diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/live_shot.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/live_shot.rs
index ea7a32a8..2f83bf35 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/live_shot.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/live_shot.rs
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ fn fire_live_shot(
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     subjects: Query<(&Guid, &Transform), (With<NetEntity>, Without<SelfPlayer>)>,
     camera: Query<(&Camera, &Transform), With<WorldCamera>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut refused: Local<bool>,
     mut next_require_warn: Local<f32>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_charter.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_charter.rs
index fbf6db4a..5fce6ffa 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_charter.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_charter.rs
@@ -458,7 +458,7 @@ fn charter_probe(
     mut probe: ResMut<CharterProbe>,
     gossip: Res<GossipState>,
     registrar: Res<GuildRegistrarState>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     player: Res<Player>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_clam.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_clam.rs
index 788c0345..fc31c1ff 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_clam.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_clam.rs
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ fn window_open(script: &UiScript, loot: &LootState) -> bool {
 fn find_in_backpack(
     store: &ObjectStore,
     entry: u32,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     net: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<(u64, u32)> {
     let (i, guid) = (0..16u8)
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ fn clam_probe(
     mut probe: ResMut<ClamProbe>,
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     self_store: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     mut cfg: ResMut<LootConfig>,
     loot: Res<LootState>,
     latch: Res<LootLatch>,
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ fn clam_probe(
             probe.phase = Phase::Stocking { sent_at: now };
         }
         Phase::Stocking { sent_at } => {
-            if let Some((guid, slot)) = find_in_backpack(store, entry, &mut items, &net) {
+            if let Some((guid, slot)) = find_in_backpack(store, entry, &items, &net) {
                 info!(
                     "PROBE_CLAM: item {entry} is guid {guid:#x} in backpack slot {slot} — \
                      sampling {CONTROL_FRAMES} control frames with it UNCLICKED"
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_mail.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_mail.rs
index 1e816c87..85c747fd 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_mail.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_mail.rs
@@ -377,7 +377,7 @@ fn mail_probe(
             };
             let landed = entry_of(&mail, letter_id).and_then(|e| {
                 (e.item_text_id != 0)
-                    .then(|| mail.bodies.get(&e.item_text_id).cloned())
+                    .then(|| mail.bodies.get(e.item_text_id).cloned())
                     .flatten()
                     .map(|body| (body, e.checked & CHECKED_READ != 0))
             });
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_vendor_swap.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_vendor_swap.rs
index 2291f89f..6093fd07 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_vendor_swap.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probe_vendor_swap.rs
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ fn vendor_swap_probe(
     mut probe: ResMut<VendorSwapProbe>,
     merchant: Res<MerchantOpen>,
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     panes: Res<BoothPanes>,
     images: Res<PortraitImages>,
     self_player: Query<(), With<SelfPlayer>>,
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ fn vendor_swap_probe(
             let (brog, dobbins) = (find(BROG_ENTRY), find(DOBBINS_ENTRY));
             // Both names must be cached before the legs read them back out of the VM — the
             // ask-once resolve is what the unit feed itself would send on the open frame.
-            let mut named = |g: Option<u64>| g.is_some_and(|g| names.resolve(g, &net).is_some());
+            let named = |g: Option<u64>| g.is_some_and(|g| names.resolve(g, &net).is_some());
             let (brog_named, dobbins_named) = (named(brog), named(dobbins));
             if brog_named && dobbins_named {
                 probe.brog = brog;
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probes/ground_census.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probes/ground_census.rs
index 22d6ebe2..6d3c677c 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probes/ground_census.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/capture/probes/ground_census.rs
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ fn fire_ground_census(
     // reader back to the server's own tables to answer it — and the cache is already warm: it is
     // asked at first *sight* for every unit that streams in. A `None` is a name still in flight,
     // never a missing one.
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     world: benilla_world::collision::WorldCollision,
     point: benilla_world::world_point::WorldPoint,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/creature_anim/spell_visual.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/creature_anim/spell_visual.rs
index 1b43e49b..339f7e66 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/creature_anim/spell_visual.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/creature_anim/spell_visual.rs
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ pub(super) fn load_spell_visuals(mut commands: Commands, assets: Option<Res<Worl
 #[derive(bevy::ecs::system::SystemParam)]
 pub(super) struct WeaponVisualSrc<'w, 's> {
     displays: Option<Res<'w, ItemDisplays>>,
-    items: Option<ResMut<'w, Items>>,
+    items: Option<Res<'w, Items>>,
     net: Option<Res<'w, NetCommands>>,
     units: Query<'w, 's, (Option<&'static NetEntity>, &'static ObjectStore)>,
 }
@@ -355,7 +355,7 @@ impl WeaponVisualSrc<'_, '_> {
             EntityKind::Player => s
                 .player_visible_item_entry(17)
                 .filter(|e| *e != 0)
-                .and_then(|entry| self.items.as_deref_mut()?.held(entry, self.net.as_deref()?))
+                .and_then(|entry| self.items.as_deref()?.held(entry, self.net.as_deref()?))
                 .map(|t| t.display_info_id),
             _ => None,
         }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/death.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/death.rs
index ec6a1e5c..62ec55d8 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/death.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/death.rs
@@ -187,14 +187,14 @@ fn feed_death(
     // comparison must be the same clock.
     time: Res<Time<Real>>,
     mut feed: ResMut<DeathFeedState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<crate::names::NameCache>,
     net: Res<NetCommands>,
     index: Res<GuidIndex>,
     transforms: Query<&Transform>,
     map: Option<Res<benilla_world::world_map::CurrentMap>>,
     status: Res<crate::net::NetStatus>,
     spells: Option<Res<Spells>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<crate::items::Items>,
+    items: Res<crate::items::Items>,
 ) {
     // **Only a LIVE session's descriptor is a snapshot** (decision 1732). A reconnect-able
     // disconnect keeps the self avatar as the local puppet (0065) — descriptor and all — so
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ fn feed_death(
         // `HasSoulstone()` — see [`resolve_self_res`] for the three gates and their order. Not a
         // per-frame inventory walk in general: the dead gate is first, so while alive this is one
         // health read, and while dead-unreleased the walk only runs on a zero field.
-        self_res_label: resolve_self_res(&store.0, &mut items, spells.as_deref(), &net)
+        self_res_label: resolve_self_res(&store.0, &items, spells.as_deref(), &net)
             .map(|r| r.label().to_owned()),
     });
 
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ impl SelfRes {
 /// the lookup fires answers within a frame or two and the next resolve sees it.
 fn resolve_self_res(
     store: &benilla_protocol::ObjectFields,
-    items: &mut crate::items::Items,
+    items: &crate::items::Items,
     spells: Option<&Spells>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<SelfRes> {
@@ -628,7 +628,7 @@ fn drain_death(
                 match store.as_ref().and_then(|store| {
                     resolve_self_res(
                         store,
-                        &mut ladder.items,
+                        &ladder.items,
                         ladder.spells.as_deref(),
                         &ladder.commands,
                     )
@@ -837,7 +837,7 @@ mod self_res_tests {
     #[test]
     fn the_dead_gate_precedes_the_field() {
         let (net, _rx) = commands();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let spells = catalog([(REINCARNATION, named("Reincarnation", [94, 0, 0]))]);
 
         let alive = ObjectFields::from_pairs(&[
@@ -846,7 +846,7 @@ mod self_res_tests {
             (F_SELF_RES, REINCARNATION),
         ]);
         assert_eq!(
-            resolve_self_res(&alive, &mut items, Some(&spells), &net),
+            resolve_self_res(&alive, &items, Some(&spells), &net),
             None,
             "alive with a self-res owed: nil"
         );
@@ -859,7 +859,7 @@ mod self_res_tests {
             (F_SELF_RES, REINCARNATION),
         ]);
         assert_eq!(
-            resolve_self_res(&ghost, &mut items, Some(&spells), &net),
+            resolve_self_res(&ghost, &items, Some(&spells), &net),
             None,
             "a released ghost still holds the field, and still answers nil"
         );
@@ -870,7 +870,7 @@ mod self_res_tests {
             (F_SELF_RES, REINCARNATION),
         ]);
         assert_eq!(
-            resolve_self_res(&dead, &mut items, Some(&spells), &net),
+            resolve_self_res(&dead, &items, Some(&spells), &net),
             Some(SelfRes::Spell {
                 spell: REINCARNATION,
                 label: "Reincarnation".into(),
@@ -883,12 +883,12 @@ mod self_res_tests {
     #[test]
     fn an_unresolvable_spell_id_reads_unknown_not_nil() {
         let (net, _rx) = commands();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let dead =
             ObjectFields::from_pairs(&[(F_MAXHEALTH, 4000), (F_HEALTH, 0), (F_SELF_RES, 999_999)]);
         for spells in [None, Some(catalog([]))] {
             assert_eq!(
-                resolve_self_res(&dead, &mut items, spells.as_ref(), &net),
+                resolve_self_res(&dead, &items, spells.as_ref(), &net),
                 Some(SelfRes::Spell {
                     spell: 999_999,
                     label: "UNKNOWN".into(),
@@ -948,7 +948,7 @@ mod self_res_tests {
         }
         let dead = ObjectFields::from_pairs(&pairs);
 
-        match resolve_self_res(&dead, &mut items, Some(&spells), &net) {
+        match resolve_self_res(&dead, &items, Some(&spells), &net) {
             Some(SelfRes::Item { entry, label, .. }) => {
                 assert_eq!(
                     entry, 12,
@@ -961,9 +961,6 @@ mod self_res_tests {
 
         // Take it away and the answer is nil again — not "UNKNOWN", which is the spell leg's.
         let bare = ObjectFields::from_pairs(&[(F_MAXHEALTH, 4000), (F_HEALTH, 0)]);
-        assert_eq!(
-            resolve_self_res(&bare, &mut items, Some(&spells), &net),
-            None
-        );
+        assert_eq!(resolve_self_res(&bare, &items, Some(&spells), &net), None);
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/inspect.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/inspect.rs
index 77a7f322..41a3b096 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/inspect.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/inspect.rs
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ pub(super) fn inspect_ui(
     drivers: Query<&crate::creature_anim::AnimDriver>,
     anim_data: Option<Res<crate::creature_anim::AnimData>>,
     spells: Option<Res<crate::ui_action::Spells>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<crate::names::NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<crate::net::NetCommands>,
     // Bundled into one param (Bevy's system-function arity ceiling): the copy-click button, and
     // the flag it must yield to — a left press this frame the UI already consumed as a
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/journal.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/journal.rs
index 06a7041f..fcae929c 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/journal.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/journal.rs
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ pub(super) fn journal_ui(
     inspect: Res<InspectMode>,
     journal: Res<CastJournal>,
     self_guid: Res<SelfGuid>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<crate::names::NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     time: Res<Time>,
     // The copied row's edge stamp (`CastRecord::at` is unique per row) + when the copy happened,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/world.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/world.rs
index 3d86425d..b7d26a01 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/world.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/debug_panel/world.rs
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ pub(super) struct WorldReadout<'w, 's> {
     skybox_weight: Res<'w, benilla_world::skybox::SkyboxWeight>,
     streamer: Res<'w, benilla_world::terrain_stream::TerrainStreamer>,
     self_guid: Res<'w, crate::net::SelfGuid>,
-    names: ResMut<'w, crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<'w, crate::names::NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<'w, crate::net::NetCommands>,
     camera: Query<'w, 's, &'static Transform, With<benilla_world::view::WorldCamera>>,
     land: MessageWriter<'w, LandHere>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities.rs
index fc4f05de..387129a9 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities.rs
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ pub(crate) use collision_height::CollisionHeight;
 /// spawned under the same attach-point joints as held items, lifetime per the kit stage.
 mod missile;
 use missile::{attach_missile_models, move_missiles, spawn_missiles};
-pub(crate) use missile::{MissileMiss, MissileSound};
+pub(crate) use missile::{MissileMiss, MissileSound, PendingMissiles};
 
 /// WMO-display GameObject doodad props (the ship's sails / the zeppelin's rotor): the WMO's MODD
 /// M2s spawned as children of the streamed gameobject, so they ride a moving transport.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/equipment/resolve.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/equipment/resolve.rs
index ffd1096d..236d00ae 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/equipment/resolve.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/equipment/resolve.rs
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ pub(in crate::entities) fn resolve_equipment(
         Has<crate::net::SelfPlayer>,
     )>,
     held: Option<ResMut<ItemDisplays>>,
-    mut templates: ResMut<Items>,
+    templates: Res<Items>,
     net: Res<NetCommands>,
     asset_server: Res<AssetServer>,
     // The creature display cache — a character-model NPC's helm/shoulder ids + race/sex live on its
@@ -638,7 +638,7 @@ pub(in crate::entities) fn resolve_equipment(
             EntityKind::Player if char_component => {
                 let race = s.unit_race().unwrap_or(1);
                 let sex = s.unit_gender().unwrap_or(0).min(1);
-                let mut resolve = |slot: u8| {
+                let resolve = |slot: u8| {
                     s.player_visible_item_entry(slot)
                         .filter(|e| *e != 0)
                         .and_then(|entry| templates.held(entry, &net))
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/missile.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/missile.rs
index dba7d7ba..a152cda9 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/missile.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/entities/missile.rs
@@ -293,8 +293,58 @@ struct QueuedGo {
 
 /// Every caster's pending queue (the client's per-unit `+0xac` list heads). A caster that
 /// streams out drops its queue with it.
+///
+/// **It is also a GATE, not only a queue** (decision 2288, wow-re
+/// `missile-queue-gates-the-release-event.md`). `[CGUnit+0xac]` holds `CMissile` nodes — the
+/// binary names them itself (`Missile_C.cpp`) — inserted by the missile spawner `0x60a3d0` and
+/// drained by the release event, and the `$BWR` handler reads it *before* draining it
+/// (`0x600182 mov eax,[esi+0xac]; test eax,eax; je 0x600299`). Everything between those two points
+/// — the ranged prop's own re-anim and the cast-sound reposition — happens **only when a
+/// projectile is actually waiting to be released**. So a shot's flex and its launch are two
+/// effects of one act, and a consumer that arms the prop without asking this has half a mechanism.
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
-pub(super) struct PendingMissiles(EntityHashMap<Vec<QueuedGo>>);
+pub(crate) struct PendingMissiles(EntityHashMap<Vec<QueuedGo>>);
+
+impl PendingMissiles {
+    /// Is a projectile queued on `caster`, waiting for its release keyframe? The reference's
+    /// `test eax,eax` on the list head — asked by [`crate::ranged_flex`] before the drain, which is
+    /// the order `0x600182` and `0x600294` sit in.
+    pub(crate) fn releasing(&self, caster: Entity) -> bool {
+        self.0.get(&caster).is_some_and(|q| !q.is_empty())
+    }
+
+    /// Queue one projectile on `caster` — **test-only**, for the consumers of the gate above
+    /// ([`crate::ranged_flex`]), which need the queue non-empty without standing up the whole GO
+    /// path to put something in it. The node's contents are irrelevant to every reader of
+    /// [`Self::releasing`]; only its presence is.
+    #[cfg(test)]
+    pub(crate) fn queue_a_shot(app: &mut bevy::app::App, caster: Entity) {
+        let spawn = MissileSpawn {
+            caster,
+            spell_id: 75,
+            path: None,
+            ammo_display_id: None,
+            dest_tag: None,
+            speed: 40.0,
+            targets: Vec::new(),
+            ground_aim: None,
+            weapon_visual: None,
+            missile_sound: None,
+            awaits_release: true,
+        };
+        app.world_mut()
+            .resource_mut::<Self>()
+            .0
+            .entry(caster)
+            .or_default()
+            .push(QueuedGo {
+                spawn,
+                key: None,
+                queued: 0.0,
+                saw_oneshot: false,
+            });
+    }
+}
 
 /// The ammo display's flight model as a [`SpellFx`] cache entry: the **shape rule** (module
 /// docs — right slot = `Ammo\`, left slot = `Weapon\`, thrown), with the row's own object skin.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/game_plugins.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/game_plugins.rs
index b305da31..fa86c6ea 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/game_plugins.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/game_plugins.rs
@@ -444,9 +444,11 @@ impl PluginGroup for GamePlugins {
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
-    use std::collections::HashMap;
+    use std::any::TypeId;
+    use std::collections::{BTreeMap, HashMap, HashSet};
 
     use super::*;
+    use bevy::ecs::component::ComponentId;
     use bevy::ecs::schedule::graph::Direction;
     use bevy::ecs::schedule::{LogLevel, NodeId, ScheduleBuildSettings, ScheduleLabel, SystemKey};
 
@@ -501,8 +503,13 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
     pub(crate) struct Census {
         pub systems: HashMap<SystemKey, SystemInfo>,
         /// Pairs of systems with conflicting access and no path between them, each with what
-        /// they fight over, by name.
-        pub conflicts: Vec<(SystemKey, SystemKey, Vec<String>)>,
+        /// they fight over.
+        pub conflicts: Vec<(SystemKey, SystemKey, Vec<ComponentId>)>,
+        /// Everything any pair fights over, by name (a placeholder in a build without type
+        /// names — [`type_names_available`]).
+        pub components: HashMap<ComponentId, String>,
+        /// The explained classes, resolved against this world (decision 2287).
+        pub classes: Classes,
         /// Every declared `a` runs before `b`, at the system level.
         pub dependencies: Vec<(SystemKey, SystemKey)>,
         /// The systems that must run on the main thread (the VM's, the audio layer's).
@@ -516,6 +523,10 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
                 .map(|s| s.name.as_str())
                 .unwrap_or("?")
         }
+
+        pub fn component(&self, id: ComponentId) -> &str {
+            self.components.get(&id).map(String::as_str).unwrap_or("?")
+        }
     }
 
     /// Take the census of one schedule. Initializing it runs every system's param setup, and
@@ -622,28 +633,31 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
                     conditions: Vec::new(),
                 });
             }
+            let mut components = HashMap::new();
             let conflicts = schedule
                 .graph()
                 .conflicting_systems()
                 .0
                 .iter()
                 .map(|(a, b, ids)| {
-                    let what = ids
-                        .iter()
-                        .map(|id| {
+                    for id in ids.iter() {
+                        components.entry(*id).or_insert_with(|| {
                             world
                                 .components()
                                 .get_name(*id)
                                 .map(|n| n.to_string())
                                 .unwrap_or_else(|| format!("{id:?}"))
-                        })
-                        .collect();
-                    (*a, *b, what)
+                        });
+                    }
+                    (*a, *b, ids.to_vec())
                 })
                 .collect();
+            let classes = Classes::read(world);
             Census {
                 systems,
                 conflicts,
+                components,
+                classes,
                 dependencies,
                 non_send,
             }
@@ -660,18 +674,134 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
         c.systems.values().any(|s| s.name.contains("benilla_app::"))
     }
 
-    /// Is this conflict set nothing but the Lua VM?
-    fn vm_only(what: &[String]) -> bool {
-        what.iter()
-            .all(|w| w.contains("benilla_ui::script::UiScript"))
+    /// **The explained classes** (decision 2287) — what an undeclared order may be about
+    /// without anyone declaring it, argued once here instead of by every session that adds a
+    /// system. On 2287's eve three sessions raised the two constants this table replaced,
+    /// each with a paragraph, each through a rebase conflict on the same lines, none declaring
+    /// an order (2281, 2282, 2283) — because for most of what those counts held there was
+    /// nothing to declare:
+    ///
+    /// - **A non-`Send` owner** — the Lua VM, the audio layer's handles. Their systems run on
+    ///   the main thread one at a time under any executor, so no order among them is a race.
+    ///   *Which feed fires its Lua events first* is a real question — 2265 §A3(a)'s, answered
+    ///   once for the `UiFeed` set, not per pair. Derived, not listed: every registration that
+    ///   is not `Send + Sync`.
+    /// - **A pure cache** — a read is a write because a miss records itself: the ask-once
+    ///   caches mark the key pending and send one query (`NameCache`, the GameObject
+    ///   templates, the page texts), the load-once caches build the entry (`WorldAssets`,
+    ///   `Creatures`' display models). Two misses for one key commute — one query, or one
+    ///   build, whichever runs first — and the answer lands in the net drain, in packet order,
+    ///   inside `WorldStage::Net`. *Pure* is the condition: a resource that is a cache **and**
+    ///   a window's state (`Items`, `MailOpen`, `GuildState`, `QuestLog`, `PetitionState`) is
+    ///   not here, because its other writers do not commute; 2265 §A4 is what lets those
+    ///   split (decision 2288).
+    /// - **An append-only sink** — `ChatLog`, `MessageSounds`, `UiErrorKeys`, `UiErrorTexts`:
+    ///   writers commute, and a drain's order against a writer is one frame of latency, never
+    ///   a loss. (2283's ten pairs were all this shape: a new verb drain against its siblings
+    ///   over the chat and error sinks.)
+    /// - **A random stream** — `SoundKits`, which every sound system holds to play a kit: a
+    ///   decode cache, a per-kit last-variation memory and one xorshift stream. Any
+    ///   interleaving of draws is a valid draw, and that is the reference's own contract for
+    ///   its single stream, consumed in whatever order its callers happen to run.
+    ///
+    /// A pair is **explained** when everything it fights over is in one of the four, and
+    /// **actionable** otherwise; only the actionable count is ratcheted. Adding a type here is
+    /// the act raising the ceiling used to be — a claim, with its reason, made in review — and
+    /// it is a claim about *every* writer of that resource, which is why the pure caches are
+    /// pure. Resolved by `TypeId`, so the ratchet runs in the player build, which carries no
+    /// names (1451).
+    /// One row of the class table: the type's name for the message, and its `TypeId`.
+    type ClassRow = (&'static str, fn() -> TypeId);
+
+    pub(crate) struct Classes {
+        /// The VM's own id, for the executor census.
+        pub vm: Option<ComponentId>,
+        pub non_send: HashSet<ComponentId>,
+        pub caches: HashSet<ComponentId>,
+        pub sinks: HashSet<ComponentId>,
+        pub streams: HashSet<ComponentId>,
     }
 
-    /// …or nothing but the VM and the audio layer (kira's handles, the kit catalog, the
-    /// config) — the two non-`Send` owners 2265 §A3 names as the noise floor.
-    fn vm_or_audio_only(what: &[String]) -> bool {
-        what.iter().all(|w| {
-            w.contains("benilla_ui::script::UiScript") || w.contains("benilla_app::sound::")
-        })
+    impl Classes {
+        const CACHES: &[ClassRow] = &[
+            ("NameCache", TypeId::of::<crate::names::NameCache>),
+            (
+                "GameObjectTemplates",
+                TypeId::of::<crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>,
+            ),
+            ("PageTexts", TypeId::of::<crate::ui_item_text::PageTexts>),
+            ("WorldAssets", TypeId::of::<benilla_assets::WorldAssets>),
+            ("Creatures", TypeId::of::<crate::entities::Creatures>),
+        ];
+        const SINKS: &[ClassRow] = &[
+            ("ChatLog", TypeId::of::<crate::ui_chat::ChatLog>),
+            ("MessageSounds", TypeId::of::<crate::sound::MessageSounds>),
+            ("UiErrorKeys", TypeId::of::<crate::ui_action::UiErrorKeys>),
+            ("UiErrorTexts", TypeId::of::<crate::ui_action::UiErrorTexts>),
+        ];
+        const STREAMS: &[ClassRow] = &[("SoundKits", TypeId::of::<crate::sound::SoundKits>)];
+
+        /// Resolve the table against a world whose schedules have initialized (every param
+        /// has registered its resource by then). A row that resolves to nothing is a stale
+        /// row, and the test says which.
+        fn read(world: &World) -> Self {
+            let comps = world.components();
+            let resolve = |rows: &[ClassRow]| -> HashSet<ComponentId> {
+                rows.iter()
+                    .map(|(name, type_id)| {
+                        comps.get_resource_id(type_id()).unwrap_or_else(|| {
+                            panic!("`{name}` is in the class table but is not a resource of this world")
+                        })
+                    })
+                    .collect()
+            };
+            Self {
+                vm: comps.get_resource_id(TypeId::of::<benilla_ui::script::UiScript>()),
+                non_send: comps
+                    .iter_registered()
+                    .filter(|info| !info.is_send_and_sync())
+                    .map(|info| info.id())
+                    .collect(),
+                caches: resolve(Self::CACHES),
+                sinks: resolve(Self::SINKS),
+                streams: resolve(Self::STREAMS),
+            }
+        }
+
+        fn explains(&self, id: ComponentId) -> bool {
+            self.non_send.contains(&id)
+                || self.caches.contains(&id)
+                || self.sinks.contains(&id)
+                || self.streams.contains(&id)
+        }
+
+        /// Which class explains this pair — `None` if it is actionable.
+        pub fn class_of(&self, what: &[ComponentId]) -> Option<&'static str> {
+            if !what.iter().all(|id| self.explains(*id)) {
+                return None;
+            }
+            Some(if self.vm_only(what) {
+                "VM only"
+            } else if self.non_send_only(what) {
+                "non-Send owners"
+            } else if what.iter().all(|id| self.caches.contains(id)) {
+                "pure caches"
+            } else if what.iter().all(|id| self.sinks.contains(id)) {
+                "append-only sinks"
+            } else if what.iter().all(|id| self.streams.contains(id)) {
+                "random streams"
+            } else {
+                "mixed"
+            })
+        }
+
+        pub fn vm_only(&self, what: &[ComponentId]) -> bool {
+            what.iter().all(|id| Some(*id) == self.vm)
+        }
+
+        pub fn non_send_only(&self, what: &[ComponentId]) -> bool {
+            what.iter().all(|id| self.non_send.contains(id))
+        }
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -680,76 +810,42 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
         assert!(app.world().contains_resource::<Schedules>());
     }
 
-    /// The standing count of ambiguous pairs in `Update` — two systems with conflicting access
-    /// and no declared order between them, which the executor runs in whatever order the graph
-    /// around them happens to produce (B354, 2220). Same shape as `world_api_wall.rs`: the
-    /// count may not rise past the ceiling, and the ceiling follows the count down.
-    ///
-    /// **Measured 2026-09-16 (decision 2279), 659 systems:** 16,437 pairs, of which 10,613 are
-    /// on the Lua VM alone and 1,107 on the VM or the audio layer — the two non-`Send` owners
-    /// that every feed and every sound call takes, so nearly every pair of them conflicts. The
-    /// 4,717 that remain fight over ordinary resources and components (`Transform` 716,
-    /// `WorldAssets` 362, `Items`, `NameCache`, `ChatLog`, `Player`…) and are the actionable
-    /// number; `UPDATE_OTHER_CEILING` ratchets it on its own. `WOW_AMBIGUITY_DUMP=1` prints
-    /// every non-VM, non-audio pair with what it fights over.
-    ///
-    /// Raising a ceiling is a claim that a new undeclared order is acceptable; make it with the
-    /// reason, or declare the order instead (`.after`, a set, a `chain`).
-    /// **16,538 (decision 2283), 660 systems** — `ui_dialog_verbs::drain_meeting_stone_joins`, the
-    /// meeting stone's use slot. +101, of which 91 are VM-only: it holds `NonSendMut<UiScript>` to
-    /// raise its refusal line, and the paragraph above is the reason that number is what it is —
-    /// every new feed or drain collides with every other VM holder by construction.
-    /// `UPDATE_OTHER_CEILING` below carries the ten that are actionable.
-    ///
-    /// **+4 (decision 2281)** — `ranged_flex`'s two systems, the `$BWP`/`$BWR` arm and the
-    /// un-nock's reset. Both write `AnimationPlayer` on the ranged weapon prop, so each joins the
-    /// accepted class its chain-mates already sit in: ambiguous against
-    /// `portrait::booth::drive_booth_turn` and `quest_markers::pose_markers` for exactly the
-    /// reason `driver::drive_animations` and `driver::grip::drive_hand_grip` are — four lanes
-    /// driving players on populations that never intersect (a held weapon, a booth model, a quest
-    /// marker), and the filter algebra cannot see the disjointness. Their *real* orders are
-    /// declared at the registration instead: against each other by the chain, and before the
-    /// per-sequence material samplers, which must answer for the clip armed this frame.
-    ///
-    /// **+6 (decision 2282), all the same shape:** `{tick_anim_materials, matanim_probe} ×
-    /// {attach_spell_fx, attach_missile_models, attach_item_glows}`, fighting over the two
-    /// mat-anim resources (`MatAnimTable`, `UvAnimMaterials`) alone — the three fx attaches now
-    /// register a per-instance UV clone where before they touched neither. Declared acceptable
-    /// rather than ordered,
-    /// because the order is immaterial *by construction* and an `.after` would assert a
-    /// dependency that does not exist: `register_fx_uv` writes the new entry's rows itself, at
-    /// attach, precisely so a tick that already ran this frame costs the instance nothing — and a
-    /// tick that runs after re-derives the same numbers from the same clock (sampling is
-    /// clock-indexed; the registration and the tick read one `AnimationPlayer`). The probe is a
-    /// one-shot diagnostic behind an env var, off in every ordinary run. The cost of declaring it
-    /// would be real: `tick_anim_materials` is engine-private, so the game would have to name a
-    /// new engine `SystemSet` — a `world_api_wall` crossing bought for no behavioural difference.
-    const UPDATE_CEILING: usize = 16_548;
-    const UPDATE_SLACK: usize = 100;
     /// `PostUpdate`, 181 systems: `GlobalTransform` and the particle `EffectQuads` are most of it.
     const POST_UPDATE_CEILING: usize = 351;
     const POST_UPDATE_SLACK: usize = 20;
-    /// The pairs in `Update` that are NOT explained by the VM or the audio layer.
+    /// The **actionable** pairs in `Update` — two systems with conflicting access and no
+    /// declared order, where [`Classes`] explains none of what they share, so the executor
+    /// runs them in whatever order the graph around them happens to produce (B354, 2220). Same
+    /// shape as `world_api_wall.rs`: the count may not rise past the ceiling, and the ceiling
+    /// follows the count down. `WOW_AMBIGUITY_DUMP=1` prints every actionable pair with what
+    /// it fights over.
     ///
-    /// **4,727 (decision 2283)** — the ten `drain_meeting_stone_joins` adds, every one of them
-    /// against a sibling `.after(UiInput)` drain (`drain_queue_verbs`, `drain_latch_verbs`,
-    /// `drain_battlefield`, `drain_talent_wipe`, `drain_party`, `drain_tabard`, the two chat-input
-    /// drains, `idle_handler`, `movement_clears_afk`). What they share is the append-only
-    /// chat/error sink and the outbound command channel — never a fact one reads and another
-    /// writes — and each pair is two independent player verbs that a single click cannot both
-    /// fire. Raised rather than ordered because a declared order here would assert a relationship
-    /// between, say, leaving a meeting-stone queue and typing in chat that does not exist; the
-    /// pair it *would* have been worth ordering, against the click that writes its message, is
-    /// declared (`.after(TargetUpdate)`) and so is not in this list.
+    /// **Measured 2026-09-17 (decision 2287), 662 systems:** 16,548 pairs in all, 12,849 of
+    /// them explained — 10,703 on the VM alone, 431 on the other non-`Send` owners, 556 on
+    /// the pure caches, 87 on the sinks, 41 on the stream, 1,031 on a mix of those — and
+    /// 3,699 actionable. The largest part of those is `Transform` on disjoint lanes (716 pairs
+    /// alone): populations that never intersect, which the filter algebra cannot see. A lane
+    /// is not a class — the checker cannot tell a disjoint lane from two writers of the same
+    /// entity — so they stay here, and each new one is a claim made at the registration with
+    /// its reason:
     ///
-    /// **+4 (decision 2281)** — the same four pairs as above; all four are actionable-column, and
-    /// the reason they are raised rather than ordered is the one stated there.
+    /// - **2281:** the ranged prop's two `AnimationPlayer` writers against the booth's and the
+    ///   quest markers' (four lanes; the held weapon, a booth model, a marker).
+    /// - **2282:** the three fx attaches against the mat-anim tick and its probe, over
+    ///   `MatAnimTable`/`UvAnimMaterials` — immaterial by construction, because attach writes
+    ///   the rows a tick would, off the same clock.
     ///
-    /// **+6 (decision 2282)** — all six of 2282's new pairs land here too (they fight over
-    /// ordinary resources, not the VM), so both ceilings move by the same six; the reason is at
-    /// [`UPDATE_CEILING`].
-    const UPDATE_OTHER_CEILING: usize = 4_737;
-    const UPDATE_OTHER_SLACK: usize = 50;
+    /// **3,280 (decision 2288)** — the one query cache: a read that asks marks its miss through
+    /// `&self`, so a feed that only resolves a name or a template holds the owner shared, and
+    /// its pairs over `Items` (725 → 104, the largest non-class resource in the count) are gone;
+    /// the pairs over the pure caches moved into the VM-only class, where the same systems still
+    /// meet over the VM alone.
+    ///
+    /// Raising this ceiling is a claim that a new undeclared order is acceptable; make it with
+    /// the reason, or declare the order instead (`.after`, a set, a `chain`). If the pair is
+    /// about a resource that commutes by construction, the claim belongs in [`Classes`].
+    const UPDATE_ACTIONABLE_CEILING: usize = 3_280;
+    const UPDATE_ACTIONABLE_SLACK: usize = 40;
 
     fn ratchet(what: &str, n: usize, ceiling: usize, slack: usize) {
         eprintln!("{what}: {n} ambiguous pairs (ceiling {ceiling}, slack {slack})");
@@ -758,7 +854,8 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
             "{n} ambiguous pairs in {what}; the ceiling is {ceiling}. A new system runs in an \
              undeclared order against something it shares state with — declare the order \
              (`.after`, a set, a `chain`), or raise the ceiling here with the reason. \
-             `WOW_AMBIGUITY_DUMP=1` on this test lists the pairs (decision 2279)."
+             `WOW_AMBIGUITY_DUMP=1` on this test lists the pairs; a resource that commutes by \
+             construction belongs in `Classes` instead (decisions 2279, 2287)."
         );
         assert!(
             n + slack >= ceiling,
@@ -767,61 +864,49 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
         );
     }
 
-    /// The ratchet on the raw pair counts — name-free, so it runs in the player build too.
+    /// The ratchet. Ids, not names, so it runs in the player build too; prints the class
+    /// census beside the number it holds.
     #[test]
     fn the_schedules_have_no_more_undeclared_orders_than_the_ceilings_say() {
         let mut app = headless_client();
         let update = census(&mut app, Update);
         let post = census(&mut app, PostUpdate);
-        ratchet(
-            "Update",
-            update.conflicts.len(),
-            UPDATE_CEILING,
-            UPDATE_SLACK,
-        );
-        ratchet(
-            "PostUpdate",
-            post.conflicts.len(),
-            POST_UPDATE_CEILING,
-            POST_UPDATE_SLACK,
-        );
-    }
-
-    /// The ratchet on the actionable class, and the dump. Needs type names
-    /// ([`type_names_available`]).
-    #[test]
-    fn the_non_vm_ambiguities_do_not_grow() {
-        let mut app = headless_client();
-        let c = census(&mut app, Update);
-        if !type_names_available(&c) {
-            eprintln!(
-                "skipped: this build carries no type names (bevy/debug rides with dev, 1451)"
-            );
-            return;
+        let mut explained: BTreeMap<&str, usize> = BTreeMap::new();
+        let mut actionable = Vec::new();
+        for (a, b, what) in &update.conflicts {
+            match update.classes.class_of(what) {
+                Some(class) => *explained.entry(class).or_default() += 1,
+                None => actionable.push((*a, *b, what)),
+            }
         }
-        let vm = c.conflicts.iter().filter(|(_, _, w)| vm_only(w)).count();
-        let audio = c
-            .conflicts
-            .iter()
-            .filter(|(_, _, w)| !vm_only(w) && vm_or_audio_only(w))
-            .count();
-        let other = c.conflicts.len() - vm - audio;
         eprintln!(
-            "Update: {} systems, {} ambiguous pairs; {vm} VM-only; {audio} VM-or-audio-only; {other} other",
-            c.systems.values().filter(|s| !is_sync_point(&s.name)).count(),
-            c.conflicts.len(),
+            "Update: {} systems, {} ambiguous pairs; {} explained ({}); {} actionable",
+            update
+                .systems
+                .values()
+                .filter(|s| !is_sync_point(&s.name))
+                .count(),
+            update.conflicts.len(),
+            update.conflicts.len() - actionable.len(),
+            explained
+                .iter()
+                .map(|(class, n)| format!("{n} {class}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(", "),
+            actionable.len(),
         );
         if std::env::var_os("WOW_AMBIGUITY_DUMP").is_some() {
-            let mut rows: Vec<String> = c
-                .conflicts
+            let mut rows: Vec<String> = actionable
                 .iter()
-                .filter(|(_, _, w)| !vm_or_audio_only(w))
-                .map(|(a, b, w)| {
+                .map(|(a, b, what)| {
                     format!(
                         "  {}  <->  {}\n      on {}",
-                        c.name(*a),
-                        c.name(*b),
-                        w.join(", ")
+                        update.name(*a),
+                        update.name(*b),
+                        what.iter()
+                            .map(|id| update.component(*id))
+                            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                            .join(", ")
                     )
                 })
                 .collect();
@@ -831,10 +916,16 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
             }
         }
         ratchet(
-            "Update (neither VM nor audio)",
-            other,
-            UPDATE_OTHER_CEILING,
-            UPDATE_OTHER_SLACK,
+            "Update (actionable)",
+            actionable.len(),
+            UPDATE_ACTIONABLE_CEILING,
+            UPDATE_ACTIONABLE_SLACK,
+        );
+        ratchet(
+            "PostUpdate",
+            post.conflicts.len(),
+            POST_UPDATE_CEILING,
+            POST_UPDATE_SLACK,
         );
     }
 
@@ -851,7 +942,7 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
     /// is its floor. Returned as `(waves, critical_path)`.
     fn waves(
         c: &Census,
-        keep_conflict: impl Fn(&[String]) -> bool,
+        keep_conflict: impl Fn(&[ComponentId]) -> bool,
         non_send: &[SystemKey],
     ) -> (usize, usize) {
         use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
@@ -947,28 +1038,26 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
     fn concurrency_census() {
         let mut app = headless_client();
         let c = census(&mut app, Update);
-        if !type_names_available(&c) {
-            eprintln!(
-                "skipped: this build carries no type names (bevy/debug rides with dev, 1451)"
-            );
-            return;
-        }
-        let touches = |k: SystemKey, needle: &str| {
+        let holds = |k: SystemKey, pick: &dyn Fn(ComponentId) -> bool| {
             c.conflicts
                 .iter()
-                .any(|(a, b, w)| (*a == k || *b == k) && w.iter().any(|x| x.contains(needle)))
+                .any(|(a, b, w)| (*a == k || *b == k) && w.iter().any(|id| pick(*id)))
         };
         let vm: Vec<SystemKey> = c
             .non_send
             .iter()
             .copied()
-            .filter(|k| touches(*k, "UiScript"))
+            .filter(|k| holds(*k, &|id| Some(id) == c.classes.vm))
             .collect();
         let audio: Vec<SystemKey> = c
             .non_send
             .iter()
             .copied()
-            .filter(|k| touches(*k, "benilla_app::sound::"))
+            .filter(|k| {
+                holds(*k, &|id| {
+                    c.classes.non_send.contains(&id) && Some(id) != c.classes.vm
+                })
+            })
             .collect();
         let other_non_send: Vec<SystemKey> = c
             .non_send
@@ -1008,9 +1097,9 @@ pub(crate) mod schedule_tests {
             .copied()
             .filter(|k| !vm.contains(k) || audio.contains(k))
             .collect();
-        let (w1, _) = waves(&c, |w| !vm_only(w), &not_vm);
+        let (w1, _) = waves(&c, |w| !c.classes.vm_only(w), &not_vm);
         eprintln!("  VM Send-owned:         {w1} waves");
-        let (w2, _) = waves(&c, |w| !vm_or_audio_only(w), &other_non_send);
+        let (w2, _) = waves(&c, |w| !c.classes.non_send_only(w), &other_non_send);
         eprintln!("  VM + audio Send-owned: {w2} waves");
         let (w3, _) = waves(&c, |_| false, &[]);
         eprintln!("  declared edges only:   {w3} waves (every conflict ordered, everything Send)");
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/go_templates.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/go_templates.rs
index 6886ec87..2491a658 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/go_templates.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/go_templates.rs
@@ -7,13 +7,12 @@
 //! from [`crate::net::apply`]'s `ObjectCreate`, the same discipline as the name cache), the answer
 //! resolved in [`GameObjectTemplates::insert`], and read by the interact routing ([`crate::target`]).
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
-
 use benilla_formats::{LockCatalog, LockTypeCatalog};
 use benilla_protocol::guid;
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 
 /// `Lock.dbc` as a resource (decision 0239) — `lockId → requirement slots`, read by the interact
 /// routing to decide use-vs-cast and, for a lockable object, which `LockType` the opener spell must
@@ -120,31 +119,34 @@ pub(crate) struct TextPage {
 /// `entry → template`, ask-once per connection (mirrors [`crate::names::NameCache`]'s discipline).
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct GameObjectTemplates {
-    templates: HashMap<u32, GoTemplate>,
-    pending: HashSet<u32>,
+    templates: QueryCache<u32, GoTemplate>,
+}
+
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for GameObjectTemplates {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.templates.clear_pending();
+    }
 }
 
 impl GameObjectTemplates {
     /// Ask the server for a GameObject's template if not already known or in flight (once per entry).
     /// `guid` names the asking object; the server answers by entry, so all spawns of a template share
     /// the one query.
-    pub(crate) fn request(&mut self, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) {
+    pub(crate) fn request(&self, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) {
         let Some(entry) = guid::entry(guid) else {
             return;
         };
-        if self.templates.contains_key(&entry) || !self.pending.insert(entry) {
-            return;
-        }
-        debug!("go: asking template (entry {entry}, guid {guid:#x})");
-        let _ = commands
-            .0
-            .send(ClientCommand::GameObjectQuery { entry, guid });
+        self.templates.get_or_ask(entry, || {
+            debug!("go: asking template (entry {entry}, guid {guid:#x})");
+            let _ = commands
+                .0
+                .send(ClientCommand::GameObjectQuery { entry, guid });
+        });
     }
 
     /// Record a `SMSG_GAMEOBJECT_QUERY_RESPONSE`, resolving the lockId from the type-specific
     /// `data[]` slot. A miss (server didn't know the entry) arrives zeroed → `lock_id = 0` (no lock).
     pub(crate) fn insert(&mut self, entry: u32, type_id: u32, name: String, data: &[i32; 24]) {
-        self.pending.remove(&entry);
         let lock_id = go_lock_slot(type_id)
             .and_then(|slot| data.get(slot))
             .map(|&v| v.max(0) as u32)
@@ -189,7 +191,7 @@ impl GameObjectTemplates {
         };
         self.templates.insert(
             entry,
-            GoTemplate {
+            Some(GoTemplate {
                 lock_id,
                 name,
                 highlight_column,
@@ -198,13 +200,13 @@ impl GameObjectTemplates {
                 mo_transport,
                 text_page,
                 quest_material,
-            },
+            }),
         );
     }
 
     /// The cached template for a GameObject guid, or `None` if its query hasn't answered yet.
     pub(crate) fn get(&self, guid: u64) -> Option<&GoTemplate> {
-        guid::entry(guid).and_then(|e| self.templates.get(&e))
+        guid::entry(guid).and_then(|e| self.templates.get(e))
     }
 }
 
@@ -251,14 +253,14 @@ mod tests {
         t.insert(101, 9, "Book".into(), &data);
         t.insert(102, 10, "Chest".into(), &data);
         t.insert(103, 15, "Boat".into(), &data);
-        assert_eq!(t.templates[&100].quest_material, Some(2));
-        assert_eq!(t.templates[&101].quest_material, Some(2));
+        assert_eq!(t.templates.get(100).unwrap().quest_material, Some(2));
+        assert_eq!(t.templates.get(101).unwrap().quest_material, Some(2));
         assert_eq!(
-            t.templates[&102].quest_material,
+            t.templates.get(102).unwrap().quest_material,
             Some(3),
             "a chest reads data[9]"
         );
-        assert_eq!(t.templates[&103].quest_material, None);
+        assert_eq!(t.templates.get(103).unwrap().quest_material, None);
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -271,13 +273,18 @@ mod tests {
         data[1] = 30;
         data[2] = 1;
         t.insert(176231, 15, "Proudmore's Treasure".into(), &data);
-        let mo = t.templates[&176231].mo_transport.expect("type 15 captures");
+        let mo = t
+            .templates
+            .get(176231)
+            .unwrap()
+            .mo_transport
+            .expect("type 15 captures");
         assert_eq!(mo.taxi_path_id, 292);
         assert_eq!(mo.move_speed, 30.0);
         assert_eq!(mo.accel_rate, 1.0);
         // A chest doesn't.
         t.insert(2, 3, "Chest".into(), &data);
-        assert!(t.templates[&2].mo_transport.is_none());
+        assert!(t.templates.get(2).unwrap().mo_transport.is_none());
     }
 
     /// TEXT (9) captures the readable head — `data[0]` page id, `data[2]` material (decision
@@ -290,12 +297,17 @@ mod tests {
         data[1] = 0; // language
         data[2] = 2; // pageMaterial (Stone)
         t.insert(2036, 9, "Book".into(), &data);
-        let page = t.templates[&2036].text_page.expect("type 9 captures");
+        let page = t
+            .templates
+            .get(2036)
+            .unwrap()
+            .text_page
+            .expect("type 9 captures");
         assert_eq!(page.page_id, 1416);
         assert_eq!(page.material, 2);
         // A goober with the same bytes does not — its data[0] is a lockId.
         t.insert(2037, 10, "Lever".into(), &data);
-        assert!(t.templates[&2037].text_page.is_none());
+        assert!(t.templates.get(2037).unwrap().text_page.is_none());
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -336,11 +348,11 @@ mod tests {
         t.insert(1630, 5, "Brill".into(), &brill);
         t.insert(175656, 5, "Doodad_WoodSignPointerNice10".into(), &pointer);
 
-        let brill = t.templates.get(&1630).expect("Brill cached");
+        let brill = t.templates.get(1630).expect("Brill cached");
         assert!(brill.highlight_column, "Brill is hoverable");
         assert!(brill.floating_tooltip, "Brill's plate follows the cursor");
 
-        let pointer = t.templates.get(&175656).expect("the pointer sign cached");
+        let pointer = t.templates.get(175656).expect("the pointer sign cached");
         assert!(
             pointer.highlight_column,
             "the pointer sign is hoverable too"
@@ -363,7 +375,7 @@ mod tests {
             t.insert(9000 + type_id, type_id, format!("type {type_id}"), &data);
             assert!(
                 !t.templates
-                    .get(&(9000 + type_id))
+                    .get(9000 + type_id)
                     .expect("cached")
                     .floating_tooltip,
                 "type {type_id} must not take the cursor arm — it carries no semantic 0x13"
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/items.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/items.rs
index ca262197..985f4601 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/items.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/items.rs
@@ -17,13 +17,14 @@
 //!   reports "not yet". Negative answers are cached — a bad entry never becomes a query loop.
 //!   Templates survive disconnect: item definitions are stable across sessions.
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
+use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use benilla_protocol::{ItemInfo, ObjectFields};
 
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands, ObjectStore};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 
 /// The slice of an item template that equipment rendering + combat animation consume (decisions
 /// 0072/0073): the ItemDisplayInfo key, the two placement inputs, and the weapon class pair the
@@ -291,28 +292,19 @@ impl RollCatalogs<'_> {
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct Items {
     objects: HashMap<u64, ObjectFields>,
-    /// `None` = the server flagged the entry unknown (the top-bit miss branch) — cached negative.
-    templates: HashMap<u32, Option<ItemInfo>>,
-    pending: HashSet<u32>,
+    /// The template cache — ask-once through [`QueryCache`] (decision 2288); a `None` answer is
+    /// the server's "unknown entry" (the top-bit miss branch), cached so it is never re-asked.
+    templates: QueryCache<u32, ItemInfo>,
     /// Entries whose template landed since the last [`Self::take_fresh`] drain — the push half of
     /// the tooltip store (every landed template goes to the UI unprompted, so the first hover of
     /// an item whose name is already on screen never misses).
     fresh: Vec<u32>,
-    /// Bumped by every landed answer ([`Self::insert_template`]), positive or negative. The
-    /// **broadcast** twin of [`Self::fresh`]: `fresh` is a DRAIN (exactly one consumer can take
-    /// it — the tooltip feed does), so a second consumer that caches a template-derived view
-    /// needs its own signal. A consumer keeps the epoch it last resolved at and re-resolves when
-    /// it advances — the modern stand-in for the ref's `DBCACHECALLBACK` redisplay (`0x6e29b0`),
-    /// which is how the real client repaints a view that was drawn while the item cache was still
-    /// answering. Any cache that gates a template read behind a change-flag needs this: the read
-    /// itself is what ISSUES the ask-once query, so the first resolve of a cold entry ALWAYS
-    /// misses (decision 0660).
-    template_epoch: u64,
     /// [`Self::template_epoch`]'s twin for the INSTANCE side (decision 1439): bumped by every
     /// object create/merge/destroy and every enchant-deadline write — everything wire-driven
-    /// that can change what a bag/equipment view reads. The pair exists because `is_changed` on
-    /// this resource says nothing: the feeds' own lazy `template()` resolves take `&mut self`
-    /// every frame, so the resource reads as changed even when nothing landed.
+    /// that can change what a bag/equipment view reads. The pair was born because `is_changed`
+    /// on this resource said nothing while the feeds' lazy `template()` resolves took `&mut
+    /// self` every frame; 2288 made those reads `&self`, and the counters stay as the finer
+    /// signal (a view keyed on one side does not rebuild for the other).
     object_epoch: u64,
     /// The **temporary-enchant deadlines**, keyed `(item guid, enchant slot)` — the reference's
     /// per-item `[obj + slot*4 + 0x324]` array (wow-re `tooltip-content-law.md` §E3), whose only
@@ -514,19 +506,15 @@ impl Items {
     /// template-only) and returns `None` — call again after the answer lands. A cached negative
     /// (server doesn't know the entry) is also `None`, without a re-ask.
     pub(crate) fn template(
-        &mut self,
+        &self,
         entry: u32,
         guid: u64,
         commands: &NetCommands,
     ) -> Option<&ItemInfo> {
-        if !self.templates.contains_key(&entry) {
-            if self.pending.insert(entry) {
-                debug!("items: asking template (entry {entry})");
-                let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::ItemQuery { entry, guid });
-            }
-            return None;
-        }
-        self.templates.get(&entry).and_then(|t| t.as_ref())
+        self.templates.get_or_ask(entry, || {
+            debug!("items: asking template (entry {entry})");
+            let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::ItemQuery { entry, guid });
+        })
     }
 
     /// Whether the server has ANSWERED the `entry` query with "unknown item" — the cached
@@ -535,13 +523,13 @@ impl Items {
     /// answer (the ref's `DBCACHECALLBACK` redisplay), negative → give up and show the ref's
     /// `"UNKNOWN"` fallback instead of waiting forever.
     pub(crate) fn template_answered_unknown(&self, entry: u32) -> bool {
-        self.templates.get(&entry).is_some_and(|t| t.is_none())
+        self.templates.answered_unknown(entry)
     }
 
     /// The held/worn display head for `entry` — the [`HeldTemplate`] view of [`Self::template`]
     /// (same ask-once discipline, template-only ask). Equipment rendering + the swing selector
     /// consume this Copy slice instead of borrowing the full info.
-    pub(crate) fn held(&mut self, entry: u32, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<HeldTemplate> {
+    pub(crate) fn held(&self, entry: u32, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<HeldTemplate> {
         self.template(entry, 0, commands).map(|i| HeldTemplate {
             display_info_id: i.display_info_id,
             inventory_type: i.inventory_type,
@@ -557,27 +545,29 @@ impl Items {
     /// rung runs inside a `&Items` borrow, and by the time a button is pressed the greying feed
     /// that shares its search has had the template for many frames.
     pub(crate) fn template_cached(&self, entry: u32) -> Option<&ItemInfo> {
-        self.templates.get(&entry)?.as_ref()
+        self.templates.get(entry)
     }
 
     /// Record a template answer (`SMSG_ITEM_QUERY_SINGLE_RESPONSE`); `None` = unknown entry.
     pub(crate) fn insert_template(&mut self, entry: u32, info: Option<ItemInfo>) {
-        self.pending.remove(&entry);
         if info.is_some() {
             self.fresh.push(entry);
         }
+        // A NEGATIVE answer moves the generation too: it flips the entry from "still asking" to
+        // "answered unknown", which is a real display transition for anything that waits on the
+        // ask (the cast-fail redisplay's `"UNKNOWN"` literal, [`Self::template_answered_unknown`]).
         self.templates.insert(entry, info);
-        // A NEGATIVE answer bumps too: it flips the entry from "still asking" to "answered
-        // unknown", which is a real display transition for anything that waits on the ask (the
-        // cast-fail redisplay's `"UNKNOWN"` literal, [`Self::template_answered_unknown`]).
-        self.template_epoch = self.template_epoch.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 
-    /// The landed-template broadcast counter — see the [`Self::template_epoch`] field. Advances on
-    /// every answer; a consumer that caches a template-derived view compares it against the value
-    /// it last resolved at and re-resolves when they differ.
+    /// The landed-template broadcast counter — the cache's own generation, bumped by every
+    /// landed answer, positive or negative. The **broadcast** twin of [`Self::fresh`]: `fresh`
+    /// is a DRAIN (exactly one consumer can take it — the tooltip feed does), so a second
+    /// consumer that caches a template-derived view needs its own signal; it keeps the epoch it
+    /// last resolved at and re-resolves when it advances — the modern stand-in for the ref's
+    /// `DBCACHECALLBACK` redisplay (`0x6e29b0`), which is how the real client repaints a view
+    /// drawn while the item cache was still answering (decision 0660).
     pub(crate) fn template_epoch(&self) -> u64 {
-        self.template_epoch
+        self.templates.generation()
     }
 
     /// Drain the entries whose template landed since the last drain (see the `fresh` field).
@@ -609,17 +599,23 @@ impl Items {
     /// cost of a wrong latch (a feature dead all session, in silence) is nothing like the cost of
     /// a redundant re-ask.
     pub(crate) fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
-        self.pending.clear();
+        self.templates.clear_pending();
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn clear_session(&mut self) {
         self.objects.clear();
         self.enchant_deadlines.clear();
-        self.pending.clear();
+        self.templates.clear_pending();
         self.object_epoch = self.object_epoch.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for Items {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        Items::clear_pending(self);
+    }
+}
+
 /// The ask-once trio every UI resolver needs to be tested: the template cache, the command
 /// channel, and — crucially — the channel's live **receiver**, without which every `ItemQuery`
 /// send fails and the "asked the server" half of the law goes unobservable. `items` starts empty,
@@ -668,7 +664,7 @@ pub(crate) const EQUIPMENT_SLOT_OFFHAND: u8 = 16;
 /// slot or a template still in flight.
 fn equipped_class(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     slot: u8,
 ) -> Option<u8> {
@@ -689,7 +685,7 @@ fn equipped_class(
 /// was once missing from all three of its call sites.
 pub(crate) fn disarmed_equipment_slot(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<u8> {
     if store.0.unit_flags() & crate::creature_anim::UNIT_FLAG_DISARMED == 0 {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/lib.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/lib.rs
index a9cb6d41..ce80f3cf 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/lib.rs
@@ -100,6 +100,7 @@ mod portrait;
 mod preflight;
 #[cfg(feature = "dev")]
 mod probe_shield;
+mod query_cache;
 mod quest_markers;
 mod raid_marks;
 mod ranged_flex;
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/minimap/blips/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/minimap/blips/mod.rs
index 52bfdba1..50f5ad61 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/minimap/blips/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/minimap/blips/mod.rs
@@ -565,7 +565,7 @@ pub(super) fn emit_party_arrows(
 pub(super) fn drive_blip_tooltip(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     hover: Res<MinimapBlipHover>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<(String, Vec2)>>>,
 ) {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/nameplates.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/nameplates.rs
index 1247042d..0d94a1d4 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/nameplates.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/nameplates.rs
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ pub(crate) fn drive_nameplates(
         // The UnitName* cvar mask (0992) — the kind gates below read it.
         Res<NameConfig>,
     ),
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     // The guild-identity cache (1257) — the a5 line's text, and the lazy `CMSG_GUILD_QUERY` a
     // miss sends. `ResMut` because the read IS the ask ([`crate::ui_guild::unit_guild_name`]).
     mut guilds: ResMut<crate::ui_guild::GuildState>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/names.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/names.rs
index edbb4bf8..84e9ed3d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/names.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/names.rs
@@ -21,13 +21,14 @@
 //! benilla's own addition, and it is what answered a wiped server's brand-new character with a
 //! deleted one's name (report B386, decision 2223).
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
+use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use benilla_protocol::guid;
 
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands, ObjectStore};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 
 /// The creature template's **`type_flags`** word, bit by bit — the dword the server ships in
 /// `SMSG_CREATURE_QUERY_RESPONSE` and the reference caches at `[CGUnit+0xb30] + 0x14` (its async
@@ -76,7 +77,7 @@ pub(crate) mod type_flags {
 pub(crate) struct NameCache {
     /// Player names by guid. `Some(None)`-shaped answers are stored as `None`: the server was asked
     /// and didn't know (an empty wire name) — cached so we never re-ask a dead guid.
-    players: HashMap<u64, Option<String>>,
+    players: QueryCache<u64, String>,
     /// `(race, class, gender)` from the same `SMSG_NAME_QUERY_RESPONSE` that carried the name — the
     /// wire has always sent these three and we used to drop them. Two consumers now: the
     /// `$`-macro expander's non-player-subject path: the reference resolves a macro subject from
@@ -92,19 +93,17 @@ pub(crate) struct NameCache {
     /// unknown. The subname is the overhead/tooltip title line ("Stable Master", …); the type is
     /// the `CreatureType.dbc` id the TAB-target critter filter reads; rank/civilian feed the
     /// unit tooltip's level-line word + CIVILIAN line (decision 0276).
-    creatures: HashMap<u32, Option<CreatureRecord>>,
+    creatures: QueryCache<u32, CreatureRecord>,
     /// Pet names by **pet number** — the third naming path (see [`Self::resolve`]'s pet branch).
     /// No negative entry exists: the server answers for a live pet or says nothing at all, so an
     /// unanswered ask stays unanswered, exactly as it does for the real client.
-    pets: HashMap<u32, String>,
-    pending_players: HashSet<u64>,
-    pending_creatures: HashSet<u32>,
-    pending_pets: HashSet<u32>,
+    pets: QueryCache<u32, String>,
     /// Bumped by every **landed** answer (and the pet-rename eviction) — never by an ask. The
     /// gated feeds' watch counter (decision 1439): a feed that resolved a miss re-runs when the
-    /// answer lands, and only then. `is_changed` cannot say this — the resolves themselves take
-    /// `&mut self` every frame (the ask-once marker), so the resource reads as changed whenever
-    /// anything is still pending.
+    /// answer lands, and only then. Born because `is_changed` could not say this while the
+    /// resolves took `&mut self` every frame; 2288 made them `&self` (the in-flight marks live
+    /// behind [`QueryCache`]'s lock), and the counter stays as the one number the three caches
+    /// share.
     generation: u64,
 }
 
@@ -177,16 +176,14 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// connection) and returns `None` — call again after the answer lands. A guid family that has no
     /// name on the 1.12 wire (GameObjects resolve via their own query, not modeled yet) is `None`
     /// without a query.
-    pub(crate) fn resolve(&mut self, guid_val: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&str> {
+    pub(crate) fn resolve(&self, guid_val: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&str> {
         if guid::is_player(guid_val) {
-            if !self.players.contains_key(&guid_val) {
-                if self.pending_players.insert(guid_val) {
+            self.players
+                .get_or_ask(guid_val, || {
                     debug!("names: asking player name (guid {guid_val})");
                     let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::NameQuery { guid: guid_val });
-                }
-                return None;
-            }
-            self.players.get(&guid_val).and_then(|n| n.as_deref())
+                })
+                .map(String::as_str)
         } else if let Some(pet_number) = guid::pet_number(guid_val) {
             // A pet is a `TYPEID_UNIT` like any creature, but it carries a pet number where a
             // creature carries its template entry, so it has its own query. Asking the creature
@@ -205,17 +202,15 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// answer**: vmangos returns early without a packet when the guid is not a live pet bearing that
     /// number (`PetHandler.cpp:190-192`), so an unanswered ask simply stays unresolved rather than
     /// caching a "server doesn't know" — and is re-asked after a reconnect like the others.
-    fn resolve_pet(&mut self, pet_number: u32, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&str> {
-        if !self.pets.contains_key(&pet_number) {
-            if self.pending_pets.insert(pet_number) {
+    fn resolve_pet(&self, pet_number: u32, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&str> {
+        self.pets
+            .get_or_ask(pet_number, || {
                 debug!("names: asking pet name (pet {pet_number})");
                 let _ = commands
                     .0
                     .send(ClientCommand::PetNameQuery { pet_number, guid });
-            }
-            return None;
-        }
-        self.pets.get(&pet_number).map(String::as_str)
+            })
+            .map(String::as_str)
     }
 
     /// The name for a creature template `entry`, if known — the entry-keyed twin of
@@ -226,36 +221,32 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// regardless of which spawn asked (the same template-only convention as
     /// [`crate::items::Items::template`]'s `guid: 0`).
     pub(crate) fn resolve_creature(
-        &mut self,
+        &self,
         entry: u32,
         guid: u64,
         commands: &NetCommands,
     ) -> Option<&str> {
-        if !self.creatures.contains_key(&entry) {
-            if self.pending_creatures.insert(entry) {
+        self.creatures
+            .get_or_ask(entry, || {
                 debug!("names: asking creature name (entry {entry})");
                 let _ = commands
                     .0
                     .send(ClientCommand::CreatureQuery { entry, guid });
-            }
-            return None;
-        }
-        self.creatures
-            .get(&entry)
-            .and_then(|n| n.as_ref().map(|r| r.name.as_str()))
+            })
+            .map(|r| r.name.as_str())
     }
 
     /// The cached name for `guid`, read-only — no query on a miss (the trace/diagnostic twin of
     /// [`Self::resolve`], for callers that must not mutate the ask-once state).
     pub(crate) fn peek(&self, guid_val: u64) -> Option<&str> {
         if guid::is_player(guid_val) {
-            self.players.get(&guid_val).and_then(|n| n.as_deref())
+            self.players.get(guid_val).map(String::as_str)
         } else if let Some(pet_number) = guid::pet_number(guid_val) {
-            self.pets.get(&pet_number).map(String::as_str)
+            self.pets.get(pet_number).map(String::as_str)
         } else if guid::is_creature_or_pet(guid_val) {
             self.creatures
-                .get(&guid::entry(guid_val)?)
-                .and_then(|n| n.as_ref().map(|r| r.name.as_str()))
+                .get(guid::entry(guid_val)?)
+                .map(|r| r.name.as_str())
         } else {
             None
         }
@@ -274,7 +265,6 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// replacing that name. Keeping the old one would leave a record whose name says one character
     /// and whose race says another — a contradiction manufactured by the cache itself.
     pub(crate) fn insert_player(&mut self, guid: u64, name: String, traits: Option<(u8, u8, u8)>) {
-        self.pending_players.remove(&guid);
         match traits.filter(|_| !name.is_empty()) {
             Some(t) => self.player_traits.insert(guid, t),
             None => self.player_traits.remove(&guid),
@@ -307,8 +297,6 @@ impl NameCache {
         self.players.clear();
         self.player_traits.clear();
         self.pets.clear();
-        self.pending_players.clear();
-        self.pending_pets.clear();
         self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 
@@ -355,8 +343,7 @@ impl NameCache {
 
     /// Record a pet-name answer (`SMSG_PET_NAME_QUERY_RESPONSE`), keyed by pet number.
     pub(crate) fn insert_pet(&mut self, pet_number: u32, name: String) {
-        self.pending_pets.remove(&pet_number);
-        self.pets.insert(pet_number, name);
+        self.pets.insert(pet_number, Some(name));
         self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 
@@ -370,14 +357,12 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// rename racing an in-flight query would otherwise have its re-ask deduped away and leave the
     /// stale name in place forever.
     pub(crate) fn forget_pet(&mut self, pet_number: u32) {
-        self.pending_pets.remove(&pet_number);
-        self.pets.remove(&pet_number);
+        self.pets.evict(pet_number);
         self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 
     /// Record a creature-name answer (`SMSG_CREATURE_QUERY_RESPONSE`); `None` = unknown entry.
     pub(crate) fn insert_creature(&mut self, entry: u32, record: Option<CreatureRecord>) {
-        self.pending_creatures.remove(&entry);
         self.creatures.insert(entry, record);
         self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
     }
@@ -385,10 +370,7 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// The cached subname (the overhead/tooltip title line) for a creature entry — read-only: the
     /// nameplate asks only after [`Self::resolve`] already returned the name (same answer packet).
     pub(crate) fn creature_subname(&self, entry: u32) -> Option<&str> {
-        self.creatures
-            .get(&entry)?
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|r| r.subname.as_deref())
+        self.creatures.get(entry)?.subname.as_deref()
     }
 
     /// The whole cached record for a creature entry — the unit tooltip's read (subtitle, type,
@@ -406,17 +388,14 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// fails CLOSED like `0x623b70`'s null leg, the wound gate (`DO_NOT_PLAY_WOUND_ANIM`, 2068)
     /// fails OPEN like `0x6125f0`'s.
     pub(crate) fn creature_record(&self, entry: u32) -> Option<&CreatureRecord> {
-        self.creatures.get(&entry)?.as_ref()
+        self.creatures.get(entry)
     }
 
     /// The cached `CreatureType.dbc` id for a creature entry — read-only, same ask-once discipline
     /// as the subname (the TAB-target scan reads it; an unresolved entry is `None`, which the scan
     /// treats as targetable — the client's own out-of-range skip).
     pub(crate) fn creature_type(&self, entry: u32) -> Option<u32> {
-        self.creatures
-            .get(&entry)?
-            .as_ref()
-            .map(|r| r.creature_type)
+        Some(self.creatures.get(entry)?.creature_type)
     }
 
     /// Forget the in-flight asks (a disconnect may have dropped them on the writer floor). Resolved
@@ -424,13 +403,18 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// names do not: a pet number names one live spawn rather than a template, and nothing that
     /// answered before the disconnect is still on the map after it.
     pub(crate) fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
-        self.pending_players.clear();
-        self.pending_creatures.clear();
-        self.pending_pets.clear();
+        self.players.clear_pending();
+        self.creatures.clear_pending();
         self.pets.clear();
     }
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for NameCache {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        NameCache::clear_pending(self);
+    }
+}
+
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 // Persistence — the `.wdb` law, in benilla's own folder (decision 1689)
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -472,7 +456,7 @@ impl NameCache {
     pub(crate) fn to_tsv(&self, realm: &str) -> String {
         let mut out =
             format!("{CACHE_MAGIC}\t{CACHE_FORMAT}\t{CACHE_BUILD}\t{CACHE_LOCALE}\t{realm}\n");
-        for (entry, rec) in &self.creatures {
+        for (entry, rec) in self.creatures.iter() {
             match rec {
                 Some(r) => out.push_str(&format!(
                     "C\t{entry}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\t{}\n",
@@ -561,9 +545,8 @@ impl NameCache {
     /// that vmangos never sends it — so against our own server this is the mechanism being present
     /// and correct rather than a path we exercise.
     pub(crate) fn invalidate_player(&mut self, guid: u64) {
-        self.players.remove(&guid);
+        self.players.evict(guid);
         self.player_traits.remove(&guid);
-        self.pending_players.remove(&guid);
         self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
     }
 
@@ -664,7 +647,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn a_stable_list_names_the_pet_before_it_is_ever_summoned() {
         let (cmds, rx) = commands();
-        let mut cache = NameCache::default();
+        let cache = NameCache::default();
         // The guid the pet will have once summoned: its pet number rides the ENTRY slot.
         let rex = compose(guid::HIGH_PET, 7, 42);
 
@@ -716,7 +699,7 @@ mod tests {
         let back = NameCache::from_tsv(&text, "Hydraxian Waterlords").expect("header matches");
 
         // A cached negative must survive as a negative — present-and-None, not absent.
-        assert!(back.creatures.contains_key(&1234));
+        assert!(back.creatures.answered(1234));
         let rec = back.creature_record(69).expect("creature survived");
         assert_eq!(rec.name, "Stable Master Kitrik");
         assert_eq!(rec.subname.as_deref(), Some("Stable Master"));
@@ -808,7 +791,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(cache.peek(0x11), None);
         assert_eq!(cache.player_traits(0x11), None);
         assert!(
-            cache.creatures.contains_key(&69),
+            cache.creatures.answered(69),
             "templates outlive the world session"
         );
         // And the ask-once markers went with them, so the next sighting asks rather than sitting
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net.rs
index 9dfdf183..093ba035 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net.rs
@@ -74,30 +74,14 @@ pub(crate) struct NetPlugin {
 #[derive(Resource)]
 pub(crate) struct NetOffline;
 
-/// Release the ask-once latches at world enter — the counterpart to the disconnect teardown in
-/// `apply::session`, which clears them when a socket DIES but never when one is born.
-///
-/// The asymmetry was load-bearing and wrong. `Items::template` (and `NameCache`'s resolvers) mark
-/// an id pending *before* sending the query, and a command sent while the io thread holds no
-/// writer evaporates with a warn — so an ask made before the first connect latched the id for the
-/// life of the process. On 2026-09-06 that emptied the mail send tab's stationery list for an
-/// entire session, in silence. The ask site that did it is fixed; this makes the class harmless,
-/// because a redundant re-ask costs one packet and a wrong latch costs a dead feature nobody can
-/// see is dead.
-fn release_ask_once_latches_on_enter(
-    mut entered: MessageReader<EnteredWorldMessage>,
-    mut items: ResMut<crate::items::Items>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
-) {
-    if entered.read().count() == 0 {
-        return;
-    }
-    items.clear_pending();
-    names.clear_pending();
-}
-
 impl Plugin for NetPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        // The one release-on-enter for the ask-once caches this plugin owns (decision 2288;
+        // the story of the latch that emptied the mail send tab's stationery for a session is
+        // on `query_cache::register`).
+        crate::query_cache::register::<crate::names::NameCache>(app);
+        crate::query_cache::register::<crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>(app);
+        crate::query_cache::register::<crate::items::Items>(app);
         let handles = io::spawn_net(io::NetConfig::from_env(), self.connect);
         if !self.connect {
             app.insert_resource(NetOffline);
@@ -160,7 +144,6 @@ impl Plugin for NetPlugin {
                 Update,
                 (
                     apply_net_updates,
-                    release_ask_once_latches_on_enter,
                     tag_self_player,
                     sample_splines,
                     // Derive each creature's swim state from the water over its feet (the wire never
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply.rs
index 42a367a3..bb379eb9 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply.rs
@@ -418,8 +418,8 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
                     &mut stores,
                     &mut pending,
                     &mut speed_stage,
-                    &mut names,
-                    &mut go_templates,
+                    &names,
+                    &go_templates,
                     &net_commands,
                 )
             }
@@ -977,7 +977,7 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
                 &mut ui_error_keys,
                 &name,
                 &self_guid,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &net_commands,
             ),
             SessionEvent::GroupDestroyed => group::destroyed(&mut group, &mut ui_error_keys),
@@ -996,7 +996,7 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
                 members,
                 leader,
                 loot,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &index,
                 &net_commands,
             ),
@@ -1166,7 +1166,7 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
             }
             SessionEvent::PetitionSignResults(results) => crate::ui_petition::apply::sign_results(
                 &mut petition,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 self_guid.0.unwrap_or(0),
                 results,
                 &net_commands,
@@ -1336,7 +1336,7 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
                     &mut combat_text_spawns,
                     &mut unit_combat_feedback,
                     &mut combat_text_events,
-                    &mut names,
+                    &names,
                     &net_commands,
                 )
             }
@@ -1348,7 +1348,7 @@ pub(crate) fn apply_net_updates(
                     &self_guid,
                     &mut unit_combat_feedback,
                     &mut combat_text_events,
-                    &mut names,
+                    &names,
                     &net_commands,
                 )
             }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/combat_log.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/combat_log.rs
index 55cef590..c480f5ef 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/combat_log.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/combat_log.rs
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ pub(super) fn periodic_aura_log(
     text: &mut MessageWriter<CombatTextSpawn>,
     feedback: &mut MessageWriter<UnitCombatFeedback>,
     center: &mut MessageWriter<CombatTextEvent>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     net: &NetCommands,
 ) {
     if benilla_assets::trace::enabled() {
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@ pub(super) fn spell_heal_log(
     self_guid: &SelfGuid,
     feedback: &mut MessageWriter<UnitCombatFeedback>,
     center: &mut MessageWriter<CombatTextEvent>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     net: &NetCommands,
 ) {
     if let Some(&unit) = index.0.get(&s.target) {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/group.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/group.rs
index 74f309f0..80ce811c 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/group.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/group.rs
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ pub(super) fn leader_changed(
     errors: &mut UiErrorKeys,
     name: &str,
     self_guid: &SelfGuid,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     net_commands: &NetCommands,
 ) {
     let own = self_guid
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ pub(super) fn list(
     members: Vec<GroupMemberEntry>,
     leader: u64,
     loot: Option<GroupLootInfo>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     index: &GuidIndex,
     net_commands: &NetCommands,
 ) {
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ mod tests {
             vec![member(leader, "Frostshake"), member(far, "Thalyn")],
             leader,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &GuidIndex::default(),
             &net,
         );
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ mod tests {
             vec![member(leader, "Frostshake"), member(far, "Thalyn")],
             leader,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &GuidIndex::default(),
             &net,
         );
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@ mod tests {
             UiErrorKeys::default(),
             QuestGiver::default(),
         );
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (near, far) = (0x11u64, 0x22u64);
 
         // `near` is streamed, `far` is not.
@@ -445,7 +445,7 @@ mod tests {
                 members,
                 near,
                 None,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &index,
                 &net,
             );
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/mail.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/mail.rs
index 4b85ae1a..9919c191 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/mail.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/mail.rs
@@ -146,8 +146,7 @@ pub(super) fn send_mail_result(
 /// `SessionEvent::MailItemText` (`SMSG_ITEM_TEXT_QUERY_RESPONSE`) — land the letter body in the
 /// ask-once cache + clear its pending flag; the feed repaints (MAIL_INBOX_UPDATE) on the change.
 pub(super) fn mail_item_text(text_id: u32, text: String, mail: &mut MailOpen) {
-    mail.bodies.insert(text_id, text);
-    mail.pending_bodies.remove(&text_id);
+    mail.bodies.insert(text_id, Some(text));
 }
 
 /// `SessionEvent::ReceivedMail` (`SMSG_RECEIVED_MAIL`) — mail just arrived. `seconds` is the wire's
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/objects.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/objects.rs
index 0d85db89..6004189b 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/objects.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/net/apply/objects.rs
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ pub(super) fn object_create(
     stores: &mut Query<&mut ObjectStore>,
     pending: &mut HashMap<u64, ObjectFields>,
     speed_stage: &mut SpeedStage,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
-    go_templates: &mut GameObjectTemplates,
+    names: &NameCache,
+    go_templates: &GameObjectTemplates,
     net_commands: &NetCommands,
 ) {
     let net = NetEntity {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/npc_text.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/npc_text.rs
index 92a141cd..e81bb3f0 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/npc_text.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/npc_text.rs
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ fn trim_spaces(arm: &[char]) -> &[char] {
 /// re-substitutes when that happens.
 pub(crate) fn player_identity(
     self_q: &Query<(&ObjectStore, &Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<Subject> {
     let (store, guid) = self_q.iter().next()?;
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ pub(crate) fn subject_for_guid(
     guid: u64,
     index: &GuidIndex,
     stores: &Query<&ObjectStore>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<Subject> {
     if guid == 0 {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/query_cache.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/query_cache.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d984c4b8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/query_cache.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+//! **`QueryCache<K, V>` — the one ask-once cache** (decision 2288; 2265 §A4).
+//!
+//! The reference has one `DBCache<T>` (wow-re `system/dbcache/dbcache.md`): a consumer's miss
+//! sends the query and queues a callback; a second lookup of a pending key appends a callback
+//! instead of re-sending; the response handler writes the record and fires the callbacks;
+//! eviction is explicit only. benilla had that machine hand-copied across eight modules under
+//! three names for the in-flight set (`pending`, `querying`, `queried`), the miss and the
+//! landing bodies pasted ("the exact twin of `NameCache`"), and the release that keeps an ask
+//! sent before the writer thread exists from latching its key for the process lifetime written
+//! for two of the eight.
+//!
+//! **The read that asks takes `&self`.** A miss marks itself in a lock-guarded set and sends
+//! its query; the answered map does not move. That is the reason for a type over the copies: a
+//! system that only *reads* a name or a template holds the owning resource shared, so two such
+//! systems no longer conflict over it — 2287's "pure cache" class measured 556 such undeclared
+//! orders — and Bevy's change detection on the owner means "an answer landed" again instead of
+//! "someone looked" (the two hand-rolled epochs in `items.rs` were written because it did not).
+//!
+//! A negative answer is cached as `None` (the server's high-bit miss), so a dead key is never
+//! re-asked; [`QueryCache::answered_unknown`] is for the consumer that waits (the cast-fail
+//! redisplay, decision 0552) to know when to stop.
+
+use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
+use std::hash::Hash;
+use std::sync::Mutex;
+
+use benilla_assets::LockRecover;
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+
+use crate::net::EnteredWorldMessage;
+
+pub(crate) struct QueryCache<K, V> {
+    answered: HashMap<K, Option<V>>,
+    /// The keys in flight. Behind a lock so the read that asks is `&self`; uncontended by
+    /// construction (every holder runs on the main thread under the single-threaded executor,
+    /// and a miss is the rare path).
+    pending: Mutex<HashSet<K>>,
+    /// Bumped by every landing, positive or negative — the broadcast a consumer that caches a
+    /// view derived from an answer keys on (the reference's `DBCACHECALLBACK` redisplay, 0660).
+    generation: u64,
+}
+
+impl<K: Copy + Eq + Hash, V> Default for QueryCache<K, V> {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            answered: HashMap::new(),
+            pending: Mutex::new(HashSet::new()),
+            generation: 0,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl<K: Copy + Eq + Hash, V> QueryCache<K, V> {
+    /// The answer for `key` if the server has given one. `None` for a miss — which runs `ask`
+    /// once per key per connection — and for a cached negative alike.
+    pub(crate) fn get_or_ask(&self, key: K, ask: impl FnOnce()) -> Option<&V> {
+        match self.answered.get(&key) {
+            Some(answer) => answer.as_ref(),
+            None => {
+                if self.pending.lock_recover().insert(key) {
+                    ask();
+                }
+                None
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// The read-only twin: the answer if it is already here, and never an ask.
+    pub(crate) fn get(&self, key: K) -> Option<&V> {
+        self.answered.get(&key)?.as_ref()
+    }
+
+    /// The answer for `key`, mutably — for a record the wire patches in place after it landed
+    /// (a guild's rank rename, a petition's new title). Never an ask.
+    pub(crate) fn get_mut(&mut self, key: K) -> Option<&mut V> {
+        self.answered.get_mut(&key)?.as_mut()
+    }
+
+    /// Has the server answered `key` at all — with a record or with "unknown"?
+    pub(crate) fn answered(&self, key: K) -> bool {
+        self.answered.contains_key(&key)
+    }
+
+    /// Has the server answered `key` with "unknown"? Distinct from a still-pending ask, which
+    /// reads `None` from [`Self::get_or_ask`] too.
+    pub(crate) fn answered_unknown(&self, key: K) -> bool {
+        self.answered.get(&key).is_some_and(Option::is_none)
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(test)]
+    /// Is an ask for `key` in flight?
+    pub(crate) fn is_pending(&self, key: K) -> bool {
+        self.pending.lock_recover().contains(&key)
+    }
+
+    /// Land an answer; `None` is the server's negative.
+    pub(crate) fn insert(&mut self, key: K, answer: Option<V>) {
+        self.pending
+            .get_mut()
+            .unwrap_or_else(|p| p.into_inner())
+            .remove(&key);
+        self.answered.insert(key, answer);
+        self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
+    }
+
+    /// The reference's explicit eviction (a high-bit key, `SMSG_INVALIDATE_PLAYER`): the next
+    /// read anywhere re-asks. Returns whether there was anything to evict.
+    pub(crate) fn evict(&mut self, key: K) -> bool {
+        self.pending
+            .get_mut()
+            .unwrap_or_else(|p| p.into_inner())
+            .remove(&key);
+        let was = self.answered.remove(&key).is_some();
+        if was {
+            self.generation = self.generation.wrapping_add(1);
+        }
+        was
+    }
+
+    /// Forget the in-flight asks — a disconnect may have dropped them on the writer floor, and
+    /// an ask sent before the writer existed never left at all. [`register`] runs this on every
+    /// world entry for every cache that registers.
+    pub(crate) fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.pending
+            .get_mut()
+            .unwrap_or_else(|p| p.into_inner())
+            .clear();
+    }
+
+    /// Drop everything, answers included (a session-scoped cache on disconnect).
+    pub(crate) fn clear(&mut self) {
+        self.answered.clear();
+        self.clear_pending();
+    }
+
+    /// The landing counter — see the field.
+    pub(crate) fn generation(&self) -> u64 {
+        self.generation
+    }
+
+    /// Every answered key with its answer (a persisted cache's save walks this).
+    pub(crate) fn iter(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = (&K, &Option<V>)> {
+        self.answered.iter()
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn len(&self) -> usize {
+        self.answered.len()
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(test)]
+    pub(crate) fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
+        self.answered.is_empty()
+    }
+}
+
+/// A resource that owns one or more [`QueryCache`]s: what to forget on world entry.
+pub(crate) trait AskOnce: Resource {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self);
+}
+
+/// **The one release-on-enter.** Every cache owner registers here at build; the system runs on
+/// the world-enter message and clears the in-flight sets, so a key asked before the io writer
+/// existed — or across a disconnect — is asked again. Before 2288 this was written for two of
+/// the eight owners (`net::release_ask_once_latches_on_enter`, after the mail send tab's
+/// stationery list went missing for a whole session in silence), and the other six were the
+/// same dead-feature class, still armed.
+pub(crate) fn register<T: AskOnce>(app: &mut App) {
+    app.add_systems(
+        Update,
+        release_on_enter::<T>
+            .in_set(benilla_world::schedule::WorldStage::Net)
+            .after(crate::net::apply_net_updates),
+    );
+}
+
+fn release_on_enter<T: AskOnce>(
+    mut entered: MessageReader<EnteredWorldMessage>,
+    mut cache: ResMut<T>,
+) {
+    if entered.read().count() == 0 {
+        return;
+    }
+    cache.clear_pending();
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn a_miss_asks_once_and_a_landing_answers_it() {
+        let mut cache: QueryCache<u32, &str> = QueryCache::default();
+        let mut asks = 0;
+        assert!(cache.get_or_ask(7, || asks += 1).is_none());
+        assert!(cache.get_or_ask(7, || asks += 1).is_none());
+        assert_eq!(
+            asks, 1,
+            "the second lookup of a pending key does not re-send"
+        );
+        assert!(cache.is_pending(7));
+        cache.insert(7, Some("seven"));
+        assert_eq!(cache.get_or_ask(7, || asks += 1), Some(&"seven"));
+        assert_eq!(asks, 1);
+        assert!(!cache.is_pending(7));
+        assert_eq!(cache.generation(), 1);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn a_negative_is_cached_and_never_re_asked() {
+        let mut cache: QueryCache<u32, &str> = QueryCache::default();
+        let mut asks = 0;
+        cache.get_or_ask(1, || asks += 1);
+        cache.insert(1, None);
+        assert!(cache.get_or_ask(1, || asks += 1).is_none());
+        assert_eq!(asks, 1);
+        assert!(cache.answered_unknown(1));
+        assert!(!cache.answered_unknown(2));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn clearing_pending_lets_a_dropped_ask_go_again_and_keeps_the_answers() {
+        let mut cache: QueryCache<u32, &str> = QueryCache::default();
+        let mut asks = 0;
+        cache.get_or_ask(1, || asks += 1);
+        cache.insert(2, Some("two"));
+        cache.clear_pending();
+        cache.get_or_ask(1, || asks += 1);
+        assert_eq!(asks, 2);
+        assert_eq!(cache.get(2), Some(&"two"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn eviction_re_asks() {
+        let mut cache: QueryCache<u32, &str> = QueryCache::default();
+        cache.insert(3, Some("three"));
+        assert!(cache.evict(3));
+        assert!(!cache.evict(3));
+        let mut asks = 0;
+        assert!(cache.get_or_ask(3, || asks += 1).is_none());
+        assert_eq!(asks, 1);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ranged_flex.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ranged_flex.rs
index 3c4a7656..f32ad69e 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ranged_flex.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ranged_flex.rs
@@ -45,9 +45,14 @@
 //! `0x5fcf90` = {107, 111, 112} exists and the `$BWR` handler never calls it, so those two match
 //! neither arm and get no prop animation at all.
 //!
-//! Three of that round's corrections are built in below, and one is not mine to build: the arms
-//! sit under a gate on `[CGUnit+0xac]` (the unit's in-flight cast/visual record list) whose
-//! **writer is still underived** — wow-re parked it. Nothing here models it; see the record.
+//! **Both arms sit under a gate, and it is the projectile queue** (decision 2288). `[CGUnit+0xac]`
+//! is not a spell-visual list, as this file first guessed from its readers — it is the queue of
+//! `CMissile` nodes waiting for the caster's release event, and `$BWR` reads it (`0x600182`) before
+//! draining it (`0x600294` → `0x60c940`, the launcher). So the prop's re-anim and the projectile's
+//! launch are two effects of one act: no missile queued, no flex. benilla already held that queue —
+//! [`crate::entities::PendingMissiles`], whose own doc named `+0xac` correctly long before this
+//! round — and the chain runs this arm ahead of the drain, which is the order the two addresses
+//! sit in.
 //!
 //! What this file does NOT own: the prop's rig and palette rows (the rider lane —
 //! [`benilla_world::rig_rider`], given a posed arm by 2281), the emitters' clock (`EmitClock::Host`
@@ -99,10 +104,19 @@ pub(crate) fn flex_ranged_props(
     // Disjoint from `props_mut` by the filter: a unit is never its own ranged prop.
     wearers: Query<(&AnimationPlayer, &ModelAnimations), Without<RangedProp>>,
     mut props_mut: Query<(&mut AnimationPlayer, &ModelAnimations), With<RangedProp>>,
+    // The `[+0xac]` gate — read here, drained by `entities::missile::spawn_missiles` on the same
+    // key. The creature-anim chain runs `.before(EntityVisualsSet)`, so this read lands ahead of
+    // that drain exactly as `0x600182` lands ahead of `0x600294`.
+    pending: Res<crate::entities::PendingMissiles>,
 ) {
     for ev in events.read() {
         let want = match &ev.ident {
             b"$BWP" => Some(BOW_PULL),
+            // **`0x60018a je 0x600299`** — no projectile waiting, no prop block at all. The gate
+            // is `$BWR`'s alone: `$BWP`'s handler (`0x624cc0`) reads nothing of the kind, and the
+            // nock-latch clear above it (`0x60016c`) and the ammo detach below it (`0x600299`) are
+            // both outside the skip, which is why `drive_nock_latch` stays ungated.
+            b"$BWR" if !pending.releasing(ev.entity) => None,
             b"$BWR" => {
                 if BOW_FAMILY.contains(&ev.anim_id) {
                     Some(STAND)
@@ -363,6 +377,7 @@ mod tests {
     ) -> Option<(AnimationNodeIndex, f32)> {
         let mut app = App::new();
         app.add_message::<AnimSoundEvent>();
+        app.init_resource::<crate::entities::PendingMissiles>();
         app.add_systems(Update, flex_ranged_props);
         let mut wearer_player = AnimationPlayer::default();
         let wearer_anims = match &body_clip {
@@ -382,6 +397,9 @@ mod tests {
                 RangedProp { owner: wearer },
             ))
             .id();
+        // A projectile queued on the wearer — the `[+0xac]` gate the `$BWR` arms sit under. Every
+        // leg but the gate's own test wants it open; `queue_a_shot` is what opens it.
+        crate::entities::PendingMissiles::queue_a_shot(&mut app, wearer);
         app.world_mut().write_message(AnimSoundEvent {
             entity: wearer,
             ident: *tag,
@@ -432,6 +450,53 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    /// **The `[+0xac]` gate** (`0x600182`/`0x60018a`, decision 2288): a `$BWR` with no projectile
+    /// waiting to be released arms nothing on the prop. The reference skips the whole block —
+    /// prop re-anim and cast-point reposition together — because the flex and the launch are two
+    /// effects of one act, and there is no act without a missile to throw.
+    ///
+    /// Asserted as the difference the gate makes: the SAME key, the same rifle body clip, with and
+    /// without a queued shot.
+    #[test]
+    fn a_bwr_with_no_projectile_queued_arms_nothing() {
+        let mut app = App::new();
+        app.add_message::<AnimSoundEvent>();
+        app.init_resource::<crate::entities::PendingMissiles>();
+        app.add_systems(Update, flex_ranged_props);
+        let wearer = app.world_mut().spawn(anims(Vec::new())).id();
+        let prop = app
+            .world_mut()
+            .spawn((
+                AnimationPlayer::default(),
+                gun(),
+                RangedProp { owner: wearer },
+            ))
+            .id();
+        let fire = |app: &mut App| {
+            app.world_mut().write_message(AnimSoundEvent {
+                entity: wearer,
+                ident: *b"$BWR",
+                data: 0,
+                anim_id: 49,
+                pos: None,
+            });
+            app.update();
+            app.world()
+                .entity(prop)
+                .get::<AnimationPlayer>()
+                .unwrap()
+                .playing_animations()
+                .count()
+        };
+        assert_eq!(fire(&mut app), 0, "queue empty ⇒ the prop is not touched");
+        crate::entities::PendingMissiles::queue_a_shot(&mut app, wearer);
+        assert_eq!(
+            fire(&mut app),
+            1,
+            "…and the same key arms 161 once a shot is queued"
+        );
+    }
+
     /// `$BWP` arms BowPull — and only on a model that HAS it. The reference makes that a literal
     /// presence test it bails on (`0x624cee push 0xa0; call 0x711960`), and a firearm is exactly
     /// the model it bails for: 21 of the 22 shipped firearms author 161 and none authors 160.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/mod.rs
index 91756f38..969a19c7 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/mod.rs
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@ pub(crate) fn kit_decodes() -> u32 {
 }
 pub(crate) use glue::GlueSound;
 pub(crate) use greeting::NpcGreetingRequest;
+/// Named by the schedule tests' class table (`game_plugins::schedule_tests::Classes`, 2287).
+#[cfg(test)]
+pub(crate) use kit::SoundKits;
 pub(crate) use message::MessageSounds;
 pub(crate) use mixer::Mixer;
 pub(crate) use ui::{AutoEquipSound, LootPickupSound};
@@ -475,7 +478,7 @@ fn load_materials(mut commands: Commands, assets: Option<Res<benilla_assets::Wor
 /// object not streamed, and a template still in flight (asked once, answered next frame).
 pub(super) fn worn_chest_material(
     store: Option<&crate::net::ObjectStore>,
-    items: &mut crate::items::Items,
+    items: &crate::items::Items,
     net: &crate::net::NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<u32> {
     /// Index 4 of the inv-slot array — `0x62fa50`/`0x62fb86` read the fifth 8-byte guid.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/ui.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/ui.rs
index e2f8fe9c..36f4fab9 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/ui.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/sound/ui.rs
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ enum CursorGesture {
 fn play_item_gesture_sounds(
     script: Option<NonSend<UiScript>>,
     mut prev: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<CursorPayload>>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     displays: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     sounds: Option<Res<ItemSounds>>,
     kits: Option<ResMut<SoundKits>>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/target/lock.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/target/lock.rs
index 9388f4cd..403eabda 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/target/lock.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/target/lock.rs
@@ -45,16 +45,16 @@ use crate::net::ObjectStore;
 /// spell). The `Option` members are absent without client data.
 #[derive(bevy::ecs::system::SystemParam)]
 pub(crate) struct GoLockInputs<'w> {
-    // ResMut, not Res: the tooltip arm of this bundle drives the ask-once template
-    // request on a miss (the click arm only reads).
-    pub(crate) templates: ResMut<'w, crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>,
+    // Shared: the tooltip arm's ask-once template request on a miss marks itself through
+    // `&self` (decision 2288), so neither arm needs the store exclusively.
+    pub(crate) templates: Res<'w, crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>,
     pub(crate) locks: Option<Res<'w, crate::go_templates::Locks>>,
     pub(crate) lock_types: Option<Res<'w, crate::go_templates::LockTypes>>,
     pub(crate) spells: Option<Res<'w, crate::ui_action::Spells>>,
     /// The skill-line catalog — the opener-value level term's spell→line hop
     /// ([`spell_skill_value`]). Absent without client data, which reads as skill 0 (fail-closed).
     pub(crate) skill_lines: Option<Res<'w, crate::ui_spellbook::SkillLines>>,
-    pub(crate) items: ResMut<'w, crate::items::Items>,
+    pub(crate) items: Res<'w, crate::items::Items>,
 }
 
 /// The GameObject facts the Action gate and the requirement fallback read off the wire — gathered
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_fail.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_fail.rs
index 41b655d9..8949295f 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_fail.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_fail.rs
@@ -34,11 +34,29 @@
 //! PREVENTED_BY_MECHANIC (decision 1948 — `0x6e2190`, and the one arm whose word is produced
 //! locally rather than read off the wire), `0x56` ONLY_SHAPESHIFT (decision 2280 — `0x6e1ff8`,
 //! the one arm that reads a **mask** and joins several names), and `0x78` TOTEMS / `0x5c`
-//! REAGENTS / `0x19`–`0x1b` EQUIPPED_ITEM_CLASS\* in the drain, which owns them because their
-//! fills need the item caches and the query-then-redisplay cache-miss behavior ("Requires Mining
-//! Pick", decisions 0545 + 0552). Still stripped rather than filled — each needs a DBC we do not
-//! load: `0x90` MIN_SKILL (`SkillLine.dbc`), `0x31` NEED_EXOTIC_AMMO and `0x84`
-//! PROSPECT_NEED_MORE. Stripping is a **deliberate divergence**, now byte-confirmed as one: on a
+//! REAGENTS / `0x19`–`0x1b` EQUIPPED_ITEM_CLASS\* / `0x31` NEED_EXOTIC_AMMO in the drain, which
+//! owns the totem/reagent pair because their fills need the item caches and the
+//! query-then-redisplay cache-miss behavior ("Requires Mining Pick", decisions 0545 + 0552), and
+//! the other two because they share `0x6e2380`'s subclass catalog.
+//!
+//! **That is every arm in the `0x6e1d8e` table, and the reasons that still read bare read bare
+//! for reasons that are not "a DBC we do not load"** — decision 2292, which found that claim
+//! false in all three places this paragraph used to make it — the same stale blocker that hid
+//! `0x56` behind a DBC we had been loading for a month:
+//!
+//! - `0x30` NEED_AMMO_POUCH — **the reference leaves its own `%s` literal.** There is no arm to
+//!   write: `0x6e1e3d` only clears `[caster+0xd58]` bit `0x200`, and no word is ever supplied.
+//! - `0x31` NEED_EXOTIC_AMMO — modeled, and argless on this stack. `Spell::SendCastResult` fills
+//!   `failureArg1` for four reasons and this is not one of them, so the arm declines.
+//! - `0x84` PROSPECT_NEED_MORE and `0x90` MIN_SKILL — **unreachable on 5875, not
+//!   unimplemented.** Neither is server-sent, and their only raise sites image-wide (`0x49614e`
+//!   and `0x496128`, both inside the item-target validator `0x495d60`) sit behind that
+//!   function's third leg, `Effect[i] == 0x7f` SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING — which no shipped spell
+//!   carries, pinned on the real file by `real_prospecting_effect_is_absent_from_5875`.
+//!   `SkillLine.dbc`, the DBC `0x90` was said to be waiting on, has been loaded since the
+//!   spellbook grew tabs.
+//!
+//! Stripping is a **deliberate divergence**, now byte-confirmed as one: on a
 //! bad id or an absent word the reference jumps to the default arm with the pointer still on the
 //! *unfilled* template, so it displays a literal `Requires %s` (wow-re §WIRE-ARGS C3 — the fill
 //! path's own buffer swap sits after the printf and is skipped). We show the bare stem instead:
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_send.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_send.rs
index 0eea0004..311fa755 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_send.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/cast_send.rs
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ pub(crate) struct CastLadder<'w, 's> {
     pub(crate) spells: Option<Res<'w, Spells>>,
     /// The item cache — the pre-send totem/reagent check reads it (decision 0552), and the item
     /// arms resolve templates through it.
-    pub(crate) items: ResMut<'w, Items>,
+    pub(crate) items: Res<'w, Items>,
     pub(crate) sheath: MessageWriter<'w, crate::creature_anim::SheathRequest>,
     pub(crate) ecs: Commands<'w, 's>,
     pub(crate) pending: ResMut<'w, crate::ui_cast::PendingCast>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/drain.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/drain.rs
index bb884333..a8d6a5b7 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/drain.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/drain.rs
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_action_uses(
                     crate::ui_items::send_auto_equip(
                         &mut script,
                         &mut gate,
-                        &mut ladder.items,
+                        &ladder.items,
                         &ladder.commands,
                         bag_index,
                         slot0,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/feed.rs
index f35cb066..55113e79 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/feed.rs
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_actions(
     mut ui_error_texts: ResMut<UiErrorTexts>,
     spells: Option<Res<Spells>>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     sub_classes: Option<Res<crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>>,
     name_tables: FailNameTables,
@@ -188,6 +188,40 @@ pub(super) fn feed_actions(
                             .map(|t| cast_fail::CastFailLine::passthrough(t.replace("%s", &name)));
                     }
                 }
+                // `0x31` NEED_EXOTIC_AMMO (`0x6e1e54`) — the same `0x6e2380` helper as the arm
+                // above, one class over: `requirement_display_name(6 /* Projectile */, 1 << arg)`
+                // reads the singular DisplayName at `row + 0x28 + locale*4`, so "Requires exotic
+                // ammo: %s" names the ammo type. The shift is masked to five bits because the
+                // reference's is — `0x6e1e5c: shl edx,cl` takes x86's own `cl & 31` — and a
+                // subclass naming no row declines to the strip fallback exactly as
+                // `0x6e1e6a: je 0x6e21d8` does.
+                //
+                // **The player's arm only.** The pet handler's index table (`0x6e93d0`) is gated
+                // `cmp reason,0x8d; ja default` and carries no `0x31` entry, so a pet's exotic-ammo
+                // refusal takes its generic arm `0x6e936a` and shows the bare template — unlike
+                // `0x19`–`0x1b` just above, which the pet's own table *does* fill (`0x6e904d`).
+                // Same shape as `0x78`/`0x5c` below, and the same trap decision 2033 named.
+                //
+                // **It declines on a vmangos server, every time**, and that is the server's shape
+                // rather than a gap here: `Spell::SendCastResult` fills `failureArg1` for
+                // NOT_READY, REQUIRES_SPELL_FOCUS, REQUIRES_AREA and the EQUIPPED_ITEM_CLASS
+                // family and for nothing else, so `0x31` arrives with no word and the line reads
+                // "Requires exotic ammo:". Modeled anyway because the arm is the mechanism and the
+                // word is the server's to supply (decision 2292).
+                if let (false, 0x31, Some(arg), Some(subs)) =
+                    (pet, reason, fail.arg, sub_classes.as_deref())
+                {
+                    const ITEM_CLASS_PROJECTILE: u32 = 6;
+                    if let Some(name) = subs
+                        .0
+                        .requirement_display_name(ITEM_CLASS_PROJECTILE, 1u32 << (arg & 31))
+                    {
+                        let key = cast_fail::CAST_FAIL_KEYS[reason as usize];
+                        return get(key)
+                            .filter(|s| !s.is_empty())
+                            .map(|t| cast_fail::CastFailLine::passthrough(t.replace("%s", &name)));
+                    }
+                }
                 // `0x78` TOTEMS / `0x5c` REAGENTS — **the player's arms only**. The pet handler's
                 // index table (`0x6e93d0`) sends both to its generic arm, so a pet's refusal takes the
                 // shared passthrough below and never runs the bag walk or the item query (decision
@@ -456,7 +490,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_actions(
                             d,
                             sp,
                             store,
-                            &mut items,
+                            &items,
                             icons.as_deref(),
                             &commands,
                         )
@@ -584,7 +618,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_actions(
                                 d,
                                 sp,
                                 Some(store),
-                                &mut items,
+                                &items,
                                 icons.as_deref(),
                                 &commands,
                             );
@@ -634,7 +668,7 @@ fn spell_action_icon(
     d: &benilla_formats::SpellDisplay,
     spells: &super::Spells,
     store: Option<&crate::net::ObjectStore>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/state.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/state.rs
index 634d74de..ce11dcad 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/state.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/state.rs
@@ -409,7 +409,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_action_state(
     units: Query<(&ObjectStore, &Transform), Without<SelfPlayer>>,
     factions: Option<Res<crate::target::Factions>>,
     reputations: Res<crate::net::Reputations>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut memory: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<StateMemory>>,
 ) {
@@ -533,7 +533,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_action_state(
                         carried: &carried,
                     };
                     let (u, oom) =
-                        usable::spell_usable(button.action, d, sp, &ctx, &mut items, &commands);
+                        usable::spell_usable(button.action, d, sp, &ctx, &items, &commands);
                     st.usable = u;
                     st.not_enough_mana = oom;
                 } else {
@@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_action_state(
                         count > 0 || st.equipped,
                         &ctx,
                         spells.as_deref(),
-                        &mut items,
+                        &items,
                         &commands,
                     );
                     st.usable = u;
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/usable.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/usable.rs
index 17b246fa..5598ff61 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/usable.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/usable.rs
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ pub(crate) fn equipped_item_reason(d: &SpellDisplay) -> u8 {
 pub(crate) fn equipped_item_fits(
     d: &SpellDisplay,
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> bool {
     // The reference's four short-circuits, all answering "fits" without looking at a single slot
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ pub(crate) fn item_usable(
     held: bool,
     ctx: &UsableCtx,
     spells: Option<&Spells>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> (bool, bool) {
     if !held {
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@ pub(crate) fn spell_usable(
     d: &SpellDisplay,
     spells: &Spells,
     ctx: &UsableCtx,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> (bool, bool) {
     // Early-out (`0x6e3d99`): a tradeskill "spell" is always usable.
@@ -559,7 +559,7 @@ mod tests {
                 );
             }
             let store = ObjectStore(ObjectFields::from_pairs(&pairs));
-            equipped_item_fits(&needs_a_weapon, &store, &mut deps.items, &deps.commands)
+            equipped_item_fits(&needs_a_weapon, &store, &deps.items, &deps.commands)
         };
 
         // CONTROL — armed, the sword satisfies it.
@@ -622,7 +622,7 @@ mod tests {
                 );
             }
             let store = ObjectStore(ObjectFields::from_pairs(&pairs));
-            equipped_item_fits(d, &store, &mut deps.items, &deps.commands)
+            equipped_item_fits(d, &store, &deps.items, &deps.commands)
         };
 
         let sound = |field| (field, 0x2au64, 0u32, 0u32, 0u32);
@@ -695,7 +695,7 @@ mod tests {
                     ..Default::default()
                 },
                 &store,
-                &mut deps.items,
+                &deps.items,
                 &deps.commands,
             )
         };
@@ -731,7 +731,7 @@ mod tests {
         let cooldowns = Cooldowns::default();
         let reputations = Reputations(Vec::new());
         let spells = Spells::empty_for_tests();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let carried = crate::ui_items::carried_counts(&store.0, &items);
@@ -740,7 +740,7 @@ mod tests {
             d,
             &spells,
             &ctx(store, &cooldowns, &reputations, &carried),
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             &commands,
         )
     }
@@ -860,7 +860,7 @@ mod tests {
         let cooldowns = Cooldowns::default();
         let reputations = Reputations(Vec::new());
         let spells = Spells::empty_for_tests();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let execute = SpellDisplay {
@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@ mod tests {
                 carried: &carried,
             };
             assert_eq!(
-                spell_usable(5308, &execute, &spells, &ctx, &mut items, &commands),
+                spell_usable(5308, &execute, &spells, &ctx, &items, &commands),
                 (expect, false)
             );
         }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/weapon_icon.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/weapon_icon.rs
index 53f93edb..9e841e72 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/weapon_icon.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_action/weapon_icon.rs
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ const ITEM_CLASS_WEAPON: u32 = 2;
 /// item whose icon would otherwise be shown.
 fn main_hand_item(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<(u32, Option<String>)> {
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ fn main_hand_item(
 pub(crate) fn melee_auto_attack_icon(
     store: &ObjectStore,
     forms: &std::collections::HashMap<u32, benilla_formats::ShapeshiftForm>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> String {
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ pub(crate) fn melee_auto_attack_icon(
 /// return hands over to the normal SpellIconID path).
 pub(crate) fn ranged_weapon_icon(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ pub(super) fn auto_attack_icon(
     spell: &SpellDisplay,
     store: Option<&ObjectStore>,
     forms: &std::collections::HashMap<u32, benilla_formats::ShapeshiftForm>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
@@ -216,13 +216,7 @@ mod tests {
                 ..Default::default()
             },
         )]);
-        melee_auto_attack_icon(
-            &store,
-            &forms,
-            &mut deps.items,
-            Some(&icons),
-            &deps.commands,
-        )
+        melee_auto_attack_icon(&store, &forms, &deps.items, Some(&icons), &deps.commands)
     }
 
     /// **The disarmed guard on the Attack button** (`0x4e68df`, decision 1863 closing 0231's
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_auction/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_auction/mod.rs
index 15a7ea5b..1476f04f 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_auction/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_auction/mod.rs
@@ -423,9 +423,9 @@ fn time_left_bucket(ms: u32) -> u32 {
 fn resolve_row(
     entry: &AuctionListEntry,
     self_guid: Option<u64>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
 ) -> AuctionRow {
@@ -518,9 +518,9 @@ pub(crate) fn categories(
 fn rows_for(
     slot: &AuctionListSlot,
     self_guid: Option<u64>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
 ) -> Vec<AuctionRow> {
@@ -571,9 +571,9 @@ type AuctionCatalogs<'w> = (
 fn feed_auction(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut auction: ResMut<AuctionOpen>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     time: Res<Time>,
     catalogs: AuctionCatalogs,
@@ -651,9 +651,9 @@ fn feed_auction(
             let rows = rows_for(
                 slot,
                 self_guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &commands,
                 rolls,
             );
@@ -737,9 +737,9 @@ fn drain_auction(
     mut auction: ResMut<AuctionOpen>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     time: Res<Time>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     self_q: Query<(&ObjectStore, &crate::net::Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
     // The click→auction-id map re-derives the same sorted rows the feed pushed, so it resolves
     // them the same way, roll included (1547).
@@ -832,9 +832,9 @@ fn drain_auction(
             let rows = rows_for(
                 &auction.lists[bid.list],
                 self_guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &commands,
                 rolls,
             );
@@ -850,9 +850,9 @@ fn drain_auction(
             let rows = rows_for(
                 &auction.lists[OWNER],
                 self_guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &commands,
                 rolls,
             );
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield.rs
index 65d6a420..67cb7835 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield.rs
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ fn feed_battlefield(
     queue: Res<BattlefieldQueue>,
     maps: Option<Res<MapCatalogRes>>,
     player: Res<Player>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut sink: crate::ui_action::MessageSink,
 ) {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_positions.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_positions.rs
index 5cd10034..ddac2ba1 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_positions.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_positions.rs
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ fn feed_battlefield_positions(
     group: Res<GroupState>,
     guids: Res<GuidIndex>,
     unit_pos: Query<&GlobalTransform, With<NetEntity>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     // What the empty push last carried (`(has_list, icon_scale bits)`): with no list the engine
     // is told once per change, not per frame; with one, every frame — the positions move.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_score.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_score.rs
index 9532ddc7..3577775b 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_score.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_battlefield_score.rs
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ pub(crate) fn score_columns(catalog: &WorldStateUiRes, map: u32) -> Vec<Battlefi
 /// Resolve the raw board through the name cache; `None` while any name is still in flight.
 fn resolve_board(
     log: &PvpLogData,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<Vec<BattlefieldScoreRow>> {
     let mut rows = Vec::with_capacity(log.rows.len());
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_battlefield_score(
     board: Res<BattlefieldScoreboard>,
     mut queue: ResMut<BattlefieldQueue>,
     catalog: Option<Res<WorldStateUiRes>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<BattlefieldScores>>>,
 ) {
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_battlefield_score(
     script.set_battlefield_run_time_ms(queue.run_time_ms(now));
 
     let fresh = board.log.as_ref().and_then(|log| {
-        let rows = resolve_board(log, &mut names, &commands)?;
+        let rows = resolve_board(log, &names, &commands)?;
         let columns = queue
             .active_map()
             .zip(catalog.as_deref())
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_bind_confirm.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_bind_confirm.rs
index 698fd31f..d0fd018c 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_bind_confirm.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_bind_confirm.rs
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ impl BindGate<'_> {
     pub(crate) fn equip_binds(
         &self,
         script: &UiScript,
-        items: &mut Items,
+        items: &Items,
         commands: &crate::net::NetCommands,
         item_guid: u64,
     ) -> bool {
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ impl BindGate<'_> {
     /// the fire site is reached the item has already passed it.
     pub(crate) fn use_binds(
         &self,
-        items: &mut Items,
+        items: &Items,
         commands: &crate::net::NetCommands,
         item_guid: u64,
     ) -> bool {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_cast.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_cast.rs
index f6bfd47d..44296736 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_cast.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_cast.rs
@@ -34,7 +34,8 @@ pub(crate) enum CastBarEdge {
     /// `SMSG_SPELL_DELAYED` — pushback: our cast took a hit and the server extended it by
     /// `delay_ms`. The bar slides its window out (spark jumps back), it does NOT cancel.
     Delayed { delay_ms: u32 },
-    /// `MSG_CHANNEL_START` (self-only on the wire) — a channel opened; the bar counts *down*.
+    /// `MSG_CHANNEL_START` (self-only on the wire) — a channel opened; the bar counts *down*,
+    /// and is labelled by [`channel_start_args`]'s law rather than the spell's name.
     ChannelStart { spell_id: u32, duration_ms: u32 },
     /// `MSG_CHANNEL_UPDATE` (self-only): time left; `0` = the channel is over.
     ChannelUpdate { remaining_ms: u32 },
@@ -575,12 +576,7 @@ fn local_self_cancel(
 /// **This is the CAST bar's law and it does not generalise to the channel bar** — which is why
 /// this is `SPELLCAST_START`'s label and not a shared helper. `0x6e7a2d` is the only
 /// `SpellRec+0x24 & 4` test in the whole image (censused twice), and the channel handler
-/// `0x6e7550` gates on entirely different bits: `AttributesEx3 & 0x2000` fires **no event at all**,
-/// and the name is `Name[locale]` only when `AttributesEx & 0x2000_0000` is set, otherwise the
-/// literal `GetText("CHANNELING")`. Neither is modelled yet — [`CastBarEdge::ChannelStart`] still
-/// passes the plain name — so a channel bar can read a spell name where the reference reads
-/// "Channeling". Named residual, not an oversight: it is a visible change to every channelled
-/// spell and wants the director's eye, not a silent fold-in.
+/// `0x6e7550` gates on entirely different bits. That law is [`channel_start_args`]'s, next door.
 fn cast_bar_label(spells: Option<&crate::ui_action::Spells>, id: u32) -> String {
     spells
         .and_then(|s| s.catalog.get(id))
@@ -589,11 +585,83 @@ fn cast_bar_label(spells: Option<&crate::ui_action::Spells>, id: u32) -> String
         .unwrap_or_default()
 }
 
+/// The CHANNEL bar's own law — `SpellChannelStart 0x6e7550`, whole. Returns the
+/// `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START` argument list, or `None` where the reference fires **no event at
+/// all** and the bar never appears.
+///
+/// The handler is 147 bytes and every one of its gates is here, in its order (decomp
+/// `FUN_006e7550`; disassembly quoted in wow-re `system/spell/scratch/wave-cast.md` §0x6e7550):
+///
+/// ```text
+/// 6e7571  test eax,eax / jle 6e75d8      ; (1) duration <= 0            -> NO EVENT
+/// 6e7579  test eax,eax / jl              ; (2) id < 0                   -> NO EVENT
+/// 6e757d  cmp eax,[0xc0d78c] / jg        ; (2) id past the table        -> NO EVENT
+/// 6e758e  test eax,eax / je              ; (2) no SpellRec at that slot -> NO EVENT
+/// 6e7595  test ch,0x20                   ; (3) AttributesEx3 & 0x2000   -> NO EVENT
+/// 6e759a  test [rec+0x1c],0x20000000     ; (4) AttributesEx bit 29 ...
+/// 6e75a9  mov eax,[rec+0x1e0+locale*4]   ;     ... set   -> Name[locale]
+/// 6e75bc  ecx=0x870dd0 call 0x703bf0     ;     ... clear -> GetText("CHANNELING")
+/// 6e75cb  push 0x156 / call 0x703f50     ; fmt 0x8432cc "%d%s" — (duration, name)
+/// ```
+///
+/// **Bit 29 is the reverse default of the cast bar's naming rule.** A cast bar prints the spell's
+/// name unless a bit says not to; a channel bar prints the literal word "Channeling" unless a bit
+/// says to name the spell. Only **9** of the 323 channeled rows in the shipped 5875 `Spell.dbc`
+/// opt in (the four Fishing ranks, Cannibalize, Dream Vision, Using Control Console, and the two
+/// Blood Siphons that gate (3) hides anyway) — so on a real server this reads "Channeling" for
+/// Blizzard, Arcane Missiles, Mind Flay, Drain Life/Soul/Mana, Rain of Fire, Hurricane,
+/// Tranquility, Evocation and First Aid alike. Ours passed the plain `Spell.dbc` name to every
+/// one of them until decision 2284.
+///
+/// The word itself is read the way the reference reads it — `FrameScript_GetText` on the
+/// GlobalStrings key, i.e. the Lua global `CHANNELING`, off the player's own chain — not from a
+/// table of ours, so a localized or patched install gets its own word. A missing global resolves
+/// to `""` (`0x882748`, the shared empty string; `GetText` never returns NULL), and the event
+/// still fires: an untitled bar, not a hidden one.
+///
+/// **What this does NOT gate is [`ActiveChannel`]** (and so the action button's lit ring). The
+/// reference's channel mirror is `SPELLCAST+0x10` (`0xceac58`), written at the cast SEND
+/// (`0x6e4f88`) and never touched by this handler — so a Blood Siphon suppressed here still
+/// counts as the current channel there, and ours keeps arming it from the packet for the same
+/// reason.
+fn channel_start_args(
+    script: &UiScript,
+    spells: Option<&crate::ui_action::Spells>,
+    id: u32,
+    duration_ms: u32,
+) -> Option<Vec<ScriptValue>> {
+    if duration_ms == 0 {
+        return None;
+    }
+    // Gates (2) and (3): no record at that id, or the record forbids a channel bar outright. The
+    // `filter` is the `je`/`jne` pair — both leave with the event unfired.
+    let display = spells
+        .and_then(|s| s.catalog.get(id))
+        .filter(|d| !d.no_channel_bar())?;
+    let name = if display.channel_bar_own_name() {
+        display.name.clone()
+    } else {
+        script
+            .lua()
+            .globals()
+            .get::<String>("CHANNELING")
+            .unwrap_or_default()
+    };
+    Some(vec![
+        ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(duration_ms)),
+        ScriptValue::Str(name),
+    ])
+}
+
 /// Drain the queue into FrameScript events — the reference `CastingBarFrame` contract
 /// (extracted 1.12 `CastingBarFrame.lua`): `SPELLCAST_START(name, ms)`,
-/// `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START(ms, name)`, `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_UPDATE(remaining_ms)`, and the
-/// argless STOP / FAILED / INTERRUPTED / CHANNEL_STOP. A channel update of `0` fires
-/// CHANNEL_STOP — the server ends both the natural finish and the interrupt that way.
+/// `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START(ms, name)` — arg order reversed, and not a slip —
+/// `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_UPDATE(remaining_ms)`, and the argless STOP / FAILED / INTERRUPTED /
+/// CHANNEL_STOP. A channel update of `0` fires CHANNEL_STOP — the server ends both the natural
+/// finish and the interrupt that way.
+///
+/// An edge can resolve to **no event**: [`channel_start_args`] returns `None` for the three
+/// conditions under which `0x6e7550` returns without firing, and the bar then never appears.
 ///
 /// Also pushes the frame's stoppable mirror (running auto-repeat OR the [`Inflight`] slot — NOT
 /// a channel, which `SpellStopCasting()` answers nil for: wow-re `esc-stopcasting.md`) into the
@@ -631,49 +699,72 @@ fn feed_cast_bar(
     script.set_casting(
         auto_repeat.0.is_some() || inflight(&pending, &queued_melee, started, now).is_some(),
     );
-    // The two bars take their names from DIFFERENT laws — see [`cast_bar_label`]. The plain
-    // `Spell.dbc` name is the channel bar's (incomplete) one; the cast bar's is attribute-gated.
-    let channel_name = |id: u32| -> String {
-        spells
-            .as_ref()
-            .and_then(|s| s.catalog.get(id))
-            .map(|d| d.name.clone())
-            .unwrap_or_default()
-    };
     for edge in feed.0.drain(..) {
-        let (event, args): (&str, Vec<ScriptValue>) = match edge {
+        let Some((event, args)): Option<(&str, Vec<ScriptValue>)> = (match edge {
             CastBarEdge::Start {
                 spell_id,
                 cast_time_ms,
-            } => (
+            } => Some((
                 "SPELLCAST_START",
                 vec![
                     ScriptValue::Str(cast_bar_label(spells.as_deref(), spell_id)),
                     ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(cast_time_ms)),
                 ],
-            ),
-            CastBarEdge::Stop => ("SPELLCAST_STOP", vec![]),
-            CastBarEdge::Failed => ("SPELLCAST_FAILED", vec![]),
-            CastBarEdge::Interrupted => ("SPELLCAST_INTERRUPTED", vec![]),
-            CastBarEdge::Delayed { delay_ms } => (
+            )),
+            CastBarEdge::Stop => Some(("SPELLCAST_STOP", vec![])),
+            CastBarEdge::Failed => Some(("SPELLCAST_FAILED", vec![])),
+            CastBarEdge::Interrupted => Some(("SPELLCAST_INTERRUPTED", vec![])),
+            CastBarEdge::Delayed { delay_ms } => Some((
                 "SPELLCAST_DELAYED",
                 vec![ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(delay_ms))],
-            ),
+            )),
             CastBarEdge::ChannelStart {
                 spell_id,
                 duration_ms,
-            } => (
-                "SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START",
-                vec![
-                    ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(duration_ms)),
-                    ScriptValue::Str(channel_name(spell_id)),
-                ],
-            ),
-            CastBarEdge::ChannelUpdate { remaining_ms: 0 } => ("SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_STOP", vec![]),
-            CastBarEdge::ChannelUpdate { remaining_ms } => (
-                "SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_UPDATE",
-                vec![ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(remaining_ms))],
-            ),
+            } => {
+                let args = channel_start_args(&script, spells.as_deref(), spell_id, duration_ms);
+                // The channel half of the cast trace. The other five edges are traced at RECV
+                // (`net::apply::spells`); these two are traced HERE because the decision that
+                // wants watching — which of `0x6e7550`'s legs the spell took — is made here,
+                // and the drain runs the same frame the packet lands.
+                if *crate::net::CAST_TRACE {
+                    match args.as_deref() {
+                        Some([_, ScriptValue::Str(label)]) => info!(
+                            "cast-trace: CHANNEL_START — spell {spell_id} {duration_ms}ms, \
+                             bar label {label:?}"
+                        ),
+                        _ => info!(
+                            "cast-trace: CHANNEL_START — spell {spell_id} {duration_ms}ms, \
+                             NO BAR (0x6e7550 gate: zero duration, no Spell.dbc row, or \
+                             AttributesEx3 & 0x2000)"
+                        ),
+                    }
+                }
+                args.map(|args| ("SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START", args))
+            }
+            // `0x6e75f0`'s whole shape: nonzero re-times the window, zero ends it. It reads no
+            // SpellRec, so neither leg has an attribute gate — a channel whose START was
+            // suppressed still sends these, and the stock Lua's `IsShown()` guards absorb them.
+            CastBarEdge::ChannelUpdate { remaining_ms } => {
+                let over = remaining_ms == 0;
+                if *crate::net::CAST_TRACE {
+                    if over {
+                        info!("cast-trace: CHANNEL_STOP — update 0, the channel is over");
+                    } else {
+                        info!("cast-trace: CHANNEL_UPDATE — {remaining_ms}ms left");
+                    }
+                }
+                Some(if over {
+                    ("SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_STOP", vec![])
+                } else {
+                    (
+                        "SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_UPDATE",
+                        vec![ScriptValue::Int(i64::from(remaining_ms))],
+                    )
+                })
+            }
+        }) else {
+            continue;
         };
         script.fire_event(event, args);
     }
@@ -742,6 +833,128 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(cast_bar_label(None, 6478), "");
     }
 
+    /// The CHANNEL bar's law — [`channel_start_args`], the other half of `0x6e7550`, and the
+    /// **opposite default** to the cast bar's above: a channel says "Channeling" unless
+    /// `AttributesEx & 0x2000_0000` permits its own name. Shapes are the real shipped rows.
+    #[test]
+    fn the_channel_bar_says_channeling_unless_the_spell_may_name_itself() {
+        use benilla_formats::{SpellCatalog, SpellDisplay};
+        let row = |name: &str, attributes_ex: u32, attributes_ex3: u32| SpellDisplay {
+            name: name.to_string(),
+            attributes_ex,
+            attributes_ex3,
+            ..Default::default()
+        };
+        let spells = crate::ui_action::Spells {
+            catalog: SpellCatalog::from_displays(
+                [
+                    // Blizzard rank 1 — the real 5875 columns (bit 29 clear).
+                    (10, row("Blizzard", 0x1000_008c, 0)),
+                    // Fishing — one of the nine that name themselves.
+                    (7620, row("Fishing", 0x2100_4004, 0x0800_0000)),
+                    // Blood Siphon — the whole-event suppressor, both shipped rows.
+                    (24322, row("Blood Siphon", 0x2001_808c, 0x2000)),
+                ]
+                .into_iter()
+                .collect(),
+            ),
+            ..crate::ui_action::Spells::empty_for_tests()
+        };
+        // `FrameScript_GetText` reads the Lua global, so the VM is the source of the word — the
+        // chain-backed end-to-end is `ui_script::cast_tests`; here it is set by hand so the four
+        // gates are exercised without client data.
+        let script = UiScript::new().expect("VM");
+        script.eval::<()>("CHANNELING = \"Channeling\"").unwrap();
+
+        let name_of = |id: u32, ms: u32| -> Option<String> {
+            channel_start_args(&script, Some(&spells), id, ms).map(|args| match &args[1] {
+                ScriptValue::Str(s) => s.clone(),
+                other => panic!("arg 2 is the name, got {other:?}"),
+            })
+        };
+        assert_eq!(
+            name_of(10, 8_000).as_deref(),
+            Some("Channeling"),
+            "Blizzard has AttributesEx bit 29 clear, so the bar reads the generic word"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            name_of(7620, 20_000).as_deref(),
+            Some("Fishing"),
+            "bit 29 set takes Name[locale] instead"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            name_of(24322, 8_000),
+            None,
+            "AttributesEx3 & 0x2000 fires NO event — a suppressed bar, not a blank one"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(name_of(10, 0), None, "0x6e7574: duration <= 0 -> no event");
+        assert_eq!(
+            name_of(133, 8_000),
+            None,
+            "0x6e7590: no SpellRec -> no event"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            channel_start_args(&script, None, 10, 8_000),
+            None,
+            "no client data is the same no-record leg"
+        );
+
+        // Arg ORDER is the reverse of SPELLCAST_START's, and the stock Lua reads it that way.
+        assert_eq!(
+            channel_start_args(&script, Some(&spells), 10, 8_000).unwrap()[0],
+            ScriptValue::Int(8_000),
+            "fmt 0x8432cc is \"%d%s\" — duration first"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The word itself comes off the PLAYER's chain, not a table of ours — `FrameScript_GetText`
+    /// on the GlobalStrings key, so a localized install gets its own. Pinned against the real
+    /// `Interface\FrameXML\GlobalStrings.lua` (l.478 in the shipped enUS file, whose trailing
+    /// comment is literally "Channeling tag for the channeling bar"). Skips without client data.
+    #[test]
+    fn the_channeling_word_comes_off_the_players_own_chain() {
+        let _data = benilla_formats::wow_data_or_skip!();
+        use benilla_formats::{SpellCatalog, SpellDisplay};
+        let script = UiScript::new().expect("VM");
+        crate::ui_script::test_ui::load_ui(&script, r"Interface\FrameXML\GlobalStrings.lua");
+        let spells = crate::ui_action::Spells {
+            catalog: SpellCatalog::from_displays(
+                [(
+                    10,
+                    SpellDisplay {
+                        name: "Blizzard".into(),
+                        attributes_ex: 0x1000_008c,
+                        ..Default::default()
+                    },
+                )]
+                .into_iter()
+                .collect(),
+            ),
+            ..crate::ui_action::Spells::empty_for_tests()
+        };
+        assert_eq!(
+            channel_start_args(&script, Some(&spells), 10, 8_000).unwrap()[1],
+            ScriptValue::Str("Channeling".into()),
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The suppressed channel still arms [`ActiveChannel`], so its action button stays lit: the
+    /// reference's channel mirror is `SPELLCAST+0x10` (`0xceac58`), written at the cast SEND
+    /// (`0x6e4f88`) and never touched by `0x6e7550`. That is why all four of the handler's gates
+    /// live in the DRAIN and none of them in `net::apply::spells::channel_start`, which arms this.
+    #[test]
+    fn suppressing_the_channel_bar_does_not_clear_the_channel_mirror() {
+        let t0 = Instant::now();
+        // What `MSG_CHANNEL_START` does for Blood Siphon 24322 — the suppressed row.
+        let mut channel = ActiveChannel::default();
+        channel.start(24322, 8_000, t0);
+        assert_eq!(
+            channel.current(t0 + Duration::from_secs(1)),
+            Some(24322),
+            "the wire edge arms the mirror regardless of what the bar does with it"
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn a_fresh_guard_is_open() {
         let g = PendingCast::default();
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_char.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_char.rs
index 7b18ff1f..7b98490a 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_char.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_char.rs
@@ -440,12 +440,7 @@ fn slot_entry(store: &ObjectStore, items: &Items, slot0: u8) -> Option<u32> {
 
 /// The equipped item's weapon-skill line id: the vmangos `Item.cpp` subclass table for a class-2
 /// item, unarmed (162) for an empty hand or a non-weapon / unmapped subclass.
-fn weapon_skill_id(
-    store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
-    commands: &NetCommands,
-    slot0: u8,
-) -> u32 {
+fn weapon_skill_id(store: &ObjectStore, items: &Items, commands: &NetCommands, slot0: u8) -> u32 {
     let Some(entry) = slot_entry(store, items, slot0) else {
         return SKILL_UNARMED;
     };
@@ -589,7 +584,7 @@ pub(crate) fn unit_combat_stats(store: &ObjectStore) -> UnitCombatStats {
 
 /// The player's snapshot: [`unit_combat_stats`] plus the half only *we* have — the two values that
 /// need the equipped items' templates, and the three `PLAYER_SKILL_INFO` pairs.
-fn combat_stats(store: &ObjectStore, items: &mut Items, commands: &NetCommands) -> UnitCombatStats {
+fn combat_stats(store: &ObjectStore, items: &Items, commands: &NetCommands) -> UnitCombatStats {
     // The offhand-speed gate is an offhand *weapon* (a shield doesn't swing); the wand check is
     // the ranged item's subclass. Both read the equipped item's template (ask-once in flight →
     // false this frame, refined when it lands).
@@ -643,12 +638,12 @@ fn combat_stats(store: &ObjectStore, items: &mut Items, commands: &NetCommands)
 /// 64..=69). Everything past the guid — template, enchants, durability, the pending lock — is
 /// identical for both, which is the whole reason there is one function here and not two.
 fn slot_view(
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     pending: &PendingItemOps,
-    names: &mut crate::names::NameCache,
+    names: &crate::names::NameCache,
     // `ItemSubClass.dbc` — the count gate below reads its `DisplayFlags` bit 2. `None` (the DBC
     // failed to load) leaves every bag at 0, which is the plain-bag answer and the safe one.
     sub_classes: Option<&crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>,
@@ -810,12 +805,12 @@ fn ammo_count(store: &ObjectStore, items: &Items, ammo_id: u32) -> u32 {
 /// 0-based inv-slot array.
 fn inventory_slots(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     pending: &PendingItemOps,
-    names: &mut crate::names::NameCache,
+    names: &crate::names::NameCache,
     sub_classes: Option<&crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>,
     classes: Option<&benilla_formats::ChrClasses>,
 ) -> InventorySlots {
@@ -905,12 +900,12 @@ fn inventory_slots(
 /// doll snapshot, rather than the `BankState` the bank window pushes.
 fn bank_bag_slots(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     pending: &PendingItemOps,
-    names: &mut crate::names::NameCache,
+    names: &crate::names::NameCache,
     sub_classes: Option<&crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>,
 ) -> BankBagSlots {
     let mut bags: BankBagSlots = Default::default();
@@ -1051,7 +1046,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     changed_self: Query<(), (With<SelfPlayer>, Changed<ObjectStore>)>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     // `SpellItemEnchantment`'s name column — the equipped tooltip's enchant lines (decision 0915).
     enchants: Option<Res<crate::items::Enchants>>,
@@ -1061,7 +1056,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
     mut feed: ResMut<CharFeedState>,
     mut booth: ResMut<PaperDollBooth>,
     pending: Res<PendingItemOps>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<crate::names::NameCache>,
     // `ItemSubClass.dbc` — `GetInventoryItemCount`'s bag gate (`slot_view`'s own note).
     sub_classes: Option<Res<crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>>,
 ) {
@@ -1164,7 +1159,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
         return;
     }
 
-    let stats = combat_stats(store, &mut items, &commands);
+    let stats = combat_stats(store, &items, &commands);
     if memo.last_stats.as_ref() != Some(&stats) {
         gate.audit("feed_char", "the combat-stats snapshot");
         // PUSH before firing: event dispatch runs the Lua handlers synchronously, so the snapshot
@@ -1178,7 +1173,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
 
     let inv = inventory_slots(
         store,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         icons.as_deref(),
         crate::items::RollCatalogs {
             enchants: enchants.as_deref(),
@@ -1186,13 +1181,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
         },
         &commands,
         &pending,
-        &mut names,
+        &names,
         sub_classes.as_deref(),
         classes.as_deref().map(|t| &t.0),
     );
     let bank_bags = bank_bag_slots(
         store,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         icons.as_deref(),
         crate::items::RollCatalogs {
             enchants: enchants.as_deref(),
@@ -1200,7 +1195,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_char(
         },
         &commands,
         &pending,
-        &mut names,
+        &names,
         sub_classes.as_deref(),
     );
     // One transition for both bands: they are the same descriptor read at two offsets, and
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/combat.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/combat.rs
index b415947e..94bcb08d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/combat.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/combat.rs
@@ -1063,11 +1063,7 @@ pub(crate) fn power_word(script: &benilla_ui::script::UiScript, power: u32) -> O
 /// same ask-once name cache every other client-composed chat line waits on. `None` = not yet
 /// answered; the caller re-tries next frame, exactly as the reference's deferred-name queue
 /// (`DAT_00c4e208`, drained by the name-ready callback `0x6294b0`) replays its message.
-pub(crate) fn object_name(
-    guid: u64,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
-    commands: &NetCommands,
-) -> Option<String> {
+pub(crate) fn object_name(guid: u64, names: &NameCache, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<String> {
     // Guid 0 = "the name is already in the fills" — no wire endpoint is ever guid 0, so the
     // sentinel costs nothing and is what lets `/chattest` drive the real drain with literal names.
     if guid == 0 {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/feed.rs
index ecb90a45..af366b4d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/feed.rs
@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_chat(
     mut log: ResMut<ChatLog>,
     mut windows: ResMut<ChatWindows>,
     mut channels: ResMut<ChannelState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     mut speaker: SpeakerEffects,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     // The text-emote sentence seam (decision 1274): the tables, plus the guid the composer's
@@ -787,7 +787,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_chat(
     // The combat log's item-name seam (1703): the four families whose sentence names an ITEM
     // (`TRADESKILL_LOG`, `FEEDPET_LOG`, `ITEMENCHANTMENT*`, `SPELLDURABILITYDAMAGE`) resolve it
     // here, through the same ask-once cache the reference's own deferred queue re-runs against.
-    mut items: ResMut<crate::items::Items>,
+    items: Res<crate::items::Items>,
     // The two 1.12 text filters (decision 2077), bundled for the same reason `SpeakerEffects` is:
     // this list is at the sixteen-parameter ceiling. This IS the reference's `0x49a870`, so both
     // arms belong here and nowhere else.
@@ -862,7 +862,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_chat(
                         subject_guid,
                         &guids,
                         &stores,
-                        &mut names,
+                        &names,
                         &commands,
                     );
                     let (text, clean) = crate::npc_text::substitute_checked(
@@ -1257,7 +1257,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_chat(
                     if guid == 0 {
                         continue;
                     }
-                    match super::combat::object_name(guid, &mut names, &commands) {
+                    match super::combat::object_name(guid, &names, &commands) {
                         Some(name) if slot == 0 => line.fills.attacker = name,
                         Some(name) => line.fills.victim = name,
                         None => wait = true,
@@ -1278,7 +1278,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_chat(
                         }
                     }
                     super::combat::Named::Unit(guid) => {
-                        match super::combat::object_name(guid, &mut names, &commands) {
+                        match super::combat::object_name(guid, &names, &commands) {
                             Some(name) => line.fills.named = name,
                             None => wait = true,
                         }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/input/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/input/mod.rs
index 9c52de99..08552380 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/input/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_chat/input/mod.rs
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ use crate::target::Selection;
 /// ref's silent no-op). The name is cache-resolved — a streamed player target is always cached.
 fn target_player_name(
     selection: &Selection,
-    names: &mut crate::names::NameCache,
+    names: &crate::names::NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
     let guid = selection.guid?;
@@ -641,7 +641,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_chat_input(
             },
             ParsedChat::Invite { name } => {
                 if let Some(name) =
-                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &mut names, &commands))
+                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &names, &commands))
                 {
                     let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::GroupInvite { name });
                 }
@@ -654,14 +654,14 @@ pub(super) fn drain_chat_input(
             }
             ParsedChat::Uninvite { name } => {
                 if let Some(name) =
-                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &mut names, &commands))
+                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &names, &commands))
                 {
                     let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::GroupUninvite { name });
                 }
             }
             ParsedChat::Promote { name } => {
                 if let Some(name) =
-                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &mut names, &commands))
+                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &names, &commands))
                 {
                     // The 1.12 wire form is a guid (CMSG_GROUP_SET_LEADER) — resolve against the
                     // roster; a miss answers with the server's own would-be error string
@@ -692,7 +692,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_chat_input(
             // player gate, arbiter echo) instead of a second one here.
             ParsedChat::Duel { name } => {
                 if let Some(name) =
-                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &mut names, &commands))
+                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &names, &commands))
                 {
                     script.queue_duel_request(benilla_ui::script::DuelRequest::StartByName(name));
                 }
@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_chat_input(
             // GetSlashCmdTarget(msg)` guard does.
             ParsedChat::Target { name } => {
                 if let Some(name) =
-                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &mut names, &commands))
+                    name.or_else(|| target_player_name(&selection, &names, &commands))
                 {
                     chat_out
                         .target
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_craft.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_craft.rs
index ce9d2101..0a12aa48 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_craft.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_craft.rs
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ fn feed_craft(
     focus: Option<Res<SpellFocus>>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     self_store: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<CraftState>>>,
 ) {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dialog_verbs.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dialog_verbs.rs
index 2f6f3802..e2e9501c 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dialog_verbs.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dialog_verbs.rs
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ fn stone_line(
 #[derive(bevy::ecs::system::SystemParam)]
 pub(crate) struct MeetingStoneInputs<'w, 's> {
     areas: Option<Res<'w, AreaTableRes>>,
-    names: ResMut<'w, NameCache>,
+    names: Res<'w, NameCache>,
     commands: Res<'w, NetCommands>,
     visuals: Option<Res<'w, SpellVisuals>>,
     fx: MessageWriter<'w, SpellKitFx>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dressup.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dressup.rs
index 1f4815bf..b3cb66e2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dressup.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_dressup.rs
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ impl DressUpRoom {
     /// Resolve whatever is still waiting on a template answer. `Items::template` asks once and
     /// answers on a later frame; an id the server never answers for simply stays pending, showing
     /// the player's own gear in that slot rather than a hole.
-    fn resolve_pending(&mut self, items: &mut Items, commands: &NetCommands) {
+    fn resolve_pending(&mut self, items: &Items, commands: &NetCommands) {
         let mut pending = std::mem::take(&mut self.pending);
         pending.retain(|item| {
             let Some(t) = items.template(*item, 0, commands) else {
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ fn feed_dressup(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut room: ResMut<DressUpRoom>,
     mut preview: ResMut<DressUpPreview>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     self_q: Query<(&ObjectStore, &NetEntity), With<SelfPlayer>>,
     // The guild identity cache (1257) — `ResMut` because it is lazy: a miss is what sends the
@@ -268,14 +268,14 @@ fn feed_dressup(
     // law, 0208 §5 / 1751).
     preview.yaw = script.model_pane_facing("DressUpModel");
 
-    room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &commands);
+    room.resolve_pending(&items, &commands);
 
     // The guild join is the caller's, not [`player_look`]'s: that function resolves an *outfit* out
     // of the descriptor and the room's substitutions, and the crest is neither — it comes off a
     // separate lazy cache this system holds the handle to.
     let look = match (room.open, self_q.single().ok()) {
         (true, Some((store, net))) => {
-            player_look(store, net, &room, &mut items, &commands).map(|l| DressUpLook {
+            player_look(store, net, &room, &items, &commands).map(|l| DressUpLook {
                 emblem: crate::ui_guild::unit_guild_emblem(&store.0, &mut guilds, &commands),
                 ..l
             })
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ fn player_look(
     store: &ObjectStore,
     net: &NetEntity,
     room: &DressUpRoom,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<DressUpLook> {
     let s = &store.0;
@@ -417,9 +417,9 @@ mod tests {
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
 
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[4].display_id, 7000,
             "the tried-on chest shows"
@@ -446,9 +446,9 @@ mod tests {
 
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         assert_eq!(
-            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds)
+            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds)
                 .unwrap()
                 .equipment[4]
                 .display_id,
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
         assert_eq!(
-            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds)
+            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds)
                 .unwrap()
                 .equipment[4]
                 .display_id,
@@ -485,9 +485,9 @@ mod tests {
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Undress);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).unwrap();
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[4].display_id, 0, "the tried-on chest is off");
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[0].display_id, 0, "the worn helm is off");
         assert_eq!(
@@ -496,8 +496,8 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).unwrap();
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[4].display_id, 7000,
             "a try-on lands on the bare body"
@@ -508,7 +508,7 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).unwrap();
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[4].display_id, 5000,
             "Dress puts the player's own chest back"
@@ -528,10 +528,10 @@ mod tests {
 
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         assert_eq!(room.pending, vec![2000], "still waiting on the answer");
         assert_eq!(
-            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds)
+            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds)
                 .unwrap()
                 .equipment[4]
                 .display_id,
@@ -546,10 +546,10 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(asks, 1);
 
         items.insert_template(2000, Some(worn("Shiny Chest", 7000, 5)));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         assert!(room.pending.is_empty());
         assert_eq!(
-            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds)
+            player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds)
                 .unwrap()
                 .equipment[4]
                 .display_id,
@@ -567,7 +567,7 @@ mod tests {
         items.insert_template(3000, Some(worn("Healing Potion", 9000, 0)));
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(3000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         assert!(room.pending.is_empty(), "resolved, just not worn anywhere");
         assert!(room.worn.iter().all(Option::is_none));
     }
@@ -593,9 +593,9 @@ mod tests {
             let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
             room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
             room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(item));
-            room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+            room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
 
-            let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+            let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
             assert_eq!(
                 look.equipment[17].display_id, display,
                 "the {what} is in the ranged slot, which is what puts it in a hand"
@@ -622,7 +622,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[17].display_id, 0,
             "the worn bow stays stowed"
@@ -644,11 +644,11 @@ mod tests {
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2500));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2700));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
 
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[15].display_id, 8700, "the axe is in hand");
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[17].display_id, 0, "…and the bow is gone");
     }
@@ -668,13 +668,13 @@ mod tests {
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(1600));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
 
-        let look = player_look(&player(&[(15, 1500)]), &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).unwrap();
+        let look = player_look(&player(&[(15, 1500)]), &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[15].display_id, 5500, "the one-hander stays");
         assert_eq!(look.equipment[16].display_id, 5600, "…beside the shield");
 
-        let look = player_look(&player(&[(15, 1550)]), &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).unwrap();
+        let look = player_look(&player(&[(15, 1550)]), &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[15].display_id, 0,
             "the two-hander is evicted"
@@ -714,9 +714,9 @@ mod tests {
             let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
             room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
             room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-            room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
+            room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
 
-            let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+            let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
             assert_eq!(look.equipment[7].display_id, 7000, "the boots went on");
             assert_eq!(
                 (look.equipment[15].display_id, look.equipment[16].display_id),
@@ -747,7 +747,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         let mut room = DressUpRoom::default();
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[0].display_id, 0,
             "the player's own helm is hidden"
@@ -761,8 +761,8 @@ mod tests {
         // A try-on is not their own gear, so nothing suppresses it — this is the branch the
         // reference reaches by never testing the flag on the TryOn path at all.
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::TryOn(2000));
-        room.resolve_pending(&mut items, &cmds);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        room.resolve_pending(&items, &cmds);
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[0].display_id, 7000,
             "the tried-on helm previews regardless of the preference"
@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         // …and Reset drops the substitution, so the mannequin goes back to bare-headed.
         room.apply(DressUpIntent::Dress);
-        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &mut items, &cmds).expect("a look");
+        let look = player_look(&store, &net(), &room, &items, &cmds).expect("a look");
         assert_eq!(
             look.equipment[0].display_id, 0,
             "Reset re-clones the hidden helm away"
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_duel.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_duel.rs
index fa615082..4eb83c85 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_duel.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_duel.rs
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ pub(crate) mod apply {
 fn feed_duel(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut duel: ResMut<DuelState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut sink: crate::ui_action::MessageSink,
     mut fed: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<FedDuel>>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_gossip.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_gossip.rs
index dc501a2d..633da2d1 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_gossip.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_gossip.rs
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ fn feed_gossip(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     state: Res<GossipState>,
     self_q: Query<(&ObjectStore, &Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     states: Res<crate::world_state::WorldStates>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<GossipMenu>>>,
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ fn feed_gossip(
     let mut fresh = snapshot(&state);
     // Expand the greeting's chat-text macros ($N/$B/$G/$<n>w) client-side, as the real client does.
     if let Some(greeting) = fresh.as_mut().map(|m| &mut m.greeting) {
-        let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &mut names, &commands);
+        let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &names, &commands);
         *greeting = crate::npc_text::substitute(
             greeting,
             &crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_guild/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_guild/mod.rs
index cc2fa0f6..72659dc2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_guild/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_guild/mod.rs
@@ -35,8 +35,6 @@
 //!   (`0x4d1160`). See [`RosterUpdate`]: the two halves are one mechanism, and implementing either
 //!   without the other breaks it.
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
-
 use benilla_formats::GuildEmblem;
 use benilla_protocol::messages::{
     guild_event, GuildCommandResult, GuildEventNotice, GuildInfo, GuildQueryResponse, GuildRoster,
@@ -47,6 +45,7 @@ use benilla_ui::script::{LastOnline, UnitGuild};
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 use crate::ui_script::UiInput;
 
 mod feed;
@@ -158,14 +157,14 @@ pub(crate) struct GuildState {
     guild_id: u32,
     /// Our own `PLAYER_GUILDRANK` (field 192), **0-based**, `0` = guild master.
     rank_index: u32,
-    /// Guild id → identity, from `SMSG_GUILD_QUERY_RESPONSE`. Holds negatives (module doc).
-    identities: HashMap<u32, Identity>,
+    /// Guild id → identity, from `SMSG_GUILD_QUERY_RESPONSE`, ask-once through [`QueryCache`]
+    /// (decision 2288). Holds negatives (module doc).
+    identities: QueryCache<u32, Identity>,
     /// Bumped by every landed identity ([`Self::apply_query_response`]) — never by an ask. The
     /// gated unit feeds' watch counter (decision 1439): `unit_guild`'s miss resolves later, and
-    /// `is_changed` cannot flag the landing because the miss itself takes `&mut self` per frame.
+    /// `is_changed` could not flag the landing while the miss itself took `&mut self` per frame
+    /// (2288 made it `&self`; the counter stays as the finer signal).
     identity_generation: u64,
-    /// Guild ids with a `CMSG_GUILD_QUERY` in flight — the ask-once gate.
-    queried: HashSet<u32>,
     /// The message of the day. Kept beside the roster rather than inside it because `GE_MOTD`
     /// updates it on its own, and at login vmangos sends that event *before* any roster exists
     /// (`CharacterHandler.cpp:558`).
@@ -209,6 +208,12 @@ pub(crate) struct GuildState {
     pending_info: Vec<GuildInfo>,
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for GuildState {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.identities.clear_pending();
+    }
+}
+
 impl GuildState {
     /// Are we in a guild? Our own `PLAYER_GUILDID`, nothing else — answerable before any packet.
     pub(crate) fn in_guild(&self) -> bool {
@@ -269,25 +274,24 @@ impl GuildState {
     /// Ask for a guild's identity if we do not already hold one — the lazy cache fill (module
     /// doc). Nothing else in this client ever sends `CMSG_GUILD_QUERY`: no world-entry priming, no
     /// sweep. A negative (`""` name) counts as held, so it is never re-asked.
-    fn request_identity(&mut self, guild_id: u32, commands: &NetCommands) {
-        if guild_id != 0
-            && !self.identities.contains_key(&guild_id)
-            && self.queried.insert(guild_id)
-        {
-            let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::GuildQuery { guild_id });
+    fn request_identity(&self, guild_id: u32, commands: &NetCommands) {
+        if guild_id != 0 {
+            self.identities.get_or_ask(guild_id, || {
+                let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::GuildQuery { guild_id });
+            });
         }
     }
 
     /// A guild's identity, if we hold a real one. `None` covers both "not asked yet / in flight"
     /// and "no such guild".
     fn identity(&self, guild_id: u32) -> Option<&Identity> {
-        self.identities.get(&guild_id).filter(|i| i.exists())
+        self.identities.get(guild_id).filter(|i| i.exists())
     }
 
     /// [`Self::request_identity`] then [`Self::identity`] — the read that also asks, shaped like
     /// [`crate::names::NameCache::resolve`]: it answers `None` for *this* call and the answer
     /// arrives later, which is the reference's behaviour and not a gap to paper over.
-    fn resolve_identity(&mut self, guild_id: u32, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&Identity> {
+    fn resolve_identity(&self, guild_id: u32, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&Identity> {
         self.request_identity(guild_id, commands);
         self.identity(guild_id)
     }
@@ -302,7 +306,7 @@ impl GuildState {
     /// while it has not arrived or the player has no guild. A miss sends the query, the lazy-cache
     /// idiom every other read of this cache uses.
     pub(crate) fn own_emblem_record(
-        &mut self,
+        &self,
         guild_id: u32,
         commands: &NetCommands,
     ) -> Option<[i32; 5]> {
@@ -320,8 +324,7 @@ impl GuildState {
     /// dropped so the next query anywhere re-fetches it — the tabards of every member in sight
     /// re-dress off the arrival, as the reference's guild-appearance refresh does.
     pub(crate) fn evict_own_identity(&mut self) {
-        if self.identities.remove(&self.guild_id).is_some() {
-            self.queried.remove(&self.guild_id);
+        if self.identities.evict(self.guild_id) {
             self.identity_generation = self.identity_generation.wrapping_add(1);
             self.dirty = true;
         }
@@ -329,11 +332,10 @@ impl GuildState {
 
     /// `SMSG_GUILD_QUERY_RESPONSE` — fill (or negatively fill) the identity cache.
     fn apply_query_response(&mut self, response: GuildQueryResponse) {
-        self.queried.remove(&response.guild_id);
         let ours = response.guild_id == self.guild_id;
         self.identities.insert(
             response.guild_id,
-            Identity {
+            Some(Identity {
                 name: response.name,
                 rank_names: response.rank_names,
                 emblem: GuildEmblem {
@@ -343,7 +345,7 @@ impl GuildState {
                     border_color: response.border_color,
                     background_color: response.background_color,
                 },
-            },
+            }),
         );
         self.identity_generation = self.identity_generation.wrapping_add(1);
         self.dirty = true;
@@ -385,8 +387,7 @@ impl GuildState {
                 // this packet.
                 let rank = notice.params.first().and_then(|p| p.parse::<usize>().ok());
                 let name = notice.params.get(1).cloned().unwrap_or_default();
-                if let (Some(rank), Some(identity)) =
-                    (rank, self.identities.get_mut(&self.guild_id))
+                if let (Some(rank), Some(identity)) = (rank, self.identities.get_mut(self.guild_id))
                 {
                     if let Some(slot) = identity.rank_names.get_mut(rank) {
                         *slot = name;
@@ -781,6 +782,7 @@ pub(crate) struct UiGuildPlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for UiGuildPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        crate::query_cache::register::<GuildState>(app);
         app.init_resource::<GuildState>()
             .init_resource::<GuildMemberNotify>()
             .add_systems(
@@ -993,8 +995,8 @@ mod tests {
             name: String::new(),
             ..Default::default()
         });
-        assert!(guild.identities.contains_key(&7), "cached as a negative");
-        assert!(!guild.queried.contains(&7), "and no longer in flight");
+        assert!(guild.identities.answered(7), "cached as a negative");
+        assert!(!guild.identities.is_pending(7), "and no longer in flight");
         assert!(
             guild.resolve_identity(7, &commands).is_none(),
             "an empty name is not a guild"
@@ -1091,7 +1093,9 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn leaving_the_guild_drops_the_roster_but_not_the_identities() {
         let mut guild = GuildState::default();
-        guild.identities.insert(7, identity("Legacy", &["GM"]));
+        guild
+            .identities
+            .insert(7, Some(identity("Legacy", &["GM"])));
         assert!(guild.mirror_self(7, 0), "joined");
         guild.apply_roster(GuildRoster {
             motd: "Raid at eight".into(),
@@ -1107,7 +1111,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(guild.members.is_empty());
         assert!(guild.motd.is_empty());
         assert_eq!(guild.selection, 0);
-        assert!(guild.identities.contains_key(&7), "identities survive");
+        assert!(guild.identities.answered(7), "identities survive");
 
         assert!(!guild.mirror_self(0, 0), "no edge when nothing moved");
     }
@@ -1182,13 +1186,13 @@ mod tests {
         guild.mirror_self(7, 0);
         guild
             .identities
-            .insert(7, identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"]));
+            .insert(7, Some(identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"])));
         guild.apply_event(&event(
             guild_event::UPDATE_RANK_NAME,
             &["1", "Officer"],
             None,
         ));
-        assert_eq!(guild.identities[&7].rank_name(1), "Officer");
+        assert_eq!(guild.identities.get(7).unwrap().rank_name(1), "Officer");
         assert!(guild.dirty);
     }
 
@@ -1256,7 +1260,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut guild = GuildState::default();
         guild
             .identities
-            .insert(7, identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"]));
+            .insert(7, Some(identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"])));
 
         // A creature, and a guildless player: no PLAYER_GUILDID at all.
         let guildless = ObjectFields::from_pairs(&[]);
@@ -1297,9 +1301,9 @@ mod tests {
         let mut guild = GuildState::default();
         guild
             .identities
-            .insert(7, identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"]));
+            .insert(7, Some(identity("Legacy", &["GM", "Off"])));
         // The negative cache: a query that came back empty is "no such guild", not a blank name.
-        guild.identities.insert(8, identity("", &[]));
+        guild.identities.insert(8, Some(identity("", &[])));
 
         let guildless = ObjectFields::from_pairs(&[]);
         assert_eq!(unit_guild_name(&guildless, &mut guild, &commands), None);
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_inspect.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_inspect.rs
index 2b7edd46..da622cd2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_inspect.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_inspect.rs
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ impl Plugin for InspectUiPlugin {
 /// data the reference's own inspect tooltip has.
 fn inspect_slot_view(
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     commands: &NetCommands,
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ fn feed_inspect(
     mut target: ResMut<InspectTarget>,
     mut feed: ResMut<InspectFeedState>,
     mut booth: ResMut<InspectBooth>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     // `SpellItemEnchantment`'s name column — the inspected item's enchant line (decision 0915) —
     // and `ItemRandomProperties`, the roll behind its "of the Monkey" name (1547).
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ fn feed_inspect(
     for slot in 1..=19u8 {
         slots[usize::from(slot)] = inspect_slot_view(
             store,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             icons.as_deref(),
             crate::items::RollCatalogs {
                 enchants: catalogs.0.as_deref(),
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_item_text.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_item_text.rs
index f4c6fc3b..09fa648a 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_item_text.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_item_text.rs
@@ -28,8 +28,6 @@
 //! bar) never fires — no translation mechanic on a private server's readables, and the `language`
 //! column (`data[1]`/`LanguageID`) is carried by neither source here.
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
-
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use benilla_ui::script::{ItemTextState, UiScript};
@@ -38,6 +36,7 @@ use crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates;
 use crate::items::Items;
 use crate::names::NameCache;
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 use crate::ui_mail::MailOpen;
 use crate::ui_script::UiInput;
 
@@ -56,27 +55,30 @@ pub(crate) struct PageText {
 /// per-page fetch is still here for the server that answers one at a time.
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct PageTexts {
-    pages: HashMap<u32, PageText>,
-    pending: HashSet<u32>,
+    pages: QueryCache<u32, PageText>,
+}
+
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for PageTexts {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.pages.clear_pending();
+    }
 }
 
 impl PageTexts {
     /// Record a page (and clear its in-flight flag).
     pub(crate) fn insert(&mut self, page_id: u32, text: String, next: u32) {
-        self.pending.remove(&page_id);
-        self.pages.insert(page_id, PageText { text, next });
+        self.pages.insert(page_id, Some(PageText { text, next }));
     }
 
     /// The cached page, asking for it once if this is the first asker. `guid` names the object
     /// doing the reading (the reference writes it after the page id; vmangos discards it).
-    fn get_or_ask(&mut self, page_id: u32, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&PageText> {
-        if !self.pages.contains_key(&page_id) && self.pending.insert(page_id) {
+    fn get_or_ask(&self, page_id: u32, guid: u64, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&PageText> {
+        self.pages.get_or_ask(page_id, || {
             debug!("page text: asking page {page_id} (object {guid:#x})");
             let _ = commands
                 .0
                 .send(ClientCommand::PageTextQuery { page_id, guid });
-        }
-        self.pages.get(&page_id)
+        })
     }
 }
 
@@ -180,6 +182,7 @@ pub(crate) struct UiItemTextPlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for UiItemTextPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        crate::query_cache::register::<PageTexts>(app);
         app.init_resource::<ItemTextOpen>()
             .init_resource::<PageTexts>()
             .add_systems(
@@ -214,8 +217,8 @@ struct Readable {
 /// is FrameXML's "Parchment". A GameObject whose template is not cached yet is asked for.
 pub(crate) fn object_material(
     guid: u64,
-    items: &mut Items,
-    go_templates: &mut GameObjectTemplates,
+    items: &Items,
+    go_templates: &GameObjectTemplates,
     materials: Option<&PageMaterials>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
@@ -239,7 +242,7 @@ pub(crate) fn object_material(
 /// single resolve serves both sources.
 fn readable(
     guid: u64,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     go_templates: &GameObjectTemplates,
     materials: Option<&PageMaterials>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
@@ -270,10 +273,10 @@ fn readable(
 fn feed_item_text(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut open: ResMut<ItemTextOpen>,
-    mut mail: ResMut<MailOpen>,
-    mut pages: ResMut<PageTexts>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    mail: Res<MailOpen>,
+    pages: Res<PageTexts>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     go_templates: Res<GameObjectTemplates>,
     materials: Option<Res<PageMaterials>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
@@ -298,7 +301,7 @@ fn feed_item_text(
     }
     let Some(readable) = readable(
         sess.object_guid,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         &go_templates,
         materials.as_deref(),
         &commands,
@@ -345,13 +348,15 @@ fn feed_item_text(
                 },
             };
             // The body: the shared ask-once item-text cache (fetch if this is the first asker).
-            let body = mail.bodies.get(text_id).cloned();
-            if body.is_none() && mail.pending_bodies.insert(*text_id) {
-                let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::ItemTextQuery {
-                    text_id: *text_id,
-                    mail_id: 0,
-                });
-            }
+            let body = mail
+                .bodies
+                .get_or_ask(*text_id, || {
+                    let _ = commands.0.send(ClientCommand::ItemTextQuery {
+                        text_id: *text_id,
+                        mail_id: 0,
+                    });
+                })
+                .cloned();
             let Some(text) = body else {
                 return; // body query in flight
             };
@@ -377,7 +382,7 @@ fn feed_item_text(
 
     // Page/book text is server-authored, so it runs the `$`-macro expander — the reference does it
     // from two sites in `ItemTextFrame.cpp` (decision 0754), subject = the local player.
-    let subject = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &mut names, &commands);
+    let subject = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &names, &commands);
     let text = crate::npc_text::substitute(
         &text,
         &crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
@@ -422,7 +427,7 @@ fn drain_item_text(
         let ReadSource::Pages { visited } = &mut sess.source else {
             continue; // a letter has no pages; its buttons never show
         };
-        if turn_page(visited, delta, |id| pages.pages.get(&id).map(|p| p.next)) {
+        if turn_page(visited, delta, |id| pages.pages.get(id).map(|p| p.next)) {
             // Repaint on the next feed, without re-firing BEGIN (within this VM; a fresh VM
             // re-begins regardless, which is the reload repaint).
             sess.told.get(&script).ready = false;
@@ -538,7 +543,7 @@ mod quest_material_tests {
     /// (FrameXML's Parchment); an uncached GameObject is asked for and answers nothing meanwhile.
     #[test]
     fn a_quest_sourced_from_an_object_paints_the_objects_material() {
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let mut gos = GameObjectTemplates::default();
         let (tx, rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
@@ -553,44 +558,24 @@ mod quest_material_tests {
         gos.insert(100, 2, "Wanted Poster".into(), &data);
         gos.insert(102, 10, "Chest".into(), &data);
         assert_eq!(
-            object_material(
-                go_guid(100),
-                &mut items,
-                &mut gos,
-                Some(&catalog),
-                &commands
-            )
-            .as_deref(),
+            object_material(go_guid(100), &items, &gos, Some(&catalog), &commands).as_deref(),
             Some("Stone")
         );
         assert_eq!(
-            object_material(
-                go_guid(102),
-                &mut items,
-                &mut gos,
-                Some(&catalog),
-                &commands
-            )
-            .as_deref(),
+            object_material(go_guid(102), &items, &gos, Some(&catalog), &commands).as_deref(),
             Some("Marble"),
             "a chest reads data[9]"
         );
         // A creature quest-giver: neither template, nothing asked.
         let creature = (u64::from(benilla_protocol::guid::HIGH_UNIT) << 48) | (6 << 24) | 1;
         assert_eq!(
-            object_material(creature, &mut items, &mut gos, Some(&catalog), &commands),
+            object_material(creature, &items, &gos, Some(&catalog), &commands),
             None
         );
         assert!(rx.try_recv().is_err(), "a creature source asks for nothing");
         // An uncached object: nothing yet, and the template is asked for.
         assert_eq!(
-            object_material(
-                go_guid(777),
-                &mut items,
-                &mut gos,
-                Some(&catalog),
-                &commands
-            ),
+            object_material(go_guid(777), &items, &gos, Some(&catalog), &commands),
             None
         );
         assert!(
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/drain.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/drain.rs
index ac28c36b..f1feee88 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/drain.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/drain.rs
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ use super::{slot_guid, slot_guid_count, wire_pos, INVTYPE_AMMO};
 pub(crate) fn send_auto_equip(
     script: &mut UiScript,
     gate: &mut crate::ui_bind_confirm::BindGate,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     bag_index: u8,
     slot: u8,
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ pub(crate) fn send_auto_equip(
 /// visibly dimmed), pre-existing and out of this slice's scope to fix.
 pub(super) fn drain_container_autoequips(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut gate: crate::ui_bind_confirm::BindGate,
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_container_autoequips(
         send_auto_equip(
             &mut script,
             &mut gate,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             &commands,
             bag_index,
             wire_slot,
@@ -417,7 +417,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_container_uses(
             if send_auto_equip(
                 &mut script,
                 &mut gate,
-                &mut ladder.items,
+                &ladder.items,
                 &ladder.commands,
                 bag_index,
                 wire_slot,
@@ -662,7 +662,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_container_moves(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     mut pending: ResMut<PendingItemOps>,
     mut gate: crate::ui_bind_confirm::BindGate,
 ) {
@@ -699,7 +699,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_container_moves(
         send_container_move(
             &mut script,
             &mut gate,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             &commands,
             store,
             &mut pending,
@@ -727,7 +727,7 @@ fn is_equip_position(bag_index: u8, slot: u8) -> bool {
 pub(crate) fn send_container_move(
     script: &mut UiScript,
     gate: &mut crate::ui_bind_confirm::BindGate,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     store: Option<&ObjectStore>,
     pending: &mut PendingItemOps,
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_bind_confirm_answers(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     mut pending: ResMut<PendingItemOps>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut gate: crate::ui_bind_confirm::BindGate,
 ) {
@@ -1072,7 +1072,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_bind_confirm_answers(
                 send_container_move(
                     &mut script,
                     &mut gate,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     &commands,
                     store,
                     &mut pending,
@@ -1094,7 +1094,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_bind_confirm_answers(
                 send_auto_equip(
                     &mut script,
                     &mut gate,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     &commands,
                     bag_index,
                     slot,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/feed.rs
index 916ddf2c..31ba0cba 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/feed.rs
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ fn template_view(
 pub(super) fn feed_item_sets(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     sets: Option<Res<super::ItemSets>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     spells: Option<Res<crate::ui_action::Spells>>,
     skill_lines: Option<Res<crate::ui_spellbook::SkillLines>>,
@@ -606,13 +606,13 @@ pub(super) fn feed_player_req(
 /// exists before its query answers.
 fn resolve_slot(
     guid: u64,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     cooldowns: &crate::cooldowns::Cooldowns,
     spells: Option<&benilla_formats::SpellCatalog>,
-    names: &mut crate::names::NameCache,
+    names: &crate::names::NameCache,
     // The petition record cache, for a charter slot's tooltip lines — a LAZY fill, so it is taken
     // mutably for the same reason `names` is: the read is what issues the query.
     petitions: &mut crate::ui_petition::PetitionState,
@@ -782,7 +782,7 @@ fn resolve_slot(
 fn bag_family_name(
     player: Option<&ObjectStore>,
     bag_slot: u8,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     families: Option<&benilla_formats::ItemBagFamilyCatalog>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
@@ -841,7 +841,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     // `ChrClasses.dbc` field 16, for the fit rule's relic half — see `find_equip_slot` (1803).
     classes: Option<Res<crate::chr_classes::ChrClassTable>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     // The two item-DBC catalogs, as one param (the 16-SystemParam ceiling): `SpellItemEnchantment`'s
     // name column — the tooltip's enchant lines (decision 0915) — and `ItemRandomProperties`, the
@@ -866,7 +866,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
     bag_families: Option<Res<crate::ui_items::ItemBagFamilies>>,
     pending: Res<PendingItemOps>,
     mut lock_cleared: ResMut<LockTransitions>,
-    mut names: ResMut<crate::names::NameCache>,
+    names: Res<crate::names::NameCache>,
     // Paired into one param (the 16-SystemParam ceiling this signature already sits at): the UI
     // clock, and the petition record cache a charter slot's tooltip lines read — `ResMut` because
     // that cache is LAZY and the hover is what issues its query.
@@ -1000,7 +1000,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
                 bag_family_name(
                     player,
                     e.bag_slot,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     bag_families.as_deref().map(|c| &c.0),
                     &commands,
                 )
@@ -1064,13 +1064,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
             let guid = store.0.player_pack_slot(i).unwrap_or(0);
             if let Some(mut slot) = resolve_slot(
                 guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
                 rolls,
                 &commands,
                 &cooldowns,
                 spell_catalog,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &mut petitions,
                 now,
                 ui_now,
@@ -1119,13 +1119,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
             for (j, &guid) in slot_guids.iter().enumerate() {
                 if let Some(mut slot) = resolve_slot(
                     guid,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     icons.as_deref(),
                     rolls,
                     &commands,
                     &cooldowns,
                     spell_catalog,
-                    &mut names,
+                    &names,
                     &mut petitions,
                     now,
                     ui_now,
@@ -1154,13 +1154,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
             let guid = store.0.player_bank_slot(i).unwrap_or(0);
             if let Some(mut slot) = resolve_slot(
                 guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
                 rolls,
                 &commands,
                 &cooldowns,
                 spell_catalog,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &mut petitions,
                 now,
                 ui_now,
@@ -1205,13 +1205,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
             for (j, &guid) in slot_guids.iter().enumerate() {
                 if let Some(mut slot) = resolve_slot(
                     guid,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     icons.as_deref(),
                     rolls,
                     &commands,
                     &cooldowns,
                     spell_catalog,
-                    &mut names,
+                    &names,
                     &mut petitions,
                     now,
                     ui_now,
@@ -1244,13 +1244,13 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
             let guid = store.0.player_keyring_slot(i).unwrap_or(0);
             if let Some(mut slot) = resolve_slot(
                 guid,
-                &mut items,
+                &items,
                 icons.as_deref(),
                 rolls,
                 &commands,
                 &cooldowns,
                 spell_catalog,
-                &mut names,
+                &names,
                 &mut petitions,
                 now,
                 ui_now,
@@ -1272,7 +1272,7 @@ pub(crate) fn feed_containers(
         // `HasKey()` — the gate that decides whether the keyring exists in the UI at all. Pushed
         // beside the containers because it is the same knowledge (item templates) read over the
         // same slot arrays, and it must be fresh on exactly the frames a BAG_UPDATE fires.
-        let key = has_key(&store.0, &mut items, &commands);
+        let key = has_key(&store.0, &items, &commands);
         if key != memory.had_key {
             gate.audit("feed_containers", "the HasKey() flip");
             debug!(
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/mod.rs
index 4e5f0022..a59f28bd 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_items/mod.rs
@@ -575,7 +575,7 @@ pub(crate) fn collect_inventory(
 ///
 /// A slot whose item template is still in flight can't be judged and reads as "not a key"; the
 /// answer lands within a frame or two and the feed re-pushes.
-pub(crate) fn has_key(store: &ObjectFields, items: &mut Items, commands: &NetCommands) -> bool {
+pub(crate) fn has_key(store: &ObjectFields, items: &Items, commands: &NetCommands) -> bool {
     // Every guid mode 0x4f reaches, in the walker's own order — a container is recursed into as it
     // is passed (the depth-first rule), which is why each bag's contents follow its own slot.
     // Collected first, then judged: the template lookup needs `items` mutably (the ask-once query).
@@ -843,7 +843,7 @@ pub(crate) fn send_item_use(
     };
     // The disarm ladder, asked of the caster's own inventory (decision 1903).
     let disarmed_hand = ctx.rel.self_store.and_then(|store| {
-        crate::items::disarmed_equipment_slot(store, &mut ladder.items, &ladder.commands)
+        crate::items::disarmed_equipment_slot(store, &ladder.items, &ladder.commands)
     });
     match item_use_route(it, aura_cancels, disarmed_hand) {
         ItemUseRoute::CantUseDisarmed => {
@@ -894,7 +894,7 @@ pub(crate) fn send_item_use(
             if !suppress
                 && it
                     .guid
-                    .is_some_and(|g| gate.use_binds(&mut ladder.items, &ladder.commands, g)) =>
+                    .is_some_and(|g| gate.use_binds(&ladder.items, &ladder.commands, g)) =>
         {
             gate.defer_use(script, it);
             false
@@ -1766,13 +1766,13 @@ mod find_item_tests {
         item(&mut items, 0xF2, BREAD, None);
 
         // Nothing at all.
-        assert!(!has_key(&player(&[]), &mut items, &commands));
+        assert!(!has_key(&player(&[]), &items, &commands));
         // A non-key in the backpack is not a key.
-        assert!(!has_key(&player(&[(23, 0xF2)]), &mut items, &commands));
+        assert!(!has_key(&player(&[(23, 0xF2)]), &items, &commands));
         // The director's own case: the key sitting in keyring slot 1.
-        assert!(has_key(&player(&[(81, 0xF1)]), &mut items, &commands));
+        assert!(has_key(&player(&[(81, 0xF1)]), &items, &commands));
         // And in the backpack, before it has been filed.
-        assert!(has_key(&player(&[(23, 0xF1)]), &mut items, &commands));
+        assert!(has_key(&player(&[(23, 0xF1)]), &items, &commands));
 
         // The BANK — reachable only because HasKey passes 0x4f rather than the walker's default
         // 0x47. `find_item` must NOT see the same copy (its mode omits 0x08).
@@ -1780,7 +1780,7 @@ mod find_item_tests {
         banked.insert(39u16, 0xF1u64);
         let store = bank_player(&banked);
         assert!(
-            has_key(&store, &mut items, &commands),
+            has_key(&store, &items, &commands),
             "a key in the bank still gives you a keyring"
         );
         assert_eq!(
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot.rs
index 871d3832..55fb8c80 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot.rs
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ fn coin_icon(copper: u32) -> &'static str {
 /// rather than at each call site.
 fn resolve_item(
     item: &LootItem,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: RollCatalogs,
@@ -754,7 +754,7 @@ fn templates_outstanding(items: &Items, snap: &LootSnapshot) -> bool {
 /// shift up).
 fn snapshot(
     loot: &LootState,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: RollCatalogs,
@@ -886,7 +886,7 @@ fn receive_line(r: &PendingReceive, name: &str, quality: u32) -> String {
 /// an entry the server never answers for).
 fn drain_receives(
     loot: &mut LootState,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     chat: &mut crate::ui_chat::ChatLog,
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@ fn drain_receives(
 fn feed_loot(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut loot: ResMut<LootState>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut chat: ResMut<crate::ui_chat::ChatLog>,
@@ -973,7 +973,7 @@ fn feed_loot(
     };
     drain_receives(
         &mut loot,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         icons.as_deref(),
         &commands,
         &mut chat,
@@ -985,7 +985,7 @@ fn feed_loot(
         group: &group,
         names: &names,
     };
-    let fresh = snapshot(&loot, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &commands, rolls, who);
+    let fresh = snapshot(&loot, &items, icons.as_deref(), &commands, rolls, who);
     if fresh == *last {
         return;
     }
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@ fn feed_loot(
                             // raises the confirm, and every later one in the same sweep is left
                             // in the window untouched — not taken, not asked about. Otherwise a
                             // three-blue corpse would stack three dialogs over one pending slot.
-                            if bind_confirm_required(&mut items, &commands, item_id) {
+                            if bind_confirm_required(&items, &commands, item_id) {
                                 if bind_confirm_fired {
                                     continue;
                                 }
@@ -1105,7 +1105,7 @@ fn feed_loot(
 /// has no name on it either, so it is not a row anyone has clicked. Asking (rather than peeking)
 /// costs nothing — the entry is already in flight from the snapshot — and keeps the answer right
 /// for the next click if one somehow arrives first.
-fn bind_confirm_required(items: &mut Items, commands: &NetCommands, item_id: u32) -> bool {
+fn bind_confirm_required(items: &Items, commands: &NetCommands, item_id: u32) -> bool {
     items
         .template(item_id, 0, commands)
         .is_some_and(|t| t.bonding == BIND_WHEN_PICKED_UP && t.quality >= BIND_CONFIRM_MIN_QUALITY)
@@ -1174,7 +1174,7 @@ fn drain_loot(
     // The bind-on-pickup deferral reads the row's template (`bonding`, `quality`). Already cached
     // by then in every reachable case — the snapshot asks for it to put a NAME on the row, and a
     // row with no name is a row nobody has clicked.
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     // The controller's move-start report (decision 2097) and the selection teardown the close
     // asks for — ahead of the VM check below, because neither depends on Lua.
     mut move_start: ResMut<LootMoveStart>,
@@ -1218,7 +1218,7 @@ fn drain_loot(
                 // confirm at all, which is why picking up a quest trinket never asks. The event
                 // carries the row out, the row is stashed, and NOTHING is sent; not even the
                 // pickup sound, which the reference plays only on the arm that actually sends.
-                if bind_confirm_required(&mut items, &commands, item_id) {
+                if bind_confirm_required(&items, &commands, item_id) {
                     debug!("ui_loot: row {index} (wire {wire_slot}) binds on pickup — confirming");
                     loot.pending_bind_confirm = Some(index);
                     script.fire_event(
@@ -2374,7 +2374,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn coin_row_uses_real_words_and_the_ladders_icon() {
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let (grp, nm) = nobody();
@@ -2383,7 +2383,7 @@ mod tests {
         loot.open(0x42, loot_type::CORPSE, 4, vec![]);
         let snap = snapshot(
             &loot,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             RollCatalogs::NONE,
@@ -2402,7 +2402,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn snapshot_prepends_coin_and_resolves_items() {
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let (grp, nm) = nobody();
@@ -2410,7 +2410,7 @@ mod tests {
         // Closed → no snapshot.
         assert!(snapshot(
             &loot,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             RollCatalogs::NONE,
@@ -2423,7 +2423,7 @@ mod tests {
         loot.open(0x42, loot_type::CORPSE, 12_345, vec![item(0, 117, 3)]);
         let snap = snapshot(
             &loot,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             RollCatalogs::NONE,
@@ -2449,7 +2449,7 @@ mod tests {
         loot.clear_money();
         let snap = snapshot(
             &loot,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             RollCatalogs::NONE,
@@ -2467,7 +2467,7 @@ mod tests {
         loot.remove_slot(0);
         let snap = snapshot(
             &loot,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             RollCatalogs::NONE,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot_roll.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot_roll.rs
index 7952051f..d8b8557d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot_roll.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_loot_roll.rs
@@ -434,8 +434,8 @@ fn format_line_detailed(
 fn render(
     line: &RollLine,
     self_guid: Option<u64>,
-    items: &mut Items,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    items: &Items,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     detailed: bool,
@@ -487,8 +487,8 @@ fn render(
 fn drain_lines(
     rolls: &mut LootRolls,
     self_guid: Option<u64>,
-    items: &mut Items,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    items: &Items,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     chat: &mut ChatLog,
     catalogs: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@ fn drain_lines(
 /// cache (`None`/`false` while in flight; the frame shows its placeholder and fills in later).
 fn snapshot(
     rolls: &LootRolls,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     catalogs: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ fn snapshot(
 fn feed_loot_rolls(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut rolls: ResMut<LootRolls>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     self_guid: Res<SelfGuid>,
@@ -605,8 +605,8 @@ fn feed_loot_rolls(
     drain_lines(
         &mut rolls,
         self_guid.0,
-        &mut items,
-        &mut names,
+        &items,
+        &names,
         &commands,
         &mut chat,
         catalogs,
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ fn feed_loot_rolls(
     // item out of the model in its OnShow, and the roll it is about was added to `active` in the
     // same `start()` call that queued `opened`, so pushing after would hand every fresh roll an
     // empty lookup. Same order as ui_loot's window feed, for the same reason.
-    let fresh = snapshot(&rolls, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &commands, catalogs);
+    let fresh = snapshot(&rolls, &items, icons.as_deref(), &commands, catalogs);
     if fresh != *last {
         script.set_loot_rolls(fresh.clone());
         *last = fresh;
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_mail/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_mail/mod.rs
index 0c4c4659..ac2ebcc2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_mail/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_mail/mod.rs
@@ -45,8 +45,6 @@
 //! [`benilla_ui::script::UiScript::set_has_new_mail`] current, and fires `UPDATE_PENDING_MAIL` at
 //! the three sites the reference fires it (see [`MailPending::notify`]).
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
-
 use benilla_protocol::messages::{mail_error, mail_message_type, MailListEntry};
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
@@ -56,6 +54,7 @@ use crate::entities::ItemDisplays;
 use crate::items::Items;
 use crate::names::NameCache;
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, EnteredWorldMessage, NetCommands, ObjectStore, SelfPlayer};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 use crate::ui_script::UiInput;
 use crate::ui_session::{close_npc_session_out_of_range, NpcSession};
 
@@ -112,10 +111,8 @@ pub(crate) struct MailOpen {
     pub(crate) mailbox: Option<u64>,
     /// The inbox rows (wire order = 1-based display order).
     pub(crate) mails: Vec<MailListEntry>,
-    /// Ask-once letter-body cache: `item_text_id` → body text.
-    pub(crate) bodies: HashMap<u32, String>,
-    /// `item_text_id`s with a `CMSG_ITEM_TEXT_QUERY` in flight (ask-once dedup).
-    pub(crate) pending_bodies: HashSet<u32>,
+    /// Ask-once letter-body cache: `item_text_id` → body text, through [`QueryCache`] (2288).
+    pub(crate) bodies: QueryCache<u32, String>,
     /// Fire `MAIL_SHOW` next feed — set on every mailbox click (the reference opens the window per
     /// use; wow-re §5). Consumed by [`feed_mail`].
     show_requested: bool,
@@ -133,6 +130,12 @@ pub(crate) struct MailOpen {
     pub(crate) errors: Vec<&'static str>,
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for MailOpen {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.bodies.clear_pending();
+    }
+}
+
 impl MailOpen {
     /// A mailbox right-click (decision 0544): open (or re-show) the window's session and request its
     /// `MAIL_SHOW`. A *different* mailbox resets the session (rows + throttle); the same one keeps
@@ -172,7 +175,6 @@ impl MailOpen {
         self.mailbox = None;
         self.mails.clear();
         self.bodies.clear();
-        self.pending_bodies.clear();
         self.show_requested = false;
         self.last_list_query = None;
         self.send_acks.clear();
@@ -203,6 +205,7 @@ pub(crate) struct UiMailPlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for UiMailPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        crate::query_cache::register::<MailOpen>(app);
         app.init_resource::<MailOpen>()
             .init_resource::<MailPending>()
             .add_systems(
@@ -285,11 +288,11 @@ use invoice::auction_mail;
 /// placeholder and fills in when the answer lands (the merchant/loot pattern).
 fn resolve_row(
     entry: &MailListEntry,
-    bodies: &HashMap<u32, String>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    bodies: &QueryCache<u32, String>,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     stationery: Option<&Stationery>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     macros: &crate::npc_text::MacroContext,
@@ -346,7 +349,7 @@ fn resolve_row(
     // `$`-substituted text below: the invoice is machine-written colon fields, and running a macro
     // expander over them would be expanding the auction house's own bookkeeping.
     let raw_body = (entry.item_text_id != 0)
-        .then(|| bodies.get(&entry.item_text_id))
+        .then(|| bodies.get(entry.item_text_id))
         .flatten();
 
     // ── The auction house's mail (`ui_mail::invoice`, wow-re §11.1a) ─────────────────────────
@@ -445,7 +448,7 @@ fn resolve_row(
 fn stationeries(
     catalog: &Stationery,
     self_q: &Query<(&ObjectStore, &crate::net::Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Vec<StationeryView> {
@@ -483,10 +486,10 @@ fn stationeries(
 
 fn snapshot(
     mail: &MailOpen,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     stationery: Option<&Stationery>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     rolls: crate::items::RollCatalogs,
     macros: &crate::npc_text::MacroContext,
@@ -532,10 +535,10 @@ struct MailFeedExtras<'w, 's> {
 fn feed_mail(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut mail: ResMut<MailOpen>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     stationery: Option<Res<Stationery>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut pending: ResMut<MailPending>,
     time: Res<Time>,
@@ -602,7 +605,7 @@ fn feed_mail(
     // The macro subject, resolved before the row walk borrows the name cache again. `None` until
     // the player is streamed and named — the feed diffs on the substituted text, so a letter opened
     // that early re-substitutes as soon as it lands.
-    let subject = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &mut names, &commands);
+    let subject = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &names, &commands);
     let macros = crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
         subject: subject.as_ref(),
         states: &states,
@@ -612,10 +615,10 @@ fn feed_mail(
         let get_text = |key: &str| script.lua().globals().get::<String>(key).ok();
         snapshot(
             &mail,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             icons.as_deref(),
             stationery.as_deref(),
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             rolls,
             &macros,
@@ -646,7 +649,7 @@ fn feed_mail(
     let usable = stationery
         .as_deref()
         .filter(|_| !self_q.is_empty())
-        .map(|catalog| stationeries(catalog, &self_q, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &commands))
+        .map(|catalog| stationeries(catalog, &self_q, &items, icons.as_deref(), &commands))
         .unwrap_or_default();
     let memo = last_stationeries.get(&script);
     if *memo != usable {
@@ -770,13 +773,12 @@ fn drain_mail(
                 .0
                 .send(ClientCommand::MailMarkAsRead { mailbox, mail_id });
         }
-        if text_id != 0
-            && !mail.bodies.contains_key(&text_id)
-            && mail.pending_bodies.insert(text_id)
-        {
-            let _ = commands
-                .0
-                .send(ClientCommand::ItemTextQuery { text_id, mail_id });
+        if text_id != 0 {
+            mail.bodies.get_or_ask(text_id, || {
+                let _ = commands
+                    .0
+                    .send(ClientCommand::ItemTextQuery { text_id, mail_id });
+            });
         }
     }
 
@@ -965,7 +967,7 @@ mod tests {
         let mut m = MailOpen::default();
         m.click(0x1);
         m.mails.push(entry(1, Some(0xA), 0, 30.0));
-        m.bodies.insert(7, "hi".into());
+        m.bodies.insert(7, Some("hi".into()));
         m.clear();
         assert!(m.mailbox.is_none());
         assert!(m.mails.is_empty());
@@ -981,21 +983,21 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn resolve_row_derives_the_reply_and_delete_law() {
         let states = crate::world_state::WorldStates::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
-        let bodies = HashMap::new();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
+        let bodies = QueryCache::default();
 
         // A plain letter from a player (no attachments) → replyable AND deletable.
         let from_player = entry(1, Some(0xA), 0, 30.0);
         let row = resolve_row(
             &from_player,
             &bodies,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             crate::items::RollCatalogs::NONE,
             &no_macros(&states),
@@ -1012,10 +1014,10 @@ mod tests {
         let row = resolve_row(
             &with_money,
             &bodies,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             crate::items::RollCatalogs::NONE,
             &no_macros(&states),
@@ -1029,10 +1031,10 @@ mod tests {
         let row = resolve_row(
             &returned,
             &bodies,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             crate::items::RollCatalogs::NONE,
             &no_macros(&states),
@@ -1046,10 +1048,10 @@ mod tests {
         let row = resolve_row(
             &system,
             &bodies,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             crate::items::RollCatalogs::NONE,
             &no_macros(&states),
@@ -1061,12 +1063,12 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn resolve_row_reads_the_item_and_body_caches() {
         let states = crate::world_state::WorldStates::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
-        let mut bodies = HashMap::new();
-        bodies.insert(99, "the letter body".into());
+        let names = NameCache::default();
+        let mut bodies = QueryCache::default();
+        bodies.insert(99, Some("the letter body".into()));
 
         let mut e = entry(1, Some(0xA), 0, 30.0);
         e.item_text_id = 99;
@@ -1083,10 +1085,10 @@ mod tests {
         let row = resolve_row(
             &e,
             &bodies,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             None,
-            &mut names,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             crate::items::RollCatalogs::NONE,
             &no_macros(&states),
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_merchant.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_merchant.rs
index 382d7d6a..eff87584 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_merchant.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_merchant.rs
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ fn sell_error_key(reason: u8) -> Option<&'static str> {
 /// placeholder and fills in when the answer lands, exactly like a bag slot).
 fn resolve_item(
     item: &VendorItem,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> MerchantItem {
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ fn buyback_order(store: &benilla_protocol::ObjectFields) -> Vec<u8> {
 fn resolve_buyback(
     idx: u8,
     store: &benilla_protocol::ObjectFields,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> MerchantItem {
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@ fn resolve_buyback(
 /// No reputation model yet → discount 0.
 fn item_repair_cost(
     guid: u64,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     tables: &RepairTables,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> u32 {
@@ -356,12 +356,12 @@ fn item_repair_cost(
 /// buyback).
 fn repair_all_cost(
     store: &benilla_protocol::ObjectFields,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     tables: &RepairTables,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> u32 {
     let mut total: u64 = 0;
-    let mut add = |guid: u64, items: &mut Items| {
+    let mut add = |guid: u64, items: &Items| {
         if guid != 0 {
             total += u64::from(item_repair_cost(guid, items, tables, commands));
         }
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ fn repair_all_cost(
 /// when no vendor is open.
 fn snapshot(
     open: &MerchantOpen,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     player: Option<&benilla_protocol::ObjectFields>,
@@ -435,13 +435,13 @@ fn snapshot(
 fn feed_merchant(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     open: Res<MerchantOpen>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     units: Query<(&crate::net::Guid, &ObjectStore), Without<SelfPlayer>>,
     tables: Option<Res<RepairTables>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     mut errors: ResMut<MerchantErrors>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<MerchantState>>>,
     mut last_money: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<u64>>>,
@@ -495,7 +495,7 @@ fn feed_merchant(
     let player = self_q.iter().next().map(|s| &s.0);
     let fresh = snapshot(
         &open,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         icons.as_deref(),
         &commands,
         player,
@@ -799,14 +799,14 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn resolve_maps_unlimited_stock_to_minus_one() {
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         // Unlimited stock → numAvailable -1; a finite count passes through.
-        let unlimited = resolve_item(&row(159, 1, STOCK_UNLIMITED), &mut items, None, &commands);
+        let unlimited = resolve_item(&row(159, 1, STOCK_UNLIMITED), &items, None, &commands);
         assert_eq!(unlimited.num_available, -1);
         assert_eq!(unlimited.item_id, 159);
-        let finite = resolve_item(&row(4540, 2, 5), &mut items, None, &commands);
+        let finite = resolve_item(&row(4540, 2, 5), &items, None, &commands);
         assert_eq!(finite.num_available, 5);
         // No template answer yet → name + tooltip stats in flight (nil), the rest present.
         assert!(finite.name.is_none());
@@ -876,7 +876,7 @@ mod tests {
                 bag_family: 0,
             }),
         );
-        let resolved = resolve_item(&row(2129, 1, 3), &mut items, None, &commands);
+        let resolved = resolve_item(&row(2129, 1, 3), &items, None, &commands);
         let stats = resolved.stats.expect("template answered → stats present");
         assert_eq!(
             (
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_party/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_party/feed.rs
index 2be9bdbb..2b3b8643 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_party/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_party/feed.rs
@@ -871,7 +871,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_party(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut group: ResMut<GroupState>,
     selection: Res<Selection>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     self_q: Query<&Guid, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut tutorials: Option<MessageWriter<crate::tutorial::TutorialEvent>>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_pet_stats.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_pet_stats.rs
index be4a933c..b4c436cb 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_pet_stats.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_pet_stats.rs
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ impl Plugin for UiPetStatsPlugin {
 /// (decision 1676).
 fn family_for(
     pet: Option<&ObjectStore>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     tables: Option<&PetFamilyTables>,
 ) -> (Option<String>, Option<String>, Vec<String>) {
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ fn feed_pet_stats(
     self_store: Query<&ObjectStore, With<crate::net::SelfPlayer>>,
     tables: Option<Res<PetStatTables>>,
     family_tables: Option<Res<PetFamilyTables>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<(bool, PetStats)>>>,
 ) {
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ fn feed_pet_stats(
     };
     let last = last.get(&script);
     let store = pet.store(bar.spells.pet_guid);
-    let family = family_for(store, &mut names, &commands, family_tables.as_deref());
+    let family = family_for(store, &names, &commands, family_tables.as_deref());
     let fresh = stats_for(store, self_store.iter().next(), tables.as_deref(), family);
     // Push only on change. Happiness moves on its own clock and the frame repaints off UNIT_*
     // events, so a per-frame push would be pure churn — but the DIFF is what makes this cheap,
@@ -592,8 +592,8 @@ mod tests {
         let (cmds, rx) = commands();
 
         // 1. No pet at all.
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
-        assert_eq!(family_for(None, &mut names, &cmds, Some(&t)), no_family());
+        let names = NameCache::default();
+        assert_eq!(family_for(None, &names, &cmds, Some(&t)), no_family());
         assert!(rx.try_recv().is_err(), "nothing to ask about");
 
         // 2. A pet whose creature query has NOT answered yet — nil, and the ask goes out (once).
@@ -602,7 +602,7 @@ mod tests {
             (PETNUMBER, 7),
         ]));
         assert_eq!(
-            family_for(Some(&pet), &mut names, &cmds, Some(&t)),
+            family_for(Some(&pet), &names, &cmds, Some(&t)),
             no_family(),
             "un-queried is nil, not a guess"
         );
@@ -617,17 +617,14 @@ mod tests {
 
         // 3. The answer lands with family 0 — a template with no family. Still nil, and this is
         //    the common case for every non-tameable creature.
-        let mut names = cache_with(IMP_ENTRY, 0);
-        assert_eq!(
-            family_for(Some(&pet), &mut names, &cmds, Some(&t)),
-            no_family()
-        );
+        let names = cache_with(IMP_ENTRY, 0);
+        assert_eq!(family_for(Some(&pet), &names, &cmds, Some(&t)), no_family());
 
         // 4. The answer lands with the Imp's real family (23, from the live `creature_template`).
         //    A warlock minion: a word, and an EMPTY diet — mask 0 in the shipped DBC.
-        let mut names = cache_with(IMP_ENTRY, 23);
+        let names = cache_with(IMP_ENTRY, 23);
         assert_eq!(
-            family_for(Some(&pet), &mut names, &cmds, Some(&t)),
+            family_for(Some(&pet), &names, &cmds, Some(&t)),
             (
                 Some("Imp".into()),
                 // The family row's own icon column (decision 1676) — and the shipped value for a
@@ -644,8 +641,8 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         // 5. A hunter's boar (entry 113 → family 5): a word AND the six-diet list, in bit order.
-        let mut names = cache_with(BOAR_ENTRY, 5);
-        let (name, icon, diet) = family_for(Some(&boar()), &mut names, &cmds, Some(&t));
+        let names = cache_with(BOAR_ENTRY, 5);
+        let (name, icon, diet) = family_for(Some(&boar()), &names, &cmds, Some(&t));
         assert_eq!(name.as_deref(), Some("Boar"));
         assert_eq!(
             icon.as_deref(),
@@ -654,11 +651,8 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(diet, ["Meat", "Fish", "Cheese", "Bread", "Fungus", "Fruit"]);
 
         // 6. No DBC tables at all: nil, degraded to exactly the blank level line 1057 shipped.
-        let mut names = cache_with(BOAR_ENTRY, 5);
-        assert_eq!(
-            family_for(Some(&boar()), &mut names, &cmds, None),
-            no_family()
-        );
+        let names = cache_with(BOAR_ENTRY, 5);
+        assert_eq!(family_for(Some(&boar()), &names, &cmds, None), no_family());
     }
 
     /// **The family WORD survives the hunter gate; the DIET does not** — the carved split
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/feed.rs
index fae4775a..ef7440d2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/feed.rs
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_petition(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     registrar: Res<GuildRegistrarState>,
     mut petition: ResMut<PetitionState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     self_guid: Res<SelfGuid>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_petition(
         .unwrap_or_default();
 
     let record = open.as_ref().and_then(|o| {
-        let r = petition.records.get(&o.petition_id)?;
+        let r = petition.records.get(o.petition_id)?;
         Some(PetitionRecordView {
             petition_type: if r.is_charter {
                 PETITION_TYPE_CHARTER
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ pub(super) fn drain_petition(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut registrar: ResMut<GuildRegistrarState>,
     mut petition: ResMut<PetitionState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     items: Res<Items>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     self_guid: Res<SelfGuid>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/mod.rs
index 56e112d9..c67f0a60 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_petition/mod.rs
@@ -87,8 +87,6 @@
 //! 6. **Using a charter item opens it** — see [`crate::ui_items::ItemUseRoute::ShowPetition`],
 //!    where the evidence and its limits are written down.
 
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
-
 use benilla_protocol::messages::{
     petition_result, PetitionQueryResponse, PetitionRename, PetitionShowList,
     PetitionShowSignatures, PetitionSignResults,
@@ -97,6 +95,7 @@ use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::names::NameCache;
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, NetCommands};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 use crate::ui_script::UiInput;
 use crate::ui_session::NpcSession;
 
@@ -194,12 +193,10 @@ impl NpcSession for GuildRegistrarState {
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct PetitionState {
     open: Option<OpenCharter>,
-    /// The lazy record cache, keyed by petition id — the guild-identity cache's twin. Session
-    /// state: a petition id means nothing across a reconnect.
-    records: HashMap<u32, Record>,
-    /// Petition ids with a `CMSG_PETITION_QUERY` in flight, so the ask happens once per id per
-    /// connection ([`crate::names::NameCache`]'s rule).
-    querying: HashSet<u32>,
+    /// The lazy record cache, keyed by petition id — the guild-identity cache's twin, ask-once
+    /// through [`QueryCache`] (decision 2288). Session state: a petition id means nothing across
+    /// a reconnect.
+    records: QueryCache<u32, Record>,
     /// `[0xbdce1c]` — set while a sign we sent is outstanding, cleared when its result lands.
     ///
     /// It exists for one reader, and that reader is easy to miss: the decline leg of a close is
@@ -262,6 +259,12 @@ struct Record {
     is_charter: bool,
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for PetitionState {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.records.clear_pending();
+    }
+}
+
 impl PetitionState {
     /// `SMSG_PETITION_SHOW_SIGNATURES` — open the window on this charter, and fire the record
     /// query if we have never seen this petition.
@@ -282,13 +285,12 @@ impl PetitionState {
     /// The lazy record fill: ask once per petition id, and answer nothing for the call that missed.
     /// The arrival simply lands in the cache; the feed's next rebuild picks it up (see
     /// [`feed`]'s note on why there is no flag).
-    fn request_record(&mut self, petition_id: u32, item: u64, commands: &NetCommands) {
-        if self.records.contains_key(&petition_id) || !self.querying.insert(petition_id) {
-            return;
-        }
-        let _ = commands
-            .0
-            .send(ClientCommand::PetitionQuery { petition_id, item });
+    fn request_record(&self, petition_id: u32, item: u64, commands: &NetCommands) {
+        self.records.get_or_ask(petition_id, || {
+            let _ = commands
+                .0
+                .send(ClientCommand::PetitionQuery { petition_id, item });
+        });
     }
 
     /// One step per landed or patched record — see [`Self::records_epoch`]'s own field doc.
@@ -299,16 +301,15 @@ impl PetitionState {
     /// `SMSG_PETITION_QUERY_RESPONSE` — fill the cache.
     fn apply_record(&mut self, response: PetitionQueryResponse) {
         self.records_epoch = self.records_epoch.wrapping_add(1);
-        self.querying.remove(&response.petition_id);
         self.records.insert(
             response.petition_id,
-            Record {
+            Some(Record {
                 owner: response.owner,
                 name: response.name,
                 body_text: response.body_text,
                 required: response.min_signatures as i32,
                 is_charter: response.flags & 1 != 0,
-            },
+            }),
         );
     }
 
@@ -326,14 +327,14 @@ impl PetitionState {
         &mut self,
         petition_id: u32,
         item: u64,
-        names: &mut NameCache,
+        names: &NameCache,
         commands: &NetCommands,
     ) -> Option<benilla_ui::script::PetitionSlotView> {
         if petition_id == 0 {
             return None;
         }
         self.request_record(petition_id, item, commands);
-        let rec = self.records.get(&petition_id)?;
+        let rec = self.records.get(petition_id)?;
         let (is_charter, title, owner_guid) = (rec.is_charter, rec.name.clone(), rec.owner);
         Some(benilla_ui::script::PetitionSlotView {
             is_charter,
@@ -360,7 +361,7 @@ impl PetitionState {
         &mut self,
         item: u64,
         signer: u64,
-        names: &mut NameCache,
+        names: &NameCache,
         commands: &NetCommands,
     ) -> Option<String> {
         let open = self.open.as_mut().filter(|o| o.item == item)?;
@@ -388,7 +389,7 @@ impl PetitionState {
         let Some(open) = self.open.as_ref() else {
             return;
         };
-        if self.signing || !self.records.contains_key(&open.petition_id) || open.owner == me {
+        if self.signing || !self.records.answered(open.petition_id) || open.owner == me {
             return;
         }
         let _ = commands
@@ -413,6 +414,7 @@ pub(crate) struct UiPetitionPlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for UiPetitionPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        crate::query_cache::register::<PetitionState>(app);
         app.init_resource::<GuildRegistrarState>()
             .init_resource::<PetitionState>()
             .add_systems(
@@ -489,7 +491,7 @@ pub(crate) mod apply {
     ///   success additionally **closes the window** (`0x5ef037` fires `PETITION_CLOSED`).
     pub(crate) fn sign_results(
         petition: &mut PetitionState,
-        names: &mut NameCache,
+        names: &NameCache,
         self_guid: u64,
         results: PetitionSignResults,
         commands: &NetCommands,
@@ -557,7 +559,12 @@ pub(crate) mod apply {
         else {
             return;
         };
-        petition.records.entry(id).or_default().name = rename.name;
+        if !petition.records.answered(id) {
+            petition.records.insert(id, Some(Record::default()));
+        }
+        if let Some(record) = petition.records.get_mut(id) {
+            record.name = rename.name;
+        }
         // A patched title is a changed record: the tooltip's line 3 reads it too.
         petition.records_epoch = petition.records_epoch.wrapping_add(1);
     }
@@ -595,7 +602,7 @@ mod tests {
     /// return, spelled once here rather than at three assertion sites.
     fn open_title(p: &PetitionState) -> Option<&str> {
         let open = p.open.as_ref()?;
-        p.records.get(&open.petition_id).map(|r| r.name.as_str())
+        p.records.get(open.petition_id).map(|r| r.name.as_str())
     }
 
     fn signatures(item: u64, owner: u64, id: u32, signers: &[u64]) -> PetitionShowSignatures {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest.rs
index 4d4a80e2..fcffa9d1 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest.rs
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ type Pool = Vec<(u32, u32)>;
 /// in flight — the row shows a placeholder and fills in, exactly like a bag slot / vendor row).
 fn resolve_item(
     it: &QuestRewardItem,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> QuestItemView {
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ fn resolve_item(
 
 fn resolve_items(
     src: &[QuestRewardItem],
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Vec<QuestItemView> {
@@ -425,7 +425,7 @@ pub(crate) fn reward_spell_view(
 
 fn snapshot(
     giver: &QuestGiver,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     macros: &crate::npc_text::MacroContext,
@@ -501,14 +501,14 @@ fn panel_event(panel: QuestPanel) -> &'static str {
 fn feed_quest(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut giver: ResMut<QuestGiver>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     states: Res<crate::world_state::WorldStates>,
     self_q: Query<(&ObjectStore, &Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
     spells: Option<Res<Spells>>,
-    mut go_templates: ResMut<crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>,
+    go_templates: Res<crate::go_templates::GameObjectTemplates>,
     materials: Option<Res<crate::ui_item_text::PageMaterials>>,
     mut sink: MessageSink,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<QuestState>>>,
@@ -539,10 +539,10 @@ fn feed_quest(
         })
         .collect();
     show_messages(&mut script, &mut sink, "ui_quest", lines);
-    let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &mut names, &commands);
+    let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &names, &commands);
     let fresh = snapshot(
         &giver,
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         icons.as_deref(),
         &commands,
         &crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
@@ -559,8 +559,8 @@ fn feed_quest(
         st.background_material = giver.npc.and_then(|source| {
             crate::ui_item_text::object_material(
                 source,
-                &mut items,
-                &mut go_templates,
+                &items,
+                &go_templates,
                 materials.as_deref(),
                 &commands,
             )
@@ -877,7 +877,7 @@ mod tests {
             }),
         );
         assert!(giver.is_open());
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let player = crate::npc_text::Subject {
@@ -888,7 +888,7 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let snap = snapshot(
             &giver,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             &crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
@@ -928,12 +928,12 @@ mod tests {
                 is_complete: true,
             }),
         );
-        let mut items = Items::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
         let snap = snapshot(
             &giver,
-            &mut items,
+            &items,
             None,
             &commands,
             &crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_log.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_log.rs
index 5591b2bc..b2e04a96 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_log.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_log.rs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 //! rather than left dead, so the retired law can't be reached for by accident.
 
 use crate::ui_items::{count_of, InventoryScope};
-use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
+use std::collections::HashSet;
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ use crate::entities::ItemDisplays;
 use crate::items::Items;
 use crate::names::NameCache;
 use crate::net::{ClientCommand, Guid, NetCommands, ObjectStore, SelfPlayer};
+use crate::query_cache::QueryCache;
 use crate::ui_action::Spells;
 use crate::ui_script::UiInput;
 use crate::ui_unit::UnitFeed;
@@ -73,16 +74,15 @@ struct Row {
 
 /// The quest-log state cache + per-frame bookkeeping.
 ///
-/// - `templates`/`pending` — the `SMSG_QUEST_QUERY_RESPONSE` cache, ask-once by quest id (the exact
-///   twin of [`Items`]'s item-template cache).
+/// - `templates` — the `SMSG_QUEST_QUERY_RESPONSE` cache, ask-once by quest id through
+///   [`QueryCache`] (the exact twin of [`Items`]'s item-template cache).
 /// - `entry_slots` — this frame's pushed entry order → descriptor slot, so
 ///   [`drain_quest_log_abandons`] can turn a confirmed abandon's 1-based Lua index back into the
 ///   `CMSG_QUESTLOG_REMOVE_QUEST` slot it came from (slots aren't contiguous — an abandoned/turned-in
 ///   quest leaves a gap).
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 pub(crate) struct QuestLog {
-    templates: HashMap<u32, QuestTemplate>,
-    pending: HashSet<u32>,
+    templates: QueryCache<u32, QuestTemplate>,
     entry_slots: Vec<Option<u8>>,
     /// Collapsed section headers, keyed by header TITLE (two zones sharing a name share a header
     /// row, so the fold state naturally shares too). Owned here — the engine only reports the
@@ -93,31 +93,28 @@ pub(crate) struct QuestLog {
     header_keys: Vec<Option<String>>,
 }
 
+impl crate::query_cache::AskOnce for QuestLog {
+    fn clear_pending(&mut self) {
+        self.templates.clear_pending();
+    }
+}
+
 impl QuestLog {
     /// The template for `quest_id`, if known — ask-once: a miss sends `CMSG_QUEST_QUERY` (deduped
     /// while in flight) and returns `None`; a cached negative (the server doesn't know the id) is
     /// also `None`, without a re-ask. The exact twin of [`Items::template`].
-    pub(crate) fn template(
-        &mut self,
-        quest_id: u32,
-        commands: &NetCommands,
-    ) -> Option<&QuestTemplate> {
-        if !self.templates.contains_key(&quest_id) {
-            if self.pending.insert(quest_id) {
-                debug!("ui_quest_log: asking quest template (quest {quest_id})");
-                let _ = commands
-                    .0
-                    .send(ClientCommand::QuestQuery { quest: quest_id });
-            }
-            return None;
-        }
-        self.templates.get(&quest_id)
+    pub(crate) fn template(&self, quest_id: u32, commands: &NetCommands) -> Option<&QuestTemplate> {
+        self.templates.get_or_ask(quest_id, || {
+            debug!("ui_quest_log: asking quest template (quest {quest_id})");
+            let _ = commands
+                .0
+                .send(ClientCommand::QuestQuery { quest: quest_id });
+        })
     }
 
     /// Record a template answer (`SMSG_QUEST_QUERY_RESPONSE`).
     pub(crate) fn insert_template(&mut self, template: QuestTemplate) {
-        self.pending.remove(&template.quest_id);
-        self.templates.insert(template.quest_id, template);
+        self.templates.insert(template.quest_id, Some(template));
     }
 
     /// Disconnect: drop everything, including the templates. Unlike item templates (which persist —
@@ -126,7 +123,6 @@ impl QuestLog {
     /// to re-ask that there's no reason to risk it.
     pub(crate) fn clear_session(&mut self) {
         self.templates.clear();
-        self.pending.clear();
         self.entry_slots.clear();
         self.collapsed.clear();
         self.header_keys.clear();
@@ -137,6 +133,7 @@ pub(crate) struct UiQuestLogPlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for UiQuestLogPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
+        crate::query_cache::register::<QuestLog>(app);
         app.init_resource::<QuestLog>()
             .add_systems(
                 Startup,
@@ -293,7 +290,7 @@ fn money_split(money: i32) -> (u32, u32) {
 fn resolve_template_item(
     entry: u32,
     count: u32,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> QuestItemView {
@@ -340,8 +337,8 @@ fn build_objectives(
     template: &QuestTemplate,
     log_slot: &QuestLogSlot,
     store: &ObjectFields,
-    items: &mut Items,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    items: &Items,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     // The VM's own `GlobalStrings.lua`, for the leaderboard's three format keys.
     get: &dyn Fn(&str) -> Option<String>,
@@ -391,7 +388,7 @@ fn build_objectives(
 /// not — see [`build_objectives`]), so this no longer needs the descriptor slot at all.
 fn build_detail(
     template: &QuestTemplate,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     macros: &crate::npc_text::MacroContext,
@@ -545,8 +542,8 @@ fn feed_quest_log(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     self_q: Query<(&ObjectStore, &Guid), With<SelfPlayer>>,
     mut quest_log: ResMut<QuestLog>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     header_names: Option<Res<QuestHeaderNamesRes>>,
@@ -663,7 +660,7 @@ fn feed_quest_log(
         let keyed: Vec<GroupRow> = rows
             .iter()
             .map(|r| {
-                let t = quest_log.templates.get(&r.quest_id);
+                let t = quest_log.templates.get(r.quest_id);
                 let zos = t.map(|t| t.zone_or_sort).unwrap_or(0);
                 GroupRow {
                     zone_or_sort: zos,
@@ -688,7 +685,7 @@ fn feed_quest_log(
 
     // Above the row loop because every row's detail substitutes through it now (the chat macros
     // in a quest's description/objectives paragraph), not just the selection's.
-    let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &mut names, &commands);
+    let player = crate::npc_text::player_identity(&self_q, &names, &commands);
     let macros = crate::npc_text::MacroContext {
         subject: player.as_ref(),
         states: &states,
@@ -739,21 +736,13 @@ fn feed_quest_log(
                         // button we wrongly enabled would push, and the party would get a detail panel
                         // for a quest the server then refuses (decision 1733).
                         t.flags & quest_flags::SHARABLE != 0,
-                        build_objectives(
-                            t,
-                            &r.log_slot,
-                            &store.0,
-                            &mut items,
-                            &mut names,
-                            &commands,
-                            &get,
-                        ),
+                        build_objectives(t, &r.log_slot, &store.0, &items, &names, &commands, &get),
                         // Every row, not just the selection (decision 2247) — the detail bindings
                         // resolve the live selection against these at call time, the way the
                         // reference peeks its quest cache inside the call.
                         Some(build_detail(
                             t,
-                            &mut items,
+                            &items,
                             icons.as_deref(),
                             &commands,
                             &macros,
@@ -1425,8 +1414,8 @@ mod tests {
             timer: 0,
         };
         let store = ObjectFields::default(); // empty bags — the item objective reads 0/5
-        let mut items = Items::default();
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
 
@@ -1434,8 +1423,8 @@ mod tests {
             &template,
             &log_slot,
             &store,
-            &mut items,
-            &mut names,
+            &items,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             &probe_strings,
         );
@@ -1475,8 +1464,8 @@ mod tests {
             timer: 0,
         };
         let store = ObjectFields::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
 
@@ -1484,8 +1473,8 @@ mod tests {
             &template,
             &log_slot,
             &store,
-            &mut items,
-            &mut names,
+            &items,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             &probe_strings,
         );
@@ -1517,8 +1506,8 @@ mod tests {
             timer: 0,
         };
         let store = ObjectFields::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
 
@@ -1526,8 +1515,8 @@ mod tests {
             &template,
             &log_slot,
             &store,
-            &mut items,
-            &mut names,
+            &items,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             &probe_strings,
         );
@@ -1556,8 +1545,8 @@ mod tests {
             timer: 0,
         };
         let store = ObjectFields::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
 
@@ -1565,8 +1554,8 @@ mod tests {
             &template,
             &log_slot,
             &store,
-            &mut items,
-            &mut names,
+            &items,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             &probe_strings,
         );
@@ -1591,8 +1580,8 @@ mod tests {
             timer: 0,
         };
         let store = ObjectFields::default();
-        let mut items = Items::default();
-        let mut names = NameCache::default();
+        let items = Items::default();
+        let names = NameCache::default();
         let (tx, _rx) = crossbeam_channel::unbounded();
         let commands = NetCommands(tx);
 
@@ -1600,8 +1589,8 @@ mod tests {
             &template,
             &log_slot,
             &store,
-            &mut items,
-            &mut names,
+            &items,
+            &names,
             &commands,
             &probe_strings,
         );
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_share.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_share.rs
index 427f1e8f..b89a374d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_share.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_quest_share.rs
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ impl Plugin for QuestSharePlugin {
 fn feed_quest_share(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut share: ResMut<QuestShare>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut sink: MessageSink,
 ) {
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_script/cast_tests.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_script/cast_tests.rs
index 59ffa1db..5cfbdf7f 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_script/cast_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_script/cast_tests.rs
@@ -181,17 +181,32 @@ fn failed_cast_turns_red_holds_then_fades() {
 fn channel_counts_down_not_up() {
     let mut s = harness();
     // SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START(ms, name) — args reversed vs START, per the reference contract.
+    // The name is whatever `ui_cast::channel_start_args` composed; for all but nine of the 323
+    // channeled rows that is the literal word, which is what the feed hands Starshards too.
     s.fire_event(
         "SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START",
         vec![
             ScriptValue::Int(6000),
-            ScriptValue::Str("Starshards".into()),
+            ScriptValue::Str("Channeling".into()),
         ],
     );
     assert!(s.eval::<bool>("return CastingBarFrame:IsShown()").unwrap());
     assert_eq!(
         s.eval::<String>("return CastingBarText:GetText()").unwrap(),
-        "Starshards"
+        "Channeling"
+    );
+
+    // **In 1.12 the channel bar is ORANGE** — the same `SetStatusBarColor(1.0, 0.7, 0.0)` the cast
+    // bar takes (stock `CastingBarFrame.lua` l.76 vs l.21, byte-identical to the copy in the
+    // player's `patch.MPQ`); green is the COMPLETION flash and nothing else. A channel is told
+    // apart by draining instead of filling, and by its label. **Classic Era's channel bar IS
+    // green** (`CastingBarType.Channel`'s `classicFillColor = CASTBAR_CLASSIC_GREEN`) — a real
+    // behaviour of a different client, which is why this is a gate and not a comment: if we ever
+    // take Era's colour it is a deliberate deviation that has to come here first (decision 2284).
+    let (r, g, b) = bar_color(&s);
+    assert!(
+        (r - 1.0).abs() < 1e-6 && (g - 0.7).abs() < 1e-6 && b.abs() < 1e-6,
+        "a channel opens orange, exactly like a cast (got {r} {g} {b})"
     );
 
     let full = bar_value(&s);
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_shapeshift.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_shapeshift.rs
index 2a7d01c4..dbf8e7a7 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_shapeshift.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_shapeshift.rs
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ fn feed_shapeshift_bar(
     units: Query<&ObjectStore, Without<SelfPlayer>>,
     factions: Option<Res<crate::target::Factions>>,
     reputations: Res<Reputations>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     clock: Res<crate::ui_script::UiClock>,
     mut memory: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<StanceMemory>>,
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ fn feed_shapeshift_bar(
                         cooldowns: &cooldowns,
                         carried: &carried,
                     };
-                    usable::spell_usable(id, d, &spells, &ctx, &mut items, &commands).0
+                    usable::spell_usable(id, d, &spells, &ctx, &items, &commands).0
                 });
             let texture = form_texture(d, active);
             let cooldown = cooldowns
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_social/feed.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_social/feed.rs
index 86367804..cb93dbaf 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_social/feed.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_social/feed.rs
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ pub(super) struct FedSocial {
 pub(super) fn feed_social(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut social: ResMut<SocialState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     areas: Option<Res<AreaTableRes>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut sink: MessageSink,
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_social(
         let get = |key: &str| script.lua().globals().get::<String>(key).ok();
         // Each owed line carries a catalog key, so the surface AND the sound come from its row —
         // `ERR_FRIEND_ONLINE_SS`'s is `FRIENDJOINGAME`, which a straight chat push could not play.
-        let owed: Vec<Shown> = drain_result_lines(&mut social, &mut names, &commands)
+        let owed: Vec<Shown> = drain_result_lines(&mut social, &names, &commands)
             .iter()
             .filter_map(|e| {
                 crate::ui_action::ui_error_text(e, &get).map(|text| Shown::keyed(e.key, text))
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_social(
             .collect();
         // The row's away tag, through `CHAT_FLAG_AFK`/`_DND` — the chat frame's own pair.
         let away = |status: u8| status_flag_key(status).and_then(&get).unwrap_or_default();
-        let (friends, display_order) = friend_rows(&social, &mut names, &commands, areas, &away);
+        let (friends, display_order) = friend_rows(&social, &names, &commands, areas, &away);
         (owed, friends, display_order)
     };
 
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ pub(super) fn feed_social(
     // update that removes their zone.
     crate::ui_action::show_messages(&mut script, &mut sink, "ui_social", owed);
 
-    let (ignores, ignore_order) = ignore_rows(&social, &mut names, &commands);
+    let (ignores, ignore_order) = ignore_rows(&social, &names, &commands);
     let who = who_rows(&social, areas);
 
     let selected_friend = index_of(&display_order, social.selected_friend);
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ fn answer_goes_to_the_frame(to_ui: bool, shown: usize) -> bool {
 /// it" must not look the same.
 fn drain_result_lines(
     social: &mut SocialState,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Vec<UiError> {
     let mut still_pending = Vec::new();
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ fn who_lines(rows: &[WhoInfo], total: u32, get: &dyn Fn(&str) -> Option<String>)
 /// drain can map a row index back to a player.
 fn friend_rows(
     social: &SocialState,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     areas: Option<&AreaTableCatalog>,
     away: &dyn Fn(u8) -> String,
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ fn friend_rows(
 /// The ignore rows: names only, same ordering rule.
 fn ignore_rows(
     social: &SocialState,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> (Vec<String>, Vec<u64>) {
     let mut rows: Vec<(u64, String)> = social
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_spellbook.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_spellbook.rs
index f8e50e4d..a5d51f53 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_spellbook.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_spellbook.rs
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ fn feed_spellbook(
     skill_lines: Option<Res<SkillLines>>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     changed_self: Query<(), (With<SelfPlayer>, Changed<ObjectStore>)>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     cooldowns: Res<crate::cooldowns::Cooldowns>,
@@ -237,13 +237,13 @@ fn feed_spellbook(
     // not spell 6603's `Temp` placeholder (decision 0230) — resolved here where the self player +
     // item stores are in hand, once for the whole page (it's the same for any auto-attack spell).
     let attack_icon = store
-        .map(|s| melee_auto_attack_icon(s, &spells.forms, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &commands));
+        .map(|s| melee_auto_attack_icon(s, &spells.forms, &items, icons.as_deref(), &commands));
     // The ranged auto-repeat shots (Auto Shot, wand Shoot) borrow the equipped ranged weapon's
     // icon the same way (decision 0231's ranged case; `None` — unarmed/thrown — keeps the
     // spell's own icon, never Spell-Reset). Character-level like the melee icon: one resolve
     // serves the page.
     let ranged_icon =
-        store.and_then(|s| ranged_weapon_icon(s, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &commands));
+        store.and_then(|s| ranged_weapon_icon(s, &items, icons.as_deref(), &commands));
     let (mut fresh, tab_lines) = build_book(
         &actions.spells,
         &spells.catalog,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_stable.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_stable.rs
index 290c5835..1ddf4df7 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_stable.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_stable.rs
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ impl NpcSession for StableOpen {
 /// gating the whole row: a pet whose query is in flight still shows its name and level.
 fn resolve_pet(
     wire: &StabledPet,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     families: Option<&PetFamilyTables>,
     stats: Option<&PetStatTables>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ fn resolve_pet(
 /// Build the Lua-facing snapshot from [`StableOpen`] — `None` when no stable is open.
 fn snapshot(
     open: &StableOpen,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     families: Option<&PetFamilyTables>,
     stats: Option<&PetStatTables>,
     next_slot_cost: u32,
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ fn feed_stable(
     stats: Option<Res<PetStatTables>>,
     prices: Option<Res<StableSlotPrices>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     mut errors: ResMut<StableErrors>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<StableState>>>,
     mut last_npc: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<u64>>>,
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ fn feed_stable(
     let has_live_pet = bar.spells.pet_guid != 0;
     let fresh = snapshot(
         &open,
-        &mut names,
+        &names,
         families.as_deref(),
         stats.as_deref(),
         next_slot_cost,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_summon.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_summon.rs
index 995803b2..a1294121 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_summon.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_summon.rs
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ impl SummonState {
 fn feed_summon(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut summon: ResMut<SummonState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     areas: Option<Res<AreaTableRes>>,
     // Real, not virtual: the deadline was stamped on this clock by the net drain, and the server's
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tabard.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tabard.rs
index 0a3bb672..d5ca4047 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tabard.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tabard.rs
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ fn feed_tabard(
     mut open: ResMut<TabardOpen>,
     mut design: ResMut<TabardDesign>,
     mut booth: ResMut<PaperDollBooth>,
-    mut guilds: ResMut<GuildState>,
+    guilds: Res<GuildState>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut last_host: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<TabardHost>>>,
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ fn feed_tabard(
 fn drain_tabard(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut open: ResMut<TabardOpen>,
-    mut guilds: ResMut<GuildState>,
+    guilds: Res<GuildState>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut sink: crate::ui_action::MessageSink,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_taxi/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_taxi/mod.rs
index 2654348e..a31ba440 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_taxi/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_taxi/mod.rs
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ fn feed_taxi(
     mut state: ResMut<TaxiState>,
     catalogs: Option<Res<TaxiCatalogs>>,
     player: Res<Player>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut cache: ResMut<TaxiRouteCache>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<TaxiUiState>>>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tooltip/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tooltip/mod.rs
index 3919a397..09e23455 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tooltip/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tooltip/mod.rs
@@ -706,7 +706,7 @@ fn drive_mouseover_tooltip(
     // The stored GAMEOBJECT_STATE the lock lines' Action gate reads (decision 0752).
     anims: Query<&crate::go_anim::GoAnim>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     // The standing pair as one param — see [`crate::target::ReactionInputs`]. Bundled here and
     // not elsewhere because this system sits on Bevy's tuple limit.
@@ -715,7 +715,7 @@ fn drive_mouseover_tooltip(
     // hover and the click can never disagree about whether a lock is satisfiable — the same reason
     // `usable` and the click share one resolver (0752). Carries the go-template, Lock.dbc and
     // item caches this system used to take as three separate params.
-    mut go_inputs: crate::target::lock::GoLockInputs,
+    go_inputs: crate::target::lock::GoLockInputs,
     // The known-spell set the resolver's SKILL arm scans.
     player_actions: Res<crate::ui_action::PlayerActions>,
     // The cursor seat crosses the VM seam (0582/0584): the anchor below is UI units, not px.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trade.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trade.rs
index 8bb1cc05..621abf7d 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trade.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trade.rs
@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@ fn streamed_player<'a>(
 fn answer_trade_request(
     mut trade: ResMut<TradeSession>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     mut errors: ResMut<crate::ui_action::UiErrorKeys>,
     social: Res<crate::ui_social::SocialState>,
     cinematic: Res<crate::cinematic::Cinematic>,
@@ -719,7 +719,7 @@ fn answer_trade_request(
 /// is decision 0592 P3.
 fn resolve_slot(
     item: &TradeItem,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> TradeSlotItem {
@@ -755,7 +755,7 @@ fn own_item_at(
     bag: i64,
     slot: u32,
     store: Option<&ObjectStore>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<TradeItem> {
     let (guid, count) = crate::ui_items::slot_guid_count(store, bag, slot, items);
@@ -787,7 +787,7 @@ fn own_item_at(
 /// Resolve one side's wire offer into the Lua-facing side state.
 fn resolve_side(
     offer: &TradeOffer,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> TradeSideState {
@@ -804,9 +804,9 @@ fn resolve_side(
 /// Build the Lua-facing snapshot from [`TradeSession`] — `None` when no trade window is open.
 fn snapshot(
     trade: &TradeSession,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    names: &mut NameCache,
+    names: &NameCache,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<TradeState> {
     if !trade.open {
@@ -829,9 +829,9 @@ fn snapshot(
 fn feed_trade(
     script: Option<NonSendMut<UiScript>>,
     mut trade: ResMut<TradeSession>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     mut errors: ResMut<crate::ui_action::UiErrorKeys>,
     // The status arms' second guard (`0x468460(guid, TYPEMASK_PLAYER)`) — see
@@ -853,7 +853,7 @@ fn feed_trade(
     let last_player_gold = last_player_gold.get(&script);
     let last_their_gold = last_their_gold.get(&script);
 
-    let fresh = snapshot(&trade, &mut items, icons.as_deref(), &mut names, &commands);
+    let fresh = snapshot(&trade, &items, icons.as_deref(), &names, &commands);
     let opened = !*last_open && trade.is_open();
     let closed = *last_open && !trade.is_open();
     let changed = fresh != *last;
@@ -983,7 +983,7 @@ fn drain_trade(
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     selection: Res<Selection>,
     group: Res<GroupState>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     self_q: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
 ) {
     let Some(mut script) = script else {
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@ fn drain_trade(
         if let Some(trade_slot) = id.checked_sub(1).and_then(|n| u8::try_from(n).ok()) {
             // Optimistic own display: vmangos echoes the placement only to the partner, so resolve the
             // bag item and fill our own column client-side (decision 0592 P2).
-            if let Some(item) = own_item_at(bag, slot, store, &mut items, &commands) {
+            if let Some(item) = own_item_at(bag, slot, store, &items, &commands) {
                 trade.place_own_item(id, item);
             }
             info!(target: "trade", "set item: slot {id} <- bag {bag}/{slot} (wire {wire_bag}/{wire_slot}); sending CMSG_SET_TRADE_ITEM");
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tradeskill.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tradeskill.rs
index 8be06620..d82bffb0 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tradeskill.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_tradeskill.rs
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ pub(crate) fn difficulty(rank: u32, low: u32, high: u32) -> TradeSkillDifficulty
 fn recipe_icon(
     d: &benilla_formats::SpellDisplay,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
     let item = d.effect_item_type[0];
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ fn resolve_recipe(
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
     subclasses: Option<&crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>,
     store: &ObjectStore,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     cooldowns: &crate::cooldowns::Cooldowns,
     now: Instant,
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@ fn feed_trade_skill(
     subclasses: Option<Res<crate::ui_items::ItemSubClasses>>,
     repeat: Res<TradeSkillRepeat>,
     self_store: Query<&ObjectStore, With<SelfPlayer>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     cooldowns: Res<crate::cooldowns::Cooldowns>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<TradeSkillState>>>,
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@ fn feed_trade_skill(
                     icons.as_deref(),
                     subclasses.as_deref(),
                     store,
-                    &mut items,
+                    &items,
                     &commands,
                     &cooldowns,
                     now,
@@ -583,7 +583,7 @@ mod tests {
         let icons = landed_item(&mut deps);
         let d = recipe(SPELL_EFFECT_CREATE_ITEM, 777);
         assert_eq!(
-            recipe_icon(&d, Some(&icons), &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+            recipe_icon(&d, Some(&icons), &deps.items, &deps.commands),
             Some("ITEM".into()),
         );
     }
@@ -598,7 +598,7 @@ mod tests {
         let icons = landed_item(&mut deps);
         let d = recipe(SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM, 777);
         assert_eq!(
-            recipe_icon(&d, Some(&icons), &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+            recipe_icon(&d, Some(&icons), &deps.items, &deps.commands),
             Some("ITEM".into()),
         );
     }
@@ -614,24 +614,24 @@ mod tests {
         // EffectItemType[0] == 0: 0x55ba30 short-circuits on a zero id before hashing.
         let none = recipe(SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM, 0);
         assert_eq!(
-            recipe_icon(&none, Some(&icons), &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+            recipe_icon(&none, Some(&icons), &deps.items, &deps.commands),
             None,
         );
 
         // A template that never lands (the async row) — nil, and the ask goes out exactly once.
         let missing = recipe(SPELL_EFFECT_CREATE_ITEM, 999);
         assert_eq!(
-            recipe_icon(&missing, Some(&icons), &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+            recipe_icon(&missing, Some(&icons), &deps.items, &deps.commands),
             None,
         );
         assert_eq!(
-            recipe_icon(&missing, Some(&icons), &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+            recipe_icon(&missing, Some(&icons), &deps.items, &deps.commands),
             None,
         );
         assert_eq!(deps.queried_entries(), vec![999], "ask-once, not ask-often");
 
         // The template landed but ItemDisplayInfo is unresolved — still nil, still not "SPELL".
         let d = recipe(SPELL_EFFECT_CREATE_ITEM, 777);
-        assert_eq!(recipe_icon(&d, None, &mut deps.items, &deps.commands), None);
+        assert_eq!(recipe_icon(&d, None, &deps.items, &deps.commands), None);
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/law.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/law.rs
index 36d62246..eeb8f02f 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/law.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/law.rs
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ pub(super) fn service_icon(
     trainer_type: u32,
     spells: &SpellCatalog,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
 ) -> Option<String> {
     let wire = spells.get(wire_spell)?;
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/mod.rs
index cda01873..18f85b43 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/mod.rs
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ fn resolve_service(
     skill_lines: Option<&SkillLineCatalog>,
     known: &BTreeSet<u32>,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     // The VM's own `GlobalStrings.lua`, for [`service_group`]'s three header labels.
     get: &dyn Fn(&str) -> Option<String>,
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ fn snapshot(
     skill_lines: Option<&SkillLineCatalog>,
     known: &BTreeSet<u32>,
     icons: Option<&ItemDisplays>,
-    items: &mut Items,
+    items: &Items,
     commands: &NetCommands,
     get: &dyn Fn(&str) -> Option<String>,
 ) -> Option<TrainerState> {
@@ -355,10 +355,10 @@ fn feed_trainer(
     // A tradeskill trainer's rows front the CREATED ITEM's icon, so the feed needs the ask-once
     // template cache + `ItemDisplayInfo.dbc` — the tradeskill window's own pair ([`service_icon`]).
     icons: Option<Res<ItemDisplays>>,
-    mut items: ResMut<Items>,
+    items: Res<Items>,
     mut errors: ResMut<TrainerErrors>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     mut last: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<TrainerState>>>,
     mut last_trainer: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<u64>>>,
     mut last_name: Local<crate::ui_script::VmMemo<Option<String>>>,
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ fn feed_trainer(
         Some(&skill_lines.catalog),
         &actions.spells,
         icons.as_deref(),
-        &mut items,
+        &items,
         &commands,
         &|key: &str| {
             script
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/tests.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/tests.rs
index cde15bee..481b5e3a 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_trainer/tests.rs
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ fn resolve_service(
     skill_lines: Option<&SkillLineCatalog>,
     known: &BTreeSet<u32>,
 ) -> TrainerService {
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
+    let deps = Deps::new();
     super::resolve_service(
         wire,
         trainer_type,
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ fn resolve_service(
         skill_lines,
         known,
         None,
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
         &probe_strings,
     )
@@ -73,14 +73,14 @@ fn wire(spell: u32, state: u8, cost: u32, req_level: u8, req_skill: u32) -> Trai
 
 /// [`snapshot`] with the icon trio defaulted.
 fn snap(open: &TrainerOpen, spells: &SpellCatalog) -> Option<TrainerState> {
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
+    let deps = Deps::new();
     snapshot(
         open,
         spells,
         None,
         &BTreeSet::new(),
         None,
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
         &probe_strings,
     )
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ fn icon_of(
         trainer_type,
         spells,
         icons.as_ref(),
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
     )
 }
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ fn trainer_icon_scans_every_effect_slot_for_either_learn_effect() {
 #[test]
 fn trainer_icon_is_nil_until_the_product_template_lands_and_asks_once() {
     let spells = icon_catalog();
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
+    let deps = Deps::new();
     let icons = ItemDisplays::icons_for_tests(ItemDisplayCatalog::from_displays(HashMap::new()));
 
     let first = service_icon(
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ fn trainer_icon_is_nil_until_the_product_template_lands_and_asks_once() {
         TRAINER_TYPE_TRADESKILL,
         &spells,
         Some(&icons),
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
     );
     assert_eq!(first, None, "no template yet → nil, not the wrapper's icon");
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ fn trainer_icon_is_nil_until_the_product_template_lands_and_asks_once() {
         TRAINER_TYPE_TRADESKILL,
         &spells,
         Some(&icons),
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
     );
     assert!(
@@ -276,14 +276,14 @@ fn trainer_icon_on_real_data_reaches_for_the_crafted_item() {
 
     // A tradeskill trainer: gate 3 fires for item 2847 and the icon waits on the template —
     // crucially it is NOT the crown.
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
+    let deps = Deps::new();
     let icons = ItemDisplays::icons_for_tests(ItemDisplayCatalog::from_displays(HashMap::new()));
     let icon = service_icon(
         2756,
         TRAINER_TYPE_TRADESKILL,
         &spells,
         Some(&icons),
-        &mut deps.items,
+        &deps.items,
         &deps.commands,
     );
     assert_eq!(
@@ -297,8 +297,8 @@ fn trainer_icon_on_real_data_reaches_for_the_crafted_item() {
     );
 
     // A class trainer with the same wire spell: the wrapper's own icon, not the recipe's.
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
-    let class_icon = service_icon(2756, 0, &spells, None, &mut deps.items, &deps.commands);
+    let deps = Deps::new();
+    let class_icon = service_icon(2756, 0, &spells, None, &deps.items, &deps.commands);
     assert_eq!(class_icon, wrapper_icon);
     assert_ne!(
         class_icon, recipe_icon,
@@ -596,9 +596,9 @@ fn tooltip_hops_to_the_taught_spell_where_the_icon_pins_the_wire() {
     );
     // The icon law, same row, same catalog: the WIRE spell's own art. Pinned together so the
     // disagreement is visible in one place and can't be "fixed" into agreement.
-    let mut deps = Deps::new();
+    let deps = Deps::new();
     assert_eq!(
-        super::service_icon(100, 0, &spells, None, &mut deps.items, &deps.commands),
+        super::service_icon(100, 0, &spells, None, &deps.items, &deps.commands),
         Some("WRAPPER".into()),
     );
 }
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_unit.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_unit.rs
index 970a3d3b..12aaf1d7 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_unit.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/ui_unit.rs
@@ -1594,7 +1594,7 @@ fn feed_units(
     index: Option<Res<crate::net::GuidIndex>>,
     mut stores: UnitStores,
     mut feed: ResMut<UnitFeedState>,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     factions: Option<Res<Factions>>,
     reputations: Res<Reputations>,
diff --git a/crates/benilla-app/src/vplates.rs b/crates/benilla-app/src/vplates.rs
index cadc2d52..4c85d14e 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-app/src/vplates.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-app/src/vplates.rs
@@ -451,7 +451,7 @@ fn drive_vplates(
     // the pointer is driving the camera.
     rig: Res<crate::player::CameraControl>,
     world: PlateWorld,
-    mut names: ResMut<NameCache>,
+    names: Res<NameCache>,
     net_commands: Res<NetCommands>,
     // The widget layer this drives (decision 2148). `None` in a VM-less run (a capture with the
     // interface off, a bare test app) — the gate below then costs one early return.
diff --git a/crates/benilla-formats/src/itemsubclass.rs b/crates/benilla-formats/src/itemsubclass.rs
index 88fef633..fbb32b4b 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-formats/src/itemsubclass.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-formats/src/itemsubclass.rs
@@ -385,6 +385,28 @@ mod tests {
             Some("Fist Weapon")
         );
 
+        // Class 6 PROJECTILE — the lookup the cast-fail `0x31` NEED_EXOTIC_AMMO arm makes
+        // (`0x6e1e5e: mov ecx,0x6`, mask `1 << arg`), so "Requires exotic ammo: %s" names the
+        // ammo type. Only two of the five shipped rows are live in 1.12; the other three carry
+        // an `(OBSOLETE)` suffix in the data itself, and one is pinned below so a schema slip
+        // that silently shifted the class would be visible rather than merely returning `None`.
+        assert_eq!(
+            cat.requirement_display_name(6, 1 << 2).as_deref(),
+            Some("Arrow")
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            cat.requirement_display_name(6, 1 << 3).as_deref(),
+            Some("Bullet")
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            cat.requirement_display_name(6, 1 << 4).as_deref(),
+            Some("Thrown(OBSOLETE)")
+        );
+        // Past the shipped rows — the arm's own decline (`0x6e1e6a: je 0x6e21d8`, the shared
+        // default), which is where an absent or wild wire word lands.
+        assert_eq!(cat.requirement_display_name(6, 1 << 5), None);
+        assert_eq!(cat.requirement_display_name(6, 1 << 31), None);
+
         // Nothing to name.
         assert_eq!(cat.requirement_name(2, 0), None);
         assert_eq!(cat.requirement_name(99, 1), None);
diff --git a/crates/benilla-formats/src/lib.rs b/crates/benilla-formats/src/lib.rs
index 2fc20047..875cce89 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-formats/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-formats/src/lib.rs
@@ -203,7 +203,8 @@ pub use spells::{
     ATTR_ONLY_STEALTHED, COMBAT_REACH_ADD, MELEE_RANGE_FLOOR, ON_NEXT_SWING_RANGE,
     SPELL_ATTR_IS_TRADESKILL, SPELL_EFFECT_CREATE_ITEM, SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM,
     SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM_TEMPORARY, SPELL_EFFECT_LEARN_PET_SPELL, SPELL_EFFECT_LEARN_SPELL,
-    SPELL_EFFECT_SKILL_STEP, SPELL_EFFECT_SKINNING, SPELL_EFFECT_TRADE_SKILL,
+    SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING, SPELL_EFFECT_SKILL_STEP, SPELL_EFFECT_SKINNING,
+    SPELL_EFFECT_TRADE_SKILL,
 };
 mod skill_lines;
 pub use skill_lines::{
diff --git a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/catalog_tests.rs b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/catalog_tests.rs
index c9ada524..2abfb3ac 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/catalog_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/catalog_tests.rs
@@ -1038,6 +1038,47 @@ fn real_main_hand_autopick_family() {
     assert_eq!(wf_totem.targets, 0, "a totem summon binds nothing");
 }
 
+/// **The prospecting leg of `0x495d60` is dead on 5875 data** — the fact two cast-failure
+/// argument arms rest on not being written (decision 2292). That validator's effect loop has a
+/// third leg past the two enchant ones: `0x495df1 jne 0x495f36` falls into
+/// `0x495f39 cmp DWORD PTR [eax],0x7f`, and inside it sit the only image-wide raises of
+/// `SPELL_FAILED_PROSPECT_NEED_MORE` (`0x49614e`) and `SPELL_FAILED_MIN_SKILL` (`0x496128`).
+/// vmangos sends neither reason from anywhere, so if no shipped spell carries
+/// [`SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING`] there is no route to either message at all — and none does.
+///
+/// This lives in the formats crate rather than beside the arms because it is a claim about the
+/// **data**: if a data set ever ships a prospecting spell, this fails and names the two arms that
+/// just came alive. Skips without client data.
+#[test]
+fn real_prospecting_effect_is_absent_from_5875() {
+    let data = crate::wow_data_or_skip!();
+    let mut chain = crate::open_chain(&data).expect("open chain");
+    let raw = chain.read_file(SPELL).expect("Spell.dbc");
+    let set = parse(&raw, spell_schema(), "Spell.dbc").expect("parse Spell.dbc");
+
+    let mut slots = 0usize;
+    for r in set.records() {
+        for i in 0..3 {
+            slots += 1;
+            assert_ne!(
+                u32_at(r, COL_EFFECT_1 + i).unwrap_or(0),
+                crate::SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING,
+                "spell {} carries SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING in effect slot {i} — `0x495d60`'s \
+                 third leg is reachable now, so cast-fail reasons 0x84 PROSPECT_NEED_MORE and \
+                 0x90 MIN_SKILL can raise and `ui_action::cast_fail` owes them argument arms \
+                 (decision 2292)",
+                u32_at(r, 0).unwrap_or(0)
+            );
+        }
+    }
+    // The scan covering nothing would pass just as quietly, so pin the shape of the file too.
+    assert_eq!(
+        slots,
+        22357 * 3,
+        "every effect slot of every 5875 row was read"
+    );
+}
+
 /// The item-target family and its gate columns (decision 0923), against the real 5875 file. The
 /// reference's `TargetingWantsItem 0x6e6330` is `flag_word & 0x4010`, and on shipped data those
 /// two bits are **never** mixed with a unit bit — the whole family is `Targets` exactly `0x10`
@@ -1437,3 +1478,75 @@ fn real_is_harmful_pins() {
         );
     }
 }
+
+/// **The channel bar's naming law on the real build-5875 `Spell.dbc`** (decision 2284) — the two
+/// bits `SpellChannelStart 0x6e7550` tests, and the population that makes the default the
+/// interesting half.
+///
+/// The cast bar names its spell unless a bit forbids it; the channel bar says "Channeling" unless
+/// a bit permits it. Exactly **9** of the 323 channeled rows permit it and **2** suppress the bar
+/// outright, so "Channeling" is what a player sees for essentially every channel in the game.
+/// A column slip, or a bit read off the wrong `AttributesEx*`, fails here. Skips without client
+/// data.
+#[test]
+fn real_channel_bar_name_law() {
+    let data = crate::wow_data_or_skip!();
+    let mut chain = crate::open_chain(&data).expect("open chain");
+    let cat = load_spell_catalog(&mut chain).expect("load Spell/SpellIcon");
+
+    // The generic leg — every rank of Blizzard, plus the other channels a player meets daily.
+    // These are the rows that read the literal word, and Blizzard is the one that prompted 2284.
+    for id in [
+        10u32, 6141, 8427, 10185, 10186, 10187, // Blizzard, all six ranks
+        5143,  // Arcane Missiles
+        15407, // Mind Flay
+        689,   // Drain Life
+        5740,  // Rain of Fire
+    ] {
+        let d = cat.get(id).unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("spell {id}"));
+        assert!(
+            !d.channel_bar_own_name(),
+            "{id} {:?} reads \"Channeling\", not its own name (AttributesEx {:#010x})",
+            d.name,
+            d.attributes_ex
+        );
+        assert!(!d.no_channel_bar(), "{id} {:?} still shows a bar", d.name);
+    }
+
+    // The named leg — the sharpest control wow-re names: Fishing and Mind Flay take opposite
+    // legs of the same `0x6e75a1`, and vanilla really does print one name and one generic word.
+    for (id, name) in [
+        (7620u32, "Fishing"),
+        (18248, "Fishing"),
+        (20578, "Cannibalize"),
+    ] {
+        let d = cat.get(id).unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("spell {id}"));
+        assert!(d.channel_bar_own_name(), "{id} names itself on the bar");
+        assert_eq!(d.name, name);
+    }
+
+    // The suppressor — a total one, and the only two rows that carry it.
+    for id in [24322u32, 24323] {
+        assert!(
+            cat.get(id).expect("Blood Siphon").no_channel_bar(),
+            "{id} Blood Siphon shows no channel bar at all"
+        );
+    }
+
+    // The population, which is the law's real shape: the opt-ins are a rounding error.
+    let channeled: Vec<_> = cat.iter().filter(|(_, d)| d.tooltip_channeled()).collect();
+    assert_eq!(channeled.len(), 323, "channeled rows in the shipped file");
+    assert_eq!(
+        channeled
+            .iter()
+            .filter(|(_, d)| d.channel_bar_own_name())
+            .count(),
+        9,
+        "only nine channeled rows print their own name"
+    );
+    assert_eq!(
+        channeled.iter().filter(|(_, d)| d.no_channel_bar()).count(),
+        2,
+        "only the two Blood Siphons suppress the bar"
+    );
+}
diff --git a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/display.rs b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/display.rs
index 9760ab6e..f0ecc900 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/display.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/display.rs
@@ -567,6 +567,37 @@ impl SpellDisplay {
         self.attributes_ex3 & ATTR_EX3_NO_CASTING_BAR_TEXT != 0
     }
 
+    /// `AttributesEx3 & 0x2000` — **this spell shows no channel bar at all**
+    /// ([`ATTR_EX3_NO_CHANNEL_BAR`]). The channel handler `0x6e7550` tests it before it composes
+    /// anything (`0x6e7595 test ch,0x20` → `jne` the return), so `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START` never
+    /// fires and the frame is never shown.
+    ///
+    /// A **different** suppression from [`Self::no_casting_bar_text`]'s and a total one: that bit
+    /// blanks the cast bar's *label* and still draws the bar; this one removes the event. The two
+    /// live one nibble apart in the same column and are easy to conflate — the channel path never
+    /// reads bit 2 at all (`0x6e7a2d` is the only bit-2 test on `SpellRec+0x24` image-wide, wow-re
+    /// `wave-cast.md`'s twice-run census).
+    ///
+    /// Both shipped rows are 24322/24323 "Blood Siphon", the Hakkar encounter's drain.
+    pub fn no_channel_bar(&self) -> bool {
+        self.attributes_ex3 & ATTR_EX3_NO_CHANNEL_BAR != 0
+    }
+
+    /// `AttributesEx & 0x2000_0000` — **the channel bar prints this spell's own name**
+    /// ([`ATTR_EX_CHANNEL_BAR_OWN_NAME`]); cleared, it prints the GlobalStrings word `CHANNELING`.
+    /// `0x6e759a test DWORD PTR [SpellRec+0x1c],0x20000000` — set takes `Name[locale]`
+    /// (`0x6e75a9`), clear takes `FrameScript_GetText(0x870dd0 = "CHANNELING")` (`0x6e75bc`).
+    ///
+    /// This is the whole of the channel bar's naming law, and it is the reverse default of the
+    /// cast bar's: a cast bar names its spell unless told not to, a channel bar says "Channeling"
+    /// unless told to name it. Nine of the 323 channeled rows in the shipped 5875 file opt in —
+    /// the four Fishing ranks, Cannibalize, Dream Vision, Using Control Console and the two
+    /// (suppressed) Blood Siphons. Blizzard, Arcane Missiles, Mind Flay, Drain Life/Soul/Mana,
+    /// Rain of Fire, Hurricane, Tranquility, Evocation and First Aid all read the generic word.
+    pub fn channel_bar_own_name(&self) -> bool {
+        self.attributes_ex & ATTR_EX_CHANNEL_BAR_OWN_NAME != 0
+    }
+
     /// The ranged-shot cooldown pad's gate (`0x6e2b60` at `0x6e2c2c`–`0x6e2c47`, byte-verified —
     /// wow-re `ranged-cooldown-sweep.md`): on the caster's own SPELL_GO self-insert, a
     /// `Attributes & 0x2` spell WITHOUT `AttributesEx2 & 0x20000`
diff --git a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/mod.rs b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/mod.rs
index 9e9ea791..f18055c2 100644
--- a/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/benilla-formats/src/spells/mod.rs
@@ -402,6 +402,20 @@ const ATTR_EX3_NORMAL_RANGED_ATTACK: u32 = 0x8000;
 /// to themselves about what this attribute does to the spell, and it reached a player's screen
 /// because we printed the name unconditionally.
 const ATTR_EX3_NO_CASTING_BAR_TEXT: u32 = 0x4;
+/// `AttributesEx3` bit 13 (`0x2000`) — **this spell shows no CHANNEL bar at all**. The channel
+/// handler's own suppressor, and a *total* one: `0x6e7595 test ch,0x20` on `[SpellRec+0x24]`
+/// (`ch` = bits 8-15, so bit 13 — not [`ATTR_EX3_NO_CASTING_BAR_TEXT`]'s bit 2) jumps straight to
+/// the return, so `SPELLCAST_CHANNEL_START` never fires. Exactly two rows in the shipped 5875 file
+/// carry it, both 24322/24323 "Blood Siphon".
+const ATTR_EX3_NO_CHANNEL_BAR: u32 = 0x2000;
+/// `AttributesEx` bit 29 (`0x2000_0000`) — **the channel bar prints this spell's own name**
+/// instead of the generic word. `0x6e759a test DWORD PTR [SpellRec+0x1c],0x20000000`: set ⇒
+/// `Name[locale]`, clear ⇒ the GlobalStrings value of `CHANNELING`. Nine of the 323 channeled rows
+/// in the shipped file set it — the four Fishing ranks (7620/7731/7732/18248), 20578 Cannibalize,
+/// 11403 Dream Vision, 24937 Using Control Console and the two Blood Siphons (which the suppressor
+/// above hides anyway). Every other channel — Blizzard, Arcane Missiles, Mind Flay, Drain Life,
+/// Rain of Fire, Hurricane, Tranquility, Evocation, First Aid — reads "Channeling".
+const ATTR_EX_CHANNEL_BAR_OWN_NAME: u32 = 0x2000_0000;
 /// `Attributes` bit `0x2` — the "uses the ranged slot" attribute (mangos `SPELL_ATTR_RANGED`).
 /// One half of the client's ranged-stance gate (module docs).
 const ATTR_RANGED: u32 = 0x2;
@@ -546,17 +560,39 @@ pub const SPELL_EFFECT_CREATE_ITEM: u32 = 24;
 /// (`0x4b2623: cmp [esi+0xf4], 0x5f` — `0x5f == 95`), and the cursor's skin leg requires that latch
 /// (decision 0752).
 pub const SPELL_EFFECT_SKINNING: u32 = 95;
-/// `SpellEffects` values `53`/`54` — `SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM` (permanent) /
-/// `SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM_TEMPORARY` (vmangos `SharedDefines.h`): the item-targeted craft
-/// casts the CraftFrame sends with `TARGET_FLAG_ITEM` (0437 phase 3).
 /// `SpellEffects` value `39` — `SPELL_EFFECT_LANGUAGE`: the effect that makes a spell *be* a
 /// language. Its `EffectMiscValue_1` is the `Languages.dbc` id, which is how a language reaches a
 /// skill line at all — see [`SpellCatalog::language_spell`].
 pub const SPELL_EFFECT_LANGUAGE: u32 = 39;
 
+/// `SpellEffects` values `53`/`54` — `SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM` (permanent) /
+/// `SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM_TEMPORARY` (vmangos `SharedDefines.h`): the item-targeted craft
+/// casts the CraftFrame sends with `TARGET_FLAG_ITEM` (0437 phase 3).
 pub const SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM: u32 = 53;
 pub const SPELL_EFFECT_ENCHANT_ITEM_TEMPORARY: u32 = 54;
 
+/// `SpellEffects` value `127` — `SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING`, and **no 5875 spell carries it**
+/// (pinned by `real_prospecting_effect_is_absent_from_5875`). It is named here because the
+/// absence is load-bearing rather than incidental: the item-target validator `0x495d60` has a
+/// third leg past its two enchant ones, gated on exactly this value (`0x495f39: cmp [eax],0x7f`),
+/// and that leg holds the only raise sites image-wide for the cast-failure reasons `0x84`
+/// PROSPECT_NEED_MORE (`0x49614e`) and `0x90` MIN_SKILL (`0x496128`). The server sends neither
+/// reason either, so on this build both messages are unreachable — which is why
+/// `ui_action::cast_fail` models neither arm (decision 2292).
+///
+/// **The number is the binary's own, not a later build's enum ported backwards.** `TryCast
+/// 0x6e4b60` carries a matched pair of `Effect[0]` gates two instructions apart:
+/// `0x6e4ca2 cmp eax,0x63` (99) raises `SPELL_FAILED_DISENCHANT_WHILE_LOOTING` (`0x6e4cbb`), and
+/// `0x6e4cd4 cmp [edx+0xf4],0x7f` raises `SPELL_FAILED_PROSPECT_WHILE_LOOTING` (`0x6e4cee`). That
+/// pairing names 99 ↔ disenchant and 127 ↔ prospect in 5875's own hand — and makes `0x83` dead
+/// on the same grounds as `0x84`/`0x90`, while its sibling `0x82` stays live (effect 99 ships).
+///
+/// The **code** is live and only the **data** is absent: 127 is handled in three reachable places
+/// (`0x495f39`, `0x6e4cd4`, and the effect classifier `0x6e3b80`'s 128-entry case table at
+/// `0x6e3bdc`, which maps it to the default arm). Nothing here is dead-stripped — 5875 ships
+/// prospecting with no prospecting spell to reach it.
+pub const SPELL_EFFECT_PROSPECTING: u32 = 127;
+
 /// `Spell.dbc` × `SpellIcon.dbc`, joined: spell id → name + icon path, plus the **learn-spell map**
 /// (a `SPELL_EFFECT_LEARN_SPELL` spell → the spell it teaches). Vanilla trainers offer a *learn*
 /// spell — a thin wrapper whose only effect is "teach spell X" — not the ability itself; the ability