diff --git a/docs/check-plan.md b/docs/check-plan.md
index dd12347..655cc8b 100644
--- a/docs/check-plan.md
+++ b/docs/check-plan.md
@@ -368,7 +368,9 @@ Exit code is the contract that makes `check` usable in an agent loop.
   write → check → fix. Remove the "compile is a no-op stub" note. Cross-link
   the code catalog (`reference.md`) with the diagnostic codes.
 - `reference.md` is generated from `known.ts` (§7.11) — do not hand-edit. The
-  skill's copy is refreshed by `npm run gen:reference`.
+  skill's copy is refreshed by `npm run gen:skill-reference`; deeper authoring
+  topics live in the skill's `yaml-tag.md`, `csv.md`, `layout.md`, and
+  `markdown.md` (see `docs/skill-reference-plan.md`).
 
 ## 10. Resolved decisions
 
diff --git a/docs/reference.md b/docs/reference.md
index 882254c..1a7a70c 100644
--- a/docs/reference.md
+++ b/docs/reference.md
@@ -3,8 +3,18 @@
 Generated from `src/cli/validate/known.ts` by `npm run gen:reference`.
 Do not edit by hand.
 
-Everything not listed here is standard GFM markdown. Element names are
-prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.
+Complete catalog of the custom elements, inline directives, and code block
+roles that `tttk` understands. Everything not listed here is standard GFM
+markdown. Element names are prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.
+
+## Contents
+
+- [Directive syntax](#directive-syntax)
+- [Custom elements](#custom-elements)
+- [Inline directives](#inline-directives)
+- [Code block roles](#code-block-roles)
+- [Dice notation](#dice-notation)
+- [CSV data files](#csv-data-files)
 
 ## Directive syntax
 
@@ -12,9 +22,24 @@ prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.
 :name[content]{key="value" .class #id}
 ```
 
-- `[content]` is the directive body — a path, dice formula, color, etc.
-- `{key="value"}` sets attributes; `{.class}` and `{#id}` are shorthands.
-- Container directives use `::: name` … `:::`; nest with `::::`, `:::::`.
+| Part | Meaning | Example |
+|---|---|---|
+| `:name` | Registered element name | `:md-dice` |
+| `[content]` | Directive body | `[2d6+d8]` |
+| `{attrs}` | Attributes | `{key="attack"}` |
+| `{.class}` | Shorthand for `class` | `{.text-red-500}` |
+| `{#id}` | Shorthand for `id` | `{#my-dice}` |
+
+Container directives:
+
+```markdown
+::: container
+Content here, including nested directives.
+:dice[1d20]
+:::
+```
+
+Nest with more colons (`::::`, `:::::`).
 
 ## Custom elements
 
@@ -36,6 +61,8 @@ prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.
 
 Clickable dice roller; `key` stores the result in the URL.
 
+Clicking the text rolls; clicking the 🎲 resets to the formula. With `key`, the result is stored in the URL as `?dice-<key>=<value>`.
+
 - Body: dice formula
 - Attributes: `key`
 
@@ -55,6 +82,8 @@ Clickable dice roller; `key` stores the result in the URL.
 
 Tab-separated view of a CSV with optional group tabs.
 
+`roll` adds a 🎲 random-tab button; `remix` makes `{{prop}}` references pull from a random row. A `group` column in the CSV produces group tabs automatically.
+
 - Body: CSV path or inline id
 - Attributes: `roll`, `remix`
 
@@ -74,6 +103,8 @@ Tab-separated view of a CSV with optional group tabs.
 
 Card layout from a CSV (legacy; prefer `yaml role=tag`).
 
+Prefer the `yaml role=tag` form — it is the only form that supports template layers, per-layer alignment, and card backs. The directive form is legacy and only supports the compact `layers` string.
+
 - Body: CSV path
 - Attributes: `size`, `grid`, `layers`
 
@@ -99,6 +130,8 @@ Clickable link that expands the target article inline.
 
 Renders the target article or section inline.
 
+`headingBase` shifts the heading levels of the embedded content.
+
 - Body: path, optional #section
 - Attributes: `headingBase`
 
@@ -110,6 +143,8 @@ Renders the target article or section inline.
 
 Sets the surrounding article card background.
 
+`fit` is one of `cover` (default), `contain`, `fill`, `none`, `scale-down`.
+
 - Body: image path or CSS color
 - Attributes: `fit`
 - Body may also be a CSS color (e.g. `#2a1a3a`, `crimson`).
@@ -126,6 +161,8 @@ Sets the surrounding article card background.
 
 Applies a border to the article card.
 
+Body is a CSS color or a border-image path. Class flags select sides (`t b l r all`), style (`solid dashed dotted double groove ridge inset outset none`), and image repeat (`stretch repeat round space`).
+
 - Body: color or border image
 - Attributes: `width`, `slice`
 - Body may also be a CSS color (e.g. `#2a1a3a`, `crimson`).
@@ -142,6 +179,8 @@ Applies a border to the article card.
 
 Sets the article font.
 
+`source` is `google`, `emfont`, or `local` (default).
+
 - Body: font family
 - Attributes: `source`, `weight`, `color`
 
@@ -153,6 +192,8 @@ Sets the article font.
 
 Numbered markers on an image.
 
+`pins` is a space-separated list of `label:x,y` (percent coordinates). `fixed` makes it read-only; otherwise click to add and click a pin to remove. `labelStart` sets the first label (letter or number).
+
 - Body: image path
 - Attributes: `pins`, `fixed`, `labelStart`
 
@@ -168,6 +209,8 @@ Numbered markers on an image.
 
 Interactive command history / tracker panel.
 
+The body is a CSV of command templates (`command,parameter,label,description,insertedText`).
+
 - Body: command template CSV
 - Attributes: `placeholder`, `class`, `height`
 
@@ -179,6 +222,8 @@ Interactive command history / tracker panel.
 
 Runs a Yarn Spinner dialogue file.
 
+`start` names the entry node (default `start`).
+
 - Body: Yarn Spinner file
 - Attributes: `start`
 
@@ -188,24 +233,38 @@ Runs a Yarn Spinner dialogue file.
 
 ## Inline directives
 
-### Icons — `:[name]`
+### `:[name]`
 
 Inserts an icon looked up under `assets/` (searching upward from the file).
-Default extension is `.png`; `.svg`, `.gif`, `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, and `.webp`
-are also supported.
+
+Default extension is `.png`; `.svg`, `.gif`, `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, and `.webp` are also supported. `label` overlays text, `repeat` duplicates N times, and `join` places a tag name between repeats.
+
+- Body: icon name
+- Attributes: `label`, `repeat`, `join`, `class`
 
 ```markdown
 :[attack]  :[shield.svg]  :[potion]
 ```
 
-### Command links — `:cmd[command]{label=...}`
+```markdown
+:[attack]{label=ATK repeat=3 join=br}
+```
+
+### `:cmd[command]`
 
 Renders a clickable span that dispatches a journal command.
 
+- Body: journal command
+- Attributes: `label`
+
 ```markdown
 :cmd[roll 1d20+5]{label=Roll initiative}
 ```
 
+```markdown
+:cmd[spark dungeon room-type]{label=Random room}
+```
+
 ## Code block roles
 
 The `role=` attribute on the info string determines how a fenced block is
@@ -215,6 +274,8 @@ handled.
 
 CSV (or markdown pipe table) rendered as `:md-table`.
 
+The first column header must be a dice formula; each row's first cell is the roll value (a number, or a range like `1-3`). Extra fence attributes are forwarded to the generated `:md-table`, e.g. ` ```csv role=spark-table roll=true `.
+
 ````markdown
 ```csv role=spark-table
 d6,结果
@@ -236,6 +297,8 @@ d6,结果
 
 Reactive variable / tag-modifier definitions.
 
+Columns (any order): `tag`, `threshold`, `key`, `expr`. A row with an empty `tag` declares a variable; a row with a `#tag` applies a modifier when that tag is active.
+
 ````markdown
 ```csv role=declare
 tag,threshold,key,expr
@@ -248,6 +311,8 @@ tag,threshold,key,expr
 
 Stored as inline text content and stripped.
 
+Referenced by the derived inline id, e.g. `:md-embed[./text_<hash>]`.
+
 ````markdown
 ```text role=file
 Stored as inline content.
@@ -258,6 +323,8 @@ Stored as inline content.
 
 YAML rendered as a custom element.
 
+`tag:` names the element, `body:` becomes its content, and any other key becomes an attribute. Fence-line attributes override the YAML body. See `yaml-tag.md`.
+
 ````markdown
 ```yaml role=tag
 tag: md-deck
@@ -272,6 +339,18 @@ grid: 5x5
 No role → a normal visible code block. Unknown role → warned about and
 stripped.
 
+## Dice notation
+
+Used by `:md-dice`, spark-table headers, and the journal `/roll`:
+
+| Notation | Meaning |
+|---|---|
+| `2d6` | two six-sided dice |
+| `1d20+5` | d20 plus modifier |
+| `3d6kh1` | keep highest 1 |
+| `3d6dl2-1` | drop lowest 2, minus 1 |
+| `{d4, d8}` | choose one of the listed dice |
+
 ## CSV data files
 
 Keep CSV files clean — a header row and data rows. Put deck configuration
diff --git a/docs/skill-reference-plan.md b/docs/skill-reference-plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55cd761
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/skill-reference-plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+# tttk skill reference — reorganization plan
+
+Status: **implemented.** Follows the `tttk check` work that made
+`docs/reference.md` a generated artifact (see `docs/check-plan.md` §7.11).
+
+Landed: `known.ts` carries element/role `details`, inline specs, and dice
+notation; `reference.ts` renders them; `scripts/generate-reference.ts` expands
+`~` in `--out`; `npm run gen:skill-reference` refreshes the skill copy. The
+skill's `reference.md` is now generated and byte-identical to
+`docs/reference.md`, with the extra content moved to `layout.md`, `yaml-tag.md`,
+`csv.md`, and `markdown.md`.
+
+## 1. Goal
+
+Make the `tttk-authoring` skill's `reference.md` a **generated** file — the same
+catalog the validator uses — and relocate the authoring content it does not
+cover into focused companion files. One source of truth (`known.ts`), no
+hand-maintained element list, and no content lost in the swap.
+
+## 2. Current state
+
+The skill (`~/.agents/skills/tttk-authoring/`) has a hand-written
+`reference.md` (~465 lines) and `SKILL.md`. The repo now generates
+`docs/reference.md` from `src/cli/validate/known.ts` via `npm run
+gen:reference`.
+
+What the generated doc already covers:
+
+- Directive syntax (brief)
+- Custom elements: table + per-element summary, body, attrs, examples
+- Inline directives: icons, `:cmd` (brief)
+- Code block roles: `spark-table`, `declare`, `file`, `tag` (brief)
+- CSV data files (brief)
+
+What only the hand-written skill copy has (the "extra content"):
+
+| # | Section | Notes |
+|---|---|---|
+| A | Directive syntax table + container example | richer than generated |
+| B | Per-element prose | md-dice behavior, md-table `roll`/`remix`/`group`, md-deck legacy layer syntax, md-bg `fit` values, md-border class flags, md-font `source` values, md-pins behavior, md-commander CSV columns |
+| C | Icon attributes | `label`, `repeat`, `join`, `class` |
+| D | Column layout | `\|---` / `-\|-` / `--\|` markers |
+| E | `role=declare` column semantics | `tag`/`threshold`/`key`/`expr` |
+| F | YAML tag blocks | `data-config`, layers, `back_layers`, fence-line overrides |
+| G | CSV authoring | clean-CSV guidance, `label`/`body`, front matter (avoid) |
+| H | Alerts and mermaid | GitHub alerts, mermaid diagrams |
+| I | Dice notation | notation table |
+| J | Validation codes | already duplicated in `SKILL.md` |
+
+## 3. Target skill layout
+
+```
+tttk-authoring/
+├── SKILL.md          # workflow, rules, validation codes, links
+├── reference.md      # GENERATED from known.ts — elements, roles, inline, dice, CSV basics
+├── layout.md         # column layout
+├── yaml-tag.md       # role=tag, data-config, deck layers and backs
+├── csv.md            # CSV authoring and front matter
+├── markdown.md       # alerts and mermaid
+└── examples/         # unchanged
+```
+
+`reference.md` is the only generated file; the rest are hand-written and linked
+from `SKILL.md`.
+
+## 4. Content mapping
+
+| Source | Destination |
+|---|---|
+| A directive syntax | generator (`reference.ts`) — add the part/meaning table + container example |
+| B per-element prose | `known.ts` `details` field → rendered into `reference.md` |
+| C icon attributes | `known.ts` inline specs → rendered into `reference.md` |
+| E declare semantics | `known.ts` `RoleSpec.details` → rendered into `reference.md` |
+| I dice notation | `known.ts` `DICE_NOTATION` → rendered into `reference.md` |
+| D column layout | `layout.md` |
+| F YAML tag blocks | `yaml-tag.md` |
+| G CSV authoring | `csv.md` |
+| H alerts and mermaid | `markdown.md` |
+| J validation codes | dropped — `SKILL.md` owns the code tables |
+
+**Decision (recommended):** fold B/C/E/I into `known.ts` rather than a separate
+`components.md`. It keeps the generated reference self-sufficient and avoids a
+second, drifting description of the same elements. The alternative — a
+hand-written `components.md` — is rejected because it reintroduces the drift the
+generator exists to prevent.
+
+## 5. Generator changes
+
+`src/cli/validate/known.ts`:
+
+- `ElementSpec.details?: string` — one paragraph of authoring prose.
+- `ElementSpec.attrs` → optional richer `{ name, description }[]` so the
+  reference can render an attribute table (keep the plain list if not worth it).
+- `InlineSpec` for `:[icon]` and `:cmd` with body/attrs/summary/examples.
+- `RoleSpec.details?: string` for `declare` column semantics.
+- `DICE_NOTATION: { notation, meaning }[]`.
+
+`src/cli/validate/reference.ts`:
+
+- Render `details`, the attribute table, inline specs, and dice notation.
+- Add a `Contents` TOC.
+- Upgrade the directive-syntax section (table + container example).
+
+`scripts/generate-reference.ts`:
+
+- Expand a leading `~` in `--out` to `os.homedir()` so the skill copy can be
+  regenerated cross-platform.
+
+`package.json`:
+
+- `gen:reference` — unchanged (writes `docs/reference.md`).
+- `gen:skill-reference` — `gen:reference -- --out ~/.agents/skills/tttk-authoring/reference.md`.
+
+## 6. New skill file outlines
+
+- **`layout.md`** — column markers, the `-N` width suffix, a worked example.
+- **`yaml-tag.md`** — `role=tag` shape (`tag:`, `body:`, other keys as attrs),
+  fence-line overrides, `data-config` layer fields (`prop`/`template`, `pos`,
+  `font`/`fontSize`, `orientation`, `align`, `visible`), `back_layers`, and the
+  legacy `:md-deck` compact layer syntax.
+- **`csv.md`** — clean-CSV guidance, `label`/`body` conventions, `group` tabs,
+  `{{prop}}` interpolation, quoting rules, and the discouraged front-matter form.
+- **`markdown.md`** — GitHub alerts and mermaid (standard markdown, not tttk
+  syntax).
+
+## 7. SKILL.md changes
+
+- Update the "Reference" section to link `reference.md` plus the four new files.
+- Keep the validation code tables in `SKILL.md` (they are the agent's quick
+  reference); `reference.md` no longer carries them.
+- Reword "check `reference.md` when unsure" to point at the right file per topic.
+
+## 8. Steps
+
+1. Enrich `known.ts` (details, inline specs, role details, dice notation).
+2. Update `reference.ts` and `generate-reference.ts`; regenerate
+   `docs/reference.md`; keep the `known.test.ts` drift guard green.
+3. Extract D/F/G/H from the old skill `reference.md` into `layout.md`,
+   `yaml-tag.md`, `csv.md`, `markdown.md`.
+4. Regenerate the skill's `reference.md` with `npm run gen:skill-reference`.
+5. Update `SKILL.md` links.
+6. Verify (§9).
+
+## 9. Verification
+
+- `npm run gen:reference` leaves `docs/reference.md` unchanged (idempotent).
+- `npx jest` passes, including the reference drift guard.
+- Diff the old skill `reference.md` against the new file set and confirm every
+  section in §2's table has a destination — no content silently dropped.
+- `npx tttk check ./content` still runs clean (the catalog changes are
+  documentation-only, but the drift guard protects `known.ts`).
+
+## 10. Risks
+
+- **Content loss during extraction.** Mitigate with the §4 mapping as a
+  checklist and a manual diff before deleting the old file.
+- **`known.ts` bloat.** Keep `details` to one paragraph per element; long-form
+  material belongs in the companion files.
+- **Skill path portability.** `~` expansion in the generator; the skill lives
+  outside the repo, so the drift guard cannot cover it — document that
+  `gen:skill-reference` is the refresh command.
+- **Two references.** `docs/reference.md` and the skill copy are both generated
+  from `known.ts`; they must be regenerated together. Note this in
+  `docs/check-plan.md` §9.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 841c3cb..58d30a5 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
     "ttrpg": "node --loader ts-node/esm ./src/cli/index.ts",
     "tttk": "node --loader ts-node/esm ./src/cli/index.ts",
     "gen:reference": "node --loader ts-node/esm ./scripts/generate-reference.ts",
+    "gen:skill-reference": "node --loader ts-node/esm ./scripts/generate-reference.ts --out ~/.agents/skills/tttk-authoring/reference.md",
     "test": "jest",
     "prepare": "npx husky",
     "prepublishOnly": "npm run build"
diff --git a/scripts/generate-reference.ts b/scripts/generate-reference.ts
index 3b427df..9e1989e 100644
--- a/scripts/generate-reference.ts
+++ b/scripts/generate-reference.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import { mkdirSync, writeFileSync } from "fs";
+import { homedir } from "os";
 import { dirname, resolve } from "path";
 import { renderReference } from "../src/cli/validate/reference.js";
 
@@ -15,7 +16,16 @@ function argValue(flag: string): string | undefined {
   return index >= 0 ? process.argv[index + 1] : undefined;
 }
 
-const out = resolve(argValue("--out") ?? "docs/reference.md");
+/** Expand a leading `~` so the skill copy can be targeted cross-platform. */
+function expandHome(path: string): string {
+  if (path === "~") return homedir();
+  if (path.startsWith("~/") || path.startsWith("~\\")) {
+    return resolve(homedir(), path.slice(2));
+  }
+  return path;
+}
+
+const out = resolve(expandHome(argValue("--out") ?? "docs/reference.md"));
 mkdirSync(dirname(out), { recursive: true });
 writeFileSync(out, renderReference(), "utf-8");
 console.log(`wrote ${out}`);
diff --git a/src/cli/validate/known.ts b/src/cli/validate/known.ts
index 9c7fb50..5b961f6 100644
--- a/src/cli/validate/known.ts
+++ b/src/cli/validate/known.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ export interface ElementSpec {
   /** Key attribute names. */
   attrs: string[];
   summary: string;
+  /** Authoring prose rendered under the summary. */
+  details?: string;
   refKind: RefKind;
   /** Canonical usage examples, rendered into the reference. */
   examples: string[];
@@ -30,6 +32,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "dice formula",
     attrs: ["key"],
     summary: "Clickable dice roller; `key` stores the result in the URL.",
+    details:
+      "Clicking the text rolls; clicking the 🎲 resets to the formula. With `key`, the result is stored in the URL as `?dice-<key>=<value>`.",
     refKind: "none",
     examples: [
       ':md-dice[1d20+5]{key="attack"}',
@@ -42,6 +46,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "CSV path or inline id",
     attrs: ["roll", "remix"],
     summary: "Tab-separated view of a CSV with optional group tabs.",
+    details:
+      "`roll` adds a 🎲 random-tab button; `remix` makes `{{prop}}` references pull from a random row. A `group` column in the CSV produces group tabs automatically.",
     refKind: "csv",
     examples: [
       ":md-table[./npcs.csv]",
@@ -54,6 +60,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "CSV path",
     attrs: ["size", "grid", "layers"],
     summary: "Card layout from a CSV (legacy; prefer `yaml role=tag`).",
+    details:
+      "Prefer the `yaml role=tag` form — it is the only form that supports template layers, per-layer alignment, and card backs. The directive form is legacy and only supports the compact `layers` string.",
     refKind: "csv",
     examples: [
       ':md-deck[./cards.csv]{size="63x88" grid="5x5" layers="title:1,1-5,1f8 body:1,5-5,8f3"}',
@@ -72,6 +80,7 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "path, optional #section",
     attrs: ["headingBase"],
     summary: "Renders the target article or section inline.",
+    details: "`headingBase` shifts the heading levels of the embedded content.",
     refKind: "md",
     examples: [":md-embed[./rules.md#combat]{headingBase=1}"],
   },
@@ -80,6 +89,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "image path or CSS color",
     attrs: ["fit"],
     summary: "Sets the surrounding article card background.",
+    details:
+      "`fit` is one of `cover` (default), `contain`, `fill`, `none`, `scale-down`.",
     refKind: "image",
     examples: [':md-bg[./images/dungeon-bg.jpg]{fit="cover"}', ":md-bg[#2a1a3a]"],
   },
@@ -88,6 +99,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "color or border image",
     attrs: ["width", "slice"],
     summary: "Applies a border to the article card.",
+    details:
+      "Body is a CSS color or a border-image path. Class flags select sides (`t b l r all`), style (`solid dashed dotted double groove ridge inset outset none`), and image repeat (`stretch repeat round space`).",
     refKind: "image",
     examples: [
       ":md-border[crimson]{.b}",
@@ -99,6 +112,7 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "font family",
     attrs: ["source", "weight", "color"],
     summary: "Sets the article font.",
+    details: "`source` is `google`, `emfont`, or `local` (default).",
     refKind: "none",
     examples: [
       ':md-font[Noto Sans SC]{source="google" weight="700" color="#1a1a2e"}',
@@ -109,6 +123,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "image path",
     attrs: ["pins", "fixed", "labelStart"],
     summary: "Numbered markers on an image.",
+    details:
+      "`pins` is a space-separated list of `label:x,y` (percent coordinates). `fixed` makes it read-only; otherwise click to add and click a pin to remove. `labelStart` sets the first label (letter or number).",
     refKind: "image",
     examples: [
       ':md-pins[./images/battle-map.png]{pins="A:25,50 B:75,30 C:50,80" fixed}',
@@ -120,6 +136,8 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "command template CSV",
     attrs: ["placeholder", "class", "height"],
     summary: "Interactive command history / tracker panel.",
+    details:
+      "The body is a CSV of command templates (`command,parameter,label,description,insertedText`).",
     refKind: "csv",
     examples: [':md-commander[./commands.csv]{placeholder="输入命令…" height="400px"}'],
   },
@@ -128,6 +146,7 @@ export const KNOWN_ELEMENTS: readonly ElementSpec[] = [
     body: "Yarn Spinner file",
     attrs: ["start"],
     summary: "Runs a Yarn Spinner dialogue file.",
+    details: "`start` names the entry node (default `start`).",
     refKind: "yarn",
     examples: [':md-yarn-spinner[./story.yarn]{start="start"}'],
   },
@@ -151,11 +170,49 @@ export const COLOR_BODY_ELEMENTS: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set([
   "md-border",
 ]);
 
+export interface InlineSpec {
+  /** Directive form, e.g. ":[name]". */
+  name: string;
+  body: string;
+  attrs: string[];
+  summary: string;
+  details?: string;
+  examples: string[];
+}
+
+/** Inline directives that are not custom elements. */
+export const INLINE_SPECS: readonly InlineSpec[] = [
+  {
+    name: ":[name]",
+    body: "icon name",
+    attrs: ["label", "repeat", "join", "class"],
+    summary:
+      "Inserts an icon looked up under `assets/` (searching upward from the file).",
+    details:
+      "Default extension is `.png`; `.svg`, `.gif`, `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, and `.webp` are also supported. `label` overlays text, `repeat` duplicates N times, and `join` places a tag name between repeats.",
+    examples: [":[attack]  :[shield.svg]  :[potion]", ":[attack]{label=ATK repeat=3 join=br}"],
+  },
+  {
+    name: ":cmd[command]",
+    body: "journal command",
+    attrs: ["label"],
+    summary: "Renders a clickable span that dispatches a journal command.",
+    examples: [
+      ":cmd[roll 1d20+5]{label=Roll initiative}",
+      ":cmd[spark dungeon room-type]{label=Random room}",
+    ],
+  },
+];
+
+export const KNOWN_INLINE: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set(["cmd"]);
+
 export interface RoleSpec {
   role: string;
   /** Example info string, e.g. "csv role=spark-table". */
   info: string;
   summary: string;
+  /** Authoring prose rendered under the summary. */
+  details?: string;
   /** Canonical fenced-block examples, rendered into the reference. */
   examples: string[];
 }
@@ -166,6 +223,8 @@ export const ROLE_SPECS: readonly RoleSpec[] = [
     role: "spark-table",
     info: "csv role=spark-table",
     summary: "CSV (or markdown pipe table) rendered as `:md-table`.",
+    details:
+      "The first column header must be a dice formula; each row's first cell is the roll value (a number, or a range like `1-3`). Extra fence attributes are forwarded to the generated `:md-table`, e.g. ` ```csv role=spark-table roll=true `.",
     examples: [
       "```csv role=spark-table\nd6,结果\n1,遭遇强盗\n2,平安无事\n```",
       "```markdown role=spark-table\n| d6 | 结果 |\n|----|------|\n| 1  | 遭遇强盗 |\n| 2  | 平安无事 |\n```",
@@ -175,6 +234,8 @@ export const ROLE_SPECS: readonly RoleSpec[] = [
     role: "declare",
     info: "csv role=declare",
     summary: "Reactive variable / tag-modifier definitions.",
+    details:
+      "Columns (any order): `tag`, `threshold`, `key`, `expr`. A row with an empty `tag` declares a variable; a row with a `#tag` applies a modifier when that tag is active.",
     examples: [
       "```csv role=declare\ntag,threshold,key,expr\n,,$hp,$con*5+$mod_hp\n#warrior,2,$mod_hp,20\n```",
     ],
@@ -183,12 +244,16 @@ export const ROLE_SPECS: readonly RoleSpec[] = [
     role: "file",
     info: "<lang> role=file",
     summary: "Stored as inline text content and stripped.",
+    details:
+      "Referenced by the derived inline id, e.g. `:md-embed[./text_<hash>]`.",
     examples: ["```text role=file\nStored as inline content.\n```"],
   },
   {
     role: "tag",
     info: "yaml role=tag",
     summary: "YAML rendered as a custom element.",
+    details:
+      "`tag:` names the element, `body:` becomes its content, and any other key becomes an attribute. Fence-line attributes override the YAML body. See `yaml-tag.md`.",
     examples: [
       "```yaml role=tag\ntag: md-deck\nbody: ./cards.csv\nsize: 63x88\ngrid: 5x5\n```",
     ],
@@ -199,9 +264,6 @@ export const KNOWN_ROLES: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set(
   ROLE_SPECS.map((r) => r.role),
 );
 
-/** Inline directives that are not custom elements. */
-export const KNOWN_INLINE: ReadonlySet<string> = new Set(["cmd"]);
-
 /** Expected file extensions per reference kind. */
 export const REF_EXTENSIONS: Record<Exclude<RefKind, "none">, readonly string[]> =
   {
@@ -211,6 +273,20 @@ export const REF_EXTENSIONS: Record<Exclude<RefKind, "none">, readonly string[]>
     image: [".png", ".jpg", ".jpeg", ".gif", ".svg", ".webp"],
   };
 
+export interface DiceNotation {
+  notation: string;
+  meaning: string;
+}
+
+/** Dice notation accepted by `:md-dice`, spark-table headers, and `/roll`. */
+export const DICE_NOTATION: readonly DiceNotation[] = [
+  { notation: "2d6", meaning: "two six-sided dice" },
+  { notation: "1d20+5", meaning: "d20 plus modifier" },
+  { notation: "3d6kh1", meaning: "keep highest 1" },
+  { notation: "3d6dl2-1", meaning: "drop lowest 2, minus 1" },
+  { notation: "{d4, d8}", meaning: "choose one of the listed dice" },
+];
+
 /** Whether a directive body is a CSS color rather than a path. */
 export function isColorValue(value: string): boolean {
   const v = value.trim();
@@ -230,4 +306,4 @@ export function isColorValue(value: string): boolean {
 export function looksLikeColor(value: string): boolean {
   const v = value.trim();
   return isColorValue(v) || /^[A-Za-z]+$/.test(v);
-}
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/cli/validate/reference.ts b/src/cli/validate/reference.ts
index 568d512..f5f65ef 100644
--- a/src/cli/validate/reference.ts
+++ b/src/cli/validate/reference.ts
@@ -2,15 +2,18 @@
  * Render the `known.ts` catalog to markdown.
  *
  * `docs/reference.md` is generated from this; do not hand-edit it. Regenerate
- * with `npm run gen:reference`. The skill copy can be refreshed with
- * `npm run gen:reference -- --out <path>`.
+ * with `npm run gen:reference`. The skill copy is refreshed with
+ * `npm run gen:skill-reference`.
  */
 
 import {
   COLOR_BODY_ELEMENTS,
+  DICE_NOTATION,
+  INLINE_SPECS,
   KNOWN_ELEMENTS,
   ROLE_SPECS,
   type ElementSpec,
+  type InlineSpec,
 } from "./known.js";
 
 /** Wrap `code` in a fenced block, widening the fence when it contains one. */
@@ -19,16 +22,26 @@ function fence(code: string, lang = "markdown"): string {
   return `${ticks}${lang}\n${code}\n${ticks}`;
 }
 
+/** `- Body: …` / `- Attributes: …` bullet list shared by all directive specs. */
+function specBullets(body: string, attrs: string[]): string[] {
+  const lines = [`- Body: ${body}`];
+  if (attrs.length) {
+    lines.push(`- Attributes: ${attrs.map((a) => `\`${a}\``).join(", ")}`);
+  }
+  return lines;
+}
+
 function elementSection(element: ElementSpec): string {
   const lines: string[] = [];
   lines.push(`### \`:${element.name}\``);
   lines.push("");
   lines.push(element.summary);
   lines.push("");
-  lines.push(`- Body: ${element.body}`);
-  if (element.attrs.length) {
-    lines.push(`- Attributes: ${element.attrs.map((a) => `\`${a}\``).join(", ")}`);
+  if (element.details) {
+    lines.push(element.details);
+    lines.push("");
   }
+  lines.push(...specBullets(element.body, element.attrs));
   if (COLOR_BODY_ELEMENTS.has(element.name)) {
     lines.push("- Body may also be a CSS color (e.g. `#2a1a3a`, `crimson`).");
   }
@@ -40,6 +53,25 @@ function elementSection(element: ElementSpec): string {
   return lines.join("\n").trimEnd();
 }
 
+function inlineSection(spec: InlineSpec): string {
+  const lines: string[] = [];
+  lines.push(`### \`${spec.name}\``);
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push(spec.summary);
+  lines.push("");
+  if (spec.details) {
+    lines.push(spec.details);
+    lines.push("");
+  }
+  lines.push(...specBullets(spec.body, spec.attrs));
+  lines.push("");
+  for (const example of spec.examples) {
+    lines.push(fence(example));
+    lines.push("");
+  }
+  return lines.join("\n").trimEnd();
+}
+
 /** Render the full reference document. */
 export function renderReference(): string {
   const lines: string[] = [];
@@ -52,18 +84,41 @@ export function renderReference(): string {
   lines.push("Do not edit by hand.");
   lines.push("");
   lines.push(
-    "Everything not listed here is standard GFM markdown. Element names are",
+    "Complete catalog of the custom elements, inline directives, and code block",
   );
-  lines.push("prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.");
+  lines.push(
+    "roles that `tttk` understands. Everything not listed here is standard GFM",
+  );
+  lines.push("markdown. Element names are prefixed `md-` and must match exactly.");
+  lines.push("");
+
+  lines.push("## Contents");
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push("- [Directive syntax](#directive-syntax)");
+  lines.push("- [Custom elements](#custom-elements)");
+  lines.push("- [Inline directives](#inline-directives)");
+  lines.push("- [Code block roles](#code-block-roles)");
+  lines.push("- [Dice notation](#dice-notation)");
+  lines.push("- [CSV data files](#csv-data-files)");
   lines.push("");
 
   lines.push("## Directive syntax");
   lines.push("");
-  lines.push(fence(":name[content]{key=\"value\" .class #id}", "text"));
+  lines.push(fence(':name[content]{key="value" .class #id}', "text"));
   lines.push("");
-  lines.push("- `[content]` is the directive body — a path, dice formula, color, etc.");
-  lines.push("- `{key=\"value\"}` sets attributes; `{.class}` and `{#id}` are shorthands.");
-  lines.push("- Container directives use `::: name` … `:::`; nest with `::::`, `:::::`.");
+  lines.push("| Part | Meaning | Example |");
+  lines.push("|---|---|---|");
+  lines.push("| `:name` | Registered element name | `:md-dice` |");
+  lines.push("| `[content]` | Directive body | `[2d6+d8]` |");
+  lines.push("| `{attrs}` | Attributes | `{key=\"attack\"}` |");
+  lines.push("| `{.class}` | Shorthand for `class` | `{.text-red-500}` |");
+  lines.push("| `{#id}` | Shorthand for `id` | `{#my-dice}` |");
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push("Container directives:");
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push(fence("::: container\nContent here, including nested directives.\n:dice[1d20]\n:::"));
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push("Nest with more colons (`::::`, `:::::`).");
   lines.push("");
 
   lines.push("## Custom elements");
@@ -84,24 +139,10 @@ export function renderReference(): string {
 
   lines.push("## Inline directives");
   lines.push("");
-  lines.push("### Icons — `:[name]`");
-  lines.push("");
-  lines.push(
-    "Inserts an icon looked up under `assets/` (searching upward from the file).",
-  );
-  lines.push(
-    "Default extension is `.png`; `.svg`, `.gif`, `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, and `.webp`",
-  );
-  lines.push("are also supported.");
-  lines.push("");
-  lines.push(fence(":[attack]  :[shield.svg]  :[potion]"));
-  lines.push("");
-  lines.push("### Command links — `:cmd[command]{label=...}`");
-  lines.push("");
-  lines.push("Renders a clickable span that dispatches a journal command.");
-  lines.push("");
-  lines.push(fence(":cmd[roll 1d20+5]{label=Roll initiative}"));
-  lines.push("");
+  for (const spec of INLINE_SPECS) {
+    lines.push(inlineSection(spec));
+    lines.push("");
+  }
 
   lines.push("## Code block roles");
   lines.push("");
@@ -115,6 +156,10 @@ export function renderReference(): string {
     lines.push("");
     lines.push(role.summary);
     lines.push("");
+    if (role.details) {
+      lines.push(role.details);
+      lines.push("");
+    }
     for (const example of role.examples) {
       lines.push(fence(example));
       lines.push("");
@@ -128,6 +173,17 @@ export function renderReference(): string {
   lines.push("stripped.");
   lines.push("");
 
+  lines.push("## Dice notation");
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push("Used by `:md-dice`, spark-table headers, and the journal `/roll`:");
+  lines.push("");
+  lines.push("| Notation | Meaning |");
+  lines.push("|---|---|");
+  for (const dice of DICE_NOTATION) {
+    lines.push(`| \`${dice.notation}\` | ${dice.meaning} |`);
+  }
+  lines.push("");
+
   lines.push("## CSV data files");
   lines.push("");
   lines.push(
@@ -149,4 +205,4 @@ export function renderReference(): string {
   lines.push("");
 
   return lines.join("\n").replace(/\n{3,}/g, "\n\n").trimEnd() + "\n";
-}
+}
\ No newline at end of file