diff --git a/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js b/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d20ba74
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+// ── tray-tooltip.js ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+//
+// Phase 1: hover the tray's .tray-role-card > img → copy its sibling .tt's
+// innerHTML into #id_tooltip_portal and clamp the portal inside the viewport.
+// Mouseleave the union of [trigger, portal] rects → hide the portal.
+//
+// Mirrors the Game-Kit token pattern (see gameboard.js:initGameKitTooltips)
+// but scoped to the tray and without DON/DOFF buttons or a mini portal.
+// Phase 2 (sig card with PRV/NXT pager) will extend this module via a separate
+// trigger selector once the FYI panel is extracted from #id_fan_fyi_panel.
+//
+// ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+var TrayTooltip = (function () {
+    var _portal      = null;
+    var _activeTrig  = null;
+    var _onDocMove   = null;
+
+    function _inRect(x, y, r) {
+        return x >= r.left && x <= r.right && y >= r.top && y <= r.bottom;
+    }
+
+    function _hide() {
+        if (!_portal) return;
+        _portal.classList.remove("active");
+        _portal.style.display = "none";
+        _portal.innerHTML = "";
+        _activeTrig = null;
+    }
+
+    function _show(triggerEl) {
+        var tt = triggerEl.parentElement && triggerEl.parentElement.querySelector(".tt");
+        if (!tt || !_portal) return;
+
+        _portal.innerHTML = tt.innerHTML;
+        _portal.classList.add("active");
+        _portal.style.display = "block";
+        _activeTrig = triggerEl;
+
+        // Position: centre horizontally on the trigger, then clamp inside the
+        // viewport so the portal never crosses an edge. 8px breathing room
+        // matches the Game-Kit clamp.
+        var triggerRect = triggerEl.getBoundingClientRect();
+        var halfW       = _portal.offsetWidth / 2;
+        var rawLeft     = triggerRect.left + triggerRect.width / 2;
+        var minLeft     = halfW + 8;
+        var maxLeft     = window.innerWidth - halfW - 8;
+        var left        = Math.max(minLeft, Math.min(rawLeft, maxLeft));
+        _portal.style.left = Math.round(left) + "px";
+
+        // Anchor vertically: above the trigger when it sits in the lower half,
+        // below otherwise. translate(-50%, …) keeps the centre column aligned.
+        var triggerCY  = triggerRect.top + triggerRect.height / 2;
+        var showBelow  = triggerCY < window.innerHeight / 2;
+        if (showBelow) {
+            _portal.style.top       = Math.round(triggerRect.bottom) + "px";
+            _portal.style.transform = "translate(-50%, 0.5rem)";
+        } else {
+            _portal.style.top       = Math.round(triggerRect.top) + "px";
+            _portal.style.transform = "translate(-50%, calc(-100% - 0.5rem))";
+        }
+    }
+
+    function _bindTriggers() {
+        // Server-rendered .tray-role-card > img (Phase 1).
+        // Phase 2 will additionally bind .tray-sig-card > .sig-stage-card.
+        var roleImgs = document.querySelectorAll("#id_tray_grid .tray-role-card > img");
+        roleImgs.forEach(function (img) {
+            img.addEventListener("mouseenter", function () {
+                if (_activeTrig === img) return;
+                _show(img);
+            });
+        });
+    }
+
+    function init() {
+        _portal = document.getElementById("id_tooltip_portal");
+        if (!_portal) return;
+        _portal.style.display = "none";
+
+        _bindTriggers();
+
+        // Observe later-added role cards (placeCard inserts the class+img
+        // dynamically when the active gamer confirms a role pick).
+        var grid = document.getElementById("id_tray_grid");
+        if (grid && typeof MutationObserver !== "undefined") {
+            var observer = new MutationObserver(_bindTriggers);
+            observer.observe(grid, { childList: true, subtree: true });
+            _observer = observer;
+        }
+
+        _onDocMove = function (e) {
+            if (!_portal.classList.contains("active") || !_activeTrig) return;
+            var trigRect   = _activeTrig.getBoundingClientRect();
+            var portalRect = _portal.getBoundingClientRect();
+            var union = {
+                left:   Math.min(trigRect.left,   portalRect.left),
+                top:    Math.min(trigRect.top,    portalRect.top),
+                right:  Math.max(trigRect.right,  portalRect.right),
+                bottom: Math.max(trigRect.bottom, portalRect.bottom),
+            };
+            if (!_inRect(e.clientX, e.clientY, union)) _hide();
+        };
+        document.addEventListener("mousemove", _onDocMove);
+    }
+
+    var _observer = null;
+
+    function reset() {
+        if (_onDocMove) document.removeEventListener("mousemove", _onDocMove);
+        if (_observer) _observer.disconnect();
+        _onDocMove = null;
+        _observer = null;
+        _hide();
+        _portal = null;
+    }
+
+    return { init: init, reset: reset };
+})();
+
+if (typeof document !== "undefined") {
+    document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
+        TrayTooltip.init();
+    });
+}
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray.js b/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray.js
index 3cce5c0..6db925b 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray.js
+++ b/src/apps/epic/static/apps/epic/tray.js
@@ -53,20 +53,34 @@ var Tray = (function () {
     // Compute the square cell size from the tray's interior dimension and set
     // --tray-cell-size on #id_tray so SCSS grid tracks pick it up.
     // Portrait: divide height / 8.  Landscape: divide width / 8.
+    // The tray's bevel ring (--tray-bevel, an inset box-shadow) eats into the
+    // felt area but is invisible to clientHeight/clientWidth — subtract it
+    // explicitly on both axes so cells stay square inside the bevel.
     // In portrait the tray may be display:none; we show it with visibility:hidden
     // briefly so clientHeight returns a real value, then restore display:none.
+    function _bevelPx() {
+        if (!_tray) return 0;
+        var raw = getComputedStyle(_tray).getPropertyValue('--tray-bevel').trim();
+        if (!raw) return 0;
+        if (raw.endsWith('rem')) {
+            var rem = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(document.documentElement).fontSize) || 16;
+            return parseFloat(raw) * rem;
+        }
+        return parseFloat(raw) || 0;
+    }
     function _computeCellSize() {
         if (!_tray) return;
         var size;
+        var bevel = _bevelPx();
         if (_isLandscape()) {
-            size = Math.floor(_tray.clientWidth / 8);
+            size = Math.floor((_tray.clientWidth - 2 * bevel) / 8);
         } else {
             var wasHidden = (_tray.style.display === 'none' || !_tray.style.display);
             if (wasHidden) {
                 _tray.style.visibility = 'hidden';
                 _tray.style.display    = 'grid';
             }
-            size = Math.floor(_tray.clientHeight / 8);
+            size = Math.floor((_tray.clientHeight - 2 * bevel) / 8);
             if (wasHidden) {
                 _tray.style.display    = 'none';
                 _tray.style.visibility = '';
@@ -252,6 +266,7 @@ var Tray = (function () {
         if (!firstCell) { if (onComplete) onComplete(); return; }
 
         firstCell.classList.add('tray-role-card');
+        firstCell.tabIndex = 0;  // enable :focus persistence for the hover-tilt
         firstCell.dataset.role = roleCode;
         firstCell.textContent  = '';
         if (_roleIconsUrl) {
@@ -342,6 +357,16 @@ var Tray = (function () {
         _roleIconsUrl = (_grid && _grid.dataset.roleIconsUrl) || null;
         if (!_btn) return;
 
+        // Make occupied tray cells focusable so :focus persists the hover-tilt
+        // after a click. Template-rendered .tray-sig-card / .tray-role-card
+        // cells need this at init; cells assigned later (e.g. placeCard) set
+        // tabIndex inline at assignment time.
+        if (_grid) {
+            _grid.querySelectorAll('.tray-role-card, .tray-sig-card').forEach(function (cell) {
+                cell.tabIndex = 0;
+            });
+        }
+
         if (_isLandscape()) {
             // Show tray before measuring so offsetHeight includes it.
             if (_tray) _tray.style.display = 'grid';
@@ -494,6 +519,7 @@ var Tray = (function () {
         if (_grid) {
             _grid.querySelectorAll('.tray-cell').forEach(function (el) {
                 el.classList.remove('tray-role-card', 'arc-in');
+                el.removeAttribute('tabindex');
                 el.textContent = '';
                 delete el.dataset.role;
             });
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/views.py b/src/apps/epic/views.py
index 4602d6d..5f53fc2 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/views.py
+++ b/src/apps/epic/views.py
@@ -287,6 +287,13 @@ def _role_select_context(room, user):
         "starter_roles": starter_roles,
         "assigned_seats": assigned_seats,
         "my_tray_role": _my_role,
+        "my_tray_role_tooltip": (
+            {
+                "title": _ROLE_SCRAWL_NAMES.get(_my_role, ""),
+                "description": "[Placeholder description]",
+            }
+            if _my_role else None
+        ),
         "my_tray_scrawl_static_path": (
             f"apps/epic/icons/cards-roles/starter-role-{_ROLE_SCRAWL_NAMES[_my_role]}.svg"
             if _my_role else None
diff --git a/src/functional_tests/test_component_tray_tooltip.py b/src/functional_tests/test_component_tray_tooltip.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7370310
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/functional_tests/test_component_tray_tooltip.py
@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+"""
+Component FT — tray tooltip (Phase 1: role-card img).
+
+Hovering the tray's role-card <img> populates #id_tooltip_portal with the
+role's display name as the title and a description, matching the existing
+Game-Kit tooltip portal pattern (apps.tooltips). Mousing well off the card
+clears the portal.
+
+Phase 2 (sig-card tooltip mirroring #id_fan_fyi_panel) lives in a separate
+test class and is not yet covered here.
+"""
+from selenium.webdriver.common.action_chains import ActionChains
+from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
+
+from .base import FunctionalTest
+from apps.applets.models import Applet
+from apps.epic.models import DeckVariant, GateSlot, Room, TableSeat
+from apps.lyric.models import User
+
+
+def _equip_earthman_deck(user):
+    deck, _ = DeckVariant.objects.get_or_create(
+        slug="earthman",
+        defaults={"name": "Earthman", "card_count": 106, "is_default": True},
+    )
+    user.equipped_deck = deck
+    user.save(update_fields=["equipped_deck"])
+
+
+def _fill_room_via_orm(room, emails):
+    for i, email in enumerate(emails, start=1):
+        gamer, _ = User.objects.get_or_create(email=email)
+        slot = room.gate_slots.get(slot_number=i)
+        slot.gamer = gamer
+        slot.status = GateSlot.FILLED
+        slot.save()
+    room.gate_status = Room.OPEN
+    room.save()
+
+
+class TrayRoleCardTooltipTest(FunctionalTest):
+    EMAILS = [
+        "tt1@test.io", "tt2@test.io", "tt3@test.io",
+        "tt4@test.io", "tt5@test.io", "tt6@test.io",
+    ]
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self.browser.set_window_size(800, 1200)
+        Applet.objects.get_or_create(
+            slug="new-game", defaults={"name": "New Game", "context": "gameboard"}
+        )
+        Applet.objects.get_or_create(
+            slug="my-games", defaults={"name": "My Games", "context": "gameboard"}
+        )
+
+    def _make_room_with_role(self, role="PC"):
+        """Room in ROLE_SELECT with founder seated and assigned `role`."""
+        founder, _ = User.objects.get_or_create(email=self.EMAILS[0])
+        _equip_earthman_deck(founder)
+        room = Room.objects.create(name="Tooltip Room", owner=founder)
+        _fill_room_via_orm(room, self.EMAILS)
+        room.table_status = Room.ROLE_SELECT
+        room.save()
+        for slot in room.gate_slots.order_by("slot_number"):
+            TableSeat.objects.create(
+                room=room, gamer=slot.gamer, slot_number=slot.slot_number,
+                role=(role if slot.slot_number == 1 else None),
+            )
+        return room
+
+    def _open_tray(self):
+        # Tray is closed off-screen by default. Open it AND wait for the slide
+        # transition (left: 736px → 0px, ~0.35s) to land before hovering;
+        # otherwise getBoundingClientRect returns the closed-state rect that
+        # ActionChains sees as off-viewport.
+        self.browser.execute_script("Tray.open();")
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.assertLess(
+                self.browser.execute_script(
+                    "return document.getElementById('id_tray_wrap').getBoundingClientRect().left"
+                ),
+                40,
+                "tray wrap should slide to ~0",
+            )
+        )
+
+    def _hover(self, element):
+        ActionChains(self.browser).move_to_element(element).perform()
+
+    def _move_far_away(self):
+        # Synthesize a mousemove event well outside the trigger+portal union.
+        # ActionChains origins require a visible element; firing the event
+        # directly via JS sidesteps that and exercises the same listener path.
+        self.browser.execute_script(
+            "document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent('mousemove',"
+            "{bubbles:true, clientX:9999, clientY:9999}));"
+        )
+
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
+    # T1 — Hover role img → portal shows title (role display name)        #
+    #     + description ("[Placeholder description]").                    #
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
+
+    def test_hover_role_img_populates_tooltip_portal(self):
+        room = self._make_room_with_role(role="PC")
+        self.create_pre_authenticated_session(self.EMAILS[0])
+        self.browser.get(f"{self.live_server_url}/gameboard/room/{room.id}/gate/")
+
+        self._open_tray()
+        # The role card is rendered server-side as the first tray cell.
+        role_img = self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(
+                By.CSS_SELECTOR, "#id_tray_grid .tray-role-card img"
+            )
+        )
+
+        # Portal exists at page root, hidden initially.
+        portal = self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.ID, "id_tooltip_portal")
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(
+            portal.is_displayed(),
+            "tooltip portal should start hidden before any hover",
+        )
+
+        # Hover the role art → portal becomes visible with title + description.
+        self._hover(role_img)
+        self.wait_for(lambda: self.assertTrue(portal.is_displayed()))
+
+        title = portal.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".tt-title").text
+        self.assertEqual(title.strip(), "Player")  # PC → "Player"
+
+        description = portal.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".tt-description").text
+        self.assertEqual(description.strip(), "[Placeholder description]")
+
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
+    # T2 — Mousing well off the card clears the portal.                   #
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
+
+    def test_mouseleave_clears_tooltip_portal(self):
+        room = self._make_room_with_role(role="EC")
+        self.create_pre_authenticated_session(self.EMAILS[0])
+        self.browser.get(f"{self.live_server_url}/gameboard/room/{room.id}/gate/")
+
+        self._open_tray()
+        role_img = self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(
+                By.CSS_SELECTOR, "#id_tray_grid .tray-role-card img"
+            )
+        )
+        portal = self.browser.find_element(By.ID, "id_tooltip_portal")
+
+        self._hover(role_img)
+        self.wait_for(lambda: self.assertTrue(portal.is_displayed()))
+        # Title reflects the EC mapping.
+        self.assertEqual(
+            portal.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".tt-title").text.strip(),
+            "Economist",
+        )
+
+        self._move_far_away()
+        self.wait_for(lambda: self.assertFalse(portal.is_displayed()))
diff --git a/src/static/tests/SpecRunner.html b/src/static/tests/SpecRunner.html
index 027f783..5f38d99 100644
--- a/src/static/tests/SpecRunner.html
+++ b/src/static/tests/SpecRunner.html
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
     <script src="Spec.js"></script>
     <script src="RoleSelectSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="TraySpec.js"></script>
+    <script src="TrayTooltipSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="SigSelectSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="SeaDealSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="FanStageSpec.js"></script>
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/stage-card.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/role-select.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/tray.js"></script>
+    <script src="/static/apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/sig-select.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/sea.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/gameboard/game-kit.js"></script>
diff --git a/src/static/tests/TraySpec.js b/src/static/tests/TraySpec.js
index 2148403..1e876e1 100644
--- a/src/static/tests/TraySpec.js
+++ b/src/static/tests/TraySpec.js
@@ -470,6 +470,11 @@ describe("Tray", () => {
             expect(firstCell.dataset.role).toBe("NC");
         });
 
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on the placed cell so :focus persists the hover-tilt", () => {
+            Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
+            expect(firstCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
         it("grid cell count stays at 8", () => {
             Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
             expect(grid.children.length).toBe(8);
@@ -518,5 +523,57 @@ describe("Tray", () => {
             expect(firstCell.classList.contains("tray-role-card")).toBe(false);
             expect(firstCell.dataset.role).toBeUndefined();
         });
+
+        it("reset() also clears tabindex from the placed cell", () => {
+            Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
+            Tray.reset();
+            expect(firstCell.hasAttribute("tabindex")).toBe(false);
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // init() — focusable tray cards                                            //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    //
+    // .tray-sig-card is rendered server-side by room.html when the seat has a
+    // significator; .tray-role-card may be too if the seat already has a role.
+    // init() must mark these cells tabbable so the SCSS :focus rule persists
+    // the hover-tilt animation after the user clicks the card.
+
+    describe("init() — focusable tray cards", () => {
+        let grid;
+
+        beforeEach(() => {
+            grid = document.createElement("div");
+            grid.id = "id_tray_grid";
+            document.body.appendChild(grid);
+        });
+
+        afterEach(() => grid.remove());
+
+        function _addCell(extraClass) {
+            const cell = document.createElement("div");
+            cell.className = "tray-cell" + (extraClass ? " " + extraClass : "");
+            grid.appendChild(cell);
+            return cell;
+        }
+
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on a template-rendered .tray-sig-card", () => {
+            const sigCell = _addCell("tray-sig-card");
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(sigCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on a template-rendered .tray-role-card", () => {
+            const roleCell = _addCell("tray-role-card");
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(roleCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
+        it("does NOT set tabindex on bare .tray-cell elements", () => {
+            const empty = _addCell();
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(empty.hasAttribute("tabindex")).toBe(false);
+        });
     });
 });
diff --git a/src/static/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js b/src/static/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27cd471
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/static/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js
@@ -0,0 +1,174 @@
+// ── TrayTooltipSpec.js ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+//
+// Unit specs for TrayTooltip — apps.tooltips portal-population on hover of a
+// tray-cell child element. Phase 1 covers .tray-role-card > img only; Phase 2
+// (sig-card with PRV/NXT pager) is a separate sprint.
+//
+// Public API under test:
+//   TrayTooltip.init()    — binds document hover/move listeners
+//   TrayTooltip.reset()   — detaches listeners + hides portal (afterEach)
+//
+// DOM contract assumed by the module:
+//   #id_tooltip_portal   — fixed portal at page root, hidden by default
+//   #id_tray_grid        — tray's grid container
+//     .tray-role-card    — cell carrying the role art
+//       > img            — hover trigger
+//       > .tt            — server-rendered tooltip content (.tt-title, .tt-description, …)
+//
+// Behaviour:
+//   * Hovering the img copies its sibling .tt's innerHTML into the portal,
+//     marks the portal .active, and shows it (display: block).
+//   * Pointer leaving the union of [trigger, portal] rects clears the portal.
+//   * Position is clamped to the viewport: portal.left ≥ halfPortalW + 8;
+//     portal.left ≤ viewportW − halfPortalW − 8.
+//
+// ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+describe("TrayTooltip", () => {
+    let portal, grid, cell, img, tt;
+
+    beforeEach(() => {
+        portal = document.createElement("div");
+        portal.id = "id_tooltip_portal";
+        portal.style.display = "none";
+        document.body.appendChild(portal);
+
+        grid = document.createElement("div");
+        grid.id = "id_tray_grid";
+
+        cell = document.createElement("div");
+        cell.className = "tray-cell tray-role-card";
+        cell.dataset.role = "PC";
+
+        img = document.createElement("img");
+        img.alt = "PC";
+
+        tt = document.createElement("div");
+        tt.className = "tt";
+        tt.style.display = "none";
+        tt.innerHTML =
+            '<h4 class="tt-title">Player</h4>' +
+            '<p class="tt-description">[Placeholder description]</p>';
+
+        cell.appendChild(img);
+        cell.appendChild(tt);
+        grid.appendChild(cell);
+        document.body.appendChild(grid);
+
+        // Force a known geometry so clamp math has something to clamp against.
+        // (jsdom-style env: getBoundingClientRect() returns zeroes by default;
+        // override via stubs.)
+        spyOn(img, "getBoundingClientRect").and.returnValue({
+            left: 100, right: 148, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 48, height: 48,
+        });
+
+        TrayTooltip.init();
+    });
+
+    afterEach(() => {
+        TrayTooltip.reset();
+        portal.remove();
+        grid.remove();
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Hover → portal becomes active                                            //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("on mouseenter of role-card img", () => {
+        it("copies .tt innerHTML into the portal", () => {
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain('class="tt-title"');
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain("Player");
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain("[Placeholder description]");
+        });
+
+        it("marks the portal .active and shows it", () => {
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+            expect(portal.style.display).not.toBe("none");
+        });
+
+        it("does nothing if there is no sibling .tt", () => {
+            tt.remove();
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(false);
+            expect(portal.style.display).toBe("none");
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Mouseleave (extended) → portal clears                                    //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("on pointer leaving the trigger+portal union", () => {
+        beforeEach(() => {
+            // Pin the portal to a known location after activation so the
+            // mousemove union test is deterministic.
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            spyOn(portal, "getBoundingClientRect").and.returnValue({
+                left: 80, right: 280, top: 120, bottom: 200, width: 200, height: 80,
+            });
+        });
+
+        it("clears the portal when the pointer is well outside both rects", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 500, clientY: 500,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(false);
+            expect(portal.style.display).toBe("none");
+        });
+
+        it("keeps the portal active while the pointer is inside the trigger", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 120, clientY: 220,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+        });
+
+        it("keeps the portal active while the pointer is inside the portal", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 180, clientY: 160,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Clamping — portal left stays inside the viewport                         //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("position clamping", () => {
+        it("clamps to the right when the trigger is near the left edge", () => {
+            // Trigger near x=0 should push portal centre rightward to halfW + 8.
+            img.getBoundingClientRect.and.returnValue({
+                left: 0, right: 48, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 48, height: 48,
+            });
+            // Stub portal width so halfW is predictable AFTER innerHTML is set.
+            const origDescriptor = Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptor(
+                HTMLElement.prototype, "offsetWidth"
+            );
+            Object.defineProperty(portal, "offsetWidth", { configurable: true, value: 200 });
+
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+
+            const left = parseFloat(portal.style.left);
+            expect(left).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(108);  // halfW(100) + 8
+
+            if (origDescriptor) Object.defineProperty(HTMLElement.prototype, "offsetWidth", origDescriptor);
+        });
+
+        it("clamps to the left when the trigger is near the right edge", () => {
+            const vw = window.innerWidth;
+            img.getBoundingClientRect.and.returnValue({
+                left: vw - 10, right: vw, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 10, height: 48,
+            });
+            Object.defineProperty(portal, "offsetWidth", { configurable: true, value: 200 });
+
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+
+            const left = parseFloat(portal.style.left);
+            expect(left).toBeLessThanOrEqual(vw - 100 - 8);  // viewport − halfW − 8
+        });
+    });
+});
diff --git a/src/static_src/scss/_tray.scss b/src/static_src/scss/_tray.scss
index 30faabc..e5a595f 100644
--- a/src/static_src/scss/_tray.scss
+++ b/src/static_src/scss/_tray.scss
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ $handle-rect-w:  10000px;
 $handle-rect-h:   72px;
 $handle-exposed:  48px;
 $handle-r:         1rem;
+$tray-bevel:    0.3rem;  // inner bevel ring; grid must sit inside this
 
 #id_tray_wrap.role-select-phase {
     #id_tray_handle { visibility: hidden; pointer-events: none; }
@@ -128,9 +129,18 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
 }
 
 .tray-role-card {
-    padding:  0;
+    padding:  0.5rem;  // breathing room around role art (post-bleed-trim)
     overflow: hidden;
     background: transparent;
+    // Dotted borders on .tray-cell would otherwise shrink the content box
+    // and push a `width/height: 100%` img off-centre. Flex centring +
+    // sizing the img to the full grid track keeps it visually centred
+    // while preserving the dotted grid markings.
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    &:focus { outline: none; }
 
     img {
         display: block;
@@ -138,7 +148,14 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
         height: 100%;
         object-fit: cover;
         object-position: center;
-        transform: scale(1.4);  // crop SVG's internal margins
+        transition: rotate 0.25s ease;
+    }
+
+    // Hover/touch tilts the scrawl 7° counter-clockwise; :focus persists the
+    // tilt after a click (cell receives tabindex="0" from tray.js).
+    &:hover > img,
+    &:focus > img {
+        rotate: -7deg;
     }
 
     // Cell stays static; only the scrawl image fades in.
@@ -156,9 +173,19 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
     justify-content: center;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    &:focus { outline: none; }
 
     .sig-stage-card.sea-sig-card {
         --sig-card-w: calc(var(--tray-cell-size, 48px) * 5 / 8);
+        // `rotate` is independent of `transform`, so the existing -5° baseline
+        // (set on .sig-stage-card.sea-sig-card via transform) is preserved and
+        // this rotates 7° clockwise on top of it.
+        transition: rotate 0.25s ease;
+    }
+    &:hover > .sig-stage-card,
+    &:focus > .sig-stage-card {
+        rotate: 7deg;
     }
 }
 
@@ -180,6 +207,7 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
 }
 
 #id_tray {
+    --tray-bevel: #{$tray-bevel};  // exposed to JS via getComputedStyle for cell-size math
     flex: 1;
     min-width: 0;
     margin-left: 0.5rem;  // small gap so tray appears slightly off-screen on drag start
@@ -190,9 +218,10 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
     border-left:2.5rem solid rgba(var(--quaUser), 1);
     border-top: 2.5rem solid rgba(var(--quaUser), 1);
     border-bottom: 2.5rem solid rgba(var(--quaUser), 1);
+    padding: $tray-bevel;  // inset grid inside the bevel ring on every felt-facing side
     box-shadow:
         -0.25rem 0 0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55),
-        inset 0 0 0 0.3rem rgba(var(--quiUser), 0.45),      // prominent bevel ring at wall edge
+        inset 0 0 0 $tray-bevel rgba(var(--quiUser), 0.45),      // prominent bevel ring at wall edge
         inset 0.6rem 0 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 1),          // left wall depth
         inset 0.6rem 0 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(var(--quiUser), 0.5),  // left wall depth (hue)
         inset 0 0.6rem 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 1),          // top wall depth
@@ -217,6 +246,20 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
     border-right:  2px dotted rgba(var(--priUser), 0.35);
     border-bottom: 2px dotted rgba(var(--priUser), 0.35);
     position: relative;
+
+    // Whatever a cell holds (role-card img, sig stage card, future Celtic Cross
+    // / natus wheel / dice) gets a soft drop shadow to lift it off the felt.
+    // Applied to the child rather than the cell itself so the dotted grid
+    // borders stay shadow-free.
+    > * {
+        box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);
+    }
+    // Img children (SVG/PNG with transparent regions): use filter drop-shadow
+    // instead so the shadow traces the rendered silhouette, not the SVG viewport.
+    > img {
+        box-shadow: none;
+        filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1));
+    }
 }
 
 // ─── Tray: landscape reorientation ─────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -285,7 +328,7 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
 
         box-shadow:
             0 0.25rem 0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.55),
-            inset 0 0 0 0.3rem rgba(var(--quiUser), 0.45),              // prominent bevel ring
+            inset 0 0 0 $tray-bevel rgba(var(--quiUser), 0.45),         // prominent bevel ring
             inset 0 -0.6rem 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 1),           // bottom wall depth
             inset 0 -0.6rem 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(var(--quaUser), 0.5),  // bottom wall depth (hue)
             inset 0.6rem 0 1.5rem -0.5rem rgba(0, 0, 0, 1),            // left wall depth
@@ -308,9 +351,11 @@ $handle-r:         1rem;
         grid-auto-rows: var(--tray-cell-size, 48px);
         // Anchor grid to the handle-side (bottom) of the tray so the first row
         // is visible when partially open; additional rows grow upward.
+        // Inset by --tray-bevel so the grid sits inside the bevel ring rather
+        // than under it (matches the portrait padding inset of the same width).
         position: absolute;
-        bottom: 0;
-        left: 0;
+        bottom: var(--tray-bevel, 0.3rem);
+        left:   var(--tray-bevel, 0.3rem);
     }
 
     // In landscape the first row sits at the bottom; border-top divides it from
diff --git a/src/static_src/tests/SpecRunner.html b/src/static_src/tests/SpecRunner.html
index 027f783..5f38d99 100644
--- a/src/static_src/tests/SpecRunner.html
+++ b/src/static_src/tests/SpecRunner.html
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
     <script src="Spec.js"></script>
     <script src="RoleSelectSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="TraySpec.js"></script>
+    <script src="TrayTooltipSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="SigSelectSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="SeaDealSpec.js"></script>
     <script src="FanStageSpec.js"></script>
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/stage-card.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/role-select.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/tray.js"></script>
+    <script src="/static/apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/sig-select.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/epic/sea.js"></script>
     <script src="/static/apps/gameboard/game-kit.js"></script>
diff --git a/src/static_src/tests/TraySpec.js b/src/static_src/tests/TraySpec.js
index 2148403..1e876e1 100644
--- a/src/static_src/tests/TraySpec.js
+++ b/src/static_src/tests/TraySpec.js
@@ -470,6 +470,11 @@ describe("Tray", () => {
             expect(firstCell.dataset.role).toBe("NC");
         });
 
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on the placed cell so :focus persists the hover-tilt", () => {
+            Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
+            expect(firstCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
         it("grid cell count stays at 8", () => {
             Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
             expect(grid.children.length).toBe(8);
@@ -518,5 +523,57 @@ describe("Tray", () => {
             expect(firstCell.classList.contains("tray-role-card")).toBe(false);
             expect(firstCell.dataset.role).toBeUndefined();
         });
+
+        it("reset() also clears tabindex from the placed cell", () => {
+            Tray.placeCard("PC", null);
+            Tray.reset();
+            expect(firstCell.hasAttribute("tabindex")).toBe(false);
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // init() — focusable tray cards                                            //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    //
+    // .tray-sig-card is rendered server-side by room.html when the seat has a
+    // significator; .tray-role-card may be too if the seat already has a role.
+    // init() must mark these cells tabbable so the SCSS :focus rule persists
+    // the hover-tilt animation after the user clicks the card.
+
+    describe("init() — focusable tray cards", () => {
+        let grid;
+
+        beforeEach(() => {
+            grid = document.createElement("div");
+            grid.id = "id_tray_grid";
+            document.body.appendChild(grid);
+        });
+
+        afterEach(() => grid.remove());
+
+        function _addCell(extraClass) {
+            const cell = document.createElement("div");
+            cell.className = "tray-cell" + (extraClass ? " " + extraClass : "");
+            grid.appendChild(cell);
+            return cell;
+        }
+
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on a template-rendered .tray-sig-card", () => {
+            const sigCell = _addCell("tray-sig-card");
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(sigCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
+        it("sets tabIndex=0 on a template-rendered .tray-role-card", () => {
+            const roleCell = _addCell("tray-role-card");
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(roleCell.tabIndex).toBe(0);
+        });
+
+        it("does NOT set tabindex on bare .tray-cell elements", () => {
+            const empty = _addCell();
+            Tray.init();
+            expect(empty.hasAttribute("tabindex")).toBe(false);
+        });
     });
 });
diff --git a/src/static_src/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js b/src/static_src/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27cd471
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/static_src/tests/TrayTooltipSpec.js
@@ -0,0 +1,174 @@
+// ── TrayTooltipSpec.js ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+//
+// Unit specs for TrayTooltip — apps.tooltips portal-population on hover of a
+// tray-cell child element. Phase 1 covers .tray-role-card > img only; Phase 2
+// (sig-card with PRV/NXT pager) is a separate sprint.
+//
+// Public API under test:
+//   TrayTooltip.init()    — binds document hover/move listeners
+//   TrayTooltip.reset()   — detaches listeners + hides portal (afterEach)
+//
+// DOM contract assumed by the module:
+//   #id_tooltip_portal   — fixed portal at page root, hidden by default
+//   #id_tray_grid        — tray's grid container
+//     .tray-role-card    — cell carrying the role art
+//       > img            — hover trigger
+//       > .tt            — server-rendered tooltip content (.tt-title, .tt-description, …)
+//
+// Behaviour:
+//   * Hovering the img copies its sibling .tt's innerHTML into the portal,
+//     marks the portal .active, and shows it (display: block).
+//   * Pointer leaving the union of [trigger, portal] rects clears the portal.
+//   * Position is clamped to the viewport: portal.left ≥ halfPortalW + 8;
+//     portal.left ≤ viewportW − halfPortalW − 8.
+//
+// ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+describe("TrayTooltip", () => {
+    let portal, grid, cell, img, tt;
+
+    beforeEach(() => {
+        portal = document.createElement("div");
+        portal.id = "id_tooltip_portal";
+        portal.style.display = "none";
+        document.body.appendChild(portal);
+
+        grid = document.createElement("div");
+        grid.id = "id_tray_grid";
+
+        cell = document.createElement("div");
+        cell.className = "tray-cell tray-role-card";
+        cell.dataset.role = "PC";
+
+        img = document.createElement("img");
+        img.alt = "PC";
+
+        tt = document.createElement("div");
+        tt.className = "tt";
+        tt.style.display = "none";
+        tt.innerHTML =
+            '<h4 class="tt-title">Player</h4>' +
+            '<p class="tt-description">[Placeholder description]</p>';
+
+        cell.appendChild(img);
+        cell.appendChild(tt);
+        grid.appendChild(cell);
+        document.body.appendChild(grid);
+
+        // Force a known geometry so clamp math has something to clamp against.
+        // (jsdom-style env: getBoundingClientRect() returns zeroes by default;
+        // override via stubs.)
+        spyOn(img, "getBoundingClientRect").and.returnValue({
+            left: 100, right: 148, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 48, height: 48,
+        });
+
+        TrayTooltip.init();
+    });
+
+    afterEach(() => {
+        TrayTooltip.reset();
+        portal.remove();
+        grid.remove();
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Hover → portal becomes active                                            //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("on mouseenter of role-card img", () => {
+        it("copies .tt innerHTML into the portal", () => {
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain('class="tt-title"');
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain("Player");
+            expect(portal.innerHTML).toContain("[Placeholder description]");
+        });
+
+        it("marks the portal .active and shows it", () => {
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+            expect(portal.style.display).not.toBe("none");
+        });
+
+        it("does nothing if there is no sibling .tt", () => {
+            tt.remove();
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(false);
+            expect(portal.style.display).toBe("none");
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Mouseleave (extended) → portal clears                                    //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("on pointer leaving the trigger+portal union", () => {
+        beforeEach(() => {
+            // Pin the portal to a known location after activation so the
+            // mousemove union test is deterministic.
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+            spyOn(portal, "getBoundingClientRect").and.returnValue({
+                left: 80, right: 280, top: 120, bottom: 200, width: 200, height: 80,
+            });
+        });
+
+        it("clears the portal when the pointer is well outside both rects", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 500, clientY: 500,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(false);
+            expect(portal.style.display).toBe("none");
+        });
+
+        it("keeps the portal active while the pointer is inside the trigger", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 120, clientY: 220,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+        });
+
+        it("keeps the portal active while the pointer is inside the portal", () => {
+            document.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mousemove", {
+                bubbles: true, clientX: 180, clientY: 160,
+            }));
+            expect(portal.classList.contains("active")).toBe(true);
+        });
+    });
+
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+    // Clamping — portal left stays inside the viewport                         //
+    // ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //
+
+    describe("position clamping", () => {
+        it("clamps to the right when the trigger is near the left edge", () => {
+            // Trigger near x=0 should push portal centre rightward to halfW + 8.
+            img.getBoundingClientRect.and.returnValue({
+                left: 0, right: 48, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 48, height: 48,
+            });
+            // Stub portal width so halfW is predictable AFTER innerHTML is set.
+            const origDescriptor = Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptor(
+                HTMLElement.prototype, "offsetWidth"
+            );
+            Object.defineProperty(portal, "offsetWidth", { configurable: true, value: 200 });
+
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+
+            const left = parseFloat(portal.style.left);
+            expect(left).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(108);  // halfW(100) + 8
+
+            if (origDescriptor) Object.defineProperty(HTMLElement.prototype, "offsetWidth", origDescriptor);
+        });
+
+        it("clamps to the left when the trigger is near the right edge", () => {
+            const vw = window.innerWidth;
+            img.getBoundingClientRect.and.returnValue({
+                left: vw - 10, right: vw, top: 200, bottom: 248, width: 10, height: 48,
+            });
+            Object.defineProperty(portal, "offsetWidth", { configurable: true, value: 200 });
+
+            img.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent("mouseenter", { bubbles: true }));
+
+            const left = parseFloat(portal.style.left);
+            expect(left).toBeLessThanOrEqual(vw - 100 - 8);  // viewport − halfW − 8
+        });
+    });
+});
diff --git a/src/templates/apps/gameboard/room.html b/src/templates/apps/gameboard/room.html
index 27ef08a..1f1c3ae 100644
--- a/src/templates/apps/gameboard/room.html
+++ b/src/templates/apps/gameboard/room.html
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 {% extends "core/base.html" %}
-{% load static %}
+{% load static tooltip_tags %}
 
 {% block title_text %}Gameboard{% endblock title_text %}
 {% block header_text %}<span>Game</span>room{% endblock header_text %}
@@ -101,9 +101,15 @@
                     <i class="fa-solid fa-dice-d20"></i>
                 </button>
             </div>
-            <div id="id_tray" style="display:none"><div id="id_tray_grid" data-role-icons-url="{% static 'apps/epic/icons/cards-roles/' %}">{% if my_tray_role %}<div class="tray-cell tray-role-card" data-role="{{ my_tray_role }}"><img src="{% static my_tray_scrawl_static_path %}" alt="{{ my_tray_role }}"></div>{% else %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endif %}{% if my_tray_sig %}<div class="tray-cell tray-sig-card"><div class="sig-stage-card sea-sig-card" aria-label="{{ my_tray_sig.name }}"><span class="fan-corner-rank">{{ my_tray_sig.corner_rank }}</span>{% if my_tray_sig.suit_icon %}<i class="fa-solid {{ my_tray_sig.suit_icon }}"></i>{% endif %}</div></div>{% else %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endif %}{% for i in "345678" %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endfor %}</div></div>
+            <div id="id_tray" style="display:none"><div id="id_tray_grid" data-role-icons-url="{% static 'apps/epic/icons/cards-roles/' %}">{% if my_tray_role %}<div class="tray-cell tray-role-card" data-role="{{ my_tray_role }}"><img src="{% static my_tray_scrawl_static_path %}" alt="{{ my_tray_role }}">{% tooltip my_tray_role_tooltip %}</div>{% else %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endif %}{% if my_tray_sig %}<div class="tray-cell tray-sig-card"><div class="sig-stage-card sea-sig-card" aria-label="{{ my_tray_sig.name }}"><span class="fan-corner-rank">{{ my_tray_sig.corner_rank }}</span>{% if my_tray_sig.suit_icon %}<i class="fa-solid {{ my_tray_sig.suit_icon }}"></i>{% endif %}</div></div>{% else %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endif %}{% for i in "345678" %}<div class="tray-cell"></div>{% endfor %}</div></div>
         </div>
         {% endif %}
+        {# Tray-tooltip portal — sibling of the tray so it sits at room-page root,
+           not inside the tray's overflow:hidden / mask-image clip. JS populates
+           innerHTML on hover of .tray-role-card > img (and Phase 2: sig card). #}
+        {% if room.table_status %}
+            <div id="id_tooltip_portal" class="tt" style="display:none;"></div>
+        {% endif %}
         {% include "apps/gameboard/_partials/_room_gear.html" %}
     </div>
 {% endblock content %}
@@ -117,4 +123,5 @@
     <script src="{% static 'apps/epic/sig-select.js' %}"></script>
     <script src="{% static 'apps/epic/sea.js' %}"></script>
     <script src="{% static 'apps/epic/tray.js' %}"></script>
+    <script src="{% static 'apps/epic/tray-tooltip.js' %}"></script>
 {% endblock scripts %}