diff --git a/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.test.ts b/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c8ccbd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from "vitest";
+import {
+  closingLine,
+  focusCard,
+  intakeContext,
+  intakeStep,
+  nextIntakeStep,
+  readIntakeAnswer,
+  secondaryOption,
+} from "./onboarding-intake.js";
+
+// Intl may separate the time from AM/PM with a narrow no-break space.
+const plain = (text: string) => text.replace(/\s/g, " ");
+const off = { morning: null, evening: null, weekly: null };
+
+describe("onboarding steps", () => {
+  it("asks in order and offers notifications only to a device that can still turn push on", () => {
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("focus", { canEnablePush: false })?.id).toBe("goal");
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("goal", { canEnablePush: false })?.id).toBe("rhythm");
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("rhythm", { canEnablePush: false })?.id).toBe("quiet_hours");
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("quiet_hours", { canEnablePush: true })?.id).toBe("notifications");
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("quiet_hours", { canEnablePush: false })).toBeNull();
+    expect(nextIntakeStep("notifications", { canEnablePush: true })).toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it("gives every onboarding card a quiet way out, and another bot's focus card none", () => {
+    const context = intakeContext(null, new Date());
+    for (const id of ["focus", "goal", "rhythm", "quiet_hours", "notifications"] as const) {
+      const card = intakeStep(id).card(context);
+      expect(card.step).toBe(id);
+      expect(secondaryOption(card)).toBeDefined();
+    }
+    expect(focusCard().step).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(secondaryOption(focusCard())).toBeUndefined();
+  });
+
+  it("writes quiet hours in the user's locale", () => {
+    const labels = (locale: string | null) =>
+      intakeStep("quiet_hours")
+        .card(intakeContext({ locale, timeZone: null }, new Date()))
+        .options.map((option) => plain(option.label));
+    expect(labels("de-AT")).toEqual(["22:00 – 7:00", "23:00 – 8:00", "Skip"]);
+    expect(labels("en-US")).toEqual(["10:00 PM – 7:00 AM", "11:00 PM – 8:00 AM", "Skip"]);
+    expect(labels("not a tag")).toEqual(labels("en"));
+  });
+});
+
+describe("readIntakeAnswer", () => {
+  const goal = intakeStep("goal").card(intakeContext(null, new Date()));
+  const rhythm = intakeStep("rhythm").card(intakeContext(null, new Date()));
+
+  it("accepts the card's own options and words only where the card takes them", () => {
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(rhythm, "weekly", undefined)).toEqual({
+      option: { id: "weekly", letter: "C", label: "Once a week" },
+    });
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(rhythm, "skip", undefined)).toBeNull();
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(rhythm, "_text", "Mornings")).toBeNull();
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(goal, "_text", "  Run a 10K  ")).toEqual({ text: "Run a 10K" });
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(goal, "_text", "   ")).toBeNull();
+    expect(readIntakeAnswer(goal, "skip", undefined)?.option?.label).toBe("Skip");
+  });
+});
+
+describe("closingLine", () => {
+  const vienna = (iso: string, locale = "de-AT") =>
+    intakeContext({ locale, timeZone: "Europe/Vienna" }, new Date(iso));
+
+  it("names the first check-in in the user's time zone", () => {
+    const morning = { ...off, morning: "08:00" };
+    expect(closingLine(morning, vienna("2026-10-07T04:00:00Z"))).toBe(
+      "All set. I’ll check in today at 8:00.",
+    );
+    expect(closingLine(morning, vienna("2026-10-07T09:00:00Z"))).toBe(
+      "All set. I’ll check in tomorrow at 8:00.",
+    );
+    expect(closingLine({ ...morning, evening: "18:00" }, vienna("2026-10-07T09:00:00Z"))).toBe(
+      "All set. I’ll check in today at 18:00.",
+    );
+    // Wednesday in Vienna; the weekly review is on Sunday.
+    const weekly = { ...off, weekly: { day: 0, time: "18:00" } };
+    expect(plain(closingLine(weekly, vienna("2026-10-07T09:00:00Z", "en-US")))).toBe(
+      "All set. I’ll check in on Sunday at 6:00 PM.",
+    );
+  });
+
+  it("says the user can just write when no check-in is set", () => {
+    expect(closingLine(off, vienna("2026-10-07T09:00:00Z"))).toBe(
+      "All set. I’m here whenever you need me.",
+    );
+  });
+
+  it("falls back to English and UTC for an unusable profile", () => {
+    expect(intakeContext({ locale: "??", timeZone: "Mars/Olympus" }, new Date(0))).toMatchObject({
+      locale: "en",
+      timeZone: "UTC",
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.ts b/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8a5828a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/api/src/onboarding-intake.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,288 @@
+import type { JobPublisher } from "@rakazo/adapter-kit";
+import { COACH_KEYS, coachCron, setCoachRhythm } from "@rakazo/adapters";
+import type { CoachRhythm, MessageBlock, OnboardingStep, QuietHours } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { knownTimeZone, nextCronDateAcross } from "@rakazo/core";
+import {
+  createGoal,
+  type Prisma,
+  type PrismaClient,
+  updateNotificationSettings,
+  updateUserProfile,
+} from "@rakazo/db";
+
+/**
+ * The questions the main bot asks a new user in the main conversation, one card at a time.
+ * Each step is a card plus what its answer changes; the order of `INTAKE_STEPS` is the order
+ * the user sees. Everything here is deterministic, so no model tokens are spent.
+ */
+
+export type ChoiceBlock = Extract<MessageBlock, { kind: "choice" }>;
+type ChoiceOption = ChoiceBlock["options"][number];
+
+/** A validated answer: an option of the card, or the user's own words. */
+export type IntakeAnswer =
+  | { option: ChoiceOption; text?: undefined }
+  | { option?: undefined; text: string };
+
+/** What a card may adapt to: times are written in the user's locale. */
+export interface IntakeContext {
+  locale: string;
+  timeZone: string;
+  now: Date;
+}
+
+export interface IntakeEffects {
+  prisma: PrismaClient;
+  jobs: JobPublisher;
+  tx: Prisma.TransactionClient;
+  userId: string;
+}
+
+interface IntakeStep {
+  id: OnboardingStep;
+  /** Asked only when this holds; otherwise onboarding moves past the step. */
+  asks?: (device: { canEnablePush: boolean }) => boolean;
+  card: (context: IntakeContext) => ChoiceBlock;
+  /** Records a validated answer. Runs while the main conversation is locked. */
+  save: (effects: IntakeEffects, answer: IntakeAnswer) => Promise<void>;
+}
+
+export interface FocusOption {
+  id: string;
+  letter: string;
+  label: string;
+  apps: string[];
+  /** Stored as a `goals` fact, so it stays a plain English statement. */
+  fact: string;
+}
+
+export const FOCUS_OPTIONS: FocusOption[] = [
+  {
+    id: "day",
+    letter: "A",
+    label: "Day-to-day work",
+    apps: ["slack", "gmail", "googlecalendar"],
+    fact: "Wants help with day-to-day work first",
+  },
+  {
+    id: "inbox",
+    letter: "B",
+    label: "Inbox & email",
+    apps: ["gmail", "googlecalendar", "slack"],
+    fact: "Wants help with inbox and email first",
+  },
+  {
+    id: "research",
+    letter: "C",
+    label: "Research & writing",
+    apps: ["hackernews", "notion", "googledocs"],
+    fact: "Wants help with research and writing first",
+  },
+  {
+    id: "crew",
+    letter: "D",
+    label: "Specialist crew",
+    apps: ["slack", "gmail", "googlecalendar"],
+    fact: "Wants a coordinated crew of specialist bots",
+  },
+];
+
+const SKIP: ChoiceOption = { id: "skip", letter: "", label: "Skip" };
+
+/** The focus card. Onboarding adds a skip; another bot's card is dismissed instead. */
+export function focusCard(step?: "focus"): ChoiceBlock {
+  return {
+    kind: "choice",
+    question: "What do you want me on first?",
+    options: [
+      ...FOCUS_OPTIONS.map(({ id, letter, label }) => ({ id, letter, label })),
+      ...(step ? [SKIP] : []),
+    ],
+    ...(step ? { step } : {}),
+  };
+}
+
+const RHYTHMS: Record<string, CoachRhythm> = {
+  morning: { morning: "08:00", evening: null, weekly: null },
+  morning_evening: { morning: "08:00", evening: "18:00", weekly: null },
+  weekly: { morning: null, evening: null, weekly: { day: 0, time: "18:00" } },
+  none: { morning: null, evening: null, weekly: null },
+};
+
+const QUIET_HOURS: Record<string, QuietHours> = {
+  "22-07": { start: "22:00", end: "07:00" },
+  "23-08": { start: "23:00", end: "08:00" },
+};
+
+export const INTAKE_STEPS: IntakeStep[] = [
+  {
+    id: "focus",
+    card: () => focusCard("focus"),
+    save: async ({ prisma, tx, userId }, answer) => {
+      const option = FOCUS_OPTIONS.find((entry) => entry.id === answer.option?.id);
+      if (!option) return;
+      await tx.userOnboarding.update({ where: { userId }, data: { focus: option.id } });
+      await updateUserProfile(prisma, userId, {
+        addFacts: [{ category: "goals", value: option.fact, source: "onboarding" }],
+      });
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "goal",
+    card: () => ({
+      kind: "choice",
+      step: "goal",
+      question: "What’s one thing you want to get done in the next few weeks?",
+      textInput: { placeholder: "Your goal" },
+      options: [SKIP],
+    }),
+    save: async ({ prisma, userId }, answer) => {
+      if (answer.text)
+        await createGoal(prisma, userId, { title: answer.text, source: "onboarding" });
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "rhythm",
+    card: () => ({
+      kind: "choice",
+      step: "rhythm",
+      question: "When should I check in with you?",
+      options: [
+        { id: "morning", letter: "A", label: "Every morning" },
+        { id: "morning_evening", letter: "B", label: "Morning and evening" },
+        { id: "weekly", letter: "C", label: "Once a week" },
+        { id: "none", letter: "", label: "Not now" },
+      ],
+    }),
+    save: async ({ prisma, jobs, userId }, answer) => {
+      const rhythm = answer.option && RHYTHMS[answer.option.id];
+      if (rhythm) await setCoachRhythm({ prisma, jobs }, { userId, rhythm });
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "quiet_hours",
+    card: (context) => ({
+      kind: "choice",
+      step: "quiet_hours",
+      question: "When should I stay quiet?",
+      options: [
+        ...Object.entries(QUIET_HOURS).map(([id, range], index) => ({
+          id,
+          letter: String.fromCharCode(65 + index),
+          label: `${formatClock(range.start, context.locale)} – ${formatClock(range.end, context.locale)}`,
+        })),
+        SKIP,
+      ],
+    }),
+    save: async ({ prisma, userId }, answer) => {
+      const quietHours = answer.option && QUIET_HOURS[answer.option.id];
+      if (quietHours) await updateNotificationSettings(prisma, userId, { quietHours });
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    // The browser subscribes when the user taps "Turn on"; the answer only moves on.
+    id: "notifications",
+    asks: ({ canEnablePush }) => canEnablePush,
+    card: () => ({
+      kind: "choice",
+      step: "notifications",
+      question: "Can I send you notifications?",
+      options: [
+        { id: "on", letter: "A", label: "Turn on" },
+        { id: "later", letter: "", label: "Not now" },
+      ],
+    }),
+    save: async () => {},
+  },
+];
+
+export function intakeStep(id: OnboardingStep): IntakeStep {
+  const step = INTAKE_STEPS.find((entry) => entry.id === id);
+  if (!step) throw new Error(`Unknown onboarding step: ${id}`);
+  return step;
+}
+
+/** The step after `id` that applies to this device, or null when onboarding is done. */
+export function nextIntakeStep(
+  id: OnboardingStep,
+  device: { canEnablePush: boolean },
+): IntakeStep | null {
+  const index = INTAKE_STEPS.findIndex((entry) => entry.id === id);
+  return INTAKE_STEPS.slice(index + 1).find((entry) => entry.asks?.(device) ?? true) ?? null;
+}
+
+/** Checks an answer against the card it answers; null when the card does not offer it. */
+export function readIntakeAnswer(
+  card: ChoiceBlock,
+  optionId: string,
+  text: string | undefined,
+): IntakeAnswer | null {
+  if (optionId === CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID) {
+    const words = text?.trim();
+    return card.textInput && words ? { text: words } : null;
+  }
+  const option = card.options.find((entry) => entry.id === optionId);
+  return option ? { option } : null;
+}
+
+/** The secondary answer ("Skip", "Not now") a dismissed card counts as. */
+export function secondaryOption(card: ChoiceBlock): ChoiceOption | undefined {
+  return card.options.find((option) => !option.letter);
+}
+
+/** Card times and the closing line follow the user's profile, falling back to English and UTC. */
+export function intakeContext(
+  profile: { locale: string | null; timeZone: string | null } | null,
+  now: Date,
+): IntakeContext {
+  let locale = "en";
+  try {
+    if (profile?.locale) locale = Intl.getCanonicalLocales(profile.locale)[0] ?? "en";
+  } catch {
+    // Not a language tag; keep English.
+  }
+  return { locale, timeZone: knownTimeZone(profile?.timeZone) ?? "UTC", now };
+}
+
+function formatClock(time: string, locale: string): string {
+  const [hour = 0, minute = 0] = time.split(":").map(Number);
+  return new Intl.DateTimeFormat(locale, {
+    hour: "numeric",
+    minute: "2-digit",
+    timeZone: "UTC",
+  }).format(new Date(Date.UTC(2000, 0, 1, hour, minute)));
+}
+
+function localDay(date: Date, timeZone: string): number {
+  const [year, month, day] = new Intl.DateTimeFormat("en-CA", {
+    timeZone,
+    year: "numeric",
+    month: "2-digit",
+    day: "2-digit",
+  })
+    .format(date)
+    .split("-")
+    .map(Number);
+  return Date.UTC(year ?? 1970, (month ?? 1) - 1, day ?? 1) / 86_400_000;
+}
+
+/** One line that says what happens next: the first check-in, when there is one. */
+export function closingLine(rhythm: CoachRhythm, context: IntakeContext): string {
+  const crons = COACH_KEYS.flatMap((key) => coachCron(key, rhythm) ?? []);
+  const next = nextCronDateAcross(crons, context.now, context.timeZone);
+  if (!next) return "All set. I’m here whenever you need me.";
+  const days = localDay(next, context.timeZone) - localDay(context.now, context.timeZone);
+  const day =
+    days === 0
+      ? "today"
+      : days === 1
+        ? "tomorrow"
+        : `on ${new Intl.DateTimeFormat("en-US", { timeZone: context.timeZone, weekday: "long" }).format(next)}`;
+  const time = new Intl.DateTimeFormat(context.locale, {
+    hour: "numeric",
+    minute: "2-digit",
+    timeZone: context.timeZone,
+  }).format(next);
+  return `All set. I’ll check in ${day} at ${time}.`;
+}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/onboarding.test.ts b/apps/api/src/onboarding.test.ts
index 38189ea..66f8328 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/onboarding.test.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/onboarding.test.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import type * as db from "@rakazo/db";
 import { describe, expect, it, vi } from "vitest";
 import { chooseFocus, markAppConnected } from "./onboarding.js";
+import { focusCard } from "./onboarding-intake.js";
 
 const posted = vi.hoisted(() => [] as Array<{ blocks: unknown[] }>);
 vi.mock("@rakazo/db", async (original) => ({
@@ -13,16 +14,16 @@ vi.mock("@rakazo/db", async (original) => ({
 }));
 function fixture(catalog: unknown[]) {
   posted.length = 0;
+  // A specialist's focus card, waiting for an answer.
+  const pending = vi.fn(async () => [{ id: "choice", blocks: [focusCard()] }]);
   const tx = {
     $executeRaw: vi.fn(),
-    message: {
-      findMany: vi.fn(async () => [{ id: "choice", blocks: [{ kind: "choice", answerId: null }] }]),
-      update: vi.fn(),
-    },
+    message: { findMany: pending, update: vi.fn() },
   };
   const deps = {
     prisma: {
       bot: { findFirst: vi.fn(async () => ({ id: "bot", thread: { id: "thread" } })) },
+      message: { findMany: pending },
       $transaction: vi.fn(async (fn: (tx: unknown) => unknown) => fn(tx)),
     },
     events: { notify: vi.fn() },
@@ -39,17 +40,19 @@ function fixture(catalog: unknown[]) {
 describe("onboarding connection suggestions", () => {
   it("does not invent authorization cards when no connector has an app catalog", async () => {
     const { deps, actor } = fixture([]);
-    await chooseFocus(deps, actor, "bot", "day");
+    await chooseFocus(deps, actor, "bot", { optionId: "day" });
     expect(posted.flatMap((message) => message.blocks)).not.toContainEqual(
       expect.objectContaining({ kind: "app_connect" }),
     );
-    expect(posted.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+    expect(posted.flatMap((message) => message.blocks)).toEqual([
+      { kind: "text", text: "Got it. What would you like to work on first?" },
+    ]);
   });
   it("uses the available connector and omits unavailable apps", async () => {
     const { deps, actor } = fixture([
       { connectorId: "pipedream", slug: "slack", name: "Slack", connected: false, logo: null },
     ]);
-    await chooseFocus(deps, actor, "bot", "day");
+    await chooseFocus(deps, actor, "bot", { optionId: "day" });
     expect(
       posted
         .flatMap((message) => message.blocks)
@@ -57,6 +60,9 @@ describe("onboarding connection suggestions", () => {
     ).toEqual([
       expect.objectContaining({ connectorId: "pipedream", provider: "slack", name: "Slack" }),
     ]);
+    expect(posted[0]?.blocks).toEqual([
+      { kind: "text", text: "Got it. Slack is a good place to start." },
+    ]);
   });
 });
 
diff --git a/apps/api/src/onboarding.ts b/apps/api/src/onboarding.ts
index b0bf565..aa570e7 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/onboarding.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/onboarding.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
-import type { ConnectorRegistry } from "@rakazo/adapters";
-import type { Actor, MessageBlock } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { ORPCError } from "@orpc/server";
+import type { JobPublisher } from "@rakazo/adapter-kit";
+import { type ConnectorRegistry, getCoachRhythm } from "@rakazo/adapters";
+import type { Actor, MessageBlock, OnboardingStep } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID } from "@rakazo/contracts";
 import { featuredConnectorProvidersMatch } from "@rakazo/core";
 import {
   appendEventInTransaction,
@@ -10,58 +13,36 @@ import {
   type PrismaClient,
   type ThreadEvents,
 } from "@rakazo/db";
+import {
+  type ChoiceBlock,
+  closingLine,
+  FOCUS_OPTIONS,
+  type FocusOption,
+  focusCard,
+  type IntakeAnswer,
+  type IntakeContext,
+  intakeContext,
+  intakeStep,
+  nextIntakeStep,
+  readIntakeAnswer,
+  secondaryOption,
+} from "./onboarding-intake.js";
 
 /**
- * First-run conversational onboarding, seeded deterministically into the bot's
- * thread: greeting, a focus choice, and available app cards the user authorizes
- * inline. Focus must not rename the bot. No model tokens are spent. The main bot
- * talks in the main conversation, where onboarding lands.
+ * Conversational onboarding, posted deterministically into a bot's thread; no model tokens are
+ * spent. The main bot asks the onboarding questions (`onboarding-intake.ts`) in the main
+ * conversation, one card after each answer. Any other bot gets one focus card that suggests
+ * apps the user authorizes inline. Focus never renames a bot.
  */
 
 type OnboardingDeps = {
   prisma: PrismaClient;
   events: ThreadEvents;
   connectors: ConnectorRegistry;
+  jobs: JobPublisher;
 };
 
-type FocusOption = {
-  id: string;
-  letter: string;
-  label: string;
-  summary: string;
-  apps: string[];
-};
-
-const FOCUS_OPTIONS: FocusOption[] = [
-  {
-    id: "day",
-    letter: "A",
-    label: "Day-to-day work",
-    summary: "Slack, calendar, and email",
-    apps: ["slack", "gmail", "googlecalendar"],
-  },
-  {
-    id: "inbox",
-    letter: "B",
-    label: "Inbox & email",
-    summary: "email and calendar",
-    apps: ["gmail", "googlecalendar", "slack"],
-  },
-  {
-    id: "research",
-    letter: "C",
-    label: "Research & writing",
-    summary: "the web, notes, and docs",
-    apps: ["hackernews", "notion", "googledocs"],
-  },
-  {
-    id: "crew",
-    letter: "D",
-    label: "Specialist crew",
-    summary: "a coordinated team of focused Oos",
-    apps: ["slack", "gmail", "googlecalendar"],
-  },
-];
+type Target = { spaceId: string; botId: string; threadId: string };
 
 const APP_DESCRIPTIONS: Record<string, string> = {
   slack: "Search, read, and send messages.",
@@ -85,74 +66,102 @@ async function requireBotThread(deps: OnboardingDeps, actor: Actor, botId: strin
   return { bot, thread: bot.thread };
 }
 
-async function post(
-  deps: OnboardingDeps,
-  target: { spaceId: string; botId: string; threadId: string },
+/**
+ * Serializes card writes on a thread. NO KEY UPDATE still lets an answer's effects insert rows
+ * that reference the thread from another connection (the coach routines do).
+ */
+async function lockThread(tx: Prisma.TransactionClient, threadId: string): Promise<void> {
+  await tx.$executeRaw`SELECT id FROM threads WHERE id = ${threadId} FOR NO KEY UPDATE`;
+}
+
+async function postInTransaction(
+  tx: Prisma.TransactionClient,
+  target: Target,
   blocks: MessageBlock[],
-): Promise<string> {
-  const committed = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
-    const message = await createThreadMessageInTransaction(tx, {
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      role: "bot",
-      blocks,
-      botId: target.botId,
-    });
-    const event = await appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
-      spaceId: target.spaceId,
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      botId: target.botId,
-      type: "thread.message.created",
-      payload: { messageId: message.id, role: "bot", blocks },
-    });
-    return { message, event };
+): Promise<{ seq: number }> {
+  const message = await createThreadMessageInTransaction(tx, {
+    threadId: target.threadId,
+    role: "bot",
+    blocks,
+    botId: target.botId,
+  });
+  return appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
+    spaceId: target.spaceId,
+    threadId: target.threadId,
+    botId: target.botId,
+    type: "thread.message.created",
+    payload: { messageId: message.id, role: "bot", blocks },
+  });
+}
+
+async function updateBlocksInTransaction(
+  tx: Prisma.TransactionClient,
+  target: Target,
+  messageId: string,
+  blocks: MessageBlock[],
+): Promise<{ seq: number }> {
+  await tx.message.update({ where: { id: messageId }, data: { blocks } });
+  return appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
+    spaceId: target.spaceId,
+    threadId: target.threadId,
+    botId: target.botId,
+    type: "thread.message.updated",
+    payload: { messageId, role: "bot", blocks },
   });
-  await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, committed.event.seq);
-  return committed.message.id;
 }
 
 async function updateBlocks(
   deps: OnboardingDeps,
-  target: { spaceId: string; botId: string; threadId: string },
+  target: Target,
   messageId: string,
   blocks: MessageBlock[],
 ): Promise<void> {
-  const event = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
-    await tx.message.update({ where: { id: messageId }, data: { blocks } });
-    return appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
-      spaceId: target.spaceId,
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      botId: target.botId,
-      type: "thread.message.updated",
-      payload: { messageId, role: "bot", blocks },
-    });
-  });
+  const event = await deps.prisma.$transaction((tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) =>
+    updateBlocksInTransaction(tx, target, messageId, blocks),
+  );
   await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, event.seq);
 }
 
 /** Sentinel answerId for a focus card the user dismissed without choosing. */
 export const FOCUS_DISMISSED_ANSWER_ID = "_dismissed";
 
+/** Checks that the caller may onboard this bot's thread; fresh threads start empty. */
 export async function startOnboarding(
   deps: OnboardingDeps,
   actor: Actor,
   botId: string,
 ): Promise<void> {
-  const { thread } = await requireBotThread(deps, actor, botId);
-  const existing = await deps.prisma.message.count({ where: { threadId: thread.id } });
-  if (existing > 0) return;
-  // Fresh chats start empty (same as web). The focus card is posted later via
-  // promptFocus so non-first bots can wait ~10s for free typing, or skip if the
-  // user already engaged.
+  await requireBotThread(deps, actor, botId);
 }
 
-function messageHasChoice(blocks: MessageBlock[]): boolean {
-  return blocks.some((block) => block.kind === "choice");
+function isChoice(block: MessageBlock): block is ChoiceBlock {
+  return block.kind === "choice";
 }
 
-function messageHasPendingChoice(blocks: MessageBlock[]): boolean {
-  return blocks.some((block) => block.kind === "choice" && !block.answerId);
+function pendingChoice(blocks: MessageBlock[]): ChoiceBlock | undefined {
+  return blocks.find((block): block is ChoiceBlock => isChoice(block) && !block.answerId);
 }
 
+/** The newest card in the thread that still waits for an answer, however long ago it came. */
+async function findPendingCard(client: PrismaClient | Prisma.TransactionClient, threadId: string) {
+  const messages = await client.message.findMany({
+    where: { threadId, role: "bot", blocks: { array_contains: [{ kind: "choice" }] } },
+    select: { id: true, blocks: true },
+    orderBy: { seq: "desc" },
+    take: 20,
+  });
+  for (const message of messages) {
+    const blocks = message.blocks as MessageBlock[];
+    const card = pendingChoice(blocks);
+    if (card) return { messageId: message.id, blocks, card };
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Posts the first card once. The main bot starts the onboarding questions, one set per user;
+ * any other bot posts its focus card only while its thread is still idle.
+ */
 export async function promptFocus(
   deps: OnboardingDeps,
   actor: Actor,
@@ -160,44 +169,31 @@ export async function promptFocus(
 ): Promise<void> {
   const { bot, thread } = await requireBotThread(deps, actor, botId);
   const target = { spaceId: actor.spaceId, botId: bot.id, threadId: thread.id };
-  const blocks: MessageBlock[] = [
-    {
-      kind: "choice",
-      question: "What do you want me on first?",
-      options: FOCUS_OPTIONS.map(({ id, letter, label }) => ({ id, letter, label })),
-    },
-  ];
-  // Check + insert + event in one transaction so concurrent promptFocus calls
-  // cannot duplicate cards, and a concurrent user send cannot publish first.
+  const main = bot.kind === "main";
+  // Check + insert + event in one transaction so concurrent callers cannot duplicate cards,
+  // and a concurrent user send cannot publish first.
   const committed = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
-    // Serialize concurrent promptFocus callers on this thread before the gate check.
-    await tx.$executeRaw`SELECT id FROM threads WHERE id = ${thread.id} FOR UPDATE`;
+    await lockThread(tx, thread.id);
+    if (main && (await tx.userOnboarding.findUnique({ where: { userId: actor.userId } }))) {
+      return null;
+    }
     const recent = await tx.message.findMany({
       where: { threadId: thread.id },
       select: { role: true, blocks: true },
-      orderBy: { createdAt: "asc" },
     });
-    if (recent.some((message) => message.role === "user")) return null;
-    if (recent.some((message) => messageHasChoice(message.blocks as MessageBlock[]))) return null;
-    const message = await createThreadMessageInTransaction(tx, {
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      role: "bot",
-      blocks,
-      botId: target.botId,
-    });
-    const event = await appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
-      spaceId: target.spaceId,
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      botId: target.botId,
-      type: "thread.message.created",
-      payload: { messageId: message.id, role: "bot", blocks },
-    });
-    return { message, event };
+    if (!main && recent.some((message) => message.role === "user")) return null;
+    if (recent.some((message) => (message.blocks as MessageBlock[]).some(isChoice))) return null;
+    if (!main) return postInTransaction(tx, target, [focusCard()]);
+    const first = intakeStep("focus");
+    await tx.userOnboarding.create({ data: { userId: actor.userId, step: first.id } });
+    return postInTransaction(tx, target, [
+      first.card(await loadIntakeContext(tx, actor.userId, new Date())),
+    ]);
   });
-  if (!committed) return;
-  await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, committed.event.seq);
+  if (committed) await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, committed.seq);
 }
 
+/** Dismisses the pending card. An onboarding question counts as skipped, so the next follows. */
 export async function dismissFocus(
   deps: OnboardingDeps,
   actor: Actor,
@@ -205,81 +201,131 @@ export async function dismissFocus(
 ): Promise<void> {
   const { bot, thread } = await requireBotThread(deps, actor, botId);
   const target = { spaceId: actor.spaceId, botId: bot.id, threadId: thread.id };
-  const claimed = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
-    await tx.$executeRaw`SELECT id FROM threads WHERE id = ${thread.id} FOR UPDATE`;
-    const recent = await tx.message.findMany({
-      where: { threadId: thread.id },
-      orderBy: { createdAt: "asc" },
-    });
-    const pending = recent.find((message) =>
-      messageHasPendingChoice(message.blocks as MessageBlock[]),
+  const pending = await findPendingCard(deps.prisma, thread.id);
+  const skip = pending?.card.step ? secondaryOption(pending.card) : undefined;
+  if (pending?.card.step && skip) {
+    await chooseFocus(deps, actor, botId, { step: pending.card.step, optionId: skip.id });
+    return;
+  }
+  const event = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
+    await lockThread(tx, thread.id);
+    const current = await findPendingCard(tx, thread.id);
+    if (!current || current.card.step) return null;
+    const blocks = current.blocks.map((block) =>
+      block === current.card ? { ...current.card, answerId: FOCUS_DISMISSED_ANSWER_ID } : block,
     );
-    if (!pending) return null;
-    const blocks = (pending.blocks as MessageBlock[]).map((block) =>
-      block.kind === "choice" && !block.answerId
-        ? { ...block, answerId: FOCUS_DISMISSED_ANSWER_ID }
-        : block,
-    );
-    await tx.message.update({ where: { id: pending.id }, data: { blocks } });
-    const event = await appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
-      spaceId: target.spaceId,
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      botId: target.botId,
-      type: "thread.message.updated",
-      payload: { messageId: pending.id, role: "bot", blocks },
-    });
-    return { messageId: pending.id, blocks, event };
+    return updateBlocksInTransaction(tx, target, current.messageId, blocks);
   });
-  if (!claimed) return;
-  await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, claimed.event.seq);
+  if (event) await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, event.seq);
 }
 
+export interface ChooseInput {
+  step?: OnboardingStep;
+  optionId: string;
+  text?: string;
+  canEnablePush?: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Answers the pending card. The answer is checked against that card, a stale answer (another
+ * card is pending by now) is ignored, and everything that follows is committed together with
+ * it: the focus card's app suggestions, then the next onboarding question or the closing line.
+ */
 export async function chooseFocus(
   deps: OnboardingDeps,
   actor: Actor,
   botId: string,
-  optionId: string,
+  input: ChooseInput,
 ): Promise<void> {
-  const option = FOCUS_OPTIONS.find((entry) => entry.id === optionId);
-  if (!option) throw new IsolationError();
   const { bot, thread } = await requireBotThread(deps, actor, botId);
   const target = { spaceId: actor.spaceId, botId: bot.id, threadId: thread.id };
+  const pending = await findPendingCard(deps.prisma, thread.id);
+  if (!pending || pending.card.step !== input.step) return;
+  const answer = readIntakeAnswer(pending.card, input.optionId, input.text);
+  if (!answer) throw new ORPCError("BAD_REQUEST", { message: "This card has no such answer" });
+  const focus =
+    !pending.card.step || pending.card.step === "focus"
+      ? FOCUS_OPTIONS.find((option) => option.id === answer.option?.id)
+      : undefined;
+  // Fetched before the transaction: the connector catalog can take seconds.
+  const followUp = focus
+    ? await focusFollowUp(deps, actor, bot.id, focus, Boolean(pending.card.step))
+    : [];
 
-  const claimed = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
-    await tx.$executeRaw`SELECT id FROM threads WHERE id = ${thread.id} FOR UPDATE`;
-    const recent = await tx.message.findMany({
-      where: { threadId: thread.id },
-      orderBy: { createdAt: "asc" },
-    });
-    const pending = recent.find((message) =>
-      messageHasPendingChoice(message.blocks as MessageBlock[]),
-    );
-    if (!pending) return null;
-    const blocks = (pending.blocks as MessageBlock[]).map((block) =>
-      block.kind === "choice" ? { ...block, answerId: option.id } : block,
-    );
-    await tx.message.update({ where: { id: pending.id }, data: { blocks } });
-    const event = await appendEventInTransaction(tx, {
-      spaceId: target.spaceId,
-      threadId: target.threadId,
-      botId: target.botId,
-      type: "thread.message.updated",
-      payload: { messageId: pending.id, role: "bot", blocks },
-    });
-    return { messageId: pending.id, blocks, event };
+  const event = await deps.prisma.$transaction(async (tx: Prisma.TransactionClient) => {
+    await lockThread(tx, thread.id);
+    const current = await findPendingCard(tx, thread.id);
+    if (current?.messageId !== pending.messageId || current.card.step !== input.step) return null;
+    const onboarding = current.card.step
+      ? await tx.userOnboarding.findUnique({ where: { userId: actor.userId } })
+      : null;
+    if (current.card.step) {
+      if (onboarding?.step !== current.card.step) return null;
+      await intakeStep(current.card.step).save(
+        { prisma: deps.prisma, jobs: deps.jobs, tx, userId: actor.userId },
+        answer,
+      );
+    }
+    const answered = answeredCard(current.card, answer);
+    const blocks = current.blocks.map((block) => (block === current.card ? answered : block));
+    let last = await updateBlocksInTransaction(tx, target, current.messageId, blocks);
+    for (const message of followUp) last = await postInTransaction(tx, target, message);
+    if (current.card.step) {
+      last = await askNext(deps, tx, target, actor.userId, current.card.step, input.canEnablePush);
+    }
+    return last;
   });
-  if (!claimed) return;
-  await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, claimed.event.seq);
+  if (event) await deps.events.notify(target.threadId, event.seq);
+}
 
-  // Keep the name and title the user chose when creating the bot; the focus
-  // step only suggests apps, it must not rename the bot.
-  await post(deps, target, [
-    {
-      kind: "text",
-      text: `Got it. ${capitalize(option.summary)}. I’ll see what’s already connected so I don’t make you set something up twice.`,
-    },
-  ]);
+function answeredCard(card: ChoiceBlock, answer: IntakeAnswer): ChoiceBlock {
+  return answer.option
+    ? { ...card, answerId: answer.option.id }
+    : { ...card, answerId: CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID, answerText: answer.text };
+}
 
+async function loadIntakeContext(
+  tx: Prisma.TransactionClient,
+  userId: string,
+  now: Date,
+): Promise<IntakeContext> {
+  const profile = await tx.userProfile.findUnique({
+    where: { userId },
+    select: { locale: true, timeZone: true },
+  });
+  return intakeContext(profile, now);
+}
+
+/** Posts the next onboarding question, or the closing line once every step is answered. */
+async function askNext(
+  deps: OnboardingDeps,
+  tx: Prisma.TransactionClient,
+  target: Target,
+  userId: string,
+  answeredStep: OnboardingStep,
+  canEnablePush = false,
+): Promise<{ seq: number }> {
+  const now = new Date();
+  const context = await loadIntakeContext(tx, userId, now);
+  const next = nextIntakeStep(answeredStep, { canEnablePush });
+  if (next) {
+    await tx.userOnboarding.update({ where: { userId }, data: { step: next.id } });
+    return postInTransaction(tx, target, [next.card(context)]);
+  }
+  // The rhythm step saved its answer outside this transaction, so the routines are readable.
+  const rhythm = await getCoachRhythm(deps.prisma, userId);
+  await tx.userOnboarding.update({ where: { userId }, data: { step: null, completedAt: now } });
+  return postInTransaction(tx, target, [{ kind: "text", text: closingLine(rhythm, context) }]);
+}
+
+/** The messages after a focus answer: a short acknowledgement and the apps worth connecting. */
+async function focusFollowUp(
+  deps: OnboardingDeps,
+  actor: Actor,
+  botId: string,
+  option: FocusOption,
+  onboarding: boolean,
+): Promise<MessageBlock[][]> {
   const providers = deps.connectors.managedProviders();
   const catalog = (
     await Promise.all(
@@ -290,14 +336,14 @@ export async function chooseFocus(
             traceId: "onboarding.choose",
             spaceId: actor.spaceId,
             userId: actor.userId,
-            botId: bot.id,
+            botId,
             signal: AbortSignal.timeout(15_000),
           })
           .catch(() => []),
       ),
     )
   ).flat();
-  const cards: MessageBlock[] = option.apps.flatMap((slug) => {
+  const cards = option.apps.flatMap((slug) => {
     const entry = catalog.find(
       (item) =>
         item.slug.toLowerCase() === slug.toLowerCase() ||
@@ -317,26 +363,22 @@ export async function chooseFocus(
     ];
   });
   if (!cards.length) {
-    await post(deps, target, [{ kind: "text", text: "What would you like to work on first?" }]);
-    return;
+    // In onboarding the next question follows; another bot asks what to start with.
+    const text = onboarding ? "Got it." : "Got it. What would you like to work on first?";
+    return [[{ kind: "text", text }]];
   }
-  const cardNames = cards
-    .map((card) => (card.kind === "app_connect" ? card.name : ""))
-    .filter(Boolean);
-  const named = `${cardNames.slice(0, -1).join(", ")}${cardNames.length > 1 ? ", and " : ""}${cardNames.at(-1)}`;
-  await post(deps, target, [
-    {
-      kind: "text",
-      text: `${named} are a good place to start. Connect them here and I’ll use what you already have.`,
-    },
-  ]);
-  await post(deps, target, cards);
-  await post(deps, target, [
-    {
-      kind: "text",
-      text: `Hit those ${cards.length === 1 ? "one" : cards.length === 2 ? "two" : "three"} and I’ll start pulling the picture.`,
-    },
-  ]);
+  const names = cards.map((card) => card.name);
+  const named =
+    names.length > 1 ? `${names.slice(0, -1).join(", ")}, and ${names.at(-1)}` : names[0];
+  return [
+    [
+      {
+        kind: "text",
+        text: `Got it. ${named} ${names.length > 1 ? "are" : "is"} a good place to start.`,
+      },
+    ],
+    cards,
+  ];
 }
 
 export async function markAppConnected(
@@ -376,7 +418,3 @@ export async function markAppConnected(
     await updateBlocks(deps, target, message.id, next);
   }
 }
-
-function capitalize(value: string): string {
-  return value.length > 0 ? (value[0] ?? "").toUpperCase() + value.slice(1) : value;
-}
diff --git a/apps/api/src/router.ts b/apps/api/src/router.ts
index f43dc89..1c8f5eb 100644
--- a/apps/api/src/router.ts
+++ b/apps/api/src/router.ts
@@ -530,7 +530,12 @@ export function createRouter(deps: RouterDeps) {
     userAgent?: string;
   }>();
   const repos = createRepos(deps.prisma);
-  const onboardingDeps = { prisma: deps.prisma, events: deps.events, connectors: deps.connectors };
+  const onboardingDeps = {
+    prisma: deps.prisma,
+    events: deps.events,
+    connectors: deps.connectors,
+    jobs: deps.jobs,
+  };
   const mcpOAuth = deps.mcpOAuth ?? new McpOAuthBroker(deps.prisma, deps.secrets);
   const groupRepos = createGroupRepos(deps.prisma);
   const projectGoalRepos = createProjectGoalRepos(deps.prisma);
@@ -3494,7 +3499,7 @@ export function createRouter(deps: RouterDeps) {
         return { ok: true as const };
       }),
       choose: authed.onboarding.choose.handler(async ({ context, input }) => {
-        await chooseFocus(onboardingDeps, context.actor, input.botId, input.optionId);
+        await chooseFocus(onboardingDeps, context.actor, input.botId, input);
         return { ok: true as const };
       }),
       dismissFocus: authed.onboarding.dismissFocus.handler(async ({ context, input }) => {
diff --git a/apps/mobile/lib/api.test.ts b/apps/mobile/lib/api.test.ts
index ddc8e93..053a60c 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/lib/api.test.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/lib/api.test.ts
@@ -1857,6 +1857,25 @@ describe("mobile thread event reduction", () => {
     ).toBe("Slack · Alex: Hello from the group");
   });
 
+  it("reads a choice card as its question and answer", () => {
+    const card = {
+      kind: "choice" as const,
+      step: "goal" as const,
+      question: "What’s one thing you want to get done in the next few weeks?",
+      textInput: { placeholder: "Your goal" },
+      options: [{ id: "skip", letter: "", label: "Skip" }],
+    };
+    expect(blockText(mobileMessage("choice-1", [card]))).toBe(card.question);
+    expect(
+      blockText(
+        mobileMessage("choice-2", [{ ...card, answerId: "_text", answerText: "Run a 10K" }]),
+      ),
+    ).toBe(`${card.question}\nRun a 10K`);
+    expect(blockText(mobileMessage("choice-3", [{ ...card, answerId: "skip" }]))).toBe(
+      `${card.question}\nSkip`,
+    );
+  });
+
   it("deduplicates durable messages and replaces matching transient subagent state", () => {
     const initial = snapshot([
       mobileMessage("message-1", [{ kind: "text", text: "old" }]),
diff --git a/apps/mobile/lib/api.ts b/apps/mobile/lib/api.ts
index f328abc..45e5777 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/lib/api.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/lib/api.ts
@@ -874,6 +874,12 @@ export function blockText(message: MobileMessage) {
       if (block.kind === "child_bot") {
         return `${block.status === "archived" ? "Archived" : block.status === "deleted" ? "Deleted" : "Bot"} ${block.name ?? ""}`;
       }
+      // Choice cards are answered on the web; here they read as the question and its answer.
+      if (block.kind === "choice") {
+        const answer =
+          block.answerText ?? block.options.find((option) => option.id === block.answerId)?.label;
+        return answer ? `${block.question}\n${answer}` : block.question;
+      }
       if (block.kind === "chart") return `[chart: ${block.name ?? "chart"}]`;
       if (block.kind === "image") return `[image: ${block.name ?? "attachment"}]`;
       if (block.kind === "file") {
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/helpers.ts b/apps/web/e2e/helpers.ts
index 32b77a3..edc646d 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/helpers.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/helpers.ts
@@ -88,8 +88,9 @@ async function visible(locator: Locator, timeout: number) {
 }
 
 /**
- * Walks first-run onboarding, which lands in the main conversation. Unless `mainConversation`
- * is set, it then opens the main bot's own thread, where most specs start.
+ * Walks the first-run wizard, which lands in the main conversation with the main bot's first
+ * onboarding question pending (the composer works regardless). Unless `mainConversation` is
+ * set, it then opens the main bot's own thread, where most specs start.
  */
 export async function completeOnboarding(
   page: Page,
@@ -101,13 +102,12 @@ export async function completeOnboarding(
   if (page.url().includes("/onboarding")) {
     await expect(page.locator('[data-rakazo-surface="onboarding"]')).toHaveAttribute(
       "data-onboarding-step",
-      /^(emoji|preferences|language|voice|integrations|scan|bot)$/,
+      /^(emoji|language|voice|integrations|scan|bot)$/,
       { timeout: 30_000 },
     );
   }
 
   const design = page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Design your Oo/i });
-  const preferences = page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Tell us about yourself/i });
   const language = page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Choose your language/i });
   const voice = page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Pick a voice/i });
   const integrations = page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Server integrations", exact: true });
@@ -119,8 +119,6 @@ export async function completeOnboarding(
   await expect(entry.first()).toBeVisible({ timeout: 20_000 });
 
   if (await design.isVisible()) {
-    await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Continue", exact: true }).click();
-    await expect(preferences).toBeVisible();
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Continue", exact: true }).click();
     await expect(language).toBeVisible();
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: /Skip/i }).click();
@@ -133,8 +131,15 @@ export async function completeOnboarding(
     await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Skip", exact: true }).click();
   }
 
-  // Scan step auto-advances to the main bot, then onboarding lands in the main conversation.
-  await page.waitForURL(/\/app\/g\/[^/]+$/, { timeout: 30_000 });
+  // The scan step, when shown, either asks first (skip it) or advances by itself. Onboarding
+  // then lands in the main conversation.
+  const skipScan = page
+    .locator('[data-onboarding-step="scan"]')
+    .getByRole("button", { name: "Skip", exact: true });
+  await expect(async () => {
+    if (await skipScan.isVisible()) await skipScan.click();
+    expect(page.url()).toMatch(/\/app\/g\/[^/]+$/);
+  }).toPass({ timeout: 30_000 });
   await expect(chief).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
   await waitForChatComposer(page);
 
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/message-hover-actions.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/message-hover-actions.spec.ts
index 4667825..d35ade3 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/message-hover-actions.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/message-hover-actions.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ import { captureScreenshot, completeOnboarding, signup, waitForChatComposer } fr
 /** Submit from the Send control so an in-flight prior send cannot swallow Enter. */
 async function sendComposerMessage(page: Page, composer: Locator, text: string) {
   await composer.fill(text);
-  const send = page.getByRole("button", { name: "Send", exact: true });
+  // An open onboarding card in the transcript has its own Send.
+  const send = page.getByTestId("composer-bar").getByRole("button", { name: "Send", exact: true });
   await expect(send).toBeEnabled();
   await send.click();
   await expect(composer).toHaveValue("");
@@ -72,13 +73,20 @@ test("message hover shows beside-bubble actions; reply links to parent", async (
 
   const transcript = page.getByTestId("transcript");
 
-  // Empty start: no Fresh-start greeting. Answer the focus card so a plain
-  // bot text bubble exists for hover layout checks.
+  // Empty start: no Fresh-start greeting. Answer the focus card, then ask something long: a bot
+  // row's rail sits at the row's end, so the measured reply must wrap and fill its row.
   await expect(page.getByText("What do you want me on first?", { exact: true })).toBeVisible({
     timeout: 20_000,
   });
   await page.getByTestId("focus-choice-day").click();
-  const botText = page.getByText(/Got it\./);
+  await expect(page.getByText(/Got it\./)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 20_000 });
+  const composer = page.getByRole("combobox", { name: /^Message/ });
+  await sendComposerMessage(
+    page,
+    composer,
+    `hover-bot-${stamp} ${"please look into this ".repeat(7)}`,
+  );
+  const botText = page.getByText(/i handled: hover-bot-/);
   await expect(botText).toBeVisible({ timeout: 20_000 });
   const botRow = transcript.locator(`[data-message-id]`).filter({ has: botText }).first();
   await expect(botRow).toBeVisible();
@@ -121,7 +129,6 @@ test("message hover shows beside-bubble actions; reply links to parent", async (
 
   const parentText = `hover-parent-${stamp}`;
   const replyText = `hover-reply-${stamp}`;
-  const composer = page.getByRole("combobox", { name: /^Message/ });
   await expect(composer).toBeVisible();
   await sendComposerMessage(page, composer, parentText);
 
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-conversation.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-conversation.spec.ts
index 57bd3bb..e028c66 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-conversation.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-conversation.spec.ts
@@ -21,6 +21,9 @@ test("focus choice suggests apps and preserves a completed connection", async ({
   await expect(page.getByTestId("focus-choice-day")).toContainText("Day-to-day work");
   await expect(page.getByTestId("focus-choice-research")).toContainText("Research & writing");
   await expect(page.getByTestId("focus-choice-crew")).toContainText("Specialist crew");
+  // Onboarding questions offer a quiet way out instead of a dismiss button.
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("focus-choice-skip")).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Dismiss" })).toHaveCount(0);
   await page.mouse.move(1, 1);
   await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "01-focus-choice");
   await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "choice-card-onboarding");
@@ -33,6 +36,9 @@ test("focus choice suggests apps and preserves a completed connection", async ({
   ).toBeVisible();
   expect((await rpc<{ name: string }>(page, "bots/ensureMain", {})).name).toBe("Chief");
   await expect(page.getByRole("combobox", { name: "Message" })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(
+    page.getByText("Got it. Slack, Gmail, and Google Calendar are a good place to start."),
+  ).toBeVisible();
   await expect(page.getByText("Slack", { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
   await expect(page.getByText("Gmail", { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
   const connectionCards = page.getByRole("group", { name: / connection$/ });
@@ -45,10 +51,10 @@ test("focus choice suggests apps and preserves a completed connection", async ({
   );
   expect(cardBoxes[1].top - cardBoxes[0].bottom).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(8);
   expect(cardBoxes[2].top - cardBoxes[1].bottom).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(8);
-  await page
-    .getByTestId("transcript")
-    .getByText("Hit those three and I’ll start pulling the picture.")
-    .scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
+  // The next onboarding question follows the suggestions.
+  const goal = page.locator('[data-testid="choice-card"][data-step="goal"]');
+  await expect(goal).toContainText("What’s one thing you want to get done in the next few weeks?");
+  await slackCard(page).scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
   await page.mouse.move(1, 1);
   await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "02-app-suggestions");
   const authorizeButton = slackCard(page).getByRole("button", { name: "Authorize" });
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-emoji-first.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-emoji-first.spec.ts
index 0a49936..51e1bf8 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-emoji-first.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-emoji-first.spec.ts
@@ -17,12 +17,11 @@ test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
 });
 
 /**
- * E2E test for the new emoji-first onboarding flow:
+ * E2E test for the emoji-first onboarding flow:
  * 1. Sign up → lands on onboarding
  * 2. Design Oo: pick shape + color → live preview
- * 3. Tell us about yourself: name, timezone, hobbies, work style, communication
- * 4. Choose language
- * 5. Skip integrations → bot created → land in chat
+ * 3. Choose language, skip the voice
+ * 4. Skip integrations → bot created → land in chat, where the main bot asks the rest
  */
 
 test("emoji-first onboarding: shape + color selection with live preview", async ({
@@ -50,50 +49,13 @@ test("emoji-first onboarding: shape + color selection with live preview", async
 
   if (testInfo) await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "02-shape-color-preview");
 
-  // Click Continue → goes to preferences step
+  // Click Continue → goes to the language step
   await page
     .getByRole("button", { name: /Continue/i })
     .first()
     .click();
 
-  // Step 2: Tell us about yourself
-  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Tell us about yourself/i })).toBeVisible();
-
-  if (testInfo) await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "03-user-preferences");
-
-  // Fill in name
-  await page.getByPlaceholder(/Your name/i).fill("Alice");
-
-  // Fill in timezone
-  await page.getByLabel(/Timezone/i).fill("Europe/Vienna");
-
-  // Select a hobby
-  const hobbyButtons = page.locator("button[aria-pressed]");
-  if (await hobbyButtons.count()) {
-    await hobbyButtons.first().click(); // toggle first hobby
-  }
-
-  // Select work style
-  const workStyleButtons = page.locator("button[aria-pressed]:visible");
-  if ((await workStyleButtons.count()) >= 2) {
-    await workStyleButtons.nth(0).click();
-  }
-
-  // Select communication style
-  const commButtons = page.locator("button[aria-pressed]:visible");
-  if ((await commButtons.count()) >= 2) {
-    await commButtons.nth(0).click();
-  }
-
-  if (testInfo) await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "04-preferences-filled");
-
-  // Click Continue → goes to language step
-  await page
-    .getByRole("button", { name: /Continue/i })
-    .first()
-    .click();
-
-  // Step 3: Language selection
+  // Step 2: Language selection
   await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Choose your language/i })).toBeVisible();
 
   if (testInfo) await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "05-language-step");
@@ -135,13 +97,6 @@ test("onboarding: skip language defaults to English", async ({ page }) => {
     .first()
     .click();
 
-  // Preferences step — just continue
-  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Tell us about yourself/i })).toBeVisible();
-  await page
-    .getByRole("button", { name: /Continue/i })
-    .first()
-    .click();
-
   // Language step — click Skip, then skip voice.
   await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Choose your language/i })).toBeVisible();
   await page.getByRole("button", { name: /Skip/i }).click();
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-intake.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-intake.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3b7903a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-intake.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+/**
+ * E2E: after the wizard the main bot gets to know the user in the main conversation, one card
+ * after each answer, without ever blocking the composer.
+ */
+import { expect, type Page, test } from "@playwright/test";
+import { captureScreenshot, completeOnboarding, rpc, signup } from "./helpers";
+
+function card(page: Page, step: string) {
+  return page.locator(`[data-testid="choice-card"][data-step="${step}"]`);
+}
+
+test("the main bot asks focus, goal, check-ins and quiet hours, then says what is next", async ({
+  page,
+}, testInfo) => {
+  await signup(page, `intake-${Date.now()}@rakazo.test`, "password12", "Intake Tester");
+  await completeOnboarding(page, undefined, { mainConversation: true });
+
+  await page.getByTestId("focus-choice-day").click();
+  const goal = card(page, "goal");
+  await expect(goal).toContainText("What’s one thing you want to get done in the next few weeks?");
+
+  // Typing instead of answering goes to the main bot, and the card stays answerable.
+  const composer = page.getByRole("combobox", { name: "Message" });
+  await composer.fill("Quick question first");
+  await composer.press("Enter");
+  await expect(page.getByTestId("transcript")).toContainText(/on it|handled/i, {
+    timeout: 60_000,
+  });
+  const goalInput = goal.getByRole("textbox", {
+    name: "What’s one thing you want to get done in the next few weeks?",
+  });
+  await goalInput.fill("Run a 10K");
+  await goal.scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
+  await page.mouse.move(1, 1);
+  await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "onboarding-intake-goal");
+  await goalInput.press("Enter");
+  await expect(goal.getByTestId("choice-answer")).toHaveText("Run a 10K");
+
+  const rhythm = card(page, "rhythm");
+  await expect(rhythm).toContainText("When should I check in with you?");
+  await rhythm.scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
+  await page.mouse.move(1, 1);
+  await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "onboarding-intake-rhythm");
+  await rhythm.getByTestId("rhythm-choice-morning").click();
+  await expect(rhythm.getByTestId("choice-answer")).toContainText("Every morning");
+
+  const quiet = card(page, "quiet_hours");
+  await expect(quiet).toContainText("When should I stay quiet?");
+  await quiet.getByTestId("quiet_hours-choice-22-07").click();
+
+  // Only a browser that can still turn push on is asked about notifications.
+  const closing = page.getByText(/^All set\. I’ll check in (today|tomorrow) at 8:00\sAM\.$/);
+  const notifications = card(page, "notifications");
+  await expect(notifications.or(closing).first()).toBeVisible();
+  if (await notifications.isVisible()) {
+    await notifications.getByTestId("notifications-choice-later").click();
+  }
+  await expect(closing).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(
+    page.locator('[data-testid="choice-card"]:not(:has([data-testid="choice-answer"]))'),
+  ).toHaveCount(0);
+  await closing.scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
+  await page.mouse.move(1, 1);
+  await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "onboarding-intake-done");
+
+  const settings = await rpc<{ quietHours: { start: string; end: string } | null }>(
+    page,
+    "notifications/settings/get",
+    null,
+  );
+  expect(settings.quietHours).toEqual({ start: "22:00", end: "07:00" });
+  const profile = await rpc<{ facts: Array<{ value: string; source: string }> }>(
+    page,
+    "profile/get",
+    null,
+  );
+  expect(profile.facts).toContainEqual(
+    expect.objectContaining({
+      value: "Wants help with day-to-day work first",
+      source: "onboarding",
+    }),
+  );
+});
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-model-required.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-model-required.spec.ts
index bfd722e..224608d 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-model-required.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-model-required.spec.ts
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ test("onboarding shows the look picker when a model is still required", async ({
   await page.waitForURL(/\/onboarding/, { timeout: 20_000 });
   await expect(page.locator('[data-rakazo-surface="onboarding"]')).toHaveAttribute(
     "data-onboarding-step",
-    /^(emoji|preferences|language|voice|integrations)$/,
+    /^(emoji|language|voice|integrations)$/,
     { timeout: 30_000 },
   );
   await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Design your Oo/i })).toBeVisible({
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ for (const unavailable of ["empty", "failed"] as const) {
     await page.waitForURL(/\/onboarding/, { timeout: 20_000 });
     await expect(page.locator('[data-rakazo-surface="onboarding"]')).toHaveAttribute(
       "data-onboarding-step",
-      /^(emoji|preferences|language|voice|integrations)$/,
+      /^(emoji|language|voice|integrations)$/,
       { timeout: 30_000 },
     );
     await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Design your Oo/i })).toBeVisible({
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-oo-swipe.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-oo-swipe.spec.ts
index 8e175f2..0789ace 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-oo-swipe.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/onboarding-oo-swipe.spec.ts
@@ -77,5 +77,5 @@ test("mobile onboarding: category pick and swipe look previews", async ({ page }
     .getByRole("button", { name: /Continue/i })
     .first()
     .click();
-  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Tell us about yourself/i })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Choose your language/i })).toBeVisible();
 });
diff --git a/apps/web/e2e/user-profile.spec.ts b/apps/web/e2e/user-profile.spec.ts
index 9b57445..da47b22 100644
--- a/apps/web/e2e/user-profile.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/e2e/user-profile.spec.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 /**
- * E2E: onboarding answers land in the user profile, and Settings → About you shows every
- * fact with its origin, confirms a pending one, and forgets one or all of them.
+ * E2E: onboarding fills the user profile without asking (time zone, locale and language from
+ * the browser) and records the focus answer as a fact; Settings → About you shows every fact
+ * with its origin, confirms a pending one, and forgets one or all of them.
  */
 import { expect, test } from "@playwright/test";
 import { captureScreenshot, openUserSettings, rpc, signup, waitForChatComposer } from "./helpers";
@@ -8,7 +9,7 @@ import { captureScreenshot, openUserSettings, rpc, signup, waitForChatComposer }
 test.use({ timezoneId: "Europe/Vienna" });
 
 test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
-  // Walk the full emoji-first flow, including the preferences step.
+  // Walk the full emoji-first flow.
   await page.route("**/rpc/integrationSetup/get", (route) =>
     route.fulfill({
       json: {
@@ -34,27 +35,23 @@ test("onboarding feeds the profile; facts can be confirmed and forgotten", async
   });
   await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Continue", exact: true }).click();
 
-  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Tell us about yourself/i })).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByLabel("Timezone")).toHaveValue("Europe/Vienna");
-  await page.getByPlaceholder("Your name").fill("Pat Example");
-  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Music", exact: true }).click();
-  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Deep-dive focused" }).click();
-  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Direct & concise" }).click();
-  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Continue", exact: true }).click();
-
   await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Choose your language/i })).toBeVisible();
   await page.getByRole("button", { name: "English", exact: true }).click();
   await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: /Pick a voice/i })).toBeVisible();
   await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Skip", exact: true }).click();
 
-  await page.waitForURL(/\/app\/[^/]+/, { timeout: 30_000 });
+  await page.waitForURL(/\/app\/g\/[^/]+/, { timeout: 30_000 });
   await waitForChatComposer(page);
+  // The main bot asks the rest in the main conversation; the focus answer becomes a fact.
+  await page.getByTestId("focus-choice-day").click();
+  await expect(page.locator('[data-testid="choice-card"][data-step="goal"]')).toBeVisible();
 
   // The answers no longer overwrite a bot's instructions.
   const bots = await rpc<Array<{ instructions: string }>>(page, "bots/list", null);
   expect(bots.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
   for (const bot of bots) expect(bot.instructions).not.toContain("User Context");
-  expect((await rpc<{ name: string }>(page, "me", null)).name).toBe("Pat Example");
+  // The account name is used as is; onboarding no longer asks for it again.
+  expect((await rpc<{ name: string }>(page, "me", null)).name).toBe("Profile Tester");
 
   // Sensitive facts from anywhere but the user wait for confirmation.
   await rpc(page, "profile/update", {
@@ -67,14 +64,13 @@ test("onboarding feeds the profile; facts can be confirmed and forgotten", async
   await expect(profile.getByTestId("profile-field-timeZone")).toContainText("Europe/Vienna");
   await expect(profile.getByTestId("profile-field-language")).toContainText("English");
   await expect(profile.getByTestId("profile-field-locale")).toContainText("United States");
-  await expect(profile.getByTestId("profile-field-communicationStyle")).toContainText(
-    "Direct and concise",
-  );
 
-  const music = profile.getByTestId("user-fact").filter({ hasText: "Interested in music" });
-  await expect(music).toContainText("Onboarding");
-  await expect(profile.getByTestId("user-facts-habits")).toContainText(
-    "Prefers focused deep dives",
+  const focus = profile
+    .getByTestId("user-fact")
+    .filter({ hasText: "Wants help with day-to-day work first" });
+  await expect(focus).toContainText("Onboarding");
+  await expect(profile.getByTestId("user-facts-goals")).toContainText(
+    "Wants help with day-to-day work first",
   );
 
   const allergy = profile.getByTestId("user-fact").filter({ hasText: "Allergic to peanuts" });
@@ -84,8 +80,8 @@ test("onboarding feeds the profile; facts can be confirmed and forgotten", async
   await expect(allergy).toHaveAttribute("data-status", "active");
   await expect(allergy.getByRole("button", { name: "Confirm" })).toHaveCount(0);
 
-  await music.getByRole("button", { name: "Delete" }).click();
-  await expect(music).toHaveCount(0);
+  await focus.getByRole("button", { name: "Delete" }).click();
+  await expect(focus).toHaveCount(0);
   await captureScreenshot(page, testInfo, "user-profile-settings");
   const afterDelete = await rpc<{ facts: Array<{ value: string; status: string }> }>(
     page,
@@ -93,7 +89,9 @@ test("onboarding feeds the profile; facts can be confirmed and forgotten", async
     null,
   );
   expect(afterDelete.facts).toEqual(
-    expect.not.arrayContaining([expect.objectContaining({ value: "Interested in music" })]),
+    expect.not.arrayContaining([
+      expect.objectContaining({ value: "Wants help with day-to-day work first" }),
+    ]),
   );
   expect(afterDelete.facts).toContainEqual(
     expect.objectContaining({ value: "Allergic to peanuts", status: "active" }),
diff --git a/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.test.ts b/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.test.ts
index d9ce98d..ba07e54 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.test.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.test.ts
@@ -1,56 +1,25 @@
 import { describe, expect, it } from "vitest";
 import { onboardingProfileUpdate } from "./onboarding-profile";
 
-const blank = { name: "", timezone: "", hobbies: [], workStyle: "", communication: "" };
-
 describe("onboardingProfileUpdate", () => {
-  it("turns answers into profile fields and onboarding facts", () => {
+  it("fills the time zone, locale and chosen language from the browser", () => {
     expect(
       onboardingProfileUpdate({
-        answers: {
-          name: " Alice ",
-          timezone: "Europe/Vienna",
-          hobbies: ["music", "tech", "none"],
-          workStyle: "deep-dive",
-          communication: "direct",
-        },
-        accountName: "Alice Example",
-        browserTimeZone: "UTC",
+        browserTimeZone: "Europe/Vienna",
         locale: "de-AT",
         language: "de",
       }),
-    ).toEqual({
-      name: "Alice",
-      timeZone: "Europe/Vienna",
-      locale: "de-AT",
-      language: "de",
-      communicationStyle: "Direct and concise",
-      addFacts: [
-        { category: "preferences", value: "Interested in music", source: "onboarding" },
-        { category: "preferences", value: "Interested in tech and gadgets", source: "onboarding" },
-        { category: "habits", value: "Prefers focused deep dives", source: "onboarding" },
-      ],
-    });
+    ).toEqual({ timeZone: "Europe/Vienna", locale: "de-AT", language: "de" });
   });
 
-  it("keeps the account name and falls back to the browser time zone", () => {
+  it("leaves out a language the user did not pick and malformed values", () => {
     expect(
       onboardingProfileUpdate({
-        answers: { ...blank, name: "Alice", timezone: "Not/AZone" },
-        accountName: "Alice",
-        browserTimeZone: "America/Toronto",
-      }),
-    ).toEqual({ timeZone: "America/Toronto" });
-  });
-
-  it("leaves out a language the user did not pick and malformed tags", () => {
-    expect(
-      onboardingProfileUpdate({
-        answers: blank,
-        browserTimeZone: "UTC",
+        browserTimeZone: "Not/AZone",
         locale: "not a tag",
         language: null,
       }),
-    ).toEqual({ timeZone: "UTC" });
+    ).toEqual({});
+    expect(onboardingProfileUpdate({ browserTimeZone: "UTC" })).toEqual({ timeZone: "UTC" });
   });
 });
diff --git a/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.ts b/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.ts
index 78d1d58..1d7d1de 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/lib/onboarding-profile.ts
@@ -1,73 +1,19 @@
-import type { UserFactCategory } from "@rakazo/contracts";
 import { isLanguageTag, isTimeZone } from "@rakazo/contracts";
 
-export interface OnboardingAnswers {
-  name: string;
-  timezone: string;
-  hobbies: string[];
-  workStyle: string;
-  communication: string;
-}
-
-// Stored as data for the user's bots, so these stay plain English statements.
-const HOBBY_FACTS: Record<string, string> = {
-  coding: "Interested in coding",
-  design: "Interested in design",
-  writing: "Interested in writing",
-  music: "Interested in music",
-  gaming: "Interested in gaming",
-  reading: "Interested in reading",
-  sports: "Interested in sports",
-  cooking: "Interested in cooking",
-  tech: "Interested in tech and gadgets",
-};
-
-const WORK_STYLE_FACTS: Record<string, string> = {
-  structured: "Works in a structured, planned way",
-  flexible: "Works flexibly and spontaneously",
-  "deep-dive": "Prefers focused deep dives",
-  quick: "Works quickly and pragmatically",
-};
-
-const COMMUNICATION_STYLES: Record<string, string> = {
-  direct: "Direct and concise",
-  detailed: "Detailed and explanatory",
-  balanced: "Balanced",
-  casual: "Casual and friendly",
-};
-
-/** Turns onboarding answers into one profile update; empty or unknown answers are left out. */
+/**
+ * The profile fields onboarding fills in without asking: the browser's time zone and locale,
+ * and the language the user picked for their Oos. The name comes from the account.
+ */
 export function onboardingProfileUpdate(input: {
-  answers: OnboardingAnswers;
-  /** The account name, which only changes when the user typed a different one. */
-  accountName?: string;
-  /** Used when the typed time zone is empty or unknown. */
   browserTimeZone: string;
   /** Browser locale, e.g. "de-AT". */
   locale?: string;
   /** Language the user picked for their Oos, when they picked one. */
   language?: string | null;
 }) {
-  const { answers } = input;
-  const name = answers.name.trim();
-  const typedZone = answers.timezone.trim();
-  const workStyle = WORK_STYLE_FACTS[answers.workStyle];
-  const facts: Array<{ category: UserFactCategory; value: string }> = [
-    ...answers.hobbies.flatMap((hobby) => {
-      const value = HOBBY_FACTS[hobby];
-      return value ? [{ category: "preferences" as const, value }] : [];
-    }),
-    ...(workStyle ? [{ category: "habits" as const, value: workStyle }] : []),
-  ];
-  const communicationStyle = COMMUNICATION_STYLES[answers.communication];
   return {
-    ...(name && name !== input.accountName?.trim() ? { name } : {}),
-    timeZone: typedZone && isTimeZone(typedZone) ? typedZone : input.browserTimeZone,
+    ...(isTimeZone(input.browserTimeZone) ? { timeZone: input.browserTimeZone } : {}),
     ...(input.locale && isLanguageTag(input.locale) ? { locale: input.locale } : {}),
     ...(input.language && isLanguageTag(input.language) ? { language: input.language } : {}),
-    ...(communicationStyle ? { communicationStyle } : {}),
-    ...(facts.length > 0
-      ? { addFacts: facts.map((fact) => ({ ...fact, source: "onboarding" as const })) }
-      : {}),
   };
 }
diff --git a/apps/web/src/pages/Onboarding.tsx b/apps/web/src/pages/Onboarding.tsx
index 75b9533..f21c80d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/pages/Onboarding.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/pages/Onboarding.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { Trans, useLingui } from "@lingui/react/macro";
 import type { IntegrationSetupState, MainConversationRef } from "@rakazo/contracts";
-import { Button, Input } from "@rakazo/ui-web";
-import { useEffect, useId, useMemo, useRef, useState } from "react";
+import { Button } from "@rakazo/ui-web";
+import { useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from "react";
 import { useNavigate } from "react-router-dom";
 import { IntegrationSetup } from "../components/integrations/IntegrationSetup";
 import { OnboardingDiscoveryShell } from "../components/onboarding/OnboardingDiscoveryShell";
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ import { findLookCategory, lookPresetToAvatarValue } from "../lib/onboarding-loo
 import { onboardingProfileUpdate } from "../lib/onboarding-profile";
 import { rpc, selectSpace } from "../lib/rpc";
 import { persistUiLocale, UI_LOCALE_LABELS, type UiLocale } from "../lib/ui-locale";
-import { inferHelpVibeHints, type UserHelpVibeHints } from "../lib/user-help-vibe";
 import { collectLocalProfileSignals, persistUserProfileHarvest } from "../lib/user-profile-harvest";
 
 /** Selects the main conversation's space and returns its route. */
@@ -53,57 +52,11 @@ function defaultEmojiConfig(): OnboardingEmojiConfig {
   };
 }
 
-interface UserPreferences {
-  name: string;
-  timezone: string;
-  hobbies: string[];
-  workStyle: string;
-  communication: string;
-}
-
-const HOBBY_OPTIONS = [
-  { key: "coding", label: "Coding" },
-  { key: "design", label: "Design" },
-  { key: "writing", label: "Writing" },
-  { key: "music", label: "Music" },
-  { key: "gaming", label: "Gaming" },
-  { key: "reading", label: "Reading" },
-  { key: "sports", label: "Sports" },
-  { key: "cooking", label: "Cooking" },
-  { key: "tech", label: "Tech & Gadgets" },
-  { key: "none", label: <Trans>Nothing specific</Trans> },
-];
-
-const WORK_STYLE_OPTIONS = [
-  { key: "structured", label: <Trans>Structured & planned</Trans> },
-  { key: "flexible", label: <Trans>Flexible & spontaneous</Trans> },
-  { key: "deep-dive", label: <Trans>Deep-dive focused</Trans> },
-  { key: "quick", label: <Trans>Quick & pragmatic</Trans> },
-];
-
-const COMMUNICATION_OPTIONS = [
-  { key: "direct", label: <Trans>Direct & concise</Trans> },
-  { key: "detailed", label: <Trans>Detailed & explanatory</Trans> },
-  { key: "balanced", label: <Trans>Balanced</Trans> },
-  { key: "casual", label: <Trans>Casual & friendly</Trans> },
-];
-
-function defaultPreferences(): UserPreferences {
-  return {
-    name: "",
-    timezone: localTimezone(),
-    hobbies: [],
-    workStyle: "",
-    communication: "",
-  };
-}
-
 export function OnboardingPage() {
   const { t } = useLingui();
   const navigate = useNavigate();
-  const fieldId = useId();
   const [step, setStep] = useState<
-    "loading" | "emoji" | "preferences" | "language" | "voice" | "integrations" | "scan" | "bot"
+    "loading" | "emoji" | "language" | "voice" | "integrations" | "scan" | "bot"
   >("emoji");
   const [selectedVoiceId, setSelectedVoiceId] = useState("");
   const [voiceSkipped, setVoiceSkipped] = useState(false);
@@ -114,10 +67,8 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
   const [bootstrapMe, setBootstrapMe] = useState<Awaited<ReturnType<typeof rpc.me>> | null>(null);
   const [profilePersisted, setProfilePersisted] = useState(false);
   const [crewReady, setCrewReady] = useState(false);
-  const [_helpVibe, setHelpVibe] = useState<UserHelpVibeHints | null>(null);
 
   const [emojiConfig, setEmojiConfig] = useState<OnboardingEmojiConfig>(defaultEmojiConfig);
-  const [prefs, setPrefs] = useState<UserPreferences>(defaultPreferences());
   const [currentLocale, setCurrentLocale] = useState<string>(() => {
     try {
       return localStorage.getItem("rakazo.uiLocale") ?? "en";
@@ -139,7 +90,6 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
       .then(async ([me, integrations]) => {
         if (cancelled) return;
         setBootstrapMe(me);
-        setHelpVibe(inferHelpVibeHints(collectLocalProfileSignals(me)));
         setIntegrationSetup(integrations);
         // The first step renders before this resolves; never pull a user back who moved on.
         if (!me.needsModel && integrations?.needsSetup) {
@@ -169,17 +119,10 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
     };
   }, [navigate]);
 
-  function toggleHobby(key: string) {
-    const hobbies = prefs.hobbies.includes(key)
-      ? prefs.hobbies.filter((h) => h !== key)
-      : [...prefs.hobbies, key];
-    setPrefs({ ...prefs, hobbies });
-  }
-
   const discoveryPhase: OnboardingDiscoveryPhase =
     step === "loading"
       ? "loading"
-      : step === "emoji" || step === "preferences" || step === "language" || step === "voice"
+      : step === "emoji" || step === "language" || step === "voice"
         ? "emoji"
         : step === "integrations"
           ? "integrations"
@@ -220,8 +163,6 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
       await rpc.profile
         .update(
           onboardingProfileUpdate({
-            answers: prefs,
-            accountName: bootstrapMe?.name,
             browserTimeZone: localTimezone(),
             locale: typeof navigator !== "undefined" ? navigator.language : undefined,
             language: languageChoice,
@@ -243,22 +184,15 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
 
       const me = await rpc.me().catch(() => null);
       if (me) setBootstrapMe(me);
-      const harvested = await persistUserProfileHarvest(
-        rpc,
-        collectLocalProfileSignals(me ?? undefined),
-      ).catch(() => null);
-      if (harvested) setHelpVibe(harvested);
+      await persistUserProfileHarvest(rpc, collectLocalProfileSignals(me ?? undefined)).catch(
+        () => null,
+      );
       setProfilePersisted(true);
       for (const serverId of integrationServers) {
         await rpc.mcp.assignments.approve({ botId: bot.id, serverId });
       }
-      const started = await rpc.onboarding
-        .start({ botId: bot.id })
-        .then(() => true)
-        .catch(() => false);
-      if (started) {
-        await rpc.onboarding.promptFocus({ botId: bot.id }).catch(() => undefined);
-      }
+      // The main bot asks the rest in the main conversation.
+      await rpc.onboarding.promptFocus({ botId: bot.id }).catch(() => undefined);
       const main = await rpc.spaces
         .list()
         .then((navigation) => navigation.main)
@@ -291,11 +225,7 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
       <OnboardingDiscoveryShell
         items={discoveryItems}
         compact={
-          step === "emoji" ||
-          step === "preferences" ||
-          step === "language" ||
-          step === "voice" ||
-          step === "integrations"
+          step === "emoji" || step === "language" || step === "voice" || step === "integrations"
         }
       >
         {error && step !== "bot" ? <p className="mb-4 text-sm text-destructive">{error}</p> : null}
@@ -304,140 +234,10 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
           <OnboardingOoDesigner
             config={emojiConfig}
             onChange={setEmojiConfig}
-            onContinue={() => setStep("preferences")}
+            onContinue={() => setStep("language")}
           />
         ) : null}
 
-        {step === "preferences" ? (
-          <div className="mx-auto max-w-xl">
-            <h2 className="text-xl font-semibold tracking-tight text-foreground">
-              <Trans>Tell us about yourself</Trans>
-            </h2>
-            <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
-              <Trans>A few quick preferences so your Oo can be better tailored to you.</Trans>
-            </p>
-
-            <div className="mt-6">
-              <label
-                htmlFor={`${fieldId}-name`}
-                className="block text-sm font-medium text-foreground"
-              >
-                <Trans>Name</Trans>
-              </label>
-              <Input
-                id={`${fieldId}-name`}
-                value={prefs.name}
-                onChange={(e) => setPrefs({ ...prefs, name: e.target.value })}
-                placeholder={t`Your name`}
-                className="mt-2"
-              />
-            </div>
-
-            <div className="mt-6">
-              <label
-                htmlFor={`${fieldId}-timezone`}
-                className="block text-sm font-medium text-foreground"
-              >
-                <Trans>Timezone</Trans>
-              </label>
-              <Input
-                id={`${fieldId}-timezone`}
-                value={prefs.timezone}
-                onChange={(e) => setPrefs({ ...prefs, timezone: e.target.value })}
-                placeholder={t`Auto-detected or enter manually`}
-                className="mt-2"
-              />
-            </div>
-
-            <fieldset className="mt-6 border-0 p-0">
-              <legend className="block text-sm font-medium text-foreground">
-                <Trans>Hobbies & interests</Trans>
-              </legend>
-              <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                <Trans>Select all that apply</Trans>
-              </p>
-              <div className="mt-3 flex flex-wrap gap-2">
-                {HOBBY_OPTIONS.map((hobby) => (
-                  <button
-                    key={hobby.key}
-                    type="button"
-                    onClick={() => toggleHobby(hobby.key)}
-                    aria-pressed={prefs.hobbies.includes(hobby.key)}
-                    className={`rounded-full border px-4 py-1.5 text-sm font-medium transition-all ${
-                      prefs.hobbies.includes(hobby.key)
-                        ? "border-primary bg-primary/10 text-foreground"
-                        : "border-border bg-card text-muted-foreground hover:border-muted hover:bg-muted"
-                    }`}
-                  >
-                    {hobby.label}
-                  </button>
-                ))}
-              </div>
-            </fieldset>
-
-            <fieldset className="mt-6 border-0 p-0">
-              <legend className="block text-sm font-medium text-foreground">
-                <Trans>Work style</Trans>
-              </legend>
-              <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                <Trans>How do you like to work?</Trans>
-              </p>
-              <div className="mt-3 grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
-                {WORK_STYLE_OPTIONS.map((ws) => (
-                  <button
-                    key={ws.key}
-                    type="button"
-                    onClick={() => setPrefs({ ...prefs, workStyle: ws.key })}
-                    aria-pressed={prefs.workStyle === ws.key}
-                    className={`rounded-xl border-2 px-3 py-3 text-sm font-medium text-left transition-all ${
-                      prefs.workStyle === ws.key
-                        ? "border-primary bg-primary/10 text-foreground shadow-sm"
-                        : "border-border bg-card text-muted-foreground hover:border-muted hover:bg-muted"
-                    }`}
-                  >
-                    {ws.label}
-                  </button>
-                ))}
-              </div>
-            </fieldset>
-
-            <fieldset className="mt-6 border-0 p-0">
-              <legend className="block text-sm font-medium text-foreground">
-                <Trans>Communication style</Trans>
-              </legend>
-              <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                <Trans>How should your Oo talk to you?</Trans>
-              </p>
-              <div className="mt-3 grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
-                {COMMUNICATION_OPTIONS.map((comm) => (
-                  <button
-                    key={comm.key}
-                    type="button"
-                    onClick={() => setPrefs({ ...prefs, communication: comm.key })}
-                    aria-pressed={prefs.communication === comm.key}
-                    className={`rounded-xl border-2 px-3 py-3 text-sm font-medium text-left transition-all ${
-                      prefs.communication === comm.key
-                        ? "border-primary bg-primary/10 text-foreground shadow-sm"
-                        : "border-border bg-card text-muted-foreground hover:border-muted hover:bg-muted"
-                    }`}
-                  >
-                    {comm.label}
-                  </button>
-                ))}
-              </div>
-            </fieldset>
-
-            <div className="mt-8 flex items-center justify-between">
-              <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" onClick={() => setStep("emoji")}>
-                <Trans>Back</Trans>
-              </Button>
-              <Button onClick={() => setStep("language")}>
-                <Trans>Continue</Trans>
-              </Button>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        ) : null}
-
         {step === "language" ? (
           <div className="mx-auto max-w-xl">
             <h2 className="text-xl font-semibold tracking-tight text-foreground">
@@ -468,7 +268,7 @@ export function OnboardingPage() {
               ))}
             </div>
             <div className="mt-8 flex items-center justify-between">
-              <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" onClick={() => setStep("preferences")}>
+              <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" onClick={() => setStep("emoji")}>
                 <Trans>Back</Trans>
               </Button>
               <Button onClick={() => setStep("voice")}>
diff --git a/apps/web/src/pages/shell/message-cards.tsx b/apps/web/src/pages/shell/message-cards.tsx
index 14131d6..5c12492 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/pages/shell/message-cards.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/pages/shell/message-cards.tsx
@@ -1,15 +1,34 @@
 import { Trans, useLingui } from "@lingui/react/macro";
 import type { MessageBlock } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID } from "@rakazo/contracts";
 import { abortableDelay } from "@rakazo/core";
-import { Button, Dialog, DialogClose, DialogContent, DialogTitle } from "@rakazo/ui-web";
-import { X } from "lucide-react";
+import {
+  Button,
+  Dialog,
+  DialogClose,
+  DialogContent,
+  DialogTitle,
+  InputGroup,
+  InputGroupAddon,
+  InputGroupButton,
+  InputGroupInput,
+} from "@rakazo/ui-web";
+import { ArrowUp, Check, X } from "lucide-react";
 import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from "react";
 import { BuiCard, SuccessPop } from "../../components/ai/primitives";
 import { type ArtifactTarget, decodeArtifactBase64 } from "../../lib/artifact-open";
 import { chartViewport } from "../../lib/chart-viewport";
 import { connectMcpOauth } from "../../lib/mcp-connect";
 import { rpc } from "../../lib/rpc";
+import { enableWebPush, webPushEnabled, webPushSupported } from "../../lib/web-push";
 
+type ChoiceOption = Extract<MessageBlock, { kind: "choice" }>["options"][number];
+
+/**
+ * A question card. Lettered options are the answers; an option without a letter ("Skip",
+ * "Not now") is the quiet way out, and a card without one can be dismissed instead. Onboarding
+ * cards may also take an answer in the user's own words.
+ */
 export function ChoiceCard({
   botId,
   block,
@@ -22,14 +41,31 @@ export function ChoiceCard({
   const { t } = useLingui();
   const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [text, setText] = useState("");
   const [locallyDismissed, setLocallyDismissed] = useState(false);
   const dismissed = locallyDismissed || block.answerId === "_dismissed";
+  const answered = Boolean(block.answerId);
+  const answers = block.options.filter((option) => option.letter);
+  const waysOut = block.options.filter((option) => !option.letter);
+  const testId = (option: ChoiceOption) => `${block.step ?? "focus"}-choice-${option.id}`;
 
-  async function choose(optionId: string) {
+  async function choose(optionId: string, words?: string) {
     setPending(true);
     setError(null);
     try {
-      await rpc.onboarding.choose({ botId, optionId });
+      // Tapping "Turn on" is the gesture the browser needs before it asks for permission.
+      const answer =
+        block.step === "notifications" && optionId === "on" && (await enableWebPush()) !== "enabled"
+          ? "later"
+          : optionId;
+      await rpc.onboarding.choose({
+        botId,
+        step: block.step,
+        optionId: answer,
+        ...(words ? { text: words } : {}),
+        // The server offers the notifications card only to a browser that can still turn push on.
+        canEnablePush: webPushSupported() && !(await webPushEnabled()),
+      });
       await onBotChanged();
     } catch (err) {
       setError(err instanceof Error ? err.message : t`Could not save this choice`);
@@ -52,10 +88,18 @@ export function ChoiceCard({
 
   if (dismissed) return null;
 
+  const chosen = block.answerText
+    ? { id: CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID, letter: "", label: block.answerText }
+    : block.options.find((option) => option.id === block.answerId);
+
   return (
     <div className="flex justify-start">
-      <div className="apple-glass-card relative w-[440px] max-w-full rounded-[24px] px-5 py-4.5 transition-all">
-        {!block.answerId ? (
+      <BuiCard
+        data-testid="choice-card"
+        data-step={block.step}
+        className="relative w-[440px] max-w-full px-5 py-4"
+      >
+        {!answered && waysOut.length === 0 ? (
           <Button
             variant="ghost"
             size="icon-sm"
@@ -73,49 +117,111 @@ export function ChoiceCard({
         {block.subtitle ? (
           <div className="mt-1 text-ui-body text-muted-foreground">{block.subtitle}</div>
         ) : null}
-        <div className="mt-3.5 space-y-2.5">
-          {block.options
-            .filter((option) => !block.answerId || option.id === block.answerId)
-            .map((option) => (
-              <button
-                key={option.id}
-                type="button"
-                data-testid={`focus-choice-${option.id}`}
-                aria-label={option.label}
-                disabled={Boolean(block.answerId) || pending}
-                onClick={() => void choose(option.id)}
-                className={`tactile-press flex w-full items-start gap-3.5 rounded-[18px] border border-white/5 p-3.5 text-start text-foreground disabled:opacity-60 transition-all ${
-                  block.answerId === option.id
-                    ? "bg-blue-500/20 border-blue-500/40 shadow-sm"
-                    : "bg-white/[0.04] hover:bg-white/[0.08] hover:border-white/10"
-                }`}
+        {answered ? (
+          chosen ? (
+            <div
+              data-testid="choice-answer"
+              className="mt-3 flex items-start gap-3 rounded-xl border border-primary/30 bg-primary/5 p-3 text-ui-body font-medium text-foreground"
+            >
+              {chosen.letter ? <ChoiceLetter letter={chosen.letter} selected /> : null}
+              <span className="flex-1 leading-snug" dir="auto">
+                {chosen.label}
+              </span>
+              <Check aria-hidden strokeWidth={2.2} className="mt-0.5 size-icon-md text-primary" />
+            </div>
+          ) : null
+        ) : (
+          <>
+            {answers.length > 0 ? (
+              <div className="mt-3 space-y-2">
+                {answers.map((option) => (
+                  <button
+                    key={option.id}
+                    type="button"
+                    data-testid={testId(option)}
+                    aria-label={option.label}
+                    disabled={pending}
+                    onClick={() => void choose(option.id)}
+                    className="tactile-press flex w-full items-start gap-3 rounded-xl border border-border bg-background p-3 text-start text-ui-body leading-snug text-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-muted disabled:opacity-60"
+                  >
+                    <ChoiceLetter letter={option.letter} />
+                    <span className="flex-1">{option.label}</span>
+                  </button>
+                ))}
+              </div>
+            ) : null}
+            {block.textInput ? (
+              <form
+                className="mt-3"
+                onSubmit={(event) => {
+                  event.preventDefault();
+                  const words = text.trim();
+                  if (words) void choose(CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID, words);
+                }}
               >
-                <span
-                  className={`mt-0.5 grid h-6 w-6 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-[8px] text-ui-body-sm font-semibold ${
-                    block.answerId === option.id
-                      ? "bg-blue-500 text-white"
-                      : "bg-white/10 text-foreground/80"
-                  }`}
-                >
-                  {option.letter}
-                </span>
-                <span
-                  className={`flex-1 text-ui-body leading-snug ${block.answerId ? "text-foreground font-medium" : "text-foreground"}`}
-                >
-                  {option.label}
-                </span>
-                {block.answerId === option.id ? (
-                  <span className="mt-0.5 text-blue-400 font-bold">✓</span>
-                ) : null}
-              </button>
-            ))}
-        </div>
+                <InputGroup className="h-control-lg rounded-xl bg-background">
+                  <InputGroupInput
+                    value={text}
+                    onChange={(event) => setText(event.target.value)}
+                    placeholder={block.textInput.placeholder}
+                    aria-label={block.question}
+                    maxLength={200}
+                    disabled={pending}
+                    dir="auto"
+                  />
+                  <InputGroupAddon align="inline-end">
+                    <InputGroupButton
+                      type="submit"
+                      size="icon-sm"
+                      variant="default"
+                      aria-label={t`Send`}
+                      disabled={pending || !text.trim()}
+                      className="rounded-lg"
+                    >
+                      <ArrowUp aria-hidden />
+                    </InputGroupButton>
+                  </InputGroupAddon>
+                </InputGroup>
+              </form>
+            ) : null}
+            {waysOut.length > 0 ? (
+              <div className="mt-2 flex justify-end gap-1">
+                {waysOut.map((option) => (
+                  <Button
+                    key={option.id}
+                    variant="ghost"
+                    size="sm"
+                    data-testid={testId(option)}
+                    disabled={pending}
+                    onClick={() => void choose(option.id)}
+                    className="text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground"
+                  >
+                    {option.label}
+                  </Button>
+                ))}
+              </div>
+            ) : null}
+          </>
+        )}
         {error ? <p className="mt-2 text-ui-label text-destructive">{error}</p> : null}
-      </div>
+      </BuiCard>
     </div>
   );
 }
 
+function ChoiceLetter({ letter, selected = false }: { letter: string; selected?: boolean }) {
+  return (
+    <span
+      aria-hidden
+      className={`mt-0.5 grid size-6 shrink-0 place-items-center rounded-lg text-ui-body-sm font-semibold ${
+        selected ? "bg-primary text-primary-foreground" : "bg-muted text-foreground/80"
+      }`}
+    >
+      {letter}
+    </span>
+  );
+}
+
 export function AppConnectCard({
   botId,
   block,
diff --git a/packages/adapters/src/executor-instructions.test.ts b/packages/adapters/src/executor-instructions.test.ts
index da9dc0a..5e3cf74 100644
--- a/packages/adapters/src/executor-instructions.test.ts
+++ b/packages/adapters/src/executor-instructions.test.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ interface FixtureOptions {
   goals?: Array<Record<string, unknown>>;
   habits?: Array<Record<string, unknown>>;
   doneCheckIns?: Array<{ habitId: string; date: Date }>;
+  onboarding?: { completedAt: Date | null } | null;
   peers?: Array<{
     id: string;
     name: string;
@@ -116,7 +117,12 @@ async function runOnce(options: FixtureOptions = {}) {
     agentSecret: { findMany: vi.fn(async () => []) },
     agentSkill: { findMany: vi.fn(async () => []) },
     scratchpadItem: { findMany: vi.fn(async () => []) },
-    user: { findUnique: vi.fn(async () => ({ name: "Ada Example" })) },
+    user: {
+      findUnique: vi.fn(async () => ({
+        name: "Ada Example",
+        onboarding: options.onboarding ?? null,
+      })),
+    },
     userProfile: {
       findUnique: vi.fn(async () =>
         options.profile === undefined
@@ -400,6 +406,19 @@ describe("run instructions", () => {
     expect(specialist.request.tools.map((tool) => tool.name)).not.toContain("update_goal");
   });
 
+  it("leaves open onboarding questions to their cards, for the main bot only", async () => {
+    const main = { kind: "main", name: "Chief", title: "Chief of Staff", instructions: "" };
+    const open = { completedAt: null };
+    const note = "still answering onboarding cards";
+
+    expect((await runOnce({ bot: main, onboarding: open })).request.instructions).toContain(note);
+    expect(
+      (await runOnce({ bot: main, onboarding: { completedAt: new Date() } })).request.instructions,
+    ).not.toContain(note);
+    expect((await runOnce({ bot: main })).request.instructions).not.toContain(note);
+    expect((await runOnce({ onboarding: open })).request.instructions).not.toContain(note);
+  });
+
   it("shows the main bot every specialist it can delegate to, its own space first", async () => {
     const { request, peersFindMany } = await runOnce({
       bot: { kind: "main", name: "Chief", title: "Chief of Staff", instructions: "" },
diff --git a/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.test.ts b/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.test.ts
index 71c3f14..4570495 100644
--- a/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.test.ts
+++ b/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.test.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ const user: UserContext = {
     { category: "work", value: "Owns a bakery", confidence: 1 },
     { category: "preferences", value: "Prefers morning meetings", confidence: 0.8 },
   ],
+  onboardingOpen: false,
 };
 
 describe("formatBotIdentity", () => {
@@ -96,6 +97,7 @@ describe("formatUserContext", () => {
       communicationStyle: "",
       summary: "  ",
       facts: [{ category: "work", value: " ", confidence: 1 }],
+      onboardingOpen: false,
     });
     expect(block).toContain("<user>\nName: Ada\n</user>");
     expect(block).not.toContain("Time zone");
@@ -112,6 +114,7 @@ describe("formatUserContext", () => {
         communicationStyle: "",
         summary: "",
         facts: [],
+        onboardingOpen: false,
       }),
     ).toBeUndefined();
   });
diff --git a/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.ts b/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.ts
index 5bdddea..3ebe394 100644
--- a/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.ts
+++ b/packages/adapters/src/executor-prompt.ts
@@ -68,6 +68,13 @@ function formatCoachGuidance(toolNames: ReadonlySet<string>): Array<string | und
   ];
 }
 
+/**
+ * While the main bot's onboarding cards are still open, it leaves their questions to them, so
+ * a reply does not ask what the next card asks.
+ */
+export const ONBOARDING_OPEN_INSTRUCTION =
+  "The user is still answering onboarding cards in the main conversation: what to focus on, a goal, when to check in, quiet hours and notifications. Do not ask these questions yourself; answer what the user writes.";
+
 /** One line of escaped user text, clipped to `max` characters. */
 function userText(value: string | null | undefined, max = USER_FIELD_MAX_CHARS): string {
   const text = (value ?? "").replace(/\s+/g, " ").trim();
diff --git a/packages/adapters/src/executor.ts b/packages/adapters/src/executor.ts
index 49c9446..0dadc70 100644
--- a/packages/adapters/src/executor.ts
+++ b/packages/adapters/src/executor.ts
@@ -250,6 +250,7 @@ import {
   formatMainAgentRole,
   formatSubagentContext,
   formatUserContext,
+  ONBOARDING_OPEN_INSTRUCTION,
 } from "./executor-prompt.js";
 import {
   isProtectedComputerLifecycleCommandReadingScripts,
@@ -3743,6 +3744,11 @@ export function createRunExecutor(deps: ExecutorDeps) {
                 bot.kind === "main" ? formatMainAgentRole(exposedToolNames) : undefined,
                 timeInstruction,
                 userBlock,
+                bot.kind === "main" &&
+                userContext.onboardingOpen &&
+                !(messagingChannelRun || foreignAgentRun)
+                  ? ONBOARDING_OPEN_INSTRUCTION
+                  : undefined,
                 groupContext?.instructions,
                 inboundHandoffInstruction,
                 delegatedTaskInstruction,
diff --git a/packages/contracts/src/events.ts b/packages/contracts/src/events.ts
index c15d8d0..98babd6 100644
--- a/packages/contracts/src/events.ts
+++ b/packages/contracts/src/events.ts
@@ -100,6 +100,20 @@ export const DELEGATED_TASK_STATUSES = [
 export const DelegatedTaskStatusSchema = z.enum(DELEGATED_TASK_STATUSES);
 export type DelegatedTaskStatus = z.infer<typeof DelegatedTaskStatusSchema>;
 
+/** Questions the main bot asks a new user, one card at a time, in the main conversation. */
+export const ONBOARDING_STEPS = [
+  "focus",
+  "goal",
+  "rhythm",
+  "quiet_hours",
+  "notifications",
+] as const;
+export const OnboardingStepSchema = z.enum(ONBOARDING_STEPS);
+export type OnboardingStep = z.infer<typeof OnboardingStepSchema>;
+
+/** `optionId` of a choice answered in the user's own words. */
+export const CHOICE_TEXT_ANSWER_ID = "_text";
+
 /** A question or approval that pauses its run until the user answers. */
 export const AskBlockSchema = z.object({
   kind: z.literal("ask"),
@@ -134,9 +148,16 @@ export const MessageBlock = z.discriminatedUnion("kind", [
     kind: z.literal("choice"),
     question: z.string(),
     subtitle: z.string().optional(),
+    /** An option without a letter is a secondary answer such as "Skip". */
     options: z.array(z.object({ id: z.string(), letter: z.string(), label: z.string() })),
+    /** The onboarding step this card asks; absent on a specialist's focus card. */
+    step: OnboardingStepSchema.optional(),
+    /** Lets the user answer in their own words. */
+    textInput: z.object({ placeholder: z.string() }).optional(),
     /** Set once the user picks an option; renders the picker as answered. */
     answerId: z.string().optional(),
+    /** The user's words when they answered through the text input. */
+    answerText: z.string().optional(),
   }),
   z.object({
     /** Inline app authorization card (Composio-backed): logo, name, one-line
diff --git a/packages/contracts/src/rpc.ts b/packages/contracts/src/rpc.ts
index d9fdae9..960b36f 100644
--- a/packages/contracts/src/rpc.ts
+++ b/packages/contracts/src/rpc.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { eventIterator, oc } from "@orpc/contract";
 import * as z from "zod";
 import { AiConsentQuerySchema, AiConsentStatusSchema } from "./ai-consent.js";
 import { ATTACHMENT_MAX_BASE64_LENGTH, ATTACHMENT_MAX_COUNT } from "./attachments.js";
+import { COACH_TITLE_MAX_LENGTH } from "./coach.js";
 import {
   CheckInSchema,
   CoachRhythmSchema,
@@ -90,7 +91,7 @@ import {
   VoiceInfoSchema,
   VoiceStatusSchema,
 } from "./domain.js";
-import { DelegatedTaskStatusSchema, ProductEventSchema } from "./events.js";
+import { DelegatedTaskStatusSchema, OnboardingStepSchema, ProductEventSchema } from "./events.js";
 import { Id, IsoDate } from "./ids.js";
 import { InboxListOutputSchema } from "./inbox.js";
 import {
@@ -713,15 +714,31 @@ export const appContract = {
     },
   },
   onboarding: {
-    /** Seed the first-run greeting into the bot's thread (focus card is separate). */
+    /** Checks that the caller may onboard this bot's thread. Posts nothing. */
     start: oc.input(z.object({ botId: Id })).output(z.object({ ok: z.literal(true) })),
-    /** Post the focus choice card when the thread is still idle. */
+    /**
+     * Posts the first card: for the main bot the first onboarding question, once per user;
+     * for another bot its focus card while the thread is still idle.
+     */
     promptFocus: oc.input(z.object({ botId: Id })).output(z.object({ ok: z.literal(true) })),
-    /** Answer the focus choice; posts the app cards. Does not rename the bot. */
+    /**
+     * Answers the pending card and posts what follows it: the focus card's app suggestions,
+     * then the next onboarding question. A stale answer (another step is pending) is ignored.
+     */
     choose: oc
-      .input(z.object({ botId: Id, optionId: z.string() }))
+      .input(
+        z.object({
+          botId: Id,
+          step: OnboardingStepSchema.optional(),
+          optionId: z.string(),
+          /** The answer in the user's words, with `optionId` "_text"; only the goal card takes one. */
+          text: z.string().trim().min(1).max(COACH_TITLE_MAX_LENGTH).optional(),
+          /** This device could still turn on push notifications. */
+          canEnablePush: z.boolean().optional(),
+        }),
+      )
       .output(z.object({ ok: z.literal(true) })),
-    /** Dismiss the unanswered focus card without choosing an option. */
+    /** Dismisses the pending card; an onboarding question counts as skipped. */
     dismissFocus: oc.input(z.object({ botId: Id })).output(z.object({ ok: z.literal(true) })),
     /** Flip an app_connect card to connected after authorization completes. */
     appConnected: oc
diff --git a/packages/core/src/attachments.test.ts b/packages/core/src/attachments.test.ts
index 0a3d661..45653a0 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/attachments.test.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/attachments.test.ts
@@ -109,3 +109,27 @@ describe("peer message history", () => {
     ).toBe("[to Analyst] chart it");
   });
 });
+
+describe("choice card history", () => {
+  const card = {
+    kind: "choice" as const,
+    question: "When should I check in with you?",
+    options: [
+      { id: "morning", letter: "A", label: "Every morning" },
+      { id: "none", letter: "", label: "Not now" },
+    ],
+  };
+
+  it("keeps the question and the answer the user picked or typed", () => {
+    expect(blocksToAgentHistoryText([card])).toBe("When should I check in with you?");
+    expect(blocksToAgentHistoryText([{ ...card, answerId: "morning" }])).toBe(
+      "When should I check in with you?\n[answered: Every morning]",
+    );
+    expect(
+      blocksToAgentHistoryText([{ ...card, answerId: "_text", answerText: "Before lunch" }]),
+    ).toBe("When should I check in with you?\n[answered: Before lunch]");
+    expect(blocksToAgentHistoryText([{ ...card, answerId: "_dismissed" }])).toBe(
+      "When should I check in with you?",
+    );
+  });
+});
diff --git a/packages/core/src/attachments.ts b/packages/core/src/attachments.ts
index 9afe692..7a3a666 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/attachments.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/attachments.ts
@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ export function blocksToAgentHistoryText(blocks: MessageBlock[]): string {
       if (block.kind === "handoff") {
         return `[handoff ${block.fromBotId} -> ${block.toBotId}] ${block.text}`;
       }
+      // A card's question and answer, so a later turn knows what the user already chose.
+      if (block.kind === "choice") {
+        const answer =
+          block.answerText ?? block.options.find((option) => option.id === block.answerId)?.label;
+        return answer ? `${block.question}\n[answered: ${answer}]` : block.question;
+      }
       if ("text" in block && typeof block.text === "string") return block.text;
       return "";
     })
diff --git a/packages/db/prisma/migrations/20261003120000_user_onboarding/migration.sql b/packages/db/prisma/migrations/20261003120000_user_onboarding/migration.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ebd459
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/db/prisma/migrations/20261003120000_user_onboarding/migration.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "user_onboarding" (
+    "userId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "step" TEXT,
+    "focus" TEXT,
+    "completedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "user_onboarding_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("userId")
+);
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "user_onboarding" ADD CONSTRAINT "user_onboarding_userId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("userId") REFERENCES "user"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- The table is new and empty, so its constraint applies immediately.
+ALTER TABLE "user_onboarding" ADD CONSTRAINT "user_onboarding_step_chk" CHECK ("step" IS NULL OR "step" IN ('focus', 'goal', 'rhythm', 'quiet_hours', 'notifications'));
diff --git a/packages/db/prisma/schema.prisma b/packages/db/prisma/schema.prisma
index 2ea4b8d..3cf7d37 100644
--- a/packages/db/prisma/schema.prisma
+++ b/packages/db/prisma/schema.prisma
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ model User {
   botSecrets BotSecret[]
   agentSecrets               AgentSecret[]
   profile                    UserProfile?
+  onboarding                 UserOnboarding?
   facts                      UserFact[]
   goals                      UserGoal[]
   habits                     Habit[]
@@ -1477,6 +1478,21 @@ model UserProfile {
   @@map("user_profiles")
 }
 
+/// Where the user is in the onboarding questions the main bot asks in the main conversation.
+model UserOnboarding {
+  userId      String    @id
+  user        User      @relation(fields: [userId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  /// The step whose card is waiting for an answer; null once onboarding is complete.
+  step        String?
+  focus       String?
+  completedAt DateTime?
+  createdAt   DateTime  @default(now())
+  updatedAt   DateTime  @updatedAt
+
+  // CHECK constraint user_onboarding_step_chk is created in SQL.
+  @@map("user_onboarding")
+}
+
 /// One durable statement about the user, with its origin and consent state.
 model UserFact {
   id              String          @id @default(cuid())
diff --git a/packages/db/src/main-agent.ts b/packages/db/src/main-agent.ts
index 6546da4..dd1f606 100644
--- a/packages/db/src/main-agent.ts
+++ b/packages/db/src/main-agent.ts
@@ -42,6 +42,8 @@ export interface UserContext {
   communicationStyle: string;
   summary: string;
   facts: Array<{ category: UserFactCategory; value: string; confidence: number }>;
+  /** The main bot is still asking its onboarding questions on cards in the main conversation. */
+  onboardingOpen: boolean;
 }
 
 function isUniqueViolation(error: unknown): boolean {
@@ -258,7 +260,10 @@ export async function loadUserContext(
   input: { userId: string; spaceId: string },
 ): Promise<UserContext> {
   const [user, profile, facts] = await Promise.all([
-    prisma.user.findUnique({ where: { id: input.userId }, select: { name: true } }),
+    prisma.user.findUnique({
+      where: { id: input.userId },
+      select: { name: true, onboarding: { select: { completedAt: true } } },
+    }),
     prisma.userProfile.findUnique({ where: { userId: input.userId } }),
     prisma.userFact.findMany({
       where: {
@@ -283,5 +288,6 @@ export async function loadUserContext(
       value: fact.value,
       confidence: fact.confidence,
     })),
+    onboardingOpen: Boolean(user?.onboarding && !user.onboarding.completedAt),
   };
 }
diff --git a/packages/testkit/src/cli/harness.ts b/packages/testkit/src/cli/harness.ts
index 3d4ca0a..b2962c2 100644
--- a/packages/testkit/src/cli/harness.ts
+++ b/packages/testkit/src/cli/harness.ts
@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ async function main() {
         "packages/testkit/src/bot-secrets.test.ts",
         "packages/testkit/src/delegation.postgres.test.ts",
         "packages/testkit/src/user-profile.postgres.test.ts",
+        "packages/testkit/src/onboarding-intake.postgres.test.ts",
         "packages/testkit/src/onboarding-discovery.postgres.test.ts",
         "packages/testkit/src/notifications.postgres.test.ts",
         "packages/db/src/space-membership.postgres.test.ts",
diff --git a/packages/testkit/src/onboarding-intake.postgres.test.ts b/packages/testkit/src/onboarding-intake.postgres.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57aceea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/testkit/src/onboarding-intake.postgres.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,276 @@
+import { mkdtempSync, rmSync } from "node:fs";
+import { tmpdir } from "node:os";
+import path from "node:path";
+import { ComposioEmulator, getCoachRhythm } from "@rakazo/adapters";
+import type { MessageBlock } from "@rakazo/contracts";
+import { getNotificationSettings, loadUserContext } from "@rakazo/db";
+import { afterAll, beforeAll, describe, expect, it } from "vitest";
+import type { createApp } from "../../../apps/api/src/app.ts";
+import { sessionCookieHeader } from "./index.js";
+
+type App = { request: (input: string, init?: RequestInit) => Response | Promise<Response> };
+type AppHandles = Awaited<ReturnType<typeof createApp>>;
+type Choice = Extract<MessageBlock, { kind: "choice" }>;
+
+process.env.WAKEUP_DRIVER = "memory";
+process.env.SANDBOX_PROVIDER = "fake";
+process.env.AGENT_RUNTIME = "scripted";
+
+const hasDb = process.env.VERIFY_DATABASE === "1" && Boolean(process.env.DATABASE_URL);
+const describeWithDatabase = hasDb ? describe : describe.skip;
+
+describeWithDatabase("onboarding questions in the main conversation", () => {
+  let handles: AppHandles;
+  let app: App;
+  const stamp = `${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).slice(2)}`;
+  const dataDir = mkdtempSync(path.join(tmpdir(), "rakazo-onboarding-"));
+
+  beforeAll(async () => {
+    const { createApp } = await import("../../../apps/api/src/app.ts");
+    handles = await createApp({
+      databaseUrl: process.env.DATABASE_URL!,
+      dataDir,
+      sandboxProvider: "fake",
+      agentRuntime: "scripted",
+      wakeupDriver: "memory",
+      signupsEnabled: "true",
+      composio: new ComposioEmulator(),
+    });
+    app = handles.app;
+  });
+
+  afterAll(async () => {
+    await handles?.stop();
+    rmSync(dataDir, { recursive: true, force: true });
+  });
+
+  /** A fresh user with their main bot, as the web wizard leaves them. */
+  async function newUser(name: string) {
+    const cookie = await signup(app, `${name.toLowerCase()}-${stamp}@rakazo.test`, name);
+    const me = await rpc<{ userId: string; spaceId: string }>(app, cookie, "me");
+    await rpc(app, cookie, "profile/update", { timeZone: "Europe/Vienna", locale: "en-US" });
+    const main = await rpc<{ id: string }>(app, cookie, "bots/ensureMain");
+    const { main: conversation } = await rpc<{ main: { groupId: string } }>(
+      app,
+      cookie,
+      "spaces/list",
+    );
+    const { id: threadId } = await handles.prisma.thread.findUniqueOrThrow({
+      where: { groupId: conversation.groupId },
+      select: { id: true },
+    });
+    return { cookie, userId: me.userId, spaceId: me.spaceId, botId: main.id, threadId };
+  }
+
+  async function messages(threadId: string) {
+    const rows = await handles.prisma.message.findMany({
+      where: { threadId },
+      orderBy: { seq: "asc" },
+      select: { blocks: true },
+    });
+    return rows.flatMap((row) => row.blocks as MessageBlock[]);
+  }
+
+  async function cards(threadId: string): Promise<Choice[]> {
+    return (await messages(threadId)).filter((block): block is Choice => block.kind === "choice");
+  }
+
+  async function pending(threadId: string) {
+    return (await cards(threadId)).filter((card) => !card.answerId);
+  }
+
+  const onboardingRow = (userId: string) =>
+    handles.prisma.userOnboarding.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { userId } });
+
+  it("asks one question after another and records every answer", async () => {
+    const ada = await newUser("Ada");
+    const choose = (body: Record<string, unknown>) =>
+      rpc(app, ada.cookie, "onboarding/choose", { botId: ada.botId, ...body });
+
+    await rpc(app, ada.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: ada.botId });
+    await rpc(app, ada.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: ada.botId });
+    expect((await pending(ada.threadId)).map((card) => card.step)).toEqual(["focus"]);
+    expect(await onboardingRow(ada.userId)).toMatchObject({ step: "focus", completedAt: null });
+    expect(
+      (await loadUserContext(handles.prisma, { userId: ada.userId, spaceId: ada.spaceId }))
+        .onboardingOpen,
+    ).toBe(true);
+
+    await choose({ step: "focus", optionId: "day" });
+    expect(await onboardingRow(ada.userId)).toMatchObject({ step: "goal", focus: "day" });
+    const facts = await handles.prisma.userFact.findMany({ where: { userId: ada.userId } });
+    expect(facts.map(({ category, value, source }) => ({ category, value, source }))).toEqual([
+      { category: "goals", value: "Wants help with day-to-day work first", source: "onboarding" },
+    ]);
+    const afterFocus = await messages(ada.threadId);
+    expect(afterFocus.filter((block) => block.kind === "app_connect").length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+    // The app suggestions come before the next question.
+    expect(afterFocus.at(-1)).toMatchObject({ kind: "choice", step: "goal" });
+
+    // A stale answer to a card that is no longer pending changes nothing.
+    await choose({ step: "focus", optionId: "inbox" });
+    expect(await onboardingRow(ada.userId)).toMatchObject({ step: "goal", focus: "day" });
+    await expect(choose({ step: "goal", optionId: "morning" })).rejects.toThrow(/400/);
+    await expect(choose({ step: "goal", optionId: "_text", text: "   " })).rejects.toThrow(/400/);
+
+    // A double submit records the goal once.
+    await Promise.all([
+      choose({ step: "goal", optionId: "_text", text: "Run a 10K" }),
+      choose({ step: "goal", optionId: "_text", text: "Run a 10K" }),
+    ]);
+    const goals = await handles.prisma.userGoal.findMany({ where: { userId: ada.userId } });
+    expect(goals.map(({ title, source }) => ({ title, source }))).toEqual([
+      { title: "Run a 10K", source: "onboarding" },
+    ]);
+    expect((await cards(ada.threadId)).find((card) => card.step === "goal")).toMatchObject({
+      answerId: "_text",
+      answerText: "Run a 10K",
+    });
+
+    await choose({ step: "rhythm", optionId: "morning" });
+    expect(await getCoachRhythm(handles.prisma, ada.userId)).toEqual({
+      morning: "08:00",
+      evening: null,
+      weekly: null,
+    });
+    expect((await pending(ada.threadId)).map((card) => card.step)).toEqual(["quiet_hours"]);
+    expect(
+      (await pending(ada.threadId))[0]?.options.map((option) => option.label.replace(/\s/g, " ")),
+    ).toEqual(["10:00 PM – 7:00 AM", "11:00 PM – 8:00 AM", "Skip"]);
+
+    // A browser that can still turn push on gets the notifications question.
+    await choose({ step: "quiet_hours", optionId: "22-07", canEnablePush: true });
+    expect((await getNotificationSettings(handles.prisma, ada.userId)).quietHours).toEqual({
+      start: "22:00",
+      end: "07:00",
+    });
+    expect((await pending(ada.threadId)).map((card) => card.step)).toEqual(["notifications"]);
+
+    await choose({ step: "notifications", optionId: "later" });
+    expect(await onboardingRow(ada.userId)).toMatchObject({
+      step: null,
+      completedAt: expect.any(Date),
+    });
+    expect(await pending(ada.threadId)).toEqual([]);
+    const closing = (await messages(ada.threadId)).at(-1);
+    expect(closing?.kind === "text" && closing.text.replace(/\s/g, " ")).toMatch(
+      /^All set\. I’ll check in (today|tomorrow) at 8:00 AM\.$/,
+    );
+    expect(
+      (await loadUserContext(handles.prisma, { userId: ada.userId, spaceId: ada.spaceId }))
+        .onboardingOpen,
+    ).toBe(false);
+
+    // Onboarding runs once.
+    const count = (await messages(ada.threadId)).length;
+    await rpc(app, ada.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: ada.botId });
+    expect((await messages(ada.threadId)).length).toBe(count);
+  });
+
+  it("moves on when a question is skipped or dismissed, and saves nothing for it", async () => {
+    const bo = await newUser("Bo");
+    const choose = (body: Record<string, unknown>) =>
+      rpc(app, bo.cookie, "onboarding/choose", { botId: bo.botId, ...body });
+
+    await rpc(app, bo.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: bo.botId });
+    await rpc(app, bo.cookie, "onboarding/dismissFocus", { botId: bo.botId });
+    expect((await cards(bo.threadId))[0]).toMatchObject({ step: "focus", answerId: "skip" });
+    await choose({ step: "goal", optionId: "skip" });
+    await choose({ step: "rhythm", optionId: "none" });
+    await choose({ step: "quiet_hours", optionId: "skip" });
+
+    expect(await onboardingRow(bo.userId)).toMatchObject({
+      step: null,
+      focus: null,
+      completedAt: expect.any(Date),
+    });
+    expect(await handles.prisma.userFact.count({ where: { userId: bo.userId } })).toBe(0);
+    expect(await handles.prisma.userGoal.count({ where: { userId: bo.userId } })).toBe(0);
+    expect(await getCoachRhythm(handles.prisma, bo.userId)).toEqual({
+      morning: null,
+      evening: null,
+      weekly: null,
+    });
+    expect((await getNotificationSettings(handles.prisma, bo.userId)).quietHours).toBeNull();
+    expect((await messages(bo.threadId)).at(-1)).toEqual({
+      kind: "text",
+      text: "All set. I’m here whenever you need me.",
+    });
+
+    // Another bot still gets only its focus card, outside onboarding.
+    const helper = await rpc<{ id: string; threadId: string }>(app, bo.cookie, "bots/create", {
+      name: "Helper",
+      title: "",
+      description: "",
+      instructions: "",
+      notifyOnFinish: true,
+    });
+    const { thread } = await handles.prisma.bot.findUniqueOrThrow({
+      where: { id: helper.id },
+      select: { thread: { select: { id: true } } },
+    });
+    await rpc(app, bo.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: helper.id });
+    const [focus] = await pending(thread!.id);
+    expect(focus?.step).toBeUndefined();
+    expect(focus?.options.map((option) => option.id)).toEqual(["day", "inbox", "research", "crew"]);
+    await rpc(app, bo.cookie, "onboarding/choose", { botId: helper.id, optionId: "research" });
+    expect(await pending(thread!.id)).toEqual([]);
+    expect(await onboardingRow(bo.userId)).toMatchObject({ focus: null });
+  });
+
+  it("keeps each user's onboarding to themselves", async () => {
+    const owner = await newUser("Owner");
+    const other = await newUser("Other");
+    await rpc(app, owner.cookie, "onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: owner.botId });
+
+    for (const [procedure, body] of [
+      ["onboarding/promptFocus", { botId: owner.botId }],
+      ["onboarding/choose", { botId: owner.botId, step: "focus", optionId: "day" }],
+      ["onboarding/dismissFocus", { botId: owner.botId }],
+      ["onboarding/start", { botId: owner.botId }],
+    ] as const) {
+      const response = await raw(app, other.cookie, procedure, body);
+      expect(response.status, procedure).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(400);
+    }
+    expect(await onboardingRow(owner.userId)).toMatchObject({ step: "focus", focus: null });
+    expect((await pending(owner.threadId)).map((card) => card.step)).toEqual(["focus"]);
+    expect(
+      await handles.prisma.userOnboarding.findUnique({ where: { userId: other.userId } }),
+    ).toBe(null);
+    expect(await handles.prisma.userFact.count({ where: { userId: owner.userId } })).toBe(0);
+  });
+});
+
+async function signup(app: App, email: string, name: string) {
+  const response = await app.request("/api/auth/sign-up/email", {
+    method: "POST",
+    headers: { "content-type": "application/json", origin: "http://127.0.0.1:5173" },
+    body: JSON.stringify({ email, password: "password12", name }),
+  });
+  if (response.status >= 400) {
+    throw new Error(`signup failed ${response.status}: ${await response.text()}`);
+  }
+  return sessionCookieHeader(response);
+}
+
+async function raw(app: App, cookie: string, procedure: string, body: unknown = {}) {
+  return app.request(`/rpc/${procedure}`, {
+    method: "POST",
+    headers: {
+      "content-type": "application/json",
+      cookie,
+      origin: "http://127.0.0.1:5173",
+    },
+    body: JSON.stringify({ json: body }),
+  });
+}
+
+async function rpc<T>(app: App, cookie: string, procedure: string, body: unknown = {}) {
+  const response = await raw(app, cookie, procedure, body);
+  const text = await response.text();
+  const payload = JSON.parse(text) as { json?: T; error?: { message?: string } };
+  if (response.status >= 400 || payload.error) {
+    throw new Error(`${procedure} ${response.status}: ${payload.error?.message ?? text}`);
+  }
+  return payload.json as T;
+}