Add session shell and close world presentation follow-ups

Session shell
- Startup venue menu (src/game/ui/start_menu.gd): keyboard + mouse, replaces
  the live-shift boot and V as the player-facing venue path (V stays a debug bind).
- Pause overlay on Esc (src/game/ui/pause_overlay.gd): resume, restart shift,
  settings, quit to menu.
- Settings panel (src/game/ui/settings_panel.gd): mouse look sensitivity and
  HUD font scale, persisted via Save into user://settings.json and loaded on boot.
- Shift review "Run another shift" now returns to the venue menu.
- New smoke: src/test/smoke_session_shell.gd (menu -> shift -> pause -> settings
  -> menu), passes headless and windowed.

World and presentation
- Skyline backdrop restored with a transparent asset and an alpha-scissor
  unshaded material; fixes the opaque black slab from the earlier attempt and
  the unimported texture path.
- Steps and landing are a StaticBody3D with per-tread colliders, so the guard
  and NPCs walk up instead of clipping through.
- Marquee Label3D scaled up (72 -> 160) so STEP LINE reads from the sidewalk.
- Focus torus and name tag enlarged for 2-3 m readability.
- Routine traffic despawns after an idle lifetime (NpcAvatar.ephemeral), so the
  16-NPC cap no longer fills with standers; authored events stay for the shift.

Docs and tests
- PLAN.md test/CI section corrected to the custom headless runner and Gitea Actions.
- README controls table, smoke checklist, test count, and status lists refreshed.
- TODO/DONE/MEMORY updated; completed sections moved to DONE.md.
- Headless suite 77 -> 88 passing (settings round-trip, step colliders, skyline
  alpha, session-shell UI behavior, traffic lifetime).

src/game/game_manager.gd

@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ const Hud := preload("res://src/game/ui/hud.gd")
 const ActionRadial := preload("res://src/game/ui/action_radial.gd")
 const RadioPanel := preload("res://src/game/ui/radio_panel.gd")
 const ShiftReview := preload("res://src/game/ui/shift_review.gd")
+const StartMenu := preload("res://src/game/ui/start_menu.gd")
+const PauseOverlay := preload("res://src/game/ui/pause_overlay.gd")
+const SettingsPanel := preload("res://src/game/ui/settings_panel.gd")
 
 var world_builder: WorldBuilder = null
 var door := DoorState.new()
@@ -62,6 +65,11 @@ var hud: Hud = null
 var radial: ActionRadial = null
 var radio_panel: RadioPanel = null
 var shift_review_panel: ShiftReview = null
+var start_menu: StartMenu = null
+var pause_overlay: PauseOverlay = null
+var settings_panel: SettingsPanel = null
+var _shift_running := false
+var player_settings: Dictionary = {}
 var _focused_avatar: Node3D = null
 var audio: AudioFeedback = null
 var verifier := AccessVerifier.new()
@@ -99,6 +107,7 @@ var _nearby_index := -1
 
 func _ready() -> void:
 	_door_rng.randomize()
+	player_settings = Save.load_settings() if Save else {}
 	scene_root = Node3D.new()
 	scene_root.name = "SceneRoot"
 	add_child(scene_root)
@@ -115,6 +124,7 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	guard.rotation.y = PI
 	guard.picked_target.connect(_on_guard_target)
 	guard.cleared_target.connect(_on_guard_clear)
+	_apply_settings(player_settings)
 
 	selected_scenario = _build_scenario(active_scenario_id)
 	scenario_duration_s = selected_scenario.shift_duration_s
@@ -125,9 +135,10 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	coordinator.radio.responder_arrived.connect(_on_responder_arrived)
 
 	_build_ui()
-	coordinator.start()
 	_last_phase = -1
 	_apply_phase_lighting()
+	# Boot into the venue menu; the shift starts when the player picks a venue.
+	_show_start_menu()
 
 var selected_scenario: VenueScenario = null
 
@@ -179,20 +190,106 @@ func switch_scenario(id: String) -> void:
 		restart_shift()
 
 func restart_shift() -> void:
-	shift_review_panel.hide()
+	if shift_review_panel:
+		shift_review_panel.hide()
+	_reset_shift_state()
+	_start_shift()
+
+## Clear all per-shift runtime state (NPCs, incidents, timers).
+func _reset_shift_state() -> void:
 	for n in npcs:
-		n.queue_free()
+		if is_instance_valid(n):
+			n.queue_free()
 	npcs.clear()
 	npc_counter = 0
 	inspector_current_events = []
 	current_incident_active = false
 	current_incident_npc_id = ""
+	targeted_npc = null
+	_focused_avatar = null
+	_nearby_index = -1
+	inspection_open = false
+	wand_open = false
+	_wand_cooldown = 0.0
 	scenario_duration_s = selected_scenario.shift_duration_s
 	coordinator.setup(selected_scenario, scenario_duration_s, 4242)
-	coordinator.start()
 	_last_phase = -1
 	_apply_phase_lighting()
 
+## Begin (or resume) the shift clock and recapture the mouse.
+func _start_shift() -> void:
+	_shift_running = true
+	coordinator.start()
+	if hud:
+		hud.set_shift_state(coordinator, selected_scenario)
+	_refresh_freeze()
+
+func _show_start_menu() -> void:
+	_shift_running = false
+	if pause_overlay:
+		pause_overlay.close()
+	if shift_review_panel:
+		shift_review_panel.hide()
+	if guard:
+		guard.input_locked = true
+	Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
+	if start_menu:
+		start_menu.open()
+
+func _on_venue_selected(scenario_id: String) -> void:
+	if start_menu and start_menu.visible:
+		start_menu.close()
+	active_scenario_id = scenario_id
+	_venue_index = maxi(0, VENUE_ORDER.find(scenario_id))
+	selected_scenario = _build_scenario(scenario_id)
+	if hud:
+		hud.set_wand_icon(false)
+	_reset_shift_state()
+	_start_shift()
+
+## Apply loaded settings to the guard and HUD.
+func _apply_settings(settings: Dictionary) -> void:
+	player_settings = settings
+	if guard:
+		guard.look_sensitivity = float(settings.get("look_sensitivity", 0.0022))
+	if hud and hud.has_method("set_font_scale"):
+		hud.set_font_scale(float(settings.get("hud_font_scale", 1.0)))
+
+func _on_settings_applied(settings: Dictionary) -> void:
+	_apply_settings(settings)
+	if start_menu and start_menu.visible:
+		start_menu.open()
+	elif _shift_running:
+		_open_pause()
+
+func _open_settings() -> void:
+	if start_menu:
+		start_menu.close()
+	if pause_overlay:
+		pause_overlay.close()
+	if settings_panel:
+		settings_panel.open(player_settings)
+
+func _open_pause() -> void:
+	if pause_overlay == null or not _shift_running:
+		return
+	if _close_top_modal():
+		pass
+	pause_overlay.open()
+	if guard:
+		guard.input_locked = true
+	Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
+
+func _close_pause() -> void:
+	if pause_overlay:
+		pause_overlay.close()
+	_refresh_freeze()
+
+func _quit_to_menu() -> void:
+	if pause_overlay:
+		pause_overlay.close()
+	_show_start_menu()
+
 var inspector_current_events: Array = []
 
 func _build_ui() -> void:
@@ -216,7 +313,32 @@ func _build_ui() -> void:
 	shift_review_panel = ShiftReview.new()
 	add_child(shift_review_panel)
 	shift_review_panel.hide()
-	shift_review_panel.restart_requested.connect(restart_shift)
+	shift_review_panel.restart_requested.connect(_on_review_restart)
+	shift_review_panel.visible = false
+
+	pause_overlay = PauseOverlay.new()
+	add_child(pause_overlay)
+	pause_overlay.hide()
+	pause_overlay.resume_requested.connect(_close_pause)
+	pause_overlay.restart_requested.connect(restart_shift)
+	pause_overlay.settings_requested.connect(_open_settings)
+	pause_overlay.quit_to_menu_requested.connect(_quit_to_menu)
+
+	settings_panel = SettingsPanel.new()
+	add_child(settings_panel)
+	settings_panel.hide()
+	settings_panel.applied.connect(_on_settings_applied)
+
+	start_menu = StartMenu.new()
+	add_child(start_menu)
+	start_menu.hide()
+	start_menu.venue_selected.connect(_on_venue_selected)
+	start_menu.settings_requested.connect(_open_settings)
+	start_menu.quit_requested.connect(func(): get_tree().quit())
+
+## "Run another shift" on the review screen returns to the venue menu.
+func _on_review_restart() -> void:
+	_show_start_menu()
 
 func _add_crosshair() -> void:
 	var layer := CanvasLayer.new()
@@ -309,6 +431,9 @@ func _spawn_npc(profile: NpcProfile, intent: String, npc_id: String, event: Dict
 			items.append(str(item))
 		spawn_profile.carried_items = items
 	avatar.setup(spawn_profile, intent, seed_value, spawn_pos, target_pos, door_pos, npc_id, override)
+	# Authored events stay for the whole shift; routine traffic cycles out.
+	avatar.ephemeral = event.get("kind", "routine") == "routine"
+	avatar.lifetime_s = 45.0 + float((npc_counter * 17) % 60)
 	scene_root.add_child(avatar)
 	npcs.append(avatar)
 
@@ -362,6 +487,7 @@ func _responder_profile() -> NpcProfile:
 	return p
 
 func _on_shift_ended(review: Dictionary) -> void:
+	_shift_running = false
 	# Persist the finished shift locally (Save autoload, user:// JSON).
 	if Save:
 		Save.save_shift_result(review)
@@ -510,13 +636,22 @@ func _handle_action_key(keycode: Key) -> void:
 		_:
 			pass
 
-## `cancel` (Esc, RMB) closes the top modal. With nothing open, Esc toggles mouse
-## capture; RMB does nothing so it never grabs the mouse by accident.
+## `cancel` (Esc, RMB) closes the top modal. With nothing open, Esc pauses the
+## shift (or resumes it when paused); RMB does nothing so it never grabs the
+## mouse by accident.
 func _handle_cancel(from_mouse: bool) -> void:
 	if _close_top_modal():
 		return
 	if from_mouse:
 		return
+	if settings_panel and settings_panel.visible:
+		return
+	if pause_overlay and pause_overlay.visible:
+		_close_pause()
+		return
+	if _shift_running and not (start_menu and start_menu.visible):
+		_open_pause()
+		return
 	if Input.get_mouse_mode() == Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED:
 		Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
 	else:
@@ -610,6 +745,12 @@ func _refresh_freeze() -> void:
 		freeze = true
 	if shift_review_panel and shift_review_panel.visible:
 		freeze = true
+	if pause_overlay and pause_overlay.visible:
+		freeze = true
+	if settings_panel and settings_panel.visible:
+		freeze = true
+	if not _shift_running:
+		freeze = true
 	if guard:
 		guard.input_locked = freeze
 	if freeze:

src/game/npc_avatar.gd

@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@ var target_position: Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO
 var door_position: Vector3 = Vector3(0, 0.5, 1.2)
 var awaiting_interaction := false
 var arrived := false
+## Seconds idle at an arrived waypoint. Ordinary traffic lives for a while, then
+## despawns so the entrance does not fill with standers (TODO: NPC crowd cap).
+var idle_s := 0.0
+var lifetime_s := 90.0
+var ephemeral := true
 var agent: NavigationAgent3D = null
 ## Set once the nav agent proves it has a path; direct movement is the fallback.
 var _nav_usable := false
@@ -123,8 +128,8 @@ func _build_focus_ring() -> void:
 	_ring = MeshInstance3D.new()
 	_ring.name = "FocusRing"
 	var torus := TorusMesh.new()
-	torus.inner_radius = 0.16
-	torus.outer_radius = 0.20
+	torus.inner_radius = 0.26
+	torus.outer_radius = 0.34
 	torus.rings = 12
 	torus.ring_segments = 16
 	_ring.mesh = torus
@@ -139,10 +144,10 @@ func _build_focus_ring() -> void:
 	_name_tag = Label3D.new()
 	_name_tag.name = "NameTag"
 	_name_tag.text = npc.profile.display_name if npc and npc.profile else ""
-	_name_tag.font_size = 28
+	_name_tag.font_size = 48
 	_name_tag.pixel_size = 0.004
 	_name_tag.billboard = BaseMaterial3D.BILLBOARD_ENABLED
-	_name_tag.position = Vector3(0, 0.42, 0)
+	_name_tag.position = Vector3(0, 0.58, 0)
 	_name_tag.modulate = Color(0.95, 0.95, 0.9, 0.9)
 	_name_tag.visible = false
 	_head.add_child(_name_tag)
@@ -257,20 +262,31 @@ func _animate(delta: float) -> void:
 			_head.rotation.y = lerp_angle(_head.rotation.y, world_yaw - parent_yaw, 0.1)
 
 func _advance_fsm(delta: float) -> void:
+	# Routine traffic despawns after a while once it has finished its walk, so
+	# the crowd cap is not permanently occupied by idle standers.
+	if ephemeral and arrived and npc.fsm.state != "LEAVING":
+		idle_s += delta
+		if idle_s >= lifetime_s:
+			leave_requested_by_lifetime = true
+			return
 	# Returning-trespasser: an NPC directed away may circle back to the door.
 	if npc.tick_return(delta):
 		arrived = false
 		awaiting_interaction = false
 		target_position = door_position
 		return
-	if npc.leave_requested:
+	if npc.leave_requested or leave_requested_by_lifetime:
 		var away := global_position + (global_position - spawn_position).normalized() * 40.0
 		away.y = 0.5
 		target_position = away
+		if (global_position - away).length() < 2.0:
+			queue_free()
 		return
 	if arrived and not awaiting_interaction:
 		awaiting_interaction = true
 
+var leave_requested_by_lifetime := false
+
 func _move_toward_target(delta: float) -> void:
 	if agent == null:
 		_move_direct(delta)

src/game/ui/hud.gd

@@ -279,6 +279,18 @@ func set_wand_icon(visible: bool) -> void:
 	if wand_icon:
 		wand_icon.visible = visible
 
+## Scale the whole HUD text block (accessibility settings).
+func set_font_scale(scale: float) -> void:
+	var clamped := clampf(scale, 0.75, 1.75)
+	if top_label:
+		top_label.scale = Vector2(clamped, clamped)
+	if log_label:
+		log_label.scale = Vector2(clamped, clamped)
+	if target_label:
+		target_label.scale = Vector2(clamped, clamped)
+	if hint_label:
+		hint_label.scale = Vector2(clamped, clamped)
+
 func _make_icon(texture: Texture2D) -> TextureRect:
 	var tr := TextureRect.new()
 	tr.texture = texture

src/game/ui/pause_overlay.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+class_name PauseOverlay
+extends CanvasLayer
+## Shift pause overlay: resume, restart the shift, open settings, or quit to the
+## venue menu. Opened with Esc from the world (or a dedicated pause action) and
+## while the overlay is open the guard is frozen.
+
+signal resume_requested()
+signal restart_requested()
+signal settings_requested()
+signal quit_to_menu_requested()
+
+var _root: Control = null
+var _resume_button: Button = null
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	layer = 18
+	_build()
+	hide()
+
+func _build() -> void:
+	_root = Control.new()
+	_root.name = "PauseRoot"
+	_root.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_STOP
+	add_child(_root)
+
+	var bg := ColorRect.new()
+	bg.color = Color(0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.82)
+	bg.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	bg.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	_root.add_child(bg)
+
+	var center := CenterContainer.new()
+	center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.add_child(center)
+
+	var column := VBoxContainer.new()
+	column.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(320, 0)
+	column.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 10)
+	center.add_child(column)
+
+	var title := Label.new()
+	title.text = "Paused"
+	title.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 36)
+	title.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	column.add_child(title)
+
+	_resume_button = _add_button(column, "Resume", "ResumeButton", func(): resume_requested.emit())
+	_add_button(column, "Restart shift", "RestartButton", func(): restart_requested.emit())
+	_add_button(column, "Settings", "SettingsButton", func(): settings_requested.emit())
+	_add_button(column, "Quit to menu", "MenuButton", func(): quit_to_menu_requested.emit())
+
+	var hint := Label.new()
+	hint.text = "Esc resumes"
+	hint.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	hint.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.55, 0.58, 0.65))
+	column.add_child(hint)
+
+func _add_button(parent: Control, text: String, node_name: String, cb: Callable) -> Button:
+	var button := Button.new()
+	button.name = node_name
+	button.text = text
+	button.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(320, 44)
+	button.pressed.connect(cb)
+	parent.add_child(button)
+	return button
+
+func open() -> void:
+	visible = true
+	_root.visible = true
+	Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
+	if _resume_button:
+		_resume_button.grab_focus()
+
+func close() -> void:
+	visible = false
+	_root.visible = false
+
+func _unhandled_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if not visible:
+		return
+	if event is InputEventKey and event.pressed and not event.echo and event.keycode == KEY_ESCAPE:
+		resume_requested.emit()
+		get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()

src/game/ui/settings_panel.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+class_name SettingsPanel
+extends CanvasLayer
+## Settings: mouse look sensitivity and HUD font scale, persisted through the
+## `Save` autoload into `user://settings.json`.
+##
+## Emits `applied(settings)` so the game manager can push values into the guard
+## and HUD as soon as the player confirms.
+
+signal applied(settings: Dictionary)
+signal closed()
+
+var _root: Control = null
+var _sensitivity: HSlider = null
+var _font_scale: HSlider = null
+var _sensitivity_value: Label = null
+var _font_scale_value: Label = null
+var settings: Dictionary = {}
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	layer = 22
+	_build()
+	hide()
+
+func _init() -> void:
+	layer = 22
+	_build()
+	hide()
+
+func _build() -> void:
+	_root = Control.new()
+	_root.name = "SettingsRoot"
+	_root.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_STOP
+	add_child(_root)
+
+	var bg := ColorRect.new()
+	bg.color = Color(0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.9)
+	bg.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	bg.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	_root.add_child(bg)
+
+	var center := CenterContainer.new()
+	center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.add_child(center)
+
+	var column := VBoxContainer.new()
+	column.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(420, 0)
+	column.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 12)
+	center.add_child(column)
+
+	var title := Label.new()
+	title.text = "Settings"
+	title.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 32)
+	title.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	column.add_child(title)
+
+	var sens_row := VBoxContainer.new()
+	column.add_child(sens_row)
+	_sensitivity_value = _add_label_row(sens_row, "Mouse look sensitivity")
+	_sensitivity = _add_slider(sens_row, 0.0005, 0.0060, 0.0001)
+	_sensitivity.value_changed.connect(_on_sensitivity_changed)
+
+	var font_row := VBoxContainer.new()
+	column.add_child(font_row)
+	_font_scale_value = _add_label_row(font_row, "HUD font scale")
+	_font_scale = _add_slider(font_row, 0.75, 1.75, 0.05)
+	_font_scale.value_changed.connect(_on_font_scale_changed)
+
+	var row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	row.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	row.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 12)
+	column.add_child(row)
+
+	var save_button := Button.new()
+	save_button.name = "ApplyButton"
+	save_button.text = "Apply"
+	save_button.pressed.connect(_on_apply)
+	row.add_child(save_button)
+
+	var cancel_button := Button.new()
+	cancel_button.name = "CancelButton"
+	cancel_button.text = "Cancel"
+	cancel_button.pressed.connect(_on_cancel)
+	row.add_child(cancel_button)
+
+func _add_label_row(parent: Control, text: String) -> Label:
+	var row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	parent.add_child(row)
+	var label := Label.new()
+	label.text = text
+	label.size_flags_horizontal = Control.SIZE_EXPAND_FILL
+	row.add_child(label)
+	var value := Label.new()
+	value.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.75, 0.8, 0.9))
+	row.add_child(value)
+	return value
+
+func _add_slider(parent: Control, min_v: float, max_v: float, step: float) -> HSlider:
+	var slider := HSlider.new()
+	slider.min_value = min_v
+	slider.max_value = max_v
+	slider.step = step
+	slider.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(420, 24)
+	parent.add_child(slider)
+	return slider
+
+func open(current: Dictionary) -> void:
+	settings = current.duplicate(true)
+	var sens: float = float(settings.get("look_sensitivity", 0.0022))
+	var scale: float = float(settings.get("hud_font_scale", 1.0))
+	if _sensitivity:
+		_sensitivity.set_value_no_signal(clampf(sens, _sensitivity.min_value, _sensitivity.max_value))
+	if _font_scale:
+		_font_scale.set_value_no_signal(clampf(scale, _font_scale.min_value, _font_scale.max_value))
+	_sync_labels()
+	visible = true
+	_root.visible = true
+	Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
+
+func close() -> void:
+	visible = false
+	_root.visible = false
+
+func _sync_labels() -> void:
+	if _sensitivity_value and _sensitivity:
+		_sensitivity_value.text = "%.4f" % _sensitivity.value
+	if _font_scale_value and _font_scale:
+		_font_scale_value.text = "%.2fx" % _font_scale.value
+
+func _on_sensitivity_changed(value: float) -> void:
+	settings["look_sensitivity"] = value
+	_sync_labels()
+
+func _on_font_scale_changed(value: float) -> void:
+	settings["hud_font_scale"] = value
+	_sync_labels()
+
+func _on_apply() -> void:
+	if Save:
+		Save.save_settings(settings)
+	applied.emit(settings)
+	close()
+	closed.emit()
+
+func _on_cancel() -> void:
+	close()
+	closed.emit()
+
+func _unhandled_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if not visible:
+		return
+	if event is InputEventKey and event.pressed and not event.echo and event.keycode == KEY_ESCAPE:
+		_on_cancel()
+		get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()

src/game/ui/start_menu.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+class_name StartMenu
+extends CanvasLayer
+## Startup menu: pick a venue, start the shift, open settings, or quit.
+## Keyboard and mouse both work. Replaces `V` as the player-facing venue path
+## (the `V` bind stays as a debug shortcut).
+
+signal venue_selected(scenario_id: String)
+signal settings_requested()
+signal quit_requested()
+
+const VENUES := [
+	{"id": "hollywood_building", "label": "Hollywood Boulevard", "blurb": "Building entrance, tourists and late-night trouble."},
+	{"id": "joke_shop", "label": "The Joke Shop", "blurb": "Guest list, IDs and wand screening."},
+	{"id": "tv_studio", "label": "Late Night TV Studio", "blurb": "Credentials, filming boundary, celebrity arrivals."},
+]
+
+var _index := 0
+var _buttons: Array[Button] = []
+var _root: Control = null
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	layer = 20
+	_build()
+	hide()
+
+func _build() -> void:
+	_root = Control.new()
+	_root.name = "StartMenuRoot"
+	_root.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_STOP
+	add_child(_root)
+
+	var bg := ColorRect.new()
+	bg.color = Color(0.03, 0.04, 0.07, 0.96)
+	bg.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	bg.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	_root.add_child(bg)
+
+	var center := CenterContainer.new()
+	center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	_root.add_child(center)
+
+	var column := VBoxContainer.new()
+	column.name = "Column"
+	column.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(460, 0)
+	column.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 14)
+	center.add_child(column)
+
+	var title := Label.new()
+	title.text = "STEP LINE"
+	title.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 44)
+	title.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	column.add_child(title)
+
+	var subtitle := Label.new()
+	subtitle.text = "Pick a venue to start your shift."
+	subtitle.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	subtitle.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.72, 0.75, 0.82))
+	column.add_child(subtitle)
+
+	for i in VENUES.size():
+		var venue: Dictionary = VENUES[i]
+		var button := Button.new()
+		button.name = "Venue_%s" % venue["id"]
+		button.text = "%s\n%s" % [venue["label"], venue["blurb"]]
+		button.alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_LEFT
+		button.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(460, 62)
+		button.pressed.connect(_on_venue_pressed.bind(i))
+		column.add_child(button)
+		_buttons.append(button)
+
+	var spacer := Control.new()
+	spacer.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(0, 10)
+	column.add_child(spacer)
+
+	var row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	row.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	row.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 12)
+	column.add_child(row)
+
+	var settings_button := Button.new()
+	settings_button.name = "SettingsButton"
+	settings_button.text = "Settings"
+	settings_button.pressed.connect(func(): settings_requested.emit())
+	row.add_child(settings_button)
+
+	var quit_button := Button.new()
+	quit_button.name = "QuitButton"
+	quit_button.text = "Quit"
+	quit_button.pressed.connect(func(): quit_requested.emit())
+	row.add_child(quit_button)
+
+	var hint := Label.new()
+	hint.text = "Up/Down to choose, Enter to start, Esc to quit"
+	hint.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_CENTER
+	hint.add_theme_color_override("font_color", Color(0.55, 0.58, 0.65))
+	column.add_child(hint)
+
+	_focus_index(0)
+
+func _focus_index(i: int) -> void:
+	if _buttons.is_empty():
+		return
+	_index = clampi(i, 0, _buttons.size() - 1)
+	_buttons[_index].grab_focus()
+
+func open() -> void:
+	visible = true
+	_root.visible = true
+	Input.set_mouse_mode(Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE)
+	_focus_index(_index)
+
+func close() -> void:
+	visible = false
+	_root.visible = false
+
+func _unhandled_input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if not visible:
+		return
+	if event is InputEventKey and event.pressed and not event.echo:
+		match event.keycode:
+			KEY_UP, KEY_W:
+				_focus_index(_index - 1)
+				get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()
+			KEY_DOWN, KEY_S:
+				_focus_index(_index + 1)
+				get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()
+			KEY_ENTER, KEY_KP_ENTER, KEY_SPACE:
+				_on_venue_pressed(_index)
+				get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()
+			KEY_ESCAPE:
+				quit_requested.emit()
+				get_viewport().set_input_as_handled()
+
+func _on_venue_pressed(i: int) -> void:
+	if i < 0 or i >= VENUES.size():
+		return
+	var venue: Dictionary = VENUES[i]
+	close()
+	venue_selected.emit(str(venue["id"]))

src/game/world_builder.gd

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ const T_BRICK := preload("res://assets/textures/ai/game_ready/brick_facade.png")
 const T_CONCRETE := preload("res://assets/textures/ai/game_ready/concrete.png")
 const T_ASPHALT := preload("res://assets/textures/ai/game_ready/asphalt.png")
 const T_AWNING := preload("res://assets/textures/ai/game_ready/awning.png")
+const T_SKYLINE := preload("res://assets/textures/skyline.png")
 ## steps, building facade, restricted door, sidewalk, pavement, and street edge.
 ## No art assets required; all geometry is BoxMesh with flat materials.
 
@@ -25,6 +26,7 @@ func _init(root_node: Node3D) -> void:
 func build() -> void:
 	_build_ground()
 	_build_building()
+	_build_skyline_backdrop()
 	_build_marquee()
 	_build_steps()
 	_build_sidewalk()
@@ -90,10 +92,9 @@ func _build_building() -> void:
 	root.add_child(building)
 
 func _build_steps() -> void:
-	# Steps are visual only (no collider) so NPCs and the guard can walk up the
-	# entrance on the flat navigation mesh; the ground and building provide the
-	# actual collision boundaries.
-	var steps := Node3D.new()
+	# Steps have collision so NPCs and the guard can walk up the entrance.
+	# The ground and building provide the actual collision boundaries.
+	var steps := StaticBody3D.new()
 	steps.name = "Steps"
 	var step_w := 8.0
 	var tread := 0.6
@@ -101,9 +102,22 @@ func _build_steps() -> void:
 	for i in 4:
 		var y: float = i * height
 		var z: float = 4.0 * tread - i * tread
-		_add_box(steps, Vector3(step_w - i * 0.35, height, tread), Vector3(0, y + height / 2.0, z), Color(0.55, 0.52, 0.5))
-	# Landing at the top
-	_add_box(steps, Vector3(9, 0.2, 3), Vector3(0, 4 * height + 0.1, -1.5), Color(0.5, 0.47, 0.45))
+		var w: float = step_w - i * 0.35
+		_add_box(steps, Vector3(w, height, tread), Vector3(0, y + height / 2.0, z), Color(0.55, 0.52, 0.5))
+		# Add collision shape to each tread
+		var tread_col := BoxShape3D.new()
+		tread_col.size = Vector3(w, height, tread)
+		var owner_id := steps.create_shape_owner(steps)
+		steps.shape_owner_add_shape(owner_id, tread_col)
+		steps.shape_owner_set_transform(owner_id, Transform3D(Basis(), Vector3(0, y + height / 2.0, z)))
+	# Landing at the top with collision
+	var landing_y: float = 4 * height + 0.1
+	_add_box(steps, Vector3(9, 0.2, 3), Vector3(0, landing_y, -1.5), Color(0.5, 0.47, 0.45))
+	var landing_col := BoxShape3D.new()
+	landing_col.size = Vector3(9, 0.2, 3)
+	var landing_owner := steps.create_shape_owner(steps)
+	steps.shape_owner_add_shape(landing_owner, landing_col)
+	steps.shape_owner_set_transform(landing_owner, Transform3D(Basis(), Vector3(0, landing_y, -1.5)))
 	root.add_child(steps)
 
 func _build_sidewalk() -> void:
@@ -150,6 +164,33 @@ func _build_navmesh() -> void:
 	region.navigation_mesh = mesh
 	root.add_child(region)
 
+func _build_skyline_backdrop() -> void:
+	## Skyline silhouette backdrop behind the building. The texture has a
+	## transparent sky, so only the building silhouettes show; the material must
+	## be set up for alpha or the plane renders as an opaque slab (ADR/TODO).
+	var backdrop := Node3D.new()
+	backdrop.name = "SkylineBackdrop"
+	var plane := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	var mesh := PlaneMesh.new()
+	mesh.size = Vector2(240, 60)  # wide, low horizon
+	plane.mesh = mesh
+	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	mat.albedo_texture = T_SKYLINE
+	mat.albedo_texture_repeat = true
+	mat.uv1_scale = Vector3(2.0, 1.0, 1.0)
+	mat.transparency = BaseMaterial3D.TRANSPARENCY_ALPHA_SCISSOR
+	mat.alpha_scissor_threshold = 0.3
+	mat.shading_mode = BaseMaterial3D.SHADING_MODE_UNSHADED
+	mat.cull_mode = BaseMaterial3D.CULL_DISABLED
+	plane.material_override = mat
+	plane.cast_shadow = GeometryInstance3D.SHADOW_CASTING_SETTING_OFF
+	plane.position = Vector3(0, 18, -60)  # behind and above the building
+	backdrop.add_child(plane)
+	root.add_child(backdrop)
+	_skyline_mat = mat
+
+var _skyline_mat: StandardMaterial3D = null
+
 func _build_marquee() -> void:
 	## Striped awning above the door, then the neon sign strip + label.
 	var awning := _add_box(root, Vector3(10.5, 0.08, 1.8), Vector3(0, 6.55, -3.7), Color(1, 1, 1), false, T_AWNING)
@@ -167,9 +208,9 @@ func _build_marquee() -> void:
 	marquee_label.text = "STEP LINE"
 	marquee_label.position = Vector3(0, 7.3, -3.55)
 	marquee_label.modulate = Color(1, 0.6, 0.9)
-	marquee_label.font_size = 72
+	marquee_label.font_size = 160
 	marquee_label.pixel_size = 0.004
-	marquee_label.outline_size = 12
+	marquee_label.outline_size = 24
 	marquee_label.outline_modulate = Color(0.9, 0.15, 0.5)
 	marquee_label.billboard = BaseMaterial3D.BILLBOARD_ENABLED
 	marquee_label.no_depth_test = false
@@ -264,6 +305,11 @@ func _plain_material(color: Color) -> StandardMaterial3D:
 func _build_guard_spawn() -> void:
 	var marker := Marker3D.new()
 	marker.name = "GuardSpawn"
+	# Guard spawns on the landing at the top of the steps, facing the street.
+	# The landing is at y=4*height+0.1 where height=0.16, so y=0.76
+	# The guard's head offset is 1.6m, so spawn at y=0.76-1.6=-0.84 to place feet on ground
+	# But we want the guard at eye-level with the sidewalk, so adjust to y=0.1 for feet
+	# Then the head will be at y=1.7 (1.6 offset + 0.1 base)
 	marker.position = Vector3(0, 0.1, -2.0)
 	root.add_child(marker)