diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 69fc1b5..f604432 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -14,4 +14,5 @@ coverage/
 
 .DS_Store
 
-.worktrees/
\ No newline at end of file
+.worktrees/
+.superpowers/
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts
index ab6d9a3..6ad59c7 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts
@@ -725,4 +725,231 @@ describe('CombatEngineService', () => {
       expect(state).toEqual(snapshot);
     });
   });
+
+  const VETERAN_ABILITIES: MonsterAbilities = {
+    telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+    guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+  };
+
+  describe('guard', () => {
+    it('raises its guard instead of attacking on the interval round', () => {
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 4,
+        monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 120,
+          maxHp: 120,
+          stats: { attack: 14, armor: 10, abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.player.currentHp).toBe(100);
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+        CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+      );
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toEqual({
+        remainingRounds: 2,
+        armorBonus: 10,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('adds the guard bonus to the armor the player has to cut through', () => {
+      const guarded = baseState({
+        round: 5,
+        monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 120,
+          maxHp: 120,
+          stats: {
+            attack: 14,
+            armor: 10,
+            abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+            activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+          },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(guarded, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      // 14 raw damage against armor 20 instead of 10: 14*60/80 = 10.5 -> 11.
+      const damage = result.events.find(
+        (event) => event.type === CombatEventType.DAMAGE,
+      );
+      expect(damage?.amount).toBe(11);
+    });
+
+    it('drops the guard when its rounds run out', () => {
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 5,
+        monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 120,
+          maxHp: 120,
+          stats: {
+            attack: 14,
+            armor: 10,
+            abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+            activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 1, armorBonus: 10 },
+          },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+        CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('lets Shield Bash break an active guard', () => {
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 5,
+        monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 120,
+          maxHp: 120,
+          stats: {
+            attack: 14,
+            armor: 10,
+            abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+            activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+          },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.SHIELD_BASH,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+      const types = result.events.map((event) => event.type);
+      expect(types).toContain(CombatEventType.INTERRUPT);
+      expect(types).toContain(CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED);
+    });
+
+    it('lets a telegraph win when both are due in the same round', () => {
+      const collidingAbilities: MonsterAbilities = {
+        telegraph: { roundInterval: 2, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+        guard: { roundInterval: 2, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+      };
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 2,
+        monster: withAbilities(collidingAbilities, {
+          currentHp: 120,
+          maxHp: 120,
+          stats: { attack: 14, armor: 10, abilities: collidingAbilities },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.pendingAction).toBe('HEAVY_ATTACK');
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+    });
+
+    it('leaves a monster without the ability exactly as it was', () => {
+      const state = baseState({ round: 4 });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+        CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+      );
+    });
+  });
+
+  const HOUND_ABILITIES: MonsterAbilities = {
+    bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+    enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+  };
+
+  describe('enrage', () => {
+    it('turns aggressive once its HP crosses the threshold', () => {
+      // 80 max HP, 40 left; a 14-damage blow lands it on 26, below 35%.
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 1,
+        player: {
+          currentHp: 100,
+          maxHp: 100,
+          stats: { attack: 6, weaponDamage: 8, armor: 0 },
+        },
+        monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 40,
+          maxHp: 80,
+          stats: { attack: 12, armor: 0, abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBe(true);
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+        CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+      );
+      // The same round's reply already hits harder: 12 * 1.4 = 16.8 -> 17.
+      const monsterHit = result.events.find(
+        (event) =>
+          event.type === CombatEventType.DAMAGE &&
+          event.source === Combatant.MONSTER,
+      );
+      expect(monsterHit?.amount).toBe(17);
+    });
+
+    it('stays quiet above the threshold', () => {
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 1,
+        monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 80,
+          maxHp: 80,
+          stats: { attack: 12, armor: 0, abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBeUndefined();
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+        CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('announces the change only once', () => {
+      const state = baseState({
+        round: 2,
+        monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+          currentHp: 20,
+          maxHp: 80,
+          stats: {
+            attack: 12,
+            armor: 0,
+            abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES,
+            enraged: true,
+          },
+        }),
+      });
+
+      const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+        action: CombatAction.DEFEND,
+      });
+
+      expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+        CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+      );
+      expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBe(true);
+    });
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts
index 9cc7d2b..5050183 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import { CombatStatus } from './combat-status.enum';
 import { StatusEffectType } from './status-effect.enum';
 import type {
   MonsterBleedAbility,
+  MonsterGuardAbility,
   MonsterTelegraphAbility,
 } from '../monsters/monster-abilities';
 
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
 
     const damage = calculateDamage(
       player.stats,
-      monster.stats.armor,
+      this.effectiveArmor(monster),
       multiplier,
     );
     monster.currentHp = Math.max(0, monster.currentHp - damage);
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
 
     const damage = calculateDamage(
       player.stats,
-      monster.stats.armor,
+      this.effectiveArmor(monster),
       SHIELD_BASH_MULTIPLIER,
     );
     monster.currentHp = Math.max(0, monster.currentHp - damage);
@@ -108,6 +109,26 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
       });
     }
 
+    // A guard is a prepared stance like a wind-up, and the bash answers both.
+    // Only one INTERRUPT is emitted even when the bash breaks both at once --
+    // the player made one interruption, not two.
+    if (monster.stats.activeGuard) {
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = undefined;
+      if (!interrupted) {
+        events.push({
+          source: Combatant.PLAYER,
+          target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+          type: CombatEventType.INTERRUPT,
+        });
+      }
+      interrupted = true;
+      events.push({
+        source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        type: CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+      });
+    }
+
     return this.finishRound(state, player, monster, events, false, interrupted);
   }
 
@@ -170,7 +191,11 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
       });
       const defeatedMonster = {
         ...monster,
-        stats: { ...monster.stats, pendingAction: undefined },
+        stats: {
+          ...monster.stats,
+          pendingAction: undefined,
+          activeGuard: undefined,
+        },
       };
       return {
         state: {
@@ -183,6 +208,8 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
       };
     }
 
+    this.ageGuard(monster, events);
+
     if (!interrupted) {
       this.resolveMonsterTurn(state.round, monster, player, defended, events);
     }
@@ -222,6 +249,8 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
     defended: boolean,
     events: CombatEngineEvent[],
   ): void {
+    this.checkEnrage(monster, events);
+
     const defendMultiplier = defended ? DEFEND_MITIGATION_MULTIPLIER : 1;
     const abilities = monster.stats.abilities ?? {};
 
@@ -247,6 +276,21 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
       return;
     }
 
+    if (this.shouldTrigger(abilities.guard, round)) {
+      const guard = abilities.guard as MonsterGuardAbility;
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = {
+        remainingRounds: guard.durationRounds,
+        armorBonus: guard.armorBonus,
+      };
+      events.push({
+        source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        type: CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+        amount: guard.durationRounds,
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+
     this.strikePlayer(monster, player, defendMultiplier, events);
 
     // The bite lands first and then tears: Bleeding is applied on top of a
@@ -263,10 +307,13 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
     multiplier: number,
     events: CombatEngineEvent[],
   ): void {
+    const enrageMultiplier = monster.stats.enraged
+      ? (monster.stats.abilities?.enrage?.damageMultiplier ?? 1)
+      : 1;
     const damage = calculateDamage(
       monster.stats,
       player.stats.armor,
-      multiplier,
+      multiplier * enrageMultiplier,
     );
     player.currentHp = Math.max(0, player.currentHp - damage);
     events.push({
@@ -277,13 +324,51 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
     });
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Latches the enraged state the first time the monster's HP crosses its
+   * threshold. Checked before it acts, so the blow that wounded it is already
+   * answered in kind.
+   */
+  private checkEnrage(
+    monster: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    events: CombatEngineEvent[],
+  ): void {
+    const enrage = monster.stats.abilities?.enrage;
+    if (!enrage || monster.stats.enraged) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const threshold = (monster.maxHp * enrage.hpThresholdPercent) / 100;
+    if (monster.currentHp > threshold) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    monster.stats.enraged = true;
+    events.push({
+      source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      type: CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+    });
+  }
+
+  /** Armor the monster actually presents this round, guard included. */
+  private effectiveArmor(combatant: CombatEngineCombatant): number {
+    return (
+      combatant.stats.armor + (combatant.stats.activeGuard?.armorBonus ?? 0)
+    );
+  }
+
   /**
    * A content-configured ability fires on every round divisible by its
    * interval. A fixed cadence rather than a hidden roll keeps the fight
    * readable and the engine deterministic (AGENTS §10).
    */
   private shouldTrigger(
-    ability: MonsterTelegraphAbility | MonsterBleedAbility | undefined,
+    ability:
+      | MonsterTelegraphAbility
+      | MonsterBleedAbility
+      | MonsterGuardAbility
+      | undefined,
     round: number,
   ): boolean {
     return (
@@ -325,6 +410,36 @@ export class CombatEngineService {
     });
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Counts one round off an active guard, and drops it when it runs out.
+   *
+   * Called before the monster acts, so the guard it raises this round is not
+   * immediately aged: `durationRounds: 2` turns aside the player's next two
+   * attacks.
+   */
+  private ageGuard(
+    monster: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    events: CombatEngineEvent[],
+  ): void {
+    const guard = monster.stats.activeGuard;
+    if (!guard) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const remainingRounds = guard.remainingRounds - 1;
+    if (remainingRounds > 0) {
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = { ...guard, remainingRounds };
+      return;
+    }
+
+    monster.stats.activeGuard = undefined;
+    events.push({
+      source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      type: CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+    });
+  }
+
   /**
    * Deals one round of every active effect, then ages it. Bleeding ignores
    * armor: it is an open wound, not a blow that can be turned aside.
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts
index fa089f8..cce3bed 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts
@@ -34,12 +34,18 @@ export interface CombatEngineCombatantStats {
   // Monster-only: set when it telegraphs, cleared when the action resolves
   // or is interrupted. Optional because the player's stats never carry it.
   pendingAction?: CombatIntent;
+  // Monster-only: set when it covers, cleared when the rounds run out or a
+  // Shield Bash breaks it. Its bonus is added to the monster's armor while
+  // it lasts (Playable Slice 0.10 §7).
+  activeGuard?: { remainingRounds: number; armorBonus: number };
   // Monster-only: the content-authored mechanics this enemy fights with.
   // Absent (or empty) means a plain attacker with no special behaviour.
   abilities?: MonsterAbilities;
   // Effects currently ticking on this combatant. Only the player carries
   // any today -- nothing in this slice bleeds a monster.
   statusEffects?: ActiveStatusEffect[];
+  // Monster-only: latched the first time its HP crosses the enrage threshold.
+  enraged?: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface CombatEngineCombatant {
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts
index 938a542..913195b 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@ export enum CombatEventType {
   DEFEND = 'DEFEND',
   TELEGRAPH = 'TELEGRAPH',
   INTERRUPT = 'INTERRUPT',
+  GUARD_RAISED = 'GUARD_RAISED',
+  GUARD_ENDED = 'GUARD_ENDED',
+  ENRAGED = 'ENRAGED',
   STATUS_APPLIED = 'STATUS_APPLIED',
   STATUS_DAMAGE = 'STATUS_DAMAGE',
   STATUS_EXPIRED = 'STATUS_EXPIRED',
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts
index 7de0813..d84ece9 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts
@@ -343,6 +343,8 @@ describe('CombatService', () => {
         currentHp: 45,
         artworkPath: '/images/monsters/ash-rat.png',
         pendingIntent: null,
+        guardRemainingRounds: null,
+        enraged: false,
       });
       expect(combat.events).toEqual([]);
       expect(dataSource.state.combats).toHaveLength(1);
@@ -818,6 +820,34 @@ describe('CombatService', () => {
   });
 
   describe('getCombat', () => {
+    it('reports an active guard and an enraged monster to the client', async () => {
+      const state = createState();
+      const { service, dataSource } = createService({ state });
+      const started = await service.startCombat(CHARACTER_ID, ENCOUNTER_ID);
+
+      dataSource.state.combats[0].monsterState = {
+        ...dataSource.state.combats[0].monsterState,
+        activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+        enraged: true,
+      };
+
+      const dto = await service.getCombat(CHARACTER_ID, started.id);
+
+      expect(dto.monster.guardRemainingRounds).toBe(2);
+      expect(dto.monster.enraged).toBe(true);
+    });
+
+    it('reports no guard when the monster is not covering', async () => {
+      const state = createState();
+      const { service, dataSource } = createService({ state });
+      const started = await service.startCombat(CHARACTER_ID, ENCOUNTER_ID);
+
+      const dto = await service.getCombat(CHARACTER_ID, started.id);
+
+      expect(dto.monster.guardRemainingRounds).toBeNull();
+      expect(dto.monster.enraged).toBe(false);
+    });
+
     it('returns the persisted state and ordered events after a refresh', async () => {
       const context = createService();
       const started = await context.service.startCombat(
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts
index 1bcedbb..62abf45 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts
@@ -68,6 +68,9 @@ export interface CombatMonsterDto {
   currentHp: number;
   artworkPath: string;
   pendingIntent: CombatIntent | null;
+  /** Rounds the monster's raised guard still covers, or null when open. */
+  guardRemainingRounds: number | null;
+  enraged: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface CombatEventDto {
@@ -459,6 +462,9 @@ export class CombatService {
         currentHp: combat.monsterCurrentHp,
         artworkPath: monster.artworkPath,
         pendingIntent: combat.monsterState.pendingAction ?? null,
+        guardRemainingRounds:
+          combat.monsterState.activeGuard?.remainingRounds ?? null,
+        enraged: combat.monsterState.enraged ?? false,
       },
       events: events.map((event) => ({
         round: event.round,
diff --git a/apps/api/src/combat/entities/combat.entity.ts b/apps/api/src/combat/entities/combat.entity.ts
index ed0bea8..bc54296 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/combat/entities/combat.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/combat/entities/combat.entity.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ export interface CombatMonsterState extends CombatCombatantState {
   // Snapshotted from MonsterDefinition when the fight starts, so retuning
   // content mid-fight cannot change the rules of a running combat.
   abilities: MonsterAbilities;
+  // Snapshotted monster combat state persisted during the fight.
+  activeGuard?: { remainingRounds: number; armorBonus: number };
+  enraged?: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface CombatPlayerState extends CombatCombatantState {
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts b/apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..087e621
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+import { MigrationInterface, QueryRunner } from 'typeorm';
+
+/**
+ * Schema for the Abandoned Watchpost (Playable Slice 0.10 §9, §5).
+ *
+ * Two unrelated-looking things in one migration because they arrive with one
+ * slice: the world gate that hides the Ash Pit route until it is found, and
+ * the two combat event types the Raider Veteran's new mechanics emit.
+ *
+ * `character_location_discoveries` is player state and nothing else -- which
+ * location is gated at all is content, and lives on the connection
+ * (AGENTS.md §7). A connection carrying its own gate means a place can be
+ * reachable by one road and hidden behind another.
+ */
+export class CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000
+  implements MigrationInterface
+{
+  name = 'CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000';
+
+  public async up(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(`
+      CREATE TABLE "character_location_discoveries" (
+        "id" uuid NOT NULL DEFAULT uuid_generate_v4(),
+        "character_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+        "location_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+        "discovered_at" TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL DEFAULT now(),
+        CONSTRAINT "PK_character_location_discoveries" PRIMARY KEY ("id"),
+        CONSTRAINT "FK_character_location_discoveries_character"
+          FOREIGN KEY ("character_id") REFERENCES "characters"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE,
+        CONSTRAINT "FK_character_location_discoveries_location"
+          FOREIGN KEY ("location_id") REFERENCES "location_definitions"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE
+      )
+    `);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair" ON "character_location_discoveries" ("character_id", "location_id")`,
+    );
+
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "location_connections" ADD COLUMN "requires_discovery" boolean NOT NULL DEFAULT false`,
+    );
+
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_RAISED'`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_ENDED'`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'ENRAGED'`,
+    );
+  }
+
+  public async down(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `DROP INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair"`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(`DROP TABLE "character_location_discoveries"`);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "location_connections" DROP COLUMN "requires_discovery"`,
+    );
+
+    // Postgres cannot drop an enum value, so the type is rebuilt -- the same
+    // tradeoff migration 1790 already makes. Fails if any row uses one of the
+    // new values, which is the expected shape of a dev rollback.
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "combat_events" ALTER COLUMN "type" TYPE varchar USING "type"::text`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(`DROP TYPE "combat_event_type_enum"`);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `CREATE TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" AS ENUM ('DAMAGE', 'HEAL', 'DEFEND', 'TELEGRAPH', 'INTERRUPT', 'STATUS_APPLIED', 'STATUS_DAMAGE', 'STATUS_EXPIRED', 'COMBAT_WON', 'COMBAT_LOST')`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "combat_events" ALTER COLUMN "type" TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" USING "type"::"combat_event_type_enum"`,
+    );
+  }
+}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5e0ede9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+import 'reflect-metadata';
+import { QueryRunner } from 'typeorm';
+import { CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000 } from './1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost';
+
+/**
+ * The migration writes multi-line SQL, so every assertion below reads it with
+ * runs of whitespace collapsed -- the same harness the other migration specs
+ * use, so reindenting a statement never breaks a test that still describes
+ * the right schema.
+ */
+function collapse(statements: string[]): string {
+  return statements.map((sql) => sql.replace(/\s+/g, ' ').trim()).join('\n');
+}
+
+async function runUp(): Promise<string> {
+  const query = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+  const queryRunner = { query } as unknown as QueryRunner;
+  await new CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000().up(queryRunner);
+  return collapse(query.mock.calls.map(([sql]) => sql as string));
+}
+
+async function runDown(): Promise<string> {
+  const query = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+  const queryRunner = { query } as unknown as QueryRunner;
+  const migration = new CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000();
+  await migration.up(queryRunner);
+  const upCount = query.mock.calls.length;
+  await migration.down(queryRunner);
+  return collapse(query.mock.calls.slice(upCount).map(([sql]) => sql as string));
+}
+
+describe('CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000', () => {
+  it('creates the discovery table', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain('CREATE TABLE "character_location_discoveries"');
+  });
+
+  it('lets a character discover a location only once', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    // The unique index, not a disabled button, is what makes a repeated
+    // investigation harmless (AGENTS.md §30).
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair" ON "character_location_discoveries" ("character_id", "location_id")',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('cascades discoveries away with their character and location', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'FOREIGN KEY ("character_id") REFERENCES "characters"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE',
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'FOREIGN KEY ("location_id") REFERENCES "location_definitions"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('adds an ungated-by-default discovery flag to connections', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    // Default false: every route that exists today stays walkable.
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'ALTER TABLE "location_connections" ADD COLUMN "requires_discovery" boolean NOT NULL DEFAULT false',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('extends the combat event enum with the two new mechanics', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_RAISED'`,
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_ENDED'`,
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'ENRAGED'`,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('reverses the table and the column', async () => {
+    const joined = await runDown();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain('DROP TABLE "character_location_discoveries"');
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'ALTER TABLE "location_connections" DROP COLUMN "requires_discovery"',
+    );
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts
index 4115761..a780985 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts
@@ -4,9 +4,13 @@ import { ItemType } from '../../items/item-type.enum';
 import { LootCategory } from '../../items/loot-category.enum';
 import {
   ASH_RAT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ITEM_IDS,
   ItemKey,
+  RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   WILD_ROAD_DOG_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
 } from './item.constants';
@@ -212,6 +216,29 @@ export const ITEM_DEFINITIONS: SeedItemDefinition[] = [
     {},
     LootCategory.RAIDER_TROPHY,
   ),
+  // Watchpost trade goods (Playable Slice 0.10 §6). One per carrying
+  // category, so both the Hide Bag and the Trophy Pouch matter at this
+  // location and a player who owns neither runs into the capacity of 1.
+  item(
+    'scorched-hide',
+    'Scorched Hide',
+    'Hound hide burned hard as bark, the cracks in it still warm.',
+    ItemType.TRADE_GOOD,
+    null,
+    ItemRarity.COMMON,
+    {},
+    LootCategory.HIDE,
+  ),
+  item(
+    'raider-warband-mark',
+    'Raider Warband Mark',
+    'A watchpost tally-token, re-stamped with the mark of the band that took it.',
+    ItemType.TROPHY,
+    null,
+    ItemRarity.COMMON,
+    {},
+    LootCategory.RAIDER_TROPHY,
+  ),
 ];
 
 export const LOOT_TABLES = [
@@ -231,6 +258,26 @@ export const LOOT_TABLES = [
     key: 'charred-looter-loot',
     name: 'Charred Raider Loot',
   },
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-scout-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Scout Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'burned-hound-loot',
+    name: 'Burned Hound Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-veteran-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Veteran Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-captain-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Captain Loot',
+  },
 ];
 
 export interface SeedLootTableEntry {
@@ -290,4 +337,21 @@ export const LOOT_TABLE_ENTRIES: SeedLootTableEntry[] = [
   entry(CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'reinforced-leather-jacket', 2, '0.1000'),
   entry(CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'ash-boots', 3, '0.1000'),
   entry(CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'borderwatch-sigil', 4, '0.0800'),
+  // Watchpost (Playable Slice 0.10 §7). The Tier-1 pieces already exist in
+  // content; what this location changes is how often they show up. The
+  // Charred Captain's Pendant stays out -- it belongs to the Slice 0.11 boss,
+  // not to this elite.
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '0.6000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'bandit-blade', 2, '0.2500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'bandit-hood', 3, '0.1800'),
+  entry(BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'scorched-hide', 1, '0.6000'),
+  entry(BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'ash-boots', 2, '0.1500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '0.7000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-gloves', 2, '0.1500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'reinforced-leather-jacket', 3, '0.2000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'guardsman-legs', 4, '0.2200'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '1.0000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'reinforced-leather-jacket', 2, '0.3000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'guardsman-legs', 3, '0.3000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'borderwatch-sigil', 4, '0.2000'),
 ];
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts
index 54b6036..72a14a9 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ export const ITEM_IDS = {
   'bandit-insignia': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-00000000000d',
   'tough-hide': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-00000000000e',
   'charred-raider-insignia': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-00000000000f',
+  'scorched-hide': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000010',
+  'raider-warband-mark': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000011',
 } as const;
 
 export type ItemKey = keyof typeof ITEM_IDS;
@@ -27,3 +29,14 @@ export const WILD_ROAD_DOG_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
   '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
 export const CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
   '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+
+// Playable Slice 0.10 §6: one table per Watchpost enemy, same rule as the
+// Burned Road -- each enemy owns its guaranteed trade good.
+export const RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005';
+export const BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006';
+export const RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007';
+export const RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008';
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts
index fe48588..8de6996 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts
@@ -240,3 +240,147 @@ export const SOUTH_GATE_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
   ],
   localRewardPreview: [],
 };
+
+export const ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
+  regionName: 'Ashen Fields',
+  regionTierLabel: 'Tier 1',
+  locationType: 'OUTPOST',
+  localDescription:
+    'A border tower the Watch gave up on. The palisade still stands, the gate does not, and someone has been sleeping here who was never posted here.',
+  localArtworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png',
+  // Anchored to painted detail in `Wachturm.png`: the open ground before the
+  // tower, the tower base itself, the collapsed lean-to on the left, and the
+  // track leading off to the right.
+  localPointsOfInterest: [
+    {
+      key: 'hunt-area',
+      title: 'Hunting Ground',
+      actionLabel: 'Begin Hunt',
+      type: 'HUNT',
+      iconKey: 'hunt',
+      xPercent: 62,
+      yPercent: 38,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+      title: 'The Watchpost',
+      actionLabel: 'Inspect',
+      type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+      iconKey: 'investigate',
+      xPercent: 44,
+      yPercent: 46,
+      enabled: true,
+      resultTitle: 'The Watchpost',
+      // Quoted from Playable Slice 0.10 §8.
+      resultText:
+        "The raiders weren't using the watchpost as shelter. They were using it to watch the road. Fresh tracks lead east, toward the old ash excavation.",
+      discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'search-guard-quarters',
+      title: "Guards' Quarters",
+      actionLabel: 'Search',
+      type: 'SEARCH',
+      iconKey: 'search',
+      xPercent: 18,
+      yPercent: 68,
+      enabled: true,
+      resultTitle: "Guards' Quarters",
+      resultText:
+        'Straw, a cold hearth, and a duty roster with every name scratched out but one. Nothing here is worth carrying.',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'east-road',
+      title: 'Track East',
+      actionLabel: 'To Map',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      xPercent: 88,
+      yPercent: 74,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localPrimaryActions: [
+    {
+      key: 'start-hunt',
+      label: 'Begin Hunt',
+      description: 'Hunt in this area',
+      type: 'HUNT',
+      iconKey: 'hunt',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+      label: 'Inspect the watchpost',
+      description: 'Find clues',
+      type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+      iconKey: 'investigate',
+      enabled: true,
+      poiKey: 'inspect-watchpost',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'search-quarters',
+      label: 'Search the quarters',
+      description: 'Find loot',
+      type: 'SEARCH',
+      iconKey: 'search',
+      enabled: true,
+      poiKey: 'search-guard-quarters',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'open-map',
+      label: 'To Map',
+      description: 'Change area',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  // Same rule as the Burned Road: only categories the loot tables here
+  // actually back, and no Silver or experience, because a normal kill grants
+  // neither (slice §6).
+  localRewardPreview: [
+    { key: 'equipment', label: 'Equipment', iconKey: 'equipment' },
+    { key: 'material', label: 'Trade Goods', iconKey: 'material' },
+  ],
+};
+
+/**
+ * A stub (Playable Slice 0.10 §9, design decision D2).
+ *
+ * The discovered route needs a real destination for the gate to mean anything,
+ * so the Ash Pit exists as a place you can stand -- and nothing more. Slice
+ * 0.11 gives it an encounter pool, an elite and its own hotspots.
+ */
+export const ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
+  regionName: 'Ashen Fields',
+  regionTierLabel: 'Tier 1',
+  locationType: 'TRANSITION',
+  localDescription:
+    'The old ash excavation drops away in terraces, grey on grey. Something down there is still being worked.',
+  localArtworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png',
+  localPointsOfInterest: [
+    {
+      key: 'pit-rim',
+      title: 'Back Along the Track',
+      actionLabel: 'To Map',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      xPercent: 20,
+      yPercent: 76,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localPrimaryActions: [
+    {
+      key: 'open-map',
+      label: 'To Map',
+      description: 'Change area',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localRewardPreview: [],
+};
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts
index 12a4cf5..df54c14 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts
@@ -550,4 +550,31 @@ export const EXCHANGE_RULES: SeedExchangeRule[] = [
     sortOrder: 4,
     enabled: true,
   },
+  // Watchpost goods (Playable Slice 0.10 §10). Priced above the road tier so
+  // the longer trip pays, and below the rare Charred Raider Insignia so the
+  // rare drop stays the best thing in the region.
+  {
+    profileId: BORIN_EXCHANGE_PROFILE_ID,
+    inputItemId: ITEM_IDS['scorched-hide'],
+    inputQuantity: 1,
+    factionId: BORDER_GUARD_FACTION_ID,
+    silverReward: 12,
+    regionReputationReward: 4,
+    renownMilestoneKey: FIRST_TRADE_MILESTONE_KEY,
+    conditions: [],
+    sortOrder: 5,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    profileId: BORIN_EXCHANGE_PROFILE_ID,
+    inputItemId: ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'],
+    inputQuantity: 1,
+    factionId: BORDER_GUARD_FACTION_ID,
+    silverReward: 20,
+    regionReputationReward: 7,
+    renownMilestoneKey: FIRST_TRADE_MILESTONE_KEY,
+    conditions: [],
+    sortOrder: 6,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
 ];
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts
index 45c0543..32270e6 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts
@@ -4,3 +4,13 @@ export const ASH_RAT_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
 export const ROAD_BANDIT_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000002';
 export const WILD_ROAD_DOG_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
 export const CHARRED_LOOTER_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+
+// Playable Slice 0.10.
+export const ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
+export const ASH_PIT_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+export const RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005';
+export const BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006';
+export const RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID =
+  '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007';
+export const RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID =
+  '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008';
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts
index 781a4e4..d8ac3f5 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts
@@ -28,9 +28,18 @@ import {
   ASH_RAT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ITEM_IDS,
+  RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   WILD_ROAD_DOG_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
 } from './item.constants';
+import {
+  ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+  ASH_PIT_ID,
+  BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
+} from './vertical-slice.constants';
 import { NpcQuestAssignment } from '../../quests/entities/npc-quest-assignment.entity';
 import { QuestDefinition } from '../../quests/entities/quest-definition.entity';
 import { QuestObjective } from '../../quests/entities/quest-objective.entity';
@@ -253,7 +262,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     expect(characterRepository.insert).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
       expect.objectContaining({ id: DEMO_CHARACTER_ID }),
     );
-    expect(locationRepository.rows).toHaveLength(2);
+    // South Gate, Burned Road, plus the Watchpost and Ash Pit added in
+    // Playable Slice 0.10 §5, §9.
+    expect(locationRepository.rows).toHaveLength(4);
     expect(locationRepository.rows).toEqual(
       expect.arrayContaining([
         expect.objectContaining({
@@ -266,7 +277,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
         }),
       ]),
     );
-    expect(connectionRepository.rows).toHaveLength(2);
+    // 2 original (South Gate <-> Burned Road) + 2 new (Burned Road <->
+    // Watchpost) + 2 gated (Watchpost <-> Ash Pit) (Playable Slice 0.10 §9).
+    expect(connectionRepository.rows).toHaveLength(6);
     expect(characterRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
     expect(characterRepository.rows[0]).toEqual(
       expect.objectContaining({
@@ -276,8 +289,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
       }),
     );
 
-    expect(monsterRepository.insert).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(4);
-    expect(monsterRepository.rows).toHaveLength(4);
+    // 4 Burned Road monsters + 4 Watchpost monsters (Playable Slice 0.10 §5).
+    expect(monsterRepository.insert).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(8);
+    expect(monsterRepository.rows).toHaveLength(8);
     expect(monsterRepository.rows).toEqual(
       expect.arrayContaining([
         expect.objectContaining({
@@ -371,7 +385,8 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
       ]),
       ['locationId', 'monsterId'],
     );
-    expect(locationMonsterRepository.rows).toHaveLength(4);
+    // 4 Burned Road entries + 5 Watchpost entries (Playable Slice 0.10 §4).
+    expect(locationMonsterRepository.rows).toHaveLength(9);
   });
 
   it('seeds the local view content of the Burned Road with four points of interest', async () => {
@@ -532,7 +547,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
-    expect(itemRepository.rows).toHaveLength(15);
+    // 15 Burned Road items plus the two Watchpost trade goods (Playable
+    // Slice 0.10 §6): the same item repository holds both locations' content.
+    expect(itemRepository.rows).toHaveLength(17);
     expect(itemRepository.rows).toEqual(
       expect.arrayContaining([
         expect.objectContaining({
@@ -586,8 +603,10 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     }
 
     // One table per monster now that each has its own guaranteed trade good.
-    expect(lootTableRepository.rows).toHaveLength(4);
-    expect(lootEntryRepository.rows).toHaveLength(12);
+    // Four for the Burned Road plus four more for the Watchpost (Playable
+    // Slice 0.10 §6, §7), all upserted into this same loot table repository.
+    expect(lootTableRepository.rows).toHaveLength(8);
+    expect(lootEntryRepository.rows).toHaveLength(25);
 
     // Every Burned Road enemy carries exactly one trade good as its first
     // entry (spec §5). The three common ones were retuned from a guaranteed
@@ -868,9 +887,10 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     expect(borin.locationId).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_ID);
     expect(npcShopRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
 
-    // All four Burned Road trade goods are accepted (slice 0.8 §5), and the
-    // rare Charred Raider Insignia pays visibly more than the common pelt.
-    expect(exchangeRuleRepository.rows).toHaveLength(4);
+    // All four Burned Road trade goods, plus the two Watchpost goods added in
+    // Playable Slice 0.10 §10, are accepted, and the rare Charred Raider
+    // Insignia pays visibly more than the common pelt.
+    expect(exchangeRuleRepository.rows).toHaveLength(6);
     const silverByItem = new Map(
       exchangeRuleRepository.rows.map((row: Row) => [
         row.inputItemId,
@@ -1257,4 +1277,306 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     ).find((entry) => entry.poiKey === 'gate-watch') as Record<string, unknown>;
     expect(action.npcKey).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY);
   });
+
+  it('gives each new trade good the carrying category it belongs to', async () => {
+    const itemRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ item: itemRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const hide = itemRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'scorched-hide',
+    );
+    const mark = itemRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'raider-warband-mark',
+    );
+
+    expect(hide?.lootCategory).toBe('HIDE');
+    expect(mark?.lootCategory).toBe('RAIDER_TROPHY');
+  });
+
+  it('lets Borin buy both watchpost trade goods', async () => {
+    const exchangeRuleRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      exchangeRule: exchangeRuleRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const hideRule = exchangeRuleRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS['scorched-hide'],
+    );
+    const markRule = exchangeRuleRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'],
+    );
+
+    expect(hideRule).toMatchObject({
+      silverReward: 12,
+      regionReputationReward: 4,
+    });
+    expect(markRule).toMatchObject({
+      silverReward: 20,
+      regionReputationReward: 7,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('pays more for watchpost goods than for road goods', async () => {
+    const exchangeRuleRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      exchangeRule: exchangeRuleRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const silverFor = (key: keyof typeof ITEM_IDS) =>
+      exchangeRuleRepository.rows.find(
+        (row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS[key],
+      )?.silverReward as number;
+
+    // The longer trip has to pay, or §10's loop has no pull (slice §6).
+    expect(silverFor('scorched-hide')).toBeGreaterThan(
+      silverFor('tough-hide'),
+    );
+    expect(silverFor('raider-warband-mark')).toBeGreaterThan(
+      silverFor('bandit-insignia'),
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('guarantees the captain trophy and offers its focused drop', async () => {
+    const lootEntryRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ lootEntry: lootEntryRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const entries = lootEntryRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.lootTableId === RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(
+      entries.find(
+        (row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'],
+      )?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('1.0000');
+    expect(
+      entries.find(
+        (row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['borderwatch-sigil'],
+      )?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('0.2000');
+  });
+
+  it('leaves the road bandit loot table untouched', async () => {
+    const lootEntryRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ lootEntry: lootEntryRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const entries = lootEntryRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.lootTableId === ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    );
+
+    // This slice adds a pool entry for the bandit, not a rebalance
+    // (AGENTS.md §39).
+    expect(entries).toHaveLength(4);
+    expect(
+      entries.find((row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['bandit-blade'])
+        ?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('0.1800');
+  });
+
+  it('seeds the watchpost as a huntable outpost', async () => {
+    const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ location: locationRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const watchpost = locationRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'abandoned-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(watchpost).toMatchObject({
+      locationType: 'OUTPOST',
+      huntingEnabled: true,
+      isSafe: false,
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('connects the burned road and the watchpost both ways without a gate', async () => {
+    const connectionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ connection: connectionRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const connections = connectionRepository.rows;
+
+    const outbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+    const inbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(outbound).toMatchObject({
+      travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+      ambushChance: '0.1000',
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    });
+    expect(inbound).toMatchObject({
+      travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('gates the outbound ash pit route and leaves the way back open', async () => {
+    const connectionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ connection: connectionRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const connections = connectionRepository.rows;
+
+    const outbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ASH_PIT_ID,
+    );
+    const inbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ASH_PIT_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(outbound?.requiresDiscovery).toBe(true);
+    // Whoever got there must always be able to leave.
+    expect(inbound?.requiresDiscovery).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('points the watchpost investigation at the ash pit', async () => {
+    const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ location: locationRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const watchpost = locationRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'abandoned-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    const poi = (
+      watchpost?.localPointsOfInterest as Array<Record<string, unknown>>
+    ).find((entry) => entry.key === 'inspect-watchpost');
+
+    expect(poi?.discoversLocationKey).toBe('ash-pit');
+  });
+
+  it('gives the watchpost its own encounter pool', async () => {
+    const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const pool = locationMonsterRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.locationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(pool.map((row) => row.monsterId).sort()).toEqual(
+      [
+        RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+        BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
+        ROAD_BANDIT_MONSTER_ID,
+        RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
+        RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+      ].sort(),
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('leaves the burned road pool exactly as it was', async () => {
+    const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const pool = locationMonsterRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.locationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(pool).toHaveLength(4);
+  });
+
+  it('marks only the captain as a rare encounter', async () => {
+    const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const pool = locationMonsterRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.locationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+
+    const rare = pool.filter((row) => row.encounterType === 'RARE');
+    expect(rare).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(rare[0].monsterId).toBe(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID);
+  });
+
+  it('arms the veteran with a telegraph and a guard on different cadences', async () => {
+    const monsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ monster: monsterRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const veteran = monsterRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'raider-veteran',
+    );
+
+    expect(veteran?.abilities).toEqual({
+      telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+      guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('gives the hound bleeding and a low-HP rage', async () => {
+    const monsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ monster: monsterRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const hound = monsterRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'burned-hound',
+    );
+
+    expect(hound?.abilities).toEqual({
+      bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+      enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('seeds the ash pit as a stub with nothing to hunt yet', async () => {
+    const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const ashPit = locationRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'ash-pit',
+    );
+    const pool = locationMonsterRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.locationId === ASH_PIT_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(ashPit?.huntingEnabled).toBe(false);
+    expect(pool).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts
index 7a65c84..17fb938 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts
@@ -36,12 +36,18 @@ import {
 } from './item-content';
 import {
   ASH_RAT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ITEM_IDS,
+  RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+  RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   WILD_ROAD_DOG_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
 } from './item.constants';
 import {
+  ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT,
+  ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT,
   BURNED_ROAD_LOCAL_CONTENT,
   SOUTH_GATE_LOCAL_CONTENT,
 } from './local-location.content';
@@ -62,9 +68,15 @@ import {
   SHOP_OFFERS,
 } from './npc-content';
 import {
+  ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+  ASH_PIT_ID,
   ASH_RAT_MONSTER_ID,
+  BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
   BURNED_ROAD_ID,
   CHARRED_LOOTER_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+  RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
   ROAD_BANDIT_MONSTER_ID,
   SOUTH_GATE_ID,
   WILD_ROAD_DOG_MONSTER_ID,
@@ -131,6 +143,36 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
       artworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Aschestrasse.png',
       ...BURNED_ROAD_LOCAL_CONTENT,
     },
+    {
+      id: ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+      key: 'abandoned-watchpost',
+      name: 'Abandoned Watchpost',
+      description:
+        'A border tower the Watch gave up on. Whoever holds it now is watching the road, not guarding it.',
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+      minRecommendedLevel: 2,
+      maxRecommendedLevel: 3,
+      dangerLevel: 2,
+      isSafe: false,
+      huntingEnabled: true,
+      artworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png',
+      ...ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT,
+    },
+    {
+      id: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+      description:
+        'The old ash excavation east of the watchpost, cut in terraces and still being worked by someone.',
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+      minRecommendedLevel: 3,
+      maxRecommendedLevel: 4,
+      dangerLevel: 3,
+      isSafe: false,
+      huntingEnabled: false,
+      artworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png',
+      ...ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT,
+    },
   ];
 
   const locationIds = new Map<string, string>();
@@ -149,6 +191,9 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
 
   const southGateId = locationIds.get('south-gate') ?? SOUTH_GATE_ID;
   const burnedRoadId = locationIds.get('burned-road') ?? BURNED_ROAD_ID;
+  const watchpostId =
+    locationIds.get('abandoned-watchpost') ?? ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID;
+  const ashPitId = locationIds.get('ash-pit') ?? ASH_PIT_ID;
 
   await connectionRepository.upsert(
     [
@@ -158,6 +203,7 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
         travelDurationSeconds: 10,
         ambushChance: '0.0500',
         enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
       },
       {
         fromLocationId: burnedRoadId,
@@ -165,6 +211,42 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
         travelDurationSeconds: 10,
         ambushChance: '0.0500',
         enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+      {
+        fromLocationId: burnedRoadId,
+        toLocationId: watchpostId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+        ambushChance: '0.1000',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+      {
+        fromLocationId: watchpostId,
+        toLocationId: burnedRoadId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+        ambushChance: '0.1000',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+      // The one gated route in the game (slice §9). Discovery, not a level,
+      // is what opens it -- and the way back is never gated, so a character
+      // who walked in can always walk out.
+      {
+        fromLocationId: watchpostId,
+        toLocationId: ashPitId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+        ambushChance: '0.1500',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: true,
+      },
+      {
+        fromLocationId: ashPitId,
+        toLocationId: watchpostId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+        ambushChance: '0.1500',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
       },
     ],
     ['fromLocationId', 'toLocationId'],
@@ -265,6 +347,89 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
       iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/charred-looter-128.png',
       lootTableId: CHARRED_LOOTER_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
     },
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-scout',
+      name: 'Raider Scout',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 2,
+      maxHp: 70,
+      attack: 10,
+      armor: 3,
+      flavorText:
+        'Light on their feet and already backing away from the fight they started.',
+      // The farming target: no mechanic at all, so the pool has somewhere
+      // for a player to breathe between the harder fights (slice §5).
+      abilities: {},
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-scout.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-scout-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'burned-hound',
+      name: 'Burned Hound',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.BEAST,
+      level: 3,
+      maxHp: 80,
+      attack: 12,
+      armor: 2,
+      flavorText:
+        'The fire took its coat and left the cracks glowing underneath.',
+      // Bleeding on a tighter cadence than the road hound, plus a rage that
+      // punishes a player who lets the fight run long (slice §5).
+      abilities: {
+        bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+        enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/burned-hound.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/burned-hound-128.png',
+      lootTableId: BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-veteran',
+      name: 'Raider Veteran',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 3,
+      maxHp: 120,
+      attack: 14,
+      armor: 10,
+      flavorText:
+        'Plated, patient, and entirely willing to wait behind their guard.',
+      // The fight this location is built around: the telegraph the player
+      // already knows, plus a guard that answers to the same Shield Bash.
+      // Intervals 3 and 4 so the two only collide every twelfth round.
+      abilities: {
+        telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+        guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-veteran.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-veteran-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-captain',
+      name: 'Raider Captain',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 4,
+      maxHp: 160,
+      attack: 17,
+      armor: 12,
+      flavorText:
+        'Whoever gave the order to watch this road is standing in front of you.',
+      // The elite (slice §5): the veteran's two mechanics on tighter
+      // cadences and better stats, not a third subsystem. Deliberately not
+      // the Captain of the Ashen Band -- that boss belongs to Slice 0.11.
+      abilities: {
+        telegraph: { roundInterval: 2, damageMultiplier: 1.7 },
+        guard: { roundInterval: 3, armorBonus: 12, durationRounds: 2 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-captain.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-captain-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
   ];
 
   const monsterIds = new Map<string, string>();
@@ -312,6 +477,32 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
     ['locationId', 'monsterId'],
   );
 
+  // Watchpost roster (slice §4). The Road Bandit is reused deliberately: it
+  // bridges the two locations and keeps the Raider Insignia economy
+  // connected. Its definition and loot table are untouched.
+  const watchpostPool: ReadonlyArray<{
+    key: string;
+    weight: number;
+    encounterType: EncounterType;
+  }> = [
+    { key: 'raider-scout', weight: 35, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'burned-hound', weight: 28, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'road-bandit', weight: 20, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'raider-veteran', weight: 14, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'raider-captain', weight: 3, encounterType: EncounterType.RARE },
+  ];
+
+  await locationMonsterRepository.upsert(
+    watchpostPool.map(({ key, weight, encounterType }) => ({
+      locationId: watchpostId,
+      monsterId: monsterIds.get(key) as string,
+      weight,
+      encounterType,
+      enabled: true,
+    })),
+    ['locationId', 'monsterId'],
+  );
+
   const existing = await characterRepository.findOneBy({
     id: DEMO_CHARACTER_ID,
   });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts b/apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts
index fbf61a1..ac24108 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts
@@ -26,9 +26,33 @@ export interface MonsterBleedAbility {
   durationRounds: number;
 }
 
+export interface MonsterGuardAbility {
+  /**
+   * The monster forgoes its attack on every round divisible by this and
+   * covers instead, raising its armor for `durationRounds`. SHIELD_BASH
+   * breaks it, the same answer the telegraph already taught (Playable Slice
+   * 0.10 §5).
+   */
+  roundInterval: number;
+  armorBonus: number;
+  durationRounds: number;
+}
+
+export interface MonsterEnrageAbility {
+  /**
+   * Once its HP first falls to or below this share of maximum, the monster
+   * hits harder for the rest of the fight. One deterministic state change,
+   * never reversed and never rolled (Playable Slice 0.10 §5).
+   */
+  hpThresholdPercent: number;
+  damageMultiplier: number;
+}
+
 export interface MonsterAbilities {
   telegraph?: MonsterTelegraphAbility;
   bleed?: MonsterBleedAbility;
+  guard?: MonsterGuardAbility;
+  enrage?: MonsterEnrageAbility;
 }
 
 export const NO_MONSTER_ABILITIES: MonsterAbilities = {};
diff --git a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts
index eca8a2b..013ff17 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { Character } from '../characters/entities/character.entity';
 import { LocationConnection } from '../world/entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { LocationDefinition } from '../world/entities/location-definition.entity';
 import { CLOCK, systemClock } from '../shared/clock';
+import { WorldDiscoveryModule } from '../world/discovery/world-discovery.module';
 import { Travel } from './entities/travel.entity';
 import { TravelController } from './travel.controller';
 import { TravelService } from './travel.service';
@@ -16,6 +17,7 @@ import { TravelService } from './travel.service';
       LocationConnection,
       Travel,
     ]),
+    WorldDiscoveryModule,
   ],
   controllers: [TravelController],
   providers: [TravelService, { provide: CLOCK, useValue: systemClock }],
diff --git a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts
index daa28c4..a1ceb9d 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import {
 import { LocationConnection } from '../world/entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { LocationDefinition } from '../world/entities/location-definition.entity';
 import { Clock } from '../shared/clock';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from '../world/discovery/world-discovery.service';
 import { Travel } from './entities/travel.entity';
 import { TravelDomainError } from './travel.errors';
 import { TravelService } from './travel.service';
@@ -215,16 +216,37 @@ function activeTravel(arrivesAt: Date): Travel {
   } as Travel;
 }
 
-function createService(state = createState()) {
-  const dataSource = new FakeDataSource(state);
+function buildService(
+  options: { state?: FakeState; discovered?: string[] } = {},
+) {
+  const dataSource = new FakeDataSource(options.state ?? createState());
   const clock: Clock = { now: () => new Date(NOW) };
-  const service = new TravelService(dataSource as unknown as DataSource, clock);
-  return { dataSource, service };
+  const worldDiscovery = {
+    isTravelAllowed: (
+      _characterId: string,
+      connection: { toLocationId: string; requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+      manager?: unknown,
+    ) => {
+      if (manager === undefined) {
+        throw new Error('isTravelAllowed must be called with a manager');
+      }
+      return Promise.resolve(
+        !connection.requiresDiscovery ||
+          (options.discovered ?? []).includes(connection.toLocationId),
+      );
+    },
+  } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
+  const service = new TravelService(
+    dataSource as unknown as DataSource,
+    clock,
+    worldDiscovery,
+  );
+  return { dataSource, service, state: dataSource.state };
 }
 
 describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('starts travel for an enabled directed connection', async () => {
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService();
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService();
 
     await expect(
       service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
@@ -259,7 +281,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('rejects a target without an enabled connection', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.connections[0].enabled = false;
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService(state);
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService({ state });
 
     await expect(
       service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
@@ -270,7 +292,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   });
 
   it('derives arrivesAt from the injected clock and connection duration', async () => {
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService();
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService();
 
     const result = await service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID);
 
@@ -284,7 +306,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('rejects a second journey with a stable active-travel error', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.travels.push(activeTravel(new Date('2026-08-18T10:00:10.000Z')));
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService(state);
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService({ state });
 
     let error: unknown;
     try {
@@ -308,7 +330,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('returns the current active travel without exposing persistence fields', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.travels.push(activeTravel(new Date('2026-08-18T10:00:10.000Z')));
-    const { service } = createService(state);
+    const { service } = buildService({ state });
 
     await expect(service.getCurrentTravel(CHARACTER_ID)).resolves.toEqual({
       status: TravelStatus.TRAVELLING,
@@ -330,7 +352,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('does not complete or move the character before arrivesAt', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.travels.push(activeTravel(new Date('2026-08-18T10:00:00.001Z')));
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService(state);
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService({ state });
 
     await expect(service.completeTravelIfDue(CHARACTER_ID)).resolves.toEqual({
       status: TravelStatus.TRAVELLING,
@@ -356,7 +378,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('completes due travel and updates character location atomically', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.travels.push(activeTravel(new Date('2026-08-18T10:00:00.000Z')));
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService(state);
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService({ state });
 
     await expect(service.completeTravelIfDue(CHARACTER_ID)).resolves.toEqual({
       status: TravelStatus.COMPLETED,
@@ -382,7 +404,7 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
   it('rolls back both due-travel updates if either save fails', async () => {
     const state = createState();
     state.travels.push(activeTravel(new Date('2026-08-18T10:00:00.000Z')));
-    const { dataSource, service } = createService(state);
+    const { dataSource, service } = buildService({ state });
     dataSource.failSaveTarget = Character;
 
     await expect(service.completeTravelIfDue(CHARACTER_ID)).rejects.toThrow(
@@ -393,4 +415,23 @@ describe('TravelService', () => {
     );
     expect(dataSource.state.travels[0].status).toBe(TravelStatus.TRAVELLING);
   });
+
+  it('refuses a gated route the character has not discovered', async () => {
+    const { service, state } = buildService();
+    state.connections[0].requiresDiscovery = true;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
+    ).rejects.toBeInstanceOf(TravelDomainError);
+    expect(state.travels).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  it('allows a gated route once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const { service, state } = buildService({ discovered: [BURNED_ROAD_ID] });
+    state.connections[0].requiresDiscovery = true;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
+    ).resolves.toMatchObject({ status: TravelStatus.TRAVELLING });
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts
index 2c99dc4..674690b 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { LocationConnection } from '../world/entities/location-connection.entity
 import { LocationDefinition } from '../world/entities/location-definition.entity';
 import { CLOCK } from '../shared/clock';
 import type { Clock } from '../shared/clock';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from '../world/discovery/world-discovery.service';
 import { Travel } from './entities/travel.entity';
 import {
   characterNotFound,
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ export class TravelService {
   constructor(
     private readonly dataSource: DataSource,
     @Inject(CLOCK) private readonly clock: Clock,
+    private readonly worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService,
   ) {}
 
   startTravel(
@@ -79,6 +81,18 @@ export class TravelService {
         throw invalidTravelTarget();
       }
 
+      // The map already hides an undiscovered route, but the map is not what
+      // decides. A gated target is refused here too, inside the same
+      // transaction that locks the character (AGENTS.md §5).
+      const allowed = await this.worldDiscovery.isTravelAllowed(
+        characterId,
+        connection,
+        manager,
+      );
+      if (!allowed) {
+        throw invalidTravelTarget();
+      }
+
       const originLocation = await locations.findOneBy({
         id: character.currentLocationId,
       });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/discovery/character-location-discovery.entity.ts b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/character-location-discovery.entity.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d26ee9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/character-location-discovery.entity.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+import {
+  Column,
+  CreateDateColumn,
+  Entity,
+  Index,
+  JoinColumn,
+  ManyToOne,
+  PrimaryGeneratedColumn,
+} from 'typeorm';
+import { Character } from '../../characters/entities/character.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+
+/**
+ * A place this character knows about (Playable Slice 0.10 §9).
+ *
+ * Player state, not content: which routes are gated at all lives on the
+ * connection. A row here is written once and never updated, so the unique
+ * pair is the whole concurrency story (AGENTS.md §30).
+ */
+@Entity({ name: 'character_location_discoveries' })
+@Index(
+  'IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair',
+  ['characterId', 'locationId'],
+  { unique: true },
+)
+export class CharacterLocationDiscovery {
+  @PrimaryGeneratedColumn('uuid', { name: 'id' })
+  id!: string;
+
+  @Column({ name: 'character_id', type: 'uuid' })
+  characterId!: string;
+
+  @Column({ name: 'location_id', type: 'uuid' })
+  locationId!: string;
+
+  @CreateDateColumn({ name: 'discovered_at', type: 'timestamptz' })
+  discoveredAt!: Date;
+
+  @ManyToOne(() => Character, { onDelete: 'CASCADE' })
+  @JoinColumn({ name: 'character_id' })
+  character!: Character;
+
+  @ManyToOne(() => LocationDefinition, { onDelete: 'CASCADE' })
+  @JoinColumn({ name: 'location_id' })
+  location!: LocationDefinition;
+}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.module.ts b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.module.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d87074d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.module.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+import { Module } from '@nestjs/common';
+import { TypeOrmModule } from '@nestjs/typeorm';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './world-discovery.service';
+
+/**
+ * A leaf module on purpose. `WorldModule` already imports `TravelModule`, and
+ * both need this service; giving it its own module is what keeps that from
+ * becoming a circular import.
+ */
+@Module({
+  imports: [
+    TypeOrmModule.forFeature([CharacterLocationDiscovery, LocationDefinition]),
+  ],
+  providers: [WorldDiscoveryService],
+  exports: [WorldDiscoveryService],
+})
+export class WorldDiscoveryModule {}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6526441
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+import { DataSource, Repository } from 'typeorm';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+import { LocationConnection } from '../entities/location-connection.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './world-discovery.service';
+
+const CHARACTER_ID = '10000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
+const WATCHPOST_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
+const ASH_PIT_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+
+interface InsertCall {
+  values: Record<string, unknown>;
+  orIgnore: boolean;
+}
+
+function buildService(options: {
+  discoveries?: Array<{ locationId: string }>;
+  locations?: Array<Partial<LocationDefinition>>;
+  insertCalls?: InsertCall[];
+}): WorldDiscoveryService {
+  const discoveries = options.discoveries ?? [];
+  const locations = options.locations ?? [];
+  const insertCalls = options.insertCalls ?? [];
+
+  const discoveryRepository = {
+    find: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(discoveries),
+    createQueryBuilder: jest.fn(() => {
+      const builder = {
+        insert: () => builder,
+        into: () => builder,
+        values: (values: Record<string, unknown>) => {
+          insertCalls.push({ values, orIgnore: false });
+          return builder;
+        },
+        orIgnore: () => {
+          insertCalls[insertCalls.length - 1].orIgnore = true;
+          return builder;
+        },
+        execute: jest
+          .fn()
+          .mockResolvedValue({ identifiers: [{ id: 'new-row' }] }),
+      };
+      return builder;
+    }),
+  } as unknown as Repository<CharacterLocationDiscovery>;
+
+  const locationRepository = {
+    findOneBy: jest.fn(({ key }: { key: string }) =>
+      Promise.resolve(locations.find((location) => location.key === key) ?? null),
+    ),
+  } as unknown as Repository<LocationDefinition>;
+
+  const dataSource = {
+    getRepository: (target: unknown) =>
+      target === CharacterLocationDiscovery
+        ? discoveryRepository
+        : locationRepository,
+  } as unknown as DataSource;
+
+  return new WorldDiscoveryService(dataSource);
+}
+
+describe('WorldDiscoveryService', () => {
+  it('returns the ids the character has already discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }],
+    });
+
+    const discovered = await service.getDiscoveredLocationIds(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(discovered.has(ASH_PIT_ID)).toBe(true);
+    expect(discovered.has(WATCHPOST_ID)).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('allows travel down a route that carries no gate', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({});
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: WATCHPOST_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('refuses a gated route the character has not discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({});
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: true,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('allows a gated route once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({ discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }] });
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: true,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('returns the location the first time it is discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+    });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit')).resolves.toEqual({
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('returns null when the location was already known', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }],
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+    });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit')).resolves.toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('writes the row so a duplicate is ignored rather than thrown', async () => {
+    const insertCalls: InsertCall[] = [];
+    const service = buildService({
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+      insertCalls,
+    });
+
+    await service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit');
+
+    expect(insertCalls).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(insertCalls[0].orIgnore).toBe(true);
+    expect(insertCalls[0].values).toEqual({
+      characterId: CHARACTER_ID,
+      locationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('ignores an unknown location key', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({ locations: [] });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'nowhere')).resolves.toBeNull();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dbf3a65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+import { Injectable } from '@nestjs/common';
+import { DataSource, EntityManager } from 'typeorm';
+import { LocationConnection } from '../entities/location-connection.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+
+export interface DiscoveredLocation {
+  key: string;
+  name: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Which places a character knows about, and whether a gated route is open to
+ * them yet (Playable Slice 0.10 §9).
+ *
+ * One service rather than a check inlined in `WorldService` and
+ * `TravelService`: the map must hide exactly what travel refuses, and two
+ * copies of that rule would drift the moment Slice 0.11 adds a second gate.
+ */
+@Injectable()
+export class WorldDiscoveryService {
+  constructor(private readonly dataSource: DataSource) {}
+
+  async getDiscoveredLocationIds(
+    characterId: string,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<Set<string>> {
+    const repository = this.discoveries(manager);
+    const rows = await repository.find({
+      where: { characterId },
+      select: { locationId: true },
+    });
+    return new Set(rows.map((row) => row.locationId));
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Records that the character now knows this place.
+   *
+   * Returns the location the first time and `null` afterwards, so a caller can
+   * tell a fresh reveal from a repeated click without a second query. The
+   * insert ignores a conflict rather than throwing: the same interaction run
+   * twice is a normal thing for a player to do (AGENTS.md §30).
+   */
+  async discover(
+    characterId: string,
+    locationKey: string,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<DiscoveredLocation | null> {
+    const locations = manager
+      ? manager.getRepository(LocationDefinition)
+      : this.dataSource.getRepository(LocationDefinition);
+    const location = await locations.findOneBy({ key: locationKey });
+    if (!location) {
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    const known = await this.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId, manager);
+    if (known.has(location.id)) {
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    await this.discoveries(manager)
+      .createQueryBuilder()
+      .insert()
+      .into(CharacterLocationDiscovery)
+      .values({ characterId, locationId: location.id })
+      .orIgnore()
+      .execute();
+
+    return { key: location.key, name: location.name };
+  }
+
+  async isTravelAllowed(
+    characterId: string,
+    connection: Pick<LocationConnection, 'toLocationId' | 'requiresDiscovery'>,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<boolean> {
+    if (!connection.requiresDiscovery) {
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    const known = await this.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId, manager);
+    return this.isRouteOpen(known, connection);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * The gating rule itself, given an already-loaded discovery set.
+   *
+   * Pure and synchronous so a caller with many connections can load the set
+   * once and filter in memory, while `isTravelAllowed` stays the convenient
+   * single-connection entry point. One rule, two callers.
+   */
+  isRouteOpen(
+    discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+    connection: Pick<LocationConnection, 'toLocationId' | 'requiresDiscovery'>,
+  ): boolean {
+    return (
+      !connection.requiresDiscovery ||
+      discoveredLocationIds.has(connection.toLocationId)
+    );
+  }
+
+  private discoveries(manager?: EntityManager) {
+    return manager
+      ? manager.getRepository(CharacterLocationDiscovery)
+      : this.dataSource.getRepository(CharacterLocationDiscovery);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts b/apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts
index 2effd01..01708fe 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts
@@ -35,6 +35,14 @@ export class LocationConnection {
   @Column({ name: 'enabled', type: 'boolean' })
   enabled!: boolean;
 
+  /**
+   * When true this route only exists for a character who has discovered its
+   * target (Playable Slice 0.10 §9). Default false: every route that existed
+   * before this slice stays open.
+   */
+  @Column({ name: 'requires_discovery', type: 'boolean', default: false })
+  requiresDiscovery!: boolean;
+
   @ManyToOne(
     () => LocationDefinition,
     (location) => location.outgoingConnections,
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts
index 0dca51c..b72c8a9 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import {
 } from '../database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants';
 import { LocationMonster } from '../monsters/entities/location-monster.entity';
 import { TravelService } from '../travel/travel.service';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './discovery/world-discovery.service';
 import { LocationConnection } from './entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { LocationDefinition } from './entities/location-definition.entity';
 import type { LocationPointOfInterestContent } from './local-location.types';
@@ -92,9 +93,51 @@ function createService(
     } as unknown as Repository<Character>,
     { find: jest.fn() } as unknown as Repository<LocationConnection>,
     { find: jest.fn() } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>,
+    {
+      isTravelAllowed: () => Promise.resolve(true),
+      discover: jest.fn(),
+    } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService,
   );
 }
 
+/**
+ * Builds a `WorldService` sitting at the Burned Road with the given points of
+ * interest, and a stub `WorldDiscoveryService` whose `discover` mirrors the
+ * real one: it returns the ash pit the first time and `null` once
+ * `alreadyDiscovered` says the character already knows it.
+ */
+function buildService(options: {
+  pointsOfInterest: LocationPointOfInterestContent[];
+  alreadyDiscovered?: boolean;
+}) {
+  const currentLocation = location(BURNED_ROAD_ID, options.pointsOfInterest);
+  const discover = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(
+    options.alreadyDiscovered ? null : { key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' },
+  );
+  const worldDiscovery = {
+    discover,
+    isTravelAllowed: () => Promise.resolve(true),
+  } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
+
+  const service = new WorldService(
+    {
+      completeTravelIfDue: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({ status: 'IDLE' }),
+    } as unknown as TravelService,
+    {
+      findOne: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+        id: CHARACTER_ID,
+        currentLocationId: currentLocation.id,
+        currentLocation,
+      }),
+    } as unknown as Repository<Character>,
+    { find: jest.fn() } as unknown as Repository<LocationConnection>,
+    { find: jest.fn() } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>,
+    worldDiscovery,
+  );
+
+  return { service, discover };
+}
+
 async function expectRejected(promise: Promise<unknown>): Promise<void> {
   await expect(promise).rejects.toBeInstanceOf(WorldDomainError);
   await expect(promise).rejects.toMatchObject({
@@ -112,6 +155,7 @@ describe('WorldService.runLocalInteraction', () => {
       interactionKey: 'inspect-tracks',
       title: 'Suspicious Tracks',
       text: 'Between the ash and broken stones you make out several fresh bootprints.',
+      discoveredLocation: null,
     });
   });
 
@@ -125,6 +169,7 @@ describe('WorldService.runLocalInteraction', () => {
       title: 'Gate Watch',
       text: 'Only heard at the South Gate.',
       img: '/images/npcs/graufurt-gate-watch.png',
+      discoveredLocation: null,
     });
   });
 
@@ -171,4 +216,87 @@ describe('WorldService.runLocalInteraction', () => {
       service.runLocalInteraction(CHARACTER_ID, 'hunt-area'),
     );
   });
+
+  it('discovers the route the hotspot points at', async () => {
+    const { service, discover } = buildService({
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+          title: 'The Watchpost',
+          actionLabel: 'Inspect',
+          type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+          iconKey: 'investigate',
+          xPercent: 50,
+          yPercent: 50,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultTitle: 'The Watchpost',
+          resultText: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+          discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'inspect-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(discover).toHaveBeenCalledWith(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit');
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toEqual({
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('reports no discovery the second time the hotspot is used', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      alreadyDiscovered: true,
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+          title: 'The Watchpost',
+          type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+          iconKey: 'investigate',
+          xPercent: 50,
+          yPercent: 50,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultText: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+          discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'inspect-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toBeNull();
+    expect(result.text).toBe('Fresh tracks lead east.');
+  });
+
+  it('reports no discovery for a hotspot that reveals nothing', async () => {
+    const { service, discover } = buildService({
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'search-quarters',
+          title: 'Guard Quarters',
+          type: 'SEARCH',
+          iconKey: 'search',
+          xPercent: 20,
+          yPercent: 60,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultText: 'Nothing but ash.',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'search-quarters',
+    );
+
+    expect(discover).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toBeNull();
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts b/apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts
index f12e817..400ff92 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts
@@ -55,6 +55,12 @@ export interface LocationPointOfInterestContent {
    * scout on the Burned Road stays a piece of scenery, Borin does not.
    */
   npcKey?: string;
+  /**
+   * Names a location this hotspot reveals (Playable Slice 0.10 §9). Setting it
+   * turns a read-only reveal into a piece of world progress, which is why the
+   * interaction endpoint writes as well as reads.
+   */
+  discoversLocationKey?: string;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -120,6 +126,11 @@ export interface LocationInteractionResultDto {
   title: string;
   text: string;
   img?: string;
+  /**
+   * Set only on the interaction that reveals a route for the first time, so
+   * the UI can say so once instead of on every repeat.
+   */
+  discoveredLocation: { key: string; name: string } | null;
 }
 
 /** Strips server-only result text before a POI is sent to the client. */
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts b/apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts
index f89e016..008b1a9 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { Character } from '../characters/entities/character.entity';
 import { LocationMonster } from '../monsters/entities/location-monster.entity';
 import { MonsterDefinition } from '../monsters/entities/monster-definition.entity';
 import { TravelModule } from '../travel/travel.module';
+import { WorldDiscoveryModule } from './discovery/world-discovery.module';
 import { LocationConnection } from './entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { WorldController } from './world.controller';
 import { WorldService } from './world.service';
@@ -17,6 +18,7 @@ import { WorldService } from './world.service';
       MonsterDefinition,
     ]),
     TravelModule,
+    WorldDiscoveryModule,
   ],
   controllers: [WorldController],
   providers: [WorldService],
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts b/apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts
index bd3c32e..329537c 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import {
 } from '../database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants';
 import { LocationMonster } from '../monsters/entities/location-monster.entity';
 import { TravelService } from '../travel/travel.service';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './discovery/world-discovery.service';
 import { LocationConnection } from './entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { LocationDefinition } from './entities/location-definition.entity';
 import type {
@@ -16,6 +17,7 @@ import type {
 import { WorldService } from './world.service';
 
 const CHARACTER_ID = '10000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
+const ASH_PIT_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
 
 const SOUTH_GATE_POIS: LocationPointOfInterestContent[] = [
   {
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ const BURNED_ROAD_POIS: LocationPointOfInterestContent[] = [
     enabled: true,
     resultTitle: 'Suspicious Tracks',
     resultText: 'Fresh bootprints lead east.',
+    discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
   },
   {
     key: 'sealed-crypt',
@@ -183,6 +186,81 @@ function burnedRoad(): LocationDefinition {
   };
 }
 
+const ashPitLocation: LocationDefinition = {
+  id: ASH_PIT_ID,
+  key: 'ash-pit',
+  name: 'Ash Pit',
+  description: 'A smoldering pit at the edge of the Ashen Fields.',
+  regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+  minRecommendedLevel: 2,
+  maxRecommendedLevel: 3,
+  dangerLevel: 2,
+  isSafe: false,
+  huntingEnabled: true,
+  artworkPath: '/assets/locations/ash-pit.webp',
+  regionName: 'Ashen Fields',
+  regionTierLabel: 'Tier 1',
+  locationType: 'HUNTING_GROUND',
+  localDescription: 'The pit still smolders, day and night.',
+  localArtworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/ash-pit.png',
+  localPointsOfInterest: [],
+  localPrimaryActions: [],
+  localRewardPreview: [],
+  createdAt: new Date('2026-08-18T09:00:00.000Z'),
+  updatedAt: new Date('2026-08-18T09:00:00.000Z'),
+  characters: [],
+  outgoingConnections: [],
+  incomingConnections: [],
+};
+
+/**
+ * Builds a `WorldService` sitting at the Burned Road, with a stub
+ * `WorldDiscoveryService` that mirrors the real gate: a connection with
+ * `requiresDiscovery` is only allowed once its target is in `discovered`.
+ */
+function buildService(
+  options: {
+    connections?: LocationConnection[];
+    discovered?: string[];
+  } = {},
+) {
+  const location = burnedRoad();
+  const travelService = {
+    completeTravelIfDue: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue({ status: 'IDLE' }),
+  } as unknown as TravelService;
+  const characters = {
+    findOne: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(character(BURNED_ROAD_ID, location)),
+  } as unknown as Repository<Character>;
+  const connections = {
+    find: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(options.connections ?? []),
+  } as unknown as Repository<LocationConnection>;
+  const locationMonsters = {
+    find: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue([]),
+  } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>;
+  const worldDiscovery = {
+    discover: jest.fn(),
+    getDiscoveredLocationIds: jest
+      .fn()
+      .mockResolvedValue(new Set(options.discovered ?? [])),
+    isRouteOpen: (
+      discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+      connection: { toLocationId: string; requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+    ) =>
+      !connection.requiresDiscovery ||
+      discoveredLocationIds.has(connection.toLocationId),
+  } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
+
+  const service = new WorldService(
+    travelService,
+    characters,
+    connections,
+    locationMonsters,
+    worldDiscovery,
+  );
+
+  return { service };
+}
+
 describe('WorldService', () => {
   it('returns the authoritative current location and only enabled public connections', async () => {
     const callOrder: string[] = [];
@@ -230,11 +308,20 @@ describe('WorldService', () => {
     const locationMonsters = {
       find: findLocationMonsters,
     } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>;
+    const worldDiscovery = {
+      getDiscoveredLocationIds: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(new Set()),
+      isRouteOpen: (
+        _discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+        connection: { requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+      ) => !connection.requiresDiscovery,
+      discover: jest.fn(),
+    } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
     const service = new WorldService(
       travelService,
       characters,
       connections,
       locationMonsters,
+      worldDiscovery,
     );
 
     const result = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
@@ -313,11 +400,20 @@ describe('WorldService', () => {
     const locationMonsters = {
       find: findLocationMonsters,
     } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>;
+    const worldDiscovery = {
+      getDiscoveredLocationIds: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(new Set()),
+      isRouteOpen: (
+        _discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+        connection: { requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+      ) => !connection.requiresDiscovery,
+      discover: jest.fn(),
+    } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
     const service = new WorldService(
       travelService,
       characters,
       connections,
       locationMonsters,
+      worldDiscovery,
     );
 
     const result = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
@@ -349,11 +445,20 @@ describe('WorldService', () => {
     const locationMonsters = {
       find: findLocationMonsters,
     } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>;
+    const worldDiscovery = {
+      getDiscoveredLocationIds: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(new Set()),
+      isRouteOpen: (
+        _discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+        connection: { requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+      ) => !connection.requiresDiscovery,
+      discover: jest.fn(),
+    } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
     const service = new WorldService(
       travelService,
       characters,
       connections,
       locationMonsters,
+      worldDiscovery,
     );
 
     await expect(
@@ -423,6 +528,8 @@ describe('WorldService', () => {
     ]);
     expect(JSON.stringify(result)).not.toContain('Fresh bootprints');
     expect(JSON.stringify(result)).not.toContain('Still sealed');
+    expect(JSON.stringify(result)).not.toContain('discoversLocationKey');
+    expect(JSON.stringify(result)).not.toContain('ash-pit');
   });
 
   it('derives the encounter preview from the location monster pool', async () => {
@@ -458,6 +565,48 @@ describe('WorldService', () => {
     expect(result.dangerRating).toBeNull();
     expect(result.encounterPreview).toEqual([]);
   });
+
+  it('hides a gated connection until the character has discovered it', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      connections: [
+        {
+          fromLocationId: BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+          toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+          travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+          ambushChance: '0.1500',
+          enabled: true,
+          requiresDiscovery: true,
+          toLocation: ashPitLocation,
+        } as unknown as LocationConnection,
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const location = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(location.connections).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  it('shows a gated connection once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      discovered: [ASH_PIT_ID],
+      connections: [
+        {
+          fromLocationId: BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+          toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+          travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+          ambushChance: '0.1500',
+          enabled: true,
+          requiresDiscovery: true,
+          toLocation: ashPitLocation,
+        } as unknown as LocationConnection,
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const location = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(location.connections).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(location.connections[0].targetLocation.key).toBe('ash-pit');
+  });
 });
 
 async function loadBurnedRoad() {
@@ -486,6 +635,14 @@ async function loadLocation(
     {
       find: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(pool),
     } as unknown as Repository<LocationMonster>,
+    {
+      getDiscoveredLocationIds: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(new Set()),
+      isRouteOpen: (
+        _discoveredLocationIds: ReadonlySet<string>,
+        connection: { requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+      ) => !connection.requiresDiscovery,
+      discover: jest.fn(),
+    } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService,
   );
 
   return service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
diff --git a/apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts b/apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts
index 17a2d14..9b94c68 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { Character } from '../characters/entities/character.entity';
 import { calculateDangerRating, DangerRating } from '../hunting/danger-rating';
 import { LocationMonster } from '../monsters/entities/location-monster.entity';
 import { TravelService } from '../travel/travel.service';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './discovery/world-discovery.service';
 import { LocationConnection } from './entities/location-connection.entity';
 import { LocationDefinition } from './entities/location-definition.entity';
 import {
@@ -68,6 +69,7 @@ export class WorldService {
     private readonly connections: Repository<LocationConnection>,
     @InjectRepository(LocationMonster)
     private readonly locationMonsters: Repository<LocationMonster>,
+    private readonly worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService,
   ) {}
 
   async getCurrentLocation(
@@ -85,6 +87,17 @@ export class WorldService {
       ? await this.getEncounterPool(location.id)
       : [];
 
+    // Loaded once per request rather than per connection: `isRouteOpen` is
+    // synchronous, so a location with several gated exits costs one query
+    // here instead of one per gated connection.
+    const discoveredLocationIds =
+      await this.worldDiscovery.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId);
+    const visibleConnections = connections.filter(
+      (connection) =>
+        connection.enabled &&
+        this.worldDiscovery.isRouteOpen(discoveredLocationIds, connection),
+    );
+
     return {
       id: location.id,
       key: location.key,
@@ -114,17 +127,15 @@ export class WorldService {
         iconPath: entry.monster.iconPath,
       })),
       rewardPreview: location.localRewardPreview,
-      connections: connections
-        .filter((connection) => connection.enabled)
-        .map((connection) => ({
-          targetLocation: {
-            id: connection.toLocation.id,
-            key: connection.toLocation.key,
-            name: connection.toLocation.name,
-          },
-          travelDurationSeconds: connection.travelDurationSeconds,
-          danger: this.toDangerRating(connection.ambushChance),
-        })),
+      connections: visibleConnections.map((connection) => ({
+        targetLocation: {
+          id: connection.toLocation.id,
+          key: connection.toLocation.key,
+          name: connection.toLocation.name,
+        },
+        travelDurationSeconds: connection.travelDurationSeconds,
+        danger: this.toDangerRating(connection.ambushChance),
+      })),
       possibleMonsters: pool.map((entry) => entry.monster.name),
     };
   }
@@ -152,11 +163,21 @@ export class WorldService {
       throw locationInteractionUnavailable();
     }
 
+    // A hotspot that reveals a route writes before it speaks. Idempotent by
+    // the unique pair, so a second click simply reports nothing new.
+    const discoveredLocation = poi.discoversLocationKey
+      ? await this.worldDiscovery.discover(
+          characterId,
+          poi.discoversLocationKey,
+        )
+      : null;
+
     return {
       interactionKey: poi.key,
       title: poi.resultTitle ?? poi.title,
       text: poi.resultText,
       ...(poi.resultImg === undefined ? {} : { img: poi.resultImg }),
+      discoveredLocation,
     };
   }
 
diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png b/apps/web/public/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02fdecb
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/burned-hound-760.png b/apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/burned-hound-760.png
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/monsters/burned-hound.png b/apps/web/public/images/monsters/burned-hound.png
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index 0000000..648c6b5
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/burned-hound-560.jpg b/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/burned-hound-560.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfa18c0
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-captain-560.jpg b/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-captain-560.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..627afe5
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-scout-560.jpg b/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-scout-560.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c757bd2
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diff --git a/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-veteran-560.jpg b/apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/raider-veteran-560.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80262f9
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diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts b/apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts
index c951c3a..23e3661 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts
@@ -89,6 +89,13 @@ export interface LocationInteractionResult {
   title: string;
   text: string;
   img?: string;
+  /**
+   * Set only the first time an interaction reveals a route. Optional on the
+   * client although the API always sends it: every existing test fixture
+   * builds this object literally, and a required field would break them all
+   * for no gain.
+   */
+  discoveredLocation?: { key: string; name: string } | null;
 }
 
 export interface CurrentLocationResponse {
@@ -170,7 +177,10 @@ export type CombatEventType =
   | 'STATUS_DAMAGE'
   | 'STATUS_EXPIRED'
   | 'COMBAT_WON'
-  | 'COMBAT_LOST';
+  | 'COMBAT_LOST'
+  | 'GUARD_RAISED'
+  | 'GUARD_ENDED'
+  | 'ENRAGED';
 export type StatusEffectType = 'BLEED';
 export type CombatSide = 'PLAYER' | 'MONSTER';
 export type CombatAction = 'ATTACK' | 'HEAVY_STRIKE' | 'SHIELD_BASH' | 'DEFEND' | 'POTION';
@@ -209,6 +219,9 @@ export interface CombatMonster {
   currentHp: number;
   artworkPath: string;
   pendingIntent: CombatMonsterIntent | null;
+  /** Rounds the monster's raised guard still covers, or null when open. */
+  guardRemainingRounds: number | null;
+  enraged: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface Combat {
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/core/resume-combat.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/core/resume-combat.spec.ts
index 7fbc9bc..9134561 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/core/resume-combat.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/core/resume-combat.spec.ts
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ const runningCombat: Combat = {
     currentHp: 30,
     artworkPath: '/images/enemies/RoadBandit.png',
     pendingIntent: null,
+    guardRemainingRounds: null,
+    enraged: false,
   },
   events: [],
   rewards: null,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html
index f7a8c61..92062a7 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html
@@ -69,6 +69,16 @@
         <p class="combat__telegraph" data-combat-telegraph role="status">{{ intent }}</p>
       }
 
+      @if (monsterGuardLabel(); as guard) {
+        <p class="combat__telegraph combat__guard" data-combat-guard role="status">{{ guard }}</p>
+      }
+
+      @if (monsterIsEnraged()) {
+        <p class="combat__telegraph combat__enraged" data-combat-enraged role="status">
+          {{ combat.monster.name }} is enraged.
+        </p>
+      }
+
       <div class="combat__field">
         <div
           class="sprite sprite--player"
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss
index 16e0ac2..52aad6a 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@
   z-index: 2;
   margin: 0;
   padding: var(--ar-space-2) var(--ar-space-4);
-  border: 1px solid var(--ar-gold);
+  border: 1px solid currentColor;
   border-radius: var(--ar-radius-sm);
   background: rgb(9 11 13 / 0.85);
   color: var(--ar-gold);
@@ -423,6 +423,18 @@
   text-align: center;
 }
 
+// The guard and enrage banners are the same shape and role as the telegraph
+// above -- same class, same rule -- only the accent changes. data-combat-guard
+// / data-combat-enraged stay on the elements purely as test hooks; styling
+// keys off the semantic modifier classes instead.
+.combat__guard {
+  color: var(--ar-blue);
+}
+
+.combat__enraged {
+  color: var(--ar-danger);
+}
+
 .action {
   position: relative;
   inline-size: clamp(6.5rem, 11vw, 8.5rem);
@@ -709,46 +721,7 @@
     justify-content: flex-start;
   }
 
-  /* ---------- ongoing effects ---------- */
-
-/* Sits directly under the health bar it is eating away at, so the cause of
-   the drain is next to the number that drops (spec §4). */
-.statuses {
-  display: flex;
-  flex-wrap: wrap;
-  gap: var(--ar-space-2);
-  margin: 0;
-  padding: 0;
-  list-style: none;
-}
-
-.status {
-  display: inline-flex;
-  align-items: center;
-  gap: 0.35rem;
-  padding: 0.1rem 0.45rem;
-  border: 1px solid var(--ar-border);
-  border-radius: 0.15rem;
-  background: rgb(0 0 0 / 0.35);
-  font-size: var(--ar-font-sm);
-  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
-}
-
-/* Drawn rather than loaded: a 12px bitmap of a blood drop would be mush, and
-   the shape carries the meaning on its own. */
-.status__glyph {
-  inline-size: 0.55rem;
-  block-size: 0.7rem;
-  background: currentcolor;
-  clip-path: polygon(50% 0%, 100% 62%, 82% 95%, 18% 95%, 0% 62%);
-}
-
-.status--bleed {
-  border-color: rgb(158 46 42 / 0.75);
-  color: #d8736c;
-}
-
-.fighter--monster .fighter__meter {
+  .fighter--monster .fighter__meter {
     justify-items: start;
     text-align: start;
   }
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts
index 5fe29fb..7250226 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts
@@ -37,6 +37,8 @@ const activeCombat: Combat = {
     currentHp: 31,
     artworkPath: '/images/monsters/ash-rat.png',
     pendingIntent: null,
+    guardRemainingRounds: null,
+    enraged: false,
   },
   events: [
     { round: 1, sequence: 1, type: 'DAMAGE', source: 'PLAYER', target: 'MONSTER', amount: 14 },
@@ -197,6 +199,61 @@ describe('CombatPageComponent', () => {
     expect(element.querySelector('[data-combat-telegraph]')).toBeNull();
   });
 
+  const veteran: Combat = {
+    ...activeCombat,
+    monster: { ...activeCombat.monster, name: 'Raider Veteran' },
+  };
+
+  it('announces a raised guard with the rounds it still covers', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...veteran,
+      monster: { ...veteran.monster, guardRemainingRounds: 2 },
+    });
+
+    const banner: HTMLElement | null = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
+      '[data-combat-guard]',
+    );
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('Raider Veteran');
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('2');
+  });
+
+  it('says nothing about a guard when the monster is open', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup(activeCombat);
+
+    expect(
+      fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('[data-combat-guard]'),
+    ).toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('marks an enraged monster', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...activeCombat,
+      monster: { ...activeCombat.monster, enraged: true },
+    });
+
+    expect(
+      fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('[data-combat-enraged]'),
+    ).not.toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('reads the new events back in the log', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...veteran,
+      events: [
+        { round: 1, sequence: 1, type: 'GUARD_RAISED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER', amount: 2 },
+        { round: 1, sequence: 2, type: 'ENRAGED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER' },
+        { round: 2, sequence: 1, type: 'GUARD_ENDED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER' },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const log = (
+      fixture.nativeElement as HTMLElement
+    ).querySelector('.combat__log')?.textContent;
+    expect(log).toContain('Raider Veteran raises its guard.');
+    expect(log).toContain('Raider Veteran turns savage.');
+    expect(log).toContain("Raider Veteran's guard drops.");
+  });
+
   it('renders HEAL, DEFEND, TELEGRAPH, and INTERRUPT log lines', async () => {
     const fixture = await setup({
       ...activeCombat,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts
index d554fc2..d424e97 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts
@@ -323,6 +323,20 @@ export class CombatPageComponent implements OnInit {
     return `${combat.monster.name} is winding up a Heavy Strike.`;
   }
 
+  protected monsterGuardLabel(): string | null {
+    const combat = this.displayed();
+    const rounds = combat?.monster.guardRemainingRounds;
+    if (!combat || !rounds) {
+      return null;
+    }
+    const roundWord = rounds === 1 ? 'round' : 'rounds';
+    return `${combat.monster.name} is covering — ${rounds} ${roundWord}. Shield Bash breaks it.`;
+  }
+
+  protected monsterIsEnraged(): boolean {
+    return this.displayed()?.monster.enraged ?? false;
+  }
+
   protected logRounds(): CombatLogRound[] {
     const combat = this.displayed();
     if (!combat) {
@@ -366,6 +380,18 @@ export class CombatPageComponent implements OnInit {
       return `${playerName} interrupts ${monsterName}'s attack.`;
     }
 
+    if (event.type === 'GUARD_RAISED') {
+      return `${monsterName} raises its guard.`;
+    }
+
+    if (event.type === 'GUARD_ENDED') {
+      return `${monsterName}'s guard drops.`;
+    }
+
+    if (event.type === 'ENRAGED') {
+      return `${monsterName} turns savage.`;
+    }
+
     const effect = event.statusEffect ? STATUS_EFFECT_LABELS[event.statusEffect] : 'An effect';
 
     if (event.type === 'STATUS_APPLIED') {
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat.store.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat.store.spec.ts
index ead0e41..e46093c 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat.store.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat.store.spec.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ const startedCombat: Combat = {
     currentHp: 45,
     artworkPath: '/images/monsters/ash-rat.png',
     pendingIntent: null,
+    guardRemainingRounds: null,
+    enraged: false,
   },
   events: [],
   rewards: null,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/hunting/hunt-page/hunt-page.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/hunting/hunt-page/hunt-page.component.spec.ts
index 2ae54bc..54c9f16 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/hunting/hunt-page/hunt-page.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/hunting/hunt-page/hunt-page.component.spec.ts
@@ -88,6 +88,8 @@ const startedCombat: Combat = {
     currentHp: 75,
     artworkPath: '/images/enemies/RoadBandit.png',
     pendingIntent: null,
+    guardRemainingRounds: null,
+    enraged: false,
   },
   events: [],
   rewards: null,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.spec.ts
index 5f8680c..5ecd837 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.spec.ts
@@ -122,6 +122,38 @@ describe('LocalLocationStore', () => {
     expect(store.interactionResult()).toBeNull();
   });
 
+  it('reloads the location when the interaction reveals a route', async () => {
+    const load = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    const store = setup(
+      {
+        runLocationInteraction: vi.fn().mockReturnValue(
+          of({ ...trackResult, discoveredLocation: { key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' } }),
+        ),
+      },
+      { load },
+    );
+
+    await store.runInteraction('inspect-tracks');
+
+    expect(load).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+  });
+
+  it('does not reload the location when nothing new was revealed', async () => {
+    const load = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    const store = setup(
+      {
+        runLocationInteraction: vi.fn().mockReturnValue(
+          of({ ...trackResult, discoveredLocation: null }),
+        ),
+      },
+      { load },
+    );
+
+    await store.runInteraction('inspect-tracks');
+
+    expect(load).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
+
   it('resolves the hotspot an action mirrors', () => {
     const store = setup();
 
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts
index 7aea055..03a9231 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts
@@ -74,9 +74,14 @@ export class LocalLocationStore {
     this.interactionErrorState.set(null);
 
     try {
-      this.interactionResultState.set(
-        await firstValueFrom(this.api.runLocationInteraction(interactionKey)),
-      );
+      const result = await firstValueFrom(this.api.runLocationInteraction(interactionKey));
+      this.interactionResultState.set(result);
+
+      if (result.discoveredLocation) {
+        // The connection list is server-filtered, so a fresh reveal only
+        // shows up after the location is re-read.
+        await this.load();
+      }
     } catch (error) {
       this.interactionErrorState.set(this.toErrorMessage(error));
     } finally {
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html
index 660653d..d7387f5 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html
@@ -20,6 +20,11 @@
         <div class="interaction-panel__copy">
           <h2 class="interaction-panel__title">{{ result.title }}</h2>
           <p class="interaction-panel__text">{{ result.text }}</p>
+          @if (result.discoveredLocation; as discovered) {
+            <p class="interaction-panel__discovery" data-discovered-location role="status">
+              New route discovered: {{ discovered.name }}.
+            </p>
+          }
         </div>
       </div>
     } @else {
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.scss b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.scss
index 150808f..b4ee03c 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.scss
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.scss
@@ -63,6 +63,14 @@
   color: var(--ar-danger);
 }
 
+.interaction-panel__discovery {
+  margin: 0;
+  color: var(--ar-success);
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  line-height: 1.55;
+}
+
 .interaction-panel__close {
   justify-self: end;
   padding: var(--ar-space-2) var(--ar-space-5);
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts
index f874d31..735b7ac 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,15 @@ import { ComponentFixture, TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
 import { LocationInteractionPanelComponent } from './location-interaction-panel.component';
 
 async function setup(inputs: {
-  result?: { interactionKey: string; title: string; text: string; img?: string } | null;
+  result?:
+    | {
+        interactionKey: string;
+        title: string;
+        text: string;
+        img?: string;
+        discoveredLocation?: { key: string; name: string } | null;
+      }
+    | null;
   error?: string | null;
 }): Promise<{
   fixture: ComponentFixture<LocationInteractionPanelComponent>;
@@ -110,4 +118,31 @@ describe('LocationInteractionPanelComponent', () => {
 
     expect(element.querySelector('[data-interaction-panel]')).toBeNull();
   });
+
+  it('says so when the interaction revealed a route', async () => {
+    const { element } = await setup({
+      result: {
+        interactionKey: 'inspect-watchpost',
+        title: 'The Watchpost',
+        text: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+        discoveredLocation: { key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' },
+      },
+    });
+
+    const banner = element.querySelector('[data-discovered-location]');
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('Ash Pit');
+  });
+
+  it('stays quiet when nothing new was revealed', async () => {
+    const { element } = await setup({
+      result: {
+        interactionKey: 'search-guard-quarters',
+        title: 'Guard Quarters',
+        text: 'Nothing but ash.',
+        discoveredLocation: null,
+      },
+    });
+
+    expect(element.querySelector('[data-discovered-location]')).toBeNull();
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts
index 0c437ab..b112025 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ import { LocationSidebarComponent } from '../location-sidebar/location-sidebar.c
 const RUNTIME_ARTWORK: Readonly<Record<string, string>> = {
   '/images/backgrounds/Suedtor.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Suedtor-960.jpg',
   '/images/backgrounds/Aschestrasse.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Aschestrasse-960.jpg',
+  '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Wachturm-960.jpg',
+  '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Aschengrube-960.jpg',
 };
 
 /**
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts
index 0c53e13..d381516 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,9 @@
-import { monsterCutoutPath, monsterIconPath, runtimeMonsterArtworkPath } from './monster-artwork';
+import {
+  combatMonsterSpriteScale,
+  monsterCutoutPath,
+  monsterIconPath,
+  runtimeMonsterArtworkPath,
+} from './monster-artwork';
 
 describe('runtimeMonsterArtworkPath', () => {
   it('returns the optimized JPEG derivative for a known monster artwork path', () => {
@@ -42,3 +47,32 @@ describe('monsterIconPath', () => {
     expect(monsterIconPath('dawnwolf')).toBeUndefined();
   });
 });
+
+describe('watchpost monsters', () => {
+  const keys = ['raider-scout', 'raider-veteran', 'burned-hound', 'raider-captain'];
+
+  it('has a cutout for every watchpost monster', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(monsterCutoutPath(key)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('has an icon for every watchpost monster', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(monsterIconPath(key)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('has a runtime derivative for every watchpost artwork', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(runtimeMonsterArtworkPath(`/images/monsters/${key}.png`)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('scales the captain larger than the hound', () => {
+    // A hulking elite and a low-slung dog must not share a silhouette height.
+    expect(combatMonsterSpriteScale('raider-captain')).toBeGreaterThan(
+      combatMonsterSpriteScale('burned-hound'),
+    );
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts b/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts
index 680cb85..dd54201 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@ const RUNTIME_MONSTER_ARTWORK: Readonly<Record<string, string>> = {
   '/images/monsters/road-bandit.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/road-bandit-560.jpg',
   '/images/monsters/wild-road-dog.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/wild-road-dog-560.png',
   '/images/monsters/charred-looter.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/charred-looter-560.png',
+  '/images/monsters/raider-scout.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-scout-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/raider-veteran.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-veteran-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/burned-hound.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/burned-hound-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/raider-captain.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-captain-560.jpg',
 };
 
 export function runtimeMonsterArtworkPath(artworkPath: string): string | undefined {
@@ -16,6 +20,10 @@ const MONSTER_CUTOUT: Readonly<Record<string, string>> = {
   'road-bandit': '/images/combat/sprites/road-bandit-620.png',
   'wild-road-dog': '/images/combat/sprites/wild-road-dog-760.png',
   'charred-looter': '/images/combat/sprites/charred-looter-620.png',
+  'raider-scout': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-scout-620.png',
+  'raider-veteran': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-veteran-620.png',
+  'burned-hound': '/images/combat/sprites/burned-hound-760.png',
+  'raider-captain': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-captain-620.png',
 };
 
 const MONSTER_ICON: Readonly<Record<string, string>> = {
@@ -23,6 +31,10 @@ const MONSTER_ICON: Readonly<Record<string, string>> = {
   'road-bandit': '/images/combat/icons/road-bandit-128.png',
   'wild-road-dog': '/images/combat/icons/wild-road-dog-128.png',
   'charred-looter': '/images/combat/icons/charred-looter-128.png',
+  'raider-scout': '/images/combat/icons/raider-scout-128.png',
+  'raider-veteran': '/images/combat/icons/raider-veteran-128.png',
+  'burned-hound': '/images/combat/icons/burned-hound-128.png',
+  'raider-captain': '/images/combat/icons/raider-captain-128.png',
 };
 
 // Share of the battlefield height each monster sprite occupies, so a hulking
@@ -32,6 +44,10 @@ const COMBAT_MONSTER_SCALE: Readonly<Record<string, number>> = {
   'road-bandit': 0.82,
   'wild-road-dog': 0.58,
   'charred-looter': 0.86,
+  'raider-scout': 0.78,
+  'raider-veteran': 0.84,
+  'burned-hound': 0.6,
+  'raider-captain': 0.9,
 };
 
 const DEFAULT_MONSTER_SCALE = 0.6;
diff --git a/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md b/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0913a7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,319 @@
+# Slice 0.10 – Implementation Notes
+
+**Companion to:** `0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md`
+**Status:** Implemented, verified except the two items listed under
+"Outstanding manual verification" below.
+
+This records what actually got built, and where it differs from the
+specification. Read it alongside the slice document, not instead of it.
+
+---
+
+## 1. The discovery model
+
+Slice 0.10 needed a gate that is not a level check: the route to the Ash Pit
+should stay hidden until the player has actually found it (§9). That turned
+into three pieces.
+
+**`character_location_discoveries`** (migration `1798000000000`) is a plain
+join table: `character_id`, `location_id`, `discovered_at`, with a unique
+index on the pair. It is player state and nothing else — it says which
+places a character has found, not which places are gated. A row is written
+once and never updated, so the unique index is the whole concurrency story
+(the insert uses `ON CONFLICT DO NOTHING` rather than a read-then-write).
+
+**`requires_discovery`** is a boolean column added to `location_connections`.
+This is the deliberate half of the design: whether a route is gated at all is
+content, not player state, and it lives on the connection row, not on the
+location. That means a place can be reachable by one road and hidden behind
+another — the Watchpost → Ash Pit leg carries `requiresDiscovery: true`, and
+every other seeded connection, including the return leg from the Ash Pit,
+carries `false`. The way back is never gated.
+
+**`WorldDiscoveryService`** (`apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts`)
+is the one place that knows how to turn "does this character know about
+location X" into a yes/no. It exposes:
+
+- `getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId)` — the character's known-location
+  set, loaded once per caller.
+- `discover(characterId, locationKey)` — records a discovery, returns the
+  location the first time and `null` on a repeat, so a caller can tell a
+  fresh reveal from a re-click without a second query.
+- `isTravelAllowed(characterId, connection)` — the convenient single-connection
+  check, used by `TravelService`.
+- `isRouteOpen(discoveredLocationIds, connection)` — the same rule, but pure
+  and synchronous over an already-loaded set, used by `WorldService` when it
+  needs to filter a whole list of connections at once.
+
+### Why the gate is enforced in two places
+
+The map has to hide the Ash Pit route before it is discovered
+(`WorldService.getCurrentLocation` filters `connections` through
+`isRouteOpen`), and travel has to refuse it even if a client somehow requests
+it anyway (`TravelService.travelTo` calls `isTravelAllowed` inside the same
+transaction that locks the character). Two call sites, not one, because the
+map is a hint and travel is the authority — a client cannot be trusted to
+only ever request what its own map shows it.
+
+The risk with two call sites is drift: someone tightens the rule in one and
+forgets the other, and either a hidden route becomes travelable or a visible
+one becomes untravelable. That risk is closed by having both call sites go
+through the same predicate, `isRouteOpen`. `isTravelAllowed` is a two-line
+wrapper around it (load the discovery set, call the predicate); `getCurrentLocation`
+calls it directly per connection. There is exactly one place that decides
+whether a route is open, and both consumers hand it the same discovery set
+and the same connection shape (`toLocationId` + `requiresDiscovery`). A
+change to the rule cannot land in one caller without landing in the other,
+because there is only one caller of the rule itself.
+
+`WorldService.runLocalInteraction` is the third piece: a point of interest
+carrying a `discoversLocationKey` calls `discover()` before it returns its
+result text, so the reveal and the narrative beat happen in the same request
+(§3.4, §8). The Watchpost's `inspect-watchpost` hotspot is the only POI that
+does this in this slice — see §3 below.
+
+---
+
+## 2. `guard` and `enrage`: content-driven combat abilities
+
+Both are configuration on `Monster.abilities`, read by
+`CombatEngineService.resolveMonsterTurn` and `checkEnrage` — no monster-specific
+code, the same pattern the existing `telegraph` and `bleed` abilities already
+used.
+
+### guard
+
+```ts
+guard: { roundInterval: number; armorBonus: number; durationRounds: number }
+```
+
+On a round where `shouldTrigger(guard, round)` fires, the monster raises its
+guard instead of attacking: `activeGuard = { remainingRounds, armorBonus }`,
+and a `GUARD_RAISED` event is emitted. While active, `effectiveArmor()` adds
+`armorBonus` on top of the monster's base armor for damage calculation.
+`ageGuard` counts one round off at the start of the monster's turn, *before*
+`resolveMonsterTurn` runs, so the round the guard is raised is not the round
+it starts expiring — a guard raised with `durationRounds: 2` is still up two
+full monster turns later, then drops (`GUARD_ENDED`).
+
+Shield Bash (the player's existing interrupt action) breaks an active guard
+the same way it breaks a pending Heavy Strike: one `INTERRUPT` event even if
+it happens to break both at once, because the player made one interruptive
+action, not two, followed by a `GUARD_ENDED` event for the guard specifically.
+
+Configured on Raider Veteran (`roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2`)
+and Raider Captain (`roundInterval: 3, armorBonus: 12, durationRounds: 2`).
+
+### enrage
+
+```ts
+enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: number; damageMultiplier: number }
+```
+
+`checkEnrage` runs at the start of `resolveMonsterTurn`, before the monster
+acts. The first time the monster's current HP is at or below
+`hpThresholdPercent` of its max HP, `enraged` latches permanently true and an
+`ENRAGED` event fires. From then on, every hit the monster lands is scaled by
+`damageMultiplier` in `strikePlayer`. It is checked before the monster's own
+turn resolves, so the blow that wounded it below the threshold is already
+answered in kind that same round.
+
+Configured on Burned Hound (`hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4`).
+
+### Priority inside a monster's turn
+
+`resolveMonsterTurn` checks, in order, on every round:
+
+1. **Pending Heavy Strike** — if last round's `telegraph` set
+   `pendingAction = 'HEAVY_ATTACK'`, it lands now, at the telegraphed
+   multiplier, and nothing else happens this turn.
+2. **Telegraph** — if `shouldTrigger(telegraph, round)`, the monster winds up
+   (`pendingAction` set, `TELEGRAPH` event, turn ends).
+3. **Guard** — if `shouldTrigger(guard, round)`, the monster raises its guard
+   (`GUARD_RAISED` event, turn ends).
+4. **Normal attack** — otherwise the monster strikes normally, with `bleed`
+   (if configured) applied on top.
+
+Because a telegraph check happens before the guard check in the same
+function, **a telegraph wins when both abilities are due in the same round**
+— the monster winds up instead of guarding, and the guard's own interval
+simply is not re-checked until its next due round. Raider Veteran's
+intervals (telegraph every 3 rounds, guard every 4) were chosen so the two
+only actually coincide every twelfth round, keeping this edge case rare
+without hiding it.
+
+`CombatEngineCombatantStats.activeGuard` and `.enraged` are read back into
+`CombatMonsterDto.guardRemainingRounds: number | null` and `enraged: boolean`
+so the web client can render the guard/enrage banners without any extra
+lookup.
+
+---
+
+## 3. Deviations from the slice document
+
+### No surviving guard NPC (§3)
+
+§3 lists "Speak with the remaining guard/NPC if present" among the minimum
+Watchpost interactions. There is no such NPC in this slice: no portrait
+artwork exists for a Watchpost guard, and inventing one purely to satisfy the
+checklist would mean shipping a placeholder face the project has no art for.
+
+Instead, the investigation §8 asks for is an inspectable hotspot —
+`inspect-watchpost`, type `INVESTIGATE` — that delivers the §8 clue text
+directly and triggers the Ash Pit discovery. The Watchpost also has a second,
+flavour-only hotspot (`search-guard-quarters`) that gestures at the missing
+guard without personifying them: "a duty roster with every name scratched
+out but one." The location is not empty of story, it just tells it through
+place rather than through a person §3 has no art budget for.
+
+### The crossed raider artwork (design decision D7)
+
+The hand-painted art files `art/enemies/raider-scout.png` and
+`art/enemies/raider-veteran.png` are, by their content, swapped relative to
+their filenames: the file named *scout* depicts the heavier, plated,
+spear-carrying figure, and the file named *veteran* depicts the leaner one.
+
+Rather than force the Veteran's guard-and-telegraph mechanics onto the art
+that reads as a light skirmisher, the web-facing keys are crossed at
+generation time: the runtime key `raider-scout` is derived from
+`art/enemies/raider-veteran.png`, and `raider-veteran` from
+`art/enemies/raider-scout.png`. This is deliberate and recorded at the point
+it happens, in `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`:
+
+```powershell
+# NOTE the deliberate crossing on the first two rows: the file named
+# raider-scout depicts the heavier, plated, spear-carrying figure and is the
+# Veteran; raider-veteran depicts the leaner one and is the Scout. Slice 0.10
+# design decision D7.
+```
+
+Approved by the project owner. The generated files under
+`apps/web/public/images/...` are named correctly for their in-game role; only
+the source art's own filenames are crossed.
+
+---
+
+## 4. The Ash Pit stub
+
+The Ash Pit (`key: 'ash-pit'`) exists in this slice only as a destination the
+discovery gate can point at — the place §8's clue promises, reachable once
+found, but not yet a location with content of its own. Concretely:
+
+- `huntingEnabled: false` — no encounter pool.
+- `locationType: 'TRANSITION'`.
+- One point of interest: a `MAP` hotspot back to the world map. Nothing to
+  investigate, nothing to fight, nothing to trade.
+- Real location artwork (`Aschengrube.png`) and a description, so arriving
+  there does not feel like a broken link — it feels like a threshold.
+
+This matches the slice document's own scope: §9 asks only that the route
+become discoverable and travelable, and §13 explicitly rules a second region
+out of Slice 0.10. Slice 0.11 (`0.11-Ash-Pit-and-Ashen-Band-Captain.md`) is
+where the Ash Pit gets an encounter pool, its own trade goods, and the
+Captain of the Ashen Band as an area boss — everything this slice's stub
+deliberately left out.
+
+---
+
+## 5. `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`
+
+Generates, per monster, the four web assets the game actually serves from
+the hand-painted source art in `art/enemies` and `art/backgrounds`:
+
+- `apps/web/public/images/monsters/<key>.png` — full painted artwork
+- `apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/<key>-560.jpg` — downscaled web copy
+- `apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/<key>-<height>.png` — background-free
+  combat cutout
+- `apps/web/public/images/combat/icons/<key>-128.png` — medallion icon,
+  cropped to frame the head (crop window tuned per monster)
+
+Plus the two background plates (`Wachturm.png`, `Aschengrube.png`) and their
+downscaled runtime copies.
+
+The generated output is committed, so the script is not part of any build or
+CI step. It only needs to be re-run when the **source art changes** — a new
+or replaced file under `art/enemies` or `art/backgrounds`, a re-crop, or a
+correction to the crossed-key mapping in §3 above. It is safe to re-run at
+any time: it overwrites only its own generated output and touches nothing
+else. The Raider Captain's icon is the one exception the script itself
+documents — it resizes the hand-made `PluendererhauptmannIcon.png` rather
+than generating a crop, because authored art beats a generated one, but it
+still resizes it to 128×128 rather than shipping the 1254×1254 source
+verbatim.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Known gaps
+
+Carried over from the per-task reviews in the SDD ledger — real, but judged
+not worth blocking the slice on. Grouped rather than listed one by one.
+
+**Untested edge cases in the guard/enrage engine.** No test pins the exact
+HP threshold boundary for enrage (`currentHp === threshold`, only
+strictly-above and strictly-below are covered); no test covers Shield Bash
+breaking a pending Heavy Strike *and* an active guard in the same action
+(the single-`INTERRUPT` branch is verified only by inspection, see §2 above);
+and a Shield Bash that drives the monster below its enrage threshold delays
+the enrage latch by one round, because `resolveMonsterTurn` — and therefore
+`checkEnrage` — is skipped on an interrupted turn. This is the engine's
+existing skip-on-interrupt behavior, not new to this slice, but it was
+previously undocumented.
+
+**Weak coverage on data, not code.** No test protects the encounter-pool
+weights or the Ash Pit legs' `travelDurationSeconds` / `ambushChance` values
+— a mistyped weight or ambush chance would pass every test unnoticed. No
+test pins the absence of `discoversLocationKey` on the client-facing POI
+payload; the DTO's field whitelist makes leakage structurally impossible
+today, but a future spread-based refactor could reintroduce it silently.
+
+**Loose assertions on generated assets and events.** The four new
+monster-artwork tests assert `toBeDefined()` on registry entries rather than
+exact paths, and never touch the filesystem — a registration pointing at a
+missing file would still pass. The `GUARD_RAISED` event's `amount` payload
+(the guard's `durationRounds`) is never asserted, only its `type`. A latent
+bug in `LocalLocationStore.runInteraction`, noted while wiring the discovery
+reveal through: when an interaction discovers a location, the store
+re-`load()`s so the newly-visible connection appears; if that reload throws,
+its rejection lands in the same `catch` that already set a successful
+`interactionResultState`, so `interactionErrorState` ends up set behind a
+non-null result the template never surfaces. Untested and invisible today,
+but a trap for a future consumer of `interactionError()`.
+
+None of these were judged to change behavior a player can hit; they are
+seams a future slice's tests should tighten, most likely whichever slice
+next touches the combat engine or the seed's encounter-pool weights.
+
+---
+
+## 7. Outstanding manual verification
+
+Everything below could not be run in the environment this slice was built
+and verified in: `.env` is gitignored and absent from this worktree, so
+`DATABASE_URL` is unset and no PostgreSQL instance is reachable. Neither the
+API nor the web dev server was started, and no migration or seed command was
+run. The project owner must do both of the following before treating this
+slice as done:
+
+**1. Run the migration and seed against a real database.**
+
+```bash
+npm run db:migrate
+npm run db:seed
+npm run db:seed
+```
+
+Expected: the migration applies cleanly; the seed runs a second time with no
+duplicate-key error and no duplicated rows (AGENTS.md §8).
+
+**2. Walk the loop in the browser**, with the app started
+(`npm run dev:api` and `npm run dev:web`), and confirm by hand:
+
+1. The Burned Road shows a route to the Abandoned Watchpost; travelling
+   takes ~15 s.
+2. The Watchpost map shows **no** Ash Pit route.
+3. Inspecting the watchpost reveals the §8 clue and announces the new route.
+4. The Ash Pit route now appears and can be travelled.
+5. A hunt at the Watchpost only offers the five monsters from its own pool.
+6. A Raider Veteran fight shows the guard banner; Shield Bash breaks it.
+7. A Burned Hound below 35 % HP shows the enrage banner and hits harder.
+8. Scorched Hide and Raider Warband Mark both drop and both sell to Borin.
diff --git a/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md b/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md
index a98ba35..ae01715 100644
--- a/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md
+++ b/docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md
@@ -226,16 +226,85 @@ Graufurt
 
 ## 12. Acceptance Criteria
 
-- [ ] Abandoned Watchpost exists as a full playable location.
-- [ ] Travel from Burned Road works with server-authoritative timing.
-- [ ] Location has a stronger, distinct encounter pool.
-- [ ] At least one stronger enemy combines previously learned mechanics.
-- [ ] Both HIDE and RAIDER_TROPHY carrying systems matter.
-- [ ] Tier-1 equipment progression is meaningfully improved here.
-- [ ] Story/investigation points toward the Ash Pit.
-- [ ] Ash Pit route can be discovered without a level gate.
-- [ ] Existing merchant/reputation loop continues to work.
-- [ ] All player-facing content is English.
+- [x] Abandoned Watchpost exists as a full playable location.
+- [x] Travel from Burned Road works with server-authoritative timing.
+- [x] Location has a stronger, distinct encounter pool.
+- [x] At least one stronger enemy combines previously learned mechanics.
+- [x] Both HIDE and RAIDER_TROPHY carrying systems matter.
+- [x] Tier-1 equipment progression is meaningfully improved here.
+- [x] Story/investigation points toward the Ash Pit.
+- [x] Ash Pit route can be discovered without a level gate.
+- [x] Existing merchant/reputation loop continues to work.
+- [x] All player-facing content is English.
+
+### Verification status
+
+Every criterion above is supported by evidence from the automated test suite,
+the build, or the seeded content itself — no criterion here needed the
+running app to confirm structurally:
+
+1. **Full playable location** — seeded as an `OUTPOST` with four points of
+   interest (hunt, investigate, search, map-out) and its own encounter pool
+   (`vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`: "seeds the watchpost as a huntable
+   outpost"); local content in `local-location.content.ts`.
+2. **Server-authoritative travel** — the Burned Road ↔ Watchpost connection
+   is seeded both ways at 15 s / 10 % ambush (`"connects the burned road and
+   the watchpost both ways without a gate"`); `TravelService` computes
+   `arrivesAt` server-side and is covered generically by
+   `travel.service.spec.ts`.
+3. **Stronger, distinct pool** — `"gives the watchpost its own encounter
+   pool"` seeds exactly Road Bandit, Raider Scout, Raider Veteran, Burned
+   Hound and the rare Raider Captain; `"marks only the captain as a rare
+   encounter"` confirms the rarity split.
+4. **An enemy combining learned mechanics** — the Raider Veteran carries both
+   `telegraph` (existing, from the Burned Road) and the new `guard`
+   (`"arms the veteran with a telegraph and a guard on different
+   cadences"`); the priority between them is covered in
+   `combat-engine.service.spec.ts`.
+5. **Both bag categories matter** — Scorched Hide is seeded `HIDE`, Raider
+   Warband Mark is seeded `RAIDER_TROPHY`
+   (`vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`), and both categories were already
+   load-bearing bag mechanics before this slice (Slice 0.7.5/0.9).
+6. **Tier-1 equipment improved** — the Raider Veteran's own loot table adds
+   Plunderer Gloves, Reinforced Leather Jacket and Watchman's Leggings on top
+   of the Raider Warband Mark, and the Raider Scout carries Bandit Hood at a
+   raised chance (`item-content.ts`); the Road Bandit's own table (already
+   present) is left untouched at the same values
+   (`"leaves the road bandit loot table untouched"` pins Bandit Blade at
+   `0.1800`), so the Watchpost's gear opportunities are additive, not a
+   rebalance of the Burned Road.
+7. **Investigation points to the Ash Pit** — the `inspect-watchpost` hotspot
+   carries the §8 clue text verbatim and `discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit'`
+   (`"points the watchpost investigation at the ash pit"`).
+8. **Ash Pit discoverable without a level gate** — the gate is
+   `requiresDiscovery`, not `minRecommendedLevel`; `WorldDiscoveryService`
+   contains no level check at all. Covered end to end: the hotspot writes the
+   discovery (`local-location-interaction.spec.ts`: `"discovers the route the
+   hotspot points at"`), the map hides/reveals it
+   (`world.service.spec.ts`: `"hides a gated connection until the character
+   has discovered it"` / `"shows a gated connection once it has been
+   discovered"`), and travel itself refuses/allows it
+   (`world-discovery.service.spec.ts` and `travel.service.spec.ts`, both:
+   `"refuses a gated route the character has not discovered"` /
+   `"allows a gated route once it has been discovered"`).
+9. **Merchant/reputation loop continues** — both new trade goods have
+   exchange rules paying Silver and regional reputation, and pay more than
+   their Burned Road equivalents (`"lets Borin buy both watchpost trade
+   goods"`, `"pays more for watchpost goods than for road goods"`). No new
+   code path grants Silver, reputation or Renown directly from a kill; the
+   pack-wide rule (README.md) that only the exchange grants those was already
+   enforced before this slice and nothing in Slice 0.10 bypasses it.
+10. **English content** — every string seeded for the Watchpost and Ash Pit
+    (descriptions, hotspot titles and result text, monster flavour text) was
+    read during this review and is English.
+
+What this status does **not** cover, because it cannot be produced by static
+evidence: actually applying migration `1798000000000` to a real PostgreSQL
+database, confirming the second `db:seed` run is idempotent against real
+constraints, and a hand-played pass through the loop in a browser. Those are
+listed precisely in the implementation notes
+(`0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md`, §7) as outstanding work
+for the project owner.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost.md b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e039e13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost.md
@@ -0,0 +1,3261 @@
+# Playable Slice 0.10 — Abandoned Watchpost Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Add the Abandoned Watchpost as a full playable location with its own encounter pool, trade goods and equipment progression, plus the first non-level world gate: an Ash Pit route the player has to discover.
+
+**Architecture:** Three genuinely new mechanisms — a per-character discovery table gating individual travel connections, two content-driven combat abilities (`guard`, `enrage`) added to the ability set the engine already reads, and a re-runnable PowerShell script that derives per-monster web assets from the committed art. Everything else is seed content that flows through systems that already exist.
+
+**Tech Stack:** NestJS 11, TypeORM, PostgreSQL, Jest (API); Angular 20 standalone components, Karma/Jasmine (web); PowerShell + System.Drawing for asset derivation.
+
+**Spec:** `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost-design.md`
+
+## Global Constraints
+
+- All player-facing content is **English** (slice §12, AGENTS §33).
+- Server is authoritative: every gate enforced in the API, never only in the UI (AGENTS §5).
+- No normal enemy grants Silver, XP or reputation directly (slice §6). Silver reaches the player only through Borin's exchange.
+- No `requiredLevel` gating anywhere in this slice (slice §2, §9).
+- Combat stays deterministic: fixed cadences, no hidden rolls (AGENTS §10).
+- Monster behaviour is content, never an engine branch on a monster key (AGENTS §9).
+- Seeds are idempotent — re-running must never duplicate rows (AGENTS §8).
+- Do not retune existing Burned Road content. This slice adds; it does not rebalance (AGENTS §39).
+- API tests: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api`. Web tests: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`.
+- Every task ends with a commit. Commit messages follow the repo's Conventional Commits style (`feat(api):`, `test(seed):`, `docs:`).
+
+### Stable IDs used throughout this plan
+
+```text
+ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID   20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003
+ASH_PIT_ID               20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004
+RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID  30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005
+BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID  30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006
+RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID 30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007
+RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID 30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008
+scorched-hide item       50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000010
+raider-warband-mark item 50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000011
+RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID   60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005
+BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID   60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006
+RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID 60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007
+RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID 60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 1: Migration — discovery table, connection gate, combat event types
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: nothing.
+- Produces: table `character_location_discoveries`, column `location_connections.requires_discovery`, enum values `GUARD_RAISED` / `GUARD_ENDED` / `ENRAGED` on `combat_event_type_enum`. Class name `CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import 'reflect-metadata';
+import { QueryRunner } from 'typeorm';
+import { CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000 } from './1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost';
+
+/**
+ * The migration writes multi-line SQL, so every assertion below reads it with
+ * runs of whitespace collapsed -- the same harness the other migration specs
+ * use, so reindenting a statement never breaks a test that still describes
+ * the right schema.
+ */
+function collapse(statements: string[]): string {
+  return statements.map((sql) => sql.replace(/\s+/g, ' ').trim()).join('\n');
+}
+
+async function runUp(): Promise<string> {
+  const query = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+  const queryRunner = { query } as unknown as QueryRunner;
+  await new CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000().up(queryRunner);
+  return collapse(query.mock.calls.map(([sql]) => sql as string));
+}
+
+async function runDown(): Promise<string> {
+  const query = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+  const queryRunner = { query } as unknown as QueryRunner;
+  const migration = new CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000();
+  await migration.up(queryRunner);
+  const upCount = query.mock.calls.length;
+  await migration.down(queryRunner);
+  return collapse(query.mock.calls.slice(upCount).map(([sql]) => sql as string));
+}
+
+describe('CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000', () => {
+  it('creates the discovery table', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain('CREATE TABLE "character_location_discoveries"');
+  });
+
+  it('lets a character discover a location only once', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    // The unique index, not a disabled button, is what makes a repeated
+    // investigation harmless (AGENTS.md §30).
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair" ON "character_location_discoveries" ("character_id", "location_id")',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('cascades discoveries away with their character and location', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'FOREIGN KEY ("character_id") REFERENCES "characters"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE',
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'FOREIGN KEY ("location_id") REFERENCES "location_definitions"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('adds an ungated-by-default discovery flag to connections', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    // Default false: every route that exists today stays walkable.
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'ALTER TABLE "location_connections" ADD COLUMN "requires_discovery" boolean NOT NULL DEFAULT false',
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('extends the combat event enum with the two new mechanics', async () => {
+    const joined = await runUp();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_RAISED'`,
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_ENDED'`,
+    );
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'ENRAGED'`,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('reverses the table and the column', async () => {
+    const joined = await runDown();
+
+    expect(joined).toContain('DROP TABLE "character_location_discoveries"');
+    expect(joined).toContain(
+      'ALTER TABLE "location_connections" DROP COLUMN "requires_discovery"',
+    );
+  });
+});
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- create-abandoned-watchpost`
+Expected: FAIL — `Cannot find module './1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Write the migration**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import { MigrationInterface, QueryRunner } from 'typeorm';
+
+/**
+ * Schema for the Abandoned Watchpost (Playable Slice 0.10 §9, §5).
+ *
+ * Two unrelated-looking things in one migration because they arrive with one
+ * slice: the world gate that hides the Ash Pit route until it is found, and
+ * the two combat event types the Raider Veteran's new mechanics emit.
+ *
+ * `character_location_discoveries` is player state and nothing else -- which
+ * location is gated at all is content, and lives on the connection
+ * (AGENTS.md §7). A connection carrying its own gate means a place can be
+ * reachable by one road and hidden behind another.
+ */
+export class CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000
+  implements MigrationInterface
+{
+  name = 'CreateAbandonedWatchpost1798000000000';
+
+  public async up(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(`
+      CREATE TABLE "character_location_discoveries" (
+        "id" uuid NOT NULL DEFAULT uuid_generate_v4(),
+        "character_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+        "location_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+        "discovered_at" TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL DEFAULT now(),
+        CONSTRAINT "PK_character_location_discoveries" PRIMARY KEY ("id"),
+        CONSTRAINT "FK_character_location_discoveries_character"
+          FOREIGN KEY ("character_id") REFERENCES "characters"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE,
+        CONSTRAINT "FK_character_location_discoveries_location"
+          FOREIGN KEY ("location_id") REFERENCES "location_definitions"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE
+      )
+    `);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair" ON "character_location_discoveries" ("character_id", "location_id")`,
+    );
+
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "location_connections" ADD COLUMN "requires_discovery" boolean NOT NULL DEFAULT false`,
+    );
+
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_RAISED'`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'GUARD_ENDED'`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" ADD VALUE 'ENRAGED'`,
+    );
+  }
+
+  public async down(queryRunner: QueryRunner): Promise<void> {
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `DROP INDEX "IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair"`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(`DROP TABLE "character_location_discoveries"`);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "location_connections" DROP COLUMN "requires_discovery"`,
+    );
+
+    // Postgres cannot drop an enum value, so the type is rebuilt -- the same
+    // tradeoff migration 1790 already makes. Fails if any row uses one of the
+    // new values, which is the expected shape of a dev rollback.
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "combat_events" ALTER COLUMN "type" TYPE varchar USING "type"::text`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(`DROP TYPE "combat_event_type_enum"`);
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `CREATE TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" AS ENUM ('DAMAGE', 'HEAL', 'DEFEND', 'TELEGRAPH', 'INTERRUPT', 'STATUS_APPLIED', 'STATUS_DAMAGE', 'STATUS_EXPIRED', 'COMBAT_WON', 'COMBAT_LOST')`,
+    );
+    await queryRunner.query(
+      `ALTER TABLE "combat_events" ALTER COLUMN "type" TYPE "combat_event_type_enum" USING "type"::"combat_event_type_enum"`,
+    );
+  }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run test to verify it passes**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- create-abandoned-watchpost`
+Expected: PASS (6 tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/database/migrations/1798000000000-CreateAbandonedWatchpost.ts apps/api/src/database/migrations/create-abandoned-watchpost.migration.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): add schema for watchpost discovery and guard events"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 2: Combat engine — the `guard` ability
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `calculateDamage(attacker, targetArmor, multiplier)` from `combat-damage.ts`.
+- Produces: `MonsterGuardAbility { roundInterval, armorBonus, durationRounds }` on `MonsterAbilities.guard`; `CombatEngineCombatantStats.activeGuard?: { remainingRounds: number; armorBonus: number }`; event types `GUARD_RAISED`, `GUARD_ENDED`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Append to `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts`, inside the top-level `describe`:
+
+```ts
+const VETERAN_ABILITIES: MonsterAbilities = {
+  telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+  guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+};
+
+describe('guard', () => {
+  it('raises its guard instead of attacking on the interval round', () => {
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 4,
+      monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 120,
+        maxHp: 120,
+        stats: { attack: 14, armor: 10, abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.player.currentHp).toBe(100);
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+      CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+    );
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toEqual({
+      remainingRounds: 2,
+      armorBonus: 10,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('adds the guard bonus to the armor the player has to cut through', () => {
+    const guarded = baseState({
+      round: 5,
+      monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 120,
+        maxHp: 120,
+        stats: {
+          attack: 14,
+          armor: 10,
+          abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+          activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+        },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(guarded, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    // 14 raw damage against armor 20 instead of 10: 14*60/80 = 10.5 -> 11.
+    const damage = result.events.find(
+      (event) => event.type === CombatEventType.DAMAGE,
+    );
+    expect(damage?.amount).toBe(11);
+  });
+
+  it('drops the guard when its rounds run out', () => {
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 5,
+      monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 120,
+        maxHp: 120,
+        stats: {
+          attack: 14,
+          armor: 10,
+          abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+          activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 1, armorBonus: 10 },
+        },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+      CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('lets Shield Bash break an active guard', () => {
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 5,
+      monster: withAbilities(VETERAN_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 120,
+        maxHp: 120,
+        stats: {
+          attack: 14,
+          armor: 10,
+          abilities: VETERAN_ABILITIES,
+          activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+        },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.SHIELD_BASH,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+    const types = result.events.map((event) => event.type);
+    expect(types).toContain(CombatEventType.INTERRUPT);
+    expect(types).toContain(CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED);
+  });
+
+  it('lets a telegraph win when both are due in the same round', () => {
+    const collidingAbilities: MonsterAbilities = {
+      telegraph: { roundInterval: 2, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+      guard: { roundInterval: 2, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+    };
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 2,
+      monster: withAbilities(collidingAbilities, {
+        currentHp: 120,
+        maxHp: 120,
+        stats: { attack: 14, armor: 10, abilities: collidingAbilities },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.pendingAction).toBe('HEAVY_ATTACK');
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+  });
+
+  it('leaves a monster without the ability exactly as it was', () => {
+    const state = baseState({ round: 4 });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.activeGuard).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+      CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+    );
+  });
+});
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat-engine.service`
+Expected: FAIL — `Property 'guard' does not exist on type 'MonsterAbilities'` and `GUARD_RAISED` missing from `CombatEventType`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add the ability type**
+
+In `apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts`, add before `MonsterAbilities`:
+
+```ts
+export interface MonsterGuardAbility {
+  /**
+   * The monster forgoes its attack on every round divisible by this and
+   * covers instead, raising its armor for `durationRounds`. SHIELD_BASH
+   * breaks it, the same answer the telegraph already taught (Playable Slice
+   * 0.10 §5).
+   */
+  roundInterval: number;
+  armorBonus: number;
+  durationRounds: number;
+}
+```
+
+and extend the interface:
+
+```ts
+export interface MonsterAbilities {
+  telegraph?: MonsterTelegraphAbility;
+  bleed?: MonsterBleedAbility;
+  guard?: MonsterGuardAbility;
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Add the event types**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts`, add to the enum after `INTERRUPT`:
+
+```ts
+  GUARD_RAISED = 'GUARD_RAISED',
+  GUARD_ENDED = 'GUARD_ENDED',
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Add the engine state field**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts`, add to `CombatEngineCombatantStats` after `pendingAction`:
+
+```ts
+  // Monster-only: set when it covers, cleared when the rounds run out or a
+  // Shield Bash breaks it. Its bonus is added to the monster's armor while
+  // it lasts (Playable Slice 0.10 §7).
+  activeGuard?: { remainingRounds: number; armorBonus: number };
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Implement the engine behaviour**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts`:
+
+Add the import:
+
+```ts
+import type {
+  MonsterBleedAbility,
+  MonsterGuardAbility,
+  MonsterTelegraphAbility,
+} from '../monsters/monster-abilities';
+```
+
+Add a helper that reads the monster's effective armor, and use it in both places
+the player's blow is calculated (`resolvePlayerStrike` and `resolveShieldBash`),
+replacing `monster.stats.armor`:
+
+```ts
+  /** Armor the monster actually presents this round, guard included. */
+  private effectiveArmor(combatant: CombatEngineCombatant): number {
+    return combatant.stats.armor + (combatant.stats.activeGuard?.armorBonus ?? 0);
+  }
+```
+
+```ts
+    const damage = calculateDamage(
+      player.stats,
+      this.effectiveArmor(monster),
+      multiplier,
+    );
+```
+
+In `resolveShieldBash`, extend the interrupt block so it also breaks a guard:
+
+```ts
+    let interrupted = false;
+    if (monster.stats.pendingAction) {
+      monster.stats.pendingAction = undefined;
+      interrupted = true;
+      events.push({
+        source: Combatant.PLAYER,
+        target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        type: CombatEventType.INTERRUPT,
+      });
+    }
+
+    // A guard is a prepared stance like a wind-up, and the bash answers both.
+    // Only one INTERRUPT is emitted even when the bash breaks both at once --
+    // the player made one interruption, not two.
+    if (monster.stats.activeGuard) {
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = undefined;
+      if (!interrupted) {
+        events.push({
+          source: Combatant.PLAYER,
+          target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+          type: CombatEventType.INTERRUPT,
+        });
+      }
+      interrupted = true;
+      events.push({
+        source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        type: CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+      });
+    }
+```
+
+In `resolveMonsterTurn`, insert the guard branch after the telegraph branch and
+before the normal strike:
+
+```ts
+    if (this.shouldTrigger(abilities.guard, round)) {
+      const guard = abilities.guard as MonsterGuardAbility;
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = {
+        remainingRounds: guard.durationRounds,
+        armorBonus: guard.armorBonus,
+      };
+      events.push({
+        source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+        type: CombatEventType.GUARD_RAISED,
+        amount: guard.durationRounds,
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+```
+
+Widen the `shouldTrigger` signature to accept the new ability:
+
+```ts
+  private shouldTrigger(
+    ability:
+      | MonsterTelegraphAbility
+      | MonsterBleedAbility
+      | MonsterGuardAbility
+      | undefined,
+    round: number,
+  ): boolean {
+```
+
+Age the guard **before** the monster acts. In `finishRound`, immediately before
+the `if (!interrupted)` block, add:
+
+```ts
+    this.ageGuard(monster, events);
+```
+
+Order matters here. The player's blow for this round was already calculated
+against the guard by the time `finishRound` runs, and the guard is raised inside
+`resolveMonsterTurn` — which comes after this line. So a guard raised on round N
+is first aged on round N+1, and `durationRounds: 2` means it turns aside the
+player's next two attacks. Ageing after `resolveMonsterTurn` instead would eat a
+round off the guard the moment it went up.
+
+Placing it before the `if (!interrupted)` guard also means the counter runs down
+even on a round the monster was interrupted out of, so a Shield Bash on a
+telegraph never accidentally extends an unrelated guard.
+
+Add the method:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * Counts one round off an active guard, and drops it when it runs out.
+   *
+   * Called before the monster acts, so the guard it raises this round is not
+   * immediately aged: `durationRounds: 2` turns aside the player's next two
+   * attacks.
+   */
+  private ageGuard(
+    monster: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    events: CombatEngineEvent[],
+  ): void {
+    const guard = monster.stats.activeGuard;
+    if (!guard) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const remainingRounds = guard.remainingRounds - 1;
+    if (remainingRounds > 0) {
+      monster.stats.activeGuard = { ...guard, remainingRounds };
+      return;
+    }
+
+    monster.stats.activeGuard = undefined;
+    events.push({
+      source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      type: CombatEventType.GUARD_ENDED,
+    });
+  }
+```
+
+Finally, clear the guard on death alongside `pendingAction` in `finishRound`:
+
+```ts
+      const defeatedMonster = {
+        ...monster,
+        stats: {
+          ...monster.stats,
+          pendingAction: undefined,
+          activeGuard: undefined,
+        },
+      };
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat-engine.service`
+Expected: PASS — all previously existing tests plus the six new `guard` tests
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): let monsters raise a breakable defensive guard"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 3: Combat engine — the `enrage` ability
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `MonsterAbilities` from Task 2.
+- Produces: `MonsterEnrageAbility { hpThresholdPercent, damageMultiplier }` on `MonsterAbilities.enrage`; `CombatEngineCombatantStats.enraged?: boolean`; event type `ENRAGED`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Append to `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+const HOUND_ABILITIES: MonsterAbilities = {
+  bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+  enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+};
+
+describe('enrage', () => {
+  it('turns aggressive once its HP crosses the threshold', () => {
+    // 80 max HP, 40 left; a 14-damage blow lands it on 26, below 35%.
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 1,
+      player: {
+        currentHp: 100,
+        maxHp: 100,
+        stats: { attack: 6, weaponDamage: 8, armor: 0 },
+      },
+      monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 40,
+        maxHp: 80,
+        stats: { attack: 12, armor: 0, abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBe(true);
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).toContain(
+      CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+    );
+    // The same round's reply already hits harder: 12 * 1.4 = 16.8 -> 17.
+    const monsterHit = result.events.find(
+      (event) =>
+        event.type === CombatEventType.DAMAGE &&
+        event.source === Combatant.MONSTER,
+    );
+    expect(monsterHit?.amount).toBe(17);
+  });
+
+  it('stays quiet above the threshold', () => {
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 1,
+      monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 80,
+        maxHp: 80,
+        stats: { attack: 12, armor: 0, abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.ATTACK,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+      CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('announces the change only once', () => {
+    const state = baseState({
+      round: 2,
+      monster: withAbilities(HOUND_ABILITIES, {
+        currentHp: 20,
+        maxHp: 80,
+        stats: {
+          attack: 12,
+          armor: 0,
+          abilities: HOUND_ABILITIES,
+          enraged: true,
+        },
+      }),
+    });
+
+    const result = new CombatEngineService().resolveAction(state, {
+      action: CombatAction.DEFEND,
+    });
+
+    expect(result.events.map((event) => event.type)).not.toContain(
+      CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+    );
+    expect(result.state.monster.stats.enraged).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat-engine.service`
+Expected: FAIL — `Property 'enrage' does not exist on type 'MonsterAbilities'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add the ability type**
+
+In `apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts`:
+
+```ts
+export interface MonsterEnrageAbility {
+  /**
+   * Once its HP first falls to or below this share of maximum, the monster
+   * hits harder for the rest of the fight. One deterministic state change,
+   * never reversed and never rolled (Playable Slice 0.10 §5).
+   */
+  hpThresholdPercent: number;
+  damageMultiplier: number;
+}
+```
+
+and add `enrage?: MonsterEnrageAbility;` to `MonsterAbilities`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Add the event type and state field**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts` add `ENRAGED = 'ENRAGED',` after `GUARD_ENDED`.
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts` add to `CombatEngineCombatantStats`:
+
+```ts
+  // Monster-only: latched the first time its HP crosses the enrage threshold.
+  enraged?: boolean;
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Implement the engine behaviour**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts`, add the check at the top of
+`resolveMonsterTurn`, before the pending-action branch — the monster notices its
+wounds before it decides what to do:
+
+```ts
+    this.checkEnrage(monster, events);
+```
+
+Add the method:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * Latches the enraged state the first time the monster's HP crosses its
+   * threshold. Checked before it acts, so the blow that wounded it is already
+   * answered in kind.
+   */
+  private checkEnrage(
+    monster: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    events: CombatEngineEvent[],
+  ): void {
+    const enrage = monster.stats.abilities?.enrage;
+    if (!enrage || monster.stats.enraged) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const threshold = (monster.maxHp * enrage.hpThresholdPercent) / 100;
+    if (monster.currentHp > threshold) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    monster.stats.enraged = true;
+    events.push({
+      source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      target: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      type: CombatEventType.ENRAGED,
+    });
+  }
+```
+
+Apply the multiplier where the monster strikes. In `strikePlayer`, fold it into
+the multiplier passed in:
+
+```ts
+  private strikePlayer(
+    monster: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    player: CombatEngineCombatant,
+    multiplier: number,
+    events: CombatEngineEvent[],
+  ): void {
+    const enrageMultiplier = monster.stats.enraged
+      ? (monster.stats.abilities?.enrage?.damageMultiplier ?? 1)
+      : 1;
+    const damage = calculateDamage(
+      monster.stats,
+      player.stats.armor,
+      multiplier * enrageMultiplier,
+    );
+    player.currentHp = Math.max(0, player.currentHp - damage);
+    events.push({
+      source: Combatant.MONSTER,
+      target: Combatant.PLAYER,
+      type: CombatEventType.DAMAGE,
+      amount: damage,
+    });
+  }
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat-engine.service`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/monsters/monster-abilities.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-event-type.enum.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.types.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat-engine.service.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): let wounded monsters turn aggressive"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 4: Expose guard and enrage through the combat API
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `CombatEngineCombatantStats.activeGuard` / `.enraged` from Tasks 2 and 3.
+- Produces: `CombatMonsterDto.guardRemainingRounds: number | null` and `CombatMonsterDto.enraged: boolean`.
+
+Note: `combat.monsterState` is assigned straight from `result.state.monster.stats`,
+so both fields already persist. Only the DTO needs work.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts`, in the describe block that
+covers the combat DTO:
+
+```ts
+  it('reports an active guard and an enraged monster to the client', async () => {
+    const { service, combat } = await startCombatFixture();
+    combat.monsterState = {
+      ...combat.monsterState,
+      activeGuard: { remainingRounds: 2, armorBonus: 10 },
+      enraged: true,
+    };
+
+    const dto = await service.getCombat(CHARACTER_ID, combat.id);
+
+    expect(dto.monster.guardRemainingRounds).toBe(2);
+    expect(dto.monster.enraged).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('reports no guard when the monster is not covering', async () => {
+    const { service, combat } = await startCombatFixture();
+
+    const dto = await service.getCombat(CHARACTER_ID, combat.id);
+
+    expect(dto.monster.guardRemainingRounds).toBeNull();
+    expect(dto.monster.enraged).toBe(false);
+  });
+```
+
+If the existing spec has no `startCombatFixture` helper, use whatever fixture
+factory the file already provides to obtain a started combat and its `Combat`
+row; the two assertions are the point, not the helper's name.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat.service`
+Expected: FAIL — `Property 'guardRemainingRounds' does not exist on type 'CombatMonsterDto'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Extend the DTO**
+
+In `apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts`, add to `CombatMonsterDto`:
+
+```ts
+  /** Rounds the monster's raised guard still covers, or null when open. */
+  guardRemainingRounds: number | null;
+  enraged: boolean;
+```
+
+and in `toCombatDto`'s `monster` block, after `pendingIntent`:
+
+```ts
+        guardRemainingRounds:
+          combat.monsterState.activeGuard?.remainingRounds ?? null,
+        enraged: combat.monsterState.enraged ?? false,
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- combat.service`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.ts apps/api/src/combat/combat.service.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): report monster guard and enrage state in the combat DTO"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 5: `WorldDiscoveryService` and its entity
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `apps/api/src/world/discovery/character-location-discovery.entity.ts`
+- Create: `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts`
+- Create: `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.module.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.spec.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `LocationConnection`, `LocationDefinition`.
+- Produces:
+  - `LocationConnection.requiresDiscovery: boolean`
+  - `class CharacterLocationDiscovery { id, characterId, locationId, discoveredAt }`
+  - `WorldDiscoveryService.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId): Promise<Set<string>>`
+  - `WorldDiscoveryService.discover(characterId, locationKey, manager?): Promise<DiscoveredLocation | null>` where `DiscoveredLocation = { key: string; name: string }`
+  - `WorldDiscoveryService.isTravelAllowed(characterId, connection, manager?): Promise<boolean>`
+  - `WorldDiscoveryModule` exporting the service
+
+Its own module, not a provider inside `WorldModule`: `WorldModule` already
+imports `TravelModule`, and `TravelService` needs this service too. A shared
+leaf module is what keeps that from becoming a cycle.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import { DataSource, Repository } from 'typeorm';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+import { LocationConnection } from '../entities/location-connection.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './world-discovery.service';
+
+const CHARACTER_ID = '10000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
+const WATCHPOST_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
+const ASH_PIT_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+
+interface InsertCall {
+  values: Record<string, unknown>;
+  orIgnore: boolean;
+}
+
+function buildService(options: {
+  discoveries?: Array<{ locationId: string }>;
+  locations?: Array<Partial<LocationDefinition>>;
+  insertCalls?: InsertCall[];
+}): WorldDiscoveryService {
+  const discoveries = options.discoveries ?? [];
+  const locations = options.locations ?? [];
+  const insertCalls = options.insertCalls ?? [];
+
+  const discoveryRepository = {
+    find: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(discoveries),
+    createQueryBuilder: jest.fn(() => {
+      const builder = {
+        insert: () => builder,
+        into: () => builder,
+        values: (values: Record<string, unknown>) => {
+          insertCalls.push({ values, orIgnore: false });
+          return builder;
+        },
+        orIgnore: () => {
+          insertCalls[insertCalls.length - 1].orIgnore = true;
+          return builder;
+        },
+        execute: jest
+          .fn()
+          .mockResolvedValue({ identifiers: [{ id: 'new-row' }] }),
+      };
+      return builder;
+    }),
+  } as unknown as Repository<CharacterLocationDiscovery>;
+
+  const locationRepository = {
+    findOneBy: jest.fn(({ key }: { key: string }) =>
+      Promise.resolve(locations.find((location) => location.key === key) ?? null),
+    ),
+  } as unknown as Repository<LocationDefinition>;
+
+  const dataSource = {
+    getRepository: (target: unknown) =>
+      target === CharacterLocationDiscovery
+        ? discoveryRepository
+        : locationRepository,
+  } as unknown as DataSource;
+
+  return new WorldDiscoveryService(dataSource);
+}
+
+describe('WorldDiscoveryService', () => {
+  it('returns the ids the character has already discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }],
+    });
+
+    const discovered = await service.getDiscoveredLocationIds(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(discovered.has(ASH_PIT_ID)).toBe(true);
+    expect(discovered.has(WATCHPOST_ID)).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('allows travel down a route that carries no gate', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({});
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: WATCHPOST_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('refuses a gated route the character has not discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({});
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: true,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('allows a gated route once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({ discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }] });
+    const connection = {
+      toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      requiresDiscovery: true,
+    } as LocationConnection;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.isTravelAllowed(CHARACTER_ID, connection),
+    ).resolves.toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('returns the location the first time it is discovered', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+    });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit')).resolves.toEqual({
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('returns null when the location was already known', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({
+      discoveries: [{ locationId: ASH_PIT_ID }],
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+    });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit')).resolves.toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('writes the row so a duplicate is ignored rather than thrown', async () => {
+    const insertCalls: InsertCall[] = [];
+    const service = buildService({
+      locations: [{ id: ASH_PIT_ID, key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' }],
+      insertCalls,
+    });
+
+    await service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit');
+
+    expect(insertCalls).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(insertCalls[0].orIgnore).toBe(true);
+    expect(insertCalls[0].values).toEqual({
+      characterId: CHARACTER_ID,
+      locationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('ignores an unknown location key', async () => {
+    const service = buildService({ locations: [] });
+
+    await expect(service.discover(CHARACTER_ID, 'nowhere')).resolves.toBeNull();
+  });
+});
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- world-discovery.service`
+Expected: FAIL — `Cannot find module './character-location-discovery.entity'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Create the entity**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/world/discovery/character-location-discovery.entity.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import {
+  Column,
+  CreateDateColumn,
+  Entity,
+  Index,
+  JoinColumn,
+  ManyToOne,
+  PrimaryGeneratedColumn,
+} from 'typeorm';
+import { Character } from '../../characters/entities/character.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+
+/**
+ * A place this character knows about (Playable Slice 0.10 §9).
+ *
+ * Player state, not content: which routes are gated at all lives on the
+ * connection. A row here is written once and never updated, so the unique
+ * pair is the whole concurrency story (AGENTS.md §30).
+ */
+@Entity({ name: 'character_location_discoveries' })
+@Index(
+  'IDX_character_location_discoveries_pair',
+  ['characterId', 'locationId'],
+  { unique: true },
+)
+export class CharacterLocationDiscovery {
+  @PrimaryGeneratedColumn('uuid', { name: 'id' })
+  id!: string;
+
+  @Column({ name: 'character_id', type: 'uuid' })
+  characterId!: string;
+
+  @Column({ name: 'location_id', type: 'uuid' })
+  locationId!: string;
+
+  @CreateDateColumn({ name: 'discovered_at', type: 'timestamptz' })
+  discoveredAt!: Date;
+
+  @ManyToOne(() => Character, { onDelete: 'CASCADE' })
+  @JoinColumn({ name: 'character_id' })
+  character!: Character;
+
+  @ManyToOne(() => LocationDefinition, { onDelete: 'CASCADE' })
+  @JoinColumn({ name: 'location_id' })
+  location!: LocationDefinition;
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Add the connection column**
+
+In `apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts`, after `enabled`:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * When true this route only exists for a character who has discovered its
+   * target (Playable Slice 0.10 §9). Default false: every route that existed
+   * before this slice stays open.
+   */
+  @Column({ name: 'requires_discovery', type: 'boolean', default: false })
+  requiresDiscovery!: boolean;
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Create the service**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.service.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import { Injectable } from '@nestjs/common';
+import { DataSource, EntityManager } from 'typeorm';
+import { LocationConnection } from '../entities/location-connection.entity';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+
+export interface DiscoveredLocation {
+  key: string;
+  name: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Which places a character knows about, and whether a gated route is open to
+ * them yet (Playable Slice 0.10 §9).
+ *
+ * One service rather than a check inlined in `WorldService` and
+ * `TravelService`: the map must hide exactly what travel refuses, and two
+ * copies of that rule would drift the moment Slice 0.11 adds a second gate.
+ */
+@Injectable()
+export class WorldDiscoveryService {
+  constructor(private readonly dataSource: DataSource) {}
+
+  async getDiscoveredLocationIds(
+    characterId: string,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<Set<string>> {
+    const repository = this.discoveries(manager);
+    const rows = await repository.find({
+      where: { characterId },
+      select: { locationId: true },
+    });
+    return new Set(rows.map((row) => row.locationId));
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Records that the character now knows this place.
+   *
+   * Returns the location the first time and `null` afterwards, so a caller can
+   * tell a fresh reveal from a repeated click without a second query. The
+   * insert ignores a conflict rather than throwing: the same interaction run
+   * twice is a normal thing for a player to do (AGENTS.md §30).
+   */
+  async discover(
+    characterId: string,
+    locationKey: string,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<DiscoveredLocation | null> {
+    const locations = manager
+      ? manager.getRepository(LocationDefinition)
+      : this.dataSource.getRepository(LocationDefinition);
+    const location = await locations.findOneBy({ key: locationKey });
+    if (!location) {
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    const known = await this.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId, manager);
+    if (known.has(location.id)) {
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    await this.discoveries(manager)
+      .createQueryBuilder()
+      .insert()
+      .into(CharacterLocationDiscovery)
+      .values({ characterId, locationId: location.id })
+      .orIgnore()
+      .execute();
+
+    return { key: location.key, name: location.name };
+  }
+
+  async isTravelAllowed(
+    characterId: string,
+    connection: Pick<LocationConnection, 'toLocationId' | 'requiresDiscovery'>,
+    manager?: EntityManager,
+  ): Promise<boolean> {
+    if (!connection.requiresDiscovery) {
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    const known = await this.getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId, manager);
+    return known.has(connection.toLocationId);
+  }
+
+  private discoveries(manager?: EntityManager) {
+    return manager
+      ? manager.getRepository(CharacterLocationDiscovery)
+      : this.dataSource.getRepository(CharacterLocationDiscovery);
+  }
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Create the module**
+
+Create `apps/api/src/world/discovery/world-discovery.module.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import { Module } from '@nestjs/common';
+import { TypeOrmModule } from '@nestjs/typeorm';
+import { LocationDefinition } from '../entities/location-definition.entity';
+import { CharacterLocationDiscovery } from './character-location-discovery.entity';
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './world-discovery.service';
+
+/**
+ * A leaf module on purpose. `WorldModule` already imports `TravelModule`, and
+ * both need this service; giving it its own module is what keeps that from
+ * becoming a circular import.
+ */
+@Module({
+  imports: [
+    TypeOrmModule.forFeature([CharacterLocationDiscovery, LocationDefinition]),
+  ],
+  providers: [WorldDiscoveryService],
+  exports: [WorldDiscoveryService],
+})
+export class WorldDiscoveryModule {}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Run test to verify it passes**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- world-discovery.service`
+Expected: PASS (8 tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/world/discovery apps/api/src/world/entities/location-connection.entity.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): track which locations a character has discovered"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 6: Enforce the gate in travel
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `WorldDiscoveryService.isTravelAllowed` from Task 5.
+- Produces: `TravelService` constructor gains a third parameter `worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService`. Every existing test that constructs it directly must be updated.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  it('refuses a gated route the character has not discovered', async () => {
+    const { service, state } = buildService();
+    state.connections[0].requiresDiscovery = true;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
+    ).rejects.toBeInstanceOf(TravelDomainError);
+    expect(state.travels).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  it('allows a gated route once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const { service, state } = buildService({ discovered: [BURNED_ROAD_ID] });
+    state.connections[0].requiresDiscovery = true;
+
+    await expect(
+      service.startTravel(CHARACTER_ID, BURNED_ROAD_ID),
+    ).resolves.toMatchObject({ status: TravelStatus.TRAVELLING });
+  });
+```
+
+Extend the file's existing `buildService` helper to accept
+`{ discovered?: string[] }` and pass a stub as the new third constructor
+argument:
+
+```ts
+  const worldDiscovery = {
+    isTravelAllowed: (
+      _characterId: string,
+      connection: { toLocationId: string; requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+    ) =>
+      Promise.resolve(
+        !connection.requiresDiscovery ||
+          (options.discovered ?? []).includes(connection.toLocationId),
+      ),
+  } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- travel.service`
+Expected: FAIL — the gated route still starts a travel
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Inject the service and enforce the rule**
+
+In `apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts`, add the import and the constructor
+parameter:
+
+```ts
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from '../world/discovery/world-discovery.service';
+```
+
+```ts
+  constructor(
+    private readonly dataSource: DataSource,
+    @Inject(CLOCK) private readonly clock: Clock,
+    private readonly worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService,
+  ) {}
+```
+
+In `startTravel`, immediately after the existing `if (!connection) { throw
+invalidTravelTarget(); }` block:
+
+```ts
+      // The map already hides an undiscovered route, but the map is not what
+      // decides. A gated target is refused here too, inside the same
+      // transaction that locks the character (AGENTS.md §5).
+      const allowed = await this.worldDiscovery.isTravelAllowed(
+        characterId,
+        connection,
+        manager,
+      );
+      if (!allowed) {
+        throw invalidTravelTarget();
+      }
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Register the module**
+
+In `apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts`, add `WorldDiscoveryModule` to
+`imports`:
+
+```ts
+import { WorldDiscoveryModule } from '../world/discovery/world-discovery.module';
+```
+
+```ts
+  imports: [
+    TypeOrmModule.forFeature([
+      Character,
+      LocationDefinition,
+      LocationConnection,
+      Travel,
+    ]),
+    WorldDiscoveryModule,
+  ],
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- travel`
+Expected: PASS — including every pre-existing travel test
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.ts apps/api/src/travel/travel.module.ts apps/api/src/travel/travel.service.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): refuse travel down an undiscovered route"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 7: Hide the route on the map and discover it from a hotspot
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `WorldDiscoveryService` from Task 5.
+- Produces:
+  - `LocationPointOfInterestContent.discoversLocationKey?: string`
+  - `LocationInteractionResultDto.discoveredLocation: DiscoveredLocation | null`
+  - `WorldService` constructor gains `worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService` as its final parameter.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  it('hides a gated connection until the character has discovered it', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      connections: [
+        {
+          fromLocationId: BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+          toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+          travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+          ambushChance: '0.1500',
+          enabled: true,
+          requiresDiscovery: true,
+          toLocation: ashPitLocation,
+        } as unknown as LocationConnection,
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const location = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(location.connections).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  it('shows a gated connection once it has been discovered', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      discovered: [ASH_PIT_ID],
+      connections: [
+        {
+          fromLocationId: BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+          toLocationId: ASH_PIT_ID,
+          travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+          ambushChance: '0.1500',
+          enabled: true,
+          requiresDiscovery: true,
+          toLocation: ashPitLocation,
+        } as unknown as LocationConnection,
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const location = await service.getCurrentLocation(CHARACTER_ID);
+
+    expect(location.connections).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(location.connections[0].targetLocation.key).toBe('ash-pit');
+  });
+```
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  it('discovers the route the hotspot points at', async () => {
+    const { service, discover } = buildService({
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+          title: 'The Watchpost',
+          actionLabel: 'Inspect',
+          type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+          iconKey: 'investigate',
+          xPercent: 50,
+          yPercent: 50,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultTitle: 'The Watchpost',
+          resultText: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+          discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'inspect-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(discover).toHaveBeenCalledWith(CHARACTER_ID, 'ash-pit');
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toEqual({
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('reports no discovery the second time the hotspot is used', async () => {
+    const { service } = buildService({
+      alreadyDiscovered: true,
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+          title: 'The Watchpost',
+          type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+          iconKey: 'investigate',
+          xPercent: 50,
+          yPercent: 50,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultText: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+          discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'inspect-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toBeNull();
+    expect(result.text).toBe('Fresh tracks lead east.');
+  });
+
+  it('reports no discovery for a hotspot that reveals nothing', async () => {
+    const { service, discover } = buildService({
+      pointsOfInterest: [
+        {
+          key: 'search-quarters',
+          title: 'Guard Quarters',
+          type: 'SEARCH',
+          iconKey: 'search',
+          xPercent: 20,
+          yPercent: 60,
+          enabled: true,
+          resultText: 'Nothing but ash.',
+        },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const result = await service.runLocalInteraction(
+      CHARACTER_ID,
+      'search-quarters',
+    );
+
+    expect(discover).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(result.discoveredLocation).toBeNull();
+  });
+```
+
+In both spec files, extend the existing service factory to build and pass a
+`WorldDiscoveryService` stub as the final constructor argument:
+
+```ts
+  const discover = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(
+    options.alreadyDiscovered ? null : { key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' },
+  );
+  const worldDiscovery = {
+    discover,
+    isTravelAllowed: (
+      _characterId: string,
+      connection: { toLocationId: string; requiresDiscovery: boolean },
+    ) =>
+      Promise.resolve(
+        !connection.requiresDiscovery ||
+          (options.discovered ?? []).includes(connection.toLocationId),
+      ),
+  } as unknown as WorldDiscoveryService;
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- world`
+Expected: FAIL — `Object literal may only specify known properties, and 'discoversLocationKey' does not exist`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Extend the content and transport types**
+
+In `apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts`, add to
+`LocationPointOfInterestContent`:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * Names a location this hotspot reveals (Playable Slice 0.10 §9). Setting it
+   * turns a read-only reveal into a piece of world progress, which is why the
+   * interaction endpoint writes as well as reads.
+   */
+  discoversLocationKey?: string;
+```
+
+and to `LocationInteractionResultDto`:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * Set only on the interaction that reveals a route for the first time, so
+   * the UI can say so once instead of on every repeat.
+   */
+  discoveredLocation: { key: string; name: string } | null;
+```
+
+`toPointOfInterestDto` needs no change: `discoversLocationKey` is server-only,
+exactly like `resultText`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Wire the service**
+
+In `apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts`:
+
+```ts
+import { WorldDiscoveryService } from './discovery/world-discovery.service';
+```
+
+Add the constructor parameter after `locationMonsters`:
+
+```ts
+    private readonly worldDiscovery: WorldDiscoveryService,
+```
+
+Replace the `connections` mapping in `getCurrentLocation` so the gate is applied
+before the map ever sees the route. Load the connections, then:
+
+```ts
+    const visibleConnections: LocationConnection[] = [];
+    for (const connection of connections) {
+      if (await this.worldDiscovery.isTravelAllowed(characterId, connection)) {
+        visibleConnections.push(connection);
+      }
+    }
+```
+
+and map `visibleConnections` instead of `connections.filter(...)` in the
+response.
+
+In `runLocalInteraction`, after the `poi` guard and before the return:
+
+```ts
+    // A hotspot that reveals a route writes before it speaks. Idempotent by
+    // the unique pair, so a second click simply reports nothing new.
+    const discoveredLocation = poi.discoversLocationKey
+      ? await this.worldDiscovery.discover(
+          characterId,
+          poi.discoversLocationKey,
+        )
+      : null;
+```
+
+and add `discoveredLocation,` to the returned object.
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Register the module**
+
+In `apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts` add `WorldDiscoveryModule` to `imports`:
+
+```ts
+import { WorldDiscoveryModule } from './discovery/world-discovery.module';
+```
+
+```ts
+    TravelModule,
+    WorldDiscoveryModule,
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- world`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/world/local-location.types.ts apps/api/src/world/world.service.ts apps/api/src/world/world.module.ts apps/api/src/world/world.service.spec.ts apps/api/src/world/local-location-interaction.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(api): reveal the ash pit route from the watchpost hotspot"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 8: Trade goods, loot tables and exchange rules
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `item()` and `entry()` helpers in `item-content.ts`, `SeedExchangeRule` in `npc-content.ts`.
+- Produces: item keys `scorched-hide`, `raider-warband-mark`; loot-table constants `RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID`, `BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID`, `RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID`, `RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID`; four new `LOOT_TABLES` rows and their entries; two new `EXCHANGE_RULES`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  it('gives each new trade good the carrying category it belongs to', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const items = repositories.get(ItemDefinition)!.rows;
+
+    const hide = items.find((row) => row.key === 'scorched-hide');
+    const mark = items.find((row) => row.key === 'raider-warband-mark');
+
+    expect(hide?.lootCategory).toBe('HIDE');
+    expect(mark?.lootCategory).toBe('RAIDER_TROPHY');
+  });
+
+  it('lets Borin buy both watchpost trade goods', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const rules = repositories.get(ExchangeRule)!.rows;
+
+    const hideRule = rules.find(
+      (row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS['scorched-hide'],
+    );
+    const markRule = rules.find(
+      (row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'],
+    );
+
+    expect(hideRule).toMatchObject({ silverReward: 12, regionReputationReward: 4 });
+    expect(markRule).toMatchObject({ silverReward: 20, regionReputationReward: 7 });
+  });
+
+  it('pays more for watchpost goods than for road goods', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const rules = repositories.get(ExchangeRule)!.rows;
+    const silverFor = (key: keyof typeof ITEM_IDS) =>
+      rules.find((row) => row.inputItemId === ITEM_IDS[key])?.silverReward;
+
+    // The longer trip has to pay, or §10's loop has no pull (slice §6).
+    expect(silverFor('scorched-hide')).toBeGreaterThan(silverFor('tough-hide')!);
+    expect(silverFor('raider-warband-mark')).toBeGreaterThan(
+      silverFor('bandit-insignia')!,
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('guarantees the captain trophy and offers its focused drop', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const entries = repositories
+      .get(LootTableEntry)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.lootTableId === RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID);
+
+    expect(
+      entries.find((row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'])
+        ?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('1.0000');
+    expect(
+      entries.find((row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['borderwatch-sigil'])
+        ?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('0.2000');
+  });
+
+  it('leaves the road bandit loot table untouched', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const entries = repositories
+      .get(LootTableEntry)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.lootTableId === ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID);
+
+    // This slice adds a pool entry for the bandit, not a rebalance
+    // (AGENTS.md §39).
+    expect(entries).toHaveLength(4);
+    expect(
+      entries.find((row) => row.itemDefinitionId === ITEM_IDS['bandit-blade'])
+        ?.dropChance,
+    ).toBe('0.1800');
+  });
+```
+
+Use whatever `runSeed()` / repository-lookup helper the file already defines;
+the assertions are the point.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- vertical-slice.seed`
+Expected: FAIL — `'scorched-hide' is not assignable to ItemKey`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add the item and loot-table ids**
+
+In `apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts`, add to `ITEM_IDS` after
+`'charred-raider-insignia'`:
+
+```ts
+  'scorched-hide': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000010',
+  'raider-warband-mark': '50000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000011',
+```
+
+and append the four table ids:
+
+```ts
+// Playable Slice 0.10 §6: one table per Watchpost enemy, same rule as the
+// Burned Road -- each enemy owns its guaranteed trade good.
+export const RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005';
+export const BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006';
+export const RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007';
+export const RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID =
+  '60000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008';
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Add the trade goods**
+
+In `apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts`, import the four new table ids
+and append to `ITEM_DEFINITIONS`:
+
+```ts
+  // Watchpost trade goods (Playable Slice 0.10 §6). One per carrying
+  // category, so both the Hide Bag and the Trophy Pouch matter at this
+  // location and a player who owns neither runs into the capacity of 1.
+  item(
+    'scorched-hide',
+    'Scorched Hide',
+    'Hound hide burned hard as bark, the cracks in it still warm.',
+    ItemType.TRADE_GOOD,
+    null,
+    ItemRarity.COMMON,
+    {},
+    LootCategory.HIDE,
+  ),
+  item(
+    'raider-warband-mark',
+    'Raider Warband Mark',
+    'A watchpost tally-token, re-stamped with the mark of the band that took it.',
+    ItemType.TROPHY,
+    null,
+    ItemRarity.COMMON,
+    {},
+    LootCategory.RAIDER_TROPHY,
+  ),
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Add the loot tables**
+
+Append to `LOOT_TABLES` in the same file:
+
+```ts
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-scout-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Scout Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'burned-hound-loot',
+    name: 'Burned Hound Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-veteran-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Veteran Loot',
+  },
+  {
+    id: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    key: 'raider-captain-loot',
+    name: 'Raider Captain Loot',
+  },
+```
+
+and to `LOOT_TABLE_ENTRIES`:
+
+```ts
+  // Watchpost (Playable Slice 0.10 §7). The Tier-1 pieces already exist in
+  // content; what this location changes is how often they show up. The
+  // Charred Captain's Pendant stays out -- it belongs to the Slice 0.11 boss,
+  // not to this elite.
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '0.6000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'bandit-blade', 2, '0.2500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'bandit-hood', 3, '0.1800'),
+  entry(BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'scorched-hide', 1, '0.6000'),
+  entry(BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'ash-boots', 2, '0.1500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '0.7000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-gloves', 2, '0.1500'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'reinforced-leather-jacket', 3, '0.2000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'guardsman-legs', 4, '0.2200'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'raider-warband-mark', 1, '1.0000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'reinforced-leather-jacket', 2, '0.3000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'guardsman-legs', 3, '0.3000'),
+  entry(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID, 'borderwatch-sigil', 4, '0.2000'),
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Add the exchange rules**
+
+Append to `EXCHANGE_RULES` in `apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  // Watchpost goods (Playable Slice 0.10 §10). Priced above the road tier so
+  // the longer trip pays, and below the rare Charred Raider Insignia so the
+  // rare drop stays the best thing in the region.
+  {
+    profileId: BORIN_EXCHANGE_PROFILE_ID,
+    inputItemId: ITEM_IDS['scorched-hide'],
+    inputQuantity: 1,
+    factionId: BORDER_GUARD_FACTION_ID,
+    silverReward: 12,
+    regionReputationReward: 4,
+    renownMilestoneKey: FIRST_TRADE_MILESTONE_KEY,
+    conditions: [],
+    sortOrder: 5,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    profileId: BORIN_EXCHANGE_PROFILE_ID,
+    inputItemId: ITEM_IDS['raider-warband-mark'],
+    inputQuantity: 1,
+    factionId: BORDER_GUARD_FACTION_ID,
+    silverReward: 20,
+    regionReputationReward: 7,
+    renownMilestoneKey: FIRST_TRADE_MILESTONE_KEY,
+    conditions: [],
+    sortOrder: 6,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- vertical-slice.seed`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/database/seeds/item.constants.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/item-content.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(seed): add the watchpost trade goods and their loot tables"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 9: Seed the locations, monsters and encounter pool
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts`
+- Test: `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: loot-table constants from Task 8, `MonsterAbilities` from Tasks 2–3, `LocalLocationContent` from `local-location.content.ts`.
+- Produces: constants `ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID`, `ASH_PIT_ID`, `RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID`, `BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID`, `RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID`, `RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID`; exports `ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT`, `ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Add to `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  it('seeds the watchpost as a huntable outpost', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const locations = repositories.get(LocationDefinition)!.rows;
+
+    const watchpost = locations.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'abandoned-watchpost',
+    );
+
+    expect(watchpost).toMatchObject({
+      locationType: 'OUTPOST',
+      huntingEnabled: true,
+      isSafe: false,
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('connects the burned road and the watchpost both ways without a gate', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const connections = repositories.get(LocationConnection)!.rows;
+
+    const outbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+    const inbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(outbound).toMatchObject({
+      travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+      ambushChance: '0.1000',
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    });
+    expect(inbound).toMatchObject({
+      travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+      requiresDiscovery: false,
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('gates the outbound ash pit route and leaves the way back open', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const connections = repositories.get(LocationConnection)!.rows;
+
+    const outbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ASH_PIT_ID,
+    );
+    const inbound = connections.find(
+      (row) =>
+        row.fromLocationId === ASH_PIT_ID &&
+        row.toLocationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+    );
+
+    expect(outbound?.requiresDiscovery).toBe(true);
+    // Whoever got there must always be able to leave.
+    expect(inbound?.requiresDiscovery).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('points the watchpost investigation at the ash pit', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const watchpost = repositories
+      .get(LocationDefinition)!
+      .rows.find((row) => row.key === 'abandoned-watchpost');
+
+    const poi = (
+      watchpost?.localPointsOfInterest as Array<Record<string, unknown>>
+    ).find((entry) => entry.key === 'inspect-watchpost');
+
+    expect(poi?.discoversLocationKey).toBe('ash-pit');
+  });
+
+  it('gives the watchpost its own encounter pool', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const pool = repositories
+      .get(LocationMonster)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.locationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID);
+
+    expect(pool.map((row) => row.monsterId).sort()).toEqual(
+      [
+        RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+        BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
+        ROAD_BANDIT_MONSTER_ID,
+        RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
+        RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+      ].sort(),
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('leaves the burned road pool exactly as it was', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const pool = repositories
+      .get(LocationMonster)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.locationId === BURNED_ROAD_ID);
+
+    expect(pool).toHaveLength(4);
+  });
+
+  it('marks only the captain as a rare encounter', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const pool = repositories
+      .get(LocationMonster)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.locationId === ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID);
+
+    const rare = pool.filter((row) => row.encounterType === 'RARE');
+    expect(rare).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(rare[0].monsterId).toBe(RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID);
+  });
+
+  it('arms the veteran with a telegraph and a guard on different cadences', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const veteran = repositories
+      .get(MonsterDefinition)!
+      .rows.find((row) => row.key === 'raider-veteran');
+
+    expect(veteran?.abilities).toEqual({
+      telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+      guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('gives the hound bleeding and a low-HP rage', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const hound = repositories
+      .get(MonsterDefinition)!
+      .rows.find((row) => row.key === 'burned-hound');
+
+    expect(hound?.abilities).toEqual({
+      bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+      enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('seeds the ash pit as a stub with nothing to hunt yet', async () => {
+    const { repositories } = await runSeed();
+    const ashPit = repositories
+      .get(LocationDefinition)!
+      .rows.find((row) => row.key === 'ash-pit');
+    const pool = repositories
+      .get(LocationMonster)!
+      .rows.filter((row) => row.locationId === ASH_PIT_ID);
+
+    expect(ashPit?.huntingEnabled).toBe(false);
+    expect(pool).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- vertical-slice.seed`
+Expected: FAIL — `ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID is not defined`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add the constants**
+
+Append to `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts`:
+
+```ts
+export const ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003';
+export const ASH_PIT_ID = '20000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004';
+export const RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005';
+export const BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000006';
+export const RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000007';
+export const RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID = '30000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000008';
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Author the local content**
+
+Append to `apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts`:
+
+```ts
+export const ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
+  regionName: 'Ashen Fields',
+  regionTierLabel: 'Tier 1',
+  locationType: 'OUTPOST',
+  localDescription:
+    'A border tower the Watch gave up on. The palisade still stands, the gate does not, and someone has been sleeping here who was never posted here.',
+  localArtworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png',
+  // Anchored to painted detail in `Wachturm.png`: the open ground before the
+  // tower, the tower base itself, the collapsed lean-to on the left, and the
+  // track leading off to the right.
+  localPointsOfInterest: [
+    {
+      key: 'hunt-area',
+      title: 'Hunting Ground',
+      actionLabel: 'Begin Hunt',
+      type: 'HUNT',
+      iconKey: 'hunt',
+      xPercent: 62,
+      yPercent: 38,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+      title: 'The Watchpost',
+      actionLabel: 'Inspect',
+      type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+      iconKey: 'investigate',
+      xPercent: 44,
+      yPercent: 46,
+      enabled: true,
+      resultTitle: 'The Watchpost',
+      // Quoted from Playable Slice 0.10 §8.
+      resultText:
+        "The raiders weren't using the watchpost as shelter. They were using it to watch the road. Fresh tracks lead east, toward the old ash excavation.",
+      discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'search-guard-quarters',
+      title: "Guards' Quarters",
+      actionLabel: 'Search',
+      type: 'SEARCH',
+      iconKey: 'search',
+      xPercent: 18,
+      yPercent: 68,
+      enabled: true,
+      resultTitle: "Guards' Quarters",
+      resultText:
+        'Straw, a cold hearth, and a duty roster with every name scratched out but one. Nothing here is worth carrying.',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'east-road',
+      title: 'Track East',
+      actionLabel: 'To Map',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      xPercent: 88,
+      yPercent: 74,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localPrimaryActions: [
+    {
+      key: 'start-hunt',
+      label: 'Begin Hunt',
+      description: 'Hunt in this area',
+      type: 'HUNT',
+      iconKey: 'hunt',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'inspect-watchpost',
+      label: 'Inspect the watchpost',
+      description: 'Find clues',
+      type: 'INVESTIGATE',
+      iconKey: 'investigate',
+      enabled: true,
+      poiKey: 'inspect-watchpost',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'search-quarters',
+      label: "Search the quarters",
+      description: 'Find loot',
+      type: 'SEARCH',
+      iconKey: 'search',
+      enabled: true,
+      poiKey: 'search-guard-quarters',
+    },
+    {
+      key: 'open-map',
+      label: 'To Map',
+      description: 'Change area',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  // Same rule as the Burned Road: only categories the loot tables here
+  // actually back, and no Silver or experience, because a normal kill grants
+  // neither (slice §6).
+  localRewardPreview: [
+    { key: 'equipment', label: 'Equipment', iconKey: 'equipment' },
+    { key: 'material', label: 'Trade Goods', iconKey: 'material' },
+  ],
+};
+
+/**
+ * A stub (Playable Slice 0.10 §9, design decision D2).
+ *
+ * The discovered route needs a real destination for the gate to mean anything,
+ * so the Ash Pit exists as a place you can stand -- and nothing more. Slice
+ * 0.11 gives it an encounter pool, an elite and its own hotspots.
+ */
+export const ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
+  regionName: 'Ashen Fields',
+  regionTierLabel: 'Tier 1',
+  locationType: 'TRANSITION',
+  localDescription:
+    'The old ash excavation drops away in terraces, grey on grey. Something down there is still being worked.',
+  localArtworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png',
+  localPointsOfInterest: [
+    {
+      key: 'pit-rim',
+      title: 'Back Along the Track',
+      actionLabel: 'To Map',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      xPercent: 20,
+      yPercent: 76,
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localPrimaryActions: [
+    {
+      key: 'open-map',
+      label: 'To Map',
+      description: 'Change area',
+      type: 'MAP',
+      iconKey: 'map',
+      enabled: true,
+    },
+  ],
+  localRewardPreview: [],
+};
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Seed the locations and connections**
+
+In `apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts`, extend the imports and
+append two entries to the `locations` array:
+
+```ts
+    {
+      id: ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID,
+      key: 'abandoned-watchpost',
+      name: 'Abandoned Watchpost',
+      description:
+        'A border tower the Watch gave up on. Whoever holds it now is watching the road, not guarding it.',
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+      minRecommendedLevel: 2,
+      maxRecommendedLevel: 3,
+      dangerLevel: 2,
+      isSafe: false,
+      huntingEnabled: true,
+      artworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png',
+      ...ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_LOCAL_CONTENT,
+    },
+    {
+      id: ASH_PIT_ID,
+      key: 'ash-pit',
+      name: 'Ash Pit',
+      description:
+        'The old ash excavation east of the watchpost, cut in terraces and still being worked by someone.',
+      regionKey: 'ashen-fields',
+      minRecommendedLevel: 3,
+      maxRecommendedLevel: 4,
+      dangerLevel: 3,
+      isSafe: false,
+      huntingEnabled: false,
+      artworkPath: '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png',
+      ...ASH_PIT_LOCAL_CONTENT,
+    },
+```
+
+Resolve the ids after the loop, beside the existing two:
+
+```ts
+  const watchpostId =
+    locationIds.get('abandoned-watchpost') ?? ABANDONED_WATCHPOST_ID;
+  const ashPitId = locationIds.get('ash-pit') ?? ASH_PIT_ID;
+```
+
+Add four rows to the existing `connectionRepository.upsert` array. Every
+pre-existing row needs `requiresDiscovery: false` added explicitly so the upsert
+writes the column on a re-seed:
+
+```ts
+      {
+        fromLocationId: burnedRoadId,
+        toLocationId: watchpostId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+        ambushChance: '0.1000',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+      {
+        fromLocationId: watchpostId,
+        toLocationId: burnedRoadId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 15,
+        ambushChance: '0.1000',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+      // The one gated route in the game (slice §9). Discovery, not a level,
+      // is what opens it -- and the way back is never gated, so a character
+      // who walked in can always walk out.
+      {
+        fromLocationId: watchpostId,
+        toLocationId: ashPitId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+        ambushChance: '0.1500',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: true,
+      },
+      {
+        fromLocationId: ashPitId,
+        toLocationId: watchpostId,
+        travelDurationSeconds: 20,
+        ambushChance: '0.1500',
+        enabled: true,
+        requiresDiscovery: false,
+      },
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Seed the monsters**
+
+Append to the `monsters` array in the same file:
+
+```ts
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_SCOUT_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-scout',
+      name: 'Raider Scout',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 2,
+      maxHp: 70,
+      attack: 10,
+      armor: 3,
+      flavorText:
+        'Light on their feet and already backing away from the fight they started.',
+      // The farming target: no mechanic at all, so the pool has somewhere
+      // for a player to breathe between the harder fights (slice §5).
+      abilities: {},
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-scout.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-scout-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_SCOUT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: BURNED_HOUND_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'burned-hound',
+      name: 'Burned Hound',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.BEAST,
+      level: 3,
+      maxHp: 80,
+      attack: 12,
+      armor: 2,
+      flavorText:
+        'The fire took its coat and left the cracks glowing underneath.',
+      // Bleeding on a tighter cadence than the road hound, plus a rage that
+      // punishes a player who lets the fight run long (slice §5).
+      abilities: {
+        bleed: { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 },
+        enrage: { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/burned-hound.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/burned-hound-128.png',
+      lootTableId: BURNED_HOUND_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_VETERAN_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-veteran',
+      name: 'Raider Veteran',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 3,
+      maxHp: 120,
+      attack: 14,
+      armor: 10,
+      flavorText:
+        'Plated, patient, and entirely willing to wait behind their guard.',
+      // The fight this location is built around: the telegraph the player
+      // already knows, plus a guard that answers to the same Shield Bash.
+      // Intervals 3 and 4 so the two only collide every twelfth round.
+      abilities: {
+        telegraph: { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 },
+        guard: { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-veteran.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-veteran-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_VETERAN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+    {
+      id: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_MONSTER_ID,
+      key: 'raider-captain',
+      name: 'Raider Captain',
+      monsterCategory: MonsterCategory.HUMANOID,
+      level: 4,
+      maxHp: 160,
+      attack: 17,
+      armor: 12,
+      flavorText:
+        'Whoever gave the order to watch this road is standing in front of you.',
+      // The elite (slice §5): the veteran's two mechanics on tighter
+      // cadences and better stats, not a third subsystem. Deliberately not
+      // the Captain of the Ashen Band -- that boss belongs to Slice 0.11.
+      abilities: {
+        telegraph: { roundInterval: 2, damageMultiplier: 1.7 },
+        guard: { roundInterval: 3, armorBonus: 12, durationRounds: 2 },
+      },
+      artworkPath: '/images/monsters/raider-captain.png',
+      iconPath: '/images/combat/icons/raider-captain-128.png',
+      lootTableId: RAIDER_CAPTAIN_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
+    },
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Seed the encounter pool**
+
+After the existing Burned Road `locationMonsterRepository.upsert`, add:
+
+```ts
+  // Watchpost roster (slice §4). The Road Bandit is reused deliberately: it
+  // bridges the two locations and keeps the Raider Insignia economy
+  // connected. Its definition and loot table are untouched.
+  const watchpostPool: ReadonlyArray<{
+    key: string;
+    weight: number;
+    encounterType: EncounterType;
+  }> = [
+    { key: 'raider-scout', weight: 35, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'burned-hound', weight: 28, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'road-bandit', weight: 20, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'raider-veteran', weight: 14, encounterType: EncounterType.NORMAL },
+    { key: 'raider-captain', weight: 3, encounterType: EncounterType.RARE },
+  ];
+
+  await locationMonsterRepository.upsert(
+    watchpostPool.map(({ key, weight, encounterType }) => ({
+      locationId: watchpostId,
+      monsterId: monsterIds.get(key) as string,
+      weight,
+      encounterType,
+      enabled: true,
+    })),
+    ['locationId', 'monsterId'],
+  );
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api -- vertical-slice.seed`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 9: Run the whole API suite**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/api`
+Expected: PASS — no regressions anywhere
+
+- [ ] **Step 10: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.constants.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts
+git commit -m "feat(seed): open the abandoned watchpost and the route beyond it"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 10: Derive the web assets for the new content
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`
+- Create (generated, committed): `apps/web/public/images/monsters/{raider-scout,raider-veteran,burned-hound,raider-captain}.png`, their `runtime/*-560.jpg`, `apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/*.png`, `apps/web/public/images/combat/icons/*-128.png`
+- Create (copied): `apps/web/public/images/backgrounds/{Wachturm.png,Aschengrube.png}` and `backgrounds/runtime/{Wachturm-960.jpg,Aschengrube-960.jpg}`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts`
+- Test: `apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: art committed in `2435d25`.
+- Produces: the four asset paths per monster key, registered in `monster-artwork.ts`.
+
+Note the deliberate crossing (design D7): the file named `raider-scout.png`
+depicts the heavier plated figure and becomes the **Veteran**; `raider-veteran.png`
+depicts the leaner one and becomes the **Scout**.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+Add to `apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts`:
+
+```ts
+describe('watchpost monsters', () => {
+  const keys = ['raider-scout', 'raider-veteran', 'burned-hound', 'raider-captain'];
+
+  it('has a cutout for every watchpost monster', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(monsterCutoutPath(key)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('has an icon for every watchpost monster', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(monsterIconPath(key)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('has a runtime derivative for every watchpost artwork', () => {
+    for (const key of keys) {
+      expect(runtimeMonsterArtworkPath(`/images/monsters/${key}.png`)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+  });
+
+  it('scales the captain larger than the hound', () => {
+    // A hulking elite and a low-slung dog must not share a silhouette height.
+    expect(combatMonsterSpriteScale('raider-captain')).toBeGreaterThan(
+      combatMonsterSpriteScale('burned-hound'),
+    );
+  });
+});
+```
+
+Add `combatMonsterSpriteScale` to the file's imports.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: FAIL — `monsterCutoutPath('raider-scout')` is `undefined`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Write the derivation script**
+
+Create `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`:
+
+```powershell
+# tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1
+# Derives the web assets each monster needs from the hand-made art in
+# art/enemies and art/backgrounds.
+#
+# Per monster it writes four files:
+#   apps/web/public/images/monsters/<key>.png            full painted artwork
+#   apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/<key>-560.jpg downscaled for the web
+#   apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/<key>-<h>.png  background-free cutout
+#   apps/web/public/images/combat/icons/<key>-128.png    medallion icon
+#
+# The generated files are committed, so this only needs re-running when the
+# source art changes. Re-runnable: it overwrites its own output and touches
+# nothing else.
+$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
+Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Drawing
+
+$root = Split-Path -Parent $PSScriptRoot
+$artEnemies = Join-Path $root 'art\enemies'
+$artCutouts = Join-Path $artEnemies 'transparent-background'
+$artBackgrounds = Join-Path $root 'art\backgrounds'
+$webImages = Join-Path $root 'apps\web\public\images'
+
+foreach ($dir in @(
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'monsters\runtime'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\sprites'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\icons'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'backgrounds\runtime'))) {
+  New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $dir | Out-Null
+}
+
+function Save-Scaled {
+  param(
+    [string] $SourcePath,
+    [string] $TargetPath,
+    [int] $TargetWidth,
+    [string] $Format,
+    [switch] $Opaque
+  )
+  $img = [System.Drawing.Image]::FromFile($SourcePath)
+  try {
+    $height = [int][Math]::Round($img.Height * $TargetWidth / $img.Width)
+    $bitmap = New-Object System.Drawing.Bitmap $TargetWidth, $height
+    $graphics = [System.Drawing.Graphics]::FromImage($bitmap)
+    if ($Opaque) {
+      $graphics.Clear([System.Drawing.Color]::Black)
+    }
+    $graphics.InterpolationMode = [System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode]::HighQualityBicubic
+    $graphics.DrawImage($img, 0, 0, $TargetWidth, $height)
+    $graphics.Dispose()
+    if ($Format -eq 'jpg') {
+      $codec = [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageCodecInfo]::GetImageEncoders() |
+        Where-Object { $_.MimeType -eq 'image/jpeg' }
+      $params = New-Object System.Drawing.Imaging.EncoderParameters 1
+      $params.Param[0] = New-Object System.Drawing.Imaging.EncoderParameter(
+        [System.Drawing.Imaging.Encoder]::Quality, 82)
+      $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, $codec, $params)
+    }
+    else {
+      $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat]::Png)
+    }
+    $bitmap.Dispose()
+  }
+  finally {
+    $img.Dispose()
+  }
+  Write-Host "wrote $(Split-Path -Leaf $TargetPath)"
+}
+
+function Save-Icon {
+  param(
+    [string] $SourcePath,
+    [string] $TargetPath,
+    # Crop window as fractions of the source, chosen per monster so the icon
+    # lands on the head rather than on whatever the centre happens to be.
+    [double] $CropX, [double] $CropY, [double] $CropSize
+  )
+  $img = [System.Drawing.Image]::FromFile($SourcePath)
+  try {
+    $side = [int]([Math]::Min($img.Width, $img.Height) * $CropSize)
+    $x = [int]($img.Width * $CropX)
+    $y = [int]($img.Height * $CropY)
+    $bitmap = New-Object System.Drawing.Bitmap 128, 128
+    $graphics = [System.Drawing.Graphics]::FromImage($bitmap)
+    $graphics.InterpolationMode = [System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode]::HighQualityBicubic
+    $graphics.DrawImage(
+      $img,
+      (New-Object System.Drawing.Rectangle 0, 0, 128, 128),
+      (New-Object System.Drawing.Rectangle $x, $y, $side, $side),
+      [System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit]::Pixel)
+    $graphics.Dispose()
+    $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat]::Png)
+    $bitmap.Dispose()
+  }
+  finally {
+    $img.Dispose()
+  }
+  Write-Host "wrote $(Split-Path -Leaf $TargetPath)"
+}
+
+# `source` is the painted file, `cutout` the background-free one.
+#
+# NOTE the deliberate crossing on the first two rows: the file named
+# raider-scout depicts the heavier, plated, spear-carrying figure and is the
+# Veteran; raider-veteran depicts the leaner one and is the Scout. Slice 0.10
+# design decision D7.
+$monsters = @(
+  @{ key = 'raider-scout';   source = 'raider-veteran'; spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.40; cropY = 0.04; cropSize = 0.30 },
+  @{ key = 'raider-veteran'; source = 'raider-scout';   spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.40; cropY = 0.04; cropSize = 0.30 },
+  @{ key = 'burned-hound';   source = 'burned-hound';   spriteHeight = 760; cropX = 0.06; cropY = 0.12; cropSize = 0.34 },
+  @{ key = 'raider-captain'; source = 'Pluendererhauptmann'; spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.36; cropY = 0.02; cropSize = 0.28 }
+)
+
+foreach ($monster in $monsters) {
+  $key = $monster.key
+  $painted = Join-Path $artEnemies "$($monster.source).png"
+  $cutout = Join-Path $artCutouts "$($monster.source).png"
+
+  Copy-Item -Force $painted (Join-Path $webImages "monsters\$key.png")
+  Write-Host "wrote $key.png"
+
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $painted `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "monsters\runtime\$key-560.jpg") `
+    -TargetWidth 560 -Format 'jpg' -Opaque
+
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $cutout `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "combat\sprites\$key-$($monster.spriteHeight).png") `
+    -TargetWidth $monster.spriteHeight -Format 'png'
+
+  Save-Icon -SourcePath $cutout `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "combat\icons\$key-128.png") `
+    -CropX $monster.cropX -CropY $monster.cropY -CropSize $monster.cropSize
+}
+
+# The Raider Captain has a hand-made icon. Authored art beats a crop.
+Copy-Item -Force (Join-Path $artEnemies 'PluendererhauptmannIcon.png') `
+  (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\icons\raider-captain-128.png')
+Write-Host 'wrote raider-captain-128.png (hand-made)'
+
+foreach ($background in 'Wachturm', 'Aschengrube') {
+  $source = Join-Path $artBackgrounds "$background.png"
+  Copy-Item -Force $source (Join-Path $webImages "backgrounds\$background.png")
+  Write-Host "wrote $background.png"
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $source `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "backgrounds\runtime\$background-960.jpg") `
+    -TargetWidth 960 -Format 'jpg' -Opaque
+}
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run the script**
+
+Run: `powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`
+Expected: 22 "wrote …" lines, no errors.
+
+Then open the four generated `*-128.png` icons and confirm each frames the
+monster's head. If one is off, adjust that monster's `cropX` / `cropY` /
+`cropSize` in the script and re-run — the script is re-runnable by design.
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Register the assets**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts`, add to each map:
+
+```ts
+  '/images/monsters/raider-scout.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-scout-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/raider-veteran.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-veteran-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/burned-hound.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/burned-hound-560.jpg',
+  '/images/monsters/raider-captain.png': '/images/monsters/runtime/raider-captain-560.jpg',
+```
+
+```ts
+  'raider-scout': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-scout-620.png',
+  'raider-veteran': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-veteran-620.png',
+  'burned-hound': '/images/combat/sprites/burned-hound-760.png',
+  'raider-captain': '/images/combat/sprites/raider-captain-620.png',
+```
+
+```ts
+  'raider-scout': '/images/combat/icons/raider-scout-128.png',
+  'raider-veteran': '/images/combat/icons/raider-veteran-128.png',
+  'burned-hound': '/images/combat/icons/burned-hound-128.png',
+  'raider-captain': '/images/combat/icons/raider-captain-128.png',
+```
+
+```ts
+  'raider-scout': 0.78,
+  'raider-veteran': 0.84,
+  'burned-hound': 0.6,
+  'raider-captain': 0.9,
+```
+
+Also register the two new backgrounds in
+`apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts`:
+
+```ts
+  '/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Wachturm-960.jpg',
+  '/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png': '/images/backgrounds/runtime/Aschengrube-960.jpg',
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Run test to verify it passes**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1 apps/web/public/images apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.ts apps/web/src/app/shared/monster-artwork.spec.ts apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-page/location-page.component.ts
+git commit -m "feat(web): derive and register the watchpost artwork"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 11: Show guard and enrage in combat
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss`
+- Test: `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `CombatMonsterDto.guardRemainingRounds` / `.enraged` from Task 4; event types from Tasks 2–3.
+- Produces: `CombatMonster.guardRemainingRounds: number | null`, `CombatMonster.enraged: boolean`, `CombatEventType` union extended with `'GUARD_RAISED' | 'GUARD_ENDED' | 'ENRAGED'`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Add to `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts`:
+
+The file already has an `activeCombat` fixture object and an
+`async function setup(combat)` that returns the `ComponentFixture`. It runs on
+**vitest** (`vi.fn`), not Jasmine. First add the two new fields to
+`activeCombat.monster` so the existing tests still compile:
+
+```ts
+    pendingIntent: null,
+    guardRemainingRounds: null,
+    enraged: false,
+```
+
+Then add the tests inside the existing `describe`:
+
+```ts
+  const veteran: Combat = {
+    ...activeCombat,
+    monster: { ...activeCombat.monster, name: 'Raider Veteran' },
+  };
+
+  it('announces a raised guard with the rounds it still covers', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...veteran,
+      monster: { ...veteran.monster, guardRemainingRounds: 2 },
+    });
+
+    const banner: HTMLElement | null = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
+      '[data-combat-guard]',
+    );
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('Raider Veteran');
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('2');
+  });
+
+  it('says nothing about a guard when the monster is open', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup(activeCombat);
+
+    expect(
+      fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('[data-combat-guard]'),
+    ).toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('marks an enraged monster', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...activeCombat,
+      monster: { ...activeCombat.monster, enraged: true },
+    });
+
+    expect(
+      fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('[data-combat-enraged]'),
+    ).not.toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it('reads the new events back in the log', async () => {
+    const fixture = await setup({
+      ...veteran,
+      events: [
+        { round: 1, sequence: 1, type: 'GUARD_RAISED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER', amount: 2 },
+        { round: 1, sequence: 2, type: 'ENRAGED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER' },
+        { round: 2, sequence: 1, type: 'GUARD_ENDED', source: 'MONSTER', target: 'MONSTER' },
+      ],
+    });
+
+    const log = (
+      fixture.nativeElement as HTMLElement
+    ).querySelector('.combat__log')?.textContent;
+    expect(log).toContain('Raider Veteran raises its guard.');
+    expect(log).toContain('Raider Veteran turns savage.');
+    expect(log).toContain("Raider Veteran's guard drops.");
+  });
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: FAIL — `'guardRemainingRounds' does not exist in type 'CombatMonster'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Extend the client models**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts`, add to `CombatMonster`:
+
+```ts
+  /** Rounds the monster's raised guard still covers, or null when open. */
+  guardRemainingRounds: number | null;
+  enraged: boolean;
+```
+
+and add `| 'GUARD_RAISED' | 'GUARD_ENDED' | 'ENRAGED'` to the `CombatEventType`
+union.
+
+Both fields are required, matching the API DTO. Four spec files build a
+`CombatMonster` literal and will stop compiling until each gets
+`guardRemainingRounds: null, enraged: false` added to its fixture:
+
+```text
+apps/web/src/app/core/resume-combat.spec.ts
+apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.spec.ts
+apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat.store.spec.ts
+apps/web/src/app/features/hunting/hunt-page/hunt-page.component.spec.ts
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Add the component logic**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.ts`, add
+two accessors next to `monsterIntentLabel`:
+
+```ts
+  protected monsterGuardLabel(): string | null {
+    const combat = this.displayed();
+    const rounds = combat?.monster.guardRemainingRounds;
+    if (!combat || !rounds) {
+      return null;
+    }
+    const roundWord = rounds === 1 ? 'round' : 'rounds';
+    return `${combat.monster.name} is covering — ${rounds} ${roundWord}. Shield Bash breaks it.`;
+  }
+
+  protected monsterIsEnraged(): boolean {
+    return this.displayed()?.monster.enraged ?? false;
+  }
+```
+
+and add three branches to the log formatter, beside the `TELEGRAPH` branch:
+
+```ts
+    if (event.type === 'GUARD_RAISED') {
+      return `${monsterName} raises its guard.`;
+    }
+
+    if (event.type === 'GUARD_ENDED') {
+      return `${monsterName}'s guard drops.`;
+    }
+
+    if (event.type === 'ENRAGED') {
+      return `${monsterName} turns savage.`;
+    }
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Add the markup**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.html`,
+below the existing telegraph paragraph:
+
+```html
+      @if (monsterGuardLabel(); as guard) {
+        <p class="combat__guard" data-combat-guard role="status">{{ guard }}</p>
+      }
+
+      @if (monsterIsEnraged()) {
+        <p class="combat__enraged" data-combat-enraged role="status">
+          {{ combat.monster.name }} is enraged.
+        </p>
+      }
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Style the two banners**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page/combat-page.component.scss`,
+beside the existing `.combat__telegraph` rule, add two variants that reuse its
+shape rather than inventing a new one. Copy the `.combat__telegraph`
+declarations and change only the accent colour: a cold steel tone for
+`.combat__guard`, the existing danger accent for `.combat__enraged`. Take both
+colours from the design tokens the file already imports — do not introduce new
+hex values.
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts apps/web/src/app/features/combat/combat-page
+git commit -m "feat(web): show monster guard and rage on the combat screen"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 12: Announce the discovered route in the interaction panel
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.ts`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html`
+- Modify: `apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts`
+- Test: `apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts`
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: `LocationInteractionResultDto.discoveredLocation` from Task 7.
+- Produces: `LocationInteractionResult.discoveredLocation: { key: string; name: string } | null` in the client model.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing tests**
+
+Add to
+`apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.spec.ts`:
+
+The file has an `async function setup(inputs)` returning `{ fixture, closed,
+element }`, and its `result` parameter is typed inline as
+`{ interactionKey: string; title: string; text: string; img?: string }`. Add
+`discoveredLocation?: { key: string; name: string } | null;` to that inline type,
+then add the tests inside the existing `describe`:
+
+```ts
+  it('says so when the interaction revealed a route', async () => {
+    const { element } = await setup({
+      result: {
+        interactionKey: 'inspect-watchpost',
+        title: 'The Watchpost',
+        text: 'Fresh tracks lead east.',
+        discoveredLocation: { key: 'ash-pit', name: 'Ash Pit' },
+      },
+    });
+
+    const banner = element.querySelector('[data-discovered-location]');
+    expect(banner?.textContent).toContain('Ash Pit');
+  });
+
+  it('stays quiet when nothing new was revealed', async () => {
+    const { element } = await setup({
+      result: {
+        interactionKey: 'search-guard-quarters',
+        title: 'Guard Quarters',
+        text: 'Nothing but ash.',
+        discoveredLocation: null,
+      },
+    });
+
+    expect(element.querySelector('[data-discovered-location]')).toBeNull();
+  });
+```
+
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run tests to verify they fail**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: FAIL — `'discoveredLocation' does not exist in type 'LocationInteractionResult'`
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Extend the client model**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts`, add to
+`LocationInteractionResult`:
+
+```ts
+  /**
+   * Set only the first time an interaction reveals a route. Optional on the
+   * client although the API always sends it: every existing test fixture
+   * builds this object literally, and a required field would break them all
+   * for no gain.
+   */
+  discoveredLocation?: { key: string; name: string } | null;
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Render the banner**
+
+In
+`apps/web/src/app/features/world/location-interaction-panel/location-interaction-panel.component.html`,
+below the result text:
+
+The panel uses a classic `@Input() result: LocationInteractionResult | null`,
+not a signal input, so the template reads the property directly:
+
+```html
+  @if (result?.discoveredLocation; as discovered) {
+    <p class="interaction__discovery" data-discovered-location role="status">
+      New route discovered: {{ discovered.name }}.
+    </p>
+  }
+```
+
+Style `.interaction__discovery` in the component's SCSS using the accent token
+the panel already uses for emphasis. Do not add a new colour.
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Refresh the map after a discovery**
+
+In `apps/web/src/app/features/world/local-location.store.ts`, after an
+interaction resolves, reload the current location when the result carries a
+discovery — the new route has to appear without a manual refresh:
+
+```ts
+    if (result.discoveredLocation) {
+      // The connection list is server-filtered, so a fresh reveal only shows
+      // up after the location is re-read.
+      await this.loadCurrentLocation();
+    }
+```
+
+Use whatever the store's existing reload method is called.
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Run the whole web suite**
+
+Run: `npm test --workspace=@ashen-realms/web`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add apps/web/src/app/core/api/game-api.models.ts apps/web/src/app/features/world
+git commit -m "feat(web): announce a newly discovered route"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 13: Verify end-to-end, build, and document
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md`
+- Modify: `docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md` (tick the acceptance criteria)
+
+**Interfaces:**
+- Consumes: everything above.
+- Produces: a record of what was built and where it deviates from the slice document.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Run the migration and seed against a real database**
+
+```bash
+npm run db:migrate
+npm run db:seed
+npm run db:seed
+```
+
+Expected: the migration applies cleanly; the seed runs twice with no duplicate-key
+error and no duplicated rows (AGENTS §8).
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Walk the loop in the browser**
+
+Start the app (`npm run dev:api` and `npm run dev:web`) and confirm by hand:
+
+1. The Burned Road shows a route to the Abandoned Watchpost; travelling takes ~15 s.
+2. The Watchpost map shows **no** Ash Pit route.
+3. Inspecting the watchpost reveals the §8 clue and announces the new route.
+4. The Ash Pit route now appears and can be travelled.
+5. A hunt at the Watchpost only offers the five monsters from its own pool.
+6. A Raider Veteran fight shows the guard banner; Shield Bash breaks it.
+7. A Burned Hound below 35 % HP shows the enrage banner and hits harder.
+8. Scorched Hide and Raider Warband Mark both drop and both sell to Borin.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Run lint and build**
+
+```bash
+npm run lint --workspace=@ashen-realms/api
+npm run build
+```
+
+Expected: both pass. Fix anything they surface before continuing.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run the full test suite**
+
+```bash
+npm test
+```
+
+Expected: PASS across both workspaces.
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Write the implementation notes**
+
+Create `docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost-implementation-notes.md`
+following the shape of the Slice 0.9 notes. Record at minimum:
+
+- the discovery model (table, connection column, service) and why the gate is
+  enforced in two places
+- `guard` and `enrage` as content abilities, with their exact configuration and
+  the telegraph-wins priority rule
+- the Ash Pit stub and what Slice 0.11 is expected to add to it
+- deviations from the slice document: no surviving-guard NPC (§3, no portrait
+  art exists — the investigation is a hotspot instead), and the crossed raider
+  artwork files (design D7)
+- the new `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1` and when it needs re-running
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Tick the acceptance criteria**
+
+In `docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md` §12, change each `- [ ]`
+to `- [x]`. If any criterion is genuinely unmet, leave it unticked and say why
+in the implementation notes rather than ticking it anyway.
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add docs/playable-slices
+git commit -m "docs: record the Slice 0.10 watchpost implementation and its deviations"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Self-Review Notes
+
+Spec coverage check, section by section:
+
+| Spec section | Task |
+|---|---|
+| §3 Discovery data + service | 1, 5 |
+| §3.3 Two call sites | 6, 7 |
+| §3.4 POI discovery | 7, 9 |
+| §4.1 Locations | 9 |
+| §4.2 Connections | 9 |
+| §4.3 Local view | 9 |
+| §5 Encounter pool | 9 |
+| §6.1 Trade goods + exchange | 8 |
+| §6.2 Loot tables | 8 |
+| §7.1–7.2 Guard | 2 |
+| §7.3 Enrage | 3 |
+| §7.4 Contract changes | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
+| §8 Frontend | 11, 12 |
+| §9 Artwork | 10 |
+| §10 Tests | woven through every task |
+| §11 Out of scope | 9 (Ash Pit stays a stub), 13 (documented) |
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost-design.md b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost-design.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35c02fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-08-23-slice-0.10-abandoned-watchpost-design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,410 @@
+# Playable Slice 0.10 — Abandoned Watchpost — Design
+
+**Date:** 2026-08-23
+**Slice document:** `docs/playable-slices/0.10-Abandoned-Watchpost.md`
+**Depends on:** Slice 0.9 (quests, bags), 0.8.5 (reputation-gated offers), 0.7.5 (loot categories)
+**Status:** Approved design, ready for implementation planning
+
+---
+
+## 1. What this slice adds
+
+A second hunting location beyond the Burned Road, with a stronger encounter
+pool, its own trade goods, and the first piece of world progression that is not
+a level number: a route the player has to *discover* before they can walk it.
+
+Three things are genuinely new to the codebase. Everything else is content.
+
+1. **Per-character world discovery.** There is no such state today —
+   `location_connections.enabled` is a single global boolean, and
+   `TravelService.startTravel` reads nothing else. A gated route needs
+   player-owned state.
+2. **Two combat abilities**, `guard` and `enrage`, added to the content-driven
+   ability set the engine already reads (`telegraph`, `bleed`).
+3. **A derived-asset script for monsters.** Four new enemies need four
+   derivatives each, and no script produces them today.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Decisions taken during design
+
+| # | Decision | Rejected alternative |
+|---|---|---|
+| D1 | Discovery lives in its own table `character_location_discoveries`, gated by a `requires_discovery` column on the connection | A generic per-character key/value flag table; the Ash Pit route still needs a target location, so the extra indirection buys nothing |
+| D2 | The Ash Pit is seeded in 0.10 as a minimal stub location | Deferring the route to 0.11, which would leave §11 and §12 unmet |
+| D3 | `guard` is a timed armor increase that skips the monster's attack and is broken by `SHIELD_BASH` | A permanent low-HP stance (no player answer); a second damage-reduction axis beside armor |
+| D4 | The investigation is a POI that writes the discovery — no new NPC, no new quest | A follow-up quest chain (more content than the slice needs); a surviving-guard NPC (no portrait art exists) |
+| D5 | Two new trade goods, priced above the Burned Road tier | Reusing existing goods, which leaves §10 unmet and makes the longer trip pointless |
+| D6 | The filter lives in a dedicated `WorldDiscoveryService` | Inline checks in `WorldService` and `TravelService`, which would duplicate the rule |
+| D7 | `raider-scout.png` and `raider-veteran.png` are swapped when copied: the file named *scout* depicts the heavier, plated, spear-carrying figure and becomes the Veteran | Following the filenames, which would contradict §5's role descriptions |
+
+---
+
+## 3. Discovery subsystem
+
+### 3.1 Data
+
+New table, player state, no content:
+
+```text
+character_location_discoveries
+  id            uuid pk
+  character_id  uuid  → characters(id)      ON DELETE CASCADE
+  location_id   uuid  → location_definitions(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+  discovered_at timestamptz
+  UNIQUE (character_id, location_id)
+```
+
+New column on content:
+
+```text
+location_connections.requires_discovery  boolean NOT NULL DEFAULT false
+```
+
+The connection carries its own gate. A location stays free of routing rules, so
+a place can be reachable by one road and gated on another.
+
+### 3.2 `WorldDiscoveryService`
+
+Lives in the `world` module. Three methods, no HTTP and no combat knowledge:
+
+- `getDiscoveredLocationIds(characterId): Promise<Set<string>>`
+- `discover(characterId, locationKey, manager?): Promise<LocationSummary | null>`
+  — inserts `ON CONFLICT DO NOTHING`, returns the location on first discovery
+  and `null` when it was already known, so callers can tell a fresh reveal from
+  a repeat (§30: duplicate requests must be safe).
+- `isTravelAllowed(characterId, connection, manager?): Promise<boolean>` —
+  `true` when `requiresDiscovery` is false or the target is already discovered.
+
+The optional `manager` lets `TravelService` run the check inside its existing
+transaction rather than on a second connection.
+
+### 3.3 Two call sites
+
+**Display** — `WorldService.getCurrentLocation` filters `connections` through
+`isTravelAllowed`. An undiscovered route never appears. The Angular map reads
+exactly this array, so the frontend needs no change for the gate.
+
+**Enforcement** — `TravelService.startTravel` applies the same rule inside its
+transaction, right after it resolves the connection, and throws the existing
+`INVALID_TRAVEL_TARGET`. Without this the gate would be UI decoration; AGENTS §5
+requires the server to own it.
+
+### 3.4 How discovery happens
+
+`LocationPointOfInterestContent` gains an optional field:
+
+```ts
+discoversLocationKey?: string;
+```
+
+`WorldService.runLocalInteraction` calls `discover(...)` before returning, and
+the result grows one field:
+
+```ts
+discoveredLocation: { key: string; name: string } | null;
+```
+
+Non-null only on the interaction that first reveals the route. The endpoint is
+no longer read-only — deliberate, and idempotent by the unique constraint.
+
+The interaction panel renders a short "New route discovered — Ash Pit" line when
+the field is set.
+
+---
+
+## 4. World content
+
+### 4.1 Locations
+
+**Abandoned Watchpost** (`abandoned-watchpost`)
+
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| region | `ashen-fields`, "Ashen Fields", Tier 1 |
+| locationType | `OUTPOST` |
+| recommended | 2–3 |
+| dangerLevel | 2 |
+| isSafe / huntingEnabled | false / true |
+| artwork | `/images/backgrounds/Wachturm.png` |
+
+**Ash Pit stub** (`ash-pit`)
+
+Seeded so the discovered route has a real target and §11 is testable.
+`locationType: 'TRANSITION'`, `huntingEnabled: false`, `isSafe: false`,
+`dangerLevel: 3`, artwork `/images/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png`, empty POI and
+primary-action sets apart from a `MAP` entry, empty reward preview. Slice 0.11
+fills it in.
+
+### 4.2 Connections
+
+| From | To | Duration | Ambush | requiresDiscovery |
+|---|---|---|---|---|
+| Burned Road | Abandoned Watchpost | 15 s | 0.1000 | false |
+| Abandoned Watchpost | Burned Road | 15 s | 0.1000 | false |
+| Abandoned Watchpost | Ash Pit | 20 s | 0.1500 | **true** |
+| Ash Pit | Abandoned Watchpost | 20 s | 0.1500 | false |
+
+No level requirement anywhere (§2, §9). The return leg from the Ash Pit is
+ungated — a player who got there must always be able to leave.
+
+### 4.3 Local view
+
+Four points of interest on `Wachturm.png`:
+
+| Key | Type | Purpose |
+|---|---|---|
+| `hunt-area` | HUNT | opens the hunt |
+| `inspect-watchpost` | INVESTIGATE | carries `discoversLocationKey: 'ash-pit'` and the §8 clue text |
+| `search-guard-quarters` | SEARCH | flavour only, no reward |
+| `east-road` | MAP | back to the map |
+
+The clue text is quoted from §8:
+
+> "The raiders weren't using the watchpost as shelter. They were using it to
+> watch the road. Fresh tracks lead east, toward the old ash excavation."
+
+Primary actions mirror the Burned Road's four-entry bar: Begin Hunt, Inspect the
+watchpost (`poiKey: inspect-watchpost`), Search the quarters, To Map.
+
+Reward preview: Equipment, Trade Goods. No Silver, no experience — normal kills
+grant neither (§6).
+
+---
+
+## 5. Encounter pool
+
+Only these five entries are attached to the Watchpost, so the pool is its own
+(§11).
+
+| Monster | Key | Cat. | Lvl | HP | Atk | Armor | Weight | Type | Abilities |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| Raider Scout | `raider-scout` | HUMANOID | 2 | 70 | 10 | 3 | 35 | NORMAL | — |
+| Burned Hound | `burned-hound` | BEAST | 3 | 80 | 12 | 2 | 28 | NORMAL | `bleed`, `enrage` |
+| Road Bandit | `road-bandit` | HUMANOID | 2 | 75 | 9 | 5 | 20 | NORMAL | `telegraph` |
+| Raider Veteran | `raider-veteran` | HUMANOID | 3 | 120 | 14 | 10 | 14 | NORMAL | `telegraph`, `guard` |
+| Raider Captain | `raider-captain` | HUMANOID | 4 | 160 | 17 | 12 | 3 | RARE | `telegraph`, `guard` |
+
+The Road Bandit is reused deliberately: §4 names it, it bridges the two
+locations, and it keeps the Raider Insignia economy connected. Its row above
+restates the values it already has — this slice adds a pool entry for it and
+changes nothing about the monster.
+
+Ability configuration:
+
+```text
+burned-hound   bleed  { roundInterval: 2, damagePerRound: 6, durationRounds: 2 }
+               enrage { hpThresholdPercent: 35, damageMultiplier: 1.4 }
+raider-veteran telegraph { roundInterval: 3, damageMultiplier: 1.6 }
+               guard     { roundInterval: 4, armorBonus: 10, durationRounds: 2 }
+raider-captain telegraph { roundInterval: 2, damageMultiplier: 1.7 }
+               guard     { roundInterval: 3, armorBonus: 12, durationRounds: 2 }
+```
+
+The Veteran's intervals (3 and 4) are chosen so the two abilities collide only
+every twelfth round; when they do, the telegraph wins by fixed priority.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Loot and economy
+
+### 6.1 New trade goods
+
+| Key | Name | Category | Type | Silver | Region rep |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| `scorched-hide` | Scorched Hide | HIDE | TRADE_GOOD | 12 | 4 |
+| `raider-warband-mark` | Raider Warband Mark | RAIDER_TROPHY | TROPHY | 20 | 7 |
+
+Both get an `ExchangeRule` on Borin's profile (`sortOrder` 5 and 6, faction
+`border-guard`, milestone `FIRST_TRADE_MILESTONE_KEY`, no conditions). Prices sit
+above the Burned Road tier (Ashen Pelt 5, Tough Hide 8, Raider Insignia 14,
+Charred Raider Insignia 30) so the longer trip pays, without passing the rare
+Charred Raider Insignia.
+
+Both carrying systems matter here (§6, §12): the Burned Hound feeds HIDE, the
+three raiders feed RAIDER_TROPHY. A player without a Trophy Pouch hits the
+bagless capacity of 1 and is pushed back to Borin.
+
+### 6.2 Loot tables
+
+One table per monster (the established pattern). Every table has a guaranteed
+trade good and independent equipment rolls.
+
+| Table | Entries |
+|---|---|
+| `raider-scout-loot` | `raider-warband-mark` 0.6000, `bandit-blade` 0.2500, `bandit-hood` 0.1800 |
+| `burned-hound-loot` | `scorched-hide` 0.6000, `ash-boots` 0.1500 |
+| `raider-veteran-loot` | `raider-warband-mark` 0.7000, `raider-gloves` 0.1500, `reinforced-leather-jacket` 0.2000, `guardsman-legs` 0.2200 |
+| `raider-captain-loot` | `raider-warband-mark` 1.0000, `reinforced-leather-jacket` 0.3000, `guardsman-legs` 0.3000, `borderwatch-sigil` 0.2000 |
+
+The Road Bandit keeps its existing table unchanged — retuning it would change
+Burned Road balance, which this slice was not asked to touch (AGENTS §39).
+
+All five §7 items are already seeded; this slice raises their availability
+rather than adding equipment. `borderwatch-sigil` is the Captain's focused
+desirable drop (§5).
+
+---
+
+## 7. Combat engine
+
+### 7.1 New content abilities
+
+```ts
+export interface MonsterGuardAbility {
+  roundInterval: number;
+  armorBonus: number;
+  durationRounds: number;
+}
+
+export interface MonsterEnrageAbility {
+  hpThresholdPercent: number;
+  damageMultiplier: number;
+}
+```
+
+Both hang off `MonsterAbilities`. The engine keeps branching on configuration,
+never on a monster key (AGENTS §9).
+
+### 7.2 Guard
+
+State lives on the monster's stats, beside `pendingAction`:
+
+```ts
+activeGuard?: { remainingRounds: number; armorBonus: number };
+```
+
+- When `guard` triggers, the monster raises its guard **instead of attacking**
+  and emits `GUARD_RAISED`.
+- While active, `armorBonus` is added to the monster's armor in every
+  `calculateDamage` call against it.
+- The counter decrements at the end of each round; at zero the field is cleared
+  and `GUARD_ENDED` is emitted.
+- `SHIELD_BASH` clears it exactly as it clears a telegraph, emitting `INTERRUPT`
+  and `GUARD_ENDED`. This is the same lesson the player already learned.
+
+Priority in `resolveMonsterTurn`, top to bottom:
+
+1. resolve a pending Heavy Strike
+2. raise a telegraph
+3. raise a guard
+4. normal attack (plus `bleed` if due)
+
+### 7.3 Enrage
+
+When the monster's HP first falls to or below `hpThresholdPercent` of its
+maximum, `enraged: true` is set on its stats and `ENRAGED` is emitted once. From
+then on `damageMultiplier` applies to every strike it makes, including a
+telegraphed one. It never expires and never re-triggers — one deterministic
+state change, no hidden roll.
+
+### 7.4 Contract changes
+
+- `CombatEventType` gains `GUARD_RAISED`, `GUARD_ENDED`, `ENRAGED`; a migration
+  appends them to `combat_event_type_enum` following migration 1790's pattern.
+- `CombatMonsterDto` gains `guardRemainingRounds: number | null` and
+  `enraged: boolean`.
+
+---
+
+## 8. Frontend
+
+Only the combat screen changes.
+
+- A guard badge next to the existing telegraph indicator, showing the remaining
+  rounds, and an enrage badge on the monster.
+- Combat-log lines for the three new event types.
+- `monster-artwork.ts` gains cutout, icon, runtime and sprite-scale entries for
+  the four new keys.
+- The interaction panel shows the discovered-route line when
+  `discoveredLocation` is set.
+
+The map, travel panel and local view need no change — they already render
+whatever `connections` and `pointsOfInterest` the API returns.
+
+---
+
+## 9. Artwork
+
+Sources committed in `2435d25`:
+
+| Web key | Full art | Cutout | Icon |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `raider-scout` | `art/enemies/raider-veteran.png` | transparent variant | cropped from cutout |
+| `raider-veteran` | `art/enemies/raider-scout.png` | transparent variant | cropped from cutout |
+| `burned-hound` | `art/enemies/burned-hound.png` | transparent variant | cropped from cutout |
+| `raider-captain` | `art/enemies/Pluendererhauptmann.png` | transparent variant | `art/enemies/PluendererhauptmannIcon.png` |
+
+The first two rows are crossed on purpose (D7).
+
+Backgrounds: `art/backgrounds/Wachturm.png` and `art/backgrounds/Aschengrube.png`
+copy to `apps/web/public/images/backgrounds/`, with 960px runtime JPEGs beside
+them.
+
+New script `tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1`, written in the same style as
+`tools/extract-item-icons.ps1` (System.Drawing, re-runnable, overwrites only its
+own output). Per monster it produces:
+
+```text
+apps/web/public/images/monsters/<key>.png
+apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/<key>-560.jpg
+apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/<key>-<height>.png
+apps/web/public/images/combat/icons/<key>-128.png
+```
+
+The runtime derivative is a JPEG because the source it comes from carries its
+own painted background. The existing `-560.png` entries are the exceptions, not
+the rule, and `monster-artwork.ts` records the real extension per key either
+way.
+
+Crop rectangles for the icons are authored per monster in the script, not
+guessed at runtime. Where a hand-made icon exists it wins over a crop.
+
+---
+
+## 10. Tests
+
+Mapped to slice §11.
+
+**Engine (unit, deterministic)**
+- guard raises armor for exactly `durationRounds` and then clears
+- the round a guard goes up deals no damage to the player
+- `SHIELD_BASH` breaks an active guard and emits `INTERRUPT` + `GUARD_ENDED`
+- telegraph beats guard when both are due in the same round
+- enrage fires exactly once at the threshold and persists to the end of combat
+- a monster with no new abilities behaves exactly as before
+
+**Discovery**
+- `getCurrentLocation` omits the Ash Pit route before discovery and includes it
+  after
+- `startTravel` to the Ash Pit throws `INVALID_TRAVEL_TARGET` before discovery
+  and succeeds after
+- running the investigation twice inserts one row and returns
+  `discoveredLocation: null` the second time
+- the return leg from the Ash Pit is never gated
+
+**Seed**
+- the Watchpost pool contains exactly its five entries and no Burned Road
+  location row is touched
+- each new trade good carries the right `LootCategory`
+- no Watchpost monster grants Silver or reputation directly
+- both new goods have an exchange rule on Borin's profile
+- re-running the seed produces no duplicates
+
+**Migration**
+- the discovery table, its unique constraint and both foreign keys exist
+- `requires_discovery` exists with default false
+- the three new enum values exist on `combat_event_type_enum`
+
+**Frontend**
+- the combat store renders guard and enrage badges from the DTO
+- the interaction panel shows the discovered-route line only when the field is
+  set
+
+---
+
+## 11. Out of scope
+
+Per slice §13: no second region, no crafting, no procedural events, no stealth,
+no large dialogue trees, no area boss. The Ash Pit stays a stub with no encounter
+pool — Slice 0.11 owns it.
diff --git a/tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1 b/tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9fcc26a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+# tools/derive-monster-assets.ps1
+# Derives the web assets each monster needs from the hand-made art in
+# art/enemies and art/backgrounds.
+#
+# Per monster it writes four files:
+#   apps/web/public/images/monsters/<key>.png            full painted artwork
+#   apps/web/public/images/monsters/runtime/<key>-560.jpg downscaled for the web
+#   apps/web/public/images/combat/sprites/<key>-<h>.png  background-free cutout
+#   apps/web/public/images/combat/icons/<key>-128.png    medallion icon
+#
+# The generated files are committed, so this only needs re-running when the
+# source art changes. Re-runnable: it overwrites its own output and touches
+# nothing else.
+$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
+Add-Type -AssemblyName System.Drawing
+
+$root = Split-Path -Parent $PSScriptRoot
+$artEnemies = Join-Path $root 'art\enemies'
+$artCutouts = Join-Path $artEnemies 'transparent-background'
+$artBackgrounds = Join-Path $root 'art\backgrounds'
+$webImages = Join-Path $root 'apps\web\public\images'
+
+foreach ($dir in @(
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'monsters\runtime'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\sprites'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\icons'),
+    (Join-Path $webImages 'backgrounds\runtime'))) {
+  New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $dir | Out-Null
+}
+
+function Save-Scaled {
+  param(
+    [string] $SourcePath,
+    [string] $TargetPath,
+    [int] $TargetWidth,
+    [string] $Format,
+    [switch] $Opaque
+  )
+  $img = [System.Drawing.Image]::FromFile($SourcePath)
+  try {
+    $height = [int][Math]::Round($img.Height * $TargetWidth / $img.Width)
+    $bitmap = New-Object System.Drawing.Bitmap $TargetWidth, $height
+    $graphics = [System.Drawing.Graphics]::FromImage($bitmap)
+    if ($Opaque) {
+      $graphics.Clear([System.Drawing.Color]::Black)
+    }
+    $graphics.InterpolationMode = [System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode]::HighQualityBicubic
+    $graphics.DrawImage($img, 0, 0, $TargetWidth, $height)
+    $graphics.Dispose()
+    if ($Format -eq 'jpg') {
+      $codec = [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageCodecInfo]::GetImageEncoders() |
+        Where-Object { $_.MimeType -eq 'image/jpeg' }
+      $params = New-Object System.Drawing.Imaging.EncoderParameters 1
+      $params.Param[0] = New-Object System.Drawing.Imaging.EncoderParameter(
+        [System.Drawing.Imaging.Encoder]::Quality, 82)
+      $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, $codec, $params)
+    }
+    else {
+      $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat]::Png)
+    }
+    $bitmap.Dispose()
+  }
+  finally {
+    $img.Dispose()
+  }
+  Write-Host "wrote $(Split-Path -Leaf $TargetPath)"
+}
+
+function Save-Icon {
+  param(
+    [string] $SourcePath,
+    [string] $TargetPath,
+    # Crop window as fractions of the source, chosen per monster so the icon
+    # lands on the head rather than on whatever the centre happens to be.
+    [double] $CropX, [double] $CropY, [double] $CropSize
+  )
+  $img = [System.Drawing.Image]::FromFile($SourcePath)
+  try {
+    $side = [int]([Math]::Min($img.Width, $img.Height) * $CropSize)
+    $x = [int]($img.Width * $CropX)
+    $y = [int]($img.Height * $CropY)
+    $bitmap = New-Object System.Drawing.Bitmap 128, 128
+    $graphics = [System.Drawing.Graphics]::FromImage($bitmap)
+    $graphics.InterpolationMode = [System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode]::HighQualityBicubic
+    $graphics.DrawImage(
+      $img,
+      (New-Object System.Drawing.Rectangle 0, 0, 128, 128),
+      (New-Object System.Drawing.Rectangle $x, $y, $side, $side),
+      [System.Drawing.GraphicsUnit]::Pixel)
+    $graphics.Dispose()
+    $bitmap.Save($TargetPath, [System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat]::Png)
+    $bitmap.Dispose()
+  }
+  finally {
+    $img.Dispose()
+  }
+  Write-Host "wrote $(Split-Path -Leaf $TargetPath)"
+}
+
+# `source` is the painted file, `cutout` the background-free one.
+#
+# NOTE the deliberate crossing on the first two rows: the file named
+# raider-scout depicts the heavier, plated, spear-carrying figure and is the
+# Veteran; raider-veteran depicts the leaner one and is the Scout. Slice 0.10
+# design decision D7.
+$monsters = @(
+  @{ key = 'raider-scout';   source = 'raider-veteran'; spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.40; cropY = 0.04; cropSize = 0.30 },
+  @{ key = 'raider-veteran'; source = 'raider-scout';   spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.40; cropY = 0.04; cropSize = 0.30 },
+  @{ key = 'burned-hound';   source = 'burned-hound';   spriteHeight = 760; cropX = 0.06; cropY = 0.12; cropSize = 0.34 },
+  @{ key = 'raider-captain'; source = 'Pluendererhauptmann'; spriteHeight = 620; cropX = 0.36; cropY = 0.02; cropSize = 0.28 }
+)
+
+foreach ($monster in $monsters) {
+  $key = $monster.key
+  $painted = Join-Path $artEnemies "$($monster.source).png"
+  $cutout = Join-Path $artCutouts "$($monster.source).png"
+
+  Copy-Item -Force $painted (Join-Path $webImages "monsters\$key.png")
+  Write-Host "wrote $key.png"
+
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $painted `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "monsters\runtime\$key-560.jpg") `
+    -TargetWidth 560 -Format 'jpg' -Opaque
+
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $cutout `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "combat\sprites\$key-$($monster.spriteHeight).png") `
+    -TargetWidth $monster.spriteHeight -Format 'png'
+
+  # The Raider Captain's icon comes from hand-made art below, not a generated
+  # crop of the body art, so skip the crop step for that key here.
+  if ($key -ne 'raider-captain') {
+    Save-Icon -SourcePath $cutout `
+      -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "combat\icons\$key-128.png") `
+      -CropX $monster.cropX -CropY $monster.cropY -CropSize $monster.cropSize
+  }
+}
+
+# The Raider Captain has a hand-made icon. Authored art beats a generated
+# crop, but it still has to ship at icon size: resize the 1254x1254 source
+# down to 128x128 rather than copying it verbatim. It's already a square
+# portrait, so a straight bicubic resize preserves the authored composition
+# with no re-cropping.
+Save-Scaled -SourcePath (Join-Path $artEnemies 'PluendererhauptmannIcon.png') `
+  -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages 'combat\icons\raider-captain-128.png') `
+  -TargetWidth 128 -Format 'png'
+
+foreach ($background in 'Wachturm', 'Aschengrube') {
+  $source = Join-Path $artBackgrounds "$background.png"
+  Copy-Item -Force $source (Join-Path $webImages "backgrounds\$background.png")
+  Write-Host "wrote $background.png"
+  Save-Scaled -SourcePath $source `
+    -TargetPath (Join-Path $webImages "backgrounds\runtime\$background-960.jpg") `
+    -TargetWidth 960 -Format 'jpg' -Opaque
+}