_test.go
index 14712f3..bba4bf2 100644
--- a/internal/app/commands_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/commands_test.go
@@ -31,11 +31,11 @@ func TestExecuteValidCommands(t *testing.T) {
 		args    []string
 		wantOut string
 	}{
-		{name: "run", args: []string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run: session 2026-05-03; executed=9 skipped=0; manifest="},
-		{name: "session plan", args: []string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "prepare: skip\ntranscribe: skip\nmerge: skip\npolish: skip\nnormalize: skip\ntrim: skip\nanalyze: skip\narchive: skip\nnotify: skip"},
-		{name: "session status", args: []string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "Session: 2026-05-03"},
-		{name: "resume", args: []string{"resume", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio resume: session 2026-05-03 has no remaining stages"},
-		{name: "run-stage", args: []string{"run-stage", "polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run-stage: stage=polish executed=0 skipped=1 force=false; manifest="},
+		{name: "run", args: []string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run: session 2026-05-03; executed=9 skipped=0; manifest="},
+		{name: "session plan", args: []string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "prepare: skip\ntranscribe: skip\nmerge: skip\npolish: skip\nnormalize: skip\ntrim: skip\nanalyze: skip\narchive: skip\nnotify: skip"},
+		{name: "session status", args: []string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "Session: 2026-05-03"},
+		{name: "resume", args: []string{"resume", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio resume: session 2026-05-03 has no remaining stages"},
+		{name: "run-stage", args: []string{"run-stage", "polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, wantOut: "narratio run-stage: stage=polish executed=0 skipped=1 force=false; manifest="},
 	}
 
 	for _, tc := range cases {
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageUnknownFails(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 
-	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "unknown", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "unknown", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageNormalizeIsAccepted(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 
-	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "normalize", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "normalize", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -140,14 +140,14 @@ func TestExecuteRunStageTranscribeUsesConfiguredWhisperXServer(t *testing.T) {
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
 
-	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "prepare", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "prepare", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("prepare exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
 	stdout.Reset()
 	stderr.Reset()
 
-	code = Execute([]string{"run-stage", "transcribe", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code = Execute([]string{"run-stage", "transcribe", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("transcribe exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "polish", sessionID, "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "polish", sessionID, "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -304,13 +304,11 @@ func TestExecuteUsesDefaultPipelineConfigPathWhenConfigFlagOmitted(t *testing.T)
 
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot, srv.URL)
 	originalDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths...)
-	originalCampaignDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths...)
 	config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = []string{pipelinePath}
-	config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = []string{campaignPath}
 	defer func() {
 		config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = originalDefaults
-		config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = originalCampaignDefaults
 	}()
+	_ = campaignPath
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
@@ -323,15 +321,12 @@ func TestExecuteUsesDefaultPipelineConfigPathWhenConfigFlagOmitted(t *testing.T)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestExecuteMissingCampaignConfigReportsSearchedPaths(t *testing.T) {
+func TestExecuteMissingCampaignConfigReportsRegistryPath(t *testing.T) {
 	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
-	pipelinePath, _, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
-	missingCampaignPath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "campaign.yml")
-	originalCampaignDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths...)
-	config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = []string{missingCampaignPath}
-	defer func() {
-		config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = originalCampaignDefaults
-	}()
+	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
+	if err := os.Remove(campaignPath); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("remove campaign config: %v", err)
+	}
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
@@ -342,11 +337,67 @@ func TestExecuteMissingCampaignConfigReportsSearchedPaths(t *testing.T) {
 	if stdout.Len() != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("stdout = %q, want empty", stdout.String())
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "no campaign config path provided and no default campaign config found; searched:") {
+	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "load campaign config") {
 		t.Fatalf("stderr = %q, want campaign discovery failure", stderr.String())
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "pass --campaign") {
-		t.Fatalf("stderr = %q, want explicit campaign guidance", stderr.String())
+	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), filepath.ToSlash(filepath.Join("campaigns", "sample-campaign", "campaign.yml"))) {
+		t.Fatalf("stderr = %q, want campaign registry path", stderr.String())
+	}
+}
+
+func TestExecuteUsesPipelineDefaultCampaignID(t *testing.T) {
+	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
+	pipelinePath, _, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
+
+	var stdout bytes.Buffer
+	var stderr bytes.Buffer
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	if code != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(stdout.String(), "Campaign: sample-campaign") {
+		t.Fatalf("stdout = %q, want default campaign", stdout.String())
+	}
+}
+
+func TestExecuteCampaignIDSelectsRegistryCampaign(t *testing.T) {
+	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
+	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
+	campaignRoot := filepath.Dir(filepath.Dir(campaignPath))
+	otherDir := filepath.Join(campaignRoot, "icewind")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(otherDir, "campaign.yml"), `campaign_id: icewind
+inputs:
+  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
+  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
+  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml
+`)
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(otherDir, "speakers.yml"), "match:\n  - speaker: Alice\n    match: [\"alice\"]\n")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(otherDir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(otherDir, "glossary.yml"), "[]\n")
+
+	var stdout bytes.Buffer
+	var stderr bytes.Buffer
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", "icewind", "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	if code != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(stdout.String(), "Campaign: icewind") {
+		t.Fatalf("stdout = %q, want selected campaign", stdout.String())
+	}
+}
+
+func TestExecuteRejectsCampaignIDAndCampaignFile(t *testing.T) {
+	workspaceRoot := t.TempDir()
+	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
+
+	var stdout bytes.Buffer
+	var stderr bytes.Buffer
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", "sample-campaign", "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	if code == 0 {
+		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "mutually exclusive") {
+		t.Fatalf("stderr = %q, want mutually exclusive error", stderr.String())
 	}
 }
 
@@ -391,7 +442,9 @@ func writeValidConfigFiles(t *testing.T, workspaceRoot string, transcribeURL ...
 
 	dir := t.TempDir()
 	pipelinePath := filepath.Join(dir, "pipeline.yml")
-	campaignPath := filepath.Join(dir, "campaign.yml")
+	campaignRoot := filepath.Join(dir, "campaigns")
+	campaignDir := filepath.Join(campaignRoot, "sample-campaign")
+	campaignPath := filepath.Join(campaignDir, "campaign.yml")
 	sessionPath := filepath.Join(dir, "session.yml")
 	url := "https://example.com/transcribe"
 	if len(transcribeURL) > 0 && strings.TrimSpace(transcribeURL[0]) != "" {
@@ -405,6 +458,9 @@ func writeValidConfigFiles(t *testing.T, workspaceRoot string, transcribeURL ...
 
 	pipelineYAML := `workspace:
   root: ` + workspaceRoot + `
+campaigns:
+  root: ` + campaignRoot + `
+  default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
 cache:
   root: ` + filepath.Join(workspaceRoot, "cache") + `
 spool:
@@ -438,7 +494,7 @@ notification:
 inputs:
   audio_dir: ./audio
 `
-	campaignYAML := `campaign: sample-campaign
+	campaignYAML := `campaign_id: sample-campaign
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
@@ -448,6 +504,9 @@ inputs:
 	if err := os.WriteFile(pipelinePath, []byte(pipelineYAML), 0o644); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("write pipeline config: %v", err)
 	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(campaignDir, 0o755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("create campaign dir: %v", err)
+	}
 	if err := os.WriteFile(campaignPath, []byte(campaignYAML), 0o644); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("write campaign config: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -455,9 +514,9 @@ inputs:
 		t.Fatalf("write session config: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "speakers.yml"), "match:\n  - speaker: Alice\n    match: [\"alice\"]\n")
-	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
-	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "glossary.yml"), "[]\n")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(campaignDir, "speakers.yml"), "match:\n  - speaker: Alice\n    match: [\"alice\"]\n")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(campaignDir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
+	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(campaignDir, "glossary.yml"), "[]\n")
 	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "audio", "alice.flac"), "audio-bytes")
 
 	return pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath
@@ -466,7 +525,7 @@ inputs:
 func writeAppTestCampaignConfig(t *testing.T, dir string) string {
 	t.Helper()
 	campaignPath := filepath.Join(dir, "campaign.yml")
-	campaignYAML := `campaign: sample-campaign
+	campaignYAML := `campaign_id: sample-campaign
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
diff --git a/internal/app/config_loader.go b/internal/app/config_loader.go
index a747860..f172dfc 100644
--- a/internal/app/config_loader.go
+++ b/internal/app/config_loader.go
@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ type pipelineCampaignConfig struct {
 	Campaign     *config.CampaignConfig
 }
 
-func loadCommandConfig(ctx context.Context, pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, sessionFlag string, sessionOpts config.SessionLoadOptions) (*config.Config, error) {
-	base, err := loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelineFlag, campaignFlag)
+func loadCommandConfig(ctx context.Context, pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, campaignFileFlag, sessionFlag string, sessionOpts config.SessionLoadOptions) (*config.Config, error) {
+	base, err := loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, campaignFileFlag)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ func loadCommandConfig(ctx context.Context, pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, sessionF
 		return nil, missingSessionConfigError(discoveredSession.Searched, "remote session loading requires a session_id")
 	}
 
-	sessionPrefix := artifacts.S3SessionPrefix(base.Pipeline.Storage.S3.RootPrefix, base.Campaign.Campaign, sessionID)
+	sessionPrefix := artifacts.S3SessionPrefix(base.Pipeline.Storage.S3.RootPrefix, config.CampaignID(base.Campaign), sessionID)
 	remoteKey := artifacts.S3SessionConfigKey(sessionPrefix)
 	partialCfg := &config.Config{
 		Pipeline:     base.Pipeline,
@@ -91,23 +91,28 @@ func loadCommandConfig(ctx context.Context, pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, sessionF
 	)
 }
 
-func loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelineFlag, campaignFlag string) (*pipelineCampaignConfig, error) {
+func loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelineFlag, campaignFlag, campaignFileFlag string) (*pipelineCampaignConfig, error) {
 	resolvedPipelinePath, err := resolvePipelineConfigPath(pipelineFlag)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	resolvedCampaignPath, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(campaignFlag)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	pipelineCfg, err := config.LoadPipeline(resolvedPipelinePath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	resolvedCampaignPath, err := resolveCampaignConfigPath(pipelineCfg, campaignFlag, campaignFileFlag)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	campaignCfg, err := config.LoadCampaign(resolvedCampaignPath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	if selectedID := strings.TrimSpace(campaignFlag); selectedID != "" && strings.TrimSpace(campaignFileFlag) == "" {
+		if got := config.CampaignID(campaignCfg); got != selectedID {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("campaign config %q invalid: campaign_id %q does not match selected campaign %q", resolvedCampaignPath, got, selectedID)
+		}
+	}
 	return &pipelineCampaignConfig{
 		PipelinePath: resolvedPipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath: resolvedCampaignPath,
diff --git a/internal/app/operator_helpers.go b/internal/app/operator_helpers.go
index 3ac5ef0..b6281ca 100644
--- a/internal/app/operator_helpers.go
+++ b/internal/app/operator_helpers.go
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import (
 type commonConfigFlags struct {
 	pipelinePath      string
 	campaignPath      string
+	campaignFilePath  string
 	sessionPath       string
 	sessionID         string
 	previousSessionID string
@@ -42,7 +43,8 @@ func (e findingError) Error() string {
 
 func addCommonConfigFlags(fs *flag.FlagSet, flags *commonConfigFlags) {
 	fs.StringVar(&flags.pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&flags.campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&flags.campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&flags.campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&flags.sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&flags.previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 }
@@ -133,7 +135,7 @@ func SessionValidate(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	}
 
 	findings := []finding{}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.campaignFilePath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
 	if err != nil {
 		findings = append(findings, errorFinding("config", err.Error()))
 		return renderFindings(out, "", "", findings)
@@ -213,7 +215,7 @@ func Status(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(flags.sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("status: session_id is required")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.campaignFilePath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("status: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -282,10 +284,11 @@ func SessionInit(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	positionalSessionID, args := pullLeadingSessionID(args)
 	fs := flag.NewFlagSet("session init", flag.ContinueOnError)
 	fs.SetOutput(io.Discard)
-	var pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionID, previousSessionID, date, title, output, audioS3Prefix, audioDir string
+	var pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath, sessionID, previousSessionID, date, title, output, audioS3Prefix, audioDir string
 	var remote, force bool
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "previous session identifier")
 	fs.StringVar(&date, "date", "", "session date")
 	fs.StringVar(&title, "title", "", "session title")
@@ -319,13 +322,13 @@ func SessionInit(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("session init: --audio-dir and --audio-s3-prefix are mutually exclusive")
 	}
 
-	base, err := loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelinePath, campaignPath)
+	base, err := loadPipelineCampaignConfig(pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("session init: %w", err)
 	}
 
 	input := sessionInitInput{
-		Campaign:          base.Campaign.Campaign,
+		Campaign:          config.CampaignID(base.Campaign),
 		CampaignPath:      base.CampaignPath,
 		TemplateFile:      base.Campaign.SessionTemplateFile,
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
@@ -370,7 +373,7 @@ func SessionInit(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("session init: %w", err)
 	}
-	sessionPrefix := artifacts.S3SessionPrefix(base.Pipeline.Storage.S3.RootPrefix, base.Campaign.Campaign, sessionID)
+	sessionPrefix := artifacts.S3SessionPrefix(base.Pipeline.Storage.S3.RootPrefix, config.CampaignID(base.Campaign), sessionID)
 	key := artifacts.S3SessionConfigKey(sessionPrefix)
 	exists, err := store.Exists(ctx, key)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -606,7 +609,7 @@ func LocksRemove(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 }
 
 func loadHelperContext(ctx context.Context, flags commonConfigFlags, needStore bool) (*config.Config, storage.ObjectStore, *effectiveLocks, *manifest.Manifest, error) {
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, flags.pipelinePath, flags.campaignPath, flags.campaignFilePath, flags.sessionPath, flags.sessionOptions())
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/operator_helpers_test.go b/internal/app/operator_helpers_test.go
index 30ebc7d..f9922c9 100644
--- a/internal/app/operator_helpers_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/operator_helpers_test.go
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ func TestExecuteSessionInitRemoteWritesCanonicalSessionConfig(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--title", "The Black Cabin",
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ func TestExecuteSessionInitExplicitConfigWinsOverDefaults(t *testing.T) {
 
 	explicitDir := t.TempDir()
 	explicitCampaign := filepath.Join(explicitDir, "campaign.yml")
-	if err := os.WriteFile(explicitCampaign, []byte(`campaign: explicit-campaign
+	if err := os.WriteFile(explicitCampaign, []byte(`campaign_id: explicit-campaign
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", defaultPipeline,
-		"--campaign", explicitCampaign,
+		"--campaign-file", explicitCampaign,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -159,12 +159,9 @@ func TestExecuteSessionInitRequiresSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestExecuteSessionInitMissingDefaultConfigReportsSearchedPaths(t *testing.T) {
 	origPipelineDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths...)
-	origCampaignDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths...)
 	config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = []string{filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "missing-pipeline.yml")}
-	config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = []string{filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "missing-campaign.yml")}
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = origPipelineDefaults
-		config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = origCampaignDefaults
 	})
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
@@ -228,7 +225,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--previous-session-id", "2026-05-31",
 		"--date", "2026-06-07",
 		"--title", "The Black Cabin",
@@ -276,7 +273,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -314,7 +311,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--output", outputPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -344,7 +341,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
@@ -369,7 +366,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--title", "Unused Title",
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -396,7 +393,7 @@ inputs:
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
@@ -441,7 +438,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "validate", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "validate", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stdout=%q stderr=%q", code, stdout.String(), stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -462,7 +459,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddListAndRemoveUseRemoteLockStore(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--reason", "manual edit",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -483,7 +480,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddListAndRemoveUseRemoteLockStore(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -498,7 +495,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddListAndRemoveUseRemoteLockStore(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "remove", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -528,7 +525,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddDuplicateRequiresForce(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--reason", "first",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -541,7 +538,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddDuplicateRequiresForce(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--reason", "second",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -557,7 +554,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksAddDuplicateRequiresForce(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--reason", "second",
 		"--force",
@@ -609,7 +606,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksCannotModifyStaticLocks(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
@@ -624,7 +621,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocksCannotModifyStaticLocks(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "remove", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
@@ -655,13 +652,11 @@ func TestExecuteTopLevelLockAndUnlockAreRemoved(t *testing.T) {
 func withDefaultPipelineCampaignConfigs(t *testing.T, pipelinePath, campaignPath string) {
 	t.Helper()
 	origPipelineDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths...)
-	origCampaignDefaults := append([]string(nil), config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths...)
 	config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = []string{pipelinePath}
-	config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = []string{campaignPath}
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		config.DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = origPipelineDefaults
-		config.DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = origCampaignDefaults
 	})
+	_ = campaignPath
 }
 
 func writeSessionInitTemplate(t *testing.T, campaignPath, templateYAML string) {
@@ -711,7 +706,7 @@ func TestExecuteArtifactsListRemoteReportsPromotedAvailability(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "artifacts", "2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -747,7 +742,7 @@ func TestExecuteArtifactsListRemoteUsesPromotionDestinations(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "artifacts", "2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--remote",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -804,7 +799,7 @@ func TestExecuteStatusReportsRemoteArtifactCatalog(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "status", "2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -848,7 +843,7 @@ func TestExecuteStatusReportsRemoteArtifactCatalogErrorsWithoutFailing(t *testin
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "status", "2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -884,7 +879,7 @@ func TestExecuteArchiveLoadsRemoteLocks(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "archive", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"run-stage", "archive", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/plan.go b/internal/app/plan.go
index b5b8e3d..e1999ec 100644
--- a/internal/app/plan.go
+++ b/internal/app/plan.go
@@ -23,12 +23,14 @@ func Plan(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var force bool
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.BoolVar(&force, "force", false, "force stage execution (reserved for future behavior)")
@@ -51,7 +53,7 @@ func Plan(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("plan: session_id is required")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
 	})
diff --git a/internal/app/plan_test.go b/internal/app/plan_test.go
index bf05690..37dc385 100644
--- a/internal/app/plan_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/plan_test.go
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ func TestPlanCreatesAndReusesWorkdir(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	args := []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}
+	args := []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}
 
 	if err := Plan(context.Background(), args, &out); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("first Plan() error = %v", err)
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func TestPlanShowsRunAndSkipFromManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	if err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out); err != nil {
+	if err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Plan() error = %v", err)
 	}
 	got := out.String()
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ inputs:
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/remote_session_test.go b/internal/app/remote_session_test.go
index 665a785..0d6909b 100644
--- a/internal/app/remote_session_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/remote_session_test.go
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stdout=%q stderr=%q", code, stdout.String(), stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ func TestExecuteExplicitLocalSessionPrecedenceSkipsRemote(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ func TestExecuteLocalSessionDiscoveryPrecedenceSkipsRemote(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ func TestExecuteRemoteSessionMissingObjectFailsClearly(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ func TestExecuteRemoteSessionRequiresSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ func TestExecuteRemoteSessionStorageInitErrorFailsClearly(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ func TestExecuteRemoteSessionMalformedYAMLFailsStrictDecode(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ inputs:
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ func TestExecuteRemoteSessionMismatchFails(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/restore.go b/internal/app/restore.go
index 9ba54ec..874d338 100644
--- a/internal/app/restore.go
+++ b/internal/app/restore.go
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ func Restore(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
@@ -36,14 +37,15 @@ func Restore(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	var force bool
 	var includeAudio bool
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.BoolVar(&dryRun, "dry-run", false, "plan restore actions without writing local files")
 	fs.BoolVar(&force, "force", false, "overwrite local conflicts with remote state")
 	fs.BoolVar(&includeAudio, "include-audio", false, "include archived session-level audio objects")
 	fs.Usage = func() {
-		_, _ = fmt.Fprintln(out, "Usage: narratio session restore <session_id> [--config <path>] [--campaign <path>] [--session <path>] [--previous-session-id <value>] [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio]")
+		_, _ = fmt.Fprintln(out, "Usage: narratio session restore <session_id> [--config <path>] [--campaign <id>] [--campaign-file <path>] [--session <path>] [--previous-session-id <value>] [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio]")
 		_, _ = fmt.Fprintln(out)
 		_, _ = fmt.Fprintln(out, "Flags:")
 		fs.PrintDefaults()
@@ -70,7 +72,7 @@ func Restore(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("restore: session_id is required")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
 	})
diff --git a/internal/app/restore_execution_test.go b/internal/app/restore_execution_test.go
index a4d50f1..a144d2f 100644
--- a/internal/app/restore_execution_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/restore_execution_test.go
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreNonDryRunRestoresDurableFiles(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreIncludeAudioRestoresAudio(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreIncludeAudioUsesCacheAfterWorkspaceDeletion(t *testing.T)
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("first restore exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreIncludeAudioUsesCacheAfterWorkspaceDeletion(t *testing.T)
 	}
 	stdout.Reset()
 	stderr.Reset()
-	code = Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code = Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--include-audio"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("second restore exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreRestoresPreviousCacheWhenPresent(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreDryRunReportsPreviousCacheWithoutWriting(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--dry-run"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--dry-run"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreConflictWithoutForceDoesNotOverwrite(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreForceOverwritesDifferingFile(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreForceOverwritesDifferingPreviousCacheFile(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreLockConflictFailsAndWritesNothing(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreInvalidManifestDoesNotCorruptExistingManifest(t *testing.
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/restore_test.go b/internal/app/restore_test.go
index 78d5bb5..c9d3ed4 100644
--- a/internal/app/restore_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/restore_test.go
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreRecognizedAndReturnsNYI(t *testing.T) {
 		[]string{
 			"session", "restore", "2026-05-03",
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--dry-run",
 			"--force",
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreRejectsUnexpectedPositionalArguments(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "extra"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "extra"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreFailsWhenStorageBackendNotConfigured(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreDiscoveryErrorSurfaced(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreLoadsSecretsBeforeObjectStoreInit(t *testing.T) {
 		[]string{
 			"session", "restore", "2026-05-03",
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--dry-run",
 		},
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreNonDryRunConflictFailsBeforeNYI(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("exit code = 0, want non-zero")
 	}
@@ -365,7 +365,7 @@ func TestExecuteRestoreNonDryRunForceExecutesPlan(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"session", "restore", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/restore_workflow_test.go b/internal/app/restore_workflow_test.go
index e7a0a6c..b842022 100644
--- a/internal/app/restore_workflow_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/restore_workflow_test.go
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ func TestRestoreThenRunStageForceAnalyzeUsesRestoredDurableState(t *testing.T) {
 		[]string{
 			"session", "restore", cfg.Session.SessionID,
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 		},
 		&stdout,
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestRestoreThenRunStageForceAnalyzeUsesRestoredDurableState(t *testing.T) {
 		[]string{
 			"run-stage", "analyze", cfg.Session.SessionID,
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--force",
 			"--artifacts", "player_handout",
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ previous_session_id: 2026-04-26
 		[]string{
 			"session", "restore", cfg.Session.SessionID,
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 		},
 		&stdout,
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ previous_session_id: 2026-04-26
 		[]string{
 			"run-stage", "analyze", cfg.Session.SessionID,
 			"--config", pipelinePath,
-			"--campaign", campaignPath,
+			"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 			"--session", sessionPath,
 			"--force",
 			"--artifacts", "session_recap",
diff --git a/internal/app/resume.go b/internal/app/resume.go
index e373023..9801e3e 100644
--- a/internal/app/resume.go
+++ b/internal/app/resume.go
@@ -20,13 +20,15 @@ func Resume(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var force bool
 	var selectedArtifacts artifactSelectionFlag
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.BoolVar(&force, "force", false, "force stage execution")
@@ -50,7 +52,7 @@ func Resume(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("resume: session_id is required")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
 	})
diff --git a/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go b/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
index 1c9594e..52af9bd 100644
--- a/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/resume_run_stage_test.go
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ func TestResumeStartsAfterCompletedStages(t *testing.T) {
 	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "inputs", "glossary.yml"), "terms: []\n")
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func TestResumeNoRemainingStages(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ func TestResumeForceRerunsSucceeded(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
+	err := Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ func TestRunStageExecutesOnlySelectedStage(t *testing.T) {
 	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "inputs", "glossary.yml"), "terms: []\n")
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ func TestRunStageSkipAndForce(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ func TestRunStageSkipAndForce(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	out.Reset()
-	err = RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
+	err = RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage(force) error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ func TestRunStageForceMarksDownstreamStaleAndResumeContinuesFromStale(t *testing
 	}
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"polish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--force"}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage(force) error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ func TestRunStageForceMarksDownstreamStaleAndResumeContinuesFromStale(t *testing
 	}
 
 	out.Reset()
-	err = Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err = Resume(context.Background(), []string{"2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Resume() error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ func TestRunStageTrimExecutes(t *testing.T) {
 	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "final.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"trim", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"trim", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage(trim) error = %v", err)
 	}
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ func TestRunStageNormalizeExecutes(t *testing.T) {
 	mustWriteTestFile(t, filepath.Join(workRoot, "transcripts", "polished.json"), `{"segments":[{"id":1},{"id":2}]}`)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"normalize", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"normalize", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage(normalize) error = %v", err)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/run.go b/internal/app/run.go
index cdf7498..1ab0971 100644
--- a/internal/app/run.go
+++ b/internal/app/run.go
@@ -18,13 +18,15 @@ func Run(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var force bool
 	var selectedArtifacts artifactSelectionFlag
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.BoolVar(&force, "force", false, "force stage execution (reserved for future behavior)")
@@ -48,7 +50,7 @@ func Run(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(sessionID) == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("run: session_id is required")
 	}
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, pipelinePath, campaignPath, campaignFilePath, sessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
 	})
diff --git a/internal/app/run_stage.go b/internal/app/run_stage.go
index 670acdd..bfc9e5d 100644
--- a/internal/app/run_stage.go
+++ b/internal/app/run_stage.go
@@ -25,13 +25,15 @@ func RunStage(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var force bool
 	var selectedArtifacts artifactSelectionFlag
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.BoolVar(&force, "force", false, "force stage execution (reserved for future behavior)")
@@ -70,6 +72,7 @@ func RunStage(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 		StageName:         stageName,
 		PipelinePath:      pipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath:      campaignPath,
+		CampaignFilePath:  campaignFilePath,
 		SessionPath:       sessionPath,
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
@@ -100,12 +103,14 @@ func Analyze(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var selectedArtifacts artifactSelectionFlag
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.Var(&selectedArtifacts, "artifacts", "configured artifact names to execute during analyze (comma-separated or repeatable)")
@@ -138,6 +143,7 @@ func Analyze(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 		StageName:         "analyze",
 		PipelinePath:      pipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath:      campaignPath,
+		CampaignFilePath:  campaignFilePath,
 		SessionPath:       sessionPath,
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
@@ -166,12 +172,14 @@ func Publish(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 
 	var pipelinePath string
 	var campaignPath string
+	var campaignFilePath string
 	var sessionPath string
 	var sessionID string
 	var previousSessionID string
 	var selectedArtifacts artifactSelectionFlag
 	fs.StringVar(&pipelinePath, "config", "", "path to pipeline.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
-	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "path to campaign.yml (optional; defaults searched)")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignPath, "campaign", "", "campaign ID")
+	fs.StringVar(&campaignFilePath, "campaign-file", "", "path to campaign.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&sessionPath, "session", "", "path to session.yml")
 	fs.StringVar(&previousSessionID, "previous-session-id", "", "expected previous session identifier")
 	fs.Var(&selectedArtifacts, "artifacts", "configured artifact names to publish (comma-separated or repeatable)")
@@ -204,6 +212,7 @@ func Publish(ctx context.Context, args []string, out io.Writer) error {
 		StageName:         "archive",
 		PipelinePath:      pipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath:      campaignPath,
+		CampaignFilePath:  campaignFilePath,
 		SessionPath:       sessionPath,
 		SessionID:         sessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: previousSessionID,
@@ -229,6 +238,7 @@ type singleStageCommand struct {
 	StageName         string
 	PipelinePath      string
 	CampaignPath      string
+	CampaignFilePath  string
 	SessionPath       string
 	SessionID         string
 	PreviousSessionID string
@@ -242,7 +252,7 @@ func runSingleStageCommand(ctx context.Context, req singleStageCommand) (*RunSum
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", req.CommandName, err)
 	}
 
-	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, req.PipelinePath, req.CampaignPath, req.SessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
+	cfg, err := loadCommandConfig(ctx, req.PipelinePath, req.CampaignPath, req.CampaignFilePath, req.SessionPath, config.SessionLoadOptions{
 		SessionID:         req.SessionID,
 		PreviousSessionID: req.PreviousSessionID,
 	})
diff --git a/internal/app/runner_test.go b/internal/app/runner_test.go
index c8fdf9e..433fffd 100644
--- a/internal/app/runner_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/runner_test.go
@@ -1015,7 +1015,7 @@ func testConfig(t *testing.T) *config.Config {
 	pipelinePath := filepath.Join(cfgDir, "pipeline.yml")
 
 	mustWriteFile(t, pipelinePath, "workspace:\n  root: "+workspace+"\n")
-	mustWriteFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
+	mustWriteFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
 	mustWriteFile(t, sessionPath, "session_id: 2026-05-03\ncampaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n")
 	mustWriteFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "speakers.yml"), "alice: alice.flac\n")
 	mustWriteFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
@@ -1024,7 +1024,7 @@ func testConfig(t *testing.T) *config.Config {
 
 	return &config.Config{
 		Pipeline:     &config.PipelineConfig{Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: workspace}},
-		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{Campaign: "sample-campaign"},
+		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{CampaignID: "sample-campaign"},
 		PipelinePath: pipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath: campaignPath,
 		SessionPath:  sessionPath,
@@ -1070,7 +1070,7 @@ whisperx:
 notification:
   timeout: 10s
 `
-	campaignYAML := `campaign: sample-campaign
+	campaignYAML := `campaign_id: sample-campaign
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
diff --git a/internal/app/session_cli_test.go b/internal/app/session_cli_test.go
index 47a55d3..8081b30 100644
--- a/internal/app/session_cli_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/session_cli_test.go
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ inputs:
 	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{
 		"2026-04-04",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--previous-session-id", "2026-03-28",
 	}, &out)
 	if err == nil {
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ func TestPlanFailsWhenSessionIDMismatchesConcreteSession(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-04-04", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{"2026-04-04", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
 	}
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ inputs:
 	err := Plan(context.Background(), []string{
 		"2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--previous-session-id", "2026-04-25",
 	}, &out)
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ func TestRunStageAcceptsPositionalSessionIDAndParsesStageName(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeValidConfigFiles(t, workspaceRoot)
 
 	var out bytes.Buffer
-	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"prepare", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
+	err := RunStage(context.Background(), []string{"prepare", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &out)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("RunStage() error = %v", err)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/app/session_oriented_cli_test.go b/internal/app/session_oriented_cli_test.go
index 82e98b5..3fe93f6 100644
--- a/internal/app/session_oriented_cli_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/session_oriented_cli_test.go
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ func TestExecuteRunAcceptsPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 		"run",
 		"2026-05-03",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ func TestExecutePositionalSessionIDMismatchFails(t *testing.T) {
 		"run",
 		"2026-05-04",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code == 0 {
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ inputs:
 		"run",
 		"2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
@@ -142,25 +142,25 @@ func TestExecuteWorkflowCommandsAcceptPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 	}{
 		{
 			name:      "resume",
-			args:      []string{"resume", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args:      []string{"resume", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			wantStage: "prepare",
 			wantForce: false,
 		},
 		{
 			name:      "analyze",
-			args:      []string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+			args:      []string{"analyze", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 			wantStage: "analyze",
 			wantForce: true,
 		},
 		{
 			name:      "publish",
-			args:      []string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+			args:      []string{"publish", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 			wantStage: "archive",
 			wantForce: true,
 		},
 		{
 			name:      "run-stage",
-			args:      []string{"run-stage", "archive", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
+			args:      []string{"run-stage", "archive", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath, "--artifacts", "session_recap"},
 			wantStage: "archive",
 			wantForce: false,
 		},
@@ -225,27 +225,27 @@ func TestExecuteSessionSubcommandsAcceptPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 	}{
 		{
 			name: "validate",
-			args: []string{"session", "validate", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args: []string{"session", "validate", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			want: "OK    config",
 		},
 		{
 			name: "status",
-			args: []string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args: []string{"session", "status", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			want: "Session: 2026-05-03",
 		},
 		{
 			name: "plan",
-			args: []string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args: []string{"session", "plan", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			want: "narratio session plan: workdir prepared",
 		},
 		{
 			name: "artifacts",
-			args: []string{"session", "artifacts", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args: []string{"session", "artifacts", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			want: "Built-in:",
 		},
 		{
 			name: "locks",
-			args: []string{"session", "locks", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
+			args: []string{"session", "locks", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath},
 			want: "Archive locks:",
 		},
 	}
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ func TestExecuteSessionInitAcceptsPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "init", "2026-06-07",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--output", outputPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ func TestExecuteSessionLocksMutationAcceptsPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 	code := Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "add", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 		"--reason", "review",
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ func TestExecuteSessionLocksMutationAcceptsPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 	code = Execute([]string{
 		"session", "locks", "remove", "2026-05-03", "narratio.transcript.final_trimmed",
 		"--config", pipelinePath,
-		"--campaign", campaignPath,
+		"--campaign-file", campaignPath,
 		"--session", sessionPath,
 	}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@ func TestExecuteCleanAcceptsPositionalSessionID(t *testing.T) {
 
 	var stdout bytes.Buffer
 	var stderr bytes.Buffer
-	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
+	code := Execute([]string{"clean", "2026-05-03", "--config", pipelinePath, "--campaign-file", campaignPath, "--session", sessionPath}, &stdout, &stderr)
 	if code != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("exit code = %d, want 0; stderr=%q", code, stderr.String())
 	}
diff --git a/internal/config/campaign_config_test.go b/internal/config/campaign_config_test.go
index d60f7bd..e46229d 100644
--- a/internal/config/campaign_config_test.go
+++ b/internal/config/campaign_config_test.go
@@ -7,24 +7,67 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 )
 
-func TestCampaignConfigDefaultSearchOrder(t *testing.T) {
-	want := []string{
-		"/usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml",
-		"/etc/narratio/campaign.yml",
+func TestPipelineCampaignRegistryStrictDecode(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	pipelinePath := filepath.Join(dir, "pipeline.yml")
+	pipelineYAML := `workspace:
+  root: /tmp/narratio-work
+campaigns:
+  root: /srv/narratio/campaigns
+  default_campaign_id: dilfs
+whisperx:
+  transcribe_url: https://example.com/transcribe
+notification:
+  timeout: 10s
+`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(pipelinePath, []byte(pipelineYAML), 0o644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write pipeline.yml: %v", err)
 	}
-	if len(DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths) != len(want) {
-		t.Fatalf("DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = %#v, want %#v", DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths, want)
+	cfg, err := LoadPipeline(pipelinePath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("LoadPipeline() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	for i := range want {
-		if DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths[i] != want[i] {
-			t.Fatalf("DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths[%d] = %q, want %q", i, DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths[i], want[i])
-		}
+	if cfg.Campaigns.Root != "/srv/narratio/campaigns" {
+		t.Fatalf("campaigns.root = %q", cfg.Campaigns.Root)
+	}
+	if cfg.Campaigns.DefaultCampaignID != "dilfs" {
+		t.Fatalf("campaigns.default_campaign_id = %q", cfg.Campaigns.DefaultCampaignID)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestCampaignStrictDecodeAcceptsCampaignID(t *testing.T) {
+	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
+	)
+
+	cfg, err := LoadWithSessionOptions(pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, SessionLoadOptions{})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("LoadWithSessionOptions() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if CampaignID(cfg.Campaign) != "sample-campaign" {
+		t.Fatalf("CampaignID() = %q, want sample-campaign", CampaignID(cfg.Campaign))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestCampaignStrictDecodeRejectsLegacyCampaignField(t *testing.T) {
+	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
+		"campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
+	)
+
+	_, err := LoadWithSessionOptions(pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath, SessionLoadOptions{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected load error, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "campaign file") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "strict decode failed") {
+		t.Fatalf("error = %q, want campaign strict decode context", err.Error())
 	}
 }
 
 func TestCampaignStrictDecodeRejectsUnknownFields(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\nunknown: true\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\nunknown: true\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
 	)
 
@@ -39,7 +82,7 @@ func TestCampaignStrictDecodeRejectsUnknownFields(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestCampaignStrictDecodeAcceptsSessionTemplateFile(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\nsession_template_file: ./session.template.yml\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\nsession_template_file: ./session.template.yml\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
 	)
 
@@ -54,7 +97,7 @@ func TestCampaignStrictDecodeAcceptsSessionTemplateFile(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestCampaignSessionMergeFillsStableInputs(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./campaign-speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./campaign-autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./campaign-glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./campaign-speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./campaign-autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./campaign-glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
 	)
 
@@ -75,7 +118,7 @@ func TestCampaignSessionMergeFillsStableInputs(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestCampaignSessionMergeSessionOverridesStableInputs(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./campaign-speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./campaign-autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./campaign-glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./campaign-speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./campaign-autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./campaign-glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ncampaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n  speakers_file: ./session-speakers.yml\n",
 	)
 
@@ -93,7 +136,7 @@ func TestCampaignSessionMergeSessionOverridesStableInputs(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestCampaignSessionMismatchFails(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ncampaign: other-campaign\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
 	)
 
@@ -108,7 +151,7 @@ func TestCampaignSessionMismatchFails(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestLoadMissingCampaignFileFails(t *testing.T) {
 	pipelinePath, _, sessionPath := writeCampaignConfigTestFiles(t,
-		"campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
+		"campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n",
 		"session_id: 2026-05-03\ninputs:\n  audio_dir: ./audio\n",
 	)
 	missingCampaignPath := filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(sessionPath), "missing-campaign.yml")
diff --git a/internal/config/config.go b/internal/config/config.go
index e1d223f..c51ce05 100644
--- a/internal/config/config.go
+++ b/internal/config/config.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ type Config struct {
 // PipelineConfig contains durable pipeline-level settings.
 type PipelineConfig struct {
 	Workspace    WorkspaceConfig    `yaml:"workspace"`
+	Campaigns    CampaignsConfig    `yaml:"campaigns"`
 	Storage      StorageConfig      `yaml:"storage"`
 	Spool        SpoolConfig        `yaml:"spool"`
 	Cache        CacheConfig        `yaml:"cache"`
@@ -31,9 +32,15 @@ type PipelineConfig struct {
 	Notification NotificationConfig `yaml:"notification"`
 }
 
+// CampaignsConfig configures the local campaign registry.
+type CampaignsConfig struct {
+	Root              string `yaml:"root"`
+	DefaultCampaignID string `yaml:"default_campaign_id"`
+}
+
 // CampaignConfig contains stable campaign-level identity and input defaults.
 type CampaignConfig struct {
-	Campaign            string               `yaml:"campaign"`
+	CampaignID          string               `yaml:"campaign_id"`
 	SessionTemplateFile string               `yaml:"session_template_file"`
 	Inputs              CampaignInputsConfig `yaml:"inputs"`
 }
diff --git a/internal/config/defaults.go b/internal/config/defaults.go
index 576d633..ac96972 100644
--- a/internal/config/defaults.go
+++ b/internal/config/defaults.go
@@ -7,14 +7,13 @@ import "gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifactmodel"
 const (
 	DefaultPipelineConfigPathUsrLocal = "/usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml"
 	DefaultPipelineConfigPathEtc      = "/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml"
-	DefaultCampaignConfigPathUsrLocal = "/usr/local/etc/narratio/campaign.yml"
-	DefaultCampaignConfigPathEtc      = "/etc/narratio/campaign.yml"
 	DefaultSessionConfigPathUsrLocal  = "/usr/local/etc/narratio/session.yml"
 	DefaultSessionConfigPathEtc       = "/etc/narratio/session.yml"
 	DefaultS3AccessKeyIDEnv           = "OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY_ID"
 	DefaultS3SecretAccessKeyEnv       = "OBJECT_STORAGE_KEY"
 	DefaultStorageS3RootPrefix        = "dnd"
 	DefaultWorkspaceRoot              = "/var/lib/narratio"
+	DefaultCampaignsRoot              = "/usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns"
 	DefaultSpoolRoot                  = "/var/spool/narratio"
 	DefaultCacheRoot                  = "/var/cache/narratio"
 	DefaultCacheS3Audio               = true
@@ -93,16 +92,6 @@ var DefaultPipelineConfigSearchPaths = []string{
 	DefaultPipelineConfigPathEtc,
 }
 
-// DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths defines the default search order for
-// campaign.yml when callers do not provide an explicit path.
-//
-// Keep this in a variable so future defaults can be extended without changing
-// call sites.
-var DefaultCampaignConfigSearchPaths = []string{
-	DefaultCampaignConfigPathUsrLocal,
-	DefaultCampaignConfigPathEtc,
-}
-
 // DefaultSessionConfigSearchPaths defines the default search order for
 // session.yml when callers do not provide an explicit path.
 //
diff --git a/internal/config/load.go b/internal/config/load.go
index 0d884a4..7d53ec8 100644
--- a/internal/config/load.go
+++ b/internal/config/load.go
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ func mergeCampaignSession(campaignCfg *CampaignConfig, sessionCfg *SessionConfig
 		return ResolvedStableInputs{}, fmt.Errorf("session config is required")
 	}
 
-	campaignName := strings.TrimSpace(campaignCfg.Campaign)
+	campaignName := CampaignID(campaignCfg)
 	sessionCampaign := strings.TrimSpace(sessionCfg.Campaign)
 	if sessionCampaign != "" && campaignName != "" && sessionCampaign != campaignName {
 		return ResolvedStableInputs{}, fmt.Errorf(
@@ -234,6 +234,14 @@ func mergeCampaignSession(campaignCfg *CampaignConfig, sessionCfg *SessionConfig
 	return stable, nil
 }
 
+// CampaignID returns the canonical campaign identity from campaign config.
+func CampaignID(cfg *CampaignConfig) string {
+	if cfg == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return strings.TrimSpace(cfg.CampaignID)
+}
+
 func selectStableInput(campaignValue, sessionValue, campaignPath, sessionPath string) ResolvedInputFile {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(sessionValue) != "" {
 		return ResolvedInputFile{
@@ -316,6 +324,7 @@ func applyPipelineDefaults(cfg *PipelineConfig) {
 		return
 	}
 	applyWorkspaceDefaults(&cfg.Workspace)
+	applyCampaignsDefaults(&cfg.Campaigns)
 	applyStorageDefaults(&cfg.Storage)
 	applySpoolDefaults(&cfg.Spool)
 	applyCacheDefaults(&cfg.Cache)
@@ -331,6 +340,15 @@ func applyPipelineDefaults(cfg *PipelineConfig) {
 	applyScriptoriumDefaults(cfg.Scriptorium)
 }
 
+func applyCampaignsDefaults(cfg *CampaignsConfig) {
+	if cfg == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if cfg.Root == "" {
+		cfg.Root = DefaultCampaignsRoot
+	}
+}
+
 func applyWorkspaceDefaults(cfg *WorkspaceConfig) {
 	if cfg == nil {
 		return
diff --git a/internal/config/load_validate_test.go b/internal/config/load_validate_test.go
index 9e4f216..031a900 100644
--- a/internal/config/load_validate_test.go
+++ b/internal/config/load_validate_test.go
@@ -916,7 +916,7 @@ func TestValidateMissingAudioSource(t *testing.T) {
 				Report:                   boolPtr(true),
 			},
 		},
-		Campaign: &CampaignConfig{Campaign: "sample-campaign"},
+		Campaign: &CampaignConfig{CampaignID: "sample-campaign"},
 		Session: &SessionConfig{
 			SessionID: "2026-05-03",
 			Campaign:  "sample-campaign",
@@ -967,7 +967,7 @@ func TestExamplesLoadAndValidate(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, tt := range tests {
 		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
 			pipelinePath := filepath.Join(examplesDir, tt.pipelineFile)
-			campaignPath := filepath.Join(examplesDir, "campaign.yml")
+			campaignPath := filepath.Join(examplesDir, "campaigns", "sample-campaign", "campaign.yml")
 			sessionPath := filepath.Join(examplesDir, tt.sessionFile)
 
 			cfg, err := Load(pipelinePath, campaignPath, sessionPath)
@@ -1004,7 +1004,7 @@ func writeConfigFiles(t *testing.T, pipelineYAML, sessionYAML string) (string, s
 	if err := os.WriteFile(pipelinePath, []byte(pipelineYAML), 0o644); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("write pipeline.yml: %v", err)
 	}
-	campaignYAML := `campaign: ` + campaignNameFromSessionYAML(sessionYAML) + `
+	campaignYAML := `campaign_id: ` + campaignNameFromSessionYAML(sessionYAML) + `
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
diff --git a/internal/config/validate.go b/internal/config/validate.go
index dc4d854..191f7d9 100644
--- a/internal/config/validate.go
+++ b/internal/config/validate.go
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ func validateCampaign(cfg *CampaignConfig) error {
 	if cfg == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("campaign config is required")
 	}
-	if strings.TrimSpace(cfg.Campaign) == "" {
-		return fmt.Errorf("campaign.campaign is required")
+	if CampaignID(cfg) == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("campaign.campaign_id is required")
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
index 240e650..8066d26 100644
--- a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ func TestStagesReturnExpectedMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 	campaignPath := filepath.Join(cfgDir, "campaign.yml")
 	pipelinePath := filepath.Join(cfgDir, "pipeline.yml")
 	writeStageTestFile(t, sessionPath, "session_id: 2026-05-03\n")
-	writeStageTestFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
+	writeStageTestFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
 	writeStageTestFile(t, pipelinePath, "workspace:\n  root: "+root+"\n")
 	writeStageTestFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "speakers.yml"), "alice: alice.flac\n")
 	writeStageTestFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ func TestStagesReturnExpectedMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 			SessionPath:  sessionPath,
 			CampaignPath: campaignPath,
 			PipelinePath: pipelinePath,
-			Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{Campaign: "sample-campaign"},
+			Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{CampaignID: "sample-campaign"},
 			Pipeline: &config.PipelineConfig{
 				Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: root},
 				Storage: config.StorageConfig{
diff --git a/internal/stage/prepare_test.go b/internal/stage/prepare_test.go
index 20d5891..1502b71 100644
--- a/internal/stage/prepare_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/prepare_test.go
@@ -608,7 +608,7 @@ func setupPrepareEnv(t *testing.T) (*Env, *manifest.Manifest) {
 	campaignPath := filepath.Join(cfgDir, "campaign.yml")
 
 	writeFile(t, pipelinePath, "workspace:\n  root: "+workspace+"\n")
-	writeFile(t, campaignPath, `campaign: sample-campaign
+	writeFile(t, campaignPath, `campaign_id: sample-campaign
 inputs:
   speakers_file: ./speakers.yml
   autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml
@@ -624,7 +624,7 @@ inputs:
 			Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: workspace},
 			Cache:     config.CacheConfig{Root: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "cache"), S3Audio: boolPtr(true)},
 		},
-		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{Campaign: "sample-campaign"},
+		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{CampaignID: "sample-campaign"},
 		SessionPath:  sessionPath,
 		CampaignPath: campaignPath,
 		PipelinePath: pipelinePath,
diff --git a/internal/stage/transcribe_test.go b/internal/stage/transcribe_test.go
index 6f249c5..5dd1fb4 100644
--- a/internal/stage/transcribe_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/transcribe_test.go
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ func setupTranscribeEnv(t *testing.T, audioFiles []string) (*Env, *manifest.Mani
 	campaignPath := filepath.Join(cfgDir, "campaign.yml")
 	writeFile(t, sessionPath, "session_id: 2026-05-03\ncampaign: sample-campaign\n")
 	writeFile(t, pipelinePath, "workspace:\n  root: "+workspace+"\n")
-	writeFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
+	writeFile(t, campaignPath, "campaign_id: sample-campaign\ninputs:\n  speakers_file: ./speakers.yml\n  autocorrect_file: ./autocorrect.yml\n  glossary_file: ./glossary.yml\n")
 	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "speakers.yml"), "alice: alice.flac\n")
 	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "autocorrect.yml"), "[]\n")
 	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(cfgDir, "glossary.yml"), "[]\n")
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ func setupTranscribeEnv(t *testing.T, audioFiles []string) (*Env, *manifest.Mani
 		PipelinePath: pipelinePath,
 		CampaignPath: campaignPath,
 		SessionPath:  sessionPath,
-		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{Campaign: "sample-campaign"},
+		Campaign:     &config.CampaignConfig{CampaignID: "sample-campaign"},
 		Pipeline: &config.PipelineConfig{
 			Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: workspace},
 			WhisperX: config.WhisperXConfig{