neon-sprawl/server/README.md

# Game server (`NeonSprawl.Server`)

ASP.NET Core **.NET 10** host for authoritative simulation (prototype: HTTP + health + position state via in-memory **or** PostgreSQL).

## Prerequisites

- **.NET 10 SDK** (matches `TargetFramework` in `NeonSprawl.Server.csproj`). Check with `dotnet --list-sdks`.

## Run

```bash
cd server/NeonSprawl.Server
dotnet run
```

- Default URL is printed by Kestrel (see `Properties/launchSettings.json`, typically `http://localhost:5253`).
- Check `GET /health` for a JSON heartbeat.

**Optional prototype API stdout (manual QA / dev):** set **`NEON_SPRAWL_API_LOG`** to **`1`**, **`true`**, **`yes`**, or **`on`** (case-insensitive). While enabled, each **`POST …/ability-cast`** that returns JSON **`AbilityCastResponse`** (HTTP 200) prints one line to the process console: either **`ability_cast_requested`** (accept) or **`ability_cast_denied`** with **`reason=`** (deny). **`400`** / **`404`** paths do not emit these lines. Implementation: `Diagnostics/PrototypeApiConsoleLog.cs` (wired from `AbilityCastApi`). Example:

```bash
NEON_SPRAWL_API_LOG=1 dotnet run --project server/NeonSprawl.Server/NeonSprawl.Server.csproj
```

IDE: use launch profile **`http+apiLog`** (same URL as **`http`**, sets the variable).

## Skill catalog (`content/skills`, NEO-34)

On startup the host loads every **`*_skills.json`** under the skills directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json`**, rejects **duplicate `id`** values across files, and enforces the **prototype Slice 1** roster gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:SkillsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root** (the project directory for `dotnet run`). When unset, the host walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds a **`content/skills`** directory (works for `dotnet run` from `server/NeonSprawl.Server` without extra config). |
| **`Content:SkillDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`skill-def.schema.json`**. When unset, resolved as **`{parent of skills directory}/schemas/skill-def.schema.json`** (repo layout: `content/schemas` next to `content/skills`). |

**Docker / CI:** mount or copy the repo **`content/`** tree (at least **`content/skills`** and **`content/schemas`**) and set **`Content__SkillsDirectory`** / **`Content__SkillDefSchemaPath`** if the layout differs from the default discovery rule.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved skills directory path and distinct skill count.

## Item catalog (`content/items`, NEO-51)

On startup the host loads every **`*_items.json`** under the items directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/item-def.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate `id`** values across files, and enforces the **prototype Slice 1** roster gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:ItemsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/items`**. |
| **`Content:ItemDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`item-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of items directory}/schemas/item-def.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/items`** and **`content/schemas/item-def.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__ItemsDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved items directory path, distinct item count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IItemDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-52).

## Faction catalog (`content/factions`, NEO-134)

On startup the host loads every **`*_factions.json`** under the factions directory **after** the skill catalog and **before** the quest catalog, validates each row against **`content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate faction `id`** values across files, enforces the **prototype E7M3** two-faction roster, freeze table (display names + standing band), and standing-band ordering (`minStanding <= neutralStanding <= maxStanding`), then the quest loader cross-checks **`factionGateRules`** and **`completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants`** against loaded faction ids and enforces **prototype E7M3** completion bundle freeze (item + skill + reputation grants) and **grid-contract** quest shape (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:FactionsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/factions`**. |
| **`Content:FactionDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`faction-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of factions directory}/schemas/faction-def.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/factions`** and **`content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__FactionsDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved factions directory path, distinct faction count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IFactionDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-134). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`FactionDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code.

## Faction standing store (NEO-135)

Per-player faction reputation snapshots live in **`IFactionStandingStore`**, keyed by **`(playerId, factionId)`**. A missing row reads as neutral **`0`**, clamped to the faction definition **`minStanding`…`maxStanding`**. Unknown faction ids return structured deny with reason code **`unknown_faction`** at the store boundary. Game code should call **`ReputationOperations`** (NEO-136) for auditable apply — not the standing store alone — so source attribution and audit rows stay consistent.

**Standing store methods:**

- **`CanWritePlayer`** — whether mutations are allowed for the player (dev bucket / Postgres `player_position`).
- **`TryGetStanding`** — read one faction; missing row ⇒ **`0`** (clamped).
- **`TryApplyStandingDelta`** — internal primitive: add signed delta, clamp result, persist. Does **not** append audit rows.

Append-only **`ReputationDelta`** audit rows live in **`IReputationDeltaStore`**:

- **`TryAppend`** — first row id returns `true`; duplicate ids return `false`.
- **`GetDeltasForPlayer`** — ordered by **`recordedAt`** then **`id`** (prototype test/audit read).

**Postgres orchestration:** audit rows FK to **`player_position`** — append after standing apply succeeds (NEO-136 **`ReputationOperations`**); a missing player row causes insert failure rather than a structured `false` from **`TryAppend`**.

**Storage:** in-memory singletons when **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is unset (standing store seeds configured dev player only). When Postgres is configured, **`PostgresFactionStandingStore`** persists to **`player_faction_standing`** ([`V009__player_faction_standing.sql`](../db/migrations/V009__player_faction_standing.sql)) and **`PostgresReputationDeltaStore`** appends to **`reputation_delta_audit`** ([`V010__reputation_delta_audit.sql`](../db/migrations/V010__reputation_delta_audit.sql)). Plan: [NEO-135 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-135-implementation-plan.md).

## Faction standing read (NEO-139)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/faction-standing`** returns a versioned snapshot of current standing for every faction in the loaded catalog. Path `{id}` is **trimmed**; unknown players (no position row) return **404** before building a body — same gate as skill/gig progression reads.

Example (dev player defaults):

```bash
curl -s http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/faction-standing
```

Sample response (neutral standing on fresh dev player):

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"playerId":"dev-local-1","factions":[{"id":"prototype_faction_grid_operators","standing":0},{"id":"prototype_faction_rust_collective","standing":0}]}
```

After **`prototype_quest_operator_chain`** completion (organic reward delivery), Grid Operators standing is **15**:

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"playerId":"dev-local-1","factions":[{"id":"prototype_faction_grid_operators","standing":15},{"id":"prototype_faction_rust_collective","standing":0}]}
```

**Consumers:** key rows by **`id`** — array order is not part of the public contract. Display names are not included; join from client content until a world faction-definitions route exists. Godot HUD: **NEO-142**.

Bruno smoke: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/faction-standing/`. Plan: [NEO-139 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-139-implementation-plan.md).

## ReputationOperations (NEO-136)

Game code applies standing changes through **`ReputationOperations.TryApplyDelta`** — not **`IFactionStandingStore.TryApplyStandingDelta`** alone — so every mutation records source attribution and an append-only audit row.

**`TryApplyDelta`** parameters: `playerId`, `factionId`, signed `deltaAmount`, caller-supplied `deltaId` (UUID string), `sourceKind`, `sourceId`, plus injected **`IFactionStandingStore`**, **`IReputationDeltaStore`**, and **`TimeProvider`**.

**Commit order:** standing apply first, audit append second. Audit row **`deltaAmount`** records the **applied** change (`newStanding - previousStanding`), not the requested delta when clamping occurs. On audit append failure (`duplicate` id or invalid row), the operation **compensating-rollback** standing via the inverse applied delta and returns **`audit_append_failed`**.

**Pre-flight denies (no store mutation):** `deltaAmount == 0` → **`invalid_delta`**; empty `deltaId` → **`invalid_delta_id`**; empty `sourceKind` or `sourceId` → **`invalid_source`**. Store boundary denies (**`unknown_faction`**, **`player_not_writable`**) pass through unchanged.

**Prototype source kind:** **`quest_completion`** (`ReputationDeltaSourceKinds.QuestCompletion`); quest id as `sourceId`. Quest bundle wiring: **`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** (NEO-138).

Plan: [NEO-136 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-136-implementation-plan.md).

## FactionGateOperations (NEO-137)

Quest accept evaluates **`FactionGateRule`** rows through **`FactionGateOperations.TryEvaluate`** before activation. Wired from **`QuestStateOperations.TryAccept`** after prerequisite checks and before **`TryActivate`**.

**Semantics:** all rules must pass (AND). Empty rule list succeeds immediately. Each rule compares player standing from **`IFactionStandingStore.TryGetStanding`** against **`minStanding`** with **`standing >= minStanding`**. Unknown faction ids fail closed via the standing store boundary (startup catalog cross-ref prevents bad content at load).

**Deny reason code:** **`faction_gate_blocked`** on **`QuestStateReasonCodes`** when any gate fails. Accept HTTP response returns **`accepted: false`** with that **`reasonCode`** (HTTP 200, same as other structured accept denies).

**Prototype quest:** **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`** requires **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** standing **≥ 15** after **`prototype_quest_operator_chain`** prerequisite is complete. **Deny Bruno** (`Accept grid contract faction gate deny.bru`, seq **10**) pre-requests **`POST …/__dev/quest-fixture`** with **`resetQuestIds`** for grid contract, **`resetFactionIds`** for both prototype factions (clears stale standing from prior seq **11** runs), plus **`completedQuestIds`** for operator chain — no reward delivery; standing **0**. **Success Bruno** (seq **11**, NEO-138): organic operator-chain flow then accept.

Plan: [NEO-137 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-137-implementation-plan.md).

### Faction telemetry hooks (NEO-141)

Comment-only hook sites for future E9.M1 catalog events ([Epic 7 Slice 3](../../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md#related-implementation-slices)). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. Quest accept and reward router delegate to these ops layers only (no duplicate API-layer or router-layer hooks for these names). Quest rep grants emit **`reputation_delta`** via **`ReputationOperations`** — see [Reward telemetry hooks (NEO-130)](#reward-telemetry-hooks-neo-130) cross-link.

| Event | Anchor | When |
|-------|--------|------|
| **`reputation_delta`** | **`ReputationOperations.TryApplyDelta`** | After successful audit append (auditable apply committed). |
| **`faction_gate_blocked`** | **`FactionGateOperations.TryEvaluate`** | On any rule deny (threshold or standing read failure). |

Plan: [NEO-141 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-141-implementation-plan.md).

**Dev quest fixture (NEO-137, Bruno/manual QA):** When `Game:EnableQuestFixtureApi` is **true** (default in **Development** via `appsettings.Development.json`, **Testing**, or CI Bruno step) or the host environment is **Development** / **Testing**, **`POST /game/players/{id}/__dev/quest-fixture`** accepts `schemaVersion` **1** with optional (resets run before **`completedQuestIds`** when combined):
- **`resetQuestIds`** — deletes each quest's progress row for the player and clears matching **`IRewardDeliveryStore`** + quest-completion **`IReputationDeltaStore`** audit rows (idempotent when absent).
- **`resetFactionIds`** — clears each faction's standing row for the player (missing row reads as **0**; idempotent when absent).
- **`completedQuestIds`** — marks each quest **completed** via store activate + mark-complete **without reward delivery** (standing unchanged unless **`resetFactionIds`** also sent). Idempotent when a quest is already completed.

**400** for bad schema; **404** when disabled, player unknown, unknown quest/faction id, or store write fails. Not for production. Bruno: `quest-progress/Accept grid contract faction gate deny.bru` uses **`resetQuestIds`**, **`resetFactionIds`**, and **`completedQuestIds`**; order-independent accept/gather tests use **`resetQuestIds`** via **`scripts/bruno-dev-fixture-helper.js`**.

**Bruno self-reset helpers:** `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/scripts/bruno-dev-fixture-helper.js` centralizes quest progress reset, resource-node restore, inventory clear, and post-reset verification (`resetAllPrototypeQuestProgress`, `resetGatherIntroSpine`, `resetPrototypeResourceNodes`, `clearInventory`). Combat HP/encounter reset remains **`scripts/combat-targets-reset-helper.js`**.

## Resource-node catalog (`content/resource-nodes`, NEO-58)

On startup the host loads every **`*_resource_nodes.json`** and **`*_resource_yields.json`** under the resource-nodes directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json`** and **`resource-yield-row.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate `nodeDefId`** values across files, cross-checks yield **`itemId`** values against the **item catalog loaded first**, and enforces the **prototype Slice 2** roster gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:ResourceNodesDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/resource-nodes`**. |
| **`Content:ResourceNodeDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`resource-node-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of resource-nodes directory}/schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json`**. |
| **`Content:ResourceYieldRowSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`resource-yield-row.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of resource-nodes directory}/schemas/resource-yield-row.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/resource-nodes`**, **`content/items`**, and the two resource-node schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__ResourceNodesDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved resource-nodes directory path, distinct node count, yield row count, and catalog file counts.

**`IResourceNodeDefinitionRegistry`** (NEO-59) is the preferred lookup surface for gather engine, depletion, interact, and HTTP callers — resolve node defs and yield rows by **`nodeDefId`**, enumerate defs in id order. The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`ResourceNodeCatalog`** in new game code.

## Recipe catalog (`content/recipes`, NEO-66)

On startup the host loads every **`*_recipes.json`** under the recipes directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/recipe-def.schema.json`** (with **`recipe-io-row.schema.json`** for I/O `$ref`s), requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate recipe `id`** values across files, cross-checks every input/output **`itemId`** against the **item catalog** and every **`requiredSkillId`** against the **skill catalog** (both loaded first), and enforces the **prototype Slice 3** roster gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:RecipesDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/recipes`**. |
| **`Content:RecipeDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`recipe-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of recipes directory}/schemas/recipe-def.schema.json`**. |
| **`Content:RecipeIoRowSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`recipe-io-row.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of recipes directory}/schemas/recipe-io-row.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/recipes`**, **`content/items`**, **`content/skills`**, and the two recipe schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__RecipesDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved recipes directory path, distinct recipe count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IRecipeDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-67). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`RecipeDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code.

## Ability catalog (`content/abilities`, NEO-77)

On startup the host loads every **`*_abilities.json`** under the abilities directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/ability-def.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate `id`** values across files, and enforces the **prototype ability catalog** seven-id roster gate (four player hotbar abilities plus three NPC attack abilities; same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:AbilitiesDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/abilities`**. |
| **`Content:AbilityDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`ability-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of abilities directory}/schemas/ability-def.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/abilities`** and **`content/schemas/ability-def.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__AbilitiesDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved abilities directory path, distinct ability count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-79). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`AbilityDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. Hotbar loadout and ability cast routes validate ability ids via **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry.TryNormalizeKnown`** (backed by the loaded catalog, not a separate static allowlist).

## NPC behavior catalog (`content/npc-behaviors`, NEO-88)

On startup the host loads every **`*_npc_behaviors.json`** under the npc-behaviors directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate `id`** values across files, enforces the **prototype E5M2** three-id roster gate, and requires **`leashRadius > aggroRadius`** per row (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:NpcBehaviorsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/npc-behaviors`**. |
| **`Content:NpcBehaviorDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`npc-behavior-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of npc-behaviors directory}/schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/npc-behaviors`** and **`content/schemas/npc-behavior-def.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__NpcBehaviorsDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved npc-behaviors directory path, distinct behavior count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `TryNormalizeKnown`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-89). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`NpcBehaviorDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. Stable prototype behavior id constants: **`PrototypeNpcBehaviorRegistry`**.

## Reward table catalog (`content/reward-tables`, NEO-101)

On startup the host loads every **`*_reward_tables.json`** under the reward-tables directory, validates each row against **`content/schemas/reward-table.schema.json`** (with **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`** for grant `$ref`s), requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate reward-table `id`** values across files, cross-checks every **`fixedGrants[].itemId`** against the **item catalog** (loaded first), rejects duplicate **`itemId`** within a table, and enforces the **prototype E5M3** one-table roster + frozen grant quantity gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:RewardTablesDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/reward-tables`**. |
| **`Content:RewardTableDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`reward-table.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of reward-tables directory}/schemas/reward-table.schema.json`**. |
| **`Content:RewardGrantRowSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of reward-tables directory}/schemas/reward-grant-row.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/reward-tables`**, **`content/items`**, and the two reward schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__RewardTablesDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved reward-tables directory path, distinct reward-table count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IRewardTableDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `TryNormalizeKnown`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-102). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`RewardTableDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. **`TryGetDefinition`** is case-sensitive on catalog keys; HTTP and game callers validating wire ids should use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** (trim + lowercase + fail-closed lookup), same as ability/hotbar routes.

## Encounter catalog (`content/encounters`, NEO-101)

On startup the host loads every **`*_encounters.json`** under the encounters directory **after** the reward-table catalog, validates each row against **`content/schemas/encounter-def.schema.json`**, requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate encounter `id`** values across files, cross-checks each **`rewardTableId`** against loaded reward-table ids and each **`requiredNpcInstanceIds`** set against **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`**, and enforces the **prototype E5M3** one-encounter roster gate (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:EncountersDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/encounters`**. |
| **`Content:EncounterDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`encounter-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of encounters directory}/schemas/encounter-def.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/encounters`**, **`content/reward-tables`**, and **`encounter-def.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__EncountersDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved encounters directory path, distinct encounter count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `TryNormalizeKnown`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-102). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`EncounterDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. **`TryGetDefinition`** is case-sensitive on catalog keys; HTTP and game callers validating wire ids should use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** (trim + lowercase + fail-closed lookup), same as ability/hotbar routes.

## Quest catalog (`content/quests`, NEO-113)

On startup the host loads every **`*_quests.json`** under the quests directory **after** the item, recipe, encounter, **skill**, and **faction** catalogs, validates each row against **`content/schemas/quest-def.schema.json`** (with **`quest-step-def.schema.json`**, **`quest-objective-def.schema.json`**, **`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`**, **`quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json`**, **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`**, **`faction-gate-rule.schema.json`**, and **`reputation-grant-row.schema.json`** for nested `$ref`s), requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate quest / step / objective `id`** values (step and objective uniqueness is per quest), cross-checks objective **`itemId`** / **`recipeId`** / **`encounterId`** against loaded catalogs, enforces the **prototype E7M3** five-quest roster, acyclic **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, and operator-chain terminal **`inventory_has_item`** **`contract_handoff_token`** ×1 gate, enforces **prototype E7M2** **`completionRewardBundle`** presence, freeze-table contents (item + skill grants), item/skill cross-refs, and **`mission_reward`** allowlist on skill XP targets, and enforces **prototype E7M3** faction cross-refs on gates and reputation grants, E7M3 completion bundle freeze (including **`reputationGrants`**), and **grid-contract** quest shape (same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:QuestsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/quests`**. |
| **`Content:QuestDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`quest-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of quests directory}/schemas/quest-def.schema.json`**. |
| **`Content:QuestStepDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`quest-step-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of quests directory}/schemas/quest-step-def.schema.json`**. |
| **`Content:QuestObjectiveDefSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`quest-objective-def.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of quests directory}/schemas/quest-objective-def.schema.json`**. |

Bundle-related schemas (**`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`**, **`quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json`**, **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`**) resolve as siblings under **`{parent of quests directory}/schemas/`** only — there are no separate **`Content:*`** override keys yet; custom layouts must keep those three files next to the quest schemas (NEO-125).

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/quests`**, upstream catalogs (**`content/items`**, **`content/recipes`**, **`content/encounters`**, **`content/skills`**, **`content/factions`**), and quest/bundle/faction schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__QuestsDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved quests directory path, distinct quest count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `TryNormalizeKnown`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-114). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`QuestDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. **`TryGetDefinition`** is case-sensitive on catalog keys; HTTP and game callers validating wire ids should use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** (trim + lowercase + fail-closed lookup), same as encounter/ability routes.

## Contract template catalog (`content/contracts`, NEO-145)

On startup the host loads every **`*_contract_templates.json`** under the contracts directory **after** the item, recipe, encounter, skill, faction, and quest catalogs, validates each row against **`content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`** (with **`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`**, **`quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json`**, **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`**, **`faction-gate-rule.schema.json`**, and **`reputation-grant-row.schema.json`** for nested `$ref`s), requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate template `id`** values across files, cross-checks **`encounterTemplateId`** against the loaded encounter catalog and bundle item/skill/faction refs against frozen prototype catalogs, enforces the **prototype E7M4** one-template roster and freeze table (including empty **`reputationGrants`**), and enforces **band-1 economy caps** (item qty ≤ **10**, skill XP ≤ **25**, rep ≤ **10** per grant row — same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:ContractsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/contracts`**. |
| **`Content:ContractTemplateSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`contract-template.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of contracts directory}/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`**. |

Bundle- and gate-related schemas resolve as siblings under **`{parent of contracts directory}/schemas/`** only — there are no separate **`Content:*`** override keys yet; custom layouts must keep those files next to the contract template schema (NEO-145).

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/contracts`**, upstream catalogs (**`content/encounters`**, **`content/skills`**, **`content/factions`**, **`content/items`**), and contract/bundle/faction schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__ContractsDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved contracts directory path, distinct template count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-145). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`ContractTemplateCatalog`** in new game code.

## Quest definitions (NEO-115)

**`GET /game/world/quest-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`quests`**) backed by **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, optional **`factionGateRules`** (`factionId`, `minStanding` — omitted when the quest has no gates), and nested **`steps`** (`id`, `displayName`, **`objectives`** with flat objective fields per kind — unused keys omitted). Plan: [NEO-115 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-115-implementation-plan.md); gate projection: [NEO-140 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-140-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/quest-definitions"
```

## Quest progress store (NEO-116)

Per-player quest runtime state lives in **`IPlayerQuestStateStore`**, keyed by **`(playerId, questId)`**. A missing row means **`not_started`**; **`TryActivate`** creates an **`active`** row at step index **0** with empty objective counters. Game code should call **`QuestStateOperations`** (NEO-117) for accept/advance/complete — not the store directly — so quest ids and prerequisites are validated. HTTP accept: **`POST …/quests/{questId}/accept`** (NEO-120).

**Store interface methods:**

- **`CanWritePlayer`** — whether mutations are allowed for the player (dev bucket / Postgres `player_position`).
- **`TryGetProgress`** — read one row; false when not started.
- **`TryActivate`** — first accept (`not_started` → `active`).
- **`TryAdvanceStep`** — bump step index and clear counters for the new step (denies when completed or index does not increase).
- **`TryUpdateObjectiveCounter`** — set one objective counter on the current step (non-negative).
- **`TryMarkComplete`** — first completion returns `true`; store replay returns `false` without changing **`completedAt`**.

Completed rows cannot regress to active without a reset API (none in prototype). Player ids are normalized (trim + lowercase). Quest ids are validated via **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry.TryNormalizeKnown`** in **`QuestStateOperations`**.

**Storage:** in-memory singleton when **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is unset (seeds configured dev player only). When Postgres is configured, **`PostgresPlayerQuestStateStore`** persists to **`player_quest_progress`** ([`V008__player_quest_progress.sql`](../db/migrations/V008__player_quest_progress.sql)) with **`objective_counters`** JSONB for the current step. Plan: [NEO-116 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-116-implementation-plan.md). Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/`.

### Quest state operations (NEO-117)

**`QuestStateOperations`** (static) wraps the store with catalog validation and structured **`reasonCode`** denials. Returns **`QuestStateOperationResult`** (`success`, optional `reasonCode`, optional progress snapshot).

| Method | Role |
|--------|------|
| **`TryAccept`** | Validates quest id + **`prerequisiteQuestIds`** (each prerequisite must be **completed**), then activates at step 0. |
| **`TryAdvanceStep`** | Requires active row; **`newStepIndex`** must be greater than current and less than step count from **`QuestDefRow`**. |
| **`TryMarkComplete`** | **NEO-128:** delivers **`completionRewardBundle`** via **`RewardRouterOperations`** (deliver-then-mark), then marks active quest complete. **Idempotent:** when already **completed**, returns **`success: true`** without calling the router; replay after first-time complete also skips re-delivery. On delivery deny, quest stays **active** and **`reasonCode`** passthroughs router codes (e.g. **`inventory_full`**). |

**Reason codes:**

| Code | When |
|------|------|
| **`unknown_quest`** | Quest id not in catalog (accept, advance, complete). |
| **`prerequisite_incomplete`** | Accept when a listed prerequisite is not **completed** (implicit `not_started` fails). |
| **`already_completed`** | Accept or advance when row is already **completed**. |
| **`already_active`** | Accept when row is already **active**. |
| **`unknown_player`** | Player id cannot be written (no dev bucket / missing from Postgres `player_position`). |
| **`not_active`** | Advance or complete when quest was never accepted or is not **active**. |
| **`invalid_step_index`** | Advance when index does not increase or is past the last step. |

### Quest objective wiring (NEO-118)

**`QuestObjectiveWiring`** (static, best-effort) evaluates active quests on server-side gather/craft/encounter success and on **`inventory_has_item`** snapshot passes. When every objective on the current step is satisfied, wiring calls **`QuestStateOperations.TryAdvanceStep`** or **`TryMarkComplete`** (terminal step). Failures are logged at debug and never fail the primary gather/craft/encounter operation.

| Hook site | Objective kind | Trigger |
|-----------|----------------|---------|
| **`GatherOperations.TryGather`** success | **`gather_item`** | Item id + yield quantity credited to matching active quests; counter capped at objective **`quantity`**. |
| **`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** success | **`craft_recipe`** | Recipe id + batch quantity. |
| **`EncounterCompletionOperations.TryCompleteAndGrant`** success | **`encounter_complete`** | Encounter id (counter → 1). |
| Inventory mutations above + **`QuestStateOperations.TryAccept`** / **`TryAdvanceStep`** | **`inventory_has_item`** | Bag snapshot read; counter set to `min(held, required)`. |

**`inventory_has_item`** is **not** re-evaluated for other objective kinds on accept/step entry (event-driven only for gather/craft/encounter). Plan: [NEO-118 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-118-implementation-plan.md).

### Per-player quest progress (NEO-119)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/quest-progress`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`quests`**) backed by **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** + **`IPlayerQuestStateStore`**. Unknown or blank player ids return **404** (position gate, same as encounter-progress). Each row includes **`questId`**, **`status`** (`not_started` | `active` | `completed`), **`currentStepIndex`**, **`objectiveCounters`** (objective id → count for the current step only), optional **`completedAt`** when **`completed`**, and optional **`completionRewardSummary`** when **`completed`** and a delivery event exists in **`IRewardDeliveryStore`**. Quests are ordered by catalog **`id`** (ordinal).

| Field | When present |
|-------|----------------|
| **`completedAt`** | **`status: completed`** |
| **`completionRewardSummary`** | **`status: completed`** and **`IRewardDeliveryStore.TryGet`** hits — maps **`GrantedItems`** → **`itemGrants`** (`itemId`, `quantity`), **`GrantedSkillXp`** → **`skillXpGrants`** (`skillId`, `amount`), and **`GrantedReputation`** → **`reputationGrants`** (`factionId`, `amount`). Omitted when not completed or when no delivery record exists. |

Prototype: complete **`prototype_quest_gather_intro`** via objective wiring → row **`completed`** with **`completionRewardSummary.skillXpGrants: [{ skillId: salvage, amount: 25 }]`**, empty **`itemGrants`**, and empty **`reputationGrants`**. Operator chain completion adds **`reputationGrants: [{ factionId: prototype_faction_grid_operators, amount: 15 }]`**. Plan: [NEO-129 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-129-implementation-plan.md); rep projection: [NEO-140 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-140-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/Get quest progress after gather intro complete.bru`, `Get quest progress after operator chain complete.bru`.

Before building the snapshot, the handler best-effort runs **`QuestObjectiveWiring.TryRefreshInventoryProgressForPlayer`** — refreshes **`inventory_has_item`** counters and may auto-advance/complete active quests (side-effecting read for client HUD polling). Plan: [NEO-119 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-119-implementation-plan.md).

```bash
curl -sS "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/quest-progress"
```

Sample default response (no quests accepted):

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"playerId":"dev-local-1","quests":[{"questId":"prototype_quest_combat_intro","status":"not_started","currentStepIndex":0,"objectiveCounters":{}},{"questId":"prototype_quest_gather_intro","status":"not_started","currentStepIndex":0,"objectiveCounters":{}},{"questId":"prototype_quest_operator_chain","status":"not_started","currentStepIndex":0,"objectiveCounters":{}},{"questId":"prototype_quest_refine_intro","status":"not_started","currentStepIndex":0,"objectiveCounters":{}}]}
```

### Quest accept POST (NEO-120)

**`POST /game/players/{id}/quests/{questId}/accept`** transitions **`not_started` → `active`** via **`QuestStateOperations.TryAccept`**. Unknown or blank player ids return **404** (position gate). Request body is optional v1 — omit body, send `{}`, or `{ "schemaVersion": 1 }`; **400** when body is present with `schemaVersion` other than **1** (unset `0` is treated as omitted). Faction-gated quests (NEO-137) deny with **`faction_gate_blocked`** when standing is below any **`FactionGateRule.minStanding`** after prerequisites pass.

Response (`schemaVersion` **1**): **`accepted`** (`true`/`false`), optional **`reasonCode`** on deny, optional **`quest`** row (same shape as GET list entries). Structured denies return **HTTP 200** with **`accepted: false`** (inventory/craft precedent). Accept-time **`inventory_has_item`** wiring runs inside **`TryAccept`** (NEO-118).

| Outcome | `accepted` | `reasonCode` | `quest` row |
|---------|------------|--------------|-------------|
| Success | `true` | omitted | active snapshot |
| Deny (no row) | `false` | e.g. `unknown_quest`, `prerequisite_incomplete`, `faction_gate_blocked` | omitted |
| Deny (existing row) | `false` | e.g. `already_active`, `already_completed` | current snapshot |

Plan: [NEO-120 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-120-implementation-plan.md); Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/` (accept spine).

```bash
curl -sS -X POST "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/quests/prototype_quest_gather_intro/accept" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1}'
```

Sample success:

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"accepted":true,"quest":{"questId":"prototype_quest_gather_intro","status":"active","currentStepIndex":0,"objectiveCounters":{}}}
```

### Quest telemetry hooks (NEO-121)

Comment-only hook sites in **`QuestStateOperations`** for future E9.M1 catalog events ([Epic 7 Slice 1](../../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md#risks-and-telemetry)). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. HTTP **`POST …/accept`** and **`QuestObjectiveWiring`** delegate to the engine only (no duplicate API-layer or wiring-layer hooks).

| Event | Anchor | When |
|-------|--------|------|
| **`quest_start`** | **`TryAccept`** | After successful **`TryActivate`** (first activation only). |
| **`quest_step_complete`** | **`TryAdvanceStep`** | After successful store commit (one emit per advance; chain quests may emit multiple per wiring pass). |
| **`quest_complete`** | **`TryMarkComplete`** | After first-time completion commit (not idempotent replay when already **`completed`**). |
| **`quest_accept_denied`** | **`TryAccept`** deny paths | Every structured accept deny with stable **`reasonCode`**. |

Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-121.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-121.md); plan: [NEO-121 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-121-implementation-plan.md).

## Reward delivery store (NEO-126)

**`IRewardDeliveryStore`** persists **`RewardDeliveryEvent`** exactly once per player+quest when quest completion bundle grants commit successfully via **`RewardRouterOperations`** (NEO-127). Prototype uses **`InMemoryRewardDeliveryStore`** (registered via **`AddRewardDeliveryStore`** in **`Program.cs`**).

| Field | Role |
|-------|------|
| **`PlayerId`**, **`QuestId`** | Normalized keys (trim + lowercase). |
| **`DeliveredAt`** | UTC timestamp at delivery record commit. |
| **`GrantedItems`** | Snapshot of applied item rows (`itemId`, `quantity`) at commit time. |
| **`GrantedSkillXp`** | Snapshot of applied skill XP rows (`skillId`, `amount`) at commit time. |
| **`GrantedReputation`** | Snapshot of applied reputation rows (`factionId`, `amount`) at commit time (NEO-138). |
| **`IdempotencyKey`** | Stable **`{playerId}:quest_complete:{questId}`** — dedupe input for [E7.M2](../../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md) quest completion delivery. |

**Store interface:**

- **`TryRecord`** — first delivery returns `true`; replays for the same player+quest return `false` without overwriting the snapshot.
- **`TryGet`** — read one delivery event for HTTP **`completionRewardSummary`** projection (NEO-129).

Encounter loot remains on **`IEncounterCompleteEventStore`** (E5.M3); quest completion rewards use this store only. Postgres persistence deferred. Plan: [NEO-126 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-126-implementation-plan.md).

## Reward router (NEO-127)

**`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** applies a quest **`completionRewardBundle`** via **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** (item rows), **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations.TryApplyGrant`** with fixed **`mission_reward`** source kind (skill XP rows), and **`ReputationOperations.TryApplyDelta`** with **`ReputationDeltaSourceKinds.QuestCompletion`** (reputation rows — NEO-138), then records **`RewardDeliveryEvent`** in **`IRewardDeliveryStore`**.

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`already_delivered`** | Success replay — store already has a delivery for this player+quest (no re-grant). |
| **`invalid_player_id`**, **`invalid_quest_id`** | Normalized id empty after trim. |
| **`inventory_store_missing`** | Player inventory store could not read/write. |
| **`inventory_full`**, **`invalid_item`**, **`invalid_quantity`** | Item grant pre-flight or apply failed. |
| **`unknown_skill`**, **`invalid_amount`**, **`source_kind_not_allowed`** | Skill XP grant denied. |
| **`progression_store_missing`** | Skill progression store could not apply XP delta. |
| **`unknown_faction`**, **`invalid_delta`**, **`audit_append_failed`**, **`invalid_delta_id`**, **`invalid_source`** | Reputation grant denied via **`ReputationOperations`** (NEO-138). |

Apply order: **items first**, then **skill XP**, then **reputation**. Any deny fails closed without store record (compensating rollback of all prior grant types on partial apply). Reputation **`deltaId`**: **`{idempotencyKey}:rep:{factionId}`**; race/compensating revert uses **`:rollback`** suffix on inverse delta. Idempotent replay checks **`TryGet`** before apply. If grants succeed but **`TryRecord`** returns `false` (concurrent race), this call **rolls back** item grants, reverts skill XP via **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations.TryRevertAppliedSkillGrants`**, and reverts reputation via inverse **`TryApplyDelta`** — then returns the existing store event (mirror **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** compensating rollback when **`TryMarkCompleted`** loses). **Quest-state wiring (NEO-128):** **`QuestStateOperations.TryMarkComplete`** and **`QuestObjectiveWiring`** terminal-step completion call this operation before **`IPlayerQuestStateStore.TryMarkComplete`**. Bruno quest-flow smoke: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-progress/Accept grid contract after operator chain.bru` (NEO-138). Plans: [NEO-127](../../docs/plans/NEO-127-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-128](../../docs/plans/NEO-128-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-138](../../docs/plans/NEO-138-implementation-plan.md).

### Reward telemetry hooks (NEO-130)

Comment-only hook sites in **`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** for future E9.M1 catalog events ([Epic 7 Slice 2](../../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md#related-implementation-slices)). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. **`QuestStateOperations`** and HTTP quest routes delegate to the router only (no duplicate API-layer or quest-state hooks for these names). **`quest_complete`** remains in **`QuestStateOperations`** ([NEO-121](#quest-telemetry-hooks-neo-121)); **`reward_delivery`** fires earlier on the deliver-then-mark path (NEO-128).

| Event | Anchor | When |
|-------|--------|------|
| **`reward_delivery`** | **`TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** | After **`TryRecord`** returns **`true`** on first-time delivery (not idempotent **`TryGet`** replay or race-loser paths). |
| **`unlock_granted`** | **`TryDeliverQuestCompletion`** (stub) | Future **`UnlockGrant`** apply from bundle rows — prototype bundles have item + skill XP only; no runtime unlock apply in Slice 2. |

**`reputation_delta`** from quest bundle rep rows emits via **`ReputationOperations.TryApplyDelta`** ([NEO-141](#faction-telemetry-hooks-neo-141)) — not duplicated in the router.

**`perk_unlock`** side effects from skill XP grants use **`PerkUnlockEngine`** ([NEO-49](#perk-unlock-engine-and-telemetry-hooks-neo-47-neo-49)) — distinct from content **`UnlockGrant`** rows. Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-130.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-130.md); plan: [NEO-130 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-130-implementation-plan.md).

## Encounter definitions (NEO-103)

**`GET /game/world/encounter-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`encounters`**) backed by **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`** and **`IRewardTableDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, nested **`completionCriteria`** (`kind`), **`requiredNpcInstanceIds`**, and nested **`rewardTable`** (`id`, `displayName`, **`fixedGrants`** with `itemId` + `quantity`). Plan: [NEO-103 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-103-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/encounter-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/encounter-definitions"
```

## Encounter progress + completion stores (NEO-104)

Per-player encounter state is server-owned in **`IEncounterProgressStore`** (activation + defeated required NPC ids) and **`IEncounterCompletionStore`** (idempotent **`completedAt`** flag after rewards — marking used by NEO-105). Prototype uses in-memory singletons registered in **`AddEncounterAndRewardCatalogs`**.

**`EncounterProgressOperations`** (static):

- **`TryActivateOnFirstEngagement(playerId, npcInstanceId, …)`** — resolves encounter from NPC via **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`**, starts progress when not completed.
- **`TryMarkTargetDefeated(…)`** — requires prior activation; accumulates defeats in any order; idempotent per NPC.
- **`IsAllRequiredTargetsDefeated(playerId, encounterId, …)`** — set equality vs catalog **`requiredNpcInstanceIds`**.

**Per-player HTTP read:** see [Per-player encounter progress (NEO-108)](#per-player-encounter-progress-neo-108). Plan: [NEO-104 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-104-implementation-plan.md).

**Combat wiring (NEO-106):** see [Encounter combat wiring (NEO-106)](#encounter-combat-wiring-neo-106) — **`EncounterCombatWiring`** on **`POST …/ability-cast`** accept path.

## Encounter completion + inventory grants (NEO-105)

**`EncounterCompletionOperations.TryCompleteAndGrant`** applies a reward table’s **`fixedGrants`** via **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** when all required NPCs are defeated, then marks **`IEncounterCompletionStore`** idempotently. On success, records **`EncounterCompleteEvent`** in **`IEncounterCompleteEventStore`** and returns the same payload in **`EncounterCompletionResult`**.

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`already_completed`** | Encounter already marked complete for this player. |
| **`not_ready`** | Not all **`requiredNpcInstanceIds`** defeated yet. |
| **`unknown_encounter`** | **`encounterId`** not in **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`**. |
| **`unknown_reward_table`** | Encounter’s **`rewardTableId`** missing or empty grants. |
| **`inventory_full`** | Pre-flight or apply could not place full grant quantities. |
| **`inventory_store_missing`** | Player inventory store could not read/write. |

Prototype first completion grants **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×10** and **`contract_handoff_token` ×1** from **`prototype_combat_pocket_clear`**. Inventory deny fails closed without marking complete (compensating rollback on partial apply or failed completion mark). Wired from **`AbilityCastApi`** via **`EncounterCombatWiring`** (NEO-106). Plan: [NEO-105 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-105-implementation-plan.md).

## Encounter complete event record (NEO-107)

**`IEncounterCompleteEventStore`** persists **`EncounterCompleteEvent`** exactly once per player+encounter when grants commit successfully. Prototype uses **`InMemoryEncounterCompleteEventStore`** (registered in **`AddEncounterAndRewardCatalogs`** alongside progress/completion stores).

| Field | Role |
|-------|------|
| **`PlayerId`**, **`EncounterId`** | Normalized keys (same as progress/completion stores). |
| **`RewardTableId`** | Catalog reward table applied. |
| **`GrantedItems`** | Snapshot of successful fixed grants at commit time. |
| **`CompletedAt`** | UTC timestamp from **`TimeProvider`** at completion mark. |
| **`IdempotencyKey`** | Stable **`{playerId}:{encounterId}`** — future **`RewardDeliveryEvent`** dedupe input for [E7.M2](../../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md). |

**E7.M2 hook (comment-only):** after **`TryRecord`**, **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** documents the future **`QuestRewardBundle`** / **`reward_delivery`** consumer — prototype quest credit is **`contract_handoff_token`** item loot plus this event record; full router deferred to E7.M2. If **`TryRecord`** returns `false` after a fresh completion mark (unexpected race), grants and completion flag are retained; treat as idempotent success.

Plan: [NEO-107 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-107-implementation-plan.md).

## Per-player encounter progress (NEO-108)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/encounter-progress`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`encounters`**) projecting in-memory stores — no client-side defeat inference. Unknown players return **404** (same **`IPositionStateStore`** gate as gig/skill progression).

Each row (catalog order via **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry.GetDefinitionsInIdOrder()`**):

| Field | Source |
|-------|--------|
| **`encounterId`** | Catalog encounter **`id`**. |
| **`state`** | **`inactive`** (no progress), **`active`** (started, not completed), **`completed`**. |
| **`defeatedTargetIds`** | **`IEncounterProgressStore`** defeated NPC ids (ordinal sort); `[]` when inactive. |
| **`completedAt`** | **`IEncounterCompletionStore`** when **`completed`**; omitted otherwise. |
| **`rewardGrantSummary`** | **`IEncounterCompleteEventStore.GrantedItems`** when **`completed`**; omitted otherwise. |

Prototype: defeat all three E5.M2 NPCs via cast → row **`prototype_combat_pocket`** becomes **`completed`** with **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×10** and **`contract_handoff_token` ×1** in **`rewardGrantSummary`**. Plan: [NEO-108 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-108-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/encounter-progress/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/encounter-progress"
```

## Encounter telemetry hooks (NEO-109)

Comment-only hook sites for Epic 5 **Slice 3** catalog events ([epic_05 Slice 3](../../docs/decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#epic-5-slice-3)). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. **`POST …/ability-cast`** and **`EncounterCombatWiring`** delegate to the engines below (no duplicate API-layer hooks).

| Event | Anchor |
|-------|--------|
| **`encounter_start`** | **`EncounterProgressOperations.TryActivateOnFirstEngagement`** — hook anchor after successful **`TryActivate`** (first engagement only). Activates NEO-84 reserved **`encounter_start`** pointer in **`CombatOperations`**. |
| **`encounter_complete`** | **`EncounterCompletionOperations.TryCompleteAndGrant`** — once per successful grant + completion mark commit. |
| **`reward_attribution`** | Same success path — once per completion (batch **`grantedItems`**); per-stack **`item_created`** remains in **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** ([NEO-56](#player-inventory-neo-54-store-neo-55-http)). |
| **`encounter_complete_denied`** | **`EncounterCompletionOperations.Deny`** — structured deny + **`EncounterCompletionReasonCodes`**. |

Plan: [NEO-109 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-109-implementation-plan.md).

## Encounter combat wiring (NEO-106)

On every successful **`POST …/ability-cast`** accept, **`EncounterCombatWiring.TryProcessCastOutcome`** (best-effort; does not change cast JSON):

| Cast outcome | Encounter effect |
|--------------|------------------|
| **`damageDealt > 0`** vs a required NPC | **`EncounterProgressOperations.TryActivateOnFirstEngagement`** — starts **`prototype_combat_pocket`** progress (**`encounter_start`** hook site, [NEO-109](#encounter-telemetry-hooks-neo-109)). |
| **`targetDefeated: true`** | **`TryMarkTargetDefeated`**; when all three E5.M2 NPC ids defeated, **`EncounterCompletionOperations.TryCompleteAndGrant`**. |
| Inventory full on completion | Defeat progress retained; completion/grants fail closed (retry when bag has space). |

**Call order on lethal accept:** aggro → cooldown → NPC runtime stop → **`CombatDefeatGigXpGrant`** (NEO-44) → **`EncounterCombatWiring`**. Gig XP per defeat is unchanged (**25** to **`breach`** each). Verify loot with **`GET …/inventory`** or **`GET …/encounter-progress`** (NEO-108). Plan: [NEO-106 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-106-implementation-plan.md).

## NPC behavior definitions (NEO-90)

**`GET /game/world/npc-behavior-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`npcBehaviors`**) backed by **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`archetypeKind`**, **`maxHp`**, **`aggroRadius`**, **`leashRadius`**, **`telegraphWindupSeconds`**, **`attackDamage`**, **`attackCooldownSeconds`**, and **`attackAbilityId`**. Plan: [NEO-90 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-90-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-behavior-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/npc-behavior-definitions"
```

## Ability definitions (NEO-78)

**`GET /game/world/ability-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`abilities`**) backed by **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`baseDamage`**, **`cooldownSeconds`**, and **`abilityKind`** when present in content. Plan: [NEO-78 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-78-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/ability-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/ability-definitions"
```

## Combat entity health (NEO-80, NEO-91)

Server-owned HP for prototype NPC combat instances lives in **`Game/Combat/`** as **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** + **`InMemoryCombatEntityHealthStore`**. Rows are keyed by **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instance ids (**`prototype_npc_melee`**, **`prototype_npc_ranged`**, **`prototype_npc_elite`**) only. Max HP comes from each instance's bound **`NpcBehaviorDef.maxHp`** via **`INpcBehaviorDefinitionRegistry`** (melee **100**, ranged **80**, elite **200** — four **`prototype_pulse`** casts defeat melee).

| Policy | Behavior |
|--------|----------|
| **Init** | Lazy on first **`TryGet`** or **`TryApplyDamage`** for a known registry id; **`currentHp`** starts at catalog **`maxHp`**. |
| **Damage** | **`TryApplyDamage`** floors HP at zero; **`defeated`** when **`currentHp == 0`**. Re-hit on defeated targets still applies at store layer (HP stays 0); structured deny is **NEO-81** (`CombatOperations`). |
| **Reset** | **Server process restart** clears all rows (in-memory only, not persisted). **`TryResetToFull`** revives an instance for tests/fixtures — not exposed over HTTP in Slice 1. |
| **HTTP read** | **`GET /game/world/combat-targets`** (NEO-83) — authoritative HP snapshot for client HUD; cast wiring is **NEO-82**. |

Plan: [NEO-80 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-80-implementation-plan.md); instance registry migration: [NEO-91 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md); HTTP read: [NEO-83](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-83).

**Breaking change (NEO-91):** **`prototype_target_alpha`** / **`prototype_target_beta`** are removed. Godot markers and tab cycle must migrate in [NEO-97](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-97) (`client/scripts/prototype_target_constants.gd`).

## Combat targets snapshot (NEO-83, NEO-91)

**`GET /game/world/combat-targets`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`targets`**) backed by **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** — the same authoritative HP rows mutated by cast resolution (no client-side damage math). Each row includes **`targetId`**, **`maxHp`**, **`currentHp`**, and **`defeated`**. All three **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instances are always returned in ascending **`targetId`** order; lazy-init on first read matches NEO-80/NEO-91. Plan: [NEO-83 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-83-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-91 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-91-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-targets/`.

| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| **`targetId`** | Lowercase NPC instance id (`prototype_npc_elite`, `prototype_npc_melee`, `prototype_npc_ranged`). |
| **`maxHp`** | Catalog max from bound behavior def (200 / 100 / 80). |
| **`currentHp`** | Authoritative HP after cast-applied damage; floored at zero. |
| **`defeated`** | **`true`** when **`currentHp`** is **0**. |

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/combat-targets"
```

**Dev combat-target fixture (Bruno/manual QA):** When `Game:EnableCombatTargetFixtureApi` is **true** (default in **Development** via `appsettings.Development.json`, **Testing**, or CI Bruno step) or the host environment is **Development** / **Testing**, **`POST /game/__dev/combat-targets-fixture`** with `schemaVersion` **1** resets all **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instances to catalog full HP via **`TryResetToFull`**, clears all prototype aggro holders (**NEO-92**), resets NPC runtime behavior rows to **`idle`** (**NEO-93**), restores dev player combat HP to full (**NEO-95**), clears **`IPlayerAbilityCooldownStore`** slot cooldowns for the configured dev player, and clears in-memory encounter progress/completion/event rows for the dev player across catalog encounters (**NEO-108** Bruno). **404** when disabled. Bruno: `scripts/combat-targets-reset-helper.js` (request scripts use `./scripts/…` relative to the collection).

## Threat / aggro state (NEO-92)

Per-NPC aggro holders live in **`Game/Npc/`** as **`IThreatStateStore`** + **`InMemoryThreatStateStore`**, keyed by **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instance id. Each row stores an optional **`AggroHolderPlayerId`** (lowercase route player id).

| Rule | Behavior |
|------|----------|
| **Acquire** | First **damaging** cast on an NPC sets holder to the casting player when the row is empty (**`AggroOperations.TryAcquire`** from **`AbilityCastApi`**). Zero-damage abilities do not acquire. |
| **Attack range** | At telegraph resolve, damage applies only when the holder is within the bound attack ability's catalog **`maxRange`** of the NPC anchor (horizontal X/Z, inclusive). Melee strike **2 m**, ranged shot **10 m**, elite slam **4 m** — distinct from behavior **`aggroRadius`** (re-aggro) and tab-lock **6 m**. Out-of-range windups whiff (no damage; state still advances). |
| **Leash clear** | Holder clears when that player moves beyond the bound behavior def **`leashRadius`** from the NPC anchor (horizontal X/Z distance). Wired on **`POST /move`**, **`POST /move-stream`**, and before acquire on cast. |
| **Defeat clear** | When **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`** marks the NPC **`defeated`**, **`NpcRuntimeOperations.TryStopOnTargetDefeat`** clears holder and resets runtime to **`idle`** (cast accept + lazy advance guard). |
| **Re-aggro** | After clear, the same first-hit rule applies — no proximity auto-aggro in this slice. |
| **HTTP read** | **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** — **`aggroHolderPlayerId`** per row ([NEO-94](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-94)). |

Plan: [NEO-92 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-92-implementation-plan.md).

## NPC runtime behavior state (NEO-93)

Per-NPC behavior states live in **`Game/Npc/`** as **`INpcRuntimeStateStore`** + **`InMemoryNpcRuntimeStateStore`**, keyed by **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instance id. **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** drives lazy tick advance (monotonic clock, per-call delta cap **5.0 s**) using catalog **`attackCooldownSeconds`** and **`telegraphWindupSeconds`**.

| State | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| **`idle`** | No aggro holder; no telegraph. |
| **`aggro`** | Holder set; waiting **`attackCooldownSeconds`** before windup. |
| **`telegraph_windup`** | Active telegraph; **`ActiveTelegraphSnapshot`** on the runtime row. |
| **`attack_execute`** | Logical instant during telegraph complete; **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** applies the behavior's **`attackAbilityId`** **`baseDamage`** when holder is within that ability's **`maxRange`** ([NEO-95](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-95) / [NEO-98](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-98)). |
| **`recover`** | Post-attack cooldown wait before next windup. |

| Rule | Behavior |
|------|----------|
| **Holder sync** | Empty holder → **`idle`**; holder while **`idle`** → **`aggro`**. No proximity auto-aggro (first-hit holder from NEO-92 only). |
| **Lazy advance** | **`AdvanceAll`** simulates up to **5.0 s** per call; invoked from **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** ([NEO-94](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-94)). |
| **Fixture reset** | Dev combat-target fixture clears runtime rows alongside HP + threat. |
| **HTTP read** | **`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** — per-NPC **`state`**, optional nested **`activeTelegraph`** ([NEO-94](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-94)). |

Plan: [NEO-93 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-93-implementation-plan.md).

### NPC runtime telemetry hooks (NEO-96)

Comment-only hook sites in **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** for future E9.M1 catalog events ([Epic 5 Slice 2](../../docs/decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#epic-5-slice-2)) — **`telegraph_fired`** at each **`telegraph_windup`** entry (aggro→telegraph and recover→telegraph); **`npc_state_transition`** on every committed state change during **`AdvanceAll`** (including holder clear → **`idle`**). Dev fixture **`ResetAllPrototypeRows`** writes idle directly and bypasses **`AdvanceOne`** hooks (optional E9.M1 anchor noted on reset path). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. Snapshot GET invokes **`AdvanceAll`** before read (no duplicate API-layer hooks). Plan: [NEO-96 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-96-implementation-plan.md).

## NPC runtime snapshot (NEO-94)

**`GET /game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`serverTimeUtc`**, **`npcInstances`**) backed by **`INpcRuntimeStateStore`** + **`IThreatStateStore`** after **`NpcRuntimeOperations.AdvanceAll`** (lazy tick, **5.0 s** delta cap). Each row includes **`npcInstanceId`**, **`behaviorDefId`**, **`state`** (stable snake_case), **`aggroHolderPlayerId`**, and optional nested **`activeTelegraph`** during **`telegraph_windup`**. All three **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** instances are always returned in ascending **`npcInstanceId`** order. Plan: [NEO-94 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-94-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/npc-runtime-snapshot/`.

| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| **`npcInstanceId`** | Lowercase prototype NPC instance id. |
| **`behaviorDefId`** | Frozen behavior catalog id bound to the instance. |
| **`state`** | **`idle`**, **`aggro`**, **`telegraph_windup`**, **`attack_execute`**, or **`recover`**. |
| **`aggroHolderPlayerId`** | Lowercase player id from **`IThreatStateStore`**, or **`null`**. |
| **`activeTelegraph`** | Non-null during **`telegraph_windup`**: **`telegraphId`**, **`npcInstanceId`**, **`windupRemainingSeconds`**, **`archetypeKind`**. |

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/npc-runtime-snapshot"
```

**Poll pattern:** First GET after aggro acquire initializes runtime rows; subsequent GETs after **`attackCooldownSeconds`** elapse show **`telegraph_windup`** with decreasing **`windupRemainingSeconds`**. Cast does not advance NPC runtime — only this GET (and future explicit **`AdvanceAll`** callers). When windup completes during **`AdvanceAll`**, the behavior's **`attackAbilityId`** **`baseDamage`** applies to the aggro holder when within that ability's **`maxRange`** via **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** ([NEO-95](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-95)).

## Session player combat HP (NEO-95)

Session player HP for incoming NPC damage lives in **`Game/Combat/`** as **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`** + **`InMemoryPlayerCombatHealthStore`**. Rows are keyed by lowercase player id; lazy-init **`currentHp`** / **`maxHp`** **100** on first access. No Postgres in Slice 2.

| Rule | Behavior |
|------|----------|
| **Init** | Lazy on first **`TryGet`** or **`TryApplyDamage`**; starts at **100** HP. |
| **Damage** | **`TryApplyDamage`** floors HP at zero; **`defeated`** when **`currentHp == 0`**. Applied from **`NpcAttackOperations.TryResolveTelegraphComplete`** when telegraph windup completes, aggro holder still matches, and holder is within the attack ability's **`maxRange`** of the NPC anchor. |
| **Holder re-check** | No damage when holder cleared during windup (leash clear). |
| **Fixture reset** | Dev combat-target fixture restores dev player to full HP alongside NPC HP + threat + runtime reset. |

**`GET /game/players/{id}/combat-health`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`maxHp`**, **`currentHp`**, **`defeated`**) backed by **`IPlayerCombatHealthStore`**. **404** when the player has no position row (same gate as cooldown snapshot). Plan: [NEO-95 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-95-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/combat-health/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/combat-health"
```

**Client counterpart:** [NEO-97](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-97) polls this GET alongside **`npc-runtime-snapshot`** for player HP + telegraph HUD.

## Combat engine (NEO-81)

**`CombatOperations.TryResolve`** in **`Game/Combat/`** resolves server-internal **`CombatResult`**: ability lookup via **`IAbilityDefinitionRegistry`**, target HP read via **`ICombatEntityHealthStore`**, defeated pre-check (no damage on re-hit), then catalog **`baseDamage`** application. Zero-damage abilities (**`prototype_guard`**, **`prototype_dash`**) succeed without mutating HP. **`AbilityCastApi`** (NEO-82) invokes **`TryResolve`** after E1.M4 gates and returns nested wire **`combatResolution`** on accept.

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`unknown_ability`** | **`abilityId`** failed registry normalization (empty/garbage/off-list). |
| **`unknown_target`** | **`targetId`** not in **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** (health store gate). |
| **`target_defeated`** | Target HP is already **0** before resolve; no damage applied (includes zero-damage utility). |

**`CombatResult`** fields: **`success`**, **`reasonCode`** (`null` on success), **`damageDealt`**, **`targetRemainingHp`**, **`targetDefeated`**. On **`target_defeated`** deny, **`targetRemainingHp`** is **0** and **`targetDefeated`** on the envelope is **`false`** — use **`reasonCode`** for deny semantics.

Plan: [NEO-81 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-81-implementation-plan.md); cast wiring: [NEO-82](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-82).

### Combat telemetry hooks (NEO-84)

Comment-only hook sites in **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`** for future E9.M1 catalog events ([Epic 5 Slice 1](../../docs/decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#epic-5-slice-1)). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. HTTP **`POST …/ability-cast`** calls the engine only (no duplicate API-layer hooks for these names).

- **`ability_used`** — on every successful resolve (zero-damage abilities included).
- **`enemy_defeat`** — only when lethal damage drives **`after.Defeated`** to **`true`** (re-hit on defeated targets denies at **`target_defeated`** before damage).
- **Reserved (comments only):** **`encounter_start`** — E5.M3 anchor: [Encounter telemetry hooks (NEO-109)](#encounter-telemetry-hooks-neo-109).
- **`player_death`** — only when lethal NPC damage drives player **`currentHp`** to **0** (comment hook in NEO-95; full event deferred).

E1.M4 cast funnel events **`ability_cast_requested`** / **`ability_cast_denied`** remain in **`AbilityCastApi`** ([NEO-30](#ability-cast-neo-31-neo-82)). E9.M1 ingest should correlate route **`playerId`** with engine payload fields at accept. Plan: [NEO-84 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-84-implementation-plan.md).

## Recipe definitions (NEO-68)

**`GET /game/world/recipe-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`recipes`**) backed by **`IRecipeDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`recipeKind`**, **`requiredSkillId`**, and nested **`inputs`** / **`outputs`** (`itemId`, `quantity`). Plan: [NEO-68 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-68-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-68.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-68.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/recipe-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/recipe-definitions"
```

## Craft engine (NEO-69) and craft HTTP (NEO-70)

**`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** in **`Game/Crafting/`** resolves server-internal **`CraftResult`**: recipe lookup via **`IRecipeDefinitionRegistry`**, read-only pre-flight for inputs and output capacity (simulated adds on a snapshot clone), input removal and output grant via **`PlayerInventoryOperations`**, then **`refine`** skill XP via **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** + **`RefineSkillXpConstants`** (same path as **`RefineActivitySkillXpGrant`**). On output-grant or XP failure after inputs were removed, the engine **rolls back** inventory before denying. **NEO-70** exposes **`POST /game/players/{id}/craft`** with wire **`CraftResponse`** (promoted **`CraftResult`** fields). Client craft UI is **[NEO-74](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-74)**.

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`unknown_recipe`** | **`recipeId`** not in **`IRecipeDefinitionRegistry`**. |
| **`insufficient_materials`** | Pre-flight input totals below scaled recipe cost. |
| **`inventory_full`** | Pre-flight output simulation could not place full scaled yield (NEO-54 all-or-nothing). |
| **`invalid_quantity`** | Craft batch **`quantity`** is **≤ 0**. |
| **`progression_store_missing`** | Skill progression store could not apply XP (compensating inventory rollback). |
| **`inventory_store_missing`** | Player inventory store could not read or write. |

**POST** body (**`schemaVersion` 1**): **`recipeId`**, optional **`quantity`** (defaults to **1** when omitted). Wire request type: **`PlayerCraftRequest`**. Response: **`success`**, **`reasonCode`** (`null` on success), **`inputsConsumed`**, **`outputsGranted`**, **`xpGrantSummary`** on success. **400** on schema mismatch or empty **`recipeId`**; **404** on unknown player or store-missing codes; **200** with **`success: false`** + stable deny codes on rule failure.

```bash
curl -sS -X POST "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/craft" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"recipeId":"refine_scrap_standard"}'
```

Sample **200** success body (after seeding **5×** **`scrap_metal_bulk`** via gather or inventory POST):

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"success":true,"inputsConsumed":[{"itemId":"scrap_metal_bulk","quantity":5}],"outputsGranted":[{"itemId":"refined_plate_stock","quantity":1}],"xpGrantSummary":{"skillId":"refine","amount":10,"sourceKind":"activity"}}
```

Plan: [NEO-69 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-69-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-70 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-70-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-71 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-71-implementation-plan.md). Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/craft/`.

### Craft telemetry hooks (NEO-71)

Comment-only hook sites in **`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** for future E9.M1 catalog events. **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. HTTP **`POST …/craft`** calls the engine only (no duplicate API-layer hooks).

- **`item_crafted`** — on every successful craft (inputs removed, outputs granted, refine XP applied).
- **`craft_failed`** — with stable **`reasonCode`** on every structured deny via private **`Deny`** (all **`CraftReasonCodes`**, including store-missing and post-mutation rollback paths).

Successful craft output grants also pass through **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** (**`item_created`** hook, [NEO-56](#player-inventory-neo-54-store-neo-55-http)). Epic 3 Slice 3 metric **`time-to-first-craft`** is derived at E9.M1 from **`item_crafted`** + session context (no separate prototype hook). Plan: [NEO-71 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-71-implementation-plan.md).

## Resource node definitions (NEO-60)

**`GET /game/world/resource-node-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`nodes`**) backed by **`IResourceNodeDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`gatherLens`**, **`maxGathers`**, and nested **`yield`** (`itemId`, `quantity`). Plan: [NEO-60 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-60-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-60.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-60.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/resource-node-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/resource-node-definitions"
```

## Resource node instance depletion (NEO-61)

World-wide **remaining gathers** per **`interactableId`** live in **`Game/Gathering/`** as **`IResourceNodeInstanceStore`** + **`ResourceNodeInstanceOperations`**. Capacity is **lazy-initialized** from catalog **`maxGathers`** on first successful-gather commit; prototype wiring uses **`interactableId == nodeDefId`**. **`TryCommitSuccessfulGatherDecrement`** atomically decrements and returns stable deny codes:

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`node_depleted`** | Row exists and **`remainingGathers`** is already **0** (decrement rejected). |
| **`unknown_node`** | **`interactableId`** not found in **`IResourceNodeDefinitionRegistry`**. |

**Persistence:** same **[NEO-29-style](#position-persistence-neo-8) split** as inventory — **`resource_node_instance`** in PostgreSQL when **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is set (DDL [`V006__resource_node_instance.sql`](../db/migrations/V006__resource_node_instance.sql)), otherwise in-memory fallback (empty at startup). Interact deny wiring: [NEO-63](#gather-via-interact-neo-63); plan: [NEO-61 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-61-implementation-plan.md).

**Dev resource-node fixture (Bruno/manual QA):** When `Game:EnableResourceNodeFixtureApi` is **true** (default in **Development** via `appsettings.Development.json`, **Testing**, or CI Bruno step) or the host environment is **Development** / **Testing**, **`POST /game/__dev/resource-node-fixture`** with `schemaVersion` **1** upserts every catalog node to **`maxGathers`** via **`TrySetRemainingGathers`**. **404** when disabled. Bruno: `scripts/bruno-dev-fixture-helper.js` (`resetPrototypeResourceNodes`).

## Gather engine (NEO-62)

**`GatherOperations.TryGather`** in **`Game/Gathering/`** resolves server-internal **`GatherResult`**: capacity pre-check (may **initialize** a depletion row without decrementing), inventory grant via **`PlayerInventoryOperations`**, **`salvage`** skill XP via **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** + **`GatherSkillXpConstants`**, then depletion commit via **`ResourceNodeInstanceOperations`** (decrement **last**, only when inventory + XP succeed). On XP failure after inventory add, the engine **rolls back** the item grant before denying.

| Reason code | When |
|-------------|------|
| **`unknown_node`** | **`interactableId`** not in **`IResourceNodeDefinitionRegistry`** or missing yield row. |
| **`node_depleted`** | **`remainingGathers`** is **0** (or decrement rejected). |
| **`inventory_full`** | Full yield quantity could not be placed (NEO-54 all-or-nothing). |
| **`progression_store_missing`** | Skill progression store could not apply XP (compensating inventory remove). |
| **`inventory_store_missing`** | Player inventory store could not write. |

**Interact wiring** (replace NEO-41 inline XP, map denies to **`InteractionResponse`**) is **[NEO-63](#gather-via-interact-neo-63)**; plan: [NEO-63 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-63-implementation-plan.md).

### Gather telemetry hooks (NEO-64)

Comment-only hook sites in **`GatherOperations.TryGather`** for future E9.M1 catalog events — **`resource_gathered`** on every successful gather (inventory + XP + depletion committed); **`gather_node_depleted`** when that success drives **`remainingGathers`** to **0** (not on pre-gather **`node_depleted`** deny). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. Successful gathers also pass through **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** (**`item_created`** hook, [NEO-56](#player-inventory-neo-54-store-neo-55-http)). HTTP **`POST …/interact`** calls the engine only (no duplicate API-layer hooks). Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-64.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-64.md); plan: [NEO-64 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-64-implementation-plan.md).

## Item definitions (NEO-53)

**`GET /game/world/item-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`items`**) backed by **`IItemDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Plan: [NEO-53 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-53-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-53.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-53.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/item-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/item-definitions"
```

## Player inventory (NEO-54 store, NEO-55 HTTP)

Server-authoritative per-player inventory lives in **`Game/Items/`** as **`IPlayerInventoryStore`** + **`PlayerInventoryOperations`**. **NEO-55** exposes versioned **`GET` / `POST /game/players/{id}/inventory`** for manual QA and future client. Plan: [NEO-55 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-55-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/inventory/`.

| Container | Fixed slots | Accepts `inventorySlotKind` |
|-----------|-------------|-------------------------------|
| **Bag** | **24** (indices 0–23) | `bag` |
| **Equipment** | **1** (index 0) | `equipment` |

**GET** returns **`schemaVersion` 1**, **`playerId`**, **`bagSlots`** (length 24), **`equipmentSlots`** (length 1). Empty slots use **`quantity: 0`** with **`itemId`** omitted. **404** when the player is unknown (position gate) or missing from the inventory store.

**POST** body (**`schemaVersion` 1**): **`mutationKind`** **`add`** or **`remove`**, **`itemId`**, **`quantity`**. Response: **`applied`**, **`reasonCode`** (`null` on success), **`inventory`** snapshot echo. **400** on schema mismatch or unknown **`mutationKind`**; **404** on unknown player; **200** with **`applied: false`** + stable deny codes on rule failure.

```bash
curl -sS "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/inventory"
curl -sS -X POST "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/inventory" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"mutationKind":"add","itemId":"scrap_metal_bulk","quantity":5}'
```

**Engine rules (NEO-54):** **`TryAddStack`** and **`TryRemoveStack`** route items by catalog metadata, merge stacks up to **`ItemDef.stackMax`**, and use **all-or-nothing** adds (no partial silent loss). Stable deny **`reasonCode`** values:

| Code | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| **`inventory_full`** | Full requested quantity could not be placed |
| **`invalid_item`** | Unknown `itemId` (not in catalog) |
| **`insufficient_quantity`** | Remove requested more than held |
| **`invalid_quantity`** | Non-positive quantity |

**Persistence:** same **[NEO-29-style](#position-persistence-neo-8) split** as skill progression — **`player_inventory`** in PostgreSQL when **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is set (DDL [`V005__player_inventory.sql`](../db/migrations/V005__player_inventory.sql), sparse occupied-slot rows), otherwise in-memory fallback seeding the configured dev player. Store/engine plan: [NEO-54 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-54-implementation-plan.md).

**NEO-56 telemetry hooks:** comment-only hook sites in **`PlayerInventoryOperations`** for future E9.M1 catalog events — **`item_created`** on successful **`TryAddStack`** (`Applied`); **`inventory_transfer_denied`** + stable **`reasonCode`** on every rule **`Denied`** path (early validation via **`Deny`** and post-mutation denies such as **`inventory_full`** / **`insufficient_quantity`**). **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest. HTTP **`POST …/inventory`** calls the engine only (no duplicate API-layer hooks). Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-56.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-56.md); plan: [NEO-56 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-56-implementation-plan.md).

## Mastery catalog (`content/mastery`, NEO-46)

After the skill catalog loads, the host loads every **`*_mastery.json`** under the mastery directory, validates each file against **`content/schemas/mastery-catalog.schema.json`**, cross-checks track **`skillId`** values against **`ISkillDefinitionRegistry`**, and enforces the same post-schema gates as **`scripts/validate_content.py`** (unknown perk references, duplicate perk ids, branch-set equality tier-to-tier, unreferenced perks, prototype **Slice 4** single **`salvage`** track). The server also requires **`tierIndex`** values per track to be **unique and sequential 1..N** (stricter than CI today). Invalid data **exits during startup**—no silent fallback.

| Config | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **`Content:MasteryDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** for **`content/mastery`**. |
| **`Content:MasteryCatalogSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`mastery-catalog.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of mastery directory}/schemas/mastery-catalog.schema.json`**. |

**Docker / CI:** include **`content/mastery`** and **`content/schemas/mastery-catalog.schema.json`** in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__MasteryDirectory`** when layout differs.

On success, **Information** logs include the resolved mastery directory, track count, and perk count. Game code should use **`IMasteryCatalogRegistry`** for lookups (NEO-47+).

## Perk unlock engine and telemetry hooks (NEO-47, NEO-49)

**`PerkUnlockEngine`** (`Game/Mastery/`) is the authoritative server path for branch picks and perk unlocks: **`TrySelectBranch`**, **`ReevaluateAfterLevelUp`** (called from **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** on skill level-up). Persistence: **`IPlayerPerkStateStore`** + Flyway **`V004`** ([NEO-47 plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-47-implementation-plan.md)).

**NEO-49:** comment-only **telemetry hook site** for future catalog event **`perk_unlock`** in **`PerkUnlockEngine.TryUnlockPerks`** when new perk ids are persisted (one emit per unlocked perk; **`TODO(E9.M1)`** — no production ingest). Manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-49.md); plan: [NEO-49 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-49-implementation-plan.md).

## Perk state (NEO-48)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/perk-state`** returns versioned JSON (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`branchPicks`**, **`unlockedPerkIds`**). **`branchPicks`** is an array of `{ skillId, picks: [{ tierIndex, branchId }] }` — key by **`skillId`**; array order is not part of the contract. **`unlockedPerkIds`** lists perk ids currently unlocked for the player.

**`POST /game/players/{id}/perk-state`** commits one mastery branch pick (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`skillId`**, **`tierIndex`**, **`branchId`**). Delegates to **`PerkUnlockEngine.TrySelectBranch`** (NEO-47). **404** when the player is unknown to position state; **400** when **`schemaVersion`** is missing or not **1**. Persistence uses **`IPlayerPerkStateStore`** + Flyway **`V004`** when Postgres is configured (same [NEO-29-style](#position-persistence-neo-8) split as skill progression).

**Structured responses (HTTP 200):** **`selected`** (`true`/`false`), optional **`reasonCode`** on deny, authoritative **`perkState`** (same shape as GET), and **`unlockedEvents`** on success (empty on deny). Stable deny codes (see `PerkUnlockReasonCodes`): **`unknown_track`**, **`unknown_tier`**, **`unknown_branch`**, **`level_too_low`**, **`branch_already_chosen`**, **`tier_branch_not_selectable`**, **`player_not_found`**. On **`selected: true`**, **`unlockedEvents`** lists perks newly unlocked on this request (`perkId`, `skillId`, `tierIndex`, `branchId`, **`source`**: **`branch_pick`** | **`level_up`**). Tier-1 prototype salvage picks may emit zero events; path-auto tier-2 unlocks at level 4+ may emit **`level_up`** events on the same POST when level gates are already met.

**Dev mastery fixture (NEO-48, Bruno/manual QA):** When `Game:EnableMasteryFixtureApi` is **true** (default in **Development** via `appsettings.Development.json`) or the host environment is **Development** / **Testing**, **`POST /game/players/{id}/__dev/mastery-fixture`** accepts `schemaVersion` **1**, optional **`resetPerkState`** (clear branch picks + unlocked perks), and optional **`skillXp`** map (**absolute** XP per `skillId`; omitted skills unchanged). Fixture writes set totals **directly** — they do **not** run **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`** or perk **level-up reevaluation**; use normal **`POST …/skill-progression`** when testing unlock side effects. Apply order: batch **`skillXp`** first, then **`resetPerkState`** (XP rolls back if reset fails). **400** for bad schema or invalid **`skillXp`**; **404** when disabled, player unknown, or store write fails. Not for production.

Plan: [NEO-48 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-48-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-48.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-48.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/perk-state/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/perk-state"
curl -sS -i -X POST "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/perk-state" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"skillId":"salvage","tierIndex":1,"branchId":"scrap_efficiency"}'
```

## Skill definitions (NEO-36)

**`GET /game/world/skill-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`skills`**) backed by **`ISkillDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Plan: [NEO-36 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-36-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-36.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-36.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-definitions/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/world/skill-definitions"
```

## Skill progression snapshot (NEO-37)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/skill-progression`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`skills`**) with one row per registered skill (**`id`**, **`xp`**, **`level`**). Treat **`skills`** as **unordered** and index rows by **`id`** — array order is not part of the contract (the server may sort for stable serialization). Levels are derived from the startup-loaded content curve at **`content/skills/prototype_level_curve.json`** (validated by **`content/schemas/level-curve.schema.json`** and CI **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). Unknown players (**no row in position state**) receive **404**, same gate as **`GET …/cooldown-snapshot`**. Plan: [NEO-37 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-37-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-37.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-37.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-progression/Get skill progression.bru`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/skill-progression"
```

## Skill progression grant (NEO-38)

**`POST /game/players/{id}/skill-progression`** accepts a versioned body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`skillId`**, **`amount`** positive int, **`sourceKind`**) and validates the skill against **`ISkillDefinitionRegistry`**, then validates **`sourceKind`** against that skill’s **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** (case-insensitive). **404** when the player is unknown to position state; **400** when **`schemaVersion`** is missing or not **1**. Persisted XP totals use the same **[NEO-29-style](#position-persistence-neo-8) split** as hotbar: **`player_skill_progression`** in PostgreSQL when **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is set (DDL [`V003__player_skill_progression.sql`](../db/migrations/V003__player_skill_progression.sql)), otherwise the in-memory fallback (dev bucket only, matching hotbar semantics).

**Combat encounters do not grant skill XP by default** — prototype defeat awards **gig XP** on the main gig via **[NEO-44](#gig-progression-snapshot-neo-44)** ([`docs/game-design/progression.md`](../docs/game-design/progression.md)). Gather/craft use **`activity`**; mission payouts use **`mission_reward`** ([NEO-43](#mission--quest-skill-xp-neo-43)).

**Structured responses (HTTP 200):** **`granted`** (`true`/`false`), optional **`reasonCode`** on deny, plus **`progression`** mirroring the GET snapshot. Stable deny codes: **`unknown_skill`**, **`source_kind_not_allowed`**, **`invalid_amount`**. On **`granted: true`**, **`levelUps`** lists skills whose level increased on this request (`skillId`, `previousLevel`, `newLevel`). If a single grant crosses **multiple** level boundaries (e.g. a large XP jump under the placeholder curve), the server emits **one** object per skill with **`previousLevel`** and **`newLevel`** set to the **start and end** levels after the grant — not one array entry per boundary crossed. A future issue can add per-step events if product needs them.

Plan: [NEO-38 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-38-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-38.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-38.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/skill-progression/` (happy **POST** + deny smoke).

```bash
curl -sS -i -X POST "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/skill-progression" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"skillId":"salvage","amount":10,"sourceKind":"activity"}'
```

## Gig progression snapshot (NEO-44)

**`GET /game/players/{id}/gig-progression`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`playerId`**, **`mainGigId`**, **`gigs`**) with prototype **`mainGigId`** **`breach`** and one row (**`id`**, **`xp`**, **`level`**). **`level`** is fixed at **1** until gig level-curve content exists; **`xp`** accumulates from combat defeat grants only in this slice. Unknown players receive **404** (same gate as skill progression GET).

**Combat defeat → gig XP:** when **`POST …/ability-cast`** accepts with **`combatResolution.targetDefeated: true`**, the server best-effort applies **25** gig XP to **`breach`** via **`CombatDefeatGigXpGrant`** — **not** **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations`**. Re-hits on a defeated target (`target_defeated` deny) grant no additional gig XP. Persisted totals use the NEO-29-style split: **`player_gig_progression`** in PostgreSQL when configured (DDL [`V007__player_gig_progression.sql`](../db/migrations/V007__player_gig_progression.sql)), otherwise in-memory.

Plan: [NEO-44 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-44-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-44.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-44.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/gig-progression/`.

```bash
curl -sS -i "http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/gig-progression"
```

## Position persistence (NEO-8)

When **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is set to a valid PostgreSQL connection string, the server uses the **`player_position`** table (relational columns `pos_x` … `sequence`, not JSONB). DDL lives in [`server/db/migrations/V001__player_position.sql`](../db/migrations/V001__player_position.sql); the app applies that script on startup and on first store use (idempotent `CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS`). The configured dev player (`Game:DevPlayerId` / `Game:DefaultPosition`) is seeded once at host startup, matching the in-memory store’s constructor seed (not on every HTTP request).

If **`ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl`** is missing or blank, behavior matches NEO-6/NEO-7 (**in-memory** only). The **test** project’s `postgres.runsettings` sets `ConnectionStrings__NeonSprawl` for the test host so Postgres integration tests run in CI/Rider/`dotnet test`; non-Postgres tests use `InMemoryWebApplicationFactory` and do not require a live DB. Remove or rename `postgres.runsettings` (and the `RunSettingsFilePath` property) if you want those Postgres integration tests to **skip** again when the variable is unset.

**Environment variables** (typical — same mapping as other ASP.NET Core config):

| Mechanism | Example |
|-----------|---------|
| Shell / CI | `export ConnectionStrings__NeonSprawl='Host=localhost;Port=5432;Database=neon_sprawl;Username=neon_sprawl;Password=neon_sprawl_dev'` |
| User secrets | `dotnet user-secrets set ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl "<connection string>"` (run from `server/NeonSprawl.Server`) |

Match credentials with [root `docker-compose.yml`](../../docker-compose.yml) for local development.

**Restart check (acceptance criteria):** start Postgres (`docker compose up -d` from repo root), set the connection string, `dotnet run`, `POST …/move`, stop the server, `dotnet run` again, `GET …/position` should return the last committed state.

**Postgres integration tests** require `ConnectionStrings__NeonSprawl` (set automatically in [`.github/workflows/dotnet.yml`](../../.github/workflows/dotnet.yml)). The test project sets this via **`NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/postgres.runsettings`** (`RunSettingsFilePath` in the `.csproj`) so **`dotnet test`** and **Rider** pick it up without shell `export`. **`launchSettings.json`** in the same project is for IDE launch profiles and is **not** the xUnit “config file” in Rider settings.

**Contributors / PRs:** With **`postgres.runsettings`** checked in, **`dotnet test`** always injects that connection string, so the **four Postgres integration tests run** (they are **not** skipped). If nothing is listening on Postgres and **Docker** cannot start Compose (or you have no DB), those tests **fail**—that is expected, not a random flake. **Mitigations:** `docker compose up -d` from the repo root (tests may auto-start Compose locally when not in CI), or temporarily remove **`RunSettingsFilePath`** from `NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.csproj` while hacking. **GitHub Actions** provides Postgres in [`.github/workflows/dotnet.yml`](../../.github/workflows/dotnet.yml), so merges stay green when the workflow runs.

**Rider:** Under **Settings → … → Unit Testing → xUnit.net**, leave **“Use specific configuration file”** off unless you add a real **`xunit.runner.json`**. Do **not** point that field at `launchSettings.json`.

**Local Docker (optional automation):** When **not** in CI (`CI`, `GITHUB_ACTIONS`, `GITLAB_CI`, `TF_BUILD`), the Postgres test harness tries to connect first. If the server is unreachable, it runs **`docker compose up -d`** from the repo root (same compose file as [root `docker-compose.yml`](../../docker-compose.yml)), waits for the DB, runs tests, then runs **`docker compose down`** **only if** it started Compose itself. If Postgres was already listening (existing container or native install), tests do **not** stop your database afterward. Initialization is **async** (no sync-over-async on the xUnit sync context) so **Rider** / **Visual Studio** do not leave Postgres tests stuck **Pending** after Compose starts.

## Position state (NEO-6)

Authoritative player position is served over HTTP whether the backing store is **in memory** or **PostgreSQL** (NEO-8). The HTTP JSON shape is versioned with top-level `schemaVersion` (see XML docs on `PositionStateResponse` in the server project). Path `{id}` is **trimmed** and matched **case-insensitively** against stored players; `playerId` in the JSON body echoes the path segment from the request. Stored player ids use **invariant lowercase + trim** in Postgres for lookup parity.

Example (dev player id defaults to `dev-local-1` in `appsettings.json`):

```bash
curl -s http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/position
```

Sample response (default spawn matches Godot capsule and NEO-9 walk-in range demo):

```json
{"schemaVersion":1,"playerId":"dev-local-1","position":{"x":-5,"y":0.9,"z":-5},"sequence":0}
```

Unknown player ids return **404**. Full zone sync / replication is still out of scope for these spikes.

## Move command (NEO-7, NEO-10)

**`POST /game/players/{id}/move`** with JSON body applies a v1 **MoveCommand**: authoritative position **snaps** to `target` immediately; `sequence` in responses increases by one per successful apply.

**`POST /game/players/{id}/move-stream` (NEO-22):** JSON body **`MoveStreamRequest`** (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`targets`**: ordered array of world positions, max **24** per request). The server **validates the entire chain** against **`Game:MovementValidation`** (same rules as a single move) **before** applying anything, then applies each target in order; **`sequence`** increases by **one per applied target**. Response body matches **`PositionStateResponse`**. On the first failing leg the handler returns **400** with **`MoveCommandRejectedResponse`** and **does not** change stored position.

**Client navigation (NEO-11):** The Godot prototype uses a **baked navigation mesh** for **local** vertical routing / step assist when applicable; **WASD** sends **`move-stream`** samples and the server validates **straight-line** legs (NEO-10) from the **last authoritative position** to each **requested** position. The server does **not** simulate navmesh. Cheating or divergent paths are out of scope for this slice.

**NEO-10 validation (reject-only):** Before applying, the server checks the move against **`Game:MovementValidation`**. Limits use **horizontal** distance on **X/Z** only and **|ΔY|** separately (see `MoveCommandValidation`). Unknown players return **404** before validation.

| Config key | Meaning | Default (see `appsettings.json`) |
|------------|---------|-----------------------------------|
| `Game:MovementValidation:MaxHorizontalStep` | Max XZ displacement per command (m); inclusive at limit | `18` |
| `Game:MovementValidation:MaxVerticalStep` | Max absolute Y delta per command (m); inclusive | `2.2` |
| `Game:MovementValidation:DistrictBoundsEnabled` | Axis-aligned box on **target** (inclusive min/max) | `false` |
| `Game:MovementValidation:DistrictMinX` … `DistrictMaxZ` | District extents when enabled | ±12 / Y −2…24 |

**Manual QA (Godot `main.tscn`):** **Green bumps** are **two random short cylinders** each run (~**8–14 cm** rise) and stay under default `MaxVerticalStep` from the dev spawn; **orange reject pedestal** top is ~**2.5 m** above floor so **`move-stream`** from the floor into the pedestal still yields **`vertical_step_exceeded`** (default `MaxVerticalStep` is **2.2 m**); the **physics ramp test block** top is **2 m** so streaming from it toward the floor is **accepted**. **Far pad** is beyond default horizontal reach for **`horizontal_step_exceeded`** when horizontal limits are enabled.

Request body (example):

```bash
curl -s -X POST http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/move \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"target":{"x":1.5,"y":0,"z":-2}}'
```

- **200** — body matches **`PositionStateResponse`** (same shape as `GET` … `/position`).
- **400** — malformed command (missing/invalid body or wrong `schemaVersion`) **or** move rejected by NEO-10 rules. Rejection responses are JSON **`MoveCommandRejectedResponse`**: `schemaVersion` (`1`) + **`reasonCode`** (`horizontal_step_exceeded`, `vertical_step_exceeded`, `out_of_bounds`). Malformed requests return **400** with **no** rejection body.
- **404** — unknown player id.

See XML on `MoveCommandRequest`, `PositionStateResponse`, and `MoveCommandRejectedResponse` in the server project.

For a **PR-ready** contract blurb (formatted JSON + field table), see the [NEO-6 implementation plan — Pull request description](../../docs/plans/NEO-6-implementation-plan.md#pull-request-description-linear-ac) (GET shape) and [NEO-7 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-7-implementation-plan.md#pull-request-description-linear-ac--draft-for-merge) (MoveCommand + sequence semantics). NEO-10: [NEO-10 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-10-implementation-plan.md).

## Interaction (NEO-9)

**`POST /game/players/{id}/interact`** with a versioned **InteractionRequest** body asks whether the given player may use a prototype interactable **now**. The server reads **authoritative** `PositionState` from `IPositionStateStore` (same id rules as position APIs: trim + ordinal case-insensitive match). **Horizontal reach** uses **X and Z only**; **Y is ignored** for distance (floor-plane prototype). See `HorizontalReach` in `NeonSprawl.Server/Game/World/` and `PrototypeInteractableRegistry` in `Game/Interaction/`.

Request (example):

```bash
curl -s -X POST http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/interact \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"interactableId":"prototype_terminal"}'
```

**HTTP**

| Status | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **200** | Body is **InteractionResponse** v1: `allowed: true` (optional `payload`, `interactableId` echo) or `allowed: false` with required **`reasonCode`**. |
| **400** | Not a valid v1 attempt (bad/missing `schemaVersion`, malformed JSON, missing **`interactableId`**, or empty after trim). |
| **404** | Unknown **player** only (no row in the position store). |

**`reasonCode` (v1, when `allowed` is false)**

| Code | When |
|------|------|
| `out_of_range` | Horizontal distance on X/Z is **greater than** the interactable’s `interactionRadius` (on the radius is **allowed** — inclusive `<=`). |
| `unknown_interactable` | Id not in the prototype registry (after trim + case-insensitive lookup). |
| `node_depleted` | **`resource_node`** gather: instance capacity exhausted ([NEO-63](#gather-via-interact-neo-63)). |
| `inventory_full` | **`resource_node`** gather: yield could not fit in bag (all-or-nothing; [NEO-54](#player-inventory-neo-54-store-neo-55-http)). |
| `unknown_node` | **`resource_node`** gather: registry miss (defensive; should not occur for registered interactables). |
| `progression_store_missing` | **`resource_node`** gather: skill progression store could not apply XP. |

When **`allowed` is `true`**, **`reasonCode` is omitted** (clients must not require it on success). Unknown player never returns this JSON — use **404**.

### Gather via interact (NEO-63)

When the interactable’s **`kind`** is **`resource_node`**, **`POST …/interact`** delegates to **`GatherOperations.TryGather`** ([NEO-62](#gather-engine-neo-62)): inventory grant, **`salvage`** skill XP (`activity`, 10 XP), and depletion commit. On success **`allowed: true`**; gather denies map to **`allowed: false`** + stable **`reasonCode`** (including **`node_depleted`**, **`inventory_full`**). **Four** prototype nodes are registered in **`PrototypeInteractableRegistry`** (alpha **(12, −6)**, beta **(18, −6)**, gamma **(12, 0)**, delta **(18, 0)** on X/Z, radius **3**). Verify with **`GET …/inventory`** and **`GET …/skill-progression`**. Plan: [NEO-63 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-63-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-63.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-63.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/interaction/Post interact prototype resource node gather.bru`, `Post interact gather then get inventory.bru`, `Post interact depleted node deny.bru`.

**Historical:** [NEO-41](#gather-via-interact-neo-63) previously granted XP only on allowed interact without inventory or depletion; superseded by NEO-63.

### Craft / refine hook → skill XP (NEO-42)

**E3.M2** craft/refine success paths call **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations.TryApplyGrant`** with **`RefineSkillXpConstants`** (**10** **`refine`** XP, **`sourceKind: activity`**) — the same stack as **`RefineActivitySkillXpGrant.GrantOnSuccessfulCraftOrRefine`** and **`POST …/skill-progression`** ([NEO-38](#skill-progression-grant-neo-38)). **`CraftOperations.TryCraft`** ([NEO-69](#craft-engine-neo-69-and-craft-http-neo-70)) owns the live call site; craft HTTP is **`POST …/craft`** ([NEO-70](#craft-engine-neo-69-and-craft-http-neo-70)). Plan: [NEO-42 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-42-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-69 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-69-implementation-plan.md); [NEO-70 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-70-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-42.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-42.md).

### Mission / quest reward → skill XP (NEO-43)

**E7.M2** quest/mission payout paths should call **`MissionRewardSkillXpGrant.GrantFromMissionReward`** with content-driven **`skillId`** and **`amount`**; the helper always uses **`sourceKind: mission_reward`** through **`SkillProgressionGrantOperations.TryApplyGrant`** (same validation, **`allowedXpSourceKinds`**, and persistence as **[NEO-38](#skill-progression-grant-neo-38)**). **Combat encounter** rewards must **not** use this path for default clears — gig XP stays separate ([`docs/game-design/progression.md`](../docs/game-design/progression.md)). Until the router exists, verify **`mission_reward`** with **`POST …/skill-progression`**. Plan: [NEO-43 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-43-implementation-plan.md); manual QA: [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-43.md`](../../docs/manual-qa/NEO-43.md).

Contract details and PR blurb: [NEO-9 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-9-implementation-plan.md).

## Interactable descriptors (NEO-25)

**`GET /game/world/interactables`** returns a versioned **projection** of the prototype **`PrototypeInteractableRegistry`** (no player id; global list). Use this for client discovery of anchors, radii, and **`kind`** instead of duplicating registry constants in GDScript.

Example:

```bash
curl -s http://localhost:5253/game/world/interactables
```

**HTTP**

| Status | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **200** | Body is **`InteractablesListResponse`** v1: `schemaVersion` (`1`) + **`interactables`** array. |

**`interactables[]` fields (v1)**

| Field | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| `interactableId` | Lowercase canonical id (matches **`POST …/interact`**). |
| `kind` | Stable machine string (`terminal`, `resource_node`, …). |
| `anchor` | Object with **`x`**, **`y`**, **`z`** (world meters). |
| `interactionRadius` | Horizontal reach on X/Z; inclusive boundary (same rule as NEO-9). |

Rows are sorted by ascending **`interactableId`**. Plan: [NEO-25 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-25-implementation-plan.md).

## Targeting (NEO-23)

Authoritative **combat target lock** (prototype): **`GET /game/players/{id}/target`** returns **`PlayerTargetStateResponse`** v1; **`POST /game/players/{id}/target/select`** accepts **`TargetSelectRequest`** v1 and returns **`TargetSelectResponse`** v1. Player id rules match position/interact (trim + ordinal case-insensitive lookup in the in-memory store). **Horizontal lock range** uses **`HorizontalReach`** on **X/Z only** (inclusive radius), same floor-plane policy as NEO-9.

**Soft lock:** the server keeps the persisted **`lockedTargetId`** until clear or a successful swap. If the player moves out of stub range, **`validity`** becomes **`out_of_range`** on **`GET`** and on **`POST`** echoes until they move back in range, clear, or select another valid target (see [NEO-23 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-23-implementation-plan.md)).

Stub registry: **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`** in `NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Npc/` — ids **`prototype_npc_elite`**, **`prototype_npc_melee`**, **`prototype_npc_ranged`** (ascending id order for tab cycle; client mirror in [NEO-97](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-97)).

**`GET /game/players/{id}/target`**

| Field | Meaning |
|--------|--------|
| `schemaVersion` | `1` |
| `playerId` | Echo of route `{id}` |
| `lockedTargetId` | Lowercase stub id when locked; JSON **`null`** when no lock (**key always present**) |
| `validity` | `none` (no lock), `ok`, `out_of_range`, or `invalid_target` (unknown id in store — should not occur in normal use) |
| `sequence` | Increments when the persisted lock **id** changes (clear or swap); unchanged on idempotent re-select of the same id |

**`POST /game/players/{id}/target/select`** — body `schemaVersion` (`1`), optional **`targetId`**. Omit **`targetId`** or send JSON **`null`** to **clear** the lock. Non-null **`targetId`** is trimmed; **whitespace-only** after trim → **400**.

Examples:

```bash
curl -s http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/target
```

```bash
curl -s -X POST http://localhost:5253/game/players/dev-local-1/target/select \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"schemaVersion":1,"targetId":"prototype_npc_melee"}'
```

**HTTP**

| Status | Meaning |
|--------|---------|
| **200** | **GET:** `PlayerTargetStateResponse` v1. **POST:** `TargetSelectResponse` v1 with **`targetState`** always set; **`selectionApplied`** `true` or `false`; when `false`, required **`reasonCode`**. |
| **400** | Invalid v1 body (wrong `schemaVersion`, malformed JSON, or **`targetId`** whitespace-only when provided). |
| **404** | Unknown **player** only (same as interact). |

**`reasonCode` (POST v1, when `selectionApplied` is `false`)**

| Code | When |
|------|------|
| `unknown_target` | Id not in the prototype target registry (after trim + case-insensitive lookup). |
| `out_of_range` | Horizontal distance on X/Z is **greater than** the target’s `lockRadius` (on the radius is **allowed** — inclusive `<=`). |

When **`selectionApplied` is `true`**, **`reasonCode` is omitted** (clients must not require it on success).

## Hotbar loadout (NEO-29)

Prototype server-owned hotbar bindings are available at:

- **`GET /game/players/{id}/hotbar-loadout`** → returns `HotbarLoadoutResponse` v1 with fixed `slotCount` **8** and `slots` array entries (`slotIndex`, nullable `abilityId`) for every slot.
- **`POST /game/players/{id}/hotbar-loadout`** with `HotbarLoadoutUpdateRequest` v1 (`schemaVersion`, `slots[]`) upserts one or more slot bindings and returns `HotbarLoadoutUpdateResponse` v1.

**Prototype policy (kickoff decision):**

- Scope is **per player id** (same keying strategy as `PositionState` / `TargetState`).
- Persistence mirrors NEO-8/NS-17: **Postgres when `ConnectionStrings:NeonSprawl` exists**, otherwise **in-memory fallback**.

**Validation deny reason codes (POST 200 with `updated=false`):**

| Code | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| `slot_out_of_bounds` | `slotIndex` is outside v1 range `0..7`. |
| `unknown_ability` | `abilityId` is empty/whitespace or not in the prototype allowlist. |
| `duplicate_slot` | Request repeats the same `slotIndex` more than once. |

Current prototype allowlist: `prototype_pulse`, `prototype_guard`, `prototype_dash`, `prototype_burst`.

## Ability cast (NEO-31, NEO-82)

Prototype **cast intent** with **combat resolution** on accept (NEO-82). **NEO-28** adds server-side target lock + registry + range gates and documents `invalid_target` / `out_of_range` denies; the Godot client surfaces accept/deny on **`CastFeedbackLabel`**.

- **`POST /game/players/{id}/ability-cast`** with `AbilityCastRequest` v1 (`schemaVersion`, `slotIndex` `0..7`, `abilityId`, `targetId`) validates the player exists, the slot is bound in persisted hotbar loadout, and `abilityId` matches that binding and the prototype allowlist. **NEO-28:** `targetId` must be **non-empty**, exist in **`PrototypeNpcRegistry`**, **match** the server's current combat lock (`IPlayerTargetLockStore`), and the lock must be **within horizontal reach** of the authoritative position snapshot (same XZ radius rule as targeting). **NEO-32:** rejects with `on_cooldown` when the slot is still cooling. **NEO-82:** after gates pass, invokes **`CombatOperations.TryResolve`**; on success commits per-ability **`cooldownSeconds`** from the ability catalog and returns **`AbilityCastResponse` v1** with nested **`combatResolution`**.

**Accept payload (`combatResolution`, present only when `accepted: true`):**

| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| `abilityId` | Normalized ability id (matches request/binding). |
| `targetId` | Normalized prototype target id (lowercase registry key). |
| `damageDealt` | Catalog **`baseDamage`** applied (0 for utility abilities). |
| `targetRemainingHp` | Authoritative HP after resolve. |
| `targetDefeated` | `true` when post-resolve HP is zero. |

**HTTP status:**

| Status | When |
|--------|------|
| **200** | Body parses as `AbilityCastResponse`; `accepted` is `true` or `false` with a stable `reasonCode` on deny. |
| **400** | Missing body or wrong `schemaVersion`. |
| **404** | Unknown player id (no position row / unknown player for this prototype). |

**Deny `reasonCode` values (200, `accepted=false`):**

| Code | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| `slot_out_of_bounds` | `slotIndex` outside `0..7`. |
| `slot_unbound` | No ability bound on that slot in stored loadout. |
| `loadout_mismatch` | `abilityId` does not match the ability bound on that slot. |
| `unknown_ability` | `abilityId` failed registry normalization (empty/garbage/off-list). |
| `invalid_target` | `targetId` missing/empty, unknown prototype id, or not equal to the server's locked target id (NEO-28). |
| `out_of_range` | Locked target is outside horizontal reach of authoritative player position vs. prototype anchor (NEO-28). |
| `on_cooldown` | Slot is still inside the server-authoritative cooldown window after a prior successful combat resolve (NEO-32). |
| `target_defeated` | Target HP is already zero; combat engine deny on re-hit (NEO-82 / NEO-81). No cooldown committed. No gig XP grant (NEO-44). |

**NEO-44:** on accept when **`combatResolution.targetDefeated`** is **`true`**, the server grants **25** gig XP to prototype main gig **`breach`** via **`CombatDefeatGigXpGrant`** (outside E2.M2). Verify with **`GET …/gig-progression`**; cast response has no gig block in this slice.

**NEO-106:** on every successful accept, **`EncounterCombatWiring.TryProcessCastOutcome`** activates encounter progress on first damaging hit and applies completion grants when all required NPCs are defeated ([Encounter combat wiring (NEO-106)](#encounter-combat-wiring-neo-106)). Verify loot with **`GET …/inventory`**.

Implementation: `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/AbilityCastApi.cs`, `AbilityCastDtos.cs`. Optional **Slice 3–named** one-line stdout per JSON response when **`NEON_SPRAWL_API_LOG`** is set (see **Optional prototype API stdout** under **Run** above).

## Cooldown snapshot (NEO-32)

Prototype **per-slot cooldown ends** (in-memory per process; not persisted to Postgres). **NEO-82:** duration comes from ability catalog **`cooldownSeconds`** on each successful combat resolve (e.g. **`prototype_pulse`** 3.0s, **`prototype_guard`** 6.0s).

- **`GET /game/players/{id}/cooldown-snapshot`** → `CooldownSnapshotResponse` v1 (`schemaVersion`, `playerId`, `serverTimeUtc`, `slots[]` with `slotIndex` and optional `cooldownEndsAtUtc` per slot). **404** when the player id is unknown to position state (same rule as loadout GET).

Implementation: `CooldownSnapshotApi.cs`, `CooldownSnapshotDtos.cs`, `IPlayerAbilityCooldownStore` / `InMemoryPlayerAbilityCooldownStore.cs`.

**NEO-30 (Slice 3 telemetry):** authoritative hook-site comments in `AbilityCastApi.cs` for product names `ability_cast_requested` (accept) and `ability_cast_denied` (each JSON deny + `reasonCode`); cataloged emit deferred to **E9.M1** (`TODO` in source).

## Solution

From repo root: `dotnet build NeonSprawl.sln` and `dotnet test NeonSprawl.sln`.

## CI

Pull requests targeting `main` run build and tests via [`.github/workflows/dotnet.yml`](../.github/workflows/dotnet.yml) on GitHub Actions (`ubuntu-latest` runner, **Release** configuration).

## Linux + Rider: “only 8.x in /usr/share/dotnet”

If the debugger prints **`.NET location: /usr/share/dotnet`** and **cannot find `Microsoft.NETCore.App` 10.x** while you have .NET 10 under **`~/.dotnet`**:

- **`launchSettings.json` `environmentVariables`** (e.g. `DOTNET_ROOT`) often do **not** apply to the **native apphost** Rider launches first; the host probes `/usr/share/dotnet` before your app starts.
- This repo sets **`<UseAppHost>false</UseAppHost>`** for **Debug** builds so the IDE runs **`dotnet …/NeonSprawl.Server.dll`** using the **.NET CLI** you configured in the toolchain (**`/home/don/.dotnet/dotnet`**), which then loads the 10.x shared runtime from the same install.
- Alternatives: install [.NET 10 into the default location](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/install/linux) so `/usr/share/dotnet` has 10.x, or add **`DOTNET_ROOT=/home/don/.dotnet`** in **Run → Edit Configurations → Environment variables** (IDE-level, not only `launchSettings.json`).