diff --git a/src/App.jsx b/src/App.jsx
index 0d2075b..0565788 100644
--- a/src/App.jsx
+++ b/src/App.jsx
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ const MAP_BLOCKS = [
 ]
 
 const INJURY_DECAY = { cut: 0.3, laceration: 0.6, stab: 0.8 }
+const TURN_SPEED = 6
 
 const bodyPartLabels = {
   head: 'Head', torso: 'Torso',
@@ -166,11 +167,13 @@ function computeMove(from, to, speed) {
   if (dist <= speed) return { x: to.x, y: to.y }
 
   const step = 0.5
-  const steps = Math.floor(speed / step)
+  const totalSteps = Math.ceil(speed / step)
   let cx = from.x, cy = from.y
-  for (let i = 0; i < steps; i++) {
-    const nx = cx + (dx / dist) * step
-    const ny = cy + (dy / dist) * step
+  for (let i = 0; i < totalSteps; i++) {
+    const remaining = speed - i * step
+    const thisStep = Math.min(step, remaining)
+    const nx = cx + (dx / dist) * thisStep
+    const ny = cy + (dy / dist) * thisStep
     if (MAP_BLOCKS.some(b => rectCollides(nx, ny, b))) break
     cx = nx; cy = ny
   }
@@ -276,7 +279,7 @@ function buildPlayerAttack({ weaponId, skillName, targetPart, enemyIndex, equipp
  * Run enemy AI. Returns an array of raw action objects.
  * Uses the same computeMove / computeHit as the player.
  */
-function runEnemyAI(combat, playerParts, playerInjuries) {
+function runEnemyAI(combat, playerParts, playerInjuries, enemyDirs) {
   const actions = []
   const moveTargets = {}
 
@@ -316,6 +319,12 @@ function runEnemyAI(combat, playerParts, playerInjuries) {
       const newPos = computeMove(e.pos, combat.playerPos, speed)
       if (newPos.x !== e.pos.x || newPos.y !== e.pos.y) {
         moveTargets[i] = { fromX: e.pos.x, fromY: e.pos.y, toX: newPos.x, toY: newPos.y }
+        if (enemyDirs) {
+          const dx = newPos.x - e.pos.x
+          const dy = newPos.y - e.pos.y
+          const d = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy)
+          if (d > 0) enemyDirs[i] = { dx: dx / d, dy: dy / d }
+        }
       }
     }
   }
@@ -410,7 +419,7 @@ export default function App() {
   const [moveMode,         setMoveMode]         = useState(null)
 
   // ── animation state
-  const [attackLerp,       setAttackLerp]       = useState({ player: null, enemies: {} })
+  const [animations,       setAnimations]       = useState([])
   const [hitShake,         setHitShake]         = useState(null)
   const [minimapView,      setMinimapView]      = useState({ x: 0, y: 0, scale: 1 })
 
@@ -447,6 +456,10 @@ export default function App() {
   const equippedWeaponsRef = useRef(null);          equippedWeaponsRef.current = equippedWeapons
   // Tracks the latest enemy positions so AI reads fresh positions (not stale combatRef)
   const positionsRef = useRef({})
+  const playerDirRef = useRef({ dx: 0, dy: 1 })
+  const playerTargetDirRef = useRef({ dx: 0, dy: 1 })
+  const enemyDirsRef = useRef({})
+  const wasBusyRef = useRef(false)
 
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   // DERIVED
@@ -469,31 +482,53 @@ export default function App() {
   }
 
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-  // TIMER — only ticks while timerActive is true
+  // ANIMATION SYSTEM — modular & extensible
+  // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+  // To add a new animation type:
+  //   1. Add an entry to ANIM_TYPES
+  //   2. Add a config to ANIM_CFG   { duration, hitAt }
+  //   3. Add a factory function that creates the animation object
+  //   4. Add a case to getAnimPos() for rendering
+  //   5. Call the factory when creating the animation
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
-  const LUNGE_DIST = 18
+  const ANIM_TYPES = {
+    SLASH: 'slash',
+    PIERCE_STRIKE: 'pierce_strike',
+  }
 
-  function makeAttackAnim(action, cc) {
+  const ANIM_CFG = {
+    [ANIM_TYPES.SLASH]: { duration: 0.3, hitAt: 0.15 },
+    [ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE]: { duration: 0.3, hitAt: 0.15 },
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Factory: create a weapon animation based on the skill's damage type.
+   * slash → arcing motion, pierce → straight thrust, blunt → straight strike.
+   */
+  function createWeaponStrikeAnim(action, cc) {
     const isPlayer = action.actor === 'player'
     const startPos = isPlayer
       ? { ...(cc?.playerPos ?? { x: 20, y: 75 }) }
       : { ...(cc?.enemies[action.enemyIndex]?.pos ?? { x: 20, y: 75 }) }
-    const targetPos = isPlayer
+    const endPos = isPlayer
       ? { ...(cc?.enemies[action.enemyIndex]?.pos ?? startPos) }
       : { ...(cc?.playerPos ?? startPos) }
-    const dx = targetPos.x - startPos.x
-    const dy = targetPos.y - startPos.y
-    const dist = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy) || 1
-    const lungeDist = Math.min(LUNGE_DIST, dist)
-    const lungeTarget = {
-      x: startPos.x + (dx / dist) * lungeDist,
-      y: startPos.y + (dy / dist) * lungeDist,
-    }
+
+    const weapon = weaponMap[action.weaponId]
+    const skill = weapon?.skills?.find(s => s.name === action.skillName)
+    const damageType = skill?.damageType ?? 'blunt'
+    const type = damageType === 'slash' ? ANIM_TYPES.SLASH : ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE
+
     return {
-      type: 'attack',
+      id: `${action.actor}-${action.enemyIndex}-${Date.now()}`,
+      type,
       actor: action.actor,
       enemyIndex: action.enemyIndex,
+      startPos,
+      endPos,
+      elapsed: 0,
+      hitFired: false,
       targetPart: action.targetPart,
       weaponId: action.weaponId,
       skillName: action.skillName,
@@ -505,149 +540,193 @@ export default function App() {
       attackerInjuries: action.attackerInjuries,
       targetParts: action.targetParts,
       targetInjuries: action.targetInjuries,
-      startPos, lungeTarget,
-      elapsed: 0,
-      hitFired: false,
     }
   }
 
   /**
-   * Advance an attack animation by dt seconds. Returns true when done.
+   * Slash: arc toward the target (perpendicular offset).
    */
-  function tickAttack(anim, dt) {
-    const liveCc = combatRef.current
-    if (anim.actor === 'player' && isDead(bodyPartsRef.current)) return true
-    if (anim.actor === 'enemy') {
-      const e = liveCc?.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-      if (!e || isDead(e.integrity)) { enemyActionsRef.current[anim.enemyIndex] = null; return true }
-    }
-
-    anim.elapsed += dt
-    const hitAt = 0.15
-    const returnAt = 0.30
-
+  function getSlashPos(anim) {
+    const { hitAt, duration } = ANIM_CFG[ANIM_TYPES.SLASH]
     const t = anim.elapsed < hitAt
       ? anim.elapsed / hitAt
-      : anim.elapsed < returnAt
-        ? 1 - (anim.elapsed - hitAt) / (returnAt - hitAt)
+      : anim.elapsed < duration
+        ? 1 - (anim.elapsed - hitAt) / (duration - hitAt)
         : 0
-    setAttackLerp(prev => anim.actor === 'player'
-      ? { ...prev, player: { from: anim.startPos, to: anim.lungeTarget, t } }
-      : { ...prev, enemies: { ...prev.enemies, [anim.enemyIndex]: { from: anim.startPos, to: anim.lungeTarget, t } } })
+    const dx = anim.endPos.x - anim.startPos.x
+    const dy = anim.endPos.y - anim.startPos.y
+    const dist = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy) || 1
+    const nx = -dy / dist
+    const ny = dx / dist
+    const arcHeight = Math.sin(t * Math.PI) * 8
+    return {
+      x: anim.startPos.x + dx * t + nx * arcHeight,
+      y: anim.startPos.y + dy * t + ny * arcHeight,
+    }
+  }
 
-    if (anim.elapsed >= hitAt && !anim.hitFired) {
-      anim.hitFired = true
+  /**
+   * Pierce / blunt: straight thrust toward the target.
+   */
+  function getPierceStrikePos(anim) {
+    const { hitAt, duration } = ANIM_CFG[ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE]
+    const t = anim.elapsed < hitAt
+      ? anim.elapsed / hitAt
+      : anim.elapsed < duration
+        ? 1 - (anim.elapsed - hitAt) / (duration - hitAt)
+        : 0
+    return {
+      x: anim.startPos.x + (anim.endPos.x - anim.startPos.x) * t,
+      y: anim.startPos.y + (anim.endPos.y - anim.startPos.y) * t,
+    }
+  }
 
-      let inRange = false
-      if (liveCc) {
-        if (anim.actor === 'player') {
-          const e = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-          if (e) inRange = canReach(liveCc.playerPos, e.pos, anim.weaponId, anim.skillName)
-        } else {
-          const e = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-          if (e) {
-            const ddx = liveCc.playerPos.x - e.pos.x
-            const ddy = liveCc.playerPos.y - e.pos.y
-            inRange = Math.sqrt(ddx * ddx + ddy * ddy) <= 15
-          }
+  /**
+   * Dispatch: get the current position of any animation type.
+   * Returns { x, y } or null if the type is unknown.
+   */
+  function getAnimPos(anim) {
+    switch (anim?.type) {
+      case ANIM_TYPES.SLASH: return getSlashPos(anim)
+      case ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE: return getPierceStrikePos(anim)
+      default: return null
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Tick a single animation by dt seconds. Returns true when the animation is done.
+   */
+  function tickAnimation(anim, dt) {
+    const cfg = ANIM_CFG[anim?.type]
+    if (!cfg) return true
+    anim.elapsed += dt
+    return anim.elapsed >= cfg.duration
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Apply the hit/damage logic when an animation reaches its hitAt time.
+   */
+  function applyAnimHit(anim) {
+    const liveCc = combatRef.current
+
+    let inRange = false
+    if (liveCc) {
+      if (anim.actor === 'player') {
+        const e = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
+        if (e) inRange = canReach(liveCc.playerPos, e.pos, anim.weaponId, anim.skillName)
+      } else {
+        const e = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
+        if (e) {
+          const ddx = liveCc.playerPos.x - e.pos.x
+          const ddy = liveCc.playerPos.y - e.pos.y
+          inRange = Math.sqrt(ddx * ddx + ddy * ddy) <= 15
         }
       }
+    }
 
-      if (!inRange) {
-        const msg = anim.actor === 'player'
-          ? 'Your attack misses!'
-          : `${liveCc?.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]?.name ?? 'Enemy'}'s attack misses!`
-        setCombat(prev => ({ ...prev, log: [...prev.log, msg] }))
-      } else {
-        setHitShake({ actor: anim.actor, enemyIndex: anim.enemyIndex, start: performance.now() })
-        if (anim.actor === 'player') {
-          // ── Player attacking enemy ──
-        const wid = anim.weaponId
-        if (wid !== 'fists' && wid !== 'left_arm' && wid !== 'right_arm') {
-          const base = weaponMap[wid]
-          setWeaponConditions(prev => ({ ...prev, [wid]: Math.max(0, (prev[wid] ?? base.maxCondition) - (1 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 2))) }))
-        }
+    if (!inRange) {
+      const msg = anim.actor === 'player'
+        ? 'Your attack misses!'
+        : `${liveCc?.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]?.name ?? 'Enemy'}'s attack misses!`
+      setCombat(prev => ({ ...prev, log: [...prev.log, msg] }))
+      return
+    }
 
-        const decayedPlayer = calcIntegrity(bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current, hitAt)
+    setHitShake({ actor: anim.actor, enemyIndex: anim.enemyIndex, start: performance.now() })
 
-        if (liveCc) {
-          const enemy = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-          if (enemy) {
-            const decayedEnemy  = calcIntegrity(enemy.integrity, enemy.injuries, hitAt)
-            const prevHp        = decayedEnemy[anim.targetPart]
-            const hitEnemy      = { ...decayedEnemy, [anim.targetPart]: Math.max(0, prevHp - anim.dmg) }
-            const newInjuries   = prevHp > 0 && anim.severity > 0
-              ? applyInjury(enemy.injuries, anim.targetPart, anim.injType, anim.severity)
-              : enemy.injuries
+    if (anim.actor === 'player') {
+      const wid = anim.weaponId
+      if (wid !== 'fists' && wid !== 'left_arm' && wid !== 'right_arm') {
+        const base = weaponMap[wid]
+        setWeaponConditions(prev => ({ ...prev, [wid]: Math.max(0, (prev[wid] ?? base.maxCondition) - (1 + Math.floor(Math.random() * 2))) }))
+      }
 
-            const log = anim.dmg > 0
-              ? [`You ${anim.skillName?.toLowerCase() ?? 'attack'} ${enemy.name}'s ${bodyPartLabels[anim.targetPart]} — ${anim.injLabel} (severity ${anim.severity}, -${anim.dmg} integrity).`]
-              : []
-            if (isDead(hitEnemy)) {
-              if (anim.targetPart === 'head') log.push(`You crush ${enemy.name}'s head!`)
-              log.push(`${enemy.name} is defeated!`)
-            }
+      const decayedPlayer = calcIntegrity(bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current, ANIM_CFG[anim.type].hitAt)
 
-            setCombat(prev => ({
-              ...prev,
-              enemies: prev.enemies.map((e, i) => i === anim.enemyIndex ? { ...e, integrity: hitEnemy, injuries: newInjuries } : e),
-              log: [...prev.log, ...log],
-            }))
+      if (liveCc) {
+        const enemy = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
+        if (enemy) {
+          const decayedEnemy  = calcIntegrity(enemy.integrity, enemy.injuries, ANIM_CFG[anim.type].hitAt)
+          const prevHp        = decayedEnemy[anim.targetPart]
+          const hitEnemy      = { ...decayedEnemy, [anim.targetPart]: Math.max(0, prevHp - anim.dmg) }
+          const newInjuries   = prevHp > 0 && anim.severity > 0
+            ? applyInjury(enemy.injuries, anim.targetPart, anim.injType, anim.severity)
+            : enemy.injuries
+
+          const log = anim.dmg > 0
+            ? [`You ${anim.skillName?.toLowerCase() ?? 'attack'} ${enemy.name}'s ${bodyPartLabels[anim.targetPart]} — ${anim.injLabel} (severity ${anim.severity}, -${anim.dmg} integrity).`]
+            : []
+          if (isDead(hitEnemy)) {
+            if (anim.targetPart === 'head') log.push(`You crush ${enemy.name}'s head!`)
+            log.push(`${enemy.name} is defeated!`)
           }
-        }
-
-        setBodyParts(decayedPlayer)
-        setBodyInjuries(bodyInjuriesRef.current)
-      } else {
-        // ── Enemy attacking player ──
-        const currentEnemy  = liveCc?.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-        const decayedEnemy  = currentEnemy
-          ? calcIntegrity(currentEnemy.integrity, currentEnemy.injuries, hitAt)
-          : calcIntegrity(anim.attackerParts, anim.attackerInjuries, hitAt)
-        const decayedPlayer = calcIntegrity(bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current, hitAt)
-        const prevHp        = decayedPlayer[anim.targetPart]
-        const hitPlayer     = { ...decayedPlayer, [anim.targetPart]: Math.max(0, prevHp - anim.dmg) }
-        const newInjuries   = prevHp > 0 && anim.severity > 0
-          ? applyInjury(bodyInjuriesRef.current, anim.targetPart, anim.injType, anim.severity)
-          : bodyInjuriesRef.current
-
-        if (liveCc) {
-          const enemy = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
-          const enemyName = enemy?.name ?? 'Enemy'
 
           setCombat(prev => ({
             ...prev,
-            enemies: prev.enemies.map((e, i) => i === anim.enemyIndex ? { ...e, integrity: decayedEnemy } : e),
-            log: anim.dmg > 0
-              ? [...prev.log, `${enemyName} lands a ${anim.injLabel} on your ${bodyPartLabels[anim.targetPart]} (severity ${anim.severity}, integrity -${anim.dmg}).`]
-              : prev.log,
+            enemies: prev.enemies.map((e, i) => i === anim.enemyIndex ? { ...e, integrity: hitEnemy, injuries: newInjuries } : e),
+            log: [...prev.log, ...log],
           }))
         }
-
-        setBodyParts(hitPlayer)
-        setBodyInjuries(newInjuries)
       }
-      }
-    }
 
-    if (anim.elapsed >= 0.45) {
-      setAttackLerp(prev => anim.actor === 'player'
-        ? { ...prev, player: null }
-        : { ...prev, enemies: { ...prev.enemies, [anim.enemyIndex]: undefined } })
-      setHitShake(null)
-      return true
+      setBodyParts(decayedPlayer)
+      setBodyInjuries(bodyInjuriesRef.current)
+    } else {
+      const currentEnemy  = liveCc?.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
+      const decayedEnemy  = currentEnemy
+        ? calcIntegrity(currentEnemy.integrity, currentEnemy.injuries, ANIM_CFG[anim.type].hitAt)
+        : calcIntegrity(anim.attackerParts, anim.attackerInjuries, ANIM_CFG[anim.type].hitAt)
+      const decayedPlayer = calcIntegrity(bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current, ANIM_CFG[anim.type].hitAt)
+      const prevHp        = decayedPlayer[anim.targetPart]
+      const hitPlayer     = { ...decayedPlayer, [anim.targetPart]: Math.max(0, prevHp - anim.dmg) }
+      const newInjuries   = prevHp > 0 && anim.severity > 0
+        ? applyInjury(bodyInjuriesRef.current, anim.targetPart, anim.injType, anim.severity)
+        : bodyInjuriesRef.current
+
+      if (liveCc) {
+        const enemy = liveCc.enemies[anim.enemyIndex]
+        const enemyName = enemy?.name ?? 'Enemy'
+
+        setCombat(prev => ({
+          ...prev,
+          enemies: prev.enemies.map((e, i) => i === anim.enemyIndex ? { ...e, integrity: decayedEnemy } : e),
+          log: anim.dmg > 0
+            ? [...prev.log, `${enemyName} lands a ${anim.injLabel} on your ${bodyPartLabels[anim.targetPart]} (severity ${anim.severity}, integrity -${anim.dmg}).`]
+            : prev.log,
+        }))
+      }
+
+      setBodyParts(hitPlayer)
+      setBodyInjuries(newInjuries)
     }
-    return false
   }
 
   /**
    * Advance a player move by dt seconds. Returns true when done/blocked.
    */
+  /**
+   * Advance a player turn by dt. Returns true when facing the target.
+   */
+  function tickTurn() {
+    const dir = playerDirRef.current
+    const tgt = playerTargetDirRef.current
+    return dir.dx === tgt.dx && dir.dy === tgt.dy
+  }
+
   function tickPlayerMove(anim, dt) {
+    const mdx = anim.toX - anim.fromX
+    const mdy = anim.toY - anim.fromY
+    const mdist = Math.sqrt(mdx * mdx + mdy * mdy)
+    const moveDir = mdist > 0 ? { dx: mdx / mdist, dy: mdy / mdist } : { dx: 0, dy: 1 }
+    const facing = playerDirRef.current
+    const dot = Math.max(-1, Math.min(1, facing.dx * moveDir.dx + facing.dy * moveDir.dy))
+    const speedMult = 0.7 + 0.3 * dot
+    const speed = anim.speed * speedMult
+
     const steps = Math.max(1, Math.round(dt * 60))
     let cf = { x: anim.fromX, y: anim.fromY }
     for (let i = 0; i < steps; i++) {
-      const p = computeMove(cf, { x: anim.toX, y: anim.toY }, anim.speed)
+      const p = computeMove(cf, { x: anim.toX, y: anim.toY }, speed)
       if (p.x === anim.toX && p.y === anim.toY) {
         setCombat(c => ({ ...c, playerPos: p })); positionsRef.current.player = p; return true
       }
@@ -693,29 +772,60 @@ export default function App() {
       const dt  = (now - lastTime) / 1000
       lastTime  = now
 
-      if (!timerActiveRef.current) return
+      // ── Smooth turn player toward target direction ──
+      const curDir = playerDirRef.current
+      const tgtDir = playerTargetDirRef.current
+      if (curDir.dx !== tgtDir.dx || curDir.dy !== tgtDir.dy) {
+        const curAngle = Math.atan2(curDir.dy, curDir.dx)
+        const tgtAngle = Math.atan2(tgtDir.dy, tgtDir.dx)
+        let delta = tgtAngle - curAngle
+        while (delta > Math.PI) delta -= 2 * Math.PI
+        while (delta < -Math.PI) delta += 2 * Math.PI
+        const maxStep = TURN_SPEED * dt
+        if (Math.abs(delta) <= maxStep) {
+          playerDirRef.current = { dx: tgtDir.dx, dy: tgtDir.dy }
+        } else {
+          const newAngle = curAngle + Math.sign(delta) * maxStep
+          playerDirRef.current = { dx: Math.cos(newAngle), dy: Math.sin(newAngle) }
+        }
+      }
 
-      setCombatTime(t => t + dt)
-      setDisplayTime(t => t + dt)
-
-      // ── Auto-dismiss hitShake after 0.3s ──
+      // ── Effects (run every frame, independent of timer) ──
       setHitShake(prev => {
         if (!prev) return prev
         return (performance.now() - prev.start) / 1000 >= 0.3 ? null : prev
       })
 
-      // ── Update player action ──
-      if (playerActionRef.current) {
-        const anim = playerActionRef.current
-        const done = anim.type === 'attack'
-          ? tickAttack(anim, dt)
-          : anim.type === 'move'
-            ? tickPlayerMove(anim, dt)
-            : true
-        if (done) playerActionRef.current = null
+      if (!timerActiveRef.current) {
+        setAnimations([])
+        return
       }
 
-      // ── Update enemy actions ──
+      setCombatTime(t => t + dt)
+      setDisplayTime(t => t + dt)
+
+      // ── Tick player action ──
+      const activeAnims = []
+      if (playerActionRef.current) {
+        const rawAnim = playerActionRef.current
+        const done = rawAnim.type === 'move'
+          ? tickPlayerMove(rawAnim, dt)
+          : rawAnim.type === 'turn'
+            ? tickTurn()
+            : tickAnimation(rawAnim, dt)
+        if (!done && ANIM_CFG[rawAnim.type] && rawAnim.elapsed >= ANIM_CFG[rawAnim.type].hitAt && !rawAnim.hitFired) {
+          rawAnim.hitFired = true
+          applyAnimHit(rawAnim)
+        }
+        if (done) {
+          playerActionRef.current = null
+          setHitShake(null)
+        } else if (ANIM_CFG[rawAnim.type]) {
+          activeAnims.push(rawAnim)
+        }
+      }
+
+      // ── Tick enemy actions ──
       const cc = combatRef.current
       const fresh = cc ? (() => {
         const pp = positionsRef.current.player
@@ -730,17 +840,19 @@ export default function App() {
       })() : null
       if (cc) {
         for (let i = 0; i < cc.enemies.length; i++) {
-          const anim = enemyActionsRef.current[i]
-          if (!anim) continue
-          const done = anim.type === 'attack'
-            ? tickAttack(anim, dt)
-            : anim.type === 'enemyMove'
-              ? tickEnemyMove(anim, dt)
-              : true
+          const rawAnim = enemyActionsRef.current[i]
+          if (!rawAnim) continue
+          const done = rawAnim.type === 'enemyMove'
+            ? tickEnemyMove(rawAnim, dt)
+            : tickAnimation(rawAnim, dt)
+          if (!done && ANIM_CFG[rawAnim.type] && rawAnim.elapsed >= ANIM_CFG[rawAnim.type].hitAt && !rawAnim.hitFired) {
+            rawAnim.hitFired = true
+            applyAnimHit(rawAnim)
+          }
           if (done) {
-            if (anim.type === 'enemyMove') {
+            if (rawAnim.type === 'enemyMove') {
               const e = fresh?.enemies[i] ?? cc.enemies[i]
-              const finalPos = { x: anim.targets[i].toX, y: anim.targets[i].toY }
+              const finalPos = { x: rawAnim.targets[i].toX, y: rawAnim.targets[i].toY }
               if (e && !isDead(e.integrity)) {
                 const dist = Math.sqrt(
                   ((fresh ?? cc).playerPos.x - finalPos.x) ** 2 + ((fresh ?? cc).playerPos.y - finalPos.y) ** 2
@@ -762,22 +874,24 @@ export default function App() {
                     targetParts: { ...bodyPartsRef.current },
                     targetInjuries: { ...bodyInjuriesRef.current },
                   }
-                  enemyActionsRef.current[i] = makeAttackAnim(action, fresh)
+                  enemyActionsRef.current[i] = createWeaponStrikeAnim(action, fresh)
                   continue
                 }
               }
             }
             enemyActionsRef.current[i] = null
+          } else {
+            activeAnims.push(rawAnim)
           }
         }
       }
 
       // ── Run enemy AI every frame for idle enemies ──
       if (fresh) {
-        const actions = runEnemyAI(fresh, bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current)
+        const actions = runEnemyAI(fresh, bodyPartsRef.current, bodyInjuriesRef.current, enemyDirsRef.current)
         for (const act of actions) {
           if (act.type === 'attack' && !enemyActionsRef.current[act.enemyIndex]) {
-            enemyActionsRef.current[act.enemyIndex] = makeAttackAnim(act, fresh)
+            enemyActionsRef.current[act.enemyIndex] = createWeaponStrikeAnim(act, fresh)
           } else if (act.type === 'enemyMove') {
             for (const idxStr of Object.keys(act.targets)) {
               const idx = parseInt(idxStr)
@@ -792,12 +906,16 @@ export default function App() {
         }
       }
 
-      // ── Pause timer when player is idle; enemy actions freeze mid-state ──
+      // ── Update rendering state for active animations ──
+      setAnimations(activeAnims)
+
+      // ── Auto-stop timer when an action just completed ──
       const playerBusy = playerActionRef.current !== null
-      if (!playerBusy) {
+      if (wasBusyRef.current && !playerBusy) {
         timerActiveRef.current = false
         setTimerRunning(false)
       }
+      wasBusyRef.current = playerBusy
       setBusy(playerBusy)
     }
 
@@ -829,6 +947,21 @@ export default function App() {
     if (isDead(bodyParts) || !combat.enemies.some(e => !isDead(e.integrity))) endFight()
   }, [combat, bodyParts, playerHp])
 
+  // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+  // KEYBINDS
+  // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const handleKeyDown = (e) => {
+      if (e.code === 'Space' && combat) {
+        e.preventDefault()
+        toggleTimer()
+      }
+    }
+    window.addEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown)
+    return () => window.removeEventListener('keydown', handleKeyDown)
+  }, [combat])
+
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   // SNAPSHOT (recording)
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -840,7 +973,7 @@ export default function App() {
       combat: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(combat)),
       bodyParts: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(bodyParts)),
       bodyInjuries: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(bodyInjuries)),
-      attackLerp: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(attackLerp)),
+      animations: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(animations)),
       hitShake:   hitShake   ? { ...hitShake }   : null,
     })
   }
@@ -920,7 +1053,7 @@ export default function App() {
     const rec = fightRecord
     const f0  = rec.frames[0]
     setCombat(f0.combat); setBodyParts(f0.bodyParts); setBodyInjuries(f0.bodyInjuries)
-    setAttackLerp(f0.attackLerp && 'player' in f0.attackLerp ? f0.attackLerp : { player: null, enemies: {} }); setHitShake(f0.hitShake ?? null)
+    setAnimations(Array.isArray(f0.animations) ? f0.animations : []); setHitShake(f0.hitShake ?? null)
     setCombatTime(0); setDisplayTime(0)
     replayIdxRef.current = 0
 
@@ -932,7 +1065,7 @@ export default function App() {
         replayIdxRef.current = idx
         const f = rec.frames[idx]
         setCombat(f.combat); setBodyParts(f.bodyParts); setBodyInjuries(f.bodyInjuries)
-        setAttackLerp(f.attackLerp && 'player' in f.attackLerp ? f.attackLerp : { player: null, enemies: {} }); setHitShake(f.hitShake ?? null)
+        setAnimations(Array.isArray(f.animations) ? f.animations : []); setHitShake(f.hitShake ?? null)
         setCombatTime(f.time)
       }
       if (idx >= rec.frames.length - 1) return
@@ -976,10 +1109,10 @@ export default function App() {
     enemyActionsRef.current = initCombat.enemies.map(() => null)
     positionsRef.current = {}
     setSelectedEnemy(0); setReplayActive(false)
-    setExpandedWeapon('ROOT'); setAttackLerp({ player: null, enemies: {} }); setHitShake(null); setMoveMode(null)
+    setExpandedWeapon('ROOT'); setAnimations([]); setHitShake(null); setMoveMode(null)
     recordingRef.current = {
       initialCombat: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(initCombat)),
-      frames: [{ time: 0, combat: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(initCombat)), bodyParts: freshBody(), bodyInjuries: freshInjuries(), attackLerp: null, hitShake: null }],
+      frames: [{ time: 0, combat: JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(initCombat)), bodyParts: freshBody(), bodyInjuries: freshInjuries(), animations: [], hitShake: null }],
     }
   }
 
@@ -1029,7 +1162,7 @@ export default function App() {
       return
     }
 
-    playerActionRef.current = makeAttackAnim(action, combatRef.current)
+    playerActionRef.current = createWeaponStrikeAnim(action, combatRef.current)
     timerActiveRef.current = true; setTimerRunning(true)
     setLimbSelect(null); setSelectedSkill(null); setSelectedTarget(null); setAttackEnemy(null)
   }
@@ -1038,6 +1171,11 @@ export default function App() {
     setLimbSelect(null); setSelectedSkill(null); setSelectedTarget(null); setAttackEnemy(null)
   }
 
+  const toggleTimer = () => {
+    timerActiveRef.current = !timerActiveRef.current
+    setTimerRunning(timerActiveRef.current)
+  }
+
   /** Execute a player move; timer starts immediately. */
   const startMove = (targetX, targetY) => {
     if (!combat || playerActionRef.current) return
@@ -1046,6 +1184,7 @@ export default function App() {
     if (dist < 1) return
     const speed = moveMode === 'walk' ? 1 : 3
     playerActionRef.current = { type: 'move', fromX, fromY, toX: targetX, toY: targetY, speed }
+    playerTargetDirRef.current = { dx: (targetX - fromX) / dist, dy: (targetY - fromY) / dist }
     timerActiveRef.current = true; setTimerRunning(true)
     setMoveMode(null)
   }
@@ -1134,18 +1273,24 @@ export default function App() {
   // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
   return (
-    <div className="game-map">
+    <div className="game-map" onMouseMove={e => setMousePos({ x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY })}>
 
       {/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ COMBAT PANEL */}
       {combat && (
         <div className="combat-panel">
           <div className="combat-top-bar">
             <div className="combat-timer">
-              {timerRunning && (
-                <svg className="timer-icon" viewBox="0 0 16 16" width="14" height="14" fill="currentColor">
-                  <polygon points="4,2 14,8 4,14" />
-                </svg>
-              )}
+              <button className="timer-toggle" onClick={toggleTimer} title={timerRunning ? 'Pause' : 'Play'} style={{ background: 'none', border: 'none', cursor: 'pointer', color: '#9ca3af', padding: 0, display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center' }}>
+                {timerRunning ? (
+                  <svg viewBox="0 0 16 16" width="14" height="14" fill="currentColor">
+                    <rect x="3" y="2" width="4" height="12" rx="1" /><rect x="9" y="2" width="4" height="12" rx="1" />
+                  </svg>
+                ) : (
+                  <svg viewBox="0 0 16 16" width="14" height="14" fill="currentColor">
+                    <polygon points="3,2 14,8 3,14" />
+                  </svg>
+                )}
+              </button>
               Time: {Math.floor(displayTime / 60)}:{String(Math.floor(displayTime) % 60).padStart(2,'0')}.{String(Math.floor((displayTime % 1) * 100)).padStart(2,'0')}
             </div>
           </div>
@@ -1237,7 +1382,11 @@ export default function App() {
                             <div className="tree-node leaf" onClick={() => { if (!busy) setMoveMode(m => m === 'run' ? null : 'run') }}>
                               <span className="tree-bullet">○</span><span className="tree-label">Run</span>
                             </div>
-                            {moveMode && <div className="tree-children" style={{ paddingLeft: 0 }}><div className="move-hint">Click on the mini-map to move</div></div>}
+                            <div className="tree-node leaf" onClick={() => { if (!busy) setMoveMode(m => m === 'turn' ? null : 'turn') }}>
+                              <span className="tree-bullet">○</span><span className="tree-label">Turn</span>
+                            </div>
+                            {moveMode && moveMode !== 'turn' && <div className="tree-children" style={{ paddingLeft: 0 }}><div className="move-hint">Click on the mini-map to move</div></div>}
+                            {moveMode === 'turn' && <div className="tree-children" style={{ paddingLeft: 0 }}><div className="move-hint">Click on the mini-map to face a direction</div></div>}
                           </div>
                         )}
                       </div>
@@ -1285,8 +1434,21 @@ export default function App() {
                     if (minimapMovedRef.current) { minimapMovedRef.current = false; return }
                     if (limbSelect || !moveMode) return
                     const r = e.currentTarget.getBoundingClientRect()
-                    startMove(((e.clientX - r.left) / r.width) * 160 / minimapView.scale + minimapView.x,
-                              ((e.clientY - r.top)  / r.height) * 160 / minimapView.scale + minimapView.y)
+                    const tx = ((e.clientX - r.left) / r.width) * 160 / minimapView.scale + minimapView.x
+                    const ty = ((e.clientY - r.top)  / r.height) * 160 / minimapView.scale + minimapView.y
+                    if (moveMode === 'turn') {
+                      const dx = tx - combat.playerPos.x
+                      const dy = ty - combat.playerPos.y
+                      const d = Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dy * dy)
+                      if (d > 0) {
+                        playerTargetDirRef.current = { dx: dx / d, dy: dy / d }
+                        playerActionRef.current = { type: 'turn' }
+                        timerActiveRef.current = true; setTimerRunning(true)
+                        setMoveMode(null)
+                      }
+                      return
+                    }
+                    startMove(tx, ty)
                   }}>
                   <g style={{
                     transform: `translate(${-minimapView.x * minimapView.scale + (hitShake ? (Math.random() - 0.5) * 2 : 0)}px, ${-minimapView.y * minimapView.scale + (hitShake ? (Math.random() - 0.5) * 2 : 0)}px) scale(${minimapView.scale})`,
@@ -1297,17 +1459,15 @@ export default function App() {
                     {MAP_BLOCKS.map((block, i) => <rect key={i} x={block.x} y={block.y} width={block.w} height={block.h} fill="#2e303a" stroke="#1f2028" strokeWidth="1" />)}
                     {(combat?.enemies || []).map((enemy, i) => {
                       const dead = isDead(enemy.integrity)
-                      const eLerp = attackLerp.enemies[i]
                       const isShaking = hitShake && hitShake.enemyIndex === i && hitShake.actor === 'enemy'
                       return (
                         <circle key={i}
-                          cx={eLerp ? eLerp.from.x + (eLerp.to.x - eLerp.from.x) * eLerp.t : (isShaking ? enemy.pos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.x)}
-                          cy={eLerp ? eLerp.from.y + (eLerp.to.y - eLerp.from.y) * eLerp.t : (isShaking ? enemy.pos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.y)}
+                          cx={isShaking ? enemy.pos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.x}
+                          cy={isShaking ? enemy.pos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.y}
                           r="5" fill={dead ? '#6b7280' : '#e74c3c'} stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" opacity={dead ? 0.5 : 1}
                           onMouseEnter={e => { e.stopPropagation(); setHoverInfo({ type: 'enemy', name: enemy.name, attack: enemy.attack, speed: enemy.speed, defeated: isDead(enemy.integrity) }) }}
-                          onMouseMove={e => setMousePos({ x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY })}
-                          onMouseLeave={() => setHoverInfo(null)}
-                          onClick={e => { e.stopPropagation(); setShowInventory(true); setPanelTarget(i) }} />
+                           onMouseLeave={() => setHoverInfo(null)}
+                           onClick={e => { e.stopPropagation(); setShowInventory(true); setPanelTarget(i) }} />
                       )
                     })}
                     {combat && selectedSkill && limbSelect && (
@@ -1315,10 +1475,68 @@ export default function App() {
                     )}
                     {combat && (
                       <circle
-                        cx={attackLerp.player ? attackLerp.player.from.x + (attackLerp.player.to.x - attackLerp.player.from.x) * attackLerp.player.t : (hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.x)}
-                        cy={attackLerp.player ? attackLerp.player.from.y + (attackLerp.player.to.y - attackLerp.player.from.y) * attackLerp.player.t : (hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.y)}
+                        cx={hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.x}
+                        cy={hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.y}
                         r="4" fill={isDead(bodyParts) ? '#6b7280' : '#3498db'} stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" opacity={isDead(bodyParts) ? 0.5 : 1} />
                     )}
+                    {/* Weapon circles — player */}
+                    {combat && (() => {
+                      const anim = animations.find(a => a.actor === 'player' && (a.type === ANIM_TYPES.SLASH || a.type === ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE))
+                      const pos = anim ? getAnimPos(anim) : null
+                      const px = pos ? pos.x : (hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.x)
+                      const py = pos ? pos.y : (hitShake && hitShake.actor === 'player' ? combat.playerPos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : combat.playerPos.y)
+                      const dir = playerDirRef.current
+                      const lw = equippedWeapons.left
+                      const rw = equippedWeapons.right
+                      const off = 7
+                      const circles = []
+                      const both = lw === rw && lw !== 'fists' && lw !== 'left_arm' && lw !== 'right_arm'
+                      if (both) {
+                        circles.push(
+                          <circle key="pw-both"
+                            cx={pos ? px : px + dir.dx * off}
+                            cy={pos ? py : py + dir.dy * off}
+                            r="3" fill="#fbbf24" stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" />
+                        )
+                      } else {
+                        if (lw !== 'fists' && lw !== 'left_arm') {
+                          circles.push(
+                            <circle key="pw-left"
+                              cx={pos ? px : px + dir.dy * off}
+                              cy={pos ? py : py + -dir.dx * off}
+                              r="3" fill="#fbbf24" stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" />
+                          )
+                        }
+                        if (rw !== 'fists' && rw !== 'right_arm') {
+                          circles.push(
+                            <circle key="pw-right"
+                              cx={pos ? px : px + -dir.dy * off}
+                              cy={pos ? py : py + dir.dx * off}
+                              r="3" fill="#fbbf24" stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" />
+                          )
+                        }
+                      }
+                      return circles
+                    })()}
+                    {/* Weapon circles — enemies */}
+                    {combat.enemies.map((enemy, i) => {
+                      const dead = isDead(enemy.integrity)
+                      if (dead) return null
+                      const wpn = enemy.weapon
+                      if (!wpn || wpn === 'fists') return null
+                      const enemyAnim = animations.find(a => a.actor === i && (a.type === ANIM_TYPES.SLASH || a.type === ANIM_TYPES.PIERCE_STRIKE))
+                      const ePos = enemyAnim ? getAnimPos(enemyAnim) : null
+                      const isShaking = hitShake && hitShake.enemyIndex === i && hitShake.actor === 'enemy'
+                      const ex = ePos ? ePos.x : (isShaking ? enemy.pos.x + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.x)
+                      const ey = ePos ? ePos.y : (isShaking ? enemy.pos.y + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 1.5 : enemy.pos.y)
+                      const dir = enemyDirsRef.current[i] ?? { dx: 0, dy: 1 }
+                      return (
+                        <circle key={`ew-${i}`}
+                          cx={ePos ? ex : ex + dir.dx * 7}
+                          cy={ePos ? ey : ey + dir.dy * 7}
+                          r="3" fill="#f97316" stroke="#000" strokeWidth="0.5" />
+                      )
+                    })}
                   </g>
                 </svg>
               </div>
@@ -1485,7 +1703,7 @@ export default function App() {
         <>
           <svg ref={svgRef} viewBox="0 0 800 600" className="map-svg"
             onWheel={handleWheel}
-            onMouseMove={e => setMousePos({ x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY })}>
+            >
             <rect width="800" height="600" fill="transparent"
               onPointerDown={handleBgPointerDown}
               onPointerMove={handleBgPointerMove}
@@ -1504,7 +1722,6 @@ export default function App() {
                     style={{ cursor: 'pointer', transition: 'all 0.2s' }}
                     onClick={() => setSelected(selected === l.id ? null : l.id)}
                     onMouseEnter={() => setHovered(l.id)}
-                    onMouseMove={e => setMousePos({ x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY })}
                     onMouseLeave={() => setHovered(null)} />
                   <text x={l.x} y={l.y + 6} textAnchor="middle" fill="#5F71C5" fontSize={16} fontWeight="bold" pointerEvents="none">{l.id}</text>
                   {shops.some(s => s.locationId === l.id) && (
@@ -1577,13 +1794,6 @@ export default function App() {
             }}>Fight 2 random enemies</button>
           </div>
 
-          {hovered && (
-        <div className="tooltip" style={{ left: mousePos.x + 16, top: mousePos.y }}>
-              <div className="tooltip-name">{locMap[hovered].name}</div>
-              <div className="tooltip-desc">{locMap[hovered].description}</div>
-            </div>
-          )}
-
           {selected && (
             <div className="info-panel">
               <div className="info-name">{locMap[selected].name}</div>
@@ -1670,7 +1880,7 @@ export default function App() {
                             .map(id => characters.find(c => c.id === id))
                             .filter(c => c && c.location === showLocationModal)
                           return corpsesHere.length === 0
-                            ? <div className="location-empty">No corpses here.</div>
+                            ? <div className="location-empty">Nothing of interest.</div>
                             : corpsesHere.map(c => <div key={c.id} className="location-surrounding-corpse">{c.name}'s corpse</div>)
                         })()}
                       </div>
@@ -1712,7 +1922,7 @@ export default function App() {
         <div className="inventory-overlay"
           onClick={() => { setShowInventory(false); setPanelTarget('player'); setHoverInfo(null); setContextMenu(null) }}
           onContextMenu={e => { e.preventDefault(); setContextMenu(null) }}
-          onMouseMove={e => setMousePos({ x: e.clientX, y: e.clientY })}>
+          >
           <div className="inventory-panel" onClick={e => e.stopPropagation()}>
             <button className="inv-close" onClick={() => { setShowInventory(false); setPanelTarget('player'); setHoverInfo(null) }}>X</button>
             <div className="inv-layout">