diff --git a/src/app.css b/src/app.css
index 721760f..7b14ae8 100644
--- a/src/app.css
+++ b/src/app.css
@@ -108,6 +108,100 @@ button:disabled {
 	background: #fff;
 }
 
+/* The smaller reveal used in forms and slips. Qualified with the element so it
+   outranks a component's scoped `.small` text rule on the same button. */
+button.reveal.small {
+	padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
+	font-size: 1rem;
+}
+
+/* A secondary action: an outlined button or link. */
+.quiet {
+	background: none;
+	border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
+	border-radius: 4px;
+	padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
+	white-space: nowrap;
+	color: var(--bone);
+	text-decoration: none;
+	line-height: 1.55;
+}
+
+.quiet:hover:not(:disabled) {
+	border-color: var(--bone);
+}
+
+/* The page head on the play and join pages: title and standfirst on the left, actions on the right. */
+.masthead {
+	display: flex;
+	align-items: flex-start;
+	justify-content: space-between;
+	gap: 1rem;
+	padding: 1rem var(--gutter) 0.6rem;
+	max-width: 1280px;
+	margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+.masthead h1 {
+	font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 2.7rem);
+	font-weight: 300;
+	font-variation-settings: 'opsz' 144;
+	letter-spacing: -0.01em;
+}
+
+.standfirst {
+	max-width: 38em;
+	color: var(--bone-dim);
+	margin-top: 0.4rem;
+}
+
+.standfirst em {
+	color: var(--bone);
+}
+
+.masthead .actions {
+	display: flex;
+	flex-wrap: wrap;
+	gap: 0.5rem;
+	flex-shrink: 0;
+	min-width: 0;
+	max-width: 100%;
+}
+
+.colophon {
+	max-width: 1280px;
+	margin: 0 auto;
+	padding: 2rem var(--gutter) 3rem;
+	color: var(--bone-faint);
+	font-size: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+.colophon a {
+	color: var(--frost);
+}
+
+/* Must match COMPACT_QUERY in duel.svelte.ts. The extra foot padding clears MobileBar. */
+@media (max-width: 860px) {
+	.masthead {
+		flex-direction: column;
+	}
+
+	.colophon {
+		padding-bottom: 6rem;
+	}
+}
+
+/* A modal backdrop that centres its dialog. */
+.scrim {
+	position: fixed;
+	inset: 0;
+	z-index: 20;
+	background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55);
+	display: grid;
+	place-items: center;
+	padding: 16px;
+}
+
 /* An italic prompt beside a control, e.g. "at" before a target list. */
 .field {
 	display: inline-flex;
diff --git a/src/lib/components/About.svelte b/src/lib/components/About.svelte
index 505b7ab..f172e35 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/About.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/About.svelte
@@ -10,10 +10,10 @@
 </script>
 
 <script lang="ts">
-	// The about panel: the game's story, its keeping and its company, a tab
-	// at a time rather than one long page. Opened from the hall's "about this
-	// game" link (and #about); closes with its button, a click outside it, or
-	// Escape. The tab last read is the one it reopens on.
+	// A tabbed modal for the about content. Opened from the landing page's
+	// "about this game" link or the #about hash; closes on its button, a click
+	// on the backdrop, or Escape. Keeps the last-read tab while mounted, so
+	// reopening shows it.
 	import { tick } from 'svelte';
 
 	let { open = $bindable(false), tabs, title }: { open?: boolean; tabs: AboutTab[]; title: string } = $props();
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 <svelte:window onkeydown={onKey} />
 
 {#if open}
-	<div class="about-scrim" role="presentation" onclick={(ev) => ev.target === ev.currentTarget && (open = false)}>
+	<div class="scrim" role="presentation" onclick={(ev) => ev.target === ev.currentTarget && (open = false)}>
 		<div class="panel" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" aria-labelledby="about-title">
 			<header>
 				<h2 id="about-title">{title}</h2>
@@ -71,16 +71,6 @@
 {/if}
 
 <style>
-	/* Its own backdrop: not every game has another dialog to share one with. */
-	.about-scrim {
-		position: fixed;
-		inset: 0;
-		z-index: 20;
-		background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55);
-		display: grid;
-		place-items: center;
-		padding: 16px;
-	}
 	.panel {
 		width: min(100%, 44rem);
 		max-height: 100%;
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Announcement.svelte b/src/lib/components/Announcement.svelte
index 18f343f..3705edb 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Announcement.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Announcement.svelte
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 <script lang="ts">
-	// The host's announcement, shown by every game of Kestrel's Hall: the keeper
-	// writes /var/lib/hall/announcement.json on the host (hall-announce), and each
-	// game's site serves it at /hall/announcement.json. It is checked when the page
-	// loads, every few minutes, and whenever the page is looked at again. A reader
-	// may dismiss one announcement; the next one still shows.
+	// The site-family announcement, shown by every game: the maintainer writes
+	// /var/lib/hall/announcement.json on the host (hall-announce), and each game's
+	// site serves it at /hall/announcement.json. It is fetched on load, every few
+	// minutes, and whenever the tab becomes visible again. Dismissal is per
+	// announcement id, so the next one still shows.
 	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 
 	interface Announcement {
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@
 {/if}
 
 <style>
-	/* Its own colors, not the game's: the same notice reads the same in every game of the hall. */
+	/* Fixed colours rather than the game's tokens, so the notice looks the same on every site that shows it. */
 	.hall-announcement {
 		position: sticky;
 		top: 0;
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Board.svelte b/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
index 63497dc..c706ee2 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@
 	const foeMonsters = $derived(duel.state.monsters.filter((m) => m.owner !== duel.me));
 	const outcome = $derived(duel.state.over);
 	const won = $derived(outcome?.winner === duel.me);
-	/** Past three wizards the rail lists the others on a line each. */
+	/** With three or more opponents the rail shows a one-line roster instead of a status card each. */
 	const crowded = $derived(duel.others.length >= 3);
-	/** The button's word for what the player is about to do. */
+	/** The seal button's label for the current state. */
 	const sealLabel = $derived(
 		duel.moved ? 'Waiting' : duel.sending ? 'Sending' : duel.surrendering ? 'Surrender' : duel.timeStopped ? 'Act in the stopped moment' : 'Seal the turn'
 	);
@@ -275,260 +275,260 @@
 
 <style>
 	details.next summary {
-			cursor: pointer;
-			list-style: none;
-		}
+		cursor: pointer;
+		list-style: none;
+	}
 
 	details.next summary::before {
-			content: '\25B8 ';
-			color: var(--bone-faint);
-		}
+		content: '\25B8 ';
+		color: var(--bone-faint);
+	}
 
 	details.next[open] summary::before {
-			content: '\25BE ';
-		}
+		content: '\25BE ';
+	}
 
 	.board {
-			display: grid;
-			grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(280px, 360px);
-			gap: 0 clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
-			padding: 0 var(--gutter);
-			max-width: 1280px;
-			margin: 0 auto;
-		}
+		display: grid;
+		grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(280px, 360px);
+		gap: 0 clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
+		padding: 0 var(--gutter);
+		max-width: 1280px;
+		margin: 0 auto;
+	}
 
 	.play {
-			min-width: 0;
-		}
+		min-width: 0;
+	}
 
 	.rail {
-			min-width: 0;
-		}
+		min-width: 0;
+	}
 
 	.dot {
-			display: inline-block;
-			width: 0.5rem;
-			height: 0.5rem;
-			border-radius: 50%;
-			margin-right: 0.3rem;
-			vertical-align: baseline;
-		}
+		display: inline-block;
+		width: 0.5rem;
+		height: 0.5rem;
+		border-radius: 50%;
+		margin-right: 0.3rem;
+		vertical-align: baseline;
+	}
 
 	.intent {
-			margin: 0.6rem 0 0.2rem;
-			font-style: italic;
-			color: var(--bone);
-		}
+		margin: 0.6rem 0 0.2rem;
+		font-style: italic;
+		color: var(--bone);
+	}
 
 	.move {
-			padding: 0.6rem 0 1.5rem;
-		}
+		padding: 0.6rem 0 1.5rem;
+	}
 
 	.move h2 {
-			font-size: 1.3rem;
-			margin-bottom: 0.3rem;
-		}
+		font-size: 1.3rem;
+		margin-bottom: 0.3rem;
+	}
 
 	.threats {
-			font-size: 0.9rem;
-			margin-bottom: 0.7rem;
-		}
+		font-size: 0.9rem;
+		margin-bottom: 0.7rem;
+	}
 
 	.threats ul {
-			list-style: none;
-			margin: 0.15rem 0 0.4rem;
-			padding: 0;
-			display: flex;
-			flex-wrap: wrap;
-			gap: 0.3rem 0.5rem;
-		}
+		list-style: none;
+		margin: 0.15rem 0 0.4rem;
+		padding: 0;
+		display: flex;
+		flex-wrap: wrap;
+		gap: 0.3rem 0.5rem;
+	}
 
 	.threat {
-			background: var(--slate);
-			border: 1px solid transparent;
-			border-radius: 3px;
-			padding: 0.15rem 0.5rem;
-			display: inline-flex;
-			gap: 0.5rem;
-			align-items: baseline;
-			color: var(--bone-dim);
-		}
+		background: var(--slate);
+		border: 1px solid transparent;
+		border-radius: 3px;
+		padding: 0.15rem 0.5rem;
+		display: inline-flex;
+		gap: 0.5rem;
+		align-items: baseline;
+		color: var(--bone-dim);
+	}
 
 	.threat.soon {
-			color: var(--bone);
-		}
+		color: var(--bone);
+	}
 
 	.threat:hover,
-		.threat.active {
-			border-color: var(--frost);
-		}
+	.threat.active {
+		border-color: var(--frost);
+	}
 
 	.threat.active {
-			background: rgba(140, 200, 224, 0.12);
-		}
+		background: rgba(140, 200, 224, 0.12);
+	}
 
 	.thand {
-			font-style: italic;
-			font-size: 0.8rem;
-		}
+		font-style: italic;
+		font-size: 0.8rem;
+	}
 
 	.tseq {
-			letter-spacing: 0.04em;
-		}
+		letter-spacing: 0.04em;
+	}
 
 	.tseq strong {
-			font-weight: 600;
-			color: var(--ember);
-		}
+		font-weight: 600;
+		color: var(--ember);
+	}
 
 	.prefs {
-			display: flex;
-			flex-wrap: wrap;
-			gap: 0.3rem 1.5rem;
-			margin-top: 0.7rem;
-		}
+		display: flex;
+		flex-wrap: wrap;
+		gap: 0.3rem 1.5rem;
+		margin-top: 0.7rem;
+	}
 
 	.pref {
-			display: flex;
-			gap: 0.4rem;
-			align-items: center;
-			font-size: 0.85rem;
-			color: var(--bone-dim);
-		}
+		display: flex;
+		gap: 0.4rem;
+		align-items: center;
+		font-size: 0.85rem;
+		color: var(--bone-dim);
+	}
 
 	.hands {
-			display: grid;
-			grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
-			gap: 1.25rem 2rem;
-		}
+		display: grid;
+		grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
+		gap: 1.25rem 2rem;
+	}
 
 	.orders {
-			display: flex;
-			flex-wrap: wrap;
-			gap: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
-			margin-top: 0.9rem;
-		}
+		display: flex;
+		flex-wrap: wrap;
+		gap: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
+		margin-top: 0.9rem;
+	}
 
 	.warning {
-			color: var(--blood);
-			margin-top: 0.8rem;
-		}
+		color: var(--blood);
+		margin-top: 0.8rem;
+	}
 
 	.haste-note {
-			color: var(--frost);
-			font-size: 0.95rem;
-			margin: 1rem 0 0.6rem;
-		}
+		color: var(--frost);
+		font-size: 0.95rem;
+		margin: 1rem 0 0.6rem;
+	}
 
-	/* Your hands, framed apart from the ledger's columns above them. */
+	/* Box the hand pickers so they read apart from the ledger table above. */
 	.hands {
-			background: var(--slate);
-			border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-			border-radius: 6px;
-			padding: 0.7rem 0.9rem 0.9rem;
-		}
+		background: var(--slate);
+		border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
+		border-radius: 6px;
+		padding: 0.7rem 0.9rem 0.9rem;
+	}
 
-	/* The turn about to be sealed, kept in view while the hands and orders scroll. */
+	/* Sticky at the foot so the chosen pair and the seal button stay in view while the pickers scroll. */
 	.commit {
-			position: sticky;
-			bottom: 0;
-			z-index: 4;
-			display: grid;
-			grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr) auto;
-			align-items: center;
-			gap: 0.4rem 1rem;
-			margin-top: 0.9rem;
-			padding: 0.6rem 0.2rem;
-			background: var(--slate-deep);
-			border-top: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-		}
+		position: sticky;
+		bottom: 0;
+		z-index: 4;
+		display: grid;
+		grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr) auto;
+		align-items: center;
+		gap: 0.4rem 1rem;
+		margin-top: 0.9rem;
+		padding: 0.6rem 0.2rem;
+		background: var(--slate-deep);
+		border-top: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
+	}
 
 	.pair {
-			display: flex;
-			flex-direction: column;
-			gap: 0.1rem;
-		}
+		display: flex;
+		flex-direction: column;
+		gap: 0.1rem;
+	}
 
 	.hand-pair {
-			display: flex;
-			align-items: baseline;
-			gap: 0.35rem;
-		}
+		display: flex;
+		align-items: baseline;
+		gap: 0.35rem;
+	}
 
 	.which {
-			font-size: 0.75rem;
-			font-style: italic;
-			color: var(--bone-faint);
-		}
+		font-size: 0.75rem;
+		font-style: italic;
+		color: var(--bone-faint);
+	}
 
 	.pair .letter {
-			font-size: 1.5rem;
-			min-width: 1ch;
-		}
+		font-size: 1.5rem;
+		min-width: 1ch;
+	}
 
 	.pair .letter.empty {
-			color: var(--bone-faint);
-		}
+		color: var(--bone-faint);
+	}
 
 	.notes p {
-			margin: 0;
-		}
+		margin: 0;
+	}
 
 	.notes p + p {
-			margin-top: 0.2rem;
-		}
+		margin-top: 0.2rem;
+	}
 
 	.keys {
-			font-size: 0.8rem;
-		}
+		font-size: 0.8rem;
+	}
 
 	.verdict {
-			padding: 1.5rem 0;
-		}
+		padding: 1.5rem 0;
+	}
 
 	.verdict h2 {
-			font-size: 2rem;
-			font-style: italic;
-			color: var(--blood);
-		}
+		font-size: 2rem;
+		font-style: italic;
+		color: var(--blood);
+	}
 
 	.verdict.won h2 {
-			color: var(--ember);
-		}
+		color: var(--ember);
+	}
 
 	.verdict p {
-			margin: 0.3rem 0 0.8rem;
-			color: var(--bone-dim);
-		}
+		margin: 0.3rem 0 0.8rem;
+		color: var(--bone-dim);
+	}
 
 	/* Must match COMPACT_QUERY in duel.svelte.ts. */
 	@media (max-width: 860px) {
 		.board {
-					grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
-				}
-	
-		/* On phones the bar at the foot of the screen carries the pair and the button. */
-				.commit {
-					position: static;
-					grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
-					border-top: 0;
-				}
+			grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
+		}
+
+		/* Narrow screens: MobileBar carries the pair and the button instead. */
+		.commit {
+			position: static;
+			grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
+			border-top: 0;
+		}
+
+		.commit .pair,
+		.commit .reveal,
+		.keys {
+			display: none;
+		}
 
-				.commit .pair,
-				.commit .reveal,
-				.keys {
-					display: none;
-				}
-	
 		.rail {
-					order: 2;
-					border-top: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-					margin-top: 1rem;
-				}
-	
+			order: 2;
+			border-top: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
+			margin-top: 1rem;
+		}
+
 		.hands {
-					grid-template-columns: 1fr;
-				}
+			grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+		}
 	}
 
 	.waiting {
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Hall.svelte b/src/lib/components/Hall.svelte
index 646b34b..33901b9 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Hall.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Hall.svelte
@@ -18,37 +18,37 @@
 	$effect(() => {
 		if (location.hash === '#about') aboutOpen = true;
 	});
-	/** The ledgers' tally, fetched when the about panel opens. */
+	/** Site-wide statistics, fetched the first time the about panel opens. */
 	let tally = $state<Tally | null>(null);
 	$effect(() => {
 		if (aboutOpen && !tally) api.tally().then((t) => (tally = t)).catch(() => (tally = null));
 	});
 	const hours = (minutes: number) => (minutes < 90 ? `${minutes} minutes` : `${Math.round(minutes / 60)} hours`);
 
-	/** The tally as the about panel tells it: this game's own story on cards, the rest in detail. */
+	/** The tally split for the about panel: headline figures for the cards, every other count as a detail line. */
 	const told = $derived.by(() => {
 		const t = tally;
 		if (!t) return null;
-		
+
 		const headline = [
 			{ n: t.gamesFinished, label: t.gamesFinished === 1 ? 'duel fought to a finish' : 'duels fought to a finish' },
 			{ n: t.byGame['duels won with every rival slain'] ?? 0, label: 'won with every rival slain' },
 			{ n: t.byGame["duels won by a rival's surrender"] ?? 0, label: "won by a rival's surrender" },
 			{ n: hours(t.minutesAtTable), label: 'at the table' }
 		];
-		const told = new Set<string>(['duels won with every rival slain', "duels won by a rival's surrender"]);
+		const onCards = new Set<string>(['duels won with every rival slain', "duels won by a rival's surrender"]);
 		const details = [
 			{ n: t.gamesBegun, label: `duels begun, at ${t.tablesOpened} ${t.tablesOpened === 1 ? 'table' : 'tables'}` },
 			{ n: t.namesSeated, label: t.namesSeated === 1 ? 'name has taken a seat' : 'names have taken a seat' },
 			{ n: t.turnsPlayed, label: `turns of gestures written; ${t.longestGameTurns} in the longest duel` },
 			{ n: t.gamesWithBot, label: `duels with the bot seated` },
 			...(t.talkLines ? [{ n: t.talkLines, label: t.talkLines === 1 ? 'line of table talk' : 'lines of table talk' }] : []),
-			...Object.entries(t.byGame).filter(([label]) => !told.has(label)).map(([label, n]) => ({ n, label }))
+			...Object.entries(t.byGame).filter(([label]) => !onCards.has(label)).map(([label, n]) => ({ n, label }))
 		];
 		const first = t.firstGameAt ? `The first duel began ${new Date(t.firstGameAt).toLocaleDateString(undefined, { year: 'numeric', month: 'long', day: 'numeric' })}. ` : '';
 		return { headline, details, note: `${first}The count is of names, so one player under two names is two here. Table time counts only the minutes between reveals, so a duel left open overnight adds nothing for the night.` };
 	});
-	/** The other games of Kestrel's Hall, for the about panel. */
+	/** The sibling games listed in the about panel, and the family's landing page. */
 	let family = $state<FamilyGame[]>([]);
 	let hall = $state('');
 	$effect(() => {
@@ -57,12 +57,12 @@
 			hall = f.hall;
 		});
 	});
-	/** Reports this browser's seats have filed, with the keeper's replies. */
+	/** Bug reports filed from this browser's seats, with the maintainer's replies. */
 	let reports = $state<Report[]>([]);
 	let answers = $state<Record<string, string>>({});
 	let answerError = $state('');
 
-	// The desk is asked once per visit for every seat this browser holds.
+	// Fetch the reports for every held seat; re-runs when the held seats change.
 	$effect(() => {
 		const held = seats;
 		if (!held.length) return;
@@ -85,13 +85,12 @@
 		}
 	}
 
-	/** The single-player duel saved in this browser, if one is under way. */
+	/** The offline game saved in this browser, if one is unfinished. */
 	const local = $derived(duel.inProgress ? duel : null);
 	const ready = $derived(name.trim().length > 0);
 
-	// Each held seat is looked up once, so the ledger can say whose move it
-	// is. A seat the server refuses outright is doubted; a second refusal in
-	// a row forgets it. Silence (a restart, a stale answer) forgets nothing.
+	// Each held seat is fetched once so the list can say whose move it is. A 403 or 404 marks
+	// the seat doubtful, and a second refusal in a row drops it; a network failure changes nothing.
 	$effect(() => {
 		for (const held of seats) {
 			if (held.roomId in games) continue;
@@ -111,7 +110,7 @@
 	let phrase = $state('');
 	let claiming = $state(false);
 
-	/** Bring a seat from another device by the phrase it minted. */
+	/** Claim a seat transferred from another device, by its transfer phrase. */
 	async function claim(e: SubmitEvent) {
 		e.preventDefault();
 		claiming = true;
@@ -167,7 +166,7 @@
 		if (c) void goto(`/join/${c}`);
 	}
 
-	/** A duel in play asks before it is forgotten: this browser may be the only thing that holds the seat. */
+	/** Forgetting an unfinished game asks first: this browser's token may be the only copy of the seat. */
 	let forgetting = $state<string | null>(null);
 	function forget(roomId: string) {
 		if (!games[roomId]?.state?.over && forgetting !== roomId) {
@@ -195,7 +194,7 @@
 		return `waiting on ${g.waitingOn.map((id) => g.state!.wizards[id].name).join(', ')} · ${turn}`;
 	}
 
-	/** Lines of table talk said since this browser last looked in. */
+	/** Chat lines posted since this browser last opened the room. */
 	function unread(held: { roomId: string }): number {
 		const g = games[held.roomId];
 		return g ? unreadTalk(held.roomId, g.chat.length) : 0;
@@ -206,7 +205,7 @@
 		return !!g?.state && !g.state.over && g.waitingOn.includes(held.seat);
 	}
 
-	/* A few turns of a duel, as the ledger writes them. */
+	/** Fixed sample rows for the illustration table. */
 	const sample = [
 		{ turn: 1, a: ['W', 'S'], b: ['P', 'W'], notes: { b0: 'Shield' } },
 		{ turn: 2, a: ['W', 'D'], b: ['P', 'D'], notes: { a1: 'Missile', b0: 'Shield' } },
@@ -332,7 +331,7 @@
 		</div>
 	{/if}
 
-	<!-- The about panel, a tab at a time: its sections are written here, in the game's own words. -->
+	<!-- The about panel's tabs. Their copy is this game's own, in its in-world voice by design. -->
 	{#snippet aboutGame()}
 		<div class="about-body">
 			<p>Waving Hands is Richard Bartle's game from 1977, played with pencil, paper and two hands. It was later known as Spellbinder and Spellcaster, and Andrew Plotkin's <em>Spellcast</em> brought it to university X terminals in 1993, which is where the maker of this page first met it.</p>
@@ -500,18 +499,6 @@
 		font-weight: 600;
 	}
 
-	.quiet {
-		background: none;
-		border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-		border-radius: 4px;
-		padding: 0.45rem 0.9rem;
-		color: var(--bone);
-	}
-
-	.quiet:hover:not(:disabled) {
-		border-color: var(--bone);
-	}
-
 	.warning {
 		color: var(--blood);
 	}
@@ -576,7 +563,7 @@
 		text-align: center;
 	}
 
-	/* the games ledger */
+	/* The list of held seats, and the reports under it. */
 	.ledger {
 		grid-area: ledger;
 		border-top: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
@@ -686,7 +673,7 @@
 		color: var(--ember);
 	}
 
-	/* The question takes a line of its own under the duel on a narrow screen. */
+	/* The confirmation wraps onto its own line when the row is narrow. */
 	.ledger-row.asking {
 		flex-wrap: wrap;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/components/ReportSlip.svelte b/src/lib/components/ReportSlip.svelte
index 9933747..38794a3 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/ReportSlip.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/ReportSlip.svelte
@@ -88,16 +88,6 @@
 {/if}
 
 <style>
-	.scrim {
-		position: fixed;
-		inset: 0;
-		z-index: 20;
-		background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55);
-		display: grid;
-		place-items: center;
-		padding: 16px;
-	}
-
 	.slip {
 		width: min(100%, 30rem);
 		max-height: 100%;
@@ -168,11 +158,6 @@
 		margin-top: 0.9rem;
 	}
 
-	.reveal.small {
-		padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
-		font-size: 1rem;
-	}
-
 	.link {
 		background: none;
 		border: 0;
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte b/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
index a86ff14..e4aa59d 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
-	// A crowded table's rail: every other wizard on one line, with the one
-	// you are looking at opened out. Your own panel stays in full above.
+	// The rail for three or more opponents: each on one line, with the focused
+	// one expanded. The player's own status card stays above in full.
 	import WizardStatus from './WizardStatus.svelte';
 	import type { Duel } from '$lib/game/duel.svelte';
 	import { seatColor } from '$lib/game/colors';
diff --git a/src/lib/components/SeatsSlip.svelte b/src/lib/components/SeatsSlip.svelte
index e6bd0f4..6b99e9f 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/SeatsSlip.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/SeatsSlip.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
-	// The host's hand on the other seats during a duel: a transfer phrase for a
-	// wizard whose browser lost their seat, and a bot to duel in the seat of one
-	// who cannot go on, until a phrase gives it back.
+	// Host-only controls over the other seats during a game: a transfer phrase
+	// for a player whose browser lost its seat, and handing a seat to a bot until
+	// a phrase claims it back.
 	import type { Duel } from '$lib/game/duel.svelte';
 	import type { WizardId } from '$lib/game/state';
 
@@ -80,15 +80,9 @@
 {/if}
 
 <style>
+	/* A definite row, so the slip's max-height resolves and it scrolls instead of overflowing the viewport. */
 	.scrim {
-		position: fixed;
-		inset: 0;
-		z-index: 20;
-		background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55);
-		display: grid;
 		grid-template-rows: minmax(0, 1fr);
-		place-items: center;
-		padding: 16px;
 	}
 
 	.slip {
diff --git a/src/lib/components/TableTalk.svelte b/src/lib/components/TableTalk.svelte
index 3147e03..eb77176 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/TableTalk.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/TableTalk.svelte
@@ -7,12 +7,12 @@
 	const remote = $derived(duel.remote);
 	const lines = $derived(remote?.chat ?? []);
 	let draft = $state('');
-	/** The gallery signs its lines; the name is the one the hall remembers. */
+	/** Spectators sign their lines; the default is the name saved in local storage. */
 	let galleryName = $state(playerName());
 	let sending = $state(false);
 	let list = $state<HTMLElement | null>(null);
 
-	// New talk scrolls into view, as at any table.
+	// Keep the list scrolled to the newest line.
 	$effect(() => {
 		void lines.length;
 		void tick().then(() => {
@@ -128,14 +128,6 @@
 		flex: 0 1 8rem;
 	}
 
-	.quiet {
-		background: none;
-		border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-		border-radius: 4px;
-		padding: 0.3rem 0.8rem;
-		color: var(--bone);
-	}
-
 	.quiet:disabled {
 		opacity: 0.5;
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Tally.svelte b/src/lib/components/Tally.svelte
index 0282718..101954e 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Tally.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Tally.svelte
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script lang="ts" module>
-	/** One count told: the number, and what it counts. */
+	/** One statistic: the figure and its label. */
 	export interface TallyLine {
 		n: number | string;
 		label: string;
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@
 </script>
 
 <script lang="ts">
-	// What the ledgers add up to: a few counts that are the game's own story,
-	// large, on cards; then the rest in a column of figures; then the fine
-	// print. Each game chooses its counts and words.
+	// A statistics panel: a few headline counts on large cards, the rest in a
+	// two-column list, then an optional note. The caller supplies the counts
+	// and their labels.
 	let { headline, details, note, title = 'What the ledgers add up to' }: { headline: TallyLine[]; details: TallyLine[]; note?: string; title?: string } =
 		$props();
 
diff --git a/src/lib/family.ts b/src/lib/family.ts
index 596072d..f7cd8e7 100644
--- a/src/lib/family.ts
+++ b/src/lib/family.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
-// The other games of Kestrel's Hall, from the family list the kit keeps
-// (family.json, one copy shipped with every game), so a player who liked one
-// table can find the next, and the hall's front door. This game is left out
-// of its own list.
+// The sibling games, from the family list the kit ships (family.json, one copy
+// per game), so a player can find the next game and the family's landing page.
+// This game is left out of its own list.
 
 export interface FamilyGame {
 	slug: string;
@@ -12,7 +11,7 @@ export interface FamilyGame {
 	origin: string;
 }
 
-/** The family list: the hall's front door and every game but this one. */
+/** The family list: the landing page's URL and every game but this one. */
 export interface Family {
 	hall: string;
 	games: FamilyGame[];
diff --git a/src/lib/game/client.ts b/src/lib/game/client.ts
index 31f63ab..6e1e5ab 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/client.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/client.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ function heldSeats(): Record<string, HeldSeat> {
 	}
 }
 
-/** A seat the keeper sent in a link, `#seat=<seat>.<token>`: a fragment stays in the browser, out of every log. */
+/** A seat carried in a link, `#seat=<seat>.<token>`: a fragment stays in the browser, out of server logs. */
 export function seatInLink(hash: string): HeldSeat | null {
 	const m = /^#seat=([^.]+)\.([A-Za-z0-9_-]+)$/.exec(hash);
 	return m ? { seat: m[1], token: m[2] } : null;
@@ -122,8 +122,7 @@ async function call<T>(method: string, path: string, body?: unknown): Promise<T>
 
 type Seated = { seat: WizardId; token: string; view: RoomView };
 
-/** A report to the keeper, with the exchange under it. */
-/** What the ledgers add up to. */
+/** Site-wide statistics. */
 export interface Tally {
 	tablesOpened: number;
 	gamesBegun: number;
@@ -138,6 +137,7 @@ export interface Tally {
 	byGame: Record<string, number>;
 }
 
+/** A bug report, with the exchange of replies under it. */
 export interface Report {
 	id: string;
 	at: string;
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ export const api = {
 	answerReport: (id: string, roomId: string, token: string, text: string) => call<{ ok: true }>('POST', `/api/reports/${id}/answer`, { roomId, token, text })
 };
 
-/** A socket that only ever says "fetch the view again"; reconnects on its own. An empty token sits in the gallery. */
+/** A socket that only ever signals "fetch the view again"; reconnects on its own. An empty token spectates. */
 export function watchRoom(roomId: string, token: string, onUpdate: () => void, onStatus: (open: boolean) => void): () => void {
 	let socket: WebSocket | null = null;
 	let closed = false;
diff --git a/src/lib/game/duel.svelte.ts b/src/lib/game/duel.svelte.ts
index 7eff06a..7f3c54f 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/duel.svelte.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/duel.svelte.ts
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ export interface Remote extends HeldSeat {
 	started: boolean;
 	connected: boolean;
 	error: string;
-	/** The server stopped taking this seat's token while the page was open, and why; the page goes to the gallery. */
+	/** Set when the server stopped accepting this seat's token while the page was open, with the reason; the page then spectates. */
 	lost: string;
 	chat: ChatLine[];
 	/** How many watch from the Peanut Gallery. */
@@ -340,7 +340,7 @@ export class Duel {
 
 	/** Watching from the gallery, with no seat at the table. */
 	spectating = $derived(this.remote?.spectating ?? false);
-	/** The gallery has no wizard of its own; it borrows the first seat for the fields that need one, and shows none of them. */
+	/** A spectator has no wizard of their own; borrow the first seat for the fields that need one (none of them are shown). */
 	you = $derived(this.state.wizards[this.me] ?? this.state.wizards[this.state.seats[0]]);
 	/** The opponent spells go at by default: the first still standing. */
 	foeId = $derived(enemyOf(this.state, this.me));
@@ -850,12 +850,12 @@ export class Duel {
 		return this.remoteAct((r) => api.setGalleryTalk(r.roomId, r.token, on), 'The gallery could not be told.');
 	}
 
-	/** Call the keeper of the site to a held seat; their phone rings. */
+	/** Invite the site maintainer to the seat held for them; the server notifies them. */
 	callKeeper(): Promise<boolean> {
 		return this.remoteAct((r) => api.challenge(r.roomId, r.token), 'The keeper could not be called.');
 	}
 
-	/** A finished table opens another with the same company; the caller is seated as its host. */
+	/** Open a rematch room for the same players; the caller becomes its host. */
 	async rematch(): Promise<string> {
 		const r = this.remote!;
 		const next = await api.rematch(r.roomId, r.token);
@@ -943,7 +943,7 @@ export class Duel {
 		return watchRoom(r.roomId, r.token, refresh, (open) => (r.connected = open));
 	}
 
-	/** You opened this table, so the duel begins when you say. */
+	/** The viewer holds the host seat, so may begin the game. */
 	isHost = $derived(!!this.remote && this.remote.host === this.remote.seat);
 
 	/** Begin the duel with whoever is seated. */
@@ -1026,7 +1026,7 @@ export class Duel {
 		this.resetDrafts();
 	}
 
-	/** Open a table on the server, seated as its host; it takes up to a dozen and begins when the host says. */
+	/** Create a room on the server with the caller as host; it takes up to `size` seats and starts when the host says. */
 	static async createRoom(name: string, size = 12): Promise<Remote> {
 		const seated = await api.create(name, size);
 		rememberSeat(seated.view.roomId, { seat: seated.seat, token: seated.token });
@@ -1052,7 +1052,7 @@ export class Duel {
 		return remoteFrom(await api.view(roomId, held.token), held.token);
 	}
 
-	/** Take a place in the Peanut Gallery: watch a table with no seat and no voice. */
+	/** Open a room as a spectator: no seat and no token. */
 	static async watchRoom(roomId: string): Promise<Remote> {
 		return remoteFrom(await api.watch(roomId), '');
 	}
diff --git a/src/lib/game/state.ts b/src/lib/game/state.ts
index e3c05c7..1433596 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/state.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/state.ts
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ export function visibleHistory(state: GameState, viewer: WizardId, subject: Wiza
 	return state.wizards[subject].history.map((h) => (hiddenFromViewer(h.hiddenFrom, viewer) ? { ...h, left: '-', right: '-' } : h));
 }
 
-/** The gallery holds no seat: it is shown only what every wizard at the table could see. */
+/** A spectator holds no seat and is shown only what every seated player could see. */
 export const SPECTATOR: WizardId = '';
 
 export function hiddenFromViewer(hiddenFrom: WizardId[] | undefined, viewer: WizardId): boolean {
diff --git a/src/lib/game/talk.ts b/src/lib/game/talk.ts
index 545f023..8de3e84 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/talk.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/talk.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// How much of each table's talk this browser has read, so the hall can say what is new.
+// How many chat lines of each room this browser has read, so the landing page can count what is new.
 
 const SEEN_KEY = 'wh:talk-seen';
 
diff --git a/src/lib/game/tally.ts b/src/lib/game/tally.ts
index 921afa8..1d3d943 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/tally.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/tally.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-// The game's own lines for the hall's tally, read off a finished duel. Only
-// what the final state records for certain: who is dead, who yielded, and
-// how the duel was decided.
+// This game's lines for the site-wide tally, read off a finished game: only
+// what the final state records for certain (who is dead, who yielded, and
+// how the game was decided).
 
 import type { GameState } from './state';
 
diff --git a/src/lib/game/view.ts b/src/lib/game/view.ts
index 60d216d..5cd5cd9 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/view.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/view.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ export function viewFor(state: GameState, viewer: WizardId): GameState {
 	return view;
 }
 
-/** One line of table talk: from a seat, or from the Peanut Gallery when the host allows it (id SPECTATOR, signed with `name`), or from the keeper of the site. */
+/** One chat line: from a seat, from a spectator when the host allows it (id SPECTATOR, signed with `name`), or from the site maintainer (`keeper`). */
 export interface ChatLine {
 	id: WizardId;
 	text: string;
@@ -46,15 +46,15 @@ export interface RoomView {
 	audience: number;
 	/** The host lets the gallery talk. */
 	galleryTalk: boolean;
-	/** The keeper of the site was called to a seat, and by whom. */
+	/** The site maintainer was invited to a held seat, and by whom. */
 	challenge: { by: WizardId; at: number } | null;
-	/** Names with a seat held who have not yet sat: the last table's wizards, or the keeper. */
+	/** Names with a seat held who have not yet sat: the previous room's players, or the site maintainer. */
 	expected: string[];
 	/** A finished table's rematch: where it went, and who called. */
 	rematch: { to: string; by: WizardId } | null;
 	/** The table this one is the rematch of. */
 	rematchOf: string | null;
-	/** The keeper of the site, and where they live, for a table that calls them. */
+	/** The site maintainer's name and time zone, for rooms that invite them. */
 	keeper: string;
 	keeperZone: string;
 }
diff --git a/src/routes/join/[code]/+page.svelte b/src/routes/join/[code]/+page.svelte
index 656cad4..84afbef 100644
--- a/src/routes/join/[code]/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/join/[code]/+page.svelte
@@ -13,22 +13,22 @@
 	let room = $state<Duel | null>(null);
 	let name = $state('');
 	let joining = $state(false);
-	/** The host asked to begin while a seat is still held for someone on their way. */
+	/** The host pressed Begin while a seat is still held for someone expected; confirm before going on. */
 	let beginAsked = $state(false);
 	let busy = $state(false);
 	let error = $state('');
 	let copied = $state(false);
 	let reporting = $state(false);
-	/** A phrase minted to carry this seat to another device, while it lasts. */
+	/** This seat's transfer phrase, until it expires. */
 	let phrase = $state<{ phrase: string; expiresAt: number } | null>(null);
 	let rematching = $state(false);
 	let seatsOpen = $state(false);
-	/** Why this browser's seat no longer opens, when the server said so; shown while watching. */
+	/** The server's reason for refusing this browser's seat; shown while spectating. */
 	let seatLost = $state('');
 	let claimPhrase = $state('');
 	let claiming = $state(false);
 
-	/** The hour where the keeper lives, in words, so a caller knows whether to wait. */
+	/** The current hour in the site maintainer's time zone, in words, shown beside the challenge button. */
 	let minute = $state(0);
 	$effect(() => {
 		const id = setInterval(() => (minute += 1), 60_000);
@@ -76,18 +76,18 @@
 	const link = $derived(typeof location === 'undefined' ? '' : `${location.origin}/join/${roomId}`);
 	const lobby = $derived(room !== null && !room.remote?.started);
 	const watching = $derived(room?.spectating ?? false);
-	/** A watcher may still sit while the table is laid and a seat is free. */
+	/** A spectator may still take a seat before the game starts, while one is free. */
 	const seatFree = $derived(!!room?.remote && !room.remote.started && room.remote.seats.length < room.remote.size);
 
-	// Return to a held seat, or take a place in the gallery and offer one. A link from the keeper carries a seat:
-	// it leaves the address bar at once, is kept only once the server takes it, and never replaces a seat that
-	// still opens, so a link someone else sends cannot take a working seat away.
+	// Resume a held seat, else spectate. A link may carry a seat (#seat=...): it is stripped from the address
+	// bar at once, saved only once the server accepts it, and never replaces a held seat the server still
+	// accepts, so a forwarded link cannot take a working seat.
 	$effect(() => {
 		const id = roomId;
 		room = null;
 		error = '';
 		const sent = seatInLink(location.hash);
-		// The browser's own call: this runs as the page first loads, before the router could take one.
+		// The History API directly, not SvelteKit's replaceState: this runs on first load, before the router is ready.
 		if (sent) history.replaceState(history.state, '', location.pathname + location.search);
 		const held = seatFor(id);
 		const take = (s: HeldSeat) =>
@@ -96,9 +96,9 @@
 				trustSeat(id);
 				return remote;
 			});
-		// Only the server's refusal of the held token lets a link in: a dropped connection is not a lost seat.
+		// Only a 403 on the held token lets the link's seat in; a dropped connection is not a lost seat.
 		const refused = (e: unknown) => e instanceof ServerError && e.status === 403;
-		// A held seat the server refuses, with no link to replace it, is watched from the gallery, with the reason.
+		// A refused seat with no link to replace it falls back to spectating, keeping the server's reason.
 		const watchRefused = (e: Error) => {
 			seatLost = e.message;
 			return Duel.watchRoom(id);
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@
 		return stop;
 	});
 
-	// The seat stopped opening while the page was open (the host gave it to a bot): watch on from the gallery.
+	// The seat was revoked while the page was open (the host gave it to a bot): switch to spectating.
 	$effect(() => {
 		const r = room;
 		const lost = r?.remote?.lost;
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@
 			.catch((e: Error) => (error = e.message));
 	});
 
-	/** Sit back down by a phrase: the host's, or one this seat minted on another device. */
+	/** Claim a seat by transfer phrase: the host's, or one this seat made on another device. */
 	async function claim(e: SubmitEvent) {
 		e.preventDefault();
 		claiming = true;
@@ -380,57 +380,6 @@
 </footer>
 
 <style>
-	.masthead {
-		display: flex;
-		align-items: flex-start;
-		justify-content: space-between;
-		gap: 1rem;
-		padding: 1rem var(--gutter) 0.6rem;
-		max-width: 1280px;
-		margin: 0 auto;
-	}
-
-	h1 {
-		font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 2.7rem);
-		font-weight: 300;
-		font-variation-settings: 'opsz' 144;
-		letter-spacing: -0.01em;
-	}
-
-	.standfirst {
-		max-width: 38em;
-		color: var(--bone-dim);
-		margin-top: 0.4rem;
-	}
-
-	.standfirst em {
-		color: var(--bone);
-	}
-
-	.actions {
-		display: flex;
-		flex-wrap: wrap;
-		gap: 0.5rem;
-		flex-shrink: 0;
-		min-width: 0;
-		max-width: 100%;
-	}
-
-	.quiet {
-		background: none;
-		border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-		border-radius: 4px;
-		padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
-		white-space: nowrap;
-		color: var(--bone);
-		text-decoration: none;
-		line-height: 1.55;
-	}
-
-	.quiet:hover {
-		border-color: var(--bone);
-	}
-
 	.quiet.room b {
 		letter-spacing: 0.12em;
 		font-weight: 600;
@@ -517,11 +466,6 @@
 		width: 14em;
 	}
 
-	.reveal.small {
-		padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
-		font-size: 1rem;
-	}
-
 	.roster {
 		list-style: none;
 		margin: 0.9rem 0 0.6rem;
@@ -583,27 +527,4 @@
 		border-radius: 4px;
 		word-break: break-all;
 	}
-
-	.colophon {
-		max-width: 1280px;
-		margin: 0 auto;
-		padding: 2rem var(--gutter) 3rem;
-		color: var(--bone-faint);
-		font-size: 0.85rem;
-	}
-
-	.colophon a {
-		color: var(--frost);
-	}
-
-	/* Must match COMPACT_QUERY in duel.svelte.ts. */
-	@media (max-width: 860px) {
-		.masthead {
-			flex-direction: column;
-		}
-
-		.colophon {
-			padding-bottom: 6rem;
-		}
-	}
 </style>
diff --git a/src/routes/play/+page.svelte b/src/routes/play/+page.svelte
index 75afa05..f72587f 100644
--- a/src/routes/play/+page.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/play/+page.svelte
@@ -90,116 +90,37 @@
 </footer>
 
 <style>
-	.masthead {
-			display: flex;
-			align-items: flex-start;
-			justify-content: space-between;
-			gap: 1rem;
-			padding: 1rem var(--gutter) 0.6rem;
-			max-width: 1280px;
-			margin: 0 auto;
-		}
-
-	h1 {
-			font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 2.7rem);
-			font-weight: 300;
-			font-variation-settings: 'opsz' 144;
-			letter-spacing: -0.01em;
-		}
-
-	.standfirst {
-			max-width: 38em;
-			color: var(--bone-dim);
-			margin-top: 0.4rem;
-		}
-
-	.standfirst em {
-			color: var(--bone);
-		}
-
 	.standfirst .link {
-			margin-left: 0.5em;
-			font-size: 0.8rem;
-		}
+		margin-left: 0.5em;
+		font-size: 0.8rem;
+	}
 
 	.rename {
-			display: flex;
-			flex-wrap: wrap;
-			align-items: center;
-			gap: 0.5rem 0.75rem;
-			margin-top: 0.4rem;
-		}
-
-	.rename input {
-			width: 14em;
-		}
-
-	.actions {
 		display: flex;
 		flex-wrap: wrap;
-		gap: 0.5rem;
-		flex-shrink: 0;
-		min-width: 0;
-		max-width: 100%;
+		align-items: center;
+		gap: 0.5rem 0.75rem;
+		margin-top: 0.4rem;
 	}
 
-	.quiet {
-			background: none;
-			border: 1px solid var(--rule-strong);
-			border-radius: 4px;
-			padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
-			white-space: nowrap;
-			color: var(--bone);
-			text-decoration: none;
-			line-height: 1.55;
-		}
-
-	.quiet:hover {
-			border-color: var(--bone);
-		}
+	.rename input {
+		width: 14em;
+	}
 
 	.confirm {
-			max-width: 1280px;
-			margin: 0 auto 0.75rem;
-			padding: 0.75rem var(--gutter);
-		}
+		max-width: 1280px;
+		margin: 0 auto 0.75rem;
+		padding: 0.75rem var(--gutter);
+	}
 
 	.confirm p {
-			color: var(--blood);
-			margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
-		}
+		color: var(--blood);
+		margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+	}
 
 	.choices {
-			display: flex;
-			gap: 0.6rem;
-			flex-wrap: wrap;
-		}
-
-	.reveal.small {
-			padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem;
-			font-size: 1rem;
-		}
-
-	.colophon {
-			max-width: 1280px;
-			margin: 0 auto;
-			padding: 2rem var(--gutter) 3rem;
-			color: var(--bone-faint);
-			font-size: 0.85rem;
-		}
-
-	.colophon a {
-			color: var(--frost);
-		}
-
-	/* Must match COMPACT_QUERY in duel.svelte.ts. */
-	@media (max-width: 860px) {
-		.colophon {
-					padding-bottom: 6rem;
-				}
-	
-		.masthead {
-					flex-direction: column;
-				}
+		display: flex;
+		gap: 0.6rem;
+		flex-wrap: wrap;
 	}
 </style>