diff --git a/docs/HANDBOOK.md b/docs/HANDBOOK.md
index 0ee0bd2..d5228d7 100644
--- a/docs/HANDBOOK.md
+++ b/docs/HANDBOOK.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Darkwatch Handbook
 
-**Last updated:** 2026-04-11
+**Last updated:** 2026-04-12
 
 A reference for everyone working on or with Darkwatch — whether you're a DM discovering the tool, a developer joining the project, or a collaborator adding features.
 
@@ -104,6 +104,19 @@ Shadowdark uses team-based initiative — the whole party acts together, then al
 
 Combat state persists to the database. If the server restarts mid-fight, the tracker reappears when players rejoin.
 
+### Death Timer
+
+Shadowdark's dying mechanic is fully implemented. When a character drops to 0 HP they enter a dying state:
+
+- The server rolls 1d4 + CON modifier (minimum 1) to determine how many rounds the character has left
+- The character card gains a pulsing red border and shows a 💀 countdown (e.g. 💀 3)
+- Each time the party's turn begins in the initiative tracker, all dying timers tick down by 1
+- The DM can click **Roll Recovery** in the initiative tracker — a d20 is rolled server-side; 18 or higher lets the character stand at 1 HP
+- If the timer reaches 0 the character is marked permanently dead (card goes grey, HP is locked)
+- The DM can click **Revive** on a dead character's card to bring them back at 1 HP
+
+Healing a dying character above 0 HP at any point immediately clears the dying state with no recovery roll needed.
+
 ### DM View
 
 The DM sees all characters in a compact three-column card grid showing: HP (current/max), AC, luck token state, torch timer, and all stat modifiers at a glance. The full character detail is one click away.
@@ -113,8 +126,7 @@ The DM sees all characters in a compact three-column card grid showing: HP (curr
 Features currently planned or in progress:
 
 - **Talent roll UI** — roll 2d6 on the class talent table when leveling up; currently talents are added manually
-- **Death timer** — when a character is dying: 1d4 + CON rounds to live, d20 each turn to rise at 1 HP
-- **Conditions / status effects** — poisoned, stunned, dying, etc. shown on character cards
+- **Conditions / status effects** — poisoned, stunned, etc. shown on character cards (dying is already tracked internally)
 - **Per-enemy dice rolls** — DM triggers attack/damage rolls from individual enemies in the tracker
 - **Party loot / shared inventory** — campaign-level shared item pool, DM-managed
 - **Creature gallery / NPC system** — saved enemy stat blocks, quick-add to initiative tracker