diff --git a/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs b/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
index 4b08c58..303dfab 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs
@@ -3800,7 +3800,8 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                     {
                         DiscreteEventEntry spellEntry = EventCatalog.Spell.GetOrFallback(id);
                         key = "spell:" + spellEntry.Id + ":" + EventFeedUtil.SafeId(unit);
-                        label = spellEntry.MakeLabel(EventFeedUtil.SafeName(unit), "");
+                        // Match live DeferredInterestFeed (EventReason.Library), not raw template {id}.
+                        label = EventReason.Library(unit, "spell", spellEntry.Id);
                         strength = spellEntry.EventStrength;
                         category = spellEntry.Category;
                         source = "spell";
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/CameraAInventoryHarness.cs b/IdleSpectator/CameraAInventoryHarness.cs
index d929bba..4bbee13 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/CameraAInventoryHarness.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/CameraAInventoryHarness.cs
@@ -243,6 +243,16 @@ public static class CameraAInventoryHarness
             return "deny_plot_intent";
         }
 
+        if (s.Contains("start_new_civilization")
+            || s.Contains("start_new_civ")
+            || s.Contains("build_civ_city")
+            || s.Contains("city_foundation")
+            || s == "claim_land"
+            || s.StartsWith("claim_land_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            return "deny_genesis_intent";
+        }
+
         if (s.Contains("idle")
             || s.Contains("walking")
             || s.Contains("check")
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Decision.cs b/IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Decision.cs
index ab5f7d3..143ff63 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Decision.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Decision.cs
@@ -100,14 +100,14 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
 
             string s = id.ToLowerInvariant();
 
-            // Intent-only: setDecisionCooldown fires before a Plot exists (and often never does).
-            // Real plot tips come from PlotInterestFeed / live World.plots.
-            if (s == "try_new_plot" || s.StartsWith("try_new_plot_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+            // Intent-only: setDecisionCooldown fires before the outcome exists.
+            // Plots → PlotInterestFeed; city/civ founding → MetaEventPatches (new_city / new_kingdom).
+            if (IsIntentOnlyGenesisDecision(s))
             {
                 return false;
             }
 
-            // Daily AI / check ticks. Foundation checks stay eligible for Signal tokens.
+            // Daily AI / check ticks.
             if (IsFluffDecision(s))
             {
                 return false;
@@ -124,8 +124,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                    || s.Contains("declare")
                    || s.Contains("invade")
                    || s.Contains("siege")
-                   || s.Contains("found")
-                   || s.Contains("city_foundation")
                    || s.Contains("army")
                    || s.Contains("lover")
                    || s.Contains("plot")
@@ -140,9 +138,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                    || s.Contains("have_child")
                    || s.Contains("birth")
                    || s.Contains("reproduction")
-                   || s.Contains("civilization")
-                   || s.Contains("civ_city")
-                   || s.Contains("claim_land")
                    || s.Contains("golden_brain")
                    || s.Contains("make_skeleton")
                    || s.Contains("soul_harvest")
@@ -157,9 +152,35 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
         }
 
         /// <summary>
-        /// Pure AI ticks / daily fluff. Not story beats.
-        /// <c>city_foundation</c> checks are excluded so kings can Signal founding intent.
+        /// Decision cooldown is AI intent, not the world outcome.
+        /// Real camera tips come from plot / meta genesis feeds after confirm.
         /// </summary>
+        private static bool IsIntentOnlyGenesisDecision(string s)
+        {
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(s))
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            if (s == "try_new_plot" || s.StartsWith("try_new_plot_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            if (s.Contains("start_new_civilization")
+                || s.Contains("start_new_civ")
+                || s.Contains("build_civ_city")
+                || s.Contains("city_foundation")
+                || s == "claim_land"
+                || s.StartsWith("claim_land_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>Pure AI ticks / daily fluff. Not story beats.</summary>
         private static bool IsFluffDecision(string s)
         {
             if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(s))
@@ -167,11 +188,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 return true;
             }
 
-            if (s.Contains("city_foundation"))
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-
             if (s.StartsWith("check_", StringComparison.Ordinal)
                 || s.Contains("_check_")
                 || s.EndsWith("_check", StringComparison.Ordinal))
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Events/DiscreteEventEntry.cs b/IdleSpectator/Events/DiscreteEventEntry.cs
index 2ccc01e..17959c6 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Events/DiscreteEventEntry.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Events/DiscreteEventEntry.cs
@@ -20,12 +20,27 @@ public sealed class DiscreteEventEntry
 
     public string MakeLabel(Actor a, Actor b = null)
     {
+        string template = LabelTemplate ?? "";
+        if (template.IndexOf("casts {id}", System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || template.IndexOf("casts {ID}", System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            string an = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(a);
+            string obj = EventReason.SpellCastObject(Id);
+            return (string.IsNullOrEmpty(an) ? "Someone" : an) + " casts " + obj;
+        }
+
         return EventReason.Apply(LabelTemplate, a, b, Id);
     }
 
     public string MakeLabel(string a, string b)
     {
         string template = string.IsNullOrEmpty(LabelTemplate) ? "{id}" : LabelTemplate;
+        if (template.IndexOf("casts {id}", System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            string an = string.IsNullOrEmpty(a) ? "Someone" : a;
+            return an + " casts " + EventReason.SpellCastObject(Id);
+        }
+
         string displayId = string.IsNullOrEmpty(Id) ? "" : EventReason.HumanizeId(Id);
         return template
             .Replace("{id}", displayId)
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Events/EventReason.cs b/IdleSpectator/Events/EventReason.cs
index 2ded309..c3bfc78 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Events/EventReason.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Events/EventReason.cs
@@ -914,7 +914,12 @@ public static class EventReason
         switch (k)
         {
             case "spell":
-                return hasActor ? an + " casts " + id : id + " is cast";
+            {
+                // Locale / humanize often keep a leading "Cast"/"Summon"; strip so we never
+                // emit "casts Cast Blood Rain" or "casts Summon Lightning".
+                string spellObject = SpellCastObject(assetId, id);
+                return hasActor ? an + " casts " + spellObject : spellObject + " is cast";
+            }
             case "item":
                 return hasActor
                     ? an + " " + LibraryAssetNames.ItemVerb(assetId) + " " + id
@@ -1056,6 +1061,60 @@ public static class EventReason
         return sb.ToString();
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Mid-sentence spell object after "casts …" - never repeats Cast/Summon from the asset name.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static string SpellCastObject(string spellId, string displayFallback = "")
+    {
+        string raw = (spellId ?? "").Trim().ToLowerInvariant().Replace('-', '_');
+        string core = raw;
+        if (core.StartsWith("cast_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            core = core.Substring(5);
+        }
+        else if (core.StartsWith("summon_", StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            core = core.Substring(7);
+        }
+
+        string fromDisplay = StripLeadingCastVerb(displayFallback);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(fromDisplay) && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(spellId))
+        {
+            fromDisplay = StripLeadingCastVerb(LibraryAssetNames.DisplayName("spell", spellId));
+        }
+
+        string phrase = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(fromDisplay)
+            ? fromDisplay
+            : HumanizeId(core);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(phrase))
+        {
+            phrase = "a spell";
+        }
+
+        return phrase.ToLowerInvariant();
+    }
+
+    private static string StripLeadingCastVerb(string display)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(display))
+        {
+            return "";
+        }
+
+        string d = display.Trim();
+        if (d.StartsWith("Cast ", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            return d.Substring(5).Trim();
+        }
+
+        if (d.StartsWith("Summon ", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            return d.Substring(7).Trim();
+        }
+
+        return d;
+    }
+
     private static string NameOrSomeone(Actor a)
     {
         string n = Name(a);
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/Events/Patches/MetaEventPatches.cs b/IdleSpectator/Events/Patches/MetaEventPatches.cs
index 50c1265..183b885 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/Events/Patches/MetaEventPatches.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/Events/Patches/MetaEventPatches.cs
@@ -75,7 +75,8 @@ public static class MetaEventPatches
     [HarmonyPostfix]
     public static void PostfixNewCity(City __result)
     {
-        EmitNew("new_city", "Politics", 74f, __result, "city");
+        // Outcome tip (decision intent like build_civ_city_here is Layer B).
+        EmitNew("new_city", "Politics", 86f, __result, "city");
     }
 
     [HarmonyPatch(typeof(KingdomManager), nameof(KingdomManager.makeNewCivKingdom))]
@@ -93,10 +94,11 @@ public static class MetaEventPatches
             return;
         }
 
+        // Outcome tip (try_to_start_new_civilization decision intent is Layer B).
         MetaInterestFeed.EmitMeta(
             "new_kingdom",
             "Politics",
-            82f,
+            92f,
             anchor,
             EventReason.MetaNew(anchor, "kingdom"));
     }
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs b/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
index 3a5d695..35c380f 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/HarnessScenarios.cs
@@ -59,6 +59,9 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
             case "sticky_variety_valve":
             case "variety_valve":
                 return StickyVarietyValve();
+            case "soft_duel_yield":
+            case "duel_yield":
+                return SoftDuelYield();
             case "war_front_sticky":
             case "war_sticky":
                 return WarFrontSticky();
@@ -215,6 +218,7 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
             Nested("reg_director_gaps", "director_gaps"),
             Nested("reg_action_priority", "director_action_priority"),
             Nested("reg_variety_valve", "sticky_variety_valve"),
+            Nested("reg_soft_duel_yield", "soft_duel_yield"),
             Nested("reg_combat_stability", "combat_stability_live"),
             Nested("reg_discovery", "discovery"),
             Nested("reg_worldlog", "world_log"),
@@ -1335,7 +1339,7 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
             Step("sv22", "assert", expect: "tip_matches_any", value: "Skirmish -|Battle -|Mass -"),
             Step("sv22b", "combat_wire_attack_sides", asset: "human", value: "wolf"),
             Step("sv22c", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
-            Step("sv23", "age_current", wait: 21f),
+            Step("sv23", "age_current", wait: 17f),
             Step("sv24", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "falls in love", tier: "Action",
                 expect: "valve_lover", value: "lead=event;evt=78;char=10;force=false;ttl=60"),
             Step("sv24b", "assert", expect: "pending_contains", value: "valve_lover"),
@@ -1349,6 +1353,53 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
         };
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Anonymous pair Duels are soft sticky: after a short hold, a Story/lover peer may cut in
+    /// without needing Mass-tier sticky margin.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static List<HarnessCommand> SoftDuelYield()
+    {
+        return new List<HarnessCommand>
+        {
+            Step("sd0", "dismiss_windows"),
+            Step("sd1", "wait_world"),
+            Step("sd2", "set_setting", expect: "enabled", value: "true"),
+            Step("sd3", "fast_timing", value: "true"),
+            Step("sd4", "spawn", asset: "human", count: 1),
+            Step("sd5", "spawn", asset: "wolf", count: 1),
+            Step("sd6", "spectator", value: "off"),
+            Step("sd7", "spectator", value: "on"),
+            Step("sd8", "pick_unit", asset: "human"),
+            Step("sd9", "focus", asset: "human"),
+            Step("sd10", "interest_end_session"),
+
+            // Do not combat_wire_attack_sides - that absorbs leftover same-species fighters into Battle.
+            // "no_attack" in expect skips attack wiring (keeps pair alive); tip still uses Duel framing.
+            Step("sd20", "interest_combat_session", asset: "human", value: "wolf",
+                expect: "sd_pack no_attack"),
+            Step("sd21b", "status_apply", asset: "human", value: "invincible"),
+            Step("sd21c", "status_apply", asset: "wolf", value: "invincible"),
+            Step("sd22", "assert", expect: "tip_matches_any", value: "Duel -"),
+            Step("sd23", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "Mass -"),
+            Step("sd24", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "Battle -"),
+            Step("sd25", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "Skirmish -"),
+
+            Step("sd29", "interest_expire_pending", value: ""),
+            Step("sd30", "age_current", wait: 9f),
+            Step("sd30b", "combat_maintain_focus"),
+            Step("sd31", "interest_inject", asset: "human", label: "falls in love", tier: "Action",
+                expect: "sd_lover", value: "lead=event;evt=78;char=10;force=false;ttl=60"),
+            Step("sd32", "assert", expect: "pending_contains", value: "sd_lover"),
+            Step("sd33", "director_run", wait: 1.2f),
+            Step("sd34", "assert", expect: "tip_matches_any", value: "love|lover|falls in|in scene"),
+            Step("sd35", "assert", expect: "tip_not_contains", value: "Duel -"),
+            Step("sd36", "assert", expect: "tip_asset", value: "set_lover"),
+
+            Step("sd90", "fast_timing", value: "false"),
+            Step("sd99", "snapshot"),
+        };
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Sticky WarFront tips stay kingdom-framed across count dips and follow loss.
     /// </summary>
@@ -1447,6 +1498,10 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
 
             // Intent-only AI decision must not own the camera - wait for a live Plot instead.
             Step("pcs60", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "try_new_plot", label: "false"),
+            Step("pcs60b", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "try_to_start_new_civilization", label: "false"),
+            Step("pcs60c", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "build_civ_city_here", label: "false"),
+            Step("pcs60d", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "king_check_new_city_foundation", label: "false"),
+            Step("pcs60e", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "claim_land", label: "false"),
             Step("pcs61", "assert", expect: "decision_worthy", value: "find_lover", label: "true"),
 
             Step("pcs90", "fast_timing", value: "false"),
@@ -2050,7 +2105,11 @@ internal static class HarnessScenarios
             Step("et35", "assert", expect: "interest_has_key", value: "building:"),
             Step("et40", "domain_feed", asset: "spell", value: "summon_lightning"),
             Step("et41", "assert", expect: "interest_has_key", value: "spell:summon_lightning"),
-            Step("et42", "domain_feed", asset: "item", value: "sword"),
+            Step("et41b", "assert", expect: "interest_label_contains", value: "casts lightning"),
+            Step("et42", "domain_feed", asset: "spell", value: "cast_blood_rain"),
+            Step("et42b", "assert", expect: "interest_has_key", value: "spell:cast_blood_rain"),
+            Step("et42c", "assert", expect: "interest_label_contains", value: "casts blood rain"),
+            Step("et42d", "domain_feed", asset: "item", value: "sword"),
             Step("et43", "assert", expect: "interest_has_key", value: "item:"),
             Step("et44", "domain_feed", asset: "decision", value: "declare_war"),
             Step("et45", "assert", expect: "interest_has_key", value: "decision:"),
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
index 6c04375..641e77a 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs
@@ -3542,6 +3542,10 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         switch (current.Completion)
         {
             case InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive:
+                classCap = IsSoftStickyCombat(current)
+                    ? (w.maxWatchDuel > 0f ? w.maxWatchDuel : 24f)
+                    : w.maxWatchCombat;
+                break;
             case InterestCompletionKind.WarFront:
             case InterestCompletionKind.PlotActive:
             case InterestCompletionKind.EarthquakeActive:
@@ -3576,9 +3580,15 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         float cap = classCap;
         if (current.MaxWatch > 0f)
         {
+            // Soft pair Duels: honor maxWatchDuel - scanner/harness often stamp MaxWatch=60.
+            if (current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive
+                && IsSoftStickyCombat(current))
+            {
+                cap = classCap;
+            }
             // Sticky live holds use the class MaxWatch (e.g. combat 60s) - do not let a
             // short candidate MaxWatch max_cap the fight while it is still active.
-            if (current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive
+            else if (current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive
                 || current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.WarFront
                 || current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.PlotActive
                 || current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.StatusPhase
@@ -3705,18 +3715,19 @@ public static class InterestDirector
                 float graceCur = _current.TotalScore;
                 float graceNext = candidate.TotalScore;
                 float onCurrentGrace = now - _currentStartedAt;
-                float graceMargin = Mathf.Max(
-                    InterestScoringConfig.W.cutInMargin,
-                    InterestScoringConfig.W.stickyCutInMargin > 0f
-                        ? InterestScoringConfig.W.stickyCutInMargin
-                        : 50f);
+                ScoringWeights gw = InterestScoringConfig.W;
+                float graceMargin = IsSoftStickyCluster(_current)
+                    ? gw.cutInMargin
+                    : Mathf.Max(
+                        gw.cutInMargin,
+                        gw.stickyCutInMargin > 0f ? gw.stickyCutInMargin : 50f);
                 if (VarietyValveOpen(_current, onCurrentGrace) && IsVarietyValveCandidate(candidate))
                 {
-                    float valveMargin = InterestScoringConfig.W.stickyVarietyValveMargin > 0f
-                        ? InterestScoringConfig.W.stickyVarietyValveMargin
+                    float valveMargin = gw.stickyVarietyValveMargin > 0f
+                        ? gw.stickyVarietyValveMargin
                         : 20f;
                     graceMargin = Mathf.Min(graceMargin, valveMargin);
-                    if (graceNext >= graceCur - InterestScoringConfig.W.rotateSlack
+                    if (graceNext >= graceCur - gw.rotateSlack
                         && IsWorthWatchingNow(candidate, now, selectingDuringGrace: true))
                     {
                         return true;
@@ -3760,17 +3771,33 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
-        // Soft family pack: yield to discrete unit events after a short hold.
+        // Soft family pack / thin Duel: yield to discrete unit events after a short hold.
         if (IsSoftStickyCluster(_current)
             && !IsSoftStickyCluster(candidate)
             && !nextFill
             && !IsAmbientShot(candidate)
-            && onCurrent >= SoftClusterYieldSeconds
+            && onCurrent >= SoftYieldSecondsFor(_current)
             && nextScore >= curScore - w.rotateSlack)
         {
             return true;
         }
 
+        // Soft Duel class gate: notice-tier Story peers cut after SoftCombatYieldSeconds.
+        // Harness combat sessions seed EventStrength ~120 so score-slack yield alone never clears;
+        // live anon Duels with VisualConfidence can sit in the same band.
+        if (IsSoftStickyCombat(_current)
+            && IsVarietyValveCandidate(candidate)
+            && !nextFill
+            && !IsAmbientShot(candidate)
+            && onCurrent >= SoftCombatYieldSeconds
+            && (nextScore >= w.noticeScoreMin || candidate.EventStrength >= w.noticeScoreMin))
+        {
+            InterestDropLog.Record(
+                "soft_duel_yield",
+                $"cur={curScore:0.#} next={nextScore:0.#} on={onCurrent:0.#}");
+            return true;
+        }
+
         // Variety valve: after a long combat/war hold, one Story/Epic/lover/discovery cut.
         // Score-margin alone can never clear Mass (~150) with lover (~78); use class gate.
         if (varietyValve && !nextFill && !IsAmbientShot(candidate))
@@ -3842,8 +3869,57 @@ public static class InterestDirector
     /// <summary>Soft multi-actor holds that must yield to discrete unit events.</summary>
     private const float SoftClusterYieldSeconds = 4f;
 
+    /// <summary>Thin Duel soft-yield - longer than pack so scraps still read, shorter than hard sticky.</summary>
+    private const float SoftCombatYieldSeconds = 8f;
+
     private static bool IsSoftStickyCluster(InterestCandidate c) =>
-        c != null && c.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.FamilyPack;
+        c != null
+        && (c.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.FamilyPack || IsSoftStickyCombat(c));
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Pair scrap without two notables - soft sticky (normal cut-in, short MaxWatch, early valve).
+    /// Hard sticky reserved for Skirmish+ (<c>live_battle</c>), larger rosters, or notable-pair Duels.
+    /// Do not use ContestedFighters here: lopsided Mass tips can stamp sides as 1v1 while the roster is large.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static bool IsSoftStickyCombat(InterestCandidate c)
+    {
+        if (c == null || c.Completion != InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        // Ensemble framing (Skirmish/Battle/Mass) always hard-holds.
+        if (string.Equals(c.AssetId, "live_battle", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        if (c.NotableParticipantCount >= 2)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        ScoringWeights w = InterestScoringConfig.W;
+        int sideSum = Math.Max(0, c.CombatSideACount) + Math.Max(0, c.CombatSideBCount);
+        int size = Math.Max(Math.Max(0, c.ParticipantCount), sideSum);
+        int skirmishFloor = Math.Max(3, w.skirmishMinFighters);
+        if (size >= skirmishFloor)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        int duelMax = Math.Max(1, w.duelMaxFighters);
+        // size 0 during attack_target gaps: keep soft if we never escalated past a pair.
+        if (size == 0)
+        {
+            return c.CombatPeakParticipants <= duelMax;
+        }
+
+        return size <= duelMax;
+    }
+
+    private static float SoftYieldSecondsFor(InterestCandidate c) =>
+        IsSoftStickyCombat(c) ? SoftCombatYieldSeconds : SoftClusterYieldSeconds;
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Sticky combat/war has held long enough that Story/Epic/lover/discovery may cut in.
@@ -3861,14 +3937,18 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         }
 
         ScoringWeights w = InterestScoringConfig.W;
-        float after = w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds > 0f ? w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds : 20f;
+        float after = IsSoftStickyCombat(scene)
+            ? (w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSecondsPair > 0f
+                ? w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSecondsPair
+                : 8f)
+            : (w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds > 0f ? w.stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds : 16f);
         if (onCurrent >= after)
         {
             return true;
         }
 
         float maxW = MaxWatchFor(scene);
-        float frac = w.stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac > 0f ? w.stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac : 0.5f;
+        float frac = w.stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac > 0f ? w.stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac : 0.4f;
         return maxW > 0f && onCurrent >= maxW * frac;
     }
 
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs b/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
index de12876..65b1547 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
+++ b/IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs
@@ -31,9 +31,14 @@ public class ScoringWeights
     /// <summary>Extra margin required to interrupt sticky A scenes (combat/grief/status/hatch).</summary>
     public float stickyCutInMargin = 50f;
     /// <summary>After this many seconds on sticky combat/war, variety-valve peers may cut in.</summary>
-    public float stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds = 20f;
-    /// <summary>Also open the valve after this fraction of MaxWatch (0.5 → 30s of a 60s combat).</summary>
-    public float stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac = 0.5f;
+    public float stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds = 16f;
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Soft pair-combat valve open time (anonymous / single-notable Duels).
+    /// Multi-fighter and notable-pair scraps still use stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds.
+    /// </summary>
+    public float stickyVarietyValveAfterSecondsPair = 8f;
+    /// <summary>Also open the valve after this fraction of MaxWatch (0.4 → 24s of a 60s combat).</summary>
+    public float stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac = 0.4f;
     /// <summary>Cut-in margin while the variety valve is open (between rotateSlack and stickyCutInMargin).</summary>
     public float stickyVarietyValveMargin = 20f;
     /// <summary>Lopsided fight scale multiplier floor (38v1 → near this; 1v1 balanced → 1).</summary>
@@ -58,6 +63,8 @@ public class ScoringWeights
     public float maxWatchStatus = 30f;
     public float maxWatchGrief = 45f;
     public float maxWatchCombat = 60f;
+    /// <summary>Cap for soft pair Duels (anonymous / single-notable); multi scrap uses maxWatchCombat.</summary>
+    public float maxWatchDuel = 24f;
     public float maxWatchEpic = 50f;
 
     public int massFighterThreshold = 4;
@@ -69,7 +76,7 @@ public class ScoringWeights
     public int duelMaxFighters = 2;
     public float duelNotablePairBonus = 55f;
     public float duelSingleNotableBonus = 15f;
-    public float duelAnonymousPenalty = -12f;
+    public float duelAnonymousPenalty = -24f;
     public int skirmishMinFighters = 3;
     public float notableSkirmishPer = 12f;
     public float notableSkirmishCap = 35f;
diff --git a/IdleSpectator/mod.json b/IdleSpectator/mod.json
index 034e654..c313ed5 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/mod.json
+++ b/IdleSpectator/mod.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "IdleSpectator",
   "author": "dazed",
-  "version": "0.28.27",
+  "version": "0.28.33",
   "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 7532e7d..844f601 100644
--- a/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json
+++ b/IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 {
-  "modVersion": "0.16.0",
+  "modVersion": "0.28.32",
   "title": "IdleSpectator interest scoring model",
-  "updated": "2026-07-15",
-  "note": "Edit weights below — InterestScoringConfig loads this file at mod start. Docs sections are human-facing only (ignored by Unity JsonUtility).",
+  "updated": "2026-07-17",
+  "note": "Edit weights below - InterestScoringConfig loads this file at mod start. Docs sections are human-facing only (ignored by Unity JsonUtility).",
 
   "weights": {
     "charWeightEventLed": 0.18,
@@ -12,8 +12,9 @@
 
     "cutInMargin": 35,
     "stickyCutInMargin": 50,
-    "stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds": 20,
-    "stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac": 0.5,
+    "stickyVarietyValveAfterSeconds": 16,
+    "stickyVarietyValveAfterSecondsPair": 8,
+    "stickyVarietyValveMaxWatchFrac": 0.4,
     "stickyVarietyValveMargin": 20,
     "fightBalanceLopsidedFloor": 0.28,
     "fightBalanceFullAt": 0.55,
@@ -32,6 +33,7 @@
     "maxWatchStatus": 30,
     "maxWatchGrief": 45,
     "maxWatchCombat": 60,
+    "maxWatchDuel": 24,
     "maxWatchEpic": 50,
 
     "massFighterThreshold": 4,
@@ -42,7 +44,7 @@
     "duelMaxFighters": 2,
     "duelNotablePairBonus": 55,
     "duelSingleNotableBonus": 15,
-    "duelAnonymousPenalty": -12,
+    "duelAnonymousPenalty": -24,
     "skirmishMinFighters": 3,
     "notableSkirmishPer": 12,
     "notableSkirmishCap": 35,
@@ -113,9 +115,11 @@
     "Actions matter much more than characters.",
     "Same action intensity → more important character wins (tie-break).",
     "Multi-person fights outrank anonymous 1v1s.",
+    "Anonymous / single-notable Duels are soft sticky (short MaxWatch, early variety valve).",
+    "Hard sticky combat is reserved for Skirmish+ or notable-pair Duels.",
     "Extremely notable 1v1s (kings/favorites) can beat nameless melees.",
-    "TotalScore is the sole ranking signal; typed rules (combat vs vignette) gate interrupts.",
-    "InterestTier was removed - WorldLog seeds EventStrength; director uses cutInMargin / rotateSlack / dwell bands."
+    "Founding tips fire on meta outcomes (new_city / new_kingdom), not decision intent.",
+    "TotalScore is the sole ranking signal; typed rules (combat vs vignette) gate interrupts."
   ],
   "pipeline": [
     {
diff --git a/docs/event-catalog-discovery.md b/docs/event-catalog-discovery.md
index 4906b60..73e83a2 100644
--- a/docs/event-catalog-discovery.md
+++ b/docs/event-catalog-discovery.md
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ Seeded via `LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded` + JSON `libraries.*` dials.
 
 | Domain | Live | Camera A | Dial label template | Notes | Priority |
 |--------|-----:|---------:|---------------------|-------|----------|
-| decisions | 127 | **37** | `{a} decides to {action}` | Signal tokens + authored phrases; fluff/`try_new_plot` B; dump `.harness/camera-a-inventory.tsv` | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
+| decisions | 127 | **33** | `{a} decides to {action}` | Signal tokens + authored phrases; fluff + intent-only genesis (`try_new_plot`, founding/claim) B; dump `.harness/camera-a-inventory.tsv` | P3 variety 0.28.32 |
 | spells | 12 | 6 | `{a} casts {id}` | Signal spectacle only; FX spells B | P3 |
 | powers | 339 | **41** | `God power: {id}` | ambient CI=false; widened spectacle + creature powers; UI `_edit` B | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
 | items | 111 | **42** | `{a} gains {id}` | Signal mythril/adamantine + silver/steel/bone; leather/iron B | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
@@ -76,16 +76,18 @@ Seeded via `LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded` + JSON `libraries.*` dials.
 | clan_traits | 29 | 13 | `{a} clan gains {id}` | dramatic heuristic | P3 |
 | language_traits | 26 | 2 | `{a} tongue gains {id}` | dramatic heuristic | P3 |
 
-**Library+decision Layer A inventory (0.28.27):** live dump total **219 A / 924 B** across 13 domains (`camera_a_inventory_ok`).
+**Library+decision Layer A inventory (0.28.32):** live dump total **215 A / 928 B** across 13 domains (`camera_a_inventory_ok`). Decisions **33 A**.
 
-### Decision camera classes (0.28.27)
+### Decision camera classes (0.28.32)
 
-Allow-token Signal after fluff filter (not 127 ambient).
+Allow-token Signal after fluff + intent-genesis filter (not 127 ambient).
 Authored action phrases required for every A id (`domain_event_audit` decision_prose).
 
-Classes: founding/territory (`civilization`, `civ_city`, `claim_land`, `city_foundation`), reproduction/pack (`reproduction`, `family_group`), army/war/politics (existing), spectacle/dark (`golden_brain`, `make_skeleton`, `soul_harvest`, `possessed`), civic soft (`put_out_fire`, `burn_tumors`, `fireworks`, `affect_dreams`), hive (`create_hive`).
+Classes: reproduction/pack (`reproduction`, `family_group`), army/war/politics (existing), spectacle/dark (`golden_brain`, `make_skeleton`, `soul_harvest`, `possessed`), civic soft (`put_out_fire`, `burn_tumors`, `fireworks`, `affect_dreams`), hive (`create_hive`).
 
-Stay B: `try_new_plot*`, diet/sleep/random/check ticks, `warrior_train_with_dummy`, boat trade/fish, house/job/tax chores.
+Stay B (intent-only; camera on outcome feeds): `try_new_plot*`, `try_to_start_new_civilization*`, `build_civ_city*`, `*city_foundation*`, `claim_land*` → real tips from `PlotInterestFeed` / `MetaEventPatches` (`new_city` 86, `new_kingdom` 92).
+
+Also stay B: diet/sleep/random/check ticks, `warrior_train_with_dummy`, boat trade/fish, house/job/tax chores.
 
 Spell Signal: spectacle summons/curses/fire/teleport/meteor; FX silence/shield/cure/grass/vegetation/skeleton stay B.
 
diff --git a/docs/event-catalog-discovery.tsv b/docs/event-catalog-discovery.tsv
index f15f9ee..128c221 100644
--- a/docs/event-catalog-discovery.tsv
+++ b/docs/event-catalog-discovery.tsv
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ traits	116	authored	0	116	wired	authored_labels	P3
 disasters	17	authored	0	via_worldlog	wired	authored_labels	P3	disaster_war_audit PASS
 war_types_library	5	authored	0	dials	wired	authored_labels	P3	
 relationship	11	authored_discrete	0	11	wired	authored_labels	P3	no AssetManager lib
-decisions_library	127	live+dial	0	37	wired	37_action_phrases	P3	expanded 0.28.27; camera-a-inventory.tsv
+decisions_library	127	live+dial	0	33	wired	action_phrases	P3	intent genesis demoted 0.28.32; camera-a-inventory.tsv
 spells	12	live+dial	0	6	wired	display_names	P3	Signal spectacle; 6 FX B
 powers	339	live+dial	0	41	wired	display_names	P3	Signal widened 0.28.27; ambient CI=false
 items	111	live+dial	0	42	wired	gains_verb	P3	Signal mythril/adamantine/silver/steel/bone
@@ -24,6 +24,6 @@ clan_traits	29	live+dial	0	13	wired	display_names	P3
 language_traits	26	live+dial	0	2	wired	display_names	P3	
 buildings	618	patch_only	n/a	consume_and_civ_complete	partial	EventReason.BuildingEat_BuildingComplete	P3	civ complete/wonder A; destroy demoted B
 boats	n/a	patch_only	n/a	trade_unload	wired	EventReason.Boat	P3	load skipped
-combat	n/a	csharp_policy	n/a	pair_keys	wired	EventReason.Fight	P3	
-camera_a_inventory	1143	harness	0	219	wired	camera-a-inventory.tsv	P3	A=219 B=924 domains=13; gate camera_a_inventory_ok
+combat	n/a	csharp_policy	n/a	pair_keys	wired	EventReason.Fight	P3	soft Duel sticky 0.28.28; hard sticky Skirmish+/notable-pair
+camera_a_inventory	1143	harness	0	215	wired	camera-a-inventory.tsv	P3	A=215 B=928 domains=13; gate camera_a_inventory_ok
 mutation_gaps	0	harness	0	n/a	gaps_empty	n/a	P3	managers=57 libraryAssets=2893
diff --git a/docs/event-trigger-audit.tsv b/docs/event-trigger-audit.tsv
index 56437d5..8447afa 100644
--- a/docs/event-trigger-audit.tsv
+++ b/docs/event-trigger-audit.tsv
@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@ decisions	try_to_steal_money	68		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestF
 decisions	banish_unruly_clan_members	76		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	accurate	Camera via IsInterestingDecision predicate; action=infinitive	done
 decisions	kill_unruly_clan_members	82		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	accurate	Camera via IsInterestingDecision predicate; action=infinitive	done
 decisions	try_new_plot	78		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	demoted	Intent-only (no Plot yet); camera via live PlotInterestFeed instead	done
+decisions	try_to_start_new_civilization	90		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	demoted	Intent-only; camera via MetaEventPatches.new_kingdom (92)	done
+decisions	build_civ_city_here	86		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	demoted	Intent-only; camera via MetaEventPatches.new_city (86)	done
+decisions	king_check_new_city_foundation	88		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	demoted	Intent/check tick; camera via new_city outcome	done
+decisions	claim_land	70		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	demoted	Intent-only genesis class	done
 decisions	king_change_kingdom_culture	84		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	accurate	Camera via IsInterestingDecision predicate; action=infinitive	done
 decisions	king_change_kingdom_language	82		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	accurate	Camera via IsInterestingDecision predicate; action=infinitive	done
 decisions	king_change_kingdom_religion	84		Actor.setDecisionCooldown → DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision	accurate	Camera via IsInterestingDecision predicate; action=infinitive	done
diff --git a/docs/scoring-model.md b/docs/scoring-model.md
index 2b2375e..92df30d 100644
--- a/docs/scoring-model.md
+++ b/docs/scoring-model.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 **Per-event inventory (strength + prose):** [`IdleSpectator/event-catalog.json`](../IdleSpectator/event-catalog.json)
 
-- `scoring-model.json` - margins, multipliers, rarity caps
+- `scoring-model.json` - margins, multipliers, rarity caps, soft-Duel / variety valve knobs
 - `event-catalog.json` - every authored event id (`happiness`, `status`, `worldLog`, `plots`, `decisions`, …)
   - Decisions use `action` (clause after "decides to …")
   - Most other domains use `label`
@@ -13,5 +13,16 @@
 
 **Visual tracker (open beside chat):** [scoring-model canvas](/home/dazed/.cursor/projects/home-dazed-Projects-worldbox-mods-idle-mode/canvases/scoring-model.canvas.tsx)
 
+## Variety policy (0.28.28)
+
+`TotalScore = EventStrength + scaleBonus + char*w + visual*w + novelty*w`.
+
+Hard sticky combat (margin 50, MaxWatch 60) is only for Skirmish+ or notable-pair Duels.
+
+Anonymous / single-notable Duels are soft sticky: MaxWatch 24, variety valve at 8s, yield to Story peers after 8s.
+
+Founding tips come from `new_city` / `new_kingdom` meta outcomes, not decision intent.
+
 Edit the `weights` block in scoring-model.json to change live scoring formula knobs.
+
 Edit event-catalog.json to change what each event is worth and what it says.
diff --git a/scripts/soak-audit-player-log.sh b/scripts/soak-audit-player-log.sh
index ce28cd8..c18053f 100755
--- a/scripts/soak-audit-player-log.sh
+++ b/scripts/soak-audit-player-log.sh
@@ -124,9 +124,18 @@ for s in states:
 
 def bucket(t: str) -> str:
     tl = t.lower()
-    if any(x in tl for x in ("fight", "battle", "in a fight")):
-        return "combat"
-    if any(x in tl for x in ("war", "kingdom", "rebellion")):
+    # Combat scale first (before generic fight / vs).
+    if tl.startswith("duel") or " duel " in f" {tl} " or tl.startswith("duel -"):
+        return "combat_duel"
+    if any(tl.startswith(p) for p in ("skirmish", "battle", "mass")) or " mass -" in f" {tl} ":
+        return "combat_multi"
+    if any(x in tl for x in ("fighting", "in a fight", " vs ")) and "war -" not in tl and "plot -" not in tl:
+        return "combat_other"
+    if "decides to start a new civilization" in tl or "decides to found" in tl:
+        return "decision_genesis_intent"
+    if any(x in tl for x in ("new city", "new kingdom", "founds a", "founded")):
+        return "meta_genesis"
+    if any(x in tl for x in ("war -", "kingdom", "rebellion")):
         return "politics"
     if any(x in tl for x in ("love", "smitten", "child", "parenthood", "mourns", "lover")):
         return "relationship"
@@ -134,8 +143,8 @@ def bucket(t: str) -> str:
         return "status"
     if "new species" in tl or "appear" in tl or "hatch" in tl:
         return "discovery"
-    if "plot" in tl or "decide" in tl:
-        return "plot"
+    if "plot" in tl or "decides to" in tl:
+        return "plot_or_decision"
     if "fall" in tl and any(x in tl for x in ("tree", "plant", "bush", "flower", "maple")):
         return "object_fall"
     return "other"
@@ -215,6 +224,17 @@ if sleep_lag:
         print(f"  tip={tip!r} caption={cap!r}")
     print()
 
+genesis_intent = buckets.get("decision_genesis_intent", 0)
+duel_n = buckets.get("combat_duel", 0)
+multi_n = buckets.get("combat_multi", 0)
+combat_total = duel_n + multi_n + buckets.get("combat_other", 0)
+print(f"Variety: duel={duel_n} multi={multi_n} combat_total={combat_total} genesis_intent={genesis_intent}")
+if genesis_intent:
+    print("  NOTE: decision_genesis_intent tips should be 0 after 0.28.28 (meta outcomes only).")
+if combat_total >= 4 and multi_n == 0 and duel_n >= 3:
+    print("  NOTE: combat tips are Duel-heavy; multi scrap may be scarce in this world.")
+print()
+
 ok = (
     no_focus_bads == 0
     and focus_false == 0
@@ -223,6 +243,7 @@ ok = (
     and len(veg) == 0
     and len(mismatches) == 0
     and len(sleep_lag) == 0
+    and genesis_intent == 0
 )
 print("VERDICT:", "PASS" if ok else "REVIEW")
 sys.exit(0 if ok else 1)