diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 0db011a..7ad03b2 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -34,3 +34,6 @@ client/addons/gdUnit4/GdUnitRunner.cfg
 
 # VS Code / Cursor — machine-local settings (e.g. Godot editor path)
 .vscode/settings.json
+
+# VS Code C# Dev Tools - Auto-generated runners
+.vscodecsdt/
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md
index 01f1d1d..ef38de1 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md
@@ -79,7 +79,11 @@ Each catalog file has top-level **`schemaVersion`**, a **`perks`** map (`perkId`
 
 ## NEO-47 handoff (perk unlock engine + PerkState persistence)
 
-**Landed ([NEO-47](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-47)):** `IPlayerPerkStateStore` (in-memory + Postgres **`V004`**) persists branch picks and unlocked `perkId`s. **`PerkUnlockEngine`** evaluates tier-1 explicit branch picks and **path-auto** tier-2 unlocks from the tier-1 `branchId` when skill level meets gates (no second pick at tier 2 for prototype salvage). Level-up re-evaluation runs inside **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** after XP grants (HTTP POST, gather interact, mission/refine helpers). Stable deny **`reasonCode`** values for invalid picks. Internal **`PerkUnlockEvent`** returned from engine methods (telemetry in **NEO-49**). **HTTP read/write** for perk state is **NEO-48**.
+**Landed ([NEO-47](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-47)):** `IPlayerPerkStateStore` (in-memory + Postgres **`V004`**) persists branch picks and unlocked `perkId`s. **`PerkUnlockEngine`** evaluates tier-1 explicit branch picks and **path-auto** tier-2 unlocks from the tier-1 `branchId` when skill level meets gates (no second pick at tier 2 for prototype salvage). Level-up re-evaluation runs inside **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** after XP grants (HTTP POST, gather interact, mission/refine helpers). Stable deny **`reasonCode`** values for invalid picks. Internal **`PerkUnlockEvent`** returned from engine methods. **HTTP read/write** for perk state is **NEO-48**.
+
+## NEO-49 handoff (perk_unlock telemetry hook sites)
+
+**Landed ([NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49)):** Comment-only **`perk_unlock`** hook site in **`PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`** (authoritative unlock anchor; covers branch-pick and level-up path-auto). **`TODO(E9.M1)`**; no production ingest. [server README — Perk unlock engine and telemetry hooks](../../../server/README.md#perk-unlock-engine-and-telemetry-hooks-neo-47-neo-49); plan [NEO-49](../../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md); manual QA [`NEO-49.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-49.md).
 
 ## Prototype Slice 4 freeze — salvage flagship ([NEO-45](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-45))
 
@@ -138,7 +142,7 @@ Module-level bullets below span **NEO-45 → NEO-49**. **[NEO-45](https://linear
 
 - **Risk:** Mastery feels mandatory for one skill and blocks alts — **Mitigation:** flagship is one skill; other prototype skills remain level-only until expanded.
 - **Risk:** Branch picks without respec frustrate players — **Mitigation:** defer respec to late-stage tuning; keep v1 tree small.
-- **Telemetry:** `perk_unlock` hook sites ([NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49)); align with [E9.M1](E9_M1_TelemetryEventSchema.md) when catalog exists.
+- **Telemetry:** **`perk_unlock`** hook site in **`PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`** ([NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49) — comments-only); E9.M1 catalog ingest deferred.
 
 ## Source anchors
 
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
index 3489596..74acafc 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ Rows appear when work starts; default for unlisted modules is **Planned** / not
 | E1.M3 | In Progress | **NEO-23 landed:** JSON v1 targeting read + select (`GET`/`POST …/target`, `Game/Targeting/`, [NEO-23](../../plans/NEO-23-implementation-plan.md)) — `PlayerTargetStateResponse` / soft lock / `reasonCode` denials; wire name differs from illustrative **`TargetState`** in module doc (called out in plan + README). **NEO-24 landed:** client tab-target + lock HUD synced to server ([NEO-24](../../plans/NEO-24-implementation-plan.md)) — `TargetSelectionClient` ([`client/scripts/target_selection_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/target_selection_client.gd)), Tab / Esc bindings, `TargetLockLabel` HUD, hybrid movement-triggered refresh via new `PositionAuthorityClient.authoritative_ack` signal (fires on every server-confirmed position, boot + `move-stream` 200) with a 250 ms cooldown; manual QA in [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-24.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-24.md). **NEO-25 landed:** versioned **`GET /game/world/interactables`** ([NEO-25](../../plans/NEO-25-implementation-plan.md)) — `InteractablesListResponse` / `InteractablesWorldApi` in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Interaction/`; Godot `interactables_catalog_client.gd` + `interactable_world_builder.gd` (fetch-driven props + glow); [server README — Interactable descriptors (NEO-25)](../../../server/README.md#interactable-descriptors-neo-25). **NEO-26 landed:** prototype **`SelectionEvent`** — **`TargetSelectionClient.selection_event`** ([NEO-26](../../plans/NEO-26-implementation-plan.md)) when **`lockedTargetId`** changes; optional **`log_selection_events`**. **NEO-27 landed:** Slice 3 telemetry hook sites documented — `selection_event` maps to product `target_changed` in `target_selection_client.gd`; server lock transition hook comments in `InMemoryPlayerTargetLockStore`; reserved `ability_cast_requested` / `ability_cast_denied` comments in `client/scripts/main.gd` (all TODO(E9.M1)); see [NEO-27](../../plans/NEO-27-implementation-plan.md) and [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-27.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-27.md). **Follow-on / still open:** richer **`InteractableDescriptor`** consumers beyond list projection + existing `POST …/interact`; production telemetry ingest/catalog after E9.M1. **Precursor (E1.M1):** [NEO-9](../../plans/NEO-9-implementation-plan.md) `POST …/interact`. | Linear [NEO-24](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-24)–[NEO-27](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-27); [E1_M3_InteractionAndTargetingLayer.md](E1_M3_InteractionAndTargetingLayer.md); [E1M3 prototype backlog](../../plans/E1M3-prototype-backlog.md); [server README — Targeting](../../../server/README.md#targeting-neo-23), [Interactable descriptors (NEO-25)](../../../server/README.md#interactable-descriptors-neo-25), [Interaction](../../../server/README.md#interaction-neo-9) |
 | E1.M4 | In Progress | **NEO-29 landed:** prototype `HotbarLoadout` v1 server contract (`GET`/`POST /game/players/{id}/hotbar-loadout`) with stable deny reason codes, per-player scope, and persistence policy matching NEO-8/NS-17 (Postgres when configured, in-memory fallback otherwise). Client boot hydration is wired via `hotbar_loadout_client.gd` + `hotbar_state.gd` from `main.gd`; manual QA checklist created. **NEO-31 landed:** prototype **`POST /game/players/{id}/ability-cast`**, digit-key cast wiring from `main.gd`, `ability_cast_client.gd`, and `hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd` (target id from `lockedTargetId` in cached target state); GdUnit covers resolver + HTTP client; manual QA [NEO-31](../../manual-qa/NEO-31.md). **NEO-28 landed:** cast POST validates **lock + registry + range** (`invalid_target`, `out_of_range`); **`AbilityCastClient.cast_result_received`** + **`CastFeedbackLabel`** HUD line; manual QA [NEO-28](../../manual-qa/NEO-28.md). **NEO-30 landed:** Slice 3 cast funnel telemetry **hook-site comments** in [`AbilityCastApi.cs`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/AbilityCastApi.cs) (`ability_cast_requested` on authoritative accept, `ability_cast_denied` + non-empty `reasonCode` on each JSON deny branch); client dev hooks unchanged; manual QA [NEO-30](../../manual-qa/NEO-30.md); plan [NEO-30](../../plans/NEO-30-implementation-plan.md). **NEO-32 landed:** `GET /game/players/{id}/cooldown-snapshot` + `on_cooldown` cast deny + prototype global cooldown commit; [`cooldown_snapshot_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd), [`cooldown_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd), **`CooldownSlotsLabel`** in [`main.gd`](../../../client/scripts/main.gd); manual QA [NEO-32](../../manual-qa/NEO-32.md); plan [NEO-32](../../plans/NEO-32-implementation-plan.md). | [NEO-29](../../plans/NEO-29-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-31](../../plans/NEO-31-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-28](../../plans/NEO-28-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-30](../../plans/NEO-30-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-32](../../plans/NEO-32-implementation-plan.md); [E1_M4_AbilityInputScaffold.md](E1_M4_AbilityInputScaffold.md); [E1M4 prototype backlog](../../plans/E1M4-prototype-backlog.md); `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/`; [`client/scripts/hotbar_loadout_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_loadout_client.gd), [`client/scripts/hotbar_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_state.gd), [`client/scripts/ability_cast_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/ability_cast_client.gd), [`client/scripts/hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd), [`client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd), [`client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd); [server README — Hotbar loadout](../../../server/README.md#hotbar-loadout-neo-29), [Ability cast (NEO-31)](../../../server/README.md#ability-cast-neo-31), [Cooldown snapshot (NEO-32)](../../../server/README.md#cooldown-snapshot-neo-32) |
 | E2.M1 | In Progress | **NEO-33 landed:** frozen prototype trio **`salvage`** / **`refine`** / **`intrusion`** in [`content/skills/prototype_skills.json`](../../../content/skills/prototype_skills.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) enforce schema, duplicate `id`, exact trio ids, and category coverage; designer note on **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** in [E2_M1](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md) + [`content/README.md`](../../../content/README.md). **NEO-34 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/skills/*.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/` ([NEO-34](../../plans/NEO-34-implementation-plan.md)); config + discovery in [server README — Skill catalog](../../../server/README.md#skill-catalog-contentskills-neo-34). **NEO-35 landed:** `ISkillDefinitionRegistry` / `SkillDefinitionRegistry` + DI ([NEO-35](../../plans/NEO-35-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-36 landed:** versioned **`GET /game/world/skill-definitions`** ([NEO-36](../../plans/NEO-36-implementation-plan.md)) — `SkillDefinitionsWorldApi` + `SkillDefinitionsListDtos` in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/`; Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-definitions/`; manual QA [`NEO-36`](../../manual-qa/NEO-36.md). **E2.M2 consumer (NEO-38 landed):** grant path validates `skillId` + `sourceKind` vs catalog **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** on **`POST …/skill-progression`** ([NEO-38](../../plans/NEO-38-implementation-plan.md)); see [server README — Skill progression grant](../../../server/README.md#skill-progression-grant-neo-38) and [E2_M2](E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md). | [NEO-33](../../plans/NEO-33-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-34](../../plans/NEO-34-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-35](../../plans/NEO-35-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-36](../../plans/NEO-36-implementation-plan.md); [E2_M1](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md); [module_dependency_register.md](module_dependency_register.md) **E2.M1 note**; `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/`; [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-36.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-36.md); [server README — Skill definitions (NEO-36)](../../../server/README.md#skill-definitions-neo-36) |
-| E2.M3 | In Progress | **NEO-45 landed:** prototype **`salvage`** mastery catalog + CI gates (see [NEO-45 plan](../../plans/NEO-45-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-46 landed:** fail-fast server load under `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/` — `MasteryCatalogLoader`, `IMasteryCatalogRegistry`, cross-check vs `ISkillDefinitionRegistry`, Slice 4 + **`tierIndex`** 1..N gate; see [NEO-46 plan](../../plans/NEO-46-implementation-plan.md). **NEO-47 landed:** `PerkUnlockEngine`, `IPlayerPerkStateStore` + **`V004`**, level-up hook in skill XP grants; see [NEO-47 plan](../../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md). **Still planned:** perk HTTP + Bruno ([NEO-48](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-48)), telemetry hooks ([NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49)). | [NEO-45](../../plans/NEO-45-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-46](../../plans/NEO-46-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-47](../../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md), [E2M3-pre-production-backlog](../../plans/E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E2_M3](E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) |
+| E2.M3 | In Progress | **NEO-45 landed:** prototype **`salvage`** mastery catalog + CI gates (see [NEO-45 plan](../../plans/NEO-45-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-46 landed:** fail-fast server load under `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/` — `MasteryCatalogLoader`, `IMasteryCatalogRegistry`, cross-check vs `ISkillDefinitionRegistry`, Slice 4 + **`tierIndex`** 1..N gate; see [NEO-46 plan](../../plans/NEO-46-implementation-plan.md). **NEO-47 landed:** `PerkUnlockEngine`, `IPlayerPerkStateStore` + **`V004`**, level-up hook in skill XP grants; see [NEO-47 plan](../../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md). **NEO-49 landed:** comment-only **`perk_unlock`** telemetry hook site in [`PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs) ([NEO-49 plan](../../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-49` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-49.md)); [server README — Perk unlock telemetry (NEO-49)](../../../server/README.md#perk-unlock-engine-and-telemetry-hooks-neo-47-neo-49). **Still planned:** perk HTTP + Bruno ([NEO-48](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-48)). | [NEO-45](../../plans/NEO-45-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-46](../../plans/NEO-46-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-47](../../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-49](../../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md), [E2M3-pre-production-backlog](../../plans/E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E2_M3](E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) |
 | E2.M2 | In Progress | **NEO-37 landed:** versioned **`GET /game/players/{id}/skill-progression`** ([NEO-37](../../plans/NEO-37-implementation-plan.md)) — read model for every registered skill; known-player gate via `IPositionStateStore`; [server README — Skill progression snapshot (NEO-37)](../../../server/README.md#skill-progression-snapshot-neo-37); manual QA [`NEO-37`](../../manual-qa/NEO-37.md). **NEO-38 landed:** **`POST`** same path — grant apply, persistence (`IPlayerSkillProgressionStore`, `V003` migration), structured denies + **`levelUps`** ([NEO-38](../../plans/NEO-38-implementation-plan.md)); manual QA [`NEO-38`](../../manual-qa/NEO-38.md); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-progression/`; [server README — Skill progression grant (NEO-38)](../../../server/README.md#skill-progression-grant-neo-38). **NEO-39 landed:** data-driven `LevelCurve` content + schema + CI validation (`*_level_curve.json`) with fail-fast startup schema checks; progression GET/POST level resolution now uses `ISkillLevelCurve` content-backed thresholds ([NEO-39](../../plans/NEO-39-implementation-plan.md)); manual QA [`NEO-39`](../../manual-qa/NEO-39.md). **NEO-40 landed:** comment-only telemetry hook sites in [`SkillProgressionSnapshotApi.cs`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/SkillProgressionSnapshotApi.cs) on **`POST …/skill-progression`** for future **`xp_grant`** / **`level_up`** ([NEO-40](../../plans/NEO-40-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-40` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-40.md)). **NEO-41 landed:** gather prototype — **`POST …/interact`** with **`kind: resource_node`** grants **`salvage`** + **`activity`** (10 XP) via [`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/SkillProgressionGrantOperations.cs) ([NEO-41](../../plans/NEO-41-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-41` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-41.md)); [server README — Interaction](../../../server/README.md#interaction-neo-9). **NEO-42 landed (prep):** **`RefineActivitySkillXpGrant`** / **`RefineSkillXpConstants`** + deny-registry factory + tests — same NEO-38 grant stack; **E3.M2** must invoke on craft/refine success ([NEO-42](../../plans/NEO-42-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-42` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-42.md)); [server README — Craft / refine hook (NEO-42)](../../../server/README.md#craft--refine-hook--skill-xp-neo-42). **NEO-43 landed (prep):** **`MissionRewardSkillXpGrant`** / **`MissionRewardSkillXpConstants`** + deny-registry factory + tests — same NEO-38 grant stack with fixed **`sourceKind: mission_reward`**; **E7.M2** must invoke from quest hand-in ([NEO-43](../../plans/NEO-43-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-43` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-43.md)); [server README — Mission / quest reward (NEO-43)](../../../server/README.md#mission--quest-reward--skill-xp-neo-43). **Slice 3 still open:** [NEO-44](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-44). See [epic_02 — E2.M2 + Slice 3](../epics/epic_02_skills_and_progression.md). | [NEO-37](../../plans/NEO-37-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-38](../../plans/NEO-38-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-39](../../plans/NEO-39-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-40](../../plans/NEO-40-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-41](../../plans/NEO-41-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-42](../../plans/NEO-42-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-43](../../plans/NEO-43-implementation-plan.md), [E2_M2](E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md); label **`E2.M2`** on NEO-37–NEO-41, NEO-42–NEO-44 |
 | E3.M1 | In Progress | **NEO-41 landed (prototype):** `POST …/interact` success on **`resource_node`** (`prototype_resource_node_alpha`) applies **`salvage`** skill XP (**`sourceKind: activity`**, 10 XP) via shared NEO-38 grant operations. **Still planned:** `GatherResult`, yields, inventory per [E3_M1](E3_M1_ResourceNodeAndGatherLoop.md). | [NEO-41](../../plans/NEO-41-implementation-plan.md), [E3_M1](E3_M1_ResourceNodeAndGatherLoop.md); `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Interaction/`, `Game/Skills/` |
 
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md
index 2a619ca..13d8f9d 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ Fleshed-out scope, contracts, and integration notes live in **per-module documen
 
 **E2.M2 note:** Epic 2 Slice 2 — [NEO-37](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-37) (progression snapshot **GET**) and [NEO-38](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-38) (grant **POST**, persistence, level-up payloads); label **`E2.M2`**. Module doc [E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md](E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md). Slice 3 integration: [NEO-41](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-41)–[NEO-43](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-43) landed; **NEO-44** (gig XP, Epic 5) remains backlog. Keep aligned with [documentation and implementation alignment](documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md).
 
-**E2.M3 note:** Epic 2 Slice 4 — [NEO-45](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-45) → [NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49); label **`E2.M3`**. **NEO-45 landed:** prototype **`salvage`** mastery catalog + schema + CI (`content/mastery/`, `scripts/validate_content.py`); register row **In Progress**. Flagship track; dependency order and story text in [E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md](E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) and [E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md). **NEO-47** blocked by [NEO-46](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-46) and [NEO-38](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-38) (skill level source).
+**E2.M3 note:** Epic 2 Slice 4 — [NEO-45](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-45) → [NEO-49](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49); label **`E2.M3`**. **NEO-45 landed:** prototype **`salvage`** mastery catalog + schema + CI. **NEO-46 landed:** fail-fast server mastery catalog load. **NEO-47 landed:** `PerkUnlockEngine`, `IPlayerPerkStateStore` + **`V004`**, level-up hook in skill XP grants. **NEO-49 landed:** comment-only **`perk_unlock`** telemetry hook in `PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`. **Still planned:** perk HTTP + Bruno ([NEO-48](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-48)). Flagship track; see [E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md](E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md), [E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E2M3-pre-production-backlog.md), and [documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md](documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) E2.M3 row.
 
 ### Epic 3 — Crafting Economy
 
diff --git a/docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md b/docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..308391b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Manual QA — NEO-49 (perk_unlock telemetry hook sites)
+
+Reference: [implementation plan](../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-47 implementation plan](../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md) (unlock engine).
+
+## Preconditions
+
+- Run `NeonSprawl.Server` (`dotnet run` from `server/NeonSprawl.Server`; default `http://localhost:5253`).
+- This story adds **comments only**; perk unlock behavior matches NEO-47.
+
+## Code review check
+
+- [ ] Open `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs` and locate **`TryUnlockPerks`**. Confirm a **comment block** marks the future E9.M1 event **`perk_unlock`** after `PerkUnlockEvent` instances are built.
+- [ ] Confirm **`TODO(E9.M1)`** and planned payload fields: `playerId`, `perkId`, `skillId`, `tierIndex`, `branchId`, `source` (`BranchPick` | `LevelUp`).
+- [ ] Confirm there are **no** new `ILogger` or metrics calls for this event.
+- [ ] Open `PerkUnlockEvent.cs` — summary cross-references the hook anchor in `TryUnlockPerks`.
+- [ ] Open [server README — Perk unlock engine and telemetry hooks](../../server/README.md#perk-unlock-engine-and-telemetry-hooks-neo-47-neo-49) — NEO-49 hook placement documented.
+
+## Regression (optional)
+
+```bash
+cd server && dotnet test NeonSprawl.sln --no-restore 2>/dev/null || dotnet test NeonSprawl.sln
+```
+
+Expect all tests pass (comments-only change).
diff --git a/docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md b/docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..971ded9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+# NEO-49 — Implementation plan
+
+## Story reference
+
+| Field | Value |
+|--------|--------|
+| **Key** | NEO-49 |
+| **Title** | E2.M3: perk_unlock telemetry hook sites |
+| **Linear** | https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-49/e2m3-perk-unlock-telemetry-hook-sites |
+| **Module** | [E2.M3 — MasteryAndPerkUnlocks](../decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) · Epic 2 Slice 4 |
+| **Branch** | `NEO-49-perk-unlock-telemetry-hook-sites` |
+| **Blocked by** | [NEO-47](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-47) — **Done** on `main` (`PerkUnlockEngine`, `PerkUnlockEvent`). May land in parallel with [NEO-48](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-48) (perk HTTP). |
+
+## Kickoff clarifications
+
+| Topic | Question / note | Resolution |
+|--------|-----------------|------------|
+| **Hook runtime behavior** | Comments-only vs dev `ILogger` (same as NEO-40)? | **User:** **comments-only** — no runtime emit, no production logging. |
+| **Hook anchor** | Single site in `TryUnlockPerks` vs duplicate markers at callers? | User asked for recommendation → **Agent recommendation (adopted):** **single anchor** in `PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks` immediately after `PerkUnlockEvent` instances are built (covers branch-pick unlocks, path-auto on pick, and level-up reevaluation). **Do not** duplicate at `SkillProgressionGrantOperations` or future NEO-48 HTTP — those call the engine and already receive `Events`; E9.M1 wiring can subscribe at the engine or via a future `IPerkUnlockEventSink` (NEO-47 plan note). |
+| **Branch-select without unlock** | Hook on successful `TrySelectBranch` when `Events` is empty? | **No** — catalog event is **`perk_unlock`** only when a perk id is newly persisted; tier-1 pick-without-perk is not an unlock event. |
+| **Deny paths** | `perk_branch_select_denied` hooks? | **Out of scope** (Linear); only **`perk_unlock`**. |
+
+## Goal, scope, and out-of-scope
+
+**Goal:** Document and place **comment-only hook sites** on the server-authoritative perk unlock path for future E9.M1 catalog event **`perk_unlock`**. Align with Epic 2 Slice 4 telemetry vocabulary ([epic_02 — Slice 4](../decomposition/epics/epic_02_skills_and_progression.md)).
+
+**In scope (from Linear + E2M3-05):**
+
+- Hook location(s) in unlock / branch-select path documented in **code comments** with **`TODO(E9.M1)`**.
+- **`server/README.md`** + [E2_M3 module](../decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) note hook placement.
+- Manual QA checklist per repo convention.
+
+**Out of scope (from Linear):**
+
+- E9.M1 catalog, ingest, dashboards.
+- `ILogger` / metrics / dev-only log lines (rejected at kickoff).
+- Optional `IPerkUnlockEventSink` implementation (deferred; comments-only this story).
+
+## Acceptance criteria checklist
+
+- [x] Hook location(s) in unlock / branch-select path documented in code comments.
+- [x] `TODO(E9.M1)` alignment; no production logging calls.
+- [x] Module doc + server README note hook placement.
+
+## Technical approach
+
+1. **Authoritative unlock surface:** `PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks` — the only place new perk ids are persisted and `PerkUnlockEvent` records are created. All paths funnel here:
+   - **`TrySelectBranch`** → explicit pick tier perks + `ApplyPathAutoTiersAtOrBelowLevel` (may emit zero events on tier-1-only pick).
+   - **`ReevaluateAfterLevelUp`** → path-auto tiers after skill level-up (called from `SkillProgressionGrantOperations` and any future callers).
+
+2. **Hook site — `perk_unlock`:** After building the `events` list (one `PerkUnlockEvent` per newly unlocked `perkId`), add a **comment block** before `return true`:
+   - Name future E9.M1 event **`perk_unlock`**.
+   - **`TODO(E9.M1): catalog emit`** (match NEO-30 / NEO-40 style).
+   - Document payload fields from `PerkUnlockEvent`: `playerId`, `perkId`, `skillId`, `tierIndex`, `branchId`, `source` (`BranchPick` | `LevelUp`).
+   - Note: emit **once per unlocked perk** in the batch (idempotent reevaluation produces no events when already unlocked).
+
+3. **Cross-references (minimal):**
+   - One-line pointer in `PerkUnlockEvent.cs` xml summary → hook site in `TryUnlockPerks`.
+   - **`server/README.md`:** new short subsection under mastery (after NEO-46 block) for perk unlock engine + **NEO-49 telemetry hook** anchor.
+   - **`E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md`:** replace “telemetry in NEO-49” backlog wording with **NEO-49 landed** line when implementation completes.
+   - **`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md`:** E2.M3 row cites NEO-49 hook sites.
+
+4. **NEO-48 readiness:** When perk HTTP lands, it will call `TrySelectBranch` and surface `Events`; no extra hook comments required at the API layer if the engine anchor exists.
+
+## Files to add
+
+| Path | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md` | Manual QA: verify comment blocks + no behavior/API change. |
+
+## Files to modify
+
+| Path | Rationale |
+|------|-----------|
+| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs` | **NEO-49:** comment-only `perk_unlock` hook site in `TryUnlockPerks` when events are created. |
+| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEvent.cs` | Cross-reference hook anchor in type summary (no behavior change). |
+| `server/README.md` | Document perk unlock telemetry hook placement (NEO-49). |
+| `docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md` | Implementation snapshot: NEO-49 telemetry hooks landed. |
+| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | E2.M3 row: NEO-49 hook sites (still no E9.M1 ingest). |
+
+## Tests
+
+| Path | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| **None required** | Comments-only; existing `PerkUnlockEngineTests` and grant integration tests already cover unlock paths. |
+
+**Manual verification:** `docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md` — open `PerkUnlockEngine.cs`, confirm hook cites **`perk_unlock`**, **`TODO(E9.M1)`**, payload fields, and no new log statements; run `dotnet test` on server solution for regression sanity.
+
+## Decisions (post-review)
+
+| Topic | Decision |
+|--------|----------|
+| **E9.M1 `source` field** | Path-auto unlocks triggered inside **`TrySelectBranch`** (via `ApplyPathAutoTiersAtOrBelowLevel` at current level) currently use **`PerkUnlockSource.LevelUp`**, not `BranchPick`. When wiring E9.M1 ingest, product/catalog owners should confirm whether retroactive path-auto at pick time stays **`LevelUp`** or gains a distinct catalog value; hook comments list `BranchPick \| LevelUp` as implemented today. |
+
+## Open questions / risks
+
+**None** for NEO-49 scope. NEO-47 blocker is complete; comments-only avoids production logging risk. If E9.M1 later needs caller context (HTTP request id), prefer `IPerkUnlockEventSink` at call sites without moving the primary hook documentation away from `TryUnlockPerks`.
diff --git a/docs/reviews/2026-05-17-NEO-49.md b/docs/reviews/2026-05-17-NEO-49.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3763a9b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/reviews/2026-05-17-NEO-49.md
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Code review — NEO-49 perk_unlock telemetry hook sites
+
+**Date:** 2026-05-17  
+**Scope:** Branch `NEO-49-perk-unlock-telemetry-hook-sites` · commits `f3e48f4`–`38ef54c` vs `main` (includes unrelated `0d63965` chore: `.vscodecsdt/` gitignore)  
+**Base:** `main`  
+**Follow-up:** Suggestions and actionable nits below are **done** (strikethrough + **Done.**).
+
+## Verdict
+
+**Approve with nits**
+
+## Summary
+
+NEO-49 adds a **comments-only** E9.M1 **`perk_unlock`** hook anchor in `PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks` immediately after `PerkUnlockEvent` instances are built and perks are persisted—matching the adopted single-anchor plan and Epic 2 Slice 4 telemetry vocabulary. Documentation updates (implementation plan, manual QA, `server/README.md`, E2.M3 module, alignment row) are consistent. No runtime, API, or test changes; **177** server tests pass. Low merge risk; E9.M1 ingest remains deferred.
+
+## Documentation checked
+
+| Document | Result |
+|----------|--------|
+| [`docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md`](../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md) | **Matches** — single anchor in `TryUnlockPerks`, comments-only, `TODO(E9.M1)`, README + module + manual QA; acceptance checklist complete. |
+| [`docs/plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md`](../plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md) | **Matches** — hook does not alter engine contracts; unlock funnel unchanged; NEO-47 note on future `IPerkUnlockEventSink` still valid. |
+| [`docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md`](../decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md) | **Matches** — NEO-49 handoff section; telemetry bullet updated. |
+| [`docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md`](../decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) | **Matches** — E2.M3 row cites NEO-49 hook + manual QA. |
+| [`docs/decomposition/epics/epic_02_skills_and_progression.md`](../decomposition/epics/epic_02_skills_and_progression.md) | **Matches** — Slice 4 lists `perk_unlock` telemetry hook; implementation is comment-only until E9.M1. |
+| [`docs/decomposition/modules/client_server_authority.md`](../decomposition/modules/client_server_authority.md) | **N/A** — no client or authority boundary change. |
+| [`docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md`](../decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md) | **Matches** — E2.M3 note refreshed (NEO-45 → NEO-49 landed; NEO-48 still planned). |
+
+Register/tracking: alignment table and E2.M3 module updated; register footnote not touched in this branch.
+
+## Blocking issues
+
+None.
+
+## Suggestions
+
+1. ~~**Refresh `module_dependency_register` E2.M3 note** — The footnote still ends with “**NEO-47** blocked by NEO-46…” while NEO-46/47/49 are landed on this branch’s doc trail. Mirror the E2.M3 row in `documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` (NEO-46 → NEO-47 → NEO-49) so the register does not contradict merge-ready `main` + this PR.~~ **Done.** `module_dependency_register.md` E2.M3 note updated.
+2. ~~**E9.M1 `source` semantics** — NEO-47 re-review noted path-auto unlocks triggered from `TrySelectBranch` may carry `PerkUnlockSource.LevelUp`. The hook comment already lists `BranchPick | LevelUp`; when wiring ingest, document whether retroactive path-auto from branch pick should remain `LevelUp` or gain a distinct catalog value (product/E9.M1 decision, not blocking NEO-49).~~ **Done.** Documented in [NEO-49 plan](../plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md) **Decisions (post-review)**.
+
+## Nits
+
+- ~~Nit: `PerkUnlockEvent.cs` XML summary sits on **`PerkUnlockSource`** enum, not the **`PerkUnlockEvent`** record—manual QA says “Open `PerkUnlockEvent.cs`”; moving the summary to the record (or duplicating a one-liner on the record) would match reader intent.~~ **Done.** Hook-site summary on `PerkUnlockEvent` record; enum has its own one-line summary.
+- Nit: Branch includes chore commit `0d63965` (`.vscodecsdt/` gitignore)—harmless; already isolated if reviewers prefer a cherry-pick-only view of NEO-49 commits.
+
+## Verification
+
+```bash
+# From repo root — regression (177 tests at review)
+dotnet test NeonSprawl.sln
+
+# Manual QA checklist
+# docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md
+```
+
+Confirm `PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks` hook block cites **`perk_unlock`**, **`TODO(E9.M1)`**, payload fields, and no new `ILogger`/metrics calls.
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs
index 307308d..400369e 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEngine.cs
@@ -240,6 +240,12 @@ public sealed class PerkUnlockEngine(
         events = newIds
             .Select(pid => new PerkUnlockEvent(playerId, pid, skillId, tierIndex, branchId, source))
             .ToList();
+
+        // --- Telemetry hook site (NEO-49): future E9.M1 catalog event `perk_unlock` ---
+        // TODO(E9.M1): catalog emit — once per entry in `events` (idempotent reevaluation produces none).
+        // Planned payload fields: playerId, perkId, skillId, tierIndex, branchId, source (BranchPick | LevelUp).
+        // No ingest or ILogger here (comments-only).
+
         return true;
     }
 }
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEvent.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEvent.cs
index 63bde65..4b4d44b 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEvent.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Mastery/PerkUnlockEvent.cs
@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Mastery;
 
-/// <summary>Internal event when a perk becomes unlocked (NEO-47; NEO-49 telemetry).</summary>
+/// <summary>How the unlock was triggered (branch-pick tier perks vs path-auto after level-up).</summary>
 public enum PerkUnlockSource
 {
     BranchPick,
     LevelUp,
 }
 
+/// <summary>Internal event when a perk becomes unlocked (NEO-47). E9.M1 <c>perk_unlock</c> hook site: <see cref="PerkUnlockEngine"/> <c>TryUnlockPerks</c> (NEO-49).</summary>
 /// <param name="BranchId">Chosen branch when relevant; null for edge cases without a branch context.</param>
 public sealed record PerkUnlockEvent(
     string PlayerId,
diff --git a/server/README.md b/server/README.md
index fdd64bd..3f5156f 100644
--- a/server/README.md
+++ b/server/README.md
@@ -50,6 +50,12 @@ After the skill catalog loads, the host loads every **`*_mastery.json`** under t
 
 On success, **Information** logs include the resolved mastery directory, track count, and perk count. Game code should use **`IMasteryCatalogRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-47+).
 
+## Perk unlock engine and telemetry hooks (NEO-47, NEO-49)
+
+**`PerkUnlockEngine`** (`Game/Mastery/`) is the authoritative server path for branch picks and perk unlocks: **`TrySelectBranch`**, **`ReevaluateAfterLevelUp`** (called from **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** on skill level-up). Persistence: **`IPlayerPerkStateStore`** + Flyway **`V004`** ([NEO-47 plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md)).
+
+**NEO-49:** comment-only **telemetry hook site** for future catalog event **`perk_unlock`** in **`PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`** when new perk ids are persisted (one emit per unlocked perk; **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest). Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md); plan: [NEO-49 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md).
+
 ## Skill definitions (NEO-36)
 
 **`GET /game/world/skill-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`skills`**) backed by **`ISkillDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Plan: [NEO-36 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-36-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-36.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-36.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-definitions/`.