diff --git a/internal/plugin/combat_engine.go b/internal/plugin/combat_engine.go
index 8c1945f..e485f38 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/combat_engine.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/combat_engine.go
@@ -68,6 +68,20 @@ type CombatModifiers struct {
 	PhysicalResistRage bool    // halve incoming physical damage while raging
 	FrenzyDmgBonus     float64 // multiplicative dmg bump while raging (Frenzy approximation)
 
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — Battle Master + Assassin.
+	// FirstAttackBonus: flat bonus added to the player's first d20 attack
+	// roll only (Battle Master Precision Attack ≈ +d8). Consumed on first
+	// roll regardless of hit/miss (5e: "before or after rolling").
+	// AssassinateAdvantage: re-roll the player's first miss (better of two
+	// d20s on the first attack) — proxy for "advantage vs. creatures that
+	// haven't acted yet".
+	// AssassinateBonusDmg: flat extra damage stacked on the first hit (rides
+	// the existing AutoCritFirst doubling — proxy for Death Strike's
+	// "crits vs. surprised").
+	FirstAttackBonus     int
+	AssassinateAdvantage bool
+	AssassinateBonusDmg  int
+
 	// Phase 9 — pending spell resolution. Set by applyPendingCast in
 	// dnd_spell_combat.go before SimulateCombat runs. SpellPreDamage is
 	// dealt as a pre-combat event with SpellPreDamageDesc as the narrative
@@ -185,6 +199,11 @@ type combatState struct {
 	// the enemy would otherwise attack).
 	enemySkipFirst bool
 
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii first-attack one-shots.
+	firstAttackBonusUsed  bool
+	assassinateRerollUsed bool
+	assassinateBonusUsed  bool
+
 	round  int
 	events []CombatEvent
 }
@@ -483,6 +502,21 @@ func resolvePlayerAttack(st *combatState, player, enemy *Combatant, phase *Comba
 		})
 		roll = newRoll
 	}
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — Assassin advantage: re-roll the first attack of
+	// the fight, take the better of two d20s. Models 5e's "advantage vs.
+	// creatures that haven't acted yet" applied to the opening strike only.
+	if player.Mods.AssassinateAdvantage && !st.assassinateRerollUsed {
+		st.assassinateRerollUsed = true
+		alt := 1 + rand.IntN(20)
+		if alt > roll {
+			st.events = append(st.events, CombatEvent{
+				Round: st.round, Phase: phaseName, Actor: "player", Action: "assassinate_advantage",
+				PlayerHP: st.playerHP, EnemyHP: st.enemyHP,
+				Roll: alt, RollAgainst: enemy.Stats.AC, Desc: "Assassinate",
+			})
+			roll = alt
+		}
+	}
 	isFumble := roll == 1
 	// Phase 10 SUB2a — Champion Improved Critical lowers the crit floor.
 	// CritThreshold==0 means "use default" (nat 20). Champion sets 19.
@@ -496,6 +530,12 @@ func resolvePlayerAttack(st *combatState, player, enemy *Combatant, phase *Comba
 	if player.Stats.Weapon != nil && !player.Stats.WeaponProficient {
 		attackBonus -= 4
 	}
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — Battle Master Precision Attack: +d8 (modeled as
+	// flat +4) to the first attack roll only. Consumed even on miss.
+	if player.Mods.FirstAttackBonus > 0 && !st.firstAttackBonusUsed {
+		attackBonus += player.Mods.FirstAttackBonus
+		st.firstAttackBonusUsed = true
+	}
 	total := roll + attackBonus
 
 	if isFumble || (!isCritRoll && total < enemy.Stats.AC) {
@@ -565,6 +605,15 @@ func resolvePlayerAttack(st *combatState, player, enemy *Combatant, phase *Comba
 			dmg = int(float64(dmg) * (1 + player.Mods.FrenzyDmgBonus))
 		}
 	}
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — Assassin Death Strike proxy: bonus damage on the
+	// first hit only. Stacks on top of the Rogue's Sneak Attack auto-crit
+	// (which already doubled the base damage above) — the bonus itself is
+	// applied AFTER the crit doubling so the math is "double base + flat
+	// surprise damage". Consumed on first hit regardless of crit status.
+	if player.Mods.AssassinateBonusDmg > 0 && !st.assassinateBonusUsed {
+		dmg += player.Mods.AssassinateBonusDmg
+		st.assassinateBonusUsed = true
+	}
 	dmg = max(1, dmg)
 
 	action := "hit"
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_abilities.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_abilities.go
index 8a12847..04a55f7 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_abilities.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_abilities.go
@@ -152,6 +152,35 @@ func initResources(userID id.UserID, class DnDClass) error {
 	return err
 }
 
+// subclassResourceMax — resources granted by a subclass on top of the class
+// pool. Phase 10 SUB2a-ii: Battle Master gets 4 superiority dice (5e
+// long-rest refresh in our model; spec says short-rest, but we keep parity
+// with the existing class pools' refresh cadence). Returns ("", 0) if the
+// subclass has no extra pool.
+func subclassResourceMax(sub DnDSubclass) (string, int) {
+	switch sub {
+	case SubclassBattleMaster:
+		return "superiority", 4
+	}
+	return "", 0
+}
+
+// initSubclassResources adds the subclass-specific resource pool. Called
+// from applySubclassChoice; idempotent. If a player switches subclasses,
+// the prior pool's row is left in place — refreshAllResources still touches
+// it but no ability references it once the subclass changes, so it's inert.
+func initSubclassResources(userID id.UserID, sub DnDSubclass) error {
+	resType, max := subclassResourceMax(sub)
+	if resType == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	_, err := db.Get().Exec(`
+		INSERT OR IGNORE INTO dnd_resources (user_id, resource_type, current_value, max_value)
+		VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)`,
+		string(userID), resType, max, max)
+	return err
+}
+
 // getResource returns (current, max). Returns (0, 0, true) if no row exists.
 func getResource(userID id.UserID, resType string) (int, int, error) {
 	var cur, max int
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_skills.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_skills.go
index f3a617d..acf80b3 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_skills.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_skills.go
@@ -163,6 +163,18 @@ func subclassSkillBonus(c *DnDCharacter, info dndSkillInfo) int {
 		if c.Level >= 5 && info.Key == SkillSleightOfHand {
 			return 5
 		}
+	case SubclassAssassin:
+		// L5 Infiltration Expertise: crafting a false identity is a
+		// Deception skill workout. L7 Impostor — perfect mimicry of voice
+		// and manner — bumps the bonus further.
+		if info.Key == SkillDeception {
+			if c.Level >= 7 {
+				return 10
+			}
+			if c.Level >= 5 {
+				return 5
+			}
+		}
 	}
 	return 0
 }
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_cmd.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_cmd.go
index 11d4703..651f65f 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_cmd.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_cmd.go
@@ -119,6 +119,11 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) applySubclassChoice(
 	if err := SaveDnDCharacter(c); err != nil {
 		return p.SendDM(ctx.Sender, "Couldn't save subclass choice: "+err.Error())
 	}
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — provision subclass-specific resource pools (e.g.
+	// Battle Master superiority dice). Idempotent. Failure is non-fatal —
+	// the player still gets the subclass; resources can be re-initialized
+	// next long rest.
+	_ = initSubclassResources(ctx.Sender, chosen)
 	if charged {
 		// Debit last; race vs. balance change is rare and strictly safer
 		// to favor the player than risk taking euros without applying the
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat.go
index ad2093b..b8c3e19 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat.go
@@ -22,6 +22,27 @@ func applySubclassPassives(stats *CombatStats, mods *CombatModifiers, c *DnDChar
 		if c.Level >= 5 {
 			mods.CritThreshold = 19
 		}
+	case SubclassBattleMaster:
+		// L7 Know Your Enemy: 5e gives factual info about the target after
+		// 1 min observation. We don't model "observation time" — proxy the
+		// tactical edge as a flat +1 to attack rolls from L7 onward.
+		if c.Level >= 7 {
+			stats.AttackBonus++
+		}
+	case SubclassAssassin:
+		// L5 Assassinate: advantage on the opening strike + bonus damage
+		// stacked on top of the Rogue's existing Sneak Attack auto-crit
+		// (proxy for "crits vs. surprised targets"). Bonus scales with
+		// level; L7 Impostor — flavored as deeper study of the mark — adds
+		// a small surprise-damage bump.
+		if c.Level >= 5 {
+			mods.AssassinateAdvantage = true
+			bonus := c.Level
+			if c.Level >= 7 {
+				bonus += 3
+			}
+			mods.AssassinateBonusDmg = bonus
+		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -56,6 +77,52 @@ func init() {
 			mods.FrenzyDmgBonus = 0.5
 		},
 	}
+
+	// Phase 10 SUB2a-ii — Battle Master superiority-die maneuvers. Each
+	// consumes one die from the new "superiority" resource pool (4/long-rest
+	// at L5; long-rest refresh in our model — 5e refreshes on short rest).
+	// We don't model 5e's interactive "before/after the roll" choice; a die
+	// commits at !arm time and fires on the next combat.
+	//
+	// Three non-reaction maneuvers covered:
+	//   - Precision Attack → +d8 (≈+4 flat) on first attack roll
+	//   - Tripping Attack  → enemy skips its first attack (reuses Phase 9
+	//     SpellEnemySkipFirst)
+	//   - Rally            → temp-HP buffer at <50% (reuses HealItem; self
+	//     buff since one-shot combat has no ally-target UI)
+	dndActiveAbilities["precision_attack"] = DnDAbility{
+		ID:          "precision_attack",
+		Name:        "Precision Attack",
+		Class:       ClassFighter,
+		Subclass:    SubclassBattleMaster,
+		Resource:    "superiority",
+		Description: "Add +d8 (≈+4) to your first attack roll this combat (consumes 1 superiority die).",
+		Apply: func(c *DnDCharacter, mods *CombatModifiers) {
+			mods.FirstAttackBonus += 4
+		},
+	}
+	dndActiveAbilities["trip_attack"] = DnDAbility{
+		ID:          "trip_attack",
+		Name:        "Tripping Attack",
+		Class:       ClassFighter,
+		Subclass:    SubclassBattleMaster,
+		Resource:    "superiority",
+		Description: "Trip the enemy on engagement: they skip their first attack (consumes 1 superiority die).",
+		Apply: func(c *DnDCharacter, mods *CombatModifiers) {
+			mods.SpellEnemySkipFirst = true
+		},
+	}
+	dndActiveAbilities["rally"] = DnDAbility{
+		ID:          "rally",
+		Name:        "Rally",
+		Class:       ClassFighter,
+		Subclass:    SubclassBattleMaster,
+		Resource:    "superiority",
+		Description: "Steel yourself for the fight: heal at low HP for d8 + CHA mod (consumes 1 superiority die).",
+		Apply: func(c *DnDCharacter, mods *CombatModifiers) {
+			mods.HealItem += 4 + abilityModifier(c.CHA)
+		},
+	}
 }
 
 // persistDnDPostCombatSubclass handles end-of-combat subclass bookkeeping.
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat_test.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat_test.go
index 1ff4d39..cd816e3 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat_test.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_subclass_combat_test.go
@@ -375,6 +375,308 @@ func TestExhaustion_SchemaRoundTrip(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// ── SUB2a-ii — Battle Master + Assassin ─────────────────────────────────
+
+func TestApplySubclassPassives_BattleMasterL7AttackBonus(t *testing.T) {
+	c := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster, Level: 7}
+	stats := &CombatStats{AttackBonus: 3}
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	applySubclassPassives(stats, mods, c)
+	if stats.AttackBonus != 4 {
+		t.Errorf("L7 Battle Master AttackBonus = %d, want 4 (3 base + 1 Know Your Enemy)", stats.AttackBonus)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestApplySubclassPassives_BattleMasterPreL7NoBonus(t *testing.T) {
+	c := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster, Level: 6}
+	stats := &CombatStats{AttackBonus: 3}
+	applySubclassPassives(stats, &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}, c)
+	if stats.AttackBonus != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("L6 Battle Master AttackBonus = %d, want 3 (no Know Your Enemy yet)", stats.AttackBonus)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestApplySubclassPassives_AssassinL5(t *testing.T) {
+	c := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassRogue, Subclass: SubclassAssassin, Level: 5}
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	applySubclassPassives(&CombatStats{}, mods, c)
+	if !mods.AssassinateAdvantage {
+		t.Error("L5 Assassin should set AssassinateAdvantage")
+	}
+	if mods.AssassinateBonusDmg != 5 {
+		t.Errorf("L5 Assassin BonusDmg = %d, want 5", mods.AssassinateBonusDmg)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestApplySubclassPassives_AssassinL7Bumps(t *testing.T) {
+	c := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassRogue, Subclass: SubclassAssassin, Level: 7}
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	applySubclassPassives(&CombatStats{}, mods, c)
+	if mods.AssassinateBonusDmg != 10 {
+		t.Errorf("L7 Assassin BonusDmg = %d, want 10 (level 7 + 3 Impostor)", mods.AssassinateBonusDmg)
+	}
+}
+
+// Manoeuvre Apply functions wire the right mods.
+
+func TestPrecisionAttack_ApplySetsFirstAttackBonus(t *testing.T) {
+	ab, ok := dndActiveAbilities["precision_attack"]
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("precision_attack not registered")
+	}
+	if ab.Class != ClassFighter || ab.Subclass != SubclassBattleMaster {
+		t.Errorf("gating: %s/%s, want fighter/battle_master", ab.Class, ab.Subclass)
+	}
+	if ab.Resource != "superiority" {
+		t.Errorf("resource = %s, want superiority", ab.Resource)
+	}
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	ab.Apply(&DnDCharacter{Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster, Level: 5}, mods)
+	if mods.FirstAttackBonus != 4 {
+		t.Errorf("FirstAttackBonus = %d, want 4", mods.FirstAttackBonus)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTripAttack_ApplySetsEnemySkipFirst(t *testing.T) {
+	ab := dndActiveAbilities["trip_attack"]
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	ab.Apply(&DnDCharacter{Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster, Level: 5}, mods)
+	if !mods.SpellEnemySkipFirst {
+		t.Error("Tripping Attack should set SpellEnemySkipFirst")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRally_ApplySetsHealItem(t *testing.T) {
+	ab := dndActiveAbilities["rally"]
+	mods := &CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0}
+	// CHA 14 → +2 mod, expect HealItem += 6.
+	ab.Apply(&DnDCharacter{Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster, Level: 5, CHA: 14}, mods)
+	if mods.HealItem != 6 {
+		t.Errorf("Rally HealItem = %d, want 6 (4 + CHA mod 2)", mods.HealItem)
+	}
+}
+
+// ── Resource init at subclass selection ──────────────────────────────────
+
+func TestInitSubclassResources_BattleMasterGetsSuperiority(t *testing.T) {
+	setupAuditTestDB(t)
+	uid := id.UserID("@bm_init:example")
+	if err := createAdvCharacter(uid, "bm_init"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	c := &DnDCharacter{
+		UserID: uid, Race: RaceHuman, Class: ClassFighter, Level: 5,
+		STR: 16, DEX: 12, CON: 14, INT: 8, WIS: 10, CHA: 10,
+		HPMax: 30, HPCurrent: 30, ArmorClass: 16,
+	}
+	if err := SaveDnDCharacter(c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := initSubclassResources(uid, SubclassBattleMaster); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cur, max, err := getResource(uid, "superiority")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if cur != 4 || max != 4 {
+		t.Errorf("superiority pool = %d/%d, want 4/4", cur, max)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestInitSubclassResources_NonBattleMasterIsNoop(t *testing.T) {
+	setupAuditTestDB(t)
+	uid := id.UserID("@bm_noop:example")
+	if err := createAdvCharacter(uid, "bm_noop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := initSubclassResources(uid, SubclassChampion); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cur, max, err := getResource(uid, "superiority")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if cur != 0 || max != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("superiority pool for Champion = %d/%d, want 0/0", cur, max)
+	}
+}
+
+// !arm gating for subclass-only abilities.
+
+func TestArmPrecisionAttack_BlockedForChampion(t *testing.T) {
+	setupAuditTestDB(t)
+	uid := id.UserID("@bm_block:example")
+	if err := createAdvCharacter(uid, "bm_block"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	c := &DnDCharacter{
+		UserID: uid, Race: RaceHuman, Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassChampion,
+		Level: 6, STR: 16, DEX: 12, CON: 14, INT: 8, WIS: 10, CHA: 10,
+		HPMax: 30, HPCurrent: 30, ArmorClass: 16,
+	}
+	if err := SaveDnDCharacter(c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := initResources(uid, ClassFighter); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	p := &AdventurePlugin{euro: &EuroPlugin{}}
+	if err := p.handleDnDArmCmd(MessageContext{Sender: uid}, "precision_attack"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got, _ := LoadDnDCharacter(uid)
+	if got.ArmedAbility == "precision_attack" {
+		t.Error("non-Battle-Master should not be able to arm precision_attack")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestArmPrecisionAttack_AllowedForBattleMaster(t *testing.T) {
+	setupAuditTestDB(t)
+	uid := id.UserID("@bm_ok:example")
+	if err := createAdvCharacter(uid, "bm_ok"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	c := &DnDCharacter{
+		UserID: uid, Race: RaceHuman, Class: ClassFighter, Subclass: SubclassBattleMaster,
+		Level: 5, STR: 16, DEX: 12, CON: 14, INT: 8, WIS: 10, CHA: 10,
+		HPMax: 30, HPCurrent: 30, ArmorClass: 16,
+	}
+	if err := SaveDnDCharacter(c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := initSubclassResources(uid, SubclassBattleMaster); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	p := &AdventurePlugin{euro: &EuroPlugin{}}
+	if err := p.handleDnDArmCmd(MessageContext{Sender: uid}, "precision_attack"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got, _ := LoadDnDCharacter(uid)
+	if got.ArmedAbility != "precision_attack" {
+		t.Errorf("ArmedAbility = %q, want precision_attack", got.ArmedAbility)
+	}
+	cur, _, _ := getResource(uid, "superiority")
+	if cur != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("superiority after arm = %d, want 3", cur)
+	}
+}
+
+// ── Skill bonuses ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+func TestSubclassSkillBonus_AssassinDeception(t *testing.T) {
+	dec, _ := skillInfo(SkillDeception)
+	persuasion, _ := skillInfo(SkillPersuasion)
+
+	l5 := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassRogue, Subclass: SubclassAssassin, Level: 5}
+	if got := subclassSkillBonus(l5, dec); got != 5 {
+		t.Errorf("L5 Assassin Deception = %d, want 5", got)
+	}
+	if got := subclassSkillBonus(l5, persuasion); got != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("L5 Assassin Persuasion = %d, want 0 (Infiltration is Deception only)", got)
+	}
+
+	l7 := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassRogue, Subclass: SubclassAssassin, Level: 7}
+	if got := subclassSkillBonus(l7, dec); got != 10 {
+		t.Errorf("L7 Assassin Deception = %d, want 10 (Impostor)", got)
+	}
+
+	l4 := &DnDCharacter{Class: ClassRogue, Subclass: SubclassAssassin, Level: 4}
+	if got := subclassSkillBonus(l4, dec); got != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("L4 Assassin Deception = %d, want 0 (subclass abilities gate at L5)", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// ── End-to-end: one-shot first-attack effects ────────────────────────────
+
+func bmPrecisionPlayer() Combatant {
+	return Combatant{
+		Name: "BM", IsPlayer: true,
+		Stats: CombatStats{
+			MaxHP: 100, Attack: 15, Defense: 8, Speed: 10, AttackBonus: 5, AC: 16,
+			CritRate: 0.05, DodgeRate: 0.05, BlockRate: 0.05,
+		},
+		Mods: CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0, FirstAttackBonus: 4},
+	}
+}
+
+func plainBMPlayer() Combatant {
+	c := bmPrecisionPlayer()
+	c.Mods.FirstAttackBonus = 0
+	return c
+}
+
+// Probabilistic: a stiff +4 on the opening swing should noticeably lift
+// hit-rate against an enemy AC tuned to mostly-shrug the baseline player.
+func TestSimulateCombat_FirstAttackBonusImprovesEarlyHits(t *testing.T) {
+	const trials = 1500
+	hardEnemy := Combatant{
+		Name: "Wall",
+		Stats: CombatStats{
+			MaxHP: 80, Attack: 10, Defense: 6, Speed: 6, AC: 22, AttackBonus: 4,
+			CritRate: 0.05, DodgeRate: 0.05, BlockRate: 0.05,
+		},
+		Mods: CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0},
+	}
+	plainWins, bmWins := 0, 0
+	for i := 0; i < trials; i++ {
+		if SimulateCombat(plainBMPlayer(), hardEnemy, defaultCombatPhases).PlayerWon {
+			plainWins++
+		}
+		if SimulateCombat(bmPrecisionPlayer(), hardEnemy, defaultCombatPhases).PlayerWon {
+			bmWins++
+		}
+	}
+	if bmWins-plainWins < 25 {
+		t.Errorf("Precision Attack lift too small: plain=%d bm=%d", plainWins, bmWins)
+	}
+}
+
+// Surface check: AssassinateBonusDmg only consumed once.
+func TestResolvePlayerAttack_AssassinateBonusFirstHitOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	// Drive resolvePlayerAttack via a SimulateCombat run and confirm the
+	// total enemy damage taken on hit is the *base* damage on subsequent
+	// hits (i.e. only the first hit got the +bonus). Statistical compare
+	// against an Assassin L5 vs. an identical player without the bonus.
+	const trials = 800
+	build := func(bonus int) Combatant {
+		return Combatant{
+			Name: "Assn", IsPlayer: true,
+			Stats: CombatStats{
+				MaxHP: 100, Attack: 15, Defense: 8, Speed: 10, AttackBonus: 5, AC: 16,
+				CritRate: 0.05, DodgeRate: 0.05, BlockRate: 0.05,
+			},
+			Mods: CombatModifiers{
+				DamageReduct: 1.0, AutoCritFirst: true, AssassinateBonusDmg: bonus,
+			},
+		}
+	}
+	enemy := func() Combatant {
+		return Combatant{
+			Name: "Mark",
+			Stats: CombatStats{
+				MaxHP: 80, Attack: 12, Defense: 8, Speed: 8, AC: 14, AttackBonus: 3,
+				CritRate: 0.05, DodgeRate: 0.05, BlockRate: 0.05,
+			},
+			Mods: CombatModifiers{DamageReduct: 1.0},
+		}
+	}
+	plainWins, assnWins := 0, 0
+	for i := 0; i < trials; i++ {
+		if SimulateCombat(build(0), enemy(), defaultCombatPhases).PlayerWon {
+			plainWins++
+		}
+		if SimulateCombat(build(8), enemy(), defaultCombatPhases).PlayerWon {
+			assnWins++
+		}
+	}
+	if assnWins <= plainWins {
+		t.Errorf("Assassinate bonus damage didn't help: plain=%d assn=%d", plainWins, assnWins)
+	}
+}
+
 // Surface-level sanity: rage shows up in characterActiveAbilities for a
 // Berserker but not a Champion. Tests the gating helper directly so we
 // don't need the resource-pool DB read that renderArmList does.