diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 9a46a6f..5c1c5a8 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/),
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Added
+
+- `GiveItems`, a command that hands items and coins from one party member to another in zero game time — the distribute-the-load move for shifting weight off an overloaded companion so the party's marching rate recovers. Legal in town and while exploring (not mid-encounter or in battle); both members must be able-bodied and distinct. A given magic item releases its worn effects and lands unequipped in the recipient's pack, mundane items merge into a like stack, valuables and coins move across, and the transfer emits a player-visible `ItemsGivenEvent`. The giver must actually carry what's named, and a revealed cursed item cannot be handed off.
+
 ## [1.2.1] - 2026-07-20
 
 ### Fixed
diff --git a/src/osrlib/crawl/commands.py b/src/osrlib/crawl/commands.py
index 571e39e..609c717 100644
--- a/src/osrlib/crawl/commands.py
+++ b/src/osrlib/crawl/commands.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@
     "Evade",
     "ExtinguishSource",
     "ForceDoor",
+    "GiveItems",
     "GrantCoins",
     "GrantItem",
     "IdentifyItem",
@@ -597,6 +598,44 @@ class DropItems(Command):
     coins: Coins = Coins()
 
 
+class GiveItems(Command):
+    """Hand items and coins from one party member to another (zero time).
+
+    The distribute-the-load move: `character_id` is the giver, `recipient_id` the
+    companion who takes the goods. Each `item_ids` entry gives one unit (repeat an
+    id for more); a given magic item releases any worn effects first and lands
+    unequipped in the recipient's pack. Legal in town and while exploring — not
+    mid-encounter or in battle. Both members must be able-bodied.
+
+    Modes:
+        `town`, `exploring`
+
+    Rejections:
+        - `session.command.wrong_mode` — an encounter or battle is underway, or the
+          game is over.
+        - `session.command.unknown_member` — `character_id` or `recipient_id` names
+          no party member.
+        - `session.command.member_incapacitated` — the giver or recipient cannot
+          act.
+        - `exploration.give.same_member` — giver and recipient are the same member.
+        - `items.curse.stuck` — a revealed cursed item cannot be handed off.
+        - `exploration.item.not_carried` — the giver lacks an item or the coins.
+
+    Events:
+        [`ItemsGivenEvent`][osrlib.crawl.events.ItemsGivenEvent] with what changed
+        hands. A worn magic item's effects release
+        ([`EffectReleasedEvent`][osrlib.core.events.EffectReleasedEvent]).
+    """
+
+    allowed_modes: ClassVar[frozenset[SessionMode]] = _FIELD_MODES
+
+    command_type: Literal["give_items"] = "give_items"
+    character_id: str
+    recipient_id: str
+    item_ids: tuple[str, ...] = ()
+    coins: Coins = Coins()
+
+
 class LightSource(Command):
     """Light a torch or lantern, or ignite dropped oil (one round).
 
@@ -1662,6 +1701,7 @@ def _expression_must_parse(cls, value: str) -> str:
     RemoveTreasureTrap,
     TakeTreasure,
     DropItems,
+    GiveItems,
     LightSource,
     ExtinguishSource,
     EquipItem,
diff --git a/src/osrlib/crawl/encounter.py b/src/osrlib/crawl/encounter.py
index 2ac9607..edfc435 100644
--- a/src/osrlib/crawl/encounter.py
+++ b/src/osrlib/crawl/encounter.py
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ def _handle_drop_during_encounter(session, command: DropItems) -> tuple[list[Rej
     member, rejections = exploration._member_able(session, command.character_id)
     if rejections:
         return rejections, []
-    rejections = exploration._validate_drops(member, command)
+    rejections = exploration._validate_carried(member, command.item_ids, command.coins)
     if rejections:
         return rejections, []
     in_pursuit = state.pursuit is not None
diff --git a/src/osrlib/crawl/events.py b/src/osrlib/crawl/events.py
index 8582331..41d4b6e 100644
--- a/src/osrlib/crawl/events.py
+++ b/src/osrlib/crawl/events.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@
     "ItemIdentifiedEvent",
     "ItemUsedEvent",
     "ItemsDroppedEvent",
+    "ItemsGivenEvent",
     "LightEvent",
     "ListenedEvent",
     "LocationEnteredEvent",
@@ -221,6 +222,23 @@ class ItemsDroppedEvent(Event):
     coins_gp_value: int = 0
 
 
+class ItemsGivenEvent(Event):
+    """Items or coins handed from one party member to another.
+
+    `character_id` is the giver, `recipient_id` the companion who took the goods.
+    """
+
+    allowed_codes: ClassVar[frozenset[str]] = frozenset({"exploration.item.given"})
+
+    event_type: Literal["items_given"] = "items_given"
+    code: str = "exploration.item.given"
+    visibility: Visibility = Visibility.PLAYER
+    character_id: str
+    recipient_id: str
+    item_ids: tuple[str, ...] = ()
+    coins_gp_value: int = 0
+
+
 class LightEvent(Event):
     """A light source changed state.
 
@@ -690,6 +708,7 @@ class DiceRolledEvent(Event):
     TrapEvent,
     ItemAcquiredEvent,
     ItemsDroppedEvent,
+    ItemsGivenEvent,
     LightEvent,
     RestedEvent,
     FatigueEvent,
diff --git a/src/osrlib/crawl/exploration.py b/src/osrlib/crawl/exploration.py
index a9127a1..6b1e15a 100644
--- a/src/osrlib/crawl/exploration.py
+++ b/src/osrlib/crawl/exploration.py
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@
     EquipItem,
     ExtinguishSource,
     ForceDoor,
+    GiveItems,
     InspectTreasure,
     LightSource,
     ListenAtDoor,
@@ -114,6 +115,7 @@
     ItemAcquiredEvent,
     ItemIdentifiedEvent,
     ItemsDroppedEvent,
+    ItemsGivenEvent,
     ItemUsedEvent,
     LightEvent,
     ListenedEvent,
@@ -1501,16 +1503,21 @@ def _handle_drop_items(session, command: DropItems) -> tuple[list[Rejection], li
     member, rejections = _member_able(session, command.character_id)
     if rejections:
         return rejections, []
-    rejections = _validate_drops(member, command)
+    rejections = _validate_carried(member, command.item_ids, command.coins)
     if rejections:
         return rejections, []
     events = _apply_drop(session, member, command, to_pile=True)
     return [], events
 
 
-def _validate_drops(member, command: DropItems) -> list[Rejection]:
+def _validate_carried(member, item_ids: tuple[str, ...], coins: Coins) -> list[Rejection]:
+    """Guard the item/coin handout shared by drop and give.
+
+    The member must carry every named item and coin, and no revealed cursed item
+    may leave its bearer.
+    """
     counts: dict[str, int] = {}
-    for item_id in command.item_ids:
+    for item_id in item_ids:
         magic = member.inventory.magic_item(item_id)
         if magic is not None:
             if magic.cursed_revealed:
@@ -1530,11 +1537,84 @@ def _validate_drops(member, command: DropItems) -> list[Rejection]:
             return [Rejection(code="exploration.item.not_carried", params={"item": item_id})]
     purse = member.inventory.purse
     for denomination in ("pp", "gp", "ep", "sp", "cp"):
-        if getattr(command.coins, denomination) > getattr(purse, denomination):
+        if getattr(coins, denomination) > getattr(purse, denomination):
             return [Rejection(code="exploration.item.not_carried", params={"item": denomination})]
     return []
 
 
+def _handle_give_items(session, command: GiveItems) -> tuple[list[Rejection], list[Event]]:
+    giver, rejections = _member_able(session, command.character_id)
+    if rejections:
+        return rejections, []
+    if command.recipient_id == command.character_id:
+        return [Rejection(code="exploration.give.same_member", params={"character": command.character_id})], []
+    recipient, rejections = _member_able(session, command.recipient_id)
+    if rejections:
+        return rejections, []
+    rejections = _validate_carried(giver, command.item_ids, command.coins)
+    if rejections:
+        return rejections, []
+    events = _apply_give(session, giver, recipient, command)
+    return [], events
+
+
+def _grant_mundane(member, item_id: str, quantity: int = 1) -> None:
+    """Add a mundane equipment item to a member's pack, merging with any like stack."""
+    existing = next(
+        (
+            instance
+            for instance in member.inventory.items
+            if not isinstance(instance, MagicItemInstance) and instance.template.id == item_id
+        ),
+        None,
+    )
+    if existing is not None:
+        existing.quantity += quantity
+    else:
+        member.inventory.items.append(ItemInstance(template=load_equipment().get(item_id), quantity=quantity))
+
+
+def _apply_give(session, giver, recipient, command: GiveItems) -> list[Event]:
+    """Move the named goods and coins from giver to recipient (zero time).
+
+    A given magic item releases any worn effects first, then lands unequipped in
+    the recipient's pack; mundane items merge into a like stack; coins move purse
+    to purse.
+    """
+    events: list[Event] = []
+    for item_id in command.item_ids:
+        magic = giver.inventory.magic_item(item_id)
+        if magic is not None:
+            events.extend(_release_instance_effects(session, magic))
+            _remove_magic_instance(giver, magic)
+            recipient.inventory.items.append(magic)
+            continue
+        valuable = next(
+            (candidate for candidate in giver.inventory.valuables if candidate.instance_id == item_id), None
+        )
+        if valuable is not None:
+            giver.inventory.valuables.remove(valuable)
+            recipient.inventory.valuables.append(valuable)
+            continue
+        _consume_item(giver, item_id)
+        _grant_mundane(recipient, item_id)
+    giver_purse = giver.inventory.purse
+    recipient_purse = recipient.inventory.purse
+    for denomination in ("pp", "gp", "ep", "sp", "cp"):
+        moved = getattr(command.coins, denomination)
+        setattr(giver_purse, denomination, getattr(giver_purse, denomination) - moved)
+        setattr(recipient_purse, denomination, getattr(recipient_purse, denomination) + moved)
+    events.append(
+        ItemsGivenEvent(
+            character_id=giver.id,
+            recipient_id=recipient.id,
+            item_ids=tuple(command.item_ids),
+            coins_gp_value=command.coins.value_gp,
+        )
+    )
+    return events
+
+
 def _apply_drop(session, member, command: DropItems, *, to_pile: bool) -> list[Event]:
     """Remove the dropped goods; onto the cell's pile, or scattered (pursuit bait)."""
     pile = None
@@ -2886,6 +2966,7 @@ def _temple_cleric(spell) -> Character:
     RemoveTreasureTrap: _handle_remove_treasure_trap,
     TakeTreasure: _handle_take_treasure,
     DropItems: _handle_drop_items,
+    GiveItems: _handle_give_items,
     LightSource: _handle_light_source,
     ExtinguishSource: _handle_extinguish_source,
     EquipItem: _handle_equip_item,
diff --git a/src/osrlib/messages.py b/src/osrlib/messages.py
index 407533b..d0e689b 100644
--- a/src/osrlib/messages.py
+++ b/src/osrlib/messages.py
@@ -223,6 +223,13 @@ def _turning(event: UndeadTurnedEvent, outcome: str) -> str:
         + (f"{event.coins_gp_value} gp in coin" if event.coins_gp_value else "")
         + "."
     ),
+    "exploration.item.given": lambda event: (
+        f"{event.character_id} gives "
+        + (", ".join(event.item_ids) if event.item_ids else "")
+        + (" and " if event.item_ids and event.coins_gp_value else "")
+        + (f"{event.coins_gp_value} gp in coin" if event.coins_gp_value else "")
+        + f" to {event.recipient_id}."
+    ),
     "exploration.light.lit": lambda event: f"{event.character_id} lights a {event.source}.",
     "exploration.light.extinguished": lambda event: f"{event.character_id} extinguishes the {event.source}.",
     "exploration.light.failed": lambda event: f"{event.character_id} fumbles with the tinder box — no flame.",
diff --git a/tests/test_commands.py b/tests/test_commands.py
index dbc802d..6e75883 100644
--- a/tests/test_commands.py
+++ b/tests/test_commands.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ def sample_command(command_class):
         "RemoveTreasureTrap": dict(character_id="pc-1", feature_id="chest-1"),
         "TakeTreasure": dict(feature_id="chest-1"),
         "DropItems": dict(character_id="pc-1", item_ids=("torch",)),
+        "GiveItems": dict(character_id="pc-1", recipient_id="pc-2", item_ids=("torch",)),
         "LightSource": dict(character_id="pc-1", item_id="torch"),
         "ExtinguishSource": dict(character_id="pc-1"),
         "EquipItem": dict(character_id="pc-1", item_id="sword"),
diff --git a/tests/test_crawl_properties.py b/tests/test_crawl_properties.py
index 7593b2b..7498366 100644
--- a/tests/test_crawl_properties.py
+++ b/tests/test_crawl_properties.py
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ def command_strategy():
             if field_name == "command_type":
                 continue
             annotation = str(field.annotation)
-            if field_name in ("character_id",):
+            if field_name in ("character_id", "recipient_id"):
                 fields[field_name] = st.sampled_from(CHARACTER_IDS)
             elif field_name in ("item_id",):
                 fields[field_name] = st.sampled_from(ITEM_IDS)
diff --git a/tests/test_events_kernel.py b/tests/test_events_kernel.py
index 0229a0b..acab307 100644
--- a/tests/test_events_kernel.py
+++ b/tests/test_events_kernel.py
@@ -91,6 +91,9 @@ def sample_event(event_class, code):
         "TrapEvent": dict(trap_ref="dungeon:1:room-3", character_id="pc-1"),
         "ItemAcquiredEvent": dict(character_id="pc-1", item_ids=("torch",), coins_gp_value=100),
         "ItemsDroppedEvent": dict(character_id="pc-1", item_ids=("rations_standard",), coins_gp_value=200),
+        "ItemsGivenEvent": dict(
+            character_id="pc-1", recipient_id="pc-2", item_ids=("rations_standard",), coins_gp_value=200
+        ),
         "LightEvent": dict(character_id="pc-1", source="torch"),
         "RestedEvent": dict(kind="night"),
         "FatigueEvent": dict(),
diff --git a/tests/test_exploration.py b/tests/test_exploration.py
index b6df33d..1f6b804 100644
--- a/tests/test_exploration.py
+++ b/tests/test_exploration.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 from osrlib.core.clock import ROUNDS_PER_TURN, TimeUnit
 from osrlib.core.effects import Condition, has_condition
 from osrlib.core.events import Visibility
+from osrlib.core.items import Coins, ValuableInstance
 from osrlib.core.rng import RngStream
 from osrlib.core.ruleset import Ruleset
 from osrlib.crawl import exploration
@@ -20,6 +21,8 @@
     EnterDungeon,
     ExtinguishSource,
     ForceDoor,
+    GiveItems,
+    GrantCoins,
     GrantItem,
     InspectTreasure,
     LightSource,
@@ -678,6 +681,113 @@ def test_flag_off_tracks_but_never_penalizes(self):
         assert exploration._fatigue_threshold(session) == 6
 
 
+class TestGiveItems:
+    """Handing goods and coins between members — the distribute-the-load move."""
+
+    def test_give_moves_coins_and_a_mundane_item_between_members(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        session.execute(GrantCoins(character_id="character-0001", coins=Coins(gp=100)))
+        spikes_before = sum(
+            i.quantity for i in session.member("character-0002").inventory.items if i.template.id == "iron_spikes"
+        )
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(
+                character_id="character-0001",
+                recipient_id="character-0002",
+                item_ids=("iron_spikes",),
+                coins=Coins(gp=40),
+            )
+        )
+        assert result.accepted
+        given = next(event for event in result.events if event.code == "exploration.item.given")
+        assert given.recipient_id == "character-0002"
+        assert given.coins_gp_value == 40
+        assert session.member("character-0001").inventory.purse.gp == 60
+        assert session.member("character-0002").inventory.purse.gp == 40
+        spikes_after = sum(
+            i.quantity for i in session.member("character-0002").inventory.items if i.template.id == "iron_spikes"
+        )
+        assert spikes_after == spikes_before + 1
+
+    def test_give_moves_a_valuable(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        giver = session.member("character-0001")
+        gem = ValuableInstance(instance_id="valuable-9001", kind="gem", name="ruby", value_gp=500, weight_coins=10)
+        giver.inventory.valuables.append(gem)
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0003", item_ids=("valuable-9001",))
+        )
+        assert result.accepted
+        assert all(v.instance_id != "valuable-9001" for v in giver.inventory.valuables)
+        assert any(v.instance_id == "valuable-9001" for v in session.member("character-0003").inventory.valuables)
+
+    def test_give_is_zero_time(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        session.execute(GrantCoins(character_id="character-0001", coins=Coins(gp=10)))
+        before = session.clock.rounds
+        session.execute(GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0002", coins=Coins(gp=10)))
+        assert session.clock.rounds == before
+
+    def test_give_relieves_an_overloaded_member_and_unfreezes_the_party(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        # 1,601 coins tops the 1,600-coin maximum load: movement drops to 0, and
+        # the party moves at the slowest living member's rate — everyone freezes.
+        session.member("character-0001").inventory.purse.gp = 1601
+        assert session.member("character-0001").movement_rate(session.ruleset) == 0
+        assert exploration.exploration_rate(session) == 0
+        session.execute(GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0002", coins=Coins(gp=800)))
+        assert session.member("character-0001").movement_rate(session.ruleset) > 0
+        assert exploration.exploration_rate(session) > 0
+
+    def test_give_rejects_when_the_giver_lacks_the_item(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0002", recipient_id="character-0001", item_ids=("plate_mail",))
+        )
+        assert not result.accepted
+        assert result.rejections[0].code == "exploration.item.not_carried"
+
+    def test_give_rejects_more_coin_than_carried(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0002", coins=Coins(gp=999999))
+        )
+        assert not result.accepted
+        assert result.rejections[0].code == "exploration.item.not_carried"
+
+    def test_give_rejects_to_self(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0001", coins=Coins(gp=0))
+        )
+        assert not result.accepted
+        assert result.rejections[0].code == "exploration.give.same_member"
+
+    def test_give_rejects_unknown_recipient(self):
+        session = quiet_session()
+        entered(session)
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-9999", item_ids=("iron_spikes",))
+        )
+        assert not result.accepted
+        assert result.rejections[0].code == "session.command.unknown_member"
+
+    def test_give_is_allowed_in_town(self):
+        session = quiet_session()  # a fresh session starts in town, before EnterDungeon
+        assert session.mode.value == "town"
+        result = session.execute(
+            GiveItems(character_id="character-0001", recipient_id="character-0002", item_ids=("iron_spikes",))
+        )
+        assert result.accepted
+
+
 class TestLocationEffects:
     def test_burning_oil_pool_damages_passers_through(self):
         session = quiet_session(seed=17)
diff --git a/tools/docs/rejection_codes.json b/tools/docs/rejection_codes.json
index 0cd7f6e..7ecd78e 100644
--- a/tools/docs/rejection_codes.json
+++ b/tools/docs/rejection_codes.json
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@
   "exploration.door.wedged": "The party tried to close or re-wedge a door that a spike or similar item is already holding open.",
   "exploration.feature.emptied": "The party tried to take treasure from a cache that has already been emptied.",
   "exploration.feature.unknown": "The command references a feature at the party's location that doesn't exist, or that isn't the kind of feature (such as a treasure cache) the action expects.",
+  "exploration.give.same_member": "A character was told to give items or coins to themselves; the giver and recipient must be different party members.",
   "exploration.item.not_carried": "The character or party doesn't currently have the referenced item, coin amount, or dropped item in their possession at this location.",
   "exploration.item.not_equipped": "The character tried to unequip an item that isn't currently worn or wielded.",
   "exploration.light.no_flame": "The party has no open flame currently burning to light this from, and the character isn't carrying a tinder box to strike a new one.",