diff --git a/src/features/characters/CharacterSheet.tsx b/src/features/characters/CharacterSheet.tsx
index 25bda40..bf18567 100644
--- a/src/features/characters/CharacterSheet.tsx
+++ b/src/features/characters/CharacterSheet.tsx
@@ -187,6 +187,12 @@ export function CharacterSheet({ character }: { character: Character }) {
         <Labeled label={c.system === 'pf2e' ? 'Ancestry' : 'Race'}>
           <Input value={c.ancestry} onChange={(e) => update({ ancestry: e.target.value })} />
         </Labeled>
+        {c.system === 'pf2e' && (
+          <Labeled label="Heritage">
+            {/* pre-migration rows lack the field — keep the input controlled */}
+            <Input value={c.heritage ?? ''} onChange={(e) => update({ heritage: e.target.value })} />
+          </Labeled>
+        )}
         {c.system === '5e' ? (
           <div className="sm:col-span-2"><ClassesEditor c={c} update={update} /></div>
         ) : (
@@ -231,7 +237,8 @@ export function CharacterSheet({ character }: { character: Character }) {
       <section className="mb-6">
         <div className="mb-3 flex items-center justify-between">
           <SectionTitle>Ability Scores</SectionTitle>
-          <Button size="sm" variant="ghost" onClick={() => setGenScores(true)}>Generate</Button>
+          {/* The generator (array/point-buy/4d6) is a 5e concept; PF2e scores come from boosts. */}
+          {c.system === '5e' && <Button size="sm" variant="ghost" onClick={() => setGenScores(true)}>Generate</Button>}
         </div>
         <div className="grid grid-cols-3 gap-3 sm:grid-cols-6">
           {ABILITIES.map((a) => {
@@ -413,18 +420,27 @@ export function CharacterSheet({ character }: { character: Character }) {
 
 function HpCard({ c, update }: { c: Character; update: (p: Partial<Character>) => void }) {
   const [delta, setDelta] = useState(0);
+  const eff = deriveEffectiveMaxHp({ system: c.system, baseMaxHp: c.hp.max, level: c.level, exhaustion: c.defenses.exhaustion, conditions: c.conditions });
+  const effMax = eff.max;
   const apply = (mode: 'damage' | 'heal') => {
     if (!Number.isFinite(delta) || delta <= 0) return;
     if (mode === 'damage') {
       const absorbed = Math.min(c.hp.temp, delta);
       update({ hp: { ...c.hp, temp: c.hp.temp - absorbed, current: c.hp.current - (delta - absorbed) } });
     } else {
-      update({ hp: { ...c.hp, current: Math.min(c.hp.max, c.hp.current + delta) } });
+      // Heal caps at the EFFECTIVE max (drained / exhaustion 4 reduce it).
+      const current = Math.min(effMax, c.hp.current + delta);
+      const patch: Partial<Character> = { hp: { ...c.hp, current } };
+      // pf2e: healing above 0 HP ends dying and wakes the character (pure bookkeeping).
+      // Losing the dying condition always increases wounded by 1.
+      if (c.system === 'pf2e' && c.hp.current <= 0 && current > 0) {
+        if (c.defenses.dying > 0) patch.defenses = { ...c.defenses, dying: 0, wounded: c.defenses.wounded + 1 };
+        patch.conditions = c.conditions.filter((x) => x.name.trim().toLowerCase() !== 'unconscious');
+      }
+      update(patch);
     }
     setDelta(0);
   };
-  const eff = deriveEffectiveMaxHp({ system: c.system, baseMaxHp: c.hp.max, level: c.level, exhaustion: c.defenses.exhaustion, conditions: c.conditions });
-  const effMax = eff.max;
   const ratio = effMax > 0 ? c.hp.current / effMax : 0;
   return (
     <div className="rounded-xl border border-line bg-panel p-4 text-center">
diff --git a/src/features/characters/builder/CreationWizard.tsx b/src/features/characters/builder/CreationWizard.tsx
index 8a500c6..a83e9b1 100644
--- a/src/features/characters/builder/CreationWizard.tsx
+++ b/src/features/characters/builder/CreationWizard.tsx
@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ import { charactersRepo } from '@/lib/db/repositories';
 import {
   getSystem, ABILITY_ABBR, abilityModifier, buildCharacter, getClassDef, SYSTEM_OPTIONS,
   pf2eApplyBoosts, parseAncestryBoosts, parseBackgroundBoosts, parseFlaw,
+  bumpRank, collectChoices,
   type AbilityKey, type AbilityScores, type ProficiencyRank, type SystemId,
 } from '@/lib/rules';
+import { pf2eSkillIncreaseLevels } from '@/lib/rules/pf2e/progression';
 import { STANDARD_ARRAY, rollAbilityScores, pointBuyRemaining, POINT_BUY_MIN, POINT_BUY_MAX } from '@/lib/rules/abilityGen';
 import { loadClasses, loadRaces5e, loadBackgrounds5e, loadSpells, loadPf2e } from '@/lib/compendium';
 import type { RulesetClass } from '@/lib/ruleset/normalize';
@@ -179,6 +181,27 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
   const [classSlug, setClassSlug] = useState('');
   const [subclass, setSubclass] = useState('');
   const [ancestry, setAncestry] = useState('');
+  // PF2e heritage — chosen at level 1, refines the ancestry. Loaded lazily; the data
+  // carries no ancestry link, so we match by name ("Ancient-Blooded Dwarf") and always
+  // include versatile heritages (selectable by any ancestry).
+  const [heritage, setHeritage] = useState('');
+  const [allHeritages, setAllHeritages] = useState<{ name: string; summary: string; versatile: boolean }[]>([]);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (system !== 'pf2e' || allHeritages.length) return;
+    let on = true;
+    void loadPf2e('heritages').then((hs) => on && setAllHeritages(hs.map((h) => ({
+      name: String(h.name),
+      summary: briefOverview(String((h.summary ?? h.text) ?? '')),
+      versatile: /versatile heritage/i.test(String(h.text ?? h.summary ?? '')),
+    }))));
+    return () => { on = false; };
+  }, [system, allHeritages.length]);
+  const heritageOptions = useMemo(() => {
+    if (system !== 'pf2e' || !ancestry.trim()) return [];
+    const want = ancestry.trim().toLowerCase();
+    return allHeritages.filter((h) => h.name.toLowerCase().includes(want) || h.versatile);
+  }, [system, ancestry, allHeritages]);
+  useEffect(() => { setHeritage(''); }, [ancestry]); // a new ancestry invalidates the heritage
   const [background, setBackground] = useState('');
 
   const selectedClass = classes.find((c) => c.slug === classSlug) ?? null;
@@ -325,6 +348,43 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
   // Drop any free pick that becomes granted (e.g. after switching background).
   useEffect(() => { setSkills((prev) => prev.filter((k) => !grantedSkills.includes(k))); }, [grantedSkills]);
 
+  // Higher-level creation owes the picks earned along the way — collect them here
+  // rather than deferring to the level-up flow: PF2e skill increases (levels 3,5,7…)
+  // and 5e Expertise (Bard/Rogue, scaling with level).
+  const skillIncLevels = useMemo(
+    () => (system === 'pf2e' ? pf2eSkillIncreaseLevels().filter((l) => l <= level) : []),
+    [system, level],
+  );
+  const expertiseCount = useMemo(() => {
+    if (system !== '5e' || !selectedClass) return 0;
+    const ch = collectChoices('5e', [{ className: selectedClass.name, level }]).find((x) => x.key.endsWith(':expertise'));
+    return ch?.count ?? 0;
+  }, [system, selectedClass, level]);
+  const [skillIncPicks, setSkillIncPicks] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  const [expertisePicks, setExpertisePicks] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  useEffect(() => { setSkillIncPicks([]); setExpertisePicks([]); }, [classSlug, level, system]);
+  // Seed sensible defaults from the chosen/granted skills (kept once the user edits).
+  useEffect(() => {
+    setExpertisePicks((prev) => Array.from({ length: expertiseCount }, (_, i) => prev[i] || skills[i] || skills[0] || ''));
+  }, [expertiseCount, skills]);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const pool = [...skills, ...grantedSkills];
+    setSkillIncPicks((prev) => skillIncLevels.map((_, i) => prev[i] || pool[i % Math.max(1, pool.length)] || ''));
+  }, [skillIncLevels, skills, grantedSkills]);
+  /** Skill ranks after base training + the first `uptoIdx` increases (for previews). */
+  const ranksAfterIncreases = (uptoIdx: number): Record<string, ProficiencyRank> => {
+    const r: Record<string, ProficiencyRank> = {};
+    for (const k of [...skills, ...grantedSkills]) r[k] = 'trained';
+    for (let i = 0; i < uptoIdx; i++) { const k = skillIncPicks[i]; if (k) r[k] = bumpRank(r[k] ?? 'untrained'); }
+    return r;
+  };
+  /** PF2e rank caps: master needs the increase earned at level 7+, legendary 15+. */
+  const incAllowed = (rank: ProficiencyRank, earnedAt: number): boolean =>
+    rank === 'untrained' || rank === 'trained' ? true
+    : rank === 'expert' ? earnedAt >= 7
+    : rank === 'master' ? earnedAt >= 15
+    : false;
+
   // ---- spells ----
   const [spellPicks, setSpellPicks] = useState<SpellOpt[]>([]);
   const [spellQuery, setSpellQuery] = useState('');
@@ -390,7 +450,9 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
     Class: !!selectedClass,
     Origin: true,
     Abilities: system === 'pf2e' ? true : poolValid && pbValid && asiRemaining >= 0,
-    Skills: skills.length === Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length),
+    Skills: skills.length === Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length)
+      && skillIncPicks.every(Boolean)
+      && expertisePicks.every(Boolean),
     Spells: true,
     Details: true,
     Review: true,
@@ -408,13 +470,19 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
       for (const [k, v] of Object.entries(selectedClass.saveRanks)) saveRanks[k] = v.toLowerCase() as ProficiencyRank;
     }
     const spells: SpellEntry[] = spellPicks.map((s) => newSpellEntry({ id: newId(), name: s.name, level: Math.min(10, Math.max(0, s.level)) }));
+    // Layer expertise (5e) and skill increases (pf2e) on top of the trained ranks.
+    const skillRanks: Record<string, ProficiencyRank> = { ...built.skillRanks };
+    for (const k of expertisePicks) if (k) skillRanks[k] = 'expert';
+    for (const k of skillIncPicks) if (k) skillRanks[k] = bumpRank(skillRanks[k] ?? 'untrained');
     await charactersRepo.update(created.id, {
       ...built,
+      skillRanks,
       abilityBuild: buildAbilityBuild(),
       ...(Object.keys(saveRanks).length ? { saveRanks } : {}),
       classes: [{ className: selectedClass.name, level, ...(subclass ? { subclass } : {}) }],
       spellcasting: { ...built.spellcasting, spells },
       ...(background ? { background } : {}),
+      ...(heritage ? { heritage } : {}),
       ...(alignment.trim() ? { alignment: alignment.trim() } : {}),
       ...(appearance.trim() ? { appearance: appearance.trim() } : {}),
       ...(personality.trim() ? { personality: personality.trim() } : {}),
@@ -540,6 +608,24 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
             <OriginPicker title={system === 'pf2e' ? 'Ancestry' : 'Race'} options={origins} value={ancestry} onPick={setAncestry} />
             <OriginPicker title="Background" options={backgrounds} value={background} onPick={setBackground} />
           </div>
+          {system === 'pf2e' && ancestry.trim() && heritageOptions.length > 0 && (
+            <div>
+              <Field label="Heritage (chosen at 1st level)">
+                <Select value={heritage} onChange={(e) => setHeritage(e.target.value)} aria-label="Heritage">
+                  <option value="">— pick a heritage —</option>
+                  {heritageOptions.map((h) => <option key={h.name} value={h.name}>{h.name}{h.versatile ? ' (versatile)' : ''}</option>)}
+                </Select>
+              </Field>
+              {heritage && (
+                <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted">{heritageOptions.find((h) => h.name === heritage)?.summary}</p>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          )}
+          {!ancestry.trim() && (
+            <p className="text-xs text-warning">
+              No {system === 'pf2e' ? 'ancestry' : 'race'} selected — you can continue (handy for homebrew), but its ability bonuses, HP, speed, and skills won’t be applied.
+            </p>
+          )}
           {selectedClass && selectedOrigin && (() => {
             const synergy = raceSynergyNote(selectedOrigin.meta ?? '', selectedClass.keyAbilities);
             if (!synergy) return null;
@@ -658,7 +744,17 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
               const value = base + racial + asi;
               const isKey = selectedClass?.keyAbilities.includes(a);
               const fMin = method === 'pointbuy' ? POINT_BUY_MIN : 1;
-              const fMax = method === 'pointbuy' ? POINT_BUY_MAX : 30;
+              // Point-buy caps each field at what the remaining budget can afford,
+              // so the user can't overspend and wonder why Next is disabled.
+              const fMax = method === 'pointbuy'
+                ? (() => {
+                    let best = pb[i]!;
+                    for (let cand = pb[i]! + 1; cand <= POINT_BUY_MAX; cand++) {
+                      if (pointBuyRemaining(pb.map((x, j) => (j === i ? cand : x))) >= 0) best = cand; else break;
+                    }
+                    return best;
+                  })()
+                : 30;
               return (
                 <div key={a} className={cn('rounded-lg border bg-surface p-3 text-center', isKey ? 'border-accent/60' : 'border-line')}>
                   <div className="flex items-center justify-center gap-0.5 smallcaps">{ABILITY_ABBR[a]}{isKey && <Star size={10} className="text-accent" aria-hidden />}</div>
@@ -694,7 +790,9 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
 
       {stepName === 'Skills' && (
         <div>
-          <p className="mb-1 text-sm text-muted">Choose <span className="font-semibold text-ink">{Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length)}</span> {system === 'pf2e' ? 'Trained' : 'proficient'} {skillCount === 1 ? 'skill' : 'skills'} ({skills.length} selected).</p>
+          <p className="mb-1 text-sm text-muted">
+            Choose <span className="font-semibold text-ink">{Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length)}</span> {system === 'pf2e' ? 'Trained' : 'proficient'} {skillCount === 1 ? 'skill' : 'skills'} ({skills.length} selected{grantedSkillSources.length > 0 ? `, plus ${grantedSkillSources.length} already granted below` : ''}).
+          </p>
           <p className="mb-2 text-xs text-muted">{system === 'pf2e' ? 'These start at the Trained proficiency rank; you can raise ranks as you level up.' : 'You gain proficiency in these skills, adding your proficiency bonus to checks.'}</p>
           {grantedSkillSources.length > 0 && (
             <div className="mb-3 rounded-md border border-line bg-panel px-3 py-2">
@@ -708,13 +806,6 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
               </div>
             </div>
           )}
-          {level > 1 && (
-            <p className="mb-2 text-xs text-warning">
-              {system === 'pf2e'
-                ? 'Higher-level characters also gain skill increases at levels 3, 5, 7, 9… — apply those from the character sheet’s level-up flow.'
-                : 'Some classes gain extra skill/expertise picks as they level — apply those from the character sheet’s level-up flow.'}
-            </p>
-          )}
           {selectedClass && (() => {
             const tip = getClassTip(system, selectedClass.slug);
             return tip?.skillSuggestions ? (
@@ -736,13 +827,70 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
               );
             })}
           </div>
+          {skills.length < Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length) && (
+            <p className="mt-2 text-xs text-warning">Select {Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length) - skills.length} more {Math.min(skillCount, freeSkillOptions.length) - skills.length === 1 ? 'skill' : 'skills'} to continue.</p>
+          )}
+
+          {/* PF2e: skill increases earned by this level (3, 5, 7, …) — rank bumps. */}
+          {skillIncLevels.length > 0 && (
+            <div className="mt-4">
+              <p className="mb-1 text-sm text-ink">Skill increases <span className="text-muted">(earned at levels {skillIncLevels.join(', ')})</span></p>
+              <p className="mb-2 text-xs text-muted">Each increase raises one skill a rank (Master from level 7, Legendary from level 15).</p>
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2 sm:grid-cols-3">
+                {skillIncLevels.map((earnedAt, i) => {
+                  const ranks = ranksAfterIncreases(i);
+                  return (
+                    <label key={i} className="text-xs text-muted">
+                      Level {earnedAt} increase
+                      <Select className="mt-0.5" aria-label={`Skill increase at level ${earnedAt}`} value={skillIncPicks[i] ?? ''} onChange={(e) => setSkillIncPicks((p) => p.map((v, j) => (j === i ? e.target.value : v)))}>
+                        {sys.skills.map((s) => {
+                          const cur = ranks[s.key] ?? 'untrained';
+                          const ok = incAllowed(cur, earnedAt);
+                          return <option key={s.key} value={s.key} disabled={!ok}>{s.label}: {cur} → {ok ? bumpRank(cur) : '(capped)'}</option>;
+                        })}
+                      </Select>
+                    </label>
+                  );
+                })}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* 5e: Expertise picks (Bard/Rogue) — double proficiency on chosen skills. */}
+          {expertiseCount > 0 && (
+            <div className="mt-4">
+              <p className="mb-1 text-sm text-ink">Expertise <span className="text-muted">(choose {expertiseCount} — proficiency doubled)</span></p>
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2 sm:grid-cols-3">
+                {Array.from({ length: expertiseCount }, (_, i) => (
+                  <Select key={i} aria-label={`Expertise skill ${i + 1}`} value={expertisePicks[i] ?? ''} onChange={(e) => setExpertisePicks((p) => p.map((v, j) => (j === i ? e.target.value : v)))}>
+                    <option value="">— pick a skill —</option>
+                    {[...skills, ...grantedSkills].map((k) => (
+                      <option key={k} value={k} disabled={expertisePicks.includes(k) && expertisePicks[i] !== k}>{skillLabel(k)}</option>
+                    ))}
+                  </Select>
+                ))}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          )}
         </div>
       )}
 
       {stepName === 'Spells' && (
         <div>
           <p className="mb-1 text-sm text-muted">Pick your cantrips and a few starting spells — about <span className="font-semibold text-ink">{suggestedSpells}</span> is a good start at level {level}. Search by name; you can always adjust on the sheet later.</p>
-          <p className="mb-1 text-xs text-muted">These are the spells you <span className="text-ink">{system === 'pf2e' ? 'know (your repertoire)' : 'know (the spells you’ve learned)'}</span>. You prepare or cast them from slots on the character sheet.</p>
+          <p className="mb-1 text-xs text-muted">
+            {(() => {
+              // Prepared casters re-select daily from a book/list; known casters have a
+              // fixed repertoire. Different mental model, so spell out which applies.
+              const prepared = (system === '5e' ? ['cleric', 'druid', 'paladin', 'wizard', 'artificer'] : ['wizard', 'cleric', 'druid', 'witch', 'magus', 'animist'])
+                .includes((selectedClass?.name ?? '').toLowerCase());
+              return prepared ? (
+                <>As a <span className="text-ink">prepared caster</span>, these go into your {system === 'pf2e' ? 'spellbook/list' : 'spellbook'} — each day you prepare a subset on the sheet, so pick a versatile starting set.</>
+              ) : (
+                <>These are the spells you <span className="text-ink">know (your repertoire)</span> — a fixed list you cast from slots; you can swap picks when you level up.</>
+              );
+            })()}
+          </p>
           <p className={cn('mb-2 text-xs', spellPicks.length > suggestedSpells + 4 ? 'text-warning' : 'text-muted')}>
             {spellPicks.length} selected{spellPicks.length > suggestedSpells + 4 ? ' — that’s quite a few; you can trim some later if you like.' : ''}
           </p>
@@ -800,7 +948,11 @@ export function CreationWizard({ campaign, onClose }: { campaign?: Campaign | un
           </div>
           <Review label="Abilities" value={ABILITIES.map((a) => `${ABILITY_ABBR[a]} ${abilities[a]}`).join('  ')} />
           {background && <Review label="Background" value={background} />}
-          <Review label="Trained skills" value={skills.map(skillLabel).join(', ') || '—'} />
+          {heritage && <Review label="Heritage" value={heritage} />}
+          <Review label="Trained skills" value={[
+            ...skills.map(skillLabel),
+            ...grantedSkillSources.map((g) => `${skillLabel(g.key)} (${g.source})`),
+          ].join(', ') || '—'} />
           {built.spellcasting.slots.length > 0 && <Review label="Spell slots" value={built.spellcasting.slots.map((s) => `${s.max}×L${s.level}`).join('  ')} />}
           {spellPicks.length > 0 && <Review label="Spells" value={spellPicks.map((s) => s.name).join(', ')} />}
           <p className="text-xs text-muted">You can fine-tune equipment, feats, and more on the sheet next.</p>
diff --git a/src/features/characters/sheet/DefensesSection.tsx b/src/features/characters/sheet/DefensesSection.tsx
index 587501d..5e95eed 100644
--- a/src/features/characters/sheet/DefensesSection.tsx
+++ b/src/features/characters/sheet/DefensesSection.tsx
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import { useState } from 'react';
 import { Minus, Plus, Skull, Star } from 'lucide-react';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 import { NumberField } from '@/components/ui/NumberField';
-import { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery } from '@/lib/mechanics';
+import { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery, heroPointRescue } from '@/lib/mechanics';
 import type { Degree } from '@/lib/dice/check';
 import type { Condition } from '@/lib/schemas/common';
 import { SheetSection, type SectionProps } from './common';
@@ -39,17 +39,27 @@ function Pf2eDefenses({ c, update }: SectionProps) {
     conds.filter((x) => x.name.trim().toLowerCase() !== 'unconscious');
 
   const setDefenses = (p: Partial<typeof d>) => update({ defenses: { ...d, ...p } });
-  /** Set dying and keep the Unconscious condition in sync (dying>0 ⇒ unconscious). */
+  // You stay Unconscious at 0 HP even after recovering out of dying — only healing
+  // above 0 HP (or the GM) wakes you. So the sync is: dying>0 OR hp<=0 ⇒ unconscious.
+  const syncUnconscious = (dying: number, hpCurrent: number) =>
+    dying > 0 || hpCurrent <= 0 ? withUnconscious(c.conditions) : withoutUnconscious(c.conditions);
+  /** Set dying and keep the Unconscious condition in sync. */
   const setDying = (dying: number) =>
-    update({ defenses: { ...d, dying }, conditions: dying > 0 ? withUnconscious(c.conditions) : withoutUnconscious(c.conditions) });
+    update({ defenses: { ...d, dying }, conditions: syncUnconscious(dying, c.hp.current) });
 
   const doKnockOut = () => {
     const { dying } = knockOut(d, fromCrit);
-    update({ defenses: { ...d, dying }, conditions: withUnconscious(c.conditions) });
+    // Knocked out = at 0 HP and dying; drop HP to 0 so the sheet state is coherent.
+    update({ defenses: { ...d, dying }, conditions: withUnconscious(c.conditions), hp: { ...c.hp, current: Math.min(0, c.hp.current) } });
   };
   const doRecover = (degree: Degree) => {
     const res = applyRecovery(d, degree);
-    update({ defenses: { ...d, ...res }, conditions: res.dying > 0 ? withUnconscious(c.conditions) : withoutUnconscious(c.conditions) });
+    update({ defenses: { ...d, ...res }, conditions: syncUnconscious(res.dying, c.hp.current) });
+  };
+  const doHeroRescue = () => {
+    const res = heroPointRescue(d);
+    if (!res) return;
+    update({ defenses: { ...d, ...res }, conditions: syncUnconscious(0, c.hp.current) });
   };
 
   return (
@@ -98,6 +108,12 @@ function Pf2eDefenses({ c, update }: SectionProps) {
               <Button size="sm" variant="secondary" onClick={() => doRecover('failure')}>Failure +1</Button>
               <Button size="sm" variant="danger" onClick={() => doRecover('critical-failure')}>Crit fail +2</Button>
             </div>
+            {d.heroPoints >= 1 && (
+              <div className="mt-2 flex items-center justify-between gap-2 border-t border-line pt-2">
+                <span className="text-[11px] text-muted">Heroic Recovery: spend ALL your Hero Points ({d.heroPoints}) to drop to Dying 0 and stabilize.</span>
+                <Button size="sm" variant="primary" onClick={doHeroRescue}>Spend &amp; stabilize</Button>
+              </div>
+            )}
           </div>
         )}
       </div>
diff --git a/src/features/characters/sheet/LevelUpModal.tsx b/src/features/characters/sheet/LevelUpModal.tsx
index 43eb0d7..fc80eeb 100644
--- a/src/features/characters/sheet/LevelUpModal.tsx
+++ b/src/features/characters/sheet/LevelUpModal.tsx
@@ -1,17 +1,19 @@
 import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react';
-import type { Campaign, Character, ClassEntry, Spellcasting } from '@/lib/schemas';
+import type { Campaign, Character, ClassEntry, Feat, Spellcasting } from '@/lib/schemas';
 import { normalizeClassMirror, totalLevel } from '@/lib/schemas';
 import {
   abilityModifier, getSystem, getClassNames, ABILITY_ABBR, type AbilityKey, type ProficiencyRank,
-  planLevelUp, applyIncreases, bumpRank, getClassDef,
+  planLevelUp, appendLevelIncreases, bumpRank, getClassDef, hitDiceResource,
   collectChoices, collectFeatures, subclassPrompt, type UnlockedFeature,
 } from '@/lib/rules';
 import { dnd5eClassesSlots } from '@/lib/rules/dnd5e/progression';
+import { loadPf2e } from '@/lib/compendium';
 import { rollDice } from '@/lib/dice/notation';
 import { createRng } from '@/lib/rng';
 import { Modal } from '@/components/ui/Modal';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 import { Input, Select } from '@/components/ui/Input';
+import { FeatPickerModal } from './FeatPickerModal';
 import { LevelUpAdvisor } from './LevelUpAdvisor';
 
 const ABILITIES: AbilityKey[] = ['str', 'dex', 'con', 'int', 'wis', 'cha'];
@@ -54,6 +56,9 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
   const keyDefaults = def?.keyAbilities ?? ['str', 'dex'];
   const [asiMode, setAsiMode] = useState<'asi' | 'feat'>('asi');
   const [asiPicks, setAsiPicks] = useState<AbilityKey[]>([keyDefaults[0] ?? 'str', keyDefaults[1] ?? keyDefaults[0] ?? 'con']);
+  // Feat-instead-of-ASI (5e): picked right here, recorded onto the sheet on apply.
+  const [featPick, setFeatPick] = useState<Feat | null>(null);
+  const [featBrowse, setFeatBrowse] = useState(false);
   // Boosts (pf2e): four distinct picks.
   const [boostPicks, setBoostPicks] = useState<AbilityKey[]>(['str', 'dex', 'con', 'wis']);
   // Skill increase (pf2e): one skill to bump.
@@ -109,6 +114,15 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
 
   const [choicePicks, setChoicePicks] = useState<Record<string, string[]>>({});
   const [subclassPick, setSubclassPick] = useState<string>('');
+  // PF2e feat-slot inputs autocomplete against the compendium so names land typo-free.
+  const [pf2eFeatNames, setPf2eFeatNames] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  const wantsFeatSuggestions = !is5e && pendingChoices.some(({ choice }) => !choice.options && /-feat$/.test(choice.key.split(':')[1] ?? ''));
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!wantsFeatSuggestions || pf2eFeatNames.length) return;
+    let on = true;
+    void loadPf2e('feats').then((fs) => on && setPf2eFeatNames(fs.map((f) => String(f.name)).filter(Boolean)));
+    return () => { on = false; };
+  }, [wantsFeatSuggestions, pf2eFeatNames.length]);
   const setChoicePick = (key: string, i: number, val: string) =>
     setChoicePicks((p) => { const arr = [...(p[key] ?? [])]; arr[i] = val; return { ...p, [key]: arr }; });
   // Seed defaults for option-based choices so an untouched picker still records its pick.
@@ -131,9 +145,16 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
       ? plan.hpGainAverage
       : hpMethod === 'average' ? plan.hpGainAverage : Math.max(1, rollDice(`1d${plan.hitDie}`, createRng()).total + conMod);
 
+    // Ability increases go through the build so the sheet's per-source breakdown
+    // stays in sync with the totals (the build is the single source of truth).
     let abilities = character.abilities;
-    if (asi && asiMode === 'asi') abilities = applyIncreases(abilities, asiPicks, '5e');
-    if (boosts) abilities = applyIncreases(abilities, boostPicks, 'pf2e');
+    let abilityBuild = character.abilityBuild;
+    if (asi && asiMode === 'asi') {
+      ({ build: abilityBuild, abilities } = appendLevelIncreases(abilityBuild, abilities, asiPicks, '5e', `ASI L${plan.nextLevel}`));
+    }
+    if (boosts) {
+      ({ build: abilityBuild, abilities } = appendLevelIncreases(abilityBuild, abilities, boostPicks, 'pf2e', `L${plan.nextLevel} boost`));
+    }
 
     // Resolve a subclass pick (5e prompt or a pf2e `:subclass` choice) onto the class entry.
     const subFromChoice = Object.entries(choicePicks)
@@ -156,6 +177,7 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
     const patch: Partial<Character> = {
       hp: { ...character.hp, max: character.hp.max + gain, current: character.hp.current + gain },
       abilities,
+      ...(abilityBuild ? { abilityBuild } : {}),
       classes: nextClassesFinal,
       ...normalizeClassMirror({ classes: nextClassesFinal }),
       choices: merged,
@@ -180,6 +202,31 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
       const current = (character.skillRanks[skillKey] as ProficiencyRank) ?? 'untrained';
       patch.skillRanks = { ...character.skillRanks, [skillKey]: bumpRank(current) };
     }
+    // 5e Expertise picks aren't just recorded — they raise the skill rank to expert
+    // so the doubled proficiency actually lands in the math.
+    const expertisePicks = Object.entries(choicePicks).filter(([k, v]) => k.endsWith(':expertise') && v.some((x) => x.trim()));
+    if (expertisePicks.length) {
+      const ranks: Record<string, ProficiencyRank> = { ...(patch.skillRanks ?? character.skillRanks) as Record<string, ProficiencyRank> };
+      for (const [, vals] of expertisePicks) {
+        for (const label of vals) {
+          const want = label.trim().toLowerCase();
+          const key = sys.skills.find((s) => s.label.toLowerCase() === want || s.key === want)?.key;
+          if (key) ranks[key] = 'expert';
+        }
+      }
+      patch.skillRanks = ranks;
+    }
+    // 5e: each level grants a Hit Die — keep the tracked resource in step.
+    if (is5e) {
+      const newTotal = Math.min(20, total + 1);
+      const i = character.resources.findIndex((r) => r.name.trim().toLowerCase() === 'hit dice');
+      patch.resources = i >= 0
+        ? character.resources.map((r, j) => (j === i ? { ...r, max: r.max + 1, current: Math.min(r.max + 1, r.current + 1), recoverStep: Math.ceil(newTotal / 2) } : r))
+        : [...character.resources, hitDiceResource(newTotal)];
+    }
+    if (asi && asiMode === 'feat' && featPick) {
+      patch.feats = [...character.feats, featPick];
+    }
     onApply(patch);
     onClose();
   };
@@ -262,10 +309,18 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
                   <span className="self-center text-xs text-muted">pick the same twice for +2</span>
                 </div>
               ) : (
-                <p className="text-sm text-muted">Add your chosen feat on the sheet after leveling.</p>
+                <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2">
+                  {featPick ? (
+                    <span className="rounded-md border border-accent/50 bg-accent/5 px-2 py-1 text-sm text-ink">{featPick.name}</span>
+                  ) : (
+                    <span className="text-sm text-muted">No feat chosen yet.</span>
+                  )}
+                  <Button size="sm" variant="secondary" onClick={() => setFeatBrowse(true)}>{featPick ? 'Change feat…' : 'Browse feats…'}</Button>
+                </div>
               )}
             </section>
           )}
+          {featBrowse && <FeatPickerModal onPick={(f) => setFeatPick(f)} onClose={() => setFeatBrowse(false)} />}
 
           {/* Boosts (pf2e) */}
           {boosts && (
@@ -335,7 +390,14 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
                             {choice.options.map((o) => <option key={o} value={o}>{o}</option>)}
                           </Select>
                         ) : (
-                          <Input key={i} aria-label={`${choice.label} ${i + 1}`} placeholder="Type your choice…" value={choicePicks[choice.key]?.[i] ?? ''} onChange={(e) => setChoicePick(choice.key, i, e.target.value)} />
+                          <SuggestInput
+                            key={i}
+                            ariaLabel={`${choice.label} ${i + 1}`}
+                            placeholder="Type your choice…"
+                            value={choicePicks[choice.key]?.[i] ?? ''}
+                            onChange={(v) => setChoicePick(choice.key, i, v)}
+                            suggestions={/-feat$/.test(choice.key.split(':')[1] ?? '') ? pf2eFeatNames : []}
+                          />
                         )
                       ))}
                     </div>
@@ -352,3 +414,43 @@ export function LevelUpModal({ character, onApply, onClose }: {
     </Modal>
   );
 }
+
+/** Free-text input with a lightweight suggestion dropdown (used for PF2e feat names). */
+function SuggestInput({ value, onChange, suggestions, ariaLabel, placeholder }: {
+  value: string;
+  onChange: (v: string) => void;
+  suggestions: string[];
+  ariaLabel: string;
+  placeholder?: string;
+}) {
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const q = value.trim().toLowerCase();
+  const matches = q.length >= 2 ? suggestions.filter((n) => n.toLowerCase().includes(q) && n !== value).slice(0, 8) : [];
+  return (
+    <div className="relative">
+      <Input
+        value={value}
+        aria-label={ariaLabel}
+        {...(placeholder ? { placeholder } : {})}
+        onChange={(e) => { onChange(e.target.value); setOpen(true); }}
+        onFocus={() => setOpen(true)}
+        onBlur={() => setOpen(false)}
+      />
+      {open && matches.length > 0 && (
+        <div className="absolute z-20 mt-1 max-h-44 w-full overflow-y-auto rounded-md border border-line bg-panel shadow-xl">
+          {matches.map((n) => (
+            <button
+              key={n}
+              type="button"
+              className="block w-full px-2 py-1 text-left text-sm text-ink hover:bg-elevated"
+              // mousedown beats the input's blur so the click still lands
+              onMouseDown={(e) => { e.preventDefault(); onChange(n); setOpen(false); }}
+            >
+              {n}
+            </button>
+          ))}
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/features/characters/sheet/ResourcesSection.tsx b/src/features/characters/sheet/ResourcesSection.tsx
index 83dd923..f6dbd84 100644
--- a/src/features/characters/sheet/ResourcesSection.tsx
+++ b/src/features/characters/sheet/ResourcesSection.tsx
@@ -17,6 +17,17 @@ const RECOVERY_LABEL: Record<CharacterResource['recovery'], string> = {
   none: 'Manual',
 };
 
+/** Tooltip spelling out EVERYTHING the rest does, not just resource tags. */
+function restTitle(system: string, optId: string, recovers: readonly string[]): string {
+  if (system === 'pf2e' && optId === 'rest') {
+    return 'Rest for the Night: restore HP (capped by Drained), refill spell slots, clear Wounded, reduce Drained and Doomed by 1, remove Fatigued.';
+  }
+  if (system === 'pf2e' && optId === 'refocus') return 'Refocus (10 min): regain 1 Focus Point.';
+  if (optId === 'long') return 'Long rest: restore HP, spell slots, and long-rest resources (Hit Dice recover half your level); exhaustion −1; death saves reset.';
+  if (optId === 'short') return 'Short rest: regain pact slots and short-rest resources; spend Hit Dice to heal.';
+  return `Restore: ${recovers.join(', ')}`;
+}
+
 export function ResourcesSection({ c, update }: SectionProps) {
   const [name, setName] = useState('');
   const sys = getSystem(c.system);
@@ -42,7 +53,7 @@ export function ResourcesSection({ c, update }: SectionProps) {
       actions={
         <div className="flex gap-2">
           {sys.restOptions.map((o) => (
-            <Button key={o.id} size="sm" variant="secondary" onClick={() => rest(o.id)} title={`Restore: ${o.recovers.join(', ')}`}>
+            <Button key={o.id} size="sm" variant="secondary" onClick={() => rest(o.id)} title={restTitle(c.system, o.id, o.recovers)}>
               {o.label}
             </Button>
           ))}
diff --git a/src/features/combat/EncounterTracker.tsx b/src/features/combat/EncounterTracker.tsx
index f289c33..5068ae8 100644
--- a/src/features/combat/EncounterTracker.tsx
+++ b/src/features/combat/EncounterTracker.tsx
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import { createRng } from '@/lib/rng';
 import { rollDice } from '@/lib/dice/notation';
 import { getSystem, getConditions, type SystemId } from '@/lib/rules';
 import { computeBudget, DIFFICULTY_COLOR } from '@/lib/combat/budget';
-import { deriveState, DAMAGE_TYPES, concentrationDC } from '@/lib/mechanics';
+import { deriveState, deriveEffectiveMaxHp, DAMAGE_TYPES, concentrationDC } from '@/lib/mechanics';
 import { useCharacters, useAllPcs } from '@/features/characters/hooks';
 import { useConditionGlossary } from './useConditionGlossary';
 import {
@@ -82,6 +82,9 @@ export function EncounterTracker({ encounter, campaign }: { encounter: Encounter
    */
   const noteConcentrationCheck = (combatant: Combatant, damage: number) => {
     if (damage <= 0) return;
+    // 5e only: damage forces a Con save to hold concentration. PF2e has no such save —
+    // sustained spells simply require the Sustain action, so there is nothing to roll.
+    if (campaign.system !== '5e') return;
     // The GM-set combatant flag works for any creature (monster/NPC/PC); fall back to
     // the linked Character's concentration (set when a seated player casts a spell).
     const ch = pcCharacter(combatant);
@@ -92,12 +95,29 @@ export function EncounterTracker({ encounter, campaign }: { encounter: Encounter
       logEvent(e, `${combatant.name}: roll a DC ${dc} Constitution save or lose concentration on ${spellName}.`));
   };
 
+  /** Effective max HP for a combatant — drained / exhaustion 4 reduce it. */
+  const effMaxOf = (c: Combatant) => deriveEffectiveMaxHp({
+    system: campaign.system,
+    baseMaxHp: c.hp.max,
+    level: c.level ?? 1,
+    exhaustion: c.conditions.find((x) => x.name.trim().toLowerCase() === 'exhaustion')?.value ?? 0,
+    conditions: c.conditions,
+  }).max;
+
   /** Advance the turn; remind (don't roll) when a downed PC's turn begins. */
   const advanceTurn = () => {
     mutate((e) => nextTurn(e, campaign.system));
     const upcoming = currentCombatant(nextTurn(encounter, campaign.system));
     if (upcoming && upcoming.kind !== 'monster' && upcoming.hp.current <= 0 && pcCharacter(upcoming)) {
-      void encountersRepo.mutate(encounter.id, (e) => logEvent(e, `${upcoming.name} is down — make a death saving throw.`));
+      const reminder = campaign.system === 'pf2e'
+        ? (() => {
+            const dying = pcCharacter(upcoming)?.defenses.dying ?? 0;
+            return dying > 0
+              ? `${upcoming.name} is dying — roll a flat recovery check (DC ${10 + dying}) on their sheet.`
+              : `${upcoming.name} is down — use “Knock out” on their sheet to start recovery checks.`;
+          })()
+        : `${upcoming.name} is down — make a death saving throw.`;
+      void encountersRepo.mutate(encounter.id, (e) => logEvent(e, reminder));
     }
   };
 
@@ -246,11 +266,17 @@ export function EncounterTracker({ encounter, campaign }: { encounter: Encounter
                   ? `${c.name} takes ${amt}${type ? ` ${type}` : ''} damage`
                   : `${c.name} takes ${hpLoss}${type ? ` ${type}` : ''} damage (${amt} before ${hpLoss < amt ? 'resistance' : 'vulnerability'})`;
                 // Surface (don't auto-apply) the death rules for downed PCs — the player
-                // owns their character's death-save count, so we remind rather than mutate it.
+                // owns their character's death state, so we remind rather than mutate it.
                 let reminder: string | null = null;
                 if (c.kind !== 'monster' && hpLoss > 0) {
-                  if (isMassiveDamageDeath(c.hp.max, after.hp.current)) reminder = `${c.name} suffers massive damage and dies instantly — no death saves.`;
-                  else if (c.hp.current <= 0) reminder = `${c.name} took damage while down — mark a death save failure (two on a critical hit).`;
+                  if (campaign.system === 'pf2e') {
+                    if (c.hp.current <= 0) reminder = `${c.name} took damage while dying — increase Dying by 1 (2 on a critical hit).`;
+                    else if (after.hp.current <= 0) reminder = `${c.name} drops to 0 HP — use “Knock out” on their sheet (Dying 1 + Wounded; 2 on a crit).`;
+                  } else {
+                    // Massive damage compares against the (possibly reduced) effective max.
+                    if (isMassiveDamageDeath(effMaxOf(c), after.hp.current)) reminder = `${c.name} suffers massive damage and dies instantly — no death saves.`;
+                    else if (c.hp.current <= 0) reminder = `${c.name} took damage while down — mark a death save failure (two on a critical hit).`;
+                  }
                 }
                 mutate((e) => {
                   let next = logEvent(updateCombatant(e, c.id, { hp: after.hp }), note);
@@ -259,7 +285,20 @@ export function EncounterTracker({ encounter, campaign }: { encounter: Encounter
                 });
                 noteConcentrationCheck(c, hpLoss);
               }}
-              onHeal={(amt) => mutate((e) => logEvent(updateCombatant(e, c.id, { hp: applyHealing(c, amt).hp }), `${c.name} heals ${amt}`))}
+              onHeal={(amt) => {
+                // Cap at the effective max (drained / exhaustion 4), and for pf2e let
+                // healing above 0 do the wake-up bookkeeping (Dying ends → Wounded +1).
+                const healed = applyHealing(c, amt, effMaxOf(c));
+                const woke = campaign.system === 'pf2e' && c.hp.current <= 0 && healed.hp.current > 0;
+                const conditions = woke
+                  ? c.conditions.filter((x) => !['unconscious', 'dying'].includes(x.name.trim().toLowerCase()))
+                  : c.conditions;
+                mutate((e) => {
+                  let next = logEvent(updateCombatant(e, c.id, { hp: healed.hp, ...(woke ? { conditions } : {}) }), `${c.name} heals ${amt}`);
+                  if (woke) next = logEvent(next, `${c.name} is back up — Dying ends (increase Wounded by 1 on their sheet) and they wake.`);
+                  return next;
+                });
+              }}
               onMove={(dir) => mutate((e) => moveCombatant(e, c.id, dir))}
               onRemove={() => mutate((e) => logEvent(removeCombatant(e, c.id), `${c.name} removed`))}
             />
@@ -489,7 +528,11 @@ function CombatantRow({
               type="button"
               onClick={() => onChange({ concentrating: c.concentrating ? null : 'a spell' })}
               className={cn('rounded p-0.5', c.concentrating ? 'text-accent' : 'text-faint hover:text-muted')}
-              title={c.concentrating ? `Concentrating on ${c.concentrating} — click to clear` : 'Mark as concentrating (prompts a Con save when damaged)'}
+              title={c.concentrating
+                ? `Concentrating on ${c.concentrating} — click to clear`
+                : system === 'pf2e'
+                  ? 'Mark as sustaining a spell (a reminder, in case they stop Sustaining)'
+                  : 'Mark as concentrating (prompts a Con save when damaged)'}
               aria-label={c.concentrating ? `${c.name} is concentrating; clear` : `Mark ${c.name} as concentrating`}
               aria-pressed={!!c.concentrating}
             >
@@ -513,17 +556,41 @@ function CombatantRow({
           {c.conditions.length > 0 && (
             <div className="mt-1.5 flex flex-wrap gap-1">
               {c.conditions.map((cond, i) => (
-                <button
+                <span
                   key={`${cond.name}-${i}`}
-                  className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full border border-verdigris/45 px-2 py-0.5 text-xs font-medium text-verdigris transition-colors hover:line-through"
-                  title={glossary.get(cond.name.toLowerCase()) || 'Click to remove'}
-                  onClick={() => onChange({ conditions: c.conditions.filter((_, j) => j !== i) })}
+                  className="inline-flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full border border-verdigris/45 px-2 py-0.5 text-xs font-medium text-verdigris"
+                  title={glossary.get(cond.name.toLowerCase()) || undefined}
                 >
                   {cond.name}
                   {cond.value ? ` ${cond.value}` : ''}
                   {cond.duration ? ` (${cond.duration}r)` : ''}
-                  <X size={11} aria-hidden />
-                </button>
+                  {/* Valued conditions (Frightened 2, Drained 3…) step in place — no delete-and-re-add. */}
+                  {cond.value !== undefined && (
+                    <>
+                      <button
+                        aria-label={`Decrease ${cond.name}`}
+                        className="rounded px-0.5 leading-none hover:bg-verdigris/15"
+                        onClick={() => onChange({
+                          conditions: (cond.value ?? 1) <= 1
+                            ? c.conditions.filter((_, j) => j !== i)
+                            : c.conditions.map((x, j) => (j === i ? { ...x, value: (x.value ?? 1) - 1 } : x)),
+                        })}
+                      >−</button>
+                      <button
+                        aria-label={`Increase ${cond.name}`}
+                        className="rounded px-0.5 leading-none hover:bg-verdigris/15"
+                        onClick={() => onChange({ conditions: c.conditions.map((x, j) => (j === i ? { ...x, value: (x.value ?? 0) + 1 } : x)) })}
+                      >+</button>
+                    </>
+                  )}
+                  <button
+                    aria-label={`Remove ${cond.name}`}
+                    className="transition-opacity hover:opacity-60"
+                    onClick={() => onChange({ conditions: c.conditions.filter((_, j) => j !== i) })}
+                  >
+                    <X size={11} aria-hidden />
+                  </button>
+                </span>
               ))}
             </div>
           )}
diff --git a/src/lib/combat/engine.test.ts b/src/lib/combat/engine.test.ts
index 8e266d2..2ab52cb 100644
--- a/src/lib/combat/engine.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/combat/engine.test.ts
@@ -189,6 +189,13 @@ describe('HP transitions', () => {
     expect(applyDamage(im, 10, 'fire').hp.current).toBe(30); // immune to all → no change
     expect(applyDamage(im, 10, 'cold').hp.current).toBe(30);
   });
+
+  it('healing honors a reduced effective-max cap (drained / exhaustion 4)', () => {
+    const c = { ...mk('a', 0, 30), hp: { current: 10, max: 30, temp: 0 } };
+    expect(applyHealing(c, 25, 20).hp.current).toBe(20); // capped at effective max
+    expect(applyHealing(c, 25).hp.current).toBe(30); // no cap → stored max
+    expect(applyHealing(c, 5, 40).hp.current).toBe(15); // cap never exceeds stored max
+  });
 });
 
 describe('endEncounter', () => {
diff --git a/src/lib/combat/engine.ts b/src/lib/combat/engine.ts
index 4b6884e..0866b73 100644
--- a/src/lib/combat/engine.ts
+++ b/src/lib/combat/engine.ts
@@ -267,10 +267,15 @@ export function isMassiveDamageDeath(hpMax: number, currentAfter: number): boole
   return currentAfter <= 0 && -currentAfter >= hpMax;
 }
 
-/** Heal up to max. Does not touch temporary HP. */
-export function applyHealing(c: Combatant, amount: number): Combatant {
+/**
+ * Heal up to max. Does not touch temporary HP. `capMax` overrides the cap when the
+ * effective maximum is reduced by conditions (5e exhaustion 4, pf2e drained) — pass
+ * `deriveEffectiveMaxHp(...).max` so healing can't exceed the reduced maximum.
+ */
+export function applyHealing(c: Combatant, amount: number, capMax?: number): Combatant {
   if (!Number.isFinite(amount) || amount <= 0) return c;
-  return { ...c, hp: { ...c.hp, current: Math.min(c.hp.max, c.hp.current + amount) } };
+  const cap = capMax !== undefined ? Math.min(capMax, c.hp.max) : c.hp.max;
+  return { ...c, hp: { ...c.hp, current: Math.min(cap, c.hp.current + amount) } };
 }
 
 /** Set temporary HP — 5e/PF2e temp HP does not stack; take the higher value. */
diff --git a/src/lib/io/pathbuilder.ts b/src/lib/io/pathbuilder.ts
index a69a236..201e314 100644
--- a/src/lib/io/pathbuilder.ts
+++ b/src/lib/io/pathbuilder.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import type { Character } from '@/lib/schemas';
+import { synthManualBuild } from '@/lib/rules/abilityBuild';
 
 /** Convert a Pathbuilder 2e export (build JSON) into our PF2e character fields. */
 
@@ -43,10 +44,14 @@ export function pathbuilderToCharacterFields(b: PathbuilderBuild): Partial<Chara
     ancestry: b.ancestry ?? '',
     level,
     abilities,
+    // Imports carry only finals — persist a manual build so the sheet stays consistent.
+    abilityBuild: synthManualBuild(abilities),
     hp: { current: hpMax, max: hpMax, temp: 0 },
     saveRanks: saveRanks as Character['saveRanks'],
     skillRanks: skillRanks as Character['skillRanks'],
     perceptionRank: rank(prof.perception) === 'untrained' ? 'trained' : rank(prof.perception),
-    ...(b.background ? { notes: `Background: ${b.background}${b.heritage ? `\nHeritage: ${b.heritage}` : ''}` } : {}),
+    // Background and heritage are first-class fields now — no more stuffing them in notes.
+    ...(b.background ? { background: b.background } : {}),
+    ...(b.heritage ? { heritage: b.heritage } : {}),
   };
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/mechanics/creatureState.ts b/src/lib/mechanics/creatureState.ts
index 5210817..f6b0c87 100644
--- a/src/lib/mechanics/creatureState.ts
+++ b/src/lib/mechanics/creatureState.ts
@@ -109,6 +109,13 @@ export function deriveState(system: SystemId, baseSpeed: number, conditions: Con
       extraBadges.push('Quickened (+1 action)');
       continue;
     }
+    // --- pf2e Persistent Damage: the human rolls it; we surface the procedure. ---
+    if (system === 'pf2e' && name === 'persistent damage') {
+      extraBadges.push(cond.value
+        ? `Persistent damage ${cond.value} (apply at end of turn, then DC 15 flat check to end)`
+        : 'Persistent damage (apply at end of turn, then DC 15 flat check to end)');
+      continue;
+    }
 
     const eff = table[name];
     if (!eff) continue;
diff --git a/src/lib/mechanics/dying.test.ts b/src/lib/mechanics/dying.test.ts
index 3dfbff8..64919b0 100644
--- a/src/lib/mechanics/dying.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/mechanics/dying.test.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest';
-import { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery, pf2eRestDecay } from './dying';
+import { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery, heroPointRescue, pf2eRestDecay } from './dying';
 import type { Condition } from '@/lib/schemas/common';
 
 const cond = (name: string, value?: number): Condition => (value !== undefined ? { name, value } : { name });
@@ -50,6 +50,16 @@ describe('applyRecovery', () => {
   });
 });
 
+describe('heroPointRescue', () => {
+  it('spends all hero points to drop to dying 0 and increases wounded', () => {
+    expect(heroPointRescue({ dying: 3, heroPoints: 2, wounded: 1 })).toEqual({ dying: 0, heroPoints: 0, wounded: 2 });
+  });
+  it('returns null when not dying or no points to spend', () => {
+    expect(heroPointRescue({ dying: 0, heroPoints: 2, wounded: 0 })).toBeNull();
+    expect(heroPointRescue({ dying: 2, heroPoints: 0, wounded: 0 })).toBeNull();
+  });
+});
+
 describe('pf2eRestDecay', () => {
   it('decays doomed, clears wounded, decrements/removes drained, ends fatigued', () => {
     const r = pf2eRestDecay({ doomed: 2, wounded: 3 }, [cond('Drained', 2), cond('Fatigued'), cond('Frightened', 1)]);
diff --git a/src/lib/mechanics/dying.ts b/src/lib/mechanics/dying.ts
index 35b9586..9acd263 100644
--- a/src/lib/mechanics/dying.ts
+++ b/src/lib/mechanics/dying.ts
@@ -45,6 +45,16 @@ export function applyRecovery(d: Pick<Defenses, 'dying' | 'wounded'>, degree: De
   return { dying, wounded };
 }
 
+/**
+ * Heroic Recovery: spend ALL remaining Hero Points (minimum 1) to avoid death —
+ * dying drops to 0 and you stabilize (you stay unconscious at 0 HP until healed).
+ * Losing the dying condition always increases wounded by 1.
+ */
+export function heroPointRescue(d: Pick<Defenses, 'dying' | 'heroPoints' | 'wounded'>): { dying: number; heroPoints: number; wounded: number } | null {
+  if (d.heroPoints < 1 || d.dying <= 0) return null;
+  return { dying: 0, heroPoints: 0, wounded: d.wounded + 1 };
+}
+
 /**
  * Condition decay from a full night's rest (Rest for the Night): doomed −1, wounded
  * cleared (you wake at full HP), Drained −1, and Fatigued removed. Dying is assumed
diff --git a/src/lib/mechanics/index.ts b/src/lib/mechanics/index.ts
index 973079d..58e6798 100644
--- a/src/lib/mechanics/index.ts
+++ b/src/lib/mechanics/index.ts
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ export { normalizeMonsterDefenses, normalizeMonsterDefensesPf2e, type Pf2eDefens
 export { castSpell, availableSlotLevels, dropConcentration, concentrationDC } from './cast';
 export { spendResource, regainResource } from './resources';
 export { rollDeathSave, type DeathSaveOutcome } from './deathSaves';
-export { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery, pf2eRestDecay } from './dying';
+export { maxDying, isDead, recoveryDc, knockOut, applyRecovery, heroPointRescue, pf2eRestDecay } from './dying';
 export { conditionEffects, CONDITION_EFFECTS_5E, CONDITION_EFFECTS_PF2E, type ConditionEffect, type PenaltyTarget } from './conditionEffects';
 export { deriveState, deriveEffectiveMaxHp, tickConditionsEndOfTurn, type MechanicalState, type DeriveContext } from './creatureState';
 
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.test.ts b/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.test.ts
index f8ec87a..6b011bd 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.test.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest';
-import { computeAbilities, abilityBreakdown, synthManualBuild, setManualTotal } from './abilityBuild';
+import { computeAbilities, abilityBreakdown, synthManualBuild, setManualTotal, appendLevelIncreases } from './abilityBuild';
 import type { AbilityBuild } from '@/lib/schemas/character';
 
 const base10 = { str: 10, dex: 10, con: 10, int: 10, wis: 10, cha: 10 };
@@ -66,3 +66,36 @@ describe('setManualTotal', () => {
     expect(computeAbilities(reset).str).toBe(12);
   });
 });
+
+describe('appendLevelIncreases', () => {
+  it('5e ASI picks append as flat +1 each and totals match', () => {
+    const build: AbilityBuild = { base: { ...base10, str: 15 }, adjustments: [{ label: 'Race', ability: 'str', kind: 'flat', amount: 2 }] };
+    const current = computeAbilities(build); // str 17
+    const r = appendLevelIncreases(build, current, ['str', 'str'], '5e', 'ASI L4');
+    expect(r.abilities.str).toBe(19);
+    expect(computeAbilities(r.build)).toEqual(r.abilities); // breakdown stays in sync
+    expect(r.build.adjustments.filter((a) => a.label === 'ASI L4')).toHaveLength(2);
+  });
+
+  it('pf2e boosts append with the <18 (+2) / ≥18 (+1) rule', () => {
+    const build: AbilityBuild = { base: base10, adjustments: [
+      { label: 'Ancestry', ability: 'str', kind: 'boost', amount: 0 },
+      { label: 'Class', ability: 'str', kind: 'boost', amount: 0 },
+      { label: 'Free', ability: 'str', kind: 'boost', amount: 0 },
+    ] };
+    const current = computeAbilities(build); // str 16
+    const r = appendLevelIncreases(build, current, ['str', 'dex'], 'pf2e', 'L5 boost');
+    expect(r.abilities.str).toBe(18); // 16 → +2
+    expect(r.abilities.dex).toBe(12);
+    const r2 = appendLevelIncreases(r.build, r.abilities, ['str'], 'pf2e', 'L10 boost');
+    expect(r2.abilities.str).toBe(19); // 18 → +1
+    expect(computeAbilities(r2.build)).toEqual(r2.abilities);
+  });
+
+  it('synthesizes a manual build when the stored one is stale', () => {
+    const stale: AbilityBuild = { base: base10, adjustments: [] }; // says 10s
+    const current = { ...base10, str: 16 }; // but totals were edited elsewhere
+    const r = appendLevelIncreases(stale, current, ['str'], '5e', 'ASI L4');
+    expect(r.abilities.str).toBe(17); // 16 + 1, not 11
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.ts b/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.ts
index 48e4cda..a226e13 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/abilityBuild.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import type { AbilityKey, AbilityScores } from './types';
+import type { AbilityKey, AbilityScores, SystemId } from './types';
 import { ABILITY_KEYS } from './types';
 import type { AbilityBuild } from '@/lib/schemas/character';
 
@@ -69,3 +69,31 @@ export function setManualTotal(build: AbilityBuild, ability: AbilityKey, target:
 export function setBuildBase(build: AbilityBuild, base: AbilityScores): AbilityBuild {
   return { base: { ...base }, adjustments: build.adjustments };
 }
+
+function sameScores(a: AbilityScores, b: AbilityScores): boolean {
+  return ABILITY_KEYS.every((k) => a[k] === b[k]);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Append level-up ability increases to a build so the per-source breakdown stays in
+ * sync with the totals (a 5e ASI pick is flat +1; a PF2e pick is a boost). If the
+ * stored build no longer reproduces `current` (legacy/imported character), a manual
+ * build is synthesized from `current` first so nothing jumps. Callers patch BOTH
+ * `abilities` and `abilityBuild` from the result.
+ */
+export function appendLevelIncreases(
+  build: AbilityBuild | undefined,
+  current: AbilityScores,
+  picks: readonly AbilityKey[],
+  system: SystemId,
+  label: string,
+): { build: AbilityBuild; abilities: AbilityScores } {
+  const base = build && sameScores(computeAbilities(build), current) ? build : synthManualBuild(current);
+  const added = picks.map((ability) => (
+    system === 'pf2e'
+      ? { label, ability, kind: 'boost' as const, amount: 0 }
+      : { label, ability, kind: 'flat' as const, amount: 1 }
+  ));
+  const next: AbilityBuild = { base: { ...base.base }, adjustments: [...base.adjustments, ...added] };
+  return { build: next, abilities: computeAbilities(next) };
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/depth.test.ts b/src/lib/rules/depth.test.ts
index 3fcef46..8050d03 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/depth.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/depth.test.ts
@@ -106,4 +106,20 @@ describe('applyRest', () => {
     // no concentration → no concentration key in the patch
     expect('concentration' in applyRest(makeCharacter(), short)).toBe(false);
   });
+
+  it('long rest caps restored HP at the effective max while exhaustion stays 4+', () => {
+    const c = { ...makeCharacter(), defenses: { ...makeCharacter().defenses, exhaustion: 5 } };
+    const long = dnd5e.restOptions.find((o) => o.id === 'long')!;
+    const patch = applyRest(c, long);
+    // exhaustion 5 → 4 after the rest; max HP still halved (30 → 15)
+    expect(patch.defenses!.exhaustion).toBe(4);
+    expect(patch.hp!.current).toBe(15);
+  });
+
+  it('a per-resource recoverStep restores by that amount, not to max (Hit Dice)', () => {
+    const base = makeCharacter();
+    const c = { ...base, resources: [{ id: 'hd', name: 'Hit Dice', current: 0, max: 5, recovery: 'long' as const, recoverStep: 3 }] };
+    const long = dnd5e.restOptions.find((o) => o.id === 'long')!;
+    expect(applyRest(c, long).resources![0]!.current).toBe(3); // 0 + ceil(5/2)=3, not 5
+  });
 });
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/index.ts b/src/lib/rules/index.ts
index e8a0961..c30c7ff 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/index.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/index.ts
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ export * from './types';
 export * from './progression';
 export { abilityModifier, ABILITY_ABBR, ABILITY_LABELS, formatDamage } from './abilities';
 export { pf2eApplyBoosts, parseAncestryBoosts, parseBackgroundBoosts, parseFlaw, abilityWord } from './pf2e/abilities';
-export { computeAbilities, abilityBreakdown, synthManualBuild, setManualTotal, setBuildBase, type AbilityBreakdown } from './abilityBuild';
+export { computeAbilities, abilityBreakdown, synthManualBuild, setManualTotal, setBuildBase, appendLevelIncreases, type AbilityBreakdown } from './abilityBuild';
 export { applyRest } from './rest';
 export { getConditions, CONDITIONS_5E, CONDITIONS_PF2E, type ConditionDef } from './conditions';
 export { collectChoices, collectFeatures, collectChoices5e, collectFeatures5e, subclassPrompt } from './features/collect';
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/progression.ts b/src/lib/rules/progression.ts
index 5f1f7b5..30dd689 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/progression.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/progression.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import type { AbilityKey, AbilityScores, ProficiencyRank, SystemId } from './types';
 import { abilityModifier } from './abilities';
+import { newId } from '@/lib/ids';
 import { DND5E_CLASSES, dnd5eSlots, dnd5ePact, dnd5eHp, dnd5eAsiLevels } from './dnd5e/progression';
 import { PF2E_CLASSES, pf2eHp, pf2eSlots, pf2eBoostLevels, pf2eSkillIncreaseLevels } from './pf2e/progression';
 
@@ -57,6 +58,12 @@ export interface BuiltCharacter {
   spellcastingAbility?: SpellAbility;
   spellcastingRank?: ProficiencyRank;
   spellcasting: { slots: SpellSlot[]; pact?: SpellSlot; spells: never[] };
+  resources: { id: string; name: string; current: number; max: number; recovery: 'short' | 'long' | 'daily' | 'none'; recoverStep?: number }[];
+}
+
+/** 5e Hit Dice as a tracked resource: one die per level; a long rest returns half (2014 PHB). */
+export function hitDiceResource(level: number): BuiltCharacter['resources'][number] {
+  return { id: newId(), name: 'Hit Dice', current: level, max: level, recovery: 'long', recoverStep: Math.ceil(level / 2) };
 }
 
 const TABLES: Record<SystemId, ClassDef[]> = { '5e': DND5E_CLASSES, pf2e: PF2E_CLASSES };
@@ -123,6 +130,8 @@ export function buildCharacter(system: SystemId, choices: BuildChoices): BuiltCh
     perceptionRank: system === 'pf2e' ? def?.perception ?? 'trained' : 'trained',
     ...(def?.spellAbility ? { spellcastingAbility: def.spellAbility, spellcastingRank: def.spellRank ?? 'trained' } : {}),
     spellcasting: { slots, ...(pact ? { pact } : {}), spells: [] },
+    // 5e characters track Hit Dice from day one; PF2e has no equivalent pool.
+    resources: system === '5e' ? [hitDiceResource(choices.level)] : [],
   };
 }
 
@@ -159,7 +168,11 @@ export function planLevelUp(system: SystemId, className: string, currentLevel: n
     if (dnd5eAsiLevels(className).includes(nextLevel)) {
       choices.push({ kind: 'asi', label: 'Ability Score Improvement — raise abilities by +2 total, or take a feat instead.' });
     }
-    if (slots.length) notes.push('Spell slots updated for the new level.');
+    // Proficiency bonus thresholds (PHB): +3 at 5, +4 at 9, +5 at 13, +6 at 17.
+    if ([5, 9, 13, 17].includes(nextLevel)) {
+      notes.push(`Proficiency bonus increases to +${2 + Math.floor((nextLevel - 1) / 4)} — attacks, saves, and trained skills all improve.`);
+    }
+    if (slots.length) notes.push('Spell slots updated — add any newly learned/prepared spells in the Spellcasting section.');
     return { nextLevel, hpGainAverage, hitDie: die, ...(slots.length ? { slots } : {}), ...(pact ? { pact } : {}), notes, choices };
   }
 
@@ -172,8 +185,10 @@ export function planLevelUp(system: SystemId, className: string, currentLevel: n
   if (pf2eSkillIncreaseLevels().includes(nextLevel)) {
     choices.push({ kind: 'skill-increase', label: 'Skill increase — raise one skill to the next proficiency rank.' });
   }
-  if (nextLevel % 2 === 0) choices.push({ kind: 'feat', label: 'Class feat — pick a new class feat for this level.' });
-  if (slots.length) notes.push('Spell slots updated for the new level.');
+  // (Feat slots are enumerated per type — class/skill/general/ancestry — by collectChoices,
+  // which the level-up modal renders with real owed counts; no duplicate entry here.)
+  notes.push('Proficiency rises with your level — every trained statistic improves by 1.');
+  if (slots.length) notes.push('Spell slots updated — add any newly learned/prepared spells in the Spellcasting section.');
   return { nextLevel, hpGainAverage, hitDie: die, ...(slots.length ? { slots } : {}), notes, choices };
 }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/rest.ts b/src/lib/rules/rest.ts
index c4cb314..c383cf8 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/rest.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/rest.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import type { Character } from '@/lib/schemas/character';
 import type { RestOption } from './types';
 import { pf2eRestDecay } from '@/lib/mechanics/dying';
+import { deriveEffectiveMaxHp } from '@/lib/mechanics/creatureState';
 
 /**
  * Compute the character changes a rest produces. Pure — returns a partial patch
@@ -16,15 +17,33 @@ export function applyRest(c: Character, opt: RestOption): Partial<Character> {
     patch.hp = { ...c.hp, current: c.hp.max };
   }
 
+  // Post-rest condition state, for capping restored HP at the EFFECTIVE max: a long
+  // rest steps 5e exhaustion down by 1 (level 4+ halves max); a pf2e night's rest
+  // decays drained by 1 (each remaining point still costs level HP off the max).
+  const restedExhaustion = opt.reduceExhaustion && c.defenses.exhaustion > 0 ? c.defenses.exhaustion - 1 : c.defenses.exhaustion;
+  const pf2eDecayed = c.system === 'pf2e' && opt.restoresHp ? pf2eRestDecay(c.defenses, c.conditions) : null;
+  if (opt.restoresHp && patch.hp) {
+    const eff = deriveEffectiveMaxHp({
+      system: c.system,
+      baseMaxHp: c.hp.max,
+      level: c.level,
+      exhaustion: restedExhaustion,
+      conditions: pf2eDecayed ? pf2eDecayed.conditions : c.conditions,
+    });
+    patch.hp = { ...patch.hp, current: Math.min(patch.hp.current, eff.max) };
+  }
+
   // Any rest ends ongoing concentration (you stop holding the spell to rest).
   if (c.concentration) patch.concentration = null;
 
-  // Resources refresh when their recovery tag is covered by this rest. A rest with
-  // `recoverStep` (PF2e Refocus) restores by that step, clamped to max, rather than
-  // refilling the whole pool — so Refocus returns one Focus Point, not all of them.
+  // Resources refresh when their recovery tag is covered by this rest. A step —
+  // per-resource (5e Hit Dice recover ceil(level/2)) or per-rest (PF2e Refocus
+  // returns one Focus Point) — restores by that amount, clamped to max; otherwise
+  // the pool refills entirely.
   patch.resources = c.resources.map((r) => {
     if (!opt.recovers.includes(r.recovery)) return r;
-    const next = opt.recoverStep !== undefined ? Math.min(r.max, r.current + opt.recoverStep) : r.max;
+    const step = r.recoverStep ?? opt.recoverStep;
+    const next = step !== undefined ? Math.min(r.max, r.current + step) : r.max;
     return { ...r, current: next };
   });
 
@@ -47,23 +66,17 @@ export function applyRest(c: Character, opt: RestOption): Partial<Character> {
   // pf2e: a full night's rest decays doomed (−1) and drained (−1), clears wounded
   // (you wake at full HP) and ends fatigued. Dying is assumed already 0.
   if (c.system === 'pf2e') {
-    if (opt.restoresHp) {
-      const decay = pf2eRestDecay(c.defenses, c.conditions);
-      patch.defenses = { ...c.defenses, ...decay.defenses };
-      patch.conditions = decay.conditions;
+    if (pf2eDecayed) {
+      patch.defenses = { ...c.defenses, ...pf2eDecayed.defenses };
+      patch.conditions = pf2eDecayed.conditions;
     }
     return patch;
   }
 
-  const exhaustion =
-    opt.reduceExhaustion && c.defenses.exhaustion > 0
-      ? c.defenses.exhaustion - 1
-      : c.defenses.exhaustion;
-
-  if (opt.restoresHp || exhaustion !== c.defenses.exhaustion) {
+  if (opt.restoresHp || restedExhaustion !== c.defenses.exhaustion) {
     patch.defenses = {
       ...c.defenses,
-      exhaustion,
+      exhaustion: restedExhaustion,
       // recovering from 0 HP clears death saves (5e)
       ...(opt.restoresHp ? { deathSaves: { successes: 0, failures: 0 } } : {}),
     };
diff --git a/src/lib/rules/rules.test.ts b/src/lib/rules/rules.test.ts
index 7a220cb..161ef9b 100644
--- a/src/lib/rules/rules.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rules/rules.test.ts
@@ -168,3 +168,24 @@ describe('pf2e Refocus', () => {
     expect(patch.resources?.[0]?.current).toBe(1); // +1, clamped to max — not 3
   });
 });
+
+describe('pf2e Rest for the Night', () => {
+  it('decays drained/doomed, clears wounded/fatigued, and caps HP at the post-decay effective max', () => {
+    const rest = pf2e.restOptions.find((o) => o.id === 'rest')!;
+    const c = {
+      system: 'pf2e', level: 6,
+      resources: [],
+      hp: { current: 5, max: 50, temp: 0 },
+      concentration: null,
+      spellcasting: { slots: [], spells: [] },
+      conditions: [{ name: 'Drained', value: 2 }, { name: 'Fatigued' }],
+      defenses: { exhaustion: 0, deathSaves: { successes: 0, failures: 0 }, dying: 0, wounded: 2, doomed: 1, heroPoints: 1, inspiration: false },
+    } as unknown as Parameters<typeof applyRest>[0];
+    const patch = applyRest(c, rest);
+    expect(patch.conditions).toEqual([{ name: 'Drained', value: 1 }]); // drained −1, fatigued gone
+    expect(patch.defenses!.wounded).toBe(0);
+    expect(patch.defenses!.doomed).toBe(0);
+    // drained 1 remains after decay → effective max 50 − 6 = 44, not 50
+    expect(patch.hp!.current).toBe(44);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/schemas/character.ts b/src/lib/schemas/character.ts
index 9bafadc..1805bc8 100644
--- a/src/lib/schemas/character.ts
+++ b/src/lib/schemas/character.ts
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ export const resourceSchema = z.object({
   current: int.min(0).default(0),
   max: int.min(0).default(0),
   recovery: recoverySchema.default('long'),
+  /** How much a matching rest restores. Omitted = refill to max. 5e Hit Dice use
+   *  ceil(level/2) — a long rest returns only half your level in dice (2014 PHB). */
+  recoverStep: int.positive().optional(),
 });
 export type CharacterResource = z.infer<typeof resourceSchema>;
 
@@ -173,6 +176,8 @@ export const characterSchema = z.object({
   portrait: z.string().optional(),
   /** ancestry (PF2e) / race (5e), free text for MVP */
   ancestry: z.string().max(80).default(''),
+  /** PF2e heritage (chosen at level 1, refines the ancestry); '' for 5e. */
+  heritage: z.string().max(80).default(''),
   /** Primary class name — a mirror of classes[0].className (kept for display/back-compat). */
   className: z.string().max(80).default(''),
   /** Total character level — a mirror of sum(classes[].level). */
@@ -277,12 +282,13 @@ export type CharacterDraft = z.infer<typeof characterDraftSchema>;
 /** Default values for the Phase-1 depth fields. Used by create + DB migration. */
 export function characterDefaults(): Pick<
   Character,
-  'currency' | 'inventory' | 'feats' | 'attacks' | 'resources' | 'spellcasting' | 'concentration' | 'equippedArmor' | 'defenses' | 'conditions' | 'background' | 'alignment' | 'appearance' | 'personality' | 'classes' | 'choices'
+  'currency' | 'inventory' | 'feats' | 'attacks' | 'resources' | 'spellcasting' | 'concentration' | 'equippedArmor' | 'defenses' | 'conditions' | 'background' | 'heritage' | 'alignment' | 'appearance' | 'personality' | 'classes' | 'choices'
 > {
   return {
     classes: [],
     choices: [],
     background: '',
+    heritage: '',
     alignment: '',
     appearance: '',
     personality: '',