diff --git a/src/lib/components/Board.svelte b/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
index 96b1106..ec94fce 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Board.svelte
@@ -214,13 +214,13 @@
 
 	<aside class="rail">
 		{#if !duel.spectating}
-			<WizardStatus wizard={duel.you} monsters={duel.yourMonsters} you />
+			<WizardStatus turnsPlayed={duel.state.turn} wizard={duel.you} monsters={duel.yourMonsters} you />
 		{/if}
 		{#if crowded}
 			<Roster {duel} />
 		{:else}
 			{#each duel.others as id (id)}
-				<WizardStatus wizard={duel.state.wizards[id]} monsters={duel.state.monsters.filter((m) => m.owner === id)} />
+				<WizardStatus turnsPlayed={duel.state.turn} wizard={duel.state.wizards[id]} monsters={duel.state.monsters.filter((m) => m.owner === id)} />
 			{/each}
 		{/if}
 		<TableTalk {duel} />
diff --git a/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte b/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
index 9e77fee..90bc83e 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/Roster.svelte
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 				</button>
 				{#if open}
 					<div class="detail">
-						<WizardStatus wizard={w} monsters={duel.state.monsters.filter((m) => m.owner === id)} />
+						<WizardStatus turnsPlayed={duel.state.turn} wizard={w} monsters={duel.state.monsters.filter((m) => m.owner === id)} />
 					</div>
 				{/if}
 			</li>
diff --git a/src/lib/components/WizardStatus.svelte b/src/lib/components/WizardStatus.svelte
index 58667cb..fd6a9c4 100644
--- a/src/lib/components/WizardStatus.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/components/WizardStatus.svelte
@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
 	import { effectsOf } from '$lib/game/status';
 	import { MAX_HP, type Monster, type WizardState } from '$lib/game/state';
 
-	let { wizard, monsters, you = false }: { wizard: WizardState; monsters: Monster[]; you?: boolean } = $props();
+	let { wizard, monsters, you = false, turnsPlayed }: { wizard: WizardState; monsters: Monster[]; you?: boolean; turnsPlayed?: number } = $props();
 
-	const effects = $derived(effectsOf(wizard));
+	const effects = $derived(effectsOf(wizard, turnsPlayed));
 </script>
 
 <section class="wizard" class:you class:dead={!wizard.alive}>
diff --git a/src/lib/game/engine.test.ts b/src/lib/game/engine.test.ts
index 0c11191..ff75c0d 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/engine.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/engine.test.ts
@@ -484,3 +484,20 @@ describe('at a table of several wizards', () => {
 		expect(s.wizards.B.history.at(-1)?.left).toBe('D');
 	});
 });
+
+describe('the course of a disease', () => {
+	it('names the turn it kills on, gives a symptom each turn, and kills at the end of the fifth turn after the cast', () => {
+		let s = createGame({ A: 'Ann', B: 'Bo' }, 1);
+		s = runSequence(s, 'A', 'DSFFFC', '-----C', { casts: [{ hand: 'left', spellId: 'disease', target: 'B' }] });
+		expect(s.log.some((l) => l.text.includes('will die at the end of turn 11'))).toBe(true);
+		for (let turn = 7; turn <= 10; turn++) {
+			s = play(s, {});
+			expect(s.wizards.B.alive).toBe(true);
+		}
+		expect(s.log.some((l) => l.text.includes('last turn to find a cure'))).toBe(true);
+		s = play(s, {});
+		expect(s.turn).toBe(11);
+		expect(s.wizards.B.alive).toBe(false);
+		expect(s.over?.winner).toBe('A');
+	});
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/game/resolve.ts b/src/lib/game/resolve.ts
index 25ea434..fb272f2 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/resolve.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/resolve.ts
@@ -140,6 +140,42 @@ function tick(n: number): number {
 	return n === Infinity ? n : Math.max(0, n - 1);
 }
 
+/** What a creature does when it strikes, before the name of the one struck. */
+const ATTACKS: Record<MonsterKind, string> = {
+	goblin: 'darts in and slashes',
+	ogre: 'swings a heavy fist into',
+	troll: 'rakes its claws across',
+	giant: 'brings a vast club down on',
+	fire_elemental: 'washes searing heat over',
+	ice_elemental: 'breathes killing cold over'
+};
+
+/** How a summoned creature arrives. */
+const SUMMONED: Record<MonsterKind, string> = {
+	goblin: 'The ground cracks and something small and quick climbs out.',
+	ogre: 'The earth shudders under heavy feet.',
+	troll: 'A smell of wet stone and old meat fills the air.',
+	giant: 'A shadow falls across the field, and keeps falling.',
+	fire_elemental: 'A column of flame spins up out of nothing.',
+	ice_elemental: 'Frost races across the ground and rises into a shape.'
+};
+
+/** The disease's course, by turns left after this one: a symptom each turn, and the last warning. */
+const FEVER: Record<number, (name: string) => string> = {
+	4: (n) => `${n}'s brow is hot and damp with fever.`,
+	3: (n) => `${n}'s cheeks burn red; the fever is climbing.`,
+	2: (n) => `${n} sways, slick with sweat, every joint aching.`,
+	1: (n) => `${n} shakes with chills beneath the fever. This is the last turn to find a cure.`
+};
+
+/** The poison's course, by turns left after this one. */
+const VENOM: Record<number, (name: string) => string> = {
+	4: (n) => `${n}'s fingertips have gone cold and dull.`,
+	3: (n) => `${n} is ashen, and a numbness is creeping up the arms.`,
+	2: (n) => `${n}'s gestures turn clumsy; the legs are going.`,
+	1: (n) => `${n} can barely stand, eyes clouding over. This is the last turn to find a cure.`
+};
+
 export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnInput>): GameState {
 	const state = structuredClone(previous);
 	if (state.over) return state;
@@ -191,7 +227,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	const note = (id: TargetId, label: string, delta: number) => {
 		if (isWizard(id)) summary.wizards[id].effects.push({ label, delta });
 	};
-	if (actor) log(`Time stands still. ${W[actor].name} alone can move.`, 'spell');
+	if (actor) log(`The world holds its breath. Dust hangs in the air, and only ${W[actor].name} can move.`, 'spell');
 	/** Facts gathered along the way, turned into explanations at the end. */
 	const facts = {
 		shieldBlocked: new Set<TargetId>(),
@@ -210,7 +246,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	// ---- 1. Gestures, after last turn's enchantments have their say ----
 	const shape = (w: WizardState, c: Constraints, left: Gesture, right: Gesture, prev: HistoryEntry | undefined): [Gesture, Gesture] => {
 		if (c.amnesia && prev) {
-			log(`${w.name}, struck by amnesia, repeats the last gestures.`);
+			log(`${w.name}'s thoughts slide away like water; the hands, remembering nothing new, repeat the last gestures.`);
 			return [prev.left, prev.right];
 		}
 		if (c.charmed) {
@@ -219,25 +255,25 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			if (w.permanent.charmed && !w.permanent.charmedGesture) w.permanent.charmedGesture = g;
 			if (c.charmed.hand === 'left') left = g;
 			else right = g;
-			log(`${W[c.charmed.by].name} charms ${w.name}'s ${c.charmed.hand} hand into a ${GESTURE_NAMES[g]}.`);
+			log(`${w.name}'s ${c.charmed.hand} hand moves to ${W[c.charmed.by].name}'s will, into a ${GESTURE_NAMES[g]}.`);
 		}
 		if (c.paralysedHand && prev) {
 			const g = paralysedForm(w.history[w.history.length - 1][c.paralysedHand]);
 			if (c.paralysedHand === 'left') left = g;
 			else right = g;
-			log(`${w.name}'s ${c.paralysedHand} hand is paralysed into a ${GESTURE_NAMES[g]}.`);
+			log(`${w.name}'s ${c.paralysedHand} hand is locked stiff, frozen in a ${GESTURE_NAMES[g]}.`);
 		}
 		if (c.fear) {
 			if (FEAR_BANNED.includes(left)) left = '-';
 			if (FEAR_BANNED.includes(right)) right = '-';
-			log(`${w.name} is too afraid to snap, point, clap or wriggle.`);
+			log(`Dread grips ${w.name}; the hands will not snap, point, clap or wriggle.`);
 		}
 		if (c.confusion) {
 			const slip = c.confusionFixed ?? { hand: rng() < 0.5 ? 'left' : 'right', gesture: pick(MAGIC_GESTURES) };
 			if (w.permanent.confusion && !w.permanent.confusionFixed) w.permanent.confusionFixed = slip;
 			if (slip.hand === 'left') left = slip.gesture;
 			else right = slip.gesture;
-			log(`Confused, ${w.name}'s ${slip.hand} hand makes a ${GESTURE_NAMES[slip.gesture]} instead.`);
+			log(`${w.name}'s head swims, and the ${slip.hand} hand makes a ${GESTURE_NAMES[slip.gesture]} instead.`);
 		}
 		if (left === '>' && right === '>') right = '-';
 		return [left, right];
@@ -276,7 +312,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			record(w, l2, r2, 'haste');
 			entries[id].push(w.history.length - 1);
 		}
-		if (w.surrendered) log(`${w.name} offers both palms in surrender.`, 'death');
+		if (w.surrendered) log(`${w.name} lowers both hands and shows empty palms: a surrender.`, 'death');
 	}
 
 	// ---- 2. Which completed spells are actually loosed ----
@@ -341,7 +377,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			w.casts.push({ turn, index: -1, hand: 'left', spellId: spell.id, target });
 			w.banked = null;
 			const at = BLANKET_SPELLS.includes(spell.id) || target === id ? '' : ` at ${beingName(state, target)}`;
-			log(`${w.name} releases the banked ${spell.name}${at}.`, 'spell');
+			log(`The ${spell.name} ${w.name} had held in reserve uncoils and flies${at}.`, 'spell');
 		}
 		casts.push(...accepted);
 	}
@@ -349,10 +385,10 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	for (const c of casts) {
 		if (!BLANKET_SPELLS.includes(c.spell.id) && c.target === NOWHERE) {
 			c.nullified = 'released harmlessly';
-			log(`${W[c.caster].name} lets the ${c.spell.name} dissipate harmlessly.`, 'fizzle');
+			log(`${W[c.caster].name} lets the ${c.spell.name} unravel into the air, harmless.`, 'fizzle');
 		} else if (!BLANKET_SPELLS.includes(c.spell.id) && !isBeing(c.target)) {
 			c.nullified = 'target gone';
-			log(`${W[c.caster].name}'s ${c.spell.name} finds no target.`, 'fizzle');
+			log(`${W[c.caster].name}'s ${c.spell.name} casts about for a target, finds none, and fades.`, 'fizzle');
 		}
 	}
 	const live = () => casts.filter((c) => !c.nullified);
@@ -368,7 +404,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	const countered = new Set<TargetId>();
 	const dispels = live().filter((c) => c.spell.id === 'dispel_magic');
 	if (dispels.length > 0) {
-		log('Dispel magic sweeps the field: every other spell fails, all enchantments end, and every monster will fall after this turn.', 'spell');
+		log('A wave of stillness rolls across the field. Dispel magic: every other spell fails, every enchantment ends, and every creature will fade after this turn.', 'spell');
 		for (const c of casts) if (!c.nullified && c.spell.id !== 'dispel_magic') c.nullified = 'dispelled';
 		for (const d of dispels) shielded.set(d.target, 'dispel magic');
 		for (const id of seats) clearEnchantments(W[id]);
@@ -382,7 +418,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		for (const c of live()) {
 			if (c.spell.id === 'magic_mirror' && countered.has(c.target)) {
 				c.nullified = 'countered';
-				log(`The magic mirror on ${beingName(state, c.target)} is shattered by a counter-spell.`, 'fizzle');
+				log(`The magic mirror around ${beingName(state, c.target)} cracks and falls away in shards, broken by a counter-spell.`, 'fizzle');
 			}
 		}
 		const mirrored = new Set(live().filter((c) => c.spell.id === 'magic_mirror').map((c) => c.target));
@@ -395,7 +431,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			const original = c.caster;
 			c.target = original;
 			c.caster = owner;
-			log(`${W[owner].name}'s magic mirror turns the ${c.spell.name} back on ${W[original].name}.`, 'spell');
+			log(`The ${c.spell.name} strikes ${W[owner].name}'s magic mirror and flashes straight back at ${W[original].name}.`, 'spell');
 		}
 		for (const c of live()) {
 			if (UNCOUNTERABLE.includes(c.spell.id)) continue;
@@ -430,7 +466,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 				chosen.nullified = 'banked';
 				w.banked = { spellId: chosen.spell.id, elemental: chosen.choice.elemental, chosenHand: chosen.choice.chosenHand };
 				bankedNow.add(id);
-				log(`${w.name} banks the ${chosen.spell.name} to release later.`, 'spell');
+				log(`${w.name} catches the ${chosen.spell.name} before it leaves the hand and holds it in reserve, to loose later.`, 'spell');
 			}
 		}
 		const extending = w.permanencyTurns > 0 || live().some((c) => c.spell.id === 'permanency' && c.target === id);
@@ -440,7 +476,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			if (chosen) {
 				chosen.permanent = true;
 				extendedNow.add(id);
-				log(`${w.name}'s ${chosen.spell.name} is made permanent.`, 'spell');
+				log(`${w.name}'s ${chosen.spell.name} sets hard, like wax cooling: it will not fade.`, 'spell');
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -471,7 +507,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		const targetMonster = monsterOf(c.target);
 		if (targetMonster && isElemental(targetMonster.kind)) {
 			c.nullified = 'cast at an elemental';
-			log(`Nothing can be summoned for an elemental; ${W[c.caster].name}'s ${c.spell.name} fails.`, 'fizzle');
+			log(`An elemental answers to no master; ${W[c.caster].name}'s ${c.spell.name} calls into emptiness and fails.`, 'fizzle');
 			continue;
 		}
 		const controller = controllerOf(state, c.target);
@@ -497,7 +533,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		state.monsters.push(m);
 		orders.set(m.id, c.choice.monsterTarget ?? enemyOf(state, controller));
 		const creature = stats.name.toLowerCase();
-		log(`${/^[aeiou]/.test(creature) ? 'An' : 'A'} ${creature} answers ${W[controller].name}'s summons.`, 'spell');
+		log(`${SUMMONED[kind]} ${/^[aeiou]/.test(creature) ? 'An' : 'A'} ${creature} answers ${W[controller].name}'s summons.`, 'spell');
 	}
 
 	let fireStorm = live().some((c) => c.spell.id === 'fire_storm');
@@ -509,7 +545,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	};
 	if (fireStorm && iceStorm) {
 		fireStorm = iceStorm = false;
-		log('The fire storm and the ice storm cancel each other; nothing is harmed.', 'fizzle');
+		log('Fire storm meets ice storm: a great hiss of steam, and the two storms cancel. Nothing is harmed.', 'fizzle');
 	}
 	if (fireStorm && elementals('ice_elemental').length > 0) {
 		fireStorm = false;
@@ -557,7 +593,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			for (const extra of same.slice(1)) {
 				destroyedBeforeAttack.add(extra.id);
 				same[0].hp = same[0].maxHp;
-				log(`Two ${MONSTER_STATS[kind].name.toLowerCase()}s merge into one.`, 'info');
+				log(`Two ${MONSTER_STATS[kind].name.toLowerCase()}s flow together and become one.`, 'info');
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -572,7 +608,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	for (const [target, ids] of controlByTarget) {
 		if (ids.size < 2) continue;
 		for (const c of live()) if (c.target === target && ids.has(c.spell.id)) c.nullified = 'contradictory enchantments';
-		log(`Contradictory enchantments on ${beingName(state, target)} cancel each other out.`, 'fizzle');
+		log(`The enchantments on ${beingName(state, target)} pull against each other and tear apart; none takes hold.`, 'fizzle');
 	}
 	for (const c of live()) {
 		const wiz = isWizard(c.target) ? W[c.target] : undefined;
@@ -585,17 +621,19 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.pending.amnesia = true;
 					if (c.permanent) wiz.permanent.amnesia = true;
+					log(`A grey haze drifts behind ${wiz.name}'s eyes: next turn the hands will repeat what they just did${c.permanent ? ', and every turn after' : ''}.`);
 				} else if (mon) mon.pending.forcedTarget = orders.get(mon.id);
 				break;
 			case 'confusion':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.pending.confusion = true;
 					if (c.permanent) wiz.permanent.confusion = true;
+					log(`The field tilts and swims around ${wiz.name}: next turn one hand will go astray${c.permanent ? ', and every turn after' : ''}.`);
 				} else if (mon) {
 					const candidates = [...seats.filter((id) => W[id].alive), ...state.monsters.filter((o) => o.id !== mon.id).map((o) => o.id)];
 					const t = pick(candidates as TargetId[]);
 					orders.set(mon.id, t);
-					log(`${mon.name} is confused and lunges at ${beingName(state, t)}.`);
+					log(`${mon.name} shakes its head, bewildered, and lunges at ${beingName(state, t)}.`);
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'charm_person':
@@ -603,20 +641,20 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 					const hand = c.choice.chosenHand ?? pick(HANDS);
 					wiz.pending.charmed = { hand, by: c.caster };
 					if (c.permanent) wiz.permanent.charmed = { hand, by: c.caster };
-					log(`${wiz.name}'s ${hand} hand will obey ${W[c.caster].name}${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
+					log(`A warm, easy trust settles on ${wiz.name}: the ${hand} hand will obey ${W[c.caster].name}${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
 				} else {
 					c.nullified = 'monsters cannot be charmed as people';
-					log(`Charm person has no hold on ${target}.`, 'fizzle');
+					log(`The charm slides off ${target}, finding no mind to hold.`, 'fizzle');
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'charm_monster':
 				if (mon && !isElemental(mon.kind)) {
 					mon.owner = c.caster;
 					orders.set(mon.id, input(c.caster).monsterOrders?.[mon.id] ?? enemyOf(state, c.caster));
-					log(`${mon.name} now serves ${W[c.caster].name}.`);
+					log(`${mon.name} turns, blinks, and pads over to ${W[c.caster].name}'s side: it serves a new master.`);
 				} else {
 					c.nullified = 'not a charmable monster';
-					log(`Charm monster has no hold on ${target}.`, 'fizzle');
+					log(`The charm slides off ${target} and takes no hold.`, 'fizzle');
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'paralysis':
@@ -624,10 +662,10 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 					const hand = wiz.constraints.paralysedHand ?? c.choice.chosenHand ?? 'left';
 					wiz.pending.paralysedHand = hand;
 					if (c.permanent) wiz.permanent.paralysedHand = hand;
-					log(`${wiz.name}'s ${hand} hand will be paralysed${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
+					log(`A cold stiffness creeps into ${wiz.name}'s ${hand} hand: it will be paralysed${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
 				} else if (mon && !isElemental(mon.kind)) {
 					mon.pending.skipAttack = true;
-					log(`${mon.name} will stand paralysed next turn.`);
+					log(`${mon.name}'s limbs stiffen: it will stand paralysed next turn.`);
 				} else {
 					c.nullified = 'elementals cannot be paralysed';
 				}
@@ -636,76 +674,76 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.pending.fear = true;
 					if (c.permanent) wiz.permanent.fear = true;
-					log(`${wiz.name} will be too afraid to snap, point, clap or wriggle${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
+					log(`A chill of terror runs through ${wiz.name}, who will be too afraid to snap, point, clap or wriggle${c.permanent ? ' from now on' : ' next turn'}.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'monsters know no fear';
 				break;
 			case 'anti_spell':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.sequenceStart = wiz.history.length;
-					log(`${wiz.name}'s gestures so far are wiped from the weave; every spell must start afresh.`);
+					log(`The half-woven magic around ${wiz.name}'s hands flickers and goes out; every spell must start afresh.`);
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'protection_from_evil':
 				if (wiz) wiz.protectionTurns = duration(4);
 				else if (mon) mon.protectionTurns = duration(4);
-				log(`${target} is protected from evil${c.permanent ? forever : ' for this turn and the next three'}.`);
+				log(`A pale circle of light rises around ${target}: protected from evil${c.permanent ? forever : ' for this turn and the next three'}.`);
 				break;
 			case 'resist_heat':
 				if (wiz) wiz.resistHeat = true;
 				else if (mon) mon.resistHeat = true;
-				log(`${target} now resists heat.`);
+				log(`A cool blue aura settles over ${target}, who now resists heat.`);
 				break;
 			case 'resist_cold':
 				if (wiz) wiz.resistCold = true;
 				else if (mon) mon.resistCold = true;
-				log(`${target} now resists cold.`);
+				log(`A warm rosy aura settles over ${target}, who now resists cold.`);
 				break;
 			case 'disease':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.diseaseTurns = 6;
-					log(`${wiz.name} sickens with a deadly disease: six turns to find a cure.`);
+					log(`${wiz.name} coughs, and a fever takes hold. Unless cured, ${wiz.name} will die at the end of turn ${state.turn + 6}.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'monsters do not sicken';
 				break;
 			case 'poison':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.poisonTurns = 6;
-					log(`${wiz.name} is poisoned: six turns to find a cure.`);
+					log(`${wiz.name} goes grey about the lips: poison is in the blood. Unless cured, ${wiz.name} will die at the end of turn ${state.turn + 6}.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'monsters do not sicken';
 				break;
 			case 'blindness':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.blindTurns = duration(4);
-					log(`${wiz.name} is struck blind${c.permanent ? forever : ' for three turns'}.`);
+					log(`A milky film clouds ${wiz.name}'s eyes: blind${c.permanent ? forever : ' for three turns'}.`);
 				} else if (mon) destroyBefore(mon, 'blinded and unmade');
 				break;
 			case 'invisibility':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.invisibleTurns = duration(4);
-					log(`${wiz.name} fades from sight${c.permanent ? forever : ' for three turns'}.`);
+					log(`${wiz.name} thins like mist and fades from sight${c.permanent ? forever : ' for three turns'}.`);
 				} else if (mon) destroyBefore(mon, 'made invisible and unmade');
 				break;
 			case 'haste':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.hasteTurns = duration(4);
-					log(`${wiz.name} is hastened${c.permanent ? forever : ' for the next three turns'}: two pairs of gestures a turn.`);
+					log(`The air about ${wiz.name} quickens; everyone else seems to move through honey. Hastened${c.permanent ? forever : ' for the next three turns'}: two pairs of gestures a turn.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'monsters cannot be hastened';
 				break;
 			case 'time_stop':
 				if (wiz) {
 					state.timeStops.push(wiz.id);
-					log(`${wiz.name} will act alone in a stopped moment.`);
+					log(`The moment catches on ${wiz.name} like a snagged thread: when this turn ends, time will stop, and ${wiz.name} alone will move.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'only wizards can stop time';
 				break;
 			case 'delayed_effect':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.delayedTurns = bankedNow.has(wiz.id) ? 0 : duration(4);
-					if (!bankedNow.has(wiz.id)) log(`${wiz.name}'s next spell will be banked.`);
+					if (!bankedNow.has(wiz.id)) log(`A hollow of waiting opens around ${wiz.name}'s hands: the next spell will be caught and held.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'only wizards can delay a spell';
 				break;
 			case 'permanency':
 				if (wiz) {
 					wiz.permanencyTurns = extendedNow.has(wiz.id) ? 0 : 4;
-					if (!extendedNow.has(wiz.id)) log(`${wiz.name}'s next enchantment will be permanent.`);
+					if (!extendedNow.has(wiz.id)) log(`Something steady and unhurried settles on ${wiz.name}: the next enchantment will be permanent.`);
 				} else c.nullified = 'only a wizard can hold a permanency';
 				break;
 		}
@@ -718,10 +756,10 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		const mon = monsterOf(c.target);
 		if (wiz) {
 			clearEnchantments(wiz);
-			log(`Every enchantment on ${wiz.name} is lifted.`);
+			log(`Threads of old magic lift from ${wiz.name} and drift away: every enchantment is gone.`);
 		} else if (mon && c.spell.id === 'remove_enchantment') {
 			destroyedAfterAttack.add(mon.id);
-			log(`${mon.name} will be unmade once it has attacked.`);
+			log(`${mon.name} begins to fray at the edges: it will be unmade once it has attacked.`);
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -729,11 +767,12 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 	const damage = new Map<TargetId, number>();
 	const healing = new Map<TargetId, number>();
 	const slain = new Set<TargetId>();
-	const hurt = (id: TargetId, n: number, why: string, by?: WizardId) => {
+	/** `line` pictures the blow, with % for the one struck; the damage is added after it. */
+	const hurt = (id: TargetId, n: number, why: string, by?: WizardId, line?: string) => {
 		damage.set(id, (damage.get(id) ?? 0) + n);
 		if (isWizard(id) && by && by !== id) W[id].lastHurtBy = by;
 		note(id, tidy(why), -n);
-		log(`${beingName(state, id)} takes ${n} from ${why}.`, 'damage');
+		log(`${(line ?? `${tidy(why)} strikes ${beingName(state, id)}`).replace('%', beingName(state, id))}, for ${n}.`, 'damage');
 	};
 	const heal = (id: TargetId, n: number, label: string) => {
 		healing.set(id, (healing.get(id) ?? 0) + n);
@@ -746,32 +785,32 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 				if (isShielded(t)) {
 					facts.shieldBlocked.add(t);
 					log(`${guard(t)} turns the missile aside.`, 'fizzle');
-				} else hurt(t, 1, 'a missile', c.caster);
+				} else hurt(t, 1, 'a missile', c.caster, 'A dart of blue force streaks across and strikes %');
 				break;
 			case 'finger_of_death':
 				slain.add(t);
 				if (isWizard(t)) W[t].lastHurtBy = c.caster;
 				note(t, 'Finger of death', -(isWizard(t) ? W[t].hp : 0));
-				log(`The finger of death touches ${beingName(state, t)}.`, 'death');
+				log(`${W[c.caster].name}'s pointing finger goes black to the knuckle, and death reaches out and touches ${beingName(state, t)}.`, 'death');
 				break;
 			case 'lightning_bolt':
 			case 'lightning_bolt_quick':
 				if (isShielded(t)) facts.throughShield.push({ target: t, spell: 'a lightning bolt' });
-				hurt(t, 5, 'a lightning bolt', c.caster);
+				hurt(t, 5, 'a lightning bolt', c.caster, 'Lightning cracks down on %');
 				break;
 			case 'cause_light_wounds':
 				if (isShielded(t)) facts.throughShield.push({ target: t, spell: 'cause light wounds' });
-				hurt(t, 2, 'cause light wounds', c.caster);
+				hurt(t, 2, 'cause light wounds', c.caster, 'Thin cuts open across %');
 				break;
 			case 'cause_heavy_wounds':
 				if (isShielded(t)) facts.throughShield.push({ target: t, spell: 'cause heavy wounds' });
-				hurt(t, 3, 'cause heavy wounds', c.caster);
+				hurt(t, 3, 'cause heavy wounds', c.caster, 'Deep wounds tear open on %');
 				break;
 			case 'fireball':
-				if (resists(t, 'heat')) log(`${beingName(state, t)} shrugs off the fireball.`, 'fizzle');
+				if (resists(t, 'heat')) log(`The fireball bursts over ${beingName(state, t)}, and the flames slide off a cool blue aura.`, 'fizzle');
 				else {
 					if (isShielded(t)) facts.throughShield.push({ target: t, spell: 'a fireball' });
-					hurt(t, 5, 'a fireball', c.caster);
+					hurt(t, 5, 'a fireball', c.caster, 'A fireball bursts over %');
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'cure_light_wounds':
@@ -781,7 +820,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 				heal(t, 2, 'Cure heavy wounds');
 				if (isWizard(t) && W[t].diseaseTurns !== null) {
 					W[t].diseaseTurns = null;
-					log(`${W[t].name}'s disease is cured.`);
+					log(`${W[t].name}'s fever breaks, and the flush fades from the skin: the disease is cured.`);
 				}
 				break;
 			case 'raise_dead':
@@ -794,19 +833,19 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		...state.monsters.filter((m) => !destroyedBeforeAttack.has(m.id)).map((m) => m.id)
 	];
 	if (fireStorm) {
-		log('A fire storm rages across the field.', 'spell');
+		log('The sky turns orange, and a fire storm roars across the whole field.', 'spell');
 		for (const id of everyone()) {
 			if (resists(id, 'heat')) continue;
 			if (countered.has(id)) continue;
-			hurt(id, 5, 'the fire storm');
+			hurt(id, 5, 'the fire storm', undefined, 'The fire storm engulfs %');
 		}
 	}
 	if (iceStorm) {
-		log('An ice storm howls across the field.', 'spell');
+		log('The air turns bitter, and an ice storm howls across the whole field.', 'spell');
 		for (const id of everyone()) {
 			if (resists(id, 'cold')) continue;
 			if (countered.has(id) || exemptFromIceStorm.has(id)) continue;
-			hurt(id, 5, 'the ice storm');
+			hurt(id, 5, 'the ice storm', undefined, 'Hail and sleet flay %');
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -815,7 +854,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		if (destroyedBeforeAttack.has(m.id)) continue;
 		if (frozen(m.owner)) continue;
 		if (m.constraints.skipAttack && phase === 'main') {
-			log(`${m.name} stands paralysed.`);
+			log(`${m.name} strains against its stiff limbs and cannot move.`);
 			continue;
 		}
 		if (isElemental(m.kind)) {
@@ -829,24 +868,24 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 					if (isShielded(id)) continue;
 					if (isWizard(id) && W[id].invisibleTurns > 0) continue;
 				}
-				hurt(id, m.attack, `the ${m.name.toLowerCase()}`, m.owner);
+				hurt(id, m.attack, `the ${m.name.toLowerCase()}`, m.owner, `${m.name} ${ATTACKS[m.kind]} %`);
 			}
 			continue;
 		}
 		const target = orders.get(m.id);
 		m.lastTarget = target;
 		if (!isBeing(target)) {
-			log(`${m.name} has nothing to attack.`);
+			log(`${m.name} prowls about, finding nothing to attack.`);
 			continue;
 		}
 		if (isShielded(target)) {
 			facts.shieldBlocked.add(target);
 			log(`${m.name}'s blows glance off ${guard(target)}.`, 'fizzle');
 		} else if (isWizard(target) && W[target].invisibleTurns > 0 && !frozen(target)) {
-			log(`${m.name} flails at the air where ${W[target].name} used to be.`, 'fizzle');
+			log(`${m.name} swings at the empty air where ${W[target].name} last stood.`, 'fizzle');
 		} else {
 			if (m.createdTurn === turn && phase === 'main') facts.newMonsterAttacked = m.name;
-			hurt(target, m.attack, `the ${m.name.toLowerCase()}`, m.owner);
+			hurt(target, m.attack, `the ${m.name.toLowerCase()}`, m.owner, `${m.name} ${ATTACKS[m.kind]} %`);
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -858,12 +897,12 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 			if (g.left !== '>' && g.right !== '>') return;
 			const target = (half === 0 ? input(id).stabTarget : input(id).second?.stabTarget) ?? enemyOf(state, id);
 			if (target === id || !isBeing(target)) {
-				log(`${w.name} stabs at nothing.`, 'fizzle');
+				log(`${w.name} stabs at the air, and the knife finds nothing.`, 'fizzle');
 			} else if (isShielded(target)) {
 				facts.shieldBlocked.add(target);
 				log(`${w.name}'s knife skids off ${guard(target)}.`, 'fizzle');
 			} else {
-				hurt(target, 1, `${w.name}'s knife`, id);
+				hurt(target, 1, `${w.name}'s knife`, id, `${w.name}'s knife bites into %`);
 			}
 		});
 	}
@@ -881,7 +920,7 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		if (w.hp <= 0) {
 			w.hp = 0;
 			w.alive = false;
-			log(`${w.name} falls dead.`, 'death');
+			log(`${w.name} crumples and does not rise.`, 'death');
 		}
 	}
 	state.monsters = state.monsters.filter((m) => {
@@ -889,11 +928,11 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 		if (slain.has(m.id)) m.hp = 0;
 		if (destroyedBeforeAttack.has(m.id)) return false;
 		if (destroyedAfterAttack.has(m.id)) {
-			log(`${m.name} is unmade.`, 'death');
+			log(`${m.name} comes apart like smoke and is gone.`, 'death');
 			return false;
 		}
 		if (m.hp <= 0) {
-			log(`${m.name} is destroyed.`, 'death');
+			log(`${m.name} falls and does not get up.`, 'death');
 			return false;
 		}
 		return true;
@@ -917,8 +956,8 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 					note(id, 'Disease', -w.hp);
 					w.alive = false;
 					w.hp = 0;
-					log(`${w.name} succumbs to the disease.`, 'death');
-				}
+					log(`${w.name} sinks to the ground, burning and shaking, and is still. The disease has run its course.`, 'death');
+				} else if (FEVER[w.diseaseTurns]) log(FEVER[w.diseaseTurns](w.name));
 			}
 			if (w.alive && w.poisonTurns !== null) {
 				w.poisonTurns -= 1;
@@ -926,8 +965,8 @@ export function resolveTurn(previous: GameState, inputs: Record<WizardId, TurnIn
 					note(id, 'Poison', -w.hp);
 					w.alive = false;
 					w.hp = 0;
-					log(`${w.name} succumbs to the poison.`, 'death');
-				}
+					log(`${w.name} folds to the ground, cold and numb, and breathes no more. The poison has done its work.`, 'death');
+				} else if (VENOM[w.poisonTurns]) log(VENOM[w.poisonTurns](w.name));
 			}
 		}
 		for (const m of state.monsters) {
diff --git a/src/lib/game/spells.ts b/src/lib/game/spells.ts
index 59f5654..7ecbe15 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/spells.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/spells.ts
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ export const SPELLS: Spell[] = [
 	spell('protection_from_evil', 'Protection from evil', 'enchantment', ['W-W-P'], 'self', 'Shields the subject this turn and for the next three.'),
 	spell('resist_heat', 'Resist heat', 'enchantment', ['W-W-F-P'], 'self', 'The subject ignores fireballs, fire storms and fire elementals until dispelled. Destroys a fire elemental.'),
 	spell('resist_cold', 'Resist cold', 'enchantment', ['S-S-F-P'], 'self', 'The subject ignores ice storms and ice elementals until dispelled. Destroys an ice elemental.'),
-	spell('disease', 'Disease', 'enchantment', ['D-S-F-F-F-C'], 'enemy', 'The subject dies at the end of the sixth turn unless cured by cure heavy wounds, remove enchantment or dispel magic.'),
+	spell('disease', 'Disease', 'enchantment', ['D-S-F-F-F-C'], 'enemy', 'A fever takes the subject, who dies at the end of the fifth turn after this one unless cured by cure heavy wounds, remove enchantment or dispel magic.'),
 	spell('poison', 'Poison', 'enchantment', ['D-W-W-F-W-D'], 'enemy', 'As disease, but cure heavy wounds does not help.'),
 	spell('blindness', 'Blindness', 'enchantment', ['D-W-F-F-(d'], 'enemy', 'For three turns the subject cannot see the opponent’s gestures. Destroys a monster.'),
 	spell('invisibility', 'Invisibility', 'enchantment', ['P-P-(w-(s'], 'self', 'For three turns the opponent cannot see the subject’s gestures and monsters cannot attack them. Destroys a monster.'),
diff --git a/src/lib/game/status.ts b/src/lib/game/status.ts
index c3cfc29..ee7b5a3 100644
--- a/src/lib/game/status.ts
+++ b/src/lib/game/status.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,9 @@ import type { WizardState } from './state';
 const more = (n: number) => (n === Infinity ? 'for good' : `${n} more`);
 
 /** Everything on a wizard, each with how long it lasts. */
-export function effectsOf(w: WizardState): string[] {
+/** `turnsPlayed` names the turn an illness will kill on; without it the count of turns left is given. */
+export function effectsOf(w: WizardState, turnsPlayed?: number): string[] {
+	const dies = (left: number) => (turnsPlayed === undefined ? `dies in ${left}` : `dies at the end of turn ${turnsPlayed + left} unless cured`);
 	const out: string[] = [];
 	if (w.resistHeat) out.push('resists heat');
 	if (w.resistCold) out.push('resists cold');
@@ -18,8 +20,8 @@ export function effectsOf(w: WizardState): string[] {
 	if (w.banked) out.push(`holding a banked ${SPELL_BY_ID[w.banked.spellId].name.toLowerCase()}`);
 	else if (w.delayedTurns > 0) out.push(`next spell will be banked, ${more(w.delayedTurns)}`);
 	if (w.permanencyTurns > 0) out.push(`next enchantment will be permanent, ${more(w.permanencyTurns)}`);
-	if (w.diseaseTurns !== null) out.push(`diseased, dies in ${w.diseaseTurns}`);
-	if (w.poisonTurns !== null) out.push(`poisoned, dies in ${w.poisonTurns}`);
+	if (w.alive && w.diseaseTurns !== null) out.push(`fevered with disease, ${dies(w.diseaseTurns)}`);
+	if (w.alive && w.poisonTurns !== null) out.push(`poisoned, ${dies(w.poisonTurns)}`);
 	const c = w.constraints;
 	if (c.amnesia) out.push(w.permanent.amnesia ? 'amnesia for good' : 'amnesia this turn');
 	if (c.confusion) out.push(w.permanent.confusion ? 'confused for good' : 'confused this turn');
@@ -41,8 +43,8 @@ export function statusWords(w: WizardState): string[] {
 	if (w.resistHeat) out.push('resists heat');
 	if (w.resistCold) out.push('resists cold');
 	if (w.hasteTurns > 0) out.push('hastened');
-	if (w.diseaseTurns !== null) out.push(`dies in ${w.diseaseTurns}`);
-	if (w.poisonTurns !== null) out.push(`poisoned`);
+	if (w.diseaseTurns !== null) out.push('fevered');
+	if (w.poisonTurns !== null) out.push('poisoned');
 	const c = w.constraints;
 	if (c.paralysedHand) out.push(`${c.paralysedHand} hand paralysed`);
 	if (c.charmed) out.push('charmed');