diff --git a/content/help/containers.toml b/content/help/containers.toml
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+++ b/content/help/containers.toml
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+name = "containers"
+title = "inventory and containers"
+body = """
+  pick up items, carry them in your inventory, and store them
+  in containers like chests and bags.
+
+  basic commands
+    get <item>                pick up an item from the ground
+    take <item>               same as get
+    drop <item>               drop an item at your feet
+    inventory                 list what you're carrying
+    i                         short for inventory
+
+  containers
+    containers are items that hold other items.
+    they can be open or closed, and some can be locked.
+
+  container commands
+    open <container>          open a container
+    close <container>         close a container
+    put <item> in <container> store an item in a container
+    get <item> from <container> take an item from a container
+    get all from <container>  take everything from a container
+
+  where to find containers
+    containers can be on the ground or in your inventory.
+    put commands work with either location.
+    closed containers block access to their contents.
+
+  targeting
+    you can use partial names - 'get pla' matches 'plank'.
+    ordinals work too - 'get 2nd sword' if there are multiple.
+    container state shows in inventory - (open, empty) or (closed).
+"""
diff --git a/content/help/crafting.toml b/content/help/crafting.toml
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+++ b/content/help/crafting.toml
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+name = "crafting"
+title = "crafting items from recipes"
+body = """
+  combine ingredients to create new items using recipes.
+
+  commands
+    craft <recipe>        craft an item if you have the ingredients
+    recipes               list all available recipes
+    recipes <name>        view details for a specific recipe
+
+  how it works
+    recipes define what ingredients are needed and what you get.
+    you need all ingredients in your inventory to craft.
+    ingredients are consumed when you craft.
+
+  example
+    wooden table requires 3 planks and 2 nails.
+    carrying those items? type 'craft wooden table'.
+    the ingredients disappear and you get a table.
+
+  finding recipes
+    use 'recipes' to see what you can make.
+    use 'recipes <name>' to see what ingredients you need.
+    prefix matching works - 'craft wood' matches 'wooden table'.
+"""
diff --git a/content/help/mobs.toml b/content/help/mobs.toml
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+++ b/content/help/mobs.toml
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+name = "mobs"
+title = "creatures and NPCs"
+body = """
+  mobs are creatures that move around zones. some are friendly NPCs,
+  others are hostile and will fight you.
+
+  types
+    hostile mobs      attack on sight or when provoked
+    friendly NPCs     have schedules, can be talked to
+    training dummies  stationary targets for practicing combat
+
+  interacting with NPCs
+    some mobs have an npc_name and follow daily schedules.
+    the librarian, for example, works during the day and rests at night.
+    approach them when they're active to start conversations.
+
+  combat
+    hostile mobs will engage you in combat when you're nearby.
+    see 'help combat' for how to fight.
+    defeating mobs may drop loot - check corpses after battle.
+
+  behavior
+    mobs can wander, patrol routes, flee when threatened, or stay put.
+    friendly NPCs transition between states based on their schedule.
+    some mobs stay within a home region and won't chase you far.
+"""
diff --git a/content/help/world.toml b/content/help/world.toml
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+++ b/content/help/world.toml
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+name = "world"
+title = "zones, terrain, and navigation"
+body = """
+  the world is made of zones - spatial areas with terrain grids.
+  zones can be toroidal (wrapping at edges) or bounded.
+
+  terrain types
+    each zone has a grid of terrain tiles with different properties.
+    some tiles are impassable (mountains ^, water ~).
+    the overworld is procedurally generated and wraps seamlessly.
+
+  zones
+    zones are separate areas - the overworld, dungeons, interiors.
+    each zone has a spawn point where you appear when entering.
+    zones can contain mobs, items, portals, and players.
+
+  navigation
+    move with cardinal directions: north, south, east, west.
+    use 'look' to see terrain and objects around you.
+    toroidal zones wrap - walk far enough and you loop back.
+
+  portals
+    portals connect zones (doorways, stairs, gates).
+    walk onto a portal tile and type 'enter <portal>'.
+    you'll teleport to the target zone at specific coordinates.
+
+  player homes
+    type 'home' to teleport to your personal zone.
+    this is a private space you can furnish and customize.
+    type 'home return' to go back to where you were.
+"""