diff --git a/gogobee_legacy_migration.md b/gogobee_legacy_migration.md
index fed9651..16a5e38 100644
--- a/gogobee_legacy_migration.md
+++ b/gogobee_legacy_migration.md
@@ -314,9 +314,11 @@ This is also the right shape because zone-boss plumbing (bestiary, mood events,
 - `player_meta.display_name` column added via column migration in `internal/db/db.go`.
 - `backfillPlayerMetaDisplayName` runs on every Init: idempotent (`UPDATE ... WHERE display_name = ''` only touches empty rows, so dual-writes layered on top survive re-runs).
 - `upsertPlayerMetaDisplayName(userID, name)` dual-writes from `createAdvCharacter` (inside the same tx, atomic with the AdvCharacter INSERT) and `saveAdvCharacter` (post-commit, error-logged but non-fatal).
-- `loadDisplayName(userID)` reads `player_meta` → falls back to `adventure_characters.display_name` → empty string if neither exists. Helper exists but **readers are NOT flipped yet** — soak week begins now; per-call-site flip happens in a follow-up session once we've confirmed dual-write doesn't drift.
+- `loadDisplayName(userID)` reads `player_meta` → falls back to `adventure_characters.display_name` → empty string if neither exists.
 - Tests: `TestPlayerMetaDisplayNameBackfill_Idempotent`, `TestLoadDisplayName_FallsBackToAdvCharacter`, `TestCreateAdvCharacter_DualWritesDisplayName`.
 
+**Reader flip SHIPPED (2026-05-09).** All `char.DisplayName` / `c.DisplayName` reader sites in `internal/plugin/` were swapped to `loadDisplayName(userID)` (or pass-through equivalents) across: `combat_bridge.go`, `dnd_zone_cmd.go`, `dnd_expedition_combat.go`, `dnd_zone_combat.go`, `adventure_robbie.go`, `adventure_scheduler.go`, `adventure_hospital.go`, `adventure_events.go`, `adventure_render.go`, `adventure_masterwork.go`, `adventure.go`, `adventure_arena.go`. The only remaining `char.DisplayName` references are in `adventure_character.go` itself (scan into struct + `saveAdvCharacter` SQL + dual-write to `player_meta`) and the `player_meta.go` doc comment. `go vet` + `go test ./internal/plugin/...` clean.
+
 **Pre-conditions:**
 - L1–L4 all shipped.
 - DisplayName migrated to `player_meta` (see above).
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure.go b/internal/plugin/adventure.go
index cb68cb1..6ce3abf 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure.go
@@ -699,8 +699,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleAdminRevive(ctx MessageContext, target string) e
 		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, "That user has no adventurer.")
 	}
 
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(targetID)
 	if char.Alive {
-		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, fmt.Sprintf("%s is already alive.", char.DisplayName))
+		return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, fmt.Sprintf("%s is already alive.", displayName))
 	}
 
 	char.Alive = true
@@ -713,7 +714,7 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleAdminRevive(ctx MessageContext, target string) e
 	if p.achievements != nil {
 		p.achievements.GrantAchievement(targetID, "adv_revived")
 	}
-	return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, fmt.Sprintf("✅ %s has been revived.", char.DisplayName))
+	return p.SendReply(ctx.RoomID, ctx.EventID, fmt.Sprintf("✅ %s has been revived.", displayName))
 }
 
 func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleAdminSummary(ctx MessageContext) error {
@@ -982,6 +983,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveRest(ctx MessageContext, char *AdventureCharact
 
 	logAdvActivity(char.UserID, string(AdvActivityRest), "", "rest", 0, 0, "")
 
+	dispName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+
 	// Compute reset countdown
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
 	midnight := time.Date(now.Year(), now.Month(), now.Day()+1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
@@ -998,7 +1001,7 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveRest(ctx MessageContext, char *AdventureCharact
 			"Morning DM: %02d:00 UTC\n"+
 			"Evening summary: %02d:00 UTC\n\n"+
 			"The Arena is always open: `!arena`",
-		char.DisplayName, hours, minutes, p.morningHour, p.summaryHour)
+		dispName, hours, minutes, p.morningHour, p.summaryHour)
 
 	if err := p.SendDM(ctx.Sender, restMsg); err != nil {
 		slog.Error("adventure: failed to send rest DM", "user", ctx.Sender, "err", err)
@@ -1210,8 +1213,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) announceTreasureToRoom(char *AdventureCharacter, def *
 	if gr == "" {
 		return
 	}
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	announce := advSubstituteFlavor(def.RoomAnnounce, map[string]string{
-		"{name}":     char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}":     displayName,
 		"{location}": loc.Name,
 	})
 	p.SendMessage(id.RoomID(gr), announce)
@@ -1221,8 +1225,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) announceTreasureToRoom(char *AdventureCharacter, def *
 
 func (p *AdventurePlugin) selectFlavorText(char *AdventureCharacter, result *AdvActionResult) (string, string) {
 	loc := result.Location
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	vars := map[string]string{
-		"{name}":     char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}":     displayName,
 		"{location}": loc.Name,
 		"{value}":    fmt.Sprintf("%d", result.TotalLootValue),
 		"{xp}":       fmt.Sprintf("%d", result.XPGained),
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_arena.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_arena.go
index f24c05d..6655e24 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_arena.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_arena.go
@@ -205,10 +205,11 @@ type arenaBossNarration struct {
 // surrounding economic glue. There is no legacy fallback — a boss-flow
 // error surfaces to the player and aborts the round.
 func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveArenaRound(ctx MessageContext, run *ArenaRun, char *AdventureCharacter, equip map[EquipmentSlot]*AdvEquipment, tier *ArenaTier, monster *ArenaMonster) error {
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(ctx.Sender)
 	intro, phases, outcome, result, err := p.resolveArenaBoss(ctx.Sender, ArenaBossEncounter{
 		Tier:        run.Tier,
 		Round:       run.Round,
-		DisplayName: char.DisplayName,
+		DisplayName: displayName,
 	})
 	if err != nil {
 		slog.Error("arena: boss flow failed", "user", ctx.Sender, "err", err)
@@ -299,7 +300,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleArenaStats(ctx MessageContext) error {
 	} else {
 		slog.Error("player_meta: arena stats read failed, falling back to AdvCharacter", "user", ctx.Sender, "err", err)
 	}
-	return p.SendDM(ctx.Sender, renderArenaPersonalStats(char.DisplayName, wins, losses, stats))
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(ctx.Sender)
+	return p.SendDM(ctx.Sender, renderArenaPersonalStats(displayName, wins, losses, stats))
 }
 
 func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleArenaLeaderboard(ctx MessageContext) error {
@@ -401,7 +403,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveArenaSurvival(ctx MessageContext, run *ArenaRun
 
 		if dropped := p.arenaRollHelmetDrop(ctx.Sender, run.Tier); dropped != nil {
 			finalMessage += "\n" + renderArenaHelmetDrop(dropped)
-			p.postArenaDropAnnouncement(char.DisplayName, dropped)
+			displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(ctx.Sender)
+			p.postArenaDropAnnouncement(displayName, dropped)
 		}
 
 		done := p.sendZoneCombatMessages(ctx.Sender, phaseMessages, finalMessage)
@@ -498,7 +501,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveArenaDeath(ctx MessageContext, run *ArenaRun, c
 	if dt.PetRecovered {
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
-			_ = p.SendMessage(gr, petDitchRecoveryGameRoom(char.DisplayName, char.PetName, true))
+			displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(ctx.Sender)
+			_ = p.SendMessage(gr, petDitchRecoveryGameRoom(displayName, char.PetName, true))
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -581,8 +585,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) arenaCompleteSession(userID id.UserID, run *ArenaRun,
 		// Room announcement for T5
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
+			displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
 			announce := fmt.Sprintf("🏆 **%s has conquered the Arena.** Tier 5 streak. €%d earned. That Which Has Always Been has fallen.",
-				char.DisplayName, run.Earnings)
+				displayName, run.Earnings)
 			p.SendMessage(id.RoomID(gr), announce)
 		}
 	}
@@ -596,9 +601,10 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) arenaCompleteSession(userID id.UserID, run *ArenaRun,
 			// Game room announcement
 			gr := gamesRoom()
 			if gr != "" {
+				displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
 				p.SendMessage(id.RoomID(gr), fmt.Sprintf(
 					"🏆 %s walked out of the arena with the Gladiator's Helm. Tier %d streak. They had the option to stop. They did not stop.",
-					char.DisplayName, tiersWon))
+					displayName, tiersWon))
 			}
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_events.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_events.go
index b9f1dd1..818f354 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_events.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_events.go
@@ -142,9 +142,11 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) tryTriggerEvent(userID id.UserID) {
 
 	slog.Info("adventure: mid-day event triggered", "user", userID, "event", event.Key, "id", eventID)
 
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
+
 	// DM the player
 	triggerDM := advSubstituteFlavor(event.TriggerDM, map[string]string{
-		"{name}": char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}": displayName,
 	})
 	if err := p.SendDM(userID, triggerDM); err != nil {
 		slog.Error("adventure: events: failed to send trigger DM", "user", userID, "err", err)
@@ -154,7 +156,7 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) tryTriggerEvent(userID id.UserID) {
 	gr := gamesRoom()
 	if gr != "" {
 		roomLine := advSubstituteFlavor(advEventRoomTriggerWrapper, map[string]string{
-			"{trigger_room_line}": advSubstituteFlavor(event.TriggerRoomLine, map[string]string{"{name}": char.DisplayName}),
+			"{trigger_room_line}": advSubstituteFlavor(event.TriggerRoomLine, map[string]string{"{name}": displayName}),
 		})
 		_ = p.SendMessage(id.RoomID(gr), roomLine)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_hospital.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_hospital.go
index b259157..609b282 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_hospital.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_hospital.go
@@ -55,7 +55,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) handleHospitalCmd(ctx MessageContext) error {
 		// Room announcement
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
-			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, char.DisplayName))
+			name, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, name))
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -152,7 +153,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveHospitalPay(ctx MessageContext, interaction *ad
 
 			gr := gamesRoom()
 			if gr != "" {
-				p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, char.DisplayName))
+				name, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, name))
 			}
 			return nil
 		}
@@ -191,7 +193,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveHospitalPay(ctx MessageContext, interaction *ad
 		// Room announcement
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
-			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDischargeAnnounce, char.DisplayName))
+			name, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDischargeAnnounce, name))
 		}
 
 		return nil
@@ -206,7 +209,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveHospitalPay(ctx MessageContext, interaction *ad
 	if err == nil {
 		gr := gamesRoom()
 		if gr != "" {
-			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, char.DisplayName))
+			name, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+			p.SendMessage(gr, fmt.Sprintf(hospitalDitchAnnounce, name))
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_masterwork.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_masterwork.go
index b0fc9df..49c946f 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_masterwork.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_masterwork.go
@@ -262,7 +262,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) checkMasterworkDrop(userID id.UserID, char *AdventureC
 	p.SendDM(userID, sb.String())
 
 	// Room announcement (tiered)
-	p.postMasterworkAnnouncement(char.DisplayName, def, loc.Name)
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
+	p.postMasterworkAnnouncement(displayName, def, loc.Name)
 }
 
 // ── Room Announcements ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_render.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_render.go
index 46f770b..fbb8101 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_render.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_render.go
@@ -92,7 +92,8 @@ func advSubstituteFlavor(template string, vars map[string]string) string {
 func renderAdvCharacterSheet(char *AdventureCharacter, equip map[EquipmentSlot]*AdvEquipment, items []AdvItem, treasures []AdvTreasureBonus, balance float64) string {
 	var sb strings.Builder
 
-	sb.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("⚔️ **%s's Adventurer**\n\n", char.DisplayName))
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+	sb.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("⚔️ **%s's Adventurer**\n\n", displayName))
 
 	// Stats
 	sb.WriteString("📊 Stats:\n")
@@ -275,8 +276,8 @@ func renderRivalNudge(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 		hours = 1 // floor — "<1h" feels worse than "1h"
 	}
 	rivalName := string(c.ChallengerID)
-	if rc, err := loadAdvCharacter(c.ChallengerID); err == nil && rc != nil && rc.DisplayName != "" {
-		rivalName = rc.DisplayName
+	if name, err := loadDisplayName(c.ChallengerID); err == nil && name != "" {
+		rivalName = name
 	}
 	return fmt.Sprintf("⚔️ **Rival challenge open** — %s, round %d/3, €%d on the line · expires in %dh · reply **rock**, **paper**, or **scissors**",
 		rivalName, c.Round, c.Stake, hours)
@@ -294,8 +295,9 @@ func renderAdvMorningDM(char *AdventureCharacter, equip map[EquipmentSlot]*AdvEq
 
 	// Pick a morning greeting
 	greeting, _ := advPickFlavor(MorningDM, char.UserID, "morning_dm")
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	vars := map[string]string{
-		"{name}": char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}": displayName,
 		"{character_sheet}": fmt.Sprintf(
 			"  ⚔️ Combat Lv.%d  ⛏️ Mining Lv.%d  🌿 Foraging Lv.%d  🎣 Fishing Lv.%d\n  💰 €%.0f",
 			char.CombatLevel, char.MiningSkill, char.ForagingSkill, char.FishingSkill, balance),
@@ -503,8 +505,9 @@ func renderAdvDeathStatusDM(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 
 func renderAdvRespawnDM(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 	text, _ := advPickFlavor(RespawnDM, char.UserID, "respawn_dm")
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	return advSubstituteFlavor(text, map[string]string{
-		"{name}": char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}": displayName,
 	})
 }
 
@@ -664,8 +667,9 @@ func masteryBar(value, total int) string {
 
 func renderAdvIdleShameDM(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 	text, _ := advPickFlavor(IdleShameDM, char.UserID, "idle_shame")
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	return advSubstituteFlavor(text, map[string]string{
-		"{name}": char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}": displayName,
 	})
 }
 
@@ -673,8 +677,9 @@ func renderAdvIdleShameDM(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 
 func renderAdvOnboardingDM(char *AdventureCharacter) string {
 	text, _ := advPickFlavor(OnboardingDM, char.UserID, "onboarding")
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
 	return advSubstituteFlavor(text, map[string]string{
-		"{name}": char.DisplayName,
+		"{name}": displayName,
 	})
 }
 
@@ -890,8 +895,9 @@ func renderAdvLeaderboard(chars []AdventureCharacter) string {
 	var entries []entry
 	for _, c := range chars {
 		score := (c.CombatLevel + c.MiningSkill + c.ForagingSkill + c.FishingSkill) * 10
+		name, _ := loadDisplayName(c.UserID)
 		entries = append(entries, entry{
-			Name:   c.DisplayName,
+			Name:   name,
 			Score:  score,
 			Levels: fmt.Sprintf("⚔️%d ⛏️%d 🌿%d 🎣%d", c.CombatLevel, c.MiningSkill, c.ForagingSkill, c.FishingSkill),
 			Streak: c.CurrentStreak,
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_robbie.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_robbie.go
index 288a700..b8248ad 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_robbie.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_robbie.go
@@ -83,7 +83,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) robbieVisitAll() {
 			time.Sleep(time.Duration(1000+rand.IntN(2000)) * time.Millisecond)
 		}
 
-		p.robbieVisitPlayer(char.UserID, char.DisplayName)
+		name, _ := loadDisplayName(char.UserID)
+		p.robbieVisitPlayer(char.UserID, name)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/plugin/adventure_scheduler.go b/internal/plugin/adventure_scheduler.go
index ccf1e71..e838377 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/adventure_scheduler.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/adventure_scheduler.go
@@ -232,8 +232,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) postDailySummary() {
 	// Build player summaries
 	var players []AdvPlayerDaySummary
 	for _, c := range chars {
+		dispName, _ := loadDisplayName(c.UserID)
 		ps := AdvPlayerDaySummary{
-			DisplayName:   c.DisplayName,
+			DisplayName:   dispName,
 			CombatLevel:   c.CombatLevel,
 			MiningSkill:   c.MiningSkill,
 			ForagingSkill: c.ForagingSkill,
diff --git a/internal/plugin/combat_bridge.go b/internal/plugin/combat_bridge.go
index 9b88707..553e643 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/combat_bridge.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/combat_bridge.go
@@ -101,8 +101,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) runDungeonCombat(
 		ability = &MonsterAbility{Name: "Stone Skin", Phase: "opening", ProcChance: 0.20, Effect: "armor_break"}
 	}
 
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
 	player := Combatant{
-		Name:     char.DisplayName,
+		Name:     displayName,
 		Stats:    playerStats,
 		Mods:     playerMods,
 		IsPlayer: true,
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_expedition_combat.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_expedition_combat.go
index b8090b0..8c94349 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_expedition_combat.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_expedition_combat.go
@@ -378,8 +378,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) tryPatrolEncounter(
 
 	// Phases: forward-simulating engine play-by-play.
 	playerName := "You"
-	if char, _ := loadAdvCharacter(userID); char != nil && char.DisplayName != "" {
-		playerName = char.DisplayName
+	if name, _ := loadDisplayName(userID); name != "" {
+		playerName = name
 	}
 	phases = RenderCombatLog(result, playerName, monster.Name)
 
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_cmd.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_cmd.go
index f87e6ba..0418d9e 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_cmd.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_cmd.go
@@ -568,8 +568,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveCombatRoom(userID id.UserID, run *DungeonRun, z
 	// Phases: forward-simulating engine play-by-play. Use the player's
 	// display name when available so narrative lines read naturally.
 	playerName := "You"
-	if char, _ := loadAdvCharacter(userID); char != nil && char.DisplayName != "" {
-		playerName = char.DisplayName
+	if name, _ := loadDisplayName(userID); name != "" {
+		playerName = name
 	}
 	phases = RenderCombatLog(result, playerName, monster.Name)
 
@@ -645,8 +645,8 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) resolveBossRoom(userID id.UserID, run *DungeonRun, zon
 	intro = fmt.Sprintf("👑 **Boss — %s** (HP %d, AC %d)", monster.Name, monster.HP, monster.AC)
 
 	playerName := "You"
-	if char, _ := loadAdvCharacter(userID); char != nil && char.DisplayName != "" {
-		playerName = char.DisplayName
+	if name, _ := loadDisplayName(userID); name != "" {
+		playerName = name
 	}
 	phases = RenderCombatLog(result, playerName, monster.Name)
 
diff --git a/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_combat.go b/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_combat.go
index db187b4..7e206dc 100644
--- a/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_combat.go
+++ b/internal/plugin/dnd_zone_combat.go
@@ -164,8 +164,9 @@ func (p *AdventurePlugin) runZoneCombat(
 	}
 	applyPendingCast(userID, dndChar, &playerStats, &playerMods, &enemyStats)
 
+	displayName, _ := loadDisplayName(userID)
 	player := Combatant{
-		Name:     char.DisplayName,
+		Name:     displayName,
 		Stats:    playerStats,
 		Mods:     playerMods,
 		IsPlayer: true,