diff --git a/client/README.md b/client/README.md
index 01da5c4..d368a24 100644
--- a/client/README.md
+++ b/client/README.md
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ Epic 5 Slice 2 capstone — aggro, readable telegraph, incoming NPC damage, and
 | Melee lock | **Tab** on **`prototype_npc_melee`** | Marker brightens; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** **`Target HP: prototype_npc_melee 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 hit | Wait **≥ 4.5 s** from first cast; stay **within ~2 m** of melee marker | **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** → **`85/100`** (15 damage); back off during windup → whiff |
 | Melee defeat | **1** ×4 total (cooldown between) | **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** includes **`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 |
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md
index 194d066..1a040ab 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md
@@ -67,11 +67,19 @@ Full story tables, kickoff defaults, and **`blockedBy` graph:** [E5M2-prototype-
 
 The **first shipped three-archetype NPC spine** under `content/npc-behaviors/*.json` is **frozen** for behavior binding, aggro tuning, and telegraph timings until a deliberate migration issue expands the roster.
 
-| `NpcBehaviorDef.id` | `displayName` | `archetypeKind` | `maxHp` | `aggroRadius` | `leashRadius` | `telegraphWindupSeconds` | `attackDamage` | `attackCooldownSeconds` |
-|---------------------|---------------|-----------------|---------|---------------|---------------|--------------------------|----------------|-------------------------|
-| **`prototype_melee_pressure`** | Melee Pressure | `melee_pressure` | 100 | 8.0 | 16.0 | 1.5 | 15 | 3.0 |
-| **`prototype_ranged_control`** | Ranged Control | `ranged_control` | 80 | 10.0 | 20.0 | 2.0 | 12 | 4.0 |
-| **`prototype_elite_mini_boss`** | Elite Mini-Boss | `elite_mini_boss` | 200 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 2.5 | 25 | 5.0 |
+| `NpcBehaviorDef.id` | `displayName` | `archetypeKind` | `maxHp` | `aggroRadius` | `leashRadius` | `telegraphWindupSeconds` | `attackDamage` | `attackCooldownSeconds` | `attackAbilityId` |
+|---------------------|---------------|-----------------|---------|---------------|---------------|--------------------------|----------------|-------------------------|-------------------|
+| **`prototype_melee_pressure`** | Melee Pressure | `melee_pressure` | 100 | 8.0 | 16.0 | 1.5 | 15 | 3.0 | **`prototype_npc_melee_strike`** |
+| **`prototype_ranged_control`** | Ranged Control | `ranged_control` | 80 | 10.0 | 20.0 | 2.0 | 12 | 4.0 | **`prototype_npc_ranged_shot`** |
+| **`prototype_elite_mini_boss`** | Elite Mini-Boss | `elite_mini_boss` | 200 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 2.5 | 25 | 5.0 | **`prototype_npc_elite_slam`** |
+
+**NPC attack abilities (NEO-98):** [`content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json`](../../../content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json) — telegraph resolve uses ability **`maxRange`** + **`baseDamage`**, not behavior **`aggroRadius`**. Behavior **`attackDamage`** remains on the HTTP projection and must match ability **`baseDamage`** (CI cross-ref). Strike **`maxRange`** (horizontal X/Z): melee **2 m**, ranged **10 m**, elite **4 m**.
+
+| Ability `id` | `baseDamage` | `maxRange` |
+|--------------|--------------|------------|
+| **`prototype_npc_melee_strike`** | 15 | 2.0 |
+| **`prototype_npc_ranged_shot`** | 12 | 10.0 |
+| **`prototype_npc_elite_slam`** | 25 | 4.0 |
 
 **NPC instance ids (E5M2-05):** **`prototype_npc_melee`**, **`prototype_npc_ranged`**, **`prototype_npc_elite`** — each binds one behavior def + world anchor (replaces **`prototype_target_alpha` / `beta`**).
 
@@ -89,13 +97,13 @@ The **first shipped three-archetype NPC spine** under `content/npc-behaviors/*.j
 
 **NPC runtime snapshot HTTP (NEO-94):** **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** — versioned read-only projection (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`npcInstances`**, optional nested **`activeTelegraph`**) with lazy **`AdvanceAll`** on poll. Plan: [NEO-94 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md); [server README — NPC runtime snapshot (NEO-94)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-snapshot-neo-94); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-runtime-snapshot/`.
 
-**Session player combat HP (NEO-95):** **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** + **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Combat/` — telegraph complete applies catalog **`attackDamage`** to aggro holder; **`GET /game/players/{id}/combat-health`** read model for client HUD. Plan: [NEO-95 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md); [server README — Session player combat HP (NEO-95)](../../../server/README.md#session-player-combat-hp-neo-95); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-health/`.
+**Session player combat HP (NEO-95 / NEO-98):** **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** + **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Combat/` — telegraph complete looks up behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, applies ability catalog **`baseDamage`** when the aggro holder is within that ability's **`maxRange`** (horizontal X/Z); out-of-range windups whiff. Behavior row **`attackDamage`** is projection + CI cross-ref only (not the resolve source). **`TryStopOnTargetDefeat`** on cast accept + **`AdvanceOne`** defeated guard clears aggro/runtime when the NPC combat-target row is defeated (NEO-98). **`GET /game/players/{id}/combat-health`** read model for client HUD. Plan: [NEO-95 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-98 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md); [server README — Session player combat HP (NEO-95)](../../../server/README.md#session-player-combat-hp-neo-95); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-health/`.
 
 **NPC runtime telemetry hooks (NEO-96):** comment-only **`telegraph_fired`** + **`npc_state_transition`** hook sites in **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** (`TODO(E9.M1)`; no ingest). Plan: [NEO-96 implementation plan](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md); [server README — NPC runtime telemetry hooks (NEO-96)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-telemetry-hooks-neo-96).
 
 **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.**
+**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). **Server integration (capstone QA):** [`prototype_npc_abilities.json`](../../../content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json), behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, range-gated telegraph resolve, defeat clears aggro/runtime. **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/`.
 
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
index 2b9e4e2..576eb48 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ Rows appear when work starts; default for unlisted modules is **Planned** / not
 | E3.M3 | In Progress | **NEO-50 landed:** frozen prototype six-item catalog in [`content/items/prototype_items.json`](../../../content/items/prototype_items.json); [`item-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/item-def.schema.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py). **NEO-51 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/items/*_items.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Items/` ([NEO-51](../../plans/NEO-51-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Item catalog](../../../server/README.md#item-catalog-contentitems-neo-51). **NEO-52 landed:** injectable **`IItemDefinitionRegistry`** + lookup tests ([NEO-52](../../plans/NEO-52-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-53 landed:** **`GET /game/world/item-definitions`** — `ItemDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Items/` ([NEO-53](../../plans/NEO-53-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-53` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-53.md)); [server README — Item definitions (NEO-53)](../../../server/README.md#item-definitions-neo-53); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/item-definitions/`. **NEO-54 landed:** **`IPlayerInventoryStore`** + **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** — 24 bag + 1 equipment slots, stack rules, `V005` migration ([NEO-54](../../plans/NEO-54-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-55 landed:** **`GET`/`POST /game/players/{id}/inventory`** — `PlayerInventoryApi` + DTOs in `Game/Items/` ([NEO-55](../../plans/NEO-55-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Player inventory (NEO-54 store, NEO-55 HTTP)](../../../server/README.md#player-inventory-neo-54-store-neo-55-http); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/inventory/`. **NEO-56 landed:** comment-only **`item_created`** / **`inventory_transfer_denied`** telemetry hook sites in [`PlayerInventoryOperations`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Items/PlayerInventoryOperations.cs) ([NEO-56](../../plans/NEO-56-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-56` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-56.md)); no E9.M1 ingest. **NEO-72 landed:** client inventory HUD — **`inventory_client.gd`**, **`item_definitions_client.gd`**, **`InventoryLabel`**, boot hydrate + **`I`** refresh ([NEO-72](../../plans/NEO-72-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-72` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-72.md)); `client/README.md` inventory HUD section. **NEO-75 landed:** **`prototype_economy_hud_section.gd`** collapse toggle + capstone manual QA ([NEO-75](../../plans/NEO-75-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-75` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-75.md)); Epic 3 Slice 5 client complete. | [NEO-50](../../plans/NEO-50-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-51](../../plans/NEO-51-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-52](../../plans/NEO-52-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-53](../../plans/NEO-53-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-54](../../plans/NEO-54-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-55](../../plans/NEO-55-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-56](../../plans/NEO-56-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-72](../../plans/NEO-72-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-75](../../plans/NEO-75-implementation-plan.md), [E3S5-client-prototype-backlog](../../plans/E3S5-client-prototype-backlog.md), [E3M3-prototype-backlog](../../plans/E3M3-prototype-backlog.md), [E3_M3](E3_M3_ItemizationAndInventorySchema.md) |
 | E3.M2 | Ready | **NEO-65 landed:** frozen prototype eight-recipe catalog in [`content/recipes/prototype_recipes.json`](../../../content/recipes/prototype_recipes.json); [`recipe-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/recipe-def.schema.json) + [`recipe-io-row.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/recipe-io-row.schema.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) Slice 3 gates ([NEO-65](../../plans/NEO-65-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-66 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/recipes/*_recipes.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Crafting/` ([NEO-66](../../plans/NEO-66-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Recipe catalog](../../../server/README.md#recipe-catalog-contentrecipes-neo-66). **NEO-67 landed:** injectable **`IRecipeDefinitionRegistry`** + lookup tests ([NEO-67](../../plans/NEO-67-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-68 landed:** **`GET /game/world/recipe-definitions`** — `RecipeDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Crafting/` ([NEO-68](../../plans/NEO-68-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-68` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-68.md)); [server README — Recipe definitions (NEO-68)](../../../server/README.md#recipe-definitions-neo-68); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/recipe-definitions/`. **NEO-69 landed:** **`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** + **`CraftResult`** — pre-flight inputs/outputs, inventory mutation, refine XP ([NEO-69](../../plans/NEO-69-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Craft engine (NEO-69)](../../../server/README.md#craft-engine-neo-69-and-craft-http-neo-70). **NEO-70 landed:** **`POST /game/players/{id}/craft`** — `PlayerCraftApi` + wire **`CraftResponse`**; Bruno gather→refine→make spine ([NEO-70](../../plans/NEO-70-implementation-plan.md)); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/craft/`. **NEO-71 landed:** comment-only **`item_crafted`** / **`craft_failed`** telemetry hook sites in **`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** ([NEO-71](../../plans/NEO-71-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Craft telemetry hooks (NEO-71)](../../../server/README.md#craft-telemetry-hooks-neo-71). **NEO-42 landed (prep):** **`RefineActivitySkillXpGrant`** / **`RefineSkillXpConstants`** — wired from craft engine success path. Epic 3 Slice 3 server backlog **E3M2-01**–**E3M2-07** complete. Upstream: E3.M1 **Ready**, E3.M3 inventory landed. **NEO-74 landed:** client craft UI — **`recipe_definitions_client.gd`**, **`craft_client.gd`**, **`craft_recipe_panel.gd`**, **`CraftFeedbackLabel`**, **refine** skill row ([NEO-74](../../plans/NEO-74-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-74` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-74.md)); `client/README.md` craft section. **NEO-75 landed:** capstone playable gather→refine→make loop — [`NEO-75` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-75.md), **`prototype_economy_hud_section.gd`**; Epic 3 Slice 5 client complete. | [NEO-42](../../plans/NEO-42-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-65](../../plans/NEO-65-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-66](../../plans/NEO-66-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-67](../../plans/NEO-67-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-68](../../plans/NEO-68-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-69](../../plans/NEO-69-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-70](../../plans/NEO-70-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-71](../../plans/NEO-71-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-74](../../plans/NEO-74-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-75](../../plans/NEO-75-implementation-plan.md), [E3M2-prototype-backlog](../../plans/E3M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E3S5-client-prototype-backlog](../../plans/E3S5-client-prototype-backlog.md), [E3_M2](E3_M2_RefinementAndRecipeExecution.md) |
 | E5.M1 | Ready | **NEO-76 landed:** frozen prototype four-ability catalog in [`content/abilities/prototype_abilities.json`](../../../content/abilities/prototype_abilities.json); [`ability-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/ability-def.schema.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) E5M1 four-id gate ([NEO-76](../../plans/NEO-76-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-77 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/abilities/*_abilities.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Combat/` ([NEO-77](../../plans/NEO-77-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Ability catalog](../../../server/README.md#ability-catalog-contentabilities-neo-77). **NEO-79 landed:** injectable **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** + DI; hotbar/cast use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** ([NEO-79](../../plans/NEO-79-implementation-plan.md)); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/hotbar-loadout/` + `ability-cast/` unknown-ability deny smokes. **NEO-78 landed:** **`GET /game/world/ability-definitions`** — `AbilityDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Combat/` ([NEO-78](../../plans/NEO-78-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Ability definitions (NEO-78)](../../../server/README.md#ability-definitions-neo-78); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/ability-definitions/`. **NEO-80 landed:** **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** / **`InMemoryCombatEntityHealthStore`** — lazy init (Slice 1 flat 100 HP; **superseded by [NEO-91](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md)** per-archetype catalog max HP + three NPC instance ids); DI via **`AddCombatEntityHealthStore()`** ([NEO-80](../../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, catalog damage ([NEO-81](../../plans/NEO-81-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Combat engine (NEO-81)](../../../server/README.md#combat-engine-neo-81). **NEO-82 landed:** **`AbilityCastApi`** → **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`**; nested wire **`combatResolution`** on accept; per-ability catalog cooldown; **`target_defeated`** cast deny ([NEO-82](../../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`** ([NEO-83](../../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](../../plans/NEO-44-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-44` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-44.md)); [server README — Gig progression (NEO-44)](../../../server/README.md#gig-progression-snapshot-neo-44); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/gig-progression/`. **NEO-84 landed:** comment-only **`ability_used`** / **`enemy_defeat`** telemetry hook sites in **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`**; reserved **`encounter_start`** / **`player_death`** ([NEO-84](../../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 — **`ability_cast_client.gd`** parses **`combatResolution`**; **`combat_targets_client.gd`**, **`CastFeedbackLabel`** resolution copy, **`CombatTargetHpLabel`**; event-driven GET refresh ([NEO-85](../../plans/NEO-85-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-85` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-85.md)); `client/README.md` combat HUD section. **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); `client/README.md` end-to-end combat loop section ([NEO-86](../../plans/NEO-86-implementation-plan.md)). **Epic 5 Slice 1 client capstone complete.** **Backlog decomposed:** Epic 5 Slice 1 — **E5M1-01**–**E5M1-12** landed. **Precursor landed:** E1.M4 cast funnel (NEO-28/31/32). | [E5M1-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M1-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M1](E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md), [NEO-77](../../plans/NEO-77-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-79](../../plans/NEO-79-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-78](../../plans/NEO-78-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-80](../../plans/NEO-80-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-81](../../plans/NEO-81-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-82](../../plans/NEO-82-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-83](../../plans/NEO-83-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-44](../../plans/NEO-44-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-84](../../plans/NEO-84-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-85](../../plans/NEO-85-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-86](../../plans/NEO-86-implementation-plan.md), [E1M4-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E1M4-prototype-backlog.md) |
-| E5.M2 | Ready | **NEO-87 landed:** frozen prototype three-behavior catalog in [`content/npc-behaviors/prototype_npc_behaviors.json`](../../../content/npc-behaviors/prototype_npc_behaviors.json); [`npc-behavior-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) E5M2 three-id gate ([NEO-87](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-88 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/npc-behaviors/*_npc_behaviors.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/` ([NEO-88](../../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; **`PrototypeNpcBehaviorRegistry`** id constants ([NEO-89](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-90 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** — `NpcBehaviorDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Npc/` ([NEO-90](../../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 replace alpha/beta; per-archetype max HP from behavior catalog ([NEO-91](../../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 landed:** **`IThreatStateStore`** + **`AggroOperations`** — first-hit acquire on damaging cast, leash clear on move/cast; cast/move/fixture hooks ([NEO-92](../../plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Threat / aggro state (NEO-92)](../../../server/README.md#threat--aggro-state-neo-92). **NEO-93 landed:** **`INpcRuntimeStateStore`** + **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** — catalog-driven behavior state machine, lazy tick advance with delta cap; dev fixture reset ([NEO-93](../../plans/NEO-93-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime behavior state (NEO-93)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-behavior-state-neo-93). **NEO-94 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** — `NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApi` + DTOs; lazy **`AdvanceAll`** on poll; nested **`activeTelegraph`** with server-computed **`windupRemainingSeconds`** ([NEO-94](../../plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime snapshot (NEO-94)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-snapshot-neo-94); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-runtime-snapshot/`. **NEO-95 landed:** **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** + **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** — telegraph complete applies catalog **`attackDamage`** to aggro holder; **`GET /game/players/{id}/combat-health`** read model ([NEO-95](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Session player combat HP (NEO-95)](../../../server/README.md#session-player-combat-hp-neo-95); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-health/`. **NEO-96 landed:** comment-only **`telegraph_fired`** + **`npc_state_transition`** hook sites in **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** ([NEO-96](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime telemetry hooks (NEO-96)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-telemetry-hooks-neo-96). **NEO-97 landed:** client telegraph HUD — **`npc_runtime_client.gd`**, **`player_combat_health_client.gd`**, **`npc_runtime_hud_state.gd`**, **`TelegraphLabel`** / **`NpcStateLabel`** / **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`**; combat-active ~1 Hz poll ([NEO-97](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-97` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-97.md)); [client README — NPC runtime + telegraph HUD (NEO-97)](../../../client/README.md#npc-runtime--telegraph-hud-neo-97). **NEO-98 landed:** 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 ([NEO-98](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md)). **Epic 5 Slice 2 client capstone complete.** **Backlog decomposed:** Epic 5 Slice 2 — [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md) **E5M2-01** [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) → **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98) **landed**. Three archetypes (`prototype_melee_pressure`, `prototype_ranged_control`, `prototype_elite_mini_boss`); replaces alpha/beta dummies with **`prototype_npc_melee` / `ranged` / `elite`**. Owns **`ThreatState`**, **`TelegraphEvent`**, **`GET …/npc-runtime-snapshot`**, session **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`**. Upstream **E5.M1 Ready**. | [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M2](E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md), [NEO-87](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-88](../../plans/NEO-88-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-89](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-90](../../plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-91](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-92](../../plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-93](../../plans/NEO-93-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-94](../../plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-95](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-96](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-97](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-98](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md), label **`E5.M2`** on NEO-87–NEO-98 |
+| E5.M2 | Ready | **NEO-87 landed:** frozen prototype three-behavior catalog in [`content/npc-behaviors/prototype_npc_behaviors.json`](../../../content/npc-behaviors/prototype_npc_behaviors.json); [`npc-behavior-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) E5M2 three-id gate ([NEO-87](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-88 landed:** fail-fast server load of `content/npc-behaviors/*_npc_behaviors.json` at startup — `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/` ([NEO-88](../../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; **`PrototypeNpcBehaviorRegistry`** id constants ([NEO-89](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-90 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** — `NpcBehaviorDefinitionsWorldApi` + DTOs in `Game/Npc/` ([NEO-90](../../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 replace alpha/beta; per-archetype max HP from behavior catalog ([NEO-91](../../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 landed:** **`IThreatStateStore`** + **`AggroOperations`** — first-hit acquire on damaging cast, leash clear on move/cast; cast/move/fixture hooks ([NEO-92](../../plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Threat / aggro state (NEO-92)](../../../server/README.md#threat--aggro-state-neo-92). **NEO-93 landed:** **`INpcRuntimeStateStore`** + **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** — catalog-driven behavior state machine, lazy tick advance with delta cap; dev fixture reset ([NEO-93](../../plans/NEO-93-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime behavior state (NEO-93)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-behavior-state-neo-93). **NEO-94 landed:** **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** — `NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApi` + DTOs; lazy **`AdvanceAll`** on poll; nested **`activeTelegraph`** with server-computed **`windupRemainingSeconds`** ([NEO-94](../../plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime snapshot (NEO-94)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-snapshot-neo-94); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-runtime-snapshot/`. **NEO-95 landed:** **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** + **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** — telegraph resolve via behavior **`attackAbilityId`** + ability **`maxRange`** / **`baseDamage`** ([NEO-95](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-98](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — Session player combat HP (NEO-95)](../../../server/README.md#session-player-combat-hp-neo-95); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-health/`. **NEO-96 landed:** comment-only **`telegraph_fired`** + **`npc_state_transition`** hook sites in **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** ([NEO-96](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md)); [server README — NPC runtime telemetry hooks (NEO-96)](../../../server/README.md#npc-runtime-telemetry-hooks-neo-96). **NEO-97 landed:** client telegraph HUD — **`npc_runtime_client.gd`**, **`player_combat_health_client.gd`**, **`npc_runtime_hud_state.gd`**, **`TelegraphLabel`** / **`NpcStateLabel`** / **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`**; combat-active ~1 Hz poll ([NEO-97](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md), [`NEO-97` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-97.md)); [client README — NPC runtime + telegraph HUD (NEO-97)](../../../client/README.md#npc-runtime--telegraph-hud-neo-97). **NEO-98 landed:** 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 ([NEO-98](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md)). **NEO-98 server integration:** defeat clears aggro/runtime (**`TryStopOnTargetDefeat`**); telegraph damage range-gated via [`prototype_npc_abilities.json`](../../../content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json) + behavior **`attackAbilityId`**. **Epic 5 Slice 2 client capstone complete.** **Backlog decomposed:** Epic 5 Slice 2 — [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md) **E5M2-01** [NEO-87](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-87) → **E5M2-12** [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98) **landed**. Three archetypes (`prototype_melee_pressure`, `prototype_ranged_control`, `prototype_elite_mini_boss`); replaces alpha/beta dummies with **`prototype_npc_melee` / `ranged` / `elite`**. Owns **`ThreatState`**, **`TelegraphEvent`**, **`GET …/npc-runtime-snapshot`**, session **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`**. Upstream **E5.M1 Ready**. | [E5M2-prototype-backlog.md](../../plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md), [E5_M2](E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md), [NEO-87](../../plans/NEO-87-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-88](../../plans/NEO-88-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-89](../../plans/NEO-89-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-90](../../plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-91](../../plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-92](../../plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-93](../../plans/NEO-93-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-94](../../plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-95](../../plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-96](../../plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-97](../../plans/NEO-97-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-98](../../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md), label **`E5.M2`** on NEO-87–NEO-98 |
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md b/docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md
index a5dc32e..0c5d6b2 100644
--- a/docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md
+++ b/docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 | **Archetype order** | Order in single-session script? | **Melee → Ranged → Elite** — matches E5M2-12 backlog goal prose (“aggro a melee NPC… defeat all three archetypes”). | **User:** melee → ranged → elite. |
 | **Verification depth** | Full telegraph spine per archetype? | **Full telegraph + player HP on Melee**; Ranged + Elite **defeat + telegraph visible** with documented windup/cooldown — keeps one-session script tractable while satisfying Slice 2 AC. | **User:** melee full; ranged/elite light. |
 | **NEO-97 relationship** | Supersede component QA? | **NEO-98 supersedes as capstone**; keep [NEO-97](../manual-qa/NEO-97.md) as component-level regression reference (NEO-85 / NEO-86 pattern). | **Adopted** (repo precedent; not asked). |
+| **Capstone QA scope expansion** | Server/catalog changes allowed? | Kickoff was docs-primary; capstone QA may drive minimal integration fixes — document any catalog or server touch in plan reconciliation. | **Adopted:** defeat-stop, **`prototype_npc_abilities.json`**, behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, range-gated telegraph resolve (see **Implementation reconciliation**). |
 
 ## Goal, scope, and out-of-scope
 
@@ -40,7 +41,9 @@
 - Encounters/loot ([E5.M3](../decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md)), spawn ecology ([E4.M2](../decomposition/modules/E4_M2_SpawnEcologyController.md)).
 - Final VFX art, dodge mechanics, player death flow.
 - Bruno-only verification as prototype-complete proof.
-- New server APIs or behavior catalog changes.
+- New server HTTP routes beyond existing cast/snapshot surfaces; new NPC archetypes beyond the frozen three.
+
+**Originally out of scope at kickoff:** behavior/ability catalog changes and server integration beyond docs — **expanded during capstone QA** (see kickoff **Capstone QA scope expansion** and **Implementation reconciliation**).
 
 ## Acceptance criteria checklist
 
@@ -55,6 +58,7 @@
 - **`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 fix (capstone QA):** defeated NPCs continued attacking — **`NpcRuntimeOperations.TryStopOnTargetDefeat`** on cast accept + **`AdvanceOne`** defeated guard; server tests added.
+- **Integration fix (capstone QA):** telegraph damage at aggro radius — **`prototype_npc_abilities.json`** (three NPC attack abilities), behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, **`AbilityDef.maxRange`** on resolve; melee strike **2 m**, ranged **10 m**, elite **4 m**; CI cross-ref **`attackDamage`** ↔ ability **`baseDamage`**.
 
 ## Technical approach
 
@@ -64,18 +68,18 @@
 
 **Frozen catalog math** (from [E5_M2 freeze box](../decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md#prototype-slice-2-freeze-e5m2-01); player casts **`prototype_pulse`** **25** dmg, ~**3 s** cooldown):
 
-| Archetype | Instance id | Marker | maxHp | Casts to defeat | attackDamage | 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 |
+| Archetype | Instance id | Marker | maxHp | Casts to defeat | attackDamage | strike range | windup | cooldown |
+|-----------|-------------|--------|-------|-----------------|--------------|--------------|--------|----------|
+| Melee | `prototype_npc_melee` | orange west **`(-3, -3)`** | 100 | **4** | 15 | **2 m** | 1.5 s | 3.0 s |
+| Ranged | `prototype_npc_ranged` | purple SE **`(3, 3)`** | 80 | **4** | 12 | 10 m | 2.0 s | 4.0 s |
+| Elite | `prototype_npc_elite` | gold origin **`(0, 0)`** | 200 | **8** | 25 | **4 m** | 2.5 s | 5.0 s |
 
 **Melee full spine (telegraph + player HP):**
 
 1. Walk to **Melee** marker; **Tab** lock **`prototype_npc_melee`** — **`Validity: ok`**.
 2. Press **1** (damaging cast): **`NpcStateLabel`** → **`aggro`** (~1 Hz poll); **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** → **`100/100`**.
-3. Wait **≥ 4.5 s** from first cast (3.0 s cooldown + 1.5 s windup): **`NpcStateLabel`** → **`telegraph_windup`**; **`TelegraphLabel`** shows countdown (**`Telegraph: Melee … · ~1.x s (melee)`**) ticking between polls.
-4. After windup completes: **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** → **`85/100`** (15 damage).
+3. Wait **≥ 3 s** from first cast (cooldown elapses): **`NpcStateLabel`** → **`telegraph_windup`**; **`TelegraphLabel`** shows countdown (**`Telegraph: Melee … · ~1.x s (melee)`**) ticking between polls.
+4. Wait **≥ 4.5 s** total from first cast (windup completes): stay **within ~2 m** of the melee marker; **`PlayerCombatHpLabel`** → **`85/100`** (15 damage). Back off during windup → whiff (no damage).
 5. Press **1** three more times (respect cooldown) until **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** → **`0/100 (defeated)`** and cast feedback shows defeat.
 
 **Ranged light (defeat + telegraph visible):**
@@ -138,10 +142,15 @@ Run capstone dry-run on **`main`** before doc-only work; if any step fails, fix
 | `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | E5.M2 row — NEO-98 landed + Slice 2 client capstone complete (on story completion). |
 | `docs/plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md` | E5M2-12 acceptance checkboxes + landed note (on story completion). |
 | `docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md` | E5M2-12 capstone landed note + manual QA link (on story completion). |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/NpcRuntimeOperations.cs` | **`TryStopOnTargetDefeat`** + defeated guard in **`AdvanceOne`**; **`AdvanceAll`** takes **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`**. |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApi.cs` | Pass combat health store into **`AdvanceAll`**. |
+| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/NpcRuntimeOperations.cs` | **`TryStopOnTargetDefeat`** + defeated guard in **`AdvanceOne`**; **`AdvanceAll`** takes **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** + **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`**. |
+| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApi.cs` | Pass ability registry + combat health store into **`AdvanceAll`**. |
+| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Combat/NpcAttackOperations.cs` | Range-gated resolve via behavior **`attackAbilityId`** + ability **`maxRange`**. |
 | `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/AbilityCastApi.cs` | Stop NPC combat on **`TargetDefeated`**. |
-| `server/README.md` | Threat table — **Defeat clear** rule. |
+| `content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json` | Three NPC attack abilities + strike **`maxRange`**. |
+| `content/npc-behaviors/prototype_npc_behaviors.json` | **`attackAbilityId`** per archetype. |
+| `content/schemas/ability-def.schema.json`, `npc-behavior-def.schema.json` | **`maxRange`**, **`attackAbilityId`**. |
+| `scripts/validate_content.py` | Seven-id ability gate + behavior ↔ ability cross-ref. |
+| `server/README.md` | Threat table — **Attack range**, **Defeat clear**, **`attackAbilityId`** resolve path. |
 
 **Conditional (only if capstone QA fails on client):**
 
diff --git a/docs/reviews/2026-05-30-NEO-98-followup.md b/docs/reviews/2026-05-30-NEO-98-followup.md
index cad42f6..8caec63 100644
--- a/docs/reviews/2026-05-30-NEO-98-followup.md
+++ b/docs/reviews/2026-05-30-NEO-98-followup.md
@@ -10,18 +10,18 @@
 
 ## Summary
 
-Since the first review, NEO-98 expanded beyond docs-only into **capstone-driven server integration**: defeated NPCs no longer keep attacking (`TryStopOnTargetDefeat` on cast accept + defeated guard in `AdvanceOne`), and telegraph damage is **range-gated** via new NPC attack abilities (`content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json`, behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, `NpcAttackOperations` horizontal **`maxRange`** check). Content/schema/CI gates cross-reference behavior **`attackDamage`** against ability **`baseDamage`**. Manual QA and README now document melee **2 m** strike range and the whiff case. First-review doc nits (Esc regression, backlog AC parity, label format) are addressed. Server tests for defeat-stop, out-of-range whiff, and cast integration pass locally (**41** NpcRuntime/NpcAttack/stop-combat cases; **500** total in-memory tests). Residual risk is **documentation drift** on the E5.M2 module page (still describes NEO-95 resolve via flat **`attackDamage`**, freeze box omits **`attackAbilityId`** / strike ranges) and the plan **Out of scope** line that still forbids catalog changes.
+Since the first review, NEO-98 expanded beyond docs-only into **capstone-driven server integration**: defeated NPCs no longer keep attacking (`TryStopOnTargetDefeat` on cast accept + defeated guard in `AdvanceOne`), and telegraph damage is **range-gated** via new NPC attack abilities (`content/abilities/prototype_npc_abilities.json`, behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, `NpcAttackOperations` horizontal **`maxRange`** check). Content/schema/CI gates cross-reference behavior **`attackDamage`** against ability **`baseDamage`**. Manual QA and README document melee **2 m** strike range and the whiff case. Follow-up doc suggestions (E5.M2 module freeze, plan scope reconciliation, alignment register, client README melee row, plan timing split) are addressed in a docs batch after this review.
 
 ## Documentation checked
 
 | Path | Result |
 |------|--------|
-| `docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md` | **Partially matches** — reconciliation documents defeat-stop fix; Files to modify lists server touch points; **Out of scope** still says “no behavior catalog changes” while diff adds NPC attack abilities + **`attackAbilityId`** (scope expansion not reflected in kickoff/out-of-scope). |
+| `docs/plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md` | **Matches** — kickoff **Capstone QA scope expansion**; revised **Out of scope**; reconciliation + files list cover defeat-stop and attack-ability range binding; melee spine splits **≥ 3 s** telegraph / **≥ 4.5 s** damage. |
 | `docs/manual-qa/NEO-98.md` | **Matches** — strike-range column, step 8 **2 m** proximity + whiff note, Esc regression (steps 19–21), full **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** format on step 4. |
-| `client/README.md` | **Partially matches** — flow table uses full target HP label; melee hit row omits **stay within 2 m** note present in manual QA step 8. |
+| `client/README.md` | **Matches** — flow table uses full target HP label; **Melee hit** row documents **within ~2 m** + whiff. |
 | `docs/plans/E5M2-prototype-backlog.md` (E5M2-12) | **Matches** — fourth AC (three-archetype defeat) present; landed note intact. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md` | **Conflicts** — NEO-95 bullet still says telegraph resolve applies catalog **`attackDamage`**; freeze table has no **`attackAbilityId`** or strike **`maxRange`**; NEO-98 capstone bullet is docs-only (no server integration note). **`server/README.md`** threat/runtime sections are authoritative for NEO-98 behavior changes. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | **Partially matches** — E5.M2 **Ready** + NEO-98 capstone note; row does not mention defeat-clear or attack-ability range binding landed in NEO-98. |
+| `docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md` | **Matches** — freeze table includes **`attackAbilityId`** + NPC attack ability strike ranges; NEO-95/NEO-98 bullets document range-gated resolve and defeat-clear. |
+| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | **Matches** — E5.M2 **Ready** + NEO-98 capstone + server integration clause. |
 | `docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md` | **Matches** — E5.M2 note unchanged from docs batch; still cites NEO-98 capstone manual QA. |
 | `server/README.md` | **Matches** — threat table documents **Attack range**, **Defeat clear**, and **`attackAbilityId`** resolve path. |
 | `docs/manual-qa/NEO-97.md` | **Matches** — component regression still valid (elite at origin within **4 m** slam); no update required for capstone range work. |
@@ -33,17 +33,17 @@ None.
 
 ## Suggestions
 
-1. **E5.M2 module doc — NEO-95 / NEO-98 server behavior** — Update the **Session player combat HP (NEO-95)** bullet and prototype freeze table to document **`attackAbilityId`**, NPC attack ability ids, and strike **`maxRange`** values (**2 / 10 / 4 m**). Note **`attackDamage`** on behavior rows is a projection/cross-ref field, not the resolve source after NEO-98.
+1. ~~**E5.M2 module doc — NEO-95 / NEO-98 server behavior** — Update the **Session player combat HP (NEO-95)** bullet and prototype freeze table to document **`attackAbilityId`**, NPC attack ability ids, and strike **`maxRange`** values (**2 / 10 / 4 m**). Note **`attackDamage`** on behavior rows is a projection/cross-ref field, not the resolve source after NEO-98.~~ **Done.** [`E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md`](../decomposition/modules/E5_M2_NpcAiAndBehaviorProfiles.md) freeze table + NPC attack ability table; NEO-95/NEO-98 bullets updated.
 
-2. **Plan scope reconciliation** — Revise **Out of scope** (or add a **Decisions** row) to record capstone QA drove catalog + server changes: `prototype_npc_abilities.json`, behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, defeat-stop, range-gated resolve. Keeps kickoff “docs-primary” honest while documenting the adopted integration path.
+2. ~~**Plan scope reconciliation** — Revise **Out of scope** (or add a **Decisions** row) to record capstone QA drove catalog + server changes: `prototype_npc_abilities.json`, behavior **`attackAbilityId`**, defeat-stop, range-gated resolve. Keeps kickoff “docs-primary” honest while documenting the adopted integration path.~~ **Done.** Kickoff **Capstone QA scope expansion** row + revised **Out of scope** / reconciliation in [`NEO-98-implementation-plan.md`](../plans/NEO-98-implementation-plan.md).
 
-3. **`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` E5.M2 row** — Append a short **NEO-98 server integration** clause (defeat clears aggro/runtime; telegraph damage uses attack ability **`maxRange`**) alongside the existing capstone manual QA note.
+3. ~~**`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` E5.M2 row** — Append a short **NEO-98 server integration** clause (defeat clears aggro/runtime; telegraph damage uses attack ability **`maxRange`**) alongside the existing capstone manual QA note.~~ **Done.** NEO-95 + NEO-98 clauses updated in alignment register.
 
-4. **`client/README.md` melee hit row** — Mirror manual QA step 8: tester must stay **within ~2 m** of the melee marker for **85/100**; backing off during windup whiffs.
+4. ~~**`client/README.md` melee hit row** — Mirror manual QA step 8: tester must stay **within ~2 m** of the melee marker for **85/100**; backing off during windup whiffs.~~ **Done.** Flow table **Melee hit** row updated.
 
 ## Nits
 
-- Nit: Plan §1 melee spine prose still collapses telegraph + HP into a single **≥ 4.5 s** wait; manual QA correctly splits **≥ 3 s** (telegraph) and **≥ 4.5 s** (damage) — tighten plan technical approach for consistency.
+- ~~Nit: Plan §1 melee spine prose still collapses telegraph + HP into a single **≥ 4.5 s** wait; manual QA correctly splits **≥ 3 s** (telegraph) and **≥ 4.5 s** (damage) — tighten plan technical approach for consistency.~~ **Done.** Plan melee spine steps 3–4 split timing + **2 m** whiff note.
 
 - Nit: `AdvanceAll` now requires **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** + **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** — any future caller besides `NpcRuntimeSnapshotWorldApi` must pass the expanded signature (only one production caller today).