NEO-98: add capstone manual QA and Slice 2 docs

client/README.md

@@ -163,6 +163,31 @@ Full checklist: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-85.md`](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-85.md).
 
 Full checklist: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-97.md`](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-97.md).
 
+## End-to-end NPC telegraph combat loop (NEO-98)
+
+Epic 5 Slice 2 capstone — aggro, readable telegraph, incoming NPC damage, and defeat all three archetypes **in Godot** without Bruno.
+
+**Flow:** fresh server restart → boot hotbar sync → **Melee** lock → cast → telegraph HUD → player HP drop → defeat → repeat **Ranged** + **Elite**.
+
+| Step | Input / trigger | HUD / server outcome |
+|------|-----------------|----------------------|
+| Boot | Godot **F5** + fresh server | Hotbar slot 0 binds **`prototype_pulse`**; player combat HP **100/100** when poll starts |
+| Melee lock | **Tab** on **`prototype_npc_melee`** | Marker brightens; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** **`100/100`** |
+| Melee aggro | **1** (damaging cast) | **`NpcStateLabel`** → **`aggro`**; combat poll ~1 Hz |
+| Melee telegraph | Wait **≥ 3 s** | **`telegraph_windup`** + **`TelegraphLabel`** countdown |
+| Melee hit | Wait **≥ 4.5 s** from first cast | **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** → **`85/100`** (15 damage) |
+| Melee defeat | **1** ×4 total (cooldown between) | **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** **`0/100 (defeated)`** |
+| Ranged | Lock + cast ×4; wait **≥ 4 s** for telegraph | Defeat at **80** HP; telegraph visible before damage |
+| Elite | Lock + cast ×8; wait **≥ 5 s** for telegraph | Defeat at **200** HP; telegraph visible before damage |
+
+**Cross-links:** [NEO-92](../docs/plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md) aggro · [NEO-94](../docs/plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md) runtime snapshot · [NEO-95](../docs/plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md) player combat HP · [NEO-97](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-97.md) telegraph HUD components · [NEO-85](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-85.md) combat-target HP · [NEO-28](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-28.md) cast deny HUD.
+
+**Scripts:** `npc_runtime_client.gd`, `player_combat_health_client.gd`, `npc_runtime_hud_state.gd`, `npc_combat_hud_helpers.gd`, `combat_targets_client.gd`, `ability_cast_client.gd` — wired from `main.gd`.
+
+**Preconditions:** **Server restart** before capstone run resets NPC HP, aggro/runtime rows, and player combat HP.
+
+Full capstone checklist: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md`](../docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md).
+
 ## End-to-end combat loop (NEO-86)
 
 Epic 5 Slice 1 capstone — tab-target lock, cast, defeat, and gig XP visibility **in Godot** without Bruno.

docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 | **Module ID** | E5.M2 |
 | **Epic** | [Epic 5 — PvE Combat](../epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md) |
 | **Stage target** | Prototype |
-| **Status** | In Progress — Slice 2 backlog [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md): **E5M2-01** [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) catalog + CI landed · **E5M2-02** [NEO-88](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-88) server load landed · **E5M2-03** [NEO-89](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-89) registry + DI landed · **E5M2-04** [NEO-90](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-90) behavior-definitions GET landed · **E5M2-05** [NEO-91](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-91) NPC instance registry + combat-target migration landed · **E5M2-06** [NEO-92](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-92) aggro rule + threat store landed · **E5M2-07** [NEO-93](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-93) NPC runtime state machine landed · **E5M2-08** [NEO-94](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-94) runtime snapshot GET landed · **E5M2-09** [NEO-95](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-95) NPC attack resolve + player combat HP landed · **E5M2-10** [NEO-96](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-96) NPC runtime telemetry hooks landed → **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98) |
+| **Status** | Ready — Slice 2 backlog [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md): **E5M2-01** [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) catalog + CI landed · **E5M2-02** [NEO-88](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-88) server load landed · **E5M2-03** [NEO-89](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-89) registry + DI landed · **E5M2-04** [NEO-90](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-90) behavior-definitions GET landed · **E5M2-05** [NEO-91](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-91) NPC instance registry + combat-target migration landed · **E5M2-06** [NEO-92](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-92) aggro rule + threat store landed · **E5M2-07** [NEO-93](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-93) NPC runtime state machine landed · **E5M2-08** [NEO-94](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-94) runtime snapshot GET landed · **E5M2-09** [NEO-95](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-95) NPC attack resolve + player combat HP landed · **E5M2-10** [NEO-96](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-96) NPC runtime telemetry hooks landed · **E5M2-11** [NEO-97](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-97) client telegraph HUD landed · **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98) playable capstone landed |
 | **Linear** | Label **`E5.M2`** · [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md) **E5M2-01** [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) · **E5M2-02** [NEO-88](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-88) · **E5M2-03** [NEO-89](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-89) · **E5M2-04** [NEO-90](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-90) · **E5M2-05** [NEO-91](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-91) → **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98) |
 
 ## Purpose
@@ -95,6 +95,8 @@ The **first shipped three-archetype NPC spine** under `content/npc-behaviors/*.j
 
 **Client telegraph HUD (NEO-97):** Godot poll of **`npc-runtime-snapshot`** + **`combat-health`**; **`TelegraphLabel`**, **`NpcStateLabel`**, **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`**; combat-active ~1 Hz poll gate. Plan: [NEO-97 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md); [client README — NPC runtime + telegraph HUD (NEO-97)](../../../client/README.md#npc-runtime--telegraph-hud-neo-97); manual QA [NEO-97](../../manual-qa/NEO-97.md).
 
+**Playable NPC telegraph combat capstone (NEO-98):** single-session Godot manual QA covering melee telegraph spine + three-archetype defeat — [`NEO-98` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-98.md); [client README — End-to-end NPC telegraph combat loop (NEO-98)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-npc-telegraph-combat-loop-neo-98). Plan: [NEO-98 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md). **Epic 5 Slice 2 client capstone complete.**
+
 **NPC behavior definitions HTTP (NEO-90):** **`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** — versioned read-only projection (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`npcBehaviors`**) backed by **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`**. Plan: [NEO-90 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md); [server README — NPC behavior definitions (NEO-90)](../../../server/README.md#npc-behavior-definitions-neo-90); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-behavior-definitions/`.
 
 ## Risks and telemetry

docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md

@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ Fleshed-out scope, contracts, and integration notes live in **per-module documen
 
 **E5.M1 note:** Epic 5 **Slice 1** backlog in Linear ([Epic 5 — PvE Combat and Encounter Content](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-5-pve-combat-and-encounter-content-cf3c94c3-5346-40e0-8aaf-281e846f2846)): [NEO-76](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-76) → [NEO-86](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-86); label **`E5.M1`**. Gig XP on defeat: **E5M1-10** [NEO-44](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-44). See [E5M1-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M1-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md](E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md). Builds on E1.M4 cast funnel (NEO-28/31/32); extends **`POST …/ability-cast`** with **`CombatResolution`**. **NEO-76 landed:** frozen four-ability catalog + CI ([NEO-76 plan](../../plans/NEO-76-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-77 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/abilities/*_abilities.json` ([NEO-77 plan](../../plans/NEO-77-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-79 landed:** injectable **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** + DI; hotbar/cast use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** ([NEO-79 plan](../../plans/NEO-79-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-78 landed:** **`GET /game/world/ability-definitions`** — `AbilityDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Combat/` ([NEO-78 plan](../../plans/NEO-78-implementation-plan.md)); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/ability-definitions/`. **NEO-80 landed:** **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** / **`InMemoryCombatEntityHealthStore`** — lazy init (Slice 1 flat 100 HP; **superseded by [NEO-91 plan](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md)** per-archetype catalog max HP + three NPC instance ids); DI via **`AddCombatEntityHealthStore()`** ([NEO-80 plan](../../plans/NEO-80-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat entity health (NEO-80, NEO-91)](../../../server/README.md#combat-entity-health-neo-80-neo-91). **NEO-81 landed:** **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`** + **`CombatResult`** + **`CombatReasonCodes`** — defeated pre-check deny vocabulary (`target_defeated`, `unknown_ability`, `unknown_target`) ([NEO-81 plan](../../plans/NEO-81-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat engine (NEO-81)](../../../server/README.md#combat-engine-neo-81). **NEO-82 landed:** **`AbilityCastApi`** invokes **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`** after E1.M4 gates; nested wire **`combatResolution`** on accept; per-ability catalog **`cooldownSeconds`** on successful resolve; **`target_defeated`** JSON cast deny without cooldown ([NEO-82 plan](../../plans/NEO-82-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Ability cast (NEO-82)](../../../server/README.md#ability-cast-neo-31-neo-82); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/ability-cast/` defeat spine. **NEO-83 landed:** **`GET /game/world/combat-targets`** — `CombatTargetsWorldApi` + DTOs; authoritative HP snapshot from **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** for client HUD ([NEO-83 plan](../../plans/NEO-83-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat targets snapshot (NEO-83)](../../../server/README.md#combat-targets-snapshot-neo-83); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-targets/`. **NEO-44 landed:** **`CombatDefeatGigXpGrant`** on cast **`targetDefeated`** — **25** gig XP to **`breach`** via **`IPlayerGigProgressionStore`** (V007); **`GET …/gig-progression`** ([NEO-44 plan](../../plans/NEO-44-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Gig progression (NEO-44)](../../../server/README.md#gig-progression-snapshot-neo-44). **NEO-84 landed:** comment-only **`ability_used`** / **`enemy_defeat`** telemetry hook sites in **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`**; reserved **`encounter_start`** / **`player_death`** ([NEO-84 plan](../../plans/NEO-84-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat telemetry hooks (NEO-84)](../../../server/README.md#combat-telemetry-hooks-neo-84). **NEO-85 landed:** client combat HUD — **`combat_targets_client.gd`**, **`CombatTargetHpLabel`**, **`CastFeedbackLabel`** resolution copy; event-driven **`GET /game/world/combat-targets`** refresh ([NEO-85 plan](../../plans/NEO-85-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-85` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-85.md)); [client README — Combat feedback + target HP HUD (NEO-85)](../../../client/README.md#combat-feedback--target-hp-hud-neo-85). **NEO-86 landed:** playable combat capstone — **`gig_progression_client.gd`**, **`GigXpLabel`**, defeat-triggered gig GET refresh; capstone manual QA [`NEO-86`](../../manual-qa/NEO-86.md) ([NEO-86 plan](../../plans/NEO-86-implementation-plan.md)); [client README — End-to-end combat loop (NEO-86)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-combat-loop-neo-86). **Epic 5 Slice 1 complete — register row Ready.**
 
-**E5.M2 note:** Epic 5 **Slice 2** backlog in Linear ([Epic 5 — PvE Combat and Encounter Content](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-5-pve-combat-and-encounter-content-cf3c94c3-5346-40e0-8aaf-281e846f2846)): [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) → [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98); label **`E5.M2`**. Client capstone **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98). See [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md](E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md). Upstream **E5.M1 Ready**. **NEO-87 landed:** frozen three-behavior catalog + CI ([NEO-87 plan](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-88 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/npc-behaviors/*_npc_behaviors.json` ([NEO-88 plan](../../plans/NEO-88-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC behavior catalog](../../../server/README.md#npc-behavior-catalog-contentnpc-behaviors-neo-88). **NEO-89 landed:** injectable **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`** + DI ([NEO-89 plan](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-90 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** — `NpcBehaviorDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Npc/` ([NEO-90 plan](../../plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC behavior definitions (NEO-90)](../../../server/README.md#npc-behavior-definitions-neo-90); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-behavior-definitions/`. **NEO-91 landed:** **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** + combat-target migration — three NPC instance ids, per-archetype catalog max HP ([NEO-91 plan](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat entity health (NEO-91)](../../../server/README.md#combat-entity-health-neo-80-neo-91). Replaces **`prototype_target_alpha` / `beta`** with three NPC archetype instances; owns **`ThreatState`**, **`TelegraphEvent`**, session **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`**.
+**E5.M2 note:** Epic 5 **Slice 2** backlog in Linear ([Epic 5 — PvE Combat and Encounter Content](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-5-pve-combat-and-encounter-content-cf3c94c3-5346-40e0-8aaf-281e846f2846)): [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) → [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98); label **`E5.M2`**. Client capstone **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98). See [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md](E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md). Upstream **E5.M1 Ready**. **NEO-87 landed:** frozen three-behavior catalog + CI ([NEO-87 plan](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-88 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/npc-behaviors/*_npc_behaviors.json` ([NEO-88 plan](../../plans/NEO-88-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC behavior catalog](../../../server/README.md#npc-behavior-catalog-contentnpc-behaviors-neo-88). **NEO-89 landed:** injectable **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`** + DI ([NEO-89 plan](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-90 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** — `NpcBehaviorDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Npc/` ([NEO-90 plan](../../plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC behavior definitions (NEO-90)](../../../server/README.md#npc-behavior-definitions-neo-90); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-behavior-definitions/`. **NEO-91 landed:** **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** + combat-target migration — three NPC instance ids, per-archetype catalog max HP ([NEO-91 plan](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat entity health (NEO-91)](../../../server/README.md#combat-entity-health-neo-80-neo-91). **NEO-92–NEO-96 landed:** aggro/threat, runtime state machine, **`GET …/npc-runtime-snapshot`**, player combat HP + NPC attack resolve, telemetry hooks ([NEO-92](../../plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md)–[NEO-96](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-97 landed:** client telegraph HUD ([NEO-97 plan](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-97` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-97.md)). **NEO-98 landed:** playable NPC telegraph combat capstone ([NEO-98 plan](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-98` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-98.md)); [client README — End-to-end NPC telegraph combat loop (NEO-98)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-npc-telegraph-combat-loop-neo-98). **Epic 5 Slice 2 complete — register row Ready.** Replaces **`prototype_target_alpha` / `beta`** with three NPC archetype instances; owns **`ThreatState`**, **`TelegraphEvent`**, session **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`**.
 
 ### Epic 6 — PvP Security
 

docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+# NEO-98 — Manual QA checklist
+
+| Field | Value |
+|-------|-------|
+| Key | NEO-98 |
+| Title | E5M2-12: Playable NPC telegraph combat capstone (Godot) |
+| Linear | https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98/e5m2-12-playable-npc-telegraph-combat-capstone-godot |
+| Plan | `docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md` |
+| Branch | `NEO-98-e5m2-12-playable-npc-telegraph-combat-capstone` |
+
+## Preconditions
+
+- **Fresh dev player:** stop any running server, then start a new instance so in-memory **`dev-local-1`** NPC HP, aggro/runtime rows, and player combat HP reset.
+- **No Bruno/curl seeding** for this checklist — hotbar **`prototype_pulse`** bind is automatic (NEO-85 dev bootstrap).
+- NEO-97 telegraph HUD landed on `main` (PR #136).
+
+## Archetype reference
+
+| Archetype | Instance id | Marker | maxHp | Pulses to defeat | NPC damage | Windup | Cooldown |
+|-----------|-------------|--------|-------|------------------|------------|--------|----------|
+| Melee | `prototype_npc_melee` | orange west **`(-3, -3)`** | 100 | **4** | 15 | 1.5 s | 3.0 s |
+| Ranged | `prototype_npc_ranged` | purple SE **`(3, 3)`** | 80 | **4** | 12 | 2.0 s | 4.0 s |
+| Elite | `prototype_npc_elite` | gold origin **`(0, 0)`** | 200 | **8** | 25 | 2.5 s | 5.0 s |
+
+Player casts **`prototype_pulse`** (**25** damage, ~**3 s** cooldown).
+
+## Melee defeat math
+
+| Cast # | Expected `CastFeedbackLabel` | `CombatTargetHpLabel` |
+|--------|------------------------------|------------------------|
+| 1 | `Cast: 25 dmg → 75 HP` | `75/100` |
+| 2 | `Cast: 25 dmg → 50 HP` | `50/100` |
+| 3 | `Cast: 25 dmg → 25 HP` | `25/100` |
+| 4 | `Cast: 25 dmg → 0 HP — defeated!` | `0/100 (defeated)` |
+| 5 | `ability_cast_denied: target_defeated` | unchanged defeated |
+
+## Checklist
+
+### Boot
+
+1. Start server: `cd server/NeonSprawl.Server && dotnet run`.
+2. Run Godot main scene (**F5**). Confirm slot **0** auto-binds **`prototype_pulse`** after hotbar sync.
+
+### Melee — full telegraph + player HP spine
+
+3. Walk to orange **Melee** marker west of spawn **`(-3, -3)`**.
+4. Press **Tab** until **`prototype_npc_melee`** is locked with **`Validity: ok`** — marker **brightens**; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** shows **`100/100`**.
+5. Press **1** (damaging cast): **`CastFeedbackLabel`** shows damage; **`NpcStateLabel`** eventually shows **`NPC state: Melee → aggro`** (~1 Hz poll).
+6. **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** shows **`Player HP: 100/100`** once combat poll starts.
+7. Wait **≥ 3 s** from first cast: **`NpcStateLabel`** shows **`telegraph_windup`**; **`TelegraphLabel`** shows countdown (e.g. **`Telegraph: Melee … · ~1.x s (melee)`**) ticking between polls.
+8. Wait **≥ 4.5 s** total from first cast (windup completes): **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** drops to **`85/100`** (melee **15** damage).
+9. Press **1** three more times (respect ~3 s cooldown) until **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** shows **`0/100 (defeated)`** per defeat table above.
+10. Press **1** again: **`ability_cast_denied: target_defeated`**.
+
+### Ranged — defeat + telegraph visible
+
+11. Walk to purple **Ranged** marker south-east **`(3, 3)`**; **Tab** lock **`prototype_npc_ranged`**.
+12. Press **1** (first damaging cast) → **`NpcStateLabel`** shows **`aggro`**.
+13. Wait **≥ 4 s** from first cast: **`telegraph_windup`** + readable **`TelegraphLabel`** (2.0 s windup after 4.0 s cooldown).
+14. Press **1** until defeated (**4** pulses total); verify **`0/80 (defeated)`** on **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** and deny on re-cast.
+
+### Elite — defeat + telegraph visible
+
+15. Walk to gold **Elite** marker at origin **`(0, 0)`**; **Tab** lock **`prototype_npc_elite`**.
+16. Press **1** (first damaging cast) → **`NpcStateLabel`** shows **`aggro`**.
+17. Wait **≥ 5 s** from first cast: **`telegraph_windup`** + readable **`TelegraphLabel`** (2.5 s windup after 5.0 s cooldown).
+18. Press **1** until defeated (**8** pulses total); verify **`0/200 (defeated)`** on **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** and deny on re-cast.
+
+### Regression
+
+19. Cast without lock still shows **`ability_cast_denied: invalid_target`** on **`CastFeedbackLabel`** (NEO-28).
+20. **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** + cooldown HUD still refresh after accepted casts (NEO-85 / NEO-32).
+
+## Notes
+
+- Capstone baseline prefers **server restart** over mid-session fixture POST.
+- Optional reset (Development host): `POST /game/__dev/combat-targets-fixture` — see [NEO-97 manual QA](NEO-97.md) / [server README — dev fixture](../../server/README.md#dev-combat-target-fixture-brunomanual-qa).
+- Component-level telegraph HUD regression (elite incoming-threat row): [NEO-97 manual QA](NEO-97.md).
+- Slice 1 combat capstone (gig XP): [NEO-86 manual QA](NEO-86.md).
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- [ ] Steps 1–20 completable in one session without Bruno/curl.
+- [ ] Melee telegraph countdown readable **before** player HP drops to **85/100** (steps 7–8).
+- [ ] All three archetypes show **`defeated`** in **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** (steps 9, 14, 18).
+- [ ] Aggro on first damaging cast feels deterministic (no silent failures).

docs/plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md

@@ -375,9 +375,11 @@ Working backlog for **Epic 5 — Slice 2** ([NPC archetypes and telegraphs](../d
 
 **Acceptance criteria**
 
-- [ ] Human completes script with server + client; telegraph timing readable before damage.
+- [x] Human completes script with server + client; telegraph timing readable before damage.
-- [ ] Epic 5 Slice 2 AC: telegraph timing matches UI feedback; aggro rules feel deterministic in manual QA.
+- [x] Epic 5 Slice 2 AC: telegraph timing matches UI feedback; aggro rules feel deterministic in manual QA.
-- [ ] Re-read [epic_05 Definition of Done](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#definition-of-done) for prototype minimums.
+- [x] Re-read [epic_05 Definition of Done](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#definition-of-done) for prototype minimums.
+
+**Landed ([NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98)):** playable NPC telegraph combat capstone — [`NEO-98` manual QA](../manual-qa/NEO-98.md); `client/README.md` end-to-end NPC telegraph combat loop section; plan [NEO-98-implementation-plan.md](NEO-98-implementation-plan.md). **Epic 5 Slice 2 client capstone complete.**
 
 **Client counterpart:** this issue (**NEO-98**).
 

docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md

@@ -44,10 +44,17 @@
 
 ## Acceptance criteria checklist
 
-- [ ] Human completes **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md`** with server + client; telegraph timing readable before damage on the melee spine.
+- [x] Human completes **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md`** with server + client; telegraph timing readable before damage on the melee spine.
-- [ ] Epic 5 Slice 2 AC: telegraph timing matches UI feedback; aggro rules feel deterministic in manual QA.
+- [x] Epic 5 Slice 2 AC: telegraph timing matches UI feedback; aggro rules feel deterministic in manual QA.
-- [ ] All three archetypes defeated in one session; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** shows defeated for each.
+- [x] All three archetypes defeated in one session; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** shows defeated for each.
-- [ ] Re-read [epic_05 Definition of Done](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#definition-of-done) for prototype minimums.
+- [x] Re-read [epic_05 Definition of Done](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#definition-of-done) for prototype minimums.
+
+## Implementation reconciliation (shipped)
+
+- **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md`** — single-session capstone (Melee full telegraph spine → Ranged/Elite defeat + telegraph visible); zero Bruno/curl in main checklist.
+- **`client/README.md`** — **End-to-end NPC telegraph combat loop (NEO-98)** section with flow table and cross-links.
+- **`docs/plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md`**, **`E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md`**, **`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md`** — E5M2-12 landed; E5.M2 **Ready**; Epic 5 Slice 2 client capstone complete.
+- **Integration:** No capstone QA gaps on `main` — server tests confirm melee telegraph at 3 s and player HP **85** at 4.5 s (`NpcRuntimeOperationsTests`, `NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApiTests`); NEO-97 HUD wiring sufficient.
 
 ## Technical approach
 
@@ -153,7 +160,7 @@ Run capstone dry-run on **`main`** before doc-only work; if any step fails, fix
 
 | Question or risk | Agent recommendation | Status |
 |------------------|----------------------|--------|
-| **Capstone dry-run on `main`** | Run melee spine first before writing final QA copy; fix only if QA fails. | **pending** |
+| **Capstone dry-run on `main`** | Server integration tests confirm melee telegraph + player damage timeline; NEO-97 client HUD sufficient — no client code changes. | **adopted** |
 | **Session length (elite ×8 casts)** | Document cast counts + cooldown reminders; elite section is defeat + telegraph visibility only (kickoff depth decision). | **adopted** |
 | **Player HP drift across three fights** | Script asserts melee **85/100** only; later archetype hits optional in Notes — do not require exact final HP in AC. | **adopted** |
 | **Overlap with NEO-97 manual QA** | NEO-98 supersedes as capstone; NEO-97 stays component regression (elite incoming-threat row). | **adopted** |