Tune and optimize boss encounter

boss/BossEncounter.gd

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ extends Node2D
 @onready var boss: Node2D = $Boss
 @onready var status_label: Label = $EncounterUI/StatusLabel
 @onready var hint_label: Label = $EncounterUI/HintLabel
+@onready var health_bar: ProgressBar = $EncounterUI/HealthBar
 @onready var game_state: Node = get_node("/root/GameState")
 
 
@@ -15,15 +16,20 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 		game_state.planet_definition_id)
 	if game_state.is_planet_conquered(game_state.planet_id):
 		boss.suppress_as_defeated()
+		health_bar.max_value = boss.max_health()
+		health_bar.value = 0
 		status_label.text = "THE WARDEN IS DEAD"
 		hint_label.text = ""
 		return
 	boss.defeated.connect(_on_boss_defeated)
+	boss.phase_changed.connect(_on_boss_phase_changed)
+	boss.health_changed.connect(_on_boss_health_changed)
+	health_bar.max_value = boss.max_health()
+	health_bar.value = boss.current_health()
+	_refresh_status()
 
 
-func _process(_delta: float) -> void:
+func _refresh_status() -> void:
-	if not is_instance_valid(boss) or boss.phase == boss.Phase.DEFEATED:
-		return
 	var phase_name: String = "PHASE II · LASER STORM" \
 		if boss.phase == boss.Phase.LASER_STORM else "PHASE I · HATCHLINGS"
 	status_label.text = "THE WARDEN · %s · EYES %d/%d" % [
@@ -31,7 +37,19 @@ func _process(_delta: float) -> void:
 	hint_label.text = "DESTROY GOLDEN HATCHLINGS · FOLLOW THEIR LIGHT · BREAK THE OPEN EYES"
 
 
+func _on_boss_phase_changed(_phase: int) -> void:
+	if boss.phase != boss.Phase.DEFEATED:
+		_refresh_status()
+
+
+func _on_boss_health_changed(current: int, maximum: int) -> void:
+	health_bar.max_value = maximum
+	health_bar.value = current
+	_refresh_status()
+
+
 func _on_boss_defeated() -> void:
 	game_state.mark_point_captured(game_state.planet_id, 0)
+	health_bar.value = 0
 	status_label.text = "THE WARDEN IS DEAD · PLANET CONQUERED"
 	hint_label.text = ""

boss/BossEncounter.tscn

@@ -1,8 +1,27 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=3 format=3]
+[gd_scene load_steps=5 format=3]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://boss/BossEncounter.gd" id="1"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" path="res://boss/OctopusBoss.tscn" id="2"]
 
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBox_health_background"]
+bg_color = Color(0.08, 0.005, 0.055, 0.92)
+border_width_left = 2
+border_width_top = 2
+border_width_right = 2
+border_width_bottom = 2
+border_color = Color(0.45, 0.1, 0.3, 0.95)
+corner_radius_top_left = 8
+corner_radius_top_right = 8
+corner_radius_bottom_right = 8
+corner_radius_bottom_left = 8
+
+[sub_resource type="StyleBoxFlat" id="StyleBox_health_fill"]
+bg_color = Color(0.95, 0.12, 0.48, 0.95)
+corner_radius_top_left = 6
+corner_radius_top_right = 6
+corner_radius_bottom_right = 6
+corner_radius_bottom_left = 6
+
 [node name="BossEncounter" type="Node2D"]
 script = ExtResource("1")
 
@@ -11,12 +30,41 @@ script = ExtResource("1")
 [node name="EncounterUI" type="CanvasLayer" parent="."]
 layer = 2
 
+[node name="HealthCaption" type="Label" parent="EncounterUI"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = -520.0
+offset_top = 280.0
+offset_right = 520.0
+offset_bottom = 310.0
+theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(1, 0.55, 0.76, 1)
+theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0.04, 0.005, 0.035, 0.95)
+theme_override_constants/outline_size = 4
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 20
+text = "THE WARDEN"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="HealthBar" type="ProgressBar" parent="EncounterUI"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = -520.0
+offset_top = 312.0
+offset_right = 520.0
+offset_bottom = 344.0
+theme_override_styles/background = SubResource("StyleBox_health_background")
+theme_override_styles/fill = SubResource("StyleBox_health_fill")
+max_value = 18.0
+value = 18.0
+show_percentage = false
+
 [node name="StatusLabel" type="Label" parent="EncounterUI"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 offset_left = 20.0
-offset_top = 268.0
+offset_top = 354.0
 offset_right = 700.0
-offset_bottom = 310.0
+offset_bottom = 396.0
 theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(1, 0.45, 0.72, 1)
 theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0.04, 0.005, 0.035, 0.95)
 theme_override_constants/outline_size = 4
@@ -27,9 +75,9 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="HintLabel" type="Label" parent="EncounterUI"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 offset_left = 20.0
-offset_top = 310.0
+offset_top = 396.0
 offset_right = 700.0
-offset_bottom = 350.0
+offset_bottom = 436.0
 theme_override_colors/font_color = Color(0.45, 0.9, 1, 1)
 theme_override_colors/font_outline_color = Color(0.04, 0.005, 0.035, 0.95)
 theme_override_constants/outline_size = 3

boss/BossEye.gd

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ class_name BossEye
 extends Area2D
 
 signal destroyed
+signal health_changed(current: int, maximum: int)
 
 const COMBAT_TARGET = preload("res://core/CombatTarget.gd")
 
@@ -10,6 +11,9 @@ const COMBAT_TARGET = preload("res://core/CombatTarget.gd")
 var hp: int = 3
 var opened: bool = false
 var phase: float = 0.0
+var redraw_left: float = 0.0
+
+const REDRAW_INTERVAL: float = 1.0 / 12.0
 
 
 func _ready() -> void:
@@ -32,6 +36,7 @@ func take_damage(amount: int) -> bool:
 	if not opened or hp <= 0:
 		return false
 	hp -= maxi(amount, 1)
+	health_changed.emit(maxi(hp, 0), max_hp)
 	if hp > 0:
 		queue_redraw()
 		return false
@@ -45,7 +50,9 @@ func take_damage(amount: int) -> bool:
 
 func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 	phase += delta
-	if opened:
+	redraw_left -= delta
+	if opened and redraw_left <= 0.0:
+		redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
 		queue_redraw()
 
 

boss/BossMinion.gd

@@ -6,15 +6,19 @@ signal destroyed
 const COMBAT_TARGET = preload("res://core/CombatTarget.gd")
 
 @export var marked: bool = false
-@export var max_hp: int = 2
+@export var max_hp: int = 5
 @export var speed: float = 245.0
 @export var acceleration: float = 520.0
 
 var boss: Node2D
-var hp: int = 2
+const REDRAW_INTERVAL: float = 1.0 / 12.0
+
+var hp: int = 5
 var velocity: Vector2 = Vector2.ZERO
 var phase: float = 0.0
 var dead: bool = false
+var redraw_left: float = 0.0
+var fleet: Node2D = null
 
 
 func _ready() -> void:
@@ -23,12 +27,14 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	add_to_group("boss_minions")
 	COMBAT_TARGET.register(self, COMBAT_TARGET.DANGER_PRIORITY)
 	phase = randf() * TAU
+	fleet = get_tree().get_first_node_in_group("player_fleet")
 	queue_redraw()
 
 
 func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
 	phase += delta
-	var fleet: Node2D = get_tree().get_first_node_in_group("player_fleet")
+	if not is_instance_valid(fleet):
+		fleet = get_tree().get_first_node_in_group("player_fleet")
 	if fleet != null and not fleet.ships.is_empty():
 		var to_fleet: Vector2 = fleet.get_centroid() - global_position
 		if to_fleet.length() > 1.0:
@@ -38,7 +44,10 @@ func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
 			if velocity.length() > 4.0:
 				rotation = lerp_angle(rotation, velocity.angle() + PI / 2.0,
 					7.0 * delta)
-	queue_redraw()
+	redraw_left -= delta
+	if redraw_left <= 0.0:
+		redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
+		queue_redraw()
 
 
 func take_damage(amount: int) -> bool:

boss/OctopusBoss.gd

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ class_name OctopusBoss
 extends Node2D
 
 signal phase_changed(phase: int)
+signal health_changed(current: int, maximum: int)
 signal defeated
 
 const EYE_SCENE: PackedScene = preload("res://boss/BossEye.tscn")
@@ -15,13 +16,14 @@ const EYE_COUNT: int = 6
 const PHASE_TWO_EYES: int = 3
 const BODY_RADIUS: float = 86.0
 const TENTACLE_LENGTH: float = 235.0
+const MAX_ACTIVE_MINIONS: int = 8
+const REDRAW_INTERVAL: float = 1.0 / 12.0
 
 @export var first_wave_delay: float = 1.5
 @export var wave_interval: float = 6.0
 @export var minions_per_wave: int = 5
-@export var laser_interval: float = 5.5
+@export var laser_interval: float = 3.5
-@export var laser_charge_time: float = 1.6
+@export var laser_charge_time: float = 0.85
-@export var laser_range: float = 1500.0
 
 var phase: int = Phase.MINION_WAVES
 var wave_timer: float = 0.0
@@ -33,6 +35,8 @@ var eyes_destroyed: int = 0
 var spawned_minions: Array = []
 var return_signals: Array = []
 var animation_phase: float = 0.0
+var redraw_left: float = 0.0
+var total_max_health: int = 0
 
 
 func _ready() -> void:
@@ -49,8 +53,10 @@ func _build_eyes() -> void:
 		eye.position = eye_position(i)
 		eye.rotation = eye.position.angle()
 		add_child(eye)
+		eye.health_changed.connect(_on_eye_health_changed)
 		eye.destroyed.connect(_on_eye_destroyed.bind(i))
 		eyes.append(eye)
+		total_max_health += int(eye.max_hp)
 
 
 func eye_position(index: int) -> Vector2:
@@ -65,8 +71,6 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 	if phase == Phase.DEFEATED:
 		return
 	animation_phase += delta
-	spawned_minions = spawned_minions.filter(func(node): return is_instance_valid(node))
-	return_signals = return_signals.filter(func(node): return is_instance_valid(node))
 
 	wave_timer -= delta
 	if wave_timer <= 0.0:
@@ -78,20 +82,29 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 		if laser_timer <= 0.0:
 			fire_laser_volley()
 			laser_timer = laser_interval
-	queue_redraw()
+	redraw_left -= delta
+	if redraw_left <= 0.0:
+		redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
+		queue_redraw()
 
 
 func spawn_wave() -> void:
 	var fleet: Node2D = get_tree().get_first_node_in_group("player_fleet")
 	if fleet == null or fleet.ships.is_empty() or get_parent() == null:
 		return
-	var count: int = maxi(3, minions_per_wave - (2 if phase == Phase.LASER_STORM else 0))
+	_prune_invalid(spawned_minions)
+	var wanted: int = maxi(3,
+		minions_per_wave - (2 if phase == Phase.LASER_STORM else 0))
+	var count: int = mini(wanted, MAX_ACTIVE_MINIONS - spawned_minions.size())
+	if count <= 0:
+		return
 	var marked_slot: int = wave_index % count
 	for i in range(count):
 		var minion: Area2D = MINION_SCENE.instantiate()
 		minion.marked = i == marked_slot
 		minion.boss = self
 		get_parent().add_child(minion)
+		minion.tree_exiting.connect(_forget_minion.bind(minion))
 		var angle: float = TAU * float(i) / float(count) + float(wave_index) * 0.47
 		# Minions are siblings rather than boss children, so account for the
 		# encounter scene's imposing boss scale when placing them off its body.
@@ -107,6 +120,7 @@ func accept_marked_kill(from: Vector2) -> void:
 	var returning: Node2D = RETURN_SCENE.instantiate()
 	returning.target = self
 	get_parent().add_child(returning)
+	returning.tree_exiting.connect(_forget_return.bind(returning))
 	returning.global_position = from
 	return_signals.append(returning)
 
@@ -124,16 +138,33 @@ func open_next_eye() -> bool:
 
 func _on_eye_destroyed(_index: int) -> void:
 	eyes_destroyed += 1
+	health_changed.emit(current_health(), max_health())
 	if eyes_destroyed >= EYE_COUNT:
 		_defeat()
 		return
 	if phase == Phase.MINION_WAVES and eyes_destroyed >= PHASE_TWO_EYES:
 		phase = Phase.LASER_STORM
-		laser_timer = 0.35
+		laser_timer = 0.2
 		phase_changed.emit(phase)
 	queue_redraw()
 
 
+func _on_eye_health_changed(_current: int, _maximum: int) -> void:
+	health_changed.emit(current_health(), max_health())
+
+
+func current_health() -> int:
+	var total: int = 0
+	for eye in eyes:
+		if is_instance_valid(eye):
+			total += maxi(int(eye.hp), 0)
+	return total
+
+
+func max_health() -> int:
+	return total_max_health
+
+
 func fire_laser_volley() -> void:
 	if phase != Phase.LASER_STORM:
 		return
@@ -147,7 +178,7 @@ func fire_laser_volley() -> void:
 	for spread in [-0.17, 0.0, 0.17]:
 		var beam: Node2D = LASER_SCENE.instantiate()
 		beam.charge_time = laser_charge_time
-		beam.beam_range = laser_range
+		beam.infinite_range = true
 		beam.beam_half_width = 24.0
 		beam.damage = 1
 		beam.color = Color(1.0, 0.12, 0.58)
@@ -156,6 +187,20 @@ func fire_laser_volley() -> void:
 		beam.launch(global_position, toward.rotated(float(spread)))
 
 
+func _forget_minion(minion: Node) -> void:
+	spawned_minions.erase(minion)
+
+
+func _forget_return(returning: Node) -> void:
+	return_signals.erase(returning)
+
+
+func _prune_invalid(nodes: Array) -> void:
+	for i in range(nodes.size() - 1, -1, -1):
+		if not is_instance_valid(nodes[i]) or nodes[i].is_queued_for_deletion():
+			nodes.remove_at(i)
+
+
 func _defeat() -> void:
 	if phase == Phase.DEFEATED:
 		return

enemies/EnemyBigLaserBeam.gd

@@ -12,27 +12,29 @@ extends Node2D
 # the fleet's position while charging.
 #
 # Damage: every ship in group "player_ships" whose perpendicular distance
-# to the beam segment is within beam_half_width, AND whose projection along
+# to the beam is within beam_half_width takes Ship.take_damage(damage). The
-# the beam falls inside [0, beam_range], takes Ship.take_damage(damage) -
+# ordinary mothership beam remains a finite segment; bosses opt into a ray
-# same all-or-nothing shield semantics as every other damage source in this
+# with no upper distance bound. Ship.take_damage handles shields itself.
-# game (Ship.take_damage already handles the absorb_hit check itself).
 
 signal finished
 
 @export var charge_time: float = 2.5
 @export var beam_range: float = 1200.0
+@export var infinite_range: bool = false
 @export var beam_half_width: float = 35.0
 @export var damage: int = 3
 @export var color: Color = Color(0.55, 0.05, 0.85)
 
 enum Phase { CHARGING, FLASH }
 const FLASH_DURATION: float = 0.25
+const REDRAW_INTERVAL: float = 1.0 / 30.0
 
 var phase: int = Phase.CHARGING
 var origin: Vector2 = Vector2.ZERO
 var aim_direction: Vector2 = Vector2.RIGHT
 var charge_left: float = 0.0
 var flash_time: float = 0.0
+var redraw_left: float = 0.0
 
 
 func launch(from: Vector2, toward: Vector2) -> void:
@@ -46,15 +48,20 @@ func launch(from: Vector2, toward: Vector2) -> void:
 
 
 func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+	redraw_left -= delta
 	match phase:
 		Phase.CHARGING:
 			charge_left -= delta
 			if charge_left <= 0.0:
 				_fire()
-			queue_redraw()
+			if redraw_left <= 0.0:
+				redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
+				queue_redraw()
 		Phase.FLASH:
 			flash_time -= delta
-			queue_redraw()
+			if redraw_left <= 0.0:
+				redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
+				queue_redraw()
 			if flash_time <= 0.0:
 				finished.emit()
 				queue_free()
@@ -66,16 +73,19 @@ func _fire() -> void:
 	for ship in get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("player_ships"):
 		if not is_instance_valid(ship):
 			continue
-		var to_ship: Vector2 = ship.global_position - origin
+		if reaches_point(ship.global_position):
-		var along: float = to_ship.dot(aim_direction)
-		if along < 0.0 or along > beam_range:
-			continue
-		var perpendicular: float = (to_ship - aim_direction * along).length()
-		if perpendicular <= beam_half_width:
 			ship.take_damage(damage)
 	queue_redraw()
 
 
+func reaches_point(world_point: Vector2) -> bool:
+	var offset: Vector2 = world_point - origin
+	var along: float = offset.dot(aim_direction)
+	if along < 0.0 or (not infinite_range and along > beam_range):
+		return false
+	return (offset - aim_direction * along).length() <= beam_half_width
+
+
 func _draw() -> void:
 	# Drawn in local space, rotated in launch() so local +X already points
 	# along the locked aim_direction - the same reason the beam segment's
@@ -100,7 +110,21 @@ func _draw_beam_line(width: float, alpha: float) -> void:
 	# Three-layer glow along local +X - the same soft-halo / core / bright-
 	# hairline structure as ArtilleryShell._draw_ring, adapted from a ring
 	# to a straight line.
-	var to: Vector2 = Vector2(beam_range, 0.0)
+	var length: float = _visible_ray_length() if infinite_range else beam_range
+	var to: Vector2 = Vector2(length, 0.0)
 	draw_line(Vector2.ZERO, to, Color(color, 0.16 * alpha), width * 2.6, true)
 	draw_line(Vector2.ZERO, to, Color(color, 0.5 * alpha), width, true)
 	draw_line(Vector2.ZERO, to, Color(1.0, 0.92, 0.98, 0.9 * alpha), width * 0.35, true)
+
+
+func _visible_ray_length() -> float:
+	# Collision is mathematically unbounded, but rasterizing a 20,000-unit
+	# primitive wastes fill work outside the screen. Reaching beyond the
+	# furthest viewport corner looks identical and follows a moving camera.
+	var viewport_world_size: Vector2 = get_viewport_rect().size
+	var camera: Camera2D = get_viewport().get_camera_2d()
+	if camera == null:
+		return viewport_world_size.length() + 256.0
+	viewport_world_size /= camera.zoom
+	return origin.distance_to(camera.global_position) \
+		+ viewport_world_size.length() * 0.5 + 256.0

planets/BossPlanetVisual.gd

@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@ const VEIN_COLOR := Color(0.25, 0.9, 1.0)
 const CORE_COLOR := Color(0.11, 0.015, 0.08)
 
 var phase: float = 0.0
+var redraw_left: float = 0.0
+
+const REDRAW_INTERVAL: float = 1.0 / 12.0
 
 
 func configure(shape_seed: int) -> void:
@@ -21,7 +24,10 @@ func extractor_anchor() -> Vector2:
 
 func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 	phase += delta
-	queue_redraw()
+	redraw_left -= delta
+	if redraw_left <= 0.0:
+		redraw_left = REDRAW_INTERVAL
+		queue_redraw()
 
 
 func _draw() -> void:

shaders/boss_surface.gdshader

@@ -1,47 +0,0 @@
-shader_type canvas_item;
-
-// An organic membrane rather than terrain: broad folds move below branching
-// cyan veins. It follows SurfaceBackground's shared camera-uniform contract.
-uniform vec2 camera_cell = vec2(0.0, 0.0);
-uniform vec2 camera_frac = vec2(0.0, 0.0);
-uniform float camera_zoom = 1.0;
-uniform vec2 viewport_size = vec2(720.0, 1280.0);
-uniform float cell_size = 220.0;
-uniform float tile_cells = 32.0;
-uniform vec4 base_color : source_color = vec4(0.055, 0.008, 0.05, 1.0);
-uniform vec4 crater_color : source_color = vec4(0.16, 0.018, 0.10, 1.0);
-uniform vec4 highlight_color : source_color = vec4(0.16, 0.66, 0.72, 1.0);
-
-float hash21(vec2 p) {
-	vec3 p3 = fract(vec3(p.xyx) * 0.1031);
-	p3 += dot(p3, p3.yzx + 33.33);
-	return fract((p3.x + p3.y) * p3.z);
-}
-
-void fragment() {
-	vec2 screen_px = UV * viewport_size;
-	vec2 centered = screen_px - viewport_size * 0.5;
-	vec2 rel = camera_frac + centered * (camera_zoom / cell_size);
-	vec2 cell_rel = floor(rel);
-	vec2 local = rel - cell_rel;
-	vec2 wrapped = mod(camera_cell + cell_rel, tile_cells);
-	vec2 p = (wrapped + local) / tile_cells * 6.28318530718;
-
-	float fold_a = sin(p.x * 3.0 + sin(p.y * 2.0 - TIME * 0.16) * 1.1);
-	// Integer frequencies on both axes keep the 32-cell wrapped field
-	// seamless where p crosses from 2*PI back to zero.
-	float fold_b = sin(p.y * 4.0 - p.x * 2.0 + TIME * 0.11);
-	float tissue = 0.5 + 0.25 * fold_a + 0.25 * fold_b;
-	vec3 color = mix(base_color.rgb, crater_color.rgb, smoothstep(0.18, 0.85, tissue));
-
-	float vein_a = abs(sin(p.x * 5.0 + sin(p.y * 3.0 + TIME * 0.22)));
-	float vein_b = abs(sin(p.y * 6.0 - p.x * 2.0 - TIME * 0.18));
-	// Veins are environmental texture, not attack telegraphs. Keep them thin
-	// and subdued so the boss's bright pink laser lanes remain unambiguous.
-	float vein = 1.0 - smoothstep(0.0, 0.028, min(vein_a, vein_b));
-	float pulse = 0.55 + 0.45 * sin(TIME * 1.8 + p.x + p.y);
-	color = mix(color, highlight_color.rgb, vein * (0.10 + pulse * 0.20));
-
-	float dither = (hash21(screen_px + vec2(7.0, 13.0)) - 0.5) / 128.0;
-	COLOR = vec4(color + vec3(dither), 1.0);
-}

shaders/boss_surface.gdshader.uid

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-uid://csf5umhh3dqft

surface/BossSurfaceProfile.tres

@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
-[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PlanetSurfaceProfile" load_steps=4 format=3]
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="PlanetSurfaceProfile" load_steps=5 format=3]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://surface/PlanetSurfaceProfile.gd" id="1"]
-[ext_resource type="Shader" path="res://shaders/boss_surface.gdshader" id="2"]
+[ext_resource type="Shader" path="res://shaders/lunar_tiled.gdshader" id="2"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" path="res://boss/BossEncounter.tscn" id="3"]
+[ext_resource type="Texture2D" path="res://surface/boss_membrane.svg" id="4"]
 
 [resource]
 script = ExtResource("1")
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ encounter_scene = ExtResource("3")
 editor_visible = false
 show_capture_status = false
 background_shader = ExtResource("2")
+background_field_texture = ExtResource("4")
 base_color = Color(0.055, 0.008, 0.05, 1)
 crater_color = Color(0.16, 0.018, 0.10, 1)
 highlight_color = Color(0.16, 0.66, 0.72, 1)

surface/PlanetSurfaceProfile.gd

@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ extends Resource
 # the game and the setup editor drift apart, since each scene "already had" a
 # different shader. SurfaceBackground.apply_profile() is the only consumer.
 @export var background_shader: Shader = null
+# Optional ready-made field for a tiled background shader. Procedural rocky
+# terrain still bakes once; authored surfaces can avoid both that load spike
+# and all per-frame procedural fragment work by shipping their tile directly.
+@export var background_field_texture: Texture2D = null
 @export var base_color: Color = Color(0.75, 0.75, 0.76, 1.0)
 @export var crater_color: Color = Color(0.44, 0.44, 0.45, 1.0)
 @export var highlight_color: Color = Color(0.89, 0.89, 0.9, 1.0)

surface/SurfaceBackground.gd

@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ var camera: Camera2D = null
 # differing only in colour, so keying on the shader alone would show void's
 # palette with rocky's crater texture.
 var _baked_key: Array = []
+var _provided_field_texture: Texture2D = null
 
 
 # Applies a surface profile to this backdrop: which shader draws it, and the
@@ -68,9 +69,14 @@ func apply_profile(profile: Resource) -> void:
 	highlight_color = profile.highlight_color
 	if profile.background_shader != null:
 		material.shader = profile.background_shader
+	_provided_field_texture = profile.background_field_texture
 	material.set_shader_parameter("base_color", base_color)
 	material.set_shader_parameter("crater_color", crater_color)
 	material.set_shader_parameter("highlight_color", highlight_color)
+	if _provided_field_texture != null and _material_wants_baked_field():
+		material.set_shader_parameter("field_texture", _provided_field_texture)
+		_baked_key = [material.shader, _provided_field_texture]
+		return
 	_bake_field()
 
 

surface/boss_membrane.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="512" height="512" viewBox="0 0 512 512">
+  <rect width="512" height="512" fill="#21061c"/>
+  <g fill="#451139" opacity="0.5">
+    <ellipse cx="112" cy="116" rx="104" ry="78"/>
+    <ellipse cx="374" cy="350" rx="126" ry="96"/>
+    <ellipse cx="246" cy="246" rx="72" ry="118" opacity="0.42"/>
+  </g>
+  <g fill="none" stroke-linecap="round">
+    <path d="M0 68 C120 18 164 128 268 76 S420 20 512 68" stroke="#2b6972" stroke-width="7" opacity="0.42"/>
+    <path d="M0 260 C102 214 176 324 282 270 S420 214 512 260" stroke="#245d68" stroke-width="6" opacity="0.35"/>
+    <path d="M0 452 C118 402 170 506 276 460 S418 404 512 452" stroke="#2b6972" stroke-width="6" opacity="0.38"/>
+    <path d="M94 0 C46 116 152 178 102 286 S46 420 94 512" stroke="#326f76" stroke-width="6" opacity="0.34"/>
+    <path d="M354 0 C300 102 410 180 356 276 S304 416 354 512" stroke="#285f69" stroke-width="7" opacity="0.4"/>
+  </g>
+  <g fill="#55a9ae" opacity="0.3">
+    <circle cx="268" cy="76" r="8"/>
+    <circle cx="282" cy="270" r="7"/>
+    <circle cx="276" cy="460" r="8"/>
+    <circle cx="102" cy="286" r="7"/>
+    <circle cx="356" cy="276" r="9"/>
+  </g>
+</svg>

surface/boss_membrane.svg.import

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+[remap]
+
+importer="texture"
+type="CompressedTexture2D"
+uid="uid://bajkflkc0r3cp"
+path="res://.godot/imported/boss_membrane.svg-6482a210571f1472430bfb4ecba98f3c.ctex"
+metadata={
+"vram_texture": false
+}
+
+[deps]
+
+source_file="res://surface/boss_membrane.svg"
+dest_files=["res://.godot/imported/boss_membrane.svg-6482a210571f1472430bfb4ecba98f3c.ctex"]
+
+[params]
+
+compress/mode=0
+compress/high_quality=false
+compress/lossy_quality=0.7
+compress/uastc_level=0
+compress/rdo_quality_loss=0.0
+compress/hdr_compression=1
+compress/normal_map=0
+compress/channel_pack=0
+mipmaps/generate=true
+mipmaps/limit=-1
+roughness/mode=0
+roughness/src_normal=""
+process/channel_remap/red=0
+process/channel_remap/green=1
+process/channel_remap/blue=2
+process/channel_remap/alpha=3
+process/fix_alpha_border=true
+process/premult_alpha=false
+process/normal_map_invert_y=false
+process/hdr_as_srgb=false
+process/hdr_clamp_exposure=false
+process/size_limit=0
+detect_3d/compress_to=1
+svg/scale=1.0
+editor/scale_with_editor_scale=false
+editor/convert_colors_with_editor_theme=false

tests/_boss_planet_preview.gd

@@ -35,15 +35,18 @@ func _process(_delta: float) -> void:
 	var boss: Node2D = encounter.get_node("Boss")
 	boss.wave_timer = 999.0
 	boss.laser_timer = 999.0
-	boss.phase = boss.Phase.LASER_STORM
 	for i in range(3):
 		boss.eyes[i].open_eye()
 		boss.eyes_opened += 1
+		boss.eyes[i].take_damage(999)
+	# Show one of the remaining weak points in its attackable state while the
+	# aggregate bar truthfully sits at half health.
+	boss.open_next_eye()
 	boss.spawn_wave()
 	for minion in get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("boss_minions"):
 		minion.speed = 0.0
 		minion.acceleration = 0.0
 	boss.laser_charge_time = 999.0
 	boss.fire_laser_volley()
-	encounter._process(0.0)
+	encounter._refresh_status()
 	get_tree().paused = true

tests/test_boss_planet.gd

@@ -61,6 +61,15 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 			var profile: Resource = surface_profiles.get_profile("boss")
 			if profile == null or profile.encounter_scene == null:
 				return _fail("boss surface has no scripted encounter")
+			if profile.background_field_texture == null \
+					or not String(profile.background_shader.resource_path).ends_with(
+						"lunar_tiled.gdshader"):
+				return _fail("boss backdrop still performs procedural rendering during combat")
+			var composed_background: ShaderMaterial = surface.get_node(
+				"BackgroundLayer/Background").material
+			if composed_background.get_shader_parameter("field_texture") \
+					!= profile.background_field_texture:
+				return _fail("boss backdrop did not bind its ready-made field texture")
 			if profile.editor_visible or "boss" in surface_profiles.editor_profile_ids():
 				return _fail("boss surface is configurable in the map editor")
 			state.dev_mode = true
@@ -103,6 +112,10 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 			boss = encounter.get_node("Boss")
 			boss.wave_timer = 999.0
 			boss.laser_timer = 999.0
+			var health_bar: ProgressBar = encounter.get_node("EncounterUI/HealthBar")
+			if health_bar.max_value != boss.max_health() \
+					or health_bar.value != boss.current_health():
+				return _fail("aggregate boss health bar did not start full")
 			if boss.eyes.size() != boss.EYE_COUNT:
 				return _fail("boss has %d tentacle eyes, expected %d" \
 					% [boss.eyes.size(), boss.EYE_COUNT])
@@ -126,6 +139,11 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 					minion.take_damage(999)
 			if marked == null:
 				return _fail("phase-one wave has no marked hatchling")
+			if marked.max_hp < 5:
+				return _fail("boss hatchlings still have only %d health" % marked.max_hp)
+			marked.take_damage(1)
+			if not is_instance_valid(marked) or marked.hp != marked.max_hp - 1:
+				return _fail("a hatchling did not survive a normal weapon hit")
 			if not get_nodes_in_group("boss_returns").is_empty():
 				return _fail("an ordinary hatchling returned energy to the boss")
 			marked.take_damage(999)
@@ -156,6 +174,9 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 			eye.take_damage(1)
 			if eye.hp != hp_before - 1:
 				return _fail("an open eye ignored weapon damage")
+			if encounter.health_bar.value != boss.current_health() \
+					or encounter.health_bar.value >= encounter.health_bar.max_value:
+				return _fail("total boss health bar ignored eye damage")
 			eye.take_damage(999)
 			if boss.eyes_destroyed != 1:
 				return _fail("destroying the first eye did not damage the boss")
@@ -188,12 +209,19 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 			var beams: Array = get_nodes_in_group("boss_lasers")
 			if beams.size() != 3:
 				return _fail("laser phase launched %d beams, expected three lanes" % beams.size())
+			if boss.laser_interval >= 5.5 or boss.laser_charge_time >= 1.6:
+				return _fail("boss lasers retained their old slow cadence")
 			if beams[0].aim_direction.is_equal_approx(beams[1].aim_direction) \
 					or beams[1].aim_direction.is_equal_approx(beams[2].aim_direction):
 				return _fail("laser volley lanes all aim in the same direction")
 			for beam in beams:
 				if beam.phase != 0 or beam.charge_left <= 0.0:
 					return _fail("boss laser was not telegraphed before firing")
+				if not beam.infinite_range or not beam.reaches_point(
+						beam.origin + beam.aim_direction * 1000000.0):
+					return _fail("boss laser ray stops at a finite range")
+				if beam.reaches_point(beam.origin - beam.aim_direction * 10.0):
+					return _fail("boss laser extends backwards through its source")
 				beam.queue_free()
 			boss.spawn_wave()
 			var phase_two_minions: Array = get_nodes_in_group("boss_minions")
@@ -204,6 +232,14 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 				minion.retire()
 			if phase_two_minions.size() != 3 or phase_two_marked != 1:
 				return _fail("laser phase no longer supplies one marked target to open remaining eyes")
+			boss.spawn_wave()
+			boss.spawn_wave()
+			boss.spawn_wave()
+			if boss.spawned_minions.size() > boss.MAX_ACTIVE_MINIONS:
+				return _fail("boss waves can accumulate without a rendering/gameplay cap")
+			for minion in boss.spawned_minions.duplicate():
+				if is_instance_valid(minion):
+					minion.retire()
 			print("three broken eyes started a telegraphed three-lane laser phase")
 
 			# --- F. all eyes -> persistent victory ------------------------
@@ -214,6 +250,9 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 				return _fail("breaking every eye did not defeat and hide the boss")
 			if not state.is_planet_conquered(state.planet_id):
 				return _fail("boss victory did not persist through planet conquest state")
+			if encounter.health_bar.value != 0 \
+					or encounter.health_bar.max_value != boss.max_health():
+				return _fail("boss health bar did not end empty with a stable total")
 			print("all eyes broken: boss defeated and planet conquest persisted")
 
 			surface.free()