From d192567f57fb185798ebb015ff39fac850c86622 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: VinPropane <don@donmail.org>
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2026 22:35:03 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] chore: add game-design risk-security-bands doc

- Add risk-security-bands.md (E4.M4 tiers, E6.M1/M2 PvP + consent, tier gates)
- epic_04: anchor epic-4-slice-2 for security tier slice
- Cross-link death, items, economy, gathering; overview combat stub + index
- Extend docs-review-agent ground truth
---
 .cursor/rules/docs-review-agent.md            |  2 +-
 .../epics/epic_04_world_topology.md           |  2 +
 docs/game-design/README.md                    |  2 +-
 docs/game-design/abilities.md                 |  1 +
 docs/game-design/crafting.md                  |  1 +
 docs/game-design/death-loss-recovery.md       |  8 +-
 docs/game-design/economy.md                   |  3 +-
 docs/game-design/gathering.md                 |  3 +-
 docs/game-design/gigs.md                      |  1 +
 docs/game-design/items.md                     |  3 +-
 docs/game-design/overview.md                  | 10 ++-
 docs/game-design/progression.md               |  1 +
 docs/game-design/risk-security-bands.md       | 77 +++++++++++++++++++
 docs/game-design/skills.md                    |  5 +-
 14 files changed, 104 insertions(+), 15 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 docs/game-design/risk-security-bands.md

diff --git a/.cursor/rules/docs-review-agent.md b/.cursor/rules/docs-review-agent.md
index 23f8ab0..7428629 100644
--- a/.cursor/rules/docs-review-agent.md
+++ b/.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`, `items.md`, `gathering.md`, `crafting.md`, `economy.md`, `death-loss-recovery.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). **Gather / craft** → **skill XP** (see `gathering.md`, `crafting.md`, Epic 3)—not **gig** XP. **Mission/quest rewards** may grant **skill XP**, **currency**, or **items** when explicitly defined (`progression.md`, `economy.md`)—separate from the encounter **gig XP** path. **Economy** faucets/sinks and trade (`economy.md`) do not re-gate **craft** on **gig** (see `items.md` / Seams). **Death / loss / recovery** (`death-loss-recovery.md`): server-authoritative combat death; item stakes via **E3.M4** / **E5.M1**; **PvP** loss **E6.M3** vs **PvE** **open**; **cybernetics** vs external **gear** per **Seams**.
+2. **Hybrid progression** — `docs/game-design/progression.md`, `skills.md`, `gigs.md`, `abilities.md`, `items.md`, `gathering.md`, `crafting.md`, `economy.md`, `death-loss-recovery.md`, `risk-security-bands.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). **Gather / craft** → **skill XP** (see `gathering.md`, `crafting.md`, Epic 3)—not **gig** XP. **Mission/quest rewards** may grant **skill XP**, **currency**, or **items** when explicitly defined (`progression.md`, `economy.md`)—separate from the encounter **gig XP** path. **Economy** faucets/sinks and trade (`economy.md`) do not re-gate **craft** on **gig** (see `items.md` / Seams). **Death / loss / recovery** (`death-loss-recovery.md`): server-authoritative combat death; item stakes via **E3.M4** / **E5.M1**; **PvP** loss **E6.M3** vs **PvE** **open**; **cybernetics** vs external **gear** per **Seams**. **Risk / security** (`risk-security-bands.md`): **E4.M4** `SecurityTier` + **E6.M1**/**E6.M2** for **PvP** eligibility and **consent** UX—**not** client-only PvP toggles.
 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).
 
diff --git a/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md b/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md
index f72db9d..8f659ef 100644
--- a/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md
@@ -55,6 +55,8 @@ Represent the world as a zone graph with travel rules, security-tier signaling f
   - Travel rules prevent illegal shortcuts.
 - Telemetry hooks: `zone_enter`, `zone_exit`, invalid transition attempts.
 
+<a id="epic-4-slice-2"></a>
+
 ### Slice 2 - Security tier tagging and UI hooks
 
 - Scope: E4.M4 on E4.M1: per-zone `SecurityTier`, `ZonePolicyState`, and entry-warning payloads. E6.M1 subscribes to this data for PvP eligibility (implemented in Epic 6; no circular module dependency).
diff --git a/docs/game-design/README.md b/docs/game-design/README.md
index 842fb0c..4b0e11e 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/README.md
+++ b/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), **[items](items.md)** (loot, craft, equip), **[gathering](gathering.md)** (resource nodes, yields), **[crafting](crafting.md)** (recipes, pipeline), **[economy](economy.md)** (faucets, sinks, trade), **[death-loss-recovery](death-loss-recovery.md)** (stakes, recovery), zones, mechanics, 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), **[gathering](gathering.md)** (resource nodes, yields), **[crafting](crafting.md)** (recipes, pipeline), **[economy](economy.md)** (faucets, sinks, trade), **[death-loss-recovery](death-loss-recovery.md)** (stakes, recovery), **[risk-security-bands](risk-security-bands.md)** (tiers, PvP eligibility), 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/).
diff --git a/docs/game-design/abilities.md b/docs/game-design/abilities.md
index 87ed7eb..5672ccc 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/abilities.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/abilities.md
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ Vision for **what the player triggers** in play: combat **kits**, non-combat **s
 | Crafting (bench skill vs gig combat use) | [crafting.md](crafting.md) |
 | Economy (trade, sinks—gig does not gate craft) | [economy.md](economy.md) |
 | Death / loss (combat death, gear stakes) | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Risk tiers & PvP eligibility | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.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) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/crafting.md b/docs/game-design/crafting.md
index ec3eb08..295f8ea 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/crafting.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/crafting.md
@@ -75,3 +75,4 @@ Authoritative **recipe graph** is **data** (`RecipeDef`); design intent:
 | Gather slice (inputs) | [Epic 3 — Slice 2 (Gather nodes)](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md#epic-3-slice-2) |
 | Economy (sinks, trade, tuning) | [economy.md](economy.md) |
 | Death / loss (durability, repair) | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Risk & security (trade/theft context) | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/death-loss-recovery.md b/docs/game-design/death-loss-recovery.md
index af21d06..0224a08 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/death-loss-recovery.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/death-loss-recovery.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Death, loss & recovery
 
-Vision for **what happens when a character fails** (especially in **combat**): **item** stakes, **durability** and **destruction**, **recovery** flow, and **anti-grief** boundaries—without duplicating **combat ability** design ([abilities.md](abilities.md)) or full **risk tier** rules (stub in [overview.md](overview.md); future **risk** doc).
+Vision for **what happens when a character fails** (especially in **combat**): **item** stakes, **durability** and **destruction**, **recovery** flow, and **anti-grief** boundaries—without duplicating **combat ability** design ([abilities.md](abilities.md)) or **security tier** / **PvP** **eligibility** ([risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md)).
 
 **Combat resolution & death event:** [E5.M1 — CombatRulesEngine](../decomposition/modules/E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md) is **server-authoritative** for outcomes including **death** ([client vs server authority](../decomposition/modules/client_server_authority.md)); telemetry includes `player_death` per [Epic 5](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md).
 
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ Vision for **what happens when a character fails** (especially in **combat**): *
 
 ## PvE vs PvP (design intent)
 
-- **PvE-first** product stance ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) objective): default **loss** in **opt-in** or **high-tier** spaces can be **harsher** than in **safe** hubs; exact **banding** is a **risk** / **security tier** doc (**TBD**).
+- **PvE-first** product stance ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) objective): default **loss** in **opt-in** or **high-tier** spaces can be **harsher** than in **safe** hubs; **tier** **language** in [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md); exact **tables** **TBD**.
 - **PvP death** applies **E6.M3** rules (drops, durability hits, flags)—not necessarily the same table as **PvE wipe** (**open** until PvP vision lands; [gigs.md](gigs.md) **PvP** notes).
 - **Skill** and **gig** **progression** are **not** assumed to **reset** on death—loss is primarily **items**, **currency** (if any), **buffs**, and **position** unless a **hardcore** mode or **content** says otherwise (**open**).
 
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ Vision for **what happens when a character fails** (especially in **combat**): *
 ## Anti-grief and readability
 
 - **Spawn protection**, **repeated** **killing** penalties, and **escalation** to **integrity** pipeline: **E6.M3** / **E9.M4**.
-- **Readable** stakes before engagement: ties to **consent / risk UX** ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md), [E6.M2](../decomposition/modules/E6_M2_ConsentAndRiskUxSignals.md))—detail **TBD** in **risk** doc.
+- **Readable** stakes before engagement: ties to **consent / risk UX** ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md), [E6.M2](../decomposition/modules/E6_M2_ConsentAndRiskUxSignals.md), [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md)).
 - **Exploits** (dupe corpse, disconnect abuse): **server** truth + [E9.M4](../decomposition/modules/E9_M4_IntegrityAndAbuseResponse.md).
 
 ## Module map (death / loss–focused)
@@ -74,4 +74,4 @@ Vision for **what happens when a character fails** (especially in **combat**): *
 | Combat actions & kits | [abilities.md](abilities.md), [gigs.md](gigs.md) |
 | Hybrid XP (death does not imply skill XP change) | [progression.md](progression.md) |
 | PvP product stance | [Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) |
-| Risk & security tiers (stub) | [overview.md](overview.md) planned **Risk & security bands** |
+| Risk & security tiers, PvP eligibility | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/economy.md b/docs/game-design/economy.md
index 2732b41..d641a1b 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/economy.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/economy.md
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ Direction: **prototype** should prove at least one **meaningful** durable sink b
 
 - **One primary player currency** vs **multiple** (regional, corp scrip, crypto **fiction**)—**open**; UX must stay **readable** ([items.md](items.md) **tooltips** discipline).
 - **Wealth fantasy** includes **stockpiles**, **loadout value**, **workspace access**, and **social** **flex**—not only raw balance.
-- **Binding**, **insurance**, **theft**, and **security tiers** change **effective** supply—see [items.md](items.md) **Open questions**, [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md), and future **risk** doc (**TBD**).
+- **Binding**, **insurance**, **theft**, and **security tiers** change **effective** supply—see [items.md](items.md) **Open questions**, [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md), [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md).
 
 ## Trade and prices
 
@@ -90,3 +90,4 @@ Direction: **prototype** should prove at least one **meaningful** durable sink b
 | Epic 3 slices (incl. sinks/policy) | [Epic 3](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md) |
 | Social / corp context for trade | [Epic 8](../decomposition/epics/epic_08_social_guild.md) |
 | Death, durability, PvP loss | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Security tiers, PvP eligibility | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/gathering.md b/docs/game-design/gathering.md
index 8e5ae74..d0a6ad7 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/gathering.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/gathering.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Same **physical prop** might map to **different** node types or yield tables by
 Directional goals (implementation **open**):
 
 - **Depletion** and **regen** (capacity, timers) make **presence** and **timing** matter—aligned with E3.M1/E4.M2 responsibilities.
-- **Contesting** the same node may be **non-combat** (arrival order, channel time, tool tier) or **high-risk** (PvP-adjacent) depending on **security tier**—see [overview.md](overview.md) **Risk & security bands** (stub) and [gigs.md](gigs.md) **PvP** notes (**open** until PvP vision lands).
+- **Contesting** the same node may be **non-combat** (arrival order, channel time, tool tier) or **high-risk** (PvP-adjacent) depending on **security tier**—see [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) and [gigs.md](gigs.md) **PvP** notes (**open** until PvP vision lands).
 - **Instanced vs shared** world: some resources may live only in **contracts** or **dungeons**; others in **shared** overworld—**split by content**, not a single global rule (**open**).
 
 ## Exhaustion, tools, and gates
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ Directional goals (implementation **open**):
 | Crafting & recipes (vision) | [crafting.md](crafting.md) |
 | Economy (faucets from gather + policy) | [economy.md](economy.md) |
 | Death / loss (contested gather, drops) | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Risk tiers & contest rules | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
 | Epic 3 gather slice | [Epic 3 — Slice 2 (Gather nodes)](../decomposition/epics/epic_03_crafting_economy.md#epic-3-slice-2) |
 | Interaction contracts | [E1.M3](../decomposition/modules/E1_M3_InteractionAndTargetingLayer.md) |
 | Zone ecology | [E4.M2](../decomposition/modules/E4_M2_SpawnEcologyController.md), [Epic 4](../decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/gigs.md b/docs/game-design/gigs.md
index 1406c36..742e098 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/gigs.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/gigs.md
@@ -136,4 +136,5 @@ Detail: seams table in [skills.md](skills.md).
 - [crafting.md](crafting.md) — **bench** = **skill**; **combat use** of most crafted **gear** still **gig**-gated ([Seams](skills.md#seams-gigs-skills)).
 - [economy.md](economy.md) — **gig** does not gate **craft**/**trade**; **wealth** loops are **skill**- and **item**-heavy ([items.md](items.md)).
 - [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) — **combat** death → **gig** loadout context; **PvP** loss rules **E6.M3** (not same as PvE—**open**).
+- [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) — **where** **PvP** can apply (**E6.M1**); not defined by **gig** pick alone.
 - [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) — group content where **gigs** hold security while **skills** run the hack (brainstorm).
diff --git a/docs/game-design/items.md b/docs/game-design/items.md
index 9569124..b27a1a5 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/items.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/items.md
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Design **buckets** above are not 1:1 types in data—they inform tags and metada
 ## Open questions
 
 - **Durability, repair, sinks**—when items leave the economy ([E3.M4](../decomposition/modules/E3_M4_SinkAndDurabilityLifecycle.md)); how hard **death** hits gear (**open**—[death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md)).
-- **Binding**, **insurance**, **theft** in which **security tiers** ([overview.md](overview.md) risk stubs; [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) **Open questions**).
+- **Binding**, **insurance**, **theft** in which **security tiers** ([risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md); [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) **Open questions**).
 - **Named crafter**, **provenance**, **counterfeits**—social/economy flavor vs implementation cost.
 - **Stacking**, **charges**, **mod slots**—per category defaults.
 
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ Design **buckets** above are not 1:1 types in data—they inform tags and metada
 | Item schema & inventory | [E3.M3](../decomposition/modules/E3_M3_ItemizationAndInventorySchema.md) |
 | Sinks & durability | [E3.M4](../decomposition/modules/E3_M4_SinkAndDurabilityLifecycle.md) |
 | Death, loss & recovery | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Risk & security bands | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
 | Economy vision (faucets, trade, policy) | [economy.md](economy.md) |
 | Economy policy (runtime) | [E3.M5](../decomposition/modules/E3_M5_EconomyBalancePolicy.md) |
 | Encounter loot routing | [E5.M3](../decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md), [E7.M2](../decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/overview.md b/docs/game-design/overview.md
index 7b13194..9c8585c 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/overview.md
+++ b/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). **Items** (loot, craft, equip): [items.md](items.md). **Gathering** (nodes, skill XP, ecology): [gathering.md](gathering.md). **Crafting** (recipes, pipeline, benches): [crafting.md](crafting.md). **Economy** (faucets, sinks, trade, policy): [economy.md](economy.md). **Death / loss / recovery:** [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.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). **Gathering** (nodes, skill XP, ecology): [gathering.md](gathering.md). **Crafting** (recipes, pipeline, benches): [crafting.md](crafting.md). **Economy** (faucets, sinks, trade, policy): [economy.md](economy.md). **Death / loss / recovery:** [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md). **Risk & security bands:** [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md). **Loose ideas:** [`brainstorm/`](brainstorm/README.md).
 
 ## Presentation and target rating (vision)
 
@@ -30,7 +30,8 @@ Neon Sprawl’s design work here starts from **concrete visions** of progression
 | [gathering.md](gathering.md) | Resource **nodes**, **Gather** skills, contesting, pipeline to refine/craft | **E3.M1** + **E4.M2**; with [skills.md](skills.md), [items.md](items.md) |
 | [crafting.md](crafting.md) | **Recipes**, **Process/Make** pipeline, bench vs **gig** combat use | **E3.M2**; with [gathering.md](gathering.md), [items.md](items.md), [skills.md](skills.md) **Seams** |
 | [economy.md](economy.md) | **Faucets/sinks**, trade, **E3.M5** policy, mission vs loot **faucets** | With [items.md](items.md), [crafting.md](crafting.md); **E8.M3** trade, **E6.M4** parity |
-| [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) | **Death** stakes, **durability**/drops, **recovery**, **PvP** loss (**E6.M3**) | With [items.md](items.md), [economy.md](economy.md); **risk** stub in this file |
+| [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) | **Death** stakes, **durability**/drops, **recovery**, **PvP** loss (**E6.M3**) | With [items.md](items.md), [economy.md](economy.md), [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) |
+| [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) | **Security tiers**, **PvP** **eligibility**, **consent** UX (**E4.M4**, **E6.M1**–**M2**) | With [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md), [gathering.md](gathering.md); **zones** fiction **TBD** |
 | [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) | Split **skill** (hack) + **gig** (bodyguard) instances—idea capture | Brainstorm |
 
 ### Planned topics (stubs)
@@ -48,8 +49,8 @@ Link new files here when they exist; remove or rewrite this subsection once the
 - **Economy** — [economy.md](economy.md): currency, sinks, trade, **E3.M5** / **E8.M3**; **mission** payouts vs **combat** loot ([progression.md](progression.md)).
 - **Factions & reputation** — who remembers you, grudges, access gates; **gig** story arcs: [gigs.md](gigs.md), rep + seams: [skills.md](skills.md).
 - **Combat pillars** — [Vision stub below](#combat-pillars-vision-stub): PvE vs. PvP stance, readability, time-to-kill, fairness; **items in combat** in [items.md](items.md).
-- **Death, loss & recovery** — [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md): stakes, **E3.M4**/**E6.M3**, recovery UX; **risk tiers** still stub below.
-- **Risk & security bands** — safe pockets vs. wild space; where optional PvP and theft sit (aligns with security-tier thinking).
+- **Death, loss & recovery** — [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md): stakes, **E3.M4**/**E6.M3**, recovery UX.
+- **Risk & security bands** — [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md): **tiers**, **PvP** opt-in, **theft**/gather **contest** hooks; **zone** tone in future **zones** doc.
 - **Social play** — squad scale, corps, trust, betrayal affordances, async cooperation.
 - **Encounters & enemy roles** — archetypes, what a fight teaches, variety without noise. **Skill + gig split runs:** [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md).
 - **Onboarding** — first session hook, clarity vs. mystery, how much systems the new player sees.
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ Combat is still missing a **single** pillar doc. Until then, use this table for
 | **Roster, roles, party, sub-gig** | [gigs.md](gigs.md) |
 | **PvE readability, TTK, encounter fairness** | Stub—future dedicated combat doc; implementation direction in [Epic 5 — PvE combat](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md) |
 | **Death, durability, recovery** | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) (with [Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) for **PvP** loss) |
+| **Risk tiers, PvP eligibility, warnings** | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md) ([Epic 4](../decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md) **Slice 2**) |
 
 **Items in fights:** [items.md](items.md) **Combat gear** is **gig**-tagged for equip/deploy; **consumables** baseline is not gig-gated; **chrome** persists across gig swap. Aligns with [abilities.md](abilities.md) **Item-linked actions**. **Stakes on defeat:** [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md).
 
diff --git a/docs/game-design/progression.md b/docs/game-design/progression.md
index 47b79bf..d2700e5 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/progression.md
+++ b/docs/game-design/progression.md
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ Use these terms in **design specs and tools** (fiction may say *job*, *contract*
 | **Crafting** (recipes, pipeline, bench vs gig) | [crafting.md](crafting.md) |
 | **Economy** (faucets, sinks, trade, policy) | [economy.md](economy.md) |
 | **Death / loss / recovery** (stakes, durability, PvP loss) | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| **Risk & security bands** (tiers, PvP eligibility) | [risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.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) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/risk-security-bands.md b/docs/game-design/risk-security-bands.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..484da7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/game-design/risk-security-bands.md
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+# Risk & security bands
+
+Vision for **how dangerous a place is** and **what the rules allow**: **security tiers** on the world graph, **PvP eligibility**, **consent / risk UX**, and how **tiers** connect to **theft**, **gathering contest**, **trade**, and **death** stakes—not a full **zone** fiction doc (tone, factions per district → future **`zones.md`**).
+
+**Tier data (runtime):** [E4.M4 — SecurityTierZoneFlags](../decomposition/modules/E4_M4_SecurityTierZoneFlags.md) assigns **`SecurityTier`**, **`ZonePolicyState`**, and **`ZoneEntryWarning`** per zone on the graph from [E4.M1 — ZoneGraphAndTravelRules](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md). **Server** is source of truth; **client** shows warnings on transition ([Epic 4 — Slice 2](../decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md#epic-4-slice-2)).
+
+**PvP gating:** [E6.M1 — PvPEligibilityAndFlagState](../decomposition/modules/E6_M1_PvPEligibilityAndFlagState.md) maps **tier + context** to whether **player hostility** is allowed—**never** client-only toggles ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md)).
+
+**Risk UI:** [E6.M2 — ConsentAndRiskUxSignals](../decomposition/modules/E6_M2_ConsentAndRiskUxSignals.md) consumes **tier** and **warnings** for prompts and HUD.
+
+**Combat pipeline order:** [pvp_combat_integration.md](../decomposition/modules/pvp_combat_integration.md) — eligibility → **E5.M1** resolution → [E6.M3](../decomposition/modules/E6_M3_LossPenaltyAndAntiGriefRules.md) **loss** rules.
+
+**Downstream design:** [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) (**loss** tables may differ by tier), [economy.md](economy.md) (**binding**, **theft**, **effective** supply), [items.md](items.md) **Open questions**, [gathering.md](gathering.md) **contesting**. **Gig** roster does not define **security**—[gigs.md](gigs.md) **PvP** stays **open** until product locks **opt-in** posture.
+
+## Tier lenses (design-facing)
+
+Tiers are **discrete** in data (`SecurityTier`); fiction may say *green zone*, *extraterritorial*, *lockdown*. Example **bands** (names **TBD**—align with content):
+
+| Band (illustrative) | Player expectation (directional) |
+|---------------------|----------------------------------|
+| **High security** | **No** optional **PvP**; **theft** / **player** **loot** **restricted** or **off**; **gather** contesting **mild** or **instanced** |
+| **Low / frontier** | **Opt-in** or **conditional** **PvP**; **harsher** **death** **loss** **possible**; **contested** **nodes** |
+| **Contested / special** | **Event**, **faction**, or **contract** **overrides**—explicit **warning** before entry |
+
+Exact **count** of tiers, **instance** vs **overworld** rules, and **mission** **pocket** **exceptions** are **content** + data (**open**).
+
+## What tiers gate (non-exhaustive)
+
+| System | Tie to tier |
+|--------|-------------|
+| **PvP** | **E6.M1** / **E6.M2** |
+| **Death penalties** | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) — e.g. **drop** tables **stricter** in **riskier** bands (**open**) |
+| **Theft / looting players** | [items.md](items.md), [economy.md](economy.md) — only where **policy** allows |
+| **Gathering contest** | [gathering.md](gathering.md) — **FFA** vs **protected** **node** **access** |
+| **Trade / market fees** | [economy.md](economy.md) — optional **tier**-based **tax** **fiction** (**open**) |
+
+## Consent and clarity
+
+- **ZoneEntryWarning** must support **plain** copy: what can happen to **you** and **your** **gear** ([E4.M4](../decomposition/modules/E4_M4_SecurityTierZoneFlags.md)).
+- **Opt-in** flows (flag, party, **contract**) sit with **E6.M1** / **E6.M2**; **retroactive** “I didn’t know” is a **UX** **failure** to fix in **content** or **systems**.
+- **Teen-oriented** presentation ([overview.md](overview.md)) applies to **risk** **UI** and **threat** **messaging**, not only **cutscenes**.
+
+## Module map (risk / security–focused)
+
+| Module | Role | Ties to this doc |
+|--------|------|-------------------|
+| [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) | Zone graph, travel | **Where** tiers attach |
+| [E4.M4](../decomposition/modules/E4_M4_SecurityTierZoneFlags.md) | `SecurityTier`, warnings | **Core** |
+| [E6.M1](../decomposition/modules/E6_M1_PvPEligibilityAndFlagState.md) | PvP allow/deny | **Consumes** tiers |
+| [E6.M2](../decomposition/modules/E6_M2_ConsentAndRiskUxSignals.md) | Risk prompts, HUD | **Player** **readability** |
+| [E6.M3](../decomposition/modules/E6_M3_LossPenaltyAndAntiGriefRules.md) | PvP loss, spawn protection | After **hostility** |
+| [E5.M1](../decomposition/modules/E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md) | Combat | Consults **eligibility** for **PvP** |
+
+## Decisions log
+
+| Topic | Direction | Status |
+|-------|-----------|--------|
+| Server-authoritative tier | **Zone** **risk** and **PvP** **policy** from **server**; client **display** only | Agreed ([E4.M4](../decomposition/modules/E4_M4_SecurityTierZoneFlags.md)) |
+| E4 → E6 direction | **Epic 4** **tags**; **Epic 6** **consumes**—**no** circular **module** **dependency** | Agreed (epic/module text) |
+| PvE-first | **High-security** **default** for **new** / **core** **progression**; **harsh** **bands** **opt-in** or **signed** **entry** | Agreed direction ([Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) framing) |
+
+## Open questions
+
+- **Instanced** **dungeons** vs **open** **world** **tier** **inheritance** (override table per **content** **type**).
+- **Corporation** / **faction** **leased** **quarters** vs **public** **street** **tier** **in** **same** **district** **mesh**.
+- **Skill** **activities** (**hack**, **gather**) in **high** **PvP** **zones**—**interrupt** rules and **loss** of **progress** vs **gear** only.
+
+## Where to read next
+
+| Topic | Document / module |
+|--------|-------------------|
+| Death, durability, PvP loss | [death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md) |
+| Economy, theft, binding | [economy.md](economy.md), [items.md](items.md) |
+| Gathering under contest | [gathering.md](gathering.md) |
+| Zone graph & travel (implementation) | [Epic 4](../decomposition/epics/epic_04_world_topology.md), [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) |
+| PvP product stance | [Epic 6](../decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md) |
+| Folder index | [overview.md](overview.md) |
diff --git a/docs/game-design/skills.md b/docs/game-design/skills.md
index 0f3424b..76354cc 100644
--- a/docs/game-design/skills.md
+++ b/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)**. **Item buckets and acquisition** (loot, craft, equip): **[items.md](items.md)**. **Gathering & resource nodes** (competition, ecology, gig vs skill): **[gathering.md](gathering.md)**. **Crafting & recipes** (pipeline, benches, failure/quality): **[crafting.md](crafting.md)**. **Economy** (faucets, sinks, trade, policy): **[economy.md](economy.md)**. **Death, loss & recovery** (durability, PvP loss, recovery): **[death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.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)**. **Gathering & resource nodes** (competition, ecology, gig vs skill): **[gathering.md](gathering.md)**. **Crafting & recipes** (pipeline, benches, failure/quality): **[crafting.md](crafting.md)**. **Economy** (faucets, sinks, trade, policy): **[economy.md](economy.md)**. **Death, loss & recovery** (durability, PvP loss, recovery): **[death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md)**. **Risk & security bands** (tiers, PvP eligibility): **[risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.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).
 
@@ -253,5 +253,6 @@ Explicit **bonuses** when skill A + B cross a threshold vs **pure fiction** (“
 - **[gathering.md](gathering.md)** — nodes, yields, **skill** XP from gather; **E3.M1** / **E4.M2** hooks (written).
 - **[crafting.md](crafting.md)** — **Process/Make** pipeline, **RecipeDef** vision, bench vs **gig**; **E3.M2** (written).
 - **[economy.md](economy.md)** — faucets/sinks, trade, **E3.M5**; mission vs loot ([progression.md](progression.md)) (written).
-- **[death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md)** — death stakes, **E3.M4** / **E6.M3**, recovery; **risk** doc still stub (written).
+- **[death-loss-recovery.md](death-loss-recovery.md)** — death stakes, **E3.M4** / **E6.M3**, recovery (written).
+- **[risk-security-bands.md](risk-security-bands.md)** — **E4.M4** tiers, **E6.M1**/**M2** PvP + consent (written).
 - [brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md](brainstorm/hack-bodyguard-missions.md) — group **skill** (hack) + **gig** (bodyguard) instances (brainstorm).