diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 22b6020..57fd54c 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+# ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Local scratch — never versioned
+# ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Ad-hoc F6 / smoke-test captures. Kept for the working session, not the repo.
+/screenshots/
+
 # ─────────────────────────────────────────────
 # Godot 4.7 (client/)
 # ─────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/client/assets/theme/game_theme.tres b/client/assets/theme/game_theme.tres
index 2f94a07..889c6fe 100644
--- a/client/assets/theme/game_theme.tres
+++ b/client/assets/theme/game_theme.tres
@@ -1,13 +1,29 @@
 [gd_resource type="Theme" format=3]
 
 [ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/ArchitectsDaughter-Regular.ttf" id="1_605w4"]
-[ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/JetBrainsMono-VariableFont_wght.ttf" id="2_4lwr2"]
-[ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/EBGaramond-VariableFont_wght.ttf" id="3_eckwq"]
+[ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/EBGaramond-VariableFont_wght.ttf" id="2_4lwr2"]
+[ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/JetBrainsMono-VariableFont_wght.ttf" id="3_eckwq"]
 [ext_resource type="FontFile" path="res://assets/theme/fonts/EBGaramond-Italic-VariableFont_wght.ttf" id="4_i0b23"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_cqbvn"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_cqbvn"]
+content_margin_left = 10.0
+content_margin_top = 16.0
+content_margin_right = 10.0
+content_margin_bottom = 14.0
+bg_color = Color(0.94509804, 0.9098039, 0.8235294, 1)
+border_width_left = 1
+border_width_top = 1
+border_width_right = 1
+border_width_bottom = 1
+border_color = Color(0.7490196, 0.65882355, 0.47058824, 1)
+corner_radius_top_left = 12
+corner_radius_top_right = 12
+corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
+corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_q5gpk"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_q5gpk"]
+
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_bbpmc"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -23,7 +39,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 3
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_bbpmc"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_73lme"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -39,7 +55,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 3
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_73lme"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_js3tr"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -55,23 +71,19 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 3
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 3
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_js3tr"]
-content_margin_left = 12.0
-content_margin_top = 6.0
-content_margin_right = 12.0
-content_margin_bottom = 6.0
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ube3r"]
+content_margin_left = 8.0
+content_margin_top = 3.0
+content_margin_right = 8.0
+content_margin_bottom = 3.0
 bg_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
-border_width_left = 1
-border_width_top = 1
-border_width_right = 1
-border_width_bottom = 1
 border_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
 corner_radius_top_left = 5
 corner_radius_top_right = 5
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 5
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 5
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ube3r"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_2tooq"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -87,9 +99,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 4
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_2tooq"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_4kten"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_4kten"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_p6wtm"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -105,7 +117,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_p6wtm"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_0fjdt"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -121,7 +133,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_0fjdt"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ns3kg"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -137,7 +149,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ns3kg"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_jly1r"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -153,7 +165,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 6
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_jly1r"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_lw8lk"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -170,7 +182,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 6
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_lw8lk"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_nh0e7"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -186,9 +198,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_nh0e7"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_dtr07"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_dtr07"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_nmowx"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -204,7 +216,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_nmowx"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_oi067"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -220,7 +232,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_oi067"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ukblj"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -236,7 +248,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ukblj"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_utt73"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -252,7 +264,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 6
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 6
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_utt73"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_5u8fh"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -268,7 +280,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 4
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_5u8fh"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_p0qbh"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -284,28 +296,12 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 4
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 4
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_p0qbh"]
-content_margin_left = 12.0
-content_margin_top = 6.0
-content_margin_right = 12.0
-content_margin_bottom = 6.0
-bg_color = Color(0.72156864, 0.32156864, 0.2901961, 1)
-border_width_left = 1
-border_width_top = 1
-border_width_right = 1
-border_width_bottom = 1
-border_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
-corner_radius_top_left = 4
-corner_radius_top_right = 4
-corner_radius_bottom_right = 4
-corner_radius_bottom_left = 4
-
 [sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_6y6ak"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
 content_margin_bottom = 6.0
-bg_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
+bg_color = Color(0.72156864, 0.32156864, 0.2901961, 1)
 border_width_left = 1
 border_width_top = 1
 border_width_right = 1
@@ -321,7 +317,7 @@ content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
 content_margin_bottom = 6.0
-bg_color = Color(0.47843137, 0.18431373, 0.16078432, 1)
+bg_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
 border_width_left = 1
 border_width_top = 1
 border_width_right = 1
@@ -337,6 +333,22 @@ content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
 content_margin_bottom = 6.0
+bg_color = Color(0.47843137, 0.18431373, 0.16078432, 1)
+border_width_left = 1
+border_width_top = 1
+border_width_right = 1
+border_width_bottom = 1
+border_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.22745098, 0.20392157, 1)
+corner_radius_top_left = 4
+corner_radius_top_right = 4
+corner_radius_bottom_right = 4
+corner_radius_bottom_left = 4
+
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_najyk"]
+content_margin_left = 10.0
+content_margin_top = 16.0
+content_margin_right = 10.0
+content_margin_bottom = 14.0
 bg_color = Color(0.94509804, 0.9098039, 0.8235294, 1)
 border_width_left = 2
 border_width_top = 2
@@ -348,23 +360,19 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_najyk"]
-content_margin_left = 12.0
-content_margin_top = 6.0
-content_margin_right = 12.0
-content_margin_bottom = 6.0
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_jtb1k"]
+content_margin_left = 9.0
+content_margin_top = 2.0
+content_margin_right = 9.0
+content_margin_bottom = 2.0
 bg_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.41568628, 0.16470589, 1)
-border_width_left = 1
-border_width_top = 1
-border_width_right = 1
-border_width_bottom = 1
 border_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.41568628, 0.16470589, 1)
 corner_radius_top_left = 5
 corner_radius_top_right = 5
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 5
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 5
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_jtb1k"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_wmbj4"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -380,9 +388,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_wmbj4"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_xdylb"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_xdylb"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_pjnll"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -398,7 +406,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_pjnll"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_klelq"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -414,7 +422,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_klelq"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_i2sl5"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -430,7 +438,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 12
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 12
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_i2sl5"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_onsig"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -446,9 +454,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_onsig"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_gw0t7"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_gw0t7"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_88l5g"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -464,7 +472,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_88l5g"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_f8qac"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -480,7 +488,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_f8qac"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_u6gcs"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -496,9 +504,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_u6gcs"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_nufy3"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_nufy3"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_0d7vs"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -514,7 +522,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_0d7vs"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_3fnfk"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -530,7 +538,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_3fnfk"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_2txdw"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -546,9 +554,9 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_2txdw"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxEmpty" id="StyleBoxEmpty_w7qkp"]
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_w7qkp"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_rthnr"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -564,7 +572,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_rthnr"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ta3oh"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -580,7 +588,7 @@ corner_radius_top_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
-[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ta3oh"]
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBoxFlat_ohwwq"]
 content_margin_left = 12.0
 content_margin_top = 6.0
 content_margin_right = 12.0
@@ -597,116 +605,126 @@ corner_radius_bottom_right = 14
 corner_radius_bottom_left = 14
 
 [resource]
-default_font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+default_font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
 default_font_size = 18
+AbilityCard/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
+AbilityCard/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_cqbvn")
 Accent/base_type = &"Label"
 Accent/colors/font_color = Color(0.56078434, 0.41568628, 0.16470589, 1)
 Accent/font_sizes/font_size = 24
 Accent/fonts/font = ExtResource("1_605w4")
+CardBody/base_type = &"Label"
+CardBody/colors/font_color = Color(0.41568628, 0.3529412, 0.22745098, 1)
+CardBody/font_sizes/font_size = 13
+CardBody/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
+CardTitle/base_type = &"Label"
+CardTitle/colors/font_color = Color(0.22745098, 0.18431373, 0.10980392, 1)
+CardTitle/font_sizes/font_size = 19
+CardTitle/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
 Chip/base_type = &"Button"
 Chip/colors/font_color = Color(0.6039216, 0.56078434, 0.47058824, 1)
 Chip/font_sizes/font_size = 11
-Chip/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
-Chip/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_cqbvn")
-Chip/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_q5gpk")
-Chip/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_bbpmc")
-Chip/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_73lme")
+Chip/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+Chip/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_q5gpk")
+Chip/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_bbpmc")
+Chip/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_73lme")
+Chip/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_js3tr")
 ChosenTag/base_type = &"Label"
 ChosenTag/colors/font_color = Color(0.9411765, 0.9019608, 0.8156863, 1)
 ChosenTag/font_sizes/font_size = 10
-ChosenTag/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
-ChosenTag/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_js3tr")
+ChosenTag/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+ChosenTag/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ube3r")
 DarkPanel/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-DarkPanel/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ube3r")
+DarkPanel/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_2tooq")
 DockButton/base_type = &"Button"
 DockButton/colors/font_color = Color(0.7882353, 0.7411765, 0.6392157, 1)
-DockButton/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_2tooq")
-DockButton/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_4kten")
-DockButton/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_p6wtm")
-DockButton/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_0fjdt")
+DockButton/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_4kten")
+DockButton/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_p6wtm")
+DockButton/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_0fjdt")
+DockButton/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ns3kg")
 Heading/base_type = &"Label"
 Heading/colors/font_color = Color(0.22745098, 0.18431373, 0.10980392, 1)
 Heading/font_sizes/font_size = 34
-Heading/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+Heading/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
 ItemTile/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-ItemTile/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ns3kg")
+ItemTile/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_jly1r")
 ItemTileEmpty/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-ItemTileEmpty/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_jly1r")
+ItemTileEmpty/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_lw8lk")
 Mono/base_type = &"Label"
 Mono/colors/font_color = Color(0.6039216, 0.56078434, 0.47058824, 1)
 Mono/font_sizes/font_size = 13
-Mono/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
+Mono/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
 ParchmentButton/base_type = &"Button"
 ParchmentButton/colors/font_color = Color(0.2901961, 0.24705882, 0.17254902, 1)
 ParchmentButton/colors/font_disabled_color = Color(0.41568628, 0.3529412, 0.22745098, 1)
-ParchmentButton/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_lw8lk")
-ParchmentButton/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_nh0e7")
-ParchmentButton/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_dtr07")
-ParchmentButton/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_nmowx")
-ParchmentButton/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_oi067")
+ParchmentButton/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_nh0e7")
+ParchmentButton/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_dtr07")
+ParchmentButton/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_nmowx")
+ParchmentButton/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_oi067")
+ParchmentButton/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ukblj")
 ParchmentCard/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-ParchmentCard/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ukblj")
+ParchmentCard/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_utt73")
 ParchmentInset/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-ParchmentInset/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_utt73")
+ParchmentInset/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_5u8fh")
 PrimaryCTA/base_type = &"Button"
 PrimaryCTA/colors/font_color = Color(0.9411765, 0.9019608, 0.8156863, 1)
 PrimaryCTA/colors/font_disabled_color = Color(0.6039216, 0.56078434, 0.47058824, 1)
-PrimaryCTA/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_5u8fh")
-PrimaryCTA/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_p0qbh")
-PrimaryCTA/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_6y6ak")
-PrimaryCTA/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_txxuc")
+PrimaryCTA/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_p0qbh")
+PrimaryCTA/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_6y6ak")
+PrimaryCTA/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_txxuc")
+PrimaryCTA/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_7d6ug")
 PrimaryCard/base_type = &"PanelContainer"
-PrimaryCard/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_7d6ug")
+PrimaryCard/styles/panel = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_najyk")
 PrimaryTag/base_type = &"Label"
 PrimaryTag/colors/font_color = Color(0.9411765, 0.9019608, 0.8156863, 1)
 PrimaryTag/font_sizes/font_size = 9
-PrimaryTag/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
-PrimaryTag/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_najyk")
+PrimaryTag/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+PrimaryTag/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_jtb1k")
 RichTextLabel/colors/default_color = Color(0.2901961, 0.24705882, 0.17254902, 1)
 RichTextLabel/font_sizes/normal_font_size = 20
 RichTextLabel/fonts/italics_font = ExtResource("4_i0b23")
-RichTextLabel/fonts/normal_font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+RichTextLabel/fonts/normal_font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
 SectionLabel/base_type = &"Label"
 SectionLabel/colors/font_color = Color(0.5411765, 0.46666667, 0.28235295, 1)
 SectionLabel/font_sizes/font_size = 13
-SectionLabel/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
+SectionLabel/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
 SelectCard/base_type = &"Button"
 SelectCard/colors/font_color = Color(0.22745098, 0.18431373, 0.10980392, 1)
 SelectCard/colors/font_disabled_color = Color(0.41568628, 0.3529412, 0.22745098, 1)
-SelectCard/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_jtb1k")
-SelectCard/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_wmbj4")
-SelectCard/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_xdylb")
-SelectCard/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_pjnll")
-SelectCard/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_klelq")
+SelectCard/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_wmbj4")
+SelectCard/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_xdylb")
+SelectCard/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_pjnll")
+SelectCard/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_klelq")
+SelectCard/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_i2sl5")
 SkillChip/base_type = &"Button"
 SkillChip/colors/font_color = Color(0.3529412, 0.2627451, 0.14901961, 1)
 SkillChip/colors/font_disabled_color = Color(0.6627451, 0.5803922, 0.39215687, 1)
 SkillChip/colors/font_hover_color = Color(0.3529412, 0.2627451, 0.14901961, 1)
 SkillChip/colors/font_pressed_color = Color(0.9411765, 0.9019608, 0.8156863, 1)
 SkillChip/font_sizes/font_size = 12
-SkillChip/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
-SkillChip/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_i2sl5")
-SkillChip/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_onsig")
-SkillChip/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_gw0t7")
-SkillChip/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_88l5g")
-SkillChip/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_f8qac")
+SkillChip/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+SkillChip/styles/disabled = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_onsig")
+SkillChip/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_gw0t7")
+SkillChip/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_88l5g")
+SkillChip/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_f8qac")
+SkillChip/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_u6gcs")
 Tab/base_type = &"Button"
 Tab/colors/font_color = Color(0.41568628, 0.3529412, 0.22745098, 1)
-Tab/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_u6gcs")
-Tab/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_nufy3")
-Tab/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_0d7vs")
-Tab/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_3fnfk")
+Tab/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_nufy3")
+Tab/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_0d7vs")
+Tab/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_3fnfk")
+Tab/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_2txdw")
 TabActive/base_type = &"Button"
 TabActive/colors/font_color = Color(0.9411765, 0.9019608, 0.8156863, 1)
-TabActive/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_2txdw")
-TabActive/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_w7qkp")
-TabActive/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_rthnr")
-TabActive/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ta3oh")
+TabActive/styles/focus = SubResource("StyleBoxEmpty_w7qkp")
+TabActive/styles/hover = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_rthnr")
+TabActive/styles/normal = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ta3oh")
+TabActive/styles/pressed = SubResource("StyleBoxFlat_ohwwq")
 TitleKicker/base_type = &"Label"
 TitleKicker/colors/font_color = Color(0.6627451, 0.5176471, 0.24705882, 1)
 TitleKicker/font_sizes/font_size = 13
-TitleKicker/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
+TitleKicker/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
 TitleLogo/base_type = &"Label"
 TitleLogo/colors/font_color = Color(0.9098039, 0.8666667, 0.78431374, 1)
 TitleLogo/font_sizes/font_size = 116
-TitleLogo/fonts/font = ExtResource("3_eckwq")
+TitleLogo/fonts/font = ExtResource("2_4lwr2")
diff --git a/client/project.godot b/client/project.godot
index 0ea126e..29567d0 100644
--- a/client/project.godot
+++ b/client/project.godot
@@ -11,19 +11,28 @@ config_version=5
 [application]
 
 config/name="coc-rpg"
-config/version="0.01-alpha"
 config/description="AI-driven single-player party RPG. Code owns state. AI owns text."
+config/version="0.01-alpha"
 run/main_scene="res://scenes/title/TitleScreen.tscn"
 config/features=PackedStringArray("4.7")
 
 [display]
 
-; Design/logical canvas stays 1920x1080 (charter §16, mockups authored here).
+; The DESIGN CANVAS stays 1920x1080 — the mockups (§16) are authored there, and every
+; .tscn's offsets are in those coordinates. It is a logical canvas, not a demand on the
+; monitor: canvas_items + keep scales it uniformly into whatever window it is given, so
+; the UI never reflows, it only gets smaller. Nothing below changes a layout number.
 window/size/viewport_width=1920
 window/size/viewport_height=1080
-; Open a smaller 1600x900 window that scales the 1920x1080 canvas down, so it
-; doesn't fill the whole screen. canvas_items + keep aspect does the scaling.
-window/size/window_width_override=1600
-window/size/window_height_override=900
+; The WINDOW is what the laptop has to fit, and it is a different question. 1600x900 was
+; larger than a 1600x900 laptop's *usable* area once the WM took its panel and titlebar,
+; so the window manager clamped it to 1589x752 and the run came up pillarboxed. 1280x720
+; is 16:9 and fits any laptop this ships to; the window is resizable (Godot's default),
+; and canvas_items rescales the canvas live on every resize.
+window/size/window_width_override=1280
+window/size/window_height_override=720
+window/size/resizable=true
 window/stretch/mode="canvas_items"
+; keep = letterbox rather than distort or reflow. This IS Godot 4's default, so the editor
+; prunes the line whenever it rewrites this file — that is cosmetic, not a behaviour change.
 window/stretch/aspect="keep"
diff --git a/client/scenes/creation/CharacterCreation.tscn b/client/scenes/creation/CharacterCreation.tscn
index 0636818..403f675 100644
--- a/client/scenes/creation/CharacterCreation.tscn
+++ b/client/scenes/creation/CharacterCreation.tscn
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_override_constants/separation = 14
 
 [node name="Race0" type="Button" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards"]
-custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 108)
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 140)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 toggle_mode = true
@@ -166,6 +166,7 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 [node name="Name" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race0/Box"]
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
 text = "Human"
 
 [node name="Blurb" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race0/Box"]
@@ -173,7 +174,7 @@ layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_vertical = 3
 mouse_filter = 2
 autowrap_mode = 3
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 14
+theme_type_variation = &"CardBody"
 text = "…"
 
 [node name="Trait" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race0/Box"]
@@ -199,7 +200,7 @@ theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
 
 [node name="Race1" type="Button" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards"]
-custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 108)
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 140)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 toggle_mode = true
@@ -220,6 +221,7 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 [node name="Name" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race1/Box"]
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
 text = "Elf"
 
 [node name="Blurb" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race1/Box"]
@@ -227,7 +229,7 @@ layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_vertical = 3
 mouse_filter = 2
 autowrap_mode = 3
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 14
+theme_type_variation = &"CardBody"
 text = "…"
 
 [node name="Trait" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race1/Box"]
@@ -253,7 +255,7 @@ theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
 
 [node name="Race2" type="Button" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards"]
-custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 108)
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 140)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 toggle_mode = true
@@ -274,6 +276,7 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 [node name="Name" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race2/Box"]
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
 text = "Dwarf"
 
 [node name="Blurb" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race2/Box"]
@@ -281,7 +284,7 @@ layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_vertical = 3
 mouse_filter = 2
 autowrap_mode = 3
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 14
+theme_type_variation = &"CardBody"
 text = "…"
 
 [node name="Trait" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race2/Box"]
@@ -307,7 +310,7 @@ theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
 
 [node name="Race3" type="Button" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards"]
-custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 108)
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 140)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 toggle_mode = true
@@ -328,6 +331,7 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 [node name="Name" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race3/Box"]
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
 text = "Beastfolk"
 
 [node name="Blurb" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race3/Box"]
@@ -335,7 +339,7 @@ layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_vertical = 3
 mouse_filter = 2
 autowrap_mode = 3
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 14
+theme_type_variation = &"CardBody"
 text = "…"
 
 [node name="Trait" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/RaceSection/Cards/Race3/Box"]
@@ -393,7 +397,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Sellsword"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling0/Box"]
@@ -407,13 +412,13 @@ text = "STR"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -438,7 +443,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Reaver"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling1/Box"]
@@ -452,13 +458,13 @@ text = "STR"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -483,7 +489,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Cutpurse"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling2/Box"]
@@ -497,13 +504,13 @@ text = "DEX"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -528,7 +535,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Trapper"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling3/Box"]
@@ -542,13 +550,13 @@ text = "DEX"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -573,7 +581,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Hedge-Mage"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling4/Box"]
@@ -587,13 +596,13 @@ text = "MAG"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -618,7 +627,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Bonesetter"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling5/Box"]
@@ -632,13 +642,13 @@ text = "FTH"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -663,7 +673,8 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 5
 layout_mode = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
 horizontal_alignment = 1
-theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 16
+theme_type_variation = &"CardTitle"
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 17
 text = "Bloodsworn"
 
 [node name="Chip" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/CallingSection/Cards/Calling6/Box"]
@@ -677,13 +688,13 @@ text = "FTH"
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
 anchors_preset = 1
-anchor_left = 0.5
-anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -33.0
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+offset_left = -74.0
 offset_top = -11.0
-offset_right = 33.0
+offset_right = -10.0
 offset_bottom = 9.0
-grow_horizontal = 2
+grow_horizontal = 0
 mouse_filter = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ChosenTag"
 text = "CHOSEN"
@@ -853,7 +864,7 @@ text = "⟳ re-roll"
 layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"Accent"
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 15
-text = "rolled 3d6 — that roll is your floor, spend up only"
+text = "rolled 3d6, never below 8 — that roll is your floor, spend up only"
 
 [node name="Cards" type="HBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -863,7 +874,7 @@ theme_override_constants/separation = 12
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 132)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
-theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentCard"
+theme_type_variation = &"AbilityCard"
 
 [node name="Box" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab0"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -906,18 +917,24 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentButton"
 text = "+"
 
-[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab0"]
+[node name="Overlay" type="Control" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab0"]
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+
+[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab0/Overlay"]
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
-anchors_preset = 1
+anchors_preset = 5
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -32.0
-offset_top = -10.0
-offset_right = 32.0
-offset_bottom = 8.0
+offset_left = -42.0
+offset_top = -26.0
+offset_right = 42.0
+offset_bottom = -6.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+vertical_alignment = 1
 theme_type_variation = &"PrimaryTag"
 text = "PRIMARY"
 
@@ -925,7 +942,7 @@ text = "PRIMARY"
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 132)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
-theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentCard"
+theme_type_variation = &"AbilityCard"
 
 [node name="Box" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab1"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -968,18 +985,24 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentButton"
 text = "+"
 
-[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab1"]
+[node name="Overlay" type="Control" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab1"]
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+
+[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab1/Overlay"]
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
-anchors_preset = 1
+anchors_preset = 5
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -32.0
-offset_top = -10.0
-offset_right = 32.0
-offset_bottom = 8.0
+offset_left = -42.0
+offset_top = -26.0
+offset_right = 42.0
+offset_bottom = -6.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+vertical_alignment = 1
 theme_type_variation = &"PrimaryTag"
 text = "PRIMARY"
 
@@ -987,7 +1010,7 @@ text = "PRIMARY"
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 132)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
-theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentCard"
+theme_type_variation = &"AbilityCard"
 
 [node name="Box" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab2"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -1030,18 +1053,24 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentButton"
 text = "+"
 
-[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab2"]
+[node name="Overlay" type="Control" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab2"]
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+
+[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab2/Overlay"]
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
-anchors_preset = 1
+anchors_preset = 5
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -32.0
-offset_top = -10.0
-offset_right = 32.0
-offset_bottom = 8.0
+offset_left = -42.0
+offset_top = -26.0
+offset_right = 42.0
+offset_bottom = -6.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+vertical_alignment = 1
 theme_type_variation = &"PrimaryTag"
 text = "PRIMARY"
 
@@ -1049,7 +1078,7 @@ text = "PRIMARY"
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 132)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
-theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentCard"
+theme_type_variation = &"AbilityCard"
 
 [node name="Box" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab3"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -1092,18 +1121,24 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentButton"
 text = "+"
 
-[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab3"]
+[node name="Overlay" type="Control" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab3"]
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+
+[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab3/Overlay"]
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
-anchors_preset = 1
+anchors_preset = 5
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -32.0
-offset_top = -10.0
-offset_right = 32.0
-offset_bottom = 8.0
+offset_left = -42.0
+offset_top = -26.0
+offset_right = 42.0
+offset_bottom = -6.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+vertical_alignment = 1
 theme_type_variation = &"PrimaryTag"
 text = "PRIMARY"
 
@@ -1111,7 +1146,7 @@ text = "PRIMARY"
 custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 132)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
-theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentCard"
+theme_type_variation = &"AbilityCard"
 
 [node name="Box" type="VBoxContainer" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab4"]
 layout_mode = 2
@@ -1154,18 +1189,24 @@ layout_mode = 2
 theme_type_variation = &"ParchmentButton"
 text = "+"
 
-[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab4"]
+[node name="Overlay" type="Control" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab4"]
+layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 2
+
+[node name="Tag" type="Label" parent="Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Cards/Ab4/Overlay"]
 visible = false
 layout_mode = 1
-anchors_preset = 1
+anchors_preset = 5
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -32.0
-offset_top = -10.0
-offset_right = 32.0
-offset_bottom = 8.0
+offset_left = -42.0
+offset_top = -26.0
+offset_right = 42.0
+offset_bottom = -6.0
 grow_horizontal = 2
 mouse_filter = 2
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+vertical_alignment = 1
 theme_type_variation = &"PrimaryTag"
 text = "PRIMARY"
 
diff --git a/client/scripts/theme/build_game_theme.gd b/client/scripts/theme/build_game_theme.gd
index 60e027e..9dd5664 100644
--- a/client/scripts/theme/build_game_theme.gd
+++ b/client/scripts/theme/build_game_theme.gd
@@ -50,6 +50,23 @@ static func build_theme() -> Theme:
 	return theme
 
 
+static func _pill(bg: Color, radius: int, margin_x: int, margin_y: int) -> StyleBoxFlat:
+	# A BADGE, not a card. _flat() bakes in the 12/6 content margin every panel and
+	# button on the sheet wants — on a 9px "PRIMARY" flag that padding is most of the
+	# control, which is what made the badge swallow the ability card's rolled value.
+	# The mock's flags are padding:2px 9px (PRIMARY) and 3px 8px (CHOSEN).
+	var s := StyleBoxFlat.new()
+	s.bg_color = bg
+	s.border_color = bg
+	s.set_border_width_all(0)
+	s.set_corner_radius_all(radius)
+	s.content_margin_left = margin_x
+	s.content_margin_right = margin_x
+	s.content_margin_top = margin_y
+	s.content_margin_bottom = margin_y
+	return s
+
+
 static func _flat(bg: Color, border: Color, width := 1, radius := 4) -> StyleBoxFlat:
 	var s := StyleBoxFlat.new()
 	s.bg_color = bg
@@ -83,6 +100,20 @@ static func _fonts(theme: Theme) -> void:
 	theme.set_font(&"font", ThemeKeys.MONO, load(MONO))
 	theme.set_font_size(&"font_size", ThemeKeys.MONO, 13)
 	theme.set_color(&"font_color", ThemeKeys.MONO, Palette.MUTED_MONO)
+	# Card type — the name + blurb inside a select-card. These sit ON PARCHMENT, so
+	# they take INK, not CREAM. Godot's built-in default Label colour is WHITE, and a
+	# Label left bare inherits it: the race and calling names shipped invisible on the
+	# parchment sheet for exactly that reason. There is no such thing as an unstyled
+	# Label on this sheet — every one of them names a role. (mock: 19px/17px #3a2f1c
+	# title, 13px italic-serif #6a5a3a blurb.)
+	theme.set_type_variation(ThemeKeys.CARD_TITLE, "Label")
+	theme.set_font(&"font", ThemeKeys.CARD_TITLE, serif)
+	theme.set_font_size(&"font_size", ThemeKeys.CARD_TITLE, 19)
+	theme.set_color(&"font_color", ThemeKeys.CARD_TITLE, Palette.INK_HEADING)
+	theme.set_type_variation(ThemeKeys.CARD_BODY, "Label")
+	theme.set_font(&"font", ThemeKeys.CARD_BODY, serif)
+	theme.set_font_size(&"font_size", ThemeKeys.CARD_BODY, 13)
+	theme.set_color(&"font_color", ThemeKeys.CARD_BODY, Palette.INK_MUTED)
 
 
 static func _title_type(theme: Theme) -> void:
@@ -231,21 +262,38 @@ static func _tags_and_primary(theme: Theme) -> void:
 	# calling's primary attribute wears. Label takes a `normal` stylebox in Godot 4.
 	var chosen := ThemeKeys.CHOSEN_TAG
 	theme.set_type_variation(chosen, "Label")
-	theme.set_stylebox(&"normal", chosen, _flat(Palette.BLOOD, Palette.BLOOD, 1, 5))
+	theme.set_stylebox(&"normal", chosen, _pill(Palette.BLOOD, 5, 8, 3))
 	theme.set_font(&"font", chosen, load(MONO))
 	theme.set_font_size(&"font_size", chosen, 10)
 	theme.set_color(&"font_color", chosen, Palette.CREAM_BRIGHT)
 
 	var primary_tag := ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_TAG
 	theme.set_type_variation(primary_tag, "Label")
-	theme.set_stylebox(&"normal", primary_tag, _flat(Palette.INK_GOLD, Palette.INK_GOLD, 1, 5))
+	theme.set_stylebox(&"normal", primary_tag, _pill(Palette.INK_GOLD, 5, 9, 2))
 	theme.set_font(&"font", primary_tag, load(MONO))
 	theme.set_font_size(&"font_size", primary_tag, 9)
 	theme.set_color(&"font_color", primary_tag, Palette.CREAM_BRIGHT)
 
+	# The ability card in both states. It is NOT a plain ParchmentCard: it wears the PRIMARY
+	# flag on its top edge, and _flat()'s 6px top margin puts the "STR" key label directly
+	# under the badge — they collided. The mock's card is padding:16px 10px 14px, and that
+	# 16px IS the headroom the badge needs. ParchmentCard cannot simply be retuned: the
+	# shell shares it, and the shell has no badge.
+	theme.set_stylebox(&"panel", ThemeKeys.ABILITY_CARD,
+		_ability_card(Palette.PARCHMENT_BORDER, 1))
+	theme.set_type_variation(ThemeKeys.ABILITY_CARD, "PanelContainer")
 	theme.set_type_variation(ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD, "PanelContainer")
 	theme.set_stylebox(&"panel", ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD,
-		_flat(Palette.PARCHMENT_CARD, Palette.INK_GOLD, 2, 12))
+		_ability_card(Palette.INK_GOLD, 2))
+
+
+static func _ability_card(border: Color, width: int) -> StyleBoxFlat:
+	var s := _flat(Palette.PARCHMENT_CARD, border, width, 12)
+	s.content_margin_top = 16
+	s.content_margin_bottom = 14
+	s.content_margin_left = 10
+	s.content_margin_right = 10
+	return s
 
 
 static func _tiles(theme: Theme) -> void:
diff --git a/client/scripts/theme/theme_keys.gd b/client/scripts/theme/theme_keys.gd
index 8bffbf6..5358793 100644
--- a/client/scripts/theme/theme_keys.gd
+++ b/client/scripts/theme/theme_keys.gd
@@ -21,6 +21,11 @@ const SKILL_CHIP := &"SkillChip"       # toggle: unpicked / picked / granted-so-
 const CHOSEN_TAG := &"ChosenTag"       # the little crimson "CHOSEN" flag
 const PRIMARY_TAG := &"PrimaryTag"     # the little gold "PRIMARY" flag
 const PRIMARY_CARD := &"PrimaryCard"   # the ability card ringed as the calling's primary
+const ABILITY_CARD := &"AbilityCard"   # ...and its UNringed state. Not ParchmentCard: the
+                                       # ability card carries a badge on its top edge and
+                                       # needs the headroom for it (mock padding-top 16 vs
+                                       # the generic card's 6), and ParchmentCard is shared
+                                       # with the shell.
 
 ## Font roles (Label type-variations carrying a font, not a stylebox). Kept
 ## separate from ALL below, which is stylebox variations + their base type only.
@@ -30,6 +35,8 @@ const MONO := &"Mono"
 const TITLE_LOGO := &"TitleLogo"
 const TITLE_KICKER := &"TitleKicker"
 const SECTION_LABEL := &"SectionLabel"
+const CARD_TITLE := &"CardTitle"   # a select-card's name, dark ink ON PARCHMENT
+const CARD_BODY := &"CardBody"     # a select-card's blurb, muted ink ON PARCHMENT
 
 ## Every FONT role + the base Control type it decorates. Deliberately NOT folded
 ## into ALL — ALL's "stylebox variations only" contract is relied on elsewhere
@@ -45,6 +52,8 @@ const FONT_ROLES := {
 	TITLE_LOGO: "Label",
 	TITLE_KICKER: "Label",
 	SECTION_LABEL: "Label",
+	CARD_TITLE: "Label",
+	CARD_BODY: "Label",
 }
 
 ## Base Control types the builder styles DIRECTLY — no set_type_variation is
@@ -79,4 +88,5 @@ const ALL := {
 	CHOSEN_TAG: "Label",
 	PRIMARY_TAG: "Label",
 	PRIMARY_CARD: "PanelContainer",
+	ABILITY_CARD: "PanelContainer",
 }
diff --git a/client/scripts/ui/creation/character_creation.gd b/client/scripts/ui/creation/character_creation.gd
index e25c363..29c0b53 100644
--- a/client/scripts/ui/creation/character_creation.gd
+++ b/client/scripts/ui/creation/character_creation.gd
@@ -258,8 +258,12 @@ func _bind_abilities() -> void:
 			int(rolled[stat]), (" +%d" % spent) if spent > 0 else ""]
 		card.get_node("Box/Buttons/Plus").disabled = not draft.can_increment(stat)
 		card.get_node("Box/Buttons/Minus").disabled = not draft.can_decrement(stat)
-		card.get_node("Tag").visible = (stat == primary)
-		card.theme_type_variation = ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD if stat == primary else ThemeKeys.PARCHMENT_CARD
+		# Overlay/Tag, not Tag: the ability card is a PanelContainer, and a Container
+		# force-fits every child it has — which stretched the badge across the card and
+		# parked it on top of the rolled value. The Control overlay is not a Container,
+		# so the badge's anchors survive and it rides the card's top edge (ADR 0001).
+		card.get_node("Overlay/Tag").visible = (stat == primary)
+		card.theme_type_variation = ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD if stat == primary else ThemeKeys.ABILITY_CARD
 
 
 func _bind_bay() -> void:
diff --git a/client/tests/unit/test_character_creation_screen.gd b/client/tests/unit/test_character_creation_screen.gd
index f5eb251..c18266a 100644
--- a/client/tests/unit/test_character_creation_screen.gd
+++ b/client/tests/unit/test_character_creation_screen.gd
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ extends "res://addons/gut/test.gd"
 
 const SCENE := "res://scenes/creation/CharacterCreation.tscn"
 const ContentDB = preload("res://scripts/content/content_db.gd")
+const NewGame = preload("res://scripts/newgame/new_game.gd")
 
 
 func _world() -> ContentDB:
@@ -592,9 +593,9 @@ func test_ability_card_surfaces_the_calling_s_primary_stat():
 		var stat: String = Attributes.IDS[i]
 		var card: PanelContainer = s._ability_cards[i]
 		var is_primary := (stat == primary)
-		assert_eq(card.get_node("Tag").visible, is_primary,
+		assert_eq(card.get_node("Overlay/Tag").visible, is_primary,
 			"%s's Tag must show only when it is the calling's primary stat" % stat)
-		var expected_variation: StringName = ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD if is_primary else ThemeKeys.PARCHMENT_CARD
+		var expected_variation: StringName = ThemeKeys.PRIMARY_CARD if is_primary else ThemeKeys.ABILITY_CARD
 		assert_eq(card.theme_type_variation, expected_variation,
 			"%s's card style must reflect whether it is the primary stat" % stat)
 
@@ -610,3 +611,151 @@ func test_pressing_enter_on_an_illegal_draft_emits_nothing():
 	s._enter.pressed.emit()
 	assert_signal_not_emitted(s, "creation_confirmed",
 		"an illegal draft must never reach creation_confirmed, even when Enter fires anyway")
+
+
+# ------------------------------------------- the screen a human actually has to read
+
+## Luminance gap a Label must clear against the surface it is drawn on. Every styled
+## Label on the sheet measures >= 0.419 (the dimmest is SectionLabel's ink); an UNSTYLED
+## Label — Godot's built-in Label colour is WHITE — measures 0.112 on parchment. The
+## threshold sits in that gap, nearer the failure so it cannot be squeaked past.
+const MIN_CONTRAST := 0.30
+
+
+func _labels_under(n: Node, out: Array = []) -> Array:
+	for c in n.get_children():
+		if c is Label:
+			out.append(c)
+		_labels_under(c, out)
+	return out
+
+
+func _laid_out() -> void:
+	## Geometry assertions are meaningless until the container tree has actually sorted.
+	## On the frame add_child() runs, a race card reports 102px wide and its autowrapped
+	## blurb reports a 2508px minimum height (one unwrapped line) — numbers that would
+	## make a size guard fail for the wrong reason, or pass for one.
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+
+
+func test_no_label_on_the_parchment_sheet_is_unreadable():
+	# The race and calling names, and the race blurbs, SHIPPED INVISIBLE: 15 Labels were
+	# left with no type-variation, so they inherited Godot's default Label colour — white
+	# — and rendered white-on-parchment. The trait line beneath them was the only readable
+	# string on the card. Nothing in the suite could see it, because every assertion was
+	# about text CONTENT, and the content was correct. It was the colour that was wrong.
+	#
+	# This is TOTAL: no Label is skipped. A Label that paints its own background (the
+	# CHOSEN / PRIMARY pills) is judged against THAT background rather than the sheet, so
+	# it is checked, not exempted — a whitelist here would be the same hole traps.md #16
+	# describes, where the guard's own `continue` covered the gap it was hunting.
+	var s := _screen()
+	var sheet: Control = s.get_node("Split/Sheet")
+	var parchment := Palette.SHEET_TOP.get_luminance()
+
+	var checked := 0
+	for lab in _labels_under(sheet):
+		var col: Color = lab.get_theme_color(&"font_color")
+		var bg := parchment
+		var surface := "the parchment sheet"
+		var sb: StyleBox = lab.get_theme_stylebox(&"normal")
+		if sb is StyleBoxFlat and (sb as StyleBoxFlat).bg_color.a > 0.0:
+			bg = (sb as StyleBoxFlat).bg_color.get_luminance()
+			surface = "its own pill"
+		checked += 1
+		assert_gt(absf(col.get_luminance() - bg), MIN_CONTRAST,
+			"'%s' (variation '%s') is unreadable on %s: text luminance %.3f vs surface %.3f" % [
+				lab.name, str(lab.theme_type_variation), surface, col.get_luminance(), bg])
+
+	# 15 Labels carried the bug. If this sweep ever walks fewer than that it has stopped
+	# reaching the cards, and a green result would mean nothing.
+	assert_gt(checked, 15, "the sweep must actually reach the sheet's labels, not an empty subtree")
+
+
+func test_the_primary_badge_rides_the_card_edge_instead_of_covering_the_roll():
+	# The ability card is a PanelContainer. A Container FORCE-FITS its children, so the
+	# badge's authored anchors were dead letters: it stretched to the card's full content
+	# width (200 of 224px) and centred itself vertically, straight across the rolled value
+	# — measured, not guessed. Nesting it under a plain Control (NOT a Container) restores
+	# absolute positioning. These three assertions are the three ways that regressed.
+	var s := _screen()
+	_complete_a_valid_draft(s)
+	await _laid_out()
+	var primary: String = Callings.primary("sellsword")
+	var i: int = Attributes.IDS.find(primary)
+	assert_gt(i, -1, "the sellsword's primary must be a real attribute, or this test proves nothing")
+
+	var card: PanelContainer = s._ability_cards[i]
+	var tag: Label = card.get_node("Overlay/Tag")
+	var value: Label = card.get_node("Box/Value")
+	assert_true(tag.visible, "the primary card must show its badge, or the geometry below is untested")
+
+	var tag_r := tag.get_global_rect()
+	var card_r := card.get_global_rect()
+	var value_r := value.get_global_rect()
+
+	assert_lt(tag_r.position.y, card_r.position.y,
+		"the badge must RIDE the card's top edge, not sit inside the card")
+	assert_lt(tag_r.size.x, card_r.size.x * 0.6,
+		"the badge is a flag, not a banner — it stretched to the card's full width (%.0f of %.0f)" % [
+			tag_r.size.x, card_r.size.x])
+	assert_false(tag_r.intersects(value_r),
+		"the badge is covering the rolled value: badge %s vs value %s" % [tag_r, value_r])
+
+
+func test_no_card_overflows_its_own_border():
+	# "+1 skill of choice" and "Claws · Keen scent" rendered BELOW the race card's bottom
+	# border: the card's height is a fixed custom_minimum_size, and its Box is anchored
+	# inside it rather than being a container child — so content CANNOT push the card
+	# taller, it just spills out. Every card must be authored tall enough for its own text.
+	var s := _screen()
+	await _laid_out()
+	var cards: Array = []
+	cards.append_array(s._race_cards)
+	cards.append_array(s._calling_cards)
+	assert_gt(cards.size(), 4, "no cards reached the sweep")
+
+	# Measure against the CARD, never against the Box's own size. Godot clamps a Control's
+	# size UP to its combined minimum, so box.size.y is forced equal to the very number it
+	# would be compared against — `needed <= box.size.y` is a tautology that stays green
+	# with the card at its original, overflowing 108px. It was written that way first and
+	# it passed against the bug it names (traps.md: a green suite is evidence only if the
+	# test can fail). The card's height is the thing the text actually spills out of.
+	for card in cards:
+		var box: VBoxContainer = card.get_node("Box")
+		var needed := box.get_combined_minimum_size().y
+		# The Box is anchored inside the card; offset_bottom is negative, so this is the
+		# card's height less its top and bottom insets.
+		var available: float = card.size.y - box.offset_top + box.offset_bottom
+		assert_lte(needed, available,
+			"'%s' overflows its card: content needs %.0fpx, the card leaves %.0fpx" % [
+				box.get_node("Name").text, needed, available])
+
+
+func test_the_hint_label_advertises_the_floor_the_roll_actually_enforces():
+	# The label used to say "rolled 3d6" and stop there, but the roll is maxi(8, 3d6)
+	# (new_game.gd) — so a player who rolled low read a label that looked like it was
+	# lying to him. The label now names the floor, and this pins it TO THE CODE.
+	#
+	# The floor is OBSERVED, never hardcoded: roll a deterministic spread of seeds and
+	# take the minimum the player can actually be dealt. Retune maxi(8, ..) to 7 and the
+	# observed floor becomes 7, the label still claims 8, and this goes red. Delete the
+	# clamp and the floor falls to 3 — red. Reword the label past the claim — red.
+	#
+	# It costs the phrase "never below N": reword that and update this string, do not
+	# delete the guard. The number must keep coming from the roll.
+	var observed_floor := 99
+	for seed_value in range(1, 201):  # deterministic — no RNG in the test itself
+		for stat in Attributes.IDS:
+			observed_floor = mini(observed_floor, int(NewGame.roll_attributes(seed_value)[stat]))
+
+	# ~16% of 3d6 lands at or under 7, so across 1000 rolls the minimum is the CLAMP,
+	# not the luck of the draw. Assert the clamp is actually binding rather than trusting
+	# that: an unclamped 3d6 reaches 3, and a floor at or below 3 would make the pin vacuous.
+	assert_true(observed_floor > 3,
+		"the roll's minimum is %d — the clamp is not binding, so the label's floor claim is a lie" % observed_floor)
+
+	var hint: Label = _screen().get_node("Split/Sheet/Body/AbilitySection/Head/Hint")
+	assert_string_contains(hint.text, "never below %d" % observed_floor)
+	assert_string_contains(hint.text, "3d6")
diff --git a/content/world/callings/cutpurse.json b/content/world/callings/cutpurse.json
index 296da5e..23013d3 100644
--- a/content/world/callings/cutpurse.json
+++ b/content/world/callings/cutpurse.json
@@ -1 +1 @@
-{ "id": "cutpurse", "name": "Cutpurse", "blurb": "Purses, locks, confidences — you have taken all three. The trick was never the hands. It was knowing which pocket was worth it.", "fragment": "quick fingers, quicker exits, and a knife for the rest." }
+{ "id": "cutpurse", "name": "Cutpurse", "blurb": "Purses, locks, confidences — you have taken all three. The trick was never the hands. It was knowing which pocket was worth it.", "fragment": "you pick your man and take what he will not miss until morning, and the towns where you picked wrong still have your description at the gate." }
diff --git a/docs/traps.md b/docs/traps.md
index 835835f..6c1f6e5 100644
--- a/docs/traps.md
+++ b/docs/traps.md
@@ -318,6 +318,52 @@ human a wall-clock timeout to even learn something is wrong.
 
 ---
 
+## 17. Asserting against a value the engine derives from the thing under test
+
+**M4-b, the F6 pass.** The race cards were authored 108px tall, and their text — the
+trait line — visibly rendered *below the card's bottom border* in the running game. The
+guard written for it read:
+
+```gdscript
+var needed := box.get_combined_minimum_size().y   # 114
+assert_lte(needed, box.size.y)                    # box.size.y is ALSO 114
+```
+
+It passed. Not against the fix — **against the bug.** The card was put back to its
+overflowing 108px and the suite stayed green, 29/29.
+
+The reason is a Godot rule that is easy to forget: **`Control.size` is clamped UP to
+`get_combined_minimum_size()`.** The `Box` is anchored inside the card, so a 108px card
+leaves it 82px of room — but the Box does not *become* 82px tall. It reports 114, its own
+minimum, and quietly overflows the card's border. So the assertion compared 114 against
+114: `needed <= box.size.y` is not a size check at all, it is `x <= x`. It could never
+have failed, for any card, at any height.
+
+**The guard:** assert against the container that actually *clips* — the card — not
+against the child, whose size the engine has already reconciled with the very number you
+are testing:
+
+```gdscript
+var available: float = card.size.y - box.offset_top + box.offset_bottom  # 82
+assert_lte(needed, available)                                            # 114 <= 82 -> RED
+```
+
+The general shape: **if the engine derives B from A, then `assert(A <= B)` is a
+tautology, not a test.** Layout, min-size, and any auto-fitted value are all A-and-B.
+Reach for a number the engine computed from a *different* source — the parent, the
+authored constant, the viewport — or the assertion is checking that arithmetic works.
+
+Related: this is trap 11's family (an assertion already true before the action ran), but
+it is worse — this one is true *by construction*, so no amount of driving state can
+redeem it.
+
+**Corollary, same fix:** geometry assertions are meaningless before the container tree has
+sorted. On the frame `add_child()` runs, a race card reports **102px** wide and its
+autowrapped blurb reports a **2508px** minimum height. `await get_tree().process_frame`
+twice, or the guard fails for a reason that has nothing to do with the bug.
+
+---
+
 ## The checklist this all reduces to
 
 - Can the new test **fail**? Re-break the code and watch it. If it can't fail, it isn't a test.
@@ -342,3 +388,8 @@ human a wall-clock timeout to even learn something is wrong.
 - Does the test **press the node** (emit the real signal), or call the handler directly?
 - Did the test **count** move by the expected amount — not just the green banner?
 - Can the test **hang** on a broken precondition? Bound every loop.
+- Is the assertion's right-hand side **derived by the engine from its left-hand side**
+  (`Control.size` vs `get_combined_minimum_size()`)? Then it is `x <= x`. Measure against
+  the parent that clips, not the child that reports.
+- Is it a **geometry** assertion? Let the container tree sort first, or it measures an
+  unlaid-out node.