diff --git a/bin/agent-guild.mjs b/bin/agent-guild.mjs
index d73c8ef..8051a54 100755
--- a/bin/agent-guild.mjs
+++ b/bin/agent-guild.mjs
@@ -66,17 +66,25 @@ function portOf(url) {
   return parsed.port ? Number(parsed.port) : parsed.protocol === 'https:' ? 443 : 80;
 }
 
-async function health(url, timeoutMs = 1000) {
+/** The manager's health, `{ busy: pid }` when the manager its runtime file names for `url` runs but did not answer in time, or null. */
+async function reach(url, timeoutMs = 1000) {
+  const signal = AbortSignal.timeout(timeoutMs);
   try {
-    const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/health`, { signal: AbortSignal.timeout(timeoutMs) });
+    const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/health`, { signal });
     if (!res.ok) return null;
     const body = await res.json();
     return body?.name === 'agent-guild' ? body : null;
   } catch {
-    return null;
+    const owner = signal.aborted ? readRuntimeFile() : null;
+    return owner?.url === url && running(owner.pid) ? { busy: owner.pid } : null;
   }
 }
 
+async function health(url, timeoutMs = 1000) {
+  const found = await reach(url, timeoutMs);
+  return found?.busy ? null : found;
+}
+
 function pageUrl(url, token) {
   return `${url}/#token=${token}`;
 }
@@ -114,7 +122,7 @@ async function ensureManager({ port = null } = {}) {
   // A pinned port is the endpoint to serve, so it is also the one to check;
   // a manager found anywhere else is not the one asked for.
   const knownUrl = port === null ? baseUrl() : expectedUrl;
-  const answering = await health(knownUrl);
+  const answering = await reach(knownUrl);
   if (answering) return { url: knownUrl, started: false, version: answering.version };
 
   // Say why no manager can run here rather than start one that fails.
@@ -167,21 +175,23 @@ async function cmdOpen({ browser, signIn = false }) {
  * a successor itself (a manager from before restarts only stops).
  */
 async function requestShutdown(url, { restart = false } = {}) {
-  // `stop` and `restart` are documented as ending every session, so they do
-  // not ask; the web page's buttons are the ones that confirm first.
-  const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/shutdown`, {
-    method: 'POST',
-    headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${loadOrCreateToken()}`, 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
-    body: JSON.stringify(restart ? { force: true, restart: true } : { force: true }),
-  });
-  if (!res.ok) {
-    const { error } = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
-    throw new Error(`${restart ? 'restart' : 'stop'} failed: ${error?.message ?? `HTTP ${res.status}`}`);
+  const signal = AbortSignal.timeout(5000);
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/shutdown`, {
+      method: 'POST', signal,
+      headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${loadOrCreateToken()}`, 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify(restart ? { force: true, restart: true } : { force: true }),
+    });
+    const body = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
+    signal.throwIfAborted();
+    if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${restart ? 'restart' : 'stop'} failed: ${body.error?.message ?? `HTTP ${res.status}`}`);
+    const running = body.running ?? 0;
+    if (running > 0) console.log(`Ending ${running} running session(s).`);
+    return { running, restart: body.restart === true };
+  } catch (err) {
+    if (signal.aborted) throw new Error(`the session manager did not answer the ${restart ? 'restart' : 'stop'} request within 5 seconds; its outcome could not be confirmed.`);
+    throw err;
   }
-  const body = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
-  const running = body.running ?? 0;
-  if (running > 0) console.log(`Ending ${running} running session(s).`);
-  return { running, restart: body.restart === true };
 }
 
 function running(pid) {
@@ -209,13 +219,13 @@ async function waitForExit(pid, timeoutMs = 15000) {
 
 async function cmdStop() {
   const url = baseUrl();
-  const h = await health(url);
+  const h = await reach(url);
   if (!h) {
     console.log('Session manager is not running.');
     return;
   }
   await requestShutdown(url);
-  if (await waitForExit(h.pid)) {
+  if (await waitForExit(h.busy ?? h.pid)) {
     console.log('Session manager stopped.');
     return;
   }
@@ -225,13 +235,14 @@ async function cmdStop() {
 
 async function cmdRestart() {
   const url = baseUrl();
-  const before = await health(url);
-  if (!before) {
+  const found = await reach(url);
+  if (!found) {
     // Nothing to stop: a restart of a stopped manager is a start.
     const { url: started, version } = await ensureManager();
     console.log(`Session manager was not running; started Agent Guild ${version} at ${started}.`);
     return;
   }
+  const before = found.busy ? { pid: found.busy } : found;
   const { restart } = await requestShutdown(url, { restart: true });
   if (!restart) {
     // A manager from before restarts stops without starting a successor,
@@ -239,7 +250,7 @@ async function cmdRestart() {
     if (!(await waitForExit(before.pid))) throw new Error('the session manager did not stop, so it could not be restarted.');
     // On the port the old one served, which an ephemeral port setting would otherwise lose.
     const { url: started, version } = await ensureManager({ port: portOf(url) });
-    const changed = version !== before.version ? `, now Agent Guild ${version} (was ${before.version})` : '';
+    const changed = before.version && version !== before.version ? `, now Agent Guild ${version} (was ${before.version})` : '';
     console.log(`Session manager restarted at ${started}${changed}.`);
     return;
   }
@@ -250,7 +261,7 @@ async function cmdRestart() {
     await new Promise((r) => setTimeout(r, 250));
     const now = await health(url, 500);
     if (now && now.pid !== before.pid) {
-      const changed = now.version !== before.version ? `, now Agent Guild ${now.version} (was ${before.version})` : '';
+      const changed = before.version && now.version !== before.version ? `, now Agent Guild ${now.version} (was ${before.version})` : '';
       console.log(`Session manager restarted at ${url}${changed}.`);
       return;
     }
@@ -261,7 +272,12 @@ async function cmdRestart() {
 
 async function cmdStatus() {
   const url = baseUrl();
-  const h = await health(url);
+  const h = await reach(url);
+  if (h?.busy) {
+    console.log(`Session manager running at ${url} (pid ${h.busy}) did not answer in time.`);
+    process.exitCode = 1;
+    return;
+  }
   if (!h) {
     console.log('Session manager is not running.');
     // With no manager to ask, the boot service is read from systemd directly.
@@ -294,15 +310,21 @@ async function cmdStatus() {
 
 async function cmdFireworks() {
   const url = baseUrl();
-  if (!(await health(url))) {
+  if (!(await reach(url))) {
     console.log('Session manager is not running.');
     process.exitCode = 3;
     return;
   }
-  const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/yard/fireworks`, { method: 'POST', headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${loadOrCreateToken()}` } });
-  if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`the session manager answered ${res.status}.`);
-  const { pages } = await res.json();
-  console.log(pages ? `Fireworks sent to ${pages} open page(s); every Yard on show lights up.` : 'No page is open to see the fireworks.');
+  const signal = AbortSignal.timeout(5000);
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`${url}/api/v1/yard/fireworks`, { method: 'POST', signal, headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${loadOrCreateToken()}` } });
+    if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`the session manager answered ${res.status}.`);
+    const { pages } = await res.json();
+    console.log(pages ? `Fireworks sent to ${pages} open page(s); every Yard on show lights up.` : 'No page is open to see the fireworks.');
+  } catch (err) {
+    if (signal.aborted) throw new Error('the session manager did not answer the fireworks request within 5 seconds; delivery could not be confirmed.');
+    throw err;
+  }
 }
 
 const MIN_NODE_MAJOR = 22;
diff --git a/src/manager/command-resolver.mjs b/src/manager/command-resolver.mjs
index 1381610..672af54 100644
--- a/src/manager/command-resolver.mjs
+++ b/src/manager/command-resolver.mjs
@@ -184,17 +184,19 @@ export function npmSpawnSpec(npm, args, env = process.env, platform = process.pl
 function runInOwnGroup(file, args, { env, cwd, timeoutMs, input, maxBuffer, signal }) {
   return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
     let child;
+    // Registered before the spawn: a signal that lands once the command runs must find it.
+    const end = () => killGroup(child?.pid);
+    const release = endWithProcess(end);
     try {
       child = spawn(file, args, { env, cwd, detached: true });
     } catch (err) {
+      release();
       return reject(Object.assign(err, { stdout: '', stderr: '' }));
     }
     let stdout = '';
     let stderr = '';
     let timedOut = false;
     let settled = false;
-    const end = () => killGroup(child.pid);
-    const release = endWithProcess(end);
     const finish = (err) => {
       if (settled) return;
       settled = true;
diff --git a/src/manager/session-hooks.mjs b/src/manager/session-hooks.mjs
index 1882dc3..c497555 100644
--- a/src/manager/session-hooks.mjs
+++ b/src/manager/session-hooks.mjs
@@ -214,6 +214,8 @@ export function codexHooksList(resolved, args, { env, platform = process.platfor
     const stopped = () => finish(new Error('The manager is stopping'));
     const timer = setTimeout(() => finish(new Error('Codex did not answer in time')), timeoutMs);
     timer.unref?.();
+    // Registered before the spawn: a signal that lands once Codex runs must find it.
+    if (platform !== 'win32') release = endWithProcess(() => killGroup(child?.pid));
     try {
       const verbatim = typeof spec.args === 'string';
       child = spawn(spec.file, verbatim ? [spec.args] : spec.args, {
@@ -222,7 +224,6 @@ export function codexHooksList(resolved, args, { env, platform = process.platfor
     } catch (err) {
       return finish(err);
     }
-    if (platform !== 'win32') release = endWithProcess(() => killGroup(child.pid));
     signal?.addEventListener('abort', stopped, { once: true });
     let stderr = '';
     let buffer = '';
diff --git a/src/manager/shell-env.mjs b/src/manager/shell-env.mjs
index bebdeba..7eb48ac 100644
--- a/src/manager/shell-env.mjs
+++ b/src/manager/shell-env.mjs
@@ -78,6 +78,9 @@ export function probeLoginShell({ shell, env = process.env, timeoutMs = LOGIN_SH
   if (process.platform === 'win32' || !shell) return Promise.resolve({ vars: null, failure: null });
   return new Promise((resolve) => {
     let child;
+    // Registered before the spawn: a signal that lands once the shell runs must find it.
+    const end = () => killGroup(child?.pid);
+    const release = endWithProcess(end);
     try {
       child = spawn(shell, LOGIN_SHELL_ARGS, {
         detached: true,
@@ -85,12 +88,11 @@ export function probeLoginShell({ shell, env = process.env, timeoutMs = LOGIN_SH
         env: { ...env, AGENT_GUILD_RESOLVING_ENV: '1' },
       });
     } catch (err) {
+      release();
       return resolve({ vars: null, failure: `could not start (${err.code || err.message})` });
     }
     let stdout = '';
     let settled = false;
-    const end = () => killGroup(child.pid);
-    const release = endWithProcess(end);
     const finish = (result) => {
       if (settled) return;
       settled = true;
diff --git a/tests/browser/yard.mjs b/tests/browser/yard.mjs
index a3854c2..0070000 100644
--- a/tests/browser/yard.mjs
+++ b/tests/browser/yard.mjs
@@ -1098,7 +1098,7 @@ test('the camera controls stay whole and reachable beside the swap status and he
         return {buttons,overlaps};
       })()`);
       const at=`${name}, ${status} shown`;
-      assert.deepEqual(layout.buttons.map(c=>c.label),['Zoom in','Zoom out','Overview','Focus selected','Save a picture of the Yard','Fireworks in this Yard only'],at);
+      assert.deepEqual(layout.buttons.map(c=>c.label),['Zoom in','Zoom out','Overview','Focus selected','Save a picture of the Yard','Fireworks in this Yard only','Vibes Mode'],at);
       assert.deepEqual(layout.buttons.filter(c=>!c.inside||!c.reached).map(c=>c.label),[],at);
       assert.equal(new Set(layout.buttons.map(c=>c.height)).size,1,`every label stays on one line: ${at}`);
       assert.deepEqual(layout.overlaps,[],at);
@@ -2087,4 +2087,356 @@ test('the row being replaced says Checking replacement until the check answers',
   answer();
   await b.wait(status+"==='Customized: Mine'");
   assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
-});
\ No newline at end of file
+});
+async function reducedHelper(t,reduced=false){
+  const {f,b}=await setup(t),now=Date.parse('2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z');
+  const s={...f.data.values().next().value,id:'s0',activity:'active',createdAt:new Date(now-3600000).toISOString(),lastOutputAt:new Date(now).toISOString(),agents:[{id:'a1',name:'Explorer',status:'working'}],shells:[]};
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js');
+    const host=document.createElement('div'),labels=document.createElement('div');host.style.cssText='position:fixed;width:900px;height:700px;top:0;left:0';host.append(labels);document.body.append(host);
+    window.__poseRenderer=new YardRenderer(host,labels,{select(){},open(){},clock:()=>${now}});window.__poseSession=${q(s)};window.__poseProviders=${q(f.providers)};
+    await __poseRenderer.setWorld('guild','dark');__poseRenderer.setReducedMotion(${reduced});__poseRenderer.setVibe(${reduced});
+    __poseRenderer.update(__poseProviders,[__poseSession]);window.__poseUnit=__poseRenderer.units.get('s0');
+  })()`);
+  t.after(()=>b.evaluate('__poseRenderer.dispose();__poseRenderer.host.remove()'));
+  await b.wait('__poseUnit.loaded&&__poseUnit.helpers.length===1');
+  await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+    const h=window.__poseHelper=__poseUnit.helpers[0],sample=h.clips[0],Track=sample.tracks.find(track=>track.ValueTypeName==='quaternion').constructor;
+    h.mixer.stopAllAction();h.action=null;
+    const poses=[[0,0,0,1],[0,0,1,0],[1,0,0,0],[0,1,0,0]];
+    h.clips=['working','waiting','done','move'].map((name,i)=>{const clip=sample.clone();clip.name=name;clip.duration=1;clip.tracks=[new Track('Head.quaternion',[0,1],[...poses[i],...poses[i]])];return clip;});
+    __poseRenderer.helperClip(h,'working');h.mixer.update(0);
+    window.__poseState=()=>({moving:h.moving,clip:h.action.getClip().name,head:h.model.getObjectByName('Head').quaternion.toArray(),time:h.mixer.time,placement:[...h.model.position.toArray(),...h.model.quaternion.toArray(),...h.model.scale.toArray()],retained:__poseUnit.helpers[0]===h});
+    window.__poseResting=()=>__poseUnit.helpers.every(h=>{const p=__poseUnit.root.position;return h.model.position.x===p.x+h.offset.x&&h.model.position.y===.27&&h.model.position.z===p.z+h.offset.z&&h.model.scale.toArray().every(n=>n===.45)&&!h.moving;});
+    window.__poseUpdates=[];const update=h.mixer.update.bind(h.mixer);h.mixer.update=dt=>{__poseUpdates.push(dt);return update(dt);};
+    window.__poseStatus=status=>{__poseSession.agents[0].status=status;__poseRenderer.update(__poseProviders,[__poseSession]);};
+  })()`);
+  return b;
+}
+
+test('reduced-motion helpers initialize and follow squad offsets at rest without advancing time',options,async t=>{
+  const b=await reducedHelper(t,true);
+  const before=await b.evaluate('__poseState()');
+  assert.equal(before.time,0,'initialization must not advance the mixer to a seeded animation time');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__poseResting()'),true);
+  await b.evaluate("__poseSession.agents.unshift({id:'a2',name:'Builder',status:'waiting'});__poseRenderer.update(__poseProviders,[__poseSession])");
+  await b.wait('__poseUnit.helpers.length===2');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__poseResting()'),true,'all helpers use their current squad offsets');
+  assert.notDeepEqual((await b.evaluate('__poseState()')).placement,before.placement,'the retained helper takes its new offset');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseUnit.helpers.map(h=>[h.pose,h.mixer.time,h.action.time])'),[['working',0,0],['waiting',0,0]]);
+  await b.evaluate('__poseSession.agents.splice(0,1);__poseRenderer.update(__poseProviders,[__poseSession])');
+  await b.wait('__poseUnit.helpers.length===1');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseState()'),before,'removing a peer restores the offset without replacing or advancing the retained helper');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseUpdates'),[0,0]);
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('reduced-motion helpers immediately display a retained working-to-waiting pose without advancing time',options,async t=>{
+  const b=await reducedHelper(t);
+  const before=await b.evaluate('(__poseRenderer.setReducedMotion(true),__poseUpdates.length=0,__poseState())');
+  assert.deepEqual(before.head,[0,0,0,1]);
+  await b.evaluate("__poseStatus('waiting')");await b.wait("__poseHelper.pose==='waiting'");
+  const after=await b.evaluate('__poseState()');
+  assert.deepEqual([after.clip,after.head],['waiting',[0,0,1,0]],'selecting a status clip must apply its visible pose immediately');
+  assert.equal(after.retained,true);assert.deepEqual(after.placement,before.placement);assert.equal(after.time,before.time);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseUpdates'),[0],'evaluate the pose without an artificial animation tick');
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('reduced motion clears airborne helper movement and applies stationary status poses immediately',options,async t=>{
+  const b=await reducedHelper(t);
+  const airborne=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{__poseRenderer.setVibe(true);for(let i=0;i<600;i++)__poseRenderer.step(.05);__poseUpdates.length=0;return __poseState();})()`);
+  assert.ok(airborne.moving&&airborne.placement[1]>8);assert.equal(airborne.clip,'move');
+  const stopped=await b.evaluate('(__poseRenderer.setReducedMotion(true),__poseState())');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__poseResting()'),true);
+  await b.evaluate("__poseStatus('done')");await b.wait("__poseHelper.pose==='done'");
+  const done=await b.evaluate('__poseState()');
+  assert.deepEqual({stopped:[stopped.moving,stopped.clip,stopped.head],done:[done.moving,done.clip,done.head]},
+    {stopped:[false,'working',[0,0,0,1]],done:[false,'done',[1,0,0,0]]},'reduced motion must leave no stale flight state or pose');
+  assert.equal(stopped.retained,true);assert.equal(done.retained,true);assert.deepEqual(done.placement,stopped.placement);
+  assert.equal(stopped.time,airborne.time);assert.equal(done.time,airborne.time);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseUpdates'),[0,0],'neither pose update advances animation time');
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('reduced motion immediately rests a landing helper after its character has stopped',options,async t=>{
+  const b=await reducedHelper(t);
+  const landing=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+    __poseRenderer.setVibe(true);for(let i=0;i<3;i++)__poseRenderer.step(.05);
+    __poseRenderer.setVibe(false);for(let i=0;i<20&&__poseUnit.moving;i++)__poseRenderer.step(.05);
+    window.__landingAction=__poseHelper.action;__poseUpdates.length=0;
+    return {moving:__poseUnit.moving,root:__poseUnit.root.position.toArray(),helper:__poseState()};
+  })()`);
+  assert.equal(landing.moving,false,'the character has already returned home');
+  assert.ok(landing.helper.placement[1]>.28&&landing.helper.placement[7]>.45,'the helper is still airborne and enlarged');
+  const stopped=await b.evaluate('(__poseRenderer.setReducedMotion(true),__poseState())');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__poseResting()'),true,'a stationary character must not leave its helper suspended');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__poseUnit.root.position.toArray()'),landing.root);
+  assert.deepEqual([stopped.moving,stopped.clip,stopped.head,stopped.retained],[false,'working',[0,0,0,1],true]);
+  assert.equal(stopped.time,landing.helper.time);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('[__landingAction.isRunning(),__poseHelper.action.getEffectiveWeight(),__poseUpdates]'),[false,1,[0]],'cancel the flight blend and evaluate only the stationary pose');
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('Vibes helpers retain transforms and animation through status, membership and landing updates',options,async t=>{
+  const {f,b}=await setup(t),now=Date.parse('2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z');
+  const s={...f.data.values().next().value,id:'s0',activity:'active',createdAt:new Date(now-3600000).toISOString(),lastOutputAt:new Date(now).toISOString(),agents:[{id:'a1',name:'Explorer',status:'working'}],shells:[]};
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js');
+    const host=document.createElement('div'),labels=document.createElement('div');host.style.cssText='position:fixed;width:900px;height:700px;top:0;left:0';host.append(labels);document.body.append(host);
+    window.__helperRenderer=new YardRenderer(host,labels,{select(){},open(){},clock:()=>${now}});
+    window.__helperSession=${q(s)};window.__helperProviders=${q(f.providers)};
+    await __helperRenderer.setWorld('guild','dark');__helperRenderer.update(__helperProviders,[__helperSession]);
+    window.__helperUnit=__helperRenderer.units.get('s0');window.__survivor=()=>__helperUnit.helpers.find(h=>h.id==='a1');
+    window.__helperState=()=>{const h=__survivor();return {model:h.model.uuid,position:h.model.position.toArray(),rotation:h.model.quaternion.toArray(),scale:h.model.scale.toArray(),mixer:h.mixer.time,clip:h.action.getClip().name,time:h.action.time,weight:h.action.getEffectiveWeight()};};
+    window.__helperStep=n=>{for(let i=0;i<n;i++)__helperRenderer.step(.05);};
+    window.__helperUpdate=()=>__helperRenderer.update(__helperProviders,[__helperSession]);
+  })()`);
+  t.after(()=>b.evaluate('__helperRenderer.dispose();__helperRenderer.host.remove()'));
+  await b.wait('__helperUnit.loaded&&__helperUnit.helpers.length===1');
+  const before=await b.evaluate('(__helperRenderer.setVibe(true),__helperStep(600),__helperState())');
+  assert.ok(before.position[1]>8&&before.scale[0]===1.3);
+  assert.equal(before.clip,'move');
+  await b.evaluate("__helperSession.agents[0].status='waiting';__helperUpdate()");
+  await b.wait("__survivor()?.pose==='waiting'");
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__helperState()'),before,'a status update must not reset the airborne model or animation');
+  await b.evaluate("__helperSession.agents.unshift({id:'a2',name:'Builder',status:'working'});__helperUpdate()");
+  await b.wait('__helperUnit.helpers.length===2');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__helperState()'),before,'joining peers do not reset a surviving helper');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate("(h=>[h.model.position.y,h.model.scale.x])(__helperUnit.helpers.find(h=>h.id==='a2'))"),[.27,.45],'new helpers start normally');
+  const airborne=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+    __helperStep(200);window.__removedHelper=__helperUnit.helpers.find(h=>h.id==='a2');window.__helperDisposed=0;
+    const skeletons=new Set();__removedHelper.model.traverse(n=>{if(n.skeleton)skeletons.add(n.skeleton);});
+    for(const skeleton of skeletons){const dispose=skeleton.dispose.bind(skeleton);skeleton.dispose=()=>{__helperDisposed++;dispose();};}
+    return __helperState();
+  })()`);
+  await b.evaluate('__helperSession.agents.splice(0,1);__helperUpdate()');
+  await b.wait('__helperUnit.helpers.length===1');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__helperState()'),airborne,'leaving peers do not reset a surviving helper');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('[__removedHelper.model.parent===null,!__removedHelper.action.isRunning(),__helperDisposed>0]'),[true,true,true]);
+  const landing=await b.evaluate('(__helperRenderer.setVibe(false),__helperStep(1),__helperState())');
+  assert.ok(landing.position[1]<airborne.position[1]&&landing.position[1]>.27&&landing.scale[0]>.45,'landing starts smoothly');
+  await b.evaluate("__helperSession.agents[0].status='done';__helperUpdate()");
+  await b.wait("__survivor()?.pose==='done'");
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__helperState()'),landing,'an update during landing preserves its progress');
+  const landed=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{__helperStep(1600);const h=__survivor(),p=__helperUnit.root.position;return {y:h.model.position.y,scale:h.model.scale.x,dx:h.model.position.x-p.x,dz:h.model.position.z-p.z,clip:h.action.getClip().name};})()`);
+  assert.ok(Math.abs(landed.y-.27)<1e-9&&landed.scale===.45&&Math.abs(landed.dx-.82)<1e-9&&Math.abs(landed.dz)<1e-9,'resting positions and scale stay unchanged');
+  assert.equal(landed.clip,'done');
+  await b.evaluate("__helperSession.agents[0].status='waiting';__helperUpdate()");
+  await b.wait("__survivor()?.pose==='waiting'");
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__survivor().action.getClip().name'),'waiting','stationary helpers still reflect their status');
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('Vibes flight keeps a supported five-metre custom companion below the heading and above controls',options,async t=>{
+  const temp=await fs.mkdtemp(path.join(os.tmpdir(),'guild-tall-companion-'));t.after(()=>fs.rm(temp,{recursive:true,force:true}));
+  const glb=await fs.readFile(path.join(PIECE_FILES,'companion.glb')),size=glb.readUInt32LE(12),json=JSON.parse(glb.toString('utf8',20,20+size));
+  json.nodes[0].extras.yard.height=5;json.nodes[0].scale=[1,5/1.6,1];
+  const text=Buffer.from(JSON.stringify(json)),padded=Buffer.concat([text,Buffer.alloc((4-text.length%4)%4,0x20)]),head=Buffer.from(glb.subarray(0,20)),binary=glb.subarray(20+size);
+  head.writeUInt32LE(20+padded.length+binary.length,8);head.writeUInt32LE(padded.length,12);
+  const file=path.join(temp,'companion.glb');await fs.writeFile(file,Buffer.concat([head,padded,binary]));
+  const {checkModels}=await import('../../src/manager/yard-piece-check.mjs');await checkModels([{path:file,name:'companion.glb'}],'companion');
+  const yardPieces=fakePieces({guild:{companion:{revision:'tall'}}},{companion:file}),{f,b}=await setup(t,{yardPieces}),now=Date.parse('2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z');
+  const s={...f.data.values().next().value,id:'s0',activity:'active',createdAt:new Date(now-3600000).toISOString(),lastOutputAt:new Date(now).toISOString(),agents:[{id:'a1',name:'Explorer',status:'working'}],shells:[]};
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js');
+    const host=document.createElement('div'),labels=document.createElement('div'),top=document.createElement('div'),bottom=document.createElement('div');
+    host.style.cssText='position:fixed;width:900px;height:700px;top:0;left:0';top.style.cssText='position:absolute;top:0;width:100%;height:90px';bottom.style.cssText='position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;height:120px';
+    host.append(labels,top,bottom);document.body.append(host);window.__flightBottom=bottom;
+    window.__flightRenderer=new YardRenderer(host,labels,{select(){},open(){},clock:()=>${now},cover:[top,bottom]});
+    __flightRenderer.setPieces('guild',{companion:{revision:'tall'}});await __flightRenderer.setWorld('guild','dark');__flightRenderer.update(${q(f.providers)},[${q(s)}]);
+    window.__flightUnit=__flightRenderer.units.get('s0');
+  })()`);
+  t.after(()=>b.evaluate('__flightRenderer.dispose();__flightRenderer.host.remove()'));
+  await b.wait('__flightUnit.loaded&&__flightUnit.helpers.length===1');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__flightUnit.helpers[0].height'),5);
+  await b.evaluate('__flightRenderer.setVibe(true)');
+  for(const [width,height,bottom] of [[900,700,120],[360,780,195]]){
+    const result=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+      const r=__flightRenderer,h=__flightUnit.helpers[0],position=h.model.position.clone();r.host.style.width='${width}px';r.host.style.height='${height}px';__flightBottom.style.height='${bottom}px';r.resize();const resizeJump=position.distanceTo(h.model.position);
+      for(let i=0;i<200;i++)r.step(.05);
+      const v=h.model.position.clone(),project=y=>{v.copy(h.model.position);v.y+=y;v.project(r.camera);return {x:(v.x+1)*${width}/2,y:(1-v.y)*${height}/2};};
+      let highest=Infinity,lowest=-Infinity,meshHighest=Infinity,meshLowest=-Infinity,maxStep=0;
+      for(let i=0;i<880;i++){
+        const before=h.model.position.clone();r.step(.05);maxStep=Math.max(maxStep,before.distanceTo(h.model.position));
+        highest=Math.min(highest,project(h.height*h.model.scale.y).y);lowest=Math.max(lowest,project(0).y);
+        h.model.updateMatrixWorld(true);h.model.traverse(node=>{
+          if(!node.isMesh)return;if(node.skeleton)node.skeleton.update();
+          for(let j=0;j<node.geometry.attributes.position.count;j++){node.getVertexPosition(j,v);node.localToWorld(v);v.project(r.camera);const y=(1-v.y)*${height}/2;meshHighest=Math.min(meshHighest,y);meshLowest=Math.max(meshLowest,y);}
+        });
+      }
+      return {highest,lowest,meshHighest,meshLowest,maxStep,resizeJump,scale:h.model.scale.y};
+    })()`);
+    assert.ok(result.highest>=90,`model top overlaps heading: ${JSON.stringify(result)}`);
+    assert.ok(result.lowest<=height-bottom,`model base overlaps controls: ${JSON.stringify(result)}`);
+    assert.ok(result.meshHighest>=90&&result.meshLowest<=height-bottom,`animated companion mesh overlaps the overlays: ${JSON.stringify(result)}`);
+    assert.equal(result.resizeJump,0,'resizing does not teleport the helper');
+    assert.ok(result.maxStep<1.5&&result.scale===1.3,'flight remains smooth at the original scale');
+  }
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('Vibes Mode sets every character wandering and every helper flying, and turning it off or reducing motion puts them back',options,async t=>{
+  const {f,b}=await setup(t);
+  const T0=Date.parse('2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z'),iso=ms=>new Date(T0-ms).toISOString();
+  const sessions=[...f.data.values()].slice(0,3).map((s,i)=>({...s,activity:'active',lastOutputAt:iso(0),createdAt:iso(3600000),shells:[],
+    agents:i===0?[{id:'a1',name:'Explorer',status:'working'}]:[]}));
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js');
+    window.__model=await import('/yard/model.mjs');
+    const host=document.createElement('div'),labels=document.createElement('div');
+    const top=document.createElement('div'),bottom=document.createElement('div');
+    top.style.cssText='position:absolute;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:90px';bottom.style.cssText='position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:120px';
+    host.style.cssText='position:fixed;width:900px;height:700px;top:0;left:0';host.append(labels,top,bottom);document.body.append(host);
+    window.__renderer=new YardRenderer(host,labels,{select(){},open(){},clock:()=>${T0},cover:[top,bottom]});
+    window.__sessions=${q(sessions)};window.__providers=${q(f.providers)};
+    await __renderer.setWorld('guild','dark');__renderer.update(__providers,__sessions);
+    window.__units=()=>[...__renderer.units.values()];
+    window.__home=()=>[...__renderer.units].every(([id,u])=>{const p=__renderer.staged.places.get(id);return !u.moving&&u.root.position.x===p.x&&u.root.position.z===p.z;});
+    window.__run=n=>{for(let i=0;i<n;i++)__renderer.step(.05);};
+    window.__settle=()=>{let n=0;while(__units().some(u=>u.moving)&&n<4000){__renderer.step(.05);n++;}return n;};
+    window.__offScreen=()=>{
+      const camera=__renderer.camera,w=host.clientWidth,h=host.clientHeight,v=camera.position.clone(),out=[];
+      const px=(x,y,z)=>{v.set(x,y,z).project(camera);return {x:(v.x+1)/2*w,y:(1-v.y)/2*h};};
+      const off=p=>p.y<90||p.y>h-120||p.x<0||p.x>w,edge=__model.VIBE.roam.edge*h*camera.zoom/__model.CAMERA.height-.5;
+      for(const u of __units()){
+        const t=u.target,feet=px(t.x,0,t.z),head=px(t.x,__model.VIBE.roam.head,t.z);
+        if([feet,head].some(p=>p.x<edge||p.x>w-edge)||head.y<134+edge||feet.y>h-120-edge)out.push(['stop',t]);
+        for(const helper of u.helpers){const p=helper.model.position;if(off(px(p.x,p.y,p.z)))out.push(['helper',p.x,p.y,p.z]);}
+      }
+      return out;
+    };
+    window.__helper=()=>{const h=__renderer.units.get(__sessions[0].id).helpers[0];return {y:h.model.position.y,scale:h.model.scale.x,clip:h.action.getClip().name};};
+  })()`);
+  await b.wait('__units().every(u=>u.loaded)&&__units()[0].helpers.length===1');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__home()'),true,'sessions open at their stations');
+  const roaming=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+    __renderer.setVibe(true);
+    const u=__units()[0],from={x:u.root.position.x,z:u.root.position.z},leg=Math.hypot(u.path[0].x-from.x,u.path[0].z-from.z);
+    __renderer.step(.05);
+    const first={moved:Math.hypot(u.root.position.x-from.x,u.root.position.z-from.z),pace:u.speed*.05,leg};
+    __run(800);
+    const boxes=[...__model.providerPositions(__providers)].map(([id,p])=>({...p,half:id==='docker'?__model.STAGING.hall.docker:__model.STAGING.hall.half}));
+    return {first,moving:__units().every(u=>u.moving),clips:__units().map(u=>u.clip),legs:__units().map(u=>u.roamed),
+      inHall:__units().some(u=>boxes.some(b=>Math.abs(u.root.position.x-b.x)<b.half-.06&&Math.abs(u.root.position.z-b.z)<b.half-.06)),helper:__helper(),offScreen:__offScreen()};
+  })()`);
+  assert.ok(roaming.first.leg<roaming.first.pace||Math.abs(roaming.first.moved-roaming.first.pace)<1e-9,'a character walks at its usual speed');
+  assert.equal(roaming.moving,true,'every character keeps walking');
+  assert.deepEqual(roaming.clips,sessions.map(()=>'walk'));
+  assert.ok(roaming.legs.every(n=>n>=1),'each has gone on from its first stop');
+  assert.equal(roaming.inHall,false,'none walks through a hall');
+  const flight=await b.evaluate('__model.VIBE.flight');
+  assert.ok(roaming.helper.y>=flight.height[0]-.5&&roaming.helper.y<=flight.height[1],'the helper flies');
+  assert.ok(Math.abs(roaming.helper.scale-flight.scale)<1e-6,'at its flying size');
+  assert.equal(roaming.helper.clip,'move');
+  assert.deepEqual(roaming.offScreen,[],'every stop and helper stays on screen, clear of what covers it');
+  const turned=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{const frame=__model.vibeFrame(380/700,134/700,120/700),count=()=>__units().filter(u=>!__model.inVibeFrame(frame,u.target.x,0,u.target.z)||!__model.inVibeFrame(frame,u.target.x,__model.VIBE.roam.head,u.target.z)).length;
+    for(let n=0;n<4000&&!count();n++)__renderer.step(.05);
+    const leaving=count();__renderer.host.style.width='380px';__renderer.resize();const stops=__offScreen().filter(([kind])=>kind==='stop');__run(200);return {leaving,stops,after:__offScreen(),moving:__units().every(u=>u.moving)};})()`);
+  assert.ok(turned.leaving>0,'the turn leaves someone heading off screen');
+  assert.deepEqual(turned.stops,[],'turned to portrait, nobody heads off screen');
+  assert.deepEqual(turned.after,[],'and everyone stays on screen');
+  assert.equal(turned.moving,true);
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate(`(()=>{const before=__units().map(u=>u.target);__renderer.update(__providers,__sessions);return __units().every((u,i)=>u.target===before[i]&&u.moving);})()`),true);
+  assert.ok(await b.evaluate('(__renderer.setVibe(false),__settle())')<4000,'turned off, everyone walks back');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('__home()'),true);
+  assert.ok(await b.evaluate('__units().every(u=>__model.CLIPS.character.work.includes(u.clip))'),'and takes up its work');
+  const landed=await b.evaluate('(__run(200),__helper())');
+  assert.ok(Math.abs(landed.y-.27)<.01&&Math.abs(landed.scale-.45)<1e-6,'the helper comes back down beside its character');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('(__renderer.setVibe(true),__run(100),__renderer.setReducedMotion(true),__home())'),true,'reduced motion puts everyone back at once');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('__helper()').then(h=>[h.y,h.scale]),[.27,.45]);
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate('(__renderer.setReducedMotion(false),__units().every(u=>u.moving))'),true,'and they wander again when motion returns');
+  await b.evaluate('__renderer.dispose()');
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('Vibes destination selection keeps normal and crowded crews moving through portrait resizing and a covered view',options,async t=>{
+  const {f,b}=await setup(t),now=Date.parse('2026-10-13T12:00:00.000Z');
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js');window.__destModel=await import('/yard/model.mjs');
+    const host=document.createElement('div'),labels=document.createElement('div'),top=document.createElement('div'),bottom=document.createElement('div');
+    host.style.cssText='position:fixed;top:0;left:0;width:900px;height:700px';
+    top.style.cssText='position:absolute;top:0;width:100%;height:90px';bottom.style.cssText='position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;height:120px';
+    host.append(labels,top,bottom);document.body.append(host);
+    const r=window.__destRenderer=new YardRenderer(host,labels,{select(){},open(){},clock:()=>${now},cover:[top,bottom]});
+    window.__destCover={top,bottom};
+    window.__destProviders=${q([...f.providers,{id:'docker',tool:'Docker Agent',available:true}])};
+    await r.setWorld('guild','dark');
+    window.__destCalls=0;window.__destTimes=[];window.__destOutside=[];window.__destExpectVisible=true;
+    window.__destVisible=p=>__destModel.inVibeFrame(r.vibeFrames.stop,p.x,0,p.z)&&__destModel.inVibeFrame(r.vibeFrames.stop,p.x,__destModel.VIBE.roam.head,p.z);
+    const roam=r.roam;r.roam=function(u){const at=performance.now();roam.call(this,u);__destTimes.push(performance.now()-at);__destCalls++;if(__destExpectVisible&&!__destVisible(u.target))__destOutside.push(u.target);};
+    window.__destStats=values=>{const sorted=[...values].sort((a,b)=>a-b),at=p=>Number((sorted[Math.min(sorted.length-1,Math.floor(sorted.length*p))]||0).toFixed(3));return {p50:at(.5),p95:at(.95),max:at(1)};};
+    window.__destUpdates=()=>{
+      const calls=__destCalls,targets=[...r.units.values()].map(u=>u.target),times=[];
+      for(let n=0;n<40;n++){const at=performance.now();r.update(__destProviders,__destSessions);times.push(performance.now()-at);}
+      return {ms:__destStats(times),searches:__destCalls-calls,sameTargets:[...r.units.values()].every((u,i)=>u.target===targets[i])};
+    };
+    window.__destWalk=()=>{
+      const units=[...r.units.values()],distance=units.map(()=>0),legs=units.map(u=>u.roamed),steps=[];
+      for(let n=0;n<1600;n++){
+        const before=units.map(u=>({x:u.root.position.x,z:u.root.position.z})),at=performance.now();r.step(.05);steps.push(performance.now()-at);
+        units.forEach((u,i)=>{distance[i]+=Math.hypot(u.root.position.x-before[i].x,u.root.position.z-before[i].z);});
+      }
+      return {ms:__destStats(steps),minDistance:Math.min(...distance),minLegs:Math.min(...units.map((u,i)=>u.roamed-legs[i])),moving:units.every(u=>u.moving&&u.path.length>0)};
+    };
+  })()`);
+  t.after(()=>b.evaluate('__destRenderer.dispose();__destRenderer.host.remove()'));
+  for(const [name,count,provider] of [['normal',3,null],['crowded-xai',24,'xai'],['crowded-openai',24,'openai']]){
+    const sessions=Array.from({length:count},(_,i)=>({...f.data.values().next().value,id:name+'-'+i,name:name+' '+i,
+      provider:f.providers.find(p=>p.id===(provider||f.providers[i%f.providers.length].id)),activity:'active',createdAt:new Date(now-3600000).toISOString(),lastOutputAt:new Date(now).toISOString(),agents:[],shells:[]}));
+    await b.evaluate(`(()=>{const r=__destRenderer;r.setVibe(false);__destExpectVisible=true;r.host.style.width='900px';r.host.style.height='700px';__destCover.top.style.height='90px';__destCover.bottom.style.height='120px';r.resize();window.__destSessions=${q(sessions)};r.update(__destProviders,__destSessions);})()`);
+    await b.wait('[...__destRenderer.units.values()].every(u=>u.loaded)');
+    const result=await b.evaluate(`(()=>{
+      const r=__destRenderer,slots=JSON.stringify([...r.staged.slots]);__destTimes=[];__destOutside=[];
+      const at=performance.now();r.setVibe(true);const activationMs=performance.now()-at;
+      const landscape={updates:__destUpdates(),walk:__destWalk()};
+      r.host.style.width='360px';r.host.style.height='780px';__destCover.bottom.style.height='195px';
+      const turn=performance.now();r.resize();const resizeMs=performance.now()-turn;
+      const portrait={updates:__destUpdates(),walk:__destWalk()};
+      __destExpectVisible=false;__destCover.top.style.height='500px';__destCover.bottom.style.height='500px';r.resize();
+      const covered={updates:__destUpdates(),walk:__destWalk()};
+      __destExpectVisible=true;__destCover.top.style.height='90px';__destCover.bottom.style.height='195px';r.resize();
+      const recovered=[...r.units.values()].every(u=>u.moving&&__destVisible(u.target));
+      return {activationMs,resizeMs,landscape,portrait,covered,recovered,outside:__destOutside,roamMs:__destStats(__destTimes),sameSlots:JSON.stringify([...r.staged.slots])===slots};
+    })()`);
+    for(const phase of ['landscape','portrait','covered']){
+      assert.equal(result[phase].updates.searches,0,`${name} ${phase}: unchanged snapshots do not select destinations again`);
+      assert.equal(result[phase].updates.sameTargets,true);
+      assert.equal(result[phase].walk.moving,true,`${name} ${phase}: nobody freezes`);
+      assert.ok(result[phase].walk.minDistance>1&&result[phase].walk.minLegs>=1,`${name} ${phase}: every character travels and starts another leg`);
+    }
+    assert.deepEqual(result.outside,[],`${name}: every newly chosen destination fits the usable view`);
+    assert.equal(result.recovered,true,`${name}: uncovering the view immediately restores visible destinations`);
+    assert.equal(result.sameSlots,true,`${name}: station slots stay unchanged`);
+    t.diagnostic(JSON.stringify({name,...result}));
+  }
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
+
+test('the Vibes Mode button stays on across Yards and reloads, and reduced motion disables it',options,async t=>{
+  const {b}=await setup(t,{yard:true});
+  const button="document.querySelector('#yard-vibe')",state='['+button+'.getAttribute("aria-pressed"),'+button+'.disabled,localStorage.getItem("agentGuild.vibe")]';
+  await ready(b);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate(state),['false',true,null]);
+  assert.match(await b.evaluate(button+'.title'),/reduced motion/);
+  await b.evaluate(`(async()=>{
+    const {YardRenderer}=await import('/yard/renderer.js'),original=YardRenderer.prototype.setVibe;
+    window.__vibes=[];
+    YardRenderer.prototype.setVibe=function(value){window.__vibes.push(value);window.__yardRenderer=this;return original.call(this,value);};
+  })()`);
+  await b.send('Emulation.setEmulatedMedia',{features:[{name:'prefers-reduced-motion',value:'no-preference'}]});
+  await b.wait(button+'.disabled===false');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate(button+'.getAttribute("aria-label")'),'Vibes Mode');
+  assert.equal(await b.evaluate(button+'.previousElementSibling.id'),'yard-fireworks');
+  await b.click('#yard-vibe');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate(state),['true',false,'on']);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('[__vibes,__yardRenderer.vibe]'),[[true],true]);
+  await b.evaluate("document.documentElement.dataset.skin='orbital'");
+  await b.wait("document.querySelector('#yard-stage').dataset.world==='orbital'");
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate('['+button+'.getAttribute("aria-pressed"),__yardRenderer.vibe]'),['true',true],'another Yard keeps it');
+  await b.reload();await ready(b);
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate(state),['true',false,'on'],'a reload keeps it');
+  await b.click('#yard-vibe');
+  assert.deepEqual(await b.evaluate(state),['false',false,'off']);
+  assert.deepEqual(b.errors,[]);
+});
diff --git a/tests/fixtures/fake-manager.mjs b/tests/fixtures/fake-manager.mjs
index 999edc6..3cd4a2d 100644
--- a/tests/fixtures/fake-manager.mjs
+++ b/tests/fixtures/fake-manager.mjs
@@ -1,8 +1,4 @@
 // A stand-in session manager in a process of its own, so the launcher can wait for it to exit.
-//   node fake-manager.mjs <home> <version> [slow|stuck]
-// Answers health with its own pid and writes <home>/manager.json, which goes when a shutdown is requested. It then
-// exits at once, or with `slow` 2 s later, answering no health check meanwhile, as a manager busy ending sessions;
-// with `stuck` it never exits.
 // Prints its port once listening.
 import fs from 'node:fs';
 import http from 'node:http';
@@ -12,6 +8,12 @@ const [home, version, mode] = process.argv.slice(2);
 const runtime = path.join(home, 'manager.json');
 let stopping = false;
 const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
+  if (mode === 'unresponsive') return;
+  if (mode === 'partial') {
+    res.writeHead(req.url === '/api/v1/shutdown' ? 202 : 200, { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' });
+    res.write('{');
+    return;
+  }
   if (req.url === '/api/v1/shutdown') {
     stopping = true;
     res.writeHead(202, { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' });
@@ -22,7 +24,7 @@ const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
     else setImmediate(() => { server.closeAllConnections(); server.close(() => process.exit(0)); });
     return;
   }
-  if (stopping) return;
+  if (stopping || mode === 'busy') return;
   res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' });
   res.end(JSON.stringify({ ok: true, name: 'agent-guild', version, pid: process.pid }));
 });
diff --git a/tests/launcher.test.mjs b/tests/launcher.test.mjs
index 867274d..533ee97 100644
--- a/tests/launcher.test.mjs
+++ b/tests/launcher.test.mjs
@@ -397,6 +397,61 @@ test('stop fails when the manager has not exited by the end of its wait', async
   assert.equal(running(fake.pid), true, 'the manager still runs');
 });
 
+test('a manager whose health check times out is busy, not gone: open starts no second one, status and stop find it, restart replaces it', async (t) => {
+  const home = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'agent-guild-launcher-'));
+  t.after(() => fs.rmSync(home, { recursive: true, force: true, maxRetries: 10, retryDelay: 200 }));
+  fs.writeFileSync(path.join(home, 'providers.json'), JSON.stringify({ providers: [{ id: 'openai', usage: null, reporting: null }] }));
+  const busy = await fakeManager(t, home, '0.0.1', 'busy');
+  const busyEnv = { ...env, AGENT_GUILD_HOME: home, AGENT_GUILD_PORT: String(busy.port) };
+  const opened = await runWith(busyEnv, 'open', '--no-browser');
+  assert.equal(opened.code, 0, opened.stderr);
+  assert.match(opened.stdout, new RegExp(`Session manager already running at http://127\\.0\\.0\\.1:${busy.port}`));
+  assert.equal(fs.existsSync(path.join(home, 'manager.log')), false, 'no second manager was started');
+  const status = await runWith(busyEnv, 'status');
+  assert.equal(status.code, 1);
+  assert.match(status.stdout, new RegExp(`running at http://127\\.0\\.0\\.1:${busy.port} \\(pid ${busy.pid}\\) did not answer in time`));
+  const stopped = await runWith(busyEnv, 'stop');
+  assert.equal(stopped.code, 0, stopped.stderr);
+  assert.match(stopped.stdout, /Session manager stopped/);
+  assert.equal(running(busy.pid), false, 'the busy manager was stopped');
+
+  const again = await fakeManager(t, home, '0.0.1', 'busy');
+  const againEnv = { ...env, AGENT_GUILD_HOME: home, AGENT_GUILD_PORT: String(again.port) };
+  try {
+    const restarted = await runWith(againEnv, 'restart');
+    assert.equal(restarted.code, 0, restarted.stderr);
+    assert.match(restarted.stdout, new RegExp(`Session manager restarted at http://127\\.0\\.0\\.1:${again.port}\\.`));
+    assert.notEqual(JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync(path.join(home, 'manager.json'), 'utf8')).pid, again.pid);
+  } finally {
+    await runWith(againEnv, 'stop');
+  }
+});
+
+for (const mode of ['unresponsive', 'partial']) {
+  test(`stop, restart and fireworks time out without false success or duplicate launches when manager responses are ${mode}`, async (t) => {
+    const home = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'agent-guild-launcher-'));
+    t.after(() => fs.rmSync(home, { recursive: true, force: true, maxRetries: 10, retryDelay: 200 }));
+    const fake = await fakeManager(t, home, '0.0.1', mode);
+    const runtime = fs.readFileSync(path.join(home, 'manager.json'), 'utf8');
+    const runEnv = { ...env, AGENT_GUILD_HOME: home, AGENT_GUILD_PORT: '0' };
+    await Promise.all(['stop', 'restart', 'fireworks'].map(async (command) => {
+      const result = await new Promise((resolve) => {
+        execFile(process.execPath, [cli, command], { env: runEnv, timeout: 10000 }, (error, stdout, stderr) => {
+          resolve({ code: error?.code ?? 0, killed: Boolean(error?.killed), stdout, stderr });
+        });
+      });
+      assert.equal(result.killed, false, `${command} must terminate before the test watchdog`);
+      assert.equal(result.code, 1, result.stderr);
+      assert.equal(result.stdout, '', `${command} must not report absence or success`);
+      const outcome = command === 'fireworks' ? 'delivery' : 'its outcome';
+      assert.equal(result.stderr, `agent-guild: the session manager did not answer the ${command} request within 5 seconds; ${outcome} could not be confirmed.\n`);
+    }));
+    assert.equal(running(fake.pid), true, 'the existing manager still runs');
+    assert.equal(fs.readFileSync(path.join(home, 'manager.json'), 'utf8'), runtime, 'the existing manager still owns its ephemeral port');
+    assert.equal(fs.existsSync(path.join(home, 'manager.log')), false, 'no duplicate manager was launched');
+  });
+}
+
 test('restart keeps an ephemeral port, and starts the manager itself when the old one only stops', async (t) => {
   // AGENT_GUILD_PORT=0: the successor must listen where the old manager did, not on another free port.
   const zeroHome = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'agent-guild-launcher-'));
diff --git a/tests/page-dialogs.test.mjs b/tests/page-dialogs.test.mjs
index 684d823..23d8004 100644
--- a/tests/page-dialogs.test.mjs
+++ b/tests/page-dialogs.test.mjs
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ test('pending Photo opens are invalidated by Yard shutdown, sign-out and manager
         clearTimeout: noop, swapReveal: 0, observer: { disconnect: noop }, pendingRenderer: null, renderer: null,
         document: { removeEventListener: noop }, motion: { removeEventListener: noop }, window: { removeEventListener: noop },
         visibility: noop, motionChange: noop, pageHide: noop,
-        $: () => ({ removeEventListener: noop }), celebrate: noop, fireworksButton: noop,
+        $: () => ({ removeEventListener: noop }), celebrate: noop, toggleVibe: noop, fireworksButton: noop,
       });
     } else if (leave === 'sign out') p.showAuth('Sign in again.');
     else p.enterStopping(0, leave === 'restart');
diff --git a/tests/yard.test.mjs b/tests/yard.test.mjs
index 15bc73a..5d705c0 100644
--- a/tests/yard.test.mjs
+++ b/tests/yard.test.mjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import assert from 'node:assert/strict';
 import { readFileSync, statSync } from 'node:fs';
 import { runInNewContext } from 'node:vm';
 import { sessionPose, familiarPose, marksFor, layoutSessions, providerPositions, characterIndex, lookLimits, yardExtras, WORLDS, CAMERA, SUN, minZoom, overviewFor, clampPan, viewBasis, plateExtent,
- stage, stagingMode, nextStagingChange, restSpots, route, clipFor, doorFor, stationProp, STAGING, CLIPS, SKELETON, PROVIDER_ORDER, photoSize, photoName } from '../web/yard/model.mjs';
+ stage, stagingMode, nextStagingChange, restSpots, route, clipFor, doorFor, stationProp, STAGING, CLIPS, SKELETON, PROVIDER_ORDER, photoSize, photoName, VIBE, vibeStop, vibeFlight, vibeFrame, inVibeFrame } from '../web/yard/model.mjs';
 import { goldenVectors } from '../scripts/yard-golden.mjs';
 import { Matrix4, Vector3 } from 'three';
 const providers=['anthropic','openai','google','xai','shell','docker'].map(id=>({id}));
@@ -159,6 +159,125 @@ test('clip choices are seeded per session and come from the contract clip set',(
  assert.equal(seq('s1'),seq('s1'));
  assert.notEqual(seq('s1'),seq('s2'));
 });
+// Clearance.live_distance in agent-guild-builders: how far a point is outside the ground worlds keep clear.
+const keptClearBy=(x,z)=>Math.min(Math.max(0,Math.hypot(x,z)-14.7),Math.hypot(Math.max(Math.abs(x)-13,0),Math.max(z-32,-z,0)));
+const vibeFrames=[vibeFrame(16/9),vibeFrame(1,.2,.15),vibeFrame(9/16,.15,.1),vibeFrame(9/19.5,.17,.25)];
+const inView=(frame,p)=>{const {right,up}=viewBasis(),d=[p.x-frame.target[0],(p.y||0)-frame.target[1],p.z-frame.target[2]];return {r:d[0]*right[0]+d[1]*right[1]+d[2]*right[2],u:d[0]*up[0]+d[1]*up[1]+d[2]*up[2]};};
+const span=values=>Math.max(...values)-Math.min(...values);
+test('Vibes Mode wanders only the ground every world keeps clear and the overview shows, to and fro across it, round the halls, the centrepiece and the station props',()=>{
+ const custom=[...providers,{id:'custom-1'},{id:'custom-2'}];
+ const props=[...layoutSessions(Array.from({length:12},(_,i)=>session('s'+i,providers[i%6].id)),custom).entries()].map(([id,p])=>stationProp(p,id));
+ const boxes=[...[...providerPositions(custom)].map(([id,p])=>({...p,half:id==='docker'?STAGING.hall.docker:STAGING.hall.half})),
+  {x:STAGING.plaza.x,z:STAGING.plaza.z,half:STAGING.plaza.half},...props.map(p=>({x:p.x,z:p.z,half:STAGING.station.half}))];
+ const inside=p=>boxes.some(b=>Math.abs(p.x-b.x)<b.half-.06&&Math.abs(p.z-b.z)<b.half-.06);
+ for(const frame of vibeFrames){
+  const stops=id=>Array.from({length:60},(_,n)=>vibeStop(id,n,custom,props,frame));
+  for(const id of ['s0','s1','s7']){
+   let from=stops(id).at(-1);
+   for(const stop of stops(id)){
+    assert.notEqual(stop.z<VIBE.roam.split,from.z<VIBE.roam.split,'stops alternate between the courtyard and the ground in front');
+    assert.equal(keptClearBy(stop.x,stop.z),0,JSON.stringify(stop));
+    assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,stop.x,0,stop.z)&&inVibeFrame(frame,stop.x,VIBE.roam.head,stop.z),JSON.stringify(stop));
+    assert.ok(!boxes.some(b=>Math.abs(stop.x-b.x)<b.half+.5&&Math.abs(stop.z-b.z)<b.half+.5),JSON.stringify(stop));
+    let at=from;
+    for(const to of route(from,stop,custom,props)){for(let t=0;t<=1;t+=.02)assert.ok(!inside({x:at.x+(to.x-at.x)*t,z:at.z+(to.z-at.z)*t}),JSON.stringify([from,stop]));at=to;}
+    from=stop;
+   }
+   const seen=stops(id).map(p=>inView(frame,p));
+   assert.ok(span(seen.map(p=>p.r))>(frame.right[1]-frame.right[0])/2&&span(seen.map(p=>p.u))>(frame.up[1]-frame.up[0])/2,'the stops spread over what the overview shows');
+  }
+  assert.deepEqual(stops('s0'),stops('s0'));
+  assert.notDeepEqual(stops('s0'),stops('s1'));
+ }
+ const hidden=Array.from({length:60},(_,n)=>vibeStop('s0',n,custom,props,vibeFrame(16/9,.5,.5)));
+ assert.equal(new Set(hidden.map(p=>p.x+','+p.z)).size,hidden.length,'with nothing visible, stops still spread over the clear ground');
+});
+test('crowded Vibes destinations stay visible on activation and after portrait resizing',()=>{
+ for(const provider of ['xai','openai']){
+  const crew=Array.from({length:24},(_,i)=>session('s'+i,provider));
+  const props=[...layoutSessions(crew,providers)].map(([id,p])=>stationProp(p,id));
+  for(const frame of [vibeFrame(16/9,.2,.15),vibeFrame(9/19.5,.17,.25)])for(const s of crew){
+   const stops=[];
+   for(let n=0;n<200;n++){
+    const p=vibeStop(s.id,n,providers,props,frame);stops.push(p.x+','+p.z);
+    assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,0,p.z)&&inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,VIBE.roam.head,p.z),`${provider} ${s.id} stop ${n}: ${JSON.stringify(p)}`);
+    assert.equal(keptClearBy(p.x,p.z),0);
+    assert.ok(props.every(b=>Math.abs(p.x-b.x)>=STAGING.station.half+VIBE.roam.margin||Math.abs(p.z-b.z)>=STAGING.station.half+VIBE.roam.margin));
+   }
+   assert.equal(new Set(stops).size,stops.length,'the crew keeps getting distinct destinations');
+  }
+ }
+});
+test('Vibes finds visible apron and circular slivers missed by rounded samples, including on the non-preferred side',()=>{
+ const {up}=viewBasis();
+ for(const center of [{x:6.123456,z:10.234567},{x:5.123456,z:-Math.sqrt(VIBE.roam.radius**2-5.123456**2)}]){
+ const target=[0,1,0],{r,u}=inView({target},center),gap=.00001;
+ const frame={target,right:[r-gap,r+gap],up:[u-gap,u+VIBE.roam.head*up[1]+gap]};
+ const rounded={x:Math.round(center.x*1000)/1000,z:Math.round(center.z*1000)/1000};
+ assert.ok(!inVibeFrame(frame,rounded.x,0,rounded.z),'no millimetre-rounded sample fits this opening');
+ for(const id of ['s0','s1'])for(let n=0;n<4;n++){
+  const p=vibeStop(id,n,providers,[],frame);
+  assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,0,p.z)&&inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,VIBE.roam.head,p.z));
+  assert.ok(Math.hypot(p.x-center.x,p.z-center.z)<.001);
+  assert.ok(Math.hypot(p.x,p.z)<=VIBE.roam.radius||(Math.abs(p.x)<=VIBE.roam.half&&p.z>=0));
+  assert.deepEqual(vibeStop(id,n,providers,[],frame),p,'fallback is seeded and deterministic');
+  assert.notDeepEqual(vibeStop(id,n+1,providers,[],frame),p,'a fallback is not one fixed stop');
+ }
+ }
+});
+test('Vibes finds the narrow visible gap between props without a sampling or grid limit',()=>{
+ const {up}=viewBasis(),center={x:6.123456,z:10.234567},target=[0,1,0],{r,u}=inView({target},center),gap=.000001;
+ const frame={target,right:[r-.5,r+.5],up:[u-.3,u+VIBE.roam.head*up[1]+.3]};
+ const reach=STAGING.station.half+VIBE.roam.margin,props=[-1,1].map(side=>({x:center.x+side*(reach+gap),z:center.z}));
+ for(let n=0;n<12;n++){
+  const p=vibeStop('s0',n,providers,props,frame);
+  assert.ok(Math.abs(p.x-center.x)<gap,'the only free interval is narrower than millimetre rounding');
+  assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,0,p.z)&&inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,VIBE.roam.head,p.z));
+  assert.ok(props.every(b=>Math.abs(p.x-b.x)>=reach||Math.abs(p.z-b.z)>=reach));
+ }
+});
+test('fully obstructed visible ground keeps the original walk and recovers when the view opens',()=>{
+ const {up}=viewBasis(),center={x:6,z:10},target=[0,1,0],{r,u}=inView({target},center);
+ const covered={target,right:[r-.1,r+.1],up:[u-.1,u+VIBE.roam.head*up[1]+.1]},props=[center];
+ const stops=[];
+ for(let n=0;n<30;n++){
+  const p=vibeStop('s0',n,providers,props,covered);stops.push(p.x+','+p.z);
+  assert.deepEqual(p,vibeStop('s0',n,providers,props),'a genuinely covered view uses ordinary roaming, not a blocked state');
+  const frame=vibeFrame(9/19.5,.17,.25),next=vibeStop('s0',n,providers,props,frame);
+  assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,next.x,0,next.z)&&inVibeFrame(frame,next.x,VIBE.roam.head,next.z),'an open view immediately selects visible ground again');
+ }
+ assert.equal(new Set(stops).size,stops.length);
+});
+test('Vibes Mode flies each helper its own smooth loop across what the overview shows, above the halls',()=>{
+ const [low,high]=VIBE.flight.height;
+ assert.ok(low>STAGING.hall.dockerHeight);
+ for(const frame of vibeFrames)for(const key of ['s0:a1','s0:a2','s1:a3']){
+  let last=vibeFlight(key,0,frame);const seen=[];
+  for(let t=.1;t<=VIBE.flight.lap[1];t+=.1){
+   const p=vibeFlight(key,t,frame),v=inView(frame,p);
+   assert.ok(inVibeFrame(frame,p.x,p.y,p.z)&&v.u+VIBE.flight.top<=frame.up[1]+1e-9&&p.y>=low-1e-9&&p.y<=high+1e-9,JSON.stringify(p));
+   assert.ok(Math.hypot(p.x-last.x,p.y-last.y,p.z-last.z)<1.5,'no jump between moments');
+   seen.push(v);last=p;
+  }
+  assert.ok(span(seen.map(p=>p.r))>(frame.right[1]-frame.right[0])*.3&&span(seen.map(p=>p.u))>(frame.up[1]-frame.up[0]-VIBE.flight.top)*.3,'the loop crosses the view');
+ }
+ const frame=vibeFrames[0];
+ assert.deepEqual(vibeFlight('s0:a1',12.5,frame),vibeFlight('s0:a1',12.5,frame));
+ assert.notDeepEqual(vibeFlight('s0:a1',12.5,frame),vibeFlight('s0:a2',12.5,frame));
+});
+test('Vibes flight reserves the scaled projected height of supported companions',()=>{
+ const {up}=viewBasis();
+ for(const frame of [vibeFrame(900/700,90/700,120/700),vibeFrame(360/780,90/780,195/780)])for(const height of [.1,1.1,5]){
+  const top=height*VIBE.flight.scale*up[1];let last=null;
+  for(let step=0;step<=880;step++){
+   const p=vibeFlight('s0:a1',step*.05,frame,height),v=inView(frame,p);
+   assert.ok(v.u+top<=frame.up[1]+1e-9&&v.u>=frame.up[0]-1e-9,`height ${height}, step ${step}`);
+   if(last)assert.ok(Math.hypot(p.x-last.x,p.y-last.y,p.z-last.z)<1.5,'height-aware flight stays smooth');
+   if(height===1.1)assert.deepEqual(p,vibeFlight('s0:a1',step*.05,frame),'default companions keep their flight');
+   last=p;
+  }
+ }
+});
 test('the staging contract matches its golden vectors',()=>{
  const golden=JSON.parse(readFileSync(new URL('./fixtures/yard-choreography.json',import.meta.url),'utf8'));
  assert.deepEqual(JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(goldenVectors())),golden,'run node scripts/yard-golden.mjs --write only for a deliberate contract change (docs/yard/CONTRACT.md)');
diff --git a/web/index.html b/web/index.html
index 81b3484..abbc905 100644
--- a/web/index.html
+++ b/web/index.html
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ <h2 id="launch-heading">Start a session</h2>
           <div class="yard-overlay">
             <div id="yard-loading" class="yard-loading" role="status" data-mode="scene"><span id="yard-loading-text">Preparing your yard…</span><span id="yard-loading-size" class="yard-loading-size" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="yard-loading-bar" aria-hidden="true"></span></div>
             <div id="yard-swap-failure" class="yard-swap-failure" hidden role="status"><span id="yard-swap-failure-text"></span><button id="yard-swap-retry" class="btn" type="button">Retry</button></div>
-            <div class="yard-bar"><div id="yard-world" class="yard-world" role="group" aria-label="This Yard's world"><p id="yard-world-note" class="yard-world-note" role="status" hidden></p><div class="yard-world-actions"><button id="yard-customize-open" type="button" class="btn" aria-haspopup="dialog">Customize this Yard</button><a id="yard-world-get" class="btn" href="https://github.com/oddessentials/agent-guild-builders/releases/latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" hidden>Build a Yard</a></div></div><div class="yard-camera" role="group" aria-label="Yard controls"><button id="yard-zoom-in" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Zoom in">+</button><button id="yard-zoom-out" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Zoom out">−</button><button id="yard-fit" type="button" class="btn">Overview</button><button id="yard-focus" type="button" class="btn" disabled>Focus selected</button><button id="yard-photo" type="button" class="btn" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Save a picture of the Yard" title="Save a picture of the Yard" disabled hidden><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" height="16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.7" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M4 8.5A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 5.5 7h2.3l1.4-2h5.6l1.4 2h2.3A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 20 8.5v9a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5h-13A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 4 17.5z"/><circle cx="12" cy="12.75" r="3.25"/></svg></button><button id="yard-fireworks" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Fireworks in this Yard only" title="Fireworks in this Yard only" disabled><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" height="16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.7" stroke-linecap="round" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M12 3v3m0 9v6M3 10h3m12 0h3M5.6 3.6l2.2 2.2m8.4 8.4 2.2 2.2M18.4 3.6l-2.2 2.2m-8.4 8.4-2.2 2.2"/><circle cx="12" cy="10" r="1"/></svg></button></div></div>
+            <div class="yard-bar"><div id="yard-world" class="yard-world" role="group" aria-label="This Yard's world"><p id="yard-world-note" class="yard-world-note" role="status" hidden></p><div class="yard-world-actions"><button id="yard-customize-open" type="button" class="btn" aria-haspopup="dialog">Customize this Yard</button><a id="yard-world-get" class="btn" href="https://github.com/oddessentials/agent-guild-builders/releases/latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" hidden>Build a Yard</a></div></div><div class="yard-camera" role="group" aria-label="Yard controls"><button id="yard-zoom-in" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Zoom in">+</button><button id="yard-zoom-out" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Zoom out">−</button><button id="yard-fit" type="button" class="btn">Overview</button><button id="yard-focus" type="button" class="btn" disabled>Focus selected</button><button id="yard-photo" type="button" class="btn" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Save a picture of the Yard" title="Save a picture of the Yard" disabled hidden><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" height="16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.7" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M4 8.5A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 5.5 7h2.3l1.4-2h5.6l1.4 2h2.3A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 20 8.5v9a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5h-13A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 4 17.5z"/><circle cx="12" cy="12.75" r="3.25"/></svg></button><button id="yard-fireworks" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Fireworks in this Yard only" title="Fireworks in this Yard only" disabled><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" height="16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.7" stroke-linecap="round" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M12 3v3m0 9v6M3 10h3m12 0h3M5.6 3.6l2.2 2.2m8.4 8.4 2.2 2.2M18.4 3.6l-2.2 2.2m-8.4 8.4-2.2 2.2"/><circle cx="12" cy="10" r="1"/></svg></button><button id="yard-vibe" type="button" class="btn" aria-label="Vibes Mode" aria-pressed="false"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" height="16" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1.7" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><circle cx="14.5" cy="4.5" r="1.8"/><path d="M8 21l3.5-5.5-2.5-3 2.5-4.5 4 1.5 2 3h3"/><path d="M11.5 8 7.5 9.5 6 13"/><path d="M11 15.5l4 2V21"/></svg></button></div></div>
             <p id="yard-help"><span class="yard-help-pointer">Drag to explore · Scroll to zoom · Select to inspect · Double-click a session to open</span><span class="yard-help-touch">Drag to explore · Pinch to zoom · Tap to inspect · Open from the Inspector</span></p>
           </div>
         </div>
diff --git a/web/yard/model.mjs b/web/yard/model.mjs
index 37a0b62..f9a2aea 100644
--- a/web/yard/model.mjs
+++ b/web/yard/model.mjs
@@ -434,6 +434,139 @@ export function clipFor(id, mode, n) {
   if (mode === 'work') return n % 3 === 2 && h % 2 ? set[1] : set[0];
   return n % 3 === 2 ? set[1 + (h % (set.length - 1))] : set[0];
 }
+export const VIBE = {
+  // Must stay inside the ground every world keeps clear (Clearance.live_distance in agent-guild-builders).
+  roam: { radius: 13.2, half: 12.5, front: 30.5, split: 3, margin: .9, edge: 1.2, head: 2.4 },
+  flight: { height: [8.5, 12], lap: [26, 44], reach: [.45, 1], scale: 1.3, top: 2 },
+};
+export function vibeFrame(aspect, top = 0, bottom = 0) {
+  const { target, zoom } = overviewFor(aspect), height = CAMERA.height / zoom, width = height * aspect, { edge } = VIBE.roam;
+  return { target, right: [edge - width / 2, width / 2 - edge], up: [(bottom - .5) * height + edge, (.5 - top) * height - edge] };
+}
+export function inVibeFrame(frame, x, y, z) {
+  const { right, up } = viewBasis(), d = [x - frame.target[0], y - frame.target[1], z - frame.target[2]];
+  const r = dot(d, right), u = dot(d, up);
+  return r >= frame.right[0] && r <= frame.right[1] && u >= frame.up[0] && u <= frame.up[1];
+}
+function unit(value) {
+  let h = hash(value);
+  h = Math.imul(h ^ (h >>> 16), 0x45d9f3b); h = Math.imul(h ^ (h >>> 16), 0x45d9f3b);
+  return ((h ^ (h >>> 16)) >>> 0) / 4294967296;
+}
+// Clip the visible ground polygon to an axis-aligned interval. Destination
+// geometry only: this neither builds nor checks a route.
+function vibeClip(points, axis, low, high) {
+  for (const [edge, sign] of [[low, 1], [high, -1]]) {
+    const next = [];
+    for (let i = 0; i < points.length; i++) {
+      const a = points[i], b = points[(i + 1) % points.length], da = sign * (a[axis] - edge), db = sign * (b[axis] - edge);
+      if (da >= 0) next.push(a);
+      if ((da < 0) !== (db < 0)) { const t = da / (da - db); next.push({ x: a.x + t * (b.x - a.x), z: a.z + t * (b.z - a.z) }); }
+    }
+    points = next;
+  }
+  return points;
+}
+// A missed sample is not an empty view. Obstacle x edges divide the ground
+// into at most 2B+1 bands, each with at most B+1 free z intervals. Check those
+// finite regions, not a grid whose spacing could miss a narrow opening.
+function vibeGap(polygon, boxes, near, far, seed) {
+  const { radius, half, front } = VIBE.roam;
+  polygon = vibeClip(vibeClip(polygon, 'x', -radius, radius), 'z', near, far);
+  const point = points => {
+    if (points.length < 3) return null;
+    const area = points.reduce((sum, a, i) => { const b = points[(i + 1) % points.length]; return sum + a.x * b.z - b.x * a.z; }, 0);
+    if (Math.abs(area) < 1e-10) return null;
+    const center = { x: 0, z: 0 };
+    for (const p of points) { center.x += p.x / points.length; center.z += p.z / points.length; }
+    const p = points[Math.floor(seed * points.length)], t = .25 + seed / 2;
+    return { x: center.x + (p.x - center.x) * t, z: center.z + (p.z - center.z) * t };
+  };
+  const ground = points => {
+    const p = point(points);
+    if (!p) return null;
+    if (Math.hypot(p.x, p.z) < radius || (Math.abs(p.x) <= half && p.z >= 0 && p.z <= front)) return p;
+    const apron = point(vibeClip(vibeClip(points, 'x', -half, half), 'z', 0, front));
+    if (apron) return apron;
+    // The plaza's obstacle excludes the circle's centre from every free
+    // region, so its nearest point is on an edge. Move from it into the
+    // polygon, staying inside the circle even for a small circular sliver.
+    let nearest = null, distance = Infinity;
+    for (let i = 0; i < points.length; i++) {
+      const a = points[i], b = points[(i + 1) % points.length], dx = b.x - a.x, dz = b.z - a.z;
+      const t = clamp(-(a.x * dx + a.z * dz) / (dx * dx + dz * dz || 1), 0, 1), q = { x: a.x + t * dx, z: a.z + t * dz }, d = Math.hypot(q.x, q.z);
+      if (d < distance) { nearest = q; distance = d; }
+    }
+    if (distance >= radius) return null;
+    const t = Math.min(.5, (radius - distance) / (2 * Math.hypot(p.x - nearest.x, p.z - nearest.z)));
+    return { x: nearest.x + t * (p.x - nearest.x), z: nearest.z + t * (p.z - nearest.z) };
+  };
+  if (!point(polygon)) return null;
+  const left = Math.min(...polygon.map(p => p.x)), right = Math.max(...polygon.map(p => p.x));
+  const edges = [...new Set([left, right, ...boxes.flatMap(b => [b.x - b.half, b.x + b.half]).filter(x => x > left && x < right)])].sort((a, b) => a - b);
+  const start = Math.floor(seed * (edges.length - 1));
+  for (let i = 0; i < edges.length - 1; i++) {
+    const k = (start + i) % (edges.length - 1), lo = edges[k], hi = edges[k + 1], x = (lo + hi) / 2;
+    const blocked = boxes.filter(b => Math.abs(x - b.x) < b.half).map(b => [b.z - b.half, b.z + b.half]).sort((a, b) => a[0] - b[0]);
+    let z = near;
+    for (const [low, high] of [...blocked, [far, far]]) {
+      if (low > z) {
+        const p = ground(vibeClip(vibeClip(polygon, 'x', lo, hi), 'z', z, Math.min(low, far)));
+        if (p) return p;
+      }
+      z = Math.max(z, high);
+      if (z >= far) break;
+    }
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+export function vibeStop(id, n, providers, props = [], frame = null) {
+  const { radius, half, front, split, margin, head } = VIBE.roam;
+  const [near, far] = (n + hash(id)) % 2 ? [split, front] : [-radius, split];
+  const boxes = [...obstacles(providers).map(box => ({ ...box, half: box.half + margin })),
+    ...props.map(p => ({ x: p.x, z: p.z, half: STAGING.station.half + margin }))];
+  const clear = (x, z) => (Math.hypot(x - STAGING.plaza.x, z - STAGING.plaza.z) <= radius || (Math.abs(x) <= half && z >= 0 && z <= front))
+    && !boxes.some(box => Math.abs(x - box.x) < box.half && Math.abs(z - box.z) < box.half);
+  if (frame) {
+    const { right, up, forward } = viewBasis(), [r0, r1] = frame.right, u0 = frame.up[0], u1 = frame.up[1] - head * up[1];
+    const at = (r, u) => {
+      const s = (-frame.target[1] - u * up[1]) / forward[1];
+      return { x: frame.target[0] + r * right[0] + u * up[0] + s * forward[0], z: frame.target[2] + r * right[2] + u * up[2] + s * forward[2] };
+    };
+    if (r1 > r0 && u1 > u0) {
+      const polygon = [at(r0, u0), at(r1, u0), at(r1, u1), at(r0, u1)];
+      for (const [low, high] of [[near, far], near === split ? [-radius, split] : [split, front]]) {
+        for (let k = 0; k < 48; k++) {
+          const p = at(r0 + unit(id + ':vibe:x:' + n + ':' + k) * (r1 - r0), u0 + unit(id + ':vibe:z:' + n + ':' + k) * (u1 - u0));
+          const x = round(p.x), z = round(p.z);
+          if (z >= low && z <= high && clear(x, z) && inVibeFrame(frame, x, 0, z) && inVibeFrame(frame, x, head, z)) return { x, z };
+        }
+        const p = vibeGap(polygon, boxes, low, high, unit(id + ':vibe:gap:' + n));
+        if (p) return p;
+      }
+    }
+  }
+  // No usable visible ground (or no frame): keep the original seeded walk.
+  // Never turn a crowded/covered view into a stationary, repeatedly retried unit.
+  for (let k = 0; k < 48; k++) {
+    const x = round((unit(id + ':vibe:x:' + n + ':' + k) * 2 - 1) * radius), z = round(near + unit(id + ':vibe:z:' + n + ':' + k) * (far - near));
+    if (clear(x, z)) return { x, z };
+  }
+  return { x: STAGING.plaza.x, z: round(STAGING.plaza.z + STAGING.plaza.half + margin + STAGING.station.half) };
+}
+export function vibeFlight(key, seconds, frame, companionHeight = 1) {
+  const { height, lap, reach, top, scale } = VIBE.flight, { right, up, forward } = viewBasis();
+  const pick = (name, [low, high]) => low + unit(key + ':vibe:' + name) * (high - low);
+  const out = pick('reach', reach), turn = unit(key + ':vibe:turn') < .5 ? 1 : -1, lobes = 2 + Math.floor(unit(key + ':vibe:lobes') * 3);
+  const angle = turn * 2 * Math.PI * (seconds / pick('lap', lap) + unit(key + ':vibe:start'));
+  const wide = out * (1 + .12 * Math.sin(lobes * angle + pick('phase', [0, 2 * Math.PI]))) / 1.12;
+  const y = (height[0] + height[1]) / 2 + (height[1] - height[0]) / 2 * Math.sin(2 * angle + pick('rise', [0, 2 * Math.PI]));
+  const [r0, r1] = frame.right, u0 = frame.up[0], u1 = frame.up[1] - Math.max(top, companionHeight * scale * up[1]);
+  const r = (r0 + r1) / 2 + Math.cos(angle) * Math.max(0, r1 - r0) / 2 * wide;
+  const u = (u0 + u1) / 2 + Math.sin(angle) * Math.max(0, u1 - u0) / 2 * wide;
+  const s = (y - frame.target[1] - u * up[1]) / forward[1];
+  return { x: frame.target[0] + r * right[0] + u * up[0] + s * forward[0], y, z: frame.target[2] + r * right[2] + u * up[2] + s * forward[2] };
+}
 // Where a session's helpers stand, around it, as the renderer has always placed them.
 export function helperOffset(i, count) {
   const angle = (i / Math.min(count, 6)) * Math.PI * 2;
diff --git a/web/yard/renderer.js b/web/yard/renderer.js
index bfc9f8d..078a03a 100644
--- a/web/yard/renderer.js
+++ b/web/yard/renderer.js
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import * as T from './vendor/engine.js';
 import { WORLDS, PROVIDER_ORDER, characterIndex, GILDED, CAMERA, SUN, minZoom, overviewFor, clampPan, viewBasis, providerPositions, sessionPose, familiarPose, hash,
-  stage, nextStagingChange, doorFor, arrives, route, clipFor, helperOffset, stationProp, hallActivity, lookTarget, lookLimits, yardExtras, playableClip, STAGING, photoSize, marksFor, SHOWN_HELPERS } from './model.mjs';
+  stage, nextStagingChange, doorFor, arrives, route, clipFor, helperOffset, stationProp, hallActivity, lookTarget, lookLimits, yardExtras, playableClip, STAGING, photoSize, marksFor, SHOWN_HELPERS, VIBE, vibeStop, vibeFlight, vibeFrame, inVibeFrame } from './model.mjs';
 
 const ASSETS = new URL('./assets/', import.meta.url);
 const vector = new T.Vector3();
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ const pieceFiles = (skin, slot, piece) => (slot === 'companion' ? [0, 1, 2, 3].m
 const vector2 = new T.Vector2();
 // How fast characters turn to a new heading, in radians a second, and how
 // long a clip change blends.
-const TURN = 7, FADE = .3;
+const TURN = 7, FADE = .3, TAG = 44;
 // Models rigged before the staging contract name their clips differently.
 const LEGACY = { walk: 'working', idle_0: 'resting', idle_1: 'resting', idle_2: 'resting', pause: 'resting', work_0: 'working', work_1: 'working', idle: 'resting', move: 'working' };
 // How bright a hall's glow grows at low and high activity, over what the
@@ -139,15 +139,15 @@ function disposeWorld(root) {
 }
 export class YardRenderer {
   // clock gives the time staging is judged at; tests pass a fixed one.
-  constructor(host,labels,{select,open,error=noop,piece=noop,clock=Date.now}) {
-    this.host=host;this.labels=labels;this.onSelect=select;this.onOpen=open;this.onError=error;this.onPiece=piece;this.clock=clock;
+  constructor(host,labels,{select,open,error=noop,piece=noop,clock=Date.now,cover=[]}) {
+    this.host=host;this.labels=labels;this.cover=cover;this.onSelect=select;this.onOpen=open;this.onError=error;this.onPiece=piece;this.clock=clock;
     this.pieceSets={};this.shownPieces={skin:null,pieces:{}};this.pieceLoaders=new Map();this.preloads=new Map();
     this.scene=new T.Scene();this.units=new Map();this.halls=new Map();this.slots=new Map();this.cache=new Map();
     this.loadingManager=new T.LoadingManager();
     this.providers=[];this.sessions=[];this.selected=null;this.world=null;this.skin=null;this.request=0;this.worldRequest=0;this.pending=null;
     this.staged=null;this.seen=new Set();this.stageTimer=0;this.sparks=[];this.shows=[];this.marks=new T.Group();this.scene.add(this.marks);this.glyphs=null;this.markPlane=new T.PlaneGeometry(1,1);
     this.props=new Map();this.propSpots=[];this.station=null;this.effects=null;
-    this.active=false;this.reduced=false;this.disposed=false;this.frame=0;this.lastTime=0;this.dirty=true;
+    this.active=false;this.reduced=false;this.vibe=false;this.vibeTime=0;this.vibeFrames={stop:null,flight:vibeFrame(1)};this.disposed=false;this.frame=0;this.lastTime=0;this.dirty=true;
     this.crowd=null;this.rows=new Map();
     this.list=Object.assign(document.createElement('div'),{className:'yard-crowd-list',id:'yard-crowd-list-'+(++crowdLists),hidden:true});
     this.list.setAttribute('role','group');
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     this.canvas.addEventListener('pointerdown',this.onPointerDown);
     this.canvas.addEventListener('click',this.onClick);
     this.canvas.addEventListener('dblclick',this.onDouble);
-    this.resizeObserver=new ResizeObserver(()=>this.resize());this.resizeObserver.observe(host);
+    this.resizeObserver=new ResizeObserver(()=>this.resize());for(const el of [host,...cover])this.resizeObserver.observe(el);
     this.resize();this.overview();
   }
   async asset(name,url) {
@@ -482,8 +482,22 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     this.camera.zoom=T.MathUtils.clamp(this.camera.zoom,this.controls.minZoom,this.controls.maxZoom);
     this.camera.updateProjectionMatrix();
     this.dirty=true;
+    this.frameVibe(w,h);
     if(this.atOverview)this.overview();else this.drawOnce();
   }
+  frameVibe(w,h) {
+    const box=this.host.getBoundingClientRect();let top=0,bottom=0;
+    for(const el of this.cover){
+      const r=el.getBoundingClientRect();
+      if(!r.width||!r.height)continue;
+      if(r.top+r.bottom<box.top+box.bottom)top=Math.max(top,r.bottom-box.top);else bottom=Math.max(bottom,box.bottom-r.top);
+    }
+    top=T.MathUtils.clamp(top,0,h);bottom=T.MathUtils.clamp(bottom,0,h);
+    this.vibeFrames={stop:vibeFrame(w/h,(top+TAG)/h,bottom/h),flight:vibeFrame(w/h,top/h,bottom/h)};
+    if(!this.vibing())return;
+    const {stop}=this.vibeFrames,{head}=VIBE.roam;
+    for(const unit of this.units.values())if(unit.moving&&unit.target&&!(inVibeFrame(stop,unit.target.x,0,unit.target.z)&&inVibeFrame(stop,unit.target.x,head,unit.target.z)))this.roam(unit);
+  }
   overview() {
     const {target,zoom}=overviewFor((this.camera.right-this.camera.left)/(this.camera.top-this.camera.bottom));
     this.atOverview=true;
@@ -922,6 +936,7 @@ export class YardRenderer {
   goTo(unit,place) {
     const target=unit.target;
     unit.mode=place.mode;
+    if(this.vibing()){if(!unit.moving)this.roam(unit);return;}
     if(target&&target.x===place.x&&target.z===place.z){unit.target=place;if(!unit.moving)this.play(unit);return;}
     unit.target=place;
     const at={x:unit.root.position.x,z:unit.root.position.z};
@@ -929,12 +944,33 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     else {unit.path=route(at,place,this.providers,this.propSpots);unit.moving=true;}
     this.play(unit);
   }
+  roam(unit) {
+    unit.roamed=(unit.roamed??-1)+1;
+    const at={x:unit.root.position.x,z:unit.root.position.z},stop=vibeStop(unit.session.id,unit.roamed,this.providers,this.propSpots,this.vibeFrames.stop);
+    unit.target=stop;unit.path=route(at,stop,this.providers,this.propSpots);unit.moving=true;
+    this.play(unit);
+  }
+  vibing() { return this.vibe&&!this.reduced; }
+  setVibe(value) {
+    if(this.vibe===Boolean(value))return;
+    const was=this.vibing();
+    this.vibe=Boolean(value);
+    if(was!==this.vibing())this.restage();
+  }
+  restage() {
+    if(!this.staged)return;
+    for(const [id,unit]of this.units){
+      const place=this.staged.places.get(id);
+      if(place){unit.target=null;this.goTo(unit,place);}
+    }
+    this.dirty=true;this.drawOnce();
+  }
   // Straight to its place, helpers with it.
   arrive(unit) {
     const place=unit.target;
     unit.root.position.set(place.x,.17,place.z);unit.path=[];unit.heading=place.face;unit.moving=false;
     if(unit.model)unit.model.rotation.y=unit.heading;
-    for(const helper of unit.helpers)helper.model.position.set(place.x+helper.offset.x,.27,place.z+helper.offset.z);
+    for(const helper of unit.helpers){helper.model.position.set(place.x+helper.offset.x,.27,place.z+helper.offset.z);helper.model.scale.setScalar(.45);}
   }
   // The clip a character should be playing now: the walk while it moves,
   // otherwise its mode's seeded sequence (model.mjs clipFor).
@@ -966,7 +1002,7 @@ export class YardRenderer {
   // Moves a walking character along its path at its stride's speed, turning
   // smoothly, and turns a standing one to face its place.
   advance(unit,dt) {
-    const root=unit.root.position;
+    const root=unit.root.position,vibing=this.vibing();
     let want=unit.target?.face??unit.heading;
     if(unit.moving&&unit.path.length) {
       let step=unit.speed*dt;
@@ -976,7 +1012,7 @@ export class YardRenderer {
         if(d<=step){root.x=next.x;root.z=next.z;unit.path.shift();step-=d;}
         else {root.x+=dx/d*step;root.z+=dz/d*step;step=0;}
       }
-      if(!unit.path.length){unit.moving=false;this.play(unit);}
+      if(!unit.path.length){if(vibing)this.roam(unit);else {unit.moving=false;this.play(unit);}}
       this.dirty=true;
     }
     const turn=angleTo(unit.heading,want);
@@ -988,13 +1024,15 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     // Helpers trail their character, closing most of the gap in a second.
     const pull=1-Math.exp(-4*dt);
     for(const helper of unit.helpers){
-      const tx=root.x+helper.offset.x,tz=root.z+helper.offset.z,p=helper.model.position;
-      const dx=tx-p.x,dz=tz-p.z,far=Math.hypot(dx,dz);
-      p.x+=dx*pull;p.z+=dz*pull;
+      const to=vibing?vibeFlight(unit.session.id+':'+helper.id,this.vibeTime,this.vibeFrames.flight,helper.height):{x:root.x+helper.offset.x,y:.27,z:root.z+helper.offset.z};
+      const p=helper.model.position,dx=to.x-p.x,dy=to.y-p.y,dz=to.z-p.z,far=Math.hypot(dx,dz);
+      const size=vibing?VIBE.flight.scale:.45,grow=size-helper.model.scale.x;
+      p.x+=dx*pull;p.y+=dy*pull;p.z+=dz*pull;
+      if(grow)helper.model.scale.setScalar(Math.abs(grow)<1e-3?size:helper.model.scale.x+grow*pull);
       if(far>.05)helper.model.rotation.y=Math.atan2(dx,dz);
       const moving=far>.08;
       if(moving!==helper.moving){helper.moving=moving;this.helperClip(helper,moving?'move':helper.pose);}
-      if(far>1e-3)this.dirty=true;
+      if(far>1e-3||Math.abs(dy)>1e-3||grow)this.dirty=true;
     }
     this.fire(unit);
   }
@@ -1134,13 +1172,20 @@ export class YardRenderer {
       spark.points.geometry.attributes.position.needsUpdate=true;
     }
   }
+  restHelper(unit,helper) {
+    helper.model.position.set(unit.root.position.x+helper.offset.x,.27,unit.root.position.z+helper.offset.z);
+    helper.model.scale.setScalar(.45);
+    helper.moving=false;helper.mixer.stopAllAction();helper.action=null;
+    this.helperClip(helper,helper.pose);
+    helper.mixer.update(0);
+  }
   helperClip(helper,name) {
     const clip=helper.clips.find(c=>c.name===name)||helper.clips.find(c=>c.name===LEGACY[name])||helper.clips[0];
     if(!clip)return;
     const action=helper.mixer.clipAction(clip);
     if(action===helper.action)return;
     action.reset().play();
-    if(helper.action){if(this.reduced)helper.action.stop();else helper.action.crossFadeTo(action,FADE,false);}
+    if(helper.action)helper.action.crossFadeTo(action,FADE,false);
     helper.action=action;
   }
   clearHelpers(unit) {
@@ -1154,9 +1199,15 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     const kinds=WORLDS[this.skin].helpers,source=this.pieceSource('companion');
     const signature=JSON.stringify([source?.revision??null,agents]);
     if(unit.helperSignature===signature)return;
-    this.clearHelpers(unit);
+    const shown=agents.slice(0,SHOWN_HELPERS);
+    unit.helpers=unit.helpers.filter(helper=>{
+      if(shown.some(agent=>agent.id===helper.id))return true;
+      unit.crew.remove(helper.model);helper.mixer.stopAllAction();helper.mixer.uncacheRoot(helper.model);disposeSkeletons(helper.model);
+      return false;
+    });
     unit.helperSignature=signature;
-    const rev=unit.revision,generation=this.request;
+    const rev=++unit.revision,generation=this.request;
+    this.dirty=true;this.drawOnce();
     const stale=()=>this.disposed||generation!==this.request||rev!==unit.revision||!unit.root.parent;
     let pieces=null;
     if(source&&agents.length){
@@ -1171,26 +1222,31 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     }
     // The full helper count and all helper details remain in the canonical inspector.
     // Small squads preserve readable character silhouettes at the overview scale.
-    await Promise.all(agents.slice(0,SHOWN_HELPERS).map(async(agent,i)=>{
+    await Promise.all(shown.map(async(agent,i)=>{
+      const offset=helperOffset(i,agents.length),existing=unit.helpers.find(helper=>helper.id===agent.id);
+      if(existing){
+        existing.offset=offset;existing.pose=agent.pose;
+        if(this.reduced)this.restHelper(unit,existing);
+        else if(!existing.moving&&!this.vibing())this.helperClip(existing,agent.pose);
+        this.dirty=true;this.drawOnce();
+        return;
+      }
       try {
         const n=hash(agent.name||agent.id)%4;
         const asset=pieces?pieces[n]:await this.asset((agent.shell?kinds.shell:kinds.agent)+n);
         if(stale())return;
         const model=T.cloneSkeleton(asset.scene);
         model.traverse(n=>{if(n.isSkinnedMesh)n.frustumCulled=false;});
-        const offset=helperOffset(i,agents.length);
         model.scale.setScalar(.45);model.position.set(unit.root.position.x+offset.x,.27,unit.root.position.z+offset.z);
         unit.crew.add(model);
         const mixer=new T.AnimationMixer(model);
         let yard=null;asset.scene.traverse(n=>{if(n.userData?.yard)yard=n.userData.yard;});
-        const helper={id:agent.id,top:yardExtras(yard,'helper').height*model.scale.y,model,mixer,offset,pose:agent.pose,clips:asset.animations,moving:false,action:null};
-        this.helperClip(helper,agent.pose);
-        mixer.update(.3+(hash(agent.id)%40)/10);
+        const helper={id:agent.id,height:yardExtras(yard,'helper').height,get top(){return this.height*this.model.scale.y;},model,mixer,offset,pose:agent.pose,clips:asset.animations,moving:false,action:null};
+        if(this.reduced)this.restHelper(unit,helper);
+        else {this.helperClip(helper,agent.pose);mixer.update(.3+(hash(agent.id)%40)/10);}
         unit.helpers.push(helper);
         this.dirty=true;this.drawOnce();
       } catch {
-        // The next state transition can rebuild this incomplete squad. Routine
-        // unchanged updates do not call helpers(), so failure cannot loop.
         if(!stale())unit.helperSignature=null;
       }
     }));
@@ -1343,9 +1399,12 @@ export class YardRenderer {
     this.list.style.top=Math.max(6,ct+half+4+lh<=h-6?ct+half+4:ct-half-4-lh)+'px';
   }
   setReducedMotion(value) {
+    const was=this.vibing();
     this.reduced=value;
+    if(was!==this.vibing())this.restage();
     if(value)for(const unit of this.units.values()){this.unlook(unit);unit.lookYaw=0;unit.lookPitch=0;}
     if(value)for(const unit of this.units.values())if(unit.moving&&unit.target){this.arrive(unit);this.play(unit);}
+    if(value)for(const unit of this.units.values())for(const helper of unit.helpers)this.restHelper(unit,helper);
     if(value){for(const item of this.halls.values())item.level=item.target;this.glow();this.stillEffects();this.clearFireworks();}
     this.dirty=true;this.drawOnce();
   }
@@ -1372,12 +1431,14 @@ export class YardRenderer {
   // Advances walks, turns, helpers, clips, glances, sparks and the halls'
   // glow and effects by dt seconds, without drawing.
   step(dt) {
+    const vibing=this.vibing();
+    if(vibing)this.vibeTime+=dt;
     for(const unit of this.units.values()) {
       this.advance(unit,dt);
       // Characters out of view animate five times a second, enough to stay
       // in step for when the camera comes back to them.
       let step=dt;
-      if(unit.offscreen){unit.lag=(unit.lag||0)+dt;if(unit.lag<.2)continue;step=unit.lag;}
+      if(unit.offscreen&&!vibing){unit.lag=(unit.lag||0)+dt;if(unit.lag<.2)continue;step=unit.lag;}
       unit.lag=0;
       this.unlook(unit);
       for(const mixer of unit.mixers)mixer.update(step);
diff --git a/web/yard/view.js b/web/yard/view.js
index 394e1d5..ba2bdfb 100644
--- a/web/yard/view.js
+++ b/web/yard/view.js
@@ -169,6 +169,20 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
     button.disabled = !renderer || disposed || motion.matches;
     button.title = motion.matches ? 'Fireworks off: reduced motion is enabled' : 'Fireworks in this Yard only';
   };
+  let vibe = false;
+  try { vibe = localStorage.getItem('agentGuild.vibe') === 'on'; } catch {}
+  const vibeButton = () => {
+    const button = $('yard-vibe');
+    button.setAttribute('aria-pressed', String(vibe));
+    button.disabled = motion.matches;
+    button.title = motion.matches ? 'Vibes Mode off: reduced motion is enabled' : vibe ? 'Vibes Mode is on in every Yard' : 'Vibes Mode: everyone roams, in every Yard';
+  };
+  const toggleVibe = () => {
+    vibe = !vibe;
+    try { localStorage.setItem('agentGuild.vibe', vibe ? 'on' : 'off'); } catch {}
+    renderer?.setVibe(vibe);
+    vibeButton();
+  };
   const sceneVisible = () => view === 'yard' && !$('app').hidden && document.visibilityState !== 'hidden' && $('terminal-panel').hidden;
   const skinEntry = (skin = root.dataset.skin) => (window.agentGuildSkins || []).find((item) => item.id === skin) || null;
   const yardOff = root.dataset.yard === 'none';
@@ -281,6 +295,7 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
           open: id => controller.openSession(id),
           error: () => { if (attempt === sceneAttempt) failScene(); },
           piece: pieceDrawn,
+          cover: [...document.querySelectorAll('.yard-heading > *, #yard-stage .yard-overlay')],
         });
         pendingRenderer = candidate;
         // Appearance can change while the first world is loading.
@@ -299,6 +314,7 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
         renderer = candidate;
         lastSkin = skin; lastTheme = theme; lastRevision = revision;
         renderer.setReducedMotion(motion.matches);
+        renderer.setVibe(vibe);
         renderer.update(snapshot.providers, snapshot.sessions);
         renderer.select(selected);
         renderer.setActive(sceneVisible());
@@ -465,6 +481,8 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
   $('yard-zoom-out').addEventListener('click',() => renderer?.zoom(1/1.2));
   $('yard-fireworks').addEventListener('click',celebrate);
   fireworksButton();
+  $('yard-vibe').addEventListener('click',toggleVibe);
+  vibeButton();
   $('yard-photo').hidden = !controller.photo;
   $('yard-photo').addEventListener('click',async () => {
     let YardPhoto;
@@ -490,7 +508,7 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
     setView(preferYard && skinAllowsYard() ? 'yard' : 'cards', { remember: false });
     renderer?.setActive(sceneVisible());
   };
-  const motionChange = () => { renderer?.setReducedMotion(motion.matches); fireworksButton(); };
+  const motionChange = () => { renderer?.setReducedMotion(motion.matches); fireworksButton(); vibeButton(); };
   const pageHide = () => renderer?.setActive(false);
   const observer = new MutationObserver((records) => {
     if (records.some((record) => record.attributeName === 'data-skin' || record.attributeName === 'data-theme')) onAppearance();
@@ -507,6 +525,7 @@ export function initYard(controller) {
   return { update, select, setView, closePhoto, celebrate, dispose() {
     closePhoto();
     $('yard-fireworks').removeEventListener('click',celebrate);
+    $('yard-vibe').removeEventListener('click',toggleVibe);
     disposed=true; fireworksButton(); sceneAttempt++; worldAttempt++; clearTimeout(swapReveal); observer.disconnect(); pendingRenderer?.dispose(); renderer?.dispose();
     document.removeEventListener('visibilitychange',visibility);
     motion.removeEventListener('change',motionChange);
diff --git a/web/yard/yard.css b/web/yard/yard.css
index 2b3c06e..9b42835 100644
--- a/web/yard/yard.css
+++ b/web/yard/yard.css
@@ -265,3 +265,4 @@
 @container (max-width:440px) { .yard-play-text { display:none; } .yard-play-link { padding:0 7px; } }
 @container (max-width:380px) { .yard-play:not(.yard-play-solo) .yard-play-link { display:none; } .yard-play-chip { --play-more-w:44px; } .yard-play-more { padding:0; } .yard-play-more::before { display:none; } .yard-play-more-orb { display:block; grid-area:1 / 1; } .yard-play-caret { grid-area:1 / 1; place-self:end; width:9px; height:6px; margin:0 7px 6px 0; stroke-width:2.2; } }
 @container (max-width:340px) { :root:is([data-skin="orbital"],[data-skin="gnomeland"],[data-skin="goblinville"],[data-skin="grove"],[data-skin="guild"],[data-skin="professional"]) :is(.yard-eyebrow, #yard-subtitle) { display:none; } }
+#yard-vibe[aria-pressed="true"] { border-color:var(--accent); color:var(--accent); }