diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24dd061
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# MRPGI — Claude context
+
+Sierra-AGI-style graphical adventure engine (Rust — Cargo workspace) + the morp2 record-store horror game built on it. `MANUAL.md`, `EDITOR_GUIDE.md`, `docs/`, and `handover.md` (when present) are the working references — read them before big changes.
+
+- Git remote: Gitea `ssh://git@100.71.119.27:222/monster/MRPGI.git`.
+- Art/asset generation happens in separate sessions/tools (Gemini Flow etc.) and lands as files — check `assets/` and lore/report dirs for handoffs instead of asking John to re-paste.
+- Long /verify passes have died on session limits before — prefer small verify batches over one giant pass.