feat: session handoff — persist last-session summary across CC restarts

session-stop.sh writes ~/.claude/buddymon/handoff.json with: buddy id,
XP earned, commit count, languages touched, caught monsters, challenge
state, any active encounter, and manual notes (for future /buddymon note).

session-start.sh reads handoff.json on next session start, injects a
'📬 From your last session' block into additionalContext, then removes
the file so it only fires once.

Closes #1 on Circuit-Forge/buddymon.

hooks-handlers/post-tool-use.py

@@ -24,6 +24,30 @@ PLUGIN_ROOT = os.environ.get("CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT", str(Path(__file__).parent.par
 BUDDYMON_DIR = Path.home() / ".claude" / "buddymon"
 CATALOG_FILE = Path(PLUGIN_ROOT) / "lib" / "catalog.json"
 
+# Each CC session gets its own state file keyed by process group ID.
+# All hooks within one session share the same PGRP, giving stable per-session state.
+SESSION_KEY = str(os.getpgrp())
+SESSION_FILE = BUDDYMON_DIR / "sessions" / f"{SESSION_KEY}.json"
+
+
+def get_session_state() -> dict:
+    """Read the current session's state file, falling back to global active.json."""
+    session = load_json(SESSION_FILE)
+    if not session:
+        # No session file yet — inherit from global default
+        global_active = load_json(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json")
+        session = {
+            "buddymon_id": global_active.get("buddymon_id"),
+            "challenge": global_active.get("challenge"),
+            "session_xp": 0,
+        }
+    return session
+
+
+def save_session_state(state: dict) -> None:
+    SESSION_FILE.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    save_json(SESSION_FILE, state)
+
 KNOWN_EXTENSIONS = {
     ".py": "Python", ".js": "JavaScript", ".ts": "TypeScript",
     ".jsx": "JavaScript/React", ".tsx": "TypeScript/React",
@@ -62,15 +86,13 @@ def get_state():
 
 
 def add_session_xp(amount: int):
-    active_file = BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json"
+    session = get_session_state()
-    roster_file = BUDDYMON_DIR / "roster.json"
+    session["session_xp"] = session.get("session_xp", 0) + amount
-
+    buddy_id = session.get("buddymon_id")
-    active = load_json(active_file)
+    save_session_state(session)
-    active["session_xp"] = active.get("session_xp", 0) + amount
-    buddy_id = active.get("buddymon_id")
-    save_json(active_file, active)
 
     if buddy_id:
+        roster_file = BUDDYMON_DIR / "roster.json"
         roster = load_json(roster_file)
         if buddy_id in roster.get("owned", {}):
             roster["owned"][buddy_id]["xp"] = roster["owned"][buddy_id].get("xp", 0) + amount
@@ -153,8 +175,7 @@ def is_starter_chosen():
 
 
 def get_active_buddy_id():
-    active = load_json(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json")
+    return get_session_state().get("buddymon_id")
-    return active.get("buddymon_id")
 
 
 def get_active_encounter():

hooks-handlers/session-start.sh

@@ -7,8 +7,31 @@ source "${PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/state.sh"
 
 buddymon_init
 
-ACTIVE_ID=$(buddymon_get_active)
+# Per-session state — keyed by process group ID so parallel sessions are isolated.
-SESSION_XP=$(buddymon_get_session_xp)
+SESSION_KEY=$(python3 -c "import os; print(os.getpgrp())")
+SESSION_FILE="${BUDDYMON_DIR}/sessions/${SESSION_KEY}.json"
+mkdir -p "${BUDDYMON_DIR}/sessions"
+
+# Create session file if missing, inheriting buddy from global active.json
+if [[ ! -f "${SESSION_FILE}" ]]; then
+    python3 << PYEOF
+import json, os
+active = {}
+try:
+    active = json.load(open('${BUDDYMON_DIR}/active.json'))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+session_state = {
+    "buddymon_id": active.get("buddymon_id"),
+    "challenge": active.get("challenge"),
+    "session_xp": 0,
+}
+json.dump(session_state, open('${SESSION_FILE}', 'w'), indent=2)
+PYEOF
+fi
+
+ACTIVE_ID=$(python3 -c "import json; d=json.load(open('${SESSION_FILE}')); print(d.get('buddymon_id',''))" 2>/dev/null)
+SESSION_XP=$(python3 -c "import json; d=json.load(open('${SESSION_FILE}')); print(d.get('session_xp',0))" 2>/dev/null)
 
 # Load catalog for buddy display info
 CATALOG="${PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/catalog.json"
@@ -16,6 +39,77 @@ CATALOG="${PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/catalog.json"
 build_context() {
     local ctx=""
 
+    # ── Session handoff from previous session ──────────────────────────────
+    local handoff_file="${BUDDYMON_DIR}/handoff.json"
+    if [[ -f "${handoff_file}" ]]; then
+        local handoff_block
+        handoff_block=$(python3 << PYEOF
+import json, os
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+
+try:
+    h = json.load(open('${handoff_file}'))
+except Exception:
+    print('')
+    exit()
+
+buddy_id = h.get('buddy_id')
+if not buddy_id:
+    print('')
+    exit()
+
+import json as _json
+catalog_file = '${CATALOG}'
+try:
+    catalog = _json.load(open(catalog_file))
+    b = (catalog.get('buddymon', {}).get(buddy_id)
+         or catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(buddy_id) or {})
+    display = b.get('display', buddy_id)
+except Exception:
+    display = buddy_id
+
+lines = [f"### 📬 From your last session ({h.get('date', '?')}) — {display}"]
+
+xp = h.get('xp_earned', 0)
+commits = h.get('commits', 0)
+langs = h.get('languages', [])
+caught = h.get('caught', [])
+
+if xp:
+    lines.append(f"- Earned **{xp} XP**")
+if commits:
+    lines.append(f"- Made **{commits} commit{'s' if commits != 1 else ''}**")
+if langs:
+    lines.append(f"- Languages touched: {', '.join(langs)}")
+if caught:
+    lines.append(f"- Caught: {', '.join(caught)}")
+
+challenge = h.get('challenge')
+challenge_completed = h.get('challenge_completed', False)
+if challenge:
+    status = "✅ completed" if challenge_completed else "⏳ still in progress"
+    lines.append(f"- Challenge **{challenge.get('name','?')}** — {status}")
+
+enc = h.get('active_encounter')
+if enc:
+    lines.append(f"- ⚠️  **Unresolved encounter carried over:** {enc.get('display', '?')} (strength: {enc.get('current_strength', 100)}%)")
+
+notes = h.get('notes', [])
+if notes:
+    lines.append("**Notes:**")
+    for n in notes:
+        lines.append(f"  · {n}")
+
+print('\n'.join(lines))
+PYEOF
+        )
+        if [[ -n "${handoff_block}" ]]; then
+            ctx+="${handoff_block}\n\n"
+        fi
+        # Archive handoff — consumed for this session
+        rm -f "${handoff_file}"
+    fi
+
     # ── No starter chosen yet ─────────────────────────────────────────────
     if [[ "$(buddymon_starter_chosen)" == "false" ]]; then
         ctx="## 🐾 Buddymon — First Encounter!\n\n"

hooks-handlers/session-stop.sh

@@ -6,10 +6,29 @@ source "${PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/state.sh"
 
 buddymon_init
 
-ACTIVE_ID=$(buddymon_get_active)
+SESSION_KEY=$(python3 -c "import os; print(os.getpgrp())")
-SESSION_XP=$(buddymon_get_session_xp)
+SESSION_FILE="${BUDDYMON_DIR}/sessions/${SESSION_KEY}.json"
+
+ACTIVE_ID=$(python3 -c "
+import json, sys
+try:
+    d = json.load(open('${SESSION_FILE}'))
+    print(d.get('buddymon_id', ''))
+except Exception:
+    print('')
+" 2>/dev/null)
+
+SESSION_XP=$(python3 -c "
+import json, sys
+try:
+    d = json.load(open('${SESSION_FILE}'))
+    print(d.get('session_xp', 0))
+except Exception:
+    print(0)
+" 2>/dev/null)
 
 if [[ -z "${ACTIVE_ID}" ]] || [[ "${SESSION_XP}" -eq 0 ]]; then
+    [[ -f "${SESSION_FILE}" ]] && rm -f "${SESSION_FILE}"
     exit 0
 fi
 
@@ -20,17 +39,20 @@ SUMMARY=$(python3 << PYEOF
 import json, os
 
 catalog_file = '${CATALOG}'
-active_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/active.json'
+session_state_file = '${SESSION_FILE}'
 roster_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/roster.json'
 session_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/session.json'
-encounters_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/encounters.json'
 
 catalog = json.load(open(catalog_file))
-active = json.load(open(active_file))
+session_state = json.load(open(session_state_file))
 roster = json.load(open(roster_file))
+session = {}
+try:
     session = json.load(open(session_file))
+except Exception:
+    pass
 
-buddy_id = active.get('buddymon_id')
+buddy_id = session_state.get('buddymon_id')
 if not buddy_id:
     print('')
     exit()
@@ -39,7 +61,7 @@ b = (catalog.get('buddymon', {}).get(buddy_id)
      or catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(buddy_id) or {})
 display = b.get('display', buddy_id)
 
-xp_earned = active.get('session_xp', 0)
+xp_earned = session_state.get('session_xp', 0)
 level = roster.get('owned', {}).get(buddy_id, {}).get('level', 1)
 total_xp = roster.get('owned', {}).get(buddy_id, {}).get('xp', 0)
 xp_needed = level * 100
@@ -61,7 +83,7 @@ commits = session.get('commits_this_session', 0)
 tools = session.get('tools_used', 0)
 langs = session.get('languages_seen', [])
 challenge_completed = session.get('challenge_completed', False)
-challenge = active.get('challenge')
+challenge = session_state.get('challenge')
 
 lines = [f"\n## 🐾 Session complete — {display}"]
 lines.append(f"**+{xp_earned} XP earned** this session")
@@ -72,10 +94,27 @@ if langs:
 
 if leveled_up:
     lines.append(f"\n✨ **LEVEL UP!** {display} is now Lv.{new_level}!")
+    # Check if evolution is now available
+    catalog_entry = (catalog.get('buddymon', {}).get(buddy_id)
+                     or catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(buddy_id) or {})
+    evolutions = catalog_entry.get('evolutions', [])
+    evo = next((e for e in evolutions if new_level >= e.get('level', 999)), None)
+    if evo:
+        into = catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(evo['into'], {})
+        lines.append(f"\n⭐ **EVOLUTION READY!** {display} can evolve into {into.get('display', evo['into'])}!")
+        lines.append(f"   Run `/buddymon evolve` to prestige — resets to Lv.1 with upgraded stats.")
 else:
     filled = min(20, total_xp * 20 // xp_needed)
     bar = '█' * filled + '░' * (20 - filled)
     lines.append(f"XP: [{bar}] {total_xp}/{xp_needed}")
+    # Remind if already at evolution threshold but hasn't evolved yet
+    catalog_entry = (catalog.get('buddymon', {}).get(buddy_id)
+                     or catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(buddy_id) or {})
+    evolutions = catalog_entry.get('evolutions', [])
+    evo = next((e for e in evolutions if level >= e.get('level', 999)), None)
+    if evo:
+        into = catalog.get('evolutions', {}).get(evo['into'], {})
+        lines.append(f"\n⭐ **Evolution available:** `/buddymon evolve` → {into.get('display', evo['into'])}")
 
 if challenge:
     if challenge_completed:
@@ -87,17 +126,67 @@ print('\n'.join(lines))
 PYEOF
 )
 
-# Reset session XP + clear challenge so next session assigns a fresh one
+# Write handoff.json for next session to pick up
 python3 << PYEOF
-import json
+import json, os
-active_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/active.json'
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
-active = json.load(open(active_file))
+
-active['session_xp'] = 0
+session_state_file = '${SESSION_FILE}'
-active['challenge'] = None
+session_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/session.json'
-json.dump(active, open(active_file, 'w'), indent=2)
+encounters_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/encounters.json'
+handoff_file = '${BUDDYMON_DIR}/handoff.json'
+
+session_state = {}
+try:
+    session_state = json.load(open(session_state_file))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+session_data = {}
+try:
+    session_data = json.load(open(session_file))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+encounters = {}
+try:
+    encounters = json.load(open(encounters_file))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+
+# Collect caught monsters from this session
+caught_this_session = [
+    e.get('display', e.get('id', '?'))
+    for e in encounters.get('history', [])
+    if e.get('outcome') == 'caught'
+    and e.get('timestamp', '') >= datetime.now(timezone.utc).strftime('%Y-%m-%d')
+]
+
+# Carry over any existing handoff notes (user-added via /buddymon note)
+existing = {}
+try:
+    existing = json.load(open(handoff_file))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+
+handoff = {
+    "date": datetime.now(timezone.utc).strftime('%Y-%m-%d'),
+    "buddy_id": session_state.get('buddymon_id'),
+    "xp_earned": session_state.get('session_xp', 0),
+    "commits": session_data.get('commits_this_session', 0),
+    "languages": session_data.get('languages_seen', []),
+    "caught": caught_this_session,
+    "challenge": session_state.get('challenge'),
+    "challenge_completed": session_data.get('challenge_completed', False),
+    "active_encounter": encounters.get('active_encounter'),
+    "notes": existing.get('notes', []),  # preserve any manual notes
+}
+
+json.dump(handoff, open(handoff_file, 'w'), indent=2)
 PYEOF
 
-# Reset session file
+# Clean up this session's state file — each session is ephemeral
+rm -f "${SESSION_FILE}"
+
+# Reset shared session.json for legacy compatibility
 buddymon_session_reset
 
 SUMMARY_JSON=$(python3 -c "import json,sys; print(json.dumps(sys.argv[1]))" "${SUMMARY}" 2>/dev/null)

hooks-handlers/user-prompt-submit.py

@@ -16,6 +16,27 @@ PLUGIN_ROOT = os.environ.get("CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT", str(Path(__file__).parent.par
 BUDDYMON_DIR = Path.home() / ".claude" / "buddymon"
 CATALOG_FILE = Path(PLUGIN_ROOT) / "lib" / "catalog.json"
 
+SESSION_KEY = str(os.getpgrp())
+SESSION_FILE = BUDDYMON_DIR / "sessions" / f"{SESSION_KEY}.json"
+
+
+def get_session_state() -> dict:
+    try:
+        with open(SESSION_FILE) as f:
+            return json.load(f)
+    except Exception:
+        global_active = {}
+        try:
+            with open(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json") as f:
+                global_active = json.load(f)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        return {
+            "buddymon_id": global_active.get("buddymon_id"),
+            "challenge": global_active.get("challenge"),
+            "session_xp": 0,
+        }
+
 
 def load_json(path):
     try:
@@ -55,9 +76,8 @@ def main():
     enc_data["active_encounter"] = enc
     save_json(enc_file, enc_data)
 
-    # Resolve buddy display name
+    # Resolve buddy display name from session-specific state
-    active = load_json(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json")
+    buddy_id = get_session_state().get("buddymon_id")
-    buddy_id = active.get("buddymon_id")
     buddy_display = "your buddy"
     if buddy_id:
         catalog = load_json(CATALOG_FILE)

lib/catalog.json

@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 {
   "_version": 1,
   "_note": "Master species catalog. discovered=false entries are hidden until triggered.",
-
   "bug_monsters": {
     "NullWraith": {
       "id": "NullWraith",
-      "display": "👻 NullWraith",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udc7b NullWraith",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 20,
@@ -22,15 +21,24 @@
         "null reference"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It was there this whole time. You just never checked."
     },
     "FencepostDemon": {
       "id": "FencepostDemon",
-      "display": "😈 FencepostDemon",
+      "display": "\ud83d\ude08 FencepostDemon",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 25,
@@ -46,15 +54,24 @@
         "off.by.one"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "Always one step ahead. Or behind. It's hard to tell."
     },
     "TypeGreml": {
       "id": "TypeGreml",
-      "display": "🔧 TypeGreml",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd27 TypeGreml",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 25,
@@ -70,15 +87,24 @@
         "type.*is not assignable"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It only attacks when you're absolutely sure about the type."
     },
     "SyntaxSerpent": {
       "id": "SyntaxSerpent",
-      "display": "🐍 SyntaxSerpent",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udc0d SyntaxSerpent",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "very_common",
       "base_strength": 10,
@@ -95,14 +121,20 @@
         "ParseError"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 30},
+        {
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 20}
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "You'll be embarrassed you let this one survive long enough to catch."
     },
     "CORSCurse": {
       "id": "CORSCurse",
-      "display": "🌐 CORSCurse",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf10 CORSCurse",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 40,
@@ -118,15 +150,24 @@
         "No 'Access-Control-Allow-Origin'"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It's not your fault. Well. It kind of is."
     },
     "LoopLich": {
       "id": "LoopLich",
-      "display": "♾️  LoopLich",
+      "display": "\u267e\ufe0f  LoopLich",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 60,
@@ -146,15 +187,24 @@
         "StackOverflow"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 15}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 15
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "The exit condition was always there. You just never believed in it."
     },
     "RacePhantom": {
       "id": "RacePhantom",
-      "display": "👁️  RacePhantom",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udc41\ufe0f  RacePhantom",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "rare",
       "base_strength": 80,
@@ -172,15 +222,24 @@
         "async.*conflict"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 15},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 30},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 15}
+          "strength_reduction": 15
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 15
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "You've proven it exists. That's honestly impressive on its own."
     },
     "FossilGolem": {
       "id": "FossilGolem",
-      "display": "🗿 FossilGolem",
+      "display": "\ud83d\uddff FossilGolem",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 35,
@@ -197,23 +256,36 @@
         "legacy"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 20}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It survived every major version. It will outlast you."
     },
     "ShadowBit": {
       "id": "ShadowBit",
-      "display": "🔒 ShadowBit",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd12 ShadowBit",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "rare",
       "base_strength": 90,
       "xp_reward": 300,
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": false,
-      "catch_requires": ["write_failing_test", "isolate_reproduction", "add_documenting_comment"],
+      "catch_requires": [
-      "description": "Cannot be defeated — only properly contained. Requires full documentation + patching.",
+        "write_failing_test",
+        "isolate_reproduction",
+        "add_documenting_comment"
+      ],
+      "description": "Cannot be defeated \u2014 only properly contained. Requires full documentation + patching.",
       "error_patterns": [
         "vulnerability",
         "CVE-",
@@ -229,15 +301,24 @@
         "hardcoded.*token"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 25},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 35},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 20}
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 35
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "Defeat is not an option. Containment is the only victory."
     },
     "VoidSpecter": {
       "id": "VoidSpecter",
-      "display": "🌫️  VoidSpecter",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf2b\ufe0f  VoidSpecter",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 20,
@@ -254,15 +335,24 @@
         "endpoint.*not found"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 25},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It used to exist. Probably."
     },
     "MemoryLeech": {
       "id": "MemoryLeech",
-      "display": "🩸 MemoryLeech",
+      "display": "\ud83e\ude78 MemoryLeech",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 55,
@@ -287,15 +377,24 @@
         "malloc: can't allocate region"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 30},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It was already there when you opened the task manager."
     },
     "CudaCrash": {
       "id": "CudaCrash",
-      "display": "⚡ CudaCrash",
+      "display": "\u26a1 CudaCrash",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 65,
@@ -315,15 +414,24 @@
         "device-side assert triggered"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 30},
+        {
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "Your model fit in VRAM yesterday. You added one layer."
     },
     "InfiniteWisp": {
       "id": "InfiniteWisp",
-      "display": "🌀 InfiniteWisp",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf00 InfiniteWisp",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 30,
@@ -341,15 +449,24 @@
         "timed out after"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 20},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 30},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "Your fan was always loud. You just never checked why."
     },
     "BoundsHound": {
       "id": "BoundsHound",
-      "display": "🐕 BoundsHound",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udc15 BoundsHound",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 25,
@@ -369,15 +486,24 @@
         "RangeError.*index"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 25},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It was always length minus one. You just forgot."
     },
     "BranchGhost": {
       "id": "BranchGhost",
-      "display": "🔀 BranchGhost",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd00 BranchGhost",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 40,
@@ -396,15 +522,24 @@
         "fallthrough"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 30},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 20},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 20
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "You were so sure that case was impossible."
     },
     "SwitchTrap": {
       "id": "SwitchTrap",
-      "display": "🪤 SwitchTrap",
+      "display": "\ud83e\udea4 SwitchTrap",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 35,
@@ -425,15 +560,24 @@
         "Unhandled variant"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 25},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "You added that new enum value last week. The switch didn't notice."
     },
     "RecurseWraith": {
       "id": "RecurseWraith",
-      "display": "🌪️ RecurseWraith",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf2a\ufe0f RecurseWraith",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 45,
@@ -452,22 +596,31 @@
         "stack.*exhausted"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 25},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 25},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 10}
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 25
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 10
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "The base case was there. It just couldn't be reached."
     },
     "CatchAll": {
       "id": "CatchAll",
-      "display": "🕳️ CatchAll",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd73\ufe0f CatchAll",
       "type": "bug_monster",
       "rarity": "rare",
       "base_strength": 60,
       "xp_reward": 120,
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": false,
-      "description": "Born from broad exception handlers. Swallows errors whole. Cannot be defeated — only caught, by narrowing the catch.",
+      "description": "Born from broad exception handlers. Swallows errors whole. Cannot be defeated \u2014 only caught, by narrowing the catch.",
       "error_patterns": [
         "except Exception",
         "except:$",
@@ -479,18 +632,26 @@
         "catch-all.*handler"
       ],
       "weaken_actions": [
-        {"action": "write_failing_test", "strength_reduction": 30},
+        {
-        {"action": "isolate_reproduction", "strength_reduction": 30},
+          "action": "write_failing_test",
-        {"action": "add_documenting_comment", "strength_reduction": 15}
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "isolate_reproduction",
+          "strength_reduction": 30
+        },
+        {
+          "action": "add_documenting_comment",
+          "strength_reduction": 15
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "If you catch everything, you learn nothing."
     }
   },
-
   "event_encounters": {
     "MergeMaw": {
       "id": "MergeMaw",
-      "display": "🔀 MergeMaw",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd00 MergeMaw",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 45,
@@ -498,13 +659,16 @@
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": true,
       "trigger_type": "command",
-      "command_patterns": ["git merge", "git rebase"],
+      "command_patterns": [
+        "git merge",
+        "git rebase"
+      ],
       "description": "Emerges from the diff between two timelines. Loves conflicts.",
       "flavor": "It has opinions about your whitespace."
     },
     "BranchSprite": {
       "id": "BranchSprite",
-      "display": "🌿 BranchSprite",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf3f BranchSprite",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 15,
@@ -512,13 +676,17 @@
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": false,
       "trigger_type": "command",
-      "command_patterns": ["git checkout -b", "git switch -c", "git branch "],
+      "command_patterns": [
+        "git checkout -b",
+        "git switch -c",
+        "git branch "
+      ],
       "description": "Appears when a new branch is born. Harmless. Almost cheerful.",
       "flavor": "It wanted to come along for the feature."
     },
     "DepGolem": {
       "id": "DepGolem",
-      "display": "📦 DepGolem",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udce6 DepGolem",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 30,
@@ -526,13 +694,25 @@
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": true,
       "trigger_type": "command",
-      "command_patterns": ["pip install", "pip3 install", "npm install", "npm i ", "cargo add", "yarn add", "apt install", "brew install", "poetry add", "uv add", "uv pip install"],
+      "command_patterns": [
+        "pip install",
+        "pip3 install",
+        "npm install",
+        "npm i ",
+        "cargo add",
+        "yarn add",
+        "apt install",
+        "brew install",
+        "poetry add",
+        "uv add",
+        "uv pip install"
+      ],
       "description": "Conjured from the package registry. Brings transitive dependencies.",
       "flavor": "It brought 847 friends."
     },
     "FlakeDemon": {
       "id": "FlakeDemon",
-      "display": "🎲 FlakeDemon",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udfb2 FlakeDemon",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 55,
@@ -555,7 +735,7 @@
     },
     "PhantomPass": {
       "id": "PhantomPass",
-      "display": "✅ PhantomPass",
+      "display": "\u2705 PhantomPass",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "rare",
       "base_strength": 10,
@@ -568,17 +748,17 @@
         "PASSED",
         "All tests passed",
         "tests passed",
-        "✓",
+        "\u2713",
         "\\d+ passed",
         "OK$",
         "SUCCESS"
       ],
-      "description": "Appears only when tests go green after going red. Rare. Fleeting. Cannot be fought — only caught.",
+      "description": "Appears only when tests go green after going red. Rare. Fleeting. Cannot be fought \u2014 only caught.",
       "flavor": "It was hiding in the red all along."
     },
     "TestSpecter": {
       "id": "TestSpecter",
-      "display": "🧪 TestSpecter",
+      "display": "\ud83e\uddea TestSpecter",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 25,
@@ -586,13 +766,19 @@
       "catchable": true,
       "defeatable": true,
       "trigger_type": "test_file",
-      "test_file_patterns": ["\\.test\\.", "_test\\.", "test_", "_spec\\.", "\\.spec\\."],
+      "test_file_patterns": [
+        "\\.test\\.",
+        "_test\\.",
+        "test_",
+        "_spec\\.",
+        "\\.spec\\."
+      ],
       "description": "Haunts test suites. Drawn to assertions. Debuglin gets excited.",
       "flavor": "It wanted to make sure the test was named correctly."
     },
     "ReviewHawk": {
       "id": "ReviewHawk",
-      "display": "🦅 ReviewHawk",
+      "display": "\ud83e\udd85 ReviewHawk",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 40,
@@ -613,7 +799,7 @@
     },
     "TicketGremlin": {
       "id": "TicketGremlin",
-      "display": "🎫 TicketGremlin",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udfab TicketGremlin",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 30,
@@ -636,7 +822,7 @@
     },
     "PermWraith": {
       "id": "PermWraith",
-      "display": "🚫 PermWraith",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udeab PermWraith",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 35,
@@ -660,7 +846,7 @@
     },
     "SudoSprite": {
       "id": "SudoSprite",
-      "display": "🔑 SudoSprite",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd11 SudoSprite",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 20,
@@ -677,12 +863,12 @@
         "sudo chgrp",
         "setfacl "
       ],
-      "description": "Emerges when permissions are corrected. Doesn't fight — it just watches to make sure you chose the right octal.",
+      "description": "Emerges when permissions are corrected. Doesn't fight \u2014 it just watches to make sure you chose the right octal.",
       "flavor": "777 was always the answer. Never the right one."
     },
     "LayerLurker": {
       "id": "LayerLurker",
-      "display": "🐋 LayerLurker",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udc0b LayerLurker",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "common",
       "base_strength": 35,
@@ -704,7 +890,7 @@
     },
     "DiskDemon": {
       "id": "DiskDemon",
-      "display": "💾 DiskDemon",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udcbe DiskDemon",
       "type": "event_encounter",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "base_strength": 50,
@@ -726,132 +912,260 @@
       "flavor": "It's been there since 2019. It's just a log file, you said."
     }
   },
-
   "buddymon": {
     "Pyrobyte": {
       "id": "Pyrobyte",
-      "display": "🔥 Pyrobyte",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd25 Pyrobyte",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "affinity": "Speedrunner",
       "rarity": "starter",
       "description": "Moves fast, thinks faster. Loves tight deadlines and feature sprints.",
-      "discover_trigger": {"type": "starter", "index": 0},
+      "discover_trigger": {
-      "base_stats": {"power": 40, "catch_rate": 0.45, "xp_multiplier": 1.2},
+        "type": "starter",
-      "affinity_bonus_triggers": ["fast_feature", "short_session_win"],
+        "index": 0
+      },
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 40,
+        "catch_rate": 0.45,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.2
+      },
+      "affinity_bonus_triggers": [
+        "fast_feature",
+        "short_session_win"
+      ],
       "challenges": [
-        {"name": "SPEED RUN", "description": "Implement a feature in under 30 minutes", "xp": 280, "difficulty": 3},
+        {
-        {"name": "BLITZ", "description": "Resolve 3 bug monsters in one session", "xp": 350, "difficulty": 4}
+          "name": "SPEED RUN",
+          "description": "Implement a feature in under 30 minutes",
+          "xp": 280,
+          "difficulty": 3
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "BLITZ",
+          "description": "Resolve 3 bug monsters in one session",
+          "xp": 350,
+          "difficulty": 4
+        }
       ],
       "evolutions": [
-        {"level": 10, "into": "Infernus", "requires": "affinity_challenge_x3"}
+        {
+          "level": 100,
+          "into": "Infernus"
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It already committed before you finished reading the issue."
     },
     "Debuglin": {
       "id": "Debuglin",
-      "display": "🔍 Debuglin",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd0d Debuglin",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "affinity": "Tester",
       "rarity": "starter",
       "description": "Patient, methodical, ruthless. Lives for the reproduction case.",
-      "discover_trigger": {"type": "starter", "index": 1},
+      "discover_trigger": {
-      "base_stats": {"power": 35, "catch_rate": 0.60, "xp_multiplier": 1.0},
+        "type": "starter",
-      "affinity_bonus_triggers": ["write_test", "fix_bug_with_test"],
+        "index": 1
+      },
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 35,
+        "catch_rate": 0.6,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.0
+      },
+      "affinity_bonus_triggers": [
+        "write_test",
+        "fix_bug_with_test"
+      ],
       "challenges": [
-        {"name": "IRON TEST", "description": "Write 5 tests in one session", "xp": 300, "difficulty": 2},
+        {
-        {"name": "COVERAGE PUSH", "description": "Increase test coverage in a file", "xp": 250, "difficulty": 2}
+          "name": "IRON TEST",
+          "description": "Write 5 tests in one session",
+          "xp": 300,
+          "difficulty": 2
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "COVERAGE PUSH",
+          "description": "Increase test coverage in a file",
+          "xp": 250,
+          "difficulty": 2
+        }
       ],
       "evolutions": [
-        {"level": 10, "into": "Verifex", "requires": "affinity_challenge_x3"}
+        {
+          "level": 100,
+          "into": "Verifex"
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "The bug isn't found until the test is written."
     },
     "Minimox": {
       "id": "Minimox",
-      "display": "✂️  Minimox",
+      "display": "\u2702\ufe0f  Minimox",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "affinity": "Cleaner",
       "rarity": "starter",
       "description": "Obsessed with fewer lines. Gets uncomfortable around anything over 300 LOC.",
-      "discover_trigger": {"type": "starter", "index": 2},
+      "discover_trigger": {
-      "base_stats": {"power": 30, "catch_rate": 0.50, "xp_multiplier": 1.1},
+        "type": "starter",
-      "affinity_bonus_triggers": ["net_negative_lines", "refactor_session"],
+        "index": 2
+      },
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 30,
+        "catch_rate": 0.5,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.1
+      },
+      "affinity_bonus_triggers": [
+        "net_negative_lines",
+        "refactor_session"
+      ],
       "challenges": [
-        {"name": "CLEAN RUN", "description": "Complete session with zero linter errors", "xp": 340, "difficulty": 2},
+        {
-        {"name": "SHRINK", "description": "Net negative lines of code this session", "xp": 280, "difficulty": 3}
+          "name": "CLEAN RUN",
+          "description": "Complete session with zero linter errors",
+          "xp": 340,
+          "difficulty": 2
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "SHRINK",
+          "description": "Net negative lines of code this session",
+          "xp": 280,
+          "difficulty": 3
+        }
       ],
       "evolutions": [
-        {"level": 10, "into": "Nullex", "requires": "affinity_challenge_x3"}
+        {
+          "level": 100,
+          "into": "Nullex"
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It deleted your comment. It was redundant."
     },
     "Noctara": {
       "id": "Noctara",
-      "display": "🌙 Noctara",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf19 Noctara",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "affinity": "Nocturnal",
       "rarity": "rare",
       "description": "Only appears after 10pm. Mysterious. Gives bonus XP for late-night focus runs.",
-      "discover_trigger": {"type": "late_night_session", "hours_after": 22, "min_hours": 2},
+      "discover_trigger": {
-      "base_stats": {"power": 55, "catch_rate": 0.35, "xp_multiplier": 1.5},
+        "type": "late_night_session",
-      "affinity_bonus_triggers": ["late_night_session", "deep_focus"],
+        "hours_after": 22,
+        "min_hours": 2
+      },
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 55,
+        "catch_rate": 0.35,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.5
+      },
+      "affinity_bonus_triggers": [
+        "late_night_session",
+        "deep_focus"
+      ],
       "challenges": [
-        {"name": "MIDNIGHT RUN", "description": "3-hour session after 10pm", "xp": 500, "difficulty": 4},
+        {
-        {"name": "DAWN COMMIT", "description": "Commit between 2am and 5am", "xp": 400, "difficulty": 3}
+          "name": "MIDNIGHT RUN",
+          "description": "3-hour session after 10pm",
+          "xp": 500,
+          "difficulty": 4
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "DAWN COMMIT",
+          "description": "Commit between 2am and 5am",
+          "xp": 400,
+          "difficulty": 3
+        }
       ],
       "evolutions": [
-        {"level": 15, "into": "Umbravex", "requires": "nocturnal_sessions_x5"}
+        {
+          "level": 15,
+          "into": "Umbravex",
+          "requires": "nocturnal_sessions_x5"
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It remembers everything you wrote at 2am. Everything."
     },
     "Explorah": {
       "id": "Explorah",
-      "display": "🗺️  Explorah",
+      "display": "\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f  Explorah",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "affinity": "Explorer",
       "rarity": "uncommon",
       "description": "Discovered when you touch a new language for the first time. Thrives on novelty.",
-      "discover_trigger": {"type": "new_language"},
+      "discover_trigger": {
-      "base_stats": {"power": 45, "catch_rate": 0.50, "xp_multiplier": 1.2},
+        "type": "new_language"
-      "affinity_bonus_triggers": ["new_language", "new_library", "touch_new_module"],
+      },
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 45,
+        "catch_rate": 0.5,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.2
+      },
+      "affinity_bonus_triggers": [
+        "new_language",
+        "new_library",
+        "touch_new_module"
+      ],
       "challenges": [
-        {"name": "EXPEDITION", "description": "Touch 3 different modules in one session", "xp": 260, "difficulty": 2},
+        {
-        {"name": "POLYGLOT", "description": "Write in 2 different languages in one session", "xp": 380, "difficulty": 4}
+          "name": "EXPEDITION",
+          "description": "Touch 3 different modules in one session",
+          "xp": 260,
+          "difficulty": 2
+        },
+        {
+          "name": "POLYGLOT",
+          "description": "Write in 2 different languages in one session",
+          "xp": 380,
+          "difficulty": 4
+        }
       ],
       "evolutions": [
-        {"level": 12, "into": "Wandervex", "requires": "new_languages_x5"}
+        {
+          "level": 12,
+          "into": "Wandervex",
+          "requires": "new_languages_x5"
+        }
       ],
       "flavor": "It's already halfway through the new framework docs."
     }
   },
-
   "evolutions": {
     "Infernus": {
       "id": "Infernus",
-      "display": "🌋 Infernus",
+      "display": "\ud83c\udf0b Infernus",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "evolves_from": "Pyrobyte",
       "affinity": "Speedrunner",
       "description": "Evolved form of Pyrobyte. Moves at dangerous speeds.",
-      "base_stats": {"power": 70, "catch_rate": 0.55, "xp_multiplier": 1.5}
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 70,
+        "catch_rate": 0.55,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.5
+      }
     },
     "Verifex": {
       "id": "Verifex",
-      "display": "🔬 Verifex",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd2c Verifex",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "evolves_from": "Debuglin",
       "affinity": "Tester",
       "description": "Evolved form of Debuglin. Sees the bug before the code is even written.",
-      "base_stats": {"power": 60, "catch_rate": 0.75, "xp_multiplier": 1.3}
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 60,
+        "catch_rate": 0.75,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.3
+      }
     },
     "Nullex": {
       "id": "Nullex",
-      "display": "🕳️  Nullex",
+      "display": "\ud83d\udd73\ufe0f  Nullex",
       "type": "buddymon",
       "evolves_from": "Minimox",
       "affinity": "Cleaner",
       "description": "Evolved form of Minimox. Has achieved true minimalism. The file was always one function.",
-      "base_stats": {"power": 55, "catch_rate": 0.65, "xp_multiplier": 1.4}
+      "base_stats": {
+        "power": 55,
+        "catch_rate": 0.65,
+        "xp_multiplier": 1.4
+      }
     }
   }
 }

skills/buddymon/SKILL.md

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ Parse `$ARGUMENTS` (trim whitespace, lowercase the first word) and dispatch:
 | `fight` | Fight active encounter |
 | `catch` | Catch active encounter |
 | `roster` | Full roster view |
+| `evolve` | Evolve active buddy (available at Lv.100) |
 | `statusline` | Install Buddymon statusline into settings.json |
 | `help` | Show command list |
 
@@ -117,12 +118,57 @@ Greet them and explain the encounter system.
 
 ## `assign <name>` — Assign Buddy
 
+Assignment is **per-session** — each Claude Code window can have its own buddy.
+It writes to the session state file only, not the global default.
+
 Fuzzy-match `<name>` against owned Buddymon (case-insensitive, partial).
 If ambiguous, list matches and ask which.
 If no name given, list roster and ask.
 
-On match, update `active.json` (buddy_id, reset session_xp, set challenge).
+On match, show challenge proposal with Accept / Decline / Reroll, then write:
-Show challenge proposal with Accept / Decline / Reroll.
+
+```python
+import json, os, random
+from pathlib import Path
+
+BUDDYMON_DIR = Path.home() / ".claude" / "buddymon"
+PLUGIN_ROOT = os.environ.get("CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT", "")
+catalog = json.load(open(f"{PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/catalog.json"))
+
+SESSION_KEY = str(os.getpgrp())
+SESSION_FILE = BUDDYMON_DIR / "sessions" / f"{SESSION_KEY}.json"
+SESSION_FILE.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+roster = json.load(open(BUDDYMON_DIR / "roster.json"))
+
+buddy_id = "Debuglin"  # replace with matched buddy id
+buddy_catalog = (catalog.get("buddymon", {}).get(buddy_id)
+                 or catalog.get("evolutions", {}).get(buddy_id) or {})
+challenges = buddy_catalog.get("challenges", [])
+
+# Load or init session state
+try:
+    session_state = json.load(open(SESSION_FILE))
+except Exception:
+    session_state = {}
+
+session_state["buddymon_id"] = buddy_id
+session_state["session_xp"] = 0
+session_state["challenge"] = random.choice(challenges) if challenges else None
+
+json.dump(session_state, open(SESSION_FILE, "w"), indent=2)
+
+# Also update global default so new sessions inherit this assignment
+active = {}
+try:
+    active = json.load(open(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json"))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+active["buddymon_id"] = buddy_id
+json.dump(active, open(BUDDYMON_DIR / "active.json", "w"), indent=2)
+```
+
+Show challenge proposal with Accept / Decline / Reroll (updating `session_state["challenge"]` accordingly).
 
 ---
 
@@ -303,6 +349,100 @@ Read `roster.json` → `language_affinities`. Skip this section if empty.
 
 ---
 
+## `evolve` — Evolve Buddy (Prestige)
+
+Evolution is available when the active buddy is **Lv.100** (total XP ≥ 9,900).
+Evolving resets the buddy to Lv.1 in their new form — but the evolved form has
+higher base stats and a better XP multiplier, so the second climb is faster.
+
+Read state and check eligibility:
+
+```python
+import json, os
+
+BUDDYMON_DIR = os.path.expanduser("~/.claude/buddymon")
+PLUGIN_ROOT = os.environ.get("CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT", "")
+catalog = json.load(open(f"{PLUGIN_ROOT}/lib/catalog.json"))
+
+active = json.load(open(f"{BUDDYMON_DIR}/active.json"))
+roster = json.load(open(f"{BUDDYMON_DIR}/roster.json"))
+
+buddy_id = active.get("buddymon_id")
+owned = roster.get("owned", {})
+buddy_data = owned.get(buddy_id, {})
+level = buddy_data.get("level", 1)
+total_xp = buddy_data.get("xp", 0)
+
+# Check evolution entry in catalog
+catalog_entry = catalog.get("buddymon", {}).get(buddy_id) or catalog.get("evolutions", {}).get(buddy_id)
+evolutions = catalog_entry.get("evolutions", []) if catalog_entry else []
+evolution = next((e for e in evolutions if level >= e.get("level", 999)), None)
+```
+
+If `evolution` is None or level < 100: show current level and XP toward 100, no evolution available yet.
+
+If eligible, show evolution preview:
+
+```
+╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
+║  ✨ Evolution Ready!                                    ║
+╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
+║                                                          ║
+║  🔍 Debuglin  Lv.100  →  🔬 Verifex                   ║
+║                                                          ║
+║  Verifex: Sees the bug before the code is even written. ║
+║  catch_rate: 0.60 → 0.75  ·  xp_multiplier: 1.0 → 1.3 ║
+║                                                          ║
+║  ⚠️  Resets to Lv.1. Your caught monsters stay.        ║
+║                                                          ║
+╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
+Evolve? (y/n)
+```
+
+On confirm, execute the evolution:
+
+```python
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+
+into_id = evolution["into"]
+into_data = catalog["evolutions"][into_id]
+
+# Archive old form with evolution marker
+owned[buddy_id]["evolved_into"] = into_id
+owned[buddy_id]["evolved_at"] = datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()
+
+# Create new form entry at Lv.1
+owned[into_id] = {
+    "id": into_id,
+    "display": into_data["display"],
+    "affinity": into_data.get("affinity", catalog_entry.get("affinity", "")),
+    "level": 1,
+    "xp": 0,
+    "evolved_from": buddy_id,
+    "evolved_at": datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat(),
+}
+
+# Carry challenges forward from original form
+challenges = catalog_entry.get("challenges") or into_data.get("challenges", [])
+roster["owned"] = owned
+json.dump(roster, open(f"{BUDDYMON_DIR}/roster.json", "w"), indent=2)
+
+# Update active to point to evolved form
+active["buddymon_id"] = into_id
+active["session_xp"] = 0
+active["challenge"] = challenges[0] if challenges else None
+json.dump(active, open(f"{BUDDYMON_DIR}/active.json", "w"), indent=2)
+```
+
+Show result:
+```
+✨ Debuglin evolved into 🔬 Verifex!
+   Starting fresh at Lv.1 — the second climb is faster.
+   New challenge: IRON TEST
+```
+
+---
+
 ## `statusline` — Install Buddymon Statusline
 
 Installs the Buddymon statusline into `~/.claude/settings.json`.