fix(spectator): cool soft life crumbs and keep aftermath victim truth

- Soft-cool kill, courtship, intent, construction, status fx, hatch, rest, and worldlog meta
- Block cooled tips from resuming after a cut-in
- Name only dead theater partners in stands-over aftermath
- Add harness gates through 0.28.54

IdleSpectator/AgentHarness.cs

@@ -980,6 +980,53 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 break;
             }
 
+            case "decision_emit":
+            {
+                // Live DeferredInterestFeed path (same as setDecisionCooldown patch).
+                Actor focus = ResolveUnit(
+                    string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.asset) || cmd.asset == "auto" ? null : cmd.asset);
+                if (focus == null)
+                {
+                    focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                }
+
+                string decisionId = (cmd.expect ?? cmd.value ?? "sexual_reproduction_try").Trim();
+                bool alive = false;
+                try
+                {
+                    alive = focus != null && focus.isAlive();
+                }
+                catch
+                {
+                    alive = false;
+                }
+
+                if (!alive || string.IsNullOrEmpty(decisionId))
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                    Emit(cmd, ok: false, detail: "no unit or decision id");
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                bool prevForce = ForceLiveEventFeeds;
+                ForceLiveEventFeeds = true;
+                try
+                {
+                    DeferredInterestFeed.EmitDecision(decisionId, focus);
+                    _cmdOk++;
+                    Emit(
+                        cmd,
+                        ok: true,
+                        detail: $"emitted decision={decisionId} unit={SafeName(focus)}");
+                }
+                finally
+                {
+                    ForceLiveEventFeeds = prevForce;
+                }
+
+                break;
+            }
+
             case "status_clear_all":
             {
                 Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
@@ -2714,6 +2761,10 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 DoCombatWireAttackSides(cmd);
                 break;
 
+            case "combat_wipe_sticky_side":
+                DoCombatWipeStickySide(cmd);
+                break;
+
             case "combat_swap_attack_target":
                 DoCombatSwapAttackTarget(cmd);
                 break;
@@ -2726,12 +2777,22 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 DoCombatParkBystanderFollow(cmd);
                 break;
 
+            case "interest_hijack_follow":
+                DoInterestHijackFollow(cmd);
+                break;
+
             case "interest_variety_clear":
                 InterestVariety.Clear();
                 _cmdOk++;
                 Emit(cmd, ok: true, detail: "variety_cleared");
                 break;
 
+            case "interest_story_clear":
+                StoryPlanner.Clear();
+                _cmdOk++;
+                Emit(cmd, ok: true, detail: "story_cleared");
+                break;
+
             case "interest_variety_note":
             {
                 // Stamp the current (or pending needle in value) as the last shown variety arc.
@@ -2902,6 +2963,27 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 break;
             }
 
+            case "interest_mark_sticky_cold":
+            case "story_mark_climax_cold":
+            {
+                InterestCandidate scene = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+                if (scene != null)
+                {
+                    ClearAttackTarget(scene.FollowUnit);
+                    ClearAttackTarget(scene.RelatedUnit);
+                    TryClearCombatTask(scene.FollowUnit);
+                    TryClearCombatTask(scene.RelatedUnit);
+                }
+
+                InterestDirector.HarnessMarkStickySceneCold();
+                _cmdOk++;
+                Emit(
+                    cmd,
+                    ok: true,
+                    detail: $"sticky_cold key={InterestDirector.CurrentKey} tip='{CameraDirector.LastWatchLabel}' active={InterestDirector.CurrentIsActive}");
+                break;
+            }
+
             case "interest_mark_inactive":
             {
                 float ago = ParseFloat(cmd.value, 1f);
@@ -2920,6 +3002,31 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 break;
             }
 
+            case "interest_drop_follow":
+            {
+                // Null Follow only - keep SubjectId/Related for story cast recovery tests.
+                InterestCandidate scene = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+                if (scene == null)
+                {
+                    _cmdFail++;
+                    Emit(cmd, ok: false, detail: "no_scene");
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                long keepSubject = scene.SubjectId != 0
+                    ? scene.SubjectId
+                    : EventFeedUtil.SafeId(scene.FollowUnit);
+                scene.FollowUnit = null;
+                if (scene.SubjectId == 0 && keepSubject != 0)
+                {
+                    scene.SubjectId = keepSubject;
+                }
+
+                _cmdOk++;
+                Emit(cmd, ok: true, detail: $"dropped_follow subjectId={scene.SubjectId} relatedId={scene.RelatedId}");
+                break;
+            }
+
             case "interest_clear_follow":
             {
                 Actor related = ResolveUnit(string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.asset) || cmd.asset == "auto" ? null : cmd.asset);
@@ -4034,6 +4141,17 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             return;
         }
 
+        // pick=other: use a different living unit (same asset when possible) for ledger/near-tie tests.
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.value)
+            && cmd.value.IndexOf("pick=other", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            Actor other = FindOtherAliveUnit(follow, cmd.asset);
+            if (other != null)
+            {
+                follow = other;
+            }
+        }
+
         float tierEvt = EventStrengthFromTierHint(cmd.tier, 70f);
         InterestLeadKind tierLead = LeadFromTierHint(cmd.tier, InterestLeadKind.EventLed);
         string label = string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.label) ? ("Inject " + (cmd.tier ?? "scene")) : cmd.label;
@@ -4125,13 +4243,7 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             InterestScoring.RecalcTotal(c);
         }
 
-        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.expect)
-            && (cmd.expect.IndexOf("lover", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
-                || cmd.expect.IndexOf("set_lover", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0))
-        {
-            c.AssetId = "set_lover";
-            c.Category = "Relationship";
-        }
+        ApplyHarnessRelationshipAssetHint(c, cmd.expect);
 
         if (force)
         {
@@ -4145,6 +4257,208 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             detail: $"injected key={c.Key} score={c.TotalScore:0.#} lead={c.LeadKind} evt={c.EventStrength:0.#} char={c.CharacterSignificance:0.#} n={c.ParticipantCount}/{c.NotableParticipantCount} sides={c.CombatSideACount}/{c.CombatSideBCount} pending={InterestRegistry.PendingCount}");
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Map harness expect tokens onto relationship AssetIds used by StoryPlanner classification.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static void ApplyHarnessRelationshipAssetHint(InterestCandidate c, string expect)
+    {
+        if (c == null || string.IsNullOrEmpty(expect))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("just_had_child", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("parenthood", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_had_child";
+            c.AssetId = "just_had_child";
+            c.Category = "LifeChapter";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("just_kissed", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("intimacy", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_kissed";
+            c.AssetId = "just_kissed";
+            c.Category = "Social";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("just_found_house", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("found_house", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("finds_a_home", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_found_house";
+            c.AssetId = "just_found_house";
+            c.Category = "LifeChapter";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("milestone_kill", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("just_killed", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.AssetId = "milestone_kill";
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_killed";
+            c.Category = "Relationship";
+            c.Source = "chronicle";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("fallen_in_love", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("smitten", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "fallen_in_love";
+            c.AssetId = "fallen_in_love";
+            c.Category = "Social";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("sexual_reproduction", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("decision_intent", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.AssetId = "sexual_reproduction_try";
+            c.Source = "decision";
+            c.Category = "Politics";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("find_lover", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            // Decision path when tagged; relationship seeking otherwise.
+            bool asDecision = expect.IndexOf("decision", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0;
+            c.AssetId = "find_lover";
+            c.HappinessEffectId = asDecision ? "" : "find_lover";
+            c.Source = asDecision ? "decision" : "relationship";
+            c.Category = asDecision ? "Politics" : "Relationship";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("building_complete", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("tent_", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("construction", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.AssetId = expect.IndexOf("tent_", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+                ? "tent_human"
+                : "building_complete";
+            c.Source = "building";
+            c.Category = "Settlement";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("taking_roots", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("soft_status", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.StatusId = "taking_roots";
+            c.AssetId = "taking_roots";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.StatusPhase;
+            c.Category = "Status";
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("just_slept", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("rest_life", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("ends a rest", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_slept";
+            c.AssetId = "just_slept";
+            c.Source = "happiness";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            c.Category = "Daily";
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("sleeping", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("falls asleep", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.StatusId = "sleeping";
+            c.AssetId = "sleeping";
+            c.Source = "status";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.StatusPhase;
+            c.Category = "Status";
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("just_got_out_of_egg", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("hatch", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.HappinessEffectId = "just_got_out_of_egg";
+            c.AssetId = "just_got_out_of_egg";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("king_dead", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("worldlog_meta", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.AssetId = "king_dead";
+            c.Source = "worldlog";
+            c.Category = "Politics";
+            c.Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (expect.IndexOf("set_lover", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+            || expect.IndexOf("lover", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+        {
+            c.AssetId = "set_lover";
+            c.Category = "Relationship";
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static Actor FindOtherAliveUnit(Actor exclude, string preferAsset)
+    {
+        if (World.world?.units == null)
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        long excludeId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(exclude);
+        string wantAsset = (preferAsset ?? "").Trim();
+        if (wantAsset == "auto")
+        {
+            wantAsset = "";
+        }
+
+        Actor fallback = null;
+        try
+        {
+            foreach (Actor a in World.world.units)
+            {
+                if (a == null || !a.isAlive() || EventFeedUtil.SafeId(a) == excludeId)
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                string id = a.asset != null ? a.asset.id : "";
+                if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(wantAsset)
+                    && string.Equals(id, wantAsset, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+                {
+                    return a;
+                }
+
+                if (fallback == null)
+                {
+                    fallback = a;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            // ignore
+        }
+
+        return fallback;
+    }
+
     private static void ParseInjectSideCounts(string raw, out int sideA, out int sideB)
     {
         sideA = 0;
@@ -4358,6 +4672,8 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             c.Category = "CharacterVignette";
             InterestScoring.ScoreCheap(c);
         }
+
+        ApplyHarnessRelationshipAssetHint(c, cmd.expect);
         bool ok = InterestDirector.HarnessForceSession(c);
         if (ok)
         {
@@ -5751,6 +6067,96 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             detail: $"n={want} scale={ensemble.Scale} frame={ensemble.Frame} tip='{CameraDirector.LastWatchLabel}' focus={SafeName(focus)} participants={InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate?.ParticipantCount}");
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Point camera Follow at another living unit without rewriting SubjectId / Label.
+    /// Proves life-tip reason principals reject bystander dossiers under a named tip.
+    /// asset = optional species for the bystander (default human).
+    /// </summary>
+    private static void DoInterestHijackFollow(HarnessCommand cmd)
+    {
+        InterestCandidate scene = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+        if (scene == null)
+        {
+            _cmdFail++;
+            Emit(cmd, ok: false, detail: "no_scene");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        long subjectId = scene.SubjectId != 0
+            ? scene.SubjectId
+            : EventFeedUtil.SafeId(scene.FollowUnit);
+        Actor bystander = null;
+        string wantAsset = string.IsNullOrEmpty(cmd.asset) ? "human" : cmd.asset.Trim();
+        foreach (Actor actor in WorldActivityScanner.EnumerateAliveUnitsPublic())
+        {
+            if (actor == null || !actor.isAlive())
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(actor);
+            if (id == 0 || id == subjectId || id == scene.RelatedId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            string species = actor.asset != null ? actor.asset.id : "";
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(wantAsset)
+                && !species.Equals(wantAsset, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+            {
+                if (bystander == null)
+                {
+                    bystander = actor;
+                }
+
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            bystander = actor;
+            break;
+        }
+
+        if (bystander == null)
+        {
+            bystander = SpawnAssetNear(
+                wantAsset,
+                scene.FollowUnit != null
+                    ? scene.FollowUnit.current_position
+                    : CameraPos(),
+                8f);
+        }
+
+        if (bystander == null || !bystander.isAlive())
+        {
+            _cmdFail++;
+            Emit(cmd, ok: false, detail: "no_bystander");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Keep SubjectId / Label on the original tip owner; only Follow + camera move.
+        if (scene.SubjectId == 0)
+        {
+            scene.SubjectId = subjectId;
+        }
+
+        scene.FollowUnit = bystander;
+        try
+        {
+            scene.Position = bystander.current_position;
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            // keep
+        }
+
+        CameraDirector.FocusUnit(bystander);
+        _cmdOk++;
+        Emit(
+            cmd,
+            ok: true,
+            detail: $"hijackFollow={SafeName(bystander)} subjectId={scene.SubjectId} relatedId={scene.RelatedId} tip='{scene.Label}'");
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Spawn a non-fighting same-side unit, park combat Follow on them (rostered bystander),
     /// while peers keep fighting. Maintain must retarget off the chore unit.
@@ -6190,6 +6596,105 @@ public static class AgentHarness
         }
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Harness: zero one sticky combat camp while keeping PeakParticipants high
+    /// (repro for Mass vs (0) mop-up labels). value = a|b (default b).
+    /// </summary>
+    private static void DoCombatWipeStickySide(HarnessCommand cmd)
+    {
+        InterestCandidate scene = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+        if (scene?.Sticky == null || !scene.Sticky.HasOpposingSides)
+        {
+            _cmdFail++;
+            Emit(cmd, ok: false, detail: "no sticky opposing combat sides");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        LiveSceneStickyState sticky = scene.Sticky;
+        string which = (cmd.value ?? "b").Trim().ToLowerInvariant();
+        bool wipeB = which != "a" && which != "sidea" && which != "0";
+        int peakBefore = sticky.PeakParticipants;
+        if (wipeB)
+        {
+            sticky.SideBIds.Clear();
+            sticky.SideBCount = 0;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            sticky.SideAIds.Clear();
+            sticky.SideACount = 0;
+        }
+
+        // Keep peak Mass so the bug class (peak hold + empty camp) is exercised.
+        sticky.PeakParticipants = Math.Max(peakBefore, Math.Max(8, sticky.TotalCount));
+        scene.ParticipantCount = sticky.TotalCount;
+        scene.CombatSideACount = sticky.SideACount;
+        scene.CombatSideBCount = sticky.SideBCount;
+        scene.CombatPeakParticipants = sticky.PeakParticipants;
+
+        string reason = StickyScoreboard.FormatReason(scene, scene.FollowUnit, scene.RelatedUnit);
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(reason))
+        {
+            scene.Label = reason;
+        }
+
+        StickyScoreboard.StabilizeScale(sticky, new LiveEnsemble
+        {
+            Kind = EnsembleKind.Combat,
+            Frame = sticky.Frame,
+            ParticipantCount = Math.Max(1, sticky.TotalCount),
+            SideA = new EnsembleSide
+            {
+                Key = sticky.SideAKey,
+                Display = sticky.SideADisplay,
+                Count = sticky.SideACount
+            },
+            SideB = new EnsembleSide
+            {
+                Key = sticky.SideBKey,
+                Display = sticky.SideBDisplay,
+                Count = sticky.SideBCount
+            },
+            Focus = scene.FollowUnit,
+            Related = scene.RelatedUnit
+        }, Time.unscaledTime);
+
+        string label = EventReason.Combat(new LiveEnsemble
+        {
+            Kind = EnsembleKind.Combat,
+            Scale = sticky.HasPresentedScale ? sticky.PresentedScale : LiveEnsemble.ScaleForCount(Math.Max(1, sticky.TotalCount)),
+            Frame = sticky.Frame,
+            Focus = scene.FollowUnit,
+            Related = scene.RelatedUnit,
+            SideA = new EnsembleSide
+            {
+                Key = sticky.SideAKey,
+                Display = sticky.SideADisplay,
+                KingdomDisplay = sticky.SideAKingdom,
+                Count = sticky.SideACount
+            },
+            SideB = new EnsembleSide
+            {
+                Key = sticky.SideBKey,
+                Display = sticky.SideBDisplay,
+                KingdomDisplay = sticky.SideBKingdom,
+                Count = sticky.SideBCount
+            },
+            ParticipantCount = sticky.TotalCount
+        });
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(label))
+        {
+            scene.Label = label;
+            CameraDirector.Watch(scene.ToInterestEvent());
+        }
+
+        _cmdOk++;
+        Emit(
+            cmd,
+            ok: true,
+            detail: $"wiped={(wipeB ? "b" : "a")} sides={sticky.SideACount}/{sticky.SideBCount} peak={sticky.PeakParticipants} tip='{scene.Label}'");
+    }
+
     /// <summary>Diagnostics: how many combat fighters LiveEnsemble sees near the scene focus.</summary>
     private static void DoCombatProbeFighters(HarnessCommand cmd)
     {
@@ -6497,6 +7002,152 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                 detail = $"tipAsset='{tipAsset}' want='{want}'";
                 break;
             }
+            case "tip_not_partner":
+            {
+                // Remembered bystander must not be named as the fallen / sought victim.
+                // Subject can still be the partner ("Petelor stands over the fallen" is fine).
+                string partnerName = SafeName(_happinessPartner);
+                string tip = CameraDirector.LastWatchLabel ?? "";
+                bool namedAsOther = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(partnerName)
+                    && (tip.IndexOf("stands over " + partnerName, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+                        || tip.IndexOf("mourns " + partnerName, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+                        || tip.IndexOf("seeks " + partnerName, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0
+                        || tip.IndexOf("stays beside " + partnerName, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0);
+                pass = !namedAsOther;
+                detail = $"tip='{tip}' partner='{partnerName}' namedAsOther={namedAsOther}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "story_phase":
+            {
+                string want = (cmd.value ?? "").Trim();
+                StoryArc arc = StoryPlanner.Active;
+                string have = arc != null ? arc.Phase.ToString() : "None";
+                pass = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(want)
+                       && string.Equals(have, want, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+                detail = $"storyPhase={have} want={want} kind={arc?.Kind} hard={arc?.HardHold}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "story_spine":
+            {
+                string want = (cmd.value ?? "").Trim();
+                string have = WatchCaption.LastStorySpine ?? "";
+                string formatted = StoryPlanner.FormatSpineLabel() ?? "";
+                // Prefer live dossier text; fall back to planner format if HUD not painted yet.
+                if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(have))
+                {
+                    have = formatted;
+                }
+
+                bool wantEmpty = string.IsNullOrEmpty(want)
+                                 || string.Equals(want, "empty", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                                 || string.Equals(want, "none", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+                if (wantEmpty)
+                {
+                    pass = string.IsNullOrEmpty(have);
+                }
+                else if (want.IndexOf('|') >= 0)
+                {
+                    // Alternatives: "Battle · Climax|Mass · Climax|Skirmish · Climax"
+                    pass = false;
+                    string[] alts = want.Split('|');
+                    for (int i = 0; i < alts.Length; i++)
+                    {
+                        string alt = (alts[i] ?? "").Trim();
+                        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(alt)
+                            && have.IndexOf(alt, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0)
+                        {
+                            pass = true;
+                            break;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    pass = have.IndexOf(want, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) >= 0;
+                }
+
+                detail =
+                    $"storySpine='{have}' want='{want}' formatted='{formatted}' "
+                    + $"belongs={StoryPlanner.BelongsToActiveStoryBeat(InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate)} "
+                    + $"phase={StoryPlanner.Active?.Phase.ToString() ?? "None"}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "story_hold_margin":
+            {
+                // value: "0" / "none" → expect no raised hold; "gt0" / "held" → expect hold > 0
+                string want = (cmd.value ?? "gt0").Trim();
+                InterestCandidate cur = InterestDirector.CurrentCandidate;
+                InterestCandidate probe = new InterestCandidate
+                {
+                    Key = "harness:story_hold_probe",
+                    SubjectId = 999999001,
+                    EventStrength = 40f,
+                    LeadKind = InterestLeadKind.EventLed,
+                    Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell,
+                    Label = "HoldProbe"
+                };
+                InterestScoring.RecalcTotal(probe);
+                float margin = StoryPlanner.ArcHoldMargin(cur, probe);
+                bool wantHeld = string.Equals(want, "gt0", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                                || string.Equals(want, "held", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                                || string.Equals(want, "true", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+                bool wantNone = string.Equals(want, "0", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                                || string.Equals(want, "none", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                                || string.Equals(want, "false", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+                if (wantHeld)
+                {
+                    pass = margin > 0f;
+                }
+                else if (wantNone)
+                {
+                    pass = margin <= 0f;
+                }
+                else if (float.TryParse(want, NumberStyles.Float, CultureInfo.InvariantCulture, out float wantF))
+                {
+                    pass = Mathf.Abs(margin - wantF) < 0.5f;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    pass = false;
+                }
+
+                detail =
+                    $"storyHold={margin:0.#} want={want} phase={StoryPlanner.Active?.Phase.ToString() ?? "None"} "
+                    + $"belongs={StoryPlanner.BelongsToActiveStoryBeat(cur)}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "beat_cooled":
+            {
+                // value = happiness/asset needle; builds a probe on focus unit.
+                string needle = (cmd.value ?? "just_had_child").Trim();
+                Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(focus);
+                InterestCandidate probe = new InterestCandidate
+                {
+                    Key = "harness:beat_cool:" + needle,
+                    SubjectId = id,
+                    FollowUnit = focus,
+                    HappinessEffectId = needle,
+                    AssetId = needle,
+                    LeadKind = InterestLeadKind.EventLed,
+                    Completion = InterestCompletionKind.FixedDwell,
+                    EventStrength = 80f,
+                    Label = needle
+                };
+                // Map decision/building/status needles onto the same chapter fields as injects.
+                ApplyHarnessRelationshipAssetHint(probe, needle);
+                pass = InterestVariety.IsBeatCooled(probe);
+                detail = $"beatCooled={pass} needle='{needle}' focus={SafeName(focus)} id={id}";
+                break;
+            }
+            case "ledger_has_focus":
+            {
+                Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(focus);
+                pass = id != 0 && CharacterLedger.IsOnLedger(id);
+                detail = $"ledger focus={SafeName(focus)} id={id} on={pass} heat={CharacterLedger.Heat(id):0.##}";
+                break;
+            }
             case "tip_matches_unit":
             {
                 string tipAsset = CameraDirector.LastWatchAssetId ?? "";
@@ -7524,16 +8175,35 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                     }
                 }
 
-                // Spot-check Signal classes still have camera rows after demote.
-                int geneSignal = 0;
+                // Genes / clan / language are all B (never own the camera).
+                int geneCamera = 0;
                 foreach (string id in EventCatalog.Gene.AuthoredIds)
                 {
                     if (EventCatalog.Gene.GetOrFallback(id).CreatesInterest)
                     {
-                        geneSignal++;
+                        geneCamera++;
                     }
                 }
 
+                int clanCamera = 0;
+                foreach (string id in EventCatalog.ClanTrait.AuthoredIds)
+                {
+                    if (EventCatalog.ClanTrait.GetOrFallback(id).CreatesInterest)
+                    {
+                        clanCamera++;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                int languageCamera = 0;
+                foreach (string id in EventCatalog.LanguageTrait.AuthoredIds)
+                {
+                    if (EventCatalog.LanguageTrait.GetOrFallback(id).CreatesInterest)
+                    {
+                        languageCamera++;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                // Spot-check other Signal classes still have camera rows after demote.
                 int lawSignal = 0;
                 foreach (string id in EventCatalog.WorldLaw.AuthoredIds)
                 {
@@ -7565,15 +8235,18 @@ public static class AgentHarness
 
                 pass = dialBad == 0
                        && phenotypeCamera == 0
+                       && geneCamera == 0
+                       && clanCamera == 0
+                       && languageCamera == 0
                        && spellFxCamera == 0
                        && spellSpectacleMissing == 0
-                       && geneSignal > 0
                        && lawSignal > 0
                        && itemSignal > 0
                        && signalCamera == spectacleSpells.Length;
                 detail =
-                    $"dialBad={dialBad} phenotypeCamera={phenotypeCamera} spellFxCamera={spellFxCamera} "
-                    + $"spellSpectacleMissing={spellSpectacleMissing} geneSignal={geneSignal} "
+                    $"dialBad={dialBad} phenotypeCamera={phenotypeCamera} geneCamera={geneCamera} "
+                    + $"clanCamera={clanCamera} languageCamera={languageCamera} "
+                    + $"spellFxCamera={spellFxCamera} spellSpectacleMissing={spellSpectacleMissing} "
                     + $"lawSignal={lawSignal} itemSignal={itemSignal} spectacleOk={signalCamera}";
                 break;
             }
@@ -7596,6 +8269,7 @@ public static class AgentHarness
             case "reason_owns_focus":
             {
                 // Reason must not name a different live unit than the owned active candidate.
+                // Non-empty reason also requires focus to be a tip principal (duel pair / roster).
                 UnitDossier dossier = WatchCaption.Current;
                 string reason = dossier?.ReasonLine ?? "";
                 Actor focus = MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit() ? MoveCamera._focus_unit : null;
@@ -7616,6 +8290,13 @@ public static class AgentHarness
                     break;
                 }
 
+                if (!InterestDirector.UnitIsReasonPrincipal(focus, owned))
+                {
+                    pass = false;
+                    detail = $"reason_without_principal reason='{reason}'";
+                    break;
+                }
+
                 string stranger = FindStrangerNamedInReason(reason, owned);
                 pass = string.IsNullOrEmpty(stranger);
                 detail = pass

IdleSpectator/Chronicle.cs

@@ -461,6 +461,80 @@ public static class Chronicle
         }
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Count History rows for <paramref name="subjectId"/> with CreatedAt inside the last
+    /// <paramref name="windowSeconds"/> (unscaled). Used by Character Ledger density.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static int RecentHistoryCount(long subjectId, float windowSeconds)
+    {
+        if (subjectId == 0 || windowSeconds <= 0f)
+        {
+            return 0;
+        }
+
+        IReadOnlyList<ChronicleEntry> snap = SnapshotForSubject(subjectId);
+        if (snap.Count == 0)
+        {
+            return 0;
+        }
+
+        float cutoff = Time.unscaledTime - windowSeconds;
+        int n = 0;
+        for (int i = 0; i < snap.Count; i++)
+        {
+            ChronicleEntry e = snap[i];
+            if (e != null && e.CreatedAt >= cutoff)
+            {
+                n++;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return n;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Collect distinct <see cref="ChronicleEntry.OtherId"/> values from subject History.
+    /// Newest rows first; stops at <paramref name="max"/>.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void EnumerateRelatedIds(long subjectId, List<long> into, int max = 8)
+    {
+        if (into == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        into.Clear();
+        if (subjectId == 0 || max <= 0)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        IReadOnlyList<ChronicleEntry> snap = SnapshotForSubject(subjectId);
+        for (int i = snap.Count - 1; i >= 0 && into.Count < max; i--)
+        {
+            ChronicleEntry e = snap[i];
+            if (e == null || e.OtherId == 0 || e.OtherId == subjectId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            bool seen = false;
+            for (int j = 0; j < into.Count; j++)
+            {
+                if (into[j] == e.OtherId)
+                {
+                    seen = true;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+
+            if (!seen)
+            {
+                into.Add(e.OtherId);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
     /// <summary>Newest-first slice for compact dossier HUD.</summary>
     public static IReadOnlyList<ChronicleEntry> LatestForSubject(long subjectId, int max)
     {

IdleSpectator/EventCatalogConfig.cs

@@ -51,6 +51,8 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
         new Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
     private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Relationship =
         new Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+    private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Story =
+        new Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
     private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Traits =
         new Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
     private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Books =
@@ -83,6 +85,7 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
     public static int WorldLogCount => WorldLog.Count;
     public static int PlotCount => Plots.Count;
     public static int RelationshipCount => Relationship.Count;
+    public static int StoryCount => Story.Count;
     public static int TraitCount => Traits.Count;
     public static int BookCount => Books.Count;
     public static int EraCount => Eras.Count;
@@ -130,7 +133,7 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
             LogService.LogInfo(
                 $"[IdleSpectator] event-catalog.json loaded v={_loadedVersion} "
                 + $"happiness={Happiness.Count} status={Status.Count} worldLog={WorldLog.Count} "
-                + $"plots={Plots.Count} relationship={Relationship.Count} traits={Traits.Count} "
+                + $"plots={Plots.Count} relationship={Relationship.Count} story={Story.Count} traits={Traits.Count} "
                 + $"books={Books.Count} eras={Eras.Count} disasters={Disasters.Count} "
                 + $"warTypes={WarTypes.Count} decisions={Decisions.Count} libraries={Libraries.Count} "
                 + $"species={SpeciesBonuses.Count} character={CharacterBonuses.Count}");
@@ -153,6 +156,7 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
         WorldLog.Clear();
         Plots.Clear();
         Relationship.Clear();
+        Story.Clear();
         Traits.Clear();
         Books.Clear();
         Eras.Clear();
@@ -184,6 +188,7 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "worldLog", out a)) IngestWorldLog(a);
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "plots", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Plots);
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "relationship", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Relationship);
+        if (TryExtractArray(json, "story", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Story);
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "traits", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Traits);
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "books", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Books);
         if (TryExtractArray(json, "eras", out a)) IngestDiscrete(a, Eras);
@@ -226,6 +231,7 @@ public static class EventCatalogConfig
 
     public static int FillPlots(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Plots, into);
     public static int FillRelationship(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Relationship, into);
+    public static int FillStory(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Story, into);
     public static int FillTraits(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Traits, into);
     public static int FillBooks(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Books, into);
     public static int FillEras(Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> into) => FillDiscrete(Eras, into);

IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Decision.cs

@@ -113,6 +113,12 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 return false;
             }
 
+            // Soft intent chatter - outcomes already covered by other feeds, or not story-worthy.
+            if (IsSoftDecisionNoise(s))
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+
             return HasToken(s, "war")
                    || HasToken(s, "king")
                    || HasToken(s, "leader")
@@ -129,7 +135,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                    || s.Contains("plot")
                    || s.Contains("marry")
                    || s.Contains("banish")
-                   || s.Contains("steal")
                    || s.Contains("kill_unruly")
                    || s.Contains("clan")
                    || s.Contains("religion")
@@ -137,18 +142,46 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                    || s.Contains("baby_make")
                    || s.Contains("have_child")
                    || s.Contains("birth")
-                   || s.Contains("reproduction")
+                   || s.Contains("sexual_reproduction")
                    || s.Contains("golden_brain")
                    || s.Contains("make_skeleton")
                    || s.Contains("soul_harvest")
                    || s.Contains("possessed")
-                   || s.Contains("create_hive")
-                   || s.Contains("fireworks")
-                   || s.Contains("affect_dreams")
-                   || s.Contains("family_group")
-                   || s.Contains("take_city_item")
-                   || s.Contains("put_out_fire")
-                   || s.Contains("burn_tumors");
+                   || s.Contains("create_hive");
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Soft AI chatter that distracts the story camera. Outcomes (hatch, pack sticky, fires)
+        /// already have better feeds when they matter.
+        /// </summary>
+        private static bool IsSoftDecisionNoise(string s)
+        {
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(s))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            if (s.Contains("family_group")
+                || s.Contains("affect_dreams")
+                || s.Contains("fireworks")
+                || s.Contains("put_out_fire")
+                || s.Contains("burn_tumors")
+                || s.Contains("asexual_reproduction")
+                || s.Contains("take_city_item")
+                || s.Contains("try_to_steal")
+                || s.Contains("steal_money"))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            // Army follow/join intent - keep only lead-to-attack.
+            if (s == "warrior_army_follow_leader"
+                || s == "warrior_try_join_army_group")
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            return false;
         }
 
         /// <summary>
@@ -245,6 +278,27 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
         /// <summary>True when a decision id should be allowed to own the idle camera.</summary>
         public static bool IsCameraWorthy(string id) => IsInterestingDecision(id);
 
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Life-cycle intent decisions: AI cooldown fires before the outcome tip.
+        /// Outcomes (pregnancy, child, seeking/smitten, lovers) already own the story -
+        /// these crumbs soft-cool as a class after one show.
+        /// Derived from live <c>decisions_library</c> token shape, not tip strings.
+        /// </summary>
+        public static bool IsLifeIntentDecision(string id)
+        {
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(id))
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            string s = id.Trim().ToLowerInvariant();
+            return s.IndexOf("reproduction", StringComparison.Ordinal) >= 0
+                   || s == "find_lover"
+                   || s.StartsWith("find_lover_", StringComparison.Ordinal)
+                   || s.IndexOf("baby_make", StringComparison.Ordinal) >= 0
+                   || s.IndexOf("have_child", StringComparison.Ordinal) >= 0;
+        }
+
         /// <summary>Authored action-phrase ids (JSON catalog ∪ builtin fallback).</summary>
         public static IEnumerable<string> AuthoredActionPhraseIds
         {

IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Libraries.cs

@@ -245,25 +245,8 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
             }
 
             string s = id.ToLowerInvariant();
-            // High / mid-spectacle materials from live items library plus named relics.
-            // Leather/wood/copper/iron stay ambient B.
-            return s.Contains("legendary")
-                   || s.Contains("mythic")
-                   || s.Contains("mythril")
-                   || s.Contains("adamantine")
-                   || s.Contains("artifact")
-                   || s.Contains("relic")
-                   || s.Contains("divine")
-                   || s.Contains("demon")
-                   || s.Contains("dragon")
-                   || s.Contains("nuke")
-                   || s.Contains("excalibur")
-                   || s.Contains("wonder")
-                   || s.Contains("silver")
-                   || s.Contains("steel")
-                   || s.Contains("_bone")
-                   || s.StartsWith("bone_", StringComparison.Ordinal)
-                   || s.EndsWith("_bone", StringComparison.Ordinal);
+            // Only top-tier materials own the camera. Steel/silver/bone gear is soak noise.
+            return s.Contains("mythril") || s.Contains("adamantine");
         }
 
         private static void Ensure()
@@ -408,6 +391,7 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
 
             Entries.Clear();
             _appliedGeneration = EventCatalogConfig.Generation;
+            // Gene gain/remove is catalog noise - no Signal predicate, all B (like phenotypes).
             LibraryCatalogDefaults d = LibOr("gene", 30f, 70f, "Genetics", "{a} gains gene {id}", false);
             LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded(
                 Entries,
@@ -417,25 +401,9 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 d.AmbientStrength,
                 signalIds: null,
                 d.SignalStrength,
-                signalPredicate: IsSignalGene,
                 ambientCreatesInterest: d.AmbientCreatesInterest);
         }
 
-        private static bool IsSignalGene(string id)
-        {
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(id))
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-
-            string s = id.ToLowerInvariant();
-            return s.Contains("warfare")
-                   || s.Contains("magic")
-                   || s.Contains("mutation")
-                   || s.Contains("mutagen")
-                   || s.Contains("damage");
-        }
-
         public static IEnumerable<string> AuthoredIds
         {
             get
@@ -548,23 +516,11 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
             }
 
             string s = id.ToLowerInvariant();
-            return s.Contains("war")
-                   || s.Contains("death")
-                   || s.Contains("plague")
-                   || s.Contains("hunger")
-                   || s.Contains("rebell")
-                   || s.Contains("disaster")
-                   || s.Contains("angry")
-                   || s.Contains("cursed")
+            // God-law toggles are mostly UI spam. Keep era-defining / crisis switches only.
+            return s.Contains("cursed")
                    || s.Contains("forever_")
-                   || s.Contains("tumor")
-                   || s.Contains("mutant")
-                   || s.Contains("evolution")
-                   || s.Contains("old_age")
-                   || s.Contains("kingdom_expansion")
-                   || s.Contains("border_steal")
-                   || s.Contains("civ_army")
-                   || s.Contains("exploding");
+                   || s.Contains("disaster")
+                   || s.Contains("rebell");
         }
 
         public static IEnumerable<string> AuthoredIds
@@ -673,6 +629,38 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                || s.Contains("blaster");
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Culture camera: hard politics only. Lovers / layouts / craft skins are soak noise.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static bool IsDramaticCultureTrait(string id)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(id))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        string s = id.ToLowerInvariant();
+        if (s.Contains("lover")
+            || s.Contains("city_layout")
+            || s.StartsWith("craft_", StringComparison.Ordinal)
+            || s.Contains("ethno")
+            || s.Contains("reading")
+            || s.Contains("statue")
+            || s.Contains("tower")
+            || s.Contains("gossip"))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        return s.Contains("conscript")
+               || s.Contains("xenophob")
+               || s.Contains("expans")
+               || s.Contains("join_or_die")
+               || s.Contains("happiness_from_war")
+               || s.Contains("warriors_ascension")
+               || s.Contains("shattered_crown");
+    }
+
     public static class CultureTrait
     {
         private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Entries =
@@ -704,7 +692,7 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 d.AmbientStrength,
                 signalIds: null,
                 d.SignalStrength,
-                signalPredicate: IsDramaticMetaTrait,
+                signalPredicate: IsDramaticCultureTrait,
                 ambientCreatesInterest: d.AmbientCreatesInterest);
         }
 
@@ -799,6 +787,7 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
 
             Entries.Clear();
             _appliedGeneration = EventCatalogConfig.Generation;
+            // Clan blood / vein traits are gene-like soak noise - all B.
             LibraryCatalogDefaults d = LibOr("clanTrait", 32f, 72f, "Clan", "{a} clan gains {id}", false);
             LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded(
                 Entries,
@@ -808,7 +797,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 d.AmbientStrength,
                 signalIds: null,
                 d.SignalStrength,
-                signalPredicate: IsDramaticMetaTrait,
                 ambientCreatesInterest: d.AmbientCreatesInterest);
         }
 
@@ -851,6 +839,7 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
 
             Entries.Clear();
             _appliedGeneration = EventCatalogConfig.Generation;
+            // Language flavor traits never own the camera.
             LibraryCatalogDefaults d = LibOr("languageTrait", 30f, 68f, "Language", "{a} tongue gains {id}", false);
             LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded(
                 Entries,
@@ -860,7 +849,6 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
                 d.AmbientStrength,
                 signalIds: null,
                 d.SignalStrength,
-                signalPredicate: IsDramaticMetaTrait,
                 ambientCreatesInterest: d.AmbientCreatesInterest);
         }
 

IdleSpectator/Events/Catalogs/EventCatalog.Story.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+/// <summary>Story aftermath / epilogue dials from <c>event-catalog.json</c> <c>story</c>.</summary>
+public static partial class EventCatalog
+{
+    public static class Story
+    {
+        private static readonly Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry> Entries =
+            new Dictionary<string, DiscreteEventEntry>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+
+        private static int _appliedGeneration = -1;
+
+        public static void InvalidateOverlays()
+        {
+            Entries.Clear();
+            _appliedGeneration = -1;
+        }
+
+        private static void Ensure()
+        {
+            if (_appliedGeneration == EventCatalogConfig.Generation)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            _appliedGeneration = EventCatalogConfig.Generation;
+            EventCatalogConfig.FillStory(Entries);
+        }
+
+        public static IEnumerable<string> AuthoredIds
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                Ensure();
+                return Entries.Keys;
+            }
+        }
+
+        public static DiscreteEventEntry GetOrFallback(string id)
+        {
+            Ensure();
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(id) && Entries.TryGetValue(id.Trim(), out DiscreteEventEntry entry))
+            {
+                return entry;
+            }
+
+            string key = string.IsNullOrEmpty(id) ? "unknown" : id.Trim();
+            return new DiscreteEventEntry
+            {
+                Id = key,
+                EventStrength = InterestScoringConfig.Story.aftermathStrength,
+                Category = "Story",
+                LabelTemplate = "{a} · {id}",
+                CreatesInterest = true,
+                IsFallback = true
+            };
+        }
+    }
+}

IdleSpectator/Events/EventCatalog.cs

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ public static partial class EventCatalog
         WorldLog.InvalidateOverlays();
         Plot.InvalidateOverlays();
         Relationship.InvalidateOverlays();
+        Story.InvalidateOverlays();
         Trait.InvalidateOverlays();
         Book.InvalidateOverlays();
         Era.InvalidateOverlays();

IdleSpectator/Events/EventFeedUtil.cs

@@ -93,6 +93,9 @@ public static class EventFeedUtil
             Label = label ?? assetId ?? key,
             AssetId = assetId ?? "",
             SpeciesId = subject?.asset != null ? subject.asset.id : "",
+            // StatusPhase publishes the status id as AssetId - stamp StatusId before Upsert
+            // so NoteSelection / beat cools see the class on first SwitchTo.
+            StatusId = completion == InterestCompletionKind.StatusPhase ? (assetId ?? "") : "",
             CreatedAt = Time.unscaledTime,
             LastSeenAt = Time.unscaledTime,
             ExpiresAt = Time.unscaledTime + 35f,
@@ -185,6 +188,27 @@ public static class EventFeedUtil
     /// <see cref="WorldActivityScanner.EnumerateAliveUnitsPublic"/>.
     /// </summary>
     public static Actor FindAliveById(long id)
+    {
+        Actor actor = FindUnitById(id);
+        if (actor == null)
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            return actor.isAlive() ? actor : null;
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// O(1) actor lookup including dead units (naming fallen duel partners, etc.).
+    /// </summary>
+    public static Actor FindUnitById(long id)
     {
         if (id == 0 || World.world?.units == null)
         {
@@ -193,18 +217,12 @@ public static class EventFeedUtil
 
         try
         {
-            Actor actor = World.world.units.get(id);
-            if (actor != null && actor.isAlive())
-            {
-                return actor;
-            }
+            return World.world.units.get(id);
         }
         catch
         {
-            // ignore lookup failures
+            return null;
         }
-
-        return null;
     }
 
     public static string SafeName(Actor actor)

IdleSpectator/Events/EventReason.cs

@@ -172,7 +172,8 @@ public static class EventReason
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Context-aware combat orange reason from a <see cref="LiveEnsemble"/> snapshot.
-    /// Multi form: <c>Battle - Humans (4) vs Wolves (0)</c> - counts may be 0 while sides stay sticky.
+    /// Multi form: <c>Battle - Humans (4) vs Wolves (3)</c>. A wiped camp collapses to a
+    /// living-side pack label at live scale (never <c>vs … (0)</c>).
     /// Never uses raw unit names as mass-side labels. Never prints thin <c>melee</c> fallbacks.
     /// </summary>
     public static string Combat(LiveEnsemble ensemble)
@@ -201,26 +202,54 @@ public static class EventReason
             return "Duel - " + a + " vs " + b;
         }
 
-        string tier = ScaleTierLabel(
-            ensemble.Scale <= EnsembleScale.Pair ? EnsembleScale.Skirmish : ensemble.Scale);
-
         if (LiveEnsemble.HasOpposingCollectiveSides(ensemble))
         {
-            string sideA = FormatCombatSide(ensemble.SideA, ensemble.Frame);
-            string sideB = FormatCombatSide(ensemble.SideB, ensemble.Frame);
-            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(sideA) && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(sideB))
+            int countA = ensemble.SideA != null ? Math.Max(0, ensemble.SideA.Count) : 0;
+            int countB = ensemble.SideB != null ? Math.Max(0, ensemble.SideB.Count) : 0;
+            // Mop-up: a wiped camp must not print "Mass - A (93) vs B (0)".
+            // Present the living side at live scale (pack chase / remnant).
+            if (countA <= 0 || countB <= 0)
             {
-                return tier + " - " + sideA + " vs " + sideB;
+                EnsembleSide liveSide = countA > 0 ? ensemble.SideA : ensemble.SideB;
+                int liveN = Math.Max(countA, countB);
+                if (liveSide != null && liveN > 0 && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(liveSide.Key))
+                {
+                    EnsembleScale mopScale = LiveEnsemble.ScaleForCount(liveN);
+                    string mopTier = ScaleTierLabel(
+                        mopScale <= EnsembleScale.Pair ? EnsembleScale.Skirmish : mopScale);
+                    EnsembleFrame mopFrame = ensemble.Frame == EnsembleFrame.KingdomVsKingdom
+                        ? EnsembleFrame.KingdomVsKingdom
+                        : EnsembleFrame.SpeciesVsSpecies;
+                    string pack = FormatCombatSide(liveSide, mopFrame);
+                    if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(pack))
+                    {
+                        return mopTier + " - " + pack;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                string tier = ScaleTierLabel(
+                    ensemble.Scale <= EnsembleScale.Pair ? EnsembleScale.Skirmish : ensemble.Scale);
+                string sideA = FormatCombatSide(ensemble.SideA, ensemble.Frame);
+                string sideB = FormatCombatSide(ensemble.SideB, ensemble.Frame);
+                if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(sideA) && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(sideB))
+                {
+                    return tier + " - " + sideA + " vs " + sideB;
+                }
             }
         }
 
+        string packTier = ScaleTierLabel(
+            ensemble.Scale <= EnsembleScale.Pair ? EnsembleScale.Skirmish : ensemble.Scale);
+
         // Same-species pack with no opposing sticky camps.
         if (ensemble.SideA != null && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(ensemble.SideA.Key))
         {
             string pack = FormatCombatSide(ensemble.SideA, EnsembleFrame.SpeciesVsSpecies);
             if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(pack))
             {
-                return tier + " - " + pack;
+                return packTier + " - " + pack;
             }
         }
 
@@ -321,7 +350,7 @@ public static class EventReason
         }
 
         label = char.ToUpperInvariant(label[0]) + (label.Length > 1 ? label.Substring(1) : "");
-        // Allow 0 so sticky camps can show a side briefly empty, then climb again on rejoin.
+        // Callers must not pair a zero-count side into "vs" framing (see Combat mop-up).
         int n = Math.Max(0, side.Count);
         return label + " (" + n.ToString(CultureInfo.InvariantCulture) + ")";
     }

IdleSpectator/Events/Feeds/InterestFeeds.cs

@@ -541,7 +541,8 @@ public static class InterestFeeds
             FollowUnit = actor,
             SubjectId = id,
             Label = EventReason.Hatch(actor),
-            AssetId = SafeAsset(actor),
+            // Hatch id owns AssetId so cool keys are class-stable (not species).
+            AssetId = "just_got_out_of_egg",
             SpeciesId = SafeAsset(actor),
             HappinessEffectId = "just_got_out_of_egg",
             CreatedAt = Time.unscaledTime,
@@ -649,7 +650,9 @@ public static class InterestFeeds
             SubjectId = sid,
             RelatedId = rid,
             Label = label ?? milestoneKey,
-            AssetId = subject.asset != null ? subject.asset.id : "",
+            // Milestone id owns AssetId so kill/lover/friend crumbs cool as a class
+            // (species id used to land every hunter tip on arc:asset:elf).
+            AssetId = milestoneKey,
             SpeciesId = subject.asset != null ? subject.asset.id : "",
             CreatedAt = Time.unscaledTime,
             LastSeenAt = Time.unscaledTime,

IdleSpectator/Events/StickyScoreboard.cs

@@ -158,6 +158,25 @@ namespace IdleSpectator;
         }
 
         EnsembleScale live = LiveEnsemble.ScaleForCount(n);
+        // Opposing camp wiped: drop Peak Mass hold immediately so tip tier matches mop-up.
+        bool wipedOpposing = sticky.HasOpposingSides
+                             && sticky.TotalCount > 0
+                             && (sticky.SideACount <= 0 || sticky.SideBCount <= 0);
+        if (wipedOpposing)
+        {
+            sticky.HasPresentedScale = true;
+            sticky.PresentedScale = live;
+            sticky.ScaleChangeSince = -999f;
+            sticky.ScaleDropSince = -999f;
+            ensemble.Scale = live;
+            if (ensemble.Frame == EnsembleFrame.NamedPair && live > EnsembleScale.Pair)
+            {
+                ensemble.Frame = EnsembleFrame.CountOnly;
+            }
+
+            return;
+        }
+
         if (!sticky.HasPresentedScale)
         {
             sticky.HasPresentedScale = true;
@@ -458,10 +477,16 @@ namespace IdleSpectator;
         }
 
         LiveSceneStickyState sticky = scene.Sticky;
+        bool wipedOpposing = sticky.HasOpposingSides
+                             && sticky.TotalCount > 0
+                             && (sticky.SideACount <= 0 || sticky.SideBCount <= 0);
+        int scaleN = wipedOpposing
+            ? Math.Max(1, sticky.TotalCount)
+            : Math.Max(3, sticky.PeakParticipants);
         var ensemble = new LiveEnsemble
         {
             Kind = sticky.Kind,
-            Scale = LiveEnsemble.ScaleForCount(Math.Max(3, sticky.PeakParticipants)),
+            Scale = LiveEnsemble.ScaleForCount(scaleN),
             Focus = focus,
             Related = related,
             Frame = sticky.Frame,

IdleSpectator/InterestDirector.cs

@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
     /// <summary>
     /// Candidate that may drive the orange dossier reason: owns <paramref name="unit"/>
     /// while the director still holds that scene (not quiet_grace).
-    /// Sticky combat may briefly report !IsActive between swings - keep the reason up.
+    /// Unit must be a tip principal (not a sticky bystander under a named duel).
     /// </summary>
     public static InterestCandidate TryGetOwnedReasonCandidate(Actor unit)
     {
@@ -130,37 +130,125 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return null;
         }
 
-        long unitId = 0;
-        try
+        // Dossier subject asking for the reason must match camera focus when focused.
+        if (MoveCamera.hasFocusUnit()
+            && MoveCamera._focus_unit != null
+            && MoveCamera._focus_unit != unit
+            && EventFeedUtil.SafeId(MoveCamera._focus_unit) != EventFeedUtil.SafeId(unit))
         {
-            unitId = unit.getID();
-        }
-        catch
-        {
-            unitId = 0;
+            return null;
         }
 
-        if (_current.FollowUnit == unit)
+        return UnitIsReasonPrincipal(unit, _current) ? _current : null;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// True when <paramref name="unit"/> may show <paramref name="scene"/>'s Label as orange reason.
+    /// Pair-locked duel tips only name PairOwner/PairPartner - sticky Follow alone is not enough
+    /// (avoids bystander dossier + "Duel - A vs B" for unrelated fighters).
+    /// </summary>
+    public static bool UnitIsReasonPrincipal(Actor unit, InterestCandidate scene)
+    {
+        if (unit == null || scene == null)
         {
-            return _current;
+            return false;
         }
 
-        if (_current.SubjectId != 0 && unitId != 0 && _current.SubjectId == unitId)
+        long unitId = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(unit);
+        if (unitId == 0)
         {
-            return _current;
+            return false;
         }
 
-        if (_current.RelatedUnit == unit)
+        bool ensemble = scene.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive
+                        || scene.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.WarFront
+                        || scene.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.PlotActive
+                        || scene.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.FamilyPack
+                        || scene.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.StatusOutbreak
+                        || InterestScoring.IsCombatAction(scene);
+
+        if (ensemble)
         {
-            return _current;
+            bool massTheater = scene.Sticky != null
+                               && scene.Sticky.HasPresentedScale
+                               && scene.Sticky.PresentedScale >= EnsembleScale.Skirmish;
+
+            if (scene.HasCombatPairLock && !massTheater)
+            {
+                // Named-pair duel: only the locked duelists own the reason.
+                return unitId == scene.PairOwnerId || unitId == scene.PairPartnerId;
+            }
+
+            if (unitId == scene.SubjectId
+                || scene.FollowUnit == unit
+                || unitId == scene.PairOwnerId
+                || unitId == scene.PairPartnerId
+                || unitId == scene.TheaterLeadId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            if (StickyRosterContains(scene, unitId))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            // Related alone is not enough for ensemble theaters (crowd / wrong camp).
+            return false;
         }
 
-        if (_current.RelatedId != 0 && unitId != 0 && _current.RelatedId == unitId)
+        // Life / discrete tips: Subject + Related are authoritative.
+        // Follow alone is not enough after a camera handoff left SubjectId on someone else
+        // (avoids Hillih dossier + "Iksssssa shares intimacy…" stale Label).
+        if (scene.SubjectId != 0 && unitId == scene.SubjectId)
         {
-            return _current;
+            return true;
         }
 
-        return null;
+        if (scene.RelatedId != 0 && unitId == scene.RelatedId)
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        if (scene.RelatedUnit == unit)
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        if (scene.FollowUnit == unit
+            && (scene.SubjectId == 0 || unitId == scene.SubjectId))
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    private static bool StickyRosterContains(InterestCandidate scene, long unitId)
+    {
+        if (scene?.Sticky == null || unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        LiveSceneStickyState sticky = scene.Sticky;
+        for (int i = 0; i < sticky.SideAIds.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (sticky.SideAIds[i] == unitId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < sticky.SideBIds.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (sticky.SideBIds[i] == unitId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return false;
     }
 
     public static string InterruptedKey =>
@@ -298,6 +386,37 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         }
 
         _inactiveSince = now;
+        StoryPlanner.OnClimaxCold(_current);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Harness: force WarFront / PlotActive / CombatActive cold so story aftermath can inject.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void HarnessMarkStickySceneCold()
+    {
+        if (_current == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        float now = Time.unscaledTime;
+        if (_current.Completion == InterestCompletionKind.CombatActive)
+        {
+            HarnessMarkCombatCold();
+            return;
+        }
+
+        _current.ForceActive = false;
+        _current.LastSeenAt = now - 60f;
+        // Break sticky liveness predicates (sides / plotters).
+        _current.Sticky.Clear();
+        _current.ParticipantCount = 0;
+        // Age past MaxWatch so IsActive is false even if a path still resolves.
+        float past = Mathf.Max(_current.MinWatch, _current.MaxWatch) + 1f;
+        _currentStartedAt = now - past;
+        _lastSwitchAt = _currentStartedAt;
+        _inactiveSince = now;
+        StoryPlanner.OnClimaxCold(_current);
     }
 
     /// <summary>Harness: clear FollowUnit while keeping RelatedUnit for death handoff.</summary>
@@ -348,6 +467,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         InterestVariety.Clear();
         InterestScoring.ClearCache();
         InterestFeeds.Reset();
+        StoryPlanner.Clear();
         _current = null;
         _interrupted = null;
         float now = Time.unscaledTime;
@@ -420,6 +540,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         float onCurrent = now - _currentStartedAt;
         float sinceSwitch = now - _lastSwitchAt;
 
+        StoryPlanner.Tick(now);
         UpdateSessionLiveness(now, onCurrent);
         MaintainCombatFocus(now, force: false);
         MaintainWarFront(now, force: false);
@@ -487,6 +608,9 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return;
         }
 
+        // Climax went cold: inject / claim aftermath (idempotent per climax key).
+        StoryPlanner.OnClimaxCold(_current);
+
         // No living subject left: prefer sticky combat roster handoff before ending.
         if (!_current.HasFollowUnit
             && (_current.RelatedUnit == null || !_current.RelatedUnit.isAlive()))
@@ -672,6 +796,13 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return;
         }
 
+        // Story aftermath/epilogue: promote another living cast member before ending.
+        if (StoryPlanner.TryRecoverStoryFollow(_current))
+        {
+            CameraDirector.Watch(_current.ToInterestEvent());
+            return;
+        }
+
         // Ownership-preserving handoff only: related survivor. Never invent a stranger.
         if (_current.RelatedUnit != null && _current.RelatedUnit.isAlive())
         {
@@ -813,6 +944,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
                     CameraDirector.Watch(_current.ToInterestEvent());
                 }
 
+                StoryPlanner.SyncActiveClimax(_current);
                 return true;
             }
 
@@ -956,6 +1088,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
                 CameraDirector.Watch(_current.ToInterestEvent());
             }
 
+            StoryPlanner.SyncActiveClimax(_current);
             return true;
         }
 
@@ -1214,6 +1347,8 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             CameraDirector.Watch(_current.ToInterestEvent());
         }
 
+        // Framing-only Battle↔Duel still needs story Kind sync (no SwitchTo).
+        StoryPlanner.SyncActiveClimax(_current);
         return true;
     }
 
@@ -3195,6 +3330,15 @@ public static class InterestDirector
                 }
             }
 
+            if (StoryPlanner.TryRecoverStoryFollow(_current))
+            {
+                CameraDirector.Watch(_current.ToInterestEvent());
+                if (HasLivingCameraFocus())
+                {
+                    return;
+                }
+            }
+
             if (_current.RelatedUnit != null && _current.RelatedUnit.isAlive())
             {
                 // Non-combat ownership handoff; sticky scenes already tried picker above.
@@ -3231,20 +3375,49 @@ public static class InterestDirector
 
     private static void EndCurrent(float now, string reason)
     {
+        InterestCandidate ended = _current;
         if (_current != null)
         {
             InterestRegistry.Remove(_current.Key);
             LogService.LogInfo("[IdleSpectator] Scene end (" + reason + "): " + _current.Label);
         }
 
+        StoryPlanner.OnEndCurrent(ended, now);
+
         // Resume interrupted Epic-preempted scene if still valid.
+        // Soft-life / moment beats already NoteSelection-cooled must not cut back in
+        // after a combat/peer cut (soak: hatch/reproduce resume spam).
         if (_interrupted != null
             && _interrupted.HasValidPosition
             && InterestCompletion.IsActive(_interrupted, now - _interrupted.MinWatch, now))
         {
             InterestCandidate resume = _interrupted;
             _interrupted = null;
-            SwitchTo(resume, now, resumableInterrupt: false);
+            if (InterestVariety.IsBeatCooled(resume, now))
+            {
+                InterestDropLog.Record(
+                    "resume_cooled",
+                    resume.HappinessEffectId ?? resume.AssetId ?? resume.Key ?? "beat");
+                InterestRegistry.Remove(resume.Key);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                SwitchTo(resume, now, resumableInterrupt: false);
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Prefer queued story aftermath/epilogue over ambient fill.
+        InterestCandidate storyNext = SelectNext(now);
+        if (storyNext != null
+            && StoryPlanner.OwnsCandidate(storyNext)
+            && IsWorthWatchingNow(storyNext, now, selectingDuringGrace: true))
+        {
+            _interrupted = null;
+            _current = null;
+            _harnessCombatForcedCold = false;
+            _inactiveSince = -999f;
+            SwitchTo(storyNext, now, resumableInterrupt: false);
             return;
         }
 
@@ -3751,6 +3924,13 @@ public static class InterestDirector
         bool inGrace = InQuietGrace;
         if (inGrace)
         {
+            // Story aftermath / same-arc continuation may cut freely during quiet grace.
+            if (IsSameStoryArc(_current, candidate)
+                && IsWorthWatchingNow(candidate, now, selectingDuringGrace: true))
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+
             // Quiet grace after a sticky hold: only margin-worthy events may cut in.
             // Prevents family-join / love status from stealing a fight between swings.
             if (_current != null
@@ -3852,6 +4032,13 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
+        // StoryPlanner hard-arc hold during aftermath/epilogue against unrelated peers.
+        float storyHold = StoryPlanner.ArcHoldMargin(_current, candidate);
+        if (storyHold > 0f)
+        {
+            cutMargin = Mathf.Max(cutMargin, storyHold);
+        }
+
         // Instant score-margin cut - no settle grace, no MinDwell block.
         // Soft clusters use the normal cut-in margin (not stickyCutInMargin).
         float effectiveMargin = IsSoftStickyCluster(_current) ? w.cutInMargin : cutMargin;
@@ -3860,12 +4047,13 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
-        if (sticky && !IsSoftStickyCluster(_current) && nextScore < curScore + cutMargin)
+        if ((sticky || storyHold > 0f) && !IsSoftStickyCluster(_current) && nextScore < curScore + cutMargin)
         {
             InterestDropLog.Record(
                 "below_margin",
                 $"sticky cur={curScore:0.#} next={nextScore:0.#} need={cutMargin:0.#}"
-                + (varietyValve ? " valve" : ""));
+                + (varietyValve ? " valve" : "")
+                + (storyHold > 0f ? " story" : ""));
         }
 
         // Fill never cuts a protected non-fill session without margin (already failed above).
@@ -4164,6 +4352,12 @@ public static class InterestDirector
             return true;
         }
 
+        // StoryPlanner aftermath / epilogue of the active climax.
+        if (StoryPlanner.IsContinuationOf(current, next))
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
         return false;
     }
 
@@ -4474,7 +4668,9 @@ public static class InterestDirector
 
         if (_current != null
             && _current.Resumable
-            && next.TotalScore >= _current.TotalScore + InterestScoringConfig.W.cutInMargin)
+            && next.TotalScore >= _current.TotalScore + InterestScoringConfig.W.cutInMargin
+            // Already-shown moment beats are cooled - parking them only enables resume spam.
+            && !InterestVariety.IsBeatCooled(_current, now))
         {
             _interrupted = _current.CloneShallow();
         }
@@ -4510,6 +4706,7 @@ public static class InterestDirector
 
         InterestRegistry.MarkSelected(next.Key);
         InterestVariety.NoteSelection(next);
+        StoryPlanner.OnSwitchTo(next, now);
         CameraDirector.Watch(next.ToInterestEvent());
     }
 

IdleSpectator/InterestScoring.cs

@@ -159,12 +159,18 @@ public static class InterestScoring
 
         float repeatPenalty = InterestVariety.RepeatArcPenalty(c);
         float frequencyAdjust = InterestVariety.FrequencyAdjust(c);
+        float causalBonus = CausalHeat.ScoreBonus(c);
+        float ledgerBonus = CharacterLedger.ScoreBonus(c);
+        float ownershipBonus = StoryPlanner.OwnershipBoost(c);
         c.TotalScore = c.EventStrength + scaleBonus
                        + c.CharacterSignificance * charWeight
                        + c.VisualConfidence * w.visualMultiplier
                        + c.Novelty * w.noveltyMultiplier
                        - repeatPenalty
-                       + frequencyAdjust;
+                       + frequencyAdjust
+                       + causalBonus
+                       + ledgerBonus
+                       + ownershipBonus;
         string detail =
             $"evt={c.EventStrength:0.#} char={c.CharacterSignificance:0.#} n={fighters}/{notables} vis={c.VisualConfidence:0.##}";
         if (repeatPenalty > 0.05f)
@@ -179,6 +185,21 @@ public static class InterestScoring
                       + frequencyAdjust.ToString("0.#");
         }
 
+        if (causalBonus > 0.05f)
+        {
+            detail += $" causal=+{causalBonus:0.#}";
+        }
+
+        if (ledgerBonus > 0.05f)
+        {
+            detail += $" ledger=+{ledgerBonus:0.#}";
+        }
+
+        if (ownershipBonus > 0.05f)
+        {
+            detail += $" arc=+{ownershipBonus:0.#}";
+        }
+
         c.ScoreDetail = detail;
     }
 

IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs

@@ -15,6 +15,33 @@ public class ScoringModelDocument
 {
     public string modVersion;
     public ScoringWeights weights;
+    public StoryWeights story;
+}
+
+/// <summary>StoryPlanner knobs from scoring-model.json <c>story</c> block.</summary>
+[Serializable]
+public class StoryWeights
+{
+    public float nearTieEpsilon = 8f;
+    public float causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds = 180f;
+    public float causalHeatWeight = 6f;
+    public float causalRelatedWeight = 3f;
+    public float arcOwnershipBoost = 18f;
+    public float arcHoldMargin = 50f;
+    public float aftermathStrength = 62f;
+    public float aftermathMinWatch = 12f;
+    public float aftermathMaxWatch = 20f;
+    public float epilogueStrength = 48f;
+    public float epilogueMaxWatch = 14f;
+    public int ledgerCap = 16;
+    public float ledgerWeight = 8f;
+    public float historyDensityWindowSeconds = 600f;
+    /// <summary>Multiply subject ledger heat after a family life chapter tip is shown.</summary>
+    public float ledgerBleedLifeChapter = 0.4f;
+    /// <summary>Multiply other ledger entries after a family life chapter (village cool).</summary>
+    public float ledgerBleedVillage = 0.82f;
+    /// <summary>Extra FixedDwell beat cool for family chapters (seconds, stacks with base).</summary>
+    public float familyLifeBeatCooldownSeconds = 90f;
 }
 
 /// <summary>Serializable weight block — field names must match scoring-model.json "weights".</summary>
@@ -175,12 +202,15 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
     public const string FileName = "scoring-model.json";
 
     private static ScoringWeights _w = new ScoringWeights();
+    private static StoryWeights _story = new StoryWeights();
     private static string _loadedPath = "";
     private static string _loadedVersion = "";
     private static bool _loadedFromFile;
 
     public static ScoringWeights W => _w;
 
+    public static StoryWeights Story => _story;
+
     public static bool LoadedFromFile => _loadedFromFile;
 
     public static string LoadedPath => _loadedPath;
@@ -190,6 +220,7 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
     public static void LoadFromModFolder(string modFolder)
     {
         _w = new ScoringWeights();
+        _story = new StoryWeights();
         _loadedFromFile = false;
         _loadedPath = "";
         _loadedVersion = "";
@@ -210,22 +241,24 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
         try
         {
             string json = File.ReadAllText(path);
-            if (!TryParseDocument(json, out ScoringWeights weights, out string version))
+            if (!TryParseDocument(json, out ScoringWeights weights, out StoryWeights story, out string version))
             {
                 LogService.LogInfo("[IdleSpectator] scoring-model.json parse failed, using defaults");
                 return;
             }
 
             _w = weights;
+            _story = story ?? new StoryWeights();
             _loadedFromFile = true;
             _loadedPath = path;
             _loadedVersion = version ?? "";
             LogService.LogInfo(
-                $"[IdleSpectator] scoring-model.json loaded v={_loadedVersion} charEvent={_w.charWeightEventLed:0.##} mass={_w.massBaseBonus:0.#} duelPair={_w.duelNotablePairBonus:0.#}");
+                $"[IdleSpectator] scoring-model.json loaded v={_loadedVersion} charEvent={_w.charWeightEventLed:0.##} mass={_w.massBaseBonus:0.#} duelPair={_w.duelNotablePairBonus:0.#} storyNearTie={_story.nearTieEpsilon:0.#}");
         }
         catch (Exception ex)
         {
             _w = new ScoringWeights();
+            _story = new StoryWeights();
             LogService.LogInfo($"[IdleSpectator] scoring-model.json failed ({ex.Message}), using defaults");
         }
     }
@@ -234,9 +267,14 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
     /// Unity JsonUtility often returns null nested objects on mixed doc/schema files.
     /// Parse the weights object directly (extracted by brace matching).
     /// </summary>
-    internal static bool TryParseDocument(string json, out ScoringWeights weights, out string version)
+    internal static bool TryParseDocument(
+        string json,
+        out ScoringWeights weights,
+        out StoryWeights story,
+        out string version)
     {
         weights = null;
+        story = new StoryWeights();
         version = "";
         if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(json))
         {
@@ -245,6 +283,15 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
 
         version = ExtractJsonString(json, "modVersion") ?? "";
 
+        if (TryExtractObject(json, "story", out string storyJson))
+        {
+            StoryWeights parsedStory = JsonUtility.FromJson<StoryWeights>(storyJson);
+            if (parsedStory != null)
+            {
+                story = parsedStory;
+            }
+        }
+
         // Prefer direct FromJson of the weights object — reliable with flat numeric fields.
         if (TryExtractObject(json, "weights", out string weightsJson))
         {
@@ -261,6 +308,11 @@ public static class InterestScoringConfig
         if (doc?.weights != null)
         {
             weights = doc.weights;
+            if (doc.story != null)
+            {
+                story = doc.story;
+            }
+
             if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(doc.modVersion))
             {
                 version = doc.modVersion;

IdleSpectator/Story/CausalHeat.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using UnityEngine;
+
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Decaying per-unit heat from featured cast. Soft-spreads to live relations and Chronicle links.
+/// </summary>
+public static class CausalHeat
+{
+    private struct HeatEntry
+    {
+        public float Value;
+        public float TouchedAt;
+    }
+
+    private static readonly Dictionary<long, HeatEntry> HeatById = new Dictionary<long, HeatEntry>(64);
+    private static readonly List<long> ScratchIds = new List<long>(16);
+    private const float FeaturedAmount = 1f;
+    private const float RelatedSpread = 0.45f;
+
+    public static void Clear()
+    {
+        HeatById.Clear();
+    }
+
+    public static void NoteFeatured(long unitId, float amount = FeaturedAmount)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0 || amount <= 0f)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        float now = Time.unscaledTime;
+        AddHeat(unitId, amount, now);
+        SpreadRelated(unitId, amount * RelatedSpread, now);
+    }
+
+    public static void NoteCast(IList<long> castIds, float amount = FeaturedAmount)
+    {
+        if (castIds == null || castIds.Count == 0)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < castIds.Count; i++)
+        {
+            NoteFeatured(castIds[i], amount);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public static float Get(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0 || !HeatById.TryGetValue(unitId, out HeatEntry entry))
+        {
+            return 0f;
+        }
+
+        return Decayed(entry, Time.unscaledTime);
+    }
+
+    public static float ScoreBonus(InterestCandidate c)
+    {
+        if (c == null)
+        {
+            return 0f;
+        }
+
+        StoryWeights s = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        float subject = Get(c.SubjectId);
+        float related = c.RelatedId != 0 && c.RelatedId != c.SubjectId ? Get(c.RelatedId) : 0f;
+        return subject * s.causalHeatWeight + related * s.causalRelatedWeight;
+    }
+
+    private static float Decayed(HeatEntry entry, float now)
+    {
+        StoryWeights s = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        float halfLife = s.causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds > 1f ? s.causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds : 180f;
+        float age = Mathf.Max(0f, now - entry.TouchedAt);
+        return entry.Value * Mathf.Pow(0.5f, age / halfLife);
+    }
+
+    private static void AddHeat(long unitId, float amount, float now)
+    {
+        float cur = 0f;
+        if (HeatById.TryGetValue(unitId, out HeatEntry entry))
+        {
+            cur = Decayed(entry, now);
+        }
+
+        HeatById[unitId] = new HeatEntry
+        {
+            Value = Mathf.Min(4f, cur + amount),
+            TouchedAt = now
+        };
+    }
+
+    private static void SpreadRelated(long unitId, float amount, float now)
+    {
+        if (amount < 0.05f)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        Actor actor = EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(unitId);
+        if (actor != null)
+        {
+            Actor lover = ActorRelation.GetLover(actor);
+            if (lover != null)
+            {
+                AddHeat(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(lover), amount, now);
+            }
+
+            Actor friend = ActorRelation.GetBestFriend(actor);
+            if (friend != null)
+            {
+                AddHeat(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(friend), amount * 0.75f, now);
+            }
+        }
+
+        ScratchIds.Clear();
+        Chronicle.EnumerateRelatedIds(unitId, ScratchIds, max: 6);
+        for (int i = 0; i < ScratchIds.Count; i++)
+        {
+            long other = ScratchIds[i];
+            if (other == 0 || other == unitId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            AddHeat(other, amount * 0.5f, now);
+        }
+    }
+}

IdleSpectator/Story/CharacterLedger.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,295 @@
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using UnityEngine;
+
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Small cast of watched lives. Heat from favorites, focus, CausalHeat, and Chronicle density.
+/// </summary>
+public static class CharacterLedger
+{
+    private struct LedgerEntry
+    {
+        public long UnitId;
+        public float Heat;
+        public float TouchedAt;
+    }
+
+    private static readonly List<LedgerEntry> Entries = new List<LedgerEntry>(20);
+    private static readonly List<int> ScratchIdx = new List<int>(8);
+
+    public static void Clear()
+    {
+        Entries.Clear();
+    }
+
+    public static int Count => Entries.Count;
+
+    public static bool IsOnLedger(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (Entries[i].UnitId == unitId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    public static float Heat(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return 0f;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (Entries[i].UnitId == unitId)
+            {
+                return Entries[i].Heat;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return 0f;
+    }
+
+    public static float ScoreBonus(InterestCandidate c)
+    {
+        if (c == null)
+        {
+            return 0f;
+        }
+
+        StoryWeights s = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        float h = Heat(c.SubjectId);
+        if (h <= 0f && c.RelatedId != 0)
+        {
+            h = Heat(c.RelatedId) * 0.5f;
+        }
+
+        return h * s.ledgerWeight;
+    }
+
+    public static void Touch(long unitId, float heatAdd = 1f)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        float now = Time.unscaledTime;
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (Entries[i].UnitId != unitId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            LedgerEntry e = Entries[i];
+            e.Heat = Mathf.Min(8f, e.Heat + heatAdd);
+            e.TouchedAt = now;
+            Entries[i] = e;
+            return;
+        }
+
+        EnsureCapacityForNew(unitId);
+        Entries.Add(new LedgerEntry
+        {
+            UnitId = unitId,
+            Heat = Mathf.Clamp(heatAdd, 0.5f, 8f),
+            TouchedAt = now
+        });
+    }
+
+    public static void NoteFeatured(InterestCandidate scene)
+    {
+        if (scene == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        float add = 1f;
+        if (scene.FollowUnit != null && Chronicle.IsFavoriteSubject(EventFeedUtil.SafeId(scene.FollowUnit)))
+        {
+            add += 1.5f;
+        }
+
+        if (InterestScoring.IsNotable(scene.FollowUnit))
+        {
+            add += 0.75f;
+        }
+
+        if (scene.SubjectId != 0)
+        {
+            Touch(scene.SubjectId, add);
+            float density = Chronicle.RecentHistoryCount(
+                scene.SubjectId,
+                InterestScoringConfig.Story.historyDensityWindowSeconds);
+            if (density > 0)
+            {
+                Touch(scene.SubjectId, Mathf.Min(2f, density * 0.15f));
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (scene.RelatedId != 0)
+        {
+            Touch(scene.RelatedId, add * 0.6f);
+        }
+
+        float causal = CausalHeat.Get(scene.SubjectId);
+        if (causal > 0.5f)
+        {
+            Touch(scene.SubjectId, Mathf.Min(1.5f, causal));
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Soft life chapters (parenthood, intimacy) should not keep ledger heat hot enough
+    /// to monopolize the next few picks for the same village cast.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static void CoolAfterSoftLifeBeat(InterestCandidate scene)
+    {
+        if (scene == null || !InterestVariety.IsSoftLifeChapter(scene))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        StoryWeights s = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        float subjectMul = s.ledgerBleedLifeChapter > 0f ? s.ledgerBleedLifeChapter : 0.4f;
+        float villageMul = s.ledgerBleedVillage > 0f ? s.ledgerBleedVillage : 0.82f;
+        Bleed(scene.SubjectId, subjectMul);
+        if (scene.RelatedId != 0)
+        {
+            Bleed(scene.RelatedId, Mathf.Lerp(subjectMul, 1f, 0.35f));
+        }
+
+        // Mild cool across the rest of the ledger so harness-featured villagers fade.
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            long id = Entries[i].UnitId;
+            if (id == 0 || id == scene.SubjectId || id == scene.RelatedId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            Bleed(id, villageMul);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public static void Bleed(long unitId, float multiplyHeat)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0 || multiplyHeat >= 0.999f)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        multiplyHeat = Mathf.Clamp(multiplyHeat, 0.05f, 1f);
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (Entries[i].UnitId != unitId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            LedgerEntry e = Entries[i];
+            e.Heat = Mathf.Max(0.15f, e.Heat * multiplyHeat);
+            Entries[i] = e;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+
+    public static void Enumerate(List<long> into)
+    {
+        if (into == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        into.Clear();
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            into.Add(Entries[i].UnitId);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public static Actor PreferLedgerUnit(IEnumerable<Actor> candidates)
+    {
+        if (candidates == null)
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        Actor best = null;
+        float bestHeat = -1f;
+        foreach (Actor a in candidates)
+        {
+            if (a == null || !a.isAlive())
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(a);
+            float h = Heat(id);
+            if (h > bestHeat)
+            {
+                bestHeat = h;
+                best = a;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return bestHeat > 0f ? best : null;
+    }
+
+    private static void EnsureCapacityForNew(long incomingId)
+    {
+        StoryWeights s = InterestScoringConfig.Story;
+        int cap = s.ledgerCap > 0 ? s.ledgerCap : 16;
+        if (Entries.Count < cap)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Never evict current arc cast.
+        ScratchIdx.Clear();
+        int worst = -1;
+        float worstHeat = float.MaxValue;
+        for (int i = 0; i < Entries.Count; i++)
+        {
+            long id = Entries[i].UnitId;
+            if (StoryPlanner.Active != null && StoryPlanner.Active.ContainsCast(id))
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            if (id == incomingId)
+            {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            float h = Entries[i].Heat;
+            if (h < worstHeat)
+            {
+                worstHeat = h;
+                worst = i;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (worst >= 0)
+        {
+            Entries.RemoveAt(worst);
+        }
+        else if (Entries.Count > 0)
+        {
+            // All protected - drop oldest non-incoming.
+            Entries.RemoveAt(0);
+        }
+    }
+}

IdleSpectator/Story/StoryArc.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+public enum StoryArcKind
+{
+    None = 0,
+    CombatDuel = 1,
+    CombatMass = 2,
+    WarFront = 3,
+    Plot = 4,
+    Love = 5,
+    Grief = 6
+}
+
+public enum StoryPhase
+{
+    None = 0,
+    Climax = 1,
+    Aftermath = 2,
+    Epilogue = 3,
+    Done = 4
+}
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Short multi-beat story ownership: climax sticky/life scene → aftermath → optional epilogue.
+/// </summary>
+public sealed class StoryArc
+{
+    public string Id = "";
+    public StoryArcKind Kind = StoryArcKind.None;
+    public StoryPhase Phase = StoryPhase.None;
+    public string AnchorKey = "";
+    public string ClimaxKey = "";
+    public float StartedAt;
+    public float PhaseStartedAt;
+    /// <summary>True when this arc uses hard hold margins (not soft anonymous duels).</summary>
+    public bool HardHold;
+    public readonly List<long> CastIds = new List<long>(4);
+    public readonly Queue<StoryBeat> PendingBeats = new Queue<StoryBeat>(2);
+
+    public bool IsActive =>
+        Phase != StoryPhase.None && Phase != StoryPhase.Done;
+
+    public bool ContainsCast(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        for (int i = 0; i < CastIds.Count; i++)
+        {
+            if (CastIds[i] == unitId)
+            {
+                return true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    public void NoteCast(long unitId)
+    {
+        if (unitId == 0 || ContainsCast(unitId))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        CastIds.Add(unitId);
+    }
+
+    public void Advance(StoryPhase next, float now)
+    {
+        Phase = next;
+        PhaseStartedAt = now;
+    }
+}

IdleSpectator/Story/StoryBeat.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+/// <summary>Queued aftermath / epilogue beat for an active <see cref="StoryArc"/>.</summary>
+public sealed class StoryBeat
+{
+    public StoryPhase Phase = StoryPhase.Aftermath;
+    public string AssetId = "";
+    public string CandidateKey = "";
+    public long FollowId;
+    public long RelatedId;
+    public float EventStrength;
+    public float MinWatch;
+    public float MaxWatch;
+    public bool SynthesizeIfMissing = true;
+}

IdleSpectator/Story/StoryReason.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+namespace IdleSpectator;
+
+/// <summary>Subject-led orange Labels for synthetic story aftermath / epilogue beats.</summary>
+public static class StoryReason
+{
+    public const string AftermathSurvivor = "aftermath_survivor";
+    public const string AftermathMourner = "aftermath_mourner";
+    public const string AftermathWarLinger = "aftermath_war_linger";
+    public const string AftermathPlotFallout = "aftermath_plot_fallout";
+    public const string AftermathLoveLinger = "aftermath_love_linger";
+    public const string EpilogueRelated = "epilogue_related";
+
+    public static bool IsStoryAsset(string assetId)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(assetId))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        return assetId.StartsWith("aftermath_", System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+               || assetId.StartsWith("epilogue_", System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+    }
+
+    public static string AftermathLabel(string assetId, Actor follow, Actor related)
+    {
+        string name = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(follow);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(name))
+        {
+            name = "Someone";
+        }
+
+        string other = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(related);
+        string id = (assetId ?? "").Trim().ToLowerInvariant();
+        switch (id)
+        {
+            case AftermathMourner:
+                return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                    ? name + " mourns the fallen"
+                    : name + " mourns " + other;
+            case AftermathWarLinger:
+                return name + " lingers on the war front";
+            case AftermathPlotFallout:
+                return name + " faces the plot's fallout";
+            case AftermathLoveLinger:
+                return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                    ? name + " stays with their love"
+                    : name + " stays beside " + other;
+            case EpilogueRelated:
+                return string.IsNullOrEmpty(other)
+                    ? name + " carries on after the story"
+                    : name + " seeks " + other + " after the story";
+            case AftermathSurvivor:
+            default:
+                // Only name a dead theater partner. Living lover/friend fallbacks must never
+                // print as the fallen (soak: "stands over Clemond" after a duel vs someone else).
+                if (related != null)
+                {
+                    bool dead = false;
+                    try
+                    {
+                        dead = !related.isAlive();
+                    }
+                    catch
+                    {
+                        dead = true;
+                    }
+
+                    if (dead && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(other))
+                    {
+                        return name + " stands over " + other;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                return name + " stands over the fallen";
+        }
+    }
+}

IdleSpectator/UnitDossier.cs

@@ -410,6 +410,15 @@ public sealed class UnitDossier
             return "";
         }
 
+        // Dossier subject must own the leading proper name on non-ensemble tips.
+        // Catches Follow/Subject drift where the tip Label still names someone else.
+        if (!IsEnsembleCombatReason(beat) && ReasonLeadsWithForeignDossierName(beat, actor, d, scene))
+        {
+            InterestDropLog.Record("identity_filter", "dossier_foreign:" + beat);
+            d.ReasonRelatedId = 0;
+            return "";
+        }
+
         // Gold names inside the orange reason row (same palette as history/activity).
         string subjectName = d != null ? (d.Name ?? "") : "";
         if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(subjectName))
@@ -543,7 +552,18 @@ public sealed class UnitDossier
         }
 
         string subjectName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(scene.FollowUnit);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(subjectName))
+        {
+            Actor subject = EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(scene.SubjectId);
+            subjectName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(subject);
+        }
+
         string relatedName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(scene.RelatedUnit);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(relatedName) && scene.RelatedId != 0)
+        {
+            relatedName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(scene.RelatedId));
+        }
+
         if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(subjectName)
             && first.Equals(FirstToken(subjectName), System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
         {
@@ -572,7 +592,101 @@ public sealed class UnitDossier
                     continue;
                 }
 
-                if (unit == scene.FollowUnit || unit == scene.RelatedUnit)
+                long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(unit);
+                if (unit == scene.FollowUnit
+                    || unit == scene.RelatedUnit
+                    || (scene.SubjectId != 0 && id == scene.SubjectId)
+                    || (scene.RelatedId != 0 && id == scene.RelatedId))
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                string name = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(unit);
+                if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(name) || name.Length < 3)
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                if (first.Equals(FirstToken(name), System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+                {
+                    return true;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            // ignore
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// True when the reason leads with a living unit name that is not the dossier subject
+    /// (and not the scene's related partner when the dossier subject is that partner).
+    /// </summary>
+    private static bool ReasonLeadsWithForeignDossierName(
+        string reason,
+        Actor dossierActor,
+        UnitDossier dossier,
+        InterestCandidate scene)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(reason) || scene == null)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        string first = FirstToken(reason);
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(first) || IsOwnedBeatKeyword(first))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        string dossierName = dossier != null ? (dossier.Name ?? "") : "";
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(dossierName))
+        {
+            dossierName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(dossierActor);
+        }
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(dossierName)
+            && first.Equals(FirstToken(dossierName), System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        // Related partner may show a subject-led sentence ("Iksssssa shares intimacy with Anya")
+        // only when the dossier subject is that related partner.
+        long dossierId = dossier != null ? dossier.UnitId : EventFeedUtil.SafeId(dossierActor);
+        if (dossierId != 0
+            && scene.RelatedId != 0
+            && dossierId == scene.RelatedId)
+        {
+            Actor subject = scene.FollowUnit != null && scene.FollowUnit.isAlive()
+                ? scene.FollowUnit
+                : EventFeedUtil.FindAliveById(scene.SubjectId);
+            string subjectName = EventFeedUtil.SafeName(subject);
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(subjectName)
+                && first.Equals(FirstToken(subjectName), System.StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (World.world?.units == null || first.Length < 3)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            foreach (Actor unit in World.world.units)
+            {
+                if (unit == null || !unit.isAlive())
+                {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                if (unit == dossierActor)
                 {
                     continue;
                 }

IdleSpectator/WatchCaption.cs

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ using UnityEngine.UI;
 namespace IdleSpectator;
 
 /// <summary>
-/// Compact dossier: nametag (species/name/lv/task/sex), avatar + mini History, statuses, traits, reason.
+/// Compact dossier: nametag (species/name/lv/task/sex), avatar + mini History, statuses, traits, reason, story spine.
 /// </summary>
 public static class WatchCaption
 {
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
     private const float TraitsH = 14f;
     private const float StatusesH = 14f;
     private const float ReasonH = 14f;
+    private const float StorySpineH = 12f;
     private const float HistoryLineMinH = 13f;
     private const float HistoryLineMaxH = 100f;
     private const float Gap = 2f;
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
     private static readonly Color StatValueColor = HudTheme.ValueOrange;
     private static readonly Color TaskColor = HudTheme.TaskGreen;
     private static readonly Color ReasonColor = HudTheme.ValueOrange;
+    private static readonly Color StorySpineColor = HudTheme.Muted;
     private static readonly Color TraitNameColor = HudTheme.Body;
     private static readonly Color StatusNameColor = HudTheme.StatusBlue;
     private static readonly Color HistoryTextColor = HudTheme.Body;
@@ -62,6 +64,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
     private static Image _sexIcon;
     private static Text _nameText;
     private static Text _reasonText;
+    private static Text _storySpineText;
     private static long _reasonOtherId;
 
     private static Image _levelIcon;
@@ -129,6 +132,9 @@ public static class WatchCaption
 
     public static string LastCaptionText { get; private set; } = "";
 
+    /// <summary>Harness/UI: active story spine ("Duel · Aftermath"), empty when none.</summary>
+    public static string LastStorySpine { get; private set; } = "";
+
     /// <summary>Harness: newest mini-history line currently shown (if any).</summary>
     public static string LastHistoryPreview { get; private set; } = "";
 
@@ -407,6 +413,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         LastHeadline = "";
         LastDetail = "";
         LastCaptionText = "";
+        LastStorySpine = "";
         LastHistoryPreview = "";
         LastHistoryJoined = "";
         LastHistoryShown = 0;
@@ -461,6 +468,9 @@ public static class WatchCaption
             WireReasonClick(0);
         }
 
+        // Status banners temporarily own the reason row - hide the story spine.
+        ApplyStorySpine("");
+
         LastCaptionText = (LastHeadline ?? "Idle Spectator") + " | " + message;
         // Re-fill from the current subject so Relayout cannot resurrect stale history slots
         // from a previously focused unit (activeSelf stays true while the column is hidden).
@@ -604,6 +614,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
                 RefreshLiveIdentity();
                 RefreshLiveStatuses();
                 RefreshOwnedReason();
+                RefreshStorySpine();
                 RefreshHistoryIfChanged();
                 return;
             }
@@ -660,6 +671,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         RefreshLiveIdentity();
         RefreshLiveStatuses();
         RefreshOwnedReason();
+        RefreshStorySpine();
         RefreshHistoryIfChanged();
     }
 
@@ -836,7 +848,11 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         bool headcountOnly = EventReason.IsHeadcountOnlyChange(prev, next);
         _current.ReasonLine = next;
         LastDetail = _current.DetailLine ?? "";
-        LastCaptionText = JoinCaptionLines(_current.Headline, next, _current.DetailLine);
+        LastCaptionText = JoinCaptionLines(
+            _current.Headline,
+            next,
+            _current.DetailLine,
+            StoryPlanner.FormatSpineLabel());
 
         bool hasReason = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(next);
         if (_reasonText != null)
@@ -847,6 +863,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         // Mass tip headcount ticks must not Relayout the whole dossier every second.
         if (headcountOnly)
         {
+            RefreshStorySpine();
             return;
         }
 
@@ -860,7 +877,61 @@ public static class WatchCaption
             CountActiveHistorySlots());
     }
 
-    private static string JoinCaptionLines(string headline, string reason, string detail)
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Quiet Kind · Phase line under the orange reason while StoryPlanner owns an arc.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static void RefreshStorySpine()
+    {
+        if (!_visible || HasStatusBanner())
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        string next = SpectatorMode.Active && ModSettings.ShowDossierCaption
+            ? StoryPlanner.FormatSpineLabel()
+            : "";
+        if (string.Equals(next, LastStorySpine, StringComparison.Ordinal))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        ApplyStorySpine(next);
+        bool hasReason = _reasonText != null && _reasonText.gameObject.activeSelf;
+        bool hasTask = _taskText != null && _taskText.gameObject.activeSelf;
+        bool hasBody = _boundActor != null || CountActiveHistorySlots() > 0 || _current != null;
+        Relayout(
+            hasBody,
+            CountActiveTraitSlots(),
+            CountActiveStatusSlots(),
+            hasTask,
+            hasReason,
+            CountActiveHistorySlots());
+    }
+
+    private static void ApplyStorySpine(string spine)
+    {
+        LastStorySpine = spine ?? "";
+        if (_storySpineText == null)
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        bool show = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(LastStorySpine) && !HasStatusBanner();
+        _storySpineText.text = show ? LastStorySpine : "";
+        _storySpineText.color = StorySpineColor;
+        _storySpineText.gameObject.SetActive(show);
+
+        if (_current != null)
+        {
+            LastCaptionText = JoinCaptionLines(
+                _current.Headline,
+                _current.ReasonLine,
+                _current.DetailLine,
+                LastStorySpine);
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static string JoinCaptionLines(string headline, string reason, string detail, string storySpine = null)
     {
         var sb = new System.Text.StringBuilder();
         if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(headline))
@@ -878,6 +949,16 @@ public static class WatchCaption
             sb.Append(reason);
         }
 
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(storySpine))
+        {
+            if (sb.Length > 0)
+            {
+                sb.Append('\n');
+            }
+
+            sb.Append(storySpine);
+        }
+
         if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(detail))
         {
             if (sb.Length > 0)
@@ -970,7 +1051,11 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         _current.IdentityTag = tag;
         _current.Headline = headline;
         LastHeadline = headline;
-        LastCaptionText = JoinCaptionLines(headline, _current.ReasonLine, _current.DetailLine);
+        LastCaptionText = JoinCaptionLines(
+            headline,
+            _current.ReasonLine,
+            _current.DetailLine,
+            LastStorySpine);
         if (_nameText != null)
         {
             _nameText.text = headline;
@@ -1420,6 +1505,11 @@ public static class WatchCaption
                 hasReason && dossier != null ? dossier.ReasonRelatedId : 0);
         }
 
+        string spine = SpectatorMode.Active && ModSettings.ShowDossierCaption && dossier != null
+            ? StoryPlanner.FormatSpineLabel()
+            : "";
+        ApplyStorySpine(spine);
+
         Relayout(hasBody, traitCount, statusCount, hasTask, hasReason, historyCount);
         RefreshFavoriteVisual(hasLive ? actor : null);
     }
@@ -2287,6 +2377,15 @@ public static class WatchCaption
             y += reasonH + Gap;
         }
 
+        bool hasStorySpine = _storySpineText != null
+                             && _storySpineText.gameObject.activeSelf
+                             && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_storySpineText.text);
+        if (hasStorySpine)
+        {
+            PlaceLine(_storySpineText.GetComponent<RectTransform>(), y, StorySpineH, PadX);
+            y += StorySpineH + Gap;
+        }
+
         float height = Mathf.Max(HeaderH + PadTop * 2f, y + PadTop - Gap);
         if (_rootRt != null)
         {
@@ -2925,6 +3024,8 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         return LineInside(_nameText.GetComponent<RectTransform>(), panelHeight)
                && (_reasonText == null || !_reasonText.gameObject.activeSelf
                    || LineInside(_reasonText.GetComponent<RectTransform>(), panelHeight))
+               && (_storySpineText == null || !_storySpineText.gameObject.activeSelf
+                   || LineInside(_storySpineText.GetComponent<RectTransform>(), panelHeight))
                && (_statusesRow == null || !_statusesRow.activeSelf
                    || LineInside(_statusesRow.GetComponent<RectTransform>(), panelHeight))
                && (_traitsRow == null || !_traitsRow.activeSelf
@@ -2997,7 +3098,9 @@ public static class WatchCaption
             _sexIcon = null;
             _nameText = null;
             _reasonText = null;
+            _storySpineText = null;
             _reasonOtherId = 0;
+            LastStorySpine = "";
             _levelIcon = null;
             _levelValue = null;
             _taskIcon = null;
@@ -3144,6 +3247,15 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         _reasonText.resizeTextForBestFit = false;
         WireReasonClick(0);
 
+        _storySpineText = HudCanvas.MakeText(_root.transform, "StorySpine", "", 7);
+        _storySpineText.color = StorySpineColor;
+        _storySpineText.supportRichText = false;
+        _storySpineText.alignment = TextAnchor.UpperLeft;
+        _storySpineText.horizontalOverflow = HorizontalWrapMode.Overflow;
+        _storySpineText.verticalOverflow = VerticalWrapMode.Truncate;
+        _storySpineText.resizeTextForBestFit = false;
+        _storySpineText.raycastTarget = false;
+
         _speciesIcon = HudCanvas.MakeIcon(_root.transform, "SpeciesIcon", SpeciesSize);
         _sexIcon = HudCanvas.MakeIcon(_root.transform, "SexIcon", SexSize);
 
@@ -3173,6 +3285,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         _statusesRow.SetActive(false);
         _traitsRow.SetActive(false);
         _reasonText.gameObject.SetActive(false);
+        _storySpineText.gameObject.SetActive(false);
         _levelIcon.gameObject.SetActive(false);
         _levelValue.gameObject.SetActive(false);
         _taskIcon.gameObject.SetActive(false);
@@ -3180,7 +3293,7 @@ public static class WatchCaption
         Relayout(false, 0, 0, false, false, 0);
         _root.SetActive(false);
         _visible = false;
-        LogService.LogInfo("[IdleSpectator] Dossier HUD ready (nametag + statuses + traits)");
+        LogService.LogInfo("[IdleSpectator] Dossier HUD ready (nametag + statuses + traits + story spine)");
     }
 
     private static void BuildHeaderButtons()

IdleSpectator/WorldActivityScanner.cs

@@ -1020,7 +1020,22 @@ public static class WorldActivityScanner
     {
         SplitActorScore(actor, speciesCounts, out float action, out float character);
         // Action-primary total used for ranking; character is a light tie-break.
-        return action + character * InterestScoringConfig.W.scannerRankCharWeight;
+        float score = action + character * InterestScoringConfig.W.scannerRankCharWeight;
+        // Character Ledger bias for ambient fill - prefer watched lives over strangers.
+        long id = EventFeedUtil.SafeId(actor);
+        float ledger = CharacterLedger.Heat(id);
+        if (ledger > 0f)
+        {
+            score += ledger * Mathf.Max(1f, InterestScoringConfig.Story.ledgerWeight * 0.35f);
+        }
+
+        float causal = CausalHeat.Get(id);
+        if (causal > 0f)
+        {
+            score += causal * 2f;
+        }
+
+        return score;
     }
 
     /// <summary>

IdleSpectator/event-catalog.json

@@ -2588,6 +2588,50 @@
       "label": "{a} is created as a baby"
     }
   ],
+  "story": [
+    {
+      "id": "aftermath_survivor",
+      "strength": 62,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} stands over the fallen"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "aftermath_mourner",
+      "strength": 62,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} mourns the fallen"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "aftermath_war_linger",
+      "strength": 62,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} lingers on the war front"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "aftermath_plot_fallout",
+      "strength": 62,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} faces the plot's fallout"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "aftermath_love_linger",
+      "strength": 58,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} stays with their love"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "epilogue_related",
+      "strength": 48,
+      "category": "Story",
+      "camera": true,
+      "label": "{a} carries on after the story"
+    }
+  ],
   "traits": [
     {
       "id": "zombie",

IdleSpectator/mod.json

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "IdleSpectator",
   "author": "dazed",
-  "version": "0.28.38",
+  "version": "0.28.54",
   "description": "AFK Idle Spectator (I) + Lore (L). Killer button retargets dossier to the killer.",
   "GUID": "com.dazed.idlespectator"
 }

IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 {
-  "modVersion": "0.28.38",
+  "modVersion": "0.28.49",
   "title": "IdleSpectator interest scoring model",
   "updated": "2026-07-18",
   "note": "Edit weights below - InterestScoringConfig loads this file at mod start. Docs sections are human-facing only (ignored by Unity JsonUtility).",
@@ -112,6 +112,26 @@
     "metaCacheTtl": 2
   },
 
+  "story": {
+    "nearTieEpsilon": 8,
+    "causalHeatHalfLifeSeconds": 180,
+    "causalHeatWeight": 6,
+    "causalRelatedWeight": 3,
+    "arcOwnershipBoost": 18,
+    "arcHoldMargin": 50,
+    "aftermathStrength": 62,
+    "aftermathMinWatch": 12,
+    "aftermathMaxWatch": 20,
+    "epilogueStrength": 48,
+    "epilogueMaxWatch": 14,
+    "ledgerCap": 16,
+    "ledgerWeight": 8,
+    "historyDensityWindowSeconds": 600,
+    "ledgerBleedLifeChapter": 0.4,
+    "ledgerBleedVillage": 0.82,
+    "familyLifeBeatCooldownSeconds": 90
+  },
+
   "sources": [
     "IdleSpectator/scoring-model.json",
     "IdleSpectator/InterestScoringConfig.cs",
@@ -143,7 +163,12 @@
     {
       "id": "variety",
       "name": "Variety pick",
-      "detail": "InterestVariety.Pick soft-splits EventLed vs CharacterLed (~70/30), applies novelty penalties, RecalcTotal, EnrichTopK, then probabilistic top-3 by TotalScore."
+      "detail": "InterestVariety.Pick soft-splits EventLed vs CharacterLed (~70/30), applies novelty penalties, RecalcTotal, EnrichTopK, then takes #1 unless near-tie (story.nearTieEpsilon) among top-3. StoryPlanner ownership can prefer aftermath/epilogue beats."
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "story",
+      "name": "StoryPlanner",
+      "detail": "Owns short arcs (climax→aftermath→epilogue). Injects aftermath on climax cold, applies causal/ledger heat and arc ownership boosts. Never calls MoveCamera."
     },
     {
       "id": "director",

docs/event-catalog-discovery.md

@@ -62,28 +62,30 @@ Seeded via `LiveLibraryInterest.EnsureSeeded` + JSON `libraries.*` dials.
 
 | Domain | Live | Camera A | Dial label template | Notes | Priority |
 |--------|-----:|---------:|---------------------|-------|----------|
-| 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 |
+| decisions | 127 | **16** politics/spectacle | `{a} decides to {action}` | Soft pack/fireworks/asexual/steal demoted B; fluff + intent-genesis B | noise pass 0.28.41 |
 | 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 |
-| genes | 47 | **7** | `{a} gains gene {id}` | warfare/damage/mutagen Signal | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
+| items | 111 | **20** mythril/adamantine | `{a} gains {id}` | steel/silver/bone demoted B | noise pass 0.28.41 |
+| genes | 47 | **0** | `{a} gains gene {id}` | all B (gain/remove tips not camera-worthy) | demoted |
 | phenotypes | 52 | 0 | `{a} shows {id}` | all B | P3 |
-| world_laws | 49 | **17** | `Law changed: {id}` | dramatic + forever_/cursed/army/expansion… | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
+| world_laws | 49 | **7** crisis | `Law changed: {id}` | hunger/army/expansion/UI toggles B | noise pass 0.28.41 |
 | subspecies_traits | 204 | **21** | `{a} evolves {id}` | dramatic + mutation/death/blood/horror | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
 | biomes | 29 | 0 | `Biome shifts: {id}` | ambient CI=false | P3 stay B |
-| culture_traits | 78 | **27** | `{a} culture gains {id}` | dramatic + conscript/necro/craft weapons… | P3 expanded 0.28.27 |
+| culture_traits | 78 | **8** politics | `{a} culture gains {id}` | lovers/layout/craft B; conscript/xenophobe/expansion A | noise pass 0.28.41 |
 | religion_traits | 40 | 6 | `{a} faith gains {id}` | dramatic heuristic | P3 |
-| clan_traits | 29 | 13 | `{a} clan gains {id}` | dramatic heuristic | P3 |
-| language_traits | 26 | 2 | `{a} tongue gains {id}` | dramatic heuristic | P3 |
+| clan_traits | 29 | **0** | `{a} clan gains {id}` | all B (blood/vein soak) | noise pass 0.28.41 |
+| language_traits | 26 | **0** | `{a} tongue gains {id}` | all B | noise pass 0.28.41 |
 
-**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**.
+**Library+decision Layer A inventory (0.28.41):** live dump total **125 A / 1018 B** across 13 domains (`camera_a_inventory_ok`). Decisions **16 A**.
 
-### Decision camera classes (0.28.32)
+### Decision camera classes (0.28.41)
 
-Allow-token Signal after fluff + intent-genesis filter (not 127 ambient).
+Allow-token Signal after fluff + intent-genesis + soft-noise filter (not 127 ambient).
 Authored action phrases required for every A id (`domain_event_audit` decision_prose).
 
-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`).
+Classes: sexual reproduction / lover / child, army/war/politics, spectacle/dark (`golden_brain`, `make_skeleton`, `soul_harvest`, `possessed`), hive (`create_hive`).
+
+Stay B (soft noise 0.28.41): `family_group`, `fireworks`, `affect_dreams`, `put_out_fire`, `burn_tumors`, `asexual_reproduction`, steal/take city item, `warrior_army_follow_leader`, `warrior_try_join_army_group`.
 
 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).
 

docs/event-catalog-discovery.tsv

@@ -9,21 +9,21 @@ 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	33	wired	action_phrases	P3	intent genesis demoted 0.28.32; camera-a-inventory.tsv
+decisions_library	127	live+dial	0	16	wired	action_phrases	P3	soft noise demoted 0.28.41; 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
-genes	47	live+dial	0	7	wired	display_names	P3	warfare/damage/mutagen Signal
+items	111	live+dial	0	20	wired	gains_verb	P3	Signal mythril/adamantine gear only
+genes	47	live+dial	0	0	wired	display_names	P3	all B; gain/remove not camera
 phenotypes	52	live+dial	0	0	wired	display_names	P3	all B
-world_laws_library	49	live+dial	0	17	wired	display_names	P3	dramatic + forever_/cursed/army…
+world_laws_library	49	live+dial	0	7	wired	display_names	P3	cursed/forever_/disaster/rebell only
 subspecies_traits	204	live+dial	0	21	wired	display_names	P3	dramatic + mutation/death/blood
 biome_library	29	live+dial	0	0	wired	display_names	P3	ambient CI=false
-culture_traits	78	live+dial	0	27	wired	display_names	P3	dramatic widened 0.28.27
+culture_traits	78	live+dial	0	8	wired	display_names	P3	politics-only 0.28.41
 religion_traits	40	live+dial	0	6	wired	display_names	P3	
-clan_traits	29	live+dial	0	13	wired	display_names	P3	
-language_traits	26	live+dial	0	2	wired	display_names	P3	
+clan_traits	29	live+dial	0	0	wired	display_names	P3	all B 0.28.41
+language_traits	26	live+dial	0	0	wired	display_names	P3	all B 0.28.41
 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	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
+camera_a_inventory	1143	harness	0	125	wired	camera-a-inventory.tsv	P3	A=125 B=1018 domains=13; gate camera_a_inventory_ok
 mutation_gaps	0	harness	0	n/a	gaps_empty	n/a	P3	managers=57 libraryAssets=2893

docs/event-reason.md

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 | **B ticker** | Activity / Life / chronicle prose for live ids | Always may write when the game fires |
 | **A story camera** | Interest candidates, orange reason, camera cuts | `EventCatalog.IsCameraWorthy` only |
 
+Story commitment (climax → aftermath → epilogue) is owned by [`StoryPlanner`](story-planner.md); orange aftermath Labels come from `StoryReason` and must stay subject-led for presentability.
+
 Happiness: `Presentation.Signal` = A; `Ambient` / `Aggregate` = B-only.
 Discrete / status / WorldLog: `CreatesInterest` = A gate.
 `InterestDirector` only ranks A candidates. It does not author inventory.
@@ -14,6 +16,12 @@ Discrete / status / WorldLog: `CreatesInterest` = A gate.
 Character fill runs only when the pending **EventLed** queue is empty, and uses an empty Label (task chip only).
 
 Orange dossier reason = the owning A event’s `Label` while the scene is active (`InterestDirector.TryGetOwnedReasonCandidate`).
+The focused unit must be a tip principal:
+- Life / discrete tips: SubjectId + RelatedId (Follow alone is not enough after a handoff).
+- Pair-locked duels: PairOwner/PairPartner only.
+- Mass/war/plot/family/outbreak: sticky roster members OK.
+Dossier identity also rejects subject-led Labels that name another living unit
+(e.g. Hillih must not show “Iksssssa shares intimacy…”).
 Quiet grace / inactive dwell clears the reason even if focus has not switched yet.
 
 ## Activity History peek freshness

docs/scoring-model.md

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@
 
 **Per-event inventory (strength + prose):** [`IdleSpectator/event-catalog.json`](../IdleSpectator/event-catalog.json)
 
+**Story commitment (arcs / aftermath / ledger):** [`story-planner.md`](story-planner.md)
+
 - `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 …")

docs/story-planner.md

@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+# Story Planner
+
+IdleSpectator commits to short multi-beat stories instead of channel-surfing ranked tips.
+
+Feeds, sticky ensembles, presentability, and `InterestDirector` stay in place.
+`StoryPlanner` sits above the director and owns *which story* the next 30–90s belongs to.
+
+See also: [scoring-model.md](scoring-model.md), [event-reason.md](event-reason.md).
+
+## Pipeline
+
+```text
+Feeds → InterestRegistry → StoryPlanner (boost / inject)
+       → InterestVariety.Pick → InterestDirector → CameraDirector
+```
+
+Director still owns camera, sticky maintain, and switch margins.
+Planner never calls `MoveCamera`.
+
+## Arc model
+
+| Kind | Climax | Hard hold |
+|------|--------|-----------|
+| CombatDuel | sticky pair | only notable pairs (2+ notables) |
+| CombatMass | Skirmish+ | yes |
+| WarFront / Plot / Love / Grief | existing sticky / life | yes |
+
+Phases: `Climax → Aftermath → Epilogue → Done`.
+
+- **Aftermath** injects on climax cold (quiet grace / `follow_lost`), or claims natural `death_*` grief.
+- Only grief / love-outcome pending tips block synthesis - cast hatch/food noise does not.
+- Injected story beats bypass FixedDwell beat hard-skip and PreferOver cast life tips while the arc is live.
+- Soft duel Mass↔Duel key flips still cold-hook once per theater anchor.
+- **Epilogue** once after aftermath if a living lover/friend resolves.
+- Soft anonymous duels still get aftermath tips; they do not use raised `arcHoldMargin`.
+
+## Dossier spine
+
+While the **current watch tip** is the active arc's climax or story aftermath/epilogue beat,
+the dossier shows a muted line under the orange reason: `Kind · Phase`
+(e.g. `Duel · Aftermath`, `War front · Climax`).
+
+Hidden when idle is off, the dossier is hidden, a status banner owns the reason row,
+or the camera has left the story for an unrelated tip (cast membership alone is not enough).
+
+Love climax is outcome-only (`set_lover` / fallen-in-love). `find_lover` seeking stays camera-worthy
+but does not open a Love arc. Leaving a climax without aftermath ends the arc (`Done`).
+
+Sticky combat reframes (Battle ↔ Duel) sync climax Kind in place via `SyncActiveClimax`
+so the spine cannot say `Mass · Climax` on a Duel tip.
+
+`arcHoldMargin` applies only while the watch tip **is** the aftermath/epilogue beat.
+Cast life tips (parenthood, sleep) no longer keep the raised cut-in wall.
+
+Family life chapters (`just_had_child`, pregnancy, …) share `arc:life:family`, use a longer
+beat cool (including world-wide happiness cool), and bleed ledger heat so the village cast
+cannot monopolize the next picks.
+
+Intimacy chapters (`just_kissed` / shares intimacy) use `arc:life:intimacy` with the same
+soft-life cool class (pair + world) so one couple cannot keep cutting between combat tips.
+
+Settlement finds (`just_found_house` / finds a home) use `arc:life:home` with the same soft cool
+(world + subject) so house crumbs cannot keep cutting between combat beats.
+
+Kill crumbs (`milestone_kill` / `Killed X (species)` / `just_killed`) use `arc:life:kill` with
+the same soft cool (subject + world) so hunter kill tips cannot keep cutting between mass beats.
+
+Courtship crumbs (`fallen_in_love` / smitten / `find_lover` seeking) use `arc:life:love` soft cool
+(subject + world + pair). Bond outcomes (`set_lover`) stay hotter.
+
+Life-intent decisions (`sexual_reproduction_*`, decision `find_lover`, …) share
+`arc:decision:intent` soft cool (subject + world). Outcomes (pregnancy, child, seeking) stay hotter.
+
+Ordinary civ construction finishes (`building:complete` / tents / houses) share `arc:construction`
+soft cool. Spectacle wonders stay hotter.
+
+Soft personal status FX (`taking_roots`, singing, moods, …) share `arc:status:fx` soft cool.
+Danger / combat statuses stay hotter. Hatch crumbs use `arc:life:hatch`.
+
+Sleep / wake / dream cycle (`sleeping`, `just_slept`, `had_*dream`, `had_nightmare`, …) share
+`arc:life:rest` soft cool so rest crumbs cannot monopolize between richer beats.
+
+WorldLog politics meta (`king_dead`, `city_destroyed`, favorite fell, …) share `arc:worldlog:meta`
+soft cool so sticky death crumbs cannot re-monopolize.
+
+Interrupted resume: already-cooled moment beats are not parked / not resumed after a cut-in
+(hatch/reproduce cannot bounce back after combat).
+
+Story spine: aftermath tips must match the active arc `CorrelationKey` (no stale duel aftermath
+under a Mass spine). Combat Kind word follows tip Label (`Battle` / `Skirmish` / `Mass` / `Duel`).
+
+Wiped opposing combat camps collapse to a living-side pack label at live scale
+(never `Mass - A (n) vs B (0)`).
+
+Combat aftermath names only a dead theater partner (`stands over X`), else
+`stands over the fallen`. Living lover/friend fallbacks are never the fallen.
+
+Spine Kind follows the live tip Label for combat (Duel vs Mass/Skirmish/Battle), not sticky
+scale-hold alone. Cold climax tips do not show `· Aftermath` - only the aftermath tip does.
+Aftermath Follow loss promotes another living cast member before `follow_lost`.
+
+Harness: `story_spine` / `story_hold_margin` / `story_family_variety` / `story_intimacy_cool`
+/ `story_settlement_cool` / `story_kill_cool` / `story_courtship_cool`
+/ `story_decision_intent_cool` / `story_decision_intent_live` / `story_construction_cool`
+/ `story_status_fx_cool` / `story_rest_cool` / `story_resume_cooled` / `story_worldlog_meta_cool`
+/ `combat_wiped_side` / `reason_life_principal`
+(`story_arc_combat`, `story_spine_scoped`, `story_aftermath_combat`, `story_family_variety`).
+
+## Selection discipline
+
+- `InterestVariety.Pick` takes `#1` when score gap ≥ `story.nearTieEpsilon` (default 8).
+- Near-ties still roll among top-3.
+- Causal heat + Character Ledger heat add into `RecalcTotal`.
+
+## Knobs
+
+`scoring-model.json` → `story` block (loaded by `InterestScoringConfig.Story`).
+
+Catalog policy ids live under `event-catalog.json` → `story`
+(`aftermath_survivor`, `aftermath_mourner`, `aftermath_war_linger`, …).
+
+## Harness
+
+| Scenario | Proves |
+|----------|--------|
+| `story_aftermath_combat` | duel cold → aftermath tip |
+| `story_aftermath_partner_truth` | aftermath never names living lover as fallen |
+| `story_aftermath_cast_noise` | hatch noise pending still gets aftermath |
+| `reason_duel_principal` | bystander Follow cannot own duel reason |
+| `reason_life_principal` | Follow hijack cannot keep intimacy Label |
+| `story_intimacy_cool` | just_kissed cools; peer wins next pick |
+| `story_settlement_cool` | finds-a-home cools; peer wins next pick |
+| `story_kill_cool` | kill crumbs cool; peer wins next pick |
+| `story_courtship_cool` | smitten/seeking cool; peer wins next pick |
+| `story_decision_intent_cool` | reproduce/find-lover decisions cool as a class |
+| `story_decision_intent_live` | live EmitDecision path cools intent class |
+| `story_construction_cool` | tent/house finishes cool; peer wins |
+| `story_status_fx_cool` | taking_roots FX cool; peer wins |
+| `story_rest_cool` | sleep/wake rest cycle cools; peer wins |
+| `story_resume_cooled` | cooled soft tip does not resume after cut-in |
+| `story_worldlog_meta_cool` | king_dead cools; peer wins next pick |
+| `combat_wiped_side` | wiped camp never prints vs (0) |
+| `story_aftermath_war` | war sticky cold → aftermath |
+| `story_near_tie` | large gap always picks #1 |
+| `story_arc_combat` | climax → aftermath ownership |
+| `story_arc_preempt_resume` | epic cut then fresh scrap aftermath |
+| `story_ledger_revisit` | featured unit wins near-tie |
+
+```bash
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_aftermath_combat
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_aftermath_partner_truth
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_aftermath_cast_noise
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 reason_duel_principal
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_near_tie
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_arc_combat
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_ledger_revisit
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_kill_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_courtship_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_decision_intent_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_decision_intent_live
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_construction_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_status_fx_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_rest_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_resume_cooled
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 story_worldlog_meta_cool
+./scripts/harness-run.sh --repeat 3 combat_wiped_side
+```
+
+## Files
+
+- `IdleSpectator/Story/StoryPlanner.cs` - ownership, cold-hook, inject, spine labels
+- `IdleSpectator/Story/CausalHeat.cs` - decaying cast heat
+- `IdleSpectator/Story/CharacterLedger.cs` - watched lives (cap 16)
+- `IdleSpectator/Story/StoryReason.cs` - presentable aftermath Labels
+- `IdleSpectator/WatchCaption.cs` - dossier `Kind · Phase` spine row

docs/world-event-inventory.md

@@ -52,11 +52,11 @@ Only true brief FX, cooldowns, civic Aggregates, and god-tool / biome spam stay
 | Relationship | 11 | all interesting discrete |
 | Plot / Era / War / Book | 28 / 11 / 5 / 12 | all A |
 | Trait | 116 | all CI |
-| Decision | 127 live / 37 prose overlays | **37** camera-interesting (0.28.27) |
-| Spell / Item / Gene / Phenotype / WorldLaw / SubspeciesTrait | live | Signal-only A: spell 6 / item 42 / gene 7 / phenotype 0 / law 17 / subsp 21 |
-| Culture / Religion / Clan / LanguageTrait | live dials | Signal dramatic: 27 / 6 / 13 / 2 |
+| Decision | 127 live / prose overlays | **16** camera-interesting (0.28.41 soft demote) |
+| Spell / Item / Gene / Phenotype / WorldLaw / SubspeciesTrait | live | Signal-only A: spell 6 / item mythril+adamantine 20 / gene 0 / phenotype 0 / law crisis 7 / subsp 21 |
+| Culture / Religion / Clan / LanguageTrait | live dials | Culture politics 8; religion 6; clan 0; language 0 |
 | Power / Biome | live | Power Signal **41**; biome 0 (ambient CI=false) |
-| Library+decision inventory dump | 1143 rows | **219 A / 924 B** (`.harness/camera-a-inventory.tsv`) |
+| Library+decision inventory dump | 1143 rows | **125 A / 1018 B** (`.harness/camera-a-inventory.tsv`) |
 | Building / Boat | none | destroy/consume/trade/unload; damage/load skipped |
 
 ## Wired hooks (major)