diff --git a/dev/v0.3.0/STATUS.md b/dev/v0.3.0/STATUS.md
index 2e41401..2c60554 100644
--- a/dev/v0.3.0/STATUS.md
+++ b/dev/v0.3.0/STATUS.md
@@ -55,7 +55,59 @@ Tests: 279 green (was 257 on rc.3). Added:
 - `runtime/llm/provider.test.js` — 9 tests
 - `runtime/coach/fast-advisor.test.js` — 10 tests
 
-### rc.2 — (pending) Manifesto / Needs ladder
+### rc.2 — Manifesto / Needs ladder L0-L10
+**Root problem solved**: pre-v0.3.0 the bot had no notion of intermediate
+goals. The curriculum produced a single "next milestone" but no
+hierarchy. So when the bot was wedged with no pickaxe, it kept trying
+`explore.far` instead of recognising "I need wood → planks → pickaxe
+first". Lessons from Pi couldn't help because there was no
+internal-state language to express "L2 not satisfied".
+
+The needs ladder gives the bot an explicit, ordered list of survival
+concerns. Each reflex tick picks the LOWEST unsatisfied need and
+dispatches a concrete skill toward it.
+
+```
+L0 alive          HP>5, food>0, no lava, no creeper@close
+L1 food           ≥6 food items in inventory (or hungry+have any)
+L2 tools_wood     wooden_pickaxe + wooden_axe + wooden_sword
+L3 shelter_basic  bed placed nearby or in inventory
+L4 tools_stone    stone tier (pickaxe + axe + sword)
+L5 armor_basic    any chestplate equipped (pursue=null for now)
+L6 food_security  ≥16 food items
+L7 tools_iron     iron tier (pursue=gather.stone until craft.iron-* lands)
+L8 armor_iron     iron chestplate (pursue=null for now)
+L9 village_seed   bed + chest nearby
+L10 village_full  global goal (never detected, falls through to curriculum)
+```
+
+- [`runtime/manifesto/needs.js`](../../runtime/manifesto/needs.js) —
+  catalogue of 11 needs. Each has `detect(snapshot)` and
+  `pursue(snapshot)`. Pursue can return `null` (e.g. armor levels) and
+  the ladder gracefully skips, recording the level as "blocked".
+- [`runtime/manifesto/state.js`](../../runtime/manifesto/state.js) —
+  `pickActiveNeed(snapshot)` walks the ladder, picks the first
+  unsatisfied + pursuable need. Returns `{need, skillId, args, blockedNeeds}`.
+  3-second cache to avoid re-walking the ladder on every micro-tick.
+  Validates `skillId` against the live registry (rc.1 piece) before
+  returning — manifesto can't ship a hallucinated id.
+- [`runtime/reflex.js`](../../runtime/reflex.js):
+  - `curriculumReflex` now consults manifesto FIRST. If a need dictates
+    a skill, that's what gets dispatched. The curriculum plan is the
+    fallback when manifesto has no concrete pursue.
+  - Tests can pass `ctx.disableManifesto = true` to exercise the
+    curriculum branch in isolation.
+- [`runtime/coach/reflect.js`](../../runtime/coach/reflect.js) — Pi
+  self-reflection prompt now includes the active need
+  (`L2 tools_wood → gather.logs (Деревянные орудия)`) so Pi can give
+  level-appropriate advice instead of generic suggestions.
+
+Tests: 315 green (was 279 on rc.1, +36 new):
+- `runtime/manifesto/needs.test.js` — 24 tests (one per need detect/pursue)
+- `runtime/manifesto/state.test.js` — 10 tests (ladder walk, caching, skipping)
+- `runtime/reflex.test.js` — 2 new integration tests (manifesto-on
+  overrides curriculum; well-fed bot pursues tools_stone)
+
 ### rc.3 — (pending) Event-driven awareness + skill pre-emption
 
 ## Next session quick start
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index a1653f5..8934550 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "pepa-pi-bot",
-  "version": "0.3.0-rc.1",
+  "version": "0.3.0-rc.2",
   "private": true,
   "description": "An autonomous, self-extending Minecraft player powered by Pi and Mineflayer.",
   "license": "MIT",
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
     "tui": "tsx tui/tui.tsx",
     "propose:apply": "node scripts/propose-apply.js",
     "stop": "bash scripts/stop.sh",
-    "test": "node --test runtime/skills/contract.test.js runtime/skills/groups.test.js runtime/skills/compat.test.js runtime/skills/recovery-tunnel-out.test.js runtime/skills/pillar-up.test.js runtime/curriculum.test.js runtime/social/social.test.js runtime/social/conversation.test.js runtime/social/chat-history.test.js runtime/social/reply-pi.test.js runtime/stuck-incident.test.js runtime/compat.test.js runtime/reflex.test.js runtime/base-site.test.js runtime/locations.test.js runtime/watch-filter.test.js runtime/world-journal.test.js runtime/scenario-memory.test.js runtime/critic.test.js runtime/skill-library.test.js runtime/skill-registry.test.js runtime/modes.test.js runtime/pathfinder-watchdog.test.js runtime/knowledge/knowledge.test.js runtime/llm/provider.test.js runtime/coach/postmortem.test.js runtime/coach/advice.test.js runtime/coach/reflect.test.js runtime/coach/fast-advisor.test.js runtime/persona/chatter.test.js scripts/edit-scope.test.js scripts/lint-patch.test.js"
+    "test": "node --test runtime/skills/contract.test.js runtime/skills/groups.test.js runtime/skills/compat.test.js runtime/skills/recovery-tunnel-out.test.js runtime/skills/pillar-up.test.js runtime/curriculum.test.js runtime/social/social.test.js runtime/social/conversation.test.js runtime/social/chat-history.test.js runtime/social/reply-pi.test.js runtime/stuck-incident.test.js runtime/compat.test.js runtime/reflex.test.js runtime/base-site.test.js runtime/locations.test.js runtime/watch-filter.test.js runtime/world-journal.test.js runtime/scenario-memory.test.js runtime/critic.test.js runtime/skill-library.test.js runtime/skill-registry.test.js runtime/modes.test.js runtime/pathfinder-watchdog.test.js runtime/manifesto/needs.test.js runtime/manifesto/state.test.js runtime/knowledge/knowledge.test.js runtime/llm/provider.test.js runtime/coach/postmortem.test.js runtime/coach/advice.test.js runtime/coach/reflect.test.js runtime/coach/fast-advisor.test.js runtime/persona/chatter.test.js scripts/edit-scope.test.js scripts/lint-patch.test.js"
   },
   "dependencies": {
     "better-sqlite3": "^11.10.0",
diff --git a/runtime/coach/reflect.js b/runtime/coach/reflect.js
index e1f3376..16033bb 100644
--- a/runtime/coach/reflect.js
+++ b/runtime/coach/reflect.js
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import { resolve } from "node:path";
 
 import { isAvailable as knowledgeAvailable, record as recordLesson } from "../knowledge/index.js";
 import { isRegistered, skillRegistryPrompt } from "../skill-registry.js";
+import { pickActiveNeed } from "../manifesto/state.js";
 import { info, warn } from "../log.js";
 
 // Mode-name allow-list, mirrors postmortem.js (advice.js maps them to
@@ -76,8 +77,9 @@ export async function runOnce({ stateDir, askPi, getSnapshot, force = false } =
 	const scenarios = readScenarioTail(stateDir);
 	const diary = readDiaryTail(stateDir);
 	const plan = readPlan(stateDir);
+	const activeNeed = pickActiveNeed(snap);
 
-	const prompt = buildPrompt({ snap, journal, scenarios, diary, plan });
+	const prompt = buildPrompt({ snap, journal, scenarios, diary, plan, activeNeed });
 	_piCallTimes.push(now);
 
 	const reply = await askPiOnce({ askPi, prompt });
@@ -153,10 +155,13 @@ function readPlan(stateDir) {
 	try { return readFileSync(f, "utf8"); } catch { return ""; }
 }
 
-function buildPrompt({ snap, journal, scenarios, diary, plan }) {
+function buildPrompt({ snap, journal, scenarios, diary, plan, activeNeed }) {
 	const pos = snap?.position;
 	const inv = snap?.inventory ? Object.keys(snap.inventory).slice(0, 12).join(", ") : "(empty)";
 	const lastResult = snap?.lastResult ? JSON.stringify(snap.lastResult).slice(0, 200) : "(none)";
+	const needLine = activeNeed
+		? `L${activeNeed.need.level} ${activeNeed.need.id} → ${activeNeed.skillId} (${activeNeed.need.title})`
+		: "(satisfied through L10 / no active need)";
 	return [
 		"You are pepa, an autonomous Minecraft survival bot, reflecting on your own progress.",
 		"Look at the last ~30 minutes of activity below. Answer honestly: are you actually making progress, or stuck in a loop?",
@@ -168,6 +173,7 @@ function buildPrompt({ snap, journal, scenarios, diary, plan }) {
 		`- hp: ${snap?.health ?? "?"} food: ${snap?.food ?? "?"} day: ${snap?.isDay ? "yes" : "no"}`,
 		`- runtimeState: ${snap?.runtimeState ?? "?"}`,
 		`- activeSkill: ${snap?.activeSkill ?? "(idle)"}`,
+		`- activeNeed (Maslow ladder L0-L10): ${needLine}`,
 		`- currentMilestone: ${snap?.currentMilestone ?? "?"}`,
 		`- noProgressReason: ${snap?.noProgressReason ?? "(none)"}`,
 		`- lastResult: ${lastResult}`,
diff --git a/runtime/manifesto/needs.js b/runtime/manifesto/needs.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..750ab45
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/manifesto/needs.js
@@ -0,0 +1,314 @@
+// Hierarchical needs ladder (Maslow-like). Each need has:
+//   id          stable kebab-case
+//   level       0-10, ascending priority (0 = most urgent)
+//   title       Russian short label for chat narration
+//   detect(s)   → bool, true means need is already satisfied
+//   pursue(s)   → { skillId, args? } | null, what to do RIGHT NOW
+//
+// Need ordering matters: state.js picks the LOWEST-level unsatisfied
+// need. If pursue() returns null we move on to the next level — that's
+// how "I want armour but can't craft it yet" gracefully degrades to
+// "go gather more iron".
+//
+// Snapshot shape comes from runtime/perceive.js#snapshot().
+
+const PICKAXE_WOOD = ["wooden_pickaxe"];
+const PICKAXE_STONE = ["stone_pickaxe"];
+const PICKAXE_IRON = ["iron_pickaxe", "diamond_pickaxe", "netherite_pickaxe"];
+const AXE_WOOD = ["wooden_axe"];
+const AXE_STONE = ["stone_axe"];
+const AXE_IRON = ["iron_axe", "diamond_axe", "netherite_axe"];
+const SWORD_WOOD = ["wooden_sword"];
+const SWORD_STONE = ["stone_sword"];
+const SWORD_IRON = ["iron_sword", "diamond_sword", "netherite_sword"];
+const FOOD_ITEMS = [
+	"bread", "cooked_beef", "cooked_porkchop", "cooked_chicken", "cooked_mutton",
+	"cooked_rabbit", "cooked_cod", "cooked_salmon", "baked_potato",
+	"apple", "carrot", "potato", "beetroot", "melon_slice", "sweet_berries",
+	"golden_apple", "golden_carrot",
+];
+const ARMOR_CHEST_ANY = [
+	"leather_chestplate", "iron_chestplate", "golden_chestplate",
+	"diamond_chestplate", "netherite_chestplate", "chainmail_chestplate",
+];
+const ARMOR_IRON_CHEST = ["iron_chestplate"];
+const BED_ITEMS = [
+	"white_bed", "orange_bed", "magenta_bed", "light_blue_bed", "yellow_bed",
+	"lime_bed", "pink_bed", "gray_bed", "light_gray_bed", "cyan_bed",
+	"purple_bed", "blue_bed", "brown_bed", "green_bed", "red_bed", "black_bed",
+];
+
+function hasAny(inv, names) {
+	if (!inv) return false;
+	for (const n of names) {
+		if ((inv[n] ?? 0) > 0) return true;
+	}
+	return false;
+}
+
+function countAny(inv, names) {
+	if (!inv) return 0;
+	let total = 0;
+	for (const n of names) total += inv[n] ?? 0;
+	return total;
+}
+
+function countLogs(inv) {
+	if (!inv) return 0;
+	let total = 0;
+	for (const [name, count] of Object.entries(inv)) {
+		if (name.endsWith("_log")) total += count;
+	}
+	return total;
+}
+
+function countPlanks(inv) {
+	if (!inv) return 0;
+	let total = 0;
+	for (const [name, count] of Object.entries(inv)) {
+		if (name.endsWith("_planks")) total += count;
+	}
+	return total;
+}
+
+function hostileImminent(s) {
+	const h = s?.closestHostile;
+	if (!h) return false;
+	return (h.distance ?? Infinity) < 8;
+}
+
+function aliveDetect(s) {
+	if (!s?.connected) return true; // not connected, nothing to do
+	const hp = s.health ?? 20;
+	const food = s.food ?? 20;
+	if (hp <= 5) return false;
+	if (food <= 0) return false;
+	if (s.hazards?.inFluid && s.hazards?.footBlock === "lava") return false;
+	if (hostileImminent(s) && hp <= 10) return false;
+	return true;
+}
+
+function alivePursue(s) {
+	const hp = s.health ?? 20;
+	const food = s.food ?? 20;
+	if (s.hazards?.footBlock === "lava") {
+		return { skillId: "recovery.tunnel-out", args: { reason: "lava" } };
+	}
+	if (food <= 0 && s.hasFood) {
+		return { skillId: "survive.eat" };
+	}
+	if (food <= 0 && !s.hasFood) {
+		return { skillId: "survive.acquire-food" };
+	}
+	if (hostileImminent(s)) {
+		return { skillId: "survive.flee" };
+	}
+	if (hp <= 5) {
+		return { skillId: "survive.flee" };
+	}
+	return null;
+}
+
+function foodDetect(s) {
+	if (!s?.connected) return true;
+	if ((s.food ?? 20) >= 18 && countAny(s.inventory, FOOD_ITEMS) >= 1) return true;
+	return countAny(s.inventory, FOOD_ITEMS) >= 6;
+}
+
+function foodPursue(s) {
+	if ((s.food ?? 20) < 16 && s.hasFood) {
+		return { skillId: "survive.eat" };
+	}
+	return { skillId: "survive.acquire-food" };
+}
+
+function toolsWoodDetect(s) {
+	const inv = s?.inventory;
+	if (!inv) return false;
+	return hasAny(inv, PICKAXE_WOOD) && hasAny(inv, AXE_WOOD) && hasAny(inv, SWORD_WOOD);
+}
+
+function toolsWoodPursue(s) {
+	const inv = s.inventory ?? {};
+	const planks = countPlanks(inv);
+	const logs = countLogs(inv);
+	const sticks = inv.stick ?? 0;
+	const hasWb = (inv.crafting_table ?? 0) > 0
+		|| (s.nearbyBlocks?.craftingTable ?? 0) > 0;
+
+	if (logs < 2 && planks < 4 && !hasWb) {
+		return { skillId: "gather.logs" };
+	}
+	if (planks < 4) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.planks" };
+	}
+	if (sticks < 2) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.sticks" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, PICKAXE_WOOD)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.wooden-pickaxe" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, AXE_WOOD)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.wooden-axe" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, SWORD_WOOD)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.wooden-sword" };
+	}
+	return null;
+}
+
+function shelterBasicDetect(s) {
+	const inv = s?.inventory ?? {};
+	const bedPlaced = (s.nearbyBlocks?.beds ?? 0) > 0;
+	return bedPlaced || hasAny(inv, BED_ITEMS);
+}
+
+function shelterBasicPursue(s) {
+	const inv = s.inventory ?? {};
+	if (!hasAny(inv, BED_ITEMS)) {
+		const wool = countAny(inv, [
+			"white_wool", "orange_wool", "magenta_wool", "light_blue_wool",
+			"yellow_wool", "lime_wool", "pink_wool", "gray_wool",
+			"light_gray_wool", "cyan_wool", "purple_wool", "blue_wool",
+			"brown_wool", "green_wool", "red_wool", "black_wool",
+		]);
+		if (wool >= 3 && countPlanks(inv) >= 3) {
+			return { skillId: "craft.bed" };
+		}
+		if (wool < 3) {
+			return { skillId: "gather.wool" };
+		}
+		return { skillId: "gather.logs" };
+	}
+	// Have bed but no shelter — pick a base and build.
+	const blocksForShelter = countPlanks(inv) + (inv.cobblestone ?? 0) + (inv.dirt ?? 0);
+	if (blocksForShelter < 12) {
+		return { skillId: "gather.stone" };
+	}
+	return { skillId: "village.build-shelter" };
+}
+
+function toolsStoneDetect(s) {
+	const inv = s?.inventory;
+	if (!inv) return false;
+	return hasAny(inv, PICKAXE_STONE) && hasAny(inv, AXE_STONE) && hasAny(inv, SWORD_STONE);
+}
+
+function toolsStonePursue(s) {
+	const inv = s.inventory ?? {};
+	const cobble = inv.cobblestone ?? 0;
+	const sticks = inv.stick ?? 0;
+	if (cobble < 4) {
+		return { skillId: "gather.stone" };
+	}
+	if (sticks < 2) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.sticks" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, PICKAXE_STONE)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.stone-pickaxe" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, AXE_STONE)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.stone-axe" };
+	}
+	if (!hasAny(inv, SWORD_STONE)) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.stone-sword" };
+	}
+	return null;
+}
+
+function armorBasicDetect(s) {
+	const equip = s?.equipment ?? {};
+	if (equip.torso && ARMOR_CHEST_ANY.includes(equip.torso)) return true;
+	return hasAny(s.inventory, ARMOR_CHEST_ANY);
+}
+
+function armorBasicPursue(_s) {
+	// No armor crafting skills registered yet (v0.3.x roadmap). Don't
+	// stall the ladder — let later needs drive activity.
+	return null;
+}
+
+function foodSecurityDetect(s) {
+	return countAny(s?.inventory, FOOD_ITEMS) >= 16;
+}
+
+function foodSecurityPursue(s) {
+	if ((s.inventory?.wheat_seeds ?? 0) > 0 && (s.nearbyBlocks?.crops ?? 0) > 0) {
+		return { skillId: "farm.wheat" };
+	}
+	return { skillId: "survive.acquire-food" };
+}
+
+function toolsIronDetect(s) {
+	const inv = s?.inventory;
+	if (!inv) return false;
+	return hasAny(inv, PICKAXE_IRON) && hasAny(inv, AXE_IRON) && hasAny(inv, SWORD_IRON);
+}
+
+function toolsIronPursue(_s) {
+	// No iron-tool craft skills registered yet. Direct the bot to keep
+	// mining — the registry will gain craft.iron-* in a later iteration.
+	return { skillId: "gather.stone" };
+}
+
+function armorIronDetect(s) {
+	const equip = s?.equipment ?? {};
+	if (equip.torso === "iron_chestplate") return true;
+	return hasAny(s.inventory, ARMOR_IRON_CHEST);
+}
+
+function armorIronPursue(_s) {
+	return null;
+}
+
+function villageSeedDetect(s) {
+	// Heuristic: at least one chest placed AND one bed placed within
+	// nearby radius. Tightens later (POIs of kind "structure").
+	const nb = s?.nearbyBlocks ?? {};
+	return (nb.storage ?? 0) >= 1 && (nb.beds ?? 0) >= 1;
+}
+
+function villageSeedPursue(s) {
+	const inv = s.inventory ?? {};
+	if ((inv.chest ?? 0) === 0 && countPlanks(inv) >= 8) {
+		return { skillId: "craft.chest" };
+	}
+	if ((inv.chest ?? 0) > 0) {
+		return { skillId: "village.deposit-surplus" };
+	}
+	return { skillId: "village.build-shelter" };
+}
+
+function villageFullDetect(_s) {
+	// Always false — it's the global goal.
+	return false;
+}
+
+function villageFullPursue(_s) {
+	// Let the curriculum tackle it (fallback chain).
+	return null;
+}
+
+export const NEEDS = Object.freeze([
+	{ id: "alive",           level: 0,  title: "Остаться живым",   detect: aliveDetect,         pursue: alivePursue },
+	{ id: "food",            level: 1,  title: "Найти еду",         detect: foodDetect,          pursue: foodPursue },
+	{ id: "tools_wood",      level: 2,  title: "Деревянные орудия", detect: toolsWoodDetect,     pursue: toolsWoodPursue },
+	{ id: "shelter_basic",   level: 3,  title: "Простой шелтер",    detect: shelterBasicDetect,  pursue: shelterBasicPursue },
+	{ id: "tools_stone",     level: 4,  title: "Каменные орудия",   detect: toolsStoneDetect,    pursue: toolsStonePursue },
+	{ id: "armor_basic",     level: 5,  title: "Базовая броня",     detect: armorBasicDetect,    pursue: armorBasicPursue },
+	{ id: "food_security",   level: 6,  title: "Запас еды",         detect: foodSecurityDetect,  pursue: foodSecurityPursue },
+	{ id: "tools_iron",      level: 7,  title: "Железные орудия",   detect: toolsIronDetect,     pursue: toolsIronPursue },
+	{ id: "armor_iron",      level: 8,  title: "Железная броня",    detect: armorIronDetect,     pursue: armorIronPursue },
+	{ id: "village_seed",    level: 9,  title: "Зачаток деревни",   detect: villageSeedDetect,   pursue: villageSeedPursue },
+	{ id: "village_full",    level: 10, title: "Полная деревня",    detect: villageFullDetect,   pursue: villageFullPursue },
+]);
+
+export function getNeed(id) {
+	return NEEDS.find((n) => n.id === id) ?? null;
+}
+
+// Test exports
+export const __testing = {
+	hasAny, countAny, countLogs, countPlanks,
+	FOOD_ITEMS, BED_ITEMS, ARMOR_CHEST_ANY,
+};
diff --git a/runtime/manifesto/needs.test.js b/runtime/manifesto/needs.test.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63e1b88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/manifesto/needs.test.js
@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+import { test } from "node:test";
+import assert from "node:assert/strict";
+
+import { NEEDS, getNeed, __testing } from "./needs.js";
+
+function snap(overrides = {}) {
+	return {
+		connected: true,
+		health: 20,
+		food: 20,
+		hasFood: false,
+		inventory: {},
+		equipment: { hand: null, head: null, torso: null, legs: null, feet: null },
+		nearbyBlocks: {},
+		hazards: { lavaNearby: false, inFluid: false, footBlock: "grass_block", belowBlock: "dirt", headBlock: "air" },
+		isDay: true,
+		hostileCount: 0,
+		closestHostile: null,
+		...overrides,
+	};
+}
+
+test("ladder: 11 levels in order, ids unique", () => {
+	assert.equal(NEEDS.length, 11);
+	for (let i = 0; i < NEEDS.length; i++) {
+		assert.equal(NEEDS[i].level, i);
+	}
+	const ids = NEEDS.map((n) => n.id);
+	assert.equal(new Set(ids).size, ids.length);
+});
+
+test("getNeed: lookup by id", () => {
+	assert.equal(getNeed("tools_wood").level, 2);
+	assert.equal(getNeed("doesnt-exist"), null);
+});
+
+test("L0 alive: full HP and food → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("alive");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap()), true);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(snap()), null);
+});
+
+test("L0 alive: low HP with close hostile → flee", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("alive");
+	const s = snap({ health: 4, closestHostile: { name: "zombie", distance: 3 } });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "survive.flee");
+});
+
+test("L0 alive: zero food and have food → eat", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("alive");
+	const s = snap({ food: 0, hasFood: true, inventory: { bread: 3 } });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "survive.eat");
+});
+
+test("L0 alive: zero food and no food → acquire", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("alive");
+	const s = snap({ food: 0, hasFood: false });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "survive.acquire-food");
+});
+
+test("L1 food: 6+ food items → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("food");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ food: 10, inventory: { bread: 6 } })), true);
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ food: 10, inventory: { bread: 3 } })), false);
+});
+
+test("L1 food: full saturation + any food → satisfied (no panic gathering)", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("food");
+	// food=20 means belly is full; 3 bread is enough until we get hungry again
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ food: 20, inventory: { bread: 3 } })), true);
+});
+
+test("L2 tools_wood: starts with no logs → gather.logs", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_wood");
+	const s = snap();
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "gather.logs");
+});
+
+test("L2 tools_wood: has logs but no planks → craft.planks", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_wood");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { oak_log: 3 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.planks");
+});
+
+test("L2 tools_wood: progression to pickaxe → axe → sword", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_wood");
+	// has planks + sticks but no pickaxe
+	let s = snap({ inventory: { oak_planks: 8, stick: 4 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.wooden-pickaxe");
+	// has pickaxe but no axe
+	s = snap({ inventory: { oak_planks: 8, stick: 4, wooden_pickaxe: 1 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.wooden-axe");
+	// pickaxe + axe but no sword
+	s = snap({ inventory: { oak_planks: 8, stick: 4, wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.wooden-sword");
+	// all three
+	s = snap({ inventory: { wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1 } });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), true);
+});
+
+test("L3 shelter_basic: bed nearby → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("shelter_basic");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1 } })), true);
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ inventory: { red_bed: 1 } })), true);
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap()), false);
+});
+
+test("L3 shelter_basic: no wool → gather.wool", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("shelter_basic");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { oak_planks: 3 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "gather.wool");
+});
+
+test("L3 shelter_basic: enough wool + planks → craft.bed", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("shelter_basic");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { white_wool: 3, oak_planks: 3 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.bed");
+});
+
+test("L4 tools_stone: needs cobblestone first", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_stone");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { wooden_pickaxe: 1 } });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "gather.stone");
+});
+
+test("L4 tools_stone: cobble + sticks → craft.stone-pickaxe", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_stone");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { cobblestone: 6, stick: 4 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.stone-pickaxe");
+});
+
+test("L5 armor_basic: torso equipped → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("armor_basic");
+	const s = snap({ equipment: { torso: "leather_chestplate" } });
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), true);
+});
+
+test("L5 armor_basic: no craft skill yet → pursue returns null", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("armor_basic");
+	const s = snap();
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s), null);
+});
+
+test("L6 food_security: ≥16 food → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("food_security");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ inventory: { bread: 16 } })), true);
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ inventory: { bread: 10 } })), false);
+});
+
+test("L7 tools_iron: always pursues gather.stone (no craft.iron-* yet)", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("tools_iron");
+	const s = snap();
+	assert.equal(n.detect(s), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "gather.stone");
+});
+
+test("L8 armor_iron: iron_chestplate equipped → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("armor_iron");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ equipment: { torso: "iron_chestplate" } })), true);
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ equipment: { torso: "leather_chestplate" } })), false);
+});
+
+test("L9 village_seed: bed + storage nearby → satisfied", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("village_seed");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap({ nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1, storage: 1 } })), true);
+});
+
+test("L9 village_seed: no chest → craft.chest if enough planks", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("village_seed");
+	const s = snap({ inventory: { oak_planks: 10 } });
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(s).skillId, "craft.chest");
+});
+
+test("L10 village_full: never satisfied (global goal)", () => {
+	const n = getNeed("village_full");
+	assert.equal(n.detect(snap()), false);
+	assert.equal(n.pursue(snap()), null);
+});
+
+test("helpers: hasAny / countAny work over inventory", () => {
+	const { hasAny, countAny } = __testing;
+	const inv = { bread: 3, cooked_beef: 1 };
+	assert.equal(hasAny(inv, ["bread", "apple"]), true);
+	assert.equal(hasAny(inv, ["apple"]), false);
+	assert.equal(countAny(inv, ["bread", "cooked_beef"]), 4);
+});
+
+test("helpers: countLogs / countPlanks sum across variants", () => {
+	const { countLogs, countPlanks } = __testing;
+	assert.equal(countLogs({ oak_log: 3, birch_log: 2, dirt: 5 }), 5);
+	assert.equal(countPlanks({ oak_planks: 4, birch_planks: 2 }), 6);
+});
diff --git a/runtime/manifesto/state.js b/runtime/manifesto/state.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0e46db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/manifesto/state.js
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+// Manifesto state: cached "active need" for the current tick.
+//
+// Each reflex pass calls pickActiveNeed(snapshot) — it walks the
+// needs ladder from level 0 upward and returns the FIRST need whose
+// detect() is false AND whose pursue() returns a non-null skill id.
+// Needs whose pursue() returns null (e.g. armour while we lack craft
+// skills) are recorded as "blocked at this level" but the ladder
+// continues — that way the bot still makes progress on lower-priority
+// concerns instead of stalling.
+
+import { NEEDS, getNeed } from "./needs.js";
+import { isRegistered } from "../skill-registry.js";
+import { info } from "../log.js";
+
+const CACHE_TTL_MS = 3_000;
+
+let _cache = null;
+let _lastNeedId = null;
+
+export function _resetForTest() {
+	_cache = null;
+	_lastNeedId = null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * pickActiveNeed(snapshot) →
+ *   {
+ *     need: { id, level, title },
+ *     skillId: string,                 // dispatch this skill
+ *     args: object | undefined,
+ *     blockedNeeds: Array<{id, level}> // needs above this one whose pursue=null
+ *   } | null
+ *
+ * Returns null only when *every* need is satisfied (i.e. village_full
+ * is detected, which is never true in practice — global goal). In
+ * that case callers should fall back to the curriculum.
+ */
+export function pickActiveNeed(snapshot) {
+	if (!snapshot?.connected) return null;
+	const now = Date.now();
+	if (_cache && _cache.snapshot === snapshot && now - _cache.ts < CACHE_TTL_MS) {
+		return _cache.result;
+	}
+	const blocked = [];
+	let chosen = null;
+	for (const need of NEEDS) {
+		let satisfied;
+		try {
+			satisfied = !!need.detect(snapshot);
+		} catch (e) {
+			info("manifesto", `need ${need.id}.detect threw: ${e?.message ?? e}`);
+			satisfied = true;
+		}
+		if (satisfied) continue;
+		let plan;
+		try {
+			plan = need.pursue(snapshot);
+		} catch (e) {
+			info("manifesto", `need ${need.id}.pursue threw: ${e?.message ?? e}`);
+			plan = null;
+		}
+		if (!plan || !plan.skillId) {
+			blocked.push({ id: need.id, level: need.level });
+			continue;
+		}
+		if (!isRegistered(plan.skillId)) {
+			info("manifesto", `need ${need.id}: pursue suggested unknown skill ${plan.skillId}; skipping`);
+			blocked.push({ id: need.id, level: need.level });
+			continue;
+		}
+		chosen = { need: { id: need.id, level: need.level, title: need.title }, skillId: plan.skillId, args: plan.args, blockedNeeds: blocked };
+		break;
+	}
+	if (chosen) {
+		if (_lastNeedId !== chosen.need.id) {
+			info("manifesto", `active need: L${chosen.need.level} ${chosen.need.id} → ${chosen.skillId}`);
+			_lastNeedId = chosen.need.id;
+		}
+	}
+	_cache = { snapshot, ts: now, result: chosen };
+	return chosen;
+}
+
+export function describeActiveNeed(snapshot) {
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snapshot);
+	if (!a) return null;
+	return `L${a.need.level} ${a.need.id} → ${a.skillId}`;
+}
+
+// Re-export ladder for callers that want to enumerate.
+export { NEEDS, getNeed };
diff --git a/runtime/manifesto/state.test.js b/runtime/manifesto/state.test.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..22960f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/manifesto/state.test.js
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+import { test } from "node:test";
+import assert from "node:assert/strict";
+
+import { pickActiveNeed, describeActiveNeed, _resetForTest } from "./state.js";
+
+function snap(overrides = {}) {
+	return {
+		connected: true,
+		health: 20,
+		food: 20,
+		hasFood: false,
+		inventory: {},
+		equipment: { hand: null, head: null, torso: null, legs: null, feet: null },
+		nearbyBlocks: {},
+		hazards: { footBlock: "grass_block", belowBlock: "dirt", headBlock: "air" },
+		isDay: true,
+		hostileCount: 0,
+		closestHostile: null,
+		...overrides,
+	};
+}
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: disconnected → null", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	assert.equal(pickActiveNeed({ connected: false }), null);
+	assert.equal(pickActiveNeed(null), null);
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: fresh spawn → L0 alive if zero food", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({ food: 0 }));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "alive");
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "survive.acquire-food");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: hp ok, no food in inventory → L1 food (acquire)", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap());
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "food");
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "survive.acquire-food");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: food covered → L2 tools_wood (gather logs)", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({ inventory: { bread: 8 } }));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "tools_wood");
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "gather.logs");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: tools wood done → L3 shelter (gather wool)", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({
+		inventory: {
+			bread: 8,
+			wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1,
+		},
+	}));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "shelter_basic");
+	// no wool, no bed → gather.wool
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "gather.wool");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: shelter done → L4 tools_stone", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({
+		nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1 },
+		inventory: {
+			bread: 8,
+			wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1,
+		},
+	}));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "tools_stone");
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "gather.stone");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: armor pursue=null → ladder skips to food_security", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	// Everything up through tools_stone satisfied, no armor (pursue=null).
+	// Should advance to food_security, not stall.
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({
+		nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1 },
+		inventory: {
+			bread: 8,
+			wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1,
+			stone_pickaxe: 1, stone_axe: 1, stone_sword: 1,
+		},
+	}));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "food_security");
+	assert.ok(a.blockedNeeds.some((b) => b.id === "armor_basic"), "armor_basic recorded as blocked");
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: hostile imminent + low HP → L0 takes over", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(snap({
+		health: 6,
+		closestHostile: { name: "creeper", distance: 3 },
+		inventory: { bread: 8, wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1 },
+		nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1 },
+	}));
+	assert.equal(a.need.id, "alive");
+	assert.equal(a.skillId, "survive.flee");
+});
+
+test("describeActiveNeed: returns 'L<n> <id> → <skill>'", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const s = describeActiveNeed(snap());
+	assert.match(s, /^L1 food → /);
+});
+
+test("pickActiveNeed: caches within TTL — same snapshot ref returns same result", () => {
+	_resetForTest();
+	const s = snap();
+	const a = pickActiveNeed(s);
+	const b = pickActiveNeed(s);
+	assert.equal(a, b, "second call returns cached object");
+});
diff --git a/runtime/reflex.js b/runtime/reflex.js
index 420292f..e1009c1 100644
--- a/runtime/reflex.js
+++ b/runtime/reflex.js
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import {
 } from "./actions.js";
 import { runSkill, getSkill } from "./skills/index.js";
 import { consult as consultAdvice, reportOutcome as reportAdviceOutcome } from "./coach/advice.js";
+import { pickActiveNeed } from "./manifesto/state.js";
 import { situationHash } from "./scenario-memory.js";
 import { tickModes } from "./modes.js";
 
@@ -438,6 +439,22 @@ function curriculumReflex(ctx) {
 	const plan = s.curriculum?.plan;
 	const wanderHintUntil = ctx.skillBackoff?.["__wander_hint__"] ?? 0;
 	const wantWander = wanderHintUntil && Date.now() < wanderHintUntil;
+
+	// v0.3.0-rc.2 — manifesto layer. Walk the L0-L10 needs ladder; the
+	// lowest unsatisfied need dictates the planned skill. The curriculum
+	// plan is used as a fallback when the manifesto has nothing concrete
+	// (e.g. armour pursue=null, or village_full with no specific next
+	// step). This is what makes the bot pursue tangible intermediate
+	// goals (tools_wood → shelter → tools_stone → ...) instead of
+	// wandering in the same quadrant.
+	//
+	// Tests can pass ctx.disableManifesto=true to exercise the curriculum
+	// branch in isolation without having to construct a full snapshot.
+	const activeNeed = ctx.disableManifesto ? null : pickActiveNeed(s);
+	if (activeNeed) {
+		ctx.activeNeed = activeNeed;
+	}
+	const manifestoSkillId = activeNeed?.skillId ?? null;
 	const metricRecovery = metricRecoverySkill(ctx, plan?.skillId);
 	if (metricRecovery) {
 		ctx.lastCurriculumAt = Date.now();
@@ -476,7 +493,7 @@ function curriculumReflex(ctx) {
 	// First hint → small wander (might just be 32-block reach issue).
 	// Every subsequent hint while still inside the backoff window → use
 	// explore.far so the bot actually leaves the patch it's stuck in.
-	if (!plan?.skillId || wantWander) {
+	if ((!plan?.skillId && !manifestoSkillId) || wantWander) {
 		ctx.lastCurriculumAt = Date.now();
 		const fallbackId = wantWander && consecutiveWanderHints >= 1 ? "explore.far" : "wander";
 		// v0.2.0-rc.3 — consult advice on the FALLBACK dispatch too. Without
@@ -511,15 +528,18 @@ function curriculumReflex(ctx) {
 		return { action: "dispatched", kind: "curriculum-wander", label: "wander" };
 	}
 
-	const skillId = plan.skillId;
+	// Pick what to dispatch: manifesto wins over curriculum plan because
+	// it expresses concrete needs rather than abstract "next milestone".
+	const skillId = manifestoSkillId ?? plan.skillId;
+	const skillSource = manifestoSkillId ? `manifesto:${activeNeed.need.id}` : "curriculum";
 	const skill = getSkill(skillId);
 	if (!skill) {
-		// Curriculum suggested a skill that isn't registered yet — fall back
+		// Suggested a skill that isn't registered yet — fall back
 		// to wander rather than spinning. This is the right behaviour for
 		// future milestones we haven't wired (e.g. shelter blueprints).
 		ctx.lastCurriculumAt = Date.now();
 		ctx.dispatch(() => wander(ctx.bot, 16), "wander", {});
-		return { action: "dispatched", kind: "curriculum-wander", label: `wander (no skill ${skillId})` };
+		return { action: "dispatched", kind: "curriculum-wander", label: `wander (no skill ${skillId}; source ${skillSource})` };
 	}
 
 	// Per-skill backoff: if this exact skill failed with a non-recoverable
@@ -558,7 +578,10 @@ function curriculumReflex(ctx) {
 	}
 
 	ctx.lastCurriculumAt = Date.now();
-	ctx.dispatch(() => runSkill(dispatchSkillId, ctx), dispatchSkillId, {
+	const dispatchArgs = (manifestoSkillId && manifestoSkillId === dispatchSkillId)
+		? (activeNeed.args ?? {})
+		: {};
+	ctx.dispatch(() => runSkill(dispatchSkillId, ctx, dispatchArgs), dispatchSkillId, {
 		onComplete: (res) => {
 			ctx.skillBackoff = ctx.skillBackoff ?? {};
 			if (advice.lessonId) reportAdviceOutcome({ lessonId: advice.lessonId, succeeded: !!res?.ok });
@@ -582,7 +605,7 @@ function curriculumReflex(ctx) {
 			}
 		},
 	});
-	return { action: "dispatched", kind: "curriculum-skill", label: dispatchSkillId };
+	return { action: "dispatched", kind: "curriculum-skill", label: dispatchSkillId, source: skillSource };
 }
 
 // ---- idle ------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/runtime/reflex.test.js b/runtime/reflex.test.js
index 2b2c87f..e5b8772 100644
--- a/runtime/reflex.test.js
+++ b/runtime/reflex.test.js
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@ function makeCtx({
 	lastSleepAttemptAt = 0,
 	lastCurriculumAt = 0,
 	metrics,
+	disableManifesto = true, // curriculum branch tests don't construct
+	                          // full snapshots; manifesto is exercised by
+	                          // runtime/manifesto/state.test.js separately.
 } = {}) {
 	const dispatches = [];
 	const ctx = {
@@ -58,6 +61,7 @@ function makeCtx({
 		lastCurriculumAt,
 		skillBackoff,
 		metrics,
+		disableManifesto,
 		dispatch(fn, label, opts = {}) {
 			dispatches.push({ fn, label, opts });
 		},
@@ -233,6 +237,55 @@ test("curriculum dispatches suggested skill by id", () => {
 	assert.ok(typeof dispatches[0].opts.onComplete === "function");
 });
 
+test("manifesto: hungry bot with no food drives survive.acquire-food (overrides curriculum plan)", () => {
+	const { ctx, dispatches } = makeCtx({
+		disableManifesto: false,
+		snapshot: {
+			connected: true,
+			health: 20,
+			food: 12,
+			hasFood: false,
+			inventory: {}, // no food, no tools
+			equipment: {},
+			nearbyBlocks: {},
+			hazards: { footBlock: "grass_block", belowBlock: "dirt", headBlock: "air" },
+			isDay: true,
+			curriculum: { plan: { skillId: "gather.logs" } },
+		},
+	});
+	const out = runTick(ctx);
+	assert.equal(out.reflex, "curriculum");
+	assert.equal(dispatches[0].label, "survive.acquire-food", "manifesto L1 food took over");
+	assert.equal(ctx.activeNeed?.need?.id, "food");
+});
+
+test("manifesto: well-fed bot with all wood tools defers to curriculum plan", () => {
+	const { ctx, dispatches } = makeCtx({
+		disableManifesto: false,
+		snapshot: {
+			connected: true,
+			health: 20,
+			food: 20,
+			hasFood: true,
+			inventory: {
+				bread: 8,
+				wooden_pickaxe: 1, wooden_axe: 1, wooden_sword: 1,
+				white_bed: 1,
+			},
+			equipment: {},
+			nearbyBlocks: { beds: 1 },
+			hazards: { footBlock: "grass_block", belowBlock: "dirt", headBlock: "air" },
+			isDay: true,
+			curriculum: { plan: { skillId: "gather.logs" } },
+		},
+	});
+	const out = runTick(ctx);
+	assert.equal(out.reflex, "curriculum");
+	// L4 tools_stone unmet → gather.stone takes precedence even if curriculum says logs
+	assert.equal(dispatches[0].label, "gather.stone");
+	assert.equal(ctx.activeNeed?.need?.id, "tools_stone");
+});
+
 test("curriculum falls back to wander when no plan", () => {
 	const { ctx, dispatches } = makeCtx({
 		snapshot: {