diff --git a/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs b/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
index 051ff8a..b471725 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
@@ -1359,6 +1359,24 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 break;
             }
 
+            case "focus_partner":
+            {
+                Actor partner = _happinessPartner;
+                bool ok = partner != null && partner.isAlive();
+                if (ok)
+                {
+                    CameraDirector.FocusUnit(partner);
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                }
+
+                Emit(cmd, ok, detail: ok ? $"focusPartner={SafeName(partner)}" : "no partner");
+                break;
+            }
+
             case "happiness_bond_lovers":
             {
                 Actor a = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
@@ -2954,6 +2972,99 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 break;
             }
 
+            case "saga_force_admit_partner":
+            {
+                Actor partner = _happinessPartner;
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(partner);
+                bool ok = LifeSagaRoster.HarnessForceAdmit(partner);
+                if (ok)
+                {
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                }
+
+                Emit(cmd, ok, detail: $"admitPartner id={id} roster={LifeSagaRoster.Count} on={ok}");
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case "saga_note_encounters":
+            {
+                Actor a = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                Actor b = _happinessPartner;
+                int times = 3;
+                if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.value) && int.TryParse(cmd.value.Trim(), out int parsed))
+                {
+                    times = Mathf.Max(1, parsed);
+                }
+
+                bool ok = a != null && b != null && a != b;
+                if (ok)
+                {
+                    // Bypass cooldown by clearing pair cool via Clear would wipe memory - call with
+                    // distinct provenance and temporarily force by calling NoteCombatEncounter
+                    // after clearing only PairEncounterCooldown through repeated ClearSession is bad.
+                    // Use EarnRival path for rematch: clear cooldown by noting with spaced calls.
+                    for (int i = 0; i < times; i++)
+                    {
+                        LifeSagaMemory.HarnessNoteCombatEncounter(a, b, "harness_rematch:" + i);
+                    }
+
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                }
+
+                Emit(cmd, ok, detail: $"encounters={times} a={SafeName(a)} b={SafeName(b)}");
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case "saga_record_kill_partner":
+            {
+                Actor killer = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                Actor victim = _happinessPartner;
+                bool ok = killer != null && victim != null && killer != victim;
+                if (ok)
+                {
+                    LifeSagaMemory.RecordKill(killer, victim, "harness_kill");
+                    LifeSagaMemory.RecordDeath(victim, killer, "harness", "harness_death");
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                }
+
+                Emit(cmd, ok, detail: $"kill {SafeName(killer)} -> {SafeName(victim)}");
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case "interest_bind_related_partner":
+            {
+                InterestCandidate cur = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+                Actor partner = _happinessPartner;
+                bool ok = cur != null && partner != null && partner.isAlive();
+                if (ok)
+                {
+                    cur.RelatedUnit = partner;
+                    cur.RelatedId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(partner);
+                    InterestScoring.RecalcTotal(cur);
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                }
+
+                Emit(cmd, ok,
+                    detail: $"bind related={SafeName(partner)} tip={cur?.Label} score={cur?.TotalScore:0.#}");
+                break;
+            }
+
             case "saga_stamp_chapter_focus":
             {
                 Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
@@ -8476,6 +8587,60 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                     $"preferPip={LifeSagaRail.LastPreferPipVisible} want={want} activeLit={LifeSagaRail.LastActiveHighlight}";
                 break;
             }
+            case "saga_rail_involved_count":
+            {
+                LifeSagaRail.Refresh();
+                int want = 1;
+                if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.value) && int.TryParse(cmd.value.Trim(), out int parsed))
+                {
+                    want = parsed;
+                }
+
+                pass = LifeSagaRail.LastInvolvedHighlightCount >= want;
+                detail =
+                    $"involvedLit={LifeSagaRail.LastInvolvedHighlightCount} want>={want} active={LifeSagaRail.LastActiveHighlight}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "saga_rival_focus":
+            {
+                Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(focus);
+                bool want = ParseBool(cmd.value, defaultValue: true);
+                bool have = LifeSagaMemory.TryGetEarnedRival(id, out LifeSagaFact rival) && rival != null;
+                pass = have == want;
+                detail = $"rival focus={SafeName(focus)} have={have} want={want} note={rival?.Note}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "saga_crossover_focus":
+            {
+                Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(focus);
+                bool want = ParseBool(cmd.value, defaultValue: true);
+                bool have = false;
+                var facts = LifeSagaMemory.FactsFor(id);
+                for (int i = 0; i < facts.Count; i++)
+                {
+                    if (facts[i] != null && facts[i].McCrossover)
+                    {
+                        have = true;
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                pass = have == want;
+                detail = $"crossover focus={SafeName(focus)} have={have} want={want} facts={facts.Count}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "saga_combat_weight_beats_partner":
+            {
+                Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                Actor partner = _happinessPartner;
+                float wf = WorldActivityScanner.CombatFocusWeight(focus);
+                float wp = WorldActivityScanner.CombatFocusWeight(partner);
+                pass = focus != null && partner != null && wf > wp;
+                detail = $"focusW={wf:0.#} partnerW={wp:0.#} focus={SafeName(focus)} partner={SafeName(partner)}";
+                break;
+            }
             case "saga_snapshot_layout":
             {
                 int rows = LifeSagaRail.LastHoverRowCount;
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs b/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
index 6a4e747..c407a93 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
@@ -155,6 +155,22 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
                 return SagaReplaceOnDeath();
             case "saga_prefer_soft_bias":
                 return SagaPreferSoftBias();
+            case "saga_wins_moderate_gap":
+                return SagaWinsModerateGap();
+            case "saga_combat_follow_mc":
+                return SagaCombatFollowMc();
+            case "saga_cast_soft_bias":
+                return SagaCastSoftBias();
+            case "saga_cross_mc_light":
+                return SagaCrossMcLight();
+            case "saga_cross_mc_kill":
+                return SagaCrossMcKill();
+            case "saga_rival_not_single_kill":
+                return SagaRivalNotSingleKill();
+            case "saga_rival_rematch":
+                return SagaRivalRematch();
+            case "saga_prefer_cuts_ambient":
+                return SagaPreferCutsAmbient();
             case "saga_overview_has_mc":
                 return SagaOverviewHasMc();
             case "saga_snapshot_popover":
@@ -363,6 +379,14 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
             Nested("reg_story_family", "story_family_variety"),
             Nested("reg_saga_camera", "saga_camera_prefers_mc"),
             Nested("reg_saga_prefer", "saga_prefer_soft_bias"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_moderate_gap", "saga_wins_moderate_gap"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_combat_follow", "saga_combat_follow_mc"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_cast_bias", "saga_cast_soft_bias"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_cross_light", "saga_cross_mc_light"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_cross_kill", "saga_cross_mc_kill"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_rival_kill", "saga_rival_not_single_kill"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_rival_rematch", "saga_rival_rematch"),
+            Nested("reg_saga_ambient_cut", "saga_prefer_cuts_ambient"),
             Nested("reg_saga_overview", "saga_overview_has_mc"),
             Nested("reg_saga_snapshot", "saga_adaptive_dossier"),
             Nested("reg_saga_memory", "saga_memory_survives"),
@@ -2963,6 +2987,232 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
         };
     }
 
+    /// <summary>Prefer/MC tip wins when a stranger is moderately hotter (inside sagaNearTieEpsilon).</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaWinsModerateGap()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("smg0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("smg1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("smg2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("smg3", "fast_timing", value: "true"),
+            Step("smg4", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("smg5", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("smg6", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("smg7", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("smg8", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("smg9", "interest_end_session"),
+            Step("smg10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("smg11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("smg12", "assert", expect: "saga_has_focus"),
+            Step("smg13", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
+            // Stranger hotter by ~15-20 after RecalcTotal; sagaNearTieEpsilon (28) still picks MC.
+            Step("smg20", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "ModGapMc", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "smg_mc", value: "lead=event;evt=55;char=5;force=false;ttl=60"),
+            Step("smg21", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "ModGapStranger", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "smg_stranger", value: "lead=event;evt=78;char=5;force=false;ttl=60;pick=other"),
+            Step("smg22", "director_run", wait: 1.2f),
+            Step("smg23", "assert", expect: "tip_contains", value: "ModGapMc"),
+            Step("smg24", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "ModGapStranger"),
+            Step("smg90", "fast_timing", value: "false"),
+            Step("smg99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>MC CombatFocusWeight beats a non-MC partner (mid-fight follow bias).</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaCombatFollowMc()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("scf0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("scf1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("scf2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("scf3", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("scf4", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("scf5", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            // Partner first (non-MC), then admit a different focus as MC.
+            Step("scf6", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scf7", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("scf8", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("scf9", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scf10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("scf11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("scf12", "assert", expect: "saga_has_focus"),
+            Step("scf13", "assert", expect: "saga_combat_weight_beats_partner"),
+            Step("scf99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>MC lover tip beats an equal stranger tip via cast soft bias.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaCastSoftBias()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("scb0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("scb1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("scb2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("scb3", "fast_timing", value: "true"),
+            Step("scb4", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 3),
+            Step("scb5", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("scb6", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            // Remember lover candidate first, then admit a different MC and bond them.
+            Step("scb7", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scb8", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("scb9", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("scb10", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scb11", "interest_end_session"),
+            Step("scb12", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("scb13", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("scb14", "happiness_bond_lovers"),
+            Step("scb15", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
+            Step("scb20", "focus_partner"),
+            Step("scb21", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "CastLoverWin", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "scb_cast", value: "lead=event;evt=55;char=5;force=false;ttl=60"),
+            Step("scb22", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "CastStrangerLose", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "scb_stranger", value: "lead=event;evt=55;char=5;force=false;ttl=60;pick=other"),
+            Step("scb23", "director_run", wait: 1.2f),
+            Step("scb24", "assert", expect: "tip_contains", value: "CastLoverWin"),
+            Step("scb25", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "CastStrangerLose"),
+            Step("scb90", "fast_timing", value: "false"),
+            Step("scb99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Two admitted MCs on one tip light Active + Involved rail chrome.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaCrossMcLight()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("scl0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("scl1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("scl2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("scl3", "set_setting", expect: "show_dossier_caption", value: "true"),
+            Step("scl4", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("scl5", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("scl6", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("scl7", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scl8", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("scl9", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("scl10", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("scl11", "interest_end_session"),
+            Step("scl12", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("scl13", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("scl14", "saga_force_admit_partner"),
+            Step("scl15", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
+            Step("scl20", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "CrossMcTip", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "scl_tip", value: "lead=event;evt=60;char=5;force=true;ttl=60"),
+            Step("scl21", "interest_bind_related_partner"),
+            Step("scl22", "wait", wait: 0.4f),
+            Step("scl23", "assert", expect: "saga_rail_active_highlight"),
+            Step("scl24", "assert", expect: "saga_rail_involved_count", value: "1"),
+            Step("scl99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>MC kills MC → both memories hold McCrossover facts.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaCrossMcKill()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("sck0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("sck1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("sck2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("sck3", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("sck4", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("sck5", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("sck6", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("sck7", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("sck8", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("sck9", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("sck10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("sck11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("sck12", "saga_force_admit_partner"),
+            Step("sck13", "saga_record_kill_partner"),
+            Step("sck14", "assert", expect: "saga_crossover_focus"),
+            Step("sck15", "assert", expect: "saga_rival_focus", value: "false"),
+            Step("sck99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>One kill+death cycle must not earn RivalEarned.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaRivalNotSingleKill()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("srk0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("srk1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("srk2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("srk3", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("srk4", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("srk5", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("srk6", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("srk7", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("srk8", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("srk9", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("srk10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("srk11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("srk12", "saga_record_kill_partner"),
+            Step("srk13", "assert", expect: "saga_rival_focus", value: "false"),
+            Step("srk99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Threshold living rematches earn RivalEarned.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaRivalRematch()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("srr0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("srr1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("srr2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("srr3", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("srr4", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("srr5", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("srr6", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("srr7", "happiness_remember_partner"),
+            Step("srr8", "pick_unit", asset: "human", value: "other"),
+            Step("srr9", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("srr10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("srr11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("srr12", "saga_note_encounters", value: "3"),
+            Step("srr13", "assert", expect: "saga_rival_focus"),
+            Step("srr99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Prefer tip cuts an ambient/fill hold without waiting for full margin.</summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SagaPreferCutsAmbient()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("spa0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("spa1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("spa2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("spa3", "fast_timing", value: "true"),
+            Step("spa4", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 2),
+            Step("spa5", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("spa6", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("spa7", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("spa8", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("spa9", "interest_end_session"),
+            Step("spa10", "interest_saga_clear"),
+            Step("spa11", "saga_force_admit_focus"),
+            Step("spa12", "saga_prefer_focus"),
+            Step("spa13", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
+            // Low fill-band ambient tip first.
+            Step("spa20", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "AmbientFillHold", tier: "Curiosity",
+                expect: "spa_fill", value: "lead=character;evt=12;char=8;force=true;ttl=60;pick=other"),
+            Step("spa21", "director_run", wait: 0.6f),
+            Step("spa22", "assert", expect: "tip_contains", value: "AmbientFillHold"),
+            Step("spa23", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "PreferCutsAmbient", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "spa_prefer", value: "lead=event;evt=50;char=5;force=false;ttl=60"),
+            Step("spa24", "director_run", wait: 1.0f),
+            Step("spa25", "assert", expect: "tip_contains", value: "PreferCutsAmbient"),
+            Step("spa90", "fast_timing", value: "false"),
+            Step("spa99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Compact saga snapshot: admission headline, collapsible layout, structured chapters,
     /// no planner jargon / trait descs / Chronicle dumps.
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.StickyMaintain.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.StickyMaintain.cs
index 0277fa3..2fedb75 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.StickyMaintain.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.StickyMaintain.cs
@@ -585,6 +585,14 @@ public static partial class InterestDirector
 
         // Framing-only Battle↔Duel still needs story Kind sync (no SwitchTo).
         StoryPlanner.SyncActiveClimax(_current);
+
+        // Living rematch counter for rival earning (deduped inside NoteCombatEncounter).
+        // Kill/death paths must never call this.
+        if (best != null && foe != null)
+        {
+            LifeSagaMemory.NoteCombatEncounter(best, foe, "sticky_combat");
+        }
+
         return true;
     }
 
@@ -658,6 +666,28 @@ public static partial class InterestDirector
             _current.RelatedId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(held.Related);
         }
 
+        // Opposing war camps: notable rivalry when both principals are living.
+        if (_current.FollowUnit != null
+            && _current.RelatedUnit != null
+            && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_current.CorrelationKey))
+        {
+            LifeSagaMemory.NoteWarOpposition(
+                _current.FollowUnit,
+                _current.RelatedUnit,
+                _current.CorrelationKey,
+                "war_front_maintain");
+        }
+        else if (_current.FollowUnit != null
+                 && _current.RelatedUnit != null
+                 && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_current.AssetId))
+        {
+            LifeSagaMemory.NoteWarOpposition(
+                _current.FollowUnit,
+                _current.RelatedUnit,
+                _current.AssetId + ":" + _current.SubjectId,
+                "war_front_maintain");
+        }
+
         string label = EventReason.WarFront(held);
         if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(label))
         {
@@ -782,6 +812,17 @@ public static partial class InterestDirector
             _current.RelatedId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(held.Related);
         }
 
+        if (_current.FollowUnit != null
+            && _current.RelatedUnit != null
+            && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_current.CorrelationKey))
+        {
+            LifeSagaMemory.NotePlotOpposition(
+                _current.FollowUnit,
+                _current.RelatedUnit,
+                _current.CorrelationKey,
+                "plot_cell_maintain");
+        }
+
         // Plot stickies are groups only - never "Plot - Plotters (1)" / (0).
         int plotters = held.SideA != null ? Math.Max(0, held.SideA.Count) : 0;
         if (plotters < 2)
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.SwitchPolicy.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.SwitchPolicy.cs
index 568835b..a96eefc 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.SwitchPolicy.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.SwitchPolicy.cs
@@ -165,6 +165,23 @@ public static partial class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
+        // Prefer / MC: cut character-fill or soft-quiet linger without full score margin.
+        // Never weakens sticky combat, war, crisis, or short-arc hard holds.
+        if ((curFill || StoryPlanner.SoftFillQuietActive)
+            && !sticky
+            && !StoryPlanner.CrisisActive
+            && !CombatFightIsHot(_current, now)
+            && _current.Completion != InterestCompletionKind.WarFront
+            && !nextFill
+            && !IsAmbientShot(candidate)
+            && (LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesPrefer(candidate) || LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesMc(candidate)))
+        {
+            InterestDropLog.Record(
+                "saga_ambient_cut",
+                $"cur={_current.Key} next={candidate.Key}");
+            return true;
+        }
+
         // Soft family pack: yield to discrete unit events after a short hold.
         if (IsSoftStickyCluster(_current)
             && !IsSoftStickyCluster(candidate)
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
index 1537ada..cab7dd5 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
@@ -2052,6 +2052,12 @@ public static partial class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
+        // Prefer / MC life tips may reclaim the camera during soft-fill quiet.
+        if (LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesPrefer(c) || LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesMc(c))
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
         float epicFloor = InterestScoringConfig.Story.crisisDisasterStrengthMin > 0f
             ? InterestScoringConfig.Story.crisisDisasterStrengthMin
             : 95f;
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
index 4322a67..dcd23c1 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
@@ -23,6 +23,11 @@ public class ScoringModelDocument
 public class StoryWeights
 {
     public float nearTieEpsilon = 8f;
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Prefer / MC / MC-cast tips may beat a hotter stranger when the gap is below this
+    /// (wider than <see cref="nearTieEpsilon"/>).
+    /// </summary>
+    public float sagaNearTieEpsilon = 28f;
     public float causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds = 180f;
     public float causalHeatWeight = 6f;
     public float causalRelatedWeight = 3f;
@@ -41,11 +46,17 @@ public class StoryWeights
     /// <summary>Obsolete ledger bleed (CharacterLedger removed); kept for json compat.</summary>
     public float ledgerBleedVillage = 0.82f;
     /// <summary>Life-saga roster soft MC tip bonus.</summary>
-    public float sagaMcWeight = 6f;
+    public float sagaMcWeight = 12f;
     /// <summary>Extra soft bonus when the saga slot is Prefer'd.</summary>
-    public float sagaPreferWeight = 10f;
+    public float sagaPreferWeight = 16f;
     /// <summary>Extra soft bonus when the unit is a WorldBox favorite.</summary>
     public float sagaGameFavoriteWeight = 8f;
+    /// <summary>Soft bonus when tip touches an MC's story cast (lover/friend/kin/rival).</summary>
+    public float sagaCastWeight = 5f;
+    /// <summary>Extra tip bonus when subject/related/follow touch two or more roster MCs.</summary>
+    public float sagaCrossMcBonus = 6f;
+    /// <summary>Living rematch count before EarnRival (kill/death do not count).</summary>
+    public int sagaRivalEncounterThreshold = 3;
     /// <summary>Chapter starvation window before dull non-favorite MCs lose rank.</summary>
     public float sagaDullSeconds = 300f;
     /// <summary>Extra FixedDwell beat cool for family chapters (seconds, stacks with base).</summary>
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestVariety.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestVariety.cs
index 060294e..b52dd82 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestVariety.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestVariety.cs
@@ -722,34 +722,29 @@ public static class InterestVariety
             epsilon = 8f;
         }
 
+        float sagaEpsilon = InterestScoringConfig.Story.sagaNearTieEpsilon;
+        if (sagaEpsilon <= 0f)
+        {
+            sagaEpsilon = 20f;
+        }
+
+        sagaEpsilon = Mathf.Max(sagaEpsilon, epsilon);
+
+        // Large gap: take #1 unless a Prefer/MC/cast tip sits within the wider saga band.
         if (Ranked[0].TotalScore - Ranked[1].TotalScore >= epsilon)
         {
+            InterestCandidate sagaCut = PickBestSagaInBand(Ranked, Ranked.Count, sagaEpsilon);
+            if (sagaCut != null)
+            {
+                return sagaCut;
+            }
+
             return Ranked[0];
         }
 
-        // Near-tie: Prefer'd MC, then any MC, else random among top-N.
-        InterestCandidate bestSaga = null;
-        int bestRank = -1;
-        for (int i = 0; i < topN; i++)
-        {
-            if (Ranked[0].TotalScore - Ranked[i].TotalScore >= epsilon)
-            {
-                break;
-            }
-
-            int rank = LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesPrefer(Ranked[i])
-                ? 2
-                : LifeSagaRoster.TipTouchesMc(Ranked[i])
-                    ? 1
-                    : 0;
-            if (rank > bestRank)
-            {
-                bestRank = rank;
-                bestSaga = Ranked[i];
-            }
-        }
-
-        if (bestSaga != null && bestRank > 0)
+        // Near-tie: Prefer'd MC, then any MC, then MC cast, else random among top-N.
+        InterestCandidate bestSaga = PickBestSagaInBand(Ranked, topN, epsilon);
+        if (bestSaga != null)
         {
             return bestSaga;
         }
@@ -758,6 +753,47 @@ public static class InterestVariety
         return Ranked[pick];
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Prefer (3) > MC (2) > MC cast (1) among candidates within <paramref name="band"/> of #1.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static InterestCandidate PickBestSagaInBand(
+        List<InterestCandidate> ranked,
+        int limit,
+        float band)
+    {
+        if (ranked == null || ranked.Count == 0 || band < 0f)
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        int n = Mathf.Min(limit, ranked.Count);
+        float top = ranked[0].TotalScore;
+        InterestCandidate bestSaga = null;
+        int bestRank = 0;
+        for (int i = 0; i < n; i++)
+        {
+            InterestCandidate c = ranked[i];
+            if (c == null)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (top - c.TotalScore >= band)
+            {
+                break;
+            }
+
+            int rank = LifeSagaRoster.SoftBiasRank(c);
+            if (rank > bestRank)
+            {
+                bestRank = rank;
+                bestSaga = c;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return bestRank > 0 ? bestSaga : null;
+    }
+
     public static float EventShare()
     {
         if (RecentMix.Count == 0)
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaMemory.cs b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaMemory.cs
index aa623ec..bd0ee38 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaMemory.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaMemory.cs
@@ -13,18 +13,31 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
 {
     public const int MaxFactsPerLife = 48;
     public const int MaxLives = 120;
-    public const int RivalEncounterThreshold = 2;
+    /// <summary>Fallback when scoring-model omits sagaRivalEncounterThreshold.</summary>
+    public const int RivalEncounterThresholdDefault = 3;
+    private const float EncounterDedupeSeconds = 28f;
 
     private static readonly Dictionary<long, LifeSagaLifeMemory> Lives =
         new Dictionary<long, LifeSagaLifeMemory>(64);
     private static readonly Dictionary<string, int> PairEncounters =
         new Dictionary<string, int>(64);
+    private static readonly Dictionary<string, float> PairEncounterCooldown =
+        new Dictionary<string, float>(64);
     private static object _boundWorld;
     private static int _worldEpoch;
 
     public static int WorldEpoch => _worldEpoch;
     public static int LifeCount => Lives.Count;
 
+    public static int RivalEncounterThreshold
+    {
+        get
+        {
+            int t = InterestScoringConfig.Story.sagaRivalEncounterThreshold;
+            return t > 0 ? t : RivalEncounterThresholdDefault;
+        }
+    }
+
     public static void EnsureWorldBound()
     {
         object world = null;
@@ -51,6 +64,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
     {
         Lives.Clear();
         PairEncounters.Clear();
+        PairEncounterCooldown.Clear();
         _boundWorld = null;
     }
 
@@ -254,6 +268,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             MirrorToOther(fact, otherId);
         }
 
+        TryMarkMcCrossover(fact);
         return fact;
     }
 
@@ -371,8 +386,13 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             strength: 80f,
             provenance: provenance);
 
-        NoteCombatEncounter(killer, victim, provenance);
+        // Kill/death must not increment living rematch counters (single kill ≠ rival).
         TryMarkKinKillRival(killer, victim);
+        if (LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(killerId) && LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(victimId))
+        {
+            // MC slew MC: crossover stake only - not automatic RivalEarned.
+            NoteMcCrossoverHeat(killerId, victimId);
+        }
     }
 
     public static void RecordDeath(Actor victim, Actor killer, string attackType, string provenance = "die")
@@ -395,17 +415,52 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
 
         if (killer != null)
         {
-            NoteCombatEncounter(killer, victim, provenance);
+            long killerId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(killer);
+            if (LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(killerId) && LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(victimId))
+            {
+                NoteMcCrossoverHeat(killerId, victimId);
+            }
         }
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Living rematch counter. Call only while both actors are alive (sticky combat / climax).
+    /// Kill and death paths must not call this. Deduped per pair so one scrap cannot spam to threshold.
+    /// </summary>
     public static void NoteCombatEncounter(Actor a, Actor b, string provenance = "combat")
+    {
+        NoteCombatEncounterCore(a, b, provenance, bypassCooldown: false);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Harness: count distinct living rematches without waiting out the dedupe window.</summary>
+    public static void HarnessNoteCombatEncounter(Actor a, Actor b, string provenance = "harness")
+    {
+        NoteCombatEncounterCore(a, b, provenance, bypassCooldown: true);
+    }
+
+    private static void NoteCombatEncounterCore(
+        Actor a,
+        Actor b,
+        string provenance,
+        bool bypassCooldown)
     {
         if (a == null || b == null)
         {
             return;
         }
 
+        try
+        {
+            if (!a.isAlive() || !b.isAlive())
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
         long idA = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(a);
         long idB = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(b);
         if (idA == 0 || idB == 0 || idA == idB)
@@ -414,6 +469,16 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
         }
 
         string pair = PairKey(idA, idB);
+        float now = Time.unscaledTime;
+        if (!bypassCooldown
+            && PairEncounterCooldown.TryGetValue(pair, out float until)
+            && now < until)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        PairEncounterCooldown[pair] = now + EncounterDedupeSeconds;
+
         if (!PairEncounters.TryGetValue(pair, out int count))
         {
             count = 0;
@@ -431,9 +496,20 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             provenance: provenance,
             note: "x" + count);
 
-        if (count >= RivalEncounterThreshold)
+        int need = RivalEncounterThreshold;
+        bool bothMc = LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(idA) && LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(idB);
+        // MC↔MC living rematches earn rivalry one encounter sooner (still never from a single kill).
+        if (bothMc)
         {
-            EarnRival(a, b, "repeated_encounters:" + count, provenance);
+            need = Mathf.Max(2, need - 1);
+        }
+
+        if (count >= need)
+        {
+            string evidence = bothMc
+                ? "mc_rematch:" + count
+                : "repeated_encounters:" + count;
+            EarnRival(a, b, evidence, provenance);
         }
     }
 
@@ -446,7 +522,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
 
         long subjectId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(subject);
         long rivalId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(rival);
-        Record(
+        LifeSagaFact fact = Record(
             LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned,
             subject,
             rival,
@@ -454,6 +530,83 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             strength: 85f,
             provenance: provenance,
             note: evidence ?? "");
+        if (fact != null && LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(subjectId) && LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(rivalId))
+        {
+            fact.McCrossover = true;
+            NoteMcCrossoverHeat(subjectId, rivalId);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Opposing sides of the same war: durable rivalry when both units are known.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void NoteWarOpposition(
+        Actor a,
+        Actor b,
+        string warKey,
+        string provenance = "war_opposition")
+    {
+        if (a == null || b == null || string.IsNullOrEmpty(warKey))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            if (!a.isAlive() || !b.isAlive())
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        long idA = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(a);
+        long idB = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(b);
+        if (idA == 0 || idB == 0 || idA == idB)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        EarnRival(a, b, "opposed_in_war:" + warKey, provenance);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Opposing sides of the same plot: durable rivalry when both units are known.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void NotePlotOpposition(
+        Actor a,
+        Actor b,
+        string plotKey,
+        string provenance = "plot_opposition")
+    {
+        if (a == null || b == null || string.IsNullOrEmpty(plotKey))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            if (!a.isAlive() || !b.isAlive())
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        long idA = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(a);
+        long idB = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(b);
+        if (idA == 0 || idB == 0 || idA == idB)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        EarnRival(a, b, "opposed_in_plot:" + plotKey, provenance);
     }
 
     public static void RecordWar(
@@ -660,17 +813,99 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             return false;
         }
 
+        PruneStaleRivals(life);
+        LifeSagaFact bestLiving = null;
+        LifeSagaFact bestAny = null;
         for (int i = 0; i < life.Facts.Count; i++)
         {
             LifeSagaFact f = life.Facts[i];
-            if (f != null && f.Kind == LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned && f.OtherId != 0)
+            if (f == null || f.Kind != LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned || f.OtherId == 0)
             {
-                rivalFact = f;
-                return true;
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (!IsCredibleRival(f))
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (bestAny == null || f.Strength > bestAny.Strength || f.At > bestAny.At)
+            {
+                bestAny = f;
+            }
+
+            if (EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(f.OtherId) != null)
+            {
+                if (bestLiving == null || f.Strength > bestLiving.Strength || f.At > bestLiving.At)
+                {
+                    bestLiving = f;
+                }
             }
         }
 
-        return false;
+        // Cast prefers a living rival; callers that need Legacy can still read FactsFor.
+        rivalFact = bestLiving;
+        return rivalFact != null;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>True when RivalEarned evidence meets the notable bar (not a single kill-cycle).</summary>
+    public static bool IsCredibleRival(LifeSagaFact f)
+    {
+        if (f == null || f.Kind != LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        string note = f.Note ?? "";
+        string prov = f.Provenance ?? "";
+        if (IsKillCycleProvenance(prov)
+            && note.StartsWith("repeated_encounters:", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if (note.StartsWith("repeated_encounters:", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            string num = note.Substring("repeated_encounters:".Length);
+            if (int.TryParse(num, out int count) && count < RivalEncounterThreshold)
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsKillCycleProvenance(string provenance)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(provenance))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        return string.Equals(provenance, "newKillAction", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+               || string.Equals(provenance, "die", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+               || provenance.IndexOf("Kill", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+               || provenance.IndexOf("death", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0;
+    }
+
+    private static void PruneStaleRivals(LifeSagaLifeMemory life)
+    {
+        if (life?.Facts == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = life.Facts.Count - 1; i >= 0; i--)
+        {
+            LifeSagaFact f = life.Facts[i];
+            if (f != null
+                && f.Kind == LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned
+                && !IsCredibleRival(f))
+            {
+                life.Facts.RemoveAt(i);
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     public static LifeSagaFact StrongestUnresolved(long unitId)
@@ -690,7 +925,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
                 continue;
             }
 
-            if (!IsStakeWorthy(f.Kind))
+            if (!IsStakeWorthy(f))
             {
                 continue;
             }
@@ -774,6 +1009,13 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
         switch (fact.Kind)
         {
             case LifeSagaFactKind.BondFormed:
+                if (fact.McCrossover)
+                {
+                    return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                        ? "Bound to a fellow saga hero"
+                        : "Bound to fellow saga hero " + other;
+                }
+
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "Found love" : "Bound with " + other;
             case LifeSagaFactKind.BondBroken:
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "Lost a lover" : "Lost " + other;
@@ -782,10 +1024,57 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
             case LifeSagaFactKind.ParentChild:
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "A child was born" : "Child " + other;
             case LifeSagaFactKind.Kill:
+                if (fact.McCrossover)
+                {
+                    return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                        ? "Slew a fellow saga hero"
+                        : "Slew fellow saga hero " + other;
+                }
+
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "Took a life" : "Slew " + other;
             case LifeSagaFactKind.Death:
+                if (fact.McCrossover)
+                {
+                    return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                        ? "Fallen to a fellow saga hero"
+                        : "Slain by fellow saga hero " + other;
+                }
+
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "Died" : "Slain by " + other;
             case LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned:
+                if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(fact.Note))
+                {
+                    if (fact.Note.StartsWith("opposed_in_war:", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+                    {
+                        return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                            ? "Opposed in war"
+                            : "Opposed " + other + " in war";
+                    }
+
+                    if (fact.Note.StartsWith("opposed_in_plot:", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+                    {
+                        return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                            ? "Opposed in a plot"
+                            : "Opposed " + other + " in a plot";
+                    }
+
+                    if (fact.Note.StartsWith("killed_kin", StringComparison.Ordinal)
+                        || fact.Note.StartsWith("kin_slain", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+                    {
+                        return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                            ? "Blood feud over kin"
+                            : "Blood feud with " + other;
+                    }
+
+                    if (fact.Note.StartsWith("mc_rematch:", StringComparison.Ordinal)
+                        || fact.Note.StartsWith("repeated_encounters:", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+                    {
+                        return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                            ? "Clashed again and again"
+                            : "Clashed thrice with " + other;
+                    }
+                }
+
                 return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other) ? "Earned a rival" : "Rivalry with " + other;
             case LifeSagaFactKind.WarJoin:
                 return "Entered a war";
@@ -1042,7 +1331,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
 
         for (int i = 0; i < life.Facts.Count; i++)
         {
-            if (life.Facts[i] != null && !life.Facts[i].Resolved && IsStakeWorthy(life.Facts[i].Kind))
+            if (life.Facts[i] != null && !life.Facts[i].Resolved && IsStakeWorthy(life.Facts[i]))
             {
                 return 2;
             }
@@ -1066,7 +1355,22 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
         return a <= b ? a + ":" + b : b + ":" + a;
     }
 
-    private static bool IsStakeWorthy(LifeSagaFactKind kind)
+    private static bool IsStakeWorthy(LifeSagaFact fact)
+    {
+        if (fact == null)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if (fact.McCrossover)
+        {
+            return IsMcCrossoverKind(fact.Kind) || fact.Kind == LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned;
+        }
+
+        return IsStakeWorthyKind(fact.Kind);
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsStakeWorthyKind(LifeSagaFactKind kind)
     {
         switch (kind)
         {
@@ -1085,6 +1389,66 @@ public static class LifeSagaMemory
         }
     }
 
+    private static void TryMarkMcCrossover(LifeSagaFact fact)
+    {
+        if (fact == null || fact.OtherId == 0 || fact.SubjectId == 0)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (!IsMcCrossoverKind(fact.Kind))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (!LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(fact.SubjectId) || !LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(fact.OtherId))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        fact.McCrossover = true;
+        NoteMcCrossoverHeat(fact.SubjectId, fact.OtherId);
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsMcCrossoverKind(LifeSagaFactKind kind)
+    {
+        switch (kind)
+        {
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.Kill:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.Death:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.BondFormed:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.BondBroken:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.FriendFormed:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.ParentChild:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.RivalEarned:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.HardArcLove:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.HardArcGrief:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.HardArcCombat:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.HardArcWar:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.HardArcPlot:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.WarJoin:
+            case LifeSagaFactKind.PlotJoin:
+                return true;
+            default:
+                return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static void NoteMcCrossoverHeat(long a, long b)
+    {
+        if (a != 0)
+        {
+            CausalHeat.NoteFeatured(a, 1.15f);
+            LifeSagaRoster.NoteFeaturedUnit(a, 1.2f);
+        }
+
+        if (b != 0 && b != a)
+        {
+            CausalHeat.NoteFeatured(b, 1.15f);
+            LifeSagaRoster.NoteFeaturedUnit(b, 1.2f);
+        }
+    }
+
     private static bool IsLegacyWorthy(LifeSagaFactKind kind)
     {
         switch (kind)
@@ -1321,6 +1685,8 @@ public sealed class LifeSagaFact
     public string PlotKey = "";
     public bool Resolved;
     public string Note = "";
+    /// <summary>Both subject and other were roster MCs when recorded.</summary>
+    public bool McCrossover;
 }
 
 public sealed class LifeSagaLifeMemory
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRail.cs b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRail.cs
index 96134f9..f9b0fe7 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRail.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRail.cs
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
     private const float FaceRefreshSeconds = 0.28f;
 
     private static readonly List<LifeSagaSlot> SlotScratch = new List<LifeSagaSlot>(MaxSlots);
+    private static readonly List<long> InvolvedScratch = new List<long>(8);
     private static readonly Slot[] Slots = new Slot[MaxSlots];
     private static GameObject _row;
     private static RectTransform _rowRt;
@@ -32,6 +33,9 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
     /// <summary>Harness: true when the watched MC slot used Active (not Prefer) chrome.</summary>
     public static bool LastActiveHighlight { get; private set; }
 
+    /// <summary>Harness: count of Involved (non-follow) MC glyphs lit on last Refresh.</summary>
+    public static int LastInvolvedHighlightCount { get; private set; }
+
     /// <summary>Harness: Prefer pip visible on first Prefer'd slot.</summary>
     public static bool LastPreferPipVisible { get; private set; }
 
@@ -132,6 +136,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
         LastShownCount = 0;
         LastTipSample = "";
         LastActiveHighlight = false;
+        LastInvolvedHighlightCount = 0;
         LastPreferPipVisible = false;
         LastHoverRowCount = 0;
         LastHoverHeight = 0f;
@@ -175,7 +180,12 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
         LifeSagaRoster.Tick(now);
         SlotScratch.Clear();
         LifeSagaRoster.CopySlots(SlotScratch);
-        string fp = Fingerprint(SlotScratch);
+        long watchId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(
+            MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null);
+        InvolvedScratch.Clear();
+        InterestCandidate tip = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+        LifeSagaRoster.CollectTouchedMcIds(tip, InvolvedScratch);
+        string fp = Fingerprint(SlotScratch, watchId, InvolvedScratch);
         bool structureChanged = !string.Equals(fp, _fingerprint, StringComparison.Ordinal)
                                 || LifeSagaRoster.Dirty;
         bool facesDue = now >= _nextFaceRefreshAt;
@@ -191,9 +201,8 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
             LastShownCount = 0;
             LastTipSample = "";
             LastActiveHighlight = false;
+            LastInvolvedHighlightCount = 0;
             LastPreferPipVisible = false;
-            long watchId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(
-                MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null);
             float x = 0f;
             for (int i = 0; i < Slots.Length; i++)
             {
@@ -208,6 +217,7 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
 
                 LifeSagaSlot saga = SlotScratch[i];
                 bool watching = watchId != 0 && watchId == saga.UnitId;
+                bool involved = !watching && IsInvolved(saga.UnitId);
                 bool prefer = saga.Prefer || saga.GameFavorite;
                 slot.UnitId = saga.UnitId;
                 ApplyFace(slot, saga);
@@ -226,6 +236,12 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
                     slot.Bg.color = HudTheme.ValueOrange;
                     LastActiveHighlight = true;
                 }
+                else if (involved)
+                {
+                    // Softer gold - second saga lit while another MC is followed.
+                    slot.Bg.color = new Color(0.92f, 0.72f, 0.28f, 0.92f);
+                    LastInvolvedHighlightCount++;
+                }
                 else if (prefer)
                 {
                     slot.Bg.color = new Color(0.45f, 0.38f, 0.22f, 0.95f);
@@ -581,12 +597,37 @@ public static class LifeSagaRail
         return "?";
     }
 
-    private static string Fingerprint(List<LifeSagaSlot> board)
+    private static bool IsInvolved(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < InvolvedScratch.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (InvolvedScratch[i] == unitId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    private static string Fingerprint(List<LifeSagaSlot> board, long watchId, List<long> involved)
     {
         var sb = new StringBuilder();
-        long watchId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(
-            MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null);
         sb.Append(watchId).Append('|');
+        if (involved != null)
+        {
+            for (int i = 0; i < involved.Count; i++)
+            {
+                sb.Append('i').Append(involved[i]).Append(',');
+            }
+        }
+
+        sb.Append('|');
         for (int i = 0; i < board.Count; i++)
         {
             LifeSagaSlot s = board[i];
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRoster.cs b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRoster.cs
index 8f70c89..56076f8 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRoster.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Story/LifeSagaRoster.cs
@@ -273,46 +273,58 @@ public static class LifeSagaRoster
         }
 
         StoryWeights sw = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
-        float mc = sw.sagaMcWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaMcWeight : 6f;
-        float prefer = sw.sagaPreferWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaPreferWeight : 10f;
+        float mc = sw.sagaMcWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaMcWeight : 12f;
+        float prefer = sw.sagaPreferWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaPreferWeight : 16f;
         float fav = sw.sagaGameFavoriteWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaGameFavoriteWeight : 8f;
+        float cast = sw.sagaCastWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaCastWeight : 5f;
+        float cross = sw.sagaCrossMcBonus > 0f ? sw.sagaCrossMcBonus : 6f;
 
-        float best = BonusForUnit(c.SubjectId, mc, prefer, fav);
+        float best = BonusForUnit(c.SubjectId, mc, prefer, fav, cast);
         if (c.RelatedId != 0)
         {
-            best = Mathf.Max(best, BonusForUnit(c.RelatedId, mc, prefer, fav) * 0.85f);
+            best = Mathf.Max(best, BonusForUnit(c.RelatedId, mc, prefer, fav, cast) * 0.85f);
         }
 
         long followId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(c.FollowUnit);
         if (followId != 0 && followId != c.SubjectId && followId != c.RelatedId)
         {
-            best = Mathf.Max(best, BonusForUnit(followId, mc, prefer, fav));
+            best = Mathf.Max(best, BonusForUnit(followId, mc, prefer, fav, cast));
         }
 
-        float cap = Mathf.Max(prefer, fav) + mc;
+        if (CountTouchedMcs(c) >= 2)
+        {
+            best += cross;
+        }
+
+        float cap = Mathf.Max(prefer, fav) + mc + cross;
         return Mathf.Min(best, cap);
     }
 
-    private static float BonusForUnit(long unitId, float mc, float prefer, float fav)
+    private static float BonusForUnit(long unitId, float mc, float prefer, float fav, float cast)
     {
-        LifeSagaSlot s = Get(unitId);
-        if (s == null)
+        if (unitId == 0)
         {
             return 0f;
         }
 
-        float bonus = mc;
-        if (s.Prefer)
+        LifeSagaSlot s = Get(unitId);
+        if (s != null)
         {
-            bonus += prefer;
+            float bonus = mc;
+            if (s.Prefer)
+            {
+                bonus += prefer;
+            }
+
+            if (s.GameFavorite)
+            {
+                bonus += fav;
+            }
+
+            return bonus;
         }
 
-        if (s.GameFavorite)
-        {
-            bonus += fav;
-        }
-
-        return bonus;
+        return IsMcCast(unitId) ? cast : 0f;
     }
 
     /// <summary>Among candidates, pick Prefer'd MC, else any MC, else null.</summary>
@@ -390,12 +402,208 @@ public static class LifeSagaRoster
         return IsPrefer(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(c.FollowUnit));
     }
 
-    /// <summary>Near-tie breaker: Prefer > MC > neither.</summary>
+    public static bool TipTouchesMcCast(InterestCandidate c)
+    {
+        if (c == null)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if (IsMcCast(c.SubjectId) || IsMcCast(c.RelatedId))
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return IsMcCast(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(c.FollowUnit));
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Prefer=3, MC=2, MC cast=1, else 0.</summary>
+    public static int SoftBiasRank(InterestCandidate c)
+    {
+        if (c == null)
+        {
+            return 0;
+        }
+
+        if (TipTouchesPrefer(c))
+        {
+            return 3;
+        }
+
+        if (TipTouchesMc(c))
+        {
+            return 2;
+        }
+
+        return TipTouchesMcCast(c) ? 1 : 0;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>True when unit is in a roster MC's live story orbit (not themselves an MC).</summary>
+    public static bool IsMcCast(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0 || IsMc(unitId))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < Slots.Count; i++)
+        {
+            LifeSagaSlot slot = Slots[i];
+            if (slot == null || slot.UnitId == 0 || slot.UnitId == unitId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (IsInMcOrbit(slot.UnitId, unitId))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>Near-tie breaker: Prefer > MC > MC cast > neither.</summary>
     public static int CompareSoftBias(InterestCandidate a, InterestCandidate b)
     {
-        int ap = TipTouchesPrefer(a) ? 2 : TipTouchesMc(a) ? 1 : 0;
-        int bp = TipTouchesPrefer(b) ? 2 : TipTouchesMc(b) ? 1 : 0;
-        return bp.CompareTo(ap);
+        return SoftBiasRank(b).CompareTo(SoftBiasRank(a));
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Roster MCs touched by the tip for rail involved chrome.
+    /// Bounded to subject/related/follow/pair/short-arc cast - not mass ParticipantIds.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void CollectTouchedMcIds(InterestCandidate tip, List<long> dest)
+    {
+        if (dest == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        dest.Clear();
+        if (tip == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        void Add(long id)
+        {
+            if (id == 0 || !IsMc(id))
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            for (int i = 0; i < dest.Count; i++)
+            {
+                if (dest[i] == id)
+                {
+                    return;
+                }
+            }
+
+            dest.Add(id);
+        }
+
+        Add(tip.SubjectId);
+        Add(tip.RelatedId);
+        Add(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(tip.FollowUnit));
+        Add(tip.PairOwnerId);
+        Add(tip.PairPartnerId);
+        Add(tip.TheaterLeadId);
+
+        StoryArc arc = StoryPlanner.Active;
+        if (arc?.CastIds != null)
+        {
+            for (int i = 0; i < arc.CastIds.Count; i++)
+            {
+                Add(arc.CastIds[i]);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    public static int CountTouchedMcs(InterestCandidate tip)
+    {
+        if (tip == null)
+        {
+            return 0;
+        }
+
+        int n = 0;
+        long a = tip.SubjectId;
+        long b = tip.RelatedId;
+        long f = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(tip.FollowUnit);
+        if (IsMc(a))
+        {
+            n++;
+        }
+
+        if (b != 0 && b != a && IsMc(b))
+        {
+            n++;
+        }
+
+        if (f != 0 && f != a && f != b && IsMc(f))
+        {
+            n++;
+        }
+
+        return n;
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsInMcOrbit(long mcId, long otherId)
+    {
+        if (mcId == 0 || otherId == 0 || mcId == otherId)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        Actor mc = EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(mcId);
+        if (mc != null)
+        {
+            Actor lover = ActorRelation.GetLover(mc);
+            if (lover != null && EventFeedUtil.SafeId(lover) == otherId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            Actor friend = ActorRelation.GetBestFriend(mc);
+            if (friend != null && EventFeedUtil.SafeId(friend) == otherId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            try
+            {
+                foreach (Actor parent in ActorRelation.EnumerateParents(mc, 2))
+                {
+                    if (EventFeedUtil.SafeId(parent) == otherId)
+                    {
+                        return true;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                foreach (Actor child in ActorRelation.EnumerateChildren(mc, 4))
+                {
+                    if (EventFeedUtil.SafeId(child) == otherId)
+                    {
+                        return true;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            catch
+            {
+                // ignore relation probe failures
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (LifeSagaMemory.TryGetEarnedRival(mcId, out LifeSagaFact rival)
+            && rival != null
+            && rival.OtherId == otherId)
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
     }
 
     public static void StampChapter(long unitId, string line, float now = -1f)
@@ -609,6 +817,17 @@ public static class LifeSagaRoster
         }
     }
 
+    /// <summary>Soft heat bump for an existing roster MC (cross-MC moments).</summary>
+    public static void NoteFeaturedUnit(long unitId, float heat = 1f)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        NoteUnit(unitId, heat, Time.unscaledTime);
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Challenge Cap with a living unit. Admission roles always may compete;
     /// nobodies only when <paramref name="hardArcAdmit"/> (hard-arc chapter path).
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/WorldActivityScanner.cs b/IdleSpectator/WorldActivityScanner.cs
index 3b52160..b59692f 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/WorldActivityScanner.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/WorldActivityScanner.cs
@@ -640,6 +640,25 @@ public static class WorldActivityScanner
             weight += Mathf.Max(35f, spectacle);
         }
 
+        // Soft saga bias: Prefer/MC beat ordinary notables in the same scrap; spectacle still wins.
+        long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(actor);
+        StoryWeights sw = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        if (LifeSagaRoster.IsPrefer(id))
+        {
+            float prefer = sw.sagaPreferWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaPreferWeight : 16f;
+            weight += Mathf.Max(18f, prefer);
+        }
+        else if (LifeSagaRoster.IsMc(id))
+        {
+            float mc = sw.sagaMcWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaMcWeight : 12f;
+            weight += Mathf.Max(12f, mc);
+        }
+        else if (LifeSagaRoster.IsMcCast(id))
+        {
+            float cast = sw.sagaCastWeight > 0f ? sw.sagaCastWeight : 5f;
+            weight += Mathf.Max(6f, cast);
+        }
+
         return weight;
     }
 
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/mod.json b/IdleSpectator/mod.json
index e1e6fe5..7b70e39 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/mod.json
+++ b/IdleSpectator/mod.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "IdleSpectator",
   "author": "dazed",
-  "version": "0.29.53",
+  "version": "0.29.57",
   "description": "AFK Idle Spectator (I) + Lore (L). Killer button retargets dossier to the killer.",
   "GUID": "com.dazed.idlespectator"
 }
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json b/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json
index 031b28d..7c405c4 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json
+++ b/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json
@@ -116,6 +116,7 @@
 
   "story": {
     "nearTieEpsilon": 8,
+    "sagaNearTieEpsilon": 28,
     "causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds": 180,
     "causalHeatWeight": 6,
     "causalRelatedWeight": 3,
@@ -131,9 +132,12 @@
     "historyDensityWindowSeconds": 600,
     "ledgerBleedLifeChapter": 0.4,
     "ledgerBleedVillage": 0.82,
-    "sagaMcWeight": 6,
-    "sagaPreferWeight": 10,
+    "sagaMcWeight": 12,
+    "sagaPreferWeight": 16,
     "sagaGameFavoriteWeight": 8,
+    "sagaCastWeight": 5,
+    "sagaCrossMcBonus": 6,
+    "sagaRivalEncounterThreshold": 3,
     "sagaDullSeconds": 300,
     "familyLifeBeatCooldownSeconds": 90,
     "crisisWarParticipantMin": 8,
diff --git a/docs/life-saga.md b/docs/life-saga.md
index 8c5d2e8..e2aa557 100644
--- a/docs/life-saga.md
+++ b/docs/life-saga.md
@@ -44,18 +44,23 @@ Hard-arc admissions also retain the arc kind and chapter context that brought th
 ## Camera (soft)
 
 - No rail camera lock. Prefer is a toggle soft-favorite for idle scoring.
-- Score ladder: crisis ownership > active short-arc ownership > Prefer soft > MC soft > CausalHeat.
-- Near-ties prefer Prefer'd MCs, then any MC.
-- Ambient fill prefers roster MCs over random villagers.
+- Score ladder: crisis ownership > active short-arc ownership > Prefer soft > MC soft > MC cast > CausalHeat.
+- `nearTieEpsilon` (8) picks #1 for ordinary gaps; Prefer/MC/cast may still win within `sagaNearTieEpsilon` (28).
+- Soft ranks: Prefer > MC > MC cast (lover/friend/kin/earned rival of a roster MC).
+- Tips that touch two or more roster MCs get `sagaCrossMcBonus`.
+- Mid-fight follow uses Prefer/MC/cast soft weight in `CombatFocusWeight` (spectacle floors can still win).
+- Ambient / character-fill yields immediately to Prefer/MC tips (not vs crisis/combat/short-arc holds).
+- Soft-fill quiet still suppresses anonymous crumbs; Prefer/MC tips may break quiet.
 - Glyph hover acquires a camera read-pause lease: feeds/story/roster continue, but selection and focus repair are deferred until release.
 
 ## Rail UX
 
 - Up to 10 slots with live inspect-UI sprites (refreshed ~3x/sec for animation frames).
 - Egg forms and tiny/blank atlas crops fall back to the species icon (letter last).
-- Active chrome = camera follow only; Prefer uses a star pip / distinct border.
+- Active chrome = camera follow MC; Involved chrome = other tip-touched MCs (subject/related/follow/pair/short-arc cast only - not mass `ParticipantIds`).
+- Prefer uses a star pip / distinct border.
 - Click toggles saga Prefer (does not mutate WorldBox unit favorite).
-- While on the **Saga** tab, click also pins that life as the persistent Saga subject.
+- While on the **Saga** tab, click also pins that life as the persistent Saga subject (panel only; director bias stays Prefer/MC/cast).
 - Tabs sit above the cast rail; the rail is a **horizontal strip under the tabs** so Dossier↔Saga body swaps cannot move the glyphs.
 - **Dossier** shows the watched unit dossier; **Saga** shows the adaptive saga panel for the watched MC when on the roster.
 - If the watched unit is not an MC and nothing is pinned, Saga shows an empty *Pick a life from the rail* state (never a stale first-roster filler).
@@ -71,15 +76,29 @@ Hard-arc admissions also retain the arc kind and chapter context that brought th
 - Body height sizes to content up to a cap; Legacy beats stack as separate lines (no · soup).
 - Dossier story spine (`Kind · Phase`) is hidden when the orange reason already names the same kind and phase is Climax.
 - Never show live task/status/trait rows or call a live attack target a rival.
-- Earned rivals require memory evidence (repeated encounters, kin kills, war/plot opposition).
+
+## Earned rivals
+
+Notable only:
+
+- Living rematches (≥ `sagaRivalEncounterThreshold`, default 3) while both are alive (sticky combat hook; kill/death do not count).
+- Kin blood (`killed_kin` / `kin_slain`).
+- War / plot opposition (opposing principals on the same war/plot tip).
+- MC↔MC living rematches earn rivalry one encounter sooner; a single MC kill is crossover Legacy, not automatic RivalEarned.
+- Cast shows living credible rivals only; weak kill-cycle `repeated_encounters` facts are pruned.
 - Likely succession is omitted unless a game-authored heir API probe succeeds.
 - Pack / kin lenses fill remaining Cast slots with live family peers (`Packmate` / `Kin`) after lover/friend/parents/children/heir/rival.
 
+## Cross-MC moments
+
+When subject and other are both roster MCs, facts are flagged `McCrossover` (named stake/legacy prose + heat on both).
+Both rail glyphs light (Active + Involved) when the current tip touches multiple MCs.
+
 ## Soft-fill quiet (AFK hygiene)
 
 After hard story/crisis closers, soft-fill quiet suppresses soft-life crumbs and short interrupt FX (`stunned` / `invincible`).
 `FamilyPack` does not break quiet (ambient cluster fill).
-Combat / war / plot / outbreak / earthquake / story beats / epic strength still cut in.
+Combat / war / plot / outbreak / earthquake / story beats / epic strength / Prefer/MC still cut in.
 Quiet can refresh briefly when a soft crumb ends (bounded).
 
 ## Session
@@ -93,6 +112,14 @@ Quiet can refresh briefly when a soft crumb ends (bounded).
 - `saga_roster_diversity`
 - `saga_camera_prefers_mc`
 - `saga_prefer_soft_bias`
+- `saga_wins_moderate_gap`
+- `saga_combat_follow_mc`
+- `saga_cast_soft_bias`
+- `saga_cross_mc_light`
+- `saga_cross_mc_kill`
+- `saga_rival_not_single_kill`
+- `saga_rival_rematch`
+- `saga_prefer_cuts_ambient`
 - `saga_overview_has_mc`
 - `saga_adaptive_dossier`
 - `saga_memory_survives`
diff --git a/docs/scoring-model.md b/docs/scoring-model.md
index f2776ee..25fda57 100644
--- a/docs/scoring-model.md
+++ b/docs/scoring-model.md
@@ -35,4 +35,12 @@ Live combat holds the camera until the scrap goes cold (see who wins); variety p
 
 Edit the `weights` block in scoring-model.json to change live scoring formula knobs.
 
+Edit the `story` block for StoryPlanner / life-saga soft bias:
+
+- `nearTieEpsilon` / `sagaNearTieEpsilon` - ordinary vs Prefer/MC/cast pick bands
+- `sagaMcWeight` / `sagaPreferWeight` / `sagaCastWeight` / `sagaCrossMcBonus` - tip score soft bias
+- `sagaRivalEncounterThreshold` - living rematches before EarnRival
+
 Edit event-catalog.json to change what each event is worth and what it says.
+
+See also: [life-saga.md](life-saga.md), [story-planner.md](story-planner.md).
diff --git a/docs/story-planner.md b/docs/story-planner.md
index f902e31..33d03e1 100644
--- a/docs/story-planner.md
+++ b/docs/story-planner.md
@@ -174,8 +174,10 @@ short interrupt FX (`stunned` / `invincible`), and character-fill ambient briefl
 ## Selection discipline
 
 - `InterestVariety.Pick` takes `#1` when score gap ≥ `story.nearTieEpsilon` (default 8).
-- Near-ties still roll among top-3.
-- Causal heat + life-saga Prefer/MC soft bias add into `RecalcTotal`.
+- Prefer / MC / MC-cast tips may still win when the gap is below `story.sagaNearTieEpsilon` (default 28).
+- Near-ties among peers still Prefer > MC > cast, else roll among top-3.
+- Causal heat + life-saga Prefer/MC/cast soft bias + cross-MC bonus add into `RecalcTotal`.
+- See [life-saga.md](life-saga.md) for camera / rival / dual-rail contracts.
 
 ## Knobs