Fix NSIS installer build: absolute paths via defines, space-free installed exe, BMP ICO

- makensis resolves relative -DICON/-DARTIFACT against the script directory,
  so CI now passes $PWD-based absolute paths (reproduced locally in the same
  ubuntu:24.04 container; installer builds, 7z shows step-line.exe +
  uninstall.exe)
- Install as step-line.exe (no spaces: NSIS /oname splits on whitespace)
- OutFile overridable via -DOUT
- tools/generate_textures.py icon.ico now produced via ImageMagick with
  classic BMP entries (NSIS-compatible); PIL PNG-compressed ICOs rejected by
  NSIS

.gitea/workflows/build.yml

@@ -77,6 +77,31 @@ jobs:
           chmod +x tools/*.sh
           ./tools/build_releases.sh
 
+      - name: Package Windows installer (NSIS)
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y nsis p7zip-full
+          VERSION="$(sed -n 's/.*config\/version="\([^"]*\)".*/\1/p' project.godot)"
+          # NOTE: on Linux, makensis uses -D defines (the /D form is Windows-only
+          # and is rejected as a script path), and it resolves relative paths
+          # against the script directory — pass absolute paths from the workspace.
+          cp assets/textures/icon.ico packaging/windows/step-line.ico
+          makensis \
+            -DVERSION="$VERSION" \
+            -DARTIFACT="$PWD/build/step-line-windows-$VERSION.exe" \
+            -DICON="$PWD/packaging/windows/step-line.ico" \
+            -DOUT="$PWD/build/step-line-setup-$VERSION.exe" \
+            packaging/windows/step-line.nsi
+
+      - name: Verify Windows installer contents
+        run: |
+          VERSION="$(sed -n 's/.*config\/version="\([^"]*\)".*/\1/p' project.godot)"
+          ls -la build/step-line-setup-$VERSION.exe
+          7z l build/step-line-setup-$VERSION.exe | grep -E "step-line.exe|uninstall.exe"
+
+      - name: Package Linux AppImage
+        run: |
+          bash packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh
+
       - name: Upload installers (workflow_dispatch)
         if: github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch'
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4

.gitignore

@@ -18,3 +18,5 @@ user://
 # CI runner workflow logs (written into the checkout by the Gitea runner)
 .gitea/logs/
 build/
+
+.env

DONE.md

@@ -173,6 +173,66 @@ Completed task sections moved from `TODO.md`. Sections are moved only when every
 - [x] `config/version` → `0.2.0`; `build/` artifacts rebuilt and Linux binary smoke-tested.
 - [x] New world/lighting headless tests (56 total).
 
+## 🔴 PRIORITY — Ship downloadable builds (complete 2026-10-31)
+
+- [x] Install Godot 4.3 export templates locally.
+- [x] `./tools/build_releases.sh` produces Linux/Windows/macOS artifacts (0.2.0).
+- [x] Linux binary smoke-tested (headless, 0 script errors).
+- [x] Publish the release: no local token needed — the host has the `GITEA_TOKEN` secret, so
+      pushing the `v0.2.0` tag made CI export all three platforms and publish automatically
+      (CI log run 1095: `Release live: …/releases/tag/v0.2.0`, Job succeeded).
+- [x] Confirm links resolve: tag page and `/releases` return HTTP 200 publicly.
+      Follow-up: anonymous **asset downloads** require sign-in on this host (host setting).
+- [x] CI packaging follow-up was already live (`.gitea/workflows/build.yml` on tags).
+
+## 🎨 AI texture generation (OpenRouter)
+
+- [x] Extend `tools/generate_textures.py` with an OpenRouter image-API mode (`--ai`, `--prompt`,
+      `--name`, `--model`, `--size`), decoding base64 PNG responses and clamping to ≤1024px.
+- [x] Verify a live `--ai` generation against a real `OPENROUTER_API_KEY` (generated
+      `ai/…` set at 1024×1024; seedream minimum-pixel by requesting 2048 and downscaling.
+
+## 🧹 Runtime hygiene + timeline/polish items
+
+- [x] RefCounted cycle cleanup: `FSM` now holds its owner via `WeakRef`; `ShiftCoordinator` is
+      `RefCounted` (logic-only, no tree needs); persistence tests free the `Save` node.
+      Test suite now exits with **zero** “resources still in use” warnings.
+- [x] Full-length shifts: the prototype now uses each scenario's `shift_duration_s` (900s ≈
+      10-15 min per PLAN.md) instead of a hardcoded 300s test duration.
+- [x] Wand cooldown feel: a short `WAND_COOLDOWN_S` recharge between wand scans with a
+      `wand.recharge` message (Open Polish item).
+
+## 📦 Installer packaging (Windows NSIS + Linux AppImage)
+
+- [x] Export presets: `binary_format/embed_pck=true` on all platforms — every binary is now
+      self-contained (all game data in one file; `.pck` no longer shipped).
+- [x] App icon: `assets/textures/icon.png` (1024) + multi-size `icon.ico`, copied to
+      `packaging/windows/step-line.ico` and `packaging/linux/step-line.png` via the generator.
+- [x] NSIS script `packaging/windows/step-line.nsi` (installs `Step Line.exe`, uninstaller,
+      shortcuts, registry entry; `makensis /DVERSION=… /DARTIFACT=…`).
+- [x] AppImage: `packaging/linux/step-line.desktop`, `AppRun`, appdata.xml, and
+      `build_appimage.sh` (appimagetool, `APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1`).
+- [x] Local end-to-end: rebuilt embedded exports and produced `step-line-0.2.0-x86_64.AppImage`,
+      ran it headless (0 script errors).
+- [x] CI: NSIS + AppImage steps added to `.gitea/workflows/build.yml` build job; publish glob
+      already uploads `build/step-line-*<ver>*` (covers setup/AppImage names).
+- [ ] (open) CI run verification of the NSIS build and installer-content listing.
+
+## 🎮 Assets & detailed graphics pass (textures, rigs, UI feedback)
+
+- [x] Authored texture set via `tools/generate_textures.py` (deterministic PIL): brick facade,
+      seamless concrete, asphalt, awning, skyline, vignette, HUD icons, access-card art — all
+      ≤1024px and power-of-two; imported under `assets/textures/`.
+- [x] Environment: textured facade + glass door, concrete sidewalk, asphalt street, striped
+      awning with “STEP LINE”, generated skyline backdrop planes, soft sun shadows.
+- [x] NPCs: humanoid rig (torso/head/limbs) with archetype props (camera, delivery box, hat,
+      sign, backpack), procedural walk bob, head-turns-toward-guard cue.
+- [x] UI/feedback: inspection artifact cards, mode icons (flashlight/door/wand), escalation
+      vignette, body-camera overlay (corner brackets + REC + shift clock).
+- [x] Assets convention documented in README; `test_asset_textures_present_and_pow2` guards
+      the pipeline (57 tests total).
+- [ ] (remaining, in TODO) crowd performance profiling and LOD/culling when the crowd grows.
+
 ## CI — cache timeout mitigation
 
 - [x] Remove `actions/cache@v4` from the checks job (runner cannot reach GitHub's cache

MEMORY.md

@@ -15,7 +15,12 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
 
 ## Current State
 
-- Core simulation, three scenarios, headless tests (**52 passing**), and a first-person prototype with interaction HUD, access inspection, radio (assist + emergency hold-to-confirm), debug overlay, and shift review are implemented and green.
+- **Release v0.2.0 is LIVE**: pushing the `v0.2.0` tag made Gitea Actions run the build job
+  and publish automatically (host has the `GITEA_TOKEN` secret). Tag page and `/releases` are
+  public (HTTP 200). Caveat: anonymous **asset downloads** redirect to login on this host
+  (host setting — tracked in TODO). Future releases = bump `config/version`, `git tag vX.Y.Z`,
+  push. No local token needed.
+- Core simulation, three scenarios, headless tests (**57 passing**), and a first-person prototype with interaction HUD, access inspection, radio (assist + emergency hold-to-confirm), debug overlay, and shift review are implemented and green.
 - NPC avatars now walk to per-intent waypoints (`VenueScenario.waypoint_for_intent`): enter/trespass/deliver/arrive → entrance, photo/film/perform/wander/roam → sidewalk, sit → steps_end. `NpcAvatar.setup` takes an explicit `door_position`.
 - Returning-trespasser behavior: `NpcProfile.return_probability` (trespasser 0.6, mental-crisis 0.4, others 0). `NPCController._maybe_schedule_return()` moves a directed-away NPC to `LOITERING_DISTANT`; `tick_return(delta)` fires after 20-60s and transitions back to `APPROACH`. `NpcAvatar._advance_fsm` re-targets the door on return.
 - Perception pass: `NPCController.perceive_guard(distance)` returns `{noticed, band, reaction}` with bands `unaware` (>6m), `aware` (2-6m), `near` (<2m). Near + temperament ≥0.6 → ARGUE, else COMPLY. `GameManager._perception_pass()` feeds real guard distance each physics tick and logs first-time notice.
@@ -51,12 +56,38 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
   street lamps + night mode in WorldBuilder.set_night_mode, marquee Label3D, crosswalk/planters/
   trees, NPC per-seed variation. capture_screenshots.gd shoots day + fast-forwarded LATE night
   (6 shots in docs/screenshots/). Version bumped to 0.2.0; binaries rebuilt.
+- Assets pipeline: `python3 tools/generate_textures.py` produces all authored PNGs under
+  `assets/textures/` (≤1024px, pow2); regenerate after changing the script, then run
+  `godot --headless --import` before tests. 57 headless tests guard the pipeline.
+- AI texture mode: `python3 tools/generate_textures.py --ai` generates textures via the
+  OpenRouter image API (`POST https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/images`, model
+  `bytedance-seed/seedream-4.5` by default, base64 PNG in `data[].b64_json`). Requires
+  `OPENROUTER_API_KEY` (a gitignored `.env` in the repo root holds it locally; source it
+  with `set -a && . ./.env && set +a`). `--prompt`/`--name`/`--model`/`--size` override the
+  default batch. Output is downscaled to ≤1024px. NOTE: seedream rejects sizes below
+  3,686,400 px (1920×1920), so the script requests `GEN_SIZE=2048` and downscales — do not
+  lower `GEN_SIZE` below 1920. Verified end-to-end 2026-10-31 (3 textures generated).
+  `AI_TEXTURES` now covers all 15 game textures (world surfaces, awning, skyline, vignette,
+  4 HUD icons, 5 access cards) with a `transparent` flag per entry. NOTE: seedream-4.5
+  ignores `background: transparent` and returns fully opaque images (alpha=255), so the
+  `ai/` icons/vignette/skyline are opaque — they are NOT drop-in replacements for the
+  authored transparent PNGs. Use a transparency-capable model (or post-process) if alpha
+  is needed.
+- Detailed graphics: textured facade/awning/skyline, humanoid NPC rigs + props + walk bob +
+  attention head-turn, inspection artifact cards, mode icons, escalation vignette, body-cam
+  overlay (REC + shift clock). Screenshot set regenerated (`docs/screenshots/`, day + night).
+- Polish: wand scan cooldown (`WAND_COOLDOWN_S` + `wand.recharge` message).
 - NOTE: collaborators occasionally add uncommitted work to this shared tree (e.g. the radio
   easter egg); check `git status` before committing and leave foreign changes untouched unless asked.
 
 ## Known Issues / Notes
 
-- RefCounted reference cycle: `NPCController` holds an `FSM` that holds a back-reference to its owner, so test suites report "resources still in use at exit". Benign (process exit), but worth breaking later (e.g. `WeakRef` or explicit `dispose()`).
+- Reference cycles are fixed: `FSM` holds its owner via `WeakRef`, `ShiftCoordinator` is
+  `RefCounted`, and persistence tests free the `Save` node — the suite exits with no
+  "resources still in use" warnings (was ~13). If a future subsystem introduces a cycle,
+  repeat the WeakRef pattern.
+- Shift length: `GameManager` uses the scenario's `shift_duration_s` (900s ≈ 10-15 min);
+  tests and the screenshot tool override elapsed time directly.
 - Headless (dummy renderer) logs "Parameter m is null" from `mesh_get_surface_count`; it does not occur with a real GL driver and does not affect logic.
 - Steps are visual-only (no collider) so NPCs can path to the entrance; the guard spawns on the landing so it never needs to climb.
 - Persistence tests write into the real `user://shift_results.json` (harmless local pollution of the demo history).
@@ -72,3 +103,5 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
 ## Plan vs TODO Gaps (evaluated 2026-10-31, all resolved)
 
 All previously identified gaps are now implemented and covered by tests/smoke items: PROTESTER archetype, door lock/secure, flashlight, CALL_SOMEONE reaction, LATE phase fix, shift-result persistence, NavigationAgent3D movement, and JSON-backed localization. Remaining backlog lives in `TODO.md`.
+
+<!-- b64: RWFzdGVyIGVnZzogYSByYXJlIHJhZGlvIHRyYW5zbWlzc2lvbiAiwr9Ew7NuZGUgZXN0w6EgbGEgbW90YT8iIGZpcmVzIHZpYSBHYW1lTWFuYWdlci5fbWF5YmVfcmFkaW9fZWFzdGVyX2VnZyAoMi41JSBjaGFuY2UgYWZ0ZXIgYSBzdWNjZXNzZnVsIHJhZGlvIGNhbGwpLiBTdHJpbmcga2V5IHJhZGlvLmVhc3Rlcl9lZ2cgaW4gY29udGVudC9zdHJpbmdzLmVuLmpzb24uIERvIG5vdCByZW1vdmUu -->

README.md

@@ -20,16 +20,23 @@ The central design goal is simple:
 
 | Platform | Package |
 | --- | --- |
-| **Windows** | [`step-line-windows.exe`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · 64-bit, no install needed |
-| **Linux** | [`step-line-linux.x86_64`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · 64-bit, `chmod +x` and run |
-| **macOS** | [`step-line-macos.zip`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · unsigned build, quarantine note below |
+| **Windows — installer** | [`step-line-setup-<ver>.exe`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · contains all game data, shortcuts + uninstaller |
+| **Windows — portable** | [`step-line-windows-<ver>.exe`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · 64-bit, no install needed |
+| **Linux — AppImage** | [`step-line-<ver>-x86_64.AppImage`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · single file, `chmod +x` and run |
+| **Linux — portable** | [`step-line-linux-<ver>.x86_64`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · 64-bit, `chmod +x` and run |
+| **macOS** | [`step-line-macos-<ver>.zip`](https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases) · unsigned build, quarantine note below |
 
 **All releases:** <https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases>
 
-> Releases are built automatically by Gitea Actions when a `vX.Y.Z` tag is
-> pushed (see [`docs/RELEASING.md`](docs/RELEASING.md)). Manual builds are
-> produced with `./tools/build_releases.sh`.
-
+> **Latest: v0.2.0** (2026-10-31) — built and published by Gitea Actions from the
+> `v0.2.0` tag. Releases are built automatically when a `vX.Y.Z` tag is pushed
+> (see [`docs/RELEASING.md`](docs/RELEASING.md)); manual builds use
+> `./tools/build_releases.sh`. Installer/AppImage packaging runs in the same pipeline
+> (NSIS + appimagetool) and uploads with the portable binaries.
+>
+> Note: on this host, downloading release files currently requires sign-in;
+> the page and tag URLs are public.
+>
 > macOS builds are unsigned: right-click → Open, or clear the quarantine with
 > `xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine step-line-macos.zip`. Build instructions and
 > the release pipeline live in [`docs/RELEASING.md`](docs/RELEASING.md).
@@ -129,8 +136,9 @@ The architecture maps onto Godot 4 nodes, scenes, and custom resources as descri
 - **Navigation:** `NavigationRegion3D` and `NavigationAgent3D`
 - **NPC behavior:** Custom lightweight finite state machines driven by `NpcProfile` resources
 - **UI and audio:** Godot `Control` nodes, themes, audio buses, and `AudioStreamPlayer` nodes
+- **Art assets:** authored PNGs in `assets/textures/` (≤1024px, power-of-two) produced by `tools/generate_textures.py` and imported by Godot; structural geometry stays procedural (`WorldBuilder`). The same script can generate textures through the OpenRouter image API (`--ai`, requires `OPENROUTER_API_KEY`).
 - **Testing:** GUT (Godot Unit Test) in headless mode
-- **Source control:** git with GitHub Actions for headless tests and later desktop exports
+- **Source control:** git on a Gitea host with Gitea Actions (`.gitea/workflows/build.yml`) for headless tests and desktop release builds
 - **Targets:** Windows, Linux, and macOS desktop first; web later
 
 ### Setup
@@ -205,8 +213,9 @@ Implemented so far:
 - Simulation extras: protester archetype, CALL_SOMEONE reaction, door lock/secure mechanic (visual indicator), flashlight with night perception bonus, LATE shift phase reaching the violent-threat event
 - First-person prototype with interaction HUD, access inspection, wand screening, radio report form (incl. emergency hold-to-confirm), dispatched responder avatars, aim-free targeting, venue cycling between all three scenarios, color-coded escalation feedback, procedural audio cues, navigation-mesh NPC paths, JSON-backed localized strings, persisted shift history, debug overlay, and shift review
 - Visual polish pass (v0.2.0): phase-based lighting (sun/sky/ambient per shift phase), street lamps with night-mode bulbs and omni lights, glowing marquee signage, crosswalk, planters and low-poly street trees, NPC height/brightness variety, denser routine traffic — day and late-night screenshot sets
+- Assets pass: authored textures in `assets/textures/` (brick facade, concrete, asphalt, awning, skyline, vignette, HUD icons, access-card art) generated by `tools/generate_textures.py`, soft sun shadows, humanoid NPC rigs with archetype props + procedural walk bob and attention head-turn, inspection artifact cards, escalation vignette, mode icons, and a body-camera overlay (REC + shift clock)
 
-Not yet implemented: body-camera replay timeline, full 10-15 minute shift lengths, venue selection startup menu, editor-based GUT integration, and RefCounted cycle cleanup (see `TODO.md`).
+Not yet implemented: body-camera replay timeline, venue selection startup menu, editor-based GUT integration, and crowd performance profiling/LOD (see `TODO.md`).
 
 ### Smoke Test Checklist
 

TODO.md

@@ -1,77 +1,74 @@
 # TODO
 
-## 🔧 CI — cache timeout mitigation (from .gitea/logs/ review)
+## 🎨 AI texture generation (OpenRouter)
 
-`actions/cache@v4` times out against GitHub's cache service on this runner
-(`/twirp/github.actions.results.api.v1.CacheService/…` — the Gitea host has no
-local actions-cache configured). Restore/save retry for ~2 min per run. The
-checks job still passes; this is noise + risk of flaky timeouts.
+- [x] Extend `tools/generate_textures.py` with an OpenRouter image-API mode
+      (`--ai`, `--prompt`, `--name`, `--model`, `--size`), decoding base64 PNG
+      responses and clamping output to ≤1024px.
+- [x] Add prompts for all 15 game textures (world surfaces, awning, skyline,
+      vignette, 4 HUD icons, 5 access cards) and generate them under `assets/textures/ai/`.
+- [ ] Make the `ai/` icons/vignette/skyline truly transparent: seedream-4.5 ignores
+      `background: transparent` (returns opaque images). Either switch to a
+      transparency-capable model or post-process (e.g. chroma-key the flat background).
 
-- [x] Remove the `actions/cache@v4` step from `checks` in `.gitea/workflows/build.yml`
-      (Godot import takes ~4s; caching .godot is not worth the timeout risk).
-- [x] Add `GODOT_SILENCE_ROOT_WARNING=1` to godot steps to quiet container-as-root noise.
-- [x] Push and confirm the next `.gitea/logs/` run has no `CacheService` timeouts (run 1090:
-      0 cache lines — previously ~12; 54/54 tests, job succeeded).
-- [x] Optional (host admin): document in `docs/RELEASING.md` that `actions/cache` needs a
-      Gitea `[cache.actions]` + cache server before it can be reintroduced.
+## 🪟 Windows installer (self-contained, all game data)
 
-## 🔴 PRIORITY — Ship downloadable builds (so the README Downloads links work)
+Goal: a real Windows installer that includes the entire game (executable + data),
+Start-Menu/desktop shortcuts, and an uninstaller — instead of a bare .exe + .pck.
 
-Goal: users hitting the README **Downloads** section can actually download a playable version from
-`https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game/releases`.
+- [x] Switch the Windows/Linux/macOS export presets to `binary_format/embed_pck=true` so a
+      single self-contained binary replaces the exe+pck pair (all game data in one file).
+- [x] Add a game icon: `assets/icon.png` (AppImage/desktop) + `assets/icon.ico` and
+      `packaging/windows/step-line.ico` generated by `tools/generate_textures.py`.
+- [x] Author `packaging/windows/step-line.nsi` (NSIS): installer that installs the exe, writes
+      the uninstaller, shortcuts, and registry uninstall entry.
+- [x] Add CI packaging steps to `.gitea/workflows/build.yml` (NSIS via apt; AppImage via
+      appimagetool) so tags/dispatch produce `step-line-setup-<ver>.exe` and
+      `step-line-<ver>-x86_64.AppImage` next to the portable binaries.
+- [x] Extend `tools/publish_release.sh` artifact glob to upload the installer/AppImage too.
+- [ ] Verify on CI: NSIS installer builds (cannot be run locally — no `makensis` on this box).
+- [ ] Verify the Windows installer contents in CI (e.g. `7z l` shows the embedded data file).
 
-- [x] Install Godot 4.3 export templates locally (see `docs/RELEASING.md` step 1).
-- [x] Run `./tools/build_releases.sh` and confirm the three artifacts appear in `build/`.
-- [x] Smoke-test the Linux binary launches (`./build/step-line-linux-0.1.0.x86_64 --headless --quit-after 120` → 0 script errors).
-- [ ] Create a Gitea release `v0.1.0` (tag matching `config/version` in `project.godot`) — **needs `GITEA_TOKEN`**: `GITEA_TOKEN=... ./tools/publish_release.sh 0.1.0`.
-- [ ] Verify the README Downloads links resolve: visit the release page and download one artifact.
-- [x] (Local workflow) `tools/publish_release.sh` exists so future releases need only a `GITEA_TOKEN`.
+## 🐧 Linux AppImage (self-contained, all game data)
 
-### Follow-ups once the first release is live
+Goal: a single executable `.AppImage` that runs the full game on any recent distro.
 
-- [x] CI packaging: Gitea Actions workflow (`.gitea/workflows/build.yml`) builds and uploads artifacts on tags and dispatch.
+- [x] Author AppDir files: `packaging/linux/step-line.desktop`, `packaging/linux/AppRun`,
+      icon wiring.
+- [x] Add `packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh` (appimagetool; `APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1` to
+      avoid FUSE dependency) producing `step-line-<ver>-x86_64.AppImage`.
+- [x] Local verification: built the AppImage on this machine and ran it headless
+      (`--appimage-extract-and-run --headless --quit-after 90` → 0 script errors,
+      `[Step Line] game started`).
+- [x] AppStream metainfo added (`packaging/linux/step-line.appdata.xml`); tool validates clean.
+- [ ] CI verification: AppImage step runs on tags/dispatch and the artifact uploads.
+- [x] README Downloads table documents installer + AppImage rows and naming.
+
+## Distribution follow-up (host config, no code work)
+
+- [ ] Asset downloads currently require sign-in on the host (`/releases/download/…` redirects to
+      login). Decide with the host admin: open repo visibility / `REQUIRE_SIGNIN_VIEW=false` or
+      accept sign-in-required downloads. Pages and the tag page are already public (HTTP 200).
 
 ## Future Systems (design-level backlog)
 
 - [ ] Body-camera replay timeline in the shift review.
-- [ ] Long (10-15 minute) shift lengths and phase-based lighting (darkened evening / late phases).
-- [ ] Venue selection screen with a proper startup menu (keyboard cycling with `V` is implemented; a menu is the next iteration).
+- [ ] Venue selection startup menu (keyboard cycling with `V` is implemented).
 - [ ] IDE/editor-based GUT integration when a Godot editor workflow is introduced.
-- [ ] Reduce RefCounted reference cycles (NPCController <-> FSM) noted in `MEMORY.md`.
 
 ## Open Polish
 
-- [ ] Add a body/wand cooldown feel: wand screening currently has no reuse penalty; consider a short per-guest scan animation.
-- [ ] Add an escape-to-circuit handling note: `signals` in `Strings.fmt` are positional; keep `%` placeholders stable when adding keys.
+- [ ] Keep `%` placeholders stable in `Strings.fmt` when adding keys (positional formatting).
 
-## Detailed Graphics
+## Detailed Graphics — remaining performance items
 
-The prototype is entirely procedural `BoxMesh` with flat `StandardMaterial3D` colors (see `src/game/world_builder.gd` and `src/game/npc_avatar.gd`). The items below upgrade it toward a finished look. **When a task needs a texture, sprite, decal, or reference image, use the integrated image-generation function to produce it** (e.g. seamless building facade, sidewalk concrete, asphalt, awning sign, wristband/ID inspection cards, HUD icons). Generated images go under `assets/` and are imported as Godot textures; keep them small (≤1024px) and power-of-two where possible.
+The visual pass is done (textures, rigs, HUD feedback — see `DONE.md`). Remaining work is
+performance hardening only.
 
-### Environment
-
-- [ ] Replace flat facade boxes with textured materials: brick/concrete facade, glass door, awning with a readable sign (generate facade + sign textures).
-- [ ] Add a sidewalk concrete texture and street asphalt texture with a center-line decal (generate seamless textures).
-- [ ] Add a sky: `ProceduralSkyMaterial` or a generated skybox, plus a sun with soft shadows (currently a bare `DirectionalLight3D` + flat ambient).
-- [ ] Add simple props for depth: bollards, a trash can, a street lamp, a planter near the entrance (generate or model low-poly props).
-- [ ] Add a night/evening lighting pass: dim ambient, warm street-lamp point lights, and a visible flashlight cone (ties into the existing `G` flashlight toggle).
-
-### NPCs
-
-- [ ] Replace capsule bodies with a simple humanoid rig (head/torso/limbs) or a low-poly character mesh, keeping the archetype color coding as a fallback.
-- [ ] Add per-archetype visual identity: distinct silhouettes or accessories (e.g. camera for influencers, delivery box, performer prop) instead of color-only.
-- [ ] Add a simple walk/idle animation (procedural bob or imported animation) so NPCs don't glide.
-- [ ] Add a facing/attention cue: NPC head turns toward the guard when `perceive_guard` reports `aware`/`near`.
-
-### UI and feedback
-
-- [ ] Replace text-only inspection with visual artifact cards: wristband/ID/ticket images showing color, pattern, date, and event marking (generate card art).
-- [ ] Add HUD icons for the tone picker, wand, flashlight, and door-lock states (generate small icons).
-- [ ] Add a subtle screen-space vignette or color grade per escalation level to reinforce the existing color-coded escalation label.
-- [ ] Add a body-camera frame overlay (corner timestamp + REC indicator) to sell the evidence/recording fantasy.
-
-### Performance and pipeline
-
-- [ ] Set up an `assets/` import convention (textures, materials, meshes) and document it in `README.md`.
-- [ ] Profile the crowd: ensure textured materials and props don't hurt the target frame rate around a busy entrance.
+- [ ] Profile the crowd: ensure textured materials and props hold target frame rate around a
+      busy entrance.
 - [ ] Add LOD or culling for distant NPCs/props if the crowd grows.
+
+## Screenshot Refresh
+
+- [ ] Regenerate and verify the six README screenshots from the current build.

content/strings.en.json

@@ -40,5 +40,6 @@
   "door.thwarted": "%s tries the locked door and fails.",
   "flashlight.on": "Flashlight on.",
   "flashlight.off": "Flashlight off.",
-  "hud.venue_switched": "Venue: %s"
+  "hud.venue_switched": "Venue: %s",
+  "wand.recharge": "Wand scanner is recharging…"
 }

docs/RELEASING.md

@@ -57,12 +57,22 @@ godot --headless --path . --quit-after 120                        # boot smoke t
 ./tools/build_releases.sh
 ```
 
-Artifacts are written to `build/`:
+Artifacts are written to `build/` (all exports embed the PCK — single files):
 
 - `build/step-line-linux-<version>.x86_64`
 - `build/step-line-windows-<version>.exe`
 - `build/step-line-macos-<version>.zip`
 
+When run in CI (tags/dispatch), the build job also packages:
+
+- `build/step-line-setup-<version>.exe` — Windows installer (NSIS, incl. shortcuts +
+  uninstaller; apt `nsis` on the runner)
+- `build/step-line-<version>-x86_64.AppImage` — Linux AppImage (`packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh`,
+  appimagetool via `APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN`)
+
+Locally you can build the AppImage with `bash packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh <version>`;
+the NSIS installer requires `makensis` (covered by CI).
+
 > macOS builds are unsigned and will need `xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine`
 > guidance or notarization for production releases.
 

export_presets.cfg

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ script_export_mode=2
 custom_template/debug=""
 custom_template/release=""
 debug/export_console_wrapper=1
-binary_format/embed_pck=false
+binary_format/embed_pck=true
 texture_format/s3tc_bptc=true
 texture_format/etc2_astc=false
 binary_format/architecture="x86_64"
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ script_export_mode=2
 custom_template/debug=""
 custom_template/release=""
 debug/export_console_wrapper=0
-binary_format/embed_pck=false
+binary_format/embed_pck=true
 texture_format/s3tc_bptc=true
 texture_format/etc2_astc=false
 codesign/enable=false
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ script_export_mode=2
 custom_template/debug=""
 custom_template/release=""
 debug/export_console_wrapper=0
-binary_format/embed_pck=false
+binary_format/embed_pck=true
 texture_format/s3tc_bptc=true
 texture_format/etc2_astc=true
 codesign/enable=false

packaging/linux/AppRun

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+#!/bin/sh
+# AppImage entry point: launch the bundled game binary.
+SELF="$(readlink -f "$0")"
+HERE="$(dirname "$SELF")"
+exec "${HERE}/usr/bin/step-line" "$@"

packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# Build a self-contained Step Line AppImage (all game data included).
+#
+# Prereqs: exported Linux binary in build/ (embed_pck=true), curl.
+# Usage:   bash packaging/linux/build_appimage.sh [version]
+# Output:  build/step-line-<version>-x86_64.AppImage
+set -euo pipefail
+
+HERE="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
+ROOT="$(cd "$HERE/../.." && pwd)"
+VERSION="${1:-$(sed -n 's/.*config\/version="\([^"]*\)".*/\1/p' "$ROOT/project.godot")}"
+SRC_BIN="$ROOT/build/step-line-linux-${VERSION}.x86_64"
+
+if [[ ! -f "$SRC_BIN" ]]; then
+  echo "error: missing $SRC_BIN — run ./tools/build_releases.sh first" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+WORK="$(mktemp -d)"
+trap 'rm -rf "$WORK"' EXIT
+APPDIR="$WORK/StepLine.AppDir"
+mkdir -p "$APPDIR/usr/bin"
+cp "$SRC_BIN" "$APPDIR/usr/bin/step-line"
+# The export embeds the PCK (embed_pck=true), so no extra data files are needed.
+
+cp "$HERE/step-line.desktop" "$APPDIR/step-line.desktop"
+cp "$HERE/AppRun" "$APPDIR/AppRun"
+chmod +x "$APPDIR/AppRun"
+cp "$HERE/step-line.png" "$APPDIR/step-line.png"
+# Desktop entry + metainfo in standard locations (AppStream validation requires
+# the metainfo filename to match the component id, and the .desktop discoverable).
+mkdir -p "$APPDIR/usr/share/applications" "$APPDIR/usr/share/metainfo"
+cp "$HERE/step-line.desktop" "$APPDIR/usr/share/applications/step-line.desktop"
+cp "$HERE/step-line.appdata.xml" "$APPDIR/usr/share/metainfo/net.stepline.game.appdata.xml"
+
+TOOL="${APPIMAGE_TOOL:-/tmp/appimagetool-x86_64.AppImage}"
+if [[ ! -f "$TOOL" ]]; then
+  echo "==> Downloading appimagetool"
+  curl -sL -o "$TOOL" \
+    https://github.com/AppImage/appimagetool/releases/download/continuous/appimagetool-x86_64.AppImage
+  chmod +x "$TOOL"
+fi
+
+OUT="$ROOT/build/step-line-${VERSION}-x86_64.AppImage"
+echo "==> Building AppImage -> $OUT"
+# Extract-and-run avoids a FUSE dependency on the build host.
+APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1 "$TOOL" "$APPDIR" "$OUT"
+echo "AppImage ready: $(ls -la "$OUT" | awk '{print $5}') bytes"

packaging/linux/step-line.appdata.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<component type="desktop-application">
+  <id>net.stepline.game</id>
+  <name>Step Line</name>
+  <summary>Workplace security simulation on Hollywood Boulevard</summary>
+  <url type="homepage">https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game</url>
+  <developer id="net.stepline"><name>Step Line Team</name></developer>
+  <description>
+    <p>
+      Step Line is a workplace security simulation about observation, communication,
+      access verification, and proportionate escalation. Guard the steps and entrance
+      of venues around Hollywood Boulevard: direct tourists, verify wristbands and IDs,
+      screen guests, and escalate only when you have to.
+    </p>
+  </description>
+  <launchable type="desktop-id">step-line.desktop</launchable>
+  <metadata_license>CC0-1.0</metadata_license>
+  <project_license>MIT</project_license>
+  <content_rating type="oars-1.1" />
+  <releases>
+    <release version="0.2.0" date="2026-10-31"/>
+  </releases>
+</component>

packaging/linux/step-line.desktop

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+[Desktop Entry]
+Type=Application
+Name=Step Line
+Comment=Workplace security simulation on Hollywood Boulevard
+Exec=step-line
+Icon=step-line
+Terminal=false
+Categories=Game;Simulation;
+Keywords=security;simulation;hollywood;

packaging/windows/step-line.nsi

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+; Step Line Windows installer (NSIS 3).
+; Build from the repo root with the exported self-contained exe:
+;   makensis /DVERSION=0.2.0 /DARTIFACT=build/step-line-windows-0.2.0.exe \
+;            /DICON=packaging/windows/step-line.ico packaging/windows/step-line.nsi
+; Outputs: build/step-line-setup-<VERSION>.exe
+
+!ifndef VERSION
+  !define VERSION "0.0.0"
+!endif
+!ifndef ARTIFACT
+  !error "ARTIFACT define required (path to exported windows exe)"
+!endif
+!ifndef ICON
+  !define ICON "packaging\windows\step-line.ico"
+!endif
+
+; The installed executable uses this clean name (no spaces — NSIS /oname tokens
+; on whitespace, so a spaced name breaks the File directive).
+!define INSTALLED_EXE "step-line.exe"
+!ifndef OUT
+  !define OUT "build\step-line-setup-${VERSION}.exe"
+!endif
+!define COMPANY "Step Line Project"
+!define UNINST_KEY "Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Step Line"
+
+Unicode true
+ManifestDPIAware true
+Icon "${ICON}"
+UninstallIcon "${ICON}"
+
+Name "Step Line ${VERSION}"
+OutFile "${OUT}"
+InstallDir "$PROGRAMFILES64\Step Line"
+RequestExecutionLevel admin
+
+Page directory
+Page instfiles
+UninstPage uninstConfirm
+UninstPage instfiles
+
+Section "Install"
+  SetOutPath "$INSTDIR"
+
+  ; The self-contained executable contains ALL game data (embedded PCK).
+  File "/oname=${INSTALLED_EXE}" "${ARTIFACT}"
+
+  WriteUninstaller "$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe"
+
+  ; Shortcuts
+  CreateDirectory "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line"
+  CreateShortCut "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line\Step Line.lnk" "$INSTDIR\${INSTALLED_EXE}"
+  CreateShortCut "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line\Uninstall.lnk" "$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe"
+  CreateShortCut "$DESKTOP\Step Line.lnk" "$INSTDIR\${INSTALLED_EXE}"
+
+  ; Registry (Add/Remove Programs)
+  WriteRegStr HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "DisplayName" "Step Line"
+  WriteRegStr HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "DisplayVersion" "${VERSION}"
+  WriteRegStr HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "Publisher" "${COMPANY}"
+  WriteRegStr HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "DisplayIcon" "$INSTDIR\${INSTALLED_EXE}"
+  WriteRegStr HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "UninstallString" '"$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe"'
+  WriteRegDWORD HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "NoModify" 1
+  WriteRegDWORD HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}" "NoRepair" 1
+SectionEnd
+
+Section "Uninstall"
+  Delete "$INSTDIR\${INSTALLED_EXE}"
+  Delete "$INSTDIR\uninstall.exe"
+  RMDir "$INSTDIR"
+  Delete "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line\Step Line.lnk"
+  Delete "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line\Uninstall.lnk"
+  RMDir "$SMPROGRAMS\Step Line"
+  Delete "$DESKTOP\Step Line.lnk"
+  DeleteRegKey HKLM "${UNINST_KEY}"
+SectionEnd

project.godot

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ config_version=5
 
 config/name="Step Line"
 config/description="Workplace security simulation about observation, access verification, and proportionate escalation."
-config/version="0.2.0"
+config/version="0.2.1"
 run/main_scene="res://scenes/main.tscn"
 config/features=PackedStringArray("4.3", "GL Compatibility")
 

squashfs-root/.DirIcon

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+appimagetool.png

squashfs-root/AppRun

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+#! /bin/sh
+
+set -e
+
+this_dir="$(dirname -- "$(readlink -f -- "$0")")"
+
+# make appimagetool prefer the bundled mksquashfs
+export PATH="$this_dir"/usr/bin:"$PATH"
+
+exec "$this_dir"/usr/bin/appimagetool "$@"

squashfs-root/appimagetool.desktop

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+usr/share/applications/appimagetool.desktop

squashfs-root/appimagetool.png

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+usr/share/icons/hicolor/128x128/apps/appimagetool.png

squashfs-root/usr/share/applications/appimagetool.desktop

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+[Desktop Entry]
+Type=Application
+Name=appimagetool
+Exec=appimagetool
+Comment=Tool to generate AppImages from AppDirs
+Icon=appimagetool
+Categories=Development;
+Terminal=true
+

squashfs-root/usr/share/metainfo/appimagetool.appdata.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<component type="desktop">
+  <id>appimagetool.desktop</id>
+  <metadata_license>MIT</metadata_license>
+  <project_license>MIT</project_license>
+  <name>appimagetool</name>
+  <summary>Create AppImage files</summary>
+  <description>
+    <p>
+      appimagetool is a tool that lets you generate AppImage files. An AppImage
+      is a self-running bundle that contains an application and everything
+      it needs to run that cannot reasonably expected to be part of each target system.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This can include libraries that are not commonly available on target systems,
+      resources such as translations, icons, fonts, and other auxiliary files.
+      appimagetool makes it easy to take an AppDir (e.g., generated by linuxdeployqt)
+      and turn it into an AppImage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      You can also embed update information so that your users can update the AppImage
+      using binary delta updates with the AppImageUpdate tool.
+      You can also sign the AppImage with GPG.
+    </p>
+  </description>
+  <url type="homepage">https://github.com/AppImage/AppImageKit</url>
+  <project_group>AppImage</project_group>
+  <provides>
+    <binary>appimagetool</binary>
+  </provides>
+</component>

src/core/fsm.gd

@@ -2,15 +2,26 @@ class_name FSM
 extends RefCounted
 ## Minimal generic finite state machine used by NPCController and ShiftCoordinator.
 ## Deterministic and headless-testable.
+##
+## The owner is held through a WeakRef so long-lived owners do not create a
+## reference cycle (FSM <-> owner), which previously leaked RefCounted objects
+## at process exit (see MEMORY.md).
 
 signal state_changed(node: Object, from_state: String, to_state: String)
 
 var current_state: String = ""
 var _transitions: Dictionary = {} # state_name -> Array[{to, guard: Callable}]
-var _owner_node: Object = null
+var _owner_ref: WeakRef = null
 
 func _init(owner_node: Object = null) -> void:
-	_owner_node = owner_node
+	if owner_node != null:
+		_owner_ref = weakref(owner_node)
+
+## The live owner object, or null if it was freed.
+func _owner() -> Object:
+	if _owner_ref == null:
+		return null
+	return _owner_ref.get_ref() as Object
 
 ## Register a transition. guard is an optional Callable(node) -> bool.
 func add_transition(from_state: String, to_state: String, guard: Callable = Callable()) -> void:
@@ -20,7 +31,7 @@ func add_transition(from_state: String, to_state: String, guard: Callable = Call
 
 func start(initial_state: String) -> void:
 	current_state = initial_state
-	state_changed.emit(_owner_node, "", initial_state)
+	state_changed.emit(_owner(), "", initial_state)
 
 ## Attempt to move to `to_state`. Returns true when executed.
 func transition_to(to_state: String) -> bool:
@@ -31,10 +42,10 @@ func transition_to(to_state: String) -> bool:
 		if t["to"] != to_state:
 			continue
 		var guard: Callable = t["guard"]
-		if not guard.is_valid() or guard.call(_owner_node):
+		if not guard.is_valid() or guard.call(_owner()):
 			var from := current_state
 			current_state = to_state
-			state_changed.emit(_owner_node, from, to_state)
+			state_changed.emit(_owner(), from, to_state)
 			return true
 	return false
 
@@ -42,6 +53,6 @@ func can_transition_to(to_state: String) -> bool:
 	for t in _transitions.get(current_state, []):
 		if t["to"] == to_state:
 			var guard: Callable = t["guard"]
-			if not guard.is_valid() or guard.call(_owner_node):
+			if not guard.is_valid() or guard.call(_owner()):
 				return true
 	return false

src/core/shift_coordinator.gd

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 class_name ShiftCoordinator
-extends Node
+extends RefCounted
 
 const Rules := preload("res://src/core/rules.gd")
 const EventBus := preload("res://src/core/event_bus.gd")

src/game/game_manager.gd

@@ -64,7 +64,11 @@ var verifier := AccessVerifier.new()
 var wand_screener := WandScreener.new()
 
 var active_scenario_id := "hollywood_building"
-var scenario_duration_s: float = 300.0 # shortened prototype duration for testing
+## Shift length mirrors the scenario default (900s / 10-15 min per PLAN.md) unless
+## overridden for a test or debug build.
+var scenario_duration_s: float = 900.0
+var _wand_cooldown := 0.0
+const WAND_COOLDOWN_S := 0.8
 var scene_root: Node3D = null
 var npcs: Array = []
 var npc_counter := 0
@@ -103,6 +107,7 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	guard.cleared_target.connect(_on_guard_clear)
 
 	selected_scenario = _build_scenario(active_scenario_id)
+	scenario_duration_s = selected_scenario.shift_duration_s
 	coordinator = ShiftCoordinator.new()
 	coordinator.setup(selected_scenario, scenario_duration_s, 4242)
 	coordinator.npc_spawn_requested.connect(_spawn_npc)
@@ -142,6 +147,7 @@ func _build_guard() -> GuardController:
 	collider.shape = shape
 	collider.position = Vector3(0, 0.85, 0)
 	g.add_child(collider)
+	g.add_to_group("guard")
 	return g
 
 func _build_scenario(id: String) -> VenueScenario:
@@ -168,6 +174,7 @@ func restart_shift() -> void:
 	inspector_current_events = []
 	current_incident_active = false
 	current_incident_npc_id = ""
+	scenario_duration_s = selected_scenario.shift_duration_s
 	coordinator.setup(selected_scenario, scenario_duration_s, 4242)
 	coordinator.start()
 	_last_phase = -1
@@ -197,6 +204,10 @@ func _ensure_lighting() -> void:
 	_sun.name = "Sun"
 	_sun.rotation_degrees = Vector3(-50, -30, 0)
 	_sun.light_energy = 1.2
+	_sun.shadow_enabled = true
+	_sun.light_angular_distance = 1.2
+	_sun.directional_shadow_mode = DirectionalLight3D.SHADOW_PARALLEL_4_SPLITS
+	_sun.directional_shadow_max_distance = 60.0
 	scene_root.add_child(_sun)
 	_env_node = WorldEnvironment.new()
 	var env := Environment.new()
@@ -398,6 +409,7 @@ func _cycle_venue() -> void:
 	switch_scenario(VENUE_ORDER[_venue_index])
 	var venue_name: String = selected_scenario.display_name if selected_scenario else "?"
 	hud.log(Strings.fmt("hud.venue_switched", [venue_name]))
+	hud.set_wand_icon(false)
 	hud.set_shift_state(coordinator, selected_scenario)
 
 ## Aim-free targeting: cycle through NPCs near the guard (Tab). Lets players
@@ -546,13 +558,19 @@ func _toggle_inspection() -> void:
 ## Handheld wand inspection (The Joke Shop). Only available when the venue
 ## carries a wand. The wand reports an alert; the player interprets it.
 func _toggle_wand_screening() -> void:
+	if _wand_cooldown > 0.0:
+		hud.log(Strings.lookup("wand.recharge"))
+		return
 	if wand_open:
 		hud.hide_wand()
+		hud.set_wand_icon(false)
 		wand_open = false
 		return
 	if not selected_scenario.equipment.has("wand"):
 		hud.log(Strings.lookup("hud.no_wand"))
+		hud.set_wand_icon(false)
 		return
+	hud.set_wand_icon(true)
 	var controller: Object = _targeted_controller()
 	if controller == null:
 		return
@@ -606,6 +624,8 @@ func decide_wand(allowed: bool) -> void:
 	controller.screened = true
 	hud.hide_wand()
 	wand_open = false
+	# Short scan cooldown: the wand must “recharge” between guests (PLAN.md: feel).
+	_wand_cooldown = WAND_COOLDOWN_S
 
 func decide_access(allowed: bool) -> void:
 	var controller: Object = _targeted_controller()
@@ -705,6 +725,8 @@ func _close_incident(outcome: String) -> void:
 	current_incident_npc_id = ""
 
 func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
+	if _wand_cooldown > 0.0:
+		_wand_cooldown = maxf(0.0, _wand_cooldown - delta)
 	if coordinator == null or not coordinator.running:
 		return
 	coordinator.tick(delta)

src/game/npc_avatar.gd

@@ -68,41 +68,136 @@ func setup(profile: NpcProfile, intent: String, seed_value: int, p_spawn: Vector
 	add_child(collider)
 
 var _visual_seed := 0
+var _rig: Node3D = null
+var _head: Node3D = null
+var _bob_phase := 0.0
+var _guard_ref: Node3D = null
+const SKIN_TONE := Color(0.88, 0.72, 0.60)
+const PANTS_COLOR := Color(0.22, 0.22, 0.26)
 
 func _build_body(npc_type: int) -> void:
-	var body := MeshInstance3D.new()
-	var capsule := CapsuleMesh.new()
-	capsule.radius = 0.35
-	capsule.height = 1.6
-	body.mesh = capsule
-	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
-	mat.albedo_color = TYPE_COLORS.get(npc_type, Color(0.7, 0.7, 0.7))
+	_rig = Node3D.new()
+	_rig.name = "Rig"
+	add_child(_rig)
+	var base_color: Color = TYPE_COLORS.get(npc_type, Color(0.7, 0.7, 0.7))
 	# Per-seed variation: slight height and brightness differences so crowds
 	# read as individuals (deterministic LCG, no RNG side effects).
 	var frac := float((_visual_seed * 1103515245 + 12345) % 1000) / 1000.0
-	var height_scale := 0.9 + 0.2 * frac
-	body.scale = Vector3(1.0, height_scale, 1.0)
-	body.position.y = (height_scale - 1.0) * 0.8
-	mat.albedo_color = mat.albedo_color.lightened(0.15 * frac) if frac < 0.5 else mat.albedo_color.darkened(0.15 * (1.0 - frac))
-	body.material_override = mat
-	add_child(body)
-	var id_tag := MeshInstance3D.new()
-	var sphere := SphereMesh.new()
-	sphere.radius = 0.12
-	sphere.height = 0.24
-	var tag_mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
-	tag_mat.albedo_color = Color(1, 1, 1)
-	id_tag.mesh = sphere
-	id_tag.material_override = tag_mat
-	id_tag.position = Vector3(0, 1.05, 0)
-	id_tag.scale = Vector3(1, 0.4, 1)
-	add_child(id_tag)
+	var height_scale := 0.92 + 0.16 * frac
+	_rig.scale.y = height_scale
+	var shader_delta := 0.12 * frac
+	base_color = base_color.lightened(shader_delta) if frac < 0.5 else base_color.darkened(shader_delta)
+	var limbs_color := base_color.darkened(0.25)
+	# Torso
+	_add_capsule(_rig, 0.30, 0.95, Vector3(0, 1.05, 0), base_color)
+	# Legs
+	_add_capsule(_rig, 0.12, 0.8, Vector3(-0.16, 0.4, 0), PANTS_COLOR)
+	_add_capsule(_rig, 0.12, 0.8, Vector3(0.16, 0.4, 0), PANTS_COLOR)
+	# Arms
+	_add_capsule(_rig, 0.09, 0.7, Vector3(-0.42, 1.28, 0), limbs_color, 8.0)
+	_add_capsule(_rig, 0.09, 0.7, Vector3(0.42, 1.28, 0), limbs_color, -8.0)
+	# Head
+	_head = Node3D.new()
+	_head.name = "Head"
+	_head.position = Vector3(0, 1.62, 0)
+	_add_sphere(_head, 0.17, Vector3.ZERO, SKIN_TONE)
+	_rig.add_child(_head)
+	_add_props(npc_type)
+
+func _add_capsule(parent: Node3D, radius: float, height: float, pos: Vector3, color: Color, z_rot: float = 0.0) -> void:
+	var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	var mesh := CapsuleMesh.new()
+	mesh.radius = radius
+	mesh.height = height
+	mi.mesh = mesh
+	mi.position = pos
+	mi.rotation_degrees.z = z_rot
+	mi.material_override = _material(color)
+	parent.add_child(mi)
+
+func _add_sphere(parent: Node3D, radius: float, pos: Vector3, color: Color) -> void:
+	var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	var mesh := SphereMesh.new()
+	mesh.radius = radius
+	mesh.height = radius * 2.0
+	mi.mesh = mesh
+	mi.position = pos
+	mi.material_override = _material(color)
+	parent.add_child(mi)
+
+func _material(color: Color) -> StandardMaterial3D:
+	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	mat.albedo_color = color
+	return mat
+
+## Small per-archetype props so silhouettes differ (camera, box, hat, sign…).
+func _add_props(npc_type: int) -> void:
+	var chest_y := 1.25
+	match npc_type:
+		Rules.NpcType.INFLUENCER:
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.16, 0.1, 0.09), Vector3(0.3, chest_y, 0.22), Color(0.1, 0.1, 0.1))
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.05, 0.05, 0.06), Vector3(0.34, chest_y + 0.06, 0.30), Color(0.4, 0.7, 1.0))
+		Rules.NpcType.DELIVERY:
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.34, 0.26, 0.28), Vector3(0.0, 1.02, 0.3), Color(0.55, 0.4, 0.25))
+		Rules.NpcType.PERFORMER:
+			var hat := _material(Color(0.85, 0.2, 0.25))
+			var cone := MeshInstance3D.new()
+			var cm := CylinderMesh.new()
+			cm.top_radius = 0.02
+			cm.bottom_radius = 0.22
+			cm.height = 0.4
+			cone.mesh = cm
+			cone.material_override = hat
+			cone.position = Vector3(0, 0.26, 0)
+			_head.add_child(cone)
+		Rules.NpcType.PROTESTER:
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.05, 1.2, 0.05), Vector3(0.28, 1.45, 0.18), Color(0.4, 0.36, 0.32))
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.5, 0.42, 0.04), Vector3(0.48, 1.55, 0.18), Color(0.93, 0.93, 0.95))
+		Rules.NpcType.TOURIST:
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.3, 0.36, 0.14), Vector3(-0.34, 1.15, -0.18), Color(0.25, 0.3, 0.45))
+		Rules.NpcType.CONFUSED_VISITOR:
+			_add_box_prop(_rig, Vector3(0.3, 0.05, 0.34), Vector3(0, 0.92, 0.06), Color(0.9, 0.88, 0.8))
+
+func _add_box_prop(parent: Node3D, size: Vector3, pos: Vector3, color: Color) -> void:
+	var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	var mesh := BoxMesh.new()
+	mesh.size = size
+	mi.mesh = mesh
+	mi.position = pos
+	mi.material_override = _material(color)
+	parent.add_child(mi)
 
 func _physics_process(delta: float) -> void:
 	if npc == null or npc.fsm == null:
 		return
 	_advance_fsm(delta)
 	_move_toward_target(delta)
+	_animate(delta)
+
+## Procedural walk bob + head-toward-guard cue when the NPC is aware.
+func _animate(delta: float) -> void:
+	if _rig == null:
+		return
+	var speed := Vector2(velocity.x, velocity.z).length()
+	if speed > 0.3:
+		_bob_phase += delta * (6.0 + speed)
+		_rig.position.y = sin(_bob_phase) * 0.035
+		_rig.rotation.x = sin(_bob_phase * 0.5) * 0.04
+	else:
+		_bob_phase = 0.0
+		_rig.position.y = lerpf(_rig.position.y, 0.0, 0.2)
+		_rig.rotation.x = lerpf(_rig.rotation.x, 0.0, 0.2)
+	# Attention cue: head turns toward the guard when awareness was raised.
+	if _head != null and npc.guard_noticed:
+		if _guard_ref == null or not is_instance_valid(_guard_ref):
+			_guard_ref = get_tree().get_first_node_in_group("guard") as Node3D
+		if _guard_ref:
+			var to_guard := (_guard_ref.global_position - global_position)
+			to_guard.y = 0.0
+			var world_yaw := atan2(to_guard.x, to_guard.z)
+			var fwd := -_rig.global_transform.basis.z
+			var parent_yaw := atan2(fwd.x, fwd.z)
+			_head.rotation.y = lerp_angle(_head.rotation.y, world_yaw - parent_yaw, 0.1)
 
 func _advance_fsm(delta: float) -> void:
 	# Returning-trespasser: an NPC directed away may circle back to the door.

src/game/ui/hud.gd

@@ -5,6 +5,23 @@ extends CanvasLayer
 
 const Rules := preload("res://src/core/rules.gd")
 const Strings := preload("res://src/core/strings.gd")
+const T_VIGNETTE := preload("res://assets/textures/vignette.png")
+const T_ICON_FLASH := preload("res://assets/textures/icons/flashlight_on.png")
+const T_ICON_DOOR := preload("res://assets/textures/icons/door_locked.png")
+const T_ICON_WAND := preload("res://assets/textures/icons/wand.png")
+const T_ICON_REC := preload("res://assets/textures/icons/rec_dot.png")
+const T_CARD_ID := preload("res://assets/textures/cards/id_card.png")
+const T_CARD_WRIST := preload("res://assets/textures/cards/wristband.png")
+const T_CARD_TICKET := preload("res://assets/textures/cards/ticket.png")
+const T_CARD_CRED := preload("res://assets/textures/cards/credential.png")
+const T_CARD_GUEST := preload("res://assets/textures/cards/guest_list.png")
+const CARD_TEXTURES := {
+	Rules.AccessKind.ID: T_CARD_ID,
+	Rules.AccessKind.WRISTBAND: T_CARD_WRIST,
+	Rules.AccessKind.TICKET: T_CARD_TICKET,
+	Rules.AccessKind.CREDENTIAL: T_CARD_CRED,
+	Rules.AccessKind.GUEST_LIST: T_CARD_GUEST,
+}
 
 var top_label: Label
 var time_label: Label
@@ -17,6 +34,12 @@ var inspect_text: Label
 var inspect_meta: Label
 var radio_cooldown_label: Label
 var mode_label: Label
+var vignette_rect: TextureRect
+var cam_clock: Label
+var icon_row: HBoxContainer
+var flashlight_icon: TextureRect
+var door_icon: TextureRect
+var wand_icon: TextureRect
 var wand_panel: PanelContainer
 var wand_text: Label
 var wand_meta: Label
@@ -105,10 +128,64 @@ func _init() -> void:
 	escalation_label.modulate = Color(0.6, 0.9, 0.6)
 	vbox.add_child(escalation_label)
 
+	# --- escalation vignette (screen-space tint) ---
+	vignette_rect = TextureRect.new()
+	vignette_rect.texture = T_VIGNETTE
+	vignette_rect.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	vignette_rect.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	vignette_rect.modulate = Color(1, 1, 1, 0)
+	vignette_rect.show_behind_parent = false
+	add_child(vignette_rect)
+
+	# --- body-camera overlay (REC + shift clock + corner brackets, top right) ---
+	var cam_box := VBoxContainer.new()
+	cam_box.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_TOP_RIGHT)
+	cam_box.position = Vector2(-180, 50)
+	cam_box.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_END
+	add_child(cam_box)
+	var rec_row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	rec_row.alignment = BoxContainer.ALIGNMENT_END
+	cam_box.add_child(rec_row)
+	var rec_icon := TextureRect.new()
+	rec_icon.texture = T_ICON_REC
+	rec_icon.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(22, 22)
+	rec_icon.stretch_mode = TextureRect.STRETCH_KEEP_ASPECT_CENTERED
+	rec_row.add_child(rec_icon)
+	var rec_label := Label.new()
+	rec_label.text = "REC"
+	rec_label.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 15)
+	rec_label.modulate = Color(0.95, 0.35, 0.35)
+	rec_row.add_child(rec_label)
+	cam_clock = Label.new()
+	cam_clock.text = "SHIFT 00:00:00"
+	cam_clock.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 12)
+	cam_clock.modulate = Color(0.95, 0.95, 0.95)
+	cam_clock.horizontal_alignment = HORIZONTAL_ALIGNMENT_RIGHT
+	cam_box.add_child(cam_clock)
+	# corner brackets
+	var bracket_color := Color(0.9, 0.9, 0.92, 0.55)
+	_add_corner_brackets(bracket_color)
+
+	# --- mode icons next to the door/light label ---
+	icon_row = HBoxContainer.new()
+	vbox.add_child(icon_row)
+	flashlight_icon = _make_icon(T_ICON_FLASH)
+	flashlight_icon.visible = false
+	icon_row.add_child(flashlight_icon)
+	door_icon = _make_icon(T_ICON_DOOR)
+	door_icon.visible = false
+	icon_row.add_child(door_icon)
+	wand_icon = _make_icon(T_ICON_WAND)
+	wand_icon.visible = false
+	icon_row.add_child(wand_icon)
+
 	# --- inspect panel (popup center) ---
+	var inspect_center := CenterContainer.new()
+	inspect_center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	inspect_center.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	add_child(inspect_center)
 	inspect_panel = PanelContainer.new()
 	inspect_panel.visible = false
-	inspect_panel.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_CENTER)
 	inspect_panel.modulate.a = 1.0
 	var ivbox := VBoxContainer.new()
 	inspect_panel.add_child(ivbox)
@@ -123,12 +200,15 @@ func _init() -> void:
 	insp_hint.text = "A = allow entry   D = deny entry"
 	insp_hint.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 12)
 	ivbox.add_child(insp_hint)
-	add_child(inspect_panel)
+	inspect_center.add_child(inspect_panel)
 
 	# --- wand screening panel (popup center) ---
+	var wand_center := CenterContainer.new()
+	wand_center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	wand_center.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	add_child(wand_center)
 	wand_panel = PanelContainer.new()
 	wand_panel.visible = false
-	wand_panel.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_CENTER)
 	var wvbox := VBoxContainer.new()
 	wand_panel.add_child(wvbox)
 	wand_text = Label.new()
@@ -142,7 +222,7 @@ func _init() -> void:
 	wand_hint.text = "A = admit   D = refuse entry"
 	wand_hint.add_theme_font_size_override("font_size", 12)
 	wvbox.add_child(wand_hint)
-	add_child(wand_panel)
+	wand_center.add_child(wand_panel)
 
 	# --- debug overlay ---
 	debug_label = Label.new()
@@ -163,6 +243,9 @@ func set_shift_state(coordinator: Object, scenario: Resource) -> void:
 		coordinator.reputation.rating,
 		coordinator.crowd.mood * 100.0,
 	]
+	if cam_clock:
+		var total := int(coordinator.elapsed_s)
+		cam_clock.text = "SHIFT %02d:%02d:%02d" % [total / 3600, (total / 60) % 60, total % 60]
 	_update_radio_cooldown(coordinator)
 
 func _update_radio_cooldown(coordinator: Object) -> void:
@@ -188,6 +271,47 @@ func set_flashlight(on: bool) -> void:
 
 func _refresh_mode_label() -> void:
 	mode_label.text = "Door: %s · Light: %s" % ["LOCKED" if _door_locked else "open", "on" if _flashlight else "off"]
+	if icon_row:
+		flashlight_icon.visible = _flashlight
+		door_icon.visible = _door_locked
+
+func set_wand_icon(visible: bool) -> void:
+	if wand_icon:
+		wand_icon.visible = visible
+
+func _make_icon(texture: Texture2D) -> TextureRect:
+	var tr := TextureRect.new()
+	tr.texture = texture
+	tr.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(20, 20)
+	tr.stretch_mode = TextureRect.STRETCH_KEEP_ASPECT_CENTERED
+	tr.modulate = Color(1, 1, 1, 0.9)
+	return tr
+
+func _add_corner_brackets(color: Color) -> void:
+	const LEN := 34.0
+	const TH := 3.0
+	const OFF := 10.0
+	var viewport := get_viewport()
+	var vp: Vector2 = viewport.get_visible_rect().size if viewport else Vector2(1280, 720)
+	var corners := [
+		Vector2(OFF, OFF), Vector2(vp.x - OFF, OFF), Vector2(OFF, vp.y - OFF), Vector2(vp.x - OFF, vp.y - OFF),
+	]
+	for i in 4:
+		var c: Vector2 = corners[i]
+		var flip_x: bool = (i % 2) == 1
+		var flip_y: bool = i >= 2
+		var h := ColorRect.new()
+		h.color = color
+		h.size = Vector2(LEN, TH)
+		h.position = Vector2(c.x - (LEN if flip_x else 0.0), c.y - (TH if flip_y else 0.0))
+		h.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+		add_child(h)
+		var v := ColorRect.new()
+		v.color = color
+		v.size = Vector2(TH, LEN)
+		v.position = Vector2(c.x - (TH if flip_x else 0.0), c.y - (LEN if flip_y else 0.0))
+		v.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+		add_child(v)
 
 func set_action_hint(text: String) -> void:
 	hint_label.text = text
@@ -199,15 +323,20 @@ func set_action_hint(text: String) -> void:
 func set_escalation(level: int) -> void:
 	var name: String = Rules.LEVEL_NAMES.get(level, "Observation")
 	escalation_label.text = Strings.fmt("hud.escalation_prefix", [name])
+	var tint := Color(0.6, 0.9, 0.6)
 	match level:
 		Rules.Level.OBSERVATION, Rules.Level.SIMPLE_DETERRENCE:
-			escalation_label.modulate = Color(0.6, 0.9, 0.6)
+			tint = Color(0.6, 0.9, 0.6)
 		Rules.Level.FORMAL_WARNING:
-			escalation_label.modulate = Color(0.95, 0.9, 0.4)
+			tint = Color(0.95, 0.9, 0.4)
 		Rules.Level.BLOCKING:
-			escalation_label.modulate = Color(1.0, 0.65, 0.3)
+			tint = Color(1.0, 0.65, 0.3)
 		Rules.Level.RADIO_ASSIST, Rules.Level.EMERGENCY:
-			escalation_label.modulate = Color(1.0, 0.35, 0.3)
+			tint = Color(1.0, 0.35, 0.3)
+	escalation_label.modulate = tint
+	# Screen-space vignette follows the escalation color.
+	if vignette_rect:
+		vignette_rect.modulate = Color(tint.r, tint.g, tint.b, 0.05 + 0.2 * float(level) / 5.0)
 
 func log(text: String) -> void:
 	_log_lines.append(text)
@@ -240,6 +369,28 @@ func show_inspection(controller: Object, artifacts: Array, result: Dictionary) -
 	var npc_display: String = (profile.display_name if profile else "Person")
 	var granted: bool = result.get("granted", false)
 	inspect_text.text = "Access check — %s\nGranted: %s" % [npc_display, "YES" if granted else "NO"]
+	_clear_card_row()
+	var card_row := HBoxContainer.new()
+	card_row.name = "INSPECT_CARD_ROW"
+	card_row.add_theme_constant_override("separation", 6)
+	var added_card := false
+	for artifact in artifacts:
+		var tex: Texture2D = CARD_TEXTURES.get(artifact.kind, null) as Texture2D
+		if tex == null:
+			continue
+		var card := TextureRect.new()
+		card.texture = tex
+		card.expand_mode = TextureRect.EXPAND_IGNORE_SIZE
+		card.custom_minimum_size = Vector2(92, 58)
+		card.stretch_mode = TextureRect.STRETCH_KEEP_ASPECT_CENTERED
+		card.tooltip_text = artifact.summary()
+		if artifact.attributes.size() > 0:
+			card.tooltip_text += "\n" + str(artifact.attributes)
+		card_row.add_child(card)
+		added_card = true
+	if added_card:
+		var content := inspect_panel.get_child(0) as VBoxContainer
+		content.add_child(card_row)
 	var lines: Array[String] = []
 	for artifact in artifacts:
 		lines.append("  • " + artifact.summary())
@@ -251,8 +402,18 @@ func show_inspection(controller: Object, artifacts: Array, result: Dictionary) -
 	inspect_panel.visible = true
 
 func hide_inspection() -> void:
+	_clear_card_row()
 	inspect_panel.visible = false
 
+## Remove previously added artifact cards so reopening rebuilds them.
+func _clear_card_row() -> void:
+	if inspect_panel == null:
+		return
+	var row := inspect_panel.find_child("INSPECT_CARD_ROW", true, false) as Control
+	if row:
+		row.get_parent().remove_child(row)
+		row.queue_free()
+
 func show_wand(controller: Object, result: Dictionary) -> void:
 	var profile: Object = controller.profile
 	var npc_display: String = (profile.display_name if profile else "Person")

src/game/ui/radio_panel.gd

@@ -34,9 +34,12 @@ func _init() -> void:
 	dim.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
 	add_child(dim)
 
+	var center := CenterContainer.new()
+	center.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_FULL_RECT)
+	center.mouse_filter = Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE
+	add_child(center)
 	panel = PanelContainer.new()
-	panel.set_anchors_preset(Control.PRESET_CENTER)
-	add_child(panel)
+	center.add_child(panel)
 
 	var vbox := VBoxContainer.new()
 	panel.add_child(vbox)

src/game/world_builder.gd

@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 class_name WorldBuilder
 ## Procedurally assembles a minimal Hollywood Boulevard entrance prototype:
+
+const T_BRICK := preload("res://assets/textures/brick_facade.png")
+const T_CONCRETE := preload("res://assets/textures/concrete.png")
+const T_ASPHALT := preload("res://assets/textures/asphalt.png")
+const T_AWNING := preload("res://assets/textures/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.
 
@@ -27,14 +33,19 @@ func build() -> void:
 	_build_crosswalk()
 	_build_street_furniture()
 	_build_guard_spawn()
+	_build_skyline_backdrop()
 	_build_navmesh()
 	set_night_mode(false)
 
-func _add_box(parent: Node3D, size: Vector3, pos: Vector3, color: Color, cast_shadow: bool = false) -> MeshInstance3D:
+func _add_box(parent: Node3D, size: Vector3, pos: Vector3, color: Color, cast_shadow: bool = false,
+		texture: Texture2D = null, uv_scale: Vector2 = Vector2(1, 1)) -> MeshInstance3D:
 	var mesh := BoxMesh.new()
 	mesh.size = size
 	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
 	mat.albedo_color = color
+	if texture:
+		mat.albedo_texture = texture
+		mat.uv1_scale = Vector3(uv_scale.x, uv_scale.y, 1.0)
 	mesh.material = mat
 	var mi := MeshInstance3D.new()
 	mi.mesh = mesh
@@ -56,19 +67,23 @@ func _build_ground() -> void:
 func _build_building() -> void:
 	var building := StaticBody3D.new()
 	building.name = "Building"
-	# Main facade
-	_add_box(building, Vector3(40, 18, 4), Vector3(0, 9, -2), Color(0.35, 0.32, 0.30))
+	# Main facade (textured brick)
+	_add_box(building, Vector3(40, 18, 4), Vector3(0, 9, -2), Color(0.85, 0.8, 0.78), false, T_BRICK, Vector2(10, 5))
 	# Entrance recess + door recess frame
-	_add_box(building, Vector3(5.4, 6.4, 0.2), Vector3(0, 3.2, -4.0), Color(0.10, 0.10, 0.10))
-	# Door
-	_add_box(building, Vector3(3.0, 5.2, 0.3), Vector3(0, 2.9, -4.15), Color(0.16, 0.15, 0.13))
-	# Door window
-	_add_box(building, Vector3(1.8, 1.4, 0.34), Vector3(0, 3.8, -4.0), Color(0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0))
+	_add_box(building, Vector3(5.4, 6.4, 0.2), Vector3(0, 3.2, -4.0), Color(0.08, 0.08, 0.09))
+	# Door frame and dark door
+	_add_box(building, Vector3(3.0, 5.2, 0.3), Vector3(0, 2.9, -4.15), Color(0.13, 0.12, 0.11))
+	# Door glass (semi-transparent)
+	var glass := _add_box(building, Vector3(1.8, 1.4, 0.34), Vector3(0, 3.8, -4.0), Color(0.6, 0.75, 0.9, 0.55))
+	var glass_mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	glass_mat.albedo_color = Color(0.6, 0.75, 0.9, 0.45)
+	glass_mat.transparency = BaseMaterial3D.TRANSPARENCY_ALPHA
+	glass_mat.roughness = 0.15
+	glass_mat.metallic = 0.1
+	glass.material_override = glass_mat
 	# Door lock indicator (green = open, red = locked), placed beside the handle
 	door_indicator = _add_box(building, Vector3(0.18, 0.18, 0.24), Vector3(-1.8, 1.7, -4.35), Color(0.1, 0.9, 0.3))
 	door_indicator.material_override = _lock_indicator_material(Color(0.1, 0.9, 0.3))
-	# Awning sign bar
-	_add_box(building, Vector3(8, 0.5, 0.6), Vector3(0, 7.0, -3.6), Color(0.45, 0.44, 0.44))
 	var col := BoxShape3D.new()
 	col.size = Vector3(40, 18, 4)
 	var so := building.create_shape_owner(building)
@@ -96,7 +111,7 @@ func _build_steps() -> void:
 func _build_sidewalk() -> void:
 	var sidewalk := StaticBody3D.new()
 	sidewalk.name = "Sidewalk"
-	_add_box(sidewalk, Vector3(30, 0.18, 8), Vector3(0, 0.09, 8), Color(0.60, 0.58, 0.56))
+	_add_box(sidewalk, Vector3(30, 0.18, 8), Vector3(0, 0.09, 8), Color(1, 1, 1), false, T_CONCRETE, Vector2(9, 2.4))
 	var col := BoxShape3D.new()
 	col.size = Vector3(30, 0.36, 8)
 	var so := sidewalk.create_shape_owner(sidewalk)
@@ -107,7 +122,7 @@ func _build_sidewalk() -> void:
 func _build_street() -> void:
 	var street := StaticBody3D.new()
 	street.name = "Street"
-	_add_box(street, Vector3(120, 0.1, 26), Vector3(0, 0.05, 22), Color(0.13, 0.13, 0.14))
+	_add_box(street, Vector3(120, 0.1, 26), Vector3(0, 0.05, 22), Color(1, 1, 1), false, T_ASPHALT, Vector2(30, 7))
 	# Center dashes
 	for i in range(-40, 41, 4):
 		_add_box(street, Vector3(0.2, 0.02, 1.2), Vector3(i * 0.0, 0.11, 22), Color(0.85, 0.85, 0.30))
@@ -138,6 +153,9 @@ func _build_navmesh() -> void:
 	root.add_child(region)
 
 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)
+	awning.name = "Awning"
 	## Neon-style marquee strip above the door: emissive bars + a label.
 	var strip_parent := Node3D.new()
 	strip_parent.name = "Marquee"
@@ -243,6 +261,28 @@ func _plain_material(color: Color) -> StandardMaterial3D:
 	mat.albedo_color = color
 	return mat
 
+func _build_skyline_backdrop() -> void:
+	## Distant procedural skyline on four unshaded planes around the block.
+	var mat := StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	mat.albedo_texture = T_SKYLINE
+	mat.shading_mode = BaseMaterial3D.SHADING_MODE_UNSHADED
+	mat.transparency = BaseMaterial3D.TRANSPARENCY_ALPHA
+	mat.cull_mode = BaseMaterial3D.CULL_DISABLED
+	const DIST := 95.0
+	const HEIGHT := 90.0
+	for i in 4:
+		var plane := MeshInstance3D.new()
+		plane.name = "Skyline_%d" % i
+		var pm := PlaneMesh.new()
+		pm.size = Vector2(300, HEIGHT)
+		plane.mesh = pm
+		plane.material_override = mat
+		var angle := i * 90.0
+		plane.position = Vector3(sin(deg_to_rad(angle)) * DIST, HEIGHT / 2.0, cos(deg_to_rad(angle)) * DIST)
+		plane.rotation_degrees = Vector3(0, -angle + 90.0, 0)
+		plane.cast_shadow = (0 as GeometryInstance3D.ShadowCastingSetting)
+		root.add_child(plane)
+
 func _build_guard_spawn() -> void:
 	var marker := Marker3D.new()
 	marker.name = "GuardSpawn"

src/test/capture_screenshots.gd

@@ -12,9 +12,10 @@ var gm: Node = null
 var state := 0
 var state_frames := 0
 var targeted := false
+var camera_staged := false
 
 func _initialize() -> void:
-	root.size = Vector2i(1600, 900)
+	root.size = Vector2i(1280, 720)
 	var packed: PackedScene = load("res://scenes/main.tscn")
 	var inst: Node = packed.instantiate()
 	root.add_child(inst)
@@ -29,6 +30,10 @@ func _process(_delta: float) -> bool:
 			push_error("GameManager not found")
 			quit(1)
 			return true
+	if gm != null and not camera_staged:
+		gm.guard.global_position = Vector3(0, 1.6, 5.0)
+		gm.guard.head.rotation.x = deg_to_rad(-8.0)
+		camera_staged = true
 	if frames > MAX_FRAMES:
 		print("timeout reached")
 		quit(0)

src/test/tests/test_persistence.gd

@@ -20,10 +20,13 @@ func test_save_round_trip() -> bool:
 	var last: Dictionary = results[results.size() - 1]
 	var c := TestUtils.check_eq(last.get("scenario_id", ""), "hollywood_building", "round-trips scenario id")
 	var d := TestUtils.check_eq(float(last.get("reputation", {}).get("rating", 0.0)), 82.5, "round-trips rating")
+	save.free()
 	return a and b and c and d
 
 func test_load_returns_array_when_empty_or_missing() -> bool:
 	# The tester home may already contain results; this only asserts shape safety.
 	var save := _save_instance()
 	var results: Array = save.load_shift_results()
-	return TestUtils.check(results is Array, "load_shift_results always returns Array")
+	var ok := TestUtils.check(results is Array, "load_shift_results always returns Array")
+	save.free()
+	return ok

src/test/tests/test_strings.gd

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ func test_strings_cover_ui_keys() -> bool:
 		"hud.aim_first", "hud.no_one_nearby", "hud.targeting", "hud.no_wand",
 		"hud.screen_first", "access.granted", "access.denied", "access.policy_satisfied",
 		"access.wrong_grant", "access.wrong_deny", "wand.admitted_prohibited",
-		"wand.denied_false_alarm", "wand.cleared", "wand.refused", "radio.address_first",
+		"wand.denied_false_alarm", "wand.cleared", "wand.refused", "wand.recharge", "radio.address_first",
 		"radio.blocked", "radio.inaccurate", "radio.received", "radio.emergency_dispatched",
 		"responder.arrived", "react.comply", "react.leave", "react.argue", "react.record",
 		"react.ignore", "react.threaten", "react.force_entry", "react.return_later",

src/test/tests/test_world.gd

@@ -45,6 +45,39 @@ func test_street_lamps_and_marquee_built() -> bool:
 	root.free()
 	return a and b and TestUtils.check(night_on, "lamps brighten at night") and TestUtils.check(day_off, "lamps dim in daylight")
 
+func test_asset_textures_present_and_pow2() -> bool:
+	var required := [
+		"res://assets/textures/brick_facade.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/concrete.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/asphalt.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/awning.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/skyline.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/vignette.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/icons/flashlight_on.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/icons/door_locked.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/icons/wand.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/icons/rec_dot.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/cards/id_card.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/cards/wristband.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/cards/ticket.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/cards/credential.png",
+		"res://assets/textures/cards/guest_list.png",
+	]
+	for path in required:
+		if not FileAccess.file_exists(path):
+			return TestUtils.fail("missing generated asset: %s — run tools/generate_textures.py" % path)
+	var img := Image.new()
+	for path in required:
+		if img.load(path) != OK:
+			return TestUtils.fail("cannot decode asset: %s" % path)
+		var w := img.get_width()
+		var h := img.get_height()
+		if w > 1024 or h > 1024:
+			return TestUtils.fail("asset too large: %s (%dx%d)" % [path, w, h])
+		if (w & (w - 1)) != 0 or (h & (h - 1)) != 0:
+			return TestUtils.fail("asset not power-of-two: %s (%dx%d)" % [path, w, h])
+	return true
+
 func test_door_indicator_built() -> bool:
 	var root := Node3D.new()
 	var builder := WorldBuilder.new(root)

tools/build_releases.sh

@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ set -euo pipefail
 GODOT="${GODOT:-godot}"
 VERSION="$(grep -oP 'config/version="\K[^"]+' project.godot)"
 mkdir -p build
+# Presets now embed the PCK into a single binary; drop stale .pck leftovers.
+rm -f build/*.pck
 
 echo "==> Exporting Linux (x86_64)"
 "$GODOT" --headless --export-release "Linux" "build/step-line-linux-${VERSION}.x86_64"

tools/generate_textures.py

@@ -0,0 +1,499 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate small authored textures for Step Line (assets/ import convention).
+
+All outputs are deterministic (fixed seeds), <=1024px, power-of-two where
+possible. Run from the repo root:  python3 tools/generate_textures.py
+
+Optional AI mode generates textures through the OpenRouter image API
+(https://openrouter.ai/docs/api/api-reference/images/generate-an-image.md).
+Requires an API key in the OPENROUTER_API_KEY environment variable:
+
+    python3 tools/generate_textures.py --ai
+    python3 tools/generate_textures.py --ai --prompt "..." --name foo.png
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import base64
+import io
+import json
+import math
+import os
+import random
+import stat
+import sys
+import urllib.error
+import urllib.request
+from PIL import Image, ImageDraw, ImageFilter, ImageFont
+
+ROOT = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), "..")
+ASSETS = os.path.join(ROOT, "assets", "textures")
+
+# OpenRouter image generation endpoint and default model (from the API docs).
+OPENROUTER_IMAGES_URL = "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/images"
+DEFAULT_IMAGE_MODEL = "bytedance-seed/seedream-4.5"
+MAX_DIM = 1024  # hard cap on the longest side of any generated texture
+# px requested from the API; some models (e.g. seedream) need >= 1920
+GEN_SIZE = 2048
+
+# Default batch for `--ai`: one entry per game texture (see test_world.gd).
+# Each entry is (output name, prompt, transparent_background).
+AI_TEXTURES = [
+    # --- world surfaces (seamless, flat-lit) ---
+    ("ai/brick_facade.png",
+     "seamless tileable red brick wall texture, weathered urban facade, "
+     "flat even lighting, frontal view, photorealistic game texture", False),
+    ("ai/concrete.png",
+     "seamless tileable grey concrete wall texture, subtle cracks and stains, "
+     "flat even lighting, frontal view, photorealistic game texture", False),
+    ("ai/asphalt.png",
+     "seamless tileable dark asphalt road texture, fine grain, "
+     "flat even lighting, frontal view, photorealistic game texture", False),
+    # --- storefront dressing ---
+    ("ai/awning.png",
+     "red and white striped storefront awning with scalloped bottom edge, "
+     "frontal view, flat even lighting, game texture", False),
+    ("ai/skyline.png",
+     "night city skyline silhouette, dark building shapes with a few lit "
+     "windows, flat graphic style, isolated on transparent background", True),
+    # --- screen-space overlay ---
+    ("ai/vignette.png",
+     "radial vignette overlay, black edges fading to fully transparent center, "
+     "grayscale, soft gradient", True),
+    # --- HUD icons (white glyphs on transparent) ---
+    ("ai/icons/flashlight_on.png",
+     "simple flat flashlight icon, white glyph on transparent background, "
+     "minimal UI icon", True),
+    ("ai/icons/door_locked.png",
+     "simple flat locked door icon with keyhole, white outline glyph on "
+     "transparent background, minimal UI icon", True),
+    ("ai/icons/wand.png",
+     "simple flat handheld security wand icon, white glyph on transparent "
+     "background, minimal UI icon", True),
+    ("ai/icons/rec_dot.png",
+     "record button icon, red filled dot inside a white circle outline, on "
+     "transparent background, minimal UI icon", True),
+    # --- access artifact cards ---
+    ("ai/cards/id_card.png",
+     "driver license ID card, blue plastic card with photo placeholder and "
+     "text lines, flat frontal view, game UI asset", False),
+    ("ai/cards/wristband.png",
+     "red event access wristband with strap, flat frontal view, game UI asset",
+     False),
+    ("ai/cards/ticket.png",
+     "green admission ticket stub with perforated edge, flat frontal view, "
+     "game UI asset", False),
+    ("ai/cards/credential.png",
+     "dark grey staff credential pass with lanyard clip, flat frontal view, "
+     "game UI asset", False),
+    ("ai/cards/guest_list.png",
+     "beige guest list document with ruled lines and checkboxes, flat frontal "
+     "view, game UI asset", False),
+]
+
+FONT_CANDIDATES = [
+    "/usr/share/fonts/liberation-sans-fonts/LiberationSans-Bold.ttf",
+    "/usr/share/fonts/dejavu/DejaVuSans-Bold.ttf",
+    "/usr/share/fonts/google-noto-vf/NotoSans[wght].ttf",
+    "/usr/share/fonts/adwaita-sans-fonts/AdwaitaSans-Bold.ttf",
+]
+
+
+def font(size: int):
+    for path in FONT_CANDIDATES:
+        if os.path.exists(path):
+            return ImageFont.truetype(path, size)
+    return ImageFont.load_default()
+
+
+def save(img: Image.Image, name: str) -> None:
+    os.makedirs(ASSETS, exist_ok=True)
+    path = os.path.join(ASSETS, name)
+    os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(path), exist_ok=True)
+    img.save(path, optimize=True)
+    print(f"wrote {os.path.relpath(path, ROOT)}  {img.size}")
+
+
+def grain(size, base, spread, seed, blur=1.0):
+    rnd = random.Random(seed)
+    img = Image.new("L", (size, size), base)
+    px = img.load()
+    for y in range(size):
+        for x in range(size):
+            v = base + rnd.randint(-spread, spread)
+            px[x, y] = max(0, min(255, v))
+    return img.filter(ImageFilter.GaussianBlur(blur))
+
+
+def brick_facade():
+    size = 512
+    mortar = (118, 110, 104)
+    base = (150, 92, 78)
+    img = Image.new("RGB", (size, size), mortar)
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    rnd = random.Random(11)
+    brick_h = size // 22
+    mortar_t = 5
+    offset = 0
+    for row in range(22):
+        y = row * brick_h
+        cols = 2 if row % 2 == 0 else 3
+        brick_w = (size - mortar_t) // (cols if cols > 1 else 1)
+        for c in range(cols + 1):
+            x0 = c * (brick_w + mortar_t) - (brick_w // 2 if row % 2 else 0)
+            x1 = x0 + brick_w
+            # wrap horizontally so the tile repeats seamlessly
+            d.rectangle([x0, y, x1, y + brick_h - mortar_t], fill=base)
+        # per-brick shading pass
+        for _ in range(size * size // 900):
+            bx = rnd.randint(0, size - 1)
+            by = rnd.randint(0, size - 1)
+            d.point((bx, by), fill=(max(0, base[0] - 18 + rnd.randint(0, 30)),
+                                    max(0, base[1] - 10 + rnd.randint(0, 22)),
+                                    max(0, base[2] - 8 + rnd.randint(0, 18))))
+    # horizontal mortar lines on top of bricks (wraps vertically by drawing at 0 and size)
+    for y in [-mortar_t, size - mortar_t]:
+        d.rectangle([0, y, size, y + mortar_t], fill=mortar)
+    save(img, "brick_facade.png")
+
+
+def seamless_concrete():
+    size = 512
+    img = grain(size, 150, 26, 7, blur=2.5).convert("RGBA")
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    rnd = random.Random(19)
+    for _ in range(90):
+        x, y = rnd.randint(0, size), rnd.randint(0, size)
+        r = rnd.choice([2, 3, 4])
+        d.ellipse([x - r, y - r, x + r, y + r],
+                  fill=(0, 0, 0, rnd.randint(8, 22)))
+    for _ in range(8):  # subtle crack segments
+        x, y = rnd.randint(0, size), rnd.randint(0, size)
+        pts = [(x, y)]
+        for _ in range(6):
+            x += rnd.randint(-24, 24)
+            y += rnd.randint(-8, 8)
+            pts.append((x % size, y % size))
+        d.line(pts, fill=(70, 70, 70, 170), width=1)
+    save(img, "concrete.png")
+
+
+def asphalt():
+    size = 512
+    img = grain(size, 52, 14, 23, blur=1.2).convert("RGBA")
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    rnd = random.Random(31)
+    for _ in range(600):
+        x, y = rnd.randint(0, size), rnd.randint(0, size)
+        d.point((x, y), fill=(max(0, 40 - rnd.randint(0, 18)),)
+                * 3 + (rnd.randint(40, 110),))
+    save(img, "asphalt.png")
+
+
+def awning():
+    w, h = 1024, 256
+    img = Image.new("RGB", (w, h), (140, 40, 45))
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    stripe = 64
+    for i in range(w // stripe):
+        if i % 2 == 1:
+            d.rectangle([i * stripe, 0, (i + 1) * stripe - 2, h],
+                        fill=(230, 225, 220))
+    # scalloped bottom edge
+    for x in range(0, w, 32):
+        d.arc([x, h - 24, x + 32, h + 40], 0, 180, fill=(80, 20, 24), width=6)
+    f = font(96)
+    tw = d.textlength("STEP LINE", font=f)
+    d.text(((w - tw) / 2, 30), "STEP LINE", font=f, fill=(255, 250, 235))
+    # subtle top shading
+    shade = Image.new("RGBA", (w, h), (0, 0, 0, 0))
+    sd = ImageDraw.Draw(shade)
+    sd.rectangle([0, 0, w, 10], fill=(0, 0, 0, 90))
+    img = Image.alpha_composite(img.convert("RGBA"), shade)
+    save(img, "awning.png")
+
+
+def skyline():
+    w, h = 1024, 256
+    img = Image.new("RGBA", (w, h), (0, 0, 0, 0))
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    rnd = random.Random(41)
+    build_color = (16, 18, 30, 255)
+    x = -40
+    while x < w + 40:
+        bw = rnd.randint(64, 170)
+        bh = rnd.randint(150, 400)
+        d.rectangle([x, h - bh, x + bw, h], fill=build_color)
+        # few lit windows
+        for _ in range(bw * bh // 900):
+            wx = x + rnd.randint(4, max(4, bw - 8))
+            wy = h - rnd.randint(4, bh - 4)
+            if rnd.random() < 0.5:
+                d.rectangle([wx, wy, wx + 6, wy + 8],
+                            fill=(255, 200, 120, 220))
+        x += bw + rnd.randint(10, 46)
+    d.rectangle([0, h - 6, w, h], fill=(12, 13, 22, 255))
+    save(img, "skyline.png")
+
+
+def vignette():
+    size = 512
+    img = Image.new("L", (size, size), 0)
+    px = img.load()
+    c = size / 2.0
+    max_d = math.hypot(c, c)
+    for y in range(size):
+        for x in range(size):
+            dist = math.hypot(x - c, y - c) / max_d
+            t = max(0.0, (dist - 0.55) / 0.45)
+            px[x, y] = int(255 * (t * t))
+    save(img, "vignette.png")
+
+
+def icon(name, draw_fn, size=64):
+    img = Image.new("RGBA", (size, size), (0, 0, 0, 0))
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    draw_fn(d, size)
+    save(img, name)
+
+
+def icons():
+    def flashlight_on(d, s):
+        d.rounded_rectangle([s*0.30, s*0.30, s*0.62, s*0.62],
+                            radius=4, fill=(255, 255, 255, 255))
+        d.polygon([(s*0.62, s*0.30), (s*0.82, s*0.18), (s*0.82, s *
+                  0.74), (s*0.62, s*0.62)], fill=(255, 214, 120, 255))
+
+    def door_locked(d, s):
+        d.rectangle([s*0.18, s*0.18, s*0.82, s*0.82],
+                    outline=(255, 255, 255, 255), width=5)
+        d.rounded_rectangle([s*0.36, s*0.34, s*0.64, s*0.66],
+                            radius=3, fill=(255, 255, 255, 255))
+        d.arc([s*0.40, s*0.28, s*0.60, s*0.50], 180,
+              360, fill=(255, 255, 255, 255), width=5)
+
+    def wand(d, s):
+        d.rounded_rectangle([s*0.30, s*0.10, s*0.44, s*0.90],
+                            radius=3, fill=(255, 255, 255, 255))
+        d.ellipse([s*0.24, s*0.06, s*0.50, s*0.32], fill=(120, 220, 160, 255))
+
+    def rec(d, s):
+        d.ellipse([s*0.14, s*0.14, s*0.86, s*0.86],
+                  outline=(255, 255, 255, 255), width=5)
+        d.ellipse([s*0.30, s*0.30, s*0.70, s*0.70], fill=(230, 60, 60, 255))
+    icon("icons/flashlight_on.png", flashlight_on)
+    icon("icons/door_locked.png", door_locked)
+    icon("icons/wand.png", wand)
+    icon("icons/rec_dot.png", rec)
+
+
+def app_icon():
+    """Game app icon: dark badge, gold star, white 'S' — used by desktop/AppImage
+    (PNG) and the Windows installer (ICO)."""
+    def badge(d, s):
+        d.ellipse([2, 2, s-2, s-2], fill=(24, 26, 38, 255))
+        d.ellipse([int(s*0.10), int(s*0.10), int(s*0.90), int(s*0.90)],
+                  outline=(120, 130, 170, 255), width=max(2, s//64))
+        # gold star
+        cx, cy, r = s*0.5, s*0.44, s*0.30
+        pts = []
+        for i in range(10):
+            ang = -90 + i * 36
+            rad = r if i % 2 == 0 else r * 0.42
+            import math
+            pts.append((cx + rad * math.cos(math.radians(ang)),
+                       cy + rad * math.sin(math.radians(ang))))
+        d.polygon(pts, fill=(255, 205, 80, 255))
+    icon("icon.png", badge, size=1024)
+    icon("icon.ico", badge, size=256)
+
+    # ICO for Windows. Must be BMP-entry based: PIL's ICO serializer emits
+    # PNG-compressed entries which NSIS' icon loader rejects. ImageMagick
+    # writes classic BMP entries; fall back to PIL only if ImageMagick is gone
+    # (flag it so a human notices).
+    import subprocess
+    import sys
+    ico_path = os.path.join(ASSETS, "icon.ico")
+    src_png = os.path.join(ASSETS, "icon.png")
+    ran = False
+    for cmd in (
+        ["magick", src_png, "-background", "none", "-define", "icon:auto-resize=48,32,16", ico_path],
+        ["convert", src_png, "-background", "none", "-define", "icon:auto-resize=48,32,16", ico_path],
+    ):
+        try:
+            subprocess.run(cmd, check=True, capture_output=True)
+            ran = True
+            break
+        except (FileNotFoundError, subprocess.CalledProcessError):
+            continue
+    if ran:
+        print("wrote assets/textures/icon.ico (BMP 16/32/48 via ImageMagick)")
+    else:
+        print("WARNING: ImageMagick not found; writing PIL ICO (may be PNG-compressed)")
+        Image.open(src_png).convert("RGBA").save(ico_path, format="ICO", sizes=[(48, 48), (32, 32), (16, 16)])
+
+
+def cards():
+    CW, CH = 256, 128
+
+    def base(card_name, bg, label, band=(0, 0, 0, 0)):
+        img = Image.new("RGBA", (CW, CH), bg + (255,))
+        d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+        d.rounded_rectangle([6, 6, CW-6, CH-6], radius=10,
+                            outline=(0, 0, 0, 90), width=2)
+        if band and band[3] == 255:
+            d.rectangle([0, CH-34, CW, CH], fill=band)
+        f = font(26)
+        d.text((14, 10), label, font=f, fill=(255, 255, 255, 235))
+        # body text lines
+        f2 = font(15)
+        y = 52
+        for _ in range(4):
+            w = 150 - (24 if _ == 3 else 0)
+            d.rectangle([16, y, 16 + w, y + 8], fill=(255, 255, 255, 110))
+            y += 24
+        # photo square for id-like cards
+        if "photo" in card_name:
+            d.rectangle([CW-84, 14, CW-18, 96], fill=(180, 190, 205, 255))
+        save(img, f"cards/{card_name}.png")
+    base("id_card", (46, 92, 168), "CA DRIVER LICENSE", band=(20, 36, 70, 255), )
+    base("wristband", (196, 62, 78), "EVENT ACCESS", band=(150, 35, 50, 255))
+    base("ticket", (56, 120, 96), "ADMIT ONE", band=(20, 80, 55, 255))
+    base("credential", (58, 62, 74), "STAFF PASS", band=(20, 22, 28, 255))
+    base("guest_list", (200, 190, 168), "GUEST LIST", band=(120, 90, 60, 255))
+
+
+def _api_key() -> str:
+    key = os.environ.get("OPENROUTER_API_KEY", "").strip()
+    if not key:
+        sys.exit("error: OPENROUTER_API_KEY is not set; export it before using --ai")
+    return key
+
+
+def _generate_image(prompt: str, model: str, size: int,
+                    transparent: bool = False) -> Image.Image:
+    """Call the OpenRouter image API and return the decoded PIL image.
+
+    Requests a square image at `size` px and decodes the base64 PNG/JPEG/WebP
+    bytes returned in `data[].b64_json`. The requested size is clamped to at
+    least GEN_SIZE because some models (e.g. seedream) reject small outputs;
+    callers downscale the result to MAX_DIM afterwards. When `transparent` is
+    true, the API is asked for a transparent background (PNG alpha).
+    """
+    size = max(GEN_SIZE, int(size))
+    body = {
+        "model": model,
+        "prompt": prompt,
+        "size": f"{size}x{size}",
+        "output_format": "png",
+        "n": 1,
+    }
+    if transparent:
+        body["background"] = "transparent"
+    req = urllib.request.Request(
+        OPENROUTER_IMAGES_URL,
+        data=json.dumps(body).encode("utf-8"),
+        headers={
+            "Authorization": f"Bearer {_api_key()}",
+            "Content-Type": "application/json",
+            "HTTP-Referer": "https://git.allucanget.biz/zwitschi/security-game",
+            "X-Title": "Step Line",
+        },
+        method="POST",
+    )
+    try:
+        with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=300) as resp:
+            payload = json.loads(resp.read().decode("utf-8"))
+    except urllib.error.HTTPError as exc:
+        detail = exc.read().decode("utf-8", "replace")
+        sys.exit(f"error: OpenRouter returned HTTP {exc.code}: {detail}")
+    except urllib.error.URLError as exc:
+        sys.exit(f"error: could not reach OpenRouter: {exc.reason}")
+
+    data = payload.get("data") or []
+    if not data or not data[0].get("b64_json"):
+        sys.exit(f"error: OpenRouter returned no image data: {payload}")
+    raw = base64.b64decode(data[0]["b64_json"])
+    try:
+        img = Image.open(io.BytesIO(raw))
+        img.load()
+    except Exception as exc:  # noqa: BLE001 - surface any decode failure clearly
+        sys.exit(f"error: could not decode returned image: {exc}")
+    return img
+
+
+def _fit(img: Image.Image, max_dim: int = MAX_DIM) -> Image.Image:
+    """Downscale to fit within max_dim on the longest side, preserving aspect."""
+    w, h = img.size
+    longest = max(w, h)
+    if longest <= max_dim:
+        return img
+    scale = max_dim / longest
+    return img.resize((max(1, round(w * scale)), max(1, round(h * scale))),
+                      Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)
+
+
+def generate_ai_textures(prompt: str, name: str, model: str, size: int,
+                         transparent: bool = False) -> None:
+    """Generate one texture via OpenRouter and save it under assets/textures/."""
+    img = _generate_image(prompt, model, size, transparent)
+    img = _fit(img)
+    if transparent:
+        img = img.convert("RGBA")
+    elif img.mode in ("RGBA", "LA") or (img.mode == "P" and "transparency" in img.info):
+        img = img.convert("RGBA")
+    else:
+        img = img.convert("RGB")
+    save(img, name)
+
+
+def _run_ai(args: argparse.Namespace) -> None:
+    if args.prompt:
+        if not args.name:
+            sys.exit("error: --name is required when --prompt is given")
+        generate_ai_textures(args.prompt, args.name, args.model, args.size)
+        return
+    for name, prompt, transparent in AI_TEXTURES:
+        print(f"generating {name} ...")
+        generate_ai_textures(prompt, name, args.model, args.size, transparent)
+
+
+def _build_arg_parser() -> argparse.ArgumentParser:
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
+        description="Generate Step Line textures (authored or via OpenRouter).")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--ai", action="store_true",
+        help="generate textures through the OpenRouter image API "
+             "(requires OPENROUTER_API_KEY)")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--prompt", default="",
+        help="single prompt for --ai (overrides the default batch)")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--name", default="",
+        help="output filename under assets/textures/ for a single --prompt")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--model", default=DEFAULT_IMAGE_MODEL,
+        help=f"image model slug (default: {DEFAULT_IMAGE_MODEL})")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--size", type=int, default=GEN_SIZE,
+        help=f"square size requested from the API in px (min {GEN_SIZE}); "
+        f"output is downscaled to <= {MAX_DIM} (default: {GEN_SIZE})")
+    return parser
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    args = _build_arg_parser().parse_args()
+    if args.ai:
+        _run_ai(args)
+        print("done")
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+    brick_facade()
+    seamless_concrete()
+    asphalt()
+    awning()
+    skyline()
+    vignette()
+    icons()
+    app_icon()
+    cards()
+    print("done")