diff --git a/frontend/src/components/Card.svelte b/frontend/src/components/Card.svelte
index 5763022..c879341 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/Card.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/Card.svelte
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 <script>
-    import { SUIT_EMOJI, isJoker, cardValue, cardSuit } from '../lib/cards';
+    import { SUIT_EMOJI, isJoker, cardValue, cardSuit, cardTooltip } from '../lib/cards';
 
     export let card;            // card code, e.g. "10D" or "Joker1"
     export let size = 'large';  // 'large' | 'medium' | 'mini'
@@ -16,17 +16,19 @@
     $: suit = joker ? '' : SUIT_EMOJI[cardSuit(card)];
     $: suitClass = joker ? 'joker' : cardSuit(card).toLowerCase();
     $: techName = techs && !joker ? techs[cardValue(card)] : null;
+    // Tooltip: explicit title wins; otherwise remind the player of the suit's theme
+    $: tooltip = title || cardTooltip(card);
 </script>
 
 {#if size === 'mini'}
-    <div class="card-mini {rotated ? 'played-card rotated' : 'base-card'} {success === true ? 'success' : success === false ? 'failure' : ''}" {title}>
+    <div class="card-mini {rotated ? 'played-card rotated' : 'base-card'} {success === true ? 'success' : success === false ? 'failure' : ''}" title={tooltip}>
         <span class="val">{val}</span>
         <span class="suit">{suit}</span>
         {#if owner}<span class="owner">{owner}</span>{/if}
     </div>
 {:else}
     <div class="card-{size} suit-{suitClass} {joker ? 'joker-card' : ''}"
-         {title} {draggable} {style}
+         title={tooltip} {draggable} {style}
          on:dragstart on:dragend on:click>
         <div class="card-corner top-left">
             <span class="val">{val}</span>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/CharacterCreationPhase.svelte b/frontend/src/components/CharacterCreationPhase.svelte
index 9f5834f..09d7202 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/CharacterCreationPhase.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/CharacterCreationPhase.svelte
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
     import { onMount } from 'svelte';
     import { apiRequest } from '../lib/api';
     import { getSuggestion, getTechniqueSuggestion, getTechniqueSuggestions } from '../lib/suggestions';
+    import { displayName } from '../lib/cards';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -42,7 +43,7 @@
     function getPlayerName(id) {
         if (!id) return "None";
         const p = state.players.find(x => x.id === id);
-        return p ? p.name : "Unknown";
+        return p ? displayName(p) : "Unknown";
     }
 
     // Techniques
@@ -274,7 +275,7 @@
                 {#each state.players as p}
                     {#if p.other_like_from_player_id === state.player.id && !p.other_like}
                         <div class="inbox-item">
-                            <label>What do you LIKE about {p.name}?</label>
+                            <label>What do you LIKE about {displayName(p)}?</label>
                             <div class="input-row">
                                 <input type="text" class="input-field" bind:value={inboxAnswers[`${p.id}:like`]} placeholder="e.g. They always share their cheese"/>
                                 <button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary btn-small" on:click={() => inboxAnswers[`${p.id}:like`] = getSuggestion('like')}>Suggest</button>
@@ -284,7 +285,7 @@
                     {/if}
                     {#if p.other_hate_from_player_id === state.player.id && !p.other_hate}
                         <div class="inbox-item">
-                            <label>What do you HATE about {p.name}?</label>
+                            <label>What do you HATE about {displayName(p)}?</label>
                             <div class="input-row">
                                 <input type="text" class="input-field" bind:value={inboxAnswers[`${p.id}:hate`]} placeholder="e.g. They snore too loudly"/>
                                 <button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary btn-small" on:click={() => inboxAnswers[`${p.id}:hate`] = getSuggestion('hate')}>Suggest</button>
@@ -512,7 +513,7 @@
                 <ul class="space-y-2 mt-4">
                     {#each state.players as p}
                         <li class="p-3 bg-dark-800 rounded flex justify-between items-center border-l-4 {p.tech_jack ? 'border-green-500' : 'border-gray-500'}">
-                            <span>{p.name}</span>
+                            <span>{displayName(p)}</span>
                             <span class="text-sm">
                                 {#if p.tech_jack}
                                     <span class="text-green-400">Ready</span>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/GameOverPhase.svelte b/frontend/src/components/GameOverPhase.svelte
index 1b75a8a..9fbc896 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/GameOverPhase.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/GameOverPhase.svelte
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 <script>
+    import { displayName } from '../lib/cards';
+
     export let state;
 
     $: pirats = state.players;
@@ -33,7 +35,7 @@
                 <div style="background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2); padding: 0.75rem; border-radius: 6px; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem;">
                     <span>
                         {#if p.is_ghost}👻{:else if p.is_dead}💀{:else}🐀{/if}
-                        <strong>{p.name}</strong> (Rank {p.rank})
+                        <strong>{displayName(p)}</strong> (Rank {p.rank})
                         {#if p.id === state.game.captain_player_id}<span style="color: var(--gold);"> ⭐ Captain</span>{/if}
                     </span>
                     <span style="font-size: 0.85rem; color: var(--text-muted);">
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ScenePhase.svelte b/frontend/src/components/ScenePhase.svelte
index 0aae20a..24541b2 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ScenePhase.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ScenePhase.svelte
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 <script>
     import Card from './Card.svelte';
+    import { displayName } from '../lib/cards';
     import ChallengePanel from './scene/ChallengePanel.svelte';
     import ObstacleBoard from './scene/ObstacleBoard.svelte';
     import DeepControlPanel from './scene/DeepControlPanel.svelte';
     import CharacterSheet from './scene/CharacterSheet.svelte';
-    import EventLog from './EventLog.svelte';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
                         <div>
                             {#if captain}
                                 <span class="captain-badge" style="background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15); border: 1px solid var(--gold); color: var(--gold); padding: 0.4rem 1rem; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700; font-family: var(--font-heading); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem;">
-                                    🏴‍☠️ Captain: {captain.name} (Rank {captain.rank}){isCaptain ? ' — You!' : ''}
+                                    🏴‍☠️ Captain: {displayName(captain)} (Rank {captain.rank}){isCaptain ? ' — You!' : ''}
                                 </span>
                             {:else}
                                 <span class="captain-badge" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05); border: 1px dashed rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); color: var(--text-muted); padding: 0.4rem 1rem; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 1rem; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem;">
@@ -48,11 +48,11 @@
                             {#each state.players as p}
                                 {#if p.role === 'deep'}
                                     <span class="player-chip deep-chip" style="font-size: 0.8rem; padding: 0.25rem 0.6rem; border-radius: 12px; margin: 0; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.25rem;">
-                                        🌊 {p.name} (Deep)
+                                        🌊 {displayName(p)} (Deep)
                                     </span>
                                 {:else if p.role === 'pirat'}
                                     <span class="player-chip pirat-chip" style="font-size: 0.8rem; padding: 0.25rem 0.6rem; border-radius: 12px; margin: 0; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.25rem; {p.is_ghost ? 'border-color: #7890a8; color: #a0b0c0; background: rgba(120, 150, 180, 0.1);' : ''} {p.is_dead ? 'border-color: var(--red-suit); color: var(--red-suit); background: rgba(255, 42, 95, 0.1);' : ''} {p.id === state.game.captain_player_id ? 'border-color: var(--gold); color: var(--gold); background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1);' : ''}">
-                                        {#if p.is_ghost}👻{:else if p.is_dead}💀{:else}🐀{/if} {p.name} (Rank {p.rank}){p.id === state.game.captain_player_id ? ' ⭐' : ''}
+                                        {#if p.is_ghost}👻{:else if p.is_dead}💀{:else}🐀{/if} {displayName(p)} (Rank {p.rank}){p.id === state.game.captain_player_id ? ' ⭐' : ''}
                                     </span>
                                 {/if}
                             {/each}
@@ -99,5 +99,3 @@
         {/if}
     </div>
 </div>
-
-<EventLog {state} />
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/SceneSetupPhase.svelte b/frontend/src/components/SceneSetupPhase.svelte
index 9370a31..9a3a98f 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/SceneSetupPhase.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/SceneSetupPhase.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script>
     import { onMount } from 'svelte';
     import { apiRequest } from '../lib/api';
+    import { displayName } from '../lib/cards';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -49,7 +50,19 @@
 <div class="scene-setup-view text-center">
     <h2>Scene Setup (Scene #{state.game.current_scene_number})</h2>
     <p class="description">Select your role for the upcoming scene. There must be at least one Pi-Rat and one Deep player. If you played the Deep in the last scene, you must play a Pi-Rat this scene!</p>
-    
+
+    {#if state.game.current_scene_number === 1}
+        <div class="glass-panel" style="max-width: 700px; margin: 0 auto 1.5rem; padding: 1rem 1.5rem; border: 1px dashed var(--gold); border-radius: 8px; background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08); text-align: left;">
+            <h4 style="color: var(--gold); margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0; font-family: var(--font-heading);">🚢 First Scene Framing</h4>
+            <p class="info-text" style="margin: 0; font-size: 0.95rem;">
+                The first scene must establish that the Pi-Rats are <strong>on a ship they can steal</strong> (or have an immediate opportunity to steal one). <strong>Don't start far from water!</strong>
+                {#if state.player.role === 'deep'}
+                    <br/><span style="color: var(--gold);">You're playing the Deep — once the scene starts, describe where the crew is and what ship is ripe for the taking before calling any Challenges.</span>
+                {/if}
+            </p>
+        </div>
+    {/if}
+
     <div class="setup-grid">
         <!-- Role Selection Card -->
         <div class="card glass-panel role-selection-card">
@@ -93,7 +106,7 @@
             <div class="roster-list" id="scene-roster-list">
                 {#each state.players as p}
                     <div class="roster-item">
-                        <span class="player-name">{p.name} <span class="text-sm text-gray-400">(Rank {p.rank})</span></span>
+                        <span class="player-name">{displayName(p)} <span class="text-sm text-gray-400">(Rank {p.rank})</span></span>
                         {#if p.role === 'pirat'}
                             <span class="role-badge pirat">Pi-Rat</span>
                         {:else if p.role === 'deep'}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/UpkeepPhase.svelte b/frontend/src/components/UpkeepPhase.svelte
index bcd3c1c..0d3acb9 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/UpkeepPhase.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/UpkeepPhase.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 <script>
     import { apiRequest } from '../lib/api';
     import { getSuggestion } from '../lib/suggestions';
+    import { displayName } from '../lib/cards';
     import Card from './Card.svelte';
 
     export let state;
@@ -270,7 +271,7 @@
                             <option value="">Nominate crewmate...</option>
                             {#each state.players as p}
                                 {#if p.id !== state.player.id && p.role !== 'deep'}
-                                    <option value={p.id}>{p.name} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
+                                    <option value={p.id}>{displayName(p)} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
                                 {/if}
                             {/each}
                         </select>
@@ -287,7 +288,7 @@
                     {#each state.players as p}
                         {@const voted = state.votes.some(v => v.voter_player_id === p.id)}
                         <div class="player-chip {voted ? 'voted-chip' : 'not-voted-chip'}">
-                            <span class="name">{p.name}</span>
+                            <span class="name">{displayName(p)}</span>
                             <span class="status-badge">{voted ? 'Done' : 'Voting...'}</span>
                         </div>
                     {/each}
@@ -372,7 +373,7 @@
                 <ul class="ranks-ledger">
                     {#each state.players as p}
                         <li>
-                            <strong>{p.name}:</strong> Rank {p.rank} 
+                            <strong>{displayName(p)}:</strong> Rank {p.rank}
                             {#if p.role === 'deep'}<span class="deep-badge">Deep</span>{:else if p.is_ghost}<span class="ghost-badge" style="background: rgba(120, 150, 180, 0.15); border: 1px solid #7890a8; color: #a0b0c0; padding: 0.15rem 0.5rem; border-radius: 4px; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 0.5rem; display: inline-block;">Ghost</span>{:else}<span class="pirat-badge">Pi-Rat</span>{/if}
                         </li>
                     {/each}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/scene/ChallengePanel.svelte b/frontend/src/components/scene/ChallengePanel.svelte
index f553f1a..ab8c579 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/scene/ChallengePanel.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/scene/ChallengePanel.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script>
     import { apiRequest } from '../../lib/api';
-    import { getCardDisplay, isJoker, playerName as lookupName } from '../../lib/cards';
+    import { getCardDisplay, isJoker, displayName, playerName as lookupName } from '../../lib/cards';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@
                 <select class="select-field" bind:value={taxTargetId} style="max-width: 200px;">
                     <option value="">Pick a crewmate...</option>
                     {#each eligibleTaxTargets() as p}
-                        <option value={p.id}>{p.name}</option>
+                        <option value={p.id}>{displayName(p)}</option>
                     {/each}
                 </select>
                 <button class="btn btn-secondary" on:click={() => requestTax(ch.id)} disabled={!taxTargetId}>Call {taxType(state.player)} Tax</button>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/scene/CharacterSheet.svelte b/frontend/src/components/scene/CharacterSheet.svelte
index 8d902f8..faea0b0 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/scene/CharacterSheet.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/scene/CharacterSheet.svelte
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <script>
     import { apiRequest } from '../../lib/api';
-    import { getCardDisplay, isJoker } from '../../lib/cards';
+    import { getCardDisplay, isJoker, displayName } from '../../lib/cards';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -43,6 +43,11 @@
 
 <div class="card glass-panel sheet-card">
     <h3>🐀 {state.player.name}'s Character Sheet</h3>
+    {#if state.player.player_name && state.player.player_name !== state.player.name}
+        <p class="info-text" style="margin-top: -0.5rem; font-size: 0.85rem;">
+            Played by {state.player.player_name}{#if !state.player.completed_personal_2}&nbsp;— they'll go by their smell until they earn a Name!{/if}
+        </p>
+    {/if}
 
     <div class="character-sheet-details">
         {#if error}
@@ -104,7 +109,7 @@
                 <select class="select-field" bind:value={pvpOpponentId} style="width: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;">
                     <option value="">Challenge whom?</option>
                     {#each duelTargets as p}
-                        <option value={p.id}>{p.name} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
+                        <option value={p.id}>{displayName(p)} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
                     {/each}
                 </select>
                 <select class="select-field" bind:value={pvpCard} style="width: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;">
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/scene/DeepControlPanel.svelte b/frontend/src/components/scene/DeepControlPanel.svelte
index 2ec33a3..8558075 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/scene/DeepControlPanel.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/components/scene/DeepControlPanel.svelte
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 <script>
     import { apiRequest } from '../../lib/api';
+    import { displayName } from '../../lib/cards';
 
     export let state;
 
@@ -75,7 +76,7 @@
         <select class="select-field" bind:value={challengeTargetId} style="width: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;">
             <option value="">Challenge which Pi-Rat?</option>
             {#each scenePirats.filter(p => !p.is_dead) as p}
-                <option value={p.id}>{p.name} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
+                <option value={p.id}>{displayName(p)} (Rank {p.rank})</option>
             {/each}
         </select>
         <div style="margin-bottom: 0.5rem;">
@@ -102,7 +103,7 @@
             <select class="select-field" bind:value={captainSelectId} style="flex: 1;">
                 <option value="">No Captain</option>
                 {#each scenePirats.filter(p => !p.is_dead) as p}
-                    <option value={p.id}>{p.name}</option>
+                    <option value={p.id}>{displayName(p)}</option>
                 {/each}
             </select>
             <button class="btn btn-secondary" on:click={setCaptain}>Set</button>
@@ -132,7 +133,7 @@
         <p class="info-text">You control completion. Only mark in sequence (1 -> 2 -> 3).</p>
         {#each scenePirats as p}
             <div style="background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2); padding: 0.5rem; border-radius: 4px; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;">
-                <strong>{p.name}</strong>
+                <strong>{displayName(p)}</strong>
                 <div class="objectives-checklist" style="margin-top: 0.25rem;">
                     <label class="checkbox-label"><input type="checkbox" checked={p.completed_personal_1} on:change={() => toggleObjective(p.id, 'personal_1')}> <span>1. Gat</span></label>
                     <label class="checkbox-label"><input type="checkbox" checked={p.completed_personal_2} on:change={() => toggleObjective(p.id, 'personal_2')}> <span>2. Name</span></label>
diff --git a/frontend/src/lib/cards.js b/frontend/src/lib/cards.js
index ffd3f17..77e5911 100644
--- a/frontend/src/lib/cards.js
+++ b/frontend/src/lib/cards.js
@@ -2,6 +2,21 @@
 // Codes look like "10D", "KH", "Joker1" (black) / "Joker2" (red).
 export const SUIT_EMOJI = { C: '♣️', S: '♠️', H: '♥️', D: '♦️' };
 
+// Suit themes from the rulebook: how a Pi-Rat overcomes an Obstacle with that suit.
+export const SUIT_THEMES = {
+    C: "♣ Clubs — Shootin' and Stabbin': violence, combat, or direct confrontation",
+    D: "♦ Diamonds — Swimmin' and Sailin': nautical skills, athletics, or mobility",
+    S: "♠ Spades — Sneakin' and Schemin': stealth, deception, or cunning plans",
+    H: "♥ Hearts — Shoutin' and Singin': social skills, performance, or charisma",
+};
+
+// Default tooltip for a card: its suit theme (or what a Joker does).
+export function cardTooltip(code) {
+    if (!code) return '';
+    if (isJoker(code)) return '🃏 Joker — discards an Obstacle outright and draws a replacement';
+    return SUIT_THEMES[cardSuit(code)] || '';
+}
+
 export function isJoker(code) {
     return !!code && code.startsWith('Joker');
 }
@@ -22,6 +37,14 @@ export function getCardDisplay(code) {
     return `${cardValue(code)}${SUIT_EMOJI[cardSuit(code)] || cardSuit(code)}`;
 }
 
-export function playerName(players, id) {
-    return players.find(p => p.id === id)?.name || '???';
+// "Recruit Cheese (Tim)" — the Pi-Rat's identity with the human player's lobby
+// name in parentheses (omitted while the two are still identical, e.g. in the lobby).
+export function displayName(p) {
+    if (!p) return '???';
+    if (p.player_name && p.player_name !== p.name) return `${p.name} (${p.player_name})`;
+    return p.name;
+}
+
+export function playerName(players, id) {
+    return displayName(players.find(p => p.id === id));
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Admin.svelte b/frontend/src/pages/Admin.svelte
index 804d650..1becf0a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Admin.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Admin.svelte
@@ -53,7 +53,8 @@
             <table class="w-full text-left bg-dark-900 rounded border border-gray-700">
                 <thead>
                     <tr class="border-b border-gray-700">
-                        <th class="p-3">Name</th>
+                        <th class="p-3">Pi-Rat</th>
+                        <th class="p-3">Player</th>
                         <th class="p-3">Role</th>
                         <th class="p-3">Status</th>
                         <th class="p-3">Rank</th>
@@ -63,6 +64,7 @@
                     {#each data.players as p}
                         <tr class="border-b border-gray-800">
                             <td class="p-3">{p.name}</td>
+                            <td class="p-3">{p.player_name || p.name}</td>
                             <td class="p-3">
                                 {#if p.role === 'deep'} 🌊 Deep
                                 {:else if p.role === 'pirat'} 🐀 Pi-Rat
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Dashboard.svelte b/frontend/src/pages/Dashboard.svelte
index f321824..55b5297 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Dashboard.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Dashboard.svelte
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
     import ScenePhase from '../components/ScenePhase.svelte';
     import UpkeepPhase from '../components/UpkeepPhase.svelte';
     import GameOverPhase from '../components/GameOverPhase.svelte';
+    import EventLog from '../components/EventLog.svelte';
 
     export let params = {};
     let gameId = params.id;
@@ -62,6 +63,12 @@
             <div class="card p-4">Unknown phase: {state.game.phase}</div>
         {/if}
     </div>
+
+    <EventLog {state} />
+
+    {#if state.player.is_creator}
+        <a class="admin-corner-link" href="#/game/{gameId}/admin" title="Open the Admin Panel">🛠️ Admin</a>
+    {/if}
 {:else if !error}
     <div class="loading-container">
         <p>Loading game state...</p>
@@ -69,6 +76,24 @@
 {/if}
 
 <style>
+    .admin-corner-link {
+        position: fixed;
+        top: 12px;
+        right: 16px;
+        z-index: 1001;
+        padding: 6px 14px;
+        border-radius: 16px;
+        background: rgba(10, 15, 25, 0.9);
+        border: 1px solid var(--gold, #d4af37);
+        color: var(--gold, #d4af37);
+        font-size: 0.85rem;
+        font-weight: 700;
+        text-decoration: none;
+        font-family: var(--font-heading);
+    }
+    .admin-corner-link:hover {
+        background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.15);
+    }
     .loading-container {
         display: flex;
         justify-content: center;
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Join.svelte b/frontend/src/pages/Join.svelte
index 0e5b6e1..63b7834 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Join.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Join.svelte
@@ -31,7 +31,11 @@
     </div>
 
     <div class="card creation-card">
-        <h2>Enter your Pi-Rat name</h2>
+        <h2>Enter your name</h2>
+        <p class="info-text" style="margin-bottom: 1rem;">
+            This is <strong>your</strong> name as a player, not your Pi-Rat's. Your Pi-Rat will be known
+            by their smell (e.g. "Recruit Gunpowder") until they earn a proper Name in play.
+        </p>
         <form on:submit|preventDefault={joinGame}>
             <div class="form-group">
                 <label for="playerName">Your Name</label>
diff --git a/src/pirats/crud_base.py b/src/pirats/crud_base.py
index cb8c52b..50c5921 100644
--- a/src/pirats/crud_base.py
+++ b/src/pirats/crud_base.py
@@ -250,7 +250,8 @@ def add_player(db: Session, game_id: str, name: str, is_creator: bool = False) -
         
     player = Player(
         game_id=game_id,
-        name=name,
+        name=name,  # the Pi-Rat goes by "Recruit {smell}" once character creation fills in a smell
+        player_name=name,
         is_creator=is_creator,
         rank=2,  # default starting rank (will be set properly when starting character creation)
         hand_cards="[]",
diff --git a/src/pirats/crud_challenge.py b/src/pirats/crud_challenge.py
index 6fb7ec2..2f40624 100644
--- a/src/pirats/crud_challenge.py
+++ b/src/pirats/crud_challenge.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from .crud_base import (
     draw_cards_for_player, add_game_event, change_player_rank, evaluate_card_play
 )
 from .crud_scene import resolve_card_against_obstacle
+from .crud_character import recruit_name
 
 # --- Helpers ---
 
@@ -199,15 +200,18 @@ def resolve_challenge(db: Session, challenge_id: str, resolver_id: str) -> Tuple
         thing = "Gat" if challenge.tax_type == "gat" else "Name"
         if refuser:
             if success:
-                add_game_event(db, game.id, f"{acting.name} succeeded and keeps {refuser.name}'s {thing}! {refuser.name} must find a new one.", kind="tax")
+                add_game_event(db, game.id, f"{acting.name} succeeded and keeps the stolen {thing}! {refuser.name} must find a new one.", kind="tax")
             else:
                 if challenge.tax_type == "gat":
                     acting.completed_personal_1 = False
                     refuser.completed_personal_1 = True
                 else:
+                    # Return the stolen name string; the failed thief reverts to
+                    # their smell-based recruit identity.
                     acting.completed_personal_2 = False
-                    acting.needs_name = False
                     refuser.completed_personal_2 = True
+                    refuser.name = acting.name
+                    acting.name = recruit_name(acting)
                 acting.tax_banned = True
                 db.add(refuser)
                 db.add(acting)
@@ -332,17 +336,24 @@ def respond_tax(db: Session, challenge_id: str, responder_id: str, accept: bool)
     if challenge.tax_type == "gat":
         requester.completed_personal_1 = True
         responder.completed_personal_1 = False
+        event_msg = f"{responder.name} refused the Gat Tax and must hand over their Gat! {requester.name} completes that Objective and attempts the Challenge — succeed to keep it!"
     else:
+        # The Name itself is stolen: the requester literally takes the responder's
+        # name string, demoting the responder back to their smell-based identity.
+        stolen_name = responder.name
+        old_requester_name = requester.name
         requester.completed_personal_2 = True
-        requester.needs_name = True
         responder.completed_personal_2 = False
+        responder.name = recruit_name(responder)
+        requester.name = stolen_name
+        event_msg = f"{stolen_name} refused the Name Tax and is demoted to {responder.name}! {old_requester_name} steals the name '{stolen_name}' and attempts the Challenge — succeed to keep it!"
     challenge.tax_state = "refused"
     db.add(requester)
     db.add(responder)
     db.add(challenge)
     db.commit()
     change_player_rank(db, game, requester, 1)
-    add_game_event(db, game.id, f"{responder.name} refused the {thing} Tax and must hand over their {thing}! {requester.name} completes that Objective and attempts the Challenge — succeed to keep it!", kind="tax")
+    add_game_event(db, game.id, event_msg, kind="tax")
     return True, "Tax refused. The prize is on the line!"
 
 # --- Pi-Rat vs Pi-Rat Challenges ---
diff --git a/src/pirats/crud_character.py b/src/pirats/crud_character.py
index dd1d01d..f2609d6 100644
--- a/src/pirats/crud_character.py
+++ b/src/pirats/crud_character.py
@@ -6,6 +6,33 @@ from .crud_base import get_player, get_game, add_game_event
 
 # --- Character Creation Operations ---
 
+def recruit_name_from_smell(avatar_smell: str, fallback: str = "") -> str:
+    """
+    A nameless Pi-Rat goes by "Recruit {Smell}". Strips lead-ins like "smells like"
+    or "faintly of" (the suggestion pool uses these) so the name reads naturally.
+    """
+    clean_smell = avatar_smell.strip()
+    if not clean_smell:
+        return f"Recruit {fallback}".strip() if fallback else "Recruit"
+    lead_ins = [
+        "suspiciously smelling of", "pleasantly smelling of", "reminiscent of",
+        "smells like", "a mix of", "like a mix of", "strongly of", "faintly of",
+        "like", "of",
+    ]
+    stripped = True
+    while stripped:
+        stripped = False
+        for lead in lead_ins:
+            if clean_smell.lower().startswith(lead + " "):
+                clean_smell = clean_smell[len(lead) + 1:]
+                stripped = True
+    clean_smell = clean_smell[:1].upper() + clean_smell[1:]
+    return f"Recruit {clean_smell}"
+
+def recruit_name(player) -> str:
+    """The smell-based temporary identity for a player's Pi-Rat."""
+    return recruit_name_from_smell(player.avatar_smell, fallback=player.player_name or player.name)
+
 def auto_delegate_all(db: Session, game: Game):
     """
     Assigns the Like/Hate delegated questions for every player at once.
@@ -281,23 +308,7 @@ def roll_new_character(
     player.first_words = first_words.strip()
     player.good_at_math = good_at_math.strip()
     
-    # Scent/Name is "Recruit [Smell]" — strip lead-ins like "smells like" or
-    # "faintly of" (the suggestion pool uses these) so the name reads naturally.
-    clean_smell = avatar_smell.strip()
-    lead_ins = [
-        "suspiciously smelling of", "pleasantly smelling of", "reminiscent of",
-        "smells like", "a mix of", "like a mix of", "strongly of", "faintly of",
-        "like", "of",
-    ]
-    stripped = True
-    while stripped:
-        stripped = False
-        for lead in lead_ins:
-            if clean_smell.lower().startswith(lead + " "):
-                clean_smell = clean_smell[len(lead) + 1:]
-                stripped = True
-    clean_smell = clean_smell[:1].upper() + clean_smell[1:]
-    player.name = f"Recruit {clean_smell}"
+    player.name = recruit_name(player)
 
     # 3. Randomly assign 3 new secret techniques, avoiding any technique already
     # in play on another player's sheet (collisions make for boring recruits).
diff --git a/src/pirats/database.py b/src/pirats/database.py
index bced88e..1a1531c 100644
--- a/src/pirats/database.py
+++ b/src/pirats/database.py
@@ -31,15 +31,22 @@ def create_db_and_tables():
             ("player", "is_dead", "BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE"),
             ("player", "is_ghost", "BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE"),
             ("player", "tax_banned", "BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE"),
+            ("player", "player_name", "VARCHAR DEFAULT ''"),
             ("gameevent", "kind", "VARCHAR DEFAULT 'info'"),
         ]
-        
+
         for table, col, def_type in columns:
             try:
                 session.execute(text(f"ALTER TABLE {table} ADD COLUMN {col} {def_type}"))
             except Exception:
                 pass
-                
+
+        # Backfill: pre-existing players used a single name for both player and Pi-Rat
+        try:
+            session.execute(text("UPDATE player SET player_name = name WHERE player_name = '' OR player_name IS NULL"))
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         session.commit()
 
 def get_session():
diff --git a/src/pirats/models.py b/src/pirats/models.py
index 0f9667a..6e86c74 100644
--- a/src/pirats/models.py
+++ b/src/pirats/models.py
@@ -25,7 +25,8 @@ class Game(SQLModel, table=True):
 class Player(SQLModel, table=True):
     id: str = Field(default_factory=lambda: str(uuid.uuid4()), primary_key=True)
     game_id: str = Field(foreign_key="game.id", index=True)
-    name: str = Field(default="")
+    name: str = Field(default="")  # The Pi-Rat's current identity: "Recruit {smell}" until they earn a Name
+    player_name: str = Field(default="")  # The human player's lobby name, shown alongside the Pi-Rat
     is_ready: bool = Field(default=False)
     rank: int = Field(default=1)
     hand_cards: str = Field(default="[]")  # JSON string of list of card codes
diff --git a/src/pirats/routes_admin.py b/src/pirats/routes_admin.py
index acff550..fe23fc5 100644
--- a/src/pirats/routes_admin.py
+++ b/src/pirats/routes_admin.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ def creator_admin_panel(request: Request, game_id: str, key: str, db: Session =
         players_data.append({
             "id": p.id,
             "name": p.name,
+            "player_name": p.player_name,
             "rank": p.rank,
             "is_dead": p.is_dead,
             "is_ghost": p.is_ghost,
diff --git a/src/pirats/routes_character.py b/src/pirats/routes_character.py
index eb7abe6..bbe3f5e 100644
--- a/src/pirats/routes_character.py
+++ b/src/pirats/routes_character.py
@@ -31,9 +31,12 @@ def player_save_basic_details(
     player.avatar_smell = avatar_smell.strip()
     player.first_words = first_words.strip()
     player.good_at_math = good_at_math.strip()
+    # Until a Pi-Rat earns a Name they are identified by their smell
+    if not player.completed_personal_2:
+        player.name = crud.recruit_name(player)
     db.add(player)
     db.commit()
-    
+
     return {"status": "ok"}
 
 # Auto-assign unassigned delegated tasks (Like and Hate) randomly to crewmates
diff --git a/tests/test_game.py b/tests/test_game.py
index d426b2e..f8132c3 100644
--- a/tests/test_game.py
+++ b/tests/test_game.py
@@ -756,6 +756,97 @@ def test_gat_tax_refuse_and_fail(session):
     assert p2.rank == p2_start_rank
     assert p2.tax_banned
 
+def test_name_tax_refuse_steals_name_string(session):
+    game, deep, (p2, p3) = make_scene_game(session, num_pirats=2)
+    obs = game.obstacles[0]
+    obs.current_value = 13
+    # p2 has a gat but no Name; p3 has both and a fancy name
+    p2.completed_personal_1 = True
+    p2.avatar_smell = "smells like burnt cheese"
+    p3.completed_personal_1 = True
+    p3.completed_personal_2 = True
+    p3.name = "Bloodfang the Unforgiven"
+    p3.avatar_smell = "faintly of gunpowder"
+    p2.hand_cards = json.dumps(["2C"])
+    session.add_all([obs, p2, p3])
+    session.commit()
+
+    ok, msg = crud.create_challenge(session, game.id, deep.id, p2.id, [obs.id])
+    assert ok
+    session.refresh(game)
+    challenge = game.challenges[0]
+
+    ok, msg = crud.request_tax(session, challenge.id, p2.id, p3.id)
+    assert ok, msg
+    assert challenge.tax_type == "name"
+    ok, msg = crud.respond_tax(session, challenge.id, p3.id, accept=False)
+    assert ok
+
+    session.refresh(p2)
+    session.refresh(p3)
+    # The name string itself is stolen; the refuser is demoted to their smell
+    assert p2.name == "Bloodfang the Unforgiven"
+    assert p2.completed_personal_2
+    assert not p2.needs_name
+    assert p3.name == "Recruit Gunpowder"
+    assert not p3.completed_personal_2
+
+    # The thief fails the challenge: the name returns and the thief is demoted
+    ok, msg, res = crud.play_challenge_card(session, p2.id, obs.id, "2C")
+    assert ok and not res["success"]
+    ok, msg = crud.resolve_challenge(session, challenge.id, deep.id)
+    assert ok
+
+    session.refresh(p2)
+    session.refresh(p3)
+    assert p3.name == "Bloodfang the Unforgiven"
+    assert p3.completed_personal_2
+    assert p2.name == "Recruit Burnt cheese"
+    assert not p2.completed_personal_2
+    assert p2.tax_banned
+
+def test_name_tax_refuse_success_keeps_stolen_name(session):
+    game, deep, (p2, p3) = make_scene_game(session, num_pirats=2)
+    obs = game.obstacles[0]
+    obs.current_value = 1
+    p2.completed_personal_1 = True
+    p2.avatar_smell = "old rum"
+    p3.completed_personal_1 = True
+    p3.completed_personal_2 = True
+    p3.name = "Captain Calculus"
+    p3.avatar_smell = "chalk dust"
+    p2.hand_cards = json.dumps(["10C"])
+    session.add_all([obs, p2, p3])
+    session.commit()
+
+    ok, _ = crud.create_challenge(session, game.id, deep.id, p2.id, [obs.id])
+    assert ok
+    session.refresh(game)
+    challenge = game.challenges[0]
+    ok, _ = crud.request_tax(session, challenge.id, p2.id, p3.id)
+    assert ok
+    ok, _ = crud.respond_tax(session, challenge.id, p3.id, accept=False)
+    assert ok
+
+    ok, msg, res = crud.play_challenge_card(session, p2.id, obs.id, "10C")
+    assert ok and res["success"]
+    ok, _ = crud.resolve_challenge(session, challenge.id, deep.id)
+    assert ok
+
+    session.refresh(p2)
+    session.refresh(p3)
+    # Success: the stolen name stays stolen
+    assert p2.name == "Captain Calculus"
+    assert p2.completed_personal_2
+    assert p3.name == "Recruit Chalk dust"
+    assert not p3.completed_personal_2
+
+def test_recruit_name_helper():
+    assert crud.recruit_name_from_smell("smells like burnt cheese") == "Recruit Burnt cheese"
+    assert crud.recruit_name_from_smell("faintly of gunpowder") == "Recruit Gunpowder"
+    assert crud.recruit_name_from_smell("") == "Recruit"
+    assert crud.recruit_name_from_smell("", fallback="Tim") == "Recruit Tim"
+
 def test_pvp_challenge(session):
     game, deep, (p2, p3) = make_scene_game(session, num_pirats=2)
     p2.hand_cards = json.dumps(["7C"])