diff --git a/cmdline.py b/cmdline.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ee9ba6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmdline.py
@@ -0,0 +1,250 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Command-line utility for interacting with mainline via ntfy.
+
+Usage:
+    python cmdline.py                     # Interactive TUI mode
+    python cmdline.py --help              # Show help
+    python cmdline.py /effects list       # Send single command via ntfy
+    python cmdline.py /effects stats      # Get performance stats via ntfy
+    python cmdline.py -w /effects stats   # Watch mode (polls for stats)
+
+The TUI mode provides:
+    - Arrow keys to navigate command history
+    - Tab completion for commands
+    - Auto-refresh for performance stats
+
+C&C works like a serial port:
+    1. Send command to ntfy_cc_topic
+    2. Mainline receives, processes, responds to same topic
+    3. Cmdline polls for response
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import json
+import sys
+import time
+import threading
+import urllib.request
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.terminal import CLR, CURSOR_OFF, CURSOR_ON, G_DIM, G_HI, RST, W_GHOST
+
+try:
+    CC_CMD_TOPIC = config.NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC
+    CC_RESP_TOPIC = config.NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC
+except AttributeError:
+    CC_CMD_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_cmd/json"
+    CC_RESP_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline_cc_resp/json"
+
+
+class NtfyResponsePoller:
+    """Polls ntfy for command responses."""
+
+    def __init__(self, cmd_topic: str, resp_topic: str, timeout: float = 10.0):
+        self.cmd_topic = cmd_topic
+        self.resp_topic = resp_topic
+        self.timeout = timeout
+        self._last_id = None
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    def _build_url(self) -> str:
+        from urllib.parse import parse_qs, urlencode, urlparse, urlunparse
+
+        parsed = urlparse(self.resp_topic)
+        params = parse_qs(parsed.query, keep_blank_values=True)
+        params["since"] = [self._last_id if self._last_id else "20s"]
+        new_query = urlencode({k: v[0] for k, v in params.items()})
+        return urlunparse(parsed._replace(query=new_query))
+
+    def send_and_wait(self, cmd: str) -> str:
+        """Send command and wait for response."""
+        url = self.cmd_topic.replace("/json", "")
+        data = cmd.encode("utf-8")
+
+        req = urllib.request.Request(
+            url,
+            data=data,
+            headers={
+                "User-Agent": "mainline-cmdline/0.1",
+                "Content-Type": "text/plain",
+            },
+            method="POST",
+        )
+
+        try:
+            urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=5)
+        except Exception as e:
+            return f"Error sending command: {e}"
+
+        return self._wait_for_response(cmd)
+
+    def _wait_for_response(self, expected_cmd: str = "") -> str:
+        """Poll for response message."""
+        start = time.time()
+        while time.time() - start < self.timeout:
+            try:
+                url = self._build_url()
+                req = urllib.request.Request(
+                    url, headers={"User-Agent": "mainline-cmdline/0.1"}
+                )
+                with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=10) as resp:
+                    for line in resp:
+                        try:
+                            data = json.loads(line.decode("utf-8", errors="replace"))
+                        except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                            continue
+                        if data.get("event") == "message":
+                            self._last_id = data.get("id")
+                            msg = data.get("message", "")
+                            if msg:
+                                return msg
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            time.sleep(0.5)
+        return "Timeout waiting for response"
+
+
+AVAILABLE_COMMANDS = """Available commands:
+  /effects list          - List all effects and status
+  /effects <name> on    - Enable an effect
+  /effects <name> off   - Disable an effect
+  /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0> - Set effect intensity
+  /effects reorder <name1>,<name2>,... - Reorder pipeline
+  /effects stats        - Show performance statistics
+  /help                 - Show this help
+  /quit                 - Exit
+"""
+
+
+def print_header():
+    w = 60
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
+    print(f"\033[1;1H", end="")
+    print(f"  \033[1;38;5;231m╔{'═' * (w - 6)}╗\033[0m")
+    print(
+        f"  \033[1;38;5;231m║\033[0m \033[1;38;5;82mMAINLINE\033[0m \033[3;38;5;245mCommand Center\033[0m \033[1;38;5;231m  ║\033[0m"
+    )
+    print(f"  \033[1;38;5;231m╚{'═' * (w - 6)}╝\033[0m")
+    print(f"  \033[2;38;5;37mCMD: {CC_CMD_TOPIC.split('/')[-2]}\033[0m")
+    print(f"  \033[2;38;5;37mRESP: {CC_RESP_TOPIC.split('/')[-2]}\033[0m")
+    print()
+
+
+def print_response(response: str, is_error: bool = False) -> None:
+    """Print response with nice formatting."""
+    print()
+    if is_error:
+        print(f"  \033[1;38;5;196m✗ Error\033[0m")
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;196m{'─' * 40}\033[0m")
+    else:
+        print(f"  \033[1;38;5;82m✓ Response\033[0m")
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;37m{'─' * 40}\033[0m")
+
+    for line in response.split("\n"):
+        print(f"  {line}")
+    print()
+
+
+def interactive_mode():
+    """Interactive TUI for sending commands."""
+    import readline
+
+    print_header()
+    poller = NtfyResponsePoller(CC_CMD_TOPIC, CC_RESP_TOPIC)
+
+    print(f"  \033[38;5;245mType /help for commands, /quit to exit\033[0m")
+    print()
+
+    while True:
+        try:
+            cmd = input(f"  \033[1;38;5;82m❯\033[0m {G_HI}").strip()
+        except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+            print()
+            break
+
+        if not cmd:
+            continue
+
+        if cmd.startswith("/"):
+            if cmd == "/quit" or cmd == "/exit":
+                print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mGoodbye!{RST}\n")
+                break
+
+            if cmd == "/help":
+                print(f"\n{AVAILABLE_COMMANDS}\n")
+                continue
+
+            print(f"  \033[38;5;245m⟳ Sending to mainline...{RST}")
+            result = poller.send_and_wait(cmd)
+            print_response(result, is_error=result.startswith("Error"))
+        else:
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;196m⚠ Commands must start with /{RST}\n")
+
+    print(CURSOR_ON, end="")
+    return 0
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
+        description="Mainline command-line interface",
+        formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter,
+        epilog=AVAILABLE_COMMANDS,
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "command",
+        nargs="?",
+        default=None,
+        help="Command to send (e.g., /effects list)",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--watch",
+        "-w",
+        action="store_true",
+        help="Watch mode: continuously poll for stats (Ctrl+C to exit)",
+    )
+
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    if args.command is None:
+        return interactive_mode()
+
+    poller = NtfyResponsePoller(CC_CMD_TOPIC, CC_RESP_TOPIC)
+
+    if args.watch and "/effects stats" in args.command:
+        import signal
+
+        def handle_sigterm(*_):
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mStopped watching{RST}")
+            print(CURSOR_ON, end="")
+            sys.exit(0)
+
+        signal.signal(signal.SIGTERM, handle_sigterm)
+
+        print_header()
+        print(f"  \033[38;5;245mWatching /effects stats (Ctrl+C to exit)...{RST}\n")
+        try:
+            while True:
+                result = poller.send_and_wait(args.command)
+                print(f"\033[2J\033[1;1H", end="")
+                print(
+                    f"  \033[1;38;5;82m❯\033[0m Performance Stats - \033[1;38;5;245m{time.strftime('%H:%M:%S')}{RST}"
+                )
+                print(f"  \033[38;5;37m{'─' * 44}{RST}")
+                for line in result.split("\n"):
+                    print(f"  {line}")
+                time.sleep(2)
+        except KeyboardInterrupt:
+            print(f"\n  \033[1;38;5;245mStopped watching{RST}")
+            return 0
+        return 0
+
+    result = poller.send_and_wait(args.command)
+    print(result)
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()
diff --git a/effects_plugins/__init__.py b/effects_plugins/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fc3c8d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects_plugins/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+from pathlib import Path
+
+PLUGIN_DIR = Path(__file__).parent
+
+
+def discover_plugins():
+    from engine.effects.registry import get_registry
+
+    registry = get_registry()
+    imported = {}
+
+    for file_path in PLUGIN_DIR.glob("*.py"):
+        if file_path.name.startswith("_"):
+            continue
+        module_name = file_path.stem
+        if module_name in ("base", "types"):
+            continue
+
+        try:
+            module = __import__(f"effects_plugins.{module_name}", fromlist=[""])
+            for attr_name in dir(module):
+                attr = getattr(module, attr_name)
+                if (
+                    isinstance(attr, type)
+                    and hasattr(attr, "name")
+                    and hasattr(attr, "process")
+                    and attr_name.endswith("Effect")
+                ):
+                    plugin = attr()
+                    registry.register(plugin)
+                    imported[plugin.name] = plugin
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    return imported
diff --git a/effects_plugins/fade.py b/effects_plugins/fade.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..98ede65
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects_plugins/fade.py
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+import random
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class FadeEffect:
+    name = "fade"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not ctx.ticker_height:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+
+        top_zone = max(1, int(ctx.ticker_height * 0.25))
+        bot_zone = max(1, int(ctx.ticker_height * 0.10))
+
+        for r in range(len(result)):
+            if r >= ctx.ticker_height:
+                continue
+            top_f = min(1.0, r / top_zone) if top_zone > 0 else 1.0
+            bot_f = (
+                min(1.0, (ctx.ticker_height - 1 - r) / bot_zone)
+                if bot_zone > 0
+                else 1.0
+            )
+            row_fade = min(top_f, bot_f) * intensity
+
+            if row_fade < 1.0 and result[r].strip():
+                result[r] = self._fade_line(result[r], row_fade)
+
+        return result
+
+    def _fade_line(self, s: str, fade: float) -> str:
+        if fade >= 1.0:
+            return s
+        if fade <= 0.0:
+            return ""
+        result = []
+        i = 0
+        while i < len(s):
+            if s[i] == "\033" and i + 1 < len(s) and s[i + 1] == "[":
+                j = i + 2
+                while j < len(s) and not s[j].isalpha():
+                    j += 1
+                result.append(s[i : j + 1])
+                i = j + 1
+            elif s[i] == " ":
+                result.append(" ")
+                i += 1
+            else:
+                result.append(s[i] if random.random() < fade else " ")
+                i += 1
+        return "".join(result)
+
+    def configure(self, cfg: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = cfg
diff --git a/effects_plugins/firehose.py b/effects_plugins/firehose.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4be520b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects_plugins/firehose.py
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+import random
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.sources import FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST, W_GHOST
+
+
+class FirehoseEffect:
+    name = "firehose"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        firehose_h = config.FIREHOSE_H if config.FIREHOSE else 0
+        if firehose_h <= 0 or not ctx.items:
+            return buf
+
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+        h = ctx.terminal_height
+
+        for fr in range(firehose_h):
+            scr_row = h - firehose_h + fr + 1
+            fline = self._firehose_line(ctx.items, ctx.terminal_width, intensity)
+            result.append(f"\033[{scr_row};1H{fline}\033[K")
+        return result
+
+    def _firehose_line(self, items: list, w: int, intensity: float) -> str:
+        r = random.random()
+        if r < 0.35 * intensity:
+            title, src, ts = random.choice(items)
+            text = title[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST, C_DIM])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+        elif r < 0.55 * intensity:
+            d = random.choice([0.45, 0.55, 0.65, 0.75])
+            return "".join(
+                f"{random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, C_DIM, W_GHOST])}"
+                f"{random.choice(config.GLITCH + config.KATA)}{RST}"
+                if random.random() < d
+                else " "
+                for _ in range(w)
+            )
+        elif r < 0.78 * intensity:
+            sources = FEEDS if config.MODE == "news" else POETRY_SOURCES
+            src = random.choice(list(sources.keys()))
+            msgs = [
+                f"  SIGNAL :: {src} :: {datetime.now().strftime('%H:%M:%S.%f')[:-3]}",
+                f"  ░░ FEED ACTIVE :: {src}",
+                f"  >> DECODE 0x{random.randint(0x1000, 0xFFFF):04X} :: {src[:24]}",
+                f"  ▒▒ ACQUIRE :: {random.choice(['TCP', 'UDP', 'RSS', 'ATOM', 'XML'])} :: {src}",
+                f"  {''.join(random.choice(config.KATA) for _ in range(3))} STRM "
+                f"{random.randint(0, 255):02X}:{random.randint(0, 255):02X}",
+            ]
+            text = random.choice(msgs)[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, W_GHOST])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+        else:
+            title, _, _ = random.choice(items)
+            start = random.randint(0, max(0, len(title) - 20))
+            frag = title[start : start + random.randint(10, 35)]
+            pad = random.randint(0, max(0, w - len(frag) - 8))
+            gp = "".join(
+                random.choice(config.GLITCH) for _ in range(random.randint(1, 3))
+            )
+            text = (" " * pad + gp + " " + frag)[: w - 1]
+            color = random.choice([G_LO, C_DIM, W_GHOST])
+            return f"{color}{text}{RST}"
+
+    def configure(self, cfg: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = cfg
diff --git a/effects_plugins/glitch.py b/effects_plugins/glitch.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d23244a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects_plugins/glitch.py
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+import random
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST
+
+
+class GlitchEffect:
+    name = "glitch"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not buf:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+
+        glitch_prob = 0.32 + min(0.9, ctx.mic_excess * 0.16)
+        glitch_prob = glitch_prob * intensity
+        n_hits = 4 + int(ctx.mic_excess / 2)
+        n_hits = int(n_hits * intensity)
+
+        if random.random() < glitch_prob:
+            for _ in range(min(n_hits, len(result))):
+                gi = random.randint(0, len(result) - 1)
+                scr_row = gi + 1
+                result[gi] = f"\033[{scr_row};1H{self._glitch_bar(ctx.terminal_width)}"
+        return result
+
+    def _glitch_bar(self, w: int) -> str:
+        c = random.choice(["░", "▒", "─", "\xc2"])
+        n = random.randint(3, w // 2)
+        o = random.randint(0, w - n)
+        return " " * o + f"{G_LO}{DIM}" + c * n + RST
+
+    def configure(self, cfg: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = cfg
diff --git a/effects_plugins/noise.py b/effects_plugins/noise.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7bf316
--- /dev/null
+++ b/effects_plugins/noise.py
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+import random
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.terminal import C_DIM, G_DIM, G_LO, RST, W_GHOST
+
+
+class NoiseEffect:
+    name = "noise"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=0.15)
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        if not ctx.ticker_height:
+            return buf
+        result = list(buf)
+        intensity = self.config.intensity
+        probability = intensity * 0.15
+
+        for r in range(len(result)):
+            cy = ctx.scroll_cam + r
+            if random.random() < probability:
+                result[r] = self._generate_noise(ctx.terminal_width, cy)
+        return result
+
+    def _generate_noise(self, w: int, cy: int) -> str:
+        d = random.choice([0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.12])
+        return "".join(
+            f"{random.choice([G_LO, G_DIM, C_DIM, W_GHOST])}"
+            f"{random.choice(config.GLITCH + config.KATA)}{RST}"
+            if random.random() < d
+            else " "
+            for _ in range(w)
+        )
+
+    def configure(self, cfg: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        self.config = cfg
diff --git a/engine/display.py b/engine/display.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32eb09e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/display.py
@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+"""
+Display output abstraction - allows swapping output backends.
+
+Protocol:
+    - init(width, height): Initialize display with terminal dimensions
+    - show(buffer): Render buffer (list of strings) to display
+    - clear(): Clear the display
+    - cleanup(): Shutdown display
+"""
+
+import time
+from typing import Protocol
+
+
+class Display(Protocol):
+    """Protocol for display backends."""
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        """Initialize display with dimensions."""
+        ...
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        """Show buffer on display."""
+        ...
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        """Clear display."""
+        ...
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        """Shutdown display."""
+        ...
+
+
+def get_monitor():
+    """Get the performance monitor."""
+    try:
+        from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor as _get_monitor
+
+        return _get_monitor()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+class TerminalDisplay:
+    """ANSI terminal display backend."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.width = 80
+        self.height = 24
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        from engine.terminal import CURSOR_OFF
+
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+        print(CURSOR_OFF, end="", flush=True)
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        import sys
+
+        t0 = time.perf_counter()
+        sys.stdout.buffer.write("".join(buffer).encode())
+        sys.stdout.flush()
+        elapsed_ms = (time.perf_counter() - t0) * 1000
+
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in buffer)
+            monitor.record_effect("terminal_display", elapsed_ms, chars_in, chars_in)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        from engine.terminal import CLR
+
+        print(CLR, end="", flush=True)
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        from engine.terminal import CURSOR_ON
+
+        print(CURSOR_ON, end="", flush=True)
+
+
+class NullDisplay:
+    """Headless/null display - discards all output."""
+
+    def init(self, width: int, height: int) -> None:
+        self.width = width
+        self.height = height
+
+    def show(self, buffer: list[str]) -> None:
+        monitor = get_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            t0 = time.perf_counter()
+            chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in buffer)
+            elapsed_ms = (time.perf_counter() - t0) * 1000
+            monitor.record_effect("null_display", elapsed_ms, chars_in, chars_in)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def cleanup(self) -> None:
+        pass
diff --git a/engine/effects/__init__.py b/engine/effects/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..923d361
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+from engine.effects.chain import EffectChain
+from engine.effects.controller import handle_effects_command, show_effects_menu
+from engine.effects.legacy import (
+    fade_line,
+    firehose_line,
+    glitch_bar,
+    next_headline,
+    noise,
+    vis_trunc,
+)
+from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor, get_monitor, set_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import EffectRegistry, get_registry, set_registry
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, PipelineConfig
+
+
+def get_effect_chain():
+    from engine.layers import get_effect_chain as _chain
+
+    return _chain()
+
+
+__all__ = [
+    "EffectChain",
+    "EffectRegistry",
+    "EffectConfig",
+    "EffectContext",
+    "PipelineConfig",
+    "get_registry",
+    "set_registry",
+    "get_effect_chain",
+    "get_monitor",
+    "set_monitor",
+    "PerformanceMonitor",
+    "handle_effects_command",
+    "show_effects_menu",
+    "fade_line",
+    "firehose_line",
+    "glitch_bar",
+    "noise",
+    "next_headline",
+    "vis_trunc",
+]
diff --git a/engine/effects/chain.py b/engine/effects/chain.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c687266
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/chain.py
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+import time
+
+from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor, get_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import EffectRegistry
+from engine.effects.types import EffectContext
+
+
+class EffectChain:
+    def __init__(
+        self, registry: EffectRegistry, monitor: PerformanceMonitor | None = None
+    ):
+        self._registry = registry
+        self._order: list[str] = []
+        self._monitor = monitor
+
+    def _get_monitor(self) -> PerformanceMonitor:
+        if self._monitor is not None:
+            return self._monitor
+        return get_monitor()
+
+    def set_order(self, names: list[str]) -> None:
+        self._order = list(names)
+
+    def get_order(self) -> list[str]:
+        return self._order.copy()
+
+    def add_effect(self, name: str, position: int | None = None) -> bool:
+        if name not in self._registry.list_all():
+            return False
+        if position is None:
+            self._order.append(name)
+        else:
+            self._order.insert(position, name)
+        return True
+
+    def remove_effect(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        if name in self._order:
+            self._order.remove(name)
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def reorder(self, new_order: list[str]) -> bool:
+        all_plugins = set(self._registry.list_all().keys())
+        if not all(name in all_plugins for name in new_order):
+            return False
+        self._order = list(new_order)
+        return True
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        monitor = self._get_monitor()
+        frame_number = ctx.frame_number
+        monitor.start_frame(frame_number)
+
+        frame_start = time.perf_counter()
+        result = list(buf)
+        for name in self._order:
+            plugin = self._registry.get(name)
+            if plugin and plugin.config.enabled:
+                chars_in = sum(len(line) for line in result)
+                effect_start = time.perf_counter()
+                try:
+                    result = plugin.process(result, ctx)
+                except Exception:
+                    plugin.config.enabled = False
+                elapsed = time.perf_counter() - effect_start
+                chars_out = sum(len(line) for line in result)
+                monitor.record_effect(name, elapsed * 1000, chars_in, chars_out)
+
+        total_elapsed = time.perf_counter() - frame_start
+        monitor.end_frame(frame_number, total_elapsed * 1000)
+        return result
diff --git a/engine/effects/controller.py b/engine/effects/controller.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e72881
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/controller.py
@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+from engine.effects.performance import get_monitor
+from engine.effects.registry import get_registry
+
+_effect_chain_ref = None
+
+
+def _get_effect_chain():
+    global _effect_chain_ref
+    if _effect_chain_ref is not None:
+        return _effect_chain_ref
+    try:
+        from engine.layers import get_effect_chain as _chain
+
+        return _chain()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+def set_effect_chain_ref(chain) -> None:
+    global _effect_chain_ref
+    _effect_chain_ref = chain
+
+
+def handle_effects_command(cmd: str) -> str:
+    """Handle /effects command from NTFY message.
+
+    Commands:
+        /effects list - list all effects and their status
+        /effects <name> on - enable an effect
+        /effects <name> off - disable an effect
+        /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0> - set intensity
+        /effects reorder <name1>,<name2>,... - reorder pipeline
+        /effects stats - show performance statistics
+    """
+    parts = cmd.strip().split()
+    if not parts or parts[0] != "/effects":
+        return "Unknown command"
+
+    registry = get_registry()
+    chain = _get_effect_chain()
+
+    if len(parts) == 1 or parts[1] == "list":
+        result = ["Effects:"]
+        for name, plugin in registry.list_all().items():
+            status = "ON" if plugin.config.enabled else "OFF"
+            intensity = plugin.config.intensity
+            result.append(f"  {name}: {status} (intensity={intensity})")
+        if chain:
+            result.append(f"Order: {chain.get_order()}")
+        return "\n".join(result)
+
+    if parts[1] == "stats":
+        return _format_stats()
+
+    if parts[1] == "reorder" and len(parts) >= 3:
+        new_order = parts[2].split(",")
+        if chain and chain.reorder(new_order):
+            return f"Reordered pipeline: {new_order}"
+        return "Failed to reorder pipeline"
+
+    if len(parts) < 3:
+        return "Usage: /effects <name> on|off|intensity <value>"
+
+    effect_name = parts[1]
+    action = parts[2]
+
+    if effect_name not in registry.list_all():
+        return f"Unknown effect: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "on":
+        registry.enable(effect_name)
+        return f"Enabled: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "off":
+        registry.disable(effect_name)
+        return f"Disabled: {effect_name}"
+
+    if action == "intensity" and len(parts) >= 4:
+        try:
+            value = float(parts[3])
+            if not 0.0 <= value <= 1.0:
+                return "Intensity must be between 0.0 and 1.0"
+            plugin = registry.get(effect_name)
+            if plugin:
+                plugin.config.intensity = value
+                return f"Set {effect_name} intensity to {value}"
+        except ValueError:
+            return "Invalid intensity value"
+
+    return f"Unknown action: {action}"
+
+
+def _format_stats() -> str:
+    monitor = get_monitor()
+    stats = monitor.get_stats()
+
+    if "error" in stats:
+        return stats["error"]
+
+    lines = ["Performance Stats:"]
+
+    pipeline = stats["pipeline"]
+    lines.append(
+        f"  Pipeline: avg={pipeline['avg_ms']:.2f}ms min={pipeline['min_ms']:.2f}ms max={pipeline['max_ms']:.2f}ms (over {stats['frame_count']} frames)"
+    )
+
+    if stats["effects"]:
+        lines.append("  Per-effect (avg ms):")
+        for name, effect_stats in stats["effects"].items():
+            lines.append(
+                f"    {name}: avg={effect_stats['avg_ms']:.2f}ms min={effect_stats['min_ms']:.2f}ms max={effect_stats['max_ms']:.2f}ms"
+            )
+
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+def show_effects_menu() -> str:
+    """Generate effects menu text for display."""
+    registry = get_registry()
+    chain = _get_effect_chain()
+
+    lines = [
+        "\033[1;38;5;231m=== EFFECTS MENU ===\033[0m",
+        "",
+        "Effects:",
+    ]
+
+    for name, plugin in registry.list_all().items():
+        status = "ON" if plugin.config.enabled else "OFF"
+        intensity = plugin.config.intensity
+        lines.append(f"  [{status:3}] {name}: intensity={intensity:.2f}")
+
+    if chain:
+        lines.append("")
+        lines.append(f"Pipeline order: {' -> '.join(chain.get_order())}")
+
+    lines.append("")
+    lines.append("Controls:")
+    lines.append("  /effects <name> on|off")
+    lines.append("  /effects <name> intensity <0.0-1.0>")
+    lines.append("  /effects reorder name1,name2,...")
+    lines.append("")
+
+    return "\n".join(lines)
diff --git a/engine/effects.py b/engine/effects/legacy.py
similarity index 100%
rename from engine/effects.py
rename to engine/effects/legacy.py
diff --git a/engine/effects/performance.py b/engine/effects/performance.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a26bb9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/performance.py
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+from collections import deque
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectTiming:
+    name: str
+    duration_ms: float
+    buffer_chars_in: int
+    buffer_chars_out: int
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FrameTiming:
+    frame_number: int
+    total_ms: float
+    effects: list[EffectTiming]
+
+
+class PerformanceMonitor:
+    """Collects and stores performance metrics for effect pipeline."""
+
+    def __init__(self, max_frames: int = 60):
+        self._max_frames = max_frames
+        self._frames: deque[FrameTiming] = deque(maxlen=max_frames)
+        self._current_frame: list[EffectTiming] = []
+
+    def start_frame(self, frame_number: int) -> None:
+        self._current_frame = []
+
+    def record_effect(
+        self, name: str, duration_ms: float, chars_in: int, chars_out: int
+    ) -> None:
+        self._current_frame.append(
+            EffectTiming(
+                name=name,
+                duration_ms=duration_ms,
+                buffer_chars_in=chars_in,
+                buffer_chars_out=chars_out,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def end_frame(self, frame_number: int, total_ms: float) -> None:
+        self._frames.append(
+            FrameTiming(
+                frame_number=frame_number,
+                total_ms=total_ms,
+                effects=self._current_frame,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def get_stats(self) -> dict:
+        if not self._frames:
+            return {"error": "No timing data available"}
+
+        total_times = [f.total_ms for f in self._frames]
+        avg_total = sum(total_times) / len(total_times)
+        min_total = min(total_times)
+        max_total = max(total_times)
+
+        effect_stats: dict[str, dict] = {}
+        for frame in self._frames:
+            for effect in frame.effects:
+                if effect.name not in effect_stats:
+                    effect_stats[effect.name] = {"times": [], "total_chars": 0}
+                effect_stats[effect.name]["times"].append(effect.duration_ms)
+                effect_stats[effect.name]["total_chars"] += effect.buffer_chars_out
+
+        for name, stats in effect_stats.items():
+            times = stats["times"]
+            stats["avg_ms"] = sum(times) / len(times)
+            stats["min_ms"] = min(times)
+            stats["max_ms"] = max(times)
+            del stats["times"]
+
+        return {
+            "frame_count": len(self._frames),
+            "pipeline": {
+                "avg_ms": avg_total,
+                "min_ms": min_total,
+                "max_ms": max_total,
+            },
+            "effects": effect_stats,
+        }
+
+    def reset(self) -> None:
+        self._frames.clear()
+        self._current_frame = []
+
+
+_monitor: PerformanceMonitor | None = None
+
+
+def get_monitor() -> PerformanceMonitor:
+    global _monitor
+    if _monitor is None:
+        _monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+    return _monitor
+
+
+def set_monitor(monitor: PerformanceMonitor) -> None:
+    global _monitor
+    _monitor = monitor
diff --git a/engine/effects/registry.py b/engine/effects/registry.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdf13d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/registry.py
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class EffectRegistry:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._plugins: dict[str, EffectPlugin] = {}
+        self._discovered: bool = False
+
+    def register(self, plugin: EffectPlugin) -> None:
+        self._plugins[plugin.name] = plugin
+
+    def get(self, name: str) -> EffectPlugin | None:
+        return self._plugins.get(name)
+
+    def list_all(self) -> dict[str, EffectPlugin]:
+        return self._plugins.copy()
+
+    def list_enabled(self) -> list[EffectPlugin]:
+        return [p for p in self._plugins.values() if p.config.enabled]
+
+    def enable(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.config.enabled = True
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def disable(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.config.enabled = False
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def configure(self, name: str, config: EffectConfig) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        if plugin:
+            plugin.configure(config)
+            return True
+        return False
+
+    def is_enabled(self, name: str) -> bool:
+        plugin = self._plugins.get(name)
+        return plugin.config.enabled if plugin else False
+
+
+_registry: EffectRegistry | None = None
+
+
+def get_registry() -> EffectRegistry:
+    global _registry
+    if _registry is None:
+        _registry = EffectRegistry()
+    return _registry
+
+
+def set_registry(registry: EffectRegistry) -> None:
+    global _registry
+    _registry = registry
diff --git a/engine/effects/types.py b/engine/effects/types.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d2c340
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/effects/types.py
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectContext:
+    terminal_width: int
+    terminal_height: int
+    scroll_cam: int
+    ticker_height: int
+    mic_excess: float
+    grad_offset: float
+    frame_number: int
+    has_message: bool
+    items: list = field(default_factory=list)
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectConfig:
+    enabled: bool = True
+    intensity: float = 1.0
+    params: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+
+class EffectPlugin:
+    name: str
+    config: EffectConfig
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PipelineConfig:
+    order: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    effects: dict[str, EffectConfig] = field(default_factory=dict)
diff --git a/engine/layers.py b/engine/layers.py
index ebc53ef..b5ac428 100644
--- a/engine/layers.py
+++ b/engine/layers.py
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ from datetime import datetime
 
 from engine import config
 from engine.effects import (
+    EffectChain,
+    EffectContext,
     fade_line,
     firehose_line,
     glitch_bar,
@@ -199,3 +201,60 @@ def render_firehose(items: list, w: int, fh: int, h: int) -> list[str]:
             fline = firehose_line(items, w)
             buf.append(f"\033[{scr_row};1H{fline}\033[K")
     return buf
+
+
+_effect_chain = None
+
+
+def init_effects() -> None:
+    """Initialize effect plugins and chain."""
+    global _effect_chain
+    from engine.effects import EffectChain, get_registry
+
+    registry = get_registry()
+
+    import effects_plugins
+
+    effects_plugins.discover_plugins()
+
+    chain = EffectChain(registry)
+    chain.set_order(["noise", "fade", "glitch", "firehose"])
+    _effect_chain = chain
+
+
+def process_effects(
+    buf: list[str],
+    w: int,
+    h: int,
+    scroll_cam: int,
+    ticker_h: int,
+    mic_excess: float,
+    grad_offset: float,
+    frame_number: int,
+    has_message: bool,
+    items: list,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Process buffer through effect chain."""
+    if _effect_chain is None:
+        init_effects()
+
+    ctx = EffectContext(
+        terminal_width=w,
+        terminal_height=h,
+        scroll_cam=scroll_cam,
+        ticker_height=ticker_h,
+        mic_excess=mic_excess,
+        grad_offset=grad_offset,
+        frame_number=frame_number,
+        has_message=has_message,
+        items=items,
+    )
+    return _effect_chain.process(buf, ctx)
+
+
+def get_effect_chain() -> EffectChain | None:
+    """Get the effect chain instance."""
+    global _effect_chain
+    if _effect_chain is None:
+        init_effects()
+    return _effect_chain
diff --git a/engine/scroll.py b/engine/scroll.py
index 41445ad..d13408b 100644
--- a/engine/scroll.py
+++ b/engine/scroll.py
@@ -4,33 +4,42 @@ Orchestrates viewport, frame timing, and layers.
 """
 
 import random
-import sys
 import time
 
 from engine import config
+from engine.display import (
+    Display,
+    TerminalDisplay,
+)
+from engine.display import (
+    get_monitor as _get_display_monitor,
+)
 from engine.frame import calculate_scroll_step
 from engine.layers import (
     apply_glitch,
+    process_effects,
     render_firehose,
     render_message_overlay,
     render_ticker_zone,
 )
-from engine.terminal import CLR
 from engine.viewport import th, tw
 
+USE_EFFECT_CHAIN = True
 
-def stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor):
+
+def stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor, display: Display | None = None):
     """Main render loop with four layers: message, ticker, scroll motion, firehose."""
+    if display is None:
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
     random.shuffle(items)
     pool = list(items)
     seen = set()
     queued = 0
 
     time.sleep(0.5)
-    sys.stdout.write(CLR)
-    sys.stdout.flush()
-
     w, h = tw(), th()
+    display.init(w, h)
+    display.clear()
     fh = config.FIREHOSE_H if config.FIREHOSE else 0
     ticker_view_h = h - fh
     GAP = 3
@@ -42,6 +51,7 @@ def stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor):
     noise_cache = {}
     scroll_motion_accum = 0.0
     msg_cache = (None, None)
+    frame_number = 0
 
     while True:
         if queued >= config.HEADLINE_LIMIT and not active:
@@ -93,19 +103,39 @@ def stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor):
         buf.extend(ticker_buf)
 
         mic_excess = mic_monitor.excess
-        buf = apply_glitch(buf, ticker_buf_start, mic_excess, w)
+        render_start = time.perf_counter()
 
-        firehose_buf = render_firehose(items, w, fh, h)
-        buf.extend(firehose_buf)
+        if USE_EFFECT_CHAIN:
+            buf = process_effects(
+                buf,
+                w,
+                h,
+                scroll_cam,
+                ticker_h,
+                mic_excess,
+                grad_offset,
+                frame_number,
+                msg is not None,
+                items,
+            )
+        else:
+            buf = apply_glitch(buf, ticker_buf_start, mic_excess, w)
+            firehose_buf = render_firehose(items, w, fh, h)
+            buf.extend(firehose_buf)
 
         if msg_overlay:
             buf.extend(msg_overlay)
 
-        sys.stdout.buffer.write("".join(buf).encode())
-        sys.stdout.flush()
+        render_elapsed = (time.perf_counter() - render_start) * 1000
+        monitor = _get_display_monitor()
+        if monitor:
+            chars = sum(len(line) for line in buf)
+            monitor.record_effect("render", render_elapsed, chars, chars)
+
+        display.show(buf)
 
         elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
         time.sleep(max(0, config.FRAME_DT - elapsed))
+        frame_number += 1
 
-    sys.stdout.write(CLR)
-    sys.stdout.flush()
+    display.cleanup()
diff --git a/tests/test_controller.py b/tests/test_controller.py
index 96ef02d..0f08b9b 100644
--- a/tests/test_controller.py
+++ b/tests/test_controller.py
@@ -83,3 +83,35 @@ class TestStreamControllerCleanup:
         controller.cleanup()
 
         mock_mic_instance.stop.assert_called_once()
+
+
+class TestStreamControllerWarmup:
+    """Tests for StreamController topic warmup."""
+
+    def test_warmup_topics_idempotent(self):
+        """warmup_topics can be called multiple times."""
+        StreamController._topics_warmed = False
+
+        with patch("urllib.request.urlopen") as mock_urlopen:
+            StreamController.warmup_topics()
+            StreamController.warmup_topics()
+
+            assert mock_urlopen.call_count >= 3
+
+    def test_warmup_topics_sets_flag(self):
+        """warmup_topics sets the warmed flag."""
+        StreamController._topics_warmed = False
+
+        with patch("urllib.request.urlopen"):
+            StreamController.warmup_topics()
+
+            assert StreamController._topics_warmed is True
+
+    def test_warmup_topics_skips_after_first(self):
+        """warmup_topics skips after first call."""
+        StreamController._topics_warmed = True
+
+        with patch("urllib.request.urlopen") as mock_urlopen:
+            StreamController.warmup_topics()
+
+            mock_urlopen.assert_not_called()
diff --git a/tests/test_display.py b/tests/test_display.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2c08b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_display.py
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+"""
+Tests for engine.display module.
+"""
+
+from engine.display import NullDisplay, TerminalDisplay
+
+
+class TestDisplayProtocol:
+    """Test that display backends satisfy the Display protocol."""
+
+    def test_terminal_display_is_display(self):
+        """TerminalDisplay satisfies Display protocol."""
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
+        assert hasattr(display, "init")
+        assert hasattr(display, "show")
+        assert hasattr(display, "clear")
+        assert hasattr(display, "cleanup")
+
+    def test_null_display_is_display(self):
+        """NullDisplay satisfies Display protocol."""
+        display = NullDisplay()
+        assert hasattr(display, "init")
+        assert hasattr(display, "show")
+        assert hasattr(display, "clear")
+        assert hasattr(display, "cleanup")
+
+
+class TestTerminalDisplay:
+    """Tests for TerminalDisplay class."""
+
+    def test_init_sets_dimensions(self):
+        """init stores terminal dimensions."""
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
+        display.init(80, 24)
+        assert display.width == 80
+        assert display.height == 24
+
+    def test_show_returns_none(self):
+        """show returns None after writing to stdout."""
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
+        display.width = 80
+        display.height = 24
+        display.show(["line1", "line2"])
+
+    def test_clear_does_not_error(self):
+        """clear works without error."""
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
+        display.clear()
+
+    def test_cleanup_does_not_error(self):
+        """cleanup works without error."""
+        display = TerminalDisplay()
+        display.cleanup()
+
+
+class TestNullDisplay:
+    """Tests for NullDisplay class."""
+
+    def test_init_stores_dimensions(self):
+        """init stores dimensions."""
+        display = NullDisplay()
+        display.init(100, 50)
+        assert display.width == 100
+        assert display.height == 50
+
+    def test_show_does_nothing(self):
+        """show discards buffer without error."""
+        display = NullDisplay()
+        display.show(["line1", "line2", "line3"])
+
+    def test_clear_does_nothing(self):
+        """clear does nothing."""
+        display = NullDisplay()
+        display.clear()
+
+    def test_cleanup_does_nothing(self):
+        """cleanup does nothing."""
+        display = NullDisplay()
+        display.cleanup()
diff --git a/tests/test_effects.py b/tests/test_effects.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12d41a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_effects.py
@@ -0,0 +1,427 @@
+"""
+Tests for engine.effects module.
+"""
+
+from engine.effects import EffectChain, EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectRegistry
+
+
+class MockEffect:
+    name = "mock"
+    config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.processed = False
+        self.last_ctx = None
+
+    def process(self, buf, ctx):
+        self.processed = True
+        self.last_ctx = ctx
+        return buf + ["processed"]
+
+    def configure(self, config):
+        self.config = config
+
+
+class TestEffectConfig:
+    def test_defaults(self):
+        cfg = EffectConfig()
+        assert cfg.enabled is True
+        assert cfg.intensity == 1.0
+        assert cfg.params == {}
+
+    def test_custom_values(self):
+        cfg = EffectConfig(enabled=False, intensity=0.5, params={"key": "value"})
+        assert cfg.enabled is False
+        assert cfg.intensity == 0.5
+        assert cfg.params == {"key": "value"}
+
+
+class TestEffectContext:
+    def test_defaults(self):
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=0.0,
+            frame_number=0,
+            has_message=False,
+        )
+        assert ctx.terminal_width == 80
+        assert ctx.terminal_height == 24
+        assert ctx.ticker_height == 20
+        assert ctx.items == []
+
+    def test_with_items(self):
+        items = [("Title", "Source", "12:00")]
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=0.0,
+            frame_number=0,
+            has_message=False,
+            items=items,
+        )
+        assert ctx.items == items
+
+
+class TestEffectRegistry:
+    def test_init_empty(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        assert len(registry.list_all()) == 0
+
+    def test_register(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        registry.register(effect)
+        assert "mock" in registry.list_all()
+
+    def test_get(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        registry.register(effect)
+        retrieved = registry.get("mock")
+        assert retrieved is effect
+
+    def test_get_nonexistent(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        assert registry.get("nonexistent") is None
+
+    def test_enable(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.config.enabled = False
+        registry.register(effect)
+        registry.enable("mock")
+        assert effect.config.enabled is True
+
+    def test_disable(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        registry.register(effect)
+        registry.disable("mock")
+        assert effect.config.enabled is False
+
+    def test_list_enabled(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+
+        class EnabledEffect:
+            name = "enabled_effect"
+            config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+        class DisabledEffect:
+            name = "disabled_effect"
+            config = EffectConfig(enabled=False, intensity=1.0)
+
+        registry.register(EnabledEffect())
+        registry.register(DisabledEffect())
+        enabled = registry.list_enabled()
+        assert len(enabled) == 1
+        assert enabled[0].name == "enabled_effect"
+
+    def test_configure(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        registry.register(effect)
+        new_config = EffectConfig(enabled=False, intensity=0.3)
+        registry.configure("mock", new_config)
+        assert effect.config.enabled is False
+        assert effect.config.intensity == 0.3
+
+    def test_is_enabled(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        registry.register(effect)
+        assert registry.is_enabled("mock") is True
+        assert registry.is_enabled("nonexistent") is False
+
+
+class TestEffectChain:
+    def test_init(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        assert chain.get_order() == []
+
+    def test_set_order(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect1 = MockEffect()
+        effect1.name = "effect1"
+        effect2 = MockEffect()
+        effect2.name = "effect2"
+        registry.register(effect1)
+        registry.register(effect2)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.set_order(["effect1", "effect2"])
+        assert chain.get_order() == ["effect1", "effect2"]
+
+    def test_add_effect(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.name = "test_effect"
+        registry.register(effect)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.add_effect("test_effect")
+        assert "test_effect" in chain.get_order()
+
+    def test_add_effect_invalid(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        result = chain.add_effect("nonexistent")
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_remove_effect(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.name = "test_effect"
+        registry.register(effect)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.set_order(["test_effect"])
+        chain.remove_effect("test_effect")
+        assert "test_effect" not in chain.get_order()
+
+    def test_reorder(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect1 = MockEffect()
+        effect1.name = "effect1"
+        effect2 = MockEffect()
+        effect2.name = "effect2"
+        effect3 = MockEffect()
+        effect3.name = "effect3"
+        registry.register(effect1)
+        registry.register(effect2)
+        registry.register(effect3)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.set_order(["effect1", "effect2", "effect3"])
+        result = chain.reorder(["effect3", "effect1", "effect2"])
+        assert result is True
+        assert chain.get_order() == ["effect3", "effect1", "effect2"]
+
+    def test_reorder_invalid(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.name = "effect1"
+        registry.register(effect)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        result = chain.reorder(["effect1", "nonexistent"])
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_process_empty_chain(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        buf = ["line1", "line2"]
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=0.0,
+            frame_number=0,
+            has_message=False,
+        )
+        result = chain.process(buf, ctx)
+        assert result == buf
+
+    def test_process_with_effects(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.name = "test_effect"
+        registry.register(effect)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.set_order(["test_effect"])
+        buf = ["line1", "line2"]
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=0.0,
+            frame_number=0,
+            has_message=False,
+        )
+        result = chain.process(buf, ctx)
+        assert result == ["line1", "line2", "processed"]
+        assert effect.processed is True
+        assert effect.last_ctx is ctx
+
+    def test_process_disabled_effect(self):
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        effect = MockEffect()
+        effect.name = "test_effect"
+        effect.config.enabled = False
+        registry.register(effect)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry)
+        chain.set_order(["test_effect"])
+        buf = ["line1"]
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+            mic_excess=0.0,
+            grad_offset=0.0,
+            frame_number=0,
+            has_message=False,
+        )
+        result = chain.process(buf, ctx)
+        assert result == ["line1"]
+        assert effect.processed is False
+
+
+class TestEffectsExports:
+    def test_all_exports_are_importable(self):
+        """Verify all exports in __all__ can actually be imported."""
+        import engine.effects as effects_module
+
+        for name in effects_module.__all__:
+            getattr(effects_module, name)
+
+
+class TestPerformanceMonitor:
+    def test_empty_stats(self):
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert "error" in stats
+
+    def test_record_and_retrieve(self):
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+        monitor.start_frame(1)
+        monitor.record_effect("test_effect", 1.5, 100, 150)
+        monitor.end_frame(1, 2.0)
+
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert "error" not in stats
+        assert stats["frame_count"] == 1
+        assert "test_effect" in stats["effects"]
+
+    def test_multiple_frames(self):
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor(max_frames=3)
+        for i in range(5):
+            monitor.start_frame(i)
+            monitor.record_effect("effect1", 1.0, 100, 100)
+            monitor.record_effect("effect2", 0.5, 100, 100)
+            monitor.end_frame(i, 1.5)
+
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert stats["frame_count"] == 3
+        assert "effect1" in stats["effects"]
+        assert "effect2" in stats["effects"]
+
+    def test_reset(self):
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor()
+        monitor.start_frame(1)
+        monitor.record_effect("test", 1.0, 100, 100)
+        monitor.end_frame(1, 1.0)
+
+        monitor.reset()
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert "error" in stats
+
+
+class TestEffectPipelinePerformance:
+    def test_pipeline_stays_within_frame_budget(self):
+        """Verify effect pipeline completes within frame budget (33ms for 30fps)."""
+        from engine.effects import (
+            EffectChain,
+            EffectConfig,
+            EffectContext,
+            EffectRegistry,
+        )
+
+        class DummyEffect:
+            name = "dummy"
+            config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+            def process(self, buf, ctx):
+                return [line * 2 for line in buf]
+
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        registry.register(DummyEffect())
+
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor(max_frames=10)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry, monitor)
+        chain.set_order(["dummy"])
+
+        buf = ["x" * 80] * 20
+
+        for i in range(10):
+            ctx = EffectContext(
+                terminal_width=80,
+                terminal_height=24,
+                scroll_cam=0,
+                ticker_height=20,
+                mic_excess=0.0,
+                grad_offset=0.0,
+                frame_number=i,
+                has_message=False,
+            )
+            chain.process(buf, ctx)
+
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert "error" not in stats
+        assert stats["pipeline"]["max_ms"] < 33.0
+
+    def test_individual_effects_performance(self):
+        """Verify individual effects don't exceed 10ms per frame."""
+        from engine.effects import (
+            EffectChain,
+            EffectConfig,
+            EffectContext,
+            EffectRegistry,
+        )
+
+        class SlowEffect:
+            name = "slow"
+            config = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=1.0)
+
+            def process(self, buf, ctx):
+                result = []
+                for line in buf:
+                    result.append(line)
+                    result.append(line + line)
+                return result
+
+        registry = EffectRegistry()
+        registry.register(SlowEffect())
+
+        from engine.effects.performance import PerformanceMonitor
+
+        monitor = PerformanceMonitor(max_frames=5)
+        chain = EffectChain(registry, monitor)
+        chain.set_order(["slow"])
+
+        buf = ["x" * 80] * 10
+
+        for i in range(5):
+            ctx = EffectContext(
+                terminal_width=80,
+                terminal_height=24,
+                scroll_cam=0,
+                ticker_height=20,
+                mic_excess=0.0,
+                grad_offset=0.0,
+                frame_number=i,
+                has_message=False,
+            )
+            chain.process(buf, ctx)
+
+        stats = monitor.get_stats()
+        assert "error" not in stats
+        assert stats["effects"]["slow"]["max_ms"] < 10.0
diff --git a/tests/test_effects_controller.py b/tests/test_effects_controller.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd17fe8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_effects_controller.py
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+"""
+Tests for engine.effects.controller module.
+"""
+
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+
+from engine.effects.controller import (
+    handle_effects_command,
+    set_effect_chain_ref,
+)
+
+
+class TestHandleEffectsCommand:
+    """Tests for handle_effects_command function."""
+
+    def test_list_effects(self):
+        """list command returns formatted effects list."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_plugin = MagicMock()
+            mock_plugin.config.enabled = True
+            mock_plugin.config.intensity = 0.5
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {"noise": mock_plugin}
+
+            with patch("engine.effects.controller._get_effect_chain") as mock_chain:
+                mock_chain.return_value.get_order.return_value = ["noise"]
+
+                result = handle_effects_command("/effects list")
+
+                assert "noise: ON" in result
+                assert "intensity=0.5" in result
+
+    def test_enable_effect(self):
+        """enable command calls registry.enable."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_plugin = MagicMock()
+            mock_registry.return_value.get.return_value = mock_plugin
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {"noise": mock_plugin}
+
+            result = handle_effects_command("/effects noise on")
+
+            assert "Enabled: noise" in result
+            mock_registry.return_value.enable.assert_called_once_with("noise")
+
+    def test_disable_effect(self):
+        """disable command calls registry.disable."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_plugin = MagicMock()
+            mock_registry.return_value.get.return_value = mock_plugin
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {"noise": mock_plugin}
+
+            result = handle_effects_command("/effects noise off")
+
+            assert "Disabled: noise" in result
+            mock_registry.return_value.disable.assert_called_once_with("noise")
+
+    def test_set_intensity(self):
+        """intensity command sets plugin intensity."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_plugin = MagicMock()
+            mock_plugin.config.intensity = 0.5
+            mock_registry.return_value.get.return_value = mock_plugin
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {"noise": mock_plugin}
+
+            result = handle_effects_command("/effects noise intensity 0.8")
+
+            assert "intensity to 0.8" in result
+            assert mock_plugin.config.intensity == 0.8
+
+    def test_invalid_intensity_range(self):
+        """intensity outside 0.0-1.0 returns error."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_plugin = MagicMock()
+            mock_registry.return_value.get.return_value = mock_plugin
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {"noise": mock_plugin}
+
+            result = handle_effects_command("/effects noise intensity 1.5")
+
+            assert "between 0.0 and 1.0" in result
+
+    def test_reorder_pipeline(self):
+        """reorder command calls chain.reorder."""
+        with patch("engine.effects.controller.get_registry") as mock_registry:
+            mock_registry.return_value.list_all.return_value = {}
+
+            with patch("engine.effects.controller._get_effect_chain") as mock_chain:
+                mock_chain_instance = MagicMock()
+                mock_chain_instance.reorder.return_value = True
+                mock_chain.return_value = mock_chain_instance
+
+                result = handle_effects_command("/effects reorder noise,fade")
+
+                assert "Reordered pipeline" in result
+                mock_chain_instance.reorder.assert_called_once_with(["noise", "fade"])
+
+    def test_unknown_command(self):
+        """unknown command returns error."""
+        result = handle_effects_command("/unknown")
+        assert "Unknown command" in result
+
+    def test_non_effects_command(self):
+        """non-effects command returns error."""
+        result = handle_effects_command("not a command")
+        assert "Unknown command" in result
+
+
+class TestSetEffectChainRef:
+    """Tests for set_effect_chain_ref function."""
+
+    def test_sets_global_ref(self):
+        """set_effect_chain_ref updates global reference."""
+        mock_chain = MagicMock()
+        set_effect_chain_ref(mock_chain)
+
+        from engine.effects.controller import _get_effect_chain
+
+        result = _get_effect_chain()
+        assert result == mock_chain