diff --git a/content/README.md b/content/README.md
index cdb789b..51f0360 100644
--- a/content/README.md
+++ b/content/README.md
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@ Data-driven definitions (skills, items, recipes, quests) validated in CI with **
 | [`npc-behaviors/`](npc-behaviors/) | NPC behavior archetype catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json`](schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, **`archetypeKind`**, aggro/leash radii, telegraph + attack timings for [E5.M2](../docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md) |
 | [`encounters/`](encounters/) | Encounter templates; each row matches [`schemas/encounter-def.schema.json`](schemas/encounter-def.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, completion criteria, **`rewardTableId`** for [E5.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md) |
 | [`reward-tables/`](reward-tables/) | Reward table catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/reward-table.schema.json`](schemas/reward-table.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, **`fixedGrants`** referencing frozen item ids for [E5.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md) |
-| [`quests/`](quests/) | Quest catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/quest-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-def.schema.json) (steps via [`quest-step-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-step-def.schema.json), objectives via [`quest-objective-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-objective-def.schema.json)) — **stable `id`**, **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, step/objective graph for [E7.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md) |
+| [`quests/`](quests/) | Quest catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/quest-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-def.schema.json) (steps via [`quest-step-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-step-def.schema.json), objectives via [`quest-objective-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-objective-def.schema.json)) — **stable `id`**, **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, optional **`factionGateRules`**, step/objective graph for [E7.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md) / [E7.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) |
+| [`factions/`](factions/) | Faction catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/faction-def.schema.json`](schemas/faction-def.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, standing band for [E7.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) |
 | [`resource-nodes/`](resource-nodes/) | Resource node + yield catalogs; node rows match [`schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json`](schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json), yield rows match [`schemas/resource-yield-row.schema.json`](schemas/resource-yield-row.schema.json) — **stable `nodeDefId`**, **`gatherLens`**, **`maxGathers`** for [E3.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E3_M1_ResourceNodeAndGatherLoop.md) |
 
 **Prototype Slice 1 (NEO-33):** CI expects **exactly three** skill rows with ids **`salvage`**, **`refine`**, **`intrusion`** (gather + process + tech). Each row must declare **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** (non-empty); see [E2.M1 — Designer note: `allowedXpSourceKinds`](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md#designer-note-allowedxpsourcekinds-and-grant-call-sites) for what each kind means for grant wiring.
@@ -32,7 +33,9 @@ Data-driven definitions (skills, items, recipes, quests) validated in CI with **
 
 **Prototype E7 Slice 1 — quests (NEO-112):** CI expects **exactly four** quest ids aligned to [E7.M1 quest freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md#prototype-slice-1-freeze-e7m1-01) — **`prototype_quest_gather_intro`**, **`prototype_quest_refine_intro`**, **`prototype_quest_combat_intro`**, **`prototype_quest_operator_chain`**. Objective **`itemId`** / **`recipeId`** / **`encounterId`** cross-refs must resolve to frozen item, recipe, and encounter catalogs; **`prerequisiteQuestIds`** must be acyclic and reference known quest ids; operator chain terminal step is **`inventory_has_item`** **`contract_handoff_token`** ×1. **Do not rename** quest `id` after ship—change **`displayName`** only. See [E7M1-prototype-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M1-prototype-backlog.md) and [NEO-112 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-112-implementation-plan.md).
 
-**Prototype E7 Slice 2 — quest completion bundles (NEO-124):** Each of the four frozen quest ids must include **`completionRewardBundle`** with **`itemGrants`** / **`skillXpGrants`** per [E7.M2 completion freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md#prototype-slice-2-freeze-e7m2-01). Bundle **`itemGrants[].itemId`** must resolve to the frozen item catalog; **`skillXpGrants[].skillId`** must resolve to a skill that lists **`mission_reward`** in **`allowedXpSourceKinds`**. Omit empty **`itemGrants`**. See [E7M2-prototype-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M2-prototype-backlog.md) and [NEO-124 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-124-implementation-plan.md).
+**Prototype E7 Slice 2 — quest completion bundles (NEO-124):** Each frozen quest id must include **`completionRewardBundle`** with **`itemGrants`** / **`skillXpGrants`** per [E7.M2 completion freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md#prototype-slice-2-freeze-e7m2-01). Bundle **`itemGrants[].itemId`** must resolve to the frozen item catalog; **`skillXpGrants[].skillId`** must resolve to a skill that lists **`mission_reward`** in **`allowedXpSourceKinds`**. Omit empty **`itemGrants`**. See [E7M2-prototype-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M2-prototype-backlog.md) and [NEO-124 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-124-implementation-plan.md).
+
+**Prototype E7 Slice 3 — factions + gated quest line (NEO-133):** CI expects **exactly two** faction ids aligned to [E7.M3 faction freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md#prototype-slice-3-freeze-e7m3-01) — **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`**, **`prototype_faction_rust_collective`**. Quest roster expands to **five** ids (four E7.M1 onboarding + **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`**). **`factionGateRules[].factionId`** and **`completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[].factionId`** must resolve to the frozen faction catalog; grid contract shape is frozen in CI. See [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md) and [NEO-133 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md).
 
 **Prototype Slice 4 (NEO-45):** CI expects **exactly one** `MasteryTrack` for **`salvage`** only (`refine` / `intrusion` have no mastery rows yet). Tier 1 @ skill level **2** is a **mutually exclusive** branch pick (`scrap_efficiency` vs `bulk_haul`) with **no** perks; tier 2 @ level **4** unlocks one perk per branch path. **Do not rename** `branchId` / `perkId` after ship—change `displayName` only. See [E2.M3 — Designer note](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md#designer-note-tiers-branches-and-level-gates) and [freeze table](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md#prototype-slice-4-freeze--salvage-flagship-neo-45).
 
diff --git a/content/factions/prototype_factions.json b/content/factions/prototype_factions.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb06737
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/factions/prototype_factions.json
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+{
+  "schemaVersion": 1,
+  "factions": [
+    {
+      "id": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
+      "displayName": "Grid Operators",
+      "minStanding": -100,
+      "maxStanding": 100,
+      "neutralStanding": 0
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "prototype_faction_rust_collective",
+      "displayName": "Rust Collective",
+      "minStanding": -100,
+      "maxStanding": 100,
+      "neutralStanding": 0
+    }
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/content/quests/prototype_quests.json b/content/quests/prototype_quests.json
index 4ebae45..32ae65f 100644
--- a/content/quests/prototype_quests.json
+++ b/content/quests/prototype_quests.json
@@ -76,7 +76,10 @@
       ],
       "completionRewardBundle": {
         "itemGrants": [{ "itemId": "survey_drone_kit", "quantity": 1 }],
-        "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 50 }]
+        "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 50 }],
+        "reputationGrants": [
+          { "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators", "amount": 15 }
+        ]
       },
       "steps": [
         {
@@ -128,6 +131,36 @@
           ]
         }
       ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "prototype_quest_grid_contract",
+      "displayName": "Grid Contract",
+      "prerequisiteQuestIds": ["prototype_quest_operator_chain"],
+      "factionGateRules": [
+        {
+          "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
+          "minStanding": 15
+        }
+      ],
+      "completionRewardBundle": {
+        "reputationGrants": [
+          { "factionId": "prototype_faction_rust_collective", "amount": 10 }
+        ]
+      },
+      "steps": [
+        {
+          "id": "grid_contract_step_kit",
+          "displayName": "Deliver survey drone kit",
+          "objectives": [
+            {
+              "id": "grid_contract_obj_kit",
+              "kind": "inventory_has_item",
+              "itemId": "survey_drone_kit",
+              "quantity": 1
+            }
+          ]
+        }
+      ]
     }
   ]
 }
diff --git a/content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json b/content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd9ab84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+{
+  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
+  "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/faction-def.json",
+  "title": "FactionDef",
+  "description": "Single faction row for catalogs (e.g. content/factions/*_factions.json). IDs are stable forever—rename display in displayName only. See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md.",
+  "type": "object",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "required": ["id", "displayName", "minStanding", "maxStanding", "neutralStanding"],
+  "properties": {
+    "id": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
+      "description": "Immutable faction key for standing, gates, telemetry, and reputation grants."
+    },
+    "displayName": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "minLength": 1,
+      "description": "Player-facing label; safe to change without migrating character data."
+    },
+    "minStanding": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "description": "Lowest standing value after clamp on apply."
+    },
+    "maxStanding": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "description": "Highest standing value after clamp on apply."
+    },
+    "neutralStanding": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "description": "Default standing for new players when no snapshot exists."
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json b/content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..20b0fd5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+{
+  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
+  "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/faction-gate-rule.json",
+  "title": "FactionGateRule",
+  "description": "Minimum faction standing required to accept gated content (e.g. on QuestDef.factionGateRules). See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md.",
+  "type": "object",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "required": ["factionId", "minStanding"],
+  "properties": {
+    "factionId": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
+      "description": "Faction catalog id that must meet minStanding."
+    },
+    "minStanding": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "description": "Inclusive minimum standing required to pass the gate."
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json b/content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json
index 30ccfbd..f1515c4 100644
--- a/content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json
+++ b/content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json
@@ -33,9 +33,16 @@
       },
       "description": "Ordered steps; prototype Slice 1 uses sequential advance only."
     },
+    "factionGateRules": {
+      "type": "array",
+      "items": {
+        "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/faction-gate-rule.json"
+      },
+      "description": "Optional accept gates evaluated against faction standing (E7.M3)."
+    },
     "completionRewardBundle": {
       "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.json",
-      "description": "Optional completion payout (E7.M2); required on all four prototype quest ids in CI."
+      "description": "Optional completion payout (E7.M2/E7.M3); required on all prototype quest ids in CI."
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json b/content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json
index ae2aa8d..34bc6fc 100644
--- a/content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json
+++ b/content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
   "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.json",
   "title": "QuestRewardBundle",
-  "description": "Composite completion rewards on QuestDef.completionRewardBundle. Grant kinds v1: itemGrants + skillXpGrants only. See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md.",
+  "description": "Composite completion rewards on QuestDef.completionRewardBundle. Grant kinds: itemGrants, skillXpGrants, reputationGrants. See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md and E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md.",
   "type": "object",
   "additionalProperties": false,
   "properties": {
@@ -19,6 +19,13 @@
         "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/quest-skill-xp-grant.json"
       },
       "description": "Skill XP rows applied via mission_reward on first-time completion."
+    },
+    "reputationGrants": {
+      "type": "array",
+      "items": {
+        "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/reputation-grant-row.json"
+      },
+      "description": "Faction reputation rows applied on first-time completion (E7.M3)."
     }
   },
   "anyOf": [
@@ -37,6 +44,14 @@
           "minItems": 1
         }
       }
+    },
+    {
+      "required": ["reputationGrants"],
+      "properties": {
+        "reputationGrants": {
+          "minItems": 1
+        }
+      }
     }
   ]
 }
diff --git a/content/schemas/reputation-grant-row.schema.json b/content/schemas/reputation-grant-row.schema.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6dd2a15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/schemas/reputation-grant-row.schema.json
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+{
+  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
+  "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/reputation-grant-row.json",
+  "title": "ReputationGrantRow",
+  "description": "Faction reputation payout row on QuestRewardBundle.reputationGrants. See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md.",
+  "type": "object",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "required": ["factionId", "amount"],
+  "properties": {
+    "factionId": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
+      "description": "Faction catalog id receiving the standing change."
+    },
+    "amount": {
+      "type": "integer",
+      "description": "Signed reputation delta applied on first-time completion delivery."
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md
index 79e6b30..087f9de 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 | **Module ID** | E7.M3 |
 | **Epic** | [Epic 7 — Quest / Faction](../epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md) |
 | **Stage target** | Pre-production |
-| **Status** | In Progress — Slice 3 backlog [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md): **E7M3-01** [NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133) → **E7M3-11** [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143) (decomposed). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E7.M2 **Ready**. |
+| **Status** | In Progress — **E7M3-01 catalog landed** ([NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133)): faction schemas + `prototype_factions.json` + quest gate/rep extensions + CI. Slice 3 backlog [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md): **E7M3-02** [NEO-134](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-134) → **E7M3-11** [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E7.M2 **Ready**. |
 | **Linear** | Label **`E7.M3`** · [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md) |
 
 ## Purpose
@@ -77,7 +77,9 @@ Epic 7 **Slice 3** — at least one faction quest line with rep grant + gated ac
 | **`prototype_quest_operator_chain`** | **`completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants`**: **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** **+15** (existing item + skill XP unchanged) |
 | **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`** *(new)* | **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**: operator chain; **`factionGateRules`**: Grid Operators **`minStanding` 15**; objective **`inventory_has_item`** **`survey_drone_kit` ×1**; completion rep **Rust Collective +10** |
 
-**Roster:** five quests total (four E7.M1 onboarding + one faction line). E7.M1 four-quest freeze expands under E7M3 CI gates.
+**Roster:** five quests total (four E7.M1 onboarding + one faction line). E7.M1 four-quest freeze expands under E7M3 CI gates (`PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS` in `scripts/validate_content.py`).
+
+**CI enforcement (NEO-133):** `scripts/validate_content.py` validates `content/factions/*_factions.json`, five-quest roster, faction cross-refs on gates and `reputationGrants`, E7M3 completion bundle freeze, and grid-contract shape.
 
 ## Source anchors
 
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
index 80edc77..b89c922 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Rows appear when work starts; default for unlisted modules is **Planned** / not
 | E5.M3 | Ready | **E5M3-01 catalog landed ([NEO-100](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-100)):** encounter + reward-table schemas, `prototype_encounters.json`, `prototype_reward_tables.json`, CI gates. **E5M3-02 server load ([NEO-101](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-101)):** fail-fast startup loaders for encounter + reward-table catalogs (CI parity). **E5M3-03 registries ([NEO-102](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-102)):** `IEncounterDefinitionRegistry` + `IRewardTableDefinitionRegistry` + DI. **E5M3-04 HTTP read ([NEO-103](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-103)):** **`GET /game/world/encounter-definitions`** — `EncounterDefinitionsWorldApi` + nested **`rewardTable`** summary ([NEO-103](../../plans/NEO-103-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter definitions (NEO-103)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-definitions-neo-103); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/encounter-definitions/`. **E5M3-05 stores ([NEO-104](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-104)):** **`IEncounterProgressStore`** + **`IEncounterCompletionStore`** + **`EncounterProgressOperations`** ([NEO-104](../../plans/NEO-104-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter progress (NEO-104)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-progress--completion-stores-neo-104). **E5M3-06 completion grants ([NEO-105](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-105)):** **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** + **`EncounterCompleteEvent`** result payload ([NEO-105](../../plans/NEO-105-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter completion (NEO-105)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-completion--inventory-grants-neo-105). **E5M3-07 combat wiring ([NEO-106](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-106)):** **`EncounterCombatWiring`** on **`AbilityCastApi`** ([NEO-106](../../plans/NEO-106-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter combat wiring (NEO-106)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-combat-wiring-neo-106). **E5M3-09 event record ([NEO-107](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-107)):** **`IEncounterCompleteEventStore`** + E7.M2 hook stub ([NEO-107](../../plans/NEO-107-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter complete event (NEO-107)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-complete-event-record-neo-107). **E5M3-08 per-player GET ([NEO-108](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-108)):** **`GET /game/players/{id}/encounter-progress`** — `EncounterProgressApi` + DTOs ([NEO-108](../../plans/NEO-108-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Per-player encounter progress (NEO-108)](../../../server/README.md#per-player-encounter-progress-neo-108); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/encounter-progress/`. **E5M3-10 telemetry ([NEO-109](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-109)):** comment-only **`encounter_start`**, **`encounter_complete`**, **`reward_attribution`**, **`encounter_complete_denied`** in **`EncounterProgressOperations`** / **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** ([NEO-109](../../plans/NEO-109-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Encounter telemetry hooks (NEO-109)](../../../server/README.md#encounter-telemetry-hooks-neo-109). **E5M3-11 client HUD ([NEO-110](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-110)):** **`encounter_progress_client.gd`**, **`EncounterProgressLabel`** / **`EncounterCompleteLabel`**; boot + defeat-triggered GET; inventory refresh on **`completed`** ([NEO-110](../../plans/NEO-110-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-110` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-110.md)); [client README — Encounter progress + loot HUD (NEO-110)](../../../client/README.md#encounter-progress--loot-hud-neo-110). **E5M3-12 client capstone ([NEO-111](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-111)):** playable encounter clear loop — [`NEO-111` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-111.md); [client README — End-to-end encounter clear loop (NEO-111)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-encounter-clear-loop-neo-111); plan [NEO-111](../../plans/NEO-111-implementation-plan.md). **Epic 5 Slice 3 client capstone complete.** Epic 5 Slice 3 backlog [E5M3-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M3-prototype-backlog.md) **E5M3-01** [NEO-100](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-100) → **E5M3-12** [NEO-111](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-111) **landed**. Prototype spine: **`prototype_combat_pocket`** → **`prototype_combat_pocket_clear`**; idempotent completion; per-defeat gig XP unchanged ([NEO-44](../../plans/NEO-44-implementation-plan.md)). Upstream **E5.M2 Ready**, **E3.M3** inventory landed. | [NEO-111 plan](../../plans/NEO-111-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-110 plan](../../plans/NEO-110-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-109 plan](../../plans/NEO-109-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-108 plan](../../plans/NEO-108-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-107 plan](../../plans/NEO-107-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-106 plan](../../plans/NEO-106-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-105 plan](../../plans/NEO-105-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-104 plan](../../plans/NEO-104-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-103 plan](../../plans/NEO-103-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-102 plan](../../plans/NEO-102-implementation-plan.md), [E5_M3](E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md), label **`E5.M3`** on NEO-100–NEO-111 |
 | E7.M2 | Ready | **E7M2-01 catalog landed ([NEO-124](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-124)):** `quest-reward-bundle` + `quest-skill-xp-grant` schemas; **`completionRewardBundle`** on four frozen E7.M1 quests; CI bundle freeze + cross-ref gates. **E7M2-02 server load ([NEO-125](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-125)):** fail-fast quest catalog **`completionRewardBundle`** validation at startup — `PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules` + bundle schema `$ref` registration ([NEO-125](../../plans/NEO-125-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest catalog (NEO-125)](../../../server/README.md#quest-catalog-contentquests-neo-113). **E7M2-03 delivery store ([NEO-126](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-126)):** idempotent **`IRewardDeliveryStore`** + **`RewardDeliveryEvent`** in `Game/Rewards/` — in-memory prototype ([NEO-126](../../plans/NEO-126-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Reward delivery store (NEO-126)](../../../server/README.md#reward-delivery-store-neo-126). **E7M2-04 router apply ([NEO-127](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-127)):** **`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** — item + skill XP bundle apply with compensating rollback + store record ([NEO-127](../../plans/NEO-127-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Reward router (NEO-127)](../../../server/README.md#reward-router-neo-127). **E7M2-05 quest-state wiring ([NEO-128](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-128)):** **`QuestStateOperations.TryMarkComplete`** + **`QuestObjectiveWiring`** deliver-then-mark via router ([NEO-128](../../plans/NEO-128-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest state operations (NEO-117)](../../../server/README.md#quest-state-operations-neo-117). **E7M2-06 HTTP read ([NEO-129](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-129)):** **`GET …/quest-progress`** **`completionRewardSummary`** from **`IRewardDeliveryStore`** ([NEO-129](../../plans/NEO-129-implementation-plan.md)); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/Get quest progress after gather intro complete.bru`. **E7M2-07 telemetry ([NEO-130](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-130)):** comment-only **`reward_delivery`** + **`unlock_granted`** stub hook sites in **`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** ([NEO-130](../../plans/NEO-130-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Reward telemetry hooks (NEO-130)](../../../server/README.md#reward-telemetry-hooks-neo-130). **E7M2-08 client HUD ([NEO-131](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-131)):** Godot **`QuestRewardDeliveryLabel`** paints **`completionRewardSummary`** on in-session completion transition ([NEO-131](../../plans/NEO-131-implementation-plan.md)); [client README — Quest completion reward HUD (NEO-131)](../../../client/README.md#quest-completion-reward-hud-neo-131). **E7M2-09 client capstone ([NEO-132](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-132)):** playable quest reward delivery loop — [`NEO-132` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-132.md); [client README — End-to-end quest reward loop (NEO-132)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-quest-reward-loop-neo-132); plan [NEO-132](../../plans/NEO-132-implementation-plan.md). **Epic 7 Slice 2 client capstone complete.** Backlog **E7M2-01** [NEO-124](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-124) → **E7M2-09** [NEO-132](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-132) **landed**. **NEO-43 prep landed:** **`MissionRewardSkillXpGrant`**. **Encounter loot unchanged** (E5.M3 direct grants). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E2.M2 grant stack, E3.M3 inventory **Ready**. | [E7M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E7_M2](E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md), [NEO-124](../../plans/NEO-124-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-125](../../plans/NEO-125-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-126](../../plans/NEO-126-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-127](../../plans/NEO-127-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-128](../../plans/NEO-128-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-129](../../plans/NEO-129-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-130](../../plans/NEO-130-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-131](../../plans/NEO-131-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-132](../../plans/NEO-132-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-43](../../plans/NEO-43-implementation-plan.md), label **`E7.M2`** on NEO-124–NEO-132 |
 | E7.M1 | Ready | **E7M1-01 catalog landed ([NEO-112](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-112)):** quest schemas, `prototype_quests.json`, CI gates (four frozen quest ids, objective cross-refs, acyclic prerequisites, chain terminal token). **E7M1-02 server load ([NEO-113](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-113)):** fail-fast startup load of `content/quests/*_quests.json` — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/` ([NEO-113](../../plans/NEO-113-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest catalog](../../../server/README.md#quest-catalog-contentquests-neo-113). **E7M1-03 registry ([NEO-114](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-114)):** **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** + DI ([NEO-114](../../plans/NEO-114-implementation-plan.md)). **E7M1-04 HTTP read ([NEO-115](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-115)):** **`GET /game/world/quest-definitions`** — `QuestDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs ([NEO-115](../../plans/NEO-115-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest definitions (NEO-115)](../../../server/README.md#quest-definitions-neo-115); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-definitions/`. **E7M1-05 store ([NEO-116](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-116)):** **`IPlayerQuestStateStore`** + in-memory/Postgres persistence ([NEO-116](../../plans/NEO-116-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest progress store (NEO-116)](../../../server/README.md#quest-progress-store-neo-116). **E7M1-06 operations ([NEO-117](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-117)):** **`QuestStateOperations`** + reason codes ([NEO-117](../../plans/NEO-117-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest state operations (NEO-117)](../../../server/README.md#quest-state-operations-neo-117). **E7M1-07 objective wiring ([NEO-118](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-118)):** **`QuestObjectiveWiring`** on gather/craft/encounter + **`inventory_has_item`** snapshot passes ([NEO-118](../../plans/NEO-118-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest objective wiring (NEO-118)](../../../server/README.md#quest-objective-wiring-neo-118). **E7M1-08 per-player GET ([NEO-119](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-119)):** **`GET /game/players/{id}/quest-progress`** — `QuestProgressApi` + DTOs; GET-side inventory refresh ([NEO-119](../../plans/NEO-119-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Per-player quest progress (NEO-119)](../../../server/README.md#per-player-quest-progress-neo-119); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/`. **E7M1-09 accept POST ([NEO-120](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-120)):** **`POST /game/players/{id}/quests/{questId}/accept`** — `QuestAcceptApi` + DTOs; **`QuestStateOperations.TryAccept`** ([NEO-120](../../plans/NEO-120-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest accept POST (NEO-120)](../../../server/README.md#quest-accept-post-neo-120); Bruno accept spine in `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/`. **E7M1-10 telemetry ([NEO-121](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-121)):** comment-only **`quest_start`**, **`quest_step_complete`**, **`quest_complete`**, **`quest_accept_denied`** hook sites in **`QuestStateOperations`** ([NEO-121](../../plans/NEO-121-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Quest telemetry hooks (NEO-121)](../../../server/README.md#quest-telemetry-hooks-neo-121). **E7M1-11 client HUD ([NEO-122](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-122)):** **`quest_progress_client.gd`**, **`quest_definitions_client.gd`**, **`QuestProgressLabel`** / **`QuestAcceptFeedbackLabel`**; boot + event-driven GET refresh; **Q** / **Shift+Q** accept ([NEO-122](../../plans/NEO-122-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-122` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-122.md)); [client README — Quest progress + accept HUD (NEO-122)](../../../client/README.md#quest-progress--accept-hud-neo-122). **E7M1-12 client capstone ([NEO-123](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-123)):** playable four-quest onboarding chain — [`NEO-123` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-123.md); [client README — End-to-end onboarding quest loop (NEO-123)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-onboarding-quest-loop-neo-123); plan [NEO-123](../../plans/NEO-123-implementation-plan.md). **Epic 7 Slice 1 client capstone complete.** Backlog **E7M1-01** [NEO-112](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-112) → **E7M1-12** [NEO-123](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-123) **landed**. Upstream: E3.M1 gather **Ready**, E3.M2 craft **Ready**, E5.M3 encounter **`contract_handoff_token`** + **`EncounterCompleteEvent`** **Ready**. | [NEO-123 plan](../../plans/NEO-123-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-122 plan](../../plans/NEO-122-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-121 plan](../../plans/NEO-121-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-120 plan](../../plans/NEO-120-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-119 plan](../../plans/NEO-119-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-118 plan](../../plans/NEO-118-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-117 plan](../../plans/NEO-117-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-116 plan](../../plans/NEO-116-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-115 plan](../../plans/NEO-115-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-114 plan](../../plans/NEO-114-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-113 plan](../../plans/NEO-113-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-112 plan](../../plans/NEO-112-implementation-plan.md), [E7M1-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M1-prototype-backlog.md), [E7_M1](E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md), label **`E7.M1`** on NEO-112–NEO-123 |
-| E7.M3 | In Progress | **Decomposed** — Epic 7 Slice 3 backlog [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md) **E7M3-01** [NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133) → **E7M3-11** [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143). Two frozen factions (**Grid Operators**, **Rust Collective**); operator-chain **`reputationGrants`** (+15 Grid Operators); new gated quest **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`** (**`minStanding` 15**); **`faction_gate_blocked`** accept deny; rep apply via extended **`RewardRouterOperations`**; client capstone [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E7.M2 **Ready**. | [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E7_M3](E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md), label **`E7.M3`** on NEO-133–NEO-143 |
+| E7.M3 | In Progress | **E7M3-01 catalog landed ([NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133)):** faction + gate/rep schemas, `prototype_factions.json`, quest extensions (`factionGateRules`, `reputationGrants`), five-quest CI gates, minimal server roster parity. **E7M3-02+** [NEO-134](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-134) → **E7M3-11** [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143). Two frozen factions; operator-chain **`reputationGrants`** (+15 Grid Operators); gated **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`**; client capstone [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E7.M2 **Ready**. | [NEO-133 plan](../../plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md), [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E7_M3](E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md), label **`E7.M3`** on NEO-133–NEO-143 |
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md b/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md
index b3400fc..25f3fb5 100644
--- a/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md
+++ b/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md
@@ -108,9 +108,9 @@ Accepting **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`** before operator-chain completion o
 
 **Acceptance criteria**
 
-- [ ] PR gate validates faction JSON and extended quest JSON.
-- [ ] Exactly two prototype faction ids; fifth quest id present with gate + objective cross-refs.
-- [ ] Invalid faction refs in gates or grants fail CI.
+- [x] PR gate validates faction JSON and extended quest JSON.
+- [x] Exactly two prototype faction ids; fifth quest id present with gate + objective cross-refs.
+- [x] Invalid faction refs in gates or grants fail CI.
 
 **Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only).
 
diff --git a/docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md b/docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md
index 4c92a18..07eb56f 100644
--- a/docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md
+++ b/docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md
@@ -101,3 +101,11 @@ None for E7M3-01. Client faction HUD and capstone: **NEO-142** / **NEO-143**.
 ## Blocks
 
 **NEO-134** (server faction catalog load) is blocked until this catalog + CI lands.
+
+## Implementation reconciliation (shipped)
+
+- **Schemas:** `faction-def`, `faction-gate-rule`, `reputation-grant-row`; extended `quest-def` + `quest-reward-bundle`.
+- **Catalog:** `prototype_factions.json` (two factions); `prototype_quests.json` operator-chain rep + `prototype_quest_grid_contract`.
+- **CI:** `PROTOTYPE_E7M3_*` gates in `validate_content.py` (roster, faction freeze, bundle freeze, cross-refs, grid-contract shape).
+- **Server parity:** five-quest `ExpectedQuestIds`, grid-contract E7M2 bundle freeze, schema registry for new `$ref`s.
+- **Docs:** `content/README.md` E7 Slice 3 paragraph; E7_M3 module CI line.
diff --git a/scripts/validate_content.py b/scripts/validate_content.py
index fd578de..7d67034 100644
--- a/scripts/validate_content.py
+++ b/scripts/validate_content.py
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ Validates:
 - reward table catalogs: content/reward-tables/*_reward_tables.json rows vs content/schemas/reward-table.schema.json (NEO-100)
 - encounter catalogs: content/encounters/*_encounters.json rows vs content/schemas/encounter-def.schema.json (NEO-100)
 - quest catalogs: content/quests/*_quests.json rows vs content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json (NEO-112);
-  optional completionRewardBundle via quest-reward-bundle.schema.json (NEO-124)
+  optional completionRewardBundle via quest-reward-bundle.schema.json (NEO-124);
+  optional factionGateRules + reputationGrants (NEO-133)
+- faction catalogs: content/factions/*_factions.json rows vs content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json (NEO-133)
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -46,6 +48,9 @@ QUEST_STEP_DEF_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/quest-step-def.schema.json"
 QUEST_DEF_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json"
 QUEST_REWARD_BUNDLE_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json"
 QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json"
+FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json"
+FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json"
+REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/reputation-grant-row.schema.json"
 SKILLS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/skills"
 MASTERY_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/mastery"
 ITEMS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/items"
@@ -56,6 +61,7 @@ NPC_BEHAVIORS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/npc-behaviors"
 REWARD_TABLES_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/reward-tables"
 ENCOUNTERS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/encounters"
 QUESTS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/quests"
+FACTIONS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/factions"
 
 # Slice 1 prototype lock (NEO-33): exact ids + category coverage after schema passes.
 PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS = frozenset({"salvage", "refine", "intrusion"})
@@ -195,6 +201,74 @@ PROTOTYPE_E7M2_COMPLETION_BUNDLES: dict[str, dict] = {
     },
 }
 
+# Epic 7 Slice 3 prototype lock (NEO-133): five-quest roster + faction catalog.
+# Keep in sync with E7.M3 freeze table and future NEO-134 server loader.
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_FACTION_IDS = frozenset(
+    {
+        "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
+        "prototype_faction_rust_collective",
+    }
+)
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_FACTION_FREEZE: dict[str, dict] = {
+    "prototype_faction_grid_operators": {
+        "displayName": "Grid Operators",
+        "minStanding": -100,
+        "maxStanding": 100,
+        "neutralStanding": 0,
+    },
+    "prototype_faction_rust_collective": {
+        "displayName": "Rust Collective",
+        "minStanding": -100,
+        "maxStanding": 100,
+        "neutralStanding": 0,
+    },
+}
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS = frozenset(
+    {
+        "prototype_quest_gather_intro",
+        "prototype_quest_refine_intro",
+        "prototype_quest_combat_intro",
+        "prototype_quest_operator_chain",
+        "prototype_quest_grid_contract",
+    }
+)
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID = "prototype_quest_grid_contract"
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_PREREQ_QUEST_ID = "prototype_quest_operator_chain"
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_GATE_FACTION_ID = "prototype_faction_grid_operators"
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_MIN_STANDING = 15
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_OBJECTIVE_ITEM_ID = "survey_drone_kit"
+PROTOTYPE_E7M3_COMPLETION_BUNDLES: dict[str, dict] = {
+    "prototype_quest_gather_intro": {
+        "itemGrants": [],
+        "skillXpGrants": [{"skillId": "salvage", "amount": 25}],
+        "reputationGrants": [],
+    },
+    "prototype_quest_refine_intro": {
+        "itemGrants": [],
+        "skillXpGrants": [{"skillId": "refine", "amount": 25}],
+        "reputationGrants": [],
+    },
+    "prototype_quest_combat_intro": {
+        "itemGrants": [],
+        "skillXpGrants": [{"skillId": "salvage", "amount": 25}],
+        "reputationGrants": [],
+    },
+    "prototype_quest_operator_chain": {
+        "itemGrants": [{"itemId": "survey_drone_kit", "quantity": 1}],
+        "skillXpGrants": [{"skillId": "salvage", "amount": 50}],
+        "reputationGrants": [
+            {"factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators", "amount": 15}
+        ],
+    },
+    "prototype_quest_grid_contract": {
+        "itemGrants": [],
+        "skillXpGrants": [],
+        "reputationGrants": [
+            {"factionId": "prototype_faction_rust_collective", "amount": 10}
+        ],
+    },
+}
+
 
 def _normalize_completion_bundle(bundle: dict) -> dict:
     """Normalize grant rows for stable freeze-table comparison."""
@@ -224,6 +298,23 @@ def _normalize_completion_bundle(bundle: dict) -> dict:
     }
 
 
+def _normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle(bundle: dict) -> dict:
+    """Normalize item, skill XP, and reputation grant rows for E7M3 freeze-table comparison."""
+    normalized = _normalize_completion_bundle(bundle)
+    reputation_grants = bundle.get("reputationGrants")
+    normalized["reputationGrants"] = sorted(
+        [
+            {"factionId": grant["factionId"], "amount": grant["amount"]}
+            for grant in (reputation_grants if isinstance(reputation_grants, list) else [])
+            if isinstance(grant, dict)
+            and isinstance(grant.get("factionId"), str)
+            and isinstance(grant.get("amount"), int)
+        ],
+        key=lambda grant: (grant["factionId"], grant["amount"]),
+    )
+    return normalized
+
+
 def _prototype_slice1_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str], id_to_category: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
     """Return a human-readable error if Slice 1 contract fails, else None."""
     ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
@@ -895,13 +986,15 @@ def _prototype_e5m3_encounter_cross_ref_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str
 
 
 def _quest_def_validator() -> Draft202012Validator:
-    """Build a validator that resolves quest-def $ref to step, objective, and bundle schemas."""
+    """Build a validator that resolves quest-def $ref to step, objective, bundle, and gate schemas."""
     objective_schema = json.loads(QUEST_OBJECTIVE_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     step_schema = json.loads(QUEST_STEP_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     def_schema = json.loads(QUEST_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     bundle_schema = json.loads(QUEST_REWARD_BUNDLE_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     skill_xp_grant_schema = json.loads(QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     grant_row_schema = json.loads(REWARD_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    faction_gate_rule_schema = json.loads(FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    reputation_grant_row_schema = json.loads(REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     registry = Registry().with_resources(
         [
             (def_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(def_schema)),
@@ -910,11 +1003,62 @@ def _quest_def_validator() -> Draft202012Validator:
             (bundle_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(bundle_schema)),
             (skill_xp_grant_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(skill_xp_grant_schema)),
             (grant_row_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(grant_row_schema)),
+            (faction_gate_rule_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(faction_gate_rule_schema)),
+            (reputation_grant_row_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(reputation_grant_row_schema)),
         ]
     )
     return Draft202012Validator(def_schema, registry=registry)
 
 
+def _validate_faction_catalogs(
+    *,
+    faction_files: list[Path],
+    faction_validator: Draft202012Validator,
+) -> tuple[int, dict[str, str], dict[str, dict]]:
+    """Validate faction JSON files. Returns (error_count, seen_ids, id_to_row)."""
+    errors = 0
+    seen_ids: dict[str, str] = {}
+    id_to_row: dict[str, dict] = {}
+
+    for path in faction_files:
+        rel = str(path.relative_to(REPO_ROOT))
+        data = json.loads(path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+        schema_version = data.get("schemaVersion")
+        if schema_version != 1:
+            print(f"error: {rel}: expected schemaVersion 1, got {schema_version!r}", file=sys.stderr)
+            errors += 1
+            continue
+
+        factions = data.get("factions")
+        if not isinstance(factions, list):
+            print(f"error: {rel}: expected top-level 'factions' array", file=sys.stderr)
+            errors += 1
+            continue
+
+        for i, row in enumerate(factions):
+            if not isinstance(row, dict):
+                print(f"error: {rel}: factions[{i}] must be an object", file=sys.stderr)
+                errors += 1
+                continue
+            row_schema_errors = 0
+            for err in sorted(faction_validator.iter_errors(row), key=lambda e: e.path):
+                loc = ".".join(str(p) for p in err.path) or "(root)"
+                print(f"error: {rel} factions[{i}] {loc}: {err.message}", file=sys.stderr)
+                row_schema_errors += 1
+                errors += 1
+            fid = row.get("id")
+            if isinstance(fid, str) and row_schema_errors == 0:
+                prev = seen_ids.get(fid)
+                if prev:
+                    print(f"error: duplicate faction id {fid!r} in {prev} and {rel}", file=sys.stderr)
+                    errors += 1
+                else:
+                    seen_ids[fid] = rel
+                    id_to_row[fid] = row
+
+    return errors, seen_ids, id_to_row
+
+
 def _validate_quest_catalogs(
     *,
     quest_files: list[Path],
@@ -998,6 +1142,17 @@ def _validate_quest_catalogs(
     return errors, seen_ids, id_to_row
 
 
+def _prototype_e7m3_quest_roster_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if E7M3 five-quest roster fails, else None."""
+    ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
+    if ids != PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS:
+        return (
+            "error: prototype E7M3 expects exactly quest ids "
+            f"{sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS)!r}, got {sorted(ids)!r}"
+        )
+    return None
+
+
 def _prototype_e7m1_quest_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
     """Return a human-readable error if E7M1 quest contract fails, else None."""
     ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
@@ -1132,7 +1287,7 @@ def _prototype_e7m1_chain_terminal_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | Non
 
 def _prototype_e7m2_completion_bundle_presence_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
     """Return a human-readable error if a frozen quest lacks completionRewardBundle, else None."""
-    for qid in sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M1_QUEST_IDS):
+    for qid in sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS):
         row = id_to_row.get(qid)
         if not isinstance(row, dict):
             return f"error: missing quest {qid!r}"
@@ -1166,7 +1321,7 @@ def _prototype_e7m2_completion_bundle_cross_ref_gate(
     skill_id_to_allowed_kinds: dict[str, list[str]],
 ) -> str | None:
     """Return a human-readable error if bundle refs fail cross-checks, else None."""
-    for qid in sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M1_QUEST_IDS):
+    for qid in sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M3_QUEST_IDS):
         row = id_to_row.get(qid)
         if not isinstance(row, dict):
             continue
@@ -1206,6 +1361,147 @@ def _prototype_e7m2_completion_bundle_cross_ref_gate(
     return None
 
 
+def _prototype_e7m3_faction_roster_gate(faction_seen_ids: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if E7M3 faction roster fails, else None."""
+    ids = frozenset(faction_seen_ids.keys())
+    if ids != PROTOTYPE_E7M3_FACTION_IDS:
+        return (
+            "error: prototype E7M3 expects exactly faction ids "
+            f"{sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M3_FACTION_IDS)!r}, got {sorted(ids)!r}"
+        )
+    return None
+
+
+def _prototype_e7m3_faction_freeze_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if faction rows diverge from E7M3 freeze table, else None."""
+    for fid, expected in PROTOTYPE_E7M3_FACTION_FREEZE.items():
+        row = id_to_row.get(fid)
+        if not isinstance(row, dict):
+            return f"error: missing faction {fid!r}"
+        for key, expected_value in expected.items():
+            if row.get(key) != expected_value:
+                return (
+                    f"error: faction {fid!r} must match E7M3 freeze table "
+                    f"(expected {key}={expected_value!r}, got {row.get(key)!r})"
+                )
+    return None
+
+
+def _prototype_e7m3_faction_cross_ref_gate(
+    id_to_row: dict[str, dict],
+    faction_seen_ids: dict[str, str],
+) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if quest faction refs fail, else None."""
+    known_factions = frozenset(faction_seen_ids.keys())
+    for qid, row in id_to_row.items():
+        gate_rules = row.get("factionGateRules")
+        if isinstance(gate_rules, list):
+            for gi, rule in enumerate(gate_rules):
+                if not isinstance(rule, dict):
+                    continue
+                faction_id = rule.get("factionId")
+                if isinstance(faction_id, str) and faction_id not in known_factions:
+                    return (
+                        f"error: quest {qid!r} factionGateRules[{gi}]: factionId {faction_id!r} "
+                        "is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog"
+                    )
+        bundle = row.get("completionRewardBundle")
+        if isinstance(bundle, dict):
+            reputation_grants = bundle.get("reputationGrants")
+            if isinstance(reputation_grants, list):
+                for gi, grant in enumerate(reputation_grants):
+                    if not isinstance(grant, dict):
+                        continue
+                    faction_id = grant.get("factionId")
+                    if isinstance(faction_id, str) and faction_id not in known_factions:
+                        return (
+                            f"error: quest {qid!r} completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[{gi}]: "
+                            f"factionId {faction_id!r} is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog"
+                        )
+    return None
+
+
+def _prototype_e7m3_completion_bundle_freeze_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if bundle contents diverge from E7M3 freeze table, else None."""
+    for qid, expected in PROTOTYPE_E7M3_COMPLETION_BUNDLES.items():
+        row = id_to_row.get(qid)
+        if not isinstance(row, dict):
+            return f"error: missing quest {qid!r}"
+        bundle = row.get("completionRewardBundle")
+        if not isinstance(bundle, dict):
+            return f"error: quest {qid!r} must include completionRewardBundle object"
+        actual = _normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle(bundle)
+        expected_normalized = _normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle(expected)
+        if actual != expected_normalized:
+            return (
+                f"error: quest {qid!r} completionRewardBundle must match E7M3 freeze table "
+                f"(expected {expected_normalized!r}, got {actual!r})"
+            )
+    return None
+
+
+def _prototype_e7m3_grid_contract_shape_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if grid contract quest shape fails, else None."""
+    row = id_to_row.get(PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID)
+    if not isinstance(row, dict):
+        return f"error: missing quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r}"
+
+    prereqs = row.get("prerequisiteQuestIds")
+    if prereqs != [PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_PREREQ_QUEST_ID]:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} prerequisiteQuestIds must be "
+            f"{[PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_PREREQ_QUEST_ID]!r}, got {prereqs!r}"
+        )
+
+    gate_rules = row.get("factionGateRules")
+    expected_gate = [
+        {
+            "factionId": PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_GATE_FACTION_ID,
+            "minStanding": PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_MIN_STANDING,
+        }
+    ]
+    if gate_rules != expected_gate:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} factionGateRules must be "
+            f"{expected_gate!r}, got {gate_rules!r}"
+        )
+
+    steps = row.get("steps")
+    if not isinstance(steps, list) or len(steps) != 1:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} must have exactly one step"
+        )
+    step = steps[0]
+    if not isinstance(step, dict):
+        return f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} step must be an object"
+    objectives = step.get("objectives")
+    if not isinstance(objectives, list) or len(objectives) != 1:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} must have exactly one objective"
+        )
+    obj = objectives[0]
+    if not isinstance(obj, dict):
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} objective must be an object"
+        )
+    if obj.get("kind") != "inventory_has_item":
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} objective kind must be "
+            "'inventory_has_item'"
+        )
+    if obj.get("itemId") != PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_OBJECTIVE_ITEM_ID:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} objective itemId must be "
+            f"{PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_OBJECTIVE_ITEM_ID!r}, got {obj.get('itemId')!r}"
+        )
+    if obj.get("quantity") != 1:
+        return (
+            f"error: quest {PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID!r} objective quantity must be 1, "
+            f"got {obj.get('quantity')!r}"
+        )
+    return None
+
+
 def _prototype_slice4_gate(track_skill_ids: list[str]) -> str | None:
     """Return a human-readable error if Slice 4 contract fails, else None."""
     if len(track_skill_ids) != 1:
@@ -1556,6 +1852,15 @@ def main() -> int:
     if not QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA.is_file():
         print(f"error: missing schema {QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA}", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
+    if not FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA.is_file():
+        print(f"error: missing schema {FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+    if not FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA.is_file():
+        print(f"error: missing schema {FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+    if not REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA.is_file():
+        print(f"error: missing schema {REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
 
     skill_schema = json.loads(SKILL_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     skill_validator = Draft202012Validator(skill_schema)
@@ -1578,6 +1883,8 @@ def main() -> int:
     encounter_schema = json.loads(ENCOUNTER_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     encounter_validator = Draft202012Validator(encounter_schema)
     quest_validator = _quest_def_validator()
+    faction_schema = json.loads(FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    faction_validator = Draft202012Validator(faction_schema)
 
     if not SKILLS_DIR.is_dir():
         print(f"error: missing directory {SKILLS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
@@ -1679,6 +1986,15 @@ def main() -> int:
         print(f"error: no *_quests.json files under {QUESTS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
+    if not FACTIONS_DIR.is_dir():
+        print(f"error: missing directory {FACTIONS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    faction_files = sorted(FACTIONS_DIR.glob("*_factions.json"))
+    if not faction_files:
+        print(f"error: no *_factions.json files under {FACTIONS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
     seen_ids: dict[str, str] = {}
     id_to_category: dict[str, str] = {}
     skill_id_to_allowed_kinds: dict[str, list[str]] = {}
@@ -1950,6 +2266,24 @@ def main() -> int:
         print(e5m3_encounter_cross_ref_err, file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
+    faction_errors, faction_seen_ids, faction_id_to_row = _validate_faction_catalogs(
+        faction_files=faction_files,
+        faction_validator=faction_validator,
+    )
+    if faction_errors:
+        print(f"content validation failed with {faction_errors} error(s)", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    e7m3_faction_roster_err = _prototype_e7m3_faction_roster_gate(faction_seen_ids)
+    if e7m3_faction_roster_err:
+        print(e7m3_faction_roster_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    e7m3_faction_freeze_err = _prototype_e7m3_faction_freeze_gate(faction_id_to_row)
+    if e7m3_faction_freeze_err:
+        print(e7m3_faction_freeze_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
     quest_errors, quest_seen_ids, quest_id_to_row = _validate_quest_catalogs(
         quest_files=quest_files,
         quest_validator=quest_validator,
@@ -1958,9 +2292,9 @@ def main() -> int:
         print(f"content validation failed with {quest_errors} error(s)", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
-    e7m1_quest_err = _prototype_e7m1_quest_gate(quest_seen_ids)
-    if e7m1_quest_err:
-        print(e7m1_quest_err, file=sys.stderr)
+    e7m3_quest_roster_err = _prototype_e7m3_quest_roster_gate(quest_seen_ids)
+    if e7m3_quest_roster_err:
+        print(e7m3_quest_roster_err, file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
     e7m1_prereq_err = _prototype_e7m1_quest_prerequisite_gate(quest_id_to_row)
@@ -1996,6 +2330,24 @@ def main() -> int:
         print(e7m2_bundle_cross_ref_err, file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
+    e7m3_faction_cross_ref_err = _prototype_e7m3_faction_cross_ref_gate(
+        quest_id_to_row,
+        faction_seen_ids,
+    )
+    if e7m3_faction_cross_ref_err:
+        print(e7m3_faction_cross_ref_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    e7m3_bundle_freeze_err = _prototype_e7m3_completion_bundle_freeze_gate(quest_id_to_row)
+    if e7m3_bundle_freeze_err:
+        print(e7m3_bundle_freeze_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
+    e7m3_grid_contract_err = _prototype_e7m3_grid_contract_shape_gate(quest_id_to_row)
+    if e7m3_grid_contract_err:
+        print(e7m3_grid_contract_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
     print(
         "content OK: "
         f"{len(skill_files)} skill catalog file(s), "
@@ -2009,6 +2361,7 @@ def main() -> int:
         f"{len(npc_behavior_files)} npc behavior catalog file(s), "
         f"{len(reward_table_files)} reward table catalog file(s), "
         f"{len(encounter_files)} encounter catalog file(s), "
+        f"{len(faction_files)} faction catalog file(s), "
         f"{len(quest_files)} quest catalog file(s), "
         f"{len(seen_ids)} unique skill id(s), "
         f"{len(item_seen_ids)} unique item id(s), "
@@ -2018,6 +2371,7 @@ def main() -> int:
         f"{len(npc_behavior_seen_ids)} unique npc behavior id(s), "
         f"{len(reward_table_seen_ids)} unique reward table id(s), "
         f"{len(encounter_seen_ids)} unique encounter id(s), "
+        f"{len(faction_seen_ids)} unique faction id(s), "
         f"{len(quest_seen_ids)} unique quest id(s), "
         f"{len(track_skill_ids)} mastery track(s)"
     )
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestCatalogTestPaths.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestCatalogTestPaths.cs
index 78f953f..26f0911 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestCatalogTestPaths.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestCatalogTestPaths.cs
@@ -35,4 +35,12 @@ internal static class QuestCatalogTestPaths
 
     internal static string DiscoverRepoQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath() =>
         QuestCatalogPathResolution.ResolveQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoQuestsDirectory());
+
+    internal static string DiscoverRepoFactionGateRuleSchemaPath() =>
+        Path.GetFullPath(
+            Path.Combine(DiscoverRepoQuestsDirectory(), "..", "schemas", "faction-gate-rule.schema.json"));
+
+    internal static string DiscoverRepoReputationGrantRowSchemaPath() =>
+        Path.GetFullPath(
+            Path.Combine(DiscoverRepoQuestsDirectory(), "..", "schemas", "reputation-grant-row.schema.json"));
 }
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests.cs
index 37ead2a..50edc16 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests.cs
@@ -115,7 +115,10 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
               ],
               "completionRewardBundle": {
                 "itemGrants": [{ "itemId": "survey_drone_kit", "quantity": 1 }],
-                "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 50 }]
+                "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 50 }],
+                "reputationGrants": [
+                  { "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators", "amount": 15 }
+                ]
               },
               "steps": [
                 {
@@ -167,6 +170,36 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
                   ]
                 }
               ]
+            },
+            {
+              "id": "prototype_quest_grid_contract",
+              "displayName": "Grid Contract",
+              "prerequisiteQuestIds": ["prototype_quest_operator_chain"],
+              "factionGateRules": [
+                {
+                  "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
+                  "minStanding": 15
+                }
+              ],
+              "completionRewardBundle": {
+                "reputationGrants": [
+                  { "factionId": "prototype_faction_rust_collective", "amount": 10 }
+                ]
+              },
+              "steps": [
+                {
+                  "id": "grid_contract_step_kit",
+                  "displayName": "Deliver survey drone kit",
+                  "objectives": [
+                    {
+                      "id": "grid_contract_obj_kit",
+                      "kind": "inventory_has_item",
+                      "itemId": "survey_drone_kit",
+                      "quantity": 1
+                    }
+                  ]
+                }
+              ]
             }
           ]
         }
@@ -188,6 +221,8 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
         File.Copy(QuestCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "reward-grant-row.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
         File.Copy(QuestCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
         File.Copy(QuestCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "quest-reward-bundle.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
+        File.Copy(QuestCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "faction-gate-rule.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
+        File.Copy(QuestCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "reputation-grant-row.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
         return (root.FullName, questsDir, defSchemaPath, stepSchemaPath, objectiveSchemaPath);
     }
 
@@ -238,7 +273,7 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
         // Act
         var catalog = LoadCatalog(questsDir, defSchemaPath, stepSchemaPath, objectiveSchemaPath);
         // Assert
-        Assert.Equal(4, catalog.DistinctQuestCount);
+        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Count, catalog.DistinctQuestCount);
     }
 
     [Fact]
@@ -250,7 +285,7 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
         // Act
         var catalog = LoadCatalog(questsDir, defSchemaPath, stepSchemaPath, objectiveSchemaPath);
         // Assert
-        Assert.Equal(4, catalog.DistinctQuestCount);
+        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Count, catalog.DistinctQuestCount);
         Assert.Equal(1, catalog.CatalogJsonFileCount);
         Assert.True(catalog.TryGetQuest("prototype_quest_gather_intro", out var gather));
         Assert.NotNull(gather);
@@ -734,7 +769,7 @@ public class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoaderTests
         // Assert
         Assert.Equal(HttpStatusCode.OK, response.StatusCode);
         var questCatalog = factory.Services.GetRequiredService<QuestDefinitionCatalog>();
-        Assert.Equal(4, questCatalog.DistinctQuestCount);
+        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Count, questCatalog.DistinctQuestCount);
         Assert.True(questCatalog.TryGetQuest("prototype_quest_gather_intro", out var gather));
         Assert.NotNull(gather);
         Assert.Equal("Intro: Salvage Run", gather!.DisplayName);
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionRegistryTests.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionRegistryTests.cs
index 671f6f6..b48685c 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionRegistryTests.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionRegistryTests.cs
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ public class QuestDefinitionRegistryTests
         Assert.Equal(GatherIntroId, questId);
         Assert.False(unknownNormalized);
         Assert.Equal("prototype_unknown", unknownQuestId);
-        Assert.Equal(4, list.Count);
+        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Count, list.Count);
         Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal), list.Select(q => q.Id));
         foreach (var expectedId in PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds)
         {
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests.cs
index bb1c333..40ee9ec 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests.cs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Quests;
 public class QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests
 {
     [Fact]
-    public async Task GetQuestDefinitions_ShouldReturnSchemaV1_WithFourFrozenQuestsInIdOrder()
+    public async Task GetQuestDefinitions_ShouldReturnSchemaV1_WithFrozenQuestsInIdOrder()
     {
         // Arrange
         await using var factory = new InMemoryWebApplicationFactory();
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ public class QuestDefinitionsWorldApiTests
         Assert.NotNull(body);
         Assert.Equal(QuestDefinitionsListResponse.CurrentSchemaVersion, body!.SchemaVersion);
         Assert.NotNull(body.Quests);
-        Assert.Equal(4, body.Quests.Count);
+        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Count, body.Quests.Count);
         Assert.Equal(
             PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ExpectedQuestIds.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal).ToArray(),
             body.Quests.Select(q => q.Id).ToArray());
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.cs
index 0c168e0..e0512b7 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.cs
@@ -17,12 +17,16 @@ public static class PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules
             "prototype_quest_refine_intro",
             "prototype_quest_combat_intro",
             "prototype_quest_operator_chain",
+            "prototype_quest_grid_contract",
         ],
         StringComparer.Ordinal);
 
     /// <summary>Keep in sync with <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M1_CHAIN_QUEST_ID</c>.</summary>
     public const string ChainQuestId = "prototype_quest_operator_chain";
 
+    /// <summary>Keep in sync with <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M3_GRID_CONTRACT_QUEST_ID</c>.</summary>
+    public const string GridContractQuestId = "prototype_quest_grid_contract";
+
     /// <summary>First frozen onboarding quest id (gather intro).</summary>
     public const string GatherIntroQuestId = "prototype_quest_gather_intro";
 
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.cs
index 959425f..321638f 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.cs
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ public static class PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules
             [PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.ChainQuestId] = new(
                 [new RewardGrantRow("survey_drone_kit", 1)],
                 [new QuestSkillXpGrantRow("salvage", 50)]),
+            [PrototypeE7M1QuestCatalogRules.GridContractQuestId] = new(
+                [],
+                []),
         }.ToFrozenDictionary(StringComparer.Ordinal);
 
     /// <summary>Returns a human-readable error if a frozen quest lacks a completion bundle, otherwise <see langword="null"/>.</summary>
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoader.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoader.cs
index 5d80031..1e456d1 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoader.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Quests/QuestDefinitionCatalogLoader.cs
@@ -451,6 +451,9 @@ public static class QuestDefinitionCatalogLoader
         if (_questDefSchema is not null)
             return;
 
+        var schemaDir = Path.GetDirectoryName(questDefSchemaPath)!;
+        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(Path.Combine(schemaDir, "faction-gate-rule.schema.json"));
+        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(Path.Combine(schemaDir, "reputation-grant-row.schema.json"));
         CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(rewardGrantRowSchemaPath);
         CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath);
         CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(questRewardBundleSchemaPath);