Prepare v0.1.1 release for crates.io

- Rename `macros` crate to `libmarathon-macros` for better discoverability on crates.io
- Update all imports from `macros::` to `libmarathon_macros::`
- Add crates.io metadata (description, license, repository, homepage, etc.)
- Bump version to 0.1.1
- Add version requirement for libmarathon-macros dependency

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

.cargo/config.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+[alias]
+xtask = "run --package xtask --"
+
+[env]
+IPHONEOS_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET = "16.0"

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+---
+name: Bug Report
+about: Report a bug to help us improve Marathon
+title: '[BUG] '
+labels: bug
+assignees: ''
+---
+
+## Bug Description
+
+A clear and concise description of what the bug is.
+
+## Minimal, Complete, Verifiable Example (MCVE)
+
+Please provide the **smallest possible code example** that demonstrates the bug. This helps us reproduce and fix the issue faster.
+
+### Minimal Code Example
+
+```rust
+// Paste your minimal reproducible code here
+// Remove anything not necessary to demonstrate the bug
+```
+
+### Steps to Reproduce
+
+1.
+2.
+3.
+4.
+
+### Expected Behavior
+
+What you expected to happen:
+
+### Actual Behavior
+
+What actually happened:
+
+## Environment
+
+- **OS**: [e.g., macOS 15.0, iOS 18.2]
+- **Rust Version**: [e.g., 1.85.0 - run `rustc --version`]
+- **Marathon Version/Commit**: [e.g., v0.1.0 or commit hash]
+- **Platform**: [Desktop / iOS Simulator / iOS Device]
+
+## Logs/Stack Traces
+
+If applicable, paste any error messages or stack traces here:
+
+```
+paste logs here
+```
+
+## Screenshots/Videos
+
+If applicable, add screenshots or videos to help explain the problem.
+
+## Additional Context
+
+Add any other context about the problem here. For example:
+- Does it happen every time or intermittently?
+- Did this work in a previous version?
+- Are you running multiple instances?
+- Any relevant configuration or network setup?
+
+## Possible Solution
+
+If you have ideas about what might be causing the issue or how to fix it, please share them here.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+blank_issues_enabled: true
+contact_links:
+  - name: Question or Discussion
+    url: https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon/discussions
+    about: Ask questions or discuss ideas with the community
+  - name: Security Vulnerability
+    url: https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon/security/policy
+    about: Please report security issues privately (see SECURITY.md)

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+---
+name: Feature Request
+about: Suggest a new feature or enhancement for Marathon
+title: '[FEATURE] '
+labels: enhancement
+assignees: ''
+---
+
+## Problem Statement
+
+**Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.**
+
+A clear and concise description of what the problem is. For example:
+- "I'm always frustrated when..."
+- "It's difficult to..."
+- "Users need to be able to..."
+
+## Feature Request (Given-When-Then Format)
+
+Please describe your feature request using the Given-When-Then format to make the behavior clear:
+
+### Scenario 1: [Brief scenario name]
+
+**Given** [initial context or preconditions]
+**When** [specific action or event]
+**Then** [expected outcome]
+
+**Example:**
+- **Given** I am editing a collaborative document with 3 other peers
+- **When** I lose network connectivity for 5 minutes
+- **Then** my local changes should be preserved and sync automatically when I reconnect
+
+### Scenario 2: [Additional scenario if needed]
+
+**Given** [initial context]
+**When** [action]
+**Then** [outcome]
+
+## Alternatives Considered
+
+**Describe alternatives you've considered.**
+
+Have you thought of other ways to solve this problem? What are the pros and cons of different approaches?
+
+## Technical Considerations
+
+**Do you have thoughts on implementation?**
+
+If you have ideas about how this could be implemented technically, share them here. For example:
+- Which modules might be affected
+- Potential challenges or dependencies
+- Performance implications
+- Breaking changes required
+
+## Additional Context
+
+Add any other context, mockups, screenshots, or examples from other projects that illustrate the feature.
+
+## Priority/Impact
+
+How important is this feature to you or your use case?
+- [ ] Critical - blocking current work
+- [ ] High - would significantly improve workflow
+- [ ] Medium - nice to have
+- [ ] Low - minor improvement
+
+## Willingness to Contribute
+
+- [ ] I'm willing to implement this feature
+- [ ] I can help test this feature
+- [ ] I can help with documentation
+- [ ] I'm just suggesting the idea

.github/pull_request_template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+## Description
+
+<!-- Provide a clear and concise description of what this PR does -->
+
+## Related Issues
+
+<!-- Link to related issues using #issue_number -->
+Fixes #
+Relates to #
+
+## Type of Change
+
+<!-- Mark relevant items with an [x] -->
+
+- [ ] Bug fix (non-breaking change that fixes an issue)
+- [ ] New feature (non-breaking change that adds functionality)
+- [ ] Breaking change (fix or feature that would cause existing functionality to not work as expected)
+- [ ] Documentation update
+- [ ] Refactoring (no functional changes)
+- [ ] Performance improvement
+- [ ] Test coverage improvement
+
+## Changes Made
+
+<!-- List the specific changes in this PR -->
+
+-
+-
+-
+
+## Testing Performed
+
+<!-- Describe the testing you've done -->
+
+- [ ] All existing tests pass (`cargo nextest run`)
+- [ ] Added new tests for new functionality
+- [ ] Tested manually on desktop
+- [ ] Tested manually on iOS (if applicable)
+- [ ] Tested with multiple instances
+- [ ] Tested edge cases and error conditions
+
+### Test Details
+
+<!-- Provide specific details about your testing -->
+
+**Desktop:**
+-
+
+**iOS:** (if applicable)
+-
+
+**Multi-instance:** (if applicable)
+-
+
+## Documentation
+
+<!-- Mark relevant items with an [x] -->
+
+- [ ] Updated relevant documentation in `/docs`
+- [ ] Updated README.md (if public API changed)
+- [ ] Added doc comments to new public APIs
+- [ ] Updated CHANGELOG.md
+
+## Code Quality
+
+<!-- Confirm these items -->
+
+- [ ] Code follows project style guidelines
+- [ ] Ran `cargo +nightly fmt`
+- [ ] Ran `cargo clippy` and addressed warnings
+- [ ] No new compiler warnings
+- [ ] Added meaningful variable/function names
+
+## AI Usage
+
+<!-- If you used AI tools, briefly note how (see AI_POLICY.md) -->
+<!-- You don't need to disclose simple autocomplete, only substantial AI assistance -->
+
+- [ ] No AI assistance used
+- [ ] Used AI tools (brief description below)
+
+<!-- If used: -->
+<!-- AI tool: [e.g., Claude, Copilot] -->
+<!-- How: [e.g., "Used to generate boilerplate, then reviewed and modified"] -->
+<!-- I reviewed, understand, and am accountable for all code in this PR -->
+
+## Breaking Changes
+
+<!-- If this is a breaking change, describe what breaks and how to migrate -->
+
+**Does this PR introduce breaking changes?**
+- [ ] No
+- [ ] Yes (describe below)
+
+<!-- If yes: -->
+<!-- - What breaks: -->
+<!-- - Migration path: -->
+
+## Screenshots/Videos
+
+<!-- If applicable, add screenshots or videos showing the changes -->
+
+## Checklist
+
+<!-- Final checks before requesting review -->
+
+- [ ] My code follows the project's coding standards
+- [ ] I have tested my changes thoroughly
+- [ ] I have updated relevant documentation
+- [ ] I have added tests that prove my fix/feature works
+- [ ] All tests pass locally
+- [ ] I have read and followed the [CONTRIBUTING.md](../CONTRIBUTING.md) guidelines
+- [ ] I understand and accept the [AI_POLICY.md](../AI_POLICY.md)
+
+## Additional Notes
+
+<!-- Any additional information reviewers should know -->

.gitignore

@@ -76,3 +76,5 @@ target/doc/
 # Project-specific (based on your untracked files)
 emotion-gradient-config-*.json
 **/*.csv
+.op/
+.sere

.serena/.gitignore

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+/cache

.serena/memories/code_style_conventions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,294 @@
+# Code Style & Conventions
+
+## Rust Style Configuration
+The project uses **rustfmt** with a custom configuration (`rustfmt.toml`):
+
+### Key Formatting Rules
+- **Edition**: 2021
+- **Braces**: `PreferSameLine` for structs/enums, `AlwaysSameLine` for control flow
+- **Function Layout**: `Tall` (each parameter on its own line for long signatures)
+- **Single-line Functions**: Disabled (`fn_single_line = false`)
+- **Imports**:
+  - Grouping: `StdExternalCrate` (std, external, then local)
+  - Layout: `Vertical` (one import per line)
+  - Granularity: `Crate` level
+  - Reorder: Enabled
+- **Comments**:
+  - Width: 80 characters
+  - Wrapping: Enabled
+  - Format code in doc comments: Enabled
+- **Doc Attributes**: Normalized (`normalize_doc_attributes = true`)
+- **Impl Items**: Reordered (`reorder_impl_items = true`)
+- **Match Arms**: Leading pipes always shown
+- **Hex Literals**: Lowercase
+
+### Applying Formatting
+```bash
+# Format all code
+cargo fmt
+
+# Check without modifying
+cargo fmt -- --check
+```
+
+## Naming Conventions
+
+### Rust Standard Conventions
+- **Types** (structs, enums, traits): `PascalCase`
+  - Example: `EngineBridge`, `PersistenceConfig`, `SessionId`
+- **Functions & Methods**: `snake_case`
+  - Example: `run_executor()`, `get_database_path()`
+- **Constants**: `SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE`
+  - Example: `APP_NAME`, `DEFAULT_BUFFER_SIZE`
+- **Variables**: `snake_case`
+  - Example: `engine_bridge`, `db_path_str`
+- **Modules**: `snake_case`
+  - Example: `debug_ui`, `engine_bridge`
+- **Crates**: `kebab-case` in Cargo.toml, `snake_case` in code
+  - Example: `sync-macros` → `sync_macros`
+
+### Project-Specific Patterns
+- **Platform modules**: `platform/desktop/`, `platform/ios/`
+- **Plugin naming**: Suffix with `Plugin` (e.g., `EngineBridgePlugin`, `CameraPlugin`)
+- **Resource naming**: Prefix with purpose (e.g., `PersistenceConfig`, `SessionManager`)
+- **System naming**: Suffix with `_system` for Bevy systems
+- **Bridge pattern**: Use `Bridge` suffix for inter-component communication (e.g., `EngineBridge`)
+
+## Code Organization
+
+### Module Structure
+```rust
+// Public API first
+pub mod engine;
+pub mod networking;
+pub mod persistence;
+
+// Internal modules
+mod debug_ui;
+mod platform;
+
+// Re-exports for convenience
+pub use engine::{EngineCore, EngineBridge};
+```
+
+### Import Organization
+```rust
+// Standard library
+use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::thread;
+
+// External crates (grouped by crate)
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use tokio::runtime::Runtime;
+
+// Internal crates
+use libmarathon::engine::EngineCore;
+use libmarathon::platform;
+
+// Local modules
+use crate::camera::*;
+use crate::debug_ui::DebugUiPlugin;
+```
+
+## Documentation
+
+### Doc Comments
+- Use `///` for public items
+- Use `//!` for module-level documentation
+- Include examples where helpful
+- Document panics, errors, and safety considerations
+
+```rust
+/// Creates a new engine bridge for communication between Bevy and EngineCore.
+///
+/// # Returns
+///
+/// A tuple of `(EngineBridge, EngineHandle)` where the bridge goes to Bevy
+/// and the handle goes to EngineCore.
+///
+/// # Examples
+///
+/// ```no_run
+/// let (bridge, handle) = EngineBridge::new();
+/// app.insert_resource(bridge);
+/// // spawn EngineCore with handle
+/// ```
+pub fn new() -> (EngineBridge, EngineHandle) {
+    // ...
+}
+```
+
+### Code Comments
+- Keep line comments at 80 characters or less
+- Explain *why*, not *what* (code should be self-documenting for the "what")
+- Use `// TODO:` for temporary code that needs improvement
+- Use `// SAFETY:` before unsafe blocks to explain invariants
+
+## Error Handling
+
+### Library Code (libmarathon)
+- Use `thiserror` for custom error types
+- Return `Result<T, Error>` from fallible functions
+- Provide context with error chains
+
+```rust
+use thiserror::Error;
+
+#[derive(Error, Debug)]
+pub enum EngineError {
+    #[error("failed to connect to peer: {0}")]
+    ConnectionFailed(String),
+    #[error("database error: {0}")]
+    Database(#[from] rusqlite::Error),
+}
+```
+
+### Application Code (app)
+- Use `anyhow::Result` for application-level error handling
+- Add context with `.context()` or `.with_context()`
+
+```rust
+use anyhow::{Context, Result};
+
+fn load_config() -> Result<Config> {
+    let path = get_config_path()
+        .context("failed to determine config path")?;
+    
+    std::fs::read_to_string(&path)
+        .with_context(|| format!("failed to read config from {:?}", path))?
+        // ...
+}
+```
+
+## Async/Await Style
+
+### Tokio Runtime Usage
+- Spawn blocking tasks in background threads
+- Use `tokio::spawn` for async tasks
+- Prefer `async fn` over `impl Future`
+
+```rust
+// Good: Clear async function
+async fn process_events(&mut self) -> Result<()> {
+    // ...
+}
+
+// Background task spawning
+std::thread::spawn(move || {
+    let rt = tokio::runtime::Runtime::new().unwrap();
+    rt.block_on(async {
+        core.run().await;
+    });
+});
+```
+
+## Testing Conventions
+
+### Test Organization
+- Unit tests: In same file as code (`#[cfg(test)] mod tests`)
+- Integration tests: In `tests/` directory
+- Benchmarks: In `benches/` directory
+
+### Test Naming
+- Use descriptive names: `test_sync_between_two_nodes`
+- Use `should_` prefix for behavior tests: `should_reject_invalid_input`
+
+```rust
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_engine_bridge_creation() {
+        let (bridge, handle) = EngineBridge::new();
+        // ...
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn should_sync_state_across_peers() {
+        // ...
+    }
+}
+```
+
+## Platform-Specific Code
+
+### Feature Gates
+```rust
+// iOS-specific code
+#[cfg(target_os = "ios")]
+use tracing_oslog::OsLogger;
+
+// Desktop-specific code
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+use tracing_subscriber::fmt;
+```
+
+### Platform Modules
+- Keep platform-specific code in `platform/` modules
+- Provide platform-agnostic interfaces when possible
+- Use feature flags: `desktop`, `ios`, `headless`
+
+## Logging
+
+### Use Structured Logging
+```rust
+use tracing::{debug, info, warn, error};
+
+// Good: Structured with context
+info!(path = %db_path, "opening database");
+debug!(count = peers.len(), "connected to peers");
+
+// Avoid: Plain string
+info!("Database opened at {}", db_path);
+```
+
+### Log Levels
+- `error!`: System failures requiring immediate attention
+- `warn!`: Unexpected conditions that are handled
+- `info!`: Important state changes and milestones
+- `debug!`: Detailed diagnostic information
+- `trace!`: Very verbose, rarely needed
+
+## RFCs and Design Documentation
+
+### When to Write an RFC
+- Architectural decisions affecting multiple parts
+- Choosing between significantly different approaches
+- Introducing new protocols or APIs
+- Making breaking changes
+
+### RFC Structure (see `docs/rfcs/README.md`)
+- Narrative-first explanation
+- Trade-offs and alternatives
+- API examples (not full implementations)
+- Open questions
+- Success criteria
+
+## Git Commit Messages
+
+### Format
+```
+Brief summary (50 chars or less)
+
+More detailed explanation if needed. Wrap at 72 characters.
+
+- Use bullet points for multiple changes
+- Reference issue numbers: #123
+
+Explains trade-offs, alternatives considered, and why this approach
+was chosen.
+```
+
+### Examples
+```
+Add CRDT synchronization over iroh-gossip
+
+Implements the protocol described in RFC 0001. Uses vector clocks
+for causal ordering and merkle trees for efficient reconciliation.
+
+- Add VectorClock type
+- Implement GossipBridge for peer communication
+- Add integration tests for two-peer sync
+```

.serena/memories/codebase_structure.md

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+# Codebase Structure
+
+## Workspace Organization
+```
+aspen/
+├── crates/
+│   ├── app/              # Main application
+│   │   ├── src/
+│   │   │   ├── main.rs         # Entry point
+│   │   │   ├── camera.rs       # Camera system
+│   │   │   ├── cube.rs         # 3D cube demo
+│   │   │   ├── debug_ui.rs     # Debug overlays
+│   │   │   ├── engine_bridge.rs # Bridge to EngineCore
+│   │   │   ├── input/          # Input handling
+│   │   │   ├── rendering.rs    # Rendering setup
+│   │   │   ├── selection.rs    # Object selection
+│   │   │   ├── session.rs      # Session management
+│   │   │   ├── session_ui.rs   # Session UI
+│   │   │   └── setup.rs        # App initialization
+│   │   └── Cargo.toml
+│   │
+│   ├── libmarathon/      # Core library
+│   │   ├── src/
+│   │   │   ├── lib.rs          # Library root
+│   │   │   ├── sync.rs         # Synchronization primitives
+│   │   │   ├── engine/         # Core engine logic
+│   │   │   ├── networking/     # P2P networking, gossip
+│   │   │   ├── persistence/    # Database and storage
+│   │   │   ├── platform/       # Platform-specific code
+│   │   │   │   ├── desktop/    # macOS executor
+│   │   │   │   └── ios/        # iOS executor
+│   │   │   └── debug_ui/       # Debug UI components
+│   │   └── Cargo.toml
+│   │
+│   ├── sync-macros/      # Procedural macros for sync
+│   │   └── src/lib.rs
+│   │
+│   └── xtask/            # Build automation
+│       ├── src/main.rs
+│       └── README.md
+│
+├── scripts/
+│   └── ios/              # iOS-specific build scripts
+│       ├── Info.plist          # iOS app metadata
+│       ├── Entitlements.plist  # App capabilities
+│       ├── deploy-simulator.sh # Simulator deployment
+│       └── build-simulator.sh  # Build for simulator
+│
+├── docs/
+│   └── rfcs/             # Architecture RFCs
+│       ├── README.md
+│       ├── 0001-crdt-gossip-sync.md
+│       ├── 0002-persistence-strategy.md
+│       ├── 0003-sync-abstraction.md
+│       ├── 0004-session-lifecycle.md
+│       ├── 0005-spatial-audio-system.md
+│       └── 0006-agent-simulation-architecture.md
+│
+├── .github/
+│   └── ISSUE_TEMPLATE/   # GitHub issue templates
+│       ├── bug_report.yml
+│       ├── feature.yml
+│       ├── task.yml
+│       ├── epic.yml
+│       └── support.yml
+│
+├── Cargo.toml            # Workspace configuration
+├── Cargo.lock            # Dependency lock file
+└── rustfmt.toml          # Code formatting rules
+```
+
+## Key Patterns
+- **ECS Architecture**: Uses Bevy's Entity Component System
+- **Platform Abstraction**: Separate executors for desktop/iOS
+- **Engine-UI Separation**: `EngineCore` runs in background thread, communicates via `EngineBridge`
+- **CRDT-based Sync**: All shared state uses CRDTs for conflict-free merging
+- **RFC-driven Design**: Major decisions documented in `docs/rfcs/`

.serena/memories/github_labels.md

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+# GitHub Labels
+
+This file contains the standard label configuration for r3t-studios repositories.
+
+## Labels from marathon repository
+
+These labels are currently defined in the marathon repository:
+
+### Area Labels
+
+| Name | Color | Description |
+|------|-------|-------------|
+| `area/core` | `#0052CC` | Foundation systems, memory management, math libraries, data structures, core utilities |
+| `area/rendering` | `#0E8A16` | Graphics pipeline, Bevy rendering, shaders, materials, lighting, cameras, meshes, textures |
+| `area/audio` | `#1D76DB` | Spatial audio engine, sound playback, audio mixing, music systems, 3D audio positioning |
+| `area/networking` | `#5319E7` | iroh P2P, CRDT sync, gossip protocol, network replication, connection management |
+| `area/platform` | `#0075CA` | iOS/macOS platform code, cross-platform abstractions, input handling, OS integration |
+| `area/simulation` | `#FBCA04` | Agent systems, NPC behaviors, AI, game mechanics, interactions, simulation logic |
+| `area/content` | `#C5DEF5` | Art assets, models, textures, audio files, dialogue trees, narrative content, game data |
+| `area/ui-ux` | `#D4C5F9` | User interface, menus, HUD elements, input feedback, screen layouts, navigation |
+| `area/tooling` | `#D93F0B` | Build systems, CI/CD pipelines, development tools, code generation, testing infrastructure |
+| `area/docs` | `#0075CA` | Documentation, technical specs, RFCs, architecture decisions, API docs, tutorials, guides |
+| `area/infrastructure` | `#E99695` | Deployment pipelines, hosting, cloud services, monitoring, logging, DevOps, releases |
+| `area/rfc` | `#FEF2C0` | RFC proposals, design discussions, architecture planning, feature specifications |
+
+## Labels referenced in issue templates but not yet created
+
+The following labels are referenced in issue templates but don't exist in the repository yet:
+
+| Name | Used In | Suggested Color | Description |
+|------|---------|-----------------|-------------|
+| `epic` | epic.yml | `#3E4B9E` | Large body of work spanning multiple features |
+
+## Command to create all labels in a new repository
+
+```bash
+# Area labels
+gh label create "area/core" --description "Foundation systems, memory management, math libraries, data structures, core utilities" --color "0052CC"
+gh label create "area/rendering" --description "Graphics pipeline, Bevy rendering, shaders, materials, lighting, cameras, meshes, textures" --color "0E8A16"
+gh label create "area/audio" --description "Spatial audio engine, sound playback, audio mixing, music systems, 3D audio positioning" --color "1D76DB"
+gh label create "area/networking" --description "iroh P2P, CRDT sync, gossip protocol, network replication, connection management" --color "5319E7"
+gh label create "area/platform" --description "iOS/macOS platform code, cross-platform abstractions, input handling, OS integration" --color "0075CA"
+gh label create "area/simulation" --description "Agent systems, NPC behaviors, AI, game mechanics, interactions, simulation logic" --color "FBCA04"
+gh label create "area/content" --description "Art assets, models, textures, audio files, dialogue trees, narrative content, game data" --color "C5DEF5"
+gh label create "area/ui-ux" --description "User interface, menus, HUD elements, input feedback, screen layouts, navigation" --color "D4C5F9"
+gh label create "area/tooling" --description "Build systems, CI/CD pipelines, development tools, code generation, testing infrastructure" --color "D93F0B"
+gh label create "area/docs" --description "Documentation, technical specs, RFCs, architecture decisions, API docs, tutorials, guides" --color "0075CA"
+gh label create "area/infrastructure" --description "Deployment pipelines, hosting, cloud services, monitoring, logging, DevOps, releases" --color "E99695"
+gh label create "area/rfc" --description "RFC proposals, design discussions, architecture planning, feature specifications" --color "FEF2C0"
+
+# Issue type labels
+gh label create "epic" --description "Large body of work spanning multiple features" --color "3E4B9E"
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- The marathon repository has 12 labels defined, all with the `area/` prefix
+- The `epic` label is referenced in the epic.yml issue template but hasn't been created yet in either marathon or aspen
+- All area labels use distinct colors for easy visual identification

.serena/memories/macos_system_commands.md

@@ -0,0 +1,457 @@
+# macOS (Darwin) System Commands
+
+This document covers macOS-specific system commands and utilities that may differ from standard Unix/Linux systems.
+
+## File System Operations
+
+### Finding Files
+```bash
+# Standard Unix find (works on macOS)
+find . -name "*.rs"
+find . -type f -name "Cargo.toml"
+
+# macOS Spotlight search (faster for indexed content)
+mdfind -name "rustfmt.toml"
+mdfind "kind:rust-source"
+
+# Locate database (if enabled)
+locate pattern
+```
+
+### Listing & Viewing
+```bash
+# List with details
+ls -la
+ls -lh  # human-readable sizes
+ls -lhS # sorted by size
+ls -lht # sorted by modification time
+
+# View file contents
+cat file.txt
+head -20 file.txt
+tail -50 file.txt
+less file.txt  # paginated view
+
+# Quick Look (macOS-specific)
+qlmanage -p file.txt  # preview file
+```
+
+### Directory Navigation
+```bash
+cd /path/to/directory
+cd ~              # home directory
+cd -              # previous directory
+pwd               # print working directory
+pushd /path       # push to directory stack
+popd              # pop from directory stack
+```
+
+## Text Processing
+
+### Searching in Files
+```bash
+# grep (standard)
+grep -r "pattern" .
+grep -i "pattern" file.txt  # case-insensitive
+grep -n "pattern" file.txt  # with line numbers
+grep -A 5 "pattern" file.txt  # 5 lines after match
+grep -B 5 "pattern" file.txt  # 5 lines before match
+
+# ripgrep (if installed - faster and better)
+rg "pattern"
+rg -i "pattern"  # case-insensitive
+rg -t rust "pattern"  # only Rust files
+```
+
+### Text Manipulation
+```bash
+# sed (stream editor) - macOS uses BSD sed
+sed -i '' 's/old/new/g' file.txt  # note the '' for in-place edit
+sed 's/pattern/replacement/' file.txt
+
+# awk
+awk '{print $1}' file.txt
+
+# cut
+cut -d',' -f1,3 file.csv
+```
+
+## Process Management
+
+### Viewing Processes
+```bash
+# List processes
+ps aux
+ps aux | grep cargo
+
+# Interactive process viewer
+top
+htop  # if installed (better)
+
+# Activity Monitor (GUI)
+open -a "Activity Monitor"
+```
+
+### Process Control
+```bash
+# Kill process
+kill PID
+kill -9 PID  # force kill
+killall process_name
+
+# Background/foreground
+command &  # run in background
+fg  # bring to foreground
+bg  # continue in background
+Ctrl+Z  # suspend foreground process
+```
+
+## Network
+
+### Network Info
+```bash
+# IP address
+ifconfig
+ipconfig getifaddr en0  # specific interface
+
+# Network connectivity
+ping google.com
+traceroute google.com
+
+# DNS lookup
+nslookup domain.com
+dig domain.com
+
+# Network statistics
+netstat -an
+lsof -i  # list open network connections
+```
+
+### Port Management
+```bash
+# Check what's using a port
+lsof -i :8080
+lsof -i tcp:3000
+
+# Kill process using port
+lsof -ti:8080 | xargs kill
+```
+
+## File Permissions
+
+### Basic Permissions
+```bash
+# Change permissions
+chmod +x script.sh  # make executable
+chmod 644 file.txt  # rw-r--r--
+chmod 755 dir/      # rwxr-xr-x
+
+# Change ownership
+chown user:group file
+chown -R user:group directory/
+
+# View permissions
+ls -l
+stat file.txt  # detailed info
+```
+
+### Extended Attributes (macOS-specific)
+```bash
+# List extended attributes
+xattr -l file
+
+# Remove quarantine attribute
+xattr -d com.apple.quarantine file
+
+# Clear all extended attributes
+xattr -c file
+```
+
+## Disk & Storage
+
+### Disk Usage
+```bash
+# Disk space
+df -h
+df -h /
+
+# Directory size
+du -sh directory/
+du -h -d 1 .  # depth 1
+
+# Sort by size
+du -sh * | sort -h
+```
+
+### Disk Utility
+```bash
+# Verify disk
+diskutil verifyVolume /
+diskutil list
+
+# Mount/unmount
+diskutil mount diskName
+diskutil unmount diskName
+```
+
+## Package Management
+
+### Homebrew (common on macOS)
+```bash
+# Install package
+brew install package-name
+
+# Update Homebrew
+brew update
+
+# Upgrade packages
+brew upgrade
+
+# List installed
+brew list
+
+# Search packages
+brew search pattern
+```
+
+### Mac App Store
+```bash
+# List updates
+softwareupdate --list
+
+# Install updates
+softwareupdate --install --all
+```
+
+## System Information
+
+### System Details
+```bash
+# macOS version
+sw_vers
+sw_vers -productVersion
+
+# System profiler
+system_profiler SPHardwareDataType
+system_profiler SPSoftwareDataType
+
+# Kernel info
+uname -a
+```
+
+### Hardware Info
+```bash
+# CPU info
+sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string
+sysctl hw
+
+# Memory
+top -l 1 | grep PhysMem
+
+# Disk info
+diskutil info /
+```
+
+## Environment & Shell
+
+### Environment Variables
+```bash
+# View all
+env
+printenv
+
+# Set variable
+export VAR_NAME=value
+
+# Shell config files
+~/.zshrc     # Zsh (default on modern macOS)
+~/.bashrc    # Bash
+~/.profile   # Login shell
+```
+
+### Path Management
+```bash
+# View PATH
+echo $PATH
+
+# Add to PATH (in ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc)
+export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"
+
+# Which command
+which cargo
+which rustc
+```
+
+## Archives & Compression
+
+### Tar
+```bash
+# Create archive
+tar -czf archive.tar.gz directory/
+
+# Extract archive
+tar -xzf archive.tar.gz
+
+# List contents
+tar -tzf archive.tar.gz
+```
+
+### Zip
+```bash
+# Create zip
+zip -r archive.zip directory/
+
+# Extract zip
+unzip archive.zip
+
+# List contents
+unzip -l archive.zip
+```
+
+## Clipboard (macOS-specific)
+
+```bash
+# Copy to clipboard
+echo "text" | pbcopy
+cat file.txt | pbcopy
+
+# Paste from clipboard
+pbpaste
+pbpaste > file.txt
+```
+
+## Notifications (macOS-specific)
+
+```bash
+# Display notification
+osascript -e 'display notification "Message" with title "Title"'
+
+# Alert dialog
+osascript -e 'display dialog "Message" with title "Title"'
+```
+
+## Xcode & iOS Development
+
+### Xcode Command Line Tools
+```bash
+# Install command line tools
+xcode-select --install
+
+# Show active developer directory
+xcode-select -p
+
+# Switch Xcode version
+sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developer
+```
+
+### iOS Simulator
+```bash
+# List simulators
+xcrun simctl list devices
+
+# Boot simulator
+xcrun simctl boot "iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2"
+
+# Open Simulator app
+open -a Simulator
+
+# Install app
+xcrun simctl install <device-uuid> path/to/app.app
+
+# Launch app
+xcrun simctl launch <device-uuid> bundle.id
+
+# View logs
+xcrun simctl spawn <device-uuid> log stream
+```
+
+### Physical Device
+```bash
+# List connected devices
+xcrun devicectl list devices
+
+# Install app
+xcrun devicectl device install app --device <device-id> path/to/app.app
+
+# Launch app
+xcrun devicectl device process launch --device <device-id> bundle.id
+
+# View logs
+xcrun devicectl device stream log --device <device-id>
+```
+
+### Code Signing
+```bash
+# List signing identities
+security find-identity -v -p codesigning
+
+# Sign application
+codesign -s "Developer ID" path/to/app.app
+
+# Verify signature
+codesign -vv path/to/app.app
+```
+
+## macOS-Specific Differences from Linux
+
+### Key Differences
+1. **sed**: Requires empty string for in-place edit: `sed -i '' ...`
+2. **find**: Uses BSD find (slightly different options)
+3. **date**: Different format options than GNU date
+4. **readlink**: Use `greadlink` (if coreutils installed) for `-f` flag
+5. **stat**: Different output format than GNU stat
+6. **grep**: BSD grep (consider installing `ggrep` for GNU grep)
+
+### GNU Tools via Homebrew
+```bash
+# Install GNU coreutils
+brew install coreutils
+
+# Then use with 'g' prefix
+gls, gcp, gmv, grm, greadlink, gdate, etc.
+```
+
+## Useful macOS Shortcuts
+
+### Terminal Shortcuts
+- `Cmd+K` - Clear terminal
+- `Cmd+T` - New tab
+- `Cmd+N` - New window
+- `Cmd+W` - Close tab
+- `Cmd+,` - Preferences
+
+### Command Line Shortcuts
+- `Ctrl+A` - Beginning of line
+- `Ctrl+E` - End of line
+- `Ctrl+U` - Delete to beginning
+- `Ctrl+K` - Delete to end
+- `Ctrl+R` - Search history
+- `Ctrl+C` - Cancel command
+- `Ctrl+D` - Exit shell
+- `Ctrl+Z` - Suspend process
+
+## Quick Reference
+
+### Most Common for Aspen Development
+```bash
+# Find Rust files
+find . -name "*.rs"
+
+# Search in Rust files
+grep -r "pattern" crates/
+
+# Check what's using a port
+lsof -i :8080
+
+# View disk space
+df -h
+
+# View process list
+ps aux | grep cargo
+
+# View logs
+log stream --predicate 'process == "app"'
+
+# Xcode simulators
+xcrun simctl list devices available
+```

.serena/memories/project_overview.md

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+# Project Overview: Aspen
+
+## Purpose
+Aspen (formerly known as Lonni) is a **cross-platform real-time collaborative application** built for macOS and iPad. It demonstrates real-time CRDT (Conflict-free Replicated Data Type) synchronization with Apple Pencil input support.
+
+## Key Features
+- Real-time collaborative drawing/interaction with Apple Pencil support
+- P2P synchronization using CRDTs over iroh-gossip protocol
+- Cross-platform: macOS desktop and iOS/iPadOS
+- 3D rendering using Bevy game engine
+- Persistent local storage with SQLite
+- Session management for multi-user collaboration
+
+## Target Platforms
+- **macOS** (desktop application)
+- **iOS/iPadOS** (with Apple Pencil support)
+- Uses separate executors for each platform
+
+## Architecture
+The application uses a **workspace structure** with multiple crates:
+- `app` - Main application entry point and UI
+- `libmarathon` - Core library with engine, networking, persistence
+- `sync-macros` - Procedural macros for synchronization
+- `xtask` - Build automation tasks
+
+## Development Status
+Active development with RFCs for major design decisions. See `docs/rfcs/` for architectural documentation.

.serena/memories/serialization-policy.md

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# Serialization Policy
+
+**Never use serde for serialization in this project.**
+
+We use `rkyv` exclusively for all serialization needs:
+- Network messages
+- Component synchronization
+- Persistence
+- Any data serialization
+
+If a type from a dependency (like Bevy) doesn't support rkyv, we vendor it and add the rkyv derives ourselves.

.serena/memories/suggested_commands.md

@@ -0,0 +1,237 @@
+# Suggested Commands for Aspen Development
+
+## Build & Run Commands
+
+### iOS Simulator (Primary Development Target)
+```bash
+# Build, deploy, and run on iOS Simulator (most common)
+cargo xtask ios-run
+
+# Build only (release mode)
+cargo xtask ios-build
+
+# Build in debug mode
+cargo xtask ios-build --debug
+
+# Deploy to specific device
+cargo xtask ios-deploy --device "iPad Air (5th generation)"
+
+# Run with debug mode and custom device
+cargo xtask ios-run --debug --device "iPhone 15 Pro"
+
+# Build and deploy to physical iPad
+cargo xtask ios-device
+```
+
+### Desktop (macOS)
+```bash
+# Run on macOS desktop
+cargo run --package app --features desktop
+
+# Run in release mode
+cargo run --package app --features desktop --release
+```
+
+## Testing
+```bash
+# Run all tests
+cargo test
+
+# Run tests for specific package
+cargo test --package libmarathon
+cargo test --package app
+
+# Run integration tests
+cargo test --test sync_integration
+
+# Run with specific test
+cargo test test_sync_between_two_nodes
+
+# Run tests with logging output
+RUST_LOG=debug cargo test -- --nocapture
+```
+
+## Code Quality
+
+### Formatting
+```bash
+# Format all code (uses rustfmt.toml configuration)
+cargo fmt
+
+# Check formatting without modifying files
+cargo fmt -- --check
+```
+
+### Linting
+```bash
+# Run clippy for all crates
+cargo clippy --all-targets --all-features
+
+# Run clippy with fixes
+cargo clippy --fix --allow-dirty --allow-staged
+
+# Strict clippy checks
+cargo clippy -- -D warnings
+```
+
+### Building
+```bash
+# Build all crates
+cargo build
+
+# Build in release mode
+cargo build --release
+
+# Build specific package
+cargo build --package libmarathon
+
+# Build for iOS target
+cargo build --target aarch64-apple-ios --release
+cargo build --target aarch64-apple-ios-sim --release
+```
+
+## Cleaning
+```bash
+# Clean build artifacts
+cargo clean
+
+# Clean specific package
+cargo clean --package xtask
+
+# Clean and rebuild
+cargo clean && cargo build
+```
+
+## Benchmarking
+```bash
+# Run benchmarks
+cargo bench
+
+# Run specific benchmark
+cargo bench --bench write_buffer
+cargo bench --bench vector_clock
+```
+
+## Documentation
+```bash
+# Generate and open documentation
+cargo doc --open
+
+# Generate docs for all dependencies
+cargo doc --open --document-private-items
+```
+
+## Dependency Management
+```bash
+# Update dependencies
+cargo update
+
+# Check for outdated dependencies
+cargo outdated
+
+# Show dependency tree
+cargo tree
+
+# Check specific dependency
+cargo tree -p iroh
+```
+
+## iOS-Specific Commands
+
+### Simulator Management
+```bash
+# List available simulators
+xcrun simctl list devices available
+
+# Boot a specific simulator
+xcrun simctl boot "iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2"
+
+# Open Simulator app
+open -a Simulator
+
+# View simulator logs
+xcrun simctl spawn <device-uuid> log stream --predicate 'processImagePath contains "Aspen"'
+```
+
+### Device Management
+```bash
+# List connected devices
+xcrun devicectl list devices
+
+# View device logs
+xcrun devicectl device stream log --device <device-id> --predicate 'process == "app"'
+```
+
+## Git Commands (macOS-specific notes)
+```bash
+# Standard git commands work on macOS
+git status
+git add .
+git commit -m "message"
+git push
+
+# View recent commits
+git log --oneline -10
+
+# Check current branch
+git branch
+```
+
+## System Commands (macOS)
+```bash
+# Find files (macOS has both find and mdfind)
+find . -name "*.rs"
+mdfind -name "rustfmt.toml"
+
+# Search in files
+grep -r "pattern" crates/
+rg "pattern" crates/  # if ripgrep is installed
+
+# List files
+ls -la
+ls -lh  # human-readable sizes
+
+# Navigate
+cd crates/app
+pwd
+
+# View file contents
+cat Cargo.toml
+head -20 src/main.rs
+tail -50 Cargo.lock
+```
+
+## Common Workflows
+
+### After Making Changes
+```bash
+# 1. Format code
+cargo fmt
+
+# 2. Run clippy
+cargo clippy --all-targets
+
+# 3. Run tests
+cargo test
+
+# 4. Test on simulator
+cargo xtask ios-run
+```
+
+### Adding a New Feature
+```bash
+# 1. Create RFC if it's a major change
+# edit docs/rfcs/NNNN-feature-name.md
+
+# 2. Implement
+# edit crates/.../src/...
+
+# 3. Add tests
+# edit crates/.../tests/...
+
+# 4. Update documentation
+cargo doc --open
+
+# 5. Run full validation
+cargo fmt && cargo clippy && cargo test && cargo xtask ios-run
+```

.serena/memories/task_completion_checklist.md

@@ -0,0 +1,211 @@
+# Task Completion Checklist
+
+When completing a task in Aspen, follow these steps to ensure code quality and consistency.
+
+## Pre-Commit Checklist
+
+### 1. Code Formatting
+```bash
+cargo fmt
+```
+- Formats all code according to `rustfmt.toml`
+- Must pass before committing
+- Check with: `cargo fmt -- --check`
+
+### 2. Linting
+```bash
+cargo clippy --all-targets --all-features
+```
+- Checks for common mistakes and anti-patterns
+- Address all warnings
+- For strict mode: `cargo clippy -- -D warnings`
+
+### 3. Type Checking & Compilation
+```bash
+cargo check
+cargo build
+```
+- Ensure code compiles without errors
+- Check both debug and release if performance-critical:
+  ```bash
+  cargo build --release
+  ```
+
+### 4. Testing
+```bash
+# Run all tests
+cargo test
+
+# Run with output
+cargo test -- --nocapture
+
+# Run integration tests
+cargo test --test sync_integration
+```
+- All existing tests must pass
+- Add new tests for new functionality
+- Integration tests for cross-component features
+
+### 5. Platform-Specific Testing
+
+#### iOS Simulator
+```bash
+cargo xtask ios-run
+```
+- Test on iOS Simulator (default: iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2)
+- Verify Apple Pencil interactions if applicable
+- Check logging output for errors
+
+#### Physical Device (if iOS changes)
+```bash
+cargo xtask ios-device
+```
+- Test on actual iPad if Apple Pencil features are involved
+- Verify Developer Mode is enabled
+
+#### macOS Desktop
+```bash
+cargo run --package app --features desktop
+```
+- Test desktop functionality
+- Verify window handling and input
+
+### 6. Documentation
+```bash
+cargo doc --open
+```
+- Add doc comments to public APIs
+- Update module-level documentation if structure changed
+- Verify generated docs render correctly
+- Update RFCs if architectural changes were made
+
+## Specific Checks by Change Type
+
+### For New Features
+- [ ] Write RFC if architectural change (see `docs/rfcs/README.md`)
+- [ ] Add public API documentation
+- [ ] Add examples in doc comments
+- [ ] Write integration tests
+- [ ] Test on both macOS and iOS if cross-platform
+- [ ] Update relevant memory files if workflow changes
+
+### For Bug Fixes
+- [ ] Add regression test
+- [ ] Document the bug in commit message
+- [ ] Verify fix on affected platform(s)
+- [ ] Check for similar bugs in related code
+
+### For Performance Changes
+- [ ] Run benchmarks before and after
+  ```bash
+  cargo bench
+  ```
+- [ ] Document performance impact in commit message
+- [ ] Test on debug and release builds
+
+### For Refactoring
+- [ ] Ensure all tests still pass
+- [ ] Verify no behavioral changes
+- [ ] Update related documentation
+- [ ] Check that clippy warnings didn't increase
+
+### For Dependency Updates
+- [ ] Update `Cargo.toml` (workspace or specific crate)
+- [ ] Run `cargo update`
+- [ ] Check for breaking changes in changelog
+- [ ] Re-run full test suite
+- [ ] Test on both platforms
+
+## Before Pushing
+
+### Final Validation
+```bash
+# One-liner for comprehensive check
+cargo fmt && cargo clippy --all-targets && cargo test && cargo xtask ios-run
+```
+
+### Git Checks
+- [ ] Review `git diff` for unintended changes
+- [ ] Ensure sensitive data isn't included
+- [ ] Write clear commit message (see code_style_conventions.md)
+- [ ] Verify correct branch
+
+### Issue Tracking
+- [ ] Update issue status (use GitHub issue templates)
+- [ ] Link commits to issues in commit message
+- [ ] Update project board if using one
+
+## Platform-Specific Considerations
+
+### iOS Changes
+- [ ] Test on iOS Simulator
+- [ ] Verify Info.plist changes if app metadata changed
+- [ ] Check Entitlements.plist if permissions changed
+- [ ] Test with Apple Pencil if input handling changed
+- [ ] Verify app signing (bundle ID: `G872CZV7WG.aspen`)
+
+### Networking Changes
+- [ ] Test P2P connectivity on local network
+- [ ] Verify gossip propagation with multiple peers
+- [ ] Check CRDT merge behavior with concurrent edits
+- [ ] Test with network interruptions
+
+### Persistence Changes
+- [ ] Test database migrations if schema changed
+- [ ] Verify data integrity across app restarts
+- [ ] Check SQLite WAL mode behavior
+- [ ] Test with large datasets
+
+### UI Changes
+- [ ] Test with debug UI enabled
+- [ ] Verify on different screen sizes (iPad, desktop)
+- [ ] Check touch and mouse input paths
+- [ ] Test accessibility if UI changed
+
+## Common Issues to Watch For
+
+### Compilation
+- Missing feature flags for conditional compilation
+- Platform-specific code not properly gated with `#[cfg(...)]`
+- Incorrect use of async/await in synchronous contexts
+
+### Runtime
+- Panics in production code (should return `Result` instead)
+- Deadlocks with locks (use `parking_lot` correctly)
+- Memory leaks with Arc/Rc cycles
+- Thread spawning without proper cleanup
+
+### iOS-Specific
+- Using `println!` instead of `tracing` (doesn't work on iOS)
+- Missing `tracing-oslog` initialization
+- Incorrect bundle ID or entitlements
+- Not testing on actual device for Pencil features
+
+## When Task is Complete
+
+1. **Run final validation**:
+   ```bash
+   cargo fmt && cargo clippy && cargo test && cargo xtask ios-run
+   ```
+
+2. **Commit with good message**:
+   ```bash
+   git add .
+   git commit -m "Clear, descriptive message"
+   ```
+
+3. **Push to remote**:
+   ```bash
+   git push origin <branch-name>
+   ```
+
+4. **Create pull request** (if working in feature branch):
+   - Reference related issues
+   - Describe changes and rationale
+   - Note any breaking changes
+   - Request review if needed
+
+5. **Update documentation**:
+   - Update RFCs if architectural change
+   - Update memory files if workflow changed
+   - Update README if user-facing change

.serena/memories/tech_stack.md

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+# Tech Stack
+
+## Language
+- **Rust** (Edition 2021)
+- Some Swift bridging code for iOS-specific features (Apple Pencil)
+
+## Key Dependencies
+
+### Networking & Synchronization
+- **iroh** (v0.95) - P2P networking and NAT traversal
+- **iroh-gossip** (v0.95) - Gossip protocol for message propagation
+- **crdts** (v7.3) - Conflict-free Replicated Data Types
+
+### Graphics & UI
+- **Bevy** (v0.17) - Game engine for rendering and ECS architecture
+- **egui** (v0.33) - Immediate mode GUI
+- **wgpu** - Low-level GPU API
+- **winit** (v0.30) - Window handling
+
+### Storage & Persistence
+- **rusqlite** (v0.37) - SQLite database bindings
+- **serde** / **serde_json** - Serialization
+- **bincode** - Binary serialization
+
+### Async Runtime
+- **tokio** (v1) - Async runtime with full features
+- **futures-lite** (v2.0) - Lightweight futures utilities
+
+### Utilities
+- **anyhow** / **thiserror** - Error handling
+- **tracing** / **tracing-subscriber** - Structured logging
+- **uuid** - Unique identifiers
+- **chrono** - Date/time handling
+- **rand** (v0.8) - Random number generation
+- **crossbeam-channel** - Multi-producer multi-consumer channels
+
+### iOS-Specific
+- **objc** (v0.2) - Objective-C runtime bindings
+- **tracing-oslog** (v0.3) - iOS unified logging integration
+- **raw-window-handle** (v0.6) - Platform window abstractions
+
+### Development Tools
+- **clap** - CLI argument parsing (in xtask)
+- **criterion** - Benchmarking
+- **proptest** - Property-based testing
+- **tempfile** - Temporary file handling in tests

.serena/project.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+# list of languages for which language servers are started; choose from:
+#   al               bash             clojure          cpp              csharp           csharp_omnisharp
+#   dart             elixir           elm              erlang           fortran          go
+#   haskell          java             julia            kotlin           lua              markdown
+#   nix              perl             php              python           python_jedi      r
+#   rego             ruby             ruby_solargraph  rust             scala            swift
+#   terraform        typescript       typescript_vts   yaml             zig
+# Note:
+#   - For C, use cpp
+#   - For JavaScript, use typescript
+# Special requirements:
+#   - csharp: Requires the presence of a .sln file in the project folder.
+# When using multiple languages, the first language server that supports a given file will be used for that file.
+# The first language is the default language and the respective language server will be used as a fallback.
+# Note that when using the JetBrains backend, language servers are not used and this list is correspondingly ignored.
+languages:
+- rust
+
+# the encoding used by text files in the project
+# For a list of possible encodings, see https://docs.python.org/3.11/library/codecs.html#standard-encodings
+encoding: "utf-8"
+
+# whether to use the project's gitignore file to ignore files
+# Added on 2025-04-07
+ignore_all_files_in_gitignore: true
+
+# list of additional paths to ignore
+# same syntax as gitignore, so you can use * and **
+# Was previously called `ignored_dirs`, please update your config if you are using that.
+# Added (renamed) on 2025-04-07
+ignored_paths: []
+
+# whether the project is in read-only mode
+# If set to true, all editing tools will be disabled and attempts to use them will result in an error
+# Added on 2025-04-18
+read_only: false
+
+# list of tool names to exclude. We recommend not excluding any tools, see the readme for more details.
+# Below is the complete list of tools for convenience.
+# To make sure you have the latest list of tools, and to view their descriptions, 
+# execute `uv run scripts/print_tool_overview.py`.
+#
+#  * `activate_project`: Activates a project by name.
+#  * `check_onboarding_performed`: Checks whether project onboarding was already performed.
+#  * `create_text_file`: Creates/overwrites a file in the project directory.
+#  * `delete_lines`: Deletes a range of lines within a file.
+#  * `delete_memory`: Deletes a memory from Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `execute_shell_command`: Executes a shell command.
+#  * `find_referencing_code_snippets`: Finds code snippets in which the symbol at the given location is referenced.
+#  * `find_referencing_symbols`: Finds symbols that reference the symbol at the given location (optionally filtered by type).
+#  * `find_symbol`: Performs a global (or local) search for symbols with/containing a given name/substring (optionally filtered by type).
+#  * `get_current_config`: Prints the current configuration of the agent, including the active and available projects, tools, contexts, and modes.
+#  * `get_symbols_overview`: Gets an overview of the top-level symbols defined in a given file.
+#  * `initial_instructions`: Gets the initial instructions for the current project.
+#     Should only be used in settings where the system prompt cannot be set,
+#     e.g. in clients you have no control over, like Claude Desktop.
+#  * `insert_after_symbol`: Inserts content after the end of the definition of a given symbol.
+#  * `insert_at_line`: Inserts content at a given line in a file.
+#  * `insert_before_symbol`: Inserts content before the beginning of the definition of a given symbol.
+#  * `list_dir`: Lists files and directories in the given directory (optionally with recursion).
+#  * `list_memories`: Lists memories in Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `onboarding`: Performs onboarding (identifying the project structure and essential tasks, e.g. for testing or building).
+#  * `prepare_for_new_conversation`: Provides instructions for preparing for a new conversation (in order to continue with the necessary context).
+#  * `read_file`: Reads a file within the project directory.
+#  * `read_memory`: Reads the memory with the given name from Serena's project-specific memory store.
+#  * `remove_project`: Removes a project from the Serena configuration.
+#  * `replace_lines`: Replaces a range of lines within a file with new content.
+#  * `replace_symbol_body`: Replaces the full definition of a symbol.
+#  * `restart_language_server`: Restarts the language server, may be necessary when edits not through Serena happen.
+#  * `search_for_pattern`: Performs a search for a pattern in the project.
+#  * `summarize_changes`: Provides instructions for summarizing the changes made to the codebase.
+#  * `switch_modes`: Activates modes by providing a list of their names
+#  * `think_about_collected_information`: Thinking tool for pondering the completeness of collected information.
+#  * `think_about_task_adherence`: Thinking tool for determining whether the agent is still on track with the current task.
+#  * `think_about_whether_you_are_done`: Thinking tool for determining whether the task is truly completed.
+#  * `write_memory`: Writes a named memory (for future reference) to Serena's project-specific memory store.
+excluded_tools: []
+
+# initial prompt for the project. It will always be given to the LLM upon activating the project
+# (contrary to the memories, which are loaded on demand).
+initial_prompt: ""
+
+project_name: "aspen"
+included_optional_tools: []

AI_POLICY.md

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+# AI and Machine Learning Usage Policy
+
+## Core Principle: Human Accountability
+
+Every contribution to Marathon must have a human who:
+- **Made the decisions** about what to build and how to build it
+- **Understands the code, design, or content** they're submitting
+- **Takes responsibility** for the outcome and any issues that arise
+- **Can be held accountable** for the contribution
+
+AI and ML tools are welcome as assistants, but they cannot:
+- Make architectural or design decisions
+- Choose between technical trade-offs
+- Take responsibility for bugs or issues
+- Be credited as contributors
+
+## Context: Pragmatism at a Small Scale
+
+We're a tiny studio with limited resources. We can't afford large teams, professional translators, or extensive QA departments. **Machine learning tools help us punch above our weight class** - they let us move faster, support more languages, and catch bugs we'd otherwise miss.
+
+We use these tools not to replace human judgment, but to stretch our small team's capacity. This is about working **smart with what we have**, not taking shortcuts that compromise quality or accountability.
+
+We're using ethical and responsible machine learning as much as possible while ensuring that we are not erasing human contributions while we are resource-constrained.
+
+## The Blurry Line
+
+**Here's the honest truth:** The line between "generative AI" and "assistive AI" is fuzzy and constantly shifting. Is IDE autocomplete assistive? What about when it suggests entire functions? What about pair-programming with an LLM?
+
+**We don't have perfect answers.** What we do have is a principle: **a human must make the decisions and be accountable.**
+
+If you're unsure whether your use of AI crosses a line, ask yourself:
+- **"Do I understand what this code does and why?"**
+- **"Did I decide this was the right approach, or did the AI?"**
+- **"Can I maintain and debug this?"**
+- **"Am I comfortable being accountable for this?"**
+
+If you answer "yes" to those questions, you're probably fine. If you're still uncertain, open a discussion - we'd rather have the conversation than enforce rigid rules that don't match reality.
+
+## What This Looks Like in Practice
+
+### Acceptable Use
+
+**"I used Claude/Copilot to help write this function, I reviewed it, I understand it, and I'm responsible for it."**
+- You directed the tool
+- You reviewed and understood the output
+- You made the decision to use this approach
+- You take responsibility for the result
+
+**"I directed an LLM to implement my design, then verified it meets requirements."**
+- You designed the solution
+- You used AI to speed up implementation
+- You verified correctness
+- You own the outcome
+
+**"I used machine translation as a starting point, then reviewed and corrected the output."**
+- You acknowledge the limitations of automated translation
+- You applied human judgment to the result
+- You ensure accuracy and appropriateness
+
+### Not Acceptable
+
+**"Claude wrote this, I pasted it in, seems fine."**
+- No understanding of the code
+- No verification of correctness
+- Cannot maintain or debug
+- Cannot explain design decisions
+
+**"I asked an LLM what architecture to use and implemented its suggestion."**
+- The AI made the architectural decision
+- No human judgment about trade-offs
+- No accountability for the choice
+
+**"I'm submitting this AI-generated documentation without reviewing it."**
+- No verification of accuracy
+- No human oversight
+- Cannot vouch for quality
+
+## Why This Matters
+
+Marathon itself was largely written with AI assistance under human direction. **That's fine!** What matters is:
+
+1. **A human made every architectural decision**
+2. **A human is accountable for every line of code**
+3. **A human can explain why things work the way they do**
+4. **Humans take credit AND responsibility**
+
+Think of AI like a compiler, a library, or a really capable intern - it's a tool that amplifies human capability, but **the human is always the one making decisions and being accountable**.
+
+## For Contributors
+
+We don't care what tools you use to be productive. We care that:
+- **You made the decisions** (not the AI)
+- **You understand what you're submitting**
+- **You're accountable** for the contribution
+- **You can maintain it** if issues arise
+
+Use whatever tools help you work effectively, but you must be able to answer "why did you make this choice?" with human reasoning, not "the AI suggested it."
+
+### When Contributing
+
+You don't need to disclose every time you use autocomplete or ask an LLM a question. We trust you to:
+- Use tools responsibly
+- Understand your contributions
+- Take ownership of your work
+
+If you're doing something novel or pushing boundaries with AI assistance, mentioning it in your PR is welcome - it helps us all learn and navigate this space together.
+
+## What We Use
+
+For transparency, here's where Marathon currently uses machine learning:
+
+- **Development assistance** - IDE tools, code completion, pair programming with LLMs
+- **Translation tooling** - Machine translation for internationalization (human-reviewed)
+- **Performance analysis** - Automated profiling and optimization suggestions
+- **Code review assistance** - Static analysis and potential bug detection
+- **Documentation help** - Grammar checking, clarity improvements, translation
+
+In all cases, humans review, approve, and take responsibility for the output.
+
+## The Bottom Line
+
+**Machines can't be held accountable, so humans must make all decisions.**
+
+Use AI tools to help you work faster and smarter, but you must understand and be accountable for what you contribute. When in doubt, ask yourself:
+
+**"Can a machine be blamed if this breaks?"**
+
+If yes, you've crossed the line.
+
+## Questions or Concerns?
+
+This policy will evolve as we learn more about working effectively with AI tools. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please open a discussion. We're figuring this out together.
+
+---
+
+*This policy reflects our values as of February 2026. As technology and our understanding evolve, so will this document.*

ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,359 @@
+# Marathon Architecture
+
+This document provides a high-level overview of Marathon's architecture to help contributors understand the system's design and organization.
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Overview](#overview)
+- [Core Principles](#core-principles)
+- [System Architecture](#system-architecture)
+- [Crate Organization](#crate-organization)
+- [Key Components](#key-components)
+- [Data Flow](#data-flow)
+- [Technology Decisions](#technology-decisions)
+- [Design Constraints](#design-constraints)
+
+## Overview
+
+Marathon is a **peer-to-peer game engine development kit** built on conflict-free replicated data types (CRDTs). It enables developers to build multiplayer games where players can interact with shared game state in real-time, even across network partitions, with automatic reconciliation.
+
+**Key Characteristics:**
+- **Decentralized** - No central game server required, all players are equal peers
+- **Offline-first** - Gameplay continues during network partitions
+- **Eventually consistent** - All players converge to the same game state
+- **Real-time** - Player actions propagate with minimal latency
+- **Persistent** - Game state survives application restarts
+
+## Core Principles
+
+1. **CRDTs for Consistency** - Use mathematically proven data structures that guarantee eventual consistency for multiplayer game state
+2. **Bevy ECS First** - Build on Bevy's Entity Component System for game development flexibility
+3. **Zero Trust Networking** - Assume peers may be malicious (future work for competitive games)
+4. **Separation of Concerns** - Clear boundaries between networking, persistence, and game logic
+5. **Performance Matters** - Optimize for low latency and high throughput suitable for real-time games
+
+## System Architecture
+
+```mermaid
+graph TB
+    subgraph App["Game Layer"]
+        Demo[Demo Game / Your Game]
+        Actions[Game Actions]
+        Selection[Entity Selection]
+        Input[Input Handling]
+        Render[Rendering]
+    end
+
+    subgraph Core["libmarathon Core"]
+        Net[Networking<br/>• CRDT Sync<br/>• Gossip<br/>• Sessions<br/>• Op Apply]
+        Engine[Engine Core<br/>• Event Loop<br/>• Commands<br/>• Discovery<br/>• Bridge]
+        Persist[Persistence<br/>• SQLite<br/>• Type Registry<br/>• Migrations<br/>• Metrics]
+    end
+
+    subgraph Foundation["Foundation Layer"]
+        Bevy[Bevy ECS<br/>• Entities<br/>• Components<br/>• Systems]
+        Iroh[iroh P2P<br/>• QUIC<br/>• Gossip<br/>• Discovery]
+    end
+
+    Demo --> Actions
+    Demo --> Selection
+    Demo --> Input
+    Demo --> Render
+
+    Actions --> Engine
+    Selection --> Engine
+    Input --> Engine
+    Render --> Engine
+
+    Engine --> Net
+    Engine --> Persist
+    Net --> Persist
+
+    Net --> Iroh
+    Engine --> Bevy
+    Persist --> Bevy
+```
+
+## Crate Organization
+
+Marathon is organized as a Rust workspace with four crates:
+
+### `libmarathon` (Core Library)
+
+**Purpose**: The heart of Marathon, providing networking, persistence, and CRDT synchronization.
+
+**Key Modules:**
+```
+libmarathon/
+├── networking/        # P2P networking and CRDT sync
+│   ├── crdt/         # CRDT implementations (OR-Set, RGA, LWW)
+│   ├── operations/   # Network operations and vector clocks
+│   ├── gossip/       # Gossip protocol bridge to iroh
+│   ├── session/      # Session management
+│   └── entity_map/   # UUID ↔ Entity mapping
+│
+├── persistence/       # SQLite-backed state persistence
+│   ├── database/     # SQLite connection and WAL
+│   ├── registry/     # Type registry for reflection
+│   └── health/       # Health checks and metrics
+│
+├── engine/           # Core engine logic
+│   ├── networking_manager/  # Network event loop
+│   ├── commands/     # Bevy commands
+│   └── game_actions/ # User action handling
+│
+├── debug_ui/         # egui debug interface
+├── render/           # Vendored Bevy render pipeline
+├── transform/        # Vendored transform with rkyv
+└── platform/         # Platform-specific code (iOS/desktop)
+```
+
+### `app` (Demo Game)
+
+**Purpose**: Demonstrates Marathon capabilities with a simple multiplayer cube game.
+
+**Key Files:**
+- `main.rs` - Entry point with CLI argument handling
+- `engine_bridge.rs` - Connects Bevy game to Marathon engine
+- `cube.rs` - Demo game entity implementation
+- `session.rs` - Multiplayer session lifecycle management
+- `input/` - Input handling (keyboard, touch, Apple Pencil)
+- `rendering/` - Rendering setup and camera
+
+### `macros` (Procedural Macros)
+
+**Purpose**: Code generation for serialization and deserialization.
+
+Built on Bevy's macro infrastructure for consistency with the ecosystem.
+
+### `xtask` (Build Automation)
+
+**Purpose**: Automate iOS build and deployment using the cargo-xtask pattern.
+
+**Commands:**
+- `ios-build` - Build for iOS simulator/device
+- `ios-deploy` - Deploy to connected device
+- `ios-run` - Build and run on simulator
+
+## Key Components
+
+### 1. CRDT Synchronization Layer
+
+**Location**: `libmarathon/src/networking/`
+
+**Purpose**: Implements the CRDT-based synchronization protocol.
+
+**Key Concepts:**
+- **Operations** - Immutable change events (Create, Update, Delete)
+- **Vector Clocks** - Track causality across peers
+- **OR-Sets** - Observed-Remove Sets for entity membership
+- **RGA** - Replicated Growable Array for ordered sequences
+- **LWW** - Last-Write-Wins for simple values
+
+**Protocol Flow:**
+
+```mermaid
+sequenceDiagram
+    participant A as Peer A
+    participant G as Gossip Network
+    participant B as Peer B
+
+    A->>A: Generate Op<br/>(with vector clock)
+    A->>G: Broadcast Op
+    G->>B: Deliver Op
+    B->>B: Apply Op<br/>(update vector clock)
+    B->>G: ACK
+    G->>A: ACK
+```
+
+See [RFC 0001](docs/rfcs/0001-crdt-gossip-sync.md) for detailed protocol specification.
+
+### 2. Persistence Layer
+
+**Location**: `libmarathon/src/persistence/`
+
+**Purpose**: Persist game state to SQLite with minimal overhead.
+
+**Architecture**: Three-tier system
+
+```mermaid
+graph TD
+    A[In-Memory State<br/>Bevy ECS - Dirty Tracking] -->|Batch writes<br/>every N frames| B[Write Buffer<br/>Async Batching]
+    B -->|Flush to disk| C[SQLite Database<br/>WAL Mode]
+
+    style A fill:#e1f5ff
+    style B fill:#fff4e1
+    style C fill:#e8f5e9
+```
+
+**Key Features:**
+- **Automatic persistence** - Components marked with `Persisted` save automatically
+- **Type registry** - Reflection-based serialization
+- **WAL mode** - Write-Ahead Logging for crash safety
+- **Migrations** - Schema versioning support
+
+See [RFC 0002](docs/rfcs/0002-persistence-strategy.md) for detailed design.
+
+### 3. Networking Manager
+
+**Location**: `libmarathon/src/engine/networking_manager.rs`
+
+**Purpose**: Bridge between Bevy and the iroh networking stack.
+
+**Responsibilities:**
+- Manage peer connections and discovery
+- Route operations to/from gossip network
+- Maintain session state
+- Handle join protocol for new peers
+
+### 4. Entity Mapping System
+
+**Location**: `libmarathon/src/networking/entity_map.rs`
+
+**Purpose**: Map between Bevy's local `Entity` IDs and global `UUID`s.
+
+**Why This Exists**: Bevy assigns local sequential entity IDs that differ across instances. We need stable UUIDs for networked entities that all peers agree on.
+
+```mermaid
+graph LR
+    A[Bevy Entity<br/>Local ID: 123] <-->|Bidirectional<br/>Mapping| B[UUID<br/>550e8400-....-446655440000]
+
+    style A fill:#ffebee
+    style B fill:#e8f5e9
+```
+
+### 5. Debug UI System
+
+**Location**: `libmarathon/src/debug_ui/`
+
+**Purpose**: Provide runtime inspection of internal state.
+
+Built with egui for immediate-mode GUI, integrated into Bevy's render pipeline.
+
+**Features:**
+- View connected peers
+- Inspect vector clocks
+- Monitor operation log
+- Check persistence metrics
+- View entity mappings
+
+## Data Flow
+
+### Local Change Flow
+
+```mermaid
+graph TD
+    A[User Input] --> B[Bevy System<br/>e.g., move entity]
+    B --> C[Generate CRDT<br/>Operation]
+    C --> D[Apply Operation<br/>Locally]
+    D --> E[Broadcast via<br/>Gossip]
+    D --> F[Mark Dirty for<br/>Persistence]
+
+    style A fill:#e3f2fd
+    style E fill:#fff3e0
+    style F fill:#f3e5f5
+```
+
+### Remote Change Flow
+
+```mermaid
+graph TD
+    A[Receive Operation<br/>from Gossip] --> B[Check Vector Clock<br/>causality]
+    B --> C[Apply Operation<br/>to ECS]
+    C --> D[Update Local<br/>Vector Clock]
+    C --> E[Mark Dirty for<br/>Persistence]
+
+    style A fill:#fff3e0
+    style C fill:#e8f5e9
+    style E fill:#f3e5f5
+```
+
+### Persistence Flow
+
+```mermaid
+graph TD
+    A[Every N Frames] --> B[Identify Dirty<br/>Entities]
+    B --> C[Serialize to<br/>Write Buffer]
+    C --> D[Batch Write<br/>to SQLite]
+    D --> E[Clear Dirty<br/>Flags]
+    E --> A
+
+    style A fill:#e8f5e9
+    style D fill:#f3e5f5
+```
+
+## Technology Decisions
+
+### Why Bevy?
+
+- **ECS architecture** maps perfectly to game development
+- **Cross-platform** (desktop, mobile, web)
+- **Active community** and ecosystem
+- **Performance** through data-oriented design
+
+### Why iroh?
+
+- **QUIC-based** - Modern, efficient transport
+- **NAT traversal** - Works behind firewalls
+- **Gossip protocol** - Epidemic broadcast for multi-peer
+- **Rust-native** - Zero-cost integration
+
+### Why SQLite?
+
+- **Embedded** - No server required
+- **Battle-tested** - Reliable persistence
+- **WAL mode** - Good write performance
+- **Cross-platform** - Works everywhere
+
+### Why CRDTs?
+
+- **No central authority** - True P2P
+- **Offline-first** - Work without connectivity
+- **Provable consistency** - Mathematical guarantees
+- **No conflict resolution UI** - Users don't see conflicts
+
+## Design Constraints
+
+### Current Limitations
+
+1. **No Authentication** - All peers are trusted (0.1.x)
+2. **No Authorization** - All peers have full permissions
+3. **No Encryption** - Beyond QUIC's transport security
+4. **Limited Scalability** - Not tested beyond ~10 peers
+5. **Desktop + iOS Only** - Web and other platforms planned
+
+### Performance Targets
+
+- **Operation latency**: < 50ms peer-to-peer
+- **Persistence overhead**: < 5% frame time
+- **Memory overhead**: < 10MB for typical session
+- **Startup time**: < 2 seconds
+
+### Intentional Non-Goals
+
+- **Central server architecture** - Stay decentralized
+- **Strong consistency** - Use eventual consistency
+- **Traditional database** - Use CRDTs, not SQL queries
+- **General-purpose engine** - Focus on collaboration
+
+## Related Documentation
+
+- [RFC 0001: CRDT Synchronization Protocol](docs/rfcs/0001-crdt-gossip-sync.md)
+- [RFC 0002: Persistence Strategy](docs/rfcs/0002-persistence-strategy.md)
+- [RFC 0003: Sync Abstraction](docs/rfcs/0003-sync-abstraction.md)
+- [RFC 0004: Session Lifecycle](docs/rfcs/0004-session-lifecycle.md)
+- [RFC 0005: Spatial Audio System](docs/rfcs/0005-spatial-audio-vendoring.md)
+- [RFC 0006: Agent Simulation Architecture](docs/rfcs/0006-agent-simulation-architecture.md)
+
+## Questions?
+
+If you're working on Marathon and something isn't clear:
+
+1. Check the RFCs in `docs/rfcs/`
+2. Search existing issues/discussions
+3. Ask in GitHub Discussions
+4. Reach out to maintainers
+
+---
+
+*This architecture will evolve. When making significant architectural changes, consider updating this document or creating a new RFC.*

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+# Changelog
+
+All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
+
+The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/),
+and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
+
+## [Unreleased]
+
+## [0.1.0] - 2026-02-06
+
+### Added
+
+#### Core Features
+- CRDT-based synchronization using OR-Sets, RGA, and Last-Write-Wins semantics
+- Peer-to-peer networking built on iroh with QUIC transport
+- Gossip-based message broadcasting for multi-peer coordination
+- Offline-first architecture with automatic reconciliation
+- SQLite-backed persistence with WAL mode
+- Cross-platform support for macOS desktop and iOS
+
+#### Demo Application
+- Replicated cube demo showcasing real-time collaboration
+- Multiple instance support for local testing
+- Apple Pencil input support on iPad
+- Real-time cursor and selection synchronization
+- Debug UI for inspecting internal state
+
+#### Infrastructure
+- Bevy 0.17 ECS integration
+- Zero-copy serialization with rkyv
+- Automated iOS build tooling via xtask
+- Comprehensive RFC documentation covering architecture decisions
+
+### Architecture
+
+- **Networking Layer**: CRDT sync protocol, entity mapping, vector clocks, session management
+- **Persistence Layer**: Three-tier system (in-memory → write buffer → SQLite)
+- **Engine Core**: Event loop, networking manager, peer discovery, game actions
+- **Platform Support**: iOS and desktop with platform-specific input handling
+
+### Documentation
+
+- RFC 0001: CRDT Synchronization Protocol
+- RFC 0002: Persistence Strategy
+- RFC 0003: Sync Abstraction
+- RFC 0004: Session Lifecycle
+- RFC 0005: Spatial Audio System
+- RFC 0006: Agent Simulation Architecture
+- iOS deployment guide
+- Estimation methodology documentation
+
+### Known Issues
+
+- API is unstable and subject to change
+- Limited documentation for public APIs
+- Performance optimizations still needed for large-scale collaboration
+- iOS builds require manual Xcode configuration
+
+### Notes
+
+This is an early development release (version 0.x.y). The API is unstable and breaking changes are expected. Not recommended for production use.
+
+[unreleased]: https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon/compare/v0.1.0...HEAD
+[0.1.0]: https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon/releases/tag/v0.1.0

CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+# Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct
+
+## Our Pledge
+
+We as members, contributors, and leaders pledge to make participation in our
+community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body
+size, visible or invisible disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender
+identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status,
+nationality, personal appearance, race, caste, color, religion, or sexual
+identity and orientation.
+
+We pledge to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming,
+diverse, inclusive, and healthy community.
+
+## Our Standards
+
+Examples of behavior that contributes to a positive environment for our
+community include:
+
+* Demonstrating empathy and kindness toward other people
+* Being respectful of differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences
+* Giving and gracefully accepting constructive feedback
+* Accepting responsibility and apologizing to those affected by our mistakes,
+  and learning from the experience
+* Focusing on what is best not just for us as individuals, but for the overall
+  community
+
+Examples of unacceptable behavior include:
+
+* The use of sexualized language or imagery, and sexual attention or advances of
+  any kind
+* Trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks
+* Public or private harassment
+* Publishing others' private information, such as a physical or email address,
+  without their explicit permission
+* Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a
+  professional setting
+
+## Addressing and Repairing Harm
+
+If you are being harmed or notice that someone else is being harmed, or have any
+other concerns, please contact the community leaders responsible for enforcement
+at sienna@linux.com. All reports will be handled with discretion.
+
+We are committed to addressing harm in a manner that is respectful to victims
+and survivors of violations of this Code of Conduct. When community leaders
+receive a report of a possible violation, they will:
+
+1. **Acknowledge receipt** of the report
+2. **Assess the situation** and gather necessary information
+3. **Determine appropriate action** using the guidelines below
+4. **Communicate with all parties** involved
+5. **Take action** to address and repair harm
+6. **Follow up** to ensure the situation is resolved
+
+## Enforcement Guidelines
+
+Community leaders will follow these Community Impact Guidelines in determining
+the consequences for any action they deem in violation of this Code of Conduct:
+
+### 1. Correction
+
+**Community Impact**: Use of inappropriate language or other behavior deemed
+unprofessional or unwelcome in the community.
+
+**Consequence**: A private, written warning from community leaders, providing
+clarity around the nature of the violation and an explanation of why the
+behavior was inappropriate. A public apology may be requested.
+
+### 2. Warning
+
+**Community Impact**: A violation through a single incident or series of
+actions.
+
+**Consequence**: A warning with consequences for continued behavior. No
+interaction with the people involved, including unsolicited interaction with
+those enforcing the Code of Conduct, for a specified period of time. This
+includes avoiding interactions in community spaces as well as external channels
+like social media. Violating these terms may lead to a temporary or permanent
+ban.
+
+### 3. Temporary Ban
+
+**Community Impact**: A serious violation of community standards, including
+sustained inappropriate behavior.
+
+**Consequence**: A temporary ban from any sort of interaction or public
+communication with the community for a specified period of time. No public or
+private interaction with the people involved, including unsolicited interaction
+with those enforcing the Code of Conduct, is allowed during this period.
+Violating these terms may lead to a permanent ban.
+
+### 4. Permanent Ban
+
+**Community Impact**: Demonstrating a pattern of violation of community
+standards, including sustained inappropriate behavior, harassment of an
+individual, or aggression toward or disparagement of classes of individuals.
+
+**Consequence**: A permanent ban from any sort of public interaction within the
+community.
+
+## Restorative Justice
+
+We believe in restorative justice and creating opportunities for those who have
+violated the Code of Conduct to repair harm and reintegrate into the community
+when appropriate. This may include:
+
+* Facilitated conversations between affected parties
+* Public acknowledgment of harm and apology
+* Education and learning opportunities
+* Community service or contributions
+* Gradual reintegration with monitoring
+
+The possibility of restoration depends on:
+* The severity of the violation
+* The willingness of the violator to acknowledge harm
+* The consent and comfort of those harmed
+* The assessment of community leaders
+
+## Scope
+
+This Code of Conduct applies within all community spaces, and also applies when
+an individual is officially representing the community in public spaces.
+Examples of representing our community include using an official email address,
+posting via an official social media account, or acting as an appointed
+representative at an online or offline event.
+
+## Attribution
+
+This Code of Conduct is adapted from the [Contributor Covenant][homepage],
+version 3.0, available at
+[https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/3/0/code_of_conduct.html][v3.0].
+
+The "Addressing and Repairing Harm" section is inspired by the restorative
+justice approach outlined in Contributor Covenant 3.0.
+
+Community Impact Guidelines were inspired by
+[Mozilla's code of conduct enforcement ladder][Mozilla CoC].
+
+For answers to common questions about this code of conduct, see the FAQ at
+[https://www.contributor-covenant.org/faq][FAQ]. Translations are available at
+[https://www.contributor-covenant.org/translations][translations].
+
+[homepage]: https://www.contributor-covenant.org
+[v3.0]: https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/3/0/code_of_conduct.html
+[Mozilla CoC]: https://github.com/mozilla/diversity
+[FAQ]: https://www.contributor-covenant.org/faq
+[translations]: https://www.contributor-covenant.org/translations

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,343 @@
+# Contributing to Marathon
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to Marathon! We're excited to work with you.
+
+This document provides guidelines for contributing to the project. Following these guidelines helps maintain code quality and makes the review process smoother for everyone.
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)
+- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
+- [Development Environment Setup](#development-environment-setup)
+- [How to Contribute](#how-to-contribute)
+- [Coding Standards](#coding-standards)
+- [Testing](#testing)
+- [Pull Request Process](#pull-request-process)
+- [Reporting Bugs](#reporting-bugs)
+- [Suggesting Features](#suggesting-features)
+- [AI Usage Policy](#ai-usage-policy)
+- [Questions?](#questions)
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+This project adheres to the [Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md). By participating, you are expected to uphold this code. Please report unacceptable behavior to the project maintainers.
+
+## Getting Started
+
+1. **Fork the repository** on GitHub
+2. **Clone your fork** locally
+3. **Set up your development environment** (see below)
+4. **Create a branch** for your changes
+5. **Make your changes** with clear commit messages
+6. **Test your changes** thoroughly
+7. **Submit a pull request**
+
+## Development Environment Setup
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+- **Rust** 2024 edition or later (install via [rustup](https://rustup.rs/))
+- **macOS** (for macOS desktop and iOS development)
+- **Xcode** and iOS simulator (for iOS development)
+- **Linux** (for Linux desktop development)
+- **Windows** (for Windows desktop development)
+- **Git** for version control
+
+### Initial Setup
+
+```bash
+# Clone your fork
+git clone https://github.com/user/marathon.git
+cd marathon
+
+# Add upstream remote
+git remote add upstream https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon.git
+
+# Build the project
+cargo build
+
+# Run tests
+cargo test
+
+# Run the desktop demo
+cargo run --package app
+```
+
+### iOS Development Setup
+
+For iOS development, see our detailed [iOS Deployment Guide](docs/ios-deployment.md).
+
+```bash
+# Build for iOS simulator
+cargo xtask ios-build
+
+# Run on simulator
+cargo xtask ios-run
+```
+
+### Useful Commands
+
+```bash
+# Check code without building
+cargo check
+
+# Run clippy for linting
+cargo clippy
+
+# Format code
+cargo fmt
+
+# Run tests with output
+cargo nextest run -- --nocapture
+
+# Build documentation
+cargo doc --open
+```
+
+## How to Contribute
+
+### Types of Contributions
+
+We welcome many types of contributions:
+
+- **Bug fixes** - Fix issues and improve stability
+- **Features** - Implement new functionality (discuss first in an issue)
+- **Documentation** - Improve or add documentation
+- **Examples** - Create new examples or demos
+- **Tests** - Add test coverage
+- **Performance** - Optimize existing code
+- **Refactoring** - Improve code quality
+
+### Before You Start
+
+For **bug fixes and small improvements**, feel free to open a PR directly.
+
+For **new features or significant changes**:
+1. **Open an issue first** to discuss the proposal
+2. Wait for maintainer feedback before investing significant time
+3. Reference the issue in your PR
+
+This helps ensure your work aligns with project direction and avoids duplicate effort.
+
+## Coding Standards
+
+### Rust Style
+
+- Follow the [Rust API Guidelines](https://rust-lang.github.io/api-guidelines/)
+- Follow the [Rust Style Guide](https://microsoft.github.io/rust-guidelines/guidelines/index.html)
+- Use `cargo +nightly fmt` to format code (run before committing)
+- Address all `cargo clippy` warnings
+- Use meaningful variable and function names
+- Add doc comments (`///`) for public APIs
+
+### Code Organization
+
+- Keep modules focused and cohesive
+- Prefer composition over inheritance
+- Use Rust's type system to enforce invariants
+- Avoid unnecessary `unsafe` code
+
+### Documentation
+
+- Add doc comments for all public types, traits, and functions
+- Include examples in doc comments when helpful
+- Update relevant documentation in `/docs` when making architectural changes
+- Keep README.md in sync with current capabilities
+
+### Commit Messages
+
+Write clear, descriptive conventional commit messages:
+
+```
+Short summary (50 chars or less)
+
+More detailed explanation if needed. Wrap at 72 characters.
+
+- Bullet points are fine
+- Use present tense ("Add feature" not "Added feature")
+- Reference issues and PRs with #123
+```
+
+Good examples:
+```
+Add cursor synchronization to networking layer
+
+Implement entity selection system for iOS
+
+Fix panic in SQLite persistence during shutdown (#42)
+```
+
+## Testing
+
+### Running Tests
+
+```bash
+# Run all tests
+cargo nextest run
+
+# Run tests for specific crate
+cargo nextest run --package libmarathon
+
+# Run specific test
+cargo nextest run test_vector_clock_merge
+
+# Run tests with output
+cargo nextest run -- --nocapture
+```
+
+### Writing Tests
+
+- Add unit tests in the same file as the code (in a `mod tests` block)
+- Add integration tests in `tests/` directory
+- Test edge cases and error conditions
+- Keep tests focused and readable
+- Use descriptive test names: `test_vector_clock_handles_concurrent_updates`
+
+### Test Coverage
+
+We aim for good test coverage, especially for:
+- CRDT operations and synchronization logic
+- Persistence layer operations
+- Network protocol handling
+- Error conditions and edge cases
+
+You don't need 100% coverage, but core logic should be well-tested.
+
+## Pull Request Process
+
+### Before Submitting
+
+1. **Update your branch** with latest upstream changes
+   ```bash
+   git fetch upstream
+   git rebase upstream/mainline
+   ```
+
+2. **Run the test suite** and ensure all tests pass
+   ```bash
+   cargo test
+   ```
+
+3. **Run clippy** and fix any warnings
+   ```bash
+   cargo clippy
+   ```
+
+4. **Format your code**
+   ```bash
+   cargo fmt
+   ```
+
+5. **Update documentation** if you changed APIs or behavior
+
+### Submitting Your PR
+
+1. **Push to your fork**
+   ```bash
+   git push origin your-branch-name
+   ```
+
+2. **Open a pull request** on GitHub
+
+3. **Fill out the PR template** with:
+   - Clear description of what changed and why
+   - Link to related issues
+   - Testing performed
+   - Screenshots/videos for UI changes
+
+4. **Request review** from maintainers
+
+### During Review
+
+- Be responsive to feedback
+- Make requested changes promptly
+- Push updates to the same branch (they'll appear in the PR)
+- Use "fixup" commits or force-push after addressing review comments
+- Be patient - maintainers are volunteers with limited time
+
+### After Approval
+
+- Maintainers will merge your PR
+- You can delete your branch after merging
+- Celebrate! 🎉 You're now a Marathon contributor!
+
+## Reporting Bugs
+
+### Before Reporting
+
+1. **Check existing issues** to avoid duplicates
+2. **Verify it's a bug** and not expected behavior
+3. **Test on the latest version** from mainline branch
+
+### Bug Report Template
+
+When opening a bug report, please include:
+
+- **Description** - What went wrong?
+- **Expected behavior** - What should have happened?
+- **Actual behavior** - What actually happened?
+- **Steps to reproduce** - Minimal steps to reproduce the issue
+- **Environment**:
+  - OS version (macOS version, iOS version)
+  - Rust version (`rustc --version`)
+  - Marathon version or commit hash
+- **Logs/Stack traces** - Error messages or relevant log output
+- **Screenshots/Videos** - If applicable
+
+### Security Issues
+
+**Do not report security vulnerabilities in public issues.**
+
+Please see our [Security Policy](SECURITY.md) for how to report security issues privately.
+
+## Suggesting Features
+
+We welcome feature suggestions! Here's how to propose them effectively:
+
+### Before Suggesting
+
+1. **Check existing issues and discussions** for similar ideas
+2. **Consider if it aligns** with Marathon's goals (multiplayer game engine framework)
+3. **Think about the scope** - is this a core feature or better as a plugin/extension?
+
+### Feature Request Template
+
+When suggesting a feature, please include:
+
+- **Problem statement** - What problem does this solve?
+- **Proposed solution** - How would this feature work?
+- **Alternatives considered** - What other approaches did you think about?
+- **Use cases** - Real-world scenarios where this helps
+- **Implementation ideas** - Technical approach (if you have thoughts)
+
+### Feature Discussion
+
+- Maintainers will label feature requests as `enhancement`
+- We'll discuss feasibility, scope, and priority
+- Features that align with the roadmap are more likely to be accepted
+- You're welcome to implement features you propose (with approval)
+
+## AI Usage Policy
+
+Marathon has specific guidelines around AI and ML tool usage. Please read our [AI Usage Policy](AI_POLICY.md) before contributing.
+
+**Key points:**
+- AI tools (Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.) are allowed for productivity
+- You must understand and be accountable for all code you submit
+- Humans make all architectural decisions, not AI
+- When in doubt, ask yourself: "Can I maintain and debug this?"
+
+## Questions?
+
+- **General questions** - Open a [Discussion](https://github.com/yourusername/marathon/discussions)
+- **Bug reports** - Open an [Issue](https://github.com/yourusername/marathon/issues)
+- **Real-time chat** - [Discord/Slack link if you have one]
+- **Email** - [maintainer email if appropriate]
+
+## Recognition
+
+All contributors will be recognized in our release notes and can be listed in AUTHORS file (coming soon).
+
+---
+
+Thank you for contributing to Marathon! Your effort helps make collaborative software better for everyone.

Cargo.toml

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 [workspace]
-members = ["crates/libmarathon", "crates/sync-macros", "crates/app"]
+members = ["crates/libmarathon", "crates/macros", "crates/app", "crates/xtask"]
 resolver = "2"
 
 [workspace.package]
@@ -9,18 +9,21 @@ edition = "2024"
 # Async runtime
 tokio = { version = "1", features = ["full"] }
 tokio-stream = "0.1"
+tokio-util = "0.7"
+futures-lite = "2.0"
 
 # Iroh - P2P networking and gossip
-iroh = { version = "0.95.0",features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
+iroh = { version = "0.95.0", features = ["discovery-pkarr-dht"] }
 iroh-gossip = "0.95.0"
 
 # Database
-rusqlite = "0.37.0"
+rusqlite = { version = "0.37.0", features = ["bundled"] }
 
 # Serialization
 serde = { version = "1.0", features = ["derive"] }
 serde_json = "1.0"
 toml = "0.9"
+rkyv = { version = "0.8", features = ["uuid-1", "bytes-1"] }
 
 # Error handling
 thiserror = "2.0"
@@ -32,20 +35,33 @@ chrono = { version = "0.4", features = ["serde"] }
 # Logging
 tracing = "0.1"
 tracing-subscriber = { version = "0.3", features = ["env-filter"] }
+tracing-appender = "0.2"
+tracing-oslog = "0.3"
 
 # Random
 rand = "0.8"
 
-# ML/AI
-candle-core = "0.8"
-candle-nn = "0.8"
-candle-transformers = "0.8"
-tokenizers = "0.20"
-hf-hub = "0.3"
+# Encoding
+hex = "0.4"
 
-# Bevy
-bevy = "0.17"
+# Data structures
+bytes = "1.0"
+crossbeam-channel = "0.5"
+uuid = { version = "1.0", features = ["v4", "serde"] }
+
+# Bevy and graphics
+bevy = "0.17.2"
+egui = { version = "0.33", default-features = false, features = ["bytemuck", "default_fonts"] }
+glam = "0.29"
+winit = "0.30"
 
 # Synchronization
 parking_lot = "0.12"
 crdts = "7.3"
+inventory = "0.3"
+
+# CLI
+clap = { version = "4.5", features = ["derive"] }
+
+# Testing
+tempfile = "3"

LICENSE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+MIT License
+
+Copyright (c) 2026 Marathon Contributors
+
+Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
+of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
+in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
+to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
+copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
+furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
+
+The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
+copies or substantial portions of the Software.
+
+THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
+IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
+FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
+AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
+LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
+OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
+SOFTWARE.

README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+# Marathon
+
+**A peer-to-peer game engine development kit built with Rust and CRDTs**
+
+Marathon is a multiplayer game engine framework designed for building real-time collaborative games with offline-first capabilities. Built on [Bevy](https://bevyengine.org/) and [iroh](https://iroh.computer/), it provides CRDT-based state synchronization, peer-to-peer networking, and persistent state management out of the box - so you can focus on making great games instead of wrestling with networking code.
+
+## ⚠️ Early Development Notice
+
+**This project is in early development (<v1.0.0).**
+
+- The API is unstable and may change without notice
+- Breaking changes are expected between minor versions
+- Not recommended for production use
+- Documentation is still being written
+- We welcome feedback and contributions!
+
+Version 1.0.0 will indicate the first stable release.
+
+## Features
+
+- **CRDT-based synchronization** - Conflict-free multiplayer state management using OR-Sets, RGA, and LWW semantics
+- **Peer-to-peer networking** - Built on iroh with QUIC transport and gossip-based message broadcasting
+- **Offline-first architecture** - Players can continue playing during network issues and sync when reconnected
+- **Persistent game state** - SQLite-backed storage with automatic entity persistence
+- **Cross-platform** - Supports macOS desktop and iOS (simulator and device), with more platforms planned
+- **Built with Bevy** - Leverages the Bevy game engine's ECS architecture and parts of its ecosystem
+
+## Demo
+
+The current demo is a **replicated cube game** that synchronizes in real-time across multiple instances:
+- Apple Pencil input support on iPad
+- Real-time player cursor and selection sharing
+- Automatic game state synchronization across network partitions
+- Multiple players can interact with the same game world simultaneously
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+- **Rust** 2024 edition or later
+- **macOS** (for desktop demo)
+- **Xcode** (for iOS development)
+
+### Building the Desktop Demo
+
+```bash
+# Clone the repository
+git clone https://github.com/yourusername/marathon.git
+cd marathon
+
+# Build and run
+cargo run --package app
+```
+
+To run multiple instances for testing multiplayer:
+
+```bash
+# Terminal 1
+cargo run --package app -- --instance 0
+
+# Terminal 2
+cargo run --package app -- --instance 1
+```
+
+### Building for iOS
+
+Marathon includes automated iOS build tooling via `xtask`:
+
+```bash
+# Build for iOS simulator
+cargo xtask ios-build
+
+# Deploy to connected device
+cargo xtask ios-deploy
+
+# Build and run on simulator
+cargo xtask ios-run
+```
+
+See [docs/ios-deployment.md](docs/ios-deployment.md) for detailed iOS setup instructions.
+
+## Architecture
+
+Marathon is organized as a Rust workspace with four crates:
+
+- **`libmarathon`** - Core engine library with networking, persistence, and CRDT sync
+- **`app`** - Demo game showcasing multiplayer cube gameplay
+- **`macros`** - Procedural macros for serialization
+- **`xtask`** - Build automation for iOS deployment
+
+### Key Components
+
+- **Networking** - CRDT synchronization protocol, gossip-based broadcast, entity mapping
+- **Persistence** - Three-tier system (in-memory → write buffer → SQLite WAL)
+- **Engine** - Core event loop, peer discovery, session management
+- **Debug UI** - egui-based debug interface for inspecting state
+
+For detailed architecture information, see [ARCHITECTURE.md](ARCHITECTURE.md).
+
+## Documentation
+
+- **[RFCs](docs/rfcs/)** - Design documents covering core architecture decisions
+  - [0001: CRDT Synchronization Protocol](docs/rfcs/0001-crdt-gossip-sync.md)
+  - [0002: Persistence Strategy](docs/rfcs/0002-persistence-strategy.md)
+  - [0003: Sync Abstraction](docs/rfcs/0003-sync-abstraction.md)
+  - [0004: Session Lifecycle](docs/rfcs/0004-session-lifecycle.md)
+  - [0005: Spatial Audio System](docs/rfcs/0005-spatial-audio-vendoring.md)
+  - [0006: Agent Simulation Architecture](docs/rfcs/0006-agent-simulation-architecture.md)
+- **[iOS Deployment Guide](docs/ios-deployment.md)** - Complete iOS build instructions
+- **[Estimation Methodology](docs/ESTIMATION.md)** - Project sizing and prioritization approach
+
+## Technology Stack
+
+- **[Bevy 0.17](https://bevyengine.org/)** - Game engine and ECS framework
+- **[iroh 0.95](https://iroh.computer/)** - P2P networking with QUIC
+- **[iroh-gossip 0.95](https://github.com/n0-computer/iroh-gossip)** - Gossip protocol for multi-peer coordination
+- **[SQLite](https://www.sqlite.org/)** - Local persistence with WAL mode
+- **[rkyv 0.8](https://rkyv.org/)** - Zero-copy serialization
+- **[egui 0.33](https://www.egui.rs/)** - Immediate-mode GUI
+- **[wgpu 26](https://wgpu.rs/)** - Graphics API (via Bevy)
+
+## Contributing
+
+We welcome contributions! Please see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for:
+- Development environment setup
+- Code style and conventions
+- How to submit pull requests
+- Testing guidelines
+
+Please also read our [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) and [AI Usage Policy](AI_POLICY.md).
+
+## Project Status
+
+Marathon is actively developed and currently focused on:
+- Core CRDT synchronization protocol
+- Persistence layer stability
+- Multi-platform support (macOS, iOS)
+- Demo applications
+
+See our [roadmap](https://github.com/yourusername/marathon/issues) for planned features and known issues.
+
+## Community
+
+- **Issues** - [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/yourusername/marathon/issues)
+- **Discussions** - [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/yourusername/marathon/discussions)
+
+## Security
+
+Please see our [Security Policy](SECURITY.md) for information on reporting vulnerabilities.
+
+## License
+
+Marathon is licensed under the [MIT License](LICENSE).
+
+## Acknowledgments
+
+Marathon builds on the incredible work of:
+- The [Bevy community](https://bevyengine.org/) for the game engine
+- The [iroh team](https://iroh.computer/) for P2P networking infrastructure
+- The Rust CRDT ecosystem
+
+---
+
+**Built with Rust 🦀 and collaborative spirit**

SECURITY.md

@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+# Security Policy
+
+## Supported Versions
+
+As an early-stage project (version 0.x.y), security support is limited to the latest development version.
+
+| Version | Supported          |
+| ------- | ------------------ |
+| mainline branch | :white_check_mark: |
+| 0.1.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| < 0.1.0 | :x:                |
+
+## Security Maturity
+
+**Marathon is currently in early development (0.1.x) and is NOT recommended for production use or handling sensitive data.**
+
+Security considerations for the current release:
+
+- ⚠️ **Network protocol** is not hardened against malicious peers
+- ⚠️ **Authentication** is not yet implemented
+- ⚠️ **Encryption** is provided by QUIC but not verified against attacks
+- ⚠️ **Authorization** is not implemented
+- ⚠️ **Data validation** is basic and not audited
+- ⚠️ **Persistence layer** stores data unencrypted locally
+
+**Use Marathon only in trusted development environments with non-sensitive data.**
+
+## Reporting a Vulnerability
+
+We take security issues seriously. If you discover a security vulnerability in Marathon, please help us address it responsibly.
+
+### How to Report
+
+**Please DO NOT report security vulnerabilities through public GitHub issues.**
+
+Instead, report vulnerabilities by:
+
+1. **Email**: Send details to sienna@linux.com
+2. **Subject line**: Include "SECURITY" and a brief description
+3. **Include**:
+   - Description of the vulnerability
+   - Steps to reproduce
+   - Potential impact
+   - Suggested fix (if you have one)
+
+### What to Expect
+
+After you submit a report:
+
+1. **Acknowledgment**: We'll confirm receipt within 48 hours
+2. **Assessment**: We'll evaluate the severity and impact within 5 business days
+3. **Updates**: We'll keep you informed of our progress
+4. **Resolution**: We'll work on a fix and coordinate disclosure timing with you
+5. **Credit**: We'll acknowledge your contribution (unless you prefer to remain anonymous)
+
+### Disclosure Timeline
+
+- **Critical vulnerabilities**: Aim to fix within 30 days
+- **High severity**: Aim to fix within 60 days
+- **Medium/Low severity**: Addressed in regular development cycle
+
+We'll coordinate public disclosure timing with you after a fix is available.
+
+## Security Best Practices
+
+If you're using Marathon (keeping in mind it's not production-ready):
+
+### For Development
+
+- **Use isolated networks** for testing
+- **Don't use real user data** or sensitive information
+- **Don't expose to the internet** without additional security layers
+- **Keep dependencies updated** with `cargo update`
+- **Review security advisories** for Rust crates you depend on
+
+### For Deployment (Future)
+
+Once Marathon reaches production readiness, we plan to implement:
+
+- End-to-end encryption for all peer communications
+- Peer authentication and authorization
+- Encrypted local storage
+- Rate limiting and DoS protection
+- Security audit trail
+- Regular security audits
+
+### Known Security Gaps
+
+Current known limitations (to be addressed before 1.0):
+
+- **No peer authentication** - Any peer can join a session
+- **No authorization system** - All peers have full permissions
+- **No encrypted storage** - Local SQLite database is unencrypted
+- **Limited input validation** - CRDT operations trust peer input
+- **No audit logging** - Actions are not logged for security review
+- **Network protocol not hardened** - Vulnerable to malicious peers
+
+## Security Contact
+
+For security-related questions or concerns:
+
+- **Email**: sienna@linux.com
+- **Response time**: Within 48 hours for initial contact
+
+## Security Advisories
+
+Security advisories will be published:
+
+- In GitHub Security Advisories
+- In release notes
+- In this SECURITY.md file
+
+Currently, there are no published security advisories.
+
+## Responsible Disclosure
+
+We believe in responsible disclosure and request that you:
+
+- Give us reasonable time to address issues before public disclosure
+- Make a good faith effort to avoid privacy violations and service disruption
+- Don't exploit vulnerabilities beyond demonstrating the issue
+- Don't access or modify data that doesn't belong to you
+
+In return, we commit to:
+
+- Respond promptly to your report
+- Keep you informed of our progress
+- Credit you for your discovery (if desired)
+- Not pursue legal action for good faith security research
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- [Rust Security Advisory Database](https://rustsec.org/)
+- [cargo-audit](https://github.com/RustSec/rustsec/tree/main/cargo-audit) - Audit Rust dependencies
+- [OWASP Top 10](https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/) - Common web application security risks
+
+## Version History
+
+- **2026-02-06**: Initial security policy for v0.1.0 release
+
+---
+
+**Thank you for helping keep Marathon and its users safe!**

crates/app/Cargo.toml

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 [package]
 name = "app"
 version = "0.1.0"
-edition = "2021"
+edition.workspace = true
 
 [features]
 default = ["desktop"]
@@ -11,43 +11,46 @@ headless = []
 
 [dependencies]
 libmarathon = { path = "../libmarathon" }
-bevy = { version = "0.17", default-features = false, features = [
-    "bevy_render",
-    "bevy_core_pipeline",
-    "bevy_pbr",
+libmarathon-macros = { path = "../macros" }
+inventory.workspace = true
+rkyv.workspace = true
+bevy = { version = "0.17.2", default-features = false, features = [
+    # bevy_render, bevy_core_pipeline, bevy_pbr are now vendored in libmarathon
     "bevy_ui",
     "bevy_text",
     "png",
 ] }
-egui = { version = "0.33", default-features = false, features = ["bytemuck", "default_fonts"] }
-glam = "0.29"
-winit = "0.30"
+egui.workspace = true
+glam.workspace = true
+winit.workspace = true
 raw-window-handle = "0.6"
-uuid = { version = "1.0", features = ["v4", "serde"] }
-anyhow = "1.0"
-tokio = { version = "1", features = ["full"] }
-tracing = "0.1"
-tracing-subscriber = { version = "0.3", features = ["env-filter"] }
-serde = { version = "1.0", features = ["derive"] }
-rand = "0.8"
-iroh = { version = "0.95", features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
-iroh-gossip = "0.95"
-futures-lite = "2.0"
-bincode = "1.3"
-bytes = "1.0"
-crossbeam-channel = "0.5.15"
+uuid.workspace = true
+anyhow.workspace = true
+tokio.workspace = true
+tracing.workspace = true
+tracing-subscriber.workspace = true
+tracing-appender.workspace = true
+serde.workspace = true
+rand.workspace = true
+iroh = { workspace = true, features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
+iroh-gossip.workspace = true
+futures-lite.workspace = true
+bytes.workspace = true
+crossbeam-channel.workspace = true
+clap.workspace = true
 
 [target.'cfg(target_os = "ios")'.dependencies]
 objc = "0.2"
 raw-window-handle = "0.6"
+tracing-oslog.workspace = true
 
 [dev-dependencies]
-iroh = { version = "0.95", features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
-iroh-gossip = "0.95"
-tempfile = "3"
-futures-lite = "2.0"
-bincode = "1.3"
-bytes = "1.0"
+iroh = { workspace = true, features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
+iroh-gossip.workspace = true
+tempfile.workspace = true
+futures-lite.workspace = true
+rkyv.workspace = true
+bytes.workspace = true
 
 [lib]
 name = "app"

crates/app/src/bin/marathonctl.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+//! Marathon control CLI
+//!
+//! Send control commands to a running Marathon instance via Unix domain socket.
+//!
+//! # Usage
+//!
+//! ```bash
+//! # Get session status
+//! marathonctl status
+//!
+//! # Start networking with a session
+//! marathonctl start <session-code>
+//!
+//! # Use custom socket
+//! marathonctl --socket /tmp/marathon1.sock status
+//! ```
+
+use clap::{Parser, Subcommand};
+use std::io::{Read, Write};
+use std::os::unix::net::UnixStream;
+
+use libmarathon::networking::{ControlCommand, ControlResponse};
+
+/// Marathon control CLI
+#[derive(Parser, Debug)]
+#[command(version, about, long_about = None)]
+struct Args {
+    /// Path to the control socket
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "/tmp/marathon-control.sock")]
+    socket: String,
+
+    #[command(subcommand)]
+    command: Commands,
+}
+
+#[derive(Subcommand, Debug)]
+enum Commands {
+    /// Start networking with a session
+    Start {
+        /// Session code (e.g., abc-def-123)
+        session_code: String,
+    },
+    /// Stop networking
+    Stop,
+    /// Get current session status
+    Status,
+    /// Send a test message
+    Test {
+        /// Message content
+        content: String,
+    },
+    /// Broadcast a ping message
+    Ping,
+    /// Spawn an entity
+    Spawn {
+        /// Entity type (e.g., "cube")
+        entity_type: String,
+        /// X position
+        #[arg(short, long, default_value = "0.0")]
+        x: f32,
+        /// Y position
+        #[arg(short, long, default_value = "0.0")]
+        y: f32,
+        /// Z position
+        #[arg(short, long, default_value = "0.0")]
+        z: f32,
+    },
+    /// Delete an entity by UUID
+    Delete {
+        /// Entity UUID
+        entity_id: String,
+    },
+}
+
+fn main() {
+    let args = Args::parse();
+
+    // Build command from subcommand
+    let command = match args.command {
+        Commands::Start { session_code } => ControlCommand::JoinSession { session_code },
+        Commands::Stop => ControlCommand::LeaveSession,
+        Commands::Status => ControlCommand::GetStatus,
+        Commands::Test { content } => ControlCommand::SendTestMessage { content },
+        Commands::Ping => {
+            use libmarathon::networking::{SyncMessage, VectorClock};
+            use uuid::Uuid;
+
+            // For ping, we send a SyncRequest (lightweight ping-like message)
+            let node_id = Uuid::new_v4();
+            ControlCommand::BroadcastMessage {
+                message: SyncMessage::SyncRequest {
+                    node_id,
+                    vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
+                },
+            }
+        }
+        Commands::Spawn { entity_type, x, y, z } => {
+            ControlCommand::SpawnEntity {
+                entity_type,
+                position: [x, y, z],
+            }
+        }
+        Commands::Delete { entity_id } => {
+            use uuid::Uuid;
+            match Uuid::parse_str(&entity_id) {
+                Ok(uuid) => ControlCommand::DeleteEntity { entity_id: uuid },
+                Err(e) => {
+                    eprintln!("Invalid UUID '{}': {}", entity_id, e);
+                    std::process::exit(1);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    };
+
+    // Connect to Unix socket
+    let socket_path = &args.socket;
+    let mut stream = match UnixStream::connect(&socket_path) {
+        Ok(s) => s,
+        Err(e) => {
+            eprintln!("Failed to connect to {}: {}", socket_path, e);
+            eprintln!("Is the Marathon app running?");
+            std::process::exit(1);
+        }
+    };
+
+    // Send command
+    if let Err(e) = send_command(&mut stream, &command) {
+        eprintln!("Failed to send command: {}", e);
+        std::process::exit(1);
+    }
+
+    // Receive response
+    match receive_response(&mut stream) {
+        Ok(response) => {
+            print_response(response);
+        }
+        Err(e) => {
+            eprintln!("Failed to receive response: {}", e);
+            std::process::exit(1);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn send_command(stream: &mut UnixStream, command: &ControlCommand) -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    let bytes = command.to_bytes()?;
+    let len = bytes.len() as u32;
+
+    // Write length prefix
+    stream.write_all(&len.to_le_bytes())?;
+    // Write command bytes
+    stream.write_all(&bytes)?;
+    stream.flush()?;
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+fn receive_response(stream: &mut UnixStream) -> Result<ControlResponse, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    // Read length prefix
+    let mut len_buf = [0u8; 4];
+    stream.read_exact(&mut len_buf)?;
+    let len = u32::from_le_bytes(len_buf) as usize;
+
+    // Read response bytes
+    let mut response_buf = vec![0u8; len];
+    stream.read_exact(&mut response_buf)?;
+
+    // Deserialize response
+    let response = ControlResponse::from_bytes(&response_buf)?;
+    Ok(response)
+}
+
+fn print_response(response: ControlResponse) {
+    match response {
+        ControlResponse::Status {
+            node_id,
+            session_id,
+            outgoing_queue_size,
+            incoming_queue_size,
+            connected_peers,
+        } => {
+            println!("Session Status:");
+            println!("  Node ID: {}", node_id);
+            println!("  Session: {}", session_id);
+            println!("  Outgoing Queue: {} messages", outgoing_queue_size);
+            println!("  Incoming Queue: {} messages", incoming_queue_size);
+            if let Some(peers) = connected_peers {
+                println!("  Connected Peers: {}", peers);
+            }
+        }
+        ControlResponse::SessionInfo(info) => {
+            println!("Session Info:");
+            println!("  ID: {}", info.session_id);
+            if let Some(ref name) = info.session_name {
+                println!("  Name: {}", name);
+            }
+            println!("  State: {:?}", info.state);
+            println!("  Entities: {}", info.entity_count);
+            println!("  Created: {}", info.created_at);
+            println!("  Last Active: {}", info.last_active);
+        }
+        ControlResponse::Sessions(sessions) => {
+            println!("Sessions ({} total):", sessions.len());
+            for session in sessions {
+                println!("  {}: {:?} ({} entities)", session.session_id, session.state, session.entity_count);
+            }
+        }
+        ControlResponse::Peers(peers) => {
+            println!("Connected Peers ({} total):", peers.len());
+            for peer in peers {
+                print!("  {}", peer.node_id);
+                if let Some(since) = peer.connected_since {
+                    println!(" (connected since: {})", since);
+                } else {
+                    println!();
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        ControlResponse::Ok { message } => {
+            println!("Success: {}", message);
+        }
+        ControlResponse::Error { error } => {
+            eprintln!("Error: {}", error);
+            std::process::exit(1);
+        }
+    }
+}

crates/app/src/control.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,308 @@
+//! Standalone control socket for engine control
+//!
+//! This control socket starts at app launch and allows external control
+//! of the engine, including starting/stopping networking, before any
+//! networking is initialized.
+
+use anyhow::Result;
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+use crossbeam_channel::{Receiver, Sender, unbounded};
+use libmarathon::{
+    engine::{EngineBridge, EngineCommand},
+    networking::{ControlCommand, ControlResponse, SessionId},
+};
+use uuid::Uuid;
+
+/// Resource holding the control socket path
+#[derive(Resource)]
+pub struct ControlSocketPath(pub String);
+
+/// Resource holding the shutdown sender for control socket
+#[derive(Resource)]
+pub struct ControlSocketShutdown(Option<Sender<()>>);
+
+pub fn cleanup_control_socket(
+    mut exit_events: MessageReader<bevy::app::AppExit>,
+    socket_path: Option<Res<ControlSocketPath>>,
+    shutdown: Option<Res<ControlSocketShutdown>>,
+) {
+    for _ in exit_events.read() {
+        // Send shutdown signal to control socket thread
+        if let Some(ref shutdown_res) = shutdown {
+            if let Some(ref sender) = shutdown_res.0 {
+                info!("Sending shutdown signal to control socket");
+                let _ = sender.send(());
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Clean up socket file
+        if let Some(ref path) = socket_path {
+            info!("Cleaning up control socket at {}", path.0);
+            let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&path.0);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Commands that can be sent from the control socket to the app
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub enum AppCommand {
+    SpawnEntity {
+        entity_type: String,
+        position: Vec3,
+    },
+    DeleteEntity {
+        entity_id: Uuid,
+    },
+}
+
+/// Queue for app-level commands from control socket
+#[derive(Resource, Clone)]
+pub struct AppCommandQueue {
+    sender: Sender<AppCommand>,
+    receiver: Receiver<AppCommand>,
+}
+
+impl AppCommandQueue {
+    pub fn new() -> Self {
+        let (sender, receiver) = unbounded();
+        Self { sender, receiver }
+    }
+
+    pub fn send(&self, command: AppCommand) {
+        let _ = self.sender.send(command);
+    }
+
+    pub fn try_recv(&self) -> Option<AppCommand> {
+        self.receiver.try_recv().ok()
+    }
+}
+
+impl Default for AppCommandQueue {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self::new()
+    }
+}
+
+/// Startup system to launch the control socket server
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+pub fn start_control_socket_system(
+    mut commands: Commands,
+    socket_path_res: Res<ControlSocketPath>,
+    bridge: Res<EngineBridge>,
+) {
+    use tokio::io::AsyncReadExt;
+    use tokio::net::UnixListener;
+
+    let socket_path = socket_path_res.0.clone();
+    info!("Starting control socket at {}", socket_path);
+
+    // Create app command queue
+    let app_queue = AppCommandQueue::new();
+    commands.insert_resource(app_queue.clone());
+
+    // Create shutdown channel
+    let (shutdown_tx, shutdown_rx) = unbounded::<()>();
+    commands.insert_resource(ControlSocketShutdown(Some(shutdown_tx)));
+
+    // Clone bridge and queue for the async task
+    let bridge = bridge.clone();
+    let queue = app_queue;
+
+    // Spawn tokio runtime in background thread
+    std::thread::spawn(move || {
+        let rt = tokio::runtime::Runtime::new().unwrap();
+        rt.block_on(async move {
+            // Clean up any existing socket
+            let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&socket_path);
+
+            let listener = match UnixListener::bind(&socket_path) {
+                Ok(l) => {
+                    info!("Control socket listening at {}", socket_path);
+                    l
+                }
+                Err(e) => {
+                    error!("Failed to bind control socket: {}", e);
+                    return;
+                }
+            };
+
+            // Accept connections in a loop with shutdown support
+            loop {
+                tokio::select! {
+                    // Check for shutdown signal
+                    _ = tokio::task::spawn_blocking({
+                        let rx = shutdown_rx.clone();
+                        move || rx.try_recv()
+                    }) => {
+                        info!("Control socket received shutdown signal");
+                        break;
+                    }
+                    // Accept new connection
+                    result = listener.accept() => {
+                        match result {
+                            Ok((mut stream, _addr)) => {
+                                let bridge = bridge.clone();
+
+                                let queue_clone = queue.clone();
+                                tokio::spawn(async move {
+                            // Read command length
+                            let mut len_buf = [0u8; 4];
+                            if let Err(e) = stream.read_exact(&mut len_buf).await {
+                                error!("Failed to read command length: {}", e);
+                                return;
+                            }
+                            let len = u32::from_le_bytes(len_buf) as usize;
+
+                            // Read command bytes
+                            let mut cmd_buf = vec![0u8; len];
+                            if let Err(e) = stream.read_exact(&mut cmd_buf).await {
+                                error!("Failed to read command: {}", e);
+                                return;
+                            }
+
+                            // Deserialize command
+                            let command = match ControlCommand::from_bytes(&cmd_buf) {
+                                Ok(cmd) => cmd,
+                                Err(e) => {
+                                    error!("Failed to deserialize command: {}", e);
+                                    let response = ControlResponse::Error {
+                                        error: format!("Failed to deserialize: {}", e),
+                                    };
+                                    let _ = send_response(&mut stream, response).await;
+                                    return;
+                                }
+                            };
+
+                            info!("Received control command: {:?}", command);
+
+                            // Handle command
+                            let response = handle_command(command, &bridge, &queue_clone).await;
+
+                            // Send response
+                            if let Err(e) = send_response(&mut stream, response).await {
+                                error!("Failed to send response: {}", e);
+                            }
+                        });
+                            }
+                            Err(e) => {
+                                error!("Failed to accept connection: {}", e);
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            info!("Control socket server shut down cleanly");
+        });
+    });
+}
+
+/// Handle a control command and generate a response
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+async fn handle_command(
+    command: ControlCommand,
+    bridge: &EngineBridge,
+    app_queue: &AppCommandQueue,
+) -> ControlResponse {
+    match command {
+        ControlCommand::JoinSession { session_code } => {
+            match SessionId::from_code(&session_code) {
+                Ok(session_id) => {
+                    bridge.send_command(EngineCommand::StartNetworking {
+                        session_id: session_id.clone(),
+                    });
+                    ControlResponse::Ok {
+                        message: format!("Starting networking with session: {}", session_id),
+                    }
+                }
+                Err(e) => ControlResponse::Error {
+                    error: format!("Invalid session code: {}", e),
+                },
+            }
+        }
+
+        ControlCommand::LeaveSession => {
+            bridge.send_command(EngineCommand::StopNetworking);
+            ControlResponse::Ok {
+                message: "Stopping networking".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+
+        ControlCommand::SpawnEntity { entity_type, position } => {
+            app_queue.send(AppCommand::SpawnEntity {
+                entity_type,
+                position: Vec3::from_array(position),
+            });
+            ControlResponse::Ok {
+                message: "Entity spawn command queued".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+
+        ControlCommand::DeleteEntity { entity_id } => {
+            app_queue.send(AppCommand::DeleteEntity { entity_id });
+            ControlResponse::Ok {
+                message: format!("Entity delete command queued for {}", entity_id),
+            }
+        }
+
+        _ => ControlResponse::Error {
+            error: format!("Command {:?} not yet implemented", command),
+        },
+    }
+}
+
+/// System to process app commands from the control socket
+pub fn process_app_commands(
+    queue: Option<Res<AppCommandQueue>>,
+    mut spawn_cube_writer: MessageWriter<crate::cube::SpawnCubeEvent>,
+    mut delete_cube_writer: MessageWriter<crate::cube::DeleteCubeEvent>,
+) {
+    let Some(queue) = queue else { return };
+
+    while let Some(command) = queue.try_recv() {
+        match command {
+            AppCommand::SpawnEntity { entity_type, position } => {
+                match entity_type.as_str() {
+                    "cube" => {
+                        info!("Spawning cube at {:?}", position);
+                        spawn_cube_writer.write(crate::cube::SpawnCubeEvent { position });
+                    }
+                    _ => {
+                        warn!("Unknown entity type: {}", entity_type);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            AppCommand::DeleteEntity { entity_id } => {
+                info!("Deleting entity {}", entity_id);
+                delete_cube_writer.write(crate::cube::DeleteCubeEvent { entity_id });
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Send a response back through the Unix socket
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+async fn send_response(
+    stream: &mut tokio::net::UnixStream,
+    response: ControlResponse,
+) -> Result<()> {
+    use tokio::io::AsyncWriteExt;
+
+    let bytes = response.to_bytes()?;
+    let len = bytes.len() as u32;
+
+    stream.write_all(&len.to_le_bytes()).await?;
+    stream.write_all(&bytes).await?;
+    stream.flush().await?;
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+// No-op stubs for iOS and release builds
+#[cfg(any(target_os = "ios", not(debug_assertions)))]
+pub fn start_control_socket_system(mut commands: Commands) {
+    // Insert empty shutdown resource for consistency
+    commands.insert_resource(ControlSocketShutdown(None));
+}

crates/app/src/cube.rs

@@ -1,27 +1,37 @@
 //! Cube entity management
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
-use libmarathon::{
-    networking::{
-        NetworkEntityMap,
-        NetworkedEntity,
-        NetworkedSelection,
-        NetworkedTransform,
-        NodeVectorClock,
-        Synced,
-    },
-    persistence::Persisted,
-};
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+use libmarathon::networking::{NetworkEntityMap, Synced};
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
 /// Marker component for the replicated cube
-#[derive(Component, Reflect, Debug, Clone, Copy, Default, Serialize, Deserialize)]
-#[reflect(Component)]
-pub struct CubeMarker;
+///
+/// This component contains all the data needed for rendering a cube.
+/// The `#[synced]` attribute automatically handles network synchronization.
+#[libmarathon_macros::synced]
+pub struct CubeMarker {
+    /// RGB color values (0.0 to 1.0)
+    pub color_r: f32,
+    pub color_g: f32,
+    pub color_b: f32,
+    pub size: f32,
+}
+
+impl CubeMarker {
+    pub fn with_color(color: Color, size: f32) -> Self {
+        let [r, g, b, _] = color.to_linear().to_f32_array();
+        Self {
+            color_r: r,
+            color_g: g,
+            color_b: b,
+            size,
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn color(&self) -> Color {
+        Color::srgb(self.color_r, self.color_g, self.color_b)
+    }
+}
 
 /// Message to spawn a new cube at a specific position
 #[derive(Message)]
@@ -39,10 +49,33 @@ pub struct CubePlugin;
 
 impl Plugin for CubePlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
-        app.register_type::<CubeMarker>()
-            .add_message::<SpawnCubeEvent>()
+        app.add_message::<SpawnCubeEvent>()
             .add_message::<DeleteCubeEvent>()
-            .add_systems(Update, (handle_spawn_cube, handle_delete_cube));
+            .add_systems(Update, (
+                handle_spawn_cube,
+                handle_delete_cube,
+                add_cube_rendering_system,  // Custom rendering!
+            ));
+    }
+}
+
+/// Custom rendering system - detects Added<CubeMarker> and adds mesh/material
+fn add_cube_rendering_system(
+    mut commands: Commands,
+    query: Query<(Entity, &CubeMarker), Added<CubeMarker>>,
+    mut meshes: ResMut<Assets<Mesh>>,
+    mut materials: ResMut<Assets<StandardMaterial>>,
+) {
+    for (entity, cube) in &query {
+        commands.entity(entity).insert((
+            Mesh3d(meshes.add(Cuboid::new(cube.size, cube.size, cube.size))),
+            MeshMaterial3d(materials.add(StandardMaterial {
+                base_color: cube.color(),  // Use the color() helper method
+                perceptual_roughness: 0.7,
+                metallic: 0.3,
+                ..default()
+            })),
+        ));
     }
 }
 
@@ -50,36 +83,15 @@ impl Plugin for CubePlugin {
 fn handle_spawn_cube(
     mut commands: Commands,
     mut messages: MessageReader<SpawnCubeEvent>,
-    mut meshes: ResMut<Assets<Mesh>>,
-    mut materials: ResMut<Assets<StandardMaterial>>,
-    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
 ) {
     for event in messages.read() {
-        let entity_id = Uuid::new_v4();
-        let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
-
-        info!("Spawning cube {} at {:?}", entity_id, event.position);
+        info!("Spawning cube at {:?}", event.position);
 
         commands.spawn((
-            CubeMarker,
-            // Bevy 3D components
-            Mesh3d(meshes.add(Cuboid::new(1.0, 1.0, 1.0))),
-            MeshMaterial3d(materials.add(StandardMaterial {
-                base_color: Color::srgb(0.8, 0.3, 0.6),
-                perceptual_roughness: 0.7,
-                metallic: 0.3,
-                ..default()
-            })),
+            CubeMarker::with_color(Color::srgb(0.8, 0.3, 0.6), 1.0),
             Transform::from_translation(event.position),
             GlobalTransform::default(),
-            // Networking
-            NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_id, node_id),
-            NetworkedTransform,
-            NetworkedSelection::default(),
-            // Persistence
-            Persisted::with_id(entity_id),
-            // Sync marker
-            Synced,
+            Synced,  // Auto-adds NetworkedEntity, Persisted, NetworkedTransform
         ));
     }
 }
@@ -92,8 +104,14 @@ fn handle_delete_cube(
 ) {
     for event in messages.read() {
         if let Some(bevy_entity) = entity_map.get_entity(event.entity_id) {
-            info!("Deleting cube {}", event.entity_id);
-            commands.entity(bevy_entity).despawn();
+            info!("Marking cube {} for deletion", event.entity_id);
+            // Add ToDelete marker - the handle_local_deletions_system will:
+            // 1. Increment vector clock
+            // 2. Create Delete operation
+            // 3. Record tombstone
+            // 4. Broadcast deletion to peers
+            // 5. Despawn entity locally
+            commands.entity(bevy_entity).insert(libmarathon::networking::ToDelete);
         } else {
             warn!("Attempted to delete unknown cube {}", event.entity_id);
         }

crates/app/src/debug_ui.rs

@@ -43,11 +43,10 @@ fn render_debug_ui(
             // Node information
             if let Some(clock) = &node_clock {
                 ui.label(format!("Node ID: {}", &clock.node_id.to_string()[..8]));
-                // Show the current node's clock value (timestamp)
-                let current_timestamp =
-                    clock.clock.clocks.get(&clock.node_id).copied().unwrap_or(0);
-                ui.label(format!("Clock: {}", current_timestamp));
-                ui.label(format!("Known nodes: {}", clock.clock.clocks.len()));
+                // Show the sum of all timestamps (total operations across all nodes)
+                let total_ops: u64 = clock.clock.timestamps.values().sum();
+                ui.label(format!("Clock: {} (total ops)", total_ops));
+                ui.label(format!("Known nodes: {}", clock.clock.node_count()));
             } else {
                 ui.label("Node: Not initialized");
             }

crates/app/src/engine_bridge.rs

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use libmarathon::{
     engine::{EngineBridge, EngineCommand, EngineEvent},
-    networking::{CurrentSession, NetworkedEntity, NodeVectorClock, Session, SessionState, VectorClock},
+    networking::{CurrentSession, NetworkedEntity, NodeVectorClock, Session, SessionState},
 };
 
 pub struct EngineBridgePlugin;
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ impl Plugin for EngineBridgePlugin {
         app.add_systems(Update, poll_engine_events);
         // Detect changes and send clock tick commands to engine
         app.add_systems(PostUpdate, detect_changes_and_tick);
+        // Handle app exit to stop networking gracefully
+        app.add_systems(Update, handle_app_exit);
     }
 }
 
@@ -44,81 +46,144 @@ fn detect_changes_and_tick(
 fn poll_engine_events(
     mut commands: Commands,
     bridge: Res<EngineBridge>,
-    mut current_session: Option<ResMut<CurrentSession>>,
+    mut current_session: ResMut<CurrentSession>,
     mut node_clock: ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
+    mut networking_status: Option<ResMut<crate::session_ui::NetworkingStatus>>,
 ) {
     let events = (*bridge).poll_events();
 
     if !events.is_empty() {
+        debug!("Polling {} engine events", events.len());
         for event in events {
             match event {
-                EngineEvent::NetworkingStarted { session_id, node_id } => {
-                    info!("🌐 Networking started: session={}, node={}",
+                EngineEvent::NetworkingInitializing { session_id, status } => {
+                    info!("Networking initializing for session {}: {:?}", session_id.to_code(), status);
+                    
+                    // Update NetworkingStatus resource
+                    if let Some(ref mut net_status) = networking_status {
+                        net_status.latest_status = Some(status);
+                    }
+                    
+                    // Update session state to Joining if not already
+                    if matches!(current_session.session.state, SessionState::Created) {
+                        current_session.session.state = SessionState::Joining;
+                    }
+                }
+                EngineEvent::NetworkingStarted { session_id, node_id, bridge: gossip_bridge } => {
+                    info!("Networking started: session={}, node={}",
                         session_id.to_code(), node_id);
 
-                    // Create session if it doesn't exist
-                    if current_session.is_none() {
-                        let mut session = Session::new(session_id.clone());
-                        session.state = SessionState::Active;
-                        commands.insert_resource(CurrentSession::new(session, VectorClock::new()));
-                        info!("Created new session resource: {}", session_id.to_code());
-                    } else if let Some(ref mut session) = current_session {
-                        // Update existing session state to Active
-                        session.session.state = SessionState::Active;
+                    // Clear networking status
+                    if let Some(ref mut net_status) = networking_status {
+                        net_status.latest_status = None;
                     }
 
+                    // Insert GossipBridge for Bevy systems to use
+                    commands.insert_resource(gossip_bridge);
+                    info!("Inserted GossipBridge resource");
+
+                    // Update session to use the new session ID and set state to Joining
+                    // The transition_session_state_system will handle Joining → Active
+                    // after receiving FullState from peers
+                    current_session.session = Session::new(session_id.clone());
+                    current_session.session.state = SessionState::Joining;
+                    info!("Updated CurrentSession to Joining: {}", session_id.to_code());
+
                     // Update node ID in clock
                     node_clock.node_id = node_id;
                 }
                 EngineEvent::NetworkingFailed { error } => {
-                    error!("❌ Networking failed: {}", error);
+                    error!("Networking failed: {}", error);
 
-                    // Keep session state as Created (if session exists)
-                    if let Some(ref mut session) = current_session {
-                        session.session.state = SessionState::Created;
+                    // Clear networking status
+                    if let Some(ref mut net_status) = networking_status {
+                        net_status.latest_status = None;
                     }
+
+                    // Keep session state as Created
+                    current_session.session.state = SessionState::Created;
                 }
                 EngineEvent::NetworkingStopped => {
-                    info!("🔌 Networking stopped");
+                    info!("Networking stopped");
 
-                    // Update session state to Disconnected (if session exists)
-                    if let Some(ref mut session) = current_session {
-                        session.session.state = SessionState::Disconnected;
+                    // Clear networking status
+                    if let Some(ref mut net_status) = networking_status {
+                        net_status.latest_status = None;
                     }
+
+                    // Update session state to Disconnected
+                    current_session.session.state = SessionState::Disconnected;
                 }
                 EngineEvent::PeerJoined { node_id } => {
-                    info!("👋 Peer joined: {}", node_id);
+                    info!("Peer joined: {}", node_id);
+
+                    // Initialize peer in vector clock so it shows up in UI immediately
+                    node_clock.clock.timestamps.entry(node_id).or_insert(0);
+
                     // TODO(Phase 3.3): Trigger sync
                 }
                 EngineEvent::PeerLeft { node_id } => {
-                    info!("👋 Peer left: {}", node_id);
+                    info!("Peer left: {}", node_id);
+
+                    // Remove peer from vector clock
+                    node_clock.clock.timestamps.remove(&node_id);
                 }
                 EngineEvent::LockAcquired { entity_id, holder } => {
-                    debug!("🔒 Lock acquired: entity={}, holder={}", entity_id, holder);
+                    debug!("Lock acquired: entity={}, holder={}", entity_id, holder);
                     // TODO(Phase 3.4): Update lock visuals
                 }
                 EngineEvent::LockReleased { entity_id } => {
-                    debug!("🔓 Lock released: entity={}", entity_id);
+                    debug!("Lock released: entity={}", entity_id);
                     // TODO(Phase 3.4): Update lock visuals
                 }
+                EngineEvent::ClockTicked { sequence, clock: _ } => {
+                    debug!("Clock ticked: sequence={}", sequence);
+                    // Clock tick confirmed - no action needed
+                }
+                EngineEvent::SessionJoined { session_id } => {
+                    info!("Session joined: {}", session_id.to_code());
+                    // Update session state
+                    current_session.session.state = SessionState::Joining;
+                }
+                EngineEvent::SessionLeft => {
+                    info!("Session left");
+                    // Update session state
+                    current_session.session.state = SessionState::Left;
+                }
+                EngineEvent::EntitySpawned { entity_id, position, rotation, version: _ } => {
+                    debug!("Entity spawned: id={}, pos={:?}, rot={:?}", entity_id, position, rotation);
+                    // TODO: Spawn entity in Bevy
+                }
+                EngineEvent::EntityUpdated { entity_id, position, rotation, version: _ } => {
+                    debug!("Entity updated: id={}, pos={:?}, rot={:?}", entity_id, position, rotation);
+                    // TODO: Update entity in Bevy
+                }
+                EngineEvent::EntityDeleted { entity_id, version: _ } => {
+                    debug!("Entity deleted: id={}", entity_id);
+                    // TODO: Delete entity in Bevy
+                }
                 EngineEvent::LockDenied { entity_id, current_holder } => {
-                    debug!("⛔ Lock denied: entity={}, holder={}", entity_id, current_holder);
-                    // TODO(Phase 3.4): Show visual feedback
+                    debug!("Lock denied: entity={}, current_holder={}", entity_id, current_holder);
+                    // TODO: Show lock denied feedback
                 }
                 EngineEvent::LockExpired { entity_id } => {
-                    debug!("⏰ Lock expired: entity={}", entity_id);
-                    // TODO(Phase 3.4): Update lock visuals
-                }
-                EngineEvent::ClockTicked { sequence, clock } => {
-                    debug!("🕐 Clock ticked to {}", sequence);
-
-                    // Update the NodeVectorClock resource with the new clock state
-                    node_clock.clock = clock;
-                }
-                _ => {
-                    debug!("Unhandled engine event: {:?}", event);
+                    debug!("Lock expired: entity={}", entity_id);
+                    // TODO: Update lock visuals
                 }
             }
         }
     }
 }
+
+/// Handle app exit - send shutdown signal to EngineCore
+fn handle_app_exit(
+    mut exit_events: MessageReader<bevy::app::AppExit>,
+    bridge: Res<EngineBridge>,
+) {
+    for _ in exit_events.read() {
+        info!("App exiting - sending Shutdown command to EngineCore");
+        bridge.send_command(EngineCommand::Shutdown);
+        // The EngineCore will receive the Shutdown command and gracefully exit
+        // its event loop, allowing the tokio runtime thread to complete
+    }
+}

crates/app/src/input/input_handler.rs

@@ -6,9 +6,14 @@ use bevy::prelude::*;
 use libmarathon::{
     engine::GameAction,
     platform::input::InputController,
-    networking::{EntityLockRegistry, NetworkedEntity, NetworkedSelection, NodeVectorClock},
+    networking::{
+        EntityLockRegistry, LocalSelection, NetworkedEntity,
+        NodeVectorClock,
+    },
 };
 
+use crate::cube::CubeMarker;
+
 use super::event_buffer::InputEventBuffer;
 
 pub struct InputHandlerPlugin;
@@ -16,7 +21,9 @@ pub struct InputHandlerPlugin;
 impl Plugin for InputHandlerPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
         app.init_resource::<InputControllerResource>()
-            .add_systems(Update, handle_game_actions);
+            // handle_game_actions updates selection - must run before release_locks_on_deselection_system
+            .add_systems(Update, handle_game_actions.before(libmarathon::networking::release_locks_on_deselection_system))
+            .add_systems(PostUpdate, update_lock_visuals);
     }
 }
 
@@ -46,9 +53,10 @@ fn to_bevy_vec2(v: glam::Vec2) -> bevy::math::Vec2 {
 fn handle_game_actions(
     input_buffer: Res<InputEventBuffer>,
     mut controller_res: ResMut<InputControllerResource>,
-    mut lock_registry: ResMut<EntityLockRegistry>,
+    lock_registry: Res<EntityLockRegistry>,
     node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
-    mut cube_query: Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    mut selection: ResMut<LocalSelection>,
+    mut cube_query: Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
     camera_query: Query<(&Camera, &GlobalTransform)>,
     window_query: Query<&Window>,
 ) {
@@ -65,14 +73,23 @@ fn handle_game_actions(
     for action in all_actions {
         match action {
             GameAction::SelectEntity { position } => {
-                apply_select_entity(
+                // Do raycasting to find which entity (if any) was clicked
+                let entity_id = raycast_entity(
                     position,
-                    &mut lock_registry,
-                    node_id,
-                    &mut cube_query,
+                    &cube_query,
                     &camera_query,
                     &window_query,
                 );
+
+                // Update selection
+                // The release_locks_on_deselection_system will automatically handle lock changes
+                selection.clear();
+                if let Some(id) = entity_id {
+                    selection.insert(id);
+                    info!("Selected entity {}", id);
+                } else {
+                    info!("Deselected all entities");
+                }
             }
 
             GameAction::MoveEntity { delta } => {
@@ -98,32 +115,32 @@ fn handle_game_actions(
     }
 }
 
-/// Apply SelectEntity action - raycast to find clicked cube and select it
-fn apply_select_entity(
+/// Raycast to find which entity was clicked
+///
+/// Returns the network ID of the closest entity hit by the ray, or None if nothing was hit.
+fn raycast_entity(
     position: glam::Vec2,
-    lock_registry: &mut EntityLockRegistry,
-    node_id: uuid::Uuid,
-    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    cube_query: &Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
     camera_query: &Query<(&Camera, &GlobalTransform)>,
     window_query: &Query<&Window>,
-) {
+) -> Option<uuid::Uuid> {
     // Get the camera and window
     let Ok((camera, camera_transform)) = camera_query.single() else {
-        return;
+        return None;
     };
     let Ok(window) = window_query.single() else {
-        return;
+        return None;
     };
 
     // Convert screen position to world ray
     let Some(ray) = screen_to_world_ray(position, camera, camera_transform, window) else {
-        return;
+        return None;
     };
 
     // Find the closest cube hit by the ray
     let mut closest_hit: Option<(uuid::Uuid, f32)> = None;
 
-    for (networked, transform, _) in cube_query.iter() {
+    for (networked, transform) in cube_query.iter() {
         // Test ray against cube AABB (1x1x1 cube)
         if let Some(distance) = ray_aabb_intersection(
             ray.origin,
@@ -137,31 +154,7 @@ fn apply_select_entity(
         }
     }
 
-    // If we hit a cube, clear all selections and select this one
-    if let Some((hit_entity_id, _)) = closest_hit {
-        // Clear all previous selections and locks
-        for (networked, _, mut selection) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
-            selection.clear();
-            lock_registry.release(networked.network_id, node_id);
-        }
-
-        // Select and lock the clicked cube
-        for (networked, _, mut selection) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
-            if networked.network_id == hit_entity_id {
-                selection.add(hit_entity_id);
-                let _ = lock_registry.try_acquire(hit_entity_id, node_id);
-                info!("Selected cube {}", hit_entity_id);
-                break;
-            }
-        }
-    } else {
-        // Clicked on empty space - deselect all
-        for (networked, _, mut selection) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
-            selection.clear();
-            lock_registry.release(networked.network_id, node_id);
-        }
-        info!("Deselected all cubes");
-    }
+    closest_hit.map(|(entity_id, _)| entity_id)
 }
 
 /// Apply MoveEntity action to locked cubes
@@ -169,12 +162,12 @@ fn apply_move_entity(
     delta: glam::Vec2,
     lock_registry: &EntityLockRegistry,
     node_id: uuid::Uuid,
-    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
 ) {
     let bevy_delta = to_bevy_vec2(delta);
     let sensitivity = 0.01; // Scale factor
 
-    for (networked, mut transform, _) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
+    for (networked, mut transform) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
         if lock_registry.is_locked_by(networked.network_id, node_id, node_id) {
             transform.translation.x += bevy_delta.x * sensitivity;
             transform.translation.y -= bevy_delta.y * sensitivity; // Invert Y for screen coords
@@ -187,12 +180,12 @@ fn apply_rotate_entity(
     delta: glam::Vec2,
     lock_registry: &EntityLockRegistry,
     node_id: uuid::Uuid,
-    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
 ) {
     let bevy_delta = to_bevy_vec2(delta);
     let sensitivity = 0.01;
 
-    for (networked, mut transform, _) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
+    for (networked, mut transform) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
         if lock_registry.is_locked_by(networked.network_id, node_id, node_id) {
             let rotation_x = Quat::from_rotation_y(bevy_delta.x * sensitivity);
             let rotation_y = Quat::from_rotation_x(-bevy_delta.y * sensitivity);
@@ -206,11 +199,11 @@ fn apply_move_depth(
     delta: f32,
     lock_registry: &EntityLockRegistry,
     node_id: uuid::Uuid,
-    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
 ) {
     let sensitivity = 0.1;
 
-    for (networked, mut transform, _) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
+    for (networked, mut transform) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
         if lock_registry.is_locked_by(networked.network_id, node_id, node_id) {
             transform.translation.z += delta * sensitivity;
         }
@@ -221,9 +214,9 @@ fn apply_move_depth(
 fn apply_reset_entity(
     lock_registry: &EntityLockRegistry,
     node_id: uuid::Uuid,
-    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform, &mut NetworkedSelection), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
+    cube_query: &mut Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut Transform), With<crate::cube::CubeMarker>>,
 ) {
-    for (networked, mut transform, _) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
+    for (networked, mut transform) in cube_query.iter_mut() {
         if lock_registry.is_locked_by(networked.network_id, node_id, node_id) {
             transform.translation = Vec3::ZERO;
             transform.rotation = Quat::IDENTITY;
@@ -242,7 +235,7 @@ fn screen_to_world_ray(
     screen_pos: glam::Vec2,
     camera: &Camera,
     camera_transform: &GlobalTransform,
-    window: &Window,
+    _window: &Window,
 ) -> Option<Ray> {
     // Convert screen position to viewport position (0..1 range)
     let viewport_pos = Vec2::new(screen_pos.x, screen_pos.y);
@@ -317,3 +310,38 @@ fn ray_aabb_intersection(
         Some(tmin)
     }
 }
+
+/// System to update visual appearance based on lock state
+///
+/// Color scheme:
+/// - Green: Locked by us (we can edit)
+/// - Blue: Locked by someone else (they can edit, we can't)
+/// - Pink: Not locked (nobody is editing)
+fn update_lock_visuals(
+    lock_registry: Res<EntityLockRegistry>,
+    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    mut cubes: Query<(&NetworkedEntity, &mut MeshMaterial3d<StandardMaterial>), With<CubeMarker>>,
+    mut materials: ResMut<Assets<StandardMaterial>>,
+) {
+    for (networked, material_handle) in cubes.iter_mut() {
+        let entity_id = networked.network_id;
+
+        // Determine color based on lock state
+        let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+        let color = if lock_registry.is_locked_by(entity_id, node_id, node_id) {
+            // Locked by us - green
+            Color::srgb(0.3, 0.8, 0.3)
+        } else if lock_registry.is_locked(entity_id, node_id) {
+            // Locked by someone else - blue
+            Color::srgb(0.3, 0.5, 0.9)
+        } else {
+            // Not locked - default pink
+            Color::srgb(0.8, 0.3, 0.6)
+        };
+
+        // Update material color
+        if let Some(mat) = materials.get_mut(&material_handle.0) {
+            mat.base_color = color;
+        }
+    }
+}

crates/app/src/input/mod.rs

@@ -9,5 +9,4 @@
 pub mod event_buffer;
 pub mod input_handler;
 
-pub use event_buffer::InputEventBuffer;
 pub use input_handler::InputHandlerPlugin;

crates/app/src/lib.rs

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ pub mod debug_ui;
 pub mod engine_bridge;
 pub mod input;
 pub mod rendering;
+pub mod session_ui;
 pub mod setup;
 
 pub use cube::CubeMarker;

crates/app/src/main.rs

@@ -3,18 +3,55 @@
 //! This demonstrates real-time CRDT synchronization with Apple Pencil input.
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
+use clap::Parser;
 use libmarathon::{
-    engine::{EngineBridge, EngineCore},
+    engine::{
+        EngineBridge,
+        EngineCore,
+    },
     persistence::PersistenceConfig,
 };
-use std::path::PathBuf;
+
+#[cfg(feature = "headless")]
+use bevy::app::ScheduleRunnerPlugin;
+#[cfg(feature = "headless")]
+use std::time::Duration;
+
+/// Marathon - CRDT-based collaborative editing engine
+#[derive(Parser, Debug)]
+#[command(version, about, long_about = None)]
+struct Args {
+    /// Path to the database file
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "marathon.db")]
+    db_path: String,
+
+    /// Path to the control socket (Unix domain socket)
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "/tmp/marathon-control.sock")]
+    control_socket: String,
+
+    /// Log level (trace, debug, info, warn, error)
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "info")]
+    log_level: String,
+
+    /// Path to log file (relative to current directory)
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "marathon.log")]
+    log_file: String,
+
+    /// Disable log file output (console only)
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "false")]
+    no_log_file: bool,
+
+    /// Disable console output (file only)
+    #[arg(long, default_value = "false")]
+    no_console: bool,
+}
 
 mod camera;
+mod control;
 mod cube;
 mod debug_ui;
 mod engine_bridge;
 mod rendering;
-mod selection;
 mod session;
 mod session_ui;
 mod setup;
@@ -27,50 +64,170 @@ mod input;
 use camera::*;
 use cube::*;
 use rendering::*;
-use selection::*;
 use session::*;
 use session_ui::*;
 
 fn main() {
+    // Parse command-line arguments
+    let args = Args::parse();
+
+    // Note: eprintln doesn't work on iOS, but tracing-oslog will once initialized
+    eprintln!(">>> RUST ENTRY: main() started");
+
     // Initialize logging
-    tracing_subscriber::fmt()
-        .with_env_filter(
-            tracing_subscriber::EnvFilter::from_default_env()
+    eprintln!(">>> Initializing tracing_subscriber");
+
+    #[cfg(target_os = "ios")]
+    {
+        use tracing_subscriber::prelude::*;
+
+        let filter = tracing_subscriber::EnvFilter::builder()
+            .with_default_directive(tracing::Level::DEBUG.into())
+            .from_env_lossy()
             .add_directive("wgpu=error".parse().unwrap())
-                .add_directive("naga=warn".parse().unwrap()),
-        )
+            .add_directive("naga=warn".parse().unwrap())
+            .add_directive("winit=error".parse().unwrap());
+
+        tracing_subscriber::registry()
+            .with(filter)
+            .with(tracing_oslog::OsLogger::new("io.r3t.aspen", "default"))
             .init();
 
+        info!("OSLog initialized successfully");
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+    {
+        use tracing_subscriber::prelude::*;
+
+        // Parse log level from args
+        let default_level = args.log_level.parse::<tracing::Level>()
+            .unwrap_or_else(|_| {
+                eprintln!("Invalid log level '{}', using 'info'", args.log_level);
+                tracing::Level::INFO
+            });
+
+        // Build filter with default level and quieter dependencies
+        let filter = tracing_subscriber::EnvFilter::from_default_env()
+            .add_directive(default_level.into())
+            .add_directive("wgpu=error".parse().unwrap())
+            .add_directive("naga=warn".parse().unwrap());
+
+        // Build subscriber based on combination of flags
+        match (args.no_console, args.no_log_file) {
+            (false, false) => {
+                // Both console and file
+                let console_layer = tracing_subscriber::fmt::layer()
+                    .with_writer(std::io::stdout);
+
+                let log_path = std::path::PathBuf::from(&args.log_file);
+                let log_dir = log_path.parent().unwrap_or_else(|| std::path::Path::new("."));
+                let log_filename = log_path.file_name().unwrap().to_str().unwrap();
+                let file_appender = tracing_appender::rolling::never(log_dir, log_filename);
+                let (non_blocking, _guard) = tracing_appender::non_blocking(file_appender);
+                std::mem::forget(_guard);
+                let file_layer = tracing_subscriber::fmt::layer()
+                    .with_writer(non_blocking)
+                    .with_ansi(false);
+
+                tracing_subscriber::registry()
+                    .with(filter)
+                    .with(console_layer)
+                    .with(file_layer)
+                    .init();
+
+                eprintln!(">>> Logs written to: {} and console", args.log_file);
+            }
+            (false, true) => {
+                // Console only
+                let console_layer = tracing_subscriber::fmt::layer()
+                    .with_writer(std::io::stdout);
+
+                tracing_subscriber::registry()
+                    .with(filter)
+                    .with(console_layer)
+                    .init();
+
+                eprintln!(">>> Console logging only (no log file)");
+            }
+            (true, false) => {
+                // File only
+                let log_path = std::path::PathBuf::from(&args.log_file);
+                let log_dir = log_path.parent().unwrap_or_else(|| std::path::Path::new("."));
+                let log_filename = log_path.file_name().unwrap().to_str().unwrap();
+                let file_appender = tracing_appender::rolling::never(log_dir, log_filename);
+                let (non_blocking, _guard) = tracing_appender::non_blocking(file_appender);
+                std::mem::forget(_guard);
+                let file_layer = tracing_subscriber::fmt::layer()
+                    .with_writer(non_blocking)
+                    .with_ansi(false);
+
+                tracing_subscriber::registry()
+                    .with(filter)
+                    .with(file_layer)
+                    .init();
+
+                eprintln!(">>> Logs written to: {} (console disabled)", args.log_file);
+            }
+            (true, true) => {
+                // Neither - warn but initialize anyway
+                tracing_subscriber::registry()
+                    .with(filter)
+                    .init();
+
+                eprintln!(">>> Warning: Both console and file logging disabled!");
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    eprintln!(">>> Tracing subscriber initialized");
+
     // Application configuration
     const APP_NAME: &str = "Aspen";
 
-    // Get platform-appropriate database path
-    let db_path = libmarathon::platform::get_database_path(APP_NAME);
+    // Use database path from CLI args
+    let db_path = std::path::PathBuf::from(&args.db_path);
     let db_path_str = db_path.to_str().unwrap().to_string();
     info!("Database path: {}", db_path_str);
+    eprintln!(">>> Database path: {}", db_path_str);
 
     // Create EngineBridge (for communication between Bevy and EngineCore)
+    eprintln!(">>> Creating EngineBridge");
     let (engine_bridge, engine_handle) = EngineBridge::new();
     info!("EngineBridge created");
+    eprintln!(">>> EngineBridge created");
 
     // Spawn EngineCore on tokio runtime (runs in background thread)
+    eprintln!(">>> Spawning EngineCore background thread");
     std::thread::spawn(move || {
+        eprintln!(">>> [EngineCore thread] Thread started");
         info!("Starting EngineCore on tokio runtime...");
+        eprintln!(">>> [EngineCore thread] Creating tokio runtime");
         let rt = tokio::runtime::Runtime::new().unwrap();
+        eprintln!(">>> [EngineCore thread] Tokio runtime created");
         rt.block_on(async {
+            eprintln!(">>> [EngineCore thread] Creating EngineCore");
             let core = EngineCore::new(engine_handle, &db_path_str);
+            eprintln!(">>> [EngineCore thread] Running EngineCore");
             core.run().await;
         });
     });
     info!("EngineCore spawned in background");
+    eprintln!(">>> EngineCore thread spawned");
 
     // Create Bevy app (without winit - we own the event loop)
+    eprintln!(">>> Creating Bevy App");
     let mut app = App::new();
+    eprintln!(">>> Bevy App created");
 
     // Insert EngineBridge as a resource for Bevy systems to use
+    eprintln!(">>> Inserting EngineBridge resource");
     app.insert_resource(engine_bridge);
 
-    // Use DefaultPlugins but disable winit/window/input (we own those)
+    // Plugin setup based on headless vs rendering mode
+    #[cfg(not(feature = "headless"))]
+    {
+        info!("Adding DefaultPlugins (rendering mode)");
         app.add_plugins(
             DefaultPlugins
                 .build()
@@ -78,10 +235,26 @@ fn main() {
                 .disable::<bevy::winit::WinitPlugin>() // We own winit
                 .disable::<bevy::window::WindowPlugin>() // We own the window
                 .disable::<bevy::input::InputPlugin>() // We provide InputEvents directly
-            .disable::<bevy::gilrs::GilrsPlugin>()  // We handle gamepad input ourselves
+                .disable::<bevy::gilrs::GilrsPlugin>(), // We handle gamepad input ourselves
         );
+        info!("DefaultPlugins added");
+    }
 
-    // Marathon core plugins (networking, debug UI, persistence)
+    #[cfg(feature = "headless")]
+    {
+        info!("Adding MinimalPlugins (headless mode)");
+        app.add_plugins(
+            MinimalPlugins.set(ScheduleRunnerPlugin::run_loop(
+                Duration::from_secs_f64(1.0 / 60.0), // 60 FPS
+            )),
+        );
+        info!("MinimalPlugins added");
+    }
+
+    // Marathon core plugins based on mode
+    #[cfg(not(feature = "headless"))]
+    {
+        info!("Adding MarathonPlugin (with debug UI)");
         app.add_plugins(libmarathon::MarathonPlugin::new(
             APP_NAME,
             PersistenceConfig {
@@ -91,17 +264,62 @@ fn main() {
                 ..Default::default()
             },
         ));
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(feature = "headless")]
+    {
+        info!("Adding networking and persistence (headless, no UI)");
+        app.add_plugins(libmarathon::networking::NetworkingPlugin::new(Default::default()));
+        app.add_plugins(libmarathon::persistence::PersistencePlugin::with_config(
+            db_path.clone(),
+            PersistenceConfig {
+                flush_interval_secs: 2,
+                checkpoint_interval_secs: 30,
+                battery_adaptive: true,
+                ..Default::default()
+            },
+        ));
+    }
+
+    info!("Marathon plugins added");
 
     // App-specific bridge for polling engine events
+    info!("Adding app plugins");
     app.add_plugins(EngineBridgePlugin);
+    app.add_plugins(CubePlugin);
+    app.add_systems(Startup, initialize_offline_resources);
+
+    // Configure fixed timestep for deterministic game logic at 60fps
+    app.insert_resource(Time::<Fixed>::from_hz(60.0));
+
+    // Insert control socket path as resource
+    app.insert_resource(control::ControlSocketPath(args.control_socket.clone()));
+    app.add_systems(Startup, control::start_control_socket_system);
+    app.add_systems(Update, (control::process_app_commands, control::cleanup_control_socket));
+
+    // Rendering-only plugins
+    #[cfg(not(feature = "headless"))]
+    {
         app.add_plugins(CameraPlugin);
         app.add_plugins(RenderingPlugin);
         app.add_plugins(input::InputHandlerPlugin);
-    app.add_plugins(CubePlugin);
-    app.add_plugins(SelectionPlugin);
+        // SelectionPlugin removed - InputHandlerPlugin already handles selection via GameActions
         app.add_plugins(DebugUiPlugin);
         app.add_plugins(SessionUiPlugin);
-    app.add_systems(Startup, initialize_offline_resources);
+    }
 
+    info!("All plugins added");
+
+    // Run the app based on mode
+    #[cfg(not(feature = "headless"))]
+    {
+        info!("Running platform executor (rendering mode)");
         libmarathon::platform::run_executor(app).expect("Failed to run executor");
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(feature = "headless")]
+    {
+        info!("Running headless app loop");
+        app.run();
+    }
 }

crates/app/src/session.rs

@@ -6,17 +6,17 @@
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use libmarathon::{
     networking::{
-        EntityLockRegistry, NetworkEntityMap, NodeVectorClock, VectorClock,
+        CurrentSession, EntityLockRegistry, NetworkEntityMap, NodeVectorClock, Session, VectorClock,
     },
 };
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
 /// Initialize offline resources on app startup
 ///
-/// This sets up the vector clock and networking-related resources, but does NOT
-/// create a session. Sessions only exist when networking is active.
+/// This sets up the vector clock and networking-related resources.
+/// Creates an offline CurrentSession that will be updated when networking starts.
 pub fn initialize_offline_resources(world: &mut World) {
-    info!("Initializing offline resources (no session yet)...");
+    info!("Initializing offline resources...");
 
     // Create node ID (persists for this app instance)
     let node_id = Uuid::new_v4();
@@ -32,5 +32,11 @@ pub fn initialize_offline_resources(world: &mut World) {
     world.insert_resource(NetworkEntityMap::default());
     world.insert_resource(EntityLockRegistry::default());
 
-    info!("Offline resources initialized (vector clock ready)");
+    // Create offline session (will be updated when networking starts)
+    // This ensures CurrentSession resource always exists for UI binding
+    let offline_session_id = libmarathon::networking::SessionId::new();
+    let offline_session = Session::new(offline_session_id);
+    world.insert_resource(CurrentSession::new(offline_session, VectorClock::new()));
+    
+    info!("Offline resources initialized (vector clock ready, session created in offline state)");
 }

crates/app/src/session_ui.rs

@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use libmarathon::{
     debug_ui::{egui, EguiContexts, EguiPrimaryContextPass},
-    engine::{EngineBridge, EngineCommand},
-    networking::{CurrentSession, NodeVectorClock, SessionId},
+    engine::{EngineBridge, EngineCommand, NetworkingInitStatus},
+    networking::{CurrentSession, NodeVectorClock, SessionId, SessionState},
 };
 
 pub struct SessionUiPlugin;
@@ -15,10 +15,16 @@ pub struct SessionUiPlugin;
 impl Plugin for SessionUiPlugin {
     fn build(&self, app: &mut App) {
         app.init_resource::<SessionUiState>()
+            .init_resource::<NetworkingStatus>()
             .add_systems(EguiPrimaryContextPass, session_ui_panel);
     }
 }
 
+#[derive(Resource, Default)]
+pub struct NetworkingStatus {
+    pub latest_status: Option<NetworkingInitStatus>,
+}
+
 #[derive(Resource, Default)]
 struct SessionUiState {
     join_code_input: String,
@@ -28,10 +34,16 @@ struct SessionUiState {
 fn session_ui_panel(
     mut contexts: EguiContexts,
     mut ui_state: ResMut<SessionUiState>,
-    current_session: Option<Res<CurrentSession>>,
+    current_session: Res<CurrentSession>,
     node_clock: Option<Res<NodeVectorClock>>,
     bridge: Res<EngineBridge>,
+    networking_status: Res<NetworkingStatus>,
 ) {
+    // Log session state for debugging
+    debug!("Session UI: state={:?}, id={}", 
+        current_session.session.state, 
+        current_session.session.id.to_code());
+
     let Ok(ctx) = contexts.ctx_mut() else {
         return;
     };
@@ -40,24 +52,26 @@ fn session_ui_panel(
         .default_pos([320.0, 10.0])
         .default_width(280.0)
         .show(ctx, |ui| {
-            if let Some(session) = current_session.as_ref() {
-                // ONLINE MODE: Session exists, networking is active
+            // Display UI based on session state
+            match current_session.session.state {
+                SessionState::Active => {
+                    // ONLINE MODE: Networking is active
                     ui.heading("Session (Online)");
                     ui.separator();
 
                     ui.horizontal(|ui| {
                         ui.label("Code:");
-                    ui.code(session.session.id.to_code());
+                        ui.code(current_session.session.id.to_code());
                         if ui.small_button("📋").clicked() {
                             // TODO: Copy to clipboard (requires clipboard API)
-                        info!("Session code: {}", session.session.id.to_code());
+                            info!("Session code: {}", current_session.session.id.to_code());
                         }
                     });
 
-                ui.label(format!("State: {:?}", session.session.state));
+                    ui.label(format!("State: {:?}", current_session.session.state));
 
                     if let Some(clock) = node_clock.as_ref() {
-                    ui.label(format!("Connected nodes: {}", clock.clock.clocks.len()));
+                        ui.label(format!("Connected nodes: {}", clock.clock.node_count()));
                     }
 
                     ui.add_space(10.0);
@@ -67,8 +81,48 @@ fn session_ui_panel(
                         info!("Stopping networking");
                         bridge.send_command(EngineCommand::StopNetworking);
                     }
+                }
+                SessionState::Joining => {
+                    // INITIALIZING: Networking is starting up
+                    ui.heading("Connecting...");
+                    ui.separator();
+
+                    // Display initialization status
+                    if let Some(ref status) = networking_status.latest_status {
+                        match status {
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::CreatingEndpoint => {
+                                ui.label("⏳ Creating network endpoint...");
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::EndpointReady => {
+                                ui.label("✓ Network endpoint ready");
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::DiscoveringPeers { session_code, attempt } => {
+                                ui.label(format!("🔍 Discovering peers for session {}", session_code));
+                                ui.label(format!("   Attempt {}/3...", attempt));
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::PeersFound { count } => {
+                                ui.label(format!("✓ Found {} peer(s)!", count));
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::NoPeersFound => {
+                                ui.label("ℹ No existing peers found");
+                                ui.label("   (Creating new session)");
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::PublishingToDHT => {
+                                ui.label("📡 Publishing to DHT...");
+                            }
+                            NetworkingInitStatus::InitializingGossip => {
+                                ui.label("🔧 Initializing gossip protocol...");
+                            }
+                        }
                     } else {
-                // OFFLINE MODE: No session, networking not started
+                        ui.label("⏳ Initializing...");
+                    }
+
+                    ui.add_space(10.0);
+                    ui.label("Please wait...");
+                }
+                _ => {
+                    // OFFLINE MODE: Networking not started or disconnected
                     ui.heading("Offline Mode");
                     ui.separator();
 
@@ -76,7 +130,7 @@ fn session_ui_panel(
                     ui.label("Vector clock is tracking changes");
 
                     if let Some(clock) = node_clock.as_ref() {
-                    let current_seq = clock.clock.clocks.get(&clock.node_id).copied().unwrap_or(0);
+                        let current_seq = clock.clock.timestamps.get(&clock.node_id).copied().unwrap_or(0);
                         ui.label(format!("Local sequence: {}", current_seq));
                     }
 
@@ -100,6 +154,7 @@ fn session_ui_panel(
                         ui_state.show_join_dialog = true;
                     }
                 }
+            }
         });
 
     // Join dialog (using same context)
@@ -108,7 +163,10 @@ fn session_ui_panel(
             .collapsible(false)
             .show(ctx, |ui| {
                 ui.label("Enter session code (abc-def-123):");
-                ui.text_edit_singleline(&mut ui_state.join_code_input);
+                let text_edit = ui.text_edit_singleline(&mut ui_state.join_code_input);
+                
+                // Auto-focus the text input when dialog opens
+                text_edit.request_focus();
 
                 ui.add_space(5.0);
                 ui.label("Note: Joining requires app restart");

crates/app/src/setup/control_socket.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,253 @@
+//! Unix domain socket control server for remote engine control
+//!
+//! This module provides a Unix socket server for controlling the engine
+//! programmatically without needing screen access or network ports.
+//!
+//! # Security
+//!
+//! Currently debug-only. See issue #135 for production security requirements.
+
+use anyhow::Result;
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+use libmarathon::networking::{ControlCommand, ControlResponse, GossipBridge, SessionId};
+use uuid::Uuid;
+
+/// Spawn Unix domain socket control server for remote engine control
+///
+/// This spawns a tokio task that listens on a Unix socket for control commands.
+/// The socket path is `/tmp/marathon-{session_id}.sock`.
+///
+/// **Security Note**: This is currently debug-only. See issue #135 for production
+/// security requirements (authentication, rate limiting, etc.).
+///
+/// # Platform Support
+///
+/// This function is only compiled on non-iOS platforms.
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+pub fn spawn_control_socket(session_id: SessionId, bridge: GossipBridge, node_id: Uuid) {
+    use tokio::io::AsyncReadExt;
+    use tokio::net::UnixListener;
+
+    let socket_path = format!("/tmp/marathon-{}.sock", session_id);
+
+    tokio::spawn(async move {
+        // Clean up any existing socket
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&socket_path);
+
+        let listener = match UnixListener::bind(&socket_path) {
+            Ok(l) => {
+                info!("Control socket listening at {}", socket_path);
+                l
+            }
+            Err(e) => {
+                error!("Failed to bind control socket at {}: {}", socket_path, e);
+                return;
+            }
+        };
+
+        // Accept connections in a loop
+        loop {
+            match listener.accept().await {
+                Ok((mut stream, _addr)) => {
+                    let bridge = bridge.clone();
+                    let session_id = session_id.clone();
+
+                    // Spawn a task to handle this connection
+                    tokio::spawn(async move {
+                        // Read command length (4 bytes)
+                        let mut len_buf = [0u8; 4];
+                        if let Err(e) = stream.read_exact(&mut len_buf).await {
+                            error!("Failed to read command length: {}", e);
+                            return;
+                        }
+                        let len = u32::from_le_bytes(len_buf) as usize;
+
+                        // Read command bytes
+                        let mut cmd_buf = vec![0u8; len];
+                        if let Err(e) = stream.read_exact(&mut cmd_buf).await {
+                            error!("Failed to read command: {}", e);
+                            return;
+                        }
+
+                        // Deserialize command
+                        let command = match ControlCommand::from_bytes(&cmd_buf) {
+                            Ok(cmd) => cmd,
+                            Err(e) => {
+                                error!("Failed to deserialize command: {}", e);
+                                let response = ControlResponse::Error {
+                                    error: format!("Failed to deserialize command: {}", e),
+                                };
+                                let _ = send_response(&mut stream, response).await;
+                                return;
+                            }
+                        };
+
+                        info!("Received control command: {:?}", command);
+
+                        // Execute command
+                        let response = handle_control_command(command, &bridge, session_id, node_id).await;
+
+                        // Send response
+                        if let Err(e) = send_response(&mut stream, response).await {
+                            error!("Failed to send response: {}", e);
+                        }
+                    });
+                }
+                Err(e) => {
+                    error!("Failed to accept control socket connection: {}", e);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    });
+}
+
+/// Handle a control command and return a response
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+async fn handle_control_command(
+    command: ControlCommand,
+    bridge: &GossipBridge,
+    session_id: SessionId,
+    node_id: Uuid,
+) -> ControlResponse {
+    match command {
+        ControlCommand::GetStatus => {
+            // Get queue sizes from bridge
+            let outgoing_size = bridge.try_recv_outgoing().map(|msg| {
+                // Put it back
+                let _ = bridge.send(msg);
+                1
+            }).unwrap_or(0);
+
+            ControlResponse::Status {
+                node_id,
+                session_id,
+                outgoing_queue_size: outgoing_size,
+                incoming_queue_size: 0, // We'd need to peek without consuming
+                connected_peers: None, // Not easily available from bridge
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::SendTestMessage { content } => {
+            use libmarathon::networking::{VersionedMessage, VectorClock, SyncMessage};
+
+            // Send a SyncRequest as a test message (lightweight ping-like message)
+            let message = SyncMessage::SyncRequest {
+                node_id,
+                vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
+            };
+            let versioned = VersionedMessage::new(message);
+
+            match bridge.send(versioned) {
+                Ok(_) => ControlResponse::Ok {
+                    message: format!("Sent test message: {}", content),
+                },
+                Err(e) => ControlResponse::Error {
+                    error: format!("Failed to send: {}", e),
+                },
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::InjectMessage { message } => {
+            match bridge.push_incoming(message) {
+                Ok(_) => ControlResponse::Ok {
+                    message: "Message injected into incoming queue".to_string(),
+                },
+                Err(e) => ControlResponse::Error {
+                    error: format!("Failed to inject message: {}", e),
+                },
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::BroadcastMessage { message } => {
+            use libmarathon::networking::VersionedMessage;
+
+            let versioned = VersionedMessage::new(message);
+            match bridge.send(versioned) {
+                Ok(_) => ControlResponse::Ok {
+                    message: "Message broadcast".to_string(),
+                },
+                Err(e) => ControlResponse::Error {
+                    error: format!("Failed to broadcast: {}", e),
+                },
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::Shutdown => {
+            warn!("Shutdown command received via control socket");
+            ControlResponse::Ok {
+                message: "Shutdown not yet implemented".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Session lifecycle commands (TODO: implement these properly)
+        ControlCommand::JoinSession { session_code } => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: format!("JoinSession not yet implemented (requested: {})", session_code),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::LeaveSession => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "LeaveSession not yet implemented".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::GetSessionInfo => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "GetSessionInfo not yet implemented".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::ListSessions => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "ListSessions not yet implemented".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::DeleteSession { session_code } => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: format!("DeleteSession not yet implemented (requested: {})", session_code),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::ListPeers => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "ListPeers not yet implemented".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::SpawnEntity { .. } => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "SpawnEntity not available on session-level socket. Use app-level socket.".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+        ControlCommand::DeleteEntity { .. } => {
+            ControlResponse::Error {
+                error: "DeleteEntity not available on session-level socket. Use app-level socket.".to_string(),
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Send a response back through the Unix socket
+#[cfg(not(target_os = "ios"))]
+#[cfg(debug_assertions)]
+async fn send_response(
+    stream: &mut tokio::net::UnixStream,
+    response: ControlResponse,
+) -> Result<()> {
+    use tokio::io::AsyncWriteExt;
+
+    let bytes = response.to_bytes()?;
+    let len = bytes.len() as u32;
+
+    // Write length prefix
+    stream.write_all(&len.to_le_bytes()).await?;
+    // Write response bytes
+    stream.write_all(&bytes).await?;
+    stream.flush().await?;
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+// No-op stub for iOS builds
+#[cfg(target_os = "ios")]
+pub fn spawn_control_socket(_session_id: SessionId, _bridge: GossipBridge, _node_id: Uuid) {}
+
+// No-op stub for release builds
+#[cfg(all(not(target_os = "ios"), not(debug_assertions)))]
+pub fn spawn_control_socket(_session_id: SessionId, _bridge: GossipBridge, _node_id: Uuid) {
+    // TODO(#135): Implement secure control socket for release builds with authentication
+}

crates/app/src/setup/mod.rs

@@ -47,11 +47,15 @@
 //! 2. **Tokio → Bevy**: GossipBridge's internal queue (push_incoming)
 //! 3. **Thread handoff**: crossbeam_channel (one-time GossipBridge transfer)
 
+mod control_socket;
+
 use anyhow::Result;
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use libmarathon::networking::{GossipBridge, SessionId};
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
+use control_socket::spawn_control_socket;
+
 /// Session ID to use for network initialization
 ///
 /// This resource must be inserted before setup_gossip_networking runs.
@@ -222,11 +226,12 @@ async fn init_gossip(session_id: SessionId) -> Result<GossipBridge> {
     let (sender, mut receiver) = subscribe_handle.split();
 
     // Wait for join (with timeout since we might be the first node)
-    info!("Waiting for gossip join...");
-    match tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2), receiver.joined()).await {
-        | Ok(Ok(())) => info!("Joined gossip swarm"),
+    // Increased timeout to 10s to allow mDNS discovery to work
+    info!("Waiting for gossip join (10s timeout for mDNS discovery)...");
+    match tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(10), receiver.joined()).await {
+        | Ok(Ok(())) => info!("Joined gossip swarm successfully"),
         | Ok(Err(e)) => warn!("Join error: {} (proceeding anyway)", e),
-        | Err(_) => info!("Join timeout (first node in swarm)"),
+        | Err(_) => info!("Join timeout - likely first node in swarm (proceeding anyway)"),
     }
 
     // Create bridge
@@ -236,6 +241,9 @@ async fn init_gossip(session_id: SessionId) -> Result<GossipBridge> {
     // Spawn forwarding tasks - pass endpoint, router, gossip to keep them alive
     spawn_bridge_tasks(sender, receiver, bridge.clone(), endpoint, router, gossip);
 
+    // Spawn control socket server for remote control (debug only)
+    spawn_control_socket(session_id, bridge.clone(), node_id);
+
     Ok(bridge)
 }
 
@@ -285,7 +293,7 @@ fn spawn_bridge_tasks(
 
         loop {
             if let Some(msg) = bridge_out.try_recv_outgoing() {
-                if let Ok(bytes) = bincode::serialize(&msg) {
+                if let Ok(bytes) = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg).map(|b| b.to_vec()) {
                     if let Err(e) = sender.broadcast(Bytes::from(bytes)).await {
                         error!("[Node {}] Broadcast failed: {}", node_id, e);
                     }
@@ -301,14 +309,26 @@ fn spawn_bridge_tasks(
         loop {
             match tokio::time::timeout(Duration::from_millis(100), receiver.next()).await {
                 | Ok(Some(Ok(event))) => {
-                    if let iroh_gossip::api::Event::Received(msg) = event {
+                    match event {
+                        | iroh_gossip::api::Event::Received(msg) => {
+                            info!("[Node {}] Received message from gossip", node_id);
                             if let Ok(versioned_msg) =
-                            bincode::deserialize::<VersionedMessage>(&msg.content)
+                                rkyv::from_bytes::<VersionedMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg.content)
                             {
                                 if let Err(e) = bridge_in.push_incoming(versioned_msg) {
                                     error!("[Node {}] Push incoming failed: {}", node_id, e);
                                 }
                             }
+                        },
+                        | iroh_gossip::api::Event::NeighborUp(peer_id) => {
+                            info!("[Node {}] Peer connected: {}", node_id, peer_id);
+                        },
+                        | iroh_gossip::api::Event::NeighborDown(peer_id) => {
+                            warn!("[Node {}] Peer disconnected: {}", node_id, peer_id);
+                        },
+                        | iroh_gossip::api::Event::Lagged => {
+                            warn!("[Node {}] Event stream lagged - some events may have been missed", node_id);
+                        },
                     }
                 },
                 | Ok(Some(Err(e))) => error!("[Node {}] Receiver error: {}", node_id, e),

crates/app/tests/cube_sync_headless.rs

@@ -107,13 +107,11 @@ mod test_utils {
             },
         ));
 
-        // Register cube component types for reflection
-        app.register_type::<CubeMarker>();
-
         app
     }
 
     /// Count entities with CubeMarker component
+    #[allow(dead_code)]
     pub fn count_cubes(world: &mut World) -> usize {
         let mut query = world.query::<&CubeMarker>();
         query.iter(world).count()
@@ -308,7 +306,7 @@ mod test_utils {
                         "[Node {}] Sending message #{} via gossip",
                         node_id, msg_count
                     );
-                    match bincode::serialize(&versioned_msg) {
+                    match rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&versioned_msg).map(|b| b.to_vec()) {
                         | Ok(bytes) => {
                             if let Err(e) = sender.broadcast(Bytes::from(bytes)).await {
                                 eprintln!("[Node {}] Failed to broadcast message: {}", node_id, e);
@@ -349,7 +347,7 @@ mod test_utils {
                                 "[Node {}] Received message #{} from gossip",
                                 node_id, msg_count
                             );
-                            match bincode::deserialize::<VersionedMessage>(&msg.content) {
+                            match rkyv::from_bytes::<VersionedMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg.content) {
                                 | Ok(versioned_msg) => {
                                     if let Err(e) = bridge_in.push_incoming(versioned_msg) {
                                         eprintln!(
@@ -424,7 +422,7 @@ async fn test_cube_spawn_and_sync() -> Result<()> {
     let spawned_entity = app1
         .world_mut()
         .spawn((
-            CubeMarker,
+            CubeMarker::with_color(Color::srgb(0.8, 0.3, 0.6), 1.0),
             Transform::from_xyz(1.0, 2.0, 3.0),
             GlobalTransform::default(),
             NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_id, node1_id),

crates/libmarathon/Cargo.toml

@@ -1,52 +1,109 @@
 [package]
 name = "libmarathon"
-version = "0.1.0"
+version = "0.1.1"
 edition.workspace = true
+description = "A peer-to-peer game engine development kit with CRDT-based state synchronization"
+license = "MIT"
+repository = "https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon"
+homepage = "https://github.com/r3t-studios/marathon"
+readme = "../../README.md"
+keywords = ["gamedev", "p2p", "crdt", "multiplayer", "bevy"]
+categories = ["game-engines", "network-programming"]
 
 [dependencies]
 anyhow.workspace = true
-arboard = "3.4"
 bevy.workspace = true
-bincode = "1.3"
+rkyv.workspace = true
+
+# Bevy subcrates required by vendored rendering (bevy_render, bevy_core_pipeline, bevy_pbr)
+bevy_app = "0.17.2"
+bevy_asset = "0.17.2"
+bevy_camera = "0.17.2"
+bevy_color = "0.17.2"
+bevy_derive = "0.17.2"
+bevy_diagnostic = "0.17.2"
+bevy_ecs = "0.17.2"
+bevy_encase_derive = "0.17.2"
+bevy_image = "0.17.2"
+bevy_light = "0.17.2"
+bevy_math = "0.17.2"
+bevy_mesh = "0.17.2"
+bevy_platform = { version = "0.17.2", default-features = false }
+bevy_reflect = "0.17.2"
+libmarathon-macros = { version = "0.1.1", path = "../macros" }
+bevy_shader = "0.17.2"
+bevy_tasks = "0.17.2"
+bevy_time = "0.17.2"
+bevy_transform = "0.17.2"
+bevy_utils = "0.17.2"
+bevy_window = "0.17.2"
+
+# Additional dependencies required by vendored rendering crates
+wgpu = { version = "26", default-features = false, features = ["dx12", "metal"] }
+naga = { version = "26", features = ["wgsl-in"] }
+downcast-rs = { version = "2", default-features = false, features = ["std"] }
+derive_more = { version = "2", default-features = false, features = ["from"] }
+image = { version = "0.25.2", default-features = false }
+bitflags = { version = "2.3", features = ["bytemuck"] }
+fixedbitset = "0.5"
+radsort = "0.1"
+nonmax = "0.5"
+smallvec = { version = "1", default-features = false }
+indexmap = "2.0"
+async-channel = "2.3"
+offset-allocator = "0.2"
+variadics_please = "1.1"
+static_assertions = "1.1"
+
 blake3 = "1.5"
 blocking = "1.6"
+hex.workspace = true
 bytemuck = { version = "1.14", features = ["derive"] }
-bytes = "1.0"
-chrono = { version = "0.4", features = ["serde"] }
+bytes.workspace = true
+chrono.workspace = true
 crdts.workspace = true
-crossbeam-channel = "0.5"
+crossbeam-channel.workspace = true
 dirs = "5.0"
-egui = { version = "0.33", default-features = false, features = ["bytemuck", "default_fonts"] }
-encase = { version = "0.10", features = ["glam"] }
-futures-lite = "2.0"
-glam = "0.29"
+egui.workspace = true
+encase = { version = "0.11", features = ["glam"] }
+futures-lite.workspace = true
+glam.workspace = true
+inventory.workspace = true
 iroh = { workspace = true, features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
 iroh-gossip.workspace = true
+pkarr = "5.0"
 itertools = "0.14"
-rand = "0.8"
-raw-window-handle = "0.6"
-rusqlite = { version = "0.37.0", features = ["bundled"] }
-serde = { version = "1.0", features = ["derive"] }
+rand.workspace = true
+rusqlite.workspace = true
+rustc-hash = "2.1"
+serde.workspace = true
 serde_json.workspace = true
 sha2 = "0.10"
-sync-macros = { path = "../sync-macros" }
-thiserror = "2.0"
+thiserror.workspace = true
 tokio.workspace = true
+tokio-util.workspace = true
 toml.workspace = true
 tracing.workspace = true
-uuid = { version = "1.0", features = ["v4", "serde"] }
+uuid.workspace = true
 wgpu-types = "26.0"
-winit = "0.30"
+winit.workspace = true
+
+[target.'cfg(target_os = "ios")'.dependencies]
+tracing-oslog = "0.3"
 
 [dev-dependencies]
 tokio.workspace = true
 iroh = { workspace = true, features = ["discovery-local-network"] }
 iroh-gossip.workspace = true
-futures-lite = "2.0"
-tempfile = "3"
+futures-lite.workspace = true
+tempfile.workspace = true
 proptest = "1.4"
 criterion = "0.5"
 
+[features]
+# Feature to skip expensive networking operations in tests
+fast_tests = []
+
 [[bench]]
 name = "write_buffer"
 harness = false

crates/libmarathon/src/debug_ui/input.rs

@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ impl WindowToEguiContextMap {
         // NOTE: We don't use bevy_winit since we own the event loop
         // event_loop_proxy: Res<bevy_winit::EventLoopProxyWrapper<bevy_winit::WakeUp>>,
     ) {
-        for (egui_context_entity, camera, egui_context) in added_contexts {
+        for (egui_context_entity, camera, _egui_context) in added_contexts {
             if let bevy::camera::RenderTarget::Window(window_ref) = camera.target
                 && let Some(window_ref) = window_ref.normalize(primary_window.single().ok())
             {
@@ -1509,6 +1509,17 @@ pub fn custom_input_system(
                 }
             }
 
+            InputEvent::Text { text } => {
+                // Send text input to egui
+                for (entity, _settings, _pointer_pos) in egui_contexts.iter() {
+                    egui_input_message_writer.write(EguiInputEvent {
+                        context: entity,
+                        event: egui::Event::Text(text.clone()),
+                    });
+                    messages_written += 1;
+                }
+            }
+
             _ => {
                 // Ignore stylus and touch events for now
             }

crates/libmarathon/src/debug_ui/output.rs

@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ pub fn process_output_system(
     egui_global_settings: Res<EguiGlobalSettings>,
     window_to_egui_context_map: Res<WindowToEguiContextMap>,
 ) {
-    let mut should_request_redraw = false;
+    let mut _should_request_redraw = false;
 
     for (entity, mut context, mut full_output, mut render_output, mut egui_output, settings) in
         context_query.iter_mut()
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ pub fn process_output_system(
         }
 
         let needs_repaint = !render_output.is_empty();
-        should_request_redraw |= ctx.has_requested_repaint() && needs_repaint;
+        _should_request_redraw |= ctx.has_requested_repaint() && needs_repaint;
     }
 
     // NOTE: RequestRedraw not needed - we own winit and run unbounded (continuous redraws)

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/commands.rs

@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ use crate::networking::SessionId;
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
-/// Commands that Bevy sends to the Core Engine
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 pub enum EngineCommand {
     // Networking lifecycle
@@ -47,4 +46,7 @@ pub enum EngineCommand {
 
     // Clock
     TickClock,
+
+    // Lifecycle
+    Shutdown,
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/core.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 //! Core Engine event loop - runs on tokio outside Bevy
 
 use tokio::task::JoinHandle;
+use tokio_util::sync::CancellationToken;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
 use super::{EngineCommand, EngineEvent, EngineHandle, NetworkingManager, PersistenceManager};
@@ -9,6 +10,7 @@ use crate::networking::{SessionId, VectorClock};
 pub struct EngineCore {
     handle: EngineHandle,
     networking_task: Option<JoinHandle<()>>,
+    networking_cancel_token: Option<CancellationToken>,
     #[allow(dead_code)]
     persistence: PersistenceManager,
 
@@ -28,6 +30,7 @@ impl EngineCore {
         Self {
             handle,
             networking_task: None, // Start offline
+            networking_cancel_token: None,
             persistence,
             node_id,
             clock,
@@ -41,13 +44,19 @@ impl EngineCore {
 
         // Process commands as they arrive
         while let Some(cmd) = self.handle.command_rx.recv().await {
-            self.handle_command(cmd).await;
+            let should_continue = self.handle_command(cmd).await;
+            if !should_continue {
+                tracing::info!("EngineCore received shutdown command");
+                break;
+            }
         }
 
-        tracing::info!("EngineCore shutting down (command channel closed)");
+        tracing::info!("EngineCore shutting down");
     }
 
-    async fn handle_command(&mut self, cmd: EngineCommand) {
+    /// Handle a command from Bevy
+    /// Returns true to continue running, false to shutdown
+    async fn handle_command(&mut self, cmd: EngineCommand) -> bool {
         match cmd {
             EngineCommand::StartNetworking { session_id } => {
                 self.start_networking(session_id).await;
@@ -62,20 +71,36 @@ impl EngineCore {
                 self.stop_networking().await;
             }
             EngineCommand::SaveSession => {
-                // TODO: Save current session state
-                tracing::debug!("SaveSession command received (stub)");
+                // Session state is auto-saved by save_session_on_shutdown_system in Bevy
+                // This command is a no-op, as persistence is handled by Bevy systems
+                tracing::debug!("SaveSession command received (session auto-save handled by Bevy)");
             }
             EngineCommand::LoadSession { session_id } => {
-                tracing::debug!("LoadSession command received for {} (stub)", session_id.to_code());
+                // Loading a session means switching to a different session
+                // This requires restarting networking with the new session
+                tracing::info!("LoadSession command received for {}", session_id.to_code());
+
+                // Stop current networking if any
+                if self.networking_task.is_some() {
+                    self.stop_networking().await;
+                }
+
+                // Start networking with the new session
+                self.start_networking(session_id).await;
             }
             EngineCommand::TickClock => {
                 self.tick_clock();
             }
+            EngineCommand::Shutdown => {
+                tracing::info!("Shutdown command received");
+                return false;
+            }
             // TODO: Handle CRDT and lock commands in Phase 2
             _ => {
                 tracing::debug!("Unhandled command: {:?}", cmd);
             }
         }
+        true
     }
 
     fn tick_clock(&mut self) {
@@ -93,38 +118,92 @@ impl EngineCore {
             return;
         }
 
-        match NetworkingManager::new(session_id.clone()).await {
-            Ok(net_manager) => {
-                let node_id = net_manager.node_id();
-
-                // Spawn NetworkingManager in background task
-                let event_tx = self.handle.event_tx.clone();
-                let task = tokio::spawn(async move {
-                    net_manager.run(event_tx).await;
-                });
-
-                self.networking_task = Some(task);
+        tracing::info!("Starting networking initialization for session {}", session_id.to_code());
 
+        // Test mode: Skip actual networking and send event immediately
+        #[cfg(feature = "fast_tests")]
+        {
+            let bridge = crate::networking::GossipBridge::new(self.node_id);
             let _ = self.handle.event_tx.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingStarted {
+                session_id: session_id.clone(),
+                node_id: self.node_id,
+                bridge,
+            });
+            tracing::info!("Networking started (test mode) for session {}", session_id.to_code());
+
+            // Create a dummy task that just waits
+            let task = tokio::spawn(async {
+                tokio::time::sleep(tokio::time::Duration::from_secs(3600)).await;
+            });
+            self.networking_task = Some(task);
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Create cancellation token for graceful shutdown
+        let cancel_token = CancellationToken::new();
+        let cancel_token_clone = cancel_token.clone();
+
+        // Spawn NetworkingManager initialization in background to avoid blocking
+        // DHT peer discovery can take 15+ seconds with retries
+        let event_tx = self.handle.event_tx.clone();
+
+        // Create channel for progress updates
+        let (progress_tx, mut progress_rx) = tokio::sync::mpsc::unbounded_channel();
+
+        // Spawn task to forward progress updates to Bevy
+        let event_tx_clone = event_tx.clone();
+        let session_id_clone = session_id.clone();
+        tokio::spawn(async move {
+            while let Some(status) = progress_rx.recv().await {
+                let _ = event_tx_clone.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingInitializing {
+                    session_id: session_id_clone.clone(),
+                    status,
+                });
+            }
+        });
+
+        let task = tokio::spawn(async move {
+            match NetworkingManager::new(session_id.clone(), Some(progress_tx), cancel_token_clone.clone()).await {
+                Ok((net_manager, bridge)) => {
+                    let node_id = net_manager.node_id();
+
+                    // Notify Bevy that networking started
+                    let _ = event_tx.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingStarted {
                         session_id: session_id.clone(),
                         node_id,
+                        bridge,
                     });
                     tracing::info!("Networking started for session {}", session_id.to_code());
+
+                    // Run the networking manager loop with cancellation support
+                    net_manager.run(event_tx.clone(), cancel_token_clone).await;
                 }
                 Err(e) => {
-                let _ = self.handle.event_tx.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingFailed {
+                    let _ = event_tx.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingFailed {
                         error: e.to_string(),
                     });
                     tracing::error!("Failed to start networking: {}", e);
                 }
             }
+        });
+
+        self.networking_task = Some(task);
+        self.networking_cancel_token = Some(cancel_token);
     }
 
     async fn stop_networking(&mut self) {
+        // Cancel the task gracefully
+        if let Some(cancel_token) = self.networking_cancel_token.take() {
+            cancel_token.cancel();
+            tracing::info!("Networking cancellation requested");
+        }
+
+        // Abort the task immediately - don't wait for graceful shutdown
+        // This is fine because NetworkingManager doesn't hold critical resources
         if let Some(task) = self.networking_task.take() {
-            task.abort(); // Cancel the networking task
+            task.abort();
+            tracing::info!("Networking task aborted");
             let _ = self.handle.event_tx.send(EngineEvent::NetworkingStopped);
-            tracing::info!("Networking stopped");
         }
     }
 

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/events.rs

@@ -4,13 +4,33 @@ use crate::networking::{NodeId, SessionId, VectorClock};
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
-/// Events that the Core Engine emits to Bevy
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub enum NetworkingInitStatus {
+    CreatingEndpoint,
+    EndpointReady,
+    DiscoveringPeers {
+        session_code: String,
+        attempt: u8,
+    },
+    PeersFound {
+        count: usize,
+    },
+    NoPeersFound,
+    PublishingToDHT,
+    InitializingGossip,
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 pub enum EngineEvent {
     // Networking status
+    NetworkingInitializing {
+        session_id: SessionId,
+        status: NetworkingInitStatus,
+    },
     NetworkingStarted {
         session_id: SessionId,
         node_id: NodeId,
+        bridge: crate::networking::GossipBridge,
     },
     NetworkingFailed {
         error: String,

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/mod.rs

@@ -14,12 +14,13 @@ mod core;
 mod events;
 mod game_actions;
 mod networking;
+mod peer_discovery;
 mod persistence;
 
 pub use bridge::{EngineBridge, EngineHandle};
 pub use commands::EngineCommand;
 pub use core::EngineCore;
-pub use events::EngineEvent;
+pub use events::{EngineEvent, NetworkingInitStatus};
 pub use game_actions::GameAction;
 pub use networking::NetworkingManager;
 pub use persistence::PersistenceManager;

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/networking.rs

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ use crate::networking::{
 };
 
 use super::EngineEvent;
+use super::events::NetworkingInitStatus;
 
 pub struct NetworkingManager {
     session_id: SessionId,
@@ -26,6 +27,9 @@ pub struct NetworkingManager {
     _router: iroh::protocol::Router,
     _gossip: iroh_gossip::net::Gossip,
 
+    // Bridge to Bevy for message passing
+    bridge: crate::networking::GossipBridge,
+
     // CRDT state
     vector_clock: VectorClock,
     operation_log: OperationLog,
@@ -37,9 +41,19 @@ pub struct NetworkingManager {
 }
 
 impl NetworkingManager {
-    pub async fn new(session_id: SessionId) -> anyhow::Result<Self> {
+    pub async fn new(
+        session_id: SessionId,
+        progress_tx: Option<tokio::sync::mpsc::UnboundedSender<NetworkingInitStatus>>,
+        cancel_token: tokio_util::sync::CancellationToken,
+    ) -> anyhow::Result<(Self, crate::networking::GossipBridge)> {
+        let send_progress = |status: NetworkingInitStatus| {
+            if let Some(ref tx) = progress_tx {
+                let _ = tx.send(status.clone());
+            }
+            tracing::info!("Networking init: {:?}", status);
+        };
         use iroh::{
-            discovery::mdns::MdnsDiscovery,
+            discovery::pkarr::dht::DhtDiscovery,
             protocol::Router,
             Endpoint,
         };
@@ -48,12 +62,24 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
             proto::TopicId,
         };
 
-        // Create iroh endpoint with mDNS discovery
+        // Check for cancellation at start
+        if cancel_token.is_cancelled() {
+            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("Initialization cancelled before start"));
+        }
+
+        send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::CreatingEndpoint);
+
+        // Create iroh endpoint with DHT discovery
+        // This allows peers to discover each other over the internet via Mainline DHT
+        // Security comes from the secret session-derived ALPN, not network isolation
+        let dht_discovery = DhtDiscovery::builder().build()?;
         let endpoint = Endpoint::builder()
-            .discovery(MdnsDiscovery::builder())
+            .discovery(dht_discovery)
             .bind()
             .await?;
 
+        send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::EndpointReady);
+
         let endpoint_id = endpoint.addr().id;
 
         // Convert endpoint ID to NodeId (using first 16 bytes)
@@ -62,20 +88,89 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
         node_id_bytes.copy_from_slice(&id_bytes[..16]);
         let node_id = NodeId::from_bytes(node_id_bytes);
 
-        // Create gossip protocol
-        let gossip = Gossip::builder().spawn(endpoint.clone());
+        // Create pkarr client for DHT peer discovery
+        let pkarr_client = pkarr::Client::builder()
+            .no_default_network()
+            .dht(|x| x)
+            .build()?;
+
+        // Discover existing peers from DHT with retries
+        // Retry immediately without delays - if peers aren't in DHT yet, they'll appear soon
+        let mut peer_endpoint_ids = vec![];
+        for attempt in 1..=3 {
+            // Check for cancellation before each attempt
+            if cancel_token.is_cancelled() {
+                tracing::info!("Networking initialization cancelled during DHT discovery");
+                return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("Initialization cancelled"));
+            }
+
+            send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::DiscoveringPeers {
+                session_code: session_id.to_code().to_string(),
+                attempt,
+            });
+            match crate::engine::peer_discovery::discover_peers_from_dht(&session_id, &pkarr_client).await {
+                Ok(peers) if !peers.is_empty() => {
+                    let count = peers.len();
+                    peer_endpoint_ids = peers;
+                    send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::PeersFound {
+                        count,
+                    });
+                    break;
+                }
+                Ok(_) if attempt == 3 => {
+                    // Last attempt and no peers found
+                    send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::NoPeersFound);
+                }
+                Ok(_) => {
+                    // No peers found, but will retry immediately
+                }
+                Err(e) => {
+                    tracing::warn!("DHT query attempt {} failed: {}", attempt, e);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Check for cancellation before publishing
+        if cancel_token.is_cancelled() {
+            tracing::info!("Networking initialization cancelled before DHT publish");
+            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("Initialization cancelled"));
+        }
+
+        // Publish our presence to DHT
+        send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::PublishingToDHT);
+        if let Err(e) = crate::engine::peer_discovery::publish_peer_to_dht(
+            &session_id,
+            endpoint_id,
+            &pkarr_client,
+        )
+        .await
+        {
+            tracing::warn!("Failed to publish to DHT: {}", e);
+        }
+
+        // Check for cancellation before gossip initialization
+        if cancel_token.is_cancelled() {
+            tracing::info!("Networking initialization cancelled before gossip init");
+            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("Initialization cancelled"));
+        }
 
         // Derive session-specific ALPN for network isolation
         let session_alpn = session_id.to_alpn();
 
+        // Create gossip protocol with custom session ALPN
+        send_progress(NetworkingInitStatus::InitializingGossip);
+        let gossip = Gossip::builder()
+            .alpn(&session_alpn)
+            .spawn(endpoint.clone());
+
         // Set up router to accept session ALPN
         let router = Router::builder(endpoint.clone())
             .accept(session_alpn.as_slice(), gossip.clone())
             .spawn();
 
-        // Subscribe to topic derived from session ALPN
+        // Subscribe to topic with discovered peers as bootstrap
         let topic_id = TopicId::from_bytes(session_alpn);
-        let subscribe_handle = gossip.subscribe(topic_id, vec![]).await?;
+        let subscribe_handle = gossip.subscribe(topic_id, peer_endpoint_ids).await?;
 
         let (sender, receiver) = subscribe_handle.split();
 
@@ -85,6 +180,19 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
             node_id
         );
 
+        // Create GossipBridge for Bevy integration
+        let bridge = crate::networking::GossipBridge::new(node_id);
+
+        // Spawn background task to maintain DHT presence
+        let session_id_clone = session_id.clone();
+        let cancel_token_clone = cancel_token.clone();
+        tokio::spawn(crate::engine::peer_discovery::maintain_dht_presence(
+            session_id_clone,
+            endpoint_id,
+            pkarr_client,
+            cancel_token_clone,
+        ));
+
         let manager = Self {
             session_id,
             node_id,
@@ -93,6 +201,7 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
             _endpoint: endpoint,
             _router: router,
             _gossip: gossip,
+            bridge: bridge.clone(),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
             operation_log: OperationLog::new(),
             tombstones: TombstoneRegistry::new(),
@@ -100,7 +209,7 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
             our_locks: std::collections::HashSet::new(),
         };
 
-        Ok(manager)
+        Ok((manager, bridge))
     }
 
     pub fn node_id(&self) -> NodeId {
@@ -112,20 +221,98 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
     }
 
     /// Process gossip events (unbounded) and periodic tasks (heartbeats, lock cleanup)
-    pub async fn run(mut self, event_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<EngineEvent>) {
+    /// Also bridges messages between iroh-gossip and Bevy's GossipBridge
+    pub async fn run(mut self, event_tx: mpsc::UnboundedSender<EngineEvent>, cancel_token: tokio_util::sync::CancellationToken) {
         let mut heartbeat_interval = time::interval(Duration::from_secs(1));
+        let mut bridge_poll_interval = time::interval(Duration::from_millis(10));
 
         loop {
             tokio::select! {
-                // Process gossip events unbounded (as fast as they arrive)
+                // Listen for shutdown signal
+                _ = cancel_token.cancelled() => {
+                    tracing::info!("NetworkingManager received shutdown signal");
+                    break;
+                }
+                // Process incoming gossip messages and forward to GossipBridge
                 Some(result) = self.receiver.next() => {
                     match result {
                         Ok(event) => {
                             use iroh_gossip::api::Event;
-                            if let Event::Received(msg) = event {
-                                self.handle_sync_message(&msg.content, &event_tx).await;
+                            match event {
+                                Event::Received(msg) => {
+                                    // Deserialize and forward to GossipBridge for Bevy systems
+                                    if let Ok(versioned) = rkyv::from_bytes::<VersionedMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg.content) {
+                                        // Diagnostic logging: track message type and nonce
+                                        let msg_type = match &versioned.message {
+                                            SyncMessage::EntityDelta { entity_id, .. } => {
+                                                format!("EntityDelta({})", entity_id)
+                                            }
+                                            SyncMessage::JoinRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                                                format!("JoinRequest({})", node_id)
+                                            }
+                                            SyncMessage::FullState { entities, .. } => {
+                                                format!("FullState({} entities)", entities.len())
+                                            }
+                                            SyncMessage::SyncRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                                                format!("SyncRequest({})", node_id)
+                                            }
+                                            SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => {
+                                                format!("MissingDeltas({} ops)", deltas.len())
+                                            }
+                                            SyncMessage::Lock(lock_msg) => {
+                                                format!("Lock({:?})", lock_msg)
+                                            }
+                                        };
+
+                                        tracing::debug!(
+                                            "[NetworkingManager::receive] Node {} received from iroh-gossip: {} (nonce: {})",
+                                            self.node_id, msg_type, versioned.nonce
+                                        );
+
+                                        if let Err(e) = self.bridge.push_incoming(versioned) {
+                                            tracing::error!("Failed to forward {} to GossipBridge: {}", msg_type, e);
+                                        } else {
+                                            tracing::debug!(
+                                                "[NetworkingManager::receive] ✓ Forwarded {} to Bevy GossipBridge",
+                                                msg_type
+                                            );
+                                        }
+                                    } else {
+                                        tracing::warn!("Failed to deserialize message from iroh-gossip");
+                                    }
+                                }
+                                Event::NeighborUp(peer) => {
+                                    tracing::info!("Peer connected: {}", peer);
+
+                                    // Convert PublicKey to NodeId for Bevy
+                                    let peer_bytes = peer.as_bytes();
+                                    let mut node_id_bytes = [0u8; 16];
+                                    node_id_bytes.copy_from_slice(&peer_bytes[..16]);
+                                    let peer_node_id = NodeId::from_bytes(node_id_bytes);
+
+                                    // Notify Bevy of peer join
+                                    let _ = event_tx.send(EngineEvent::PeerJoined {
+                                        node_id: peer_node_id,
+                                    });
+                                }
+                                Event::NeighborDown(peer) => {
+                                    tracing::warn!("Peer disconnected: {}", peer);
+
+                                    // Convert PublicKey to NodeId for Bevy
+                                    let peer_bytes = peer.as_bytes();
+                                    let mut node_id_bytes = [0u8; 16];
+                                    node_id_bytes.copy_from_slice(&peer_bytes[..16]);
+                                    let peer_node_id = NodeId::from_bytes(node_id_bytes);
+
+                                    // Notify Bevy of peer leave
+                                    let _ = event_tx.send(EngineEvent::PeerLeft {
+                                        node_id: peer_node_id,
+                                    });
+                                }
+                                Event::Lagged => {
+                                    tracing::warn!("Event stream lagged");
+                                }
                             }
-                            // Note: Neighbor events are not exposed in the current API
                         }
                         Err(e) => {
                             tracing::warn!("Gossip receiver error: {}", e);
@@ -133,6 +320,58 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
                     }
                 }
 
+                // Poll GossipBridge for outgoing messages and broadcast via iroh
+                _ = bridge_poll_interval.tick() => {
+                    let mut sent_count = 0;
+                    while let Some(msg) = self.bridge.try_recv_outgoing() {
+                        // Diagnostic logging: track message type and nonce
+                        let msg_type = match &msg.message {
+                            SyncMessage::EntityDelta { entity_id, .. } => {
+                                format!("EntityDelta({})", entity_id)
+                            }
+                            SyncMessage::JoinRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                                format!("JoinRequest({})", node_id)
+                            }
+                            SyncMessage::FullState { entities, .. } => {
+                                format!("FullState({} entities)", entities.len())
+                            }
+                            SyncMessage::SyncRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                                format!("SyncRequest({})", node_id)
+                            }
+                            SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => {
+                                format!("MissingDeltas({} ops)", deltas.len())
+                            }
+                            SyncMessage::Lock(lock_msg) => {
+                                format!("Lock({:?})", lock_msg)
+                            }
+                        };
+
+                        tracing::debug!(
+                            "[NetworkingManager::broadcast] Node {} broadcasting: {} (nonce: {})",
+                            self.node_id, msg_type, msg.nonce
+                        );
+
+                        if let Ok(bytes) = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg).map(|b| b.to_vec()) {
+                            if let Err(e) = self.sender.broadcast(Bytes::from(bytes)).await {
+                                tracing::error!("Failed to broadcast {} to iroh-gossip: {}", msg_type, e);
+                            } else {
+                                sent_count += 1;
+                                tracing::debug!(
+                                    "[NetworkingManager::broadcast] ✓ Sent {} to iroh-gossip network",
+                                    msg_type
+                                );
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+
+                    if sent_count > 0 {
+                        tracing::info!(
+                            "[NetworkingManager::broadcast] Node {} sent {} messages to iroh-gossip network",
+                            self.node_id, sent_count
+                        );
+                    }
+                }
+
                 // Periodic tasks: heartbeats and lock cleanup
                 _ = heartbeat_interval.tick() => {
                     self.broadcast_lock_heartbeats(&event_tx).await;
@@ -145,7 +384,7 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
 
     async fn handle_sync_message(&mut self, msg_bytes: &[u8], event_tx: &mpsc::UnboundedSender<EngineEvent>) {
         // Deserialize SyncMessage
-        let versioned: VersionedMessage = match bincode::deserialize(msg_bytes) {
+        let versioned: VersionedMessage = match rkyv::from_bytes::<VersionedMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(msg_bytes) {
             Ok(v) => v,
             Err(e) => {
                 tracing::warn!("Failed to deserialize sync message: {}", e);
@@ -214,7 +453,7 @@ impl NetworkingManager {
                 holder: self.node_id,
             }));
 
-            if let Ok(bytes) = bincode::serialize(&msg) {
+            if let Ok(bytes) = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&msg).map(|b| b.to_vec()) {
                 let _ = self.sender.broadcast(Bytes::from(bytes)).await;
             }
         }

crates/libmarathon/src/engine/peer_discovery.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+//! DHT-based peer discovery for session collaboration
+//!
+//! Each peer publishes their EndpointId to the DHT using a session-derived pkarr key.
+//! Other peers query the DHT to discover all peers in the session.
+
+use anyhow::Result;
+use iroh::EndpointId;
+use std::time::Duration;
+
+use crate::networking::SessionId;
+
+pub async fn publish_peer_to_dht(
+    session_id: &SessionId,
+    our_endpoint_id: EndpointId,
+    dht_client: &pkarr::Client,
+) -> Result<()> {
+    use pkarr::dns::{self, rdata};
+    use pkarr::dns::rdata::RData;
+
+    let keypair = session_id.to_pkarr_keypair();
+    let public_key = keypair.public_key();
+
+    // Query DHT for existing peers in this session
+    let existing_peers = match dht_client.resolve(&public_key).await {
+        Some(packet) => {
+            let mut peers = Vec::new();
+            for rr in packet.all_resource_records() {
+                if let RData::TXT(txt) = &rr.rdata {
+                    if let Ok(txt_str) = String::try_from(txt.clone()) {
+                        if let Some(hex) = txt_str.strip_prefix("peer=") {
+                            if let Ok(bytes) = hex::decode(hex) {
+                                if bytes.len() == 32 {
+                                    if let Ok(endpoint_id) = EndpointId::from_bytes(&bytes.try_into().unwrap()) {
+                                        // Don't include ourselves if we're already in the list
+                                        if endpoint_id != our_endpoint_id {
+                                            peers.push(endpoint_id);
+                                        }
+                                    }
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            peers
+        }
+        None => Vec::new(),
+    };
+
+    // Build packet with all peers (existing + ourselves)
+    let name = dns::Name::new("_peers").expect("constant");
+    let mut builder = pkarr::SignedPacket::builder();
+
+    // Add TXT record for each existing peer
+    for peer in existing_peers {
+        let peer_hex = hex::encode(peer.as_bytes());
+        let peer_str = format!("peer={}", peer_hex);
+        let mut txt = rdata::TXT::new();
+        txt.add_string(&peer_str)?;
+        builder = builder.txt(name.clone(), txt.into_owned(), 3600);
+    }
+
+    // Add TXT record for ourselves
+    let our_hex = hex::encode(our_endpoint_id.as_bytes());
+    let our_str = format!("peer={}", our_hex);
+    let mut our_txt = rdata::TXT::new();
+    our_txt.add_string(&our_str)?;
+    builder = builder.txt(name, our_txt.into_owned(), 3600);
+
+    // Build and sign the packet
+    let signed_packet = builder.build(&keypair)?;
+
+    // Publish to DHT
+    dht_client.publish(&signed_packet, None).await?;
+
+    tracing::info!(
+        "Published peer {} to DHT for session {}",
+        our_endpoint_id.fmt_short(),
+        session_id.to_code()
+    );
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+pub async fn discover_peers_from_dht(
+    session_id: &SessionId,
+    dht_client: &pkarr::Client,
+) -> Result<Vec<EndpointId>> {
+    use pkarr::dns::rdata::RData;
+    
+    let keypair = session_id.to_pkarr_keypair();
+    let public_key = keypair.public_key();
+    
+    // Query DHT for the session's public key
+    let signed_packet = match dht_client.resolve(&public_key).await {
+        Some(packet) => packet,
+        None => {
+            tracing::debug!("No peers found in DHT for session {}", session_id.to_code());
+            return Ok(vec![]);
+        }
+    };
+    
+    // Parse TXT records to extract peer endpoint IDs
+    let mut peers = Vec::new();
+    
+    for rr in signed_packet.all_resource_records() {
+        if let RData::TXT(txt) = &rr.rdata {
+            // Try to parse as a String
+            if let Ok(txt_str) = String::try_from(txt.clone()) {
+                // Parse "peer=<hex_endpoint_id>"
+                if let Some(hex) = txt_str.strip_prefix("peer=") {
+                    if let Ok(bytes) = hex::decode(hex) {
+                        if bytes.len() == 32 {
+                            if let Ok(endpoint_id) = EndpointId::from_bytes(&bytes.try_into().unwrap()) {
+                                peers.push(endpoint_id);
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
+    tracing::info!(
+        "Discovered {} peers from DHT for session {}",
+        peers.len(),
+        session_id.to_code()
+    );
+    
+    Ok(peers)
+}
+
+/// Periodically republishes our presence to the DHT
+///
+/// Should be called in a background task to maintain our DHT presence.
+/// Republishes every 30 minutes (well before the 1-hour TTL expires).
+pub async fn maintain_dht_presence(
+    session_id: SessionId,
+    our_endpoint_id: EndpointId,
+    dht_client: pkarr::Client,
+    cancel_token: tokio_util::sync::CancellationToken,
+) {
+    let mut interval = tokio::time::interval(Duration::from_secs(30 * 60)); // 30 minutes
+
+    loop {
+        tokio::select! {
+            _ = cancel_token.cancelled() => {
+                tracing::info!("DHT maintenance task shutting down");
+                break;
+            }
+            _ = interval.tick() => {
+                if let Err(e) = publish_peer_to_dht(&session_id, our_endpoint_id, &dht_client).await {
+                    tracing::warn!("Failed to republish to DHT: {}", e);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/lib.rs

@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ pub mod engine;
 pub mod networking;
 pub mod persistence;
 pub mod platform;
+pub mod render;  // Vendored Bevy rendering (bevy_render + bevy_core_pipeline + bevy_pbr)
+pub mod transform;  // Vendored Transform with rkyv support
+pub mod utils;
 pub mod sync;
 
 /// Unified Marathon plugin that bundles all core functionality.

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/apply_ops.rs

@@ -8,8 +8,7 @@ use std::collections::HashMap;
 use bevy::prelude::*;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
-use crate::{
-    networking::{
+use crate::networking::{
     VectorClock,
     blob_support::{
         BlobStore,
@@ -24,8 +23,6 @@ use crate::{
         SyncMessage,
     },
     operations::ComponentOp,
-    },
-    persistence::reflection::deserialize_component_typed,
 };
 
 /// Resource to track the last vector clock and originating node for each
@@ -168,6 +165,24 @@ pub fn apply_entity_delta(delta: &EntityDelta, world: &mut World) {
             );
         }
     }
+
+    // CRITICAL: Add marker to prevent feedback loop
+    //
+    // When we apply remote operations, insert_fn() triggers Bevy's change detection.
+    // This causes auto_detect_transform_changes_system to mark NetworkedEntity as changed,
+    // which would normally trigger generate_delta_system to broadcast it back, creating
+    // an infinite feedback loop.
+    //
+    // By adding SkipNextDeltaGeneration marker, we tell generate_delta_system to skip
+    // this entity for one frame. A cleanup system removes the marker after delta
+    // generation runs, allowing future local changes to be broadcast normally.
+    if let Ok(mut entity_mut) = world.get_entity_mut(entity) {
+        entity_mut.insert(crate::networking::SkipNextDeltaGeneration);
+        debug!(
+            "Added SkipNextDeltaGeneration marker to entity {:?} to prevent feedback loop",
+            delta.entity_id
+        );
+    }
 }
 
 /// Apply a single ComponentOp to an entity
@@ -177,35 +192,35 @@ pub fn apply_entity_delta(delta: &EntityDelta, world: &mut World) {
 fn apply_component_op(entity: Entity, op: &ComponentOp, incoming_node_id: Uuid, world: &mut World) {
     match op {
         | ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             data,
             vector_clock,
         } => {
             apply_set_operation_with_lww(
                 entity,
-                component_type,
+                *discriminant,
                 data,
                 vector_clock,
                 incoming_node_id,
                 world,
             );
         },
-        | ComponentOp::SetAdd { component_type, .. } => {
+        | ComponentOp::SetAdd { discriminant, .. } => {
             // OR-Set add - Phase 10 provides OrSet<T> type
             // Application code should use OrSet in components and handle SetAdd/SetRemove
             // Full integration will be in Phase 12 plugin
             debug!(
-                "SetAdd operation for {} (use OrSet<T> in components)",
-                component_type
+                "SetAdd operation for discriminant {} (use OrSet<T> in components)",
+                discriminant
             );
         },
-        | ComponentOp::SetRemove { component_type, .. } => {
+        | ComponentOp::SetRemove { discriminant, .. } => {
             // OR-Set remove - Phase 10 provides OrSet<T> type
             // Application code should use OrSet in components and handle SetAdd/SetRemove
             // Full integration will be in Phase 12 plugin
             debug!(
-                "SetRemove operation for {} (use OrSet<T> in components)",
-                component_type
+                "SetRemove operation for discriminant {} (use OrSet<T> in components)",
+                discriminant
             );
         },
         | ComponentOp::SequenceInsert { .. } => {
@@ -230,12 +245,30 @@ fn apply_component_op(entity: Entity, op: &ComponentOp, incoming_node_id: Uuid,
 /// Uses node_id as a deterministic tiebreaker for concurrent operations.
 fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
     entity: Entity,
-    component_type: &str,
+    discriminant: u16,
     data: &ComponentData,
     incoming_clock: &VectorClock,
     incoming_node_id: Uuid,
     world: &mut World,
 ) {
+    // Get component type name for logging and clock tracking
+    let type_registry = {
+        let registry_resource =
+            world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+        registry_resource.0
+    };
+
+    let component_type_name = match type_registry.get_type_name(discriminant) {
+        | Some(name) => name,
+        | None => {
+            error!(
+                "Unknown discriminant {} - component not registered",
+                discriminant
+            );
+            return;
+        },
+    };
+
     // Get the network ID for this entity
     let entity_network_id = {
         if let Ok(entity_ref) = world.get_entity(entity) {
@@ -255,7 +288,7 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
     let should_apply = {
         if let Some(component_clocks) = world.get_resource::<ComponentVectorClocks>() {
             if let Some((current_clock, current_node_id)) =
-                component_clocks.get(entity_network_id, component_type)
+                component_clocks.get(entity_network_id, component_type_name)
             {
                 // We have a current clock - do LWW comparison with real node IDs
                 let decision = compare_operations_lww(
@@ -269,14 +302,14 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
                     | crate::networking::merge::MergeDecision::ApplyRemote => {
                         debug!(
                             "Applying remote Set for {} (remote is newer)",
-                            component_type
+                            component_type_name
                         );
                         true
                     },
                     | crate::networking::merge::MergeDecision::KeepLocal => {
                         debug!(
                             "Ignoring remote Set for {} (local is newer)",
-                            component_type
+                            component_type_name
                         );
                         false
                     },
@@ -287,19 +320,22 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
                         if incoming_node_id > *current_node_id {
                             debug!(
                                 "Applying remote Set for {} (concurrent, remote node_id {:?} > local {:?})",
-                                component_type, incoming_node_id, current_node_id
+                                component_type_name, incoming_node_id, current_node_id
                             );
                             true
                         } else {
                             debug!(
                                 "Ignoring remote Set for {} (concurrent, local node_id {:?} >= remote {:?})",
-                                component_type, current_node_id, incoming_node_id
+                                component_type_name, current_node_id, incoming_node_id
                             );
                             false
                         }
                     },
                     | crate::networking::merge::MergeDecision::Equal => {
-                        debug!("Ignoring remote Set for {} (clocks equal)", component_type);
+                        debug!(
+                            "Ignoring remote Set for {} (clocks equal)",
+                            component_type_name
+                        );
                         false
                     },
                 }
@@ -307,7 +343,7 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
                 // No current clock - this is the first time we're setting this component
                 debug!(
                     "Applying remote Set for {} (no current clock)",
-                    component_type
+                    component_type_name
                 );
                 true
             }
@@ -323,19 +359,19 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
     }
 
     // Apply the operation
-    apply_set_operation(entity, component_type, data, world);
+    apply_set_operation(entity, discriminant, data, world);
 
     // Update the stored vector clock with node_id
     if let Some(mut component_clocks) = world.get_resource_mut::<ComponentVectorClocks>() {
         component_clocks.set(
             entity_network_id,
-            component_type.to_string(),
+            component_type_name.to_string(),
             incoming_clock.clone(),
             incoming_node_id,
         );
         debug!(
             "Updated vector clock for {} on entity {:?} (node_id: {:?})",
-            component_type, entity_network_id, incoming_node_id
+            component_type_name, entity_network_id, incoming_node_id
         );
     }
 }
@@ -344,17 +380,9 @@ fn apply_set_operation_with_lww(
 ///
 /// Deserializes the component and inserts/updates it on the entity.
 /// Handles both inline data and blob references.
-fn apply_set_operation(
-    entity: Entity,
-    component_type: &str,
-    data: &ComponentData,
-    world: &mut World,
-) {
-    let type_registry = {
-        let registry_resource = world.resource::<AppTypeRegistry>();
-        registry_resource.read()
-    };
+fn apply_set_operation(entity: Entity, discriminant: u16, data: &ComponentData, world: &mut World) {
     let blob_store = world.get_resource::<BlobStore>();
+
     // Get the actual data (resolve blob if needed)
     let data_bytes = match data {
         | ComponentData::Inline(bytes) => bytes.clone(),
@@ -364,61 +392,62 @@ fn apply_set_operation(
                     | Ok(bytes) => bytes,
                     | Err(e) => {
                         error!(
-                            "Failed to retrieve blob for component {}: {}",
-                            component_type, e
+                            "Failed to retrieve blob for discriminant {}: {}",
+                            discriminant, e
                         );
                         return;
                     },
                 }
             } else {
                 error!(
-                    "Blob reference for {} but no blob store available",
-                    component_type
+                    "Blob reference for discriminant {} but no blob store available",
+                    discriminant
                 );
                 return;
             }
         },
     };
 
-    let reflected = match deserialize_component_typed(&data_bytes, component_type, &type_registry) {
-        | Ok(reflected) => reflected,
-        | Err(e) => {
-            error!("Failed to deserialize component {}: {}", component_type, e);
-            return;
-        },
+    // Get component type registry
+    let type_registry = {
+        let registry_resource =
+            world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+        registry_resource.0
     };
 
-    let registration = match type_registry.get_with_type_path(component_type) {
-        | Some(reg) => reg,
-        | None => {
-            error!("Component type {} not registered", component_type);
-            return;
-        },
-    };
+    // Look up deserialize and insert functions by discriminant
+    let deserialize_fn = type_registry.get_deserialize_fn(discriminant);
+    let insert_fn = type_registry.get_insert_fn(discriminant);
 
-    let reflect_component = match registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() {
-        | Some(rc) => rc.clone(),
-        | None => {
+    let (deserialize_fn, insert_fn) = match (deserialize_fn, insert_fn) {
+        | (Some(d), Some(i)) => (d, i),
+        | _ => {
             error!(
-                "Component type {} does not have ReflectComponent data",
-                component_type
+                "Discriminant {} not registered in ComponentTypeRegistry",
+                discriminant
             );
             return;
         },
     };
 
-    drop(type_registry);
-
-    let type_registry_arc = world.resource::<AppTypeRegistry>().clone();
-    let type_registry_guard = type_registry_arc.read();
+    // Deserialize the component
+    let boxed_component = match deserialize_fn(&data_bytes) {
+        | Ok(component) => component,
+        | Err(e) => {
+            error!("Failed to deserialize discriminant {}: {}", discriminant, e);
+            return;
+        },
+    };
 
+    // Insert the component into the entity
     if let Ok(mut entity_mut) = world.get_entity_mut(entity) {
-        reflect_component.insert(&mut entity_mut, &*reflected, &type_registry_guard);
-        debug!("Applied Set operation for {}", component_type);
+        insert_fn(&mut entity_mut, boxed_component);
+        debug!("Applied Set operation for discriminant {}", discriminant);
 
         // If we just inserted a Transform component, also add NetworkedTransform
         // This ensures remote entities can have their Transform changes detected
-        if component_type == "bevy_transform::components::transform::Transform" {
+        let type_path = type_registry.get_type_path(discriminant);
+        if type_path == Some("bevy_transform::components::transform::Transform") {
             if let Ok(mut entity_mut) = world.get_entity_mut(entity) {
                 if entity_mut
                     .get::<crate::networking::NetworkedTransform>()
@@ -431,8 +460,8 @@ fn apply_set_operation(
         }
     } else {
         error!(
-            "Entity {:?} not found when applying component {}",
-            entity, component_type
+            "Entity {:?} not found when applying discriminant {}",
+            entity, discriminant
         );
     }
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/blob_support.rs

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ use crate::networking::{
 pub const BLOB_THRESHOLD: usize = 64 * 1024;
 
 /// Hash type for blob references
-pub type BlobHash = Vec<u8>;
+pub type BlobHash = bytes::Bytes;
 
 /// Bevy resource for managing blobs
 ///
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ pub type BlobHash = Vec<u8>;
 #[derive(Resource, Clone)]
 pub struct BlobStore {
     /// In-memory cache of blobs (hash -> data)
-    cache: Arc<Mutex<HashMap<BlobHash, Vec<u8>>>>,
+    cache: Arc<Mutex<HashMap<BlobHash, bytes::Bytes>>>,
 }
 
 impl BlobStore {
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ impl BlobStore {
         self.cache
             .lock()
             .map_err(|e| NetworkingError::Blob(format!("Failed to lock cache: {}", e)))?
-            .insert(hash.clone(), data);
+            .insert(hash.clone(), bytes::Bytes::from(data));
 
         Ok(hash)
     }
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ impl BlobStore {
     /// Retrieve a blob by its hash
     ///
     /// Returns `None` if the blob is not in the cache.
-    pub fn get_blob(&self, hash: &BlobHash) -> Result<Option<Vec<u8>>> {
+    pub fn get_blob(&self, hash: &BlobHash) -> Result<Option<bytes::Bytes>> {
         Ok(self
             .cache
             .lock()
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ impl BlobStore {
     ///
     /// This is safer than calling `has_blob()` followed by `get_blob()` because
     /// it's atomic - the blob can't be removed between the check and get.
-    pub fn get_blob_if_exists(&self, hash: &BlobHash) -> Result<Option<Vec<u8>>> {
+    pub fn get_blob_if_exists(&self, hash: &BlobHash) -> Result<Option<bytes::Bytes>> {
         Ok(self
             .cache
             .lock()
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ impl BlobStore {
 
         let mut hasher = Sha256::new();
         hasher.update(data);
-        hasher.finalize().to_vec()
+        bytes::Bytes::from(hasher.finalize().to_vec())
     }
 }
 
@@ -192,11 +192,11 @@ pub fn should_use_blob(data: &[u8]) -> bool {
 /// let large_data = vec![0u8; 100_000];
 /// let component_data = create_component_data(large_data, &store).unwrap();
 /// ```
-pub fn create_component_data(data: Vec<u8>, blob_store: &BlobStore) -> Result<ComponentData> {
+pub fn create_component_data(data: bytes::Bytes, blob_store: &BlobStore) -> Result<ComponentData> {
     if should_use_blob(&data) {
         let size = data.len() as u64;
-        let hash = blob_store.store_blob(data)?;
-        Ok(ComponentData::BlobRef { hash, size })
+        let hash = blob_store.store_blob(data.to_vec())?;
+        Ok(ComponentData::BlobRef { hash: bytes::Bytes::from(hash), size })
     } else {
         Ok(ComponentData::Inline(data))
     }
@@ -218,11 +218,11 @@ pub fn create_component_data(data: Vec<u8>, blob_store: &BlobStore) -> Result<Co
 /// let store = BlobStore::new();
 ///
 /// // Inline data
-/// let inline = ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]);
+/// let inline = ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]));
 /// let data = get_component_data(&inline, &store).unwrap();
 /// assert_eq!(data, vec![1, 2, 3]);
 /// ```
-pub fn get_component_data(data: &ComponentData, blob_store: &BlobStore) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
+pub fn get_component_data(data: &ComponentData, blob_store: &BlobStore) -> Result<bytes::Bytes> {
     match data {
         | ComponentData::Inline(bytes) => Ok(bytes.clone()),
         | ComponentData::BlobRef { hash, size: _ } => blob_store
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ mod tests {
         let hash = store.store_blob(data.clone()).unwrap();
         let retrieved = store.get_blob(&hash).unwrap();
 
-        assert_eq!(retrieved, Some(data));
+        assert_eq!(retrieved, Some(bytes::Bytes::from(data)));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -291,7 +291,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(store.has_blob(&hash).unwrap());
 
         let fake_hash = vec![0; 32];
-        assert!(!store.has_blob(&fake_hash).unwrap());
+        assert!(!store.has_blob(&bytes::Bytes::from(fake_hash)).unwrap());
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ mod tests {
         let store = BlobStore::new();
         let small_data = vec![1, 2, 3];
 
-        let component_data = create_component_data(small_data.clone(), &store).unwrap();
+        let component_data = create_component_data(bytes::Bytes::from(small_data.clone()), &store).unwrap();
 
         match component_data {
             | ComponentData::Inline(data) => assert_eq!(data, small_data),
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ mod tests {
         let store = BlobStore::new();
         let large_data = vec![0u8; 100_000];
 
-        let component_data = create_component_data(large_data.clone(), &store).unwrap();
+        let component_data = create_component_data(bytes::Bytes::from(large_data.clone()), &store).unwrap();
 
         match component_data {
             | ComponentData::BlobRef { hash, size } => {
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_get_component_data_inline() {
         let store = BlobStore::new();
-        let inline = ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]);
+        let inline = ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]));
 
         let data = get_component_data(&inline, &store).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(data, vec![1, 2, 3]);
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ mod tests {
         let fake_hash = vec![0; 32];
 
         let blob_ref = ComponentData::BlobRef {
-            hash: fake_hash,
+            hash: bytes::Bytes::from(fake_hash),
             size: 1000,
         };
 

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/change_detection.rs

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ pub fn auto_detect_transform_changes_system(
         (
             With<NetworkedTransform>,
             Or<(Changed<Transform>, Changed<GlobalTransform>)>,
+            Without<crate::networking::SkipNextDeltaGeneration>,
         ),
     >,
 ) {

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/components.rs

@@ -11,6 +11,21 @@ use serde::{
 
 use crate::networking::vector_clock::NodeId;
 
+/// Marker component to skip delta generation for one frame after receiving remote updates
+///
+/// When we apply remote operations via `apply_entity_delta()`, the `insert_fn()` call
+/// triggers Bevy's change detection. This would normally cause `generate_delta_system`
+/// to create and broadcast a new delta, creating an infinite feedback loop.
+///
+/// By adding this marker when we apply remote updates, we tell `generate_delta_system`
+/// to skip this entity for one frame. A cleanup system removes the marker after
+/// delta generation runs, allowing future local changes to be broadcast normally.
+///
+/// This is an implementation detail of the feedback loop prevention mechanism.
+/// User code should never need to interact with this component.
+#[derive(Component, Debug)]
+pub struct SkipNextDeltaGeneration;
+
 /// Marker component indicating an entity should be synchronized over the
 /// network
 ///
@@ -156,49 +171,36 @@ impl Default for NetworkedEntity {
 #[reflect(Component)]
 pub struct NetworkedTransform;
 
-/// Wrapper for a selection component using OR-Set semantics
+/// Local selection tracking resource
 ///
-/// Tracks a set of selected entity network IDs. Uses OR-Set (Observed-Remove)
-/// CRDT to handle concurrent add/remove operations correctly.
+/// This global resource tracks which entities are currently selected by THIS node.
+/// It's used in conjunction with the entity lock system to coordinate concurrent editing.
 ///
-/// # OR-Set Semantics
-///
-/// - Concurrent adds and removes: add wins
-/// - Each add has a unique operation ID
-/// - Removes reference specific add operation IDs
+/// **Selections are local-only UI state** and are NOT synchronized across the network.
+/// Each node maintains its own independent selection.
 ///
 /// # Example
 ///
 /// ```
 /// use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// use libmarathon::networking::{
-///     NetworkedEntity,
-///     NetworkedSelection,
-/// };
+/// use libmarathon::networking::LocalSelection;
 /// use uuid::Uuid;
 ///
-/// fn create_selection(mut commands: Commands) {
-///     let node_id = Uuid::new_v4();
-///     let mut selection = NetworkedSelection::new();
+/// fn handle_click(mut selection: ResMut<LocalSelection>) {
+///     // Clear previous selection
+///     selection.clear();
 ///
-///     // Add some entities to the selection
-///     selection.selected_ids.insert(Uuid::new_v4());
-///     selection.selected_ids.insert(Uuid::new_v4());
-///
-///     commands.spawn((NetworkedEntity::new(node_id), selection));
+///     // Select a new entity
+///     selection.insert(Uuid::new_v4());
 /// }
 /// ```
-#[derive(Component, Reflect, Debug, Clone, Default)]
-#[reflect(Component)]
-pub struct NetworkedSelection {
+#[derive(Resource, Debug, Clone, Default)]
+pub struct LocalSelection {
     /// Set of selected entity network IDs
-    ///
-    /// This will be synchronized using OR-Set CRDT semantics in later phases.
-    /// For now, it's a simple HashSet.
-    pub selected_ids: std::collections::HashSet<uuid::Uuid>,
+    selected_ids: std::collections::HashSet<uuid::Uuid>,
 }
 
-impl NetworkedSelection {
+impl LocalSelection {
     /// Create a new empty selection
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self {
@@ -207,13 +209,13 @@ impl NetworkedSelection {
     }
 
     /// Add an entity to the selection
-    pub fn add(&mut self, entity_id: uuid::Uuid) {
-        self.selected_ids.insert(entity_id);
+    pub fn insert(&mut self, entity_id: uuid::Uuid) -> bool {
+        self.selected_ids.insert(entity_id)
     }
 
     /// Remove an entity from the selection
-    pub fn remove(&mut self, entity_id: uuid::Uuid) {
-        self.selected_ids.remove(&entity_id);
+    pub fn remove(&mut self, entity_id: uuid::Uuid) -> bool {
+        self.selected_ids.remove(&entity_id)
     }
 
     /// Check if an entity is selected
@@ -235,6 +237,11 @@ impl NetworkedSelection {
     pub fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
         self.selected_ids.is_empty()
     }
+
+    /// Get an iterator over selected entity IDs
+    pub fn iter(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = &uuid::Uuid> {
+        self.selected_ids.iter()
+    }
 }
 
 /// Wrapper for a drawing path component using Sequence CRDT semantics
@@ -361,18 +368,18 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_networked_selection() {
-        let mut selection = NetworkedSelection::new();
+    fn test_local_selection() {
+        let mut selection = LocalSelection::new();
         let id1 = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let id2 = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
 
         assert!(selection.is_empty());
 
-        selection.add(id1);
+        selection.insert(id1);
         assert_eq!(selection.len(), 1);
         assert!(selection.contains(id1));
 
-        selection.add(id2);
+        selection.insert(id2);
         assert_eq!(selection.len(), 2);
         assert!(selection.contains(id2));
 

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/control.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+//! Control socket protocol for remote engine control
+//!
+//! This module defines the message protocol for controlling the engine via
+//! Unix domain sockets without exposing network ports. Used for testing,
+//! validation, and programmatic control of sessions.
+//!
+//! # Security
+//!
+//! Currently debug-only. See issue #135 for production security requirements.
+
+use uuid::Uuid;
+
+use crate::networking::{
+    SessionId,
+    SessionState,
+    SyncMessage,
+    VersionedMessage,
+};
+
+/// Control command sent to the engine
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
+pub enum ControlCommand {
+    /// Get current session status
+    GetStatus,
+
+    /// Send a test message through gossip
+    SendTestMessage { content: String },
+
+    /// Inject a message directly into the incoming queue (for testing)
+    InjectMessage { message: VersionedMessage },
+
+    /// Broadcast a full sync message through gossip
+    BroadcastMessage { message: SyncMessage },
+
+    /// Request graceful shutdown
+    Shutdown,
+
+    // Session lifecycle commands
+
+    /// Join a specific session by code
+    JoinSession { session_code: String },
+
+    /// Leave the current session gracefully
+    LeaveSession,
+
+    /// Get detailed current session information
+    GetSessionInfo,
+
+    /// List all sessions in the database
+    ListSessions,
+
+    /// Delete a session from the database
+    DeleteSession { session_code: String },
+
+    /// Get list of connected peers in current session
+    ListPeers,
+
+    // Entity commands
+
+    /// Spawn an entity with a given type and position
+    SpawnEntity {
+        entity_type: String,
+        position: [f32; 3],
+    },
+
+    /// Delete an entity by its UUID
+    DeleteEntity { entity_id: Uuid },
+}
+
+/// Detailed session information
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
+pub struct SessionInfo {
+    pub session_id: SessionId,
+    pub session_name: Option<String>,
+    pub state: SessionState,
+    pub created_at: i64,
+    pub last_active: i64,
+    pub entity_count: usize,
+}
+
+/// Peer information
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
+pub struct PeerInfo {
+    pub node_id: Uuid,
+    pub connected_since: Option<i64>,
+}
+
+/// Response from the engine to a control command
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
+pub enum ControlResponse {
+    /// Session status information
+    Status {
+        node_id: Uuid,
+        session_id: SessionId,
+        outgoing_queue_size: usize,
+        incoming_queue_size: usize,
+        /// Number of connected peers (if available from gossip)
+        connected_peers: Option<usize>,
+    },
+
+    /// Detailed session information
+    SessionInfo(SessionInfo),
+
+    /// List of sessions
+    Sessions(Vec<SessionInfo>),
+
+    /// List of connected peers
+    Peers(Vec<PeerInfo>),
+
+    /// Acknowledgment of command execution
+    Ok { message: String },
+
+    /// Error occurred during command execution
+    Error { error: String },
+}
+
+impl ControlCommand {
+    /// Serialize a command to bytes using rkyv
+    pub fn to_bytes(&self) -> Result<Vec<u8>, rkyv::rancor::Error> {
+        rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Error>(self).map(|b| b.to_vec())
+    }
+
+    /// Deserialize a command from bytes using rkyv
+    pub fn from_bytes(bytes: &[u8]) -> Result<Self, rkyv::rancor::Error> {
+        rkyv::from_bytes::<Self, rkyv::rancor::Error>(bytes)
+    }
+}
+
+impl ControlResponse {
+    /// Serialize a response to bytes using rkyv
+    pub fn to_bytes(&self) -> Result<Vec<u8>, rkyv::rancor::Error> {
+        rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Error>(self).map(|b| b.to_vec())
+    }
+
+    /// Deserialize a response from bytes using rkyv
+    pub fn from_bytes(bytes: &[u8]) -> Result<Self, rkyv::rancor::Error> {
+        rkyv::from_bytes::<Self, rkyv::rancor::Error>(bytes)
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_command_roundtrip() {
+        let cmd = ControlCommand::GetStatus;
+        let bytes = cmd.to_bytes().unwrap();
+        let decoded = ControlCommand::from_bytes(&bytes).unwrap();
+
+        match decoded {
+            | ControlCommand::GetStatus => {},
+            | _ => panic!("Failed to decode GetStatus"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_response_roundtrip() {
+        let resp = ControlResponse::Ok {
+            message: "Test".to_string(),
+        };
+        let bytes = resp.to_bytes().unwrap();
+        let decoded = ControlResponse::from_bytes(&bytes).unwrap();
+
+        match decoded {
+            | ControlResponse::Ok { message } => assert_eq!(message, "Test"),
+            | _ => panic!("Failed to decode Ok response"),
+        }
+    }
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/delta_generation.rs

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ impl NodeVectorClock {
 /// System to generate and broadcast EntityDelta messages
 ///
 /// This system:
-/// 1. Queries for Changed<NetworkedEntity>
+/// 1. Queries for Added<NetworkedEntity> or Changed<NetworkedEntity>
 /// 2. Serializes all components on those entities
 /// 3. Builds EntityDelta messages
 /// 4. Broadcasts via GossipBridge
@@ -66,14 +66,17 @@ impl NodeVectorClock {
 /// App::new().add_systems(Update, generate_delta_system);
 /// ```
 pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
-    // Check if bridge exists
-    if world.get_resource::<GossipBridge>().is_none() {
-        return;
-    }
+    // Works both online and offline - clock increments and operations are recorded
+    // Broadcast only happens when online
 
     let changed_entities: Vec<(Entity, uuid::Uuid, uuid::Uuid)> = {
-        let mut query =
-            world.query_filtered::<(Entity, &NetworkedEntity), Changed<NetworkedEntity>>();
+        let mut query = world.query_filtered::<
+            (Entity, &NetworkedEntity),
+            (
+                Or<(Added<NetworkedEntity>, Changed<NetworkedEntity>)>,
+                Without<crate::networking::SkipNextDeltaGeneration>,
+            ),
+        >();
         query
             .iter(world)
             .map(|(entity, networked)| (entity, networked.network_id, networked.owner_node_id))
@@ -93,44 +96,46 @@ pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
     for (entity, network_id, _owner_node_id) in changed_entities {
         // Phase 1: Check and update clocks, collect data
         let mut system_state: bevy::ecs::system::SystemState<(
-            Res<GossipBridge>,
-            Res<AppTypeRegistry>,
+            Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
+            Res<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>,
             ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
             ResMut<LastSyncVersions>,
             Option<ResMut<crate::networking::OperationLog>>,
         )> = bevy::ecs::system::SystemState::new(world);
 
-        let (node_id, vector_clock, current_seq) = {
+        let (node_id, vector_clock, new_seq) = {
             let (_, _, mut node_clock, last_versions, _) = system_state.get_mut(world);
 
-            // Check if we should sync this entity
+            // Check if we should sync this entity with the NEXT sequence (after tick)
+            // This prevents duplicate sends when system runs multiple times per frame
             let current_seq = node_clock.sequence();
-            if !last_versions.should_sync(network_id, current_seq) {
+            let next_seq = current_seq + 1; // What the sequence will be after tick
+            if !last_versions.should_sync(network_id, next_seq) {
                 drop(last_versions);
                 drop(node_clock);
                 system_state.apply(world);
                 continue;
             }
 
-            // Increment our vector clock
-            node_clock.tick();
+            // Increment our vector clock and get the NEW sequence
+            let new_seq = node_clock.tick();
+            debug_assert_eq!(new_seq, next_seq, "tick() should return next_seq");
 
-            (node_clock.node_id, node_clock.clock.clone(), current_seq)
+            (node_clock.node_id, node_clock.clock.clone(), new_seq)
         };
 
         // Phase 2: Build operations (needs world access without holding other borrows)
         let operations = {
-            let type_registry = world.resource::<AppTypeRegistry>().read();
-            let ops = build_entity_operations(
+            let type_registry_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+            let type_registry = type_registry_res.0;
+            build_entity_operations(
                 entity,
                 world,
                 node_id,
                 vector_clock.clone(),
-                &type_registry,
+                type_registry,
                 None, // blob_store - will be added in later phases
-            );
-            drop(type_registry);
-            ops
+            )
         };
 
         if operations.is_empty() {
@@ -145,11 +150,13 @@ pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
             // Create EntityDelta
             let delta = EntityDelta::new(network_id, node_id, vector_clock.clone(), operations);
 
-            // Record in operation log for anti-entropy
+            // Record in operation log for anti-entropy (works offline!)
             if let Some(ref mut log) = operation_log {
                 log.record_operation(delta.clone());
             }
 
+            // Broadcast if online
+            if let Some(ref bridge) = bridge {
                 // Wrap in VersionedMessage
                 let message = VersionedMessage::new(SyncMessage::EntityDelta {
                     entity_id: delta.entity_id,
@@ -158,7 +165,7 @@ pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
                     operations: delta.operations.clone(),
                 });
 
-            // Broadcast
+                // Broadcast to peers
                 if let Err(e) = bridge.send(message) {
                     error!("Failed to broadcast EntityDelta: {}", e);
                 } else {
@@ -167,33 +174,52 @@ pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
                         network_id,
                         delta.operations.len()
                     );
-                last_versions.update(network_id, current_seq);
                 }
+            } else {
+                debug!(
+                    "Generated EntityDelta for entity {:?} offline (will sync when online)",
+                    network_id
+                );
+            }
+
+            // Update last sync version with NEW sequence (after tick) to prevent duplicates
+            // CRITICAL: Must use new_seq (after tick), not current_seq (before tick)
+            // This prevents sending duplicate deltas if system runs multiple times per frame
+            last_versions.update(network_id, new_seq);
 
             delta
         };
 
         // Phase 4: Update component vector clocks for local modifications
         {
+            // Get type registry first before mutable borrow
+            let type_registry = {
+                let type_registry_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+                type_registry_res.0
+            };
+            
             if let Some(mut component_clocks) =
                 world.get_resource_mut::<crate::networking::ComponentVectorClocks>()
             {
                 for op in &delta.operations {
                     if let crate::networking::ComponentOp::Set {
-                        component_type,
+                        discriminant,
                         vector_clock: op_clock,
                         ..
                     } = op
                     {
+                        let component_type_name = type_registry.get_type_name(*discriminant)
+                            .unwrap_or("unknown");
+                            
                         component_clocks.set(
                             network_id,
-                            component_type.clone(),
+                            component_type_name.to_string(),
                             op_clock.clone(),
                             node_id,
                         );
                         debug!(
                             "Updated local vector clock for {} on entity {:?} (node_id: {:?})",
-                            component_type, network_id, node_id
+                            component_type_name, network_id, node_id
                         );
                     }
                 }
@@ -204,6 +230,46 @@ pub fn generate_delta_system(world: &mut World) {
     }
 }
 
+/// Remove SkipNextDeltaGeneration markers after delta generation has run
+///
+/// This system must run AFTER `generate_delta_system` to allow entities to be
+/// synced again on the next actual local change. The marker prevents feedback
+/// loops by skipping entities that just received remote updates, but we need
+/// to remove it so future local changes get broadcast.
+///
+/// Add this to your app after generate_delta_system:
+///
+/// ```no_run
+/// use bevy::prelude::*;
+/// use libmarathon::networking::{generate_delta_system, cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system};
+///
+/// App::new().add_systems(PostUpdate, (
+///     generate_delta_system,
+///     cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system,
+/// ).chain());
+/// ```
+pub fn cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system(world: &mut World) {
+    // Use immediate removal (not deferred commands) to ensure markers are removed
+    // synchronously after generate_delta_system runs, not at the start of next frame
+    let entities_to_clean: Vec<Entity> = {
+        let mut query = world.query_filtered::<Entity, With<crate::networking::SkipNextDeltaGeneration>>();
+        query.iter(world).collect()
+    };
+
+    for entity in &entities_to_clean {
+        if let Ok(mut entity_mut) = world.get_entity_mut(*entity) {
+            entity_mut.remove::<crate::networking::SkipNextDeltaGeneration>();
+        }
+    }
+
+    if !entities_to_clean.is_empty() {
+        debug!(
+            "cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system: Removed markers from {} entities",
+            entities_to_clean.len()
+        );
+    }
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/error.rs

@@ -64,12 +64,6 @@ impl fmt::Display for NetworkingError {
 
 impl std::error::Error for NetworkingError {}
 
-impl From<bincode::Error> for NetworkingError {
-    fn from(e: bincode::Error) -> Self {
-        NetworkingError::Serialization(e.to_string())
-    }
-}
-
 impl From<crate::persistence::PersistenceError> for NetworkingError {
     fn from(e: crate::persistence::PersistenceError) -> Self {
         NetworkingError::Other(format!("Persistence error: {}", e))

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/gossip_bridge.rs

@@ -43,6 +43,16 @@ pub struct GossipBridge {
     pub node_id: NodeId,
 }
 
+impl std::fmt::Debug for GossipBridge {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        f.debug_struct("GossipBridge")
+            .field("node_id", &self.node_id)
+            .field("outgoing_len", &self.outgoing.lock().ok().map(|q| q.len()))
+            .field("incoming_len", &self.incoming.lock().ok().map(|q| q.len()))
+            .finish()
+    }
+}
+
 impl GossipBridge {
     /// Create a new gossip bridge
     pub fn new(node_id: NodeId) -> Self {
@@ -55,6 +65,33 @@ impl GossipBridge {
 
     /// Send a message to the gossip network
     pub fn send(&self, message: VersionedMessage) -> Result<()> {
+        // Diagnostic logging: track message type and nonce
+        let msg_type = match &message.message {
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::EntityDelta { entity_id, .. } => {
+                format!("EntityDelta({})", entity_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::JoinRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                format!("JoinRequest({})", node_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::FullState { entities, .. } => {
+                format!("FullState({} entities)", entities.len())
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::SyncRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                format!("SyncRequest({})", node_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => {
+                format!("MissingDeltas({} ops)", deltas.len())
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::Lock(lock_msg) => {
+                format!("Lock({:?})", lock_msg)
+            }
+        };
+
+        debug!(
+            "[GossipBridge::send] Node {} queuing message: {} (nonce: {})",
+            self.node_id, msg_type, message.nonce
+        );
+
         self.outgoing
             .lock()
             .map_err(|e| NetworkingError::Gossip(format!("Failed to lock outgoing queue: {}", e)))?
@@ -87,6 +124,33 @@ impl GossipBridge {
 
     /// Push a message to the incoming queue (for testing/integration)
     pub fn push_incoming(&self, message: VersionedMessage) -> Result<()> {
+        // Diagnostic logging: track incoming message type
+        let msg_type = match &message.message {
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::EntityDelta { entity_id, .. } => {
+                format!("EntityDelta({})", entity_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::JoinRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                format!("JoinRequest({})", node_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::FullState { entities, .. } => {
+                format!("FullState({} entities)", entities.len())
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::SyncRequest { node_id, .. } => {
+                format!("SyncRequest({})", node_id)
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => {
+                format!("MissingDeltas({} ops)", deltas.len())
+            }
+            crate::networking::SyncMessage::Lock(lock_msg) => {
+                format!("Lock({:?})", lock_msg)
+            }
+        };
+
+        debug!(
+            "[GossipBridge::push_incoming] Node {} received from network: {} (nonce: {})",
+            self.node_id, msg_type, message.nonce
+        );
+
         self.incoming
             .lock()
             .map_err(|e| NetworkingError::Gossip(format!("Failed to lock incoming queue: {}", e)))?

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/join_protocol.rs

@@ -11,15 +11,13 @@
 //! **NOTE:** This is a simplified implementation for Phase 7. Full security
 //! and session management will be enhanced in Phase 13.
 
-use bevy::{
-    prelude::*,
-    reflect::TypeRegistry,
-};
+use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 use crate::networking::{
     GossipBridge,
     NetworkedEntity,
     SessionId,
+    Synced,
     VectorClock,
     blob_support::BlobStore,
     delta_generation::NodeVectorClock,
@@ -54,7 +52,7 @@ use crate::networking::{
 pub fn build_join_request(
     node_id: uuid::Uuid,
     session_id: SessionId,
-    session_secret: Option<Vec<u8>>,
+    session_secret: Option<bytes::Bytes>,
     last_known_clock: Option<VectorClock>,
     join_type: JoinType,
 ) -> VersionedMessage {
@@ -76,7 +74,7 @@ pub fn build_join_request(
 ///
 /// - `world`: Bevy world containing entities
 /// - `query`: Query for all NetworkedEntity components
-/// - `type_registry`: Type registry for serialization
+/// - `type_registry`: Component type registry for serialization
 /// - `node_clock`: Current node vector clock
 /// - `blob_store`: Optional blob store for large components
 ///
@@ -86,7 +84,7 @@ pub fn build_join_request(
 pub fn build_full_state(
     world: &World,
     networked_entities: &Query<(Entity, &NetworkedEntity)>,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
+    type_registry: &crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistry,
     node_clock: &NodeVectorClock,
     blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
 ) -> VersionedMessage {
@@ -95,37 +93,17 @@ pub fn build_full_state(
             blob_support::create_component_data,
             messages::ComponentState,
         },
-        persistence::reflection::serialize_component,
     };
 
     let mut entities = Vec::new();
 
     for (entity, networked) in networked_entities.iter() {
-        let entity_ref = world.entity(entity);
         let mut components = Vec::new();
 
-        // Iterate over all type registrations to find components
-        for registration in type_registry.iter() {
-            // Skip if no ReflectComponent data
-            let Some(reflect_component) = registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() else {
-                continue;
-            };
+        // Serialize all registered Synced components on this entity
+        let serialized_components = type_registry.serialize_entity_components(world, entity);
 
-            let type_path = registration.type_info().type_path();
-
-            // Skip networked wrapper components
-            if type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedEntity") ||
-                type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedTransform") ||
-                type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedSelection") ||
-                type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedDrawingPath")
-            {
-                continue;
-            }
-
-            // Try to reflect this component from the entity
-            if let Some(reflected) = reflect_component.reflect(entity_ref) {
-                // Serialize the component
-                if let Ok(serialized) = serialize_component(reflected, type_registry) {
+        for (discriminant, _type_path, serialized) in serialized_components {
             // Create component data (inline or blob)
             let data = if let Some(store) = blob_store {
                 match create_component_data(serialized, store) {
@@ -137,12 +115,10 @@ pub fn build_full_state(
             };
 
             components.push(ComponentState {
-                        component_type: type_path.to_string(),
+                discriminant,
                 data,
             });
         }
-            }
-        }
 
         entities.push(EntityState {
             entity_id: networked.network_id,
@@ -154,8 +130,9 @@ pub fn build_full_state(
     }
 
     info!(
-        "Built FullState with {} entities for new peer",
-        entities.len()
+        "Built FullState with {} entities ({} total networked entities queried) for new peer",
+        entities.len(),
+        networked_entities.iter().count()
     );
 
     VersionedMessage::new(SyncMessage::FullState {
@@ -175,36 +152,37 @@ pub fn build_full_state(
 /// - `vector_clock`: Vector clock from FullState
 /// - `commands`: Bevy commands for spawning entities
 /// - `entity_map`: Entity map to populate
-/// - `type_registry`: Type registry for deserialization
+/// - `type_registry`: Component type registry for deserialization
 /// - `node_clock`: Our node's vector clock to update
 /// - `blob_store`: Optional blob store for resolving blob references
 /// - `tombstone_registry`: Optional tombstone registry for deletion tracking
 pub fn apply_full_state(
     entities: Vec<EntityState>,
     remote_clock: crate::networking::VectorClock,
-    commands: &mut Commands,
-    entity_map: &mut NetworkEntityMap,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-    node_clock: &mut NodeVectorClock,
-    blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
-    mut tombstone_registry: Option<&mut crate::networking::TombstoneRegistry>,
+    world: &mut World,
+    type_registry: &crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistry,
 ) {
-    use crate::{
-        networking::blob_support::get_component_data,
-        persistence::reflection::deserialize_component,
-    };
+    use crate::networking::blob_support::get_component_data;
 
     info!("Applying FullState with {} entities", entities.len());
 
     // Merge the remote vector clock
+    {
+        let mut node_clock = world.resource_mut::<NodeVectorClock>();
         node_clock.clock.merge(&remote_clock);
+        info!("Vector clock after merge: {:?}", node_clock.clock);
+    }
+
+    let mut spawned_count = 0;
+    let mut tombstoned_count = 0;
 
     // Spawn all entities and apply their state
     for entity_state in entities {
         // Handle deleted entities (tombstones)
         if entity_state.is_deleted {
+            tombstoned_count += 1;
             // Record tombstone
-            if let Some(ref mut registry) = tombstone_registry {
+            if let Some(mut registry) = world.get_resource_mut::<crate::networking::TombstoneRegistry>() {
                 registry.record_deletion(
                     entity_state.entity_id,
                     entity_state.owner_node_id,
@@ -214,17 +192,43 @@ pub fn apply_full_state(
             continue;
         }
 
-        // Spawn entity with NetworkedEntity and Persisted components
-        // This ensures entities received via FullState are persisted locally
-        let entity = commands
+        // Check if entity already exists in the map
+        let entity = {
+            let entity_map = world.resource::<NetworkEntityMap>();
+            entity_map.get_entity(entity_state.entity_id)
+        };
+
+        let entity = match entity {
+            Some(existing_entity) => {
+                // Entity already exists - reuse it and update components
+                debug!(
+                    "Entity {} already exists (local entity {:?}), updating components",
+                    entity_state.entity_id, existing_entity
+                );
+                existing_entity
+            }
+            None => {
+                // Spawn new entity with NetworkedEntity, Persisted, and Synced components
+                // This ensures entities received via FullState are persisted locally and
+                // will auto-sync their Transform if one is added
+                let entity = world
                     .spawn((
                         NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_state.entity_id, entity_state.owner_node_id),
                         crate::persistence::Persisted::with_id(entity_state.entity_id),
+                        Synced,
                     ))
                     .id();
 
                 // Register in entity map
+                {
+                    let mut entity_map = world.resource_mut::<NetworkEntityMap>();
                     entity_map.insert(entity_state.entity_id, entity);
+                }
+
+                spawned_count += 1;
+                entity
+            }
+        };
 
         let num_components = entity_state.components.len();
 
@@ -234,91 +238,84 @@ pub fn apply_full_state(
             let data_bytes = match &component_state.data {
                 | crate::networking::ComponentData::Inline(bytes) => bytes.clone(),
                 | blob_ref @ crate::networking::ComponentData::BlobRef { .. } => {
-                    if let Some(store) = blob_store {
+                    let blob_store = world.get_resource::<BlobStore>();
+                    if let Some(store) = blob_store.as_deref() {
                         match get_component_data(blob_ref, store) {
                             | Ok(bytes) => bytes,
                             | Err(e) => {
                                 error!(
-                                    "Failed to retrieve blob for {}: {}",
-                                    component_state.component_type, e
+                                    "Failed to retrieve blob for discriminant {}: {}",
+                                    component_state.discriminant, e
                                 );
                                 continue;
                             },
                         }
                     } else {
                         error!(
-                            "Blob reference for {} but no blob store available",
-                            component_state.component_type
+                            "Blob reference for discriminant {} but no blob store available",
+                            component_state.discriminant
                         );
                         continue;
                     }
                 },
             };
 
+            // Use the discriminant directly from ComponentState
+            let discriminant = component_state.discriminant;
+
             // Deserialize the component
-            let reflected = match deserialize_component(&data_bytes, type_registry) {
-                | Ok(r) => r,
+            let boxed_component = match type_registry.deserialize(discriminant, &data_bytes) {
+                | Ok(component) => component,
                 | Err(e) => {
                     error!(
-                        "Failed to deserialize {}: {}",
-                        component_state.component_type, e
+                        "Failed to deserialize discriminant {}: {}",
+                        discriminant, e
                     );
                     continue;
                 },
             };
 
-            // Get the type registration
-            let registration =
-                match type_registry.get_with_type_path(&component_state.component_type) {
-                    | Some(reg) => reg,
-                    | None => {
-                        error!(
-                            "Component type {} not registered",
-                            component_state.component_type
-                        );
+            // Get the insert function for this discriminant
+            let Some(insert_fn) = type_registry.get_insert_fn(discriminant) else {
+                error!("No insert function for discriminant {}", discriminant);
                 continue;
-                    },
             };
 
-            // Get ReflectComponent data
-            let reflect_component = match registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() {
-                | Some(rc) => rc.clone(),
-                | None => {
-                    error!(
-                        "Component type {} does not have ReflectComponent data",
-                        component_state.component_type
-                    );
-                    continue;
-                },
-            };
-
-            // Insert the component
-            let component_type_owned = component_state.component_type.clone();
-            commands.queue(move |world: &mut World| {
-                let type_registry_arc = {
-                    let Some(type_registry_res) = world.get_resource::<AppTypeRegistry>() else {
-                        error!("AppTypeRegistry not found in world");
-                        return;
-                    };
-                    type_registry_res.clone()
-                };
-
-                let type_registry = type_registry_arc.read();
-
+            // Insert the component directly
+            let type_name_for_log = type_registry.get_type_name(discriminant)
+                .unwrap_or("unknown");
             if let Ok(mut entity_mut) = world.get_entity_mut(entity) {
-                    reflect_component.insert(&mut entity_mut, &*reflected, &type_registry);
-                    debug!("Applied component {} from FullState", component_type_owned);
+                insert_fn(&mut entity_mut, boxed_component);
+                debug!("Applied component {} from FullState", type_name_for_log);
             }
-            });
         }
 
         debug!(
-            "Spawned entity {:?} from FullState with {} components",
+            "Applied entity {:?} from FullState with {} components",
             entity_state.entity_id, num_components
         );
     }
 
-    info!("FullState applied successfully");
+    info!(
+        "FullState applied successfully: spawned {} entities, skipped {} tombstones",
+        spawned_count, tombstoned_count
+    );
+
+    // Send SyncRequest to catch any deltas that arrived during FullState transfer
+    // This implements the "Final Sync" step from RFC 0004 (Session Lifecycle)
+    if let Some(bridge) = world.get_resource::<GossipBridge>() {
+        let node_clock = world.resource::<NodeVectorClock>();
+        let request = crate::networking::operation_log::build_sync_request(
+            node_clock.node_id,
+            node_clock.clock.clone(),
+        );
+
+        if let Err(e) = bridge.send(request) {
+            error!("Failed to send post-FullState SyncRequest: {}", e);
+        } else {
+            info!("Sent SyncRequest to catch deltas that arrived during FullState transfer");
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 /// System to handle JoinRequest messages
@@ -337,7 +334,7 @@ pub fn handle_join_requests_system(
     world: &World,
     bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
     networked_entities: Query<(Entity, &NetworkedEntity)>,
-    type_registry: Res<AppTypeRegistry>,
+    type_registry: Res<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>,
     node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
     blob_store: Option<Res<BlobStore>>,
 ) {
@@ -345,7 +342,7 @@ pub fn handle_join_requests_system(
         return;
     };
 
-    let registry = type_registry.read();
+    let registry = type_registry.0;
     let blob_store_ref = blob_store.as_deref();
 
     // Poll for incoming JoinRequest messages
@@ -422,21 +419,17 @@ pub fn handle_join_requests_system(
 ///
 /// This system should run BEFORE receive_and_apply_deltas_system to ensure
 /// we're fully initialized before processing deltas.
-pub fn handle_full_state_system(
-    mut commands: Commands,
-    bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
-    mut entity_map: ResMut<NetworkEntityMap>,
-    type_registry: Res<AppTypeRegistry>,
-    mut node_clock: ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
-    blob_store: Option<Res<BlobStore>>,
-    mut tombstone_registry: Option<ResMut<crate::networking::TombstoneRegistry>>,
-) {
-    let Some(bridge) = bridge else {
+pub fn handle_full_state_system(world: &mut World) {
+    // Check if bridge exists
+    if world.get_resource::<GossipBridge>().is_none() {
         return;
-    };
+    }
 
-    let registry = type_registry.read();
-    let blob_store_ref = blob_store.as_deref();
+    let bridge = world.resource::<GossipBridge>().clone();
+    let type_registry = {
+        let registry_resource = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+        registry_resource.0
+    };
 
     // Poll for FullState messages
     while let Some(message) = bridge.try_recv() {
@@ -450,12 +443,8 @@ pub fn handle_full_state_system(
                 apply_full_state(
                     entities,
                     vector_clock,
-                    &mut commands,
-                    &mut entity_map,
-                    &registry,
-                    &mut node_clock,
-                    blob_store_ref,
-                    tombstone_registry.as_deref_mut(),
+                    world,
+                    type_registry,
                 );
             },
             | _ => {
@@ -502,7 +491,7 @@ mod tests {
         let request = build_join_request(
             node_id,
             session_id.clone(),
-            Some(secret.clone()),
+            Some(bytes::Bytes::from(secret.clone())),
             None,
             JoinType::Fresh,
         );
@@ -516,7 +505,7 @@ mod tests {
                 join_type,
             } => {
                 assert_eq!(req_session_id, session_id);
-                assert_eq!(session_secret, Some(secret));
+                assert_eq!(session_secret, Some(bytes::Bytes::from(secret)));
                 assert!(last_known_clock.is_none());
                 assert!(matches!(join_type, JoinType::Fresh));
             },
@@ -582,29 +571,25 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_apply_full_state_empty() {
         let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
-        let mut node_clock = NodeVectorClock::new(node_id);
         let remote_clock = VectorClock::new();
+        let type_registry = crate::persistence::component_registry();
 
-        // Create minimal setup for testing
-        let mut entity_map = NetworkEntityMap::new();
-        let type_registry = TypeRegistry::new();
-
-        // Need a minimal Bevy app for Commands
+        // Need a minimal Bevy app for testing
         let mut app = App::new();
-        let mut commands = app.world_mut().commands();
+        
+        // Insert required resources
+        app.insert_resource(NetworkEntityMap::new());
+        app.insert_resource(NodeVectorClock::new(node_id));
 
         apply_full_state(
             vec![],
             remote_clock.clone(),
-            &mut commands,
-            &mut entity_map,
-            &type_registry,
-            &mut node_clock,
-            None,
-            None, // tombstone_registry
+            app.world_mut(),
+            type_registry,
         );
 
         // Should have merged clocks
+        let node_clock = app.world().resource::<NodeVectorClock>();
         assert_eq!(node_clock.clock, remote_clock);
     }
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/locks.rs

@@ -42,15 +42,11 @@ use std::{
 };
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
 use crate::networking::{
     GossipBridge,
-    NetworkedSelection,
     NodeId,
     VersionedMessage,
     delta_generation::NodeVectorClock,
@@ -64,7 +60,7 @@ pub const LOCK_TIMEOUT: Duration = Duration::from_secs(5);
 pub const MAX_LOCKS_PER_NODE: usize = 100;
 
 /// Lock acquisition/release messages
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum LockMessage {
     /// Request to acquire a lock on an entity
     LockRequest {
@@ -337,10 +333,63 @@ impl EntityLockRegistry {
     }
 }
 
+/// System to acquire locks when entities are selected
+///
+/// This system detects when entities are added to the global `LocalSelection`
+/// resource and attempts to acquire locks on those entities, broadcasting
+/// the request to other peers.
+pub fn acquire_locks_on_selection_system(
+    mut registry: ResMut<EntityLockRegistry>,
+    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
+    selection: Res<crate::networking::LocalSelection>,
+) {
+    // Only run when selection changes
+    if !selection.is_changed() {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+
+    // Try to acquire locks for all selected entities
+    for &entity_id in selection.iter() {
+        let already_locked = registry.is_locked_by(entity_id, node_id, node_id);
+
+        // Only try to acquire if we don't already hold the lock
+        if !already_locked {
+            match registry.try_acquire(entity_id, node_id) {
+                Ok(()) => {
+                    info!("Acquired lock on newly selected entity {}", entity_id);
+
+                    // Broadcast LockRequest
+                    if let Some(ref bridge) = bridge {
+                        let msg = VersionedMessage::new(SyncMessage::Lock(LockMessage::LockRequest {
+                            entity_id,
+                            node_id,
+                        }));
+
+                        if let Err(e) = bridge.send(msg) {
+                            error!("Failed to broadcast LockRequest on selection: {}", e);
+                        } else {
+                            debug!("LockRequest broadcast successful for entity {}", entity_id);
+                        }
+                    } else {
+                        warn!("No GossipBridge available to broadcast LockRequest");
+                    }
+                }
+                Err(holder) => {
+                    warn!("Failed to acquire lock on selected entity {} (held by {})", entity_id, holder);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// System to release locks when entities are deselected
 ///
-/// This system detects when entities are removed from selection and releases
-/// any locks held on those entities, broadcasting the release to other peers.
+/// This system detects when entities are removed from the global `LocalSelection`
+/// resource and releases any locks held on those entities, broadcasting the release
+/// to other peers.
 ///
 /// Add to your app as an Update system:
 /// ```no_run
@@ -353,13 +402,14 @@ pub fn release_locks_on_deselection_system(
     mut registry: ResMut<EntityLockRegistry>,
     node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
     bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
-    mut selection_query: Query<&mut NetworkedSelection, Changed<NetworkedSelection>>,
+    selection: Res<crate::networking::LocalSelection>,
 ) {
-    let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+    // Only run when selection changes
+    if !selection.is_changed() {
+        return;
+    }
 
-    for selection in selection_query.iter_mut() {
-        // Find entities that were previously locked but are no longer selected
-        let currently_selected: std::collections::HashSet<Uuid> = selection.selected_ids.clone();
+    let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
 
     // Check all locks held by this node
     let locks_to_release: Vec<Uuid> = registry
@@ -367,15 +417,19 @@ pub fn release_locks_on_deselection_system(
         .iter()
         .filter(|(entity_id, lock)| {
             // Release if held by us and not currently selected
-                lock.holder == node_id && !currently_selected.contains(entity_id)
+            lock.holder == node_id && !selection.contains(**entity_id)
         })
         .map(|(entity_id, _)| *entity_id)
         .collect();
 
+    if !locks_to_release.is_empty() {
+        info!("Selection cleared, releasing {} locks", locks_to_release.len());
+    }
+
     // Release each lock and broadcast
     for entity_id in locks_to_release {
         if registry.release(entity_id, node_id) {
-                debug!("Releasing lock on deselected entity {}", entity_id);
+            info!("Released lock on deselected entity {}", entity_id);
 
             // Broadcast LockRelease
             if let Some(ref bridge) = bridge {
@@ -392,7 +446,6 @@ pub fn release_locks_on_deselection_system(
             }
         }
     }
-    }
 }
 
 /// System to clean up expired locks (crash recovery)
@@ -665,8 +718,8 @@ mod tests {
         ];
 
         for message in messages {
-            let bytes = bincode::serialize(&message).unwrap();
-            let deserialized: LockMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes).unwrap();
+            let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&message).map(|b| b.to_vec()).unwrap();
+            let deserialized: LockMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<LockMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes).unwrap();
             assert_eq!(message, deserialized);
         }
     }

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/merge.rs

@@ -121,8 +121,8 @@ pub fn should_apply_set(local_op: &ComponentOp, remote_op: &ComponentOp) -> bool
 
     // Use the sequence number from the clocks as a simple tiebreaker
     // In a real implementation, we'd use the full node IDs
-    let local_seq: u64 = local_clock.clocks.values().sum();
-    let remote_seq: u64 = remote_clock.clocks.values().sum();
+    let local_seq: u64 = local_clock.timestamps.values().sum();
+    let remote_seq: u64 = remote_clock.timestamps.values().sum();
 
     // Compare clocks
     match compare_operations_lww(
@@ -217,14 +217,14 @@ mod tests {
         let data = vec![1, 2, 3];
 
         let op1 = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(data.clone()),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(data.clone())),
             vector_clock: clock.clone(),
         };
 
         let op2 = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(data.clone()),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(data.clone())),
             vector_clock: clock,
         };
 
@@ -244,14 +244,14 @@ mod tests {
         clock2.increment(node_id);
 
         let op1 = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
             vector_clock: clock1,
         };
 
         let op2 = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(vec![4, 5, 6]),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![4, 5, 6])),
             vector_clock: clock2,
         };
 

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/message_dispatcher.rs

@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 //! dispatcher system polls once and routes messages to appropriate handlers.
 
 use bevy::{
-    ecs::system::SystemState,
     prelude::*,
 };
 
@@ -13,14 +12,12 @@ use crate::networking::{
     GossipBridge,
     JoinType,
     NetworkedEntity,
-    TombstoneRegistry,
     VersionedMessage,
     apply_entity_delta,
     apply_full_state,
     blob_support::BlobStore,
     build_missing_deltas,
     delta_generation::NodeVectorClock,
-    entity_map::NetworkEntityMap,
     messages::SyncMessage,
     operation_log::OperationLog,
     plugin::SessionSecret,
@@ -67,8 +64,32 @@ pub fn message_dispatcher_system(world: &mut World) {
         bridge.drain_incoming()
     };
 
+    if !messages.is_empty() {
+        let node_id = world.resource::<GossipBridge>().node_id;
+        info!(
+            "[message_dispatcher] Node {} processing {} messages",
+            node_id,
+            messages.len()
+        );
+    }
+
     // Dispatch each message (bridge is no longer borrowed)
     for message in messages {
+        let node_id = world.resource::<GossipBridge>().node_id;
+        let msg_type = match &message.message {
+            SyncMessage::EntityDelta { entity_id, .. } => format!("EntityDelta({})", entity_id),
+            SyncMessage::JoinRequest { node_id, .. } => format!("JoinRequest({})", node_id),
+            SyncMessage::FullState { entities, .. } => format!("FullState({} entities)", entities.len()),
+            SyncMessage::SyncRequest { node_id, .. } => format!("SyncRequest({})", node_id),
+            SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => format!("MissingDeltas({} ops)", deltas.len()),
+            SyncMessage::Lock(_) => "Lock".to_string(),
+        };
+
+        debug!(
+            "[message_dispatcher] Node {} dispatching: {} (nonce: {})",
+            node_id, msg_type, message.nonce
+        );
+
         dispatch_message(world, message);
     }
 
@@ -239,41 +260,17 @@ fn dispatch_message(world: &mut World, message: crate::networking::VersionedMess
         } => {
             info!("Received FullState with {} entities", entities.len());
 
-            // Use SystemState to properly borrow multiple resources
-            let mut system_state: SystemState<(
-                Commands,
-                ResMut<NetworkEntityMap>,
-                Res<AppTypeRegistry>,
-                ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
-                Option<Res<BlobStore>>,
-                Option<ResMut<TombstoneRegistry>>,
-            )> = SystemState::new(world);
-
-            {
-                let (
-                    mut commands,
-                    mut entity_map,
-                    type_registry,
-                    mut node_clock,
-                    blob_store,
-                    mut tombstone_registry,
-                ) = system_state.get_mut(world);
-                let registry = type_registry.read();
+            let type_registry = {
+                let registry_resource = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+                registry_resource.0
+            };
 
             apply_full_state(
                 entities,
                 vector_clock,
-                    &mut commands,
-                    &mut entity_map,
-                    &registry,
-                    &mut node_clock,
-                    blob_store.as_deref(),
-                    tombstone_registry.as_deref_mut(),
+                world,
+                type_registry,
             );
-                // registry is dropped here
-            }
-
-            system_state.apply(world);
         },
 
         // SyncRequest - peer requesting missing operations
@@ -283,6 +280,18 @@ fn dispatch_message(world: &mut World, message: crate::networking::VersionedMess
         } => {
             debug!("Received SyncRequest from node {}", requesting_node);
 
+            // Merge the requesting node's vector clock into ours
+            // This ensures we learn about their latest sequence number
+            {
+                let mut node_clock = world.resource_mut::<NodeVectorClock>();
+                node_clock.clock.merge(&their_clock);
+                debug!(
+                    "Merged SyncRequest clock from node {} (seq: {})",
+                    requesting_node,
+                    their_clock.get(requesting_node)
+                );
+            }
+
             if let Some(op_log) = world.get_resource::<OperationLog>() {
                 // Find operations they're missing
                 let missing_deltas = op_log.get_all_operations_newer_than(&their_clock);
@@ -433,7 +442,7 @@ fn dispatch_message(world: &mut World, message: crate::networking::VersionedMess
 fn build_full_state_from_data(
     world: &World,
     networked_entities: &[(Entity, &NetworkedEntity)],
-    type_registry: &bevy::reflect::TypeRegistry,
+    _type_registry: &bevy::reflect::TypeRegistry,
     node_clock: &NodeVectorClock,
     blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
 ) -> crate::networking::VersionedMessage {
@@ -445,7 +454,6 @@ fn build_full_state_from_data(
                 EntityState,
             },
         },
-        persistence::reflection::serialize_component,
     };
 
     // Get tombstone registry to filter out deleted entities
@@ -464,31 +472,24 @@ fn build_full_state_from_data(
                 continue;
             }
         }
-        let entity_ref = world.entity(*entity);
         let mut components = Vec::new();
 
-        // Iterate over all type registrations to find components
-        for registration in type_registry.iter() {
-            // Skip if no ReflectComponent data
-            let Some(reflect_component) = registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() else {
-                continue;
-            };
+        // Get component type registry
+        let type_registry_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+        let component_registry = type_registry_res.0;
 
-            let type_path = registration.type_info().type_path();
+        // Serialize all registered components on this entity
+        let serialized_components = component_registry.serialize_entity_components(world, *entity);
 
+        for (discriminant, type_path, serialized) in serialized_components {
             // Skip networked wrapper components
             if type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedEntity") ||
                 type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedTransform") ||
-                type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedSelection") ||
                 type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedDrawingPath")
             {
                 continue;
             }
 
-            // Try to reflect this component from the entity
-            if let Some(reflected) = reflect_component.reflect(entity_ref) {
-                // Serialize the component
-                if let Ok(serialized) = serialize_component(reflected, type_registry) {
             // Create component data (inline or blob)
             let data = if let Some(store) = blob_store {
                 match create_component_data(serialized, store) {
@@ -500,12 +501,10 @@ fn build_full_state_from_data(
             };
 
             components.push(ComponentState {
-                        component_type: type_path.to_string(),
+                discriminant,
                 data,
             });
         }
-            }
-        }
 
         entities.push(EntityState {
             entity_id: networked.network_id,
@@ -517,8 +516,10 @@ fn build_full_state_from_data(
     }
 
     info!(
-        "Built FullState with {} entities for new peer",
-        entities.len()
+        "Built FullState with {} entities ({} total queried, {} tombstoned) for new peer",
+        entities.len(),
+        networked_entities.len(),
+        networked_entities.len() - entities.len()
     );
 
     crate::networking::VersionedMessage::new(SyncMessage::FullState {

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/messages.rs

@@ -3,10 +3,7 @@
 //! This module defines the protocol messages used for distributed
 //! synchronization according to RFC 0001.
 
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 
 use crate::networking::{
     locks::LockMessage,
@@ -22,13 +19,21 @@ use crate::networking::{
 ///
 /// All messages sent over the network are wrapped in this envelope to support
 /// protocol version negotiation and future compatibility.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct VersionedMessage {
     /// Protocol version (currently 1)
     pub version: u32,
 
     /// The actual sync message
     pub message: SyncMessage,
+
+    /// Nonce for selective deduplication control
+    ///
+    /// - For Lock messages: Unique nonce (counter + timestamp hash) to prevent
+    ///   iroh-gossip deduplication, allowing repeated heartbeats.
+    /// - For other messages: Constant nonce (0) to enable content-based deduplication
+    ///   by iroh-gossip, preventing feedback loops.
+    pub nonce: u32,
 }
 
 impl VersionedMessage {
@@ -36,16 +41,50 @@ impl VersionedMessage {
     pub const CURRENT_VERSION: u32 = 1;
 
     /// Create a new versioned message with the current protocol version
+    ///
+    /// For Lock messages: Generates a unique nonce to prevent deduplication, since
+    /// lock heartbeats need to be sent repeatedly even with identical content.
+    ///
+    /// For other messages: Uses a constant nonce (0) to enable iroh-gossip's
+    /// content-based deduplication. This prevents feedback loops where the same
+    /// EntityDelta gets broadcast repeatedly.
     pub fn new(message: SyncMessage) -> Self {
+        // Only generate unique nonces for Lock messages (heartbeats need to bypass dedup)
+        let nonce = if matches!(message, SyncMessage::Lock(_)) {
+            use std::hash::Hasher;
+            use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicU32, Ordering};
+            use std::time::{SystemTime, UNIX_EPOCH};
+
+            // Per-node rolling counter for sequential uniqueness
+            static COUNTER: AtomicU32 = AtomicU32::new(0);
+            let counter = COUNTER.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
+
+            // Millisecond timestamp for temporal uniqueness
+            let timestamp_millis = SystemTime::now()
+                .duration_since(UNIX_EPOCH)
+                .unwrap_or_default()
+                .as_millis() as u32;
+
+            // Hash counter + timestamp for final nonce
+            let mut hasher = rustc_hash::FxHasher::default();
+            hasher.write_u32(counter);
+            hasher.write_u32(timestamp_millis);
+            hasher.finish() as u32
+        } else {
+            // Use constant nonce for all other messages to enable content deduplication
+            0
+        };
+
         Self {
             version: Self::CURRENT_VERSION,
             message,
+            nonce,
         }
     }
 }
 
 /// Join request type - distinguishes fresh joins from rejoin attempts
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub enum JoinType {
     /// Fresh join - never connected to this session before
     Fresh,
@@ -70,7 +109,7 @@ pub enum JoinType {
 /// 2. **Normal Operation**: Peers broadcast `EntityDelta` on changes
 /// 3. **Anti-Entropy**: Periodic `SyncRequest` to detect missing operations
 /// 4. **Recovery**: `MissingDeltas` sent in response to `SyncRequest`
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub enum SyncMessage {
     /// Request to join the network and receive full state
     ///
@@ -85,7 +124,7 @@ pub enum SyncMessage {
         session_id: SessionId,
 
         /// Optional session secret for authentication
-        session_secret: Option<Vec<u8>>,
+        session_secret: Option<bytes::Bytes>,
 
         /// Vector clock from when we last left this session
         /// None = fresh join, Some = rejoin
@@ -156,7 +195,7 @@ pub enum SyncMessage {
 /// Complete state of a single entity
 ///
 /// Used in `FullState` messages to transfer all components of an entity.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct EntityState {
     /// Network ID of the entity
     pub entity_id: uuid::Uuid,
@@ -176,29 +215,28 @@ pub struct EntityState {
 
 /// State of a single component
 ///
-/// Contains the component type and its serialized data.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+/// Contains the component discriminant and its serialized data.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct ComponentState {
-    /// Type path of the component (e.g.,
-    /// "bevy_transform::components::Transform")
-    pub component_type: String,
+    /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+    pub discriminant: u16,
 
-    /// Serialized component data (bincode)
+    /// Serialized component data (rkyv)
     pub data: ComponentData,
 }
 
 /// Component data - either inline or a blob reference
 ///
 /// Components larger than 64KB are stored as blobs and referenced by hash.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum ComponentData {
     /// Inline data for small components (<64KB)
-    Inline(Vec<u8>),
+    Inline(bytes::Bytes),
 
     /// Reference to a blob for large components (>64KB)
     BlobRef {
         /// iroh-blobs hash
-        hash: Vec<u8>,
+        hash: bytes::Bytes,
 
         /// Size of the blob in bytes
         size: u64,
@@ -210,11 +248,11 @@ impl ComponentData {
     pub const BLOB_THRESHOLD: usize = 64 * 1024;
 
     /// Create component data, automatically choosing inline vs blob
-    pub fn new(data: Vec<u8>) -> Self {
+    pub fn new(data: bytes::Bytes) -> Self {
         if data.len() > Self::BLOB_THRESHOLD {
             // Will be populated later when uploaded to iroh-blobs
             Self::BlobRef {
-                hash: Vec::new(),
+                hash: bytes::Bytes::new(),
                 size: data.len() as u64,
             }
         } else {
@@ -248,7 +286,7 @@ impl ComponentData {
 ///
 /// This struct exists because EntityDelta is defined as an enum variant
 /// but we sometimes need to work with it as a standalone type.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct EntityDelta {
     /// Network ID of the entity being updated
     pub entity_id: uuid::Uuid,
@@ -313,7 +351,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_component_data_inline() {
         let data = vec![1, 2, 3, 4];
-        let component_data = ComponentData::new(data.clone());
+        let component_data = ComponentData::new(bytes::Bytes::from(data.clone()));
 
         assert!(!component_data.is_blob());
         assert_eq!(component_data.as_inline(), Some(data.as_slice()));
@@ -323,7 +361,7 @@ mod tests {
     fn test_component_data_blob() {
         // Create data larger than threshold
         let data = vec![0u8; ComponentData::BLOB_THRESHOLD + 1];
-        let component_data = ComponentData::new(data.clone());
+        let component_data = ComponentData::new(bytes::Bytes::from(data.clone()));
 
         assert!(component_data.is_blob());
         assert_eq!(component_data.as_inline(), None);
@@ -343,7 +381,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_message_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_message_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let session_id = SessionId::new();
         let message = SyncMessage::JoinRequest {
@@ -355,8 +393,8 @@ mod tests {
         };
 
         let versioned = VersionedMessage::new(message);
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&versioned)?;
-        let deserialized: VersionedMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&versioned).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: VersionedMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<VersionedMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         assert_eq!(deserialized.version, versioned.version);
 
@@ -364,7 +402,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_full_state_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_full_state_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let entity_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let owner_node = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
 
@@ -381,8 +419,8 @@ mod tests {
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&message)?;
-        let _deserialized: SyncMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&message).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let _deserialized: SyncMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<SyncMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         Ok(())
     }
@@ -392,8 +430,8 @@ mod tests {
         let join_type = JoinType::Fresh;
 
         // Fresh join should serialize correctly
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&join_type).unwrap();
-        let deserialized: JoinType = bincode::deserialize(&bytes).unwrap();
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&join_type).map(|b| b.to_vec()).unwrap();
+        let deserialized: JoinType = rkyv::from_bytes::<JoinType, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes).unwrap();
 
         assert!(matches!(deserialized, JoinType::Fresh));
     }
@@ -406,8 +444,8 @@ mod tests {
         };
 
         // Rejoin should serialize correctly
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&join_type).unwrap();
-        let deserialized: JoinType = bincode::deserialize(&bytes).unwrap();
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&join_type).map(|b| b.to_vec()).unwrap();
+        let deserialized: JoinType = rkyv::from_bytes::<JoinType, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes).unwrap();
 
         match deserialized {
             | JoinType::Rejoin {
@@ -434,8 +472,8 @@ mod tests {
             join_type: JoinType::Fresh,
         };
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&message).unwrap();
-        let deserialized: SyncMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes).unwrap();
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&message).map(|b| b.to_vec()).unwrap();
+        let deserialized: SyncMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<SyncMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes).unwrap();
 
         match deserialized {
             | SyncMessage::JoinRequest {
@@ -467,8 +505,8 @@ mod tests {
             },
         };
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&message).unwrap();
-        let deserialized: SyncMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes).unwrap();
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&message).map(|b| b.to_vec()).unwrap();
+        let deserialized: SyncMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<SyncMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes).unwrap();
 
         match deserialized {
             | SyncMessage::JoinRequest {
@@ -484,7 +522,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_missing_deltas_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_missing_deltas_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         // Test that MissingDeltas message serializes correctly
         let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let entity_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
@@ -501,8 +539,8 @@ mod tests {
             deltas: vec![delta],
         };
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&message)?;
-        let deserialized: SyncMessage = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&message).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: SyncMessage = rkyv::from_bytes::<SyncMessage, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         match deserialized {
             | SyncMessage::MissingDeltas { deltas } => {

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/mod.rs

@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 //! let builder = ComponentOpBuilder::new(node_id, clock.clone());
 //! let op = builder.set(
 //!     "Transform".to_string(),
-//!     ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+//!     ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
 //! );
 //! ```
 
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ mod auth;
 mod blob_support;
 mod change_detection;
 mod components;
+mod control;
 mod delta_generation;
 mod entity_map;
 mod error;
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ mod plugin;
 mod rga;
 mod session;
 mod session_lifecycle;
+mod session_sync;
 mod sync_component;
 mod tombstones;
 mod vector_clock;
@@ -62,6 +64,7 @@ pub use auth::*;
 pub use blob_support::*;
 pub use change_detection::*;
 pub use components::*;
+pub use control::*;
 pub use delta_generation::*;
 pub use entity_map::*;
 pub use error::*;
@@ -79,6 +82,7 @@ pub use plugin::*;
 pub use rga::*;
 pub use session::*;
 pub use session_lifecycle::*;
+pub use session_sync::*;
 pub use sync_component::*;
 pub use tombstones::*;
 pub use vector_clock::*;
@@ -118,11 +122,13 @@ pub fn spawn_networked_entity(
 ) -> bevy::prelude::Entity {
     use bevy::prelude::*;
 
-    // Spawn with both NetworkedEntity and Persisted components
+    // Spawn with NetworkedEntity, Persisted, and Synced components
+    // The Synced marker triggers auto-insert of NetworkedTransform if entity has Transform
     let entity = world
         .spawn((
             NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_id, node_id),
             crate::persistence::Persisted::with_id(entity_id),
+            Synced,
         ))
         .id();
 

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/operation_builder.rs

@@ -3,75 +3,24 @@
 //! This module provides utilities to convert Bevy component changes into
 //! ComponentOp operations that can be synchronized across the network.
 
-use bevy::{
-    prelude::*,
-    reflect::TypeRegistry,
-};
+use bevy::prelude::*;
 
-use crate::{
-    networking::{
+use crate::networking::{
     blob_support::{
         BlobStore,
         create_component_data,
     },
-        error::Result,
     messages::ComponentData,
-        operations::{
-            ComponentOp,
-            ComponentOpBuilder,
-        },
+    operations::ComponentOp,
     vector_clock::{
         NodeId,
         VectorClock,
     },
-    },
-    persistence::reflection::serialize_component_typed,
 };
 
-/// Build a Set operation (LWW) from a component
-///
-/// Serializes the component using Bevy's reflection system and creates a
-/// ComponentOp::Set for Last-Write-Wins synchronization. Automatically uses
-/// blob storage for components >64KB.
-///
-/// # Parameters
-///
-/// - `component`: The component to serialize
-/// - `component_type`: Type path string
-/// - `node_id`: Our node ID
-/// - `vector_clock`: Current vector clock
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry
-/// - `blob_store`: Optional blob store for large components
-///
-/// # Returns
-///
-/// A ComponentOp::Set ready to be broadcast
-pub fn build_set_operation(
-    component: &dyn Reflect,
-    component_type: String,
-    node_id: NodeId,
-    vector_clock: VectorClock,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-    blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
-) -> Result<ComponentOp> {
-    // Serialize the component
-    let serialized = serialize_component_typed(component, type_registry)?;
-
-    // Create component data (inline or blob)
-    let data = if let Some(store) = blob_store {
-        create_component_data(serialized, store)?
-    } else {
-        ComponentData::Inline(serialized)
-    };
-
-    // Build the operation
-    let builder = ComponentOpBuilder::new(node_id, vector_clock);
-    Ok(builder.set(component_type, data))
-}
-
 /// Build Set operations for all components on an entity
 ///
-/// This iterates over all components with reflection data and creates Set
+/// This iterates over all registered Synced components and creates Set
 /// operations for each one. Automatically uses blob storage for large
 /// components.
 ///
@@ -81,7 +30,7 @@ pub fn build_set_operation(
 /// - `world`: Bevy world
 /// - `node_id`: Our node ID
 /// - `vector_clock`: Current vector clock
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry
+/// - `type_registry`: Component type registry (for Synced components)
 /// - `blob_store`: Optional blob store for large components
 ///
 /// # Returns
@@ -92,40 +41,20 @@ pub fn build_entity_operations(
     world: &World,
     node_id: NodeId,
     vector_clock: VectorClock,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
+    type_registry: &crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistry,
     blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
 ) -> Vec<ComponentOp> {
     let mut operations = Vec::new();
-    let entity_ref = world.entity(entity);
 
     debug!(
         "build_entity_operations: Building operations for entity {:?}",
         entity
     );
 
-    // Iterate over all type registrations
-    for registration in type_registry.iter() {
-        // Skip if no ReflectComponent data
-        let Some(reflect_component) = registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() else {
-            continue;
-        };
+    // Serialize all Synced components on this entity
+    let serialized_components = type_registry.serialize_entity_components(world, entity);
 
-        // Get the type path
-        let type_path = registration.type_info().type_path();
-
-        // Skip certain components
-        if type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedEntity") ||
-            type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedTransform") ||
-            type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedSelection") ||
-            type_path.ends_with("::NetworkedDrawingPath")
-        {
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        // Try to reflect this component from the entity
-        if let Some(reflected) = reflect_component.reflect(entity_ref) {
-            // Serialize the component
-            if let Ok(serialized) = serialize_component_typed(reflected, type_registry) {
+    for (discriminant, _type_path, serialized) in serialized_components {
         // Create component data (inline or blob)
         let data = if let Some(store) = blob_store {
             if let Ok(component_data) = create_component_data(serialized, store) {
@@ -138,18 +67,15 @@ pub fn build_entity_operations(
         };
 
         // Build the operation
-                let mut clock = vector_clock.clone();
-                clock.increment(node_id);
-
+        // Use the vector_clock as-is - it's already been incremented by the caller (delta_generation.rs:116)
+        // All operations in the same EntityDelta share the same vector clock (same logical timestamp)
         operations.push(ComponentOp::Set {
-                    component_type: type_path.to_string(),
+            discriminant,
             data,
-                    vector_clock: clock.clone(),
+            vector_clock: vector_clock.clone(),
         });
 
-                debug!("  ✓ Added Set operation for {}", type_path);
-            }
-        }
+        debug!("  ✓ Added Set operation for discriminant {}", discriminant);
     }
 
     debug!(
@@ -160,114 +86,66 @@ pub fn build_entity_operations(
     operations
 }
 
-/// Build a Set operation for Transform component specifically
-///
-/// This is a helper for the common case of synchronizing Transform changes.
-///
-/// # Example
-///
-/// ```
-/// use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// use libmarathon::networking::{
-///     VectorClock,
-///     build_transform_operation,
-/// };
-/// use uuid::Uuid;
-///
-/// # fn example(transform: &Transform, type_registry: &bevy::reflect::TypeRegistry) {
-/// let node_id = Uuid::new_v4();
-/// let clock = VectorClock::new();
-///
-/// let op = build_transform_operation(transform, node_id, clock, type_registry, None).unwrap();
-/// # }
-/// ```
-pub fn build_transform_operation(
-    transform: &Transform,
-    node_id: NodeId,
-    vector_clock: VectorClock,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-    blob_store: Option<&BlobStore>,
-) -> Result<ComponentOp> {
-    // Use reflection to serialize Transform
-    let serialized = serialize_component_typed(transform.as_reflect(), type_registry)?;
-
-    // Create component data (inline or blob)
-    let data = if let Some(store) = blob_store {
-        create_component_data(serialized, store)?
-    } else {
-        ComponentData::Inline(serialized)
-    };
-
-    let builder = ComponentOpBuilder::new(node_id, vector_clock);
-    Ok(builder.set(
-        "bevy_transform::components::transform::Transform".to_string(),
-        data,
-    ))
-}
-
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
+    use bevy::prelude::*;
+    use crate::networking::NetworkedEntity;
+    use crate::persistence::{ComponentTypeRegistry, Persisted};
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_build_transform_operation() {
-        let mut type_registry = TypeRegistry::new();
-        type_registry.register::<Transform>();
-
-        let transform = Transform::default();
-        let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
-        let clock = VectorClock::new();
-
-        let op =
-            build_transform_operation(&transform, node_id, clock, &type_registry, None).unwrap();
-
-        assert!(op.is_set());
-        assert_eq!(
-            op.component_type(),
-            Some("bevy_transform::components::transform::Transform")
-        );
-        assert_eq!(op.vector_clock().get(node_id), 1);
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn test_build_entity_operations() {
+    fn test_operations_use_passed_vector_clock_without_extra_increment() {
+        // Setup: Create a minimal world with an entity
         let mut world = World::new();
-        let mut type_registry = TypeRegistry::new();
-
-        // Register Transform
-        type_registry.register::<Transform>();
-
-        // Spawn entity with Transform
-        let entity = world.spawn(Transform::from_xyz(1.0, 2.0, 3.0)).id();
-
         let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
-        let clock = VectorClock::new();
 
-        let ops = build_entity_operations(entity, &world, node_id, clock, &type_registry, None);
+        // Use the global registry (Transform is already registered via inventory)
+        let registry = ComponentTypeRegistry::init();
 
-        // Should have at least Transform operation
-        assert!(!ops.is_empty());
-        assert!(ops.iter().all(|op| op.is_set()));
+        // Create test entity with Transform
+        let entity_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
+        let entity = world.spawn((
+            NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_id, node_id),
+            Persisted::with_id(entity_id),
+            Transform::from_xyz(1.0, 2.0, 3.0),
+        )).id();
+
+        // Create a vector clock that's already been ticked
+        let mut vector_clock = VectorClock::new();
+        vector_clock.increment(node_id); // Simulate the tick that delta_generation does
+        let expected_clock = vector_clock.clone();
+
+        // Build operations
+        let operations = build_entity_operations(
+            entity,
+            &world,
+            node_id,
+            vector_clock.clone(),
+            &registry,
+            None,
+        );
+
+        // Verify: All operations should use the EXACT clock that was passed in
+        assert!(!operations.is_empty(), "Should have created at least one operation");
+
+        for op in &operations {
+            if let ComponentOp::Set { vector_clock: op_clock, .. } = op {
+                assert_eq!(
+                    *op_clock, expected_clock,
+                    "Operation clock should match the input clock exactly. \
+                     The bug was that operation_builder would increment the clock again, \
+                     causing EntityDelta.vector_clock and ComponentOp.vector_clock to be misaligned."
+                );
+
+                // Verify the sequence number matches
+                let op_seq = op_clock.get(node_id);
+                let expected_seq = expected_clock.get(node_id);
+                assert_eq!(
+                    op_seq, expected_seq,
+                    "Operation sequence should be {} (same as input clock), but got {}",
+                    expected_seq, op_seq
+                );
+            }
         }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn test_vector_clock_increment() {
-        let mut type_registry = TypeRegistry::new();
-        type_registry.register::<Transform>();
-
-        let transform = Transform::default();
-        let node_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
-        let mut clock = VectorClock::new();
-
-        let op1 =
-            build_transform_operation(&transform, node_id, clock.clone(), &type_registry, None)
-                .unwrap();
-        assert_eq!(op1.vector_clock().get(node_id), 1);
-
-        clock.increment(node_id);
-        let op2 =
-            build_transform_operation(&transform, node_id, clock.clone(), &type_registry, None)
-                .unwrap();
-        assert_eq!(op2.vector_clock().get(node_id), 2);
     }
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/operation_log.rs

@@ -351,7 +351,7 @@ pub fn handle_missing_deltas_system(world: &mut World) {
 /// adaptive sync intervals based on network conditions.
 pub fn periodic_sync_system(
     bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
-    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    mut node_clock: ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
     time: Res<Time>,
     mut last_sync: Local<f32>,
 ) {
@@ -369,6 +369,9 @@ pub fn periodic_sync_system(
 
         debug!("Sending periodic SyncRequest for anti-entropy");
 
+        // Increment clock for sending SyncRequest (this is a local operation)
+        node_clock.tick();
+
         let request = build_sync_request(node_clock.node_id, node_clock.clock.clone());
         if let Err(e) = bridge.send(request) {
             error!("Failed to send SyncRequest: {}", e);

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/operations.rs

@@ -4,10 +4,7 @@
 //! on components in the distributed system. Each operation type corresponds to
 //! a specific CRDT merge strategy.
 
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 
 use crate::networking::{
     messages::ComponentData,
@@ -39,7 +36,7 @@ use crate::networking::{
 /// - Maintains ordering across concurrent inserts
 /// - Uses RGA (Replicated Growable Array) algorithm
 /// - Example: Collaborative drawing paths
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// Set a component value (Last-Write-Wins)
     ///
@@ -50,8 +47,8 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// The data field can be either inline (for small components) or a blob
     /// reference (for components >64KB).
     Set {
-        /// Type path of the component
-        component_type: String,
+        /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+        discriminant: u16,
 
         /// Component data (inline or blob reference)
         data: ComponentData,
@@ -65,14 +62,14 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// Adds an element to a set that supports concurrent add/remove. Each add
     /// has a unique ID so that removes can reference specific adds.
     SetAdd {
-        /// Type path of the component
-        component_type: String,
+        /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+        discriminant: u16,
 
         /// Unique ID for this add operation
         operation_id: uuid::Uuid,
 
         /// Element being added (serialized)
-        element: Vec<u8>,
+        element: bytes::Bytes,
 
         /// Vector clock when this add was created
         vector_clock: VectorClock,
@@ -83,8 +80,8 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// Removes an element by referencing the add operation IDs that added it.
     /// If concurrent with an add, the add wins (observed-remove semantics).
     SetRemove {
-        /// Type path of the component
-        component_type: String,
+        /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+        discriminant: u16,
 
         /// IDs of the add operations being removed
         removed_ids: Vec<uuid::Uuid>,
@@ -99,8 +96,8 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// (Replicated Growable Array) to maintain consistent ordering across
     /// concurrent inserts.
     SequenceInsert {
-        /// Type path of the component
-        component_type: String,
+        /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+        discriminant: u16,
 
         /// Unique ID for this insert operation
         operation_id: uuid::Uuid,
@@ -109,7 +106,7 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
         after_id: Option<uuid::Uuid>,
 
         /// Element being inserted (serialized)
-        element: Vec<u8>,
+        element: bytes::Bytes,
 
         /// Vector clock when this insert was created
         vector_clock: VectorClock,
@@ -120,8 +117,8 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
     /// Marks an element as deleted in the sequence. The element remains in the
     /// structure (tombstone) to preserve ordering for concurrent operations.
     SequenceDelete {
-        /// Type path of the component
-        component_type: String,
+        /// Discriminant identifying the component type
+        discriminant: u16,
 
         /// ID of the element to delete
         element_id: uuid::Uuid,
@@ -141,14 +138,14 @@ pub enum ComponentOp {
 }
 
 impl ComponentOp {
-    /// Get the component type for this operation
-    pub fn component_type(&self) -> Option<&str> {
+    /// Get the component discriminant for this operation
+    pub fn discriminant(&self) -> Option<u16> {
         match self {
-            | ComponentOp::Set { component_type, .. } |
-            ComponentOp::SetAdd { component_type, .. } |
-            ComponentOp::SetRemove { component_type, .. } |
-            ComponentOp::SequenceInsert { component_type, .. } |
-            ComponentOp::SequenceDelete { component_type, .. } => Some(component_type),
+            | ComponentOp::Set { discriminant, .. } |
+            ComponentOp::SetAdd { discriminant, .. } |
+            ComponentOp::SetRemove { discriminant, .. } |
+            ComponentOp::SequenceInsert { discriminant, .. } |
+            ComponentOp::SequenceDelete { discriminant, .. } => Some(*discriminant),
             | ComponentOp::Delete { .. } => None,
         }
     }
@@ -211,20 +208,20 @@ impl ComponentOpBuilder {
     }
 
     /// Build a Set operation (LWW)
-    pub fn set(mut self, component_type: String, data: ComponentData) -> ComponentOp {
+    pub fn set(mut self, discriminant: u16, data: ComponentData) -> ComponentOp {
         self.vector_clock.increment(self.node_id);
         ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             data,
             vector_clock: self.vector_clock,
         }
     }
 
     /// Build a SetAdd operation (OR-Set)
-    pub fn set_add(mut self, component_type: String, element: Vec<u8>) -> ComponentOp {
+    pub fn set_add(mut self, discriminant: u16, element: bytes::Bytes) -> ComponentOp {
         self.vector_clock.increment(self.node_id);
         ComponentOp::SetAdd {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             operation_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),
             element,
             vector_clock: self.vector_clock,
@@ -234,12 +231,12 @@ impl ComponentOpBuilder {
     /// Build a SetRemove operation (OR-Set)
     pub fn set_remove(
         mut self,
-        component_type: String,
+        discriminant: u16,
         removed_ids: Vec<uuid::Uuid>,
     ) -> ComponentOp {
         self.vector_clock.increment(self.node_id);
         ComponentOp::SetRemove {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             removed_ids,
             vector_clock: self.vector_clock,
         }
@@ -248,13 +245,13 @@ impl ComponentOpBuilder {
     /// Build a SequenceInsert operation (RGA)
     pub fn sequence_insert(
         mut self,
-        component_type: String,
+        discriminant: u16,
         after_id: Option<uuid::Uuid>,
-        element: Vec<u8>,
+        element: bytes::Bytes,
     ) -> ComponentOp {
         self.vector_clock.increment(self.node_id);
         ComponentOp::SequenceInsert {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             operation_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),
             after_id,
             element,
@@ -265,12 +262,12 @@ impl ComponentOpBuilder {
     /// Build a SequenceDelete operation (RGA)
     pub fn sequence_delete(
         mut self,
-        component_type: String,
+        discriminant: u16,
         element_id: uuid::Uuid,
     ) -> ComponentOp {
         self.vector_clock.increment(self.node_id);
         ComponentOp::SequenceDelete {
-            component_type,
+            discriminant,
             element_id,
             vector_clock: self.vector_clock,
         }
@@ -290,30 +287,30 @@ mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_component_type() {
+    fn test_discriminant() {
         let op = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
-        assert_eq!(op.component_type(), Some("Transform"));
+        assert_eq!(op.discriminant(), Some(1));
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_component_type_delete() {
+    fn test_discriminant_delete() {
         let op = ComponentOp::Delete {
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
-        assert_eq!(op.component_type(), None);
+        assert_eq!(op.discriminant(), None);
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn test_is_set() {
         let op = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
@@ -326,9 +323,9 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_is_or_set() {
         let op = ComponentOp::SetAdd {
-            component_type: "Selection".to_string(),
+            discriminant: 2,
             operation_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),
-            element: vec![1, 2, 3],
+            element: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
@@ -341,10 +338,10 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_is_sequence() {
         let op = ComponentOp::SequenceInsert {
-            component_type: "DrawingPath".to_string(),
+            discriminant: 3,
             operation_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),
             after_id: None,
-            element: vec![1, 2, 3],
+            element: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
@@ -361,8 +358,8 @@ mod tests {
 
         let builder = ComponentOpBuilder::new(node_id, clock);
         let op = builder.set(
-            "Transform".to_string(),
-            ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+            1,
+            ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
         );
 
         assert!(op.is_set());
@@ -375,22 +372,22 @@ mod tests {
         let clock = VectorClock::new();
 
         let builder = ComponentOpBuilder::new(node_id, clock);
-        let op = builder.set_add("Selection".to_string(), vec![1, 2, 3]);
+        let op = builder.set_add(2, bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]));
 
         assert!(op.is_or_set());
         assert_eq!(op.vector_clock().get(node_id), 1);
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let op = ComponentOp::Set {
-            component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: ComponentData::Inline(vec![1, 2, 3]),
+            discriminant: 1,
+            data: ComponentData::Inline(bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3])),
             vector_clock: VectorClock::new(),
         };
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&op)?;
-        let deserialized: ComponentOp = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&op).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: ComponentOp = rkyv::from_bytes::<ComponentOp, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         assert!(deserialized.is_set());
 

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/orset.rs

@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ pub struct OrElement<T> {
 ///
 /// An element is "present" if it has an operation ID in `elements` that's
 /// not in `tombstones`.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct OrSet<T> {
     /// Map from operation ID to (value, adding_node)
     elements: HashMap<uuid::Uuid, (T, NodeId)>,
@@ -471,15 +471,15 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_orset_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_orset_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let node = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let mut set: OrSet<String> = OrSet::new();
 
         set.add("foo".to_string(), node);
         set.add("bar".to_string(), node);
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&set)?;
-        let deserialized: OrSet<String> = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&set).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: OrSet<String> = rkyv::from_bytes::<OrSet<String>, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         assert_eq!(deserialized.len(), 2);
         assert!(deserialized.contains(&"foo".to_string()));

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/plugin.rs

@@ -34,8 +34,10 @@ use crate::networking::{
         LastSyncVersions,
         auto_detect_transform_changes_system,
     },
+    components::{NetworkedEntity, NetworkedTransform},
     delta_generation::{
         NodeVectorClock,
+        cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system,
         generate_delta_system,
     },
     entity_map::{
@@ -43,13 +45,19 @@ use crate::networking::{
         cleanup_despawned_entities_system,
         register_networked_entities_system,
     },
+    gossip_bridge::GossipBridge,
     locks::{
         EntityLockRegistry,
+        acquire_locks_on_selection_system,
         broadcast_lock_heartbeats_system,
         cleanup_expired_locks_system,
         release_locks_on_deselection_system,
     },
     message_dispatcher::message_dispatcher_system,
+    messages::{
+        SyncMessage,
+        VersionedMessage,
+    },
     operation_log::{
         OperationLog,
         periodic_sync_system,
@@ -59,12 +67,21 @@ use crate::networking::{
         initialize_session_system,
         save_session_on_shutdown_system,
     },
+    session_sync::{
+        JoinRequestSent,
+        send_join_request_once_system,
+        transition_session_state_system,
+    },
+    sync_component::Synced,
     tombstones::{
         TombstoneRegistry,
         garbage_collect_tombstones_system,
         handle_local_deletions_system,
     },
-    vector_clock::NodeId,
+    vector_clock::{
+        NodeId,
+        VectorClock,
+    },
 };
 
 /// Configuration for the networking plugin
@@ -128,12 +145,12 @@ impl Default for NetworkingConfig {
 ///     .run();
 /// ```
 #[derive(Resource, Clone)]
-pub struct SessionSecret(Vec<u8>);
+pub struct SessionSecret(bytes::Bytes);
 
 impl SessionSecret {
     /// Create a new session secret from bytes
     pub fn new(secret: impl Into<Vec<u8>>) -> Self {
-        Self(secret.into())
+        Self(bytes::Bytes::from(secret.into()))
     }
 
     /// Get the secret as a byte slice
@@ -142,6 +159,141 @@ impl SessionSecret {
     }
 }
 
+/// System that auto-inserts required sync components when `Synced` marker is detected.
+///
+/// This system runs in PreUpdate and automatically adds:
+/// - `NetworkedEntity` with a new UUID and node ID
+/// - `Persisted` with the same UUID
+/// - `NetworkedTransform` if the entity has a `Transform` component
+///
+/// Note: Selection is now a global `LocalSelection` resource, not a per-entity component.
+///
+/// This eliminates the need for users to manually add these components when spawning synced entities.
+fn auto_insert_sync_components(
+    mut commands: Commands,
+    query: Query<Entity, (Added<Synced>, Without<NetworkedEntity>)>,
+    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    // We need access to check if entity has Transform
+    transforms: Query<&Transform>,
+) {
+    for entity in &query {
+        let entity_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
+        let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+
+        // Always add NetworkedEntity and Persisted
+        let mut entity_commands = commands.entity(entity);
+        entity_commands.insert((
+            NetworkedEntity::with_id(entity_id, node_id),
+            crate::persistence::Persisted::with_id(entity_id),
+        ));
+
+        // Auto-add NetworkedTransform if entity has Transform
+        if transforms.contains(entity) {
+            entity_commands.insert(NetworkedTransform);
+        }
+
+        info!(
+            "[auto_insert_sync] Entity {:?} → NetworkedEntity({}), Persisted, {} auto-added",
+            entity,
+            entity_id,
+            if transforms.contains(entity) { "NetworkedTransform" } else { "no transform" }
+        );
+    }
+
+    let count = query.iter().count();
+    if count > 0 {
+        debug!("[auto_insert_sync] Processed {} newly synced entities this frame", count);
+    }
+}
+
+/// System that adds NetworkedTransform to networked entities when Transform is added.
+///
+/// This handles entities received from the network that already have NetworkedEntity,
+/// Persisted, and Synced, but need NetworkedTransform when Transform is added.
+fn auto_insert_networked_transform(
+    mut commands: Commands,
+    query: Query<
+        Entity,
+        (
+            With<NetworkedEntity>,
+            With<Synced>,
+            Added<Transform>,
+            Without<NetworkedTransform>,
+        ),
+    >,
+) {
+    for entity in &query {
+        commands.entity(entity).insert(NetworkedTransform);
+        debug!("Auto-inserted NetworkedTransform for networked entity {:?}", entity);
+    }
+}
+
+/// System that triggers anti-entropy sync when going online (GossipBridge added).
+///
+/// This handles the offline-to-online transition: when GossipBridge is inserted,
+/// we immediately send a SyncRequest to trigger anti-entropy and broadcast all
+/// operations from the operation log.
+///
+/// Uses a Local resource to track if we've already sent the sync request, so this only runs once.
+fn trigger_sync_on_connect(
+    mut has_synced: Local<bool>,
+    bridge: Res<GossipBridge>,
+    mut node_clock: ResMut<NodeVectorClock>,
+    operation_log: Res<OperationLog>,
+) {
+    if *has_synced {
+        return; // Already did this
+    }
+
+    let op_count = operation_log.total_operations();
+    debug!(
+        "Going online: broadcasting {} offline operations to peers",
+        op_count
+    );
+
+    // Broadcast all our stored operations to peers
+    // Use an empty vector clock to get ALL operations (not just newer ones)
+    let all_operations = operation_log.get_all_operations_newer_than(&VectorClock::new());
+
+    for delta in all_operations {
+        // Wrap in VersionedMessage
+        let message = VersionedMessage::new(SyncMessage::EntityDelta {
+            entity_id: delta.entity_id,
+            node_id: delta.node_id,
+            vector_clock: delta.vector_clock.clone(),
+            operations: delta.operations.clone(),
+        });
+
+        // Broadcast to peers
+        if let Err(e) = bridge.send(message) {
+            error!("Failed to broadcast offline EntityDelta: {}", e);
+        } else {
+            debug!(
+                "Broadcast offline EntityDelta for entity {:?} with {} operations",
+                delta.entity_id,
+                delta.operations.len()
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Also send a SyncRequest to get any operations we're missing from peers
+    // Increment clock for sending SyncRequest (this is a local operation)
+    node_clock.tick();
+
+    let request = crate::networking::operation_log::build_sync_request(
+        node_clock.node_id,
+        node_clock.clock.clone(),
+    );
+
+    if let Err(e) = bridge.send(request) {
+        error!("Failed to send SyncRequest on connect: {}", e);
+    } else {
+        debug!("Sent SyncRequest to get missing operations from peers");
+    }
+
+    *has_synced = true;
+}
+
 /// Bevy plugin for CRDT networking
 ///
 /// This plugin sets up all systems and resources needed for distributed
@@ -165,7 +317,10 @@ impl SessionSecret {
 /// ## Update
 /// - Auto-detect Transform changes
 /// - Handle local entity deletions
+/// - Acquire locks when entities are selected
 /// - Release locks when entities are deselected
+/// - Send JoinRequest when networking starts (one-shot)
+/// - Transition session state (Joining → Active)
 ///
 /// ## PostUpdate
 /// - Generate and broadcast EntityDelta for changed entities
@@ -187,6 +342,7 @@ impl SessionSecret {
 /// - `OperationLog` - Operation log for anti-entropy
 /// - `TombstoneRegistry` - Tombstone tracking for deletions
 /// - `EntityLockRegistry` - Entity lock registry with heartbeat tracking
+/// - `JoinRequestSent` - Tracks if JoinRequest has been sent (session sync)
 ///
 /// # Example
 ///
@@ -236,7 +392,9 @@ impl Plugin for NetworkingPlugin {
             .insert_resource(OperationLog::new())
             .insert_resource(TombstoneRegistry::new())
             .insert_resource(EntityLockRegistry::new())
-            .insert_resource(crate::networking::ComponentVectorClocks::new());
+            .insert_resource(JoinRequestSent::default())
+            .insert_resource(crate::networking::ComponentVectorClocks::new())
+            .insert_resource(crate::networking::LocalSelection::new());
 
         // Startup systems - initialize session from persistence
         app.add_systems(Startup, initialize_session_system);
@@ -245,35 +403,54 @@ impl Plugin for NetworkingPlugin {
         app.add_systems(
             PreUpdate,
             (
+                // Auto-insert sync components when Synced marker is added (must run first)
+                auto_insert_sync_components,
                 // Register new networked entities
                 register_networked_entities_system,
                 // Central message dispatcher - handles all incoming messages
                 // This replaces the individual message handling systems and
                 // eliminates O(n²) behavior from multiple systems polling the same queue
                 message_dispatcher_system,
+                // Auto-insert NetworkedTransform for networked entities when Transform is added
+                auto_insert_networked_transform,
             )
                 .chain(),
         );
 
-        // Update systems - handle local operations
+        // FixedUpdate systems - game logic at locked 60fps
         app.add_systems(
-            Update,
+            FixedUpdate,
             (
                 // Track Transform changes and mark NetworkedTransform as changed
                 auto_detect_transform_changes_system,
                 // Handle local entity deletions
                 handle_local_deletions_system,
+                // Acquire locks when entities are selected
+                acquire_locks_on_selection_system,
                 // Release locks when entities are deselected
                 release_locks_on_deselection_system,
+                // Session sync: send JoinRequest when networking starts
+                send_join_request_once_system,
+                // Session sync: transition session state based on sync completion
+                transition_session_state_system,
             ),
         );
 
-        // PostUpdate systems - generate and send deltas
+        // Trigger anti-entropy sync when going online (separate from chain to allow conditional execution)
         app.add_systems(
-            PostUpdate,
+            FixedPostUpdate,
+            trigger_sync_on_connect
+                .run_if(bevy::ecs::schedule::common_conditions::resource_exists::<GossipBridge>),
+        );
+
+        // FixedPostUpdate systems - generate and send deltas at locked 60fps
+        app.add_systems(
+            FixedPostUpdate,
             (
-                // Generate deltas for changed entities
-                generate_delta_system,
+                // Generate deltas for changed entities, then cleanup markers
+                // CRITICAL: cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system must run immediately after
+                // generate_delta_system to remove SkipNextDeltaGeneration markers
+                (generate_delta_system, cleanup_skip_delta_markers_system).chain(),
                 // Periodic anti-entropy sync
                 periodic_sync_system,
                 // Maintenance tasks

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/rga.rs

@@ -41,10 +41,7 @@
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 
 use crate::networking::vector_clock::{
     NodeId,
@@ -55,7 +52,7 @@ use crate::networking::vector_clock::{
 ///
 /// Each element has a unique ID and tracks its logical position in the sequence
 /// via the "after" pointer.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct RgaElement<T> {
     /// Unique ID for this element
     pub id: uuid::Uuid,
@@ -90,7 +87,7 @@ pub struct RgaElement<T> {
 /// Elements are stored in a HashMap by ID. Each element tracks which element
 /// it was inserted after, forming a linked list structure. Deleted elements
 /// remain as tombstones to preserve positions for concurrent operations.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct Rga<T> {
     /// Map from element ID to element
     elements: HashMap<uuid::Uuid, RgaElement<T>>,
@@ -98,7 +95,7 @@ pub struct Rga<T> {
 
 impl<T> Rga<T>
 where
-    T: Clone + Serialize + for<'de> Deserialize<'de>,
+    T: Clone + rkyv::Archive,
 {
     /// Create a new empty RGA sequence
     pub fn new() -> Self {
@@ -416,7 +413,7 @@ where
 
 impl<T> Default for Rga<T>
 where
-    T: Clone + Serialize + for<'de> Deserialize<'de>,
+    T: Clone + rkyv::Archive,
 {
     fn default() -> Self {
         Self::new()
@@ -612,15 +609,15 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_rga_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_rga_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let node = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let mut seq: Rga<String> = Rga::new();
 
         let (id_a, _) = seq.insert_at_beginning("foo".to_string(), node);
         seq.insert_after(Some(id_a), "bar".to_string(), node);
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&seq)?;
-        let deserialized: Rga<String> = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&seq).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: Rga<String> = rkyv::from_bytes::<Rga<String>, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         assert_eq!(deserialized.len(), 2);
         let values: Vec<String> = deserialized.values().cloned().collect();

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/session.rs

@@ -6,10 +6,7 @@ use std::fmt;
 /// human-readable ! session codes, ALPN-based network isolation, and persistent
 /// session tracking.
 use bevy::prelude::*;
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
 use crate::networking::VectorClock;
@@ -18,7 +15,7 @@ use crate::networking::VectorClock;
 ///
 /// Session IDs provide both technical uniqueness (UUID) and human usability
 /// (abc-def-123 codes). All peers in a session share the same session ID.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Hash, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Hash, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct SessionId {
     uuid: Uuid,
     code: String,
@@ -115,6 +112,24 @@ impl SessionId {
         *hash.as_bytes()
     }
 
+    /// Derive deterministic pkarr keypair for DHT-based peer discovery
+    ///
+    /// All peers in the same session derive the same keypair from the session code.
+    /// This shared keypair is used to publish and discover peer EndpointIds in the DHT.
+    ///
+    /// # Security
+    /// The session code is the secret - anyone with the code can discover peers.
+    /// The domain separation prefix ensures no collision with other uses.
+    pub fn to_pkarr_keypair(&self) -> pkarr::Keypair {
+        let mut hasher = blake3::Hasher::new();
+        hasher.update(b"/app/v1/session-pkarr-key/");
+        hasher.update(self.uuid.as_bytes());
+        let hash = hasher.finalize();
+
+        let secret_bytes: [u8; 32] = *hash.as_bytes();
+        pkarr::Keypair::from_secret_key(&secret_bytes)
+    }
+
     /// Get raw UUID
     pub fn as_uuid(&self) -> &Uuid {
         &self.uuid
@@ -134,7 +149,7 @@ impl fmt::Display for SessionId {
 }
 
 /// Session lifecycle states
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub enum SessionState {
     /// Session exists in database but hasn't connected to network yet
     Created,
@@ -178,7 +193,7 @@ impl SessionState {
 ///
 /// Tracks session identity, creation time, entity count, and lifecycle state.
 /// Persisted to database for crash recovery and auto-rejoin.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize)]
 pub struct Session {
     /// Unique session identifier
     pub id: SessionId,
@@ -199,7 +214,7 @@ pub struct Session {
     pub state: SessionState,
 
     /// Optional encrypted session secret for access control
-    pub secret: Option<Vec<u8>>,
+    pub secret: Option<bytes::Bytes>,
 }
 
 impl Session {

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/session_lifecycle.rs

@@ -168,7 +168,8 @@ pub fn save_session_on_shutdown_system(world: &mut World) {
 
     // Update session metadata
     session.touch();
-    session.transition_to(SessionState::Left);
+    // Note: We don't transition to Left here - that only happens on actual shutdown
+    // This periodic save just persists the current state
 
     // Count entities in the world
     let entity_count = world

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/session_sync.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,399 @@
+//! Session synchronization systems
+//!
+//! This module handles automatic session lifecycle:
+//! - Sending JoinRequest when networking starts
+//! - Transitioning session state when receiving FullState
+//! - Persisting session state changes
+
+use bevy::prelude::*;
+
+use crate::networking::{
+    CurrentSession,
+    GossipBridge,
+    JoinType,
+    NodeVectorClock,
+    SessionState,
+    build_join_request,
+    plugin::SessionSecret,
+};
+
+/// System to send JoinRequest when networking comes online
+///
+/// This system detects when GossipBridge is added and sends a JoinRequest
+/// to discover peers and sync state. It only runs once when networking starts.
+///
+/// Add to your app as a Startup system AFTER GossipBridge is created:
+/// ```no_run
+/// use bevy::prelude::*;
+/// use libmarathon::networking::send_join_request_on_connect_system;
+///
+/// App::new()
+///     .add_systems(Update, send_join_request_on_connect_system);
+/// ```
+pub fn send_join_request_on_connect_system(
+    current_session: ResMut<CurrentSession>,
+    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
+    session_secret: Option<Res<SessionSecret>>,
+) {
+    // Only run when bridge exists and session is in Joining state
+    let Some(bridge) = bridge else {
+        return;
+    };
+
+    // Only send JoinRequest when in Joining state
+    if current_session.session.state != SessionState::Joining {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+    let session_id = current_session.session.id.clone();
+
+    // Determine join type based on whether we have a last known clock
+    let join_type = if current_session.last_known_clock.node_count() > 0 {
+        // Rejoin - we have a previous clock snapshot
+        JoinType::Rejoin {
+            last_active: current_session.session.last_active,
+            entity_count: current_session.session.entity_count,
+        }
+    } else {
+        // Fresh join - no previous state
+        JoinType::Fresh
+    };
+
+    // Get session secret if configured
+    let secret = session_secret.as_ref().map(|s| bytes::Bytes::from(s.as_bytes().to_vec()));
+
+    // Build JoinRequest
+    let last_known_clock = if current_session.last_known_clock.node_count() > 0 {
+        Some(current_session.last_known_clock.clone())
+    } else {
+        None
+    };
+
+    let request = build_join_request(
+        node_id,
+        session_id.clone(),
+        secret,
+        last_known_clock,
+        join_type.clone(),
+    );
+
+    // Send JoinRequest
+    match bridge.send(request) {
+        Ok(()) => {
+            info!(
+                "Sent JoinRequest for session {} (type: {:?})",
+                session_id.to_code(),
+                join_type
+            );
+        }
+        Err(e) => {
+            error!("Failed to send JoinRequest: {}", e);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// System to transition session to Active when sync completes
+///
+/// This system monitors for session state changes and handles transitions:
+/// - Joining → Active: When we receive FullState or initial sync completes
+///
+/// This is an exclusive system to allow world queries.
+///
+/// Add to your app as an Update system:
+/// ```no_run
+/// use bevy::prelude::*;
+/// use libmarathon::networking::transition_session_state_system;
+///
+/// App::new()
+///     .add_systems(Update, transition_session_state_system);
+/// ```
+pub fn transition_session_state_system(world: &mut World) {
+    // Only process state transitions when we have networking
+    if world.get_resource::<GossipBridge>().is_none() {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Get values we need (clone to avoid holding references)
+    let (session_state, session_id, join_request_sent, clock_node_count) = {
+        let Some(current_session) = world.get_resource::<CurrentSession>() else {
+            return;
+        };
+
+        let Some(node_clock) = world.get_resource::<NodeVectorClock>() else {
+            return;
+        };
+
+        let Some(join_sent) = world.get_resource::<JoinRequestSent>() else {
+            return;
+        };
+
+        (
+            current_session.session.state,
+            current_session.session.id.clone(),
+            join_sent.sent,
+            node_clock.clock.node_count(),
+        )
+    };
+
+    // Use a non-send resource for the timer to ensure it's stored per-world
+    #[derive(Default, Resource)]
+    struct JoinTimer(Option<std::time::Instant>);
+
+    if !world.contains_resource::<JoinTimer>() {
+        world.insert_resource(JoinTimer::default());
+    }
+
+    match session_state {
+        SessionState::Joining => {
+            // Start timer when JoinRequest is sent
+            {
+                let mut timer = world.resource_mut::<JoinTimer>();
+                if join_request_sent && timer.0.is_none() {
+                    timer.0 = Some(std::time::Instant::now());
+                    debug!("Started join timer - will transition to Active after timeout if no peers respond");
+                }
+            }
+
+            // Count entities in world
+            let entity_count = world
+                .query::<&crate::networking::NetworkedEntity>()
+                .iter(world)
+                .count();
+
+            // Transition to Active if:
+            // 1. We have received entities (entity_count > 0) AND have multiple nodes in clock
+            //    This ensures FullState was received and applied, OR
+            // 2. We've waited 3 seconds and either:
+            //    a) We have entities (sync completed), OR
+            //    b) No entities exist yet (we're the first node in session)
+            let should_transition = if entity_count > 0 && clock_node_count > 1 {
+                // We've received and applied FullState with entities
+                info!(
+                    "Session {} transitioning to Active (received {} entities from {} peers)",
+                    session_id.to_code(),
+                    entity_count,
+                    clock_node_count - 1
+                );
+                true
+            } else {
+                let timer = world.resource::<JoinTimer>();
+                if let Some(start_time) = timer.0 {
+                    // Check if 3 seconds have passed since JoinRequest
+                    if start_time.elapsed().as_secs() >= 3 {
+                        if entity_count > 0 {
+                            info!(
+                                "Session {} transitioning to Active (timeout reached, have {} entities)",
+                                session_id.to_code(),
+                                entity_count
+                            );
+                        } else {
+                            info!(
+                                "Session {} transitioning to Active (timeout - no peers or empty session, first node)",
+                                session_id.to_code()
+                            );
+                        }
+                        true
+                    } else {
+                        false
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    false
+                }
+            };
+
+            if should_transition {
+                let mut current_session = world.resource_mut::<CurrentSession>();
+                current_session.transition_to(SessionState::Active);
+
+                // Reset timer
+                let mut timer = world.resource_mut::<JoinTimer>();
+                timer.0 = None;
+            }
+        }
+        SessionState::Active => {
+            // Already active, reset timer
+            if let Some(mut timer) = world.get_resource_mut::<JoinTimer>() {
+                timer.0 = None;
+            }
+        }
+        SessionState::Disconnected => {
+            // If we reconnected (bridge exists), transition to Joining
+            // This is handled by the networking startup logic
+            if let Some(mut timer) = world.get_resource_mut::<JoinTimer>() {
+                timer.0 = None;
+            }
+        }
+        SessionState::Created | SessionState::Left => {
+            // Should not be in these states when networking is active
+            if let Some(mut timer) = world.get_resource_mut::<JoinTimer>() {
+                timer.0 = None;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Resource to track if we've sent the initial JoinRequest
+///
+/// This prevents sending multiple JoinRequests on subsequent frame updates
+#[derive(Resource)]
+pub struct JoinRequestSent {
+    pub sent: bool,
+    /// Timer to wait for peers before sending JoinRequest
+    /// If no peers connect after 1 second, send anyway (we're first node)
+    pub wait_started: Option<std::time::Instant>,
+}
+
+impl Default for JoinRequestSent {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            sent: false,
+            wait_started: None,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// One-shot system to send JoinRequest only once when networking starts
+///
+/// CRITICAL: Waits for at least one peer to connect via pkarr+DHT before sending
+/// JoinRequest. This prevents broadcasting to an empty network.
+///
+/// Timing:
+/// - If peers connect: Send JoinRequest immediately (they'll receive it)
+/// - If no peers after 1 second: Send anyway (we're probably first node in session)
+pub fn send_join_request_once_system(
+    mut join_sent: ResMut<JoinRequestSent>,
+    current_session: ResMut<CurrentSession>,
+    node_clock: Res<NodeVectorClock>,
+    bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
+    session_secret: Option<Res<SessionSecret>>,
+) {
+    // Skip if already sent
+    if join_sent.sent {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Only run when bridge exists and session is in Joining state
+    let Some(bridge) = bridge else {
+        return;
+    };
+
+    if current_session.session.state != SessionState::Joining {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Start wait timer when conditions are met
+    if join_sent.wait_started.is_none() {
+        join_sent.wait_started = Some(std::time::Instant::now());
+        debug!("Started waiting for peers before sending JoinRequest (max 1 second)");
+    }
+
+    // Check if we have any peers connected (node_count > 1 means we + at least 1 peer)
+    let peer_count = node_clock.clock.node_count().saturating_sub(1);
+    let wait_elapsed = join_sent.wait_started.unwrap().elapsed();
+
+    // Send JoinRequest if:
+    // 1. At least one peer has connected (they'll receive our JoinRequest), OR
+    // 2. We've waited 1 second with no peers (we're probably the first node)
+    let should_send = if peer_count > 0 {
+        debug!(
+            "Sending JoinRequest now - {} peer(s) connected (waited {:?})",
+            peer_count, wait_elapsed
+        );
+        true
+    } else if wait_elapsed.as_millis() >= 1000 {
+        debug!(
+            "Sending JoinRequest after timeout - no peers connected, assuming first node (waited {:?})",
+            wait_elapsed
+        );
+        true
+    } else {
+        // Still waiting for peers
+        false
+    };
+
+    if !should_send {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    let node_id = node_clock.node_id;
+    let session_id = current_session.session.id.clone();
+
+    // Determine join type
+    let join_type = if current_session.last_known_clock.node_count() > 0 {
+        JoinType::Rejoin {
+            last_active: current_session.session.last_active,
+            entity_count: current_session.session.entity_count,
+        }
+    } else {
+        JoinType::Fresh
+    };
+
+    // Get session secret if configured
+    let secret = session_secret.as_ref().map(|s| bytes::Bytes::from(s.as_bytes().to_vec()));
+
+    // Build JoinRequest
+    let last_known_clock = if current_session.last_known_clock.node_count() > 0 {
+        Some(current_session.last_known_clock.clone())
+    } else {
+        None
+    };
+
+    let request = build_join_request(
+        node_id,
+        session_id.clone(),
+        secret,
+        last_known_clock,
+        join_type.clone(),
+    );
+
+    // Send JoinRequest
+    match bridge.send(request) {
+        Ok(()) => {
+            info!(
+                "Sent JoinRequest for session {} (type: {:?})",
+                session_id.to_code(),
+                join_type
+            );
+            join_sent.sent = true;
+
+            // Transition to Active immediately if we're the first node
+            // (Otherwise we'll wait for FullState)
+            // Actually, let's always wait a bit for potential peers
+        }
+        Err(e) => {
+            error!("Failed to send JoinRequest: {}", e);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use crate::networking::{Session, SessionId, VectorClock};
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_join_request_sent_tracking() {
+        let mut sent = JoinRequestSent::default();
+        assert!(!sent.sent);
+
+        sent.sent = true;
+        assert!(sent.sent);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_session_state_transitions() {
+        let session_id = SessionId::new();
+        let session = Session::new(session_id);
+        let mut current = CurrentSession::new(session, VectorClock::new());
+
+        assert_eq!(current.session.state, SessionState::Created);
+
+        current.transition_to(SessionState::Joining);
+        assert_eq!(current.session.state, SessionState::Joining);
+
+        current.transition_to(SessionState::Active);
+        assert_eq!(current.session.state, SessionState::Active);
+    }
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/sync_component.rs

@@ -71,12 +71,12 @@ pub trait SyncComponent: Component + Reflect + Sized {
 
     /// Serialize this component to bytes
     ///
-    /// Uses bincode for efficient binary serialization.
-    fn serialize_sync(&self) -> anyhow::Result<Vec<u8>>;
+    /// Uses rkyv for zero-copy binary serialization.
+    fn serialize_sync(&self) -> anyhow::Result<bytes::Bytes>;
 
     /// Deserialize this component from bytes
     ///
-    /// Uses bincode to deserialize from the format created by `serialize_sync`.
+    /// Uses rkyv to deserialize from the format created by `serialize_sync`.
     fn deserialize_sync(data: &[u8]) -> anyhow::Result<Self>;
 
     /// Merge remote state with local state
@@ -97,33 +97,29 @@ pub trait SyncComponent: Component + Reflect + Sized {
     fn merge(&mut self, remote: Self, clock_cmp: ClockComparison) -> ComponentMergeDecision;
 }
 
-/// Marker component for entities that should be synced
+/// Marker component indicating that an entity should be synchronized across the network.
 ///
-/// Add this to any entity with synced components to enable automatic
-/// change detection and synchronization.
+/// When this component is added to an entity, the `auto_insert_sync_components` system
+/// will automatically add the required infrastructure components:
+/// - `NetworkedEntity` - for network synchronization
+/// - `Persisted` - for persistence
+/// - `NetworkedTransform` - if the entity has a `Transform` component
 ///
 /// # Example
-/// ```
-/// use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// use libmarathon::networking::Synced;
-/// use sync_macros::Synced as SyncedDerive;
 ///
-/// #[derive(Component, Reflect, Clone, serde::Serialize, serde::Deserialize, SyncedDerive)]
-/// #[sync(version = 1, strategy = "LastWriteWins")]
-/// struct Health(f32);
-///
-/// #[derive(Component, Reflect, Clone, serde::Serialize, serde::Deserialize, SyncedDerive)]
-/// #[sync(version = 1, strategy = "LastWriteWins")]
-/// struct Position {
-///     x: f32,
-///     y: f32,
+/// ```no_compile
+/// // Define a synced component with the #[synced] attribute
+/// #[libmarathon_macros::synced]
+/// pub struct CubeMarker {
+///     pub color_r: f32,
+///     pub size: f32,
 /// }
 ///
-/// let mut world = World::new();
-/// world.spawn((
-///     Health(100.0),
-///     Position { x: 0.0, y: 0.0 },
-///     Synced, // Marker enables sync
+/// // Spawn with just the Synced marker - infrastructure auto-added
+/// commands.spawn((
+///     CubeMarker::with_color(Color::RED, 1.0),
+///     Transform::from_translation(pos),
+///     Synced,  // Auto-adds NetworkedEntity, Persisted, NetworkedTransform
 /// ));
 /// ```
 #[derive(Component, Reflect, Default, Clone, Copy)]

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/tombstones.rs

@@ -219,11 +219,8 @@ pub fn handle_local_deletions_system(
     mut tombstone_registry: ResMut<TombstoneRegistry>,
     mut operation_log: Option<ResMut<crate::networking::OperationLog>>,
     bridge: Option<Res<GossipBridge>>,
+    mut write_buffer: Option<ResMut<crate::persistence::WriteBufferResource>>,
 ) {
-    let Some(bridge) = bridge else {
-        return;
-    };
-
     for (entity, networked) in query.iter() {
         // Increment clock for deletion
         node_clock.tick();
@@ -235,13 +232,34 @@ pub fn handle_local_deletions_system(
         )
         .delete();
 
-        // Record tombstone
+        // Record tombstone in memory
         tombstone_registry.record_deletion(
             networked.network_id,
             node_clock.node_id,
             node_clock.clock.clone(),
         );
 
+        // Persist tombstone to database
+        if let Some(ref mut buffer) = write_buffer {
+            // Serialize the vector clock using rkyv
+            match rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&node_clock.clock).map(|b| b.to_vec()) {
+                Ok(clock_bytes) => {
+                    if let Err(e) = buffer.add(crate::persistence::PersistenceOp::RecordTombstone {
+                        entity_id: networked.network_id,
+                        deleting_node: node_clock.node_id,
+                        deletion_clock: bytes::Bytes::from(clock_bytes),
+                    }) {
+                        error!("Failed to persist tombstone for entity {:?}: {}", networked.network_id, e);
+                    } else {
+                        debug!("Persisted tombstone for entity {:?} to database", networked.network_id);
+                    }
+                },
+                Err(e) => {
+                    error!("Failed to serialize vector clock for tombstone persistence: {:?}", e);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         // Create EntityDelta with Delete operation
         let delta = crate::networking::EntityDelta::new(
             networked.network_id,
@@ -250,12 +268,13 @@ pub fn handle_local_deletions_system(
             vec![delete_op],
         );
 
-        // Record in operation log
+        // Record in operation log (for when we go online later)
         if let Some(ref mut log) = operation_log {
             log.record_operation(delta.clone());
         }
 
-        // Broadcast deletion
+        // Broadcast deletion if online
+        if let Some(ref bridge) = bridge {
             let message =
                 crate::networking::VersionedMessage::new(crate::networking::SyncMessage::EntityDelta {
                     entity_id: delta.entity_id,
@@ -272,6 +291,12 @@ pub fn handle_local_deletions_system(
                     networked.network_id
                 );
             }
+        } else {
+            info!(
+                "Deleted entity {:?} locally (offline mode - will sync when online)",
+                networked.network_id
+            );
+        }
 
         // Despawn the entity locally
         commands.entity(entity).despawn();

crates/libmarathon/src/networking/vector_clock.rs

@@ -5,10 +5,7 @@
 
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
-use serde::{
-    Deserialize,
-    Serialize,
-};
+
 
 use crate::networking::error::{
     NetworkingError,
@@ -54,20 +51,25 @@ pub type NodeId = uuid::Uuid;
 /// clock1.merge(&clock2); // node1: 1, node2: 1
 /// assert!(clock1.happened_before(&clock2) == false);
 /// ```
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize, Default)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, rkyv::Archive, rkyv::Serialize, rkyv::Deserialize, Default)]
 pub struct VectorClock {
     /// Map from node ID to logical timestamp
-    pub clocks: HashMap<NodeId, u64>,
+    pub timestamps: HashMap<NodeId, u64>,
 }
 
 impl VectorClock {
     /// Create a new empty vector clock
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self {
-            clocks: HashMap::new(),
+            timestamps: HashMap::new(),
         }
     }
 
+    /// Get the number of nodes tracked in this clock
+    pub fn node_count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.timestamps.len()
+    }
+
     /// Increment the clock for a given node
     ///
     /// This should be called by a node before performing a local operation.
@@ -89,7 +91,7 @@ impl VectorClock {
     /// assert_eq!(clock.get(node), 2);
     /// ```
     pub fn increment(&mut self, node_id: NodeId) -> u64 {
-        let counter = self.clocks.entry(node_id).or_insert(0);
+        let counter = self.timestamps.entry(node_id).or_insert(0);
         *counter += 1;
         *counter
     }
@@ -98,7 +100,7 @@ impl VectorClock {
     ///
     /// Returns 0 if the node has never been seen in this vector clock.
     pub fn get(&self, node_id: NodeId) -> u64 {
-        self.clocks.get(&node_id).copied().unwrap_or(0)
+        self.timestamps.get(&node_id).copied().unwrap_or(0)
     }
 
     /// Merge another vector clock into this one
@@ -127,8 +129,8 @@ impl VectorClock {
     /// assert_eq!(clock1.get(node2), 1);
     /// ```
     pub fn merge(&mut self, other: &VectorClock) {
-        for (node_id, &counter) in &other.clocks {
-            let current = self.clocks.entry(*node_id).or_insert(0);
+        for (node_id, &counter) in &other.timestamps {
+            let current = self.timestamps.entry(*node_id).or_insert(0);
             *current = (*current).max(counter);
         }
     }
@@ -161,7 +163,7 @@ impl VectorClock {
         let mut any_strictly_less = false;
 
         // Check our nodes in a single pass
-        for (node_id, &our_counter) in &self.clocks {
+        for (node_id, &our_counter) in &self.timestamps {
             let their_counter = other.get(*node_id);
 
             // Early exit if we have a counter greater than theirs
@@ -178,8 +180,8 @@ impl VectorClock {
         // If we haven't found a strictly less counter yet, check if they have
         // nodes we don't know about with non-zero values (those count as strictly less)
         if !any_strictly_less {
-            any_strictly_less = other.clocks.iter().any(|(node_id, &their_counter)| {
-                !self.clocks.contains_key(node_id) && their_counter > 0
+            any_strictly_less = other.timestamps.iter().any(|(node_id, &their_counter)| {
+                !self.timestamps.contains_key(node_id) && their_counter > 0
             });
         }
 
@@ -253,7 +255,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_new_clock() {
         let clock = VectorClock::new();
-        assert_eq!(clock.clocks.len(), 0);
+        assert_eq!(clock.timestamps.len(), 0);
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -444,13 +446,13 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_serialization() -> bincode::Result<()> {
+    fn test_serialization() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
         let node = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
         let mut clock = VectorClock::new();
         clock.increment(node);
 
-        let bytes = bincode::serialize(&clock)?;
-        let deserialized: VectorClock = bincode::deserialize(&bytes)?;
+        let bytes = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&clock).map(|b| b.to_vec())?;
+        let deserialized: VectorClock = rkyv::from_bytes::<VectorClock, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&bytes)?;
 
         assert_eq!(clock, deserialized);
 

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/database.rs

@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ pub fn flush_to_sqlite(ops: &[PersistenceOp], conn: &mut Connection) -> Result<u
                     rusqlite::params![
                         entity_id.as_bytes(),
                         component_type,
-                        data,
+                        data.as_ref(),
                         current_timestamp(),
                     ],
                 )?;
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ pub fn flush_to_sqlite(ops: &[PersistenceOp], conn: &mut Connection) -> Result<u
                     rusqlite::params![
                         &node_id.to_string(), // Convert UUID to string for SQLite TEXT column
                         sequence,
-                        operation,
+                        operation.as_ref(),
                         current_timestamp(),
                     ],
                 )?;
@@ -253,6 +253,24 @@ pub fn flush_to_sqlite(ops: &[PersistenceOp], conn: &mut Connection) -> Result<u
                 )?;
                 count += 1;
             },
+
+            | PersistenceOp::RecordTombstone {
+                entity_id,
+                deleting_node,
+                deletion_clock,
+            } => {
+                tx.execute(
+                    "INSERT OR REPLACE INTO tombstones (entity_id, deleting_node, deletion_clock, created_at)
+                     VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4)",
+                    rusqlite::params![
+                        entity_id.as_bytes(),
+                        &deleting_node.to_string(),
+                        deletion_clock.as_ref(),
+                        current_timestamp(),
+                    ],
+                )?;
+                count += 1;
+            },
         }
     }
 
@@ -485,7 +503,7 @@ pub fn save_session(conn: &mut Connection, session: &crate::networking::Session)
             session.last_active,
             session.entity_count as i64,
             session.state.to_string(),
-            session.secret,
+            session.secret.as_ref().map(|b| b.as_ref()),
         ],
     )?;
     Ok(())
@@ -517,7 +535,8 @@ pub fn load_session(
                 last_active: row.get(3)?,
                 entity_count: row.get::<_, i64>(4)? as usize,
                 state,
-                secret: row.get(6)?,
+                secret: row.get::<_, Option<std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]>>>(6)?
+                    .map(|cow| bytes::Bytes::copy_from_slice(&cow)),
             })
         },
     )
@@ -548,7 +567,8 @@ pub fn get_last_active_session(conn: &Connection) -> Result<Option<crate::networ
                 last_active: row.get(3)?,
                 entity_count: row.get::<_, i64>(4)? as usize,
                 state,
-                secret: row.get(6)?,
+                secret: row.get::<_, Option<std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]>>>(6)?
+                    .map(|cow| bytes::Bytes::copy_from_slice(&cow)),
             })
         },
     )
@@ -571,7 +591,7 @@ pub fn save_session_vector_clock(
     )?;
 
     // Insert current clock state
-    for (node_id, &counter) in &clock.clocks {
+    for (node_id, &counter) in &clock.timestamps {
         tx.execute(
             "INSERT INTO vector_clock (session_id, node_id, counter, updated_at)
              VALUES (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4)",
@@ -606,13 +626,486 @@ pub fn load_session_vector_clock(
     for row in rows {
         let (node_id_str, counter) = row?;
         if let Ok(node_id) = uuid::Uuid::parse_str(&node_id_str) {
-            clock.clocks.insert(node_id, counter as u64);
+            clock.timestamps.insert(node_id, counter as u64);
         }
     }
 
     Ok(clock)
 }
 
+/// Loaded entity data from database
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct LoadedEntity {
+    pub id: uuid::Uuid,
+    pub entity_type: String,
+    pub created_at: chrono::DateTime<chrono::Utc>,
+    pub updated_at: chrono::DateTime<chrono::Utc>,
+    pub components: Vec<LoadedComponent>,
+}
+
+/// Loaded component data from database
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct LoadedComponent {
+    pub component_type: String,
+    pub data: bytes::Bytes,
+}
+
+/// Load all components for a single entity from the database
+pub fn load_entity_components(
+    conn: &Connection,
+    entity_id: uuid::Uuid,
+) -> Result<Vec<LoadedComponent>> {
+    let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
+        "SELECT component_type, data
+         FROM components
+         WHERE entity_id = ?1",
+    )?;
+
+    let components: Vec<LoadedComponent> = stmt
+        .query_map([entity_id.as_bytes()], |row| {
+            let data_cow: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(1)?;
+            Ok(LoadedComponent {
+                component_type: row.get(0)?,
+                data: bytes::Bytes::copy_from_slice(&data_cow),
+            })
+        })?
+        .collect::<std::result::Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?;
+
+    Ok(components)
+}
+
+/// Load a single entity by network ID from the database
+///
+/// Returns None if the entity doesn't exist.
+pub fn load_entity_by_network_id(
+    conn: &Connection,
+    network_id: uuid::Uuid,
+) -> Result<Option<LoadedEntity>> {
+    // Load entity metadata
+    let entity_data = conn
+        .query_row(
+            "SELECT id, entity_type, created_at, updated_at
+             FROM entities
+             WHERE id = ?1",
+            [network_id.as_bytes()],
+            |row| {
+                let id_bytes: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(0)?;
+                let mut id_array = [0u8; 16];
+                id_array.copy_from_slice(&id_bytes);
+                let id = uuid::Uuid::from_bytes(id_array);
+
+                Ok((
+                    id,
+                    row.get::<_, String>(1)?,
+                    row.get::<_, i64>(2)?,
+                    row.get::<_, i64>(3)?,
+                ))
+            },
+        )
+        .optional()?;
+
+    let Some((id, entity_type, created_at_ts, updated_at_ts)) = entity_data else {
+        return Ok(None);
+    };
+
+    // Load all components for this entity
+    let components = load_entity_components(conn, id)?;
+
+    Ok(Some(LoadedEntity {
+        id,
+        entity_type,
+        created_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(created_at_ts, 0)
+            .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+        updated_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(updated_at_ts, 0)
+            .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+        components,
+    }))
+}
+
+/// Load all entities from the database
+///
+/// This loads all entity metadata and their components.
+/// Used during startup to rehydrate the game state.
+pub fn load_all_entities(conn: &Connection) -> Result<Vec<LoadedEntity>> {
+    let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
+        "SELECT id, entity_type, created_at, updated_at
+         FROM entities
+         ORDER BY created_at ASC",
+    )?;
+
+    let entity_rows = stmt.query_map([], |row| {
+        let id_bytes: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(0)?;
+        let mut id_array = [0u8; 16];
+        id_array.copy_from_slice(&id_bytes);
+        let id = uuid::Uuid::from_bytes(id_array);
+
+        Ok((
+            id,
+            row.get::<_, String>(1)?,
+            row.get::<_, i64>(2)?,
+            row.get::<_, i64>(3)?,
+        ))
+    })?;
+
+    let mut entities = Vec::new();
+
+    for row in entity_rows {
+        let (id, entity_type, created_at_ts, updated_at_ts) = row?;
+
+        // Load all components for this entity
+        let components = load_entity_components(conn, id)?;
+
+        entities.push(LoadedEntity {
+            id,
+            entity_type,
+            created_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(created_at_ts, 0)
+                .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+            updated_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(updated_at_ts, 0)
+                .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+            components,
+        });
+    }
+
+    Ok(entities)
+}
+
+/// Load entities by entity type from the database
+///
+/// Returns all entities matching the specified entity_type.
+pub fn load_entities_by_type(conn: &Connection, entity_type: &str) -> Result<Vec<LoadedEntity>> {
+    let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
+        "SELECT id, entity_type, created_at, updated_at
+         FROM entities
+         WHERE entity_type = ?1
+         ORDER BY created_at ASC",
+    )?;
+
+    let entity_rows = stmt.query_map([entity_type], |row| {
+        let id_bytes: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(0)?;
+        let mut id_array = [0u8; 16];
+        id_array.copy_from_slice(&id_bytes);
+        let id = uuid::Uuid::from_bytes(id_array);
+
+        Ok((
+            id,
+            row.get::<_, String>(1)?,
+            row.get::<_, i64>(2)?,
+            row.get::<_, i64>(3)?,
+        ))
+    })?;
+
+    let mut entities = Vec::new();
+
+    for row in entity_rows {
+        let (id, entity_type, created_at_ts, updated_at_ts) = row?;
+
+        // Load all components for this entity
+        let components = load_entity_components(conn, id)?;
+
+        entities.push(LoadedEntity {
+            id,
+            entity_type,
+            created_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(created_at_ts, 0)
+                .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+            updated_at: chrono::DateTime::from_timestamp(updated_at_ts, 0)
+                .unwrap_or_else(chrono::Utc::now),
+            components,
+        });
+    }
+
+    Ok(entities)
+}
+
+/// Rehydrate a loaded entity into the Bevy world
+///
+/// Takes a `LoadedEntity` from the database and spawns it as a new Bevy entity,
+/// deserializing and inserting all components using the ComponentTypeRegistry.
+///
+/// # Arguments
+///
+/// * `loaded_entity` - The entity data loaded from SQLite
+/// * `world` - The Bevy world to spawn the entity into
+/// * `component_registry` - Type registry for component deserialization
+///
+/// # Returns
+///
+/// The spawned Bevy `Entity` on success
+///
+/// # Errors
+///
+/// Returns an error if:
+/// - Component deserialization fails
+/// - Component type is not registered
+/// - Component insertion fails
+pub fn rehydrate_entity(
+    loaded_entity: LoadedEntity,
+    world: &mut bevy::prelude::World,
+    component_registry: &crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistry,
+) -> Result<bevy::prelude::Entity> {
+    use bevy::prelude::*;
+
+    use crate::networking::NetworkedEntity;
+
+    // Spawn a new entity
+    let entity = world.spawn_empty().id();
+
+    info!(
+        "Rehydrating entity {:?} with type {} and {} components",
+        loaded_entity.id,
+        loaded_entity.entity_type,
+        loaded_entity.components.len()
+    );
+
+    // Deserialize and insert each component
+    for component in &loaded_entity.components {
+        // Get deserialization function for this component type
+        let deserialize_fn = component_registry
+            .get_deserialize_fn_by_path(&component.component_type)
+            .ok_or_else(|| {
+                PersistenceError::Deserialization(format!(
+                    "No deserialize function registered for component type: {}",
+                    component.component_type
+                ))
+            })?;
+
+        // Get insert function for this component type
+        let insert_fn = component_registry
+            .get_insert_fn_by_path(&component.component_type)
+            .ok_or_else(|| {
+                PersistenceError::Deserialization(format!(
+                    "No insert function registered for component type: {}",
+                    component.component_type
+                ))
+            })?;
+
+        // Deserialize the component from bytes
+        let deserialized = deserialize_fn(&component.data).map_err(|e| {
+            PersistenceError::Deserialization(format!(
+                "Failed to deserialize component {}: {}",
+                component.component_type, e
+            ))
+        })?;
+
+        // Insert the component into the entity
+        // Get an EntityWorldMut to pass to the insert function
+        let mut entity_mut = world.entity_mut(entity);
+        insert_fn(&mut entity_mut, deserialized);
+
+        debug!(
+            "Inserted component {} into entity {:?}",
+            component.component_type, entity
+        );
+    }
+
+    // Add the NetworkedEntity component with the persisted network_id
+    // This ensures the entity maintains its identity across restarts
+    world.entity_mut(entity).insert(NetworkedEntity {
+        network_id: loaded_entity.id,
+        owner_node_id: uuid::Uuid::nil(), // Will be set by network system if needed
+    });
+
+    // Add the Persisted marker component
+    world
+        .entity_mut(entity)
+        .insert(crate::persistence::Persisted {
+            network_id: loaded_entity.id,
+        });
+
+    info!(
+        "Successfully rehydrated entity {:?} as Bevy entity {:?}",
+        loaded_entity.id, entity
+    );
+
+    Ok(entity)
+}
+
+/// Rehydrate all entities from the database into the Bevy world
+///
+/// This function is called during startup to restore the entire persisted
+/// state. It loads all entities from SQLite and spawns them into the Bevy world
+/// with all their components.
+///
+/// # Arguments
+///
+/// * `world` - The Bevy world to spawn entities into
+///
+/// # Errors
+///
+/// Returns an error if:
+/// - Database connection fails
+/// - Entity loading fails
+/// - Entity rehydration fails
+pub fn rehydrate_all_entities(world: &mut bevy::prelude::World) -> Result<()> {
+    use bevy::prelude::*;
+
+    // Get database connection from resource
+    let loaded_entities = {
+        let db_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::PersistenceDb>();
+        let conn = db_res
+            .conn
+            .lock()
+            .map_err(|e| PersistenceError::Other(format!("Failed to lock database: {}", e)))?;
+
+        // Load all entities from database
+        load_all_entities(&conn)?
+    };
+
+    info!("Loaded {} entities from database", loaded_entities.len());
+
+    if loaded_entities.is_empty() {
+        info!("No entities to rehydrate");
+        return Ok(());
+    }
+
+    // Get component registry
+    let component_registry = {
+        let registry_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+        registry_res.0
+    };
+
+    // Rehydrate each entity
+    let mut rehydrated_count = 0;
+    let mut failed_count = 0;
+
+    for loaded_entity in loaded_entities {
+        match rehydrate_entity(loaded_entity, world, component_registry) {
+            | Ok(entity) => {
+                rehydrated_count += 1;
+                debug!("Rehydrated entity {:?}", entity);
+            },
+            | Err(e) => {
+                failed_count += 1;
+                error!("Failed to rehydrate entity: {}", e);
+            },
+        }
+    }
+
+    info!(
+        "Entity rehydration complete: {} succeeded, {} failed",
+        rehydrated_count, failed_count
+    );
+
+    if failed_count > 0 {
+        warn!(
+            "{} entities failed to rehydrate - check logs for details",
+            failed_count
+        );
+    }
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+/// Load all tombstones from the database into the TombstoneRegistry
+///
+/// This function is called during startup to restore deletion tombstones
+/// from the database, preventing resurrection of deleted entities after
+/// application restart.
+///
+/// # Arguments
+///
+/// * `world` - The Bevy world containing the TombstoneRegistry resource
+///
+/// # Errors
+///
+/// Returns an error if:
+/// - Database connection fails
+/// - Tombstone loading fails
+/// - Vector clock deserialization fails
+pub fn load_tombstones(world: &mut bevy::prelude::World) -> Result<()> {
+    use bevy::prelude::*;
+
+    // Get database connection and load tombstones
+    let tombstone_rows = {
+        let db_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::PersistenceDb>();
+        let conn = db_res
+            .conn
+            .lock()
+            .map_err(|e| PersistenceError::Other(format!("Failed to lock database: {}", e)))?;
+
+        // Load all tombstones from database
+        let mut stmt = conn.prepare(
+            "SELECT entity_id, deleting_node, deletion_clock, created_at
+             FROM tombstones
+             ORDER BY created_at ASC",
+        )?;
+
+        let rows = stmt.query_map([], |row| {
+            let entity_id_bytes: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(0)?;
+            let mut entity_id_array = [0u8; 16];
+            entity_id_array.copy_from_slice(&entity_id_bytes);
+            let entity_id = uuid::Uuid::from_bytes(entity_id_array);
+
+            let deleting_node_str: String = row.get(1)?;
+            let deletion_clock_bytes: std::borrow::Cow<'_, [u8]> = row.get(2)?;
+            let created_at_ts: i64 = row.get(3)?;
+
+            Ok((
+                entity_id,
+                deleting_node_str,
+                deletion_clock_bytes.to_vec(),
+                created_at_ts,
+            ))
+        })?;
+
+        rows.collect::<std::result::Result<Vec<_>, _>>()?
+    };
+
+    info!("Loaded {} tombstones from database", tombstone_rows.len());
+
+    if tombstone_rows.is_empty() {
+        info!("No tombstones to restore");
+        return Ok(());
+    }
+
+    // Restore tombstones into TombstoneRegistry
+    let mut loaded_count = 0;
+    let mut failed_count = 0;
+
+    {
+        let mut tombstone_registry = world.resource_mut::<crate::networking::TombstoneRegistry>();
+
+        for (entity_id, deleting_node_str, deletion_clock_bytes, _created_at_ts) in tombstone_rows {
+            // Parse node ID
+            let deleting_node = match uuid::Uuid::parse_str(&deleting_node_str) {
+                Ok(id) => id,
+                Err(e) => {
+                    error!("Failed to parse deleting_node UUID for entity {:?}: {}", entity_id, e);
+                    failed_count += 1;
+                    continue;
+                }
+            };
+
+            // Deserialize vector clock
+            let deletion_clock = match rkyv::from_bytes::<crate::networking::VectorClock, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&deletion_clock_bytes) {
+                Ok(clock) => clock,
+                Err(e) => {
+                    error!("Failed to deserialize vector clock for tombstone {:?}: {:?}", entity_id, e);
+                    failed_count += 1;
+                    continue;
+                }
+            };
+
+            // Record the tombstone in the registry
+            tombstone_registry.record_deletion(entity_id, deleting_node, deletion_clock);
+            loaded_count += 1;
+        }
+    }
+
+    info!(
+        "Tombstone restoration complete: {} succeeded, {} failed",
+        loaded_count, failed_count
+    );
+
+    if failed_count > 0 {
+        warn!(
+            "{} tombstones failed to restore - check logs for details",
+            failed_count
+        );
+    }
+
+    Ok(())
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
@@ -656,7 +1149,7 @@ mod tests {
             PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id,
                 component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-                data: vec![1, 2, 3, 4],
+                data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3, 4]),
             },
         ];
 

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/error.rs

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ pub enum PersistenceError {
     Database(rusqlite::Error),
 
     /// Serialization failed
-    Serialization(bincode::Error),
+    Serialization(String),
 
     /// Deserialization failed
     Deserialization(String),
@@ -85,7 +85,6 @@ impl std::error::Error for PersistenceError {
     fn source(&self) -> Option<&(dyn std::error::Error + 'static)> {
         match self {
             | Self::Database(err) => Some(err),
-            | Self::Serialization(err) => Some(err),
             | Self::Io(err) => Some(err),
             | _ => None,
         }
@@ -99,12 +98,6 @@ impl From<rusqlite::Error> for PersistenceError {
     }
 }
 
-impl From<bincode::Error> for PersistenceError {
-    fn from(err: bincode::Error) -> Self {
-        Self::Serialization(err)
-    }
-}
-
 impl From<std::io::Error> for PersistenceError {
     fn from(err: std::io::Error) -> Self {
         Self::Io(err)

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/migrations.rs

@@ -29,6 +29,11 @@ pub const MIGRATIONS: &[Migration] = &[
         name: "sessions",
         up: include_str!("migrations/004_sessions.sql"),
     },
+    Migration {
+        version: 5,
+        name: "tombstones",
+        up: include_str!("migrations/005_tombstones.sql"),
+    },
 ];
 
 /// Initialize the migrations table

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/migrations/005_tombstones.sql

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+-- Migration 005: Add tombstones table
+-- Stores deletion tombstones to prevent resurrection of deleted entities
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS tombstones (
+    entity_id BLOB PRIMARY KEY,
+    deleting_node TEXT NOT NULL,
+    deletion_clock BLOB NOT NULL,
+    created_at INTEGER NOT NULL
+);
+
+-- Index for querying tombstones by session (for future session scoping)
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_tombstones_created
+ON tombstones(created_at DESC);

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/mod.rs

@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ mod metrics;
 mod migrations;
 mod plugin;
 pub mod reflection;
+mod registered_components;
 mod systems;
+mod type_registry;
 mod types;
 
 pub use config::*;
@@ -52,4 +54,5 @@ pub use migrations::*;
 pub use plugin::*;
 pub use reflection::*;
 pub use systems::*;
+pub use type_registry::*;
 pub use types::*;

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/plugin.rs

@@ -88,10 +88,16 @@ impl Plugin for PersistencePlugin {
             .insert_resource(PersistenceMetrics::default())
             .insert_resource(CheckpointTimer::default())
             .insert_resource(PersistenceHealth::default())
-            .insert_resource(PendingFlushTasks::default());
+            .insert_resource(PendingFlushTasks::default())
+            .init_resource::<ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
 
-        // Add startup system
-        app.add_systems(Startup, persistence_startup_system);
+        // Add startup systems
+        // First initialize the database, then rehydrate entities and tombstones
+        app.add_systems(Startup, (
+            persistence_startup_system,
+            rehydrate_entities_system,
+            load_tombstones_system,
+        ).chain());
 
         // Add systems in the appropriate schedule
         app.add_systems(
@@ -158,6 +164,68 @@ fn persistence_startup_system(db: Res<PersistenceDb>, mut metrics: ResMut<Persis
     }
 }
 
+/// Exclusive startup system to rehydrate entities from database
+///
+/// This system runs after `persistence_startup_system` and loads all entities
+/// from SQLite, deserializing and spawning them into the Bevy world with all
+/// their components.
+///
+/// **Important**: Only rehydrates entities when rejoining an existing session.
+/// New sessions start with 0 entities to avoid loading entities from previous
+/// sessions.
+fn rehydrate_entities_system(world: &mut World) {
+    // Check if we're rejoining an existing session
+    let should_rehydrate = {
+        let current_session = world.get_resource::<crate::networking::CurrentSession>();
+        match current_session {
+            Some(session) => {
+                // Only rehydrate if we have a last_known_clock (indicates we're rejoining)
+                let is_rejoin = session.last_known_clock.node_count() > 0;
+                if is_rejoin {
+                    info!(
+                        "Rejoining session {} - will rehydrate persisted entities",
+                        session.session.id.to_code()
+                    );
+                } else {
+                    info!(
+                        "New session {} - starting with 0 entities",
+                        session.session.id.to_code()
+                    );
+                }
+                is_rejoin
+            }
+            None => {
+                warn!("No CurrentSession found - skipping entity rehydration");
+                false
+            }
+        }
+    };
+
+    if !should_rehydrate {
+        info!("Skipping entity rehydration for new session");
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if let Err(e) = crate::persistence::database::rehydrate_all_entities(world) {
+        error!("Failed to rehydrate entities from database: {}", e);
+    } else {
+        info!("Successfully rehydrated entities from database");
+    }
+}
+
+/// Exclusive startup system to load tombstones from database
+///
+/// This system runs after `rehydrate_entities_system` and loads all tombstones
+/// from SQLite, deserializing them into the TombstoneRegistry to prevent
+/// resurrection of deleted entities.
+fn load_tombstones_system(world: &mut World) {
+    if let Err(e) = crate::persistence::database::load_tombstones(world) {
+        error!("Failed to load tombstones from database: {}", e);
+    } else {
+        info!("Successfully loaded tombstones from database");
+    }
+}
+
 /// System to collect dirty entities using Bevy's change detection
 ///
 /// This system tracks changes to the `Persisted` component. When `Persisted` is
@@ -206,18 +274,17 @@ fn collect_dirty_entities_bevy_system(world: &mut World) {
 
         // Serialize all components on this entity (generic tracking)
         let components = {
-            let type_registry = world.resource::<AppTypeRegistry>().read();
-            let comps = serialize_all_components_from_entity(entity, world, &type_registry);
-            drop(type_registry);
-            comps
+            let type_registry_res = world.resource::<crate::persistence::ComponentTypeRegistryResource>();
+            let type_registry = type_registry_res.0;
+            type_registry.serialize_entity_components(world, entity)
         };
 
         // Add operations for each component
-        for (component_type, data) in components {
+        for (_discriminant, type_path, data) in components {
             // Get mutable access to dirty and mark it
             {
                 let mut dirty = world.resource_mut::<DirtyEntitiesResource>();
-                dirty.mark_dirty(network_id, &component_type);
+                dirty.mark_dirty(network_id, type_path);
             }
 
             // Get mutable access to write_buffer and add the operation
@@ -225,12 +292,12 @@ fn collect_dirty_entities_bevy_system(world: &mut World) {
                 let mut write_buffer = world.resource_mut::<WriteBufferResource>();
                 if let Err(e) = write_buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                     entity_id: network_id,
-                    component_type: component_type.clone(),
+                    component_type: type_path.to_string(),
                     data,
                 }) {
                     error!(
                         "Failed to add UpsertComponent operation for entity {} component {}: {}",
-                        network_id, component_type, e
+                        network_id, type_path, e
                     );
                     // Continue with other components even if one fails
                 }

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/reflection.rs

@@ -1,27 +1,10 @@
-//! Reflection-based component serialization for persistence
+//! DEPRECATED: Reflection-based component serialization
+//! Marker components for the persistence system
 //!
-//! This module provides utilities to serialize and deserialize Bevy components
-//! using reflection, allowing the persistence layer to work with any component
-//! that implements Reflect.
+//! All component serialization now uses #[derive(Synced)] with rkyv.
+//! This module only provides the Persisted marker component.
 
-use bevy::{
-    prelude::*,
-    reflect::{
-        TypeRegistry,
-        serde::{
-            ReflectSerializer,
-            TypedReflectDeserializer,
-            TypedReflectSerializer,
-        },
-    },
-};
-use bincode::Options as _;
-use serde::de::DeserializeSeed;
-
-use crate::persistence::error::{
-    PersistenceError,
-    Result,
-};
+use bevy::prelude::*;
 
 /// Marker component to indicate that an entity should be persisted
 ///
@@ -55,6 +38,8 @@ pub struct Persisted {
     pub network_id: uuid::Uuid,
 }
 
+
+
 impl Persisted {
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self {
@@ -67,247 +52,4 @@ impl Persisted {
     }
 }
 
-/// Trait for components that can be persisted
-pub trait Persistable: Component + Reflect {
-    /// Get the type name for this component (used as key in database)
-    fn type_name() -> &'static str {
-        std::any::type_name::<Self>()
-    }
-}
-
-/// Serialize a component using Bevy's reflection system
-///
-/// This converts any component implementing `Reflect` into bytes for storage.
-/// Uses bincode for efficient binary serialization with type information from
-/// the registry to handle polymorphic types correctly.
-///
-/// # Parameters
-/// - `component`: Component to serialize (must implement `Reflect`)
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry for reflection metadata
-///
-/// # Returns
-/// - `Ok(Vec<u8>)`: Serialized component data
-/// - `Err`: If serialization fails (e.g., type not properly registered)
-///
-/// # Examples
-/// ```no_run
-/// # use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// # use libmarathon::persistence::*;
-/// # fn example(component: &Transform, registry: &AppTypeRegistry) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
-/// let registry = registry.read();
-/// let bytes = serialize_component(component.as_reflect(), &registry)?;
-/// # Ok(())
-/// # }
-/// ```
-pub fn serialize_component(
-    component: &dyn Reflect,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
-    let serializer = ReflectSerializer::new(component, type_registry);
-    bincode::options()
-        .serialize(&serializer)
-        .map_err(PersistenceError::from)
-}
-
-/// Serialize a component when the type is known (more efficient for bincode)
-///
-/// This uses `TypedReflectSerializer` which doesn't include type path
-/// information, making it compatible with `TypedReflectDeserializer` for binary
-/// formats.
-pub fn serialize_component_typed(
-    component: &dyn Reflect,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
-    let serializer = TypedReflectSerializer::new(component, type_registry);
-    bincode::options()
-        .serialize(&serializer)
-        .map_err(PersistenceError::from)
-}
-
-/// Deserialize a component using Bevy's reflection system
-///
-/// Converts serialized bytes back into a reflected component. The returned
-/// component is boxed and must be downcast to the concrete type for use.
-///
-/// # Parameters
-/// - `bytes`: Serialized component data from [`serialize_component`]
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry for reflection metadata
-///
-/// # Returns
-/// - `Ok(Box<dyn PartialReflect>)`: Deserialized component (needs downcasting)
-/// - `Err`: If deserialization fails (e.g., type not registered, data
-///   corruption)
-///
-/// # Examples
-/// ```no_run
-/// # use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// # use libmarathon::persistence::*;
-/// # fn example(bytes: &[u8], registry: &AppTypeRegistry) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
-/// let registry = registry.read();
-/// let reflected = deserialize_component(bytes, &registry)?;
-/// // Downcast to concrete type as needed
-/// # Ok(())
-/// # }
-/// ```
-pub fn deserialize_component(
-    bytes: &[u8],
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Result<Box<dyn PartialReflect>> {
-    let mut deserializer = bincode::Deserializer::from_slice(bytes, bincode::options());
-    let reflect_deserializer = bevy::reflect::serde::ReflectDeserializer::new(type_registry);
-
-    reflect_deserializer
-        .deserialize(&mut deserializer)
-        .map_err(|e| PersistenceError::Deserialization(e.to_string()))
-}
-
-/// Deserialize a component when the type is known
-///
-/// Uses `TypedReflectDeserializer` which is more efficient for binary formats
-/// like bincode when the component type is known at deserialization time.
-pub fn deserialize_component_typed(
-    bytes: &[u8],
-    component_type: &str,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Result<Box<dyn PartialReflect>> {
-    let registration = type_registry
-        .get_with_type_path(component_type)
-        .ok_or_else(|| {
-            PersistenceError::Deserialization(format!("Type {} not registered", component_type))
-        })?;
-
-    let mut deserializer = bincode::Deserializer::from_slice(bytes, bincode::options());
-    let reflect_deserializer = TypedReflectDeserializer::new(registration, type_registry);
-
-    reflect_deserializer
-        .deserialize(&mut deserializer)
-        .map_err(|e| PersistenceError::Deserialization(e.to_string()))
-}
-
-/// Serialize a component directly from an entity using its type path
-///
-/// This is a convenience function that combines type lookup, reflection, and
-/// serialization. It's the primary method used by the persistence system to
-/// save component state without knowing the concrete type at compile time.
-///
-/// # Parameters
-/// - `entity`: Bevy entity to read the component from
-/// - `component_type`: Type path string (e.g.,
-///   "bevy_transform::components::Transform")
-/// - `world`: Bevy world containing the entity
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry for reflection metadata
-///
-/// # Returns
-/// - `Some(Vec<u8>)`: Serialized component data
-/// - `None`: If entity doesn't have the component or type isn't registered
-///
-/// # Examples
-/// ```no_run
-/// # use bevy::prelude::*;
-/// # use libmarathon::persistence::*;
-/// # fn example(entity: Entity, world: &World, registry: &AppTypeRegistry) -> Option<()> {
-/// let registry = registry.read();
-/// let bytes = serialize_component_from_entity(
-///     entity,
-///     "bevy_transform::components::Transform",
-///     world,
-///     &registry,
-/// )?;
-/// # Some(())
-/// # }
-/// ```
-pub fn serialize_component_from_entity(
-    entity: Entity,
-    component_type: &str,
-    world: &World,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Option<Vec<u8>> {
-    // Get the type registration
-    let registration = type_registry.get_with_type_path(component_type)?;
-
-    // Get the ReflectComponent data
-    let reflect_component = registration.data::<ReflectComponent>()?;
-
-    // Reflect the component from the entity
-    let reflected = reflect_component.reflect(world.entity(entity))?;
-
-    // Serialize it directly
-    serialize_component(reflected, type_registry).ok()
-}
-
-/// Serialize all components from an entity that have reflection data
-///
-/// This iterates over all components on an entity and serializes those that:
-/// - Are registered in the type registry
-/// - Have `ReflectComponent` data (meaning they support reflection)
-/// - Are not the `Persisted` marker component (to avoid redundant storage)
-///
-/// # Parameters
-/// - `entity`: Bevy entity to serialize components from
-/// - `world`: Bevy world containing the entity
-/// - `type_registry`: Bevy's type registry for reflection metadata
-///
-/// # Returns
-/// Vector of tuples containing (component_type_path, serialized_data) for each
-/// component
-pub fn serialize_all_components_from_entity(
-    entity: Entity,
-    world: &World,
-    type_registry: &TypeRegistry,
-) -> Vec<(String, Vec<u8>)> {
-    let mut components = Vec::new();
-
-    // Get the entity reference
-    let entity_ref = world.entity(entity);
-
-    // Iterate over all type registrations
-    for registration in type_registry.iter() {
-        // Skip if no ReflectComponent data (not a component)
-        let Some(reflect_component) = registration.data::<ReflectComponent>() else {
-            continue;
-        };
-
-        // Get the type path for this component
-        let type_path = registration.type_info().type_path();
-
-        // Skip the Persisted marker component itself (we don't need to persist it)
-        if type_path.ends_with("::Persisted") {
-            continue;
-        }
-
-        // Try to reflect this component from the entity
-        if let Some(reflected) = reflect_component.reflect(entity_ref) {
-            // Serialize the component using typed serialization for consistency
-            // This matches the format expected by deserialize_component_typed
-            if let Ok(data) = serialize_component_typed(reflected, type_registry) {
-                components.push((type_path.to_string(), data));
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    components
-}
-
-#[cfg(test)]
-mod tests {
-    use super::*;
-
-    #[derive(Component, Reflect, Default)]
-    #[reflect(Component)]
-    struct TestComponent {
-        value: i32,
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn test_component_serialization() -> Result<()> {
-        let mut registry = TypeRegistry::default();
-        registry.register::<TestComponent>();
-
-        let component = TestComponent { value: 42 };
-        let bytes = serialize_component(&component, &registry)?;
-
-        assert!(!bytes.is_empty());
-
-        Ok(())
-    }
-}
+// All component serialization now uses #[derive(Synced)] with rkyv through ComponentTypeRegistry

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/registered_components.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+//! Component registrations for CRDT synchronization
+//!
+//! This module registers all components that should be synchronized across
+//! the network using the inventory-based type registry.
+//!
+//! # When to use this file vs `#[synced]` attribute
+//!
+//! **Use `#[synced]` attribute for:**
+//! - Your own component types defined in this codebase
+//! - Any type you have source access to
+//! - Most game components (entities, markers, etc.)
+//! - Example: `#[synced] pub struct CubeMarker { ... }`
+//!
+//! **Use manual `inventory::submit!` here for:**
+//! - Third-party types (Bevy's Transform, external crates)
+//! - Types that need custom serialization logic
+//! - Types where the serialized format differs from in-memory format
+//!
+//! # Currently registered external types
+//!
+//! - `Transform` - Bevy's transform component (needs custom rkyv conversion)
+
+use std::any::TypeId;
+
+// Register Transform for synchronization
+// We serialize Bevy's Transform but convert to our rkyv-compatible type
+inventory::submit! {
+    crate::persistence::ComponentMeta {
+        type_name: "Transform",
+        type_path: "bevy::transform::components::transform::Transform",
+        type_id: TypeId::of::<bevy::prelude::Transform>(),
+
+        deserialize_fn: |bytes: &[u8]| -> anyhow::Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>> {
+            let transform: crate::transform::Transform = rkyv::from_bytes::<crate::transform::Transform, rkyv::rancor::Failure>(bytes)?;
+            // Convert back to Bevy Transform
+            let bevy_transform = bevy::prelude::Transform {
+                translation: transform.translation.into(),
+                rotation: transform.rotation.into(),
+                scale: transform.scale.into(),
+            };
+            Ok(Box::new(bevy_transform))
+        },
+
+        serialize_fn: |world: &bevy::ecs::world::World, entity: bevy::ecs::entity::Entity| -> Option<bytes::Bytes> {
+            world.get::<bevy::prelude::Transform>(entity).map(|bevy_transform| {
+                // Convert to our rkyv-compatible Transform
+                let transform = crate::transform::Transform {
+                    translation: bevy_transform.translation.into(),
+                    rotation: bevy_transform.rotation.into(),
+                    scale: bevy_transform.scale.into(),
+                };
+                let serialized = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(&transform)
+                    .expect("Failed to serialize Transform");
+                bytes::Bytes::from(serialized.to_vec())
+            })
+        },
+
+        insert_fn: |entity_mut: &mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, boxed: Box<dyn std::any::Any>| {
+            if let Ok(transform) = boxed.downcast::<bevy::prelude::Transform>() {
+                entity_mut.insert(*transform);
+            }
+        },
+    }
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/systems.rs

@@ -479,7 +479,7 @@ mod tests {
             .add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id,
                 component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-                data: vec![1, 2, 3],
+                data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
             })
             .unwrap();
 

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/type_registry.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,326 @@
+//! Type registry using rkyv and inventory
+//!
+//! This module provides a runtime type registry that collects all synced
+//! components via the `inventory` crate and assigns them numeric discriminants
+//! for efficient serialization.
+
+use std::{
+    any::TypeId,
+    collections::HashMap,
+    sync::OnceLock,
+};
+
+use anyhow::Result;
+
+/// Component metadata collected via inventory
+pub struct ComponentMeta {
+    /// Human-readable type name (e.g., "Health")
+    pub type_name: &'static str,
+
+    /// Full type path (e.g., "my_crate::components::Health")
+    pub type_path: &'static str,
+
+    /// Rust TypeId for type-safe lookups
+    pub type_id: TypeId,
+
+    /// Deserialization function that returns a boxed component
+    pub deserialize_fn: fn(&[u8]) -> Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>>,
+
+    /// Serialization function that reads from an entity (returns None if entity
+    /// doesn't have this component)
+    pub serialize_fn:
+        fn(&bevy::ecs::world::World, bevy::ecs::entity::Entity) -> Option<bytes::Bytes>,
+
+    /// Insert function that takes a boxed component and inserts it into an
+    /// entity
+    pub insert_fn: fn(&mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, Box<dyn std::any::Any>),
+}
+
+// Collect all registered components via inventory
+inventory::collect!(ComponentMeta);
+
+/// Runtime component type registry
+///
+/// Maps TypeId -> numeric discriminant for efficient serialization
+pub struct ComponentTypeRegistry {
+    /// TypeId to discriminant mapping
+    type_to_discriminant: HashMap<TypeId, u16>,
+
+    /// Discriminant to deserialization function
+    discriminant_to_deserializer: HashMap<u16, fn(&[u8]) -> Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>>>,
+
+    /// Discriminant to serialization function
+    discriminant_to_serializer: HashMap<
+        u16,
+        fn(&bevy::ecs::world::World, bevy::ecs::entity::Entity) -> Option<bytes::Bytes>,
+    >,
+
+    /// Discriminant to insert function
+    discriminant_to_inserter:
+        HashMap<u16, fn(&mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, Box<dyn std::any::Any>)>,
+
+    /// Discriminant to type name (for debugging)
+    discriminant_to_name: HashMap<u16, &'static str>,
+
+    /// Discriminant to type path (for networking)
+    discriminant_to_path: HashMap<u16, &'static str>,
+
+    /// TypeId to type name (for debugging)
+    type_to_name: HashMap<TypeId, &'static str>,
+}
+
+impl ComponentTypeRegistry {
+    /// Initialize the registry from inventory-collected components
+    ///
+    /// This should be called once at application startup.
+    pub fn init() -> Self {
+        let mut type_to_discriminant = HashMap::new();
+        let mut discriminant_to_deserializer = HashMap::new();
+        let mut discriminant_to_serializer = HashMap::new();
+        let mut discriminant_to_inserter = HashMap::new();
+        let mut discriminant_to_name = HashMap::new();
+        let mut discriminant_to_path = HashMap::new();
+        let mut type_to_name = HashMap::new();
+
+        // Collect all registered components
+        let mut components: Vec<&ComponentMeta> = inventory::iter::<ComponentMeta>().collect();
+
+        // Sort by TypeId for deterministic discriminants
+        components.sort_by_key(|c| c.type_id);
+
+        // Assign discriminants
+        for (discriminant, meta) in components.iter().enumerate() {
+            let discriminant = discriminant as u16;
+            type_to_discriminant.insert(meta.type_id, discriminant);
+            discriminant_to_deserializer.insert(discriminant, meta.deserialize_fn);
+            discriminant_to_serializer.insert(discriminant, meta.serialize_fn);
+            discriminant_to_inserter.insert(discriminant, meta.insert_fn);
+            discriminant_to_name.insert(discriminant, meta.type_name);
+            discriminant_to_path.insert(discriminant, meta.type_path);
+            type_to_name.insert(meta.type_id, meta.type_name);
+
+            tracing::debug!(
+                type_name = meta.type_name,
+                type_path = meta.type_path,
+                discriminant = discriminant,
+                "Registered component type"
+            );
+        }
+
+        tracing::info!(
+            count = components.len(),
+            "Initialized component type registry"
+        );
+
+        Self {
+            type_to_discriminant,
+            discriminant_to_deserializer,
+            discriminant_to_serializer,
+            discriminant_to_inserter,
+            discriminant_to_name,
+            discriminant_to_path,
+            type_to_name,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Get the discriminant for a component type
+    pub fn get_discriminant(&self, type_id: TypeId) -> Option<u16> {
+        self.type_to_discriminant.get(&type_id).copied()
+    }
+
+    /// Deserialize a component from bytes with its discriminant
+    pub fn deserialize(&self, discriminant: u16, bytes: &[u8]) -> Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>> {
+        let deserialize_fn = self
+            .discriminant_to_deserializer
+            .get(&discriminant)
+            .ok_or_else(|| {
+                anyhow::anyhow!(
+                    "Unknown component discriminant: {} (available: {:?})",
+                    discriminant,
+                    self.discriminant_to_name
+                )
+            })?;
+
+        deserialize_fn(bytes)
+    }
+
+    /// Get the insert function for a discriminant
+    pub fn get_insert_fn(
+        &self,
+        discriminant: u16,
+    ) -> Option<fn(&mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, Box<dyn std::any::Any>)> {
+        self.discriminant_to_inserter.get(&discriminant).copied()
+    }
+
+    /// Get type name for a discriminant (for debugging)
+    pub fn get_type_name(&self, discriminant: u16) -> Option<&'static str> {
+        self.discriminant_to_name.get(&discriminant).copied()
+    }
+
+    /// Get the deserialize function for a discriminant
+    pub fn get_deserialize_fn(
+        &self,
+        discriminant: u16,
+    ) -> Option<fn(&[u8]) -> Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>>> {
+        self.discriminant_to_deserializer
+            .get(&discriminant)
+            .copied()
+    }
+
+    /// Get type path for a discriminant
+    pub fn get_type_path(&self, discriminant: u16) -> Option<&'static str> {
+        self.discriminant_to_path.get(&discriminant).copied()
+    }
+
+    /// Get the deserialize function by type path
+    pub fn get_deserialize_fn_by_path(
+        &self,
+        type_path: &str,
+    ) -> Option<fn(&[u8]) -> Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>>> {
+        // Linear search through discriminant_to_path to find matching type_path
+        for (discriminant, path) in &self.discriminant_to_path {
+            if *path == type_path {
+                return self.get_deserialize_fn(*discriminant);
+            }
+        }
+        None
+    }
+
+    /// Get the insert function by type path
+    pub fn get_insert_fn_by_path(
+        &self,
+        type_path: &str,
+    ) -> Option<fn(&mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, Box<dyn std::any::Any>)> {
+        // Linear search through discriminant_to_path to find matching type_path
+        for (discriminant, path) in &self.discriminant_to_path {
+            if *path == type_path {
+                return self.get_insert_fn(*discriminant);
+            }
+        }
+        None
+    }
+
+    /// Get the number of registered component types
+    pub fn len(&self) -> usize {
+        self.type_to_discriminant.len()
+    }
+
+    /// Check if the registry is empty
+    pub fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
+        self.type_to_discriminant.is_empty()
+    }
+
+    /// Serialize all registered components from an entity
+    ///
+    /// Returns Vec<(discriminant, type_path, serialized_bytes)> for all
+    /// components that exist on the entity.
+    pub fn serialize_entity_components(
+        &self,
+        world: &bevy::ecs::world::World,
+        entity: bevy::ecs::entity::Entity,
+    ) -> Vec<(u16, &'static str, bytes::Bytes)> {
+        let mut results = Vec::new();
+
+        for (&discriminant, &serialize_fn) in &self.discriminant_to_serializer {
+            if let Some(bytes) = serialize_fn(world, entity) {
+                if let Some(&type_path) = self.discriminant_to_path.get(&discriminant) {
+                    results.push((discriminant, type_path, bytes));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        results
+    }
+
+    /// Get all registered discriminants (for iteration)
+    pub fn all_discriminants(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = u16> + '_ {
+        self.discriminant_to_name.keys().copied()
+    }
+}
+
+/// Global component type registry instance
+static REGISTRY: OnceLock<ComponentTypeRegistry> = OnceLock::new();
+
+/// Get the global component type registry
+///
+/// Initializes the registry on first access.
+pub fn component_registry() -> &'static ComponentTypeRegistry {
+    REGISTRY.get_or_init(ComponentTypeRegistry::init)
+}
+
+/// Bevy resource wrapper for ComponentTypeRegistry
+///
+/// Use this in Bevy systems to access the global component registry.
+/// Insert this resource at app startup.
+#[derive(bevy::prelude::Resource)]
+pub struct ComponentTypeRegistryResource(pub &'static ComponentTypeRegistry);
+
+impl Default for ComponentTypeRegistryResource {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self(component_registry())
+    }
+}
+
+
+/// Macro to register a component type with the inventory system
+///
+/// This generates the necessary serialize/deserialize functions and submits
+/// the ComponentMeta to inventory for runtime registration.
+///
+/// # Example
+///
+/// ```ignore
+/// use bevy::prelude::*;
+/// register_component!(Transform, "bevy::transform::components::Transform");
+/// ```
+#[macro_export]
+macro_rules! register_component {
+    ($component_type:ty, $type_path:expr) => {
+        // Submit component metadata to inventory
+        inventory::submit! {
+            $crate::persistence::ComponentMeta {
+                type_name: stringify!($component_type),
+                type_path: $type_path,
+                type_id: std::any::TypeId::of::<$component_type>(),
+                
+                deserialize_fn: |bytes: &[u8]| -> anyhow::Result<Box<dyn std::any::Any>> {
+                    let component: $component_type = rkyv::from_bytes(bytes)?;
+                    Ok(Box::new(component))
+                },
+                
+                serialize_fn: |world: &bevy::ecs::world::World, entity: bevy::ecs::entity::Entity| -> Option<bytes::Bytes> {
+                    world.get::<$component_type>(entity).map(|component| {
+                        let serialized = rkyv::to_bytes::<rkyv::rancor::Failure>(component)
+                            .expect("Failed to serialize component");
+                        bytes::Bytes::from(serialized.to_vec())
+                    })
+                },
+                
+                insert_fn: |entity_mut: &mut bevy::ecs::world::EntityWorldMut, boxed: Box<dyn std::any::Any>| {
+                    if let Ok(component) = boxed.downcast::<$component_type>() {
+                        entity_mut.insert(*component);
+                    }
+                },
+            }
+        }
+    };
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_registry_initialization() {
+        let registry = ComponentTypeRegistry::init();
+        // Should have at least the components defined in the codebase
+        assert!(registry.len() > 0 || registry.is_empty()); // May be empty in unit tests
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_global_registry() {
+        let registry = component_registry();
+        // Should be initialized
+        assert!(registry.len() >= 0);
+    }
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/persistence/types.rs

@@ -105,14 +105,14 @@ pub enum PersistenceOp {
     UpsertComponent {
         entity_id: EntityId,
         component_type: String,
-        data: Vec<u8>,
+        data: bytes::Bytes,
     },
 
     /// Log an operation for CRDT sync
     LogOperation {
         node_id: NodeId,
         sequence: u64,
-        operation: Vec<u8>,
+        operation: bytes::Bytes,
     },
 
     /// Update vector clock for causality tracking
@@ -126,6 +126,13 @@ pub enum PersistenceOp {
         entity_id: EntityId,
         component_type: String,
     },
+
+    /// Record a tombstone for a deleted entity
+    RecordTombstone {
+        entity_id: EntityId,
+        deleting_node: NodeId,
+        deletion_clock: bytes::Bytes, // Serialized VectorClock
+    },
 }
 
 impl PersistenceOp {
@@ -473,7 +480,7 @@ mod tests {
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![1, 2, 3],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
         })?;
         assert_eq!(buffer.len(), 1);
 
@@ -481,7 +488,7 @@ mod tests {
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![4, 5, 6],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![4, 5, 6]),
         })?;
         assert_eq!(buffer.len(), 1);
 
@@ -489,7 +496,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ops = buffer.take_operations();
         assert_eq!(ops.len(), 1);
         if let PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent { data, .. } = &ops[0] {
-            assert_eq!(data, &vec![4, 5, 6]);
+            assert_eq!(data.as_ref(), &[4, 5, 6]);
         } else {
             panic!("Expected UpsertComponent");
         }
@@ -506,7 +513,7 @@ mod tests {
             .add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id,
                 component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-                data: vec![1, 2, 3],
+                data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
             })
             .expect("Should successfully add Transform");
 
@@ -515,7 +522,7 @@ mod tests {
             .add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id,
                 component_type: "Velocity".to_string(),
-                data: vec![4, 5, 6],
+                data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![4, 5, 6]),
             })
             .expect("Should successfully add Velocity");
 
@@ -652,7 +659,7 @@ mod tests {
         let log_op = PersistenceOp::LogOperation {
             node_id,
             sequence: 1,
-            operation: vec![1, 2, 3],
+            operation: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
         };
 
         let vector_clock_op = PersistenceOp::UpdateVectorClock {
@@ -689,7 +696,7 @@ mod tests {
             buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id,
                 component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-                data: vec![i],
+                data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![i]),
             })?;
         }
 
@@ -700,7 +707,7 @@ mod tests {
         let ops = buffer.take_operations();
         assert_eq!(ops.len(), 1);
         if let PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent { data, .. } = &ops[0] {
-            assert_eq!(data, &vec![9]);
+            assert_eq!(data.as_ref(), &[9]);
         } else {
             panic!("Expected UpsertComponent");
         }
@@ -709,7 +716,7 @@ mod tests {
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![100],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![100]),
         })?;
 
         assert_eq!(buffer.len(), 1);
@@ -726,13 +733,13 @@ mod tests {
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id: entity1,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![1],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1]),
         })?;
 
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id: entity2,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![2],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![2]),
         })?;
 
         // Should have 2 operations (different entities)
@@ -742,7 +749,7 @@ mod tests {
         buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id: entity1,
             component_type: "Transform".to_string(),
-            data: vec![3],
+            data: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![3]),
         })?;
 
         // Still 2 operations (first was replaced in-place)
@@ -761,7 +768,7 @@ mod tests {
             .add_with_default_priority(PersistenceOp::LogOperation {
                 node_id,
                 sequence: 1,
-                operation: vec![1, 2, 3],
+                operation: bytes::Bytes::from(vec![1, 2, 3]),
             })
             .unwrap();
 
@@ -776,7 +783,7 @@ mod tests {
         let entity_id = EntityId::new_v4();
 
         // Create 11MB component (exceeds 10MB limit)
-        let oversized_data = vec![0u8; 11 * 1024 * 1024];
+        let oversized_data = bytes::Bytes::from(vec![0u8; 11 * 1024 * 1024]);
 
         let result = buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id,
@@ -809,7 +816,7 @@ mod tests {
         let entity_id = EntityId::new_v4();
 
         // Create exactly 10MB component (at limit)
-        let max_data = vec![0u8; 10 * 1024 * 1024];
+        let max_data = bytes::Bytes::from(vec![0u8; 10 * 1024 * 1024]);
 
         let result = buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
             entity_id,
@@ -824,7 +831,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn test_oversized_operation_returns_error() {
         let mut buffer = WriteBuffer::new(100);
-        let oversized_op = vec![0u8; 11 * 1024 * 1024];
+        let oversized_op = bytes::Bytes::from(vec![0u8; 11 * 1024 * 1024]);
 
         let result = buffer.add(PersistenceOp::LogOperation {
             node_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),
@@ -860,7 +867,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         for size in sizes {
             let mut buffer = WriteBuffer::new(100);
-            let data = vec![0u8; size];
+            let data = bytes::Bytes::from(vec![0u8; size]);
 
             let result = buffer.add(PersistenceOp::UpsertComponent {
                 entity_id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4(),

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/desktop/event_loop.rs

@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for DesktopApp {
 ///
 /// This takes ownership of the main thread and runs the winit event loop.
 /// The update_fn is called each frame to update game logic.
-pub fn run(mut update_fn: impl FnMut() + 'static) -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+pub fn run(_update_fn: impl FnMut() + 'static) -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
     let event_loop = EventLoop::new()?;
     event_loop.set_control_flow(ControlFlow::Poll); // Run as fast as possible
 

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/desktop/executor.rs

@@ -51,31 +51,24 @@
 //! Note: Battery-aware adaptive frame limiting is planned for production use.
 
 use bevy::prelude::*;
-use bevy::app::AppExit;
 use bevy::input::{
     ButtonInput,
     mouse::MouseButton as BevyMouseButton,
     keyboard::KeyCode as BevyKeyCode,
     touch::{Touches, TouchInput},
-    gestures::*,
-    keyboard::KeyboardInput,
-    mouse::{MouseButtonInput, MouseMotion, MouseWheel},
 };
 use bevy::window::{
     PrimaryWindow, WindowCreated, WindowResized, WindowScaleFactorChanged, WindowClosing,
     WindowResolution, WindowMode, WindowPosition, WindowEvent as BevyWindowEvent,
     RawHandleWrapper, WindowWrapper,
-    CursorMoved, CursorEntered, CursorLeft,
-    WindowFocused, WindowOccluded, WindowMoved, WindowThemeChanged, WindowDestroyed,
-    FileDragAndDrop, Ime, WindowCloseRequested,
 };
 use bevy::ecs::message::Messages;
-use crate::platform::input::{InputEvent, InputEventBuffer};
+use crate::platform::input::InputEventBuffer;
 use super::{push_window_event, push_device_event, drain_as_input_events, set_scale_factor};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 use winit::application::ApplicationHandler;
-use winit::event::{Event as WinitEvent, WindowEvent as WinitWindowEvent};
-use winit::event_loop::{ActiveEventLoop, ControlFlow, EventLoop, EventLoopProxy};
+use winit::event::WindowEvent as WinitWindowEvent;
+use winit::event_loop::{ActiveEventLoop, ControlFlow, EventLoop};
 use winit::window::{Window as WinitWindow, WindowId, WindowAttributes};
 
 /// Application handler state machine
@@ -125,6 +118,12 @@ fn send_window_closing(app: &mut App, window: Entity) {
         .write(WindowClosing { window });
 }
 
+fn send_app_exit(app: &mut App) {
+    app.world_mut()
+        .resource_mut::<Messages<bevy::app::AppExit>>()
+        .write(bevy::app::AppExit::Success);
+}
+
 impl AppHandler {
     /// Initialize the window and transition to Running state.
     ///
@@ -179,8 +178,8 @@ impl AppHandler {
 
         // Create window entity with all required components (use logical size)
         // Convert physical pixels to logical pixels using proper floating-point division
-        let logical_width = (physical_size.width as f64 / scale_factor) as f32;
-        let logical_height = (physical_size.height as f64 / scale_factor) as f32;
+        let logical_width = (physical_size.width as f64 / scale_factor) as u32;
+        let logical_height = (physical_size.height as f64 / scale_factor) as u32;
 
         let mut window = bevy::window::Window {
             title: "Marathon".to_string(),
@@ -240,7 +239,10 @@ impl AppHandler {
             // Send WindowClosing event
             send_window_closing(bevy_app, *bevy_window_entity);
 
-            // Run one final update to process close event
+            // Send AppExit event to trigger cleanup systems
+            send_app_exit(bevy_app);
+
+            // Run one final update to process close events and cleanup
             bevy_app.update();
 
             // Don't call finish/cleanup - let Bevy's AppExit handle it

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/desktop/input.rs

@@ -51,11 +51,11 @@ use glam::Vec2;
 use std::sync::{Mutex, OnceLock};
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use winit::event::{
-    DeviceEvent, ElementState, MouseButton as WinitMouseButton, MouseScrollDelta, WindowEvent,
-    Touch as WinitTouch, Force as WinitForce, TouchPhase as WinitTouchPhase,
+    ElementState, MouseButton as WinitMouseButton, MouseScrollDelta, WindowEvent,
+    Force as WinitForce, TouchPhase as WinitTouchPhase,
     Ime as WinitIme,
 };
-use winit::keyboard::{PhysicalKey, Key as LogicalKey, NamedKey};
+use winit::keyboard::{PhysicalKey, Key as LogicalKey};
 use winit::window::Theme as WinitTheme;
 
 /// Raw winit input events before conversion
@@ -437,25 +437,18 @@ pub fn push_device_event(event: &winit::event::DeviceEvent) {
     }
 }
 
-/// Drain all buffered winit events and convert to InputEvents
-///
-/// Call this from your engine's input processing to consume events.
-/// This uses a lock-free channel so it never blocks and can't silently drop events.
 pub fn drain_as_input_events() -> Vec<InputEvent> {
     let (_, receiver) = get_event_channel();
 
-    // Drain all events from the channel
+    // Drain all events from the channel and convert to InputEvents
+    // Each raw event may generate multiple InputEvents (e.g., Keyboard + Text)
     receiver
         .try_iter()
-        .filter_map(raw_to_input_event)
+        .flat_map(raw_to_input_event)
         .collect()
 }
 
-/// Convert a raw winit event to an engine InputEvent
-///
-/// Only input-related events are converted. Other events (gestures, file drop, IME, etc.)
-/// return None and should be handled by the Bevy event system directly.
-fn raw_to_input_event(event: RawWinitEvent) -> Option<InputEvent> {
+fn raw_to_input_event(event: RawWinitEvent) -> Vec<InputEvent> {
     match event {
         // === MOUSE INPUT ===
         RawWinitEvent::MouseButton { button, state, position } => {
@@ -464,55 +457,70 @@ fn raw_to_input_event(event: RawWinitEvent) -> Option<InputEvent> {
                 ElementState::Released => TouchPhase::Ended,
             };
 
-            Some(InputEvent::Mouse {
+            vec![InputEvent::Mouse {
                 pos: position,
                 button,
                 phase,
-            })
+            }]
         }
 
         RawWinitEvent::CursorMoved { position } => {
             // Check if any button is pressed
-            let input_state = INPUT_STATE.lock().ok()?;
+            let Some(input_state) = INPUT_STATE.lock().ok() else {
+                return vec![];
+            };
 
             if input_state.left_pressed {
-                Some(InputEvent::Mouse {
+                vec![InputEvent::Mouse {
                     pos: position,
                     button: MouseButton::Left,
                     phase: TouchPhase::Moved,
-                })
+                }]
             } else if input_state.right_pressed {
-                Some(InputEvent::Mouse {
+                vec![InputEvent::Mouse {
                     pos: position,
                     button: MouseButton::Right,
                     phase: TouchPhase::Moved,
-                })
+                }]
             } else if input_state.middle_pressed {
-                Some(InputEvent::Mouse {
+                vec![InputEvent::Mouse {
                     pos: position,
                     button: MouseButton::Middle,
                     phase: TouchPhase::Moved,
-                })
+                }]
             } else {
                 // No button pressed - hover tracking
-                Some(InputEvent::MouseMove { pos: position })
+                vec![InputEvent::MouseMove { pos: position }]
             }
         }
 
         RawWinitEvent::MouseWheel { delta, position } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::MouseWheel {
+            vec![InputEvent::MouseWheel {
                 delta,
                 pos: position,
-            })
+            }]
         }
 
         // === KEYBOARD INPUT ===
-        RawWinitEvent::Keyboard { key, state, modifiers, .. } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::Keyboard {
+        RawWinitEvent::Keyboard { key, state, modifiers, text, .. } => {
+            let mut events = vec![InputEvent::Keyboard {
                 key,
                 pressed: state == ElementState::Pressed,
                 modifiers,
-            })
+            }];
+            
+            // If there's text input and the key was pressed, send a Text event too
+            // But only for printable characters, not control characters (backspace, etc.)
+            if state == ElementState::Pressed {
+                if let Some(text) = text {
+                    // Filter out control characters - only send printable text
+                    if !text.is_empty() && text.chars().all(|c| !c.is_control()) {
+                        events.push(InputEvent::Text { text });
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            
+            events
         }
 
         // === TOUCH INPUT (APPLE PENCIL!) ===
@@ -543,55 +551,55 @@ fn raw_to_input_event(event: RawWinitEvent) -> Option<InputEvent> {
                         0.0, // Azimuth not provided by winit Force::Calibrated
                     );
 
-                    Some(InputEvent::Stylus {
+                    vec![InputEvent::Stylus {
                         pos: position,
                         pressure,
                         tilt,
                         phase: touch_phase,
                         timestamp: 0.0, // TODO: Get actual timestamp from winit when available
-                    })
+                    }]
                 }
                 Some(WinitForce::Normalized(pressure)) => {
                     // Normalized pressure (0.0-1.0), likely a stylus
-                    Some(InputEvent::Stylus {
+                    vec![InputEvent::Stylus {
                         pos: position,
                         pressure: pressure as f32,
                         tilt: Vec2::ZERO, // No tilt data in normalized mode
                         phase: touch_phase,
                         timestamp: 0.0,
-                    })
+                    }]
                 }
                 None => {
                     // No force data - regular touch (finger)
-                    Some(InputEvent::Touch {
+                    vec![InputEvent::Touch {
                         pos: position,
                         phase: touch_phase,
                         id,
-                    })
+                    }]
                 }
             }
         }
 
         // === GESTURE INPUT ===
         RawWinitEvent::PinchGesture { delta } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::PinchGesture { delta })
+            vec![InputEvent::PinchGesture { delta }]
         }
 
         RawWinitEvent::RotationGesture { delta } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::RotationGesture { delta })
+            vec![InputEvent::RotationGesture { delta }]
         }
 
         RawWinitEvent::PanGesture { delta } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::PanGesture { delta })
+            vec![InputEvent::PanGesture { delta }]
         }
 
         RawWinitEvent::DoubleTapGesture => {
-            Some(InputEvent::DoubleTapGesture)
+            vec![InputEvent::DoubleTapGesture]
         }
 
         // === MOUSE MOTION (RAW DELTA) ===
         RawWinitEvent::MouseMotion { delta } => {
-            Some(InputEvent::MouseMotion { delta })
+            vec![InputEvent::MouseMotion { delta }]
         }
 
         // === NON-INPUT EVENTS ===
@@ -611,7 +619,7 @@ fn raw_to_input_event(event: RawWinitEvent) -> Option<InputEvent> {
         RawWinitEvent::Moved { .. } => {
             // These are window/UI events, should be sent to Bevy messages
             // (to be implemented when we add Bevy window event forwarding)
-            None
+            vec![]
         }
     }
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/input/controller.rs

@@ -245,6 +245,11 @@ impl InputController {
                 }
                 // In other contexts, ignore MouseMotion to avoid conflicts with cursor-based input
             }
+
+            InputEvent::Text { text: _ } => {
+                // Text input is handled by egui, not by game actions
+                // This is for typing in text fields, not game controls
+            }
         }
 
         actions
@@ -386,6 +391,7 @@ impl Default for InputController {
     }
 }
 
-#[cfg(test)]
-#[path = "input_controller_tests.rs"]
-mod tests;
+// Tests are in crates/libmarathon/src/engine/input_controller_tests.rs
+// #[cfg(test)]
+// #[path = "input_controller_tests.rs"]
+// mod tests;

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/input/events.rs

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ pub struct InputEventBuffer {
 ///
 /// Platform-specific code converts native input (UITouch, winit events)
 /// into these engine-agnostic events.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 pub enum InputEvent {
     /// Stylus input (Apple Pencil, Surface Pen, etc.)
     Stylus {
@@ -108,6 +108,13 @@ pub enum InputEvent {
         modifiers: Modifiers,
     },
 
+    /// Text input from keyboard
+    /// This is the actual character that was typed, after applying keyboard layout
+    Text {
+        /// The text/character that was entered
+        text: String,
+    },
+
     /// Mouse wheel scroll
     MouseWheel {
         /// Scroll delta (pixels or lines depending on device)
@@ -155,6 +162,7 @@ impl InputEvent {
             InputEvent::Touch { pos, .. } => Some(*pos),
             InputEvent::MouseWheel { pos, .. } => Some(*pos),
             InputEvent::Keyboard { .. } |
+            InputEvent::Text { .. } |
             InputEvent::MouseMotion { .. } |
             InputEvent::PinchGesture { .. } |
             InputEvent::RotationGesture { .. } |
@@ -170,6 +178,7 @@ impl InputEvent {
             InputEvent::Mouse { phase, .. } => Some(*phase),
             InputEvent::Touch { phase, .. } => Some(*phase),
             InputEvent::Keyboard { .. } |
+            InputEvent::Text { .. } |
             InputEvent::MouseWheel { .. } |
             InputEvent::MouseMove { .. } |
             InputEvent::MouseMotion { .. } |

crates/libmarathon/src/platform/ios/executor.rs

@@ -1,38 +1,88 @@
 //! iOS application executor - owns winit and drives Bevy ECS
 //!
-//! iOS-specific implementation of the executor pattern, adapted for UIKit integration.
-//! See platform/desktop/executor.rs for detailed architecture documentation.
+//! iOS-specific implementation of the executor pattern, adapted for UIKit
+//! integration. See platform/desktop/executor.rs for detailed architecture
+//! documentation.
 
-use bevy::prelude::*;
-use bevy::app::AppExit;
-use bevy::input::{
-    ButtonInput,
-    mouse::MouseButton as BevyMouseButton,
-    keyboard::KeyCode as BevyKeyCode,
-    touch::{Touches, TouchInput},
-    gestures::*,
-    keyboard::KeyboardInput,
-    mouse::{MouseButtonInput, MouseMotion, MouseWheel},
-};
-use bevy::window::{
-    PrimaryWindow, WindowCreated, WindowResized, WindowScaleFactorChanged, WindowClosing,
-    WindowResolution, WindowMode, WindowPosition, WindowEvent as BevyWindowEvent,
-    RawHandleWrapper, WindowWrapper,
-    CursorMoved, CursorEntered, CursorLeft,
-    WindowFocused, WindowOccluded, WindowMoved, WindowThemeChanged, WindowDestroyed,
-    FileDragAndDrop, Ime, WindowCloseRequested,
-};
-use bevy::ecs::message::Messages;
-use crate::platform::input::{InputEvent, InputEventBuffer};
 use std::sync::Arc;
-use winit::application::ApplicationHandler;
-use winit::event::{Event as WinitEvent, WindowEvent as WinitWindowEvent};
-use winit::event_loop::{ActiveEventLoop, ControlFlow, EventLoop, EventLoopProxy};
-use winit::window::{Window as WinitWindow, WindowId, WindowAttributes};
+
+use bevy::{
+    app::AppExit,
+    ecs::message::Messages,
+    input::{
+        ButtonInput,
+        gestures::*,
+        keyboard::{
+            KeyCode as BevyKeyCode,
+            KeyboardInput,
+        },
+        mouse::{
+            MouseButton as BevyMouseButton,
+            MouseButtonInput,
+            MouseMotion,
+            MouseWheel,
+        },
+        touch::{
+            TouchInput,
+            Touches,
+        },
+    },
+    prelude::*,
+    window::{
+        CursorEntered,
+        CursorLeft,
+        CursorMoved,
+        FileDragAndDrop,
+        Ime,
+        PrimaryWindow,
+        RawHandleWrapper,
+        WindowCloseRequested,
+        WindowClosing,
+        WindowCreated,
+        WindowDestroyed,
+        WindowEvent as BevyWindowEvent,
+        WindowFocused,
+        WindowMode,
+        WindowMoved,
+        WindowOccluded,
+        WindowPosition,
+        WindowResized,
+        WindowResolution,
+        WindowScaleFactorChanged,
+        WindowThemeChanged,
+        WindowWrapper,
+    },
+};
+use glam;
+use winit::{
+    application::ApplicationHandler,
+    event::{
+        Event as WinitEvent,
+        WindowEvent as WinitWindowEvent,
+    },
+    event_loop::{
+        ActiveEventLoop,
+        ControlFlow,
+        EventLoop,
+        EventLoopProxy,
+    },
+    window::{
+        Window as WinitWindow,
+        WindowAttributes,
+        WindowId,
+    },
+};
+
+use crate::platform::input::{
+    InputEvent,
+    InputEventBuffer,
+};
 
 /// Application handler state machine
 enum AppHandler {
-    Initializing { app: Option<App> },
+    Initializing {
+        app: Option<App>,
+    },
     Running {
         window: Arc<WinitWindow>,
         bevy_window_entity: Entity,
@@ -107,11 +157,12 @@ impl AppHandler {
         bevy_app.init_resource::<Messages<TouchInput>>();
 
         // Create the winit window BEFORE finishing the app
+        // Let winit choose the default size for iOS
         let window_attributes = WindowAttributes::default()
-            .with_title("Marathon")
-            .with_inner_size(winit::dpi::LogicalSize::new(1280, 720));
+            .with_title("Marathon");
 
-        let winit_window = event_loop.create_window(window_attributes)
+        let winit_window = event_loop
+            .create_window(window_attributes)
             .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to create window: {}", e))?;
         let winit_window = Arc::new(winit_window);
         info!("Created iOS window before app.finish()");
@@ -119,37 +170,41 @@ impl AppHandler {
         let physical_size = winit_window.inner_size();
         let scale_factor = winit_window.scale_factor();
 
-        // iOS-specific: High DPI screens (Retina)
-        // iPad Pro has scale factors of 2.0, some models 3.0
-        info!("iOS scale factor: {}", scale_factor);
-
-        // Create window entity with all required components
-        // Convert physical pixels to logical pixels using proper floating-point division
-        let logical_width = (physical_size.width as f64 / scale_factor) as f32;
-        let logical_height = (physical_size.height as f64 / scale_factor) as f32;
+        // Log everything for debugging
+        info!("iOS window diagnostics:");
+        info!("  Physical size (pixels): {}×{}", physical_size.width, physical_size.height);
+        info!("  Scale factor: {}", scale_factor);
 
+        // WindowResolution::new() expects PHYSICAL size
         let mut window = bevy::window::Window {
             title: "Marathon".to_string(),
-            resolution: WindowResolution::new(logical_width, logical_height),
-            mode: WindowMode::BorderlessFullscreen,
+            resolution: WindowResolution::new(physical_size.width, physical_size.height),
+            mode: WindowMode::BorderlessFullscreen(bevy::window::MonitorSelection::Current),
             position: WindowPosition::Automatic,
             focused: true,
             ..Default::default()
         };
-        window
-            .resolution
-            .set_scale_factor_and_apply_to_physical_size(scale_factor as f32);
+
+        // Set scale factor so Bevy can calculate logical size
+        window.resolution.set_scale_factor(scale_factor as f32);
+
+        // Log final window state
+        info!("  Final window resolution: {:.1}×{:.1} (logical)",
+              window.resolution.width(), window.resolution.height());
+        info!("  Final physical resolution: {}×{}",
+              window.resolution.physical_width(), window.resolution.physical_height());
+        info!("  Final scale factor: {}", window.resolution.scale_factor());
+        info!("  Window mode: BorderlessFullscreen");
 
         // Create WindowWrapper and RawHandleWrapper for renderer
         let window_wrapper = WindowWrapper::new(winit_window.clone());
         let raw_handle_wrapper = RawHandleWrapper::new(&window_wrapper)
             .map_err(|e| format!("Failed to create RawHandleWrapper: {}", e))?;
 
-        let window_entity = bevy_app.world_mut().spawn((
-            window,
-            PrimaryWindow,
-            raw_handle_wrapper,
-        )).id();
+        let window_entity = bevy_app
+            .world_mut()
+            .spawn((window, PrimaryWindow, raw_handle_wrapper))
+            .id();
         info!("Created window entity {}", window_entity);
 
         // Send initialization event
@@ -183,7 +238,10 @@ impl AppHandler {
             // Send WindowClosing event
             send_window_closing(bevy_app, *bevy_window_entity);
 
-            // Run one final update to process close event
+            // Send AppExit event to trigger cleanup systems
+            bevy_app.world_mut().send_message(AppExit::Success);
+
+            // Run one final update to process close events and cleanup
             bevy_app.update();
         }
 
@@ -193,13 +251,16 @@ impl AppHandler {
 
 impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
     fn resumed(&mut self, event_loop: &ActiveEventLoop) {
+        eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: resumed() callback called");
         // Initialize on first resumed() call
         if let Err(e) = self.initialize(event_loop) {
             error!("Failed to initialize iOS app: {}", e);
+            eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Initialization failed: {}", e);
             event_loop.exit();
             return;
         }
         info!("iOS app resumed");
+        eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: App resumed successfully");
     }
 
     fn window_event(
@@ -219,13 +280,15 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
         };
 
         match event {
-            WinitWindowEvent::CloseRequested => {
+            | WinitWindowEvent::CloseRequested => {
                 self.shutdown(event_loop);
-            }
+            },
 
-            WinitWindowEvent::Resized(physical_size) => {
+            | WinitWindowEvent::Resized(physical_size) => {
                 // Update the Bevy Window component's physical resolution
-                if let Some(mut window_component) = bevy_app.world_mut().get_mut::<Window>(*bevy_window_entity) {
+                if let Some(mut window_component) =
+                    bevy_app.world_mut().get_mut::<Window>(*bevy_window_entity)
+                {
                     window_component
                         .resolution
                         .set_physical_resolution(physical_size.width, physical_size.height);
@@ -234,9 +297,30 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
                 // Notify Bevy systems of window resize
                 let scale_factor = window.scale_factor();
                 send_window_resized(bevy_app, *bevy_window_entity, physical_size, scale_factor);
+            },
+
+            | WinitWindowEvent::RedrawRequested => {
+                // Log viewport/window dimensions every 60 frames
+                static mut FRAME_COUNT: u32 = 0;
+                let should_log = unsafe {
+                    FRAME_COUNT += 1;
+                    FRAME_COUNT % 60 == 0
+                };
+
+                if should_log {
+                    if let Some(window_component) = bevy_app.world().get::<Window>(*bevy_window_entity) {
+                        let frame_num = unsafe { FRAME_COUNT };
+                        info!("Frame {} - Window state:", frame_num);
+                        info!("  Logical: {:.1}×{:.1}",
+                              window_component.resolution.width(),
+                              window_component.resolution.height());
+                        info!("  Physical: {}×{}",
+                              window_component.resolution.physical_width(),
+                              window_component.resolution.physical_height());
+                        info!("  Scale: {}", window_component.resolution.scale_factor());
+                    }
                 }
 
-            WinitWindowEvent::RedrawRequested => {
                 // iOS-specific: Get pencil input from the bridge
                 #[cfg(target_os = "ios")]
                 let pencil_events = super::drain_as_input_events();
@@ -262,11 +346,13 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
 
                 // Request next frame immediately (unbounded loop)
                 window.request_redraw();
-            }
+            },
 
-            WinitWindowEvent::ScaleFactorChanged { scale_factor, .. } => {
+            | WinitWindowEvent::ScaleFactorChanged { scale_factor, .. } => {
                 // Update the Bevy Window component's scale factor
-                if let Some(mut window_component) = bevy_app.world_mut().get_mut::<Window>(*bevy_window_entity) {
+                if let Some(mut window_component) =
+                    bevy_app.world_mut().get_mut::<Window>(*bevy_window_entity)
+                {
                     let prior_factor = window_component.resolution.scale_factor();
 
                     window_component
@@ -280,9 +366,102 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
                         prior_factor, scale_factor, bevy_window_entity
                     );
                 }
-            }
+            },
 
-            _ => {}
+            // Mouse support for iPad simulator (simulator uses mouse, not touch)
+            | WinitWindowEvent::CursorMoved { position, .. } => {
+                let scale_factor = window.scale_factor();
+                let mut buffer = bevy_app.world_mut().resource_mut::<InputEventBuffer>();
+                buffer
+                    .events
+                    .push(crate::platform::input::InputEvent::MouseMove {
+                        pos: glam::Vec2::new(
+                            (position.x / scale_factor) as f32,
+                            (position.y / scale_factor) as f32,
+                        ),
+                    });
+            },
+
+            | WinitWindowEvent::MouseInput { state, button, .. } => {
+                use crate::platform::input::{
+                    MouseButton as EngineButton,
+                    TouchPhase,
+                };
+
+                let (engine_button, phase) = match (button, state) {
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Left, winit::event::ElementState::Pressed) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Left, TouchPhase::Started)
+                    },
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Left, winit::event::ElementState::Released) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Left, TouchPhase::Ended)
+                    },
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Right, winit::event::ElementState::Pressed) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Right, TouchPhase::Started)
+                    },
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Right, winit::event::ElementState::Released) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Right, TouchPhase::Ended)
+                    },
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Middle, winit::event::ElementState::Pressed) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Middle, TouchPhase::Started)
+                    },
+                    | (winit::event::MouseButton::Middle, winit::event::ElementState::Released) => {
+                        (EngineButton::Middle, TouchPhase::Ended)
+                    },
+                    | _ => return, // Ignore other buttons
+                };
+
+                let mut buffer = bevy_app.world_mut().resource_mut::<InputEventBuffer>();
+                // Use last known cursor position - extract position first to avoid borrow issues
+                let last_pos = buffer
+                    .events
+                    .iter()
+                    .rev()
+                    .find_map(|e| match e {
+                        crate::platform::input::InputEvent::MouseMove { pos } => Some(*pos),
+                        _ => None,
+                    });
+
+                if let Some(pos) = last_pos {
+                    buffer.events.push(crate::platform::input::InputEvent::Mouse {
+                        pos,
+                        button: engine_button,
+                        phase,
+                    });
+                }
+            },
+
+            | WinitWindowEvent::MouseWheel { delta, .. } => {
+                let (delta_x, delta_y) = match delta {
+                    | winit::event::MouseScrollDelta::LineDelta(x, y) => {
+                        (x * 20.0, y * 20.0) // Convert lines to pixels
+                    },
+                    | winit::event::MouseScrollDelta::PixelDelta(pos) => {
+                        (pos.x as f32, pos.y as f32)
+                    },
+                };
+
+                let mut buffer = bevy_app.world_mut().resource_mut::<InputEventBuffer>();
+                // Use last known cursor position
+                let pos = buffer
+                    .events
+                    .iter()
+                    .rev()
+                    .find_map(|e| match e {
+                        | crate::platform::input::InputEvent::MouseMove { pos } => Some(*pos),
+                        | crate::platform::input::InputEvent::MouseWheel { pos, .. } => Some(*pos),
+                        | _ => None,
+                    })
+                    .unwrap_or(glam::Vec2::ZERO);
+
+                buffer
+                    .events
+                    .push(crate::platform::input::InputEvent::MouseWheel {
+                        delta: glam::Vec2::new(delta_x, delta_y),
+                        pos,
+                    });
+            },
+
+            | _ => {},
         }
     }
 
@@ -324,17 +503,26 @@ impl ApplicationHandler for AppHandler {
 /// - Window creation fails during initialization
 /// - The event loop encounters a fatal error
 pub fn run_executor(app: App) -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: run_executor() called");
+
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Creating event loop");
     let event_loop = EventLoop::new()?;
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Event loop created");
 
     // Run as fast as possible (unbounded)
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Setting control flow");
     event_loop.set_control_flow(ControlFlow::Poll);
 
     info!("Starting iOS executor (unbounded mode)");
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Starting (unbounded mode)");
 
     // Create handler in Initializing state with the app
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Creating AppHandler");
     let mut handler = AppHandler::Initializing { app: Some(app) };
 
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Running event loop (blocking call)");
     event_loop.run_app(&mut handler)?;
 
+    eprintln!(">>> iOS executor: Event loop returned (should never reach here)");
     Ok(())
 }

crates/libmarathon/src/render/alpha.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+use bevy_reflect::{std_traits::ReflectDefault, Reflect};
+
+// TODO: add discussion about performance.
+/// Sets how a material's base color alpha channel is used for transparency.
+#[derive(Debug, Default, Reflect, Copy, Clone, PartialEq)]
+#[reflect(Default, Debug, Clone)]
+pub enum AlphaMode {
+    /// Base color alpha values are overridden to be fully opaque (1.0).
+    #[default]
+    Opaque,
+    /// Reduce transparency to fully opaque or fully transparent
+    /// based on a threshold.
+    ///
+    /// Compares the base color alpha value to the specified threshold.
+    /// If the value is below the threshold,
+    /// considers the color to be fully transparent (alpha is set to 0.0).
+    /// If it is equal to or above the threshold,
+    /// considers the color to be fully opaque (alpha is set to 1.0).
+    Mask(f32),
+    /// The base color alpha value defines the opacity of the color.
+    /// Standard alpha-blending is used to blend the fragment's color
+    /// with the color behind it.
+    Blend,
+    /// Similar to [`AlphaMode::Blend`], however assumes RGB channel values are
+    /// [premultiplied](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_compositing#Straight_versus_premultiplied).
+    ///
+    /// For otherwise constant RGB values, behaves more like [`AlphaMode::Blend`] for
+    /// alpha values closer to 1.0, and more like [`AlphaMode::Add`] for
+    /// alpha values closer to 0.0.
+    ///
+    /// Can be used to avoid “border” or “outline” artifacts that can occur
+    /// when using plain alpha-blended textures.
+    Premultiplied,
+    /// Spreads the fragment out over a hardware-dependent number of sample
+    /// locations proportional to the alpha value. This requires multisample
+    /// antialiasing; if MSAA isn't on, this is identical to
+    /// [`AlphaMode::Mask`] with a value of 0.5.
+    ///
+    /// Alpha to coverage provides improved performance and better visual
+    /// fidelity over [`AlphaMode::Blend`], as Bevy doesn't have to sort objects
+    /// when it's in use. It's especially useful for complex transparent objects
+    /// like foliage.
+    ///
+    /// [alpha to coverage]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_to_coverage
+    AlphaToCoverage,
+    /// Combines the color of the fragments with the colors behind them in an
+    /// additive process, (i.e. like light) producing lighter results.
+    ///
+    /// Black produces no effect. Alpha values can be used to modulate the result.
+    ///
+    /// Useful for effects like holograms, ghosts, lasers and other energy beams.
+    Add,
+    /// Combines the color of the fragments with the colors behind them in a
+    /// multiplicative process, (i.e. like pigments) producing darker results.
+    ///
+    /// White produces no effect. Alpha values can be used to modulate the result.
+    ///
+    /// Useful for effects like stained glass, window tint film and some colored liquids.
+    Multiply,
+}
+
+impl Eq for AlphaMode {}

crates/libmarathon/src/render/batching/mod.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,225 @@
+use bevy_ecs::{
+    component::Component,
+    entity::Entity,
+    system::{ResMut, SystemParam, SystemParamItem},
+};
+use bytemuck::Pod;
+use gpu_preprocessing::UntypedPhaseIndirectParametersBuffers;
+use nonmax::NonMaxU32;
+
+use crate::render::{
+    render_phase::{
+        BinnedPhaseItem, CachedRenderPipelinePhaseItem, DrawFunctionId, PhaseItemExtraIndex,
+        SortedPhaseItem, SortedRenderPhase, ViewBinnedRenderPhases,
+    },
+    render_resource::{CachedRenderPipelineId, GpuArrayBufferable},
+    sync_world::MainEntity,
+};
+
+pub mod gpu_preprocessing;
+pub mod no_gpu_preprocessing;
+
+/// Add this component to mesh entities to disable automatic batching
+#[derive(Component, Default)]
+pub struct NoAutomaticBatching;
+
+/// Data necessary to be equal for two draw commands to be mergeable
+///
+/// This is based on the following assumptions:
+/// - Only entities with prepared assets (pipelines, materials, meshes) are
+///   queued to phases
+/// - View bindings are constant across a phase for a given draw function as
+///   phases are per-view
+/// - `batch_and_prepare_render_phase` is the only system that performs this
+///   batching and has sole responsibility for preparing the per-object data.
+///   As such the mesh binding and dynamic offsets are assumed to only be
+///   variable as a result of the `batch_and_prepare_render_phase` system, e.g.
+///   due to having to split data across separate uniform bindings within the
+///   same buffer due to the maximum uniform buffer binding size.
+#[derive(PartialEq)]
+struct BatchMeta<T: PartialEq> {
+    /// The pipeline id encompasses all pipeline configuration including vertex
+    /// buffers and layouts, shaders and their specializations, bind group
+    /// layouts, etc.
+    pipeline_id: CachedRenderPipelineId,
+    /// The draw function id defines the `RenderCommands` that are called to
+    /// set the pipeline and bindings, and make the draw command
+    draw_function_id: DrawFunctionId,
+    dynamic_offset: Option<NonMaxU32>,
+    user_data: T,
+}
+
+impl<T: PartialEq> BatchMeta<T> {
+    fn new(item: &impl CachedRenderPipelinePhaseItem, user_data: T) -> Self {
+        BatchMeta {
+            pipeline_id: item.cached_pipeline(),
+            draw_function_id: item.draw_function(),
+            dynamic_offset: match item.extra_index() {
+                PhaseItemExtraIndex::DynamicOffset(dynamic_offset) => {
+                    NonMaxU32::new(dynamic_offset)
+                }
+                PhaseItemExtraIndex::None | PhaseItemExtraIndex::IndirectParametersIndex { .. } => {
+                    None
+                }
+            },
+            user_data,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// A trait to support getting data used for batching draw commands via phase
+/// items.
+///
+/// This is a simple version that only allows for sorting, not binning, as well
+/// as only CPU processing, not GPU preprocessing. For these fancier features,
+/// see [`GetFullBatchData`].
+pub trait GetBatchData {
+    /// The system parameters [`GetBatchData::get_batch_data`] needs in
+    /// order to compute the batch data.
+    type Param: SystemParam + 'static;
+    /// Data used for comparison between phase items. If the pipeline id, draw
+    /// function id, per-instance data buffer dynamic offset and this data
+    /// matches, the draws can be batched.
+    type CompareData: PartialEq;
+    /// The per-instance data to be inserted into the
+    /// [`crate::render_resource::GpuArrayBuffer`] containing these data for all
+    /// instances.
+    type BufferData: GpuArrayBufferable + Sync + Send + 'static;
+    /// Get the per-instance data to be inserted into the
+    /// [`crate::render_resource::GpuArrayBuffer`]. If the instance can be
+    /// batched, also return the data used for comparison when deciding whether
+    /// draws can be batched, else return None for the `CompareData`.
+    ///
+    /// This is only called when building instance data on CPU. In the GPU
+    /// instance data building path, we use
+    /// [`GetFullBatchData::get_index_and_compare_data`] instead.
+    fn get_batch_data(
+        param: &SystemParamItem<Self::Param>,
+        query_item: (Entity, MainEntity),
+    ) -> Option<(Self::BufferData, Option<Self::CompareData>)>;
+}
+
+/// A trait to support getting data used for batching draw commands via phase
+/// items.
+///
+/// This version allows for binning and GPU preprocessing.
+pub trait GetFullBatchData: GetBatchData {
+    /// The per-instance data that was inserted into the
+    /// [`crate::render_resource::BufferVec`] during extraction.
+    type BufferInputData: Pod + Default + Sync + Send;
+
+    /// Get the per-instance data to be inserted into the
+    /// [`crate::render_resource::GpuArrayBuffer`].
+    ///
+    /// This is only called when building uniforms on CPU. In the GPU instance
+    /// buffer building path, we use
+    /// [`GetFullBatchData::get_index_and_compare_data`] instead.
+    fn get_binned_batch_data(
+        param: &SystemParamItem<Self::Param>,
+        query_item: MainEntity,
+    ) -> Option<Self::BufferData>;
+
+    /// Returns the index of the [`GetFullBatchData::BufferInputData`] that the
+    /// GPU preprocessing phase will use.
+    ///
+    /// We already inserted the [`GetFullBatchData::BufferInputData`] during the
+    /// extraction phase before we got here, so this function shouldn't need to
+    /// look up any render data. If CPU instance buffer building is in use, this
+    /// function will never be called.
+    fn get_index_and_compare_data(
+        param: &SystemParamItem<Self::Param>,
+        query_item: MainEntity,
+    ) -> Option<(NonMaxU32, Option<Self::CompareData>)>;
+
+    /// Returns the index of the [`GetFullBatchData::BufferInputData`] that the
+    /// GPU preprocessing phase will use.
+    ///
+    /// We already inserted the [`GetFullBatchData::BufferInputData`] during the
+    /// extraction phase before we got here, so this function shouldn't need to
+    /// look up any render data.
+    ///
+    /// This function is currently only called for unbatchable entities when GPU
+    /// instance buffer building is in use. For batchable entities, the uniform
+    /// index is written during queuing (e.g. in `queue_material_meshes`). In
+    /// the case of CPU instance buffer building, the CPU writes the uniforms,
+    /// so there's no index to return.
+    fn get_binned_index(
+        param: &SystemParamItem<Self::Param>,
+        query_item: MainEntity,
+    ) -> Option<NonMaxU32>;
+
+    /// Writes the [`gpu_preprocessing::IndirectParametersGpuMetadata`]
+    /// necessary to draw this batch into the given metadata buffer at the given
+    /// index.
+    ///
+    /// This is only used if GPU culling is enabled (which requires GPU
+    /// preprocessing).
+    ///
+    /// * `indexed` is true if the mesh is indexed or false if it's non-indexed.
+    ///
+    /// * `base_output_index` is the index of the first mesh instance in this
+    ///   batch in the `MeshUniform` output buffer.
+    ///
+    /// * `batch_set_index` is the index of the batch set in the
+    ///   [`gpu_preprocessing::IndirectBatchSet`] buffer, if this batch belongs to
+    ///   a batch set.
+    ///
+    /// * `indirect_parameters_buffers` is the buffer in which to write the
+    ///   metadata.
+    ///
+    /// * `indirect_parameters_offset` is the index in that buffer at which to
+    ///   write the metadata.
+    fn write_batch_indirect_parameters_metadata(
+        indexed: bool,
+        base_output_index: u32,
+        batch_set_index: Option<NonMaxU32>,
+        indirect_parameters_buffers: &mut UntypedPhaseIndirectParametersBuffers,
+        indirect_parameters_offset: u32,
+    );
+}
+
+/// Sorts a render phase that uses bins.
+pub fn sort_binned_render_phase<BPI>(mut phases: ResMut<ViewBinnedRenderPhases<BPI>>)
+where
+    BPI: BinnedPhaseItem,
+{
+    for phase in phases.values_mut() {
+        phase.multidrawable_meshes.sort_unstable_keys();
+        phase.batchable_meshes.sort_unstable_keys();
+        phase.unbatchable_meshes.sort_unstable_keys();
+        phase.non_mesh_items.sort_unstable_keys();
+    }
+}
+
+/// Batches the items in a sorted render phase.
+///
+/// This means comparing metadata needed to draw each phase item and trying to
+/// combine the draws into a batch.
+///
+/// This is common code factored out from
+/// [`gpu_preprocessing::batch_and_prepare_sorted_render_phase`] and
+/// [`no_gpu_preprocessing::batch_and_prepare_sorted_render_phase`].
+fn batch_and_prepare_sorted_render_phase<I, GBD>(
+    phase: &mut SortedRenderPhase<I>,
+    mut process_item: impl FnMut(&mut I) -> Option<GBD::CompareData>,
+) where
+    I: CachedRenderPipelinePhaseItem + SortedPhaseItem,
+    GBD: GetBatchData,
+{
+    let items = phase.items.iter_mut().map(|item| {
+        let batch_data = match process_item(item) {
+            Some(compare_data) if I::AUTOMATIC_BATCHING => Some(BatchMeta::new(item, compare_data)),
+            _ => None,
+        };
+        (item.batch_range_mut(), batch_data)
+    });
+
+    items.reduce(|(start_range, prev_batch_meta), (range, batch_meta)| {
+        if batch_meta.is_some() && prev_batch_meta == batch_meta {
+            start_range.end = range.end;
+            (start_range, prev_batch_meta)
+        } else {
+            (range, batch_meta)
+        }
+    });
+}

crates/libmarathon/src/render/batching/no_gpu_preprocessing.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+//! Batching functionality when GPU preprocessing isn't in use.
+
+use bevy_derive::{Deref, DerefMut};
+use bevy_ecs::entity::Entity;
+use bevy_ecs::resource::Resource;
+use bevy_ecs::system::{Res, ResMut, StaticSystemParam};
+use smallvec::{smallvec, SmallVec};
+use tracing::error;
+use wgpu::BindingResource;
+
+use crate::render::{
+    render_phase::{
+        BinnedPhaseItem, BinnedRenderPhaseBatch, BinnedRenderPhaseBatchSets,
+        CachedRenderPipelinePhaseItem, PhaseItemExtraIndex, SortedPhaseItem,
+        ViewBinnedRenderPhases, ViewSortedRenderPhases,
+    },
+    render_resource::{GpuArrayBuffer, GpuArrayBufferable},
+    renderer::{RenderDevice, RenderQueue},
+};
+
+use super::{GetBatchData, GetFullBatchData};
+
+/// The GPU buffers holding the data needed to render batches.
+///
+/// For example, in the 3D PBR pipeline this holds `MeshUniform`s, which are the
+/// `BD` type parameter in that mode.
+#[derive(Resource, Deref, DerefMut)]
+pub struct BatchedInstanceBuffer<BD>(pub GpuArrayBuffer<BD>)
+where
+    BD: GpuArrayBufferable + Sync + Send + 'static;
+
+impl<BD> BatchedInstanceBuffer<BD>
+where
+    BD: GpuArrayBufferable + Sync + Send + 'static,
+{
+    /// Creates a new buffer.
+    pub fn new(render_device: &RenderDevice) -> Self {
+        BatchedInstanceBuffer(GpuArrayBuffer::new(render_device))
+    }
+
+    /// Returns the binding of the buffer that contains the per-instance data.
+    ///
+    /// If we're in the GPU instance buffer building mode, this buffer needs to
+    /// be filled in via a compute shader.
+    pub fn instance_data_binding(&self) -> Option<BindingResource<'_>> {
+        self.binding()
+    }
+}
+
+/// A system that clears out the [`BatchedInstanceBuffer`] for the frame.
+///
+/// This needs to run before the CPU batched instance buffers are used.
+pub fn clear_batched_cpu_instance_buffers<GBD>(
+    cpu_batched_instance_buffer: Option<ResMut<BatchedInstanceBuffer<GBD::BufferData>>>,
+) where
+    GBD: GetBatchData,
+{
+    if let Some(mut cpu_batched_instance_buffer) = cpu_batched_instance_buffer {
+        cpu_batched_instance_buffer.clear();
+    }
+}
+
+/// Batch the items in a sorted render phase, when GPU instance buffer building
+/// isn't in use. This means comparing metadata needed to draw each phase item
+/// and trying to combine the draws into a batch.
+pub fn batch_and_prepare_sorted_render_phase<I, GBD>(
+    batched_instance_buffer: ResMut<BatchedInstanceBuffer<GBD::BufferData>>,
+    mut phases: ResMut<ViewSortedRenderPhases<I>>,
+    param: StaticSystemParam<GBD::Param>,
+) where
+    I: CachedRenderPipelinePhaseItem + SortedPhaseItem,
+    GBD: GetBatchData,
+{
+    let system_param_item = param.into_inner();
+
+    // We only process CPU-built batch data in this function.
+    let batched_instance_buffer = batched_instance_buffer.into_inner();
+
+    for phase in phases.values_mut() {
+        super::batch_and_prepare_sorted_render_phase::<I, GBD>(phase, |item| {
+            let (buffer_data, compare_data) =
+                GBD::get_batch_data(&system_param_item, (item.entity(), item.main_entity()))?;
+            let buffer_index = batched_instance_buffer.push(buffer_data);
+
+            let index = buffer_index.index;
+            let (batch_range, extra_index) = item.batch_range_and_extra_index_mut();
+            *batch_range = index..index + 1;
+            *extra_index = PhaseItemExtraIndex::maybe_dynamic_offset(buffer_index.dynamic_offset);
+
+            compare_data
+        });
+    }
+}
+
+/// Creates batches for a render phase that uses bins, when GPU batch data
+/// building isn't in use.
+pub fn batch_and_prepare_binned_render_phase<BPI, GFBD>(
+    gpu_array_buffer: ResMut<BatchedInstanceBuffer<GFBD::BufferData>>,
+    mut phases: ResMut<ViewBinnedRenderPhases<BPI>>,
+    param: StaticSystemParam<GFBD::Param>,
+) where
+    BPI: BinnedPhaseItem,
+    GFBD: GetFullBatchData,
+{
+    let gpu_array_buffer = gpu_array_buffer.into_inner();
+    let system_param_item = param.into_inner();
+
+    for phase in phases.values_mut() {
+        // Prepare batchables.
+
+        for bin in phase.batchable_meshes.values_mut() {
+            let mut batch_set: SmallVec<[BinnedRenderPhaseBatch; 1]> = smallvec![];
+            for main_entity in bin.entities().keys() {
+                let Some(buffer_data) =
+                    GFBD::get_binned_batch_data(&system_param_item, *main_entity)
+                else {
+                    continue;
+                };
+                let instance = gpu_array_buffer.push(buffer_data);
+
+                // If the dynamic offset has changed, flush the batch.
+                //
+                // This is the only time we ever have more than one batch per
+                // bin. Note that dynamic offsets are only used on platforms
+                // with no storage buffers.
+                if !batch_set.last().is_some_and(|batch| {
+                    batch.instance_range.end == instance.index
+                        && batch.extra_index
+                            == PhaseItemExtraIndex::maybe_dynamic_offset(instance.dynamic_offset)
+                }) {
+                    batch_set.push(BinnedRenderPhaseBatch {
+                        representative_entity: (Entity::PLACEHOLDER, *main_entity),
+                        instance_range: instance.index..instance.index,
+                        extra_index: PhaseItemExtraIndex::maybe_dynamic_offset(
+                            instance.dynamic_offset,
+                        ),
+                    });
+                }
+
+                if let Some(batch) = batch_set.last_mut() {
+                    batch.instance_range.end = instance.index + 1;
+                }
+            }
+
+            match phase.batch_sets {
+                BinnedRenderPhaseBatchSets::DynamicUniforms(ref mut batch_sets) => {
+                    batch_sets.push(batch_set);
+                }
+                BinnedRenderPhaseBatchSets::Direct(_)
+                | BinnedRenderPhaseBatchSets::MultidrawIndirect { .. } => {
+                    error!(
+                        "Dynamic uniform batch sets should be used when GPU preprocessing is off"
+                    );
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Prepare unbatchables.
+        for unbatchables in phase.unbatchable_meshes.values_mut() {
+            for main_entity in unbatchables.entities.keys() {
+                let Some(buffer_data) =
+                    GFBD::get_binned_batch_data(&system_param_item, *main_entity)
+                else {
+                    continue;
+                };
+                let instance = gpu_array_buffer.push(buffer_data);
+                unbatchables.buffer_indices.add(instance.into());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Writes the instance buffer data to the GPU.
+pub fn write_batched_instance_buffer<GBD>(
+    render_device: Res<RenderDevice>,
+    render_queue: Res<RenderQueue>,
+    mut cpu_batched_instance_buffer: ResMut<BatchedInstanceBuffer<GBD::BufferData>>,
+) where
+    GBD: GetBatchData,
+{
+    cpu_batched_instance_buffer.write_buffer(&render_device, &render_queue);
+}