chore: add game-design items doc and cross-links

- Add items.md (buckets, acquisition, rarity, loadouts, open questions)
- Link from overview, progression, skills, gigs, abilities, README
- Include items.md in docs-review-agent ground-truth list
- Fix content README path in items.md

.cursor/rules/docs-review-agent.md

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Use this rule when the user is working in **`docs/`** (design, decomposition, pl
 ## Ground truth (required to check)
 
 1. **Same folder and upstream links** — Read every `docs/...` link from the target doc(s); verify paths exist and headings match intent.
-2. **Hybrid progression** — `docs/game-design/progression.md`, `skills.md`, `gigs.md`, `abilities.md`: **Gig** = combat role; **Skill** = non-combat; **combat abilities** = gig kit (+ item channels per data); **Seams** live in `skills.md` unless a dedicated doc supersedes. **Combat encounters** → **gig XP** only (no default skill XP from the fight loop). **Mission/quest rewards** may still grant **skill XP** when explicitly defined—separate from the encounter **gig XP** path.
+2. **Hybrid progression** — `docs/game-design/progression.md`, `skills.md`, `gigs.md`, `abilities.md`, `items.md`: **Gig** = combat role; **Skill** = non-combat; **combat abilities** = gig kit (+ item channels per data); **Seams** live in `skills.md` unless a dedicated doc supersedes. **Combat encounters** → **gig XP** only (no default skill XP from the fight loop). **Mission/quest rewards** may still grant **skill XP** when explicitly defined—separate from the encounter **gig XP** path.
 3. **Decomposition** — Map claims to `docs/decomposition/epics/` and `docs/decomposition/modules/` where relevant; flag **conflicts** (e.g. “combat skill” vs skills-as-non-combat). **CI** enforces a minimal guard via [`scripts/check_decomposition_language.py`](../../scripts/check_decomposition_language.py) in the **PR gate** (extend the script if a vetted exception is needed).
 4. **Plans** — If work maps to `docs/plans/`, check for **acceptance criteria** vs design doc (same spirit as [code-review-agent](code-review-agent.md) plan alignment).
 

docs/game-design/README.md

@@ -6,6 +6,6 @@
 
 **Brainstorm-only** (not specs): [`brainstorm/`](brainstorm/README.md).
 
-Non-implementation notes: **gigs** (combat roles), **skills** (non-combat), **[abilities](abilities.md)** (what players trigger), zones, mechanics, items, and other design artifacts before they are tied to concrete systems or tickets.
+Non-implementation notes: **gigs** (combat roles), **skills** (non-combat), **[abilities](abilities.md)** (what players trigger), **[items](items.md)** (loot, craft, equip), zones, mechanics, and other design artifacts before they are tied to concrete systems or tickets.
 
 Implementation-facing breakdowns stay under [`docs/decomposition/`](../decomposition/README.md) and plans under [`docs/plans/`](../plans/).

docs/game-design/abilities.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 Vision for **what the player triggers** in play: combat **kits**, non-combat **skill interactions**, and **item**-carried actions—and how those map to **gigs**, **`SkillDef`**, and **Seams**. This is **not** a full ability list or data schema; it steers combat design, UX, and implementation boundaries.
 
-**Framing:** [progression.md](progression.md) (**gig** vs **skill**). **Combat roles:** [gigs.md](gigs.md). **Gear, craft, consumables:** [skills.md](skills.md) **Seams** ([anchor](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)).
+**Framing:** [progression.md](progression.md) (**gig** vs **skill**). **Combat roles:** [gigs.md](gigs.md). **Gear, craft, consumables:** [skills.md](skills.md) **Seams** ([anchor](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)). **Item buckets & acquisition:** [items.md](items.md).
 
 ## Vocabulary
 
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ Vision for **what the player triggers** in play: combat **kits**, non-combat **s
 | Topic | Document |
 |--------|----------|
 | Gig roster, hub swap, XP | [gigs.md](gigs.md) |
+| Item categories, craft vs loot | [items.md](items.md) |
 | Seams (gear, craft, consumables) | [skills.md](skills.md) |
 | Hybrid vocabulary | [progression.md](progression.md) |
 | Encounter rewards + combat hooks | [Epic 5](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md), [Epic 7](../decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md) |

docs/game-design/gigs.md

@@ -131,5 +131,5 @@ Detail: seams table in [skills.md](skills.md).
 
 - [abilities.md](abilities.md) — **gig-locked** kits, sub-gig ability rules, telegraphs ([Epic 5](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md)).
 - [Combat pillars](overview.md) — PvE readability, TTK, risk ([overview](overview.md); stub until a dedicated doc ships).
-- [Items](overview.md) — equip tags per gig; crafted vs dropped.
+- [items.md](items.md) — **combat gear** vs chrome vs consumables; craft vs loot; loadout + swap ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)).
 - [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) — group content where **gigs** hold security while **skills** run the hack (brainstorm).

docs/game-design/items.md

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+# Items (loot, craft, equip)
+
+Vision for **what exists in the world as tangible “things”**: how items are **categorized**, **acquired**, **gated** by **gigs** vs **skills**, and how they connect to **combat**, **economy**, and **quests**. Not an `ItemDef` schema—that lives under [Epic 3 — Crafting economy](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md) and [`content/`](../../content/README.md) when wired.
+
+**Seams (authoritative detail):** [skills.md — Seams (gigs ↔ skills)](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills). **Actions from items:** [abilities.md](abilities.md) **Item-linked actions**. **Hybrid vocabulary:** [progression.md](progression.md).
+
+## Buckets (design-facing)
+
+These overlap in data; they are **lenses** for writers and systems.
+
+| Bucket | Role | Gig vs skill (summary) |
+|--------|------|-------------------------|
+| **Combat gear** | Weapons, **Hardshell** / **Softshell** / **Rigging**-built powered shells worn as loadout, **combat deployables** (e.g. fight drones)—**swap-friendly** | **Craft:** **skills** only. **Equip / wear / combat-deploy / activation in combat:** **gig**-tagged ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)). |
+| **Cybernetics** | Body-integrated augments—**semi-permanent** | **Craft / install:** **skills** + world gates. **Not** removed by **gig swap**; **not** the same bucket as external armor ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)). |
+| **Consumables** | Stims, patches, ammo-adjacent one-shots, etc. | **Carry / use** baseline **not** gig-gated; **passive** amps may scale with **main or sub** gig match (**open** actives per item). |
+| **Non-combat Make** | Tools, **Food synth** outputs, civ gear, **utility Rigging** (harnesses, survey drones, **backpacks**) | **Craft:** recipe **skills**. **Use:** **skill**-gated when the item defines a **specialty**; some utilities have **no** use gate ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)). |
+| **Materials & intermediates** | Ores, refinery grades, components, data objects, organics | Feed **recipes** and **economy depth**; usually **no** gig hook unless a piece is explicitly hybrid (**open**). |
+
+## Acquisition
+
+- **Crafted:** Primary fantasy for **durables** that matter in combat and economy—**player-made goods stay relevant** across stages ([Epic 3](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md) success criteria).
+- **Dropped / looted / salvaged:** Feed **gather–refine–craft** loops and **world fiction**; tuning is **content + economy policy** (**open** drop tables).
+- **Mission & vendor rewards:** Can grant **items** or **skill XP** separately from combat XP pipes ([progression.md](progression.md)); avoid double-dipping the same milestone without intent (**open** reward UX).
+- **Trade:** Craft-for-others is **valid** even when the buyer cannot **equip** or **combat-deploy** the product ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills) **Crafting combat gear**).
+
+## Rarity, quality, and readability
+
+- **Rarity** (or tier) signals **expectations**: availability, mod slots, repair cost, **faction** hooks—exact bands **data-driven** later.
+- **Quality** within a tier may reflect **craft skill**, **recipe mastery**, or **material grade**—**open** math; directionally **crafting should compete with drops** where the economy needs it.
+- **Tooltips** should expose **gig** match for **combat gear** and **consumable** amps, **intended skill** for specialty **non-combat** tools, and a **clear** lane for **cybernetics** vs **external armor** ([skills.md](skills.md) **Player-facing readability**).
+
+## Gig swap and loadouts
+
+- **Hub-only** [gig swap](gigs.md#hub-swap): **combat gear** may **invalidate** until the player **re-banks or re-equips**; **cybernetics** stay.
+- **Presets** (per gig pair, per role) vs **manual** fix-up—**open** UX ([gigs.md](gigs.md), [abilities.md](abilities.md)).
+
+## Decisions log
+
+| Topic | Direction | Status |
+|-------|-----------|--------|
+| Craft vs equip split | **Bench** = **skill**/recipe; **combat field use** of most **non-consumable** **Make** = **gig**-gated | Agreed ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)) |
+| Cybernetics vs armor | **No** bucket overlap; chrome is **character**-scoped; plates are **loadout** | Agreed |
+| Consumable baseline | Anyone can **use**; **optional** gig-tuned **passive** potency | Agreed direction |
+| Craft without gig | Allowed; **trade** and **group** play supported | Agreed |
+| Player crafting relevance | **Crafting** is a **primary** progression lane—not only consumables | Agreed ([Epic 3](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md)) |
+
+## Open questions
+
+- **Durability, repair, sinks**—when items leave the economy ([E3.M4](../decomposition/modules/E3_M4_SinkAndDurabilityLifecycle.md)); how hard **death** hits gear (**open** with death doc).
+- **Binding**, **insurance**, **theft** in which **security tiers** ([overview.md](overview.md) risk stubs).
+- **Named crafter**, **provenance**, **counterfeits**—social/economy flavor vs implementation cost.
+- **Stacking**, **charges**, **mod slots**—per category defaults.
+
+## Where to read next
+
+| Topic | Document / module |
+|--------|-------------------|
+| Gig ↔ item rules (detail) | [skills.md](skills.md) **Seams** |
+| Abilities from items | [abilities.md](abilities.md) |
+| Gathering & recipes (runtime) | [Epic 3](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md), [E3.M2](../decomposition/modules/E3_M2_RefinementAndRecipeExecution.md), [E3.M3](../decomposition/modules/E3_M3_ItemizationAndInventorySchema.md) |
+| Encounter loot routing | [E5.M3](../decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md), [E7.M2](../decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md) |

docs/game-design/overview.md

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ This folder holds **vision-level** design: what we want players to feel, do, and
 
 Neon Sprawl’s design work here starts from **concrete visions** of progression, places, risk, economy, social play, combat, and the items/abilities that express them. Documents below are added as we write them; each should stay opinionated and specific enough to argue with, without pretending to be a full GDD.
 
-**Hybrid progression:** [progression.md](progression.md) (vocabulary + why gigs + skills). **Gig** detail: [gigs.md](gigs.md). **Skills** + **seams**: [skills.md](skills.md). **Abilities** (combat vs non-combat actions): [abilities.md](abilities.md). **Loose ideas:** [`brainstorm/`](brainstorm/README.md).
+**Hybrid progression:** [progression.md](progression.md) (vocabulary + why gigs + skills). **Gig** detail: [gigs.md](gigs.md). **Skills** + **seams**: [skills.md](skills.md). **Abilities** (combat vs non-combat actions): [abilities.md](abilities.md). **Items** (loot, craft, equip): [items.md](items.md). **Loose ideas:** [`brainstorm/`](brainstorm/README.md).
 
 ## Presentation and target rating (vision)
 
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ Neon Sprawl’s design work here starts from **concrete visions** of progression
 | [skills.md](skills.md) | Non-combat **skills**; seams; **v0 skill roster** by category | With [gigs.md](gigs.md); roster encodes **Hardshell** / **Softshell** / **Edgesmith** / **Rigging** equip vs **combat-deploy** rules ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)) |
 | [gigs.md](gigs.md) | **9-gig roster** (v1 cyberpunk names); hub, sub-gig, party | Recruitment **deferred**; PvP **open indefinite**; niche LFG **if** tool ships |
 | [abilities.md](abilities.md) | **Combat** gig kits vs **skill** interactions vs **item** channels; Seams hooks | With [gigs.md](gigs.md), [skills.md](skills.md); **combat pillars** still stub in this overview |
+| [items.md](items.md) | Buckets (gear, chrome, consumables, mats); craft vs drops; rarity/readability | **Seams** in [skills.md](skills.md); **Epic 3** for implementation |
 | [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) | Split **skill** (hack) + **gig** (bodyguard) instances—idea capture | Brainstorm |
 | *(add rows as files land)* | | |
 
@@ -37,7 +38,7 @@ Link new files here when they exist; remove or rewrite this subsection once the
 - **Zones** — tone, danger, faction or economic role of a place.
 - **Travel & connections** — how places link (gates, costs, downtime, danger en route); complements zone identity.
 - **Mechanics** — loops, constraints, what the server vs. client must honor.
-- **Items** — categories, rarity philosophy, crafting vs. drops.
+- **Items** — [items.md](items.md): categories, rarity philosophy, crafting vs. drops; **Seams** for gig/skill gates.
 - **Abilities** — [abilities.md](abilities.md): inputs, timing; combo with items; **gig** vs **skill** gates (see [progression.md](progression.md) vocabulary). **Combat pillars** stub remains below until written.
 - **Gathering & resources** — nodes, competition, exhaustion, what “open world” contesting feels like.
 - **Crafting & recipes** — depth vs. breadth, failure, specialization; pairs with items but is its own loop.

docs/game-design/progression.md

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ Use these terms in **design specs and tools** (fiction may say *job*, *contract*
 |--------|-----------|
 | Gig roster, hub swap, sub-gig, XP, party/PvP notes | [gigs.md](gigs.md) |
 | Combat vs non-combat **actions** (kits, skill interactions, items) | [abilities.md](abilities.md) |
+| **Items** (craft, loot, equip, gig/skill gates) | [items.md](items.md) |
 | Skill domains, categories, XP curves, gates, mastery | [skills.md](skills.md) |
 | **Seams** (combat gear vs craft, consumables, rep, alts) | [skills.md](skills.md) (section *Seams (gigs ↔ skills)*) |
 | Loose ideas | [brainstorm/](brainstorm/README.md) |

docs/game-design/skills.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Skills (non-combat progression)
 
-Design for **non-combat skills** only. **Shared vocabulary**, **why we use gigs + skills**, and the **hybrid overview** are in **[progression.md](progression.md)**. **Combat gigs** (roster, hub swap, sub-gig, etc.) are **[gigs.md](gigs.md)**. **What counts as a combat vs non-combat action** (kits, interactions, items): **[abilities.md](abilities.md)**.
+Design for **non-combat skills** only. **Shared vocabulary**, **why we use gigs + skills**, and the **hybrid overview** are in **[progression.md](progression.md)**. **Combat gigs** (roster, hub swap, sub-gig, etc.) are **[gigs.md](gigs.md)**. **What counts as a combat vs non-combat action** (kits, interactions, items): **[abilities.md](abilities.md)**. **Item buckets and acquisition** (loot, craft, equip): **[items.md](items.md)**.
 
 **This file also owns the [Seams (gigs ↔ skills)](#seams-gigs-skills)** section—rules where **gigs** and **skills** meet (gear, crafting, consumables, rep, alts). **Brainstorm-only** ideas: [`brainstorm/`](brainstorm/README.md).
 
@@ -249,5 +249,5 @@ Explicit **bonuses** when skill A + B cross a threshold vs **pure fiction** (“
 
 - **[gigs.md](gigs.md)** — gig roster, hub UX, recruitment **deferred**; **PvP** gig rules **open indefinite** (overall PvP scope TBD).
 - **[abilities.md](abilities.md)** — **gig** combat kits vs **skill** interactions vs **item** channels (written).
-- **Items** — **equip / combat-deploy:** gig rules for **combat gear**; **non-combat** **Rigging** / **utility** **use** vs specialty **skills**; **cybernetics** character-wide; **craft:** **skills** only—never gig level ([Seams](#seams-gigs-skills)).
+- **[items.md](items.md)** — buckets, craft vs drops, rarity/readability; detail still in [Seams](#seams-gigs-skills).
 - [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) — group **skill** (hack) + **gig** (bodyguard) instances (brainstorm).