Merge pull request 'feat/figment: periodic SVG glyph overlays with CLI flag' (#34) from feat/figment into main

Reviewed-on: #34

.gitignore

@@ -9,3 +9,4 @@ htmlcov/
 .coverage
 .pytest_cache/
 *.egg-info/
+.DS_Store

README.md

@@ -2,17 +2,50 @@
 
 > *Digital consciousness stream. Matrix aesthetic · THX-1138 hue.*
 
-A full-screen terminal news ticker that renders live global headlines in large OTF-font block characters with a white-hot → deep green gradient. Headlines auto-translate into the native script of their subject region. Ambient mic input warps the glitch rate in real time. A `--poetry` mode replaces the feed with public-domain literary passages. Live messages can be pushed to the display over [ntfy.sh](https://ntfy.sh).
+A full-screen terminal news ticker that renders live global headlines in large OTF-font block characters with selectable color gradients (Verdant Green, Molten Orange, or Violet Purple). Headlines auto-translate into the native script of their subject region. Ambient mic input warps the glitch rate in real time. A `--poetry` mode replaces the feed with public-domain literary passages. Live messages can be pushed to the display over [ntfy.sh](https://ntfy.sh). **Figment mode** overlays flickery, theme-colored SVG glyphs on the running stream at timed intervals — controllable from any input source via an extensible trigger protocol.
 
 ---
 
-## Run
+## Contents
+
+- [Using](#using)
+  - [Run](#run)
+  - [Config](#config)
+  - [Display Modes](#display-modes)
+  - [Feeds](#feeds)
+  - [Fonts](#fonts)
+  - [ntfy.sh](#ntfysh)
+  - [Figment Mode](#figment-mode)
+  - [Command & Control](#command--control-cc)
+- [Internals](#internals)
+  - [How it works](#how-it-works)
+  - [Architecture](#architecture)
+- [Development](#development)
+  - [Setup](#setup)
+  - [Tasks](#tasks)
+  - [Testing](#testing)
+  - [Linting](#linting)
+- [Roadmap](#roadmap)
+  - [Performance](#performance)
+  - [Graphics](#graphics)
+  - [Cyberpunk Vibes](#cyberpunk-vibes)
+  - [Extensibility](#extensibility)
+
+---
+
+## Using
+
+### Run
 
 ```bash
 python3 mainline.py                      # news stream
 python3 mainline.py --poetry             # literary consciousness mode
 python3 mainline.py -p                   # same
 python3 mainline.py --firehose           # dense rapid-fire headline mode
+python3 mainline.py --figment            # enable periodic SVG glyph overlays
+python3 mainline.py --figment-interval 30 # figment every 30 seconds (default: 60)
+python3 mainline.py --display websocket  # web browser display only
+python3 mainline.py --display both       # terminal + web browser
 python3 mainline.py --refresh            # force re-fetch (bypass cache)
 python3 mainline.py --no-font-picker     # skip interactive font picker
 python3 mainline.py --font-file path.otf # use a specific font file
@@ -20,11 +53,28 @@ python3 mainline.py --font-dir ~/fonts   # scan a different font folder
 python3 mainline.py --font-index 1       # select face index within a collection
 ```
 
-First run bootstraps a local `.mainline_venv/` and installs deps (`feedparser`, `Pillow`, `sounddevice`, `numpy`). Subsequent runs start immediately, loading from cache.
+Or with uv:
 
----
+```bash
+uv run mainline.py
+```
 
-## Config
+First run bootstraps dependencies. Use `uv sync --all-extras` for mic support.
+
+### Command & Control (C&C)
+
+Control mainline remotely using `cmdline.py`:
+
+```bash
+uv run cmdline.py                    # Interactive TUI
+uv run cmdline.py /effects list      # List all effects
+uv run cmdline.py /effects stats     # Show performance stats
+uv run cmdline.py -w /effects stats  # Watch mode (auto-refresh)
+```
+
+Commands are sent via ntfy.sh topics - useful for controlling a daemonized mainline instance.
+
+### Config
 
 All constants live in `engine/config.py`:
 
@@ -33,34 +83,98 @@ All constants live in `engine/config.py`:
 | `HEADLINE_LIMIT` | `1000` | Total headlines per session |
 | `FEED_TIMEOUT` | `10` | Per-feed HTTP timeout (seconds) |
 | `MIC_THRESHOLD_DB` | `50` | dB floor above which glitches spike |
+| `NTFY_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh JSON stream for messages |
+| `NTFY_CC_CMD_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh topic for C&C commands |
+| `NTFY_CC_RESP_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh topic for C&C responses |
+| `NTFY_RECONNECT_DELAY` | `5` | Seconds before reconnecting after dropped SSE |
+| `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` | `30` | How long an ntfy message holds the screen |
 | `FONT_DIR` | `fonts/` | Folder scanned for `.otf`, `.ttf`, `.ttc` files |
-| `FONT_PATH` | first file in `FONT_DIR` | Active display font (overridden by picker or `--font-file`) |
-| `FONT_INDEX` | `0` | Face index within a font collection file |
-| `FONT_PICKER` | `True` | Show interactive font picker at boot (`--no-font-picker` to skip) |
+| `FONT_PATH` | first file in `FONT_DIR` | Active display font |
+| `FONT_PICKER` | `True` | Show interactive font picker at boot |
 | `FONT_SZ` | `60` | Font render size (affects block density) |
 | `RENDER_H` | `8` | Terminal rows per headline line |
-| `SSAA` | `4` | Super-sampling factor (render at 4× then downsample) |
+| `SSAA` | `4` | Super-sampling factor |
 | `SCROLL_DUR` | `5.625` | Seconds per headline |
 | `FRAME_DT` | `0.05` | Frame interval in seconds (20 FPS) |
-| `GRAD_SPEED` | `0.08` | Gradient sweep speed (cycles/sec, ~12s full sweep) |
 | `FIREHOSE_H` | `12` | Firehose zone height (terminal rows) |
-| `NTFY_TOPIC` | klubhaus URL | ntfy.sh JSON endpoint to poll |
-| `NTFY_POLL_INTERVAL` | `15` | Seconds between ntfy polls |
-| `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` | `30` | How long an ntfy message holds the screen |
+| `GRAD_SPEED` | `0.08` | Gradient sweep speed |
+| `FIGMENT_INTERVAL` | `60` | Seconds between figment appearances (set by `--figment-interval`) |
+
+### Display Modes
+
+Mainline supports multiple display backends:
+
+- **Terminal** (`--display terminal`): ANSI terminal output (default)
+- **WebSocket** (`--display websocket`): Stream to web browser clients
+- **Sixel** (`--display sixel`): Sixel graphics in supported terminals (iTerm2, mintty)
+- **Both** (`--display both`): Terminal + WebSocket simultaneously
+
+WebSocket mode serves a web client at http://localhost:8766 with ANSI color support and fullscreen mode.
+
+### Feeds
+
+~25 sources across four categories: **Science & Technology**, **Economics & Business**, **World & Politics**, **Culture & Ideas**. Add or swap feeds in `engine/sources.py` → `FEEDS`.
+
+**Poetry mode** pulls from Project Gutenberg: Whitman, Dickinson, Thoreau, Emerson. Sources are in `engine/sources.py` → `POETRY_SOURCES`.
+
+### Fonts
+
+A `fonts/` directory is bundled with demo faces. On startup, an interactive picker lists all discovered faces with a live half-block preview.
+
+Navigation: `↑`/`↓` or `j`/`k` to move, `Enter` or `q` to select.
+
+To add your own fonts, drop `.otf`, `.ttf`, or `.ttc` files into `fonts/`.
+
+### ntfy.sh
+
+Mainline polls a configurable ntfy.sh topic in the background. When a message arrives, the scroll pauses and the message renders full-screen.
+
+To push a message:
+
+```bash
+curl -d "Body text" -H "Title: Alert title" https://ntfy.sh/your_topic
+```
+
+Update `NTFY_TOPIC` in `engine/config.py` to point at your own topic.
+
+### Figment Mode
+
+Figment mode periodically overlays a full-screen SVG glyph on the running ticker — flickering through a reveal → hold (strobe) → dissolve cycle, colored with a randomly selected theme gradient.
+
+**Enable it** with the `--figment` flag:
+
+```bash
+uv run mainline.py --figment                        # glyph every 60 seconds (default)
+uv run mainline.py --figment --figment-interval 30  # every 30 seconds
+```
+
+**Figment assets** live in `figments/` — drop any `.svg` file there and it will be picked up automatically. The bundled set contains Mayan and Aztec glyphs. Figments are selected randomly, avoiding immediate repeats, and rasterized into half-block terminal art at display time.
+
+**Triggering manually** — any object with a `poll() -> FigmentCommand | None` method satisfies the `FigmentTrigger` protocol and can be passed to the plugin:
+
+```python
+from engine.figment_trigger import FigmentAction, FigmentCommand
+
+class MyTrigger:
+    def poll(self):
+        if some_condition:
+            return FigmentCommand(action=FigmentAction.TRIGGER)
+        return None
+```
+
+Built-in commands: `TRIGGER`, `SET_INTENSITY`, `SET_INTERVAL`, `SET_COLOR`, `STOP`.
+
+**System dependency:** Figment mode requires the Cairo C library (`brew install cairo` on macOS) in addition to the `figment` extras group:
+
+```bash
+uv sync --extra figment   # adds cairosvg
+```
 
 ---
 
-## Fonts
+## Internals
 
-A `fonts/` directory is bundled with demo faces (AlphatronDemo, CSBishopDrawn, CyberformDemo, KATA, Microbots, Neoform, Pixel Sparta, Robocops, Xeonic, and others). On startup, an interactive picker lists all discovered faces with a live half-block preview rendered at your configured size.
-
-Navigation: `↑`/`↓` or `j`/`k` to move, `Enter` or `q` to select. The selected face persists for that session.
-
-To add your own fonts, drop `.otf`, `.ttf`, or `.ttc` files into `fonts/` (or point `--font-dir` at any other folder). Font collections (`.ttc`, multi-face `.otf`) are enumerated face-by-face.
-
----
-
-## How it works
+### How it works
 
 - On launch, the font picker scans `fonts/` and presents a live-rendered TUI for face selection; `--no-font-picker` skips directly to stream
 - Feeds are fetched and filtered on startup (sports and vapid content stripped); results are cached to `.mainline_cache_news.json` / `.mainline_cache_poetry.json` for fast restarts
@@ -69,87 +183,158 @@ To add your own fonts, drop `.otf`, `.ttf`, or `.ttc` files into `fonts/` (or po
 - Subject-region detection runs a regex pass on each headline; matches trigger a Google Translate call and font swap to the appropriate script (CJK, Arabic, Devanagari, etc.) using macOS system fonts
 - The mic stream runs in a background thread, feeding RMS dB into the glitch probability calculation each frame
 - The viewport scrolls through a virtual canvas of pre-rendered blocks; fade zones at top and bottom dissolve characters probabilistically
-- An ntfy.sh poller runs in a background thread; incoming messages interrupt the scroll and render full-screen until dismissed or expired
+- An ntfy.sh SSE stream runs in a background thread for messages and C&C commands; incoming messages interrupt the scroll and render full-screen until dismissed or expired
+- Figment mode rasterizes SVGs via cairosvg → PIL → greyscale → half-block encode, then overlays them with ANSI cursor-positioning commands between the effect chain and the ntfy message layer
 
----
-
-## Architecture
-
-`mainline.py` is a thin entrypoint (venv bootstrap → `engine.app.main()`). All logic lives in the `engine/` package:
+### Architecture
 
 ```
 engine/
   __init__.py           package marker
-  app.py            main(), font picker TUI, boot sequence, signal handler
+  app.py                main(), font picker TUI, boot sequence, C&C poller
   config.py             constants, CLI flags, glyph tables
   sources.py            FEEDS, POETRY_SOURCES, language/script maps
   terminal.py           ANSI codes, tw/th, type_out, boot_ln
   filter.py             HTML stripping, content filter
   translate.py          Google Translate wrapper + region detection
   render.py             OTF → half-block pipeline (SSAA, gradient)
-  effects.py        noise, glitch_bar, fade, firehose
+  effects/              plugin architecture for visual effects
+    types.py            EffectPlugin ABC, EffectConfig, EffectContext
+    registry.py         effect registration and lookup
+    chain.py            effect pipeline chaining
+    controller.py       handles /effects commands
+    performance.py      performance monitoring
+    legacy.py           legacy functional effects
   fetch.py              RSS/Gutenberg fetching + cache load/save
   ntfy.py               NtfyPoller — standalone, zero internal deps
   mic.py                MicMonitor — standalone, graceful fallback
   scroll.py             stream() frame loop + message rendering
   viewport.py           terminal dimension tracking (tw/th)
   frame.py              scroll step calculation, timing
-  layers.py         ticker zone, firehose, message overlay rendering
+  layers.py             ticker zone, firehose, message + figment overlay rendering
+  figment_render.py     SVG → cairosvg → PIL → half-block rasterizer with cache
+  figment_trigger.py    FigmentTrigger protocol, FigmentAction enum, FigmentCommand
   eventbus.py           thread-safe event publishing for decoupled communication
   events.py             event types and definitions
   controller.py         coordinates ntfy/mic monitoring and event publishing
   emitters.py           background emitters for ntfy and mic
   types.py              type definitions and dataclasses
+  themes.py             THEME_REGISTRY — gradient color definitions
+  display/              Display backend system
+    __init__.py         DisplayRegistry, get_monitor
+    backends/
+      terminal.py       ANSI terminal display
+      websocket.py      WebSocket server for browser clients
+      sixel.py          Sixel graphics (pure Python)
+      null.py           headless display for testing
+      multi.py          forwards to multiple displays
+  benchmark.py          performance benchmarking tool
+
+effects_plugins/
+  __init__.py           plugin discovery (ABC issubclass scan)
+  noise.py              NoiseEffect — random character noise
+  glitch.py             GlitchEffect — horizontal glitch bars
+  fade.py               FadeEffect — edge fade zones
+  firehose.py           FirehoseEffect — dense bottom ticker strip
+  figment.py            FigmentEffect — periodic SVG glyph overlay (state machine)
+
+figments/               SVG assets for figment mode
 ```
 
-`ntfy.py` and `mic.py` have zero internal dependencies and can be imported by any other visualizer.
-
 ---
 
-## Feeds
+## Development
 
-~25 sources across four categories: **Science & Technology**, **Economics & Business**, **World & Politics**, **Culture & Ideas**. Add or swap feeds in `engine/sources.py` → `FEEDS`.
+### Setup
 
-**Poetry mode** pulls from Project Gutenberg: Whitman, Dickinson, Thoreau, Emerson. Sources are in `engine/sources.py` → `POETRY_SOURCES`.
-
----
-
-## ntfy.sh Integration
-
-Mainline polls a configurable ntfy.sh topic in the background. When a message arrives, the scroll pauses and the message renders full-screen for `MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS` seconds, then the stream resumes.
-
-To push a message:
+Requires Python 3.10+ and [uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/).
 
 ```bash
-curl -d "Body text" -H "Title: Alert title" https://ntfy.sh/your_topic
+uv sync                              # minimal (no mic, no figment)
+uv sync --extra mic                  # with mic support (sounddevice + numpy)
+uv sync --extra figment              # with figment mode (cairosvg + system Cairo)
+uv sync --all-extras                 # all optional features
+uv sync --all-extras --group dev     # full dev environment
 ```
 
-Update `NTFY_TOPIC` in `engine/config.py` to point at your own topic. The `NtfyPoller` class is fully standalone and can be reused by other visualizers:
+Figment mode also requires the Cairo C library: `brew install cairo` (macOS).
 
-```python
-from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
-poller = NtfyPoller("https://ntfy.sh/my_topic/json?since=20s&poll=1")
-poller.start()
-# in render loop:
-msg = poller.get_active_message()  # returns (title, body, timestamp) or None
+### Tasks
+
+With [mise](https://mise.jdx.dev/):
+
+```bash
+mise run test            # run test suite
+mise run test-cov       # run with coverage report
+
+mise run lint           # ruff check
+mise run lint-fix       # ruff check --fix
+mise run format         # ruff format
+
+mise run run            # terminal display
+mise run run-websocket  # web display only
+mise run run-sixel     # sixel graphics
+mise run run-both       # terminal + web
+mise run run-client     # both + open browser
+
+mise run cmd            # C&C command interface
+mise run cmd-stats      # watch effects stats
+
+mise run benchmark      # run performance benchmarks
+mise run benchmark-json # save as JSON
+
+mise run topics-init    # initialize ntfy topics
 ```
 
+### Testing
+
+Tests live in `tests/` and cover `config`, `filter`, `mic`, `ntfy`, `sources`, `terminal`, and the full figment pipeline (`figment_render`, `figment_trigger`, `figment`, `figment_overlay`). Figment tests are automatically skipped if Cairo is not installed.
+
+```bash
+uv run pytest
+uv run pytest --cov=engine --cov-report=term-missing
+
+# Run with mise
+mise run test
+mise run test-cov
+
+# Run performance benchmarks
+mise run benchmark
+mise run benchmark-json
+
+# Run benchmark hook mode (for CI)
+uv run python -m engine.benchmark --hook
+```
+
+Performance regression tests are in `tests/test_benchmark.py` marked with `@pytest.mark.benchmark`.
+
+### Linting
+
+```bash
+uv run ruff check engine/ mainline.py
+uv run ruff format engine/ mainline.py
+```
+
+Pre-commit hooks run lint automatically via `hk`.
+
 ---
 
-## Ideas / Future
+## Roadmap
 
 ### Performance
-- **Concurrent feed fetching** — startup currently blocks sequentially on ~25 HTTP requests; `concurrent.futures.ThreadPoolExecutor` would cut load time to the slowest single feed
-- **Background refresh** — re-fetch feeds in a daemon thread so a long session stays current without restart
-- **Translation pre-fetch** — run translate calls concurrently during the boot sequence rather than on first render
+- Concurrent feed fetching with ThreadPoolExecutor
+- Background feed refresh daemon
+- Translation pre-fetch during boot
 
 ### Graphics
-- **Matrix rain underlay** — katakana column rain rendered at low opacity beneath the scrolling blocks as a background layer
-- **CRT simulation** — subtle dim scanlines every N rows, occasional brightness ripple across the full screen
-- **Sixel / iTerm2 inline images** — bypass half-blocks entirely and stream actual bitmap frames for true resolution; would require a capable terminal
-- **Parallax secondary column** — a second, dimmer, faster-scrolling stream of ambient text at reduced opacity on one side
+- Matrix rain katakana underlay
+- CRT scanline simulation
+- Sixel/iTerm2 inline images
+- Parallax secondary column
 
 ### Cyberpunk Vibes
+- **Figment intensity wiring** — `config.intensity` currently stored but not yet applied to reveal/dissolve speed or strobe frequency
+- **ntfy figment trigger** — built-in `NtfyFigmentTrigger` that listens on a dedicated topic to fire figments on demand
 - **Keyword watch list** — highlight or strobe any headline matching tracked terms (names, topics, tickers)
 - **Breaking interrupt** — full-screen flash + synthesized blip when a high-priority keyword hits
 - **Live data overlay** — secondary ticker strip at screen edge: BTC price, ISS position, geomagnetic index
@@ -163,5 +348,4 @@ msg = poller.get_active_message()  # returns (title, body, timestamp) or None
 
 ---
 
-*macOS only (script/system font paths for translation are hardcoded). Primary display font is user-selectable via the bundled `fonts/` picker. Python 3.9+.*
-# test
+*Python 3.10+. Primary display font is user-selectable via bundled `fonts/` picker.*

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()

docs/superpowers/plans/2026-03-16-color-scheme-implementation.md

@@ -0,0 +1,894 @@
+# Color Scheme Switcher Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (if subagents available) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Implement interactive color theme picker at startup that lets users choose between green, orange, or purple gradients with complementary message queue colors.
+
+**Architecture:** New `themes.py` data module defines Theme class and THEME_REGISTRY. Config adds `ACTIVE_THEME` global set by picker. Render functions read from active theme instead of hardcoded constants. App adds picker UI that mirrors font picker pattern.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Python 3.10+, ANSI 256-color codes, existing terminal I/O utilities
+
+---
+
+## File Structure
+
+| File | Purpose | Change Type |
+|------|---------|------------|
+| `engine/themes.py` | Theme class, THEME_REGISTRY, color codes | Create |
+| `engine/config.py` | ACTIVE_THEME global, set_active_theme() | Modify |
+| `engine/render.py` | Replace GRAD_COLS/MSG_GRAD_COLS with config lookup | Modify |
+| `engine/scroll.py` | Update message gradient call | Modify |
+| `engine/app.py` | pick_color_theme(), call in main() | Modify |
+| `tests/test_themes.py` | Theme class and registry unit tests | Create |
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 1: Theme Data Module
+
+### Task 1: Create themes.py with Theme class and registry
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `engine/themes.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_themes.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing test for Theme class**
+
+Create `tests/test_themes.py`:
+
+```python
+"""Test color themes and registry."""
+from engine.themes import Theme, THEME_REGISTRY, get_theme
+
+
+def test_theme_construction():
+    """Theme stores name and gradient lists."""
+    main = ["\033[1;38;5;231m"] * 12
+    msg = ["\033[1;38;5;225m"] * 12
+    theme = Theme(name="Test Green", main_gradient=main, message_gradient=msg)
+
+    assert theme.name == "Test Green"
+    assert theme.main_gradient == main
+    assert theme.message_gradient == msg
+
+
+def test_gradient_length():
+    """Each gradient must have exactly 12 ANSI codes."""
+    for theme_id, theme in THEME_REGISTRY.items():
+        assert len(theme.main_gradient) == 12, f"{theme_id} main gradient wrong length"
+        assert len(theme.message_gradient) == 12, f"{theme_id} message gradient wrong length"
+
+
+def test_theme_registry_has_three_themes():
+    """Registry contains green, orange, purple."""
+    assert len(THEME_REGISTRY) == 3
+    assert "green" in THEME_REGISTRY
+    assert "orange" in THEME_REGISTRY
+    assert "purple" in THEME_REGISTRY
+
+
+def test_get_theme_valid():
+    """get_theme returns Theme object for valid ID."""
+    theme = get_theme("green")
+    assert isinstance(theme, Theme)
+    assert theme.name == "Verdant Green"
+
+
+def test_get_theme_invalid():
+    """get_theme raises KeyError for invalid ID."""
+    with pytest.raises(KeyError):
+        get_theme("invalid_theme")
+
+
+def test_green_theme_unchanged():
+    """Green theme uses original green → magenta colors."""
+    green_theme = get_theme("green")
+    # First color should be white (bold)
+    assert green_theme.main_gradient[0] == "\033[1;38;5;231m"
+    # Last deep green
+    assert green_theme.main_gradient[9] == "\033[38;5;22m"
+    # Message gradient is magenta
+    assert green_theme.message_gradient[9] == "\033[38;5;89m"
+```
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_themes.py -v`
+Expected: FAIL (module doesn't exist)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Create themes.py with Theme class and finalized gradients**
+
+Create `engine/themes.py`:
+
+```python
+"""Color theme definitions and registry."""
+from typing import Optional
+
+
+class Theme:
+    """Encapsulates a color scheme: name, main gradient, message gradient."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, main_gradient: list[str], message_gradient: list[str]):
+        """Initialize theme with display name and gradient lists.
+
+        Args:
+            name: Display name (e.g., "Verdant Green")
+            main_gradient: List of 12 ANSI 256-color codes (white → primary color)
+            message_gradient: List of 12 ANSI codes (white → complementary color)
+        """
+        self.name = name
+        self.main_gradient = main_gradient
+        self.message_gradient = message_gradient
+
+
+# ─── FINALIZED GRADIENTS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Each gradient: white → primary/complementary, 12 steps total
+# Format: "\033[<brightness>;<color>m" where color is 38;5;<colorcode>
+
+_GREEN_MAIN = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;195m",  # pale white-tint
+    "\033[38;5;123m",    # bright cyan
+    "\033[38;5;118m",    # bright lime
+    "\033[38;5;82m",     # lime
+    "\033[38;5;46m",     # bright green
+    "\033[38;5;40m",     # green
+    "\033[38;5;34m",     # medium green
+    "\033[38;5;28m",     # dark green
+    "\033[38;5;22m",     # deep green
+    "\033[2;38;5;22m",   # dim deep green
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+_GREEN_MESSAGE = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;225m",  # pale pink-white
+    "\033[38;5;219m",    # bright pink
+    "\033[38;5;213m",    # hot pink
+    "\033[38;5;207m",    # magenta
+    "\033[38;5;201m",    # bright magenta
+    "\033[38;5;165m",    # orchid-red
+    "\033[38;5;161m",    # ruby-magenta
+    "\033[38;5;125m",    # dark magenta
+    "\033[38;5;89m",     # deep maroon-magenta
+    "\033[2;38;5;89m",   # dim deep maroon-magenta
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+_ORANGE_MAIN = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;215m",  # pale orange-white
+    "\033[38;5;209m",    # bright orange
+    "\033[38;5;208m",    # vibrant orange
+    "\033[38;5;202m",    # orange
+    "\033[38;5;166m",    # dark orange
+    "\033[38;5;130m",    # burnt orange
+    "\033[38;5;94m",     # rust
+    "\033[38;5;58m",     # dark rust
+    "\033[38;5;94m",     # rust (hold)
+    "\033[2;38;5;94m",   # dim rust
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+_ORANGE_MESSAGE = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;195m",  # pale cyan-white
+    "\033[38;5;33m",     # bright blue
+    "\033[38;5;27m",     # blue
+    "\033[38;5;21m",     # deep blue
+    "\033[38;5;21m",     # deep blue (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;21m",     # deep blue (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;18m",     # navy
+    "\033[38;5;18m",     # navy (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;18m",     # navy (hold)
+    "\033[2;38;5;18m",   # dim navy
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+_PURPLE_MAIN = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;225m",  # pale purple-white
+    "\033[38;5;177m",    # bright purple
+    "\033[38;5;171m",    # vibrant purple
+    "\033[38;5;165m",    # purple
+    "\033[38;5;135m",    # medium purple
+    "\033[38;5;129m",    # purple
+    "\033[38;5;93m",     # dark purple
+    "\033[38;5;57m",     # deep purple
+    "\033[38;5;57m",     # deep purple (hold)
+    "\033[2;38;5;57m",   # dim deep purple
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+_PURPLE_MESSAGE = [
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;226m",  # pale yellow-white
+    "\033[38;5;226m",    # bright yellow
+    "\033[38;5;220m",    # yellow
+    "\033[38;5;220m",    # yellow (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;184m",    # dark yellow
+    "\033[38;5;184m",    # dark yellow (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;178m",    # olive-yellow
+    "\033[38;5;178m",    # olive-yellow (hold)
+    "\033[38;5;172m",    # golden
+    "\033[2;38;5;172m",  # dim golden
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+
+# ─── THEME REGISTRY ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+THEME_REGISTRY = {
+    "green": Theme(
+        name="Verdant Green",
+        main_gradient=_GREEN_MAIN,
+        message_gradient=_GREEN_MESSAGE,
+    ),
+    "orange": Theme(
+        name="Molten Orange",
+        main_gradient=_ORANGE_MAIN,
+        message_gradient=_ORANGE_MESSAGE,
+    ),
+    "purple": Theme(
+        name="Violet Purple",
+        main_gradient=_PURPLE_MAIN,
+        message_gradient=_PURPLE_MESSAGE,
+    ),
+}
+
+
+def get_theme(theme_id: str) -> Theme:
+    """Retrieve a theme by ID.
+
+    Args:
+        theme_id: One of "green", "orange", "purple"
+
+    Returns:
+        Theme object
+
+    Raises:
+        KeyError: If theme_id not found in registry
+    """
+    if theme_id not in THEME_REGISTRY:
+        raise KeyError(f"Unknown theme: {theme_id}. Available: {list(THEME_REGISTRY.keys())}")
+    return THEME_REGISTRY[theme_id]
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_themes.py -v`
+Expected: PASS (all 6 tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add engine/themes.py tests/test_themes.py
+git commit -m "feat: create Theme class and registry with finalized color gradients
+
+- Define Theme class to encapsulate name and main/message gradients
+- Create THEME_REGISTRY with green, orange, purple themes
+- Each gradient has 12 ANSI 256-color codes finalized
+- Complementary color pairs: green/magenta, orange/blue, purple/yellow
+- Add get_theme() lookup with error handling
+- Add comprehensive unit tests"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 2: Config Integration
+
+### Task 2: Add ACTIVE_THEME global and set_active_theme() to config.py
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `engine/config.py:1-30`
+- Test: `tests/test_config.py` (expand existing)
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for config changes**
+
+Add to `tests/test_config.py`:
+
+```python
+def test_active_theme_initially_none():
+    """ACTIVE_THEME is None before initialization."""
+    # This test may fail if config is already initialized
+    # We'll set it to None first for testing
+    import engine.config
+    engine.config.ACTIVE_THEME = None
+    assert engine.config.ACTIVE_THEME is None
+
+
+def test_set_active_theme_green():
+    """set_active_theme('green') sets ACTIVE_THEME to green theme."""
+    from engine.config import set_active_theme
+    from engine.themes import get_theme
+
+    set_active_theme("green")
+
+    assert config.ACTIVE_THEME is not None
+    assert config.ACTIVE_THEME.name == "Verdant Green"
+    assert config.ACTIVE_THEME == get_theme("green")
+
+
+def test_set_active_theme_default():
+    """set_active_theme() with no args defaults to green."""
+    from engine.config import set_active_theme
+
+    set_active_theme()
+
+    assert config.ACTIVE_THEME.name == "Verdant Green"
+
+
+def test_set_active_theme_invalid():
+    """set_active_theme() with invalid ID raises KeyError."""
+    from engine.config import set_active_theme
+
+    with pytest.raises(KeyError):
+        set_active_theme("invalid")
+```
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py -v`
+Expected: FAIL (functions don't exist yet)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Add ACTIVE_THEME global and set_active_theme() to config.py**
+
+Edit `engine/config.py`, add after line 30 (after `_resolve_font_path` function):
+
+```python
+# ─── COLOR THEME ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+ACTIVE_THEME = None  # set by set_active_theme() after picker
+
+
+def set_active_theme(theme_id: str = "green"):
+    """Set the active color theme. Defaults to 'green' if not specified.
+
+    Args:
+        theme_id: One of "green", "orange", "purple"
+
+    Raises:
+        KeyError: If theme_id is invalid
+    """
+    global ACTIVE_THEME
+    from engine import themes
+    ACTIVE_THEME = themes.get_theme(theme_id)
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Remove hardcoded GRAD_COLS and MSG_GRAD_COLS from render.py**
+
+Edit `engine/render.py`, find and delete lines 20-49 (the hardcoded gradient arrays):
+
+```python
+# DELETED:
+# GRAD_COLS = [...]
+# MSG_GRAD_COLS = [...]
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py::test_active_theme_initially_none -v`
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py::test_set_active_theme_green -v`
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py::test_set_active_theme_default -v`
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py::test_set_active_theme_invalid -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (all 4 new tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Verify existing config tests still pass**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_config.py -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (all existing + new tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add engine/config.py tests/test_config.py
+git commit -m "feat: add ACTIVE_THEME global and set_active_theme() to config
+
+- Add ACTIVE_THEME global (initialized to None)
+- Add set_active_theme(theme_id) function with green default
+- Remove hardcoded GRAD_COLS and MSG_GRAD_COLS (move to themes.py)
+- Add comprehensive tests for theme setting"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 3: Render Pipeline Integration
+
+### Task 3: Update render.py to use config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `engine/render.py:15-220`
+- Test: `tests/test_render.py` (expand existing)
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing test for lr_gradient with theme**
+
+Add to `tests/test_render.py`:
+
+```python
+def test_lr_gradient_uses_active_theme(monkeypatch):
+    """lr_gradient uses config.ACTIVE_THEME when cols=None."""
+    from engine import config, render
+    from engine.themes import get_theme
+
+    # Set orange theme
+    config.set_active_theme("orange")
+
+    # Create simple rows
+    rows = ["test row"]
+    result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0, cols=None)
+
+    # Result should start with first color from orange main gradient
+    assert result[0].startswith("\033[1;38;5;231m")  # white (same for all)
+
+
+def test_lr_gradient_fallback_when_no_theme(monkeypatch):
+    """lr_gradient uses fallback when ACTIVE_THEME is None."""
+    from engine import config, render
+
+    # Clear active theme
+    config.ACTIVE_THEME = None
+
+    rows = ["test row"]
+    result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0, cols=None)
+
+    # Should not crash and should return something
+    assert result is not None
+    assert len(result) > 0
+
+
+def test_default_green_gradient_length():
+    """_default_green_gradient returns 12 colors."""
+    from engine import render
+
+    colors = render._default_green_gradient()
+    assert len(colors) == 12
+```
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_render.py::test_lr_gradient_uses_active_theme -v`
+Expected: FAIL (function signature doesn't match)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Update lr_gradient() to use config.ACTIVE_THEME**
+
+Edit `engine/render.py`, find the `lr_gradient()` function (around line 194) and update it:
+
+```python
+def lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols=None):
+    """
+    Render rows through a left-to-right color sweep.
+
+    Args:
+        rows: List of text rows to colorize
+        offset: Gradient position offset (for animation)
+        cols: Optional list of color codes. If None, uses active theme.
+
+    Returns:
+        List of colorized rows
+    """
+    if cols is None:
+        from engine import config
+        cols = (
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME.main_gradient
+            if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+            else _default_green_gradient()
+        )
+
+    # ... rest of function unchanged ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add _default_green_gradient() fallback function**
+
+Add to `engine/render.py` before `lr_gradient()`:
+
+```python
+def _default_green_gradient():
+    """Fallback green gradient (original colors) for initialization."""
+    return [
+        "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+        "\033[1;38;5;195m",  # pale white-tint
+        "\033[38;5;123m",    # bright cyan
+        "\033[38;5;118m",    # bright lime
+        "\033[38;5;82m",     # lime
+        "\033[38;5;46m",     # bright green
+        "\033[38;5;40m",     # green
+        "\033[38;5;34m",     # medium green
+        "\033[38;5;28m",     # dark green
+        "\033[38;5;22m",     # deep green
+        "\033[2;38;5;22m",   # dim deep green
+        "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+    ]
+
+
+def _default_magenta_gradient():
+    """Fallback magenta gradient (original message colors) for initialization."""
+    return [
+        "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+        "\033[1;38;5;225m",  # pale pink-white
+        "\033[38;5;219m",    # bright pink
+        "\033[38;5;213m",    # hot pink
+        "\033[38;5;207m",    # magenta
+        "\033[38;5;201m",    # bright magenta
+        "\033[38;5;165m",    # orchid-red
+        "\033[38;5;161m",    # ruby-magenta
+        "\033[38;5;125m",    # dark magenta
+        "\033[38;5;89m",     # deep maroon-magenta
+        "\033[2;38;5;89m",   # dim deep maroon-magenta
+        "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+    ]
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run tests to verify they pass**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_render.py::test_lr_gradient_uses_active_theme -v`
+Run: `pytest tests/test_render.py::test_lr_gradient_fallback_when_no_theme -v`
+Run: `pytest tests/test_render.py::test_default_green_gradient_length -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (all 3 new tests)
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Run full render test suite**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_render.py -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (existing tests may need adjustment for mocking)
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add engine/render.py tests/test_render.py
+git commit -m "feat: update lr_gradient to use config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+- Update lr_gradient(cols=None) to check config.ACTIVE_THEME
+- Add _default_green_gradient() and _default_magenta_gradient() fallbacks
+- Fallback used when ACTIVE_THEME is None (non-interactive init)
+- Add tests for theme-aware and fallback gradient rendering"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 4: Message Gradient Integration
+
+### Task 4: Update scroll.py to use message gradient from config
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `engine/scroll.py:85-95`
+- Test: existing `tests/test_scroll.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Locate message gradient calls in scroll.py**
+
+Run: `grep -n "MSG_GRAD_COLS\|lr_gradient_opposite" /Users/genejohnson/Dev/mainline/engine/scroll.py`
+
+Expected: Should find line(s) where `MSG_GRAD_COLS` or similar is used
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Update scroll.py to use theme message gradient**
+
+Edit `engine/scroll.py`, find the line that uses message gradients (around line 89 based on spec) and update:
+
+Old code:
+```python
+# Some variation of:
+rows = lr_gradient(rows, offset, MSG_GRAD_COLS)
+```
+
+New code:
+```python
+from engine import config
+msg_cols = (
+    config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient
+    if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+    else render._default_magenta_gradient()
+)
+rows = lr_gradient(rows, offset, msg_cols)
+```
+
+Or use the helper approach (create `msg_gradient()` in render.py):
+
+```python
+def msg_gradient(rows, offset):
+    """Apply message (ntfy) gradient using theme complementary colors."""
+    from engine import config
+    cols = (
+        config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient
+        if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        else _default_magenta_gradient()
+    )
+    return lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols)
+```
+
+Then in scroll.py:
+```python
+rows = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset)
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Run existing scroll tests**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/test_scroll.py -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (existing functionality unchanged)
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add engine/scroll.py engine/render.py
+git commit -m "feat: update scroll.py to use theme message gradient
+
+- Replace MSG_GRAD_COLS reference with config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient
+- Use fallback magenta gradient when theme not initialized
+- Ensure ntfy messages render in complementary color from selected theme"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 5: Color Picker UI
+
+### Task 5: Create pick_color_theme() function in app.py
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `engine/app.py:1-300`
+- Test: manual/integration (interactive)
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write helper functions for color picker UI**
+
+Edit `engine/app.py`, add before `pick_font_face()` function:
+
+```python
+def _draw_color_picker(themes_list, selected):
+    """Draw the color theme picker menu."""
+    import sys
+    from engine.terminal import CLR, W_GHOST, G_HI, G_DIM, tw
+
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print()
+    print(f"  {G_HI}▼ COLOR THEME{W_GHOST} ─ ↑/↓ or j/k to move, Enter/q to select{G_DIM}")
+    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (tw() - 4)}\n")
+
+    for i, (theme_id, theme) in enumerate(themes_list):
+        prefix = "  ▶ " if i == selected else "    "
+        color = G_HI if i == selected else ""
+        reset = "" if i == selected else W_GHOST
+        print(f"{prefix}{color}{theme.name}{reset}")
+
+    print()
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Create pick_color_theme() function**
+
+Edit `engine/app.py`, add after helper function:
+
+```python
+def pick_color_theme():
+    """Interactive color theme picker. Defaults to 'green' if not TTY."""
+    import sys
+    import termios
+    import tty
+    from engine import config, themes
+
+    # Non-interactive fallback: use green
+    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
+        config.set_active_theme("green")
+        return
+
+    themes_list = list(themes.THEME_REGISTRY.items())
+    selected = 0
+
+    fd = sys.stdin.fileno()
+    old_settings = termios.tcgetattr(fd)
+    try:
+        tty.setcbreak(fd)
+        while True:
+            _draw_color_picker(themes_list, selected)
+            key = _read_picker_key()
+            if key == "up":
+                selected = max(0, selected - 1)
+            elif key == "down":
+                selected = min(len(themes_list) - 1, selected + 1)
+            elif key == "enter":
+                break
+            elif key == "interrupt":
+                raise KeyboardInterrupt
+    finally:
+        termios.tcsetattr(fd, termios.TCSADRAIN, old_settings)
+
+    selected_theme_id = themes_list[selected][0]
+    config.set_active_theme(selected_theme_id)
+
+    theme_name = themes_list[selected][1].name
+    print(f"  {G_DIM}> using {theme_name}{RST}")
+    time.sleep(0.8)
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
+    print()
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Update main() to call pick_color_theme() before pick_font_face()**
+
+Edit `engine/app.py`, find the `main()` function and locate where `pick_font_face()` is called (around line 265). Add before it:
+
+```python
+def main():
+    # ... existing signal handler setup ...
+
+    pick_color_theme()  # NEW LINE - before font picker
+    pick_font_face()
+
+    # ... rest of main unchanged ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Manual test - run in interactive terminal**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py`
+
+Expected:
+- See color theme picker menu before font picker
+- Can navigate with ↑/↓ or j/k
+- Can select with Enter or q
+- Selected theme applies to scrolling headlines
+- Can select different themes and see colors change
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Manual test - run in non-interactive environment**
+
+Run: `echo "" | python3 mainline.py`
+
+Expected:
+- No color picker menu shown
+- Defaults to green theme
+- App runs without error
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add engine/app.py
+git commit -m "feat: add pick_color_theme() UI and integration
+
+- Create _draw_color_picker() to render menu
+- Create pick_color_theme() function mirroring font picker pattern
+- Integrate into main() before font picker
+- Fallback to green theme in non-interactive environments
+- Support arrow keys and j/k navigation"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Chunk 6: Integration & Validation
+
+### Task 6: End-to-end testing and cleanup
+
+**Files:**
+- Test: All modified files
+- Verify: App functionality
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Run full test suite**
+
+Run: `pytest tests/ -v`
+
+Expected: PASS (all tests, including new ones)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run linter**
+
+Run: `ruff check engine/ mainline.py`
+
+Expected: No errors (fix any style issues)
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Manual integration test - green theme**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py`
+
+Then select "Verdant Green" from picker.
+
+Expected:
+- Headlines render in green → deep green
+- ntfy messages render in magenta gradient
+- Both work correctly during streaming
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Manual integration test - orange theme**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py`
+
+Then select "Molten Orange" from picker.
+
+Expected:
+- Headlines render in orange → deep orange
+- ntfy messages render in blue gradient
+- Colors are visually distinct from green
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Manual integration test - purple theme**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py`
+
+Then select "Violet Purple" from picker.
+
+Expected:
+- Headlines render in purple → deep purple
+- ntfy messages render in yellow gradient
+- Colors are visually distinct from green and orange
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Test poetry mode with color picker**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py --poetry`
+
+Then select "orange" from picker.
+
+Expected:
+- Poetry mode works with color picker
+- Colors apply to poetry rendering
+
+- [ ] **Step 7: Test code mode with color picker**
+
+Run: `python3 mainline.py --code`
+
+Then select "purple" from picker.
+
+Expected:
+- Code mode works with color picker
+- Colors apply to code rendering
+
+- [ ] **Step 8: Verify acceptance criteria**
+
+✓ Color picker displays 3 theme options at startup
+✓ Selection applies to all headline and message gradients
+✓ Boot UI (title, status) uses hardcoded green (not theme)
+✓ Scrolling headlines and ntfy messages use theme gradients
+✓ No persistence between runs (each run picks fresh)
+✓ Non-TTY environments default to green without error
+✓ Architecture supports future random/animation modes
+✓ All gradient color codes finalized with no TBD values
+
+- [ ] **Step 9: Final commit**
+
+```bash
+git add -A
+git commit -m "feat: color scheme switcher implementation complete
+
+Closes color-pick feature with:
+- Three selectable color themes (green, orange, purple)
+- Interactive menu at startup (mirrors font picker UI)
+- Complementary colors for ntfy message queue
+- Fallback to green in non-interactive environments
+- All tests passing, manual validation complete"
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 10: Create feature branch PR summary**
+
+```
+## Color Scheme Switcher
+
+Implements interactive color theme selection for Mainline news ticker.
+
+### What's New
+- 3 color themes: Verdant Green, Molten Orange, Violet Purple
+- Interactive picker at startup (↑/↓ or j/k, Enter to select)
+- Complementary gradients for ntfy messages (magenta, blue, yellow)
+- Fresh theme selection each run (no persistence)
+
+### Files Changed
+- `engine/themes.py` (new)
+- `engine/config.py` (ACTIVE_THEME, set_active_theme)
+- `engine/render.py` (theme-aware gradients)
+- `engine/scroll.py` (message gradient integration)
+- `engine/app.py` (pick_color_theme UI)
+- `tests/test_themes.py` (new theme tests)
+- `README.md` (documentation)
+
+### Acceptance Criteria
+All met. App fully tested and ready for merge.
+```
+
+---
+
+## Testing Checklist
+
+- [ ] Unit tests: `pytest tests/test_themes.py -v`
+- [ ] Unit tests: `pytest tests/test_config.py -v`
+- [ ] Unit tests: `pytest tests/test_render.py -v`
+- [ ] Full suite: `pytest tests/ -v`
+- [ ] Linting: `ruff check engine/ mainline.py`
+- [ ] Manual: Green theme selection
+- [ ] Manual: Orange theme selection
+- [ ] Manual: Purple theme selection
+- [ ] Manual: Poetry mode with colors
+- [ ] Manual: Code mode with colors
+- [ ] Manual: Non-TTY fallback
+
+---
+
+## Notes
+
+- `themes.py` is data-only; never import config or render to prevent cycles
+- `ACTIVE_THEME` initialized to None; guaranteed non-None before stream() via pick_color_theme()
+- Font picker UI remains hardcoded green; title/subtitle use G_HI/G_DIM constants (not theme)
+- Message gradients use complementary colors; lookup in scroll.py
+- Each gradient has 12 colors; verify length in tests
+- No persistence; fresh picker each run

docs/superpowers/specs/2026-03-15-readme-update-design.md

@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+# README Update Design — 2026-03-15
+
+## Goal
+
+Restructure and expand `README.md` to:
+1. Align with the current codebase (Python 3.10+, uv/mise/pytest/ruff toolchain, 6 new fonts)
+2. Add extensibility-focused content (`Extending` section)
+3. Add developer workflow coverage (`Development` section)
+4. Improve navigability via top-level grouping (Approach C)
+
+---
+
+## Proposed Structure
+
+```
+# MAINLINE
+> tagline + description
+
+## Using
+  ### Run
+  ### Config
+  ### Feeds
+  ### Fonts
+  ### ntfy.sh
+
+## Internals
+  ### How it works
+  ### Architecture
+
+## Extending
+  ### NtfyPoller
+  ### MicMonitor
+  ### Render pipeline
+
+## Development
+  ### Setup
+  ### Tasks
+  ### Testing
+  ### Linting
+
+## Roadmap
+
+---
+*footer*
+```
+
+---
+
+## Section-by-section design
+
+### Using
+
+All existing content preserved verbatim. Two changes:
+- **Run**: add `uv run mainline.py` as an alternative invocation; expand bootstrap note to mention `uv sync` / `uv sync --all-extras`
+- **ntfy.sh**: remove `NtfyPoller` reuse code example (moves to Extending); keep push instructions and topic config
+
+Subsections moved into Using (currently standalone):
+- `Feeds` — it's configuration, not a concept
+- `ntfy.sh` (usage half)
+
+### Internals
+
+All existing content preserved verbatim. One change:
+- **Architecture**: append `tests/` directory listing to the module tree
+
+### Extending
+
+Entirely new section. Three subsections:
+
+**NtfyPoller**
+- Minimal working import + usage example
+- Note: stdlib only dependencies
+
+```python
+from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
+
+poller = NtfyPoller("https://ntfy.sh/my_topic/json?since=20s&poll=1")
+poller.start()
+
+# in your render loop:
+msg = poller.get_active_message()  # → (title, body, timestamp) or None
+if msg:
+    title, body, ts = msg
+    render_my_message(title, body)  # visualizer-specific
+```
+
+**MicMonitor**
+- Minimal working import + usage example
+- Note: sounddevice/numpy optional, degrades gracefully
+
+```python
+from engine.mic import MicMonitor
+
+mic = MicMonitor(threshold_db=50)
+if mic.start():                # returns False if sounddevice unavailable
+    excess = mic.excess        # dB above threshold, clamped to 0
+    db = mic.db                # raw RMS dB level
+```
+
+**Render pipeline**
+- Brief prose about `engine.render` as importable pipeline
+- Minimal sketch of serve.py / ESP32 usage pattern
+- Reference to `Mainline Renderer + ntfy Message Queue for ESP32.md`
+
+### Development
+
+Entirely new section. Four subsections:
+
+**Setup**
+- Hard requirements: Python 3.10+, uv
+- `uv sync` / `uv sync --all-extras` / `uv sync --group dev`
+
+**Tasks** (via mise)
+- `mise run test`, `test-cov`, `lint`, `lint-fix`, `format`, `run`, `run-poetry`, `run-firehose`
+
+**Testing**
+- Tests in `tests/` covering config, filter, mic, ntfy, sources, terminal
+- `uv run pytest` and `uv run pytest --cov=engine --cov-report=term-missing`
+
+**Linting**
+- `uv run ruff check` and `uv run ruff format`
+- Note: pre-commit hooks run lint via `hk`
+
+### Roadmap
+
+Existing `## Ideas / Future` content preserved verbatim. Only change: rename heading to `## Roadmap`.
+
+### Footer
+
+Update `Python 3.9+` → `Python 3.10+`.
+
+---
+
+## Files changed
+
+- `README.md` — restructured and expanded as above
+- No other files
+
+---
+
+## What is not changing
+
+- All existing prose, examples, and config table values — preserved verbatim where retained
+- The Ideas/Future content — kept intact under the new Roadmap heading
+- The cyberpunk voice and terse style of the existing README

docs/superpowers/specs/2026-03-16-code-scroll-design.md

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+# Code Scroll Mode — Design Spec
+
+**Date:** 2026-03-16
+**Branch:** feat/code-scroll
+**Status:** Approved
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+Add a `--code` CLI flag that puts MAINLINE into "source consciousness" mode. Instead of RSS headlines or poetry stanzas, the program's own source code scrolls upward as large OTF half-block characters with the standard white-hot → deep green gradient. Each scroll item is one non-blank, non-comment line from `engine/*.py`, attributed to its enclosing function/class scope and dotted module path.
+
+---
+
+## Goals
+
+- Mirror the existing `--poetry` mode pattern as closely as possible
+- Zero new runtime dependencies (stdlib `ast` and `pathlib` only)
+- No changes to `scroll.py` or the render pipeline
+- The item tuple shape `(text, src, ts)` is unchanged
+
+---
+
+## New Files
+
+### `engine/fetch_code.py`
+
+Single public function `fetch_code()` that returns `(items, line_count, 0)`.
+
+**Algorithm:**
+
+1. Glob `engine/*.py` in sorted order
+2. For each file:
+   a. Read source text
+   b. `ast.parse(source)` → build a `{line_number: scope_label}` map by walking all `FunctionDef`, `AsyncFunctionDef`, and `ClassDef` nodes. Each node covers its full line range. Inner scopes override outer ones.
+   c. Iterate source lines (1-indexed). Skip if:
+      - The stripped line is empty
+      - The stripped line starts with `#`
+   d. For each kept line emit:
+      - `text` = `line.rstrip()` (preserve indentation for readability in the big render)
+      - `src` = scope label from the AST map, e.g. `stream()` for functions, `MicMonitor` for classes, `<module>` for top-level lines
+      - `ts` = dotted module path derived from filename, e.g. `engine/scroll.py` → `engine.scroll`
+3. Return `(items, len(items), 0)`
+
+**Scope label rules:**
+- `FunctionDef` / `AsyncFunctionDef` → `name()`
+- `ClassDef` → `name` (no parens)
+- No enclosing node → `<module>`
+
+**Dependencies:** `ast`, `pathlib` — stdlib only.
+
+---
+
+## Modified Files
+
+### `engine/config.py`
+
+Extend `MODE` detection to recognise `--code`:
+
+```python
+MODE = (
+    "poetry" if "--poetry" in sys.argv or "-p" in sys.argv
+    else "code" if "--code" in sys.argv
+    else "news"
+)
+```
+
+### `engine/app.py`
+
+**Subtitle line** — extend the subtitle dict:
+
+```python
+_subtitle = {
+    "poetry": "literary consciousness stream",
+    "code":   "source consciousness stream",
+}.get(config.MODE, "digital consciousness stream")
+```
+
+**Boot sequence** — add `elif config.MODE == "code":` branch after the poetry branch:
+
+```python
+elif config.MODE == "code":
+    from engine.fetch_code import fetch_code
+    slow_print("  > INITIALIZING SOURCE ARRAY...\n")
+    time.sleep(0.2)
+    print()
+    items, line_count, _ = fetch_code()
+    print()
+    print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{line_count} LINES ACQUIRED{RST}")
+```
+
+No cache save/load — local source files are read instantly and change only on disk writes.
+
+---
+
+## Data Flow
+
+```
+engine/*.py (sorted)
+    │
+    ▼
+fetch_code()
+    │  ast.parse → scope map
+    │  filter blank + comment lines
+    │  emit (line, scope(), engine.module)
+    ▼
+items: List[Tuple[str, str, str]]
+    │
+    ▼
+stream(items, ntfy, mic)   ← unchanged
+    │
+    ▼
+next_headline() shuffles + recycles automatically
+```
+
+---
+
+## Error Handling
+
+- If a file fails to `ast.parse` (malformed source), fall back to `<module>` scope for all lines in that file — do not crash.
+- If `engine/` contains no `.py` files (shouldn't happen in practice), `fetch_code()` returns an empty list; `app.py`'s existing `if not items:` guard handles this.
+
+---
+
+## Testing
+
+New file: `tests/test_fetch_code.py`
+
+| Test | Assertion |
+|------|-----------|
+| `test_items_are_tuples` | Every item from `fetch_code()` is a 3-tuple of strings |
+| `test_blank_and_comment_lines_excluded` | No item text is empty; no item text (stripped) starts with `#` |
+| `test_module_path_format` | Every `ts` field matches pattern `engine\.\w+` |
+
+No mocking — tests read the real engine source files, keeping them honest against actual content.
+
+---
+
+## CLI
+
+```bash
+python3 mainline.py --code        # source consciousness mode
+uv run mainline.py --code
+```
+
+Compatible with all existing flags (`--no-font-picker`, `--font-file`, `--firehose`, etc.).
+
+---
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- Syntax highlighting / token-aware coloring (can be added later)
+- `--code-dir` flag for pointing at arbitrary directories (YAGNI)
+- Caching code items to disk

docs/superpowers/specs/2026-03-16-color-scheme-design.md

@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+# Color Scheme Switcher Design
+
+**Date:** 2026-03-16
+**Status:** Revised after review
+**Scope:** Interactive color theme selection for Mainline news ticker
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+Mainline currently renders news headlines with a fixed white-hot → deep green gradient. This feature adds an interactive theme picker at startup that lets users choose between three precise color schemes (green, orange, purple), each with complementary message queue colors.
+
+The implementation uses a dedicated `Theme` class to encapsulate gradients and metadata, enabling future extensions like random rotation, animation, or additional themes without architectural changes.
+
+---
+
+## Requirements
+
+**Functional:**
+1. User selects a color theme from an interactive menu at startup (green, orange, or purple)
+2. Main headline gradient uses the selected primary color (white → color)
+3. Message queue (ntfy) gradient uses the precise complementary color (white → opposite)
+4. Selection is fresh each run (no persistence)
+5. Design supports future "random rotation" mode without refactoring
+
+**Complementary colors (precise opposites):**
+- Green (38;5;22) → Magenta (38;5;89) *(current, unchanged)*
+- Orange (38;5;208) → Blue (38;5;21)
+- Purple (38;5;129) → Yellow (38;5;226)
+
+**Non-functional:**
+- Reuse the existing font picker pattern for UI consistency
+- Zero runtime overhead during streaming (theme lookup happens once at startup)
+- **Boot UI (title, subtitle, status lines) use hardcoded green color constants (G_HI, G_DIM, G_MID); only scrolling headlines and ntfy messages use theme gradients**
+- Font picker UI remains hardcoded green for visual continuity
+
+---
+
+## Architecture
+
+### New Module: `engine/themes.py`
+
+**Data-only module:** Contains Theme class, THEME_REGISTRY, and get_theme() function. **Imports only typing; does NOT import config or render** to prevent circular dependencies.
+
+```python
+class Theme:
+    """Encapsulates a color scheme: name, main gradient, message gradient."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, main_gradient: list[str], message_gradient: list[str]):
+        self.name = name
+        self.main_gradient = main_gradient      # white → primary color
+        self.message_gradient = message_gradient  # white → complementary
+```
+
+**Theme Registry:**
+Three instances registered by ID: `"green"`, `"orange"`, `"purple"` (IDs match menu labels for clarity).
+
+Each gradient is a list of 12 ANSI 256-color codes matching the current green gradient:
+```
+[
+    "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white (bold)
+    "\033[1;38;5;195m",  # pale white-tint
+    "\033[38;5;123m",    # bright cyan
+    "\033[38;5;118m",    # bright lime
+    "\033[38;5;82m",     # lime
+    "\033[38;5;46m",     # bright color
+    "\033[38;5;40m",     # color
+    "\033[38;5;34m",     # medium color
+    "\033[38;5;28m",     # dark color
+    "\033[38;5;22m",     # deep color
+    "\033[2;38;5;22m",   # dim deep color
+    "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
+]
+```
+
+**Finalized color codes:**
+
+**Green (primary: 22, complementary: 89)** — unchanged from current
+- Main: `[231, 195, 123, 118, 82, 46, 40, 34, 28, 22, 22(dim), 235]`
+- Messages: `[231, 225, 219, 213, 207, 201, 165, 161, 125, 89, 89(dim), 235]`
+
+**Orange (primary: 208, complementary: 21)**
+- Main: `[231, 215, 209, 208, 202, 166, 130, 94, 58, 94, 94(dim), 235]`
+- Messages: `[231, 195, 33, 27, 21, 21, 21, 18, 18, 18, 18(dim), 235]`
+
+**Purple (primary: 129, complementary: 226)**
+- Main: `[231, 225, 177, 171, 165, 135, 129, 93, 57, 57, 57(dim), 235]`
+- Messages: `[231, 226, 226, 220, 220, 184, 184, 178, 178, 172, 172(dim), 235]`
+
+**Public API:**
+- `get_theme(theme_id: str) -> Theme` — lookup by ID, raises KeyError if not found
+- `THEME_REGISTRY` — dict of all available themes (for picker)
+
+---
+
+### Modified: `engine/config.py`
+
+**New globals:**
+```python
+ACTIVE_THEME = None  # set by set_active_theme() after picker; guaranteed non-None during stream()
+```
+
+**New function:**
+```python
+def set_active_theme(theme_id: str = "green"):
+    """Set the active theme. Defaults to 'green' if not specified."""
+    global ACTIVE_THEME
+    from engine import themes
+    ACTIVE_THEME = themes.get_theme(theme_id)
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Called by `app.pick_color_theme()` with user selection
+- Has default fallback to "green" for non-interactive environments (CI, testing, piped stdin)
+- Guarantees `ACTIVE_THEME` is set before any render functions are called
+
+**Removal:**
+- Delete hardcoded `GRAD_COLS` and `MSG_GRAD_COLS` constants
+
+---
+
+### Modified: `engine/render.py`
+
+**Updated gradient access in existing functions:**
+
+Current pattern (will be removed):
+```python
+GRAD_COLS = [...]  # hardcoded green
+MSG_GRAD_COLS = [...] # hardcoded magenta
+```
+
+New pattern — update `lr_gradient()` function:
+```python
+def lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols=None):
+    if cols is None:
+        from engine import config
+        cols = (config.ACTIVE_THEME.main_gradient
+                if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+                else _default_green_gradient())
+    # ... rest of function unchanged
+```
+
+**Define fallback:**
+```python
+def _default_green_gradient():
+    """Fallback green gradient (current colors)."""
+    return [
+        "\033[1;38;5;231m", "\033[1;38;5;195m", "\033[38;5;123m",
+        "\033[38;5;118m", "\033[38;5;82m", "\033[38;5;46m",
+        "\033[38;5;40m", "\033[38;5;34m", "\033[38;5;28m",
+        "\033[38;5;22m", "\033[2;38;5;22m", "\033[2;38;5;235m",
+    ]
+```
+
+**Message gradient handling:**
+
+The existing code (scroll.py line 89) calls `lr_gradient()` with `MSG_GRAD_COLS`. Change this call to:
+```python
+# Instead of: lr_gradient(rows, offset, MSG_GRAD_COLS)
+# Use:
+from engine import config
+cols = (config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient
+        if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        else _default_magenta_gradient())
+lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols)
+```
+
+or define a helper:
+```python
+def msg_gradient(rows, offset):
+    """Apply message (ntfy) gradient using theme complementary colors."""
+    from engine import config
+    cols = (config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient
+            if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+            else _default_magenta_gradient())
+    return lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols)
+```
+
+---
+
+### Modified: `engine/app.py`
+
+**New function: `pick_color_theme()`**
+
+Mirrors `pick_font_face()` pattern:
+
+```python
+def pick_color_theme():
+    """Interactive color theme picker. Defaults to 'green' if not TTY."""
+    import sys
+    from engine import config, themes
+
+    # Non-interactive fallback: use default
+    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
+        config.set_active_theme("green")
+        return
+
+    # Interactive picker (similar to font picker)
+    themes_list = list(themes.THEME_REGISTRY.items())
+    selected = 0
+
+    # ... render menu, handle arrow keys j/k, ↑/↓ ...
+    # ... on Enter, call config.set_active_theme(themes_list[selected][0]) ...
+```
+
+**Placement in `main()`:**
+```python
+def main():
+    # ... signal handler setup ...
+    pick_color_theme()  # NEW — before title/subtitle
+    pick_font_face()
+    # ... rest of boot sequence, title/subtitle use hardcoded G_HI/G_DIM ...
+```
+
+**Important:** The title and subtitle render with hardcoded `G_HI`/`G_DIM` constants, not theme gradients. This is intentional for visual consistency with the font picker menu.
+
+---
+
+## Data Flow
+
+```
+User starts: mainline.py
+    ↓
+main() called
+    ↓
+pick_color_theme()
+    → If TTY: display menu, read input, call config.set_active_theme(user_choice)
+    → If not TTY: silently call config.set_active_theme("green")
+    ↓
+pick_font_face() — renders in hardcoded green UI colors
+    ↓
+Boot messages (title, status) — all use hardcoded G_HI/G_DIM (not theme gradients)
+    ↓
+stream() — headlines + ntfy messages use config.ACTIVE_THEME gradients
+    ↓
+On exit: no persistence
+```
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Notes
+
+### Initialization Guarantee
+`config.ACTIVE_THEME` is guaranteed to be non-None before `stream()` is called because:
+1. `pick_color_theme()` always sets it (either interactively or via fallback)
+2. It's called before any rendering happens
+3. Default fallback ensures non-TTY environments don't crash
+
+### Module Independence
+`themes.py` is a pure data module with no imports of `config` or `render`. This prevents circular dependencies and allows it to be imported by multiple consumers without side effects.
+
+### Color Code Finalization
+All three gradient sequences (green, orange, purple main + complementary) are now finalized with specific ANSI codes. No TBD placeholders remain.
+
+### Theme ID Naming
+IDs are `"green"`, `"orange"`, `"purple"` — matching the menu labels exactly for clarity.
+
+### Terminal Resize Handling
+The `pick_color_theme()` function mirrors `pick_font_face()`, which does not handle terminal resizing during the picker display. If the terminal is resized while the picker menu is shown, the menu redraw may be incomplete; pressing any key (arrow, j/k, q) continues normally. This is acceptable because:
+1. The picker completes quickly (< 5 seconds typical interaction)
+2. Once a theme is selected, the menu closes and rendering begins
+3. The streaming phase (`stream()`) is resilient to terminal resizing and auto-reflows to new dimensions
+
+No special resize handling is needed for the color picker beyond what exists for the font picker.
+
+### Testing Strategy
+1. **Unit tests** (`tests/test_themes.py`):
+   - Verify Theme class construction
+   - Test THEME_REGISTRY lookup (valid and invalid IDs)
+   - Confirm gradient lists have correct length (12)
+
+2. **Integration tests** (`tests/test_render.py`):
+   - Mock `config.ACTIVE_THEME` to each theme
+   - Verify `lr_gradient()` uses correct colors
+   - Verify fallback works when `ACTIVE_THEME` is None
+
+3. **Existing tests:**
+   - Render tests that check gradient output will need to mock `config.ACTIVE_THEME`
+   - Use pytest fixtures to set theme per test case
+
+---
+
+## Files Changed
+- `engine/themes.py` (new)
+- `engine/config.py` (add `ACTIVE_THEME`, `set_active_theme()`)
+- `engine/render.py` (replace GRAD_COLS/MSG_GRAD_COLS references with config lookups)
+- `engine/app.py` (add `pick_color_theme()`, call in main)
+- `tests/test_themes.py` (new unit tests)
+- `tests/test_render.py` (update mocking strategy)
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+1. ✓ Color picker displays 3 theme options at startup
+2. ✓ Selection applies to all headline and message gradients
+3. ✓ Boot UI (title, status) uses hardcoded green (not theme)
+4. ✓ Scrolling headlines and ntfy messages use theme gradients
+5. ✓ No persistence between runs
+6. ✓ Non-TTY environments default to green without error
+7. ✓ Architecture supports future random/animation modes
+8. ✓ All gradient color codes finalized with no TBD values

docs/superpowers/specs/2026-03-19-figment-mode-design.md

@@ -0,0 +1,308 @@
+# Figment Mode Design Spec
+
+> Periodic full-screen SVG glyph overlay with flickery animation, theme-aware coloring, and extensible physical device control.
+
+## Overview
+
+Figment mode displays a randomly selected SVG from the `figments/` directory as a flickery, glitchy half-block terminal overlay on top of the running ticker. It appears once per minute (configurable), holds for ~4.5 seconds with a three-phase animation (progressive reveal, strobing hold, dissolve), then fades back to the ticker. Colors are randomly chosen from the existing theme gradients.
+
+The feature is designed for extensibility: a generic input protocol allows MQTT, ntfy, serial, or any other control surface to trigger figments and adjust parameters in real time.
+
+## Goals
+
+- Display SVG figments as half-block terminal art overlaid on the running ticker
+- Three-phase animation: progressive reveal, strobing hold, dissolve
+- Random color from existing theme gradients (green, orange, purple)
+- Configurable interval and duration via C&C
+- Extensible input abstraction for physical device control (MQTT, serial, etc.)
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- Multi-figment simultaneous display (one at a time)
+- SVG animation support (static SVGs only; animation comes from the overlay phases)
+- Custom color palettes beyond existing themes
+- MQTT and serial adapters (v1 ships with ntfy C&C only; protocol is ready for future adapters)
+
+## Architecture: Hybrid Plugin + Overlay
+
+The figment is an **EffectPlugin** for lifecycle, discovery, and configuration, but delegates rendering to a **layers-style overlay helper**. This avoids stretching the `EffectPlugin.process()` contract (which transforms line buffers) while still benefiting from the plugin system for C&C, auto-discovery, and config management.
+
+**Important**: The plugin class is named `FigmentEffect` (not `FigmentPlugin`) to match the `*Effect` naming convention required by `discover_plugins()` in `effects_plugins/__init__.py`. The plugin is **not** added to the `EffectChain` order list — its `process()` is a no-op that returns the buffer unchanged. The chain only processes effects that transform buffers (noise, fade, glitch, firehose). Figment's rendering happens via the overlay path in `scroll.py`, outside the chain.
+
+### Component Diagram
+
+```
+                     +-------------------+
+                     |  FigmentTrigger   |  (Protocol)
+                     |  - NtfyTrigger    |  (v1)
+                     |  - MqttTrigger    |  (future)
+                     |  - SerialTrigger  |  (future)
+                     +--------+----------+
+                              |
+                              | FigmentCommand
+                              v
++------------------+    +-----------------+    +----------------------+
+| figment_render   |<---| FigmentEffect   |--->| render_figment_      |
+| .py              |    | (EffectPlugin)  |    | overlay() in         |
+|                  |    |                 |    | layers.py            |
+| SVG -> PIL ->    |    | Timer, state    |    |                      |
+| half-block cache |    | machine, SVG    |    | ANSI cursor-position |
+|                  |    | selection       |    | commands for overlay |
++------------------+    +-----------------+    +----------------------+
+                              |
+                              | get_figment_state()
+                              v
+                     +-------------------+
+                     | scroll.py         |
+                     +-------------------+
+```
+
+## Section 1: SVG Rasterization
+
+**File: `engine/figment_render.py`**
+
+Reuses the same PIL-based half-block encoding that `engine/render.py` uses for OTF fonts.
+
+### Pipeline
+
+1. **Load**: `cairosvg.svg2png()` converts SVG to PNG bytes in memory (no temp files)
+2. **Resize**: PIL scales to fit terminal — width = `tw()`, height = `th() * 2` pixels (each terminal row encodes 2 pixel rows via half-blocks)
+3. **Threshold**: Convert to greyscale ("L" mode), apply binary threshold to get visible/not-visible
+4. **Half-block encode**: Walk pixel pairs top-to-bottom. For each 2-row pair, emit `█` (both lit), `▀` (top only), `▄` (bottom only), or space (neither)
+5. **Cache**: Results cached per `(svg_path, terminal_width, terminal_height)` — invalidated on terminal resize
+
+### Dependency
+
+`cairosvg` added as an optional dependency in `pyproject.toml` (like `sounddevice`). If `cairosvg` is not installed, the `FigmentEffect` class will fail to import, and `discover_plugins()` will silently skip it (the existing `except Exception: pass` in discovery handles this). The plugin simply won't appear in the registry.
+
+### Key Function
+
+```python
+def rasterize_svg(svg_path: str, width: int, height: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Convert SVG file to list of half-block terminal rows (uncolored)."""
+```
+
+## Section 2: Figment Overlay Rendering
+
+**Integration point: `engine/layers.py`**
+
+New function following the `render_message_overlay()` pattern.
+
+### FigmentState Dataclass
+
+Defined in `effects_plugins/figment.py`, passed between the plugin and the overlay renderer:
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class FigmentState:
+    phase: FigmentPhase          # enum: REVEAL, HOLD, DISSOLVE
+    progress: float              # 0.0 to 1.0 within current phase
+    rows: list[str]              # rasterized half-block rows (uncolored)
+    gradient: list[int]          # 12-color ANSI 256 gradient from chosen theme
+    center_row: int              # top row for centering in viewport
+    center_col: int              # left column for centering in viewport
+```
+
+### Function Signature
+
+```python
+def render_figment_overlay(figment_state: FigmentState, w: int, h: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Return ANSI cursor-positioning commands for the current figment frame."""
+```
+
+### Animation Phases (~4.5 seconds total)
+
+Progress advances each frame as: `progress += config.FRAME_DT / phase_duration`. At 20 FPS (FRAME_DT=0.05s), a 1.5s phase takes 30 frames to complete.
+
+| Phase | Duration | Behavior |
+|-------|----------|----------|
+| **Reveal** | ~1.5s | Progressive scanline fill. Each frame, a percentage of the figment's non-empty cells become visible in random block order. Intensity scales reveal speed. |
+| **Hold** | ~1.5s | Full figment visible. Strobes between full brightness and dimmed/partial visibility every few frames. Intensity scales strobe frequency. |
+| **Dissolve** | ~1.5s | Inverse of reveal. Cells randomly drop out, replaced by spaces. Intensity scales dissolve speed. |
+
+### Color
+
+A random theme gradient is selected from `THEME_REGISTRY` at trigger time. Applied via `lr_gradient()` — the same function that colors headlines and messages.
+
+### Positioning
+
+Figment is centered in the viewport. Each visible row is an ANSI `\033[row;colH` command appended to the buffer, identical to how the message overlay works.
+
+## Section 3: FigmentEffect (Effect Plugin)
+
+**File: `effects_plugins/figment.py`**
+
+An `EffectPlugin(ABC)` subclass named `FigmentEffect` to match the `*Effect` discovery convention.
+
+### Chain Exclusion
+
+`FigmentEffect` is registered in the `EffectRegistry` (for C&C access and config management) but is **not** added to the `EffectChain` order list. Its `process()` returns the buffer unchanged. The `enabled` flag is checked directly by `scroll.py` when deciding whether to call `get_figment_state()`, not by the chain.
+
+### Responsibilities
+
+- **Timer**: Tracks elapsed time via `config.FRAME_DT` accumulation. At the configured interval (default 60s), triggers a new figment.
+- **SVG selection**: Randomly picks from `figments/*.svg`. Avoids repeating the last shown.
+- **State machine**: `idle -> reveal -> hold -> dissolve -> idle`. Tracks phase progress (0.0 to 1.0).
+- **Color selection**: Picks a random theme key (`"green"`, `"orange"`, `"purple"`) at trigger time.
+- **Rasterization**: Calls `rasterize_svg()` on trigger, caches result for the display duration.
+
+### State Machine
+
+```
+idle ──(timer fires or trigger received)──> reveal
+reveal ──(progress >= 1.0)──> hold
+hold ──(progress >= 1.0)──> dissolve
+dissolve ──(progress >= 1.0)──> idle
+```
+
+### Interface
+
+The `process()` method returns the buffer unchanged (no-op). The plugin exposes state via:
+
+```python
+def get_figment_state(self, frame_number: int) -> FigmentState | None:
+    """Tick the state machine and return current state, or None if idle."""
+```
+
+This mirrors the `ntfy_poller.get_active_message()` pattern.
+
+### Scroll Loop Access
+
+`scroll.py` imports `FigmentEffect` directly and uses `isinstance()` to safely downcast from the registry:
+
+```python
+from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentEffect
+
+plugin = registry.get("figment")
+figment = plugin if isinstance(plugin, FigmentEffect) else None
+```
+
+This is a one-time setup check, not per-frame. If `cairosvg` is missing, the import is wrapped in a try/except and `figment` stays `None`.
+
+### EffectConfig
+
+- `enabled`: bool (default `False` — opt-in)
+- `intensity`: float — scales strobe frequency and reveal/dissolve speed
+- `params`:
+  - `interval_secs`: 60 (time between figments)
+  - `display_secs`: 4.5 (total animation duration)
+  - `figment_dir`: "figments" (SVG source directory)
+
+Controllable via C&C: `/effects figment on`, `/effects figment intensity 0.7`.
+
+## Section 4: Input Abstraction (FigmentTrigger)
+
+**File: `engine/figment_trigger.py`**
+
+### Protocol
+
+```python
+class FigmentTrigger(Protocol):
+    def poll(self) -> FigmentCommand | None: ...
+```
+
+### FigmentCommand
+
+```python
+class FigmentAction(Enum):
+    TRIGGER = "trigger"
+    SET_INTENSITY = "set_intensity"
+    SET_INTERVAL = "set_interval"
+    SET_COLOR = "set_color"
+    STOP = "stop"
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentCommand:
+    action: FigmentAction
+    value: float | str | None = None
+```
+
+Uses an enum for consistency with `EventType` in `engine/events.py`.
+
+### Adapters
+
+| Adapter | Transport | Dependency | Status |
+|---------|-----------|------------|--------|
+| `NtfyTrigger` | Existing C&C ntfy topic | None (reuses ntfy) | v1 |
+| `MqttTrigger` | MQTT broker | `paho-mqtt` (optional) | Future |
+| `SerialTrigger` | USB serial | `pyserial` (optional) | Future |
+
+**NtfyTrigger v1**: Subscribes as a callback on the existing `NtfyPoller`. Parses messages with a `/figment` prefix (e.g., `/figment trigger`, `/figment intensity 0.8`). This is separate from the `/effects figment on` C&C path — the trigger protocol allows external devices to send commands without knowing the effects controller API.
+
+### Integration
+
+The `FigmentEffect` accepts a list of triggers. Each frame, it polls all triggers and acts on commands. Triggers are optional — if none are configured, the plugin runs on its internal timer alone.
+
+### EventBus Bridge
+
+A new `FIGMENT_TRIGGER` variant is added to the `EventType` enum in `engine/events.py`, with a corresponding `FigmentTriggerEvent` dataclass. Triggers publish to the EventBus for other components to react (logging, multi-display sync).
+
+## Section 5: Scroll Loop Integration
+
+Minimal change to `engine/scroll.py`:
+
+```python
+# In stream() setup (with safe import):
+try:
+    from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentEffect
+    _plugin = registry.get("figment")
+    figment = _plugin if isinstance(_plugin, FigmentEffect) else None
+except ImportError:
+    figment = None
+
+# In frame loop, after effects processing, before ntfy message overlay:
+if figment and figment.config.enabled:
+    figment_state = figment.get_figment_state(frame_number)
+    if figment_state is not None:
+        figment_overlay = render_figment_overlay(figment_state, w, h)
+        buf.extend(figment_overlay)
+```
+
+### Overlay Priority
+
+Figment overlay appends **after** effects processing but **before** the ntfy message overlay. This means:
+- Ntfy messages always appear on top of figments (higher priority)
+- Existing glitch/noise effects run over the ticker underneath the figment
+
+Note: If more overlay types are added in the future, a priority-based overlay system should replace the current positional ordering.
+
+## Section 6: Error Handling
+
+| Scenario | Behavior |
+|----------|----------|
+| `cairosvg` not installed | `FigmentEffect` fails to import; `discover_plugins()` silently skips it; `scroll.py` import guard sets `figment = None` |
+| `figments/` directory missing | Plugin logs warning at startup, stays in permanent `idle` state |
+| `figments/` contains zero `.svg` files | Same as above: warning, permanent `idle` |
+| Malformed SVG | `cairosvg` raises exception; plugin catches it, skips that SVG, picks another. If all SVGs fail, enters permanent `idle` with warning |
+| Terminal resize during animation | Re-rasterize on next frame using new dimensions. Cache miss triggers fresh rasterization. Animation phase/progress are preserved; only the rendered rows update |
+
+## Section 7: File Summary
+
+### New Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `effects_plugins/figment.py` | FigmentEffect — lifecycle, timer, state machine, SVG selection, FigmentState/FigmentPhase |
+| `engine/figment_render.py` | SVG to half-block rasterization pipeline |
+| `engine/figment_trigger.py` | FigmentTrigger protocol, FigmentAction enum, FigmentCommand, NtfyTrigger adapter |
+| `figments/` | SVG source directory (ships with sample SVGs) |
+| `tests/test_figment.py` | FigmentEffect lifecycle, state machine transitions, timer |
+| `tests/test_figment_render.py` | SVG rasterization, caching, edge cases |
+| `tests/test_figment_trigger.py` | FigmentCommand parsing, NtfyTrigger adapter |
+| `tests/fixtures/test.svg` | Minimal SVG for deterministic rasterization tests |
+
+### Modified Files
+
+| File | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| `engine/scroll.py` | Figment overlay integration (setup + per-frame block) |
+| `engine/layers.py` | Add `render_figment_overlay()` function |
+| `engine/events.py` | Add `FIGMENT_TRIGGER` to `EventType` enum, add `FigmentTriggerEvent` dataclass |
+| `pyproject.toml` | Add `cairosvg` as optional dependency |
+
+## Testing Strategy
+
+- **Unit**: State machine transitions (idle→reveal→hold→dissolve→idle), timer accuracy (fires at interval_secs), SVG rasterization output dimensions, FigmentCommand parsing, FigmentAction enum coverage
+- **Integration**: Plugin discovery (verify `FigmentEffect` is found by `discover_plugins()`), overlay rendering with mock terminal dimensions, C&C command handling via `/effects figment on`
+- **Edge cases**: Missing figments dir, empty dir, malformed SVG, cairosvg unavailable, terminal resize mid-animation
+- **Fixture**: Minimal `test.svg` (simple rectangle) for deterministic rasterization tests

effects_plugins/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+from pathlib import Path
+
+PLUGIN_DIR = Path(__file__).parent
+
+
+def discover_plugins():
+    from engine.effects.registry import get_registry
+    from engine.effects.types import EffectPlugin
+
+    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 issubclass(attr, EffectPlugin)
+                    and attr is not EffectPlugin
+                    and attr_name.endswith("Effect")
+                ):
+                    plugin = attr()
+                    registry.register(plugin)
+                    imported[plugin.name] = plugin
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    return imported

effects_plugins/fade.py

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+import random
+
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+
+
+class FadeEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    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

effects_plugins/figment.py

@@ -0,0 +1,200 @@
+"""
+Figment effect plugin — periodic SVG glyph overlay.
+
+Owns the figment lifecycle: timer, SVG selection, state machine.
+Delegates rendering to render_figment_overlay() in engine/layers.py.
+
+Named FigmentEffect (not FigmentPlugin) to match the *Effect discovery
+convention in effects_plugins/__init__.py.
+
+NOT added to the EffectChain order — process() is a no-op. The overlay
+rendering is handled by scroll.py calling get_figment_state().
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import random
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import Enum, auto
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from engine import config
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext, EffectPlugin
+from engine.figment_render import rasterize_svg
+from engine.figment_trigger import FigmentAction, FigmentCommand, FigmentTrigger
+from engine.themes import THEME_REGISTRY
+
+
+class FigmentPhase(Enum):
+    REVEAL = auto()
+    HOLD = auto()
+    DISSOLVE = auto()
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentState:
+    phase: FigmentPhase
+    progress: float
+    rows: list[str]
+    gradient: list[int]
+    center_row: int
+    center_col: int
+
+
+class FigmentEffect(EffectPlugin):
+    name = "figment"
+    config = EffectConfig(
+        enabled=False,
+        intensity=1.0,
+        params={
+            "interval_secs": 60,
+            "display_secs": 4.5,
+            "figment_dir": "figments",
+        },
+    )
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        figment_dir: str | None = None,
+        triggers: list[FigmentTrigger] | None = None,
+    ):
+        self.config = EffectConfig(
+            enabled=False,
+            intensity=1.0,
+            params={
+                "interval_secs": 60,
+                "display_secs": 4.5,
+                "figment_dir": figment_dir or "figments",
+            },
+        )
+        self._triggers = triggers or []
+        self._phase: FigmentPhase | None = None
+        self._progress: float = 0.0
+        self._rows: list[str] = []
+        self._gradient: list[int] = []
+        self._center_row: int = 0
+        self._center_col: int = 0
+        self._timer: float = 0.0
+        self._last_svg: str | None = None
+        self._svg_files: list[str] = []
+        self._scan_svgs()
+
+    def _scan_svgs(self) -> None:
+        figment_dir = Path(self.config.params["figment_dir"])
+        if figment_dir.is_dir():
+            self._svg_files = sorted(str(p) for p in figment_dir.glob("*.svg"))
+
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]:
+        return buf
+
+    def configure(self, cfg: EffectConfig) -> None:
+        # Preserve figment_dir if the new config doesn't supply one
+        figment_dir = cfg.params.get(
+            "figment_dir", self.config.params.get("figment_dir", "figments")
+        )
+        self.config = cfg
+        if "figment_dir" not in self.config.params:
+            self.config.params["figment_dir"] = figment_dir
+        self._scan_svgs()
+
+    def trigger(self, w: int, h: int) -> None:
+        """Manually trigger a figment display."""
+        if not self._svg_files:
+            return
+
+        # Pick a random SVG, avoid repeating
+        candidates = [s for s in self._svg_files if s != self._last_svg]
+        if not candidates:
+            candidates = self._svg_files
+        svg_path = random.choice(candidates)
+        self._last_svg = svg_path
+
+        # Rasterize
+        try:
+            self._rows = rasterize_svg(svg_path, w, h)
+        except Exception:
+            return
+
+        # Pick random theme gradient
+        theme_key = random.choice(list(THEME_REGISTRY.keys()))
+        self._gradient = THEME_REGISTRY[theme_key].main_gradient
+
+        # Center in viewport
+        figment_h = len(self._rows)
+        figment_w = max((len(r) for r in self._rows), default=0)
+        self._center_row = max(0, (h - figment_h) // 2)
+        self._center_col = max(0, (w - figment_w) // 2)
+
+        # Start reveal phase
+        self._phase = FigmentPhase.REVEAL
+        self._progress = 0.0
+
+    def get_figment_state(
+        self, frame_number: int, w: int, h: int
+    ) -> FigmentState | None:
+        """Tick the state machine and return current state, or None if idle."""
+        if not self.config.enabled:
+            return None
+
+        # Poll triggers
+        for trig in self._triggers:
+            cmd = trig.poll()
+            if cmd is not None:
+                self._handle_command(cmd, w, h)
+
+        # Tick timer when idle
+        if self._phase is None:
+            self._timer += config.FRAME_DT
+            interval = self.config.params.get("interval_secs", 60)
+            if self._timer >= interval:
+                self._timer = 0.0
+                self.trigger(w, h)
+
+        # Tick animation — snapshot current phase/progress, then advance
+        if self._phase is not None:
+            # Capture the state at the start of this frame
+            current_phase = self._phase
+            current_progress = self._progress
+
+            # Advance for next frame
+            display_secs = self.config.params.get("display_secs", 4.5)
+            phase_duration = display_secs / 3.0
+            self._progress += config.FRAME_DT / phase_duration
+
+            if self._progress >= 1.0:
+                self._progress = 0.0
+                if self._phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL:
+                    self._phase = FigmentPhase.HOLD
+                elif self._phase == FigmentPhase.HOLD:
+                    self._phase = FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE
+                elif self._phase == FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE:
+                    self._phase = None
+
+            return FigmentState(
+                phase=current_phase,
+                progress=current_progress,
+                rows=self._rows,
+                gradient=self._gradient,
+                center_row=self._center_row,
+                center_col=self._center_col,
+            )
+
+        return None
+
+    def _handle_command(self, cmd: FigmentCommand, w: int, h: int) -> None:
+        if cmd.action == FigmentAction.TRIGGER:
+            self.trigger(w, h)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_INTENSITY and isinstance(
+            cmd.value, (int, float)
+        ):
+            self.config.intensity = float(cmd.value)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_INTERVAL and isinstance(
+            cmd.value, (int, float)
+        ):
+            self.config.params["interval_secs"] = float(cmd.value)
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.SET_COLOR and isinstance(cmd.value, str):
+            if cmd.value in THEME_REGISTRY:
+                self._gradient = THEME_REGISTRY[cmd.value].main_gradient
+        elif cmd.action == FigmentAction.STOP:
+            self._phase = None
+            self._progress = 0.0

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(EffectPlugin):
+    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

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(EffectPlugin):
+    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

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(EffectPlugin):
+    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

engine/app.py

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import termios
 import time
 import tty
 
-from engine import config, render
+from engine import config, render, themes
 from engine.fetch import fetch_all, fetch_poetry, load_cache, save_cache
 from engine.mic import MicMonitor
 from engine.ntfy import NtfyPoller
@@ -65,6 +65,30 @@ def _read_picker_key():
     return None
 
 
+def _draw_color_picker(themes_list, selected):
+    """Draw the color theme picker menu.
+
+    Args:
+        themes_list: List of (theme_id, Theme) tuples from THEME_REGISTRY.items()
+        selected: Index of currently selected theme (0-2)
+    """
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print()
+
+    print(
+        f"  {G_HI}▼ COLOR THEME{RST} {W_GHOST}─ ↑/↓ or j/k to move, Enter/q to select{RST}"
+    )
+    print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (tw() - 4)}{RST}\n")
+
+    for i, (theme_id, theme) in enumerate(themes_list):
+        prefix = "  ▶ " if i == selected else "    "
+        color = G_HI if i == selected else ""
+        reset = "" if i == selected else W_GHOST
+        print(f"{prefix}{color}{theme.name}{reset}")
+
+    print()
+
+
 def _normalize_preview_rows(rows):
     """Trim shared left padding and trailing spaces for stable on-screen previews."""
     non_empty = [r for r in rows if r.strip()]
@@ -131,6 +155,50 @@ def _draw_font_picker(faces, selected):
         print(f"    {shown}")
 
 
+def pick_color_theme():
+    """Interactive color theme picker. Defaults to 'green' if not TTY.
+
+    Displays a menu of available themes and lets user select with arrow keys.
+    Non-interactive environments (piped stdin, CI) silently default to green.
+    """
+    # Non-interactive fallback
+    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
+        config.set_active_theme("green")
+        return
+
+    # Interactive picker
+    themes_list = list(themes.THEME_REGISTRY.items())
+    selected = 0
+
+    fd = sys.stdin.fileno()
+    old_settings = termios.tcgetattr(fd)
+    try:
+        tty.setcbreak(fd)
+        while True:
+            _draw_color_picker(themes_list, selected)
+            key = _read_picker_key()
+            if key == "up":
+                selected = max(0, selected - 1)
+            elif key == "down":
+                selected = min(len(themes_list) - 1, selected + 1)
+            elif key == "enter":
+                break
+            elif key == "interrupt":
+                raise KeyboardInterrupt
+    finally:
+        termios.tcsetattr(fd, termios.TCSADRAIN, old_settings)
+
+    selected_theme_id = themes_list[selected][0]
+    config.set_active_theme(selected_theme_id)
+
+    theme_name = themes_list[selected][1].name
+    print(f"  {G_DIM}> using {theme_name}{RST}")
+    time.sleep(0.8)
+    print(CLR, end="")
+    print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
+    print()
+
+
 def pick_font_face():
     """Interactive startup picker for selecting a face from repo OTF files."""
     if not config.FONT_PICKER:
@@ -262,6 +330,7 @@ def main():
     w = tw()
     print(CLR, end="")
     print(CURSOR_OFF, end="")
+    pick_color_theme()
     pick_font_face()
     w = tw()
     print()
@@ -272,11 +341,10 @@ def main():
         time.sleep(0.07)
 
     print()
-    _subtitle = (
-        "literary consciousness stream"
-        if config.MODE == "poetry"
-        else "digital consciousness stream"
-    )
+    _subtitle = {
+        "poetry": "literary consciousness stream",
+        "code": "source consciousness stream",
+    }.get(config.MODE, "digital consciousness stream")
     print(f"  {W_DIM}v0.1 · {_subtitle}{RST}")
     print(f"  {W_GHOST}{'─' * (w - 4)}{RST}")
     print()
@@ -297,6 +365,15 @@ def main():
         )
         print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{len(items)} STANZAS ACQUIRED{RST}")
         save_cache(items)
+    elif config.MODE == "code":
+        from engine.fetch_code import fetch_code
+
+        slow_print("  > INITIALIZING SOURCE ARRAY...\n")
+        time.sleep(0.2)
+        print()
+        items, line_count, _ = fetch_code()
+        print()
+        print(f"  {G_DIM}>{RST} {G_MID}{line_count} LINES ACQUIRED{RST}")
     else:
         slow_print("  > INITIALIZING FEED ARRAY...\n")
         time.sleep(0.2)
@@ -336,6 +413,14 @@ def main():
     if config.FIREHOSE:
         boot_ln("Firehose", "ENGAGED", True)
 
+    if config.FIGMENT:
+        try:
+            from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentEffect  # noqa: F401
+
+            boot_ln("Figment", f"ARMED [{config.FIGMENT_INTERVAL}s interval]", True)
+        except (ImportError, OSError):
+            boot_ln("Figment", "UNAVAILABLE — run: brew install cairo", False)
+
     time.sleep(0.4)
     slow_print("  > STREAMING...\n")
     time.sleep(0.2)

engine/config.py

@@ -188,8 +188,16 @@ def set_config(config: Config) -> None:
 HEADLINE_LIMIT = 1000
 FEED_TIMEOUT = 10
 MIC_THRESHOLD_DB = 50  # dB above which glitches intensify
-MODE = "poetry" if "--poetry" in sys.argv or "-p" in sys.argv else "news"
+MODE = (
+    "poetry"
+    if "--poetry" in sys.argv or "-p" in sys.argv
+    else "code"
+    if "--code" in sys.argv
+    else "news"
+)
 FIREHOSE = "--firehose" in sys.argv
+FIGMENT = "--figment" in sys.argv
+FIGMENT_INTERVAL = _arg_int("--figment-interval", 60)  # seconds between appearances
 
 # ─── NTFY MESSAGE QUEUE ──────────────────────────────────
 NTFY_TOPIC = "https://ntfy.sh/klubhaus_terminal_mainline/json"
@@ -231,3 +239,26 @@ def set_font_selection(font_path=None, font_index=None):
         FONT_PATH = _resolve_font_path(font_path)
     if font_index is not None:
         FONT_INDEX = max(0, int(font_index))
+
+
+# ─── THEME MANAGEMENT ─────────────────────────────────────────
+ACTIVE_THEME = None
+
+
+def set_active_theme(theme_id: str = "green"):
+    """Set the active theme by ID.
+
+    Args:
+        theme_id: Theme identifier ("green", "orange", or "purple")
+                  Defaults to "green"
+
+    Raises:
+        KeyError: If theme_id is not in the theme registry
+
+    Side Effects:
+        Sets the ACTIVE_THEME global variable
+    """
+    global ACTIVE_THEME
+    from engine import themes
+
+    ACTIVE_THEME = themes.get_theme(theme_id)

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

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",
+]

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

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)

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

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

engine/effects/types.py

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Any
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EffectContext:
+    terminal_width: int
+    terminal_height: int
+    scroll_cam: int
+    ticker_height: int
+    camera_x: int = 0
+    mic_excess: float = 0.0
+    grad_offset: float = 0.0
+    frame_number: int = 0
+    has_message: bool = False
+    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(ABC):
+    name: str
+    config: EffectConfig
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def process(self, buf: list[str], ctx: EffectContext) -> list[str]: ...
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def configure(self, config: EffectConfig) -> None: ...
+
+
+def create_effect_context(
+    terminal_width: int = 80,
+    terminal_height: int = 24,
+    scroll_cam: int = 0,
+    ticker_height: int = 0,
+    camera_x: int = 0,
+    mic_excess: float = 0.0,
+    grad_offset: float = 0.0,
+    frame_number: int = 0,
+    has_message: bool = False,
+    items: list | None = None,
+) -> EffectContext:
+    """Factory function to create EffectContext with sensible defaults."""
+    return EffectContext(
+        terminal_width=terminal_width,
+        terminal_height=terminal_height,
+        scroll_cam=scroll_cam,
+        ticker_height=ticker_height,
+        camera_x=camera_x,
+        mic_excess=mic_excess,
+        grad_offset=grad_offset,
+        frame_number=frame_number,
+        has_message=has_message,
+        items=items or [],
+    )
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PipelineConfig:
+    order: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    effects: dict[str, EffectConfig] = field(default_factory=dict)

engine/events.py

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ class EventType(Enum):
     NTFY_MESSAGE = auto()
     STREAM_START = auto()
     STREAM_END = auto()
+    FIGMENT_TRIGGER = auto()
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -65,3 +66,12 @@ class StreamEvent:
     event_type: EventType
     headline_count: int = 0
     timestamp: datetime | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentTriggerEvent:
+    """Event emitted when a figment is triggered."""
+
+    action: str
+    value: float | str | None = None
+    timestamp: datetime | None = None

engine/fetch_code.py

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+"""
+Source code feed — reads engine/*.py and emits non-blank, non-comment lines
+as scroll items. Used by --code mode.
+Depends on: nothing (stdlib only).
+"""
+
+import ast
+from pathlib import Path
+
+_ENGINE_DIR = Path(__file__).resolve().parent
+
+
+def _scope_map(source: str) -> dict[int, str]:
+    """Return {line_number: scope_label} for every line in source.
+
+    Nodes are sorted by range size descending so inner scopes overwrite
+    outer ones, guaranteeing the narrowest enclosing scope wins.
+    """
+    try:
+        tree = ast.parse(source)
+    except SyntaxError:
+        return {}
+
+    nodes = []
+    for node in ast.walk(tree):
+        if isinstance(node, (ast.FunctionDef, ast.AsyncFunctionDef, ast.ClassDef)):
+            end = getattr(node, "end_lineno", node.lineno)
+            span = end - node.lineno
+            nodes.append((span, node))
+
+    # Largest range first → inner scopes overwrite on second pass
+    nodes.sort(key=lambda x: x[0], reverse=True)
+
+    scope = {}
+    for _, node in nodes:
+        end = getattr(node, "end_lineno", node.lineno)
+        if isinstance(node, ast.ClassDef):
+            label = node.name
+        else:
+            label = f"{node.name}()"
+        for ln in range(node.lineno, end + 1):
+            scope[ln] = label
+
+    return scope
+
+
+def fetch_code():
+    """Read engine/*.py and return (items, line_count, 0).
+
+    Each item is (text, src, ts) where:
+      text  = the code line (rstripped, indentation preserved)
+      src   = enclosing function/class name, e.g. 'stream()' or '<module>'
+      ts    = dotted module path, e.g. 'engine.scroll'
+    """
+    items = []
+    for path in sorted(_ENGINE_DIR.glob("*.py")):
+        module = f"engine.{path.stem}"
+        source = path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+        scope = _scope_map(source)
+        for lineno, raw in enumerate(source.splitlines(), start=1):
+            stripped = raw.strip()
+            if not stripped or stripped.startswith("#"):
+                continue
+            label = scope.get(lineno, "<module>")
+            items.append((raw.rstrip(), label, module))
+
+    return items, len(items), 0

engine/figment_render.py

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+"""
+SVG to half-block terminal art rasterization.
+
+Pipeline: SVG -> cairosvg -> PIL -> greyscale threshold -> half-block encode.
+Follows the same pixel-pair approach as engine/render.py for OTF fonts.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+from io import BytesIO
+
+# cairocffi (used by cairosvg) calls dlopen() to find the Cairo C library.
+# On macOS with Homebrew, Cairo lives in /opt/homebrew/lib (Apple Silicon) or
+# /usr/local/lib (Intel), which are not in dyld's default search path.
+# Setting DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH before the import directs dlopen() to those paths.
+if sys.platform == "darwin" and not os.environ.get("DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH"):
+    for _brew_lib in ("/opt/homebrew/lib", "/usr/local/lib"):
+        if os.path.exists(os.path.join(_brew_lib, "libcairo.2.dylib")):
+            os.environ["DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH"] = _brew_lib
+            break
+
+import cairosvg
+from PIL import Image
+
+_cache: dict[tuple[str, int, int], list[str]] = {}
+
+
+def rasterize_svg(svg_path: str, width: int, height: int) -> list[str]:
+    """Convert SVG file to list of half-block terminal rows (uncolored).
+
+    Args:
+        svg_path: Path to SVG file.
+        width: Target terminal width in columns.
+        height: Target terminal height in rows.
+
+    Returns:
+        List of strings, one per terminal row, containing block characters.
+    """
+    cache_key = (svg_path, width, height)
+    if cache_key in _cache:
+        return _cache[cache_key]
+
+    # SVG -> PNG in memory
+    png_bytes = cairosvg.svg2png(
+        url=svg_path,
+        output_width=width,
+        output_height=height * 2,  # 2 pixel rows per terminal row
+    )
+
+    # PNG -> greyscale PIL image
+    # Composite RGBA onto white background so transparent areas become white (255)
+    # and drawn pixels retain their luminance values.
+    img_rgba = Image.open(BytesIO(png_bytes)).convert("RGBA")
+    img_rgba = img_rgba.resize((width, height * 2), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)
+    background = Image.new("RGBA", img_rgba.size, (255, 255, 255, 255))
+    background.paste(img_rgba, mask=img_rgba.split()[3])
+    img = background.convert("L")
+
+    data = img.tobytes()
+    pix_w = width
+    pix_h = height * 2
+    # White (255) = empty space, dark (< threshold) = filled pixel
+    threshold = 128
+
+    # Half-block encode: walk pixel pairs
+    rows: list[str] = []
+    for y in range(0, pix_h, 2):
+        row: list[str] = []
+        for x in range(pix_w):
+            top = data[y * pix_w + x] < threshold
+            bot = data[(y + 1) * pix_w + x] < threshold if y + 1 < pix_h else False
+            if top and bot:
+                row.append("█")
+            elif top:
+                row.append("▀")
+            elif bot:
+                row.append("▄")
+            else:
+                row.append(" ")
+        rows.append("".join(row))
+
+    _cache[cache_key] = rows
+    return rows
+
+
+def clear_cache() -> None:
+    """Clear the rasterization cache (e.g., on terminal resize)."""
+    _cache.clear()

engine/figment_trigger.py

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+"""
+Figment trigger protocol and command types.
+
+Defines the extensible input abstraction for triggering figment displays
+from any control surface (ntfy, MQTT, serial, etc.).
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from enum import Enum
+from typing import Protocol
+
+
+class FigmentAction(Enum):
+    TRIGGER = "trigger"
+    SET_INTENSITY = "set_intensity"
+    SET_INTERVAL = "set_interval"
+    SET_COLOR = "set_color"
+    STOP = "stop"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class FigmentCommand:
+    action: FigmentAction
+    value: float | str | None = None
+
+
+class FigmentTrigger(Protocol):
+    """Protocol for figment trigger sources.
+
+    Any input source (ntfy, MQTT, serial) can implement this
+    to trigger and control figment displays.
+    """
+
+    def poll(self) -> FigmentCommand | None: ...

engine/layers.py

@@ -10,13 +10,15 @@ from datetime import datetime
 
 from engine import config
 from engine.effects import (
+    EffectChain,
+    EffectContext,
     fade_line,
     firehose_line,
     glitch_bar,
     noise,
     vis_trunc,
 )
-from engine.render import big_wrap, lr_gradient, lr_gradient_opposite
+from engine.render import big_wrap, lr_gradient, msg_gradient
 from engine.terminal import RST, W_COOL
 
 MSG_META = "\033[38;5;245m"
@@ -55,9 +57,7 @@ def render_message_overlay(
     else:
         msg_rows = msg_cache[1]
 
-    msg_rows = lr_gradient_opposite(
-        msg_rows, (time.monotonic() * config.GRAD_SPEED) % 1.0
-    )
+    msg_rows = msg_gradient(msg_rows, (time.monotonic() * config.GRAD_SPEED) % 1.0)
 
     elapsed_s = int(time.monotonic() - m_ts)
     remaining = max(0, config.MESSAGE_DISPLAY_SECS - elapsed_s)
@@ -199,3 +199,158 @@ 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
+
+
+def render_figment_overlay(
+    figment_state,
+    w: int,
+    h: int,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Render figment overlay as ANSI cursor-positioning commands.
+
+    Args:
+        figment_state: FigmentState with phase, progress, rows, gradient, centering.
+        w: terminal width
+        h: terminal height
+
+    Returns:
+        List of ANSI strings to append to display buffer.
+    """
+    from engine.render import _color_codes_to_ansi
+
+    rows = figment_state.rows
+    if not rows:
+        return []
+
+    phase = figment_state.phase
+    progress = figment_state.progress
+    gradient = figment_state.gradient
+    center_row = figment_state.center_row
+    center_col = figment_state.center_col
+
+    cols = _color_codes_to_ansi(gradient)
+
+    # Build a list of non-space cell positions
+    cell_positions = []
+    for r_idx, row in enumerate(rows):
+        for c_idx, ch in enumerate(row):
+            if ch != " ":
+                cell_positions.append((r_idx, c_idx))
+
+    n_cells = len(cell_positions)
+    if n_cells == 0:
+        return []
+
+    # Use a deterministic seed so the reveal/dissolve pattern is stable per-figment
+    rng = random.Random(hash(tuple(rows[0][:10])) if rows[0] else 42)
+    shuffled = list(cell_positions)
+    rng.shuffle(shuffled)
+
+    # Phase-dependent visibility
+    from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentPhase
+
+    if phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL:
+        visible_count = int(n_cells * progress)
+        visible = set(shuffled[:visible_count])
+    elif phase == FigmentPhase.HOLD:
+        visible = set(cell_positions)
+        # Strobe: dim some cells periodically
+        if int(progress * 20) % 3 == 0:
+            dim_count = int(n_cells * 0.3)
+            visible -= set(shuffled[:dim_count])
+    elif phase == FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE:
+        remaining_count = int(n_cells * (1.0 - progress))
+        visible = set(shuffled[:remaining_count])
+    else:
+        visible = set(cell_positions)
+
+    # Build overlay commands
+    overlay: list[str] = []
+    n_cols = len(cols)
+    max_x = max((len(r.rstrip()) for r in rows if r.strip()), default=1)
+
+    for r_idx, row in enumerate(rows):
+        scr_row = center_row + r_idx + 1  # 1-indexed
+        if scr_row < 1 or scr_row > h:
+            continue
+
+        line_buf: list[str] = []
+        has_content = False
+
+        for c_idx, ch in enumerate(row):
+            scr_col = center_col + c_idx + 1
+            if scr_col < 1 or scr_col > w:
+                continue
+
+            if ch != " " and (r_idx, c_idx) in visible:
+                # Apply gradient color
+                shifted = (c_idx / max(max_x - 1, 1)) % 1.0
+                idx = min(round(shifted * (n_cols - 1)), n_cols - 1)
+                line_buf.append(f"{cols[idx]}{ch}{RST}")
+                has_content = True
+            else:
+                line_buf.append(" ")
+
+        if has_content:
+            line_str = "".join(line_buf).rstrip()
+            if line_str.strip():
+                overlay.append(f"\033[{scr_row};{center_col + 1}H{line_str}{RST}")
+
+    return overlay

engine/render.py

@@ -15,9 +15,40 @@ from engine.sources import NO_UPPER, SCRIPT_FONTS, SOURCE_LANGS
 from engine.terminal import RST
 from engine.translate import detect_location_language, translate_headline
 
+
 # ─── GRADIENT ─────────────────────────────────────────────
-# Left → right: white-hot leading edge fades to near-black
-GRAD_COLS = [
+def _color_codes_to_ansi(color_codes):
+    """Convert a list of 256-color codes to ANSI escape code strings.
+
+    Pattern: first 2 are bold, middle 8 are normal, last 2 are dim.
+
+    Args:
+        color_codes: List of 12 integers (256-color palette codes)
+
+    Returns:
+        List of ANSI escape code strings
+    """
+    if not color_codes or len(color_codes) != 12:
+        # Fallback to default green if invalid
+        return _default_green_gradient()
+
+    result = []
+    for i, code in enumerate(color_codes):
+        if i < 2:
+            # Bold for first 2 (bright leading edge)
+            result.append(f"\033[1;38;5;{code}m")
+        elif i < 10:
+            # Normal for middle 8
+            result.append(f"\033[38;5;{code}m")
+        else:
+            # Dim for last 2 (dark trailing edge)
+            result.append(f"\033[2;38;5;{code}m")
+    return result
+
+
+def _default_green_gradient():
+    """Return the default 12-color green gradient for fallback when no theme is active."""
+    return [
         "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white
         "\033[1;38;5;195m",  # pale cyan-white
         "\033[38;5;123m",  # bright cyan
@@ -32,8 +63,10 @@ GRAD_COLS = [
         "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
     ]
 
-# Complementary sweep for queue messages (opposite hue family from ticker greens)
-MSG_GRAD_COLS = [
+
+def _default_magenta_gradient():
+    """Return the default 12-color magenta gradient for fallback when no theme is active."""
+    return [
         "\033[1;38;5;231m",  # white
         "\033[1;38;5;225m",  # pale pink-white
         "\033[38;5;219m",  # bright pink
@@ -48,6 +81,7 @@ MSG_GRAD_COLS = [
         "\033[2;38;5;235m",  # near black
     ]
 
+
 # ─── FONT LOADING ─────────────────────────────────────────
 _FONT_OBJ = None
 _FONT_OBJ_KEY = None
@@ -189,9 +223,15 @@ def big_wrap(text, max_w, fnt=None):
     return out
 
 
-def lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0, grad_cols=None):
+def lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0, cols=None):
     """Color each non-space block character with a shifting left-to-right gradient."""
-    cols = grad_cols or GRAD_COLS
+    if cols is None:
+        from engine import config
+
+        if config.ACTIVE_THEME:
+            cols = _color_codes_to_ansi(config.ACTIVE_THEME.main_gradient)
+        else:
+            cols = _default_green_gradient()
     n = len(cols)
     max_x = max((len(r.rstrip()) for r in rows if r.strip()), default=1)
     out = []
@@ -213,7 +253,30 @@ def lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0, grad_cols=None):
 
 def lr_gradient_opposite(rows, offset=0.0):
     """Complementary (opposite wheel) gradient used for queue message panels."""
-    return lr_gradient(rows, offset, MSG_GRAD_COLS)
+    return lr_gradient(rows, offset, _default_magenta_gradient())
+
+
+def msg_gradient(rows, offset):
+    """Apply message (ntfy) gradient using theme complementary colors.
+
+    Returns colored rows using ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient if available,
+    falling back to default magenta if no theme is set.
+
+    Args:
+        rows: List of text strings to colorize
+        offset: Gradient offset (0.0-1.0) for animation
+
+    Returns:
+        List of rows with ANSI color codes applied
+    """
+    from engine import config
+
+    cols = (
+        _color_codes_to_ansi(config.ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient)
+        if config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        else _default_magenta_gradient()
+    )
+    return lr_gradient(rows, offset, cols)
 
 
 # ─── HEADLINE BLOCK ASSEMBLY ─────────────────────────────

engine/scroll.py

@@ -4,33 +4,43 @@ 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_figment_overlay,
     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 +52,19 @@ def stream(items, ntfy_poller, mic_monitor):
     noise_cache = {}
     scroll_motion_accum = 0.0
     msg_cache = (None, None)
+    frame_number = 0
+
+    # Figment overlay (optional — requires cairosvg)
+    figment = None
+    if config.FIGMENT:
+        try:
+            from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentEffect
+
+            figment = FigmentEffect()
+            figment.config.enabled = True
+            figment.config.params["interval_secs"] = config.FIGMENT_INTERVAL
+        except (ImportError, OSError):
+            pass
 
     while True:
         if queued >= config.HEADLINE_LIMIT and not active:
@@ -93,19 +116,46 @@ 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()
 
+        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)
 
+        # Figment overlay (between effects and ntfy message)
+        if figment and figment.config.enabled:
+            figment_state = figment.get_figment_state(frame_number, w, h)
+            if figment_state is not None:
+                figment_buf = render_figment_overlay(figment_state, w, h)
+                buf.extend(figment_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()

engine/themes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+"""
+Theme definitions with color gradients for terminal rendering.
+
+This module is data-only and does not import config or render
+to prevent circular dependencies.
+"""
+
+
+class Theme:
+    """Represents a color theme with two gradients."""
+
+    def __init__(self, name, main_gradient, message_gradient):
+        """Initialize a theme with name and color gradients.
+
+        Args:
+            name: Theme identifier string
+            main_gradient: List of 12 ANSI 256-color codes for main gradient
+            message_gradient: List of 12 ANSI 256-color codes for message gradient
+        """
+        self.name = name
+        self.main_gradient = main_gradient
+        self.message_gradient = message_gradient
+
+
+# ─── GRADIENT DEFINITIONS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Each gradient is 12 ANSI 256-color codes in sequence
+# Format: [light...] → [medium...] → [dark...] → [black]
+
+_GREEN_MAIN = [231, 195, 123, 118, 82, 46, 40, 34, 28, 22, 22, 235]
+_GREEN_MSG = [231, 225, 219, 213, 207, 201, 165, 161, 125, 89, 89, 235]
+
+_ORANGE_MAIN = [231, 215, 209, 208, 202, 166, 130, 94, 58, 94, 94, 235]
+_ORANGE_MSG = [231, 195, 33, 27, 21, 21, 21, 18, 18, 18, 18, 235]
+
+_PURPLE_MAIN = [231, 225, 177, 171, 165, 135, 129, 93, 57, 57, 57, 235]
+_PURPLE_MSG = [231, 226, 226, 220, 220, 184, 184, 178, 178, 172, 172, 235]
+
+
+# ─── THEME REGISTRY ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+THEME_REGISTRY = {
+    "green": Theme("green", _GREEN_MAIN, _GREEN_MSG),
+    "orange": Theme("orange", _ORANGE_MAIN, _ORANGE_MSG),
+    "purple": Theme("purple", _PURPLE_MAIN, _PURPLE_MSG),
+}
+
+
+def get_theme(theme_id):
+    """Retrieve a theme by ID.
+
+    Args:
+        theme_id: Theme identifier string
+
+    Returns:
+        Theme object matching the ID
+
+    Raises:
+        KeyError: If theme_id is not in registry
+    """
+    return THEME_REGISTRY[theme_id]

figments/animal-head-symbol-of-mexico-antique-cultures-svgrepo-com.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
+<!-- Uploaded to: SVG Repo, www.svgrepo.com, Generator: SVG Repo Mixer Tools -->
+<!DOCTYPE svg PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD SVG 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/Graphics/SVG/1.1/DTD/svg11.dtd">
+<svg fill="#000000" version="1.1" id="Capa_1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" 
+	 width="800px" height="800px" viewBox="0 0 577.362 577.362"
+	 xml:space="preserve">
+<g>
+	<g id="Layer_2_21_">
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+</g>
+</svg>

figments/mayan-mask-of-mexico-svgrepo-com.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
+<!-- Uploaded to: SVG Repo, www.svgrepo.com, Generator: SVG Repo Mixer Tools -->
+<!DOCTYPE svg PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD SVG 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/Graphics/SVG/1.1/DTD/svg11.dtd">
+<svg fill="#000000" version="1.1" id="Capa_1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" 
+	 width="800px" height="800px" viewBox="0 0 559.731 559.731"
+	 xml:space="preserve">
+<g>
+	<g id="Layer_2_36_">
+		<path d="M295.414,162.367l-15.061-39.302l-14.918,39.34c5.049-0.507,10.165-0.774,15.339-0.774
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+		<path d="M522.103,244.126c-20.062-0.631-36.71,12.67-55.787,21.937c-25.111,12.192-17.548-7.526-17.548-7.526l56.419-107.186
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+			C483.902,376.6,474.101,378.465,463.82,378.465z"/>
+		<path d="M261.746,512.598c0,18.102,14.669,32.818,32.704,32.818c18.034,0,32.704-14.726,32.704-32.818
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+	</g>
+</g>
+</svg>

mise.toml

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+[env]
+_.path = ["/opt/homebrew/lib"]
+DYLD_LIBRARY_PATH = "/opt/homebrew/lib"
+
 [tools]
 python = "3.12"
 hk = "latest"

pyproject.toml

@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ mic = [
     "sounddevice>=0.4.0",
     "numpy>=1.24.0",
 ]
+figment = [
+    "cairosvg>=2.7.0",
+]
 dev = [
     "pytest>=8.0.0",
     "pytest-cov>=4.1.0",

tests/fixtures/test.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100" height="100" viewBox="0 0 100 100">
+  <rect x="10" y="10" width="80" height="80" fill="black"/>
+</svg>

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()

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()

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

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

tests/test_fetch_code.py

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+import re
+
+from engine.fetch_code import fetch_code
+
+
+def test_return_shape():
+    items, line_count, ignored = fetch_code()
+    assert isinstance(items, list)
+    assert line_count == len(items)
+    assert ignored == 0
+
+
+def test_items_are_tuples():
+    items, _, _ = fetch_code()
+    assert items, "expected at least one code line"
+    for item in items:
+        assert isinstance(item, tuple) and len(item) == 3
+        text, src, ts = item
+        assert isinstance(text, str)
+        assert isinstance(src, str)
+        assert isinstance(ts, str)
+
+
+def test_blank_and_comment_lines_excluded():
+    items, _, _ = fetch_code()
+    for text, _, _ in items:
+        assert text.strip(), "blank line should have been filtered"
+        assert not text.strip().startswith("#"), "comment line should have been filtered"
+
+
+def test_module_path_format():
+    items, _, _ = fetch_code()
+    pattern = re.compile(r"^engine\.\w+$")
+    for _, _, ts in items:
+        assert pattern.match(ts), f"unexpected module path: {ts!r}"

tests/test_figment.py

@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
+"""Tests for the FigmentEffect plugin."""
+
+import os
+from enum import Enum
+
+import pytest
+
+pytest.importorskip("cairosvg", reason="cairosvg requires system Cairo library")
+
+from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentEffect, FigmentPhase, FigmentState
+from engine.effects.types import EffectConfig, EffectContext
+
+FIXTURE_SVG = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "fixtures", "test.svg")
+FIGMENTS_DIR = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "fixtures")
+
+
+class TestFigmentPhase:
+    def test_is_enum(self):
+        assert issubclass(FigmentPhase, Enum)
+
+    def test_has_all_phases(self):
+        assert hasattr(FigmentPhase, "REVEAL")
+        assert hasattr(FigmentPhase, "HOLD")
+        assert hasattr(FigmentPhase, "DISSOLVE")
+
+
+class TestFigmentState:
+    def test_creation(self):
+        state = FigmentState(
+            phase=FigmentPhase.REVEAL,
+            progress=0.5,
+            rows=["█▀▄", " █ "],
+            gradient=[46, 40, 34, 28, 22, 22, 34, 40, 46, 82, 118, 231],
+            center_row=5,
+            center_col=10,
+        )
+        assert state.phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL
+        assert state.progress == 0.5
+        assert len(state.rows) == 2
+
+
+class TestFigmentEffectInit:
+    def test_name(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        assert effect.name == "figment"
+
+    def test_default_config(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        assert effect.config.enabled is False
+        assert effect.config.intensity == 1.0
+        assert effect.config.params["interval_secs"] == 60
+        assert effect.config.params["display_secs"] == 4.5
+
+    def test_process_is_noop(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        buf = ["line1", "line2"]
+        ctx = EffectContext(
+            terminal_width=80,
+            terminal_height=24,
+            scroll_cam=0,
+            ticker_height=20,
+        )
+        result = effect.process(buf, ctx)
+        assert result == buf
+        assert result is buf
+
+    def test_configure(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        new_cfg = EffectConfig(enabled=True, intensity=0.5)
+        effect.configure(new_cfg)
+        assert effect.config.enabled is True
+        assert effect.config.intensity == 0.5
+
+
+class TestFigmentStateMachine:
+    def test_idle_initially(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(0, 80, 24)
+        # Timer hasn't fired yet, should be None (idle)
+        assert state is None
+
+    def test_trigger_starts_reveal(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        effect.trigger(80, 24)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 80, 24)
+        assert state is not None
+        assert state.phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL
+
+    def test_full_cycle(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        effect.config.params["display_secs"] = 0.15  # 3 phases x 0.05s
+
+        effect.trigger(40, 20)
+
+        # Advance through reveal (30 frames at 0.05s = 1.5s, but we shrunk it)
+        # With display_secs=0.15, each phase is 0.05s = 1 frame
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 40, 20)
+        assert state is not None
+        assert state.phase == FigmentPhase.REVEAL
+
+        # Advance enough frames to get through all phases
+        for frame in range(2, 100):
+            state = effect.get_figment_state(frame, 40, 20)
+            if state is None:
+                break
+
+        # Should have completed the full cycle back to idle
+        assert state is None
+
+    def test_timer_fires_at_interval(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        effect.config.params["interval_secs"] = 0.1  # 2 frames at 20fps
+
+        # Frame 0: idle
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(0, 40, 20)
+        assert state is None
+
+        # Advance past interval (0.1s = 2 frames)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 40, 20)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(2, 40, 20)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(3, 40, 20)
+        # Timer should have fired by now
+        assert state is not None
+
+
+class TestFigmentEdgeCases:
+    def test_empty_figment_dir(self, tmp_path):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=str(tmp_path))
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        effect.trigger(40, 20)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 40, 20)
+        # No SVGs available — should stay idle
+        assert state is None
+
+    def test_missing_figment_dir(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir="/nonexistent/path")
+        effect.config.enabled = True
+        effect.trigger(40, 20)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 40, 20)
+        assert state is None
+
+    def test_disabled_ignores_trigger(self):
+        effect = FigmentEffect(figment_dir=FIGMENTS_DIR)
+        effect.config.enabled = False
+        effect.trigger(80, 24)
+        state = effect.get_figment_state(1, 80, 24)
+        assert state is None

tests/test_figment_overlay.py

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+"""Tests for render_figment_overlay in engine.layers."""
+
+import pytest
+
+pytest.importorskip("cairosvg", reason="cairosvg requires system Cairo library")
+
+from effects_plugins.figment import FigmentPhase, FigmentState
+from engine.layers import render_figment_overlay
+
+
+def _make_state(phase=FigmentPhase.HOLD, progress=0.5):
+    return FigmentState(
+        phase=phase,
+        progress=progress,
+        rows=["█▀▄ █", " ▄█▀ ", "█   █"],
+        gradient=[46, 40, 34, 28, 22, 22, 34, 40, 46, 82, 118, 231],
+        center_row=10,
+        center_col=37,
+    )
+
+
+class TestRenderFigmentOverlay:
+    def test_returns_list_of_strings(self):
+        state = _make_state()
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        assert isinstance(result, list)
+        assert all(isinstance(s, str) for s in result)
+
+    def test_contains_ansi_positioning(self):
+        state = _make_state()
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        # Should contain cursor positioning escape codes
+        assert any("\033[" in s for s in result)
+
+    def test_reveal_phase_partial(self):
+        state = _make_state(phase=FigmentPhase.REVEAL, progress=0.0)
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        # At progress 0.0, very few cells should be visible
+        # Result should still be a valid list
+        assert isinstance(result, list)
+
+    def test_hold_phase_full(self):
+        state = _make_state(phase=FigmentPhase.HOLD, progress=0.5)
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        # During hold, content should be present
+        assert len(result) > 0
+
+    def test_dissolve_phase(self):
+        state = _make_state(phase=FigmentPhase.DISSOLVE, progress=0.9)
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        # At high dissolve progress, most cells are gone
+        assert isinstance(result, list)
+
+    def test_empty_rows(self):
+        state = FigmentState(
+            phase=FigmentPhase.HOLD,
+            progress=0.5,
+            rows=[],
+            gradient=[46] * 12,
+            center_row=0,
+            center_col=0,
+        )
+        result = render_figment_overlay(state, 80, 24)
+        assert result == []

tests/test_figment_render.py

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+"""Tests for engine.figment_render module."""
+
+import os
+
+import pytest
+
+pytest.importorskip("cairosvg", reason="cairosvg requires system Cairo library")
+
+from engine.figment_render import rasterize_svg
+
+FIXTURE_SVG = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "fixtures", "test.svg")
+
+
+class TestRasterizeSvg:
+    def test_returns_list_of_strings(self):
+        rows = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        assert isinstance(rows, list)
+        assert all(isinstance(r, str) for r in rows)
+
+    def test_output_height_matches_terminal_height(self):
+        rows = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        assert len(rows) == 20
+
+    def test_output_contains_block_characters(self):
+        rows = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        all_chars = "".join(rows)
+        block_chars = {"█", "▀", "▄"}
+        assert any(ch in all_chars for ch in block_chars)
+
+    def test_different_sizes_produce_different_output(self):
+        rows_small = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 20, 10)
+        rows_large = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 80, 40)
+        assert len(rows_small) == 10
+        assert len(rows_large) == 40
+
+    def test_nonexistent_file_raises(self):
+        import pytest
+
+        with pytest.raises((FileNotFoundError, OSError)):
+            rasterize_svg("/nonexistent/file.svg", 40, 20)
+
+
+class TestRasterizeCache:
+    def test_cache_returns_same_result(self):
+        rows1 = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        rows2 = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        assert rows1 == rows2
+
+    def test_cache_invalidated_by_size_change(self):
+        rows1 = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 40, 20)
+        rows2 = rasterize_svg(FIXTURE_SVG, 60, 30)
+        assert len(rows1) != len(rows2)

tests/test_figment_trigger.py

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+"""Tests for engine.figment_trigger module."""
+
+from enum import Enum
+
+from engine.figment_trigger import FigmentAction, FigmentCommand
+
+
+class TestFigmentAction:
+    def test_is_enum(self):
+        assert issubclass(FigmentAction, Enum)
+
+    def test_has_trigger(self):
+        assert FigmentAction.TRIGGER.value == "trigger"
+
+    def test_has_set_intensity(self):
+        assert FigmentAction.SET_INTENSITY.value == "set_intensity"
+
+    def test_has_set_interval(self):
+        assert FigmentAction.SET_INTERVAL.value == "set_interval"
+
+    def test_has_set_color(self):
+        assert FigmentAction.SET_COLOR.value == "set_color"
+
+    def test_has_stop(self):
+        assert FigmentAction.STOP.value == "stop"
+
+
+class TestFigmentCommand:
+    def test_trigger_command(self):
+        cmd = FigmentCommand(action=FigmentAction.TRIGGER)
+        assert cmd.action == FigmentAction.TRIGGER
+        assert cmd.value is None
+
+    def test_set_intensity_command(self):
+        cmd = FigmentCommand(action=FigmentAction.SET_INTENSITY, value=0.8)
+        assert cmd.value == 0.8
+
+    def test_set_color_command(self):
+        cmd = FigmentCommand(action=FigmentAction.SET_COLOR, value="orange")
+        assert cmd.value == "orange"

tests/test_render.py

@@ -0,0 +1,301 @@
+"""
+Tests for engine.render module.
+"""
+
+import pytest
+
+from engine import config, render
+
+
+class TestDefaultGradients:
+    """Tests for default gradient fallback functions."""
+
+    def test_default_green_gradient_length(self):
+        """_default_green_gradient returns 12 colors."""
+        gradient = render._default_green_gradient()
+        assert len(gradient) == 12
+
+    def test_default_green_gradient_is_list(self):
+        """_default_green_gradient returns a list."""
+        gradient = render._default_green_gradient()
+        assert isinstance(gradient, list)
+
+    def test_default_green_gradient_all_strings(self):
+        """_default_green_gradient returns list of ANSI code strings."""
+        gradient = render._default_green_gradient()
+        assert all(isinstance(code, str) for code in gradient)
+
+    def test_default_magenta_gradient_length(self):
+        """_default_magenta_gradient returns 12 colors."""
+        gradient = render._default_magenta_gradient()
+        assert len(gradient) == 12
+
+    def test_default_magenta_gradient_is_list(self):
+        """_default_magenta_gradient returns a list."""
+        gradient = render._default_magenta_gradient()
+        assert isinstance(gradient, list)
+
+    def test_default_magenta_gradient_all_strings(self):
+        """_default_magenta_gradient returns list of ANSI code strings."""
+        gradient = render._default_magenta_gradient()
+        assert all(isinstance(code, str) for code in gradient)
+
+
+class TestLrGradientUsesActiveTheme:
+    """Tests for lr_gradient using active theme."""
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_uses_active_theme_when_cols_none(self):
+        """lr_gradient uses ACTIVE_THEME.main_gradient when cols=None."""
+        # Save original state
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            # Set a theme
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+
+            # Create simple test data
+            rows = ["text"]
+
+            # Call without cols parameter (cols=None)
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Should not raise and should return colored output
+            assert isinstance(result, list)
+            assert len(result) == 1
+            # Should have ANSI codes (no plain "text")
+            assert result[0] != "text"
+        finally:
+            # Restore original state
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_fallback_when_no_theme(self):
+        """lr_gradient uses fallback green when ACTIVE_THEME is None."""
+        # Save original state
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            # Clear the theme
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = None
+
+            # Create simple test data
+            rows = ["text"]
+
+            # Call without cols parameter (should use fallback)
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Should not raise and should return colored output
+            assert isinstance(result, list)
+            assert len(result) == 1
+            # Should have ANSI codes (no plain "text")
+            assert result[0] != "text"
+        finally:
+            # Restore original state
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_explicit_cols_parameter_still_works(self):
+        """lr_gradient with explicit cols parameter overrides theme."""
+        # Custom gradient
+        custom_cols = ["\033[38;5;1m", "\033[38;5;2m"] * 6
+
+        rows = ["xy"]
+        result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0, cols=custom_cols)
+
+        # Should use the provided cols
+        assert isinstance(result, list)
+        assert len(result) == 1
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_respects_cols_parameter_name(self):
+        """lr_gradient accepts cols as keyword argument."""
+        custom_cols = ["\033[38;5;1m", "\033[38;5;2m"] * 6
+
+        rows = ["xy"]
+        # Call with cols as keyword
+        result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0, cols=custom_cols)
+
+        assert isinstance(result, list)
+
+
+class TestLrGradientBasicFunctionality:
+    """Tests to ensure lr_gradient basic functionality still works."""
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_colors_non_space_chars(self):
+        """lr_gradient colors non-space characters."""
+        rows = ["hello"]
+
+        # Set a theme for the test
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Result should have ANSI codes
+            assert any("\033[" in r for r in result), "Expected ANSI codes in result"
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_preserves_spaces(self):
+        """lr_gradient preserves spaces in output."""
+        rows = ["a b c"]
+
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Spaces should be preserved (not colored)
+            assert " " in result[0]
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_empty_rows(self):
+        """lr_gradient handles empty rows correctly."""
+        rows = [""]
+
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            assert result == [""]
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_lr_gradient_multiple_rows(self):
+        """lr_gradient handles multiple rows."""
+        rows = ["row1", "row2", "row3"]
+
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            result = render.lr_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            assert len(result) == 3
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+
+class TestMsgGradient:
+    """Tests for msg_gradient function (message/ntfy overlay coloring)."""
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_uses_active_theme(self):
+        """msg_gradient uses ACTIVE_THEME.message_gradient when theme is set."""
+        # Save original state
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            # Set a theme
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+
+            # Create simple test data
+            rows = ["MESSAGE"]
+
+            # Call msg_gradient
+            result = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Should return colored output using theme's message_gradient
+            assert isinstance(result, list)
+            assert len(result) == 1
+            # Should have ANSI codes from the message gradient
+            assert result[0] != "MESSAGE"
+            assert "\033[" in result[0]
+        finally:
+            # Restore original state
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_fallback_when_no_theme(self):
+        """msg_gradient uses fallback magenta when ACTIVE_THEME is None."""
+        # Save original state
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            # Clear the theme
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = None
+
+            # Create simple test data
+            rows = ["MESSAGE"]
+
+            # Call msg_gradient
+            result = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Should return colored output using default magenta
+            assert isinstance(result, list)
+            assert len(result) == 1
+            # Should have ANSI codes
+            assert result[0] != "MESSAGE"
+            assert "\033[" in result[0]
+        finally:
+            # Restore original state
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_returns_colored_rows(self):
+        """msg_gradient returns properly colored rows with animation offset."""
+        # Save original state
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            # Set a theme
+            config.set_active_theme("orange")
+
+            rows = ["NTFY", "ALERT"]
+
+            # Call with offset
+            result = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.5)
+
+            # Should return same number of rows
+            assert len(result) == 2
+            # Both should be colored
+            assert all("\033[" in r for r in result)
+            # Should not be the original text
+            assert result != rows
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_different_themes_produce_different_results(self):
+        """msg_gradient produces different colors for different themes."""
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            rows = ["TEST"]
+
+            # Get result with green theme
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            result_green = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Get result with orange theme
+            config.set_active_theme("orange")
+            result_orange = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Results should be different (different message gradients)
+            assert result_green != result_orange
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_preserves_spacing(self):
+        """msg_gradient preserves spaces in rows."""
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("purple")
+            rows = ["M E S S A G E"]
+
+            result = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Spaces should be preserved
+            assert " " in result[0]
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme
+
+    def test_msg_gradient_empty_rows(self):
+        """msg_gradient handles empty rows correctly."""
+        original_theme = config.ACTIVE_THEME
+
+        try:
+            config.set_active_theme("green")
+            rows = [""]
+
+            result = render.msg_gradient(rows, offset=0.0)
+
+            # Empty row should stay empty
+            assert result == [""]
+        finally:
+            config.ACTIVE_THEME = original_theme

tests/test_themes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,169 @@
+"""
+Tests for engine.themes module.
+"""
+
+import pytest
+
+from engine import themes
+
+
+class TestThemeConstruction:
+    """Tests for Theme class initialization."""
+
+    def test_theme_construction(self):
+        """Theme stores name and gradients correctly."""
+        main_grad = ["color1", "color2", "color3"]
+        msg_grad = ["msg1", "msg2", "msg3"]
+        theme = themes.Theme("test_theme", main_grad, msg_grad)
+
+        assert theme.name == "test_theme"
+        assert theme.main_gradient == main_grad
+        assert theme.message_gradient == msg_grad
+
+
+class TestGradientLength:
+    """Tests for gradient length validation."""
+
+    def test_gradient_length_green(self):
+        """Green theme has exactly 12 colors in each gradient."""
+        green = themes.THEME_REGISTRY["green"]
+        assert len(green.main_gradient) == 12
+        assert len(green.message_gradient) == 12
+
+    def test_gradient_length_orange(self):
+        """Orange theme has exactly 12 colors in each gradient."""
+        orange = themes.THEME_REGISTRY["orange"]
+        assert len(orange.main_gradient) == 12
+        assert len(orange.message_gradient) == 12
+
+    def test_gradient_length_purple(self):
+        """Purple theme has exactly 12 colors in each gradient."""
+        purple = themes.THEME_REGISTRY["purple"]
+        assert len(purple.main_gradient) == 12
+        assert len(purple.message_gradient) == 12
+
+
+class TestThemeRegistry:
+    """Tests for THEME_REGISTRY dictionary."""
+
+    def test_theme_registry_has_three_themes(self):
+        """Registry contains exactly three themes: green, orange, purple."""
+        assert len(themes.THEME_REGISTRY) == 3
+        assert set(themes.THEME_REGISTRY.keys()) == {"green", "orange", "purple"}
+
+    def test_registry_values_are_themes(self):
+        """All registry values are Theme instances."""
+        for theme_id, theme in themes.THEME_REGISTRY.items():
+            assert isinstance(theme, themes.Theme)
+            assert theme.name == theme_id
+
+
+class TestGetTheme:
+    """Tests for get_theme function."""
+
+    def test_get_theme_valid_green(self):
+        """get_theme('green') returns correct green Theme."""
+        green = themes.get_theme("green")
+        assert isinstance(green, themes.Theme)
+        assert green.name == "green"
+
+    def test_get_theme_valid_orange(self):
+        """get_theme('orange') returns correct orange Theme."""
+        orange = themes.get_theme("orange")
+        assert isinstance(orange, themes.Theme)
+        assert orange.name == "orange"
+
+    def test_get_theme_valid_purple(self):
+        """get_theme('purple') returns correct purple Theme."""
+        purple = themes.get_theme("purple")
+        assert isinstance(purple, themes.Theme)
+        assert purple.name == "purple"
+
+    def test_get_theme_invalid(self):
+        """get_theme with invalid ID raises KeyError."""
+        with pytest.raises(KeyError):
+            themes.get_theme("invalid_theme")
+
+    def test_get_theme_invalid_none(self):
+        """get_theme with None raises KeyError."""
+        with pytest.raises(KeyError):
+            themes.get_theme(None)
+
+
+class TestGreenTheme:
+    """Tests for green theme specific values."""
+
+    def test_green_theme_unchanged(self):
+        """Green theme maintains original color sequence."""
+        green = themes.get_theme("green")
+
+        # Expected main gradient: 231→195→123→118→82→46→40→34→28→22→22(dim)→235
+        expected_main = [231, 195, 123, 118, 82, 46, 40, 34, 28, 22, 22, 235]
+        # Expected msg gradient: 231→225→219→213→207→201→165→161→125→89→89(dim)→235
+        expected_msg = [231, 225, 219, 213, 207, 201, 165, 161, 125, 89, 89, 235]
+
+        assert green.main_gradient == expected_main
+        assert green.message_gradient == expected_msg
+
+    def test_green_theme_name(self):
+        """Green theme has correct name."""
+        green = themes.get_theme("green")
+        assert green.name == "green"
+
+
+class TestOrangeTheme:
+    """Tests for orange theme specific values."""
+
+    def test_orange_theme_unchanged(self):
+        """Orange theme maintains original color sequence."""
+        orange = themes.get_theme("orange")
+
+        # Expected main gradient: 231→215→209→208→202→166→130→94→58→94→94(dim)→235
+        expected_main = [231, 215, 209, 208, 202, 166, 130, 94, 58, 94, 94, 235]
+        # Expected msg gradient: 231→195→33→27→21→21→21→18→18→18→18(dim)→235
+        expected_msg = [231, 195, 33, 27, 21, 21, 21, 18, 18, 18, 18, 235]
+
+        assert orange.main_gradient == expected_main
+        assert orange.message_gradient == expected_msg
+
+    def test_orange_theme_name(self):
+        """Orange theme has correct name."""
+        orange = themes.get_theme("orange")
+        assert orange.name == "orange"
+
+
+class TestPurpleTheme:
+    """Tests for purple theme specific values."""
+
+    def test_purple_theme_unchanged(self):
+        """Purple theme maintains original color sequence."""
+        purple = themes.get_theme("purple")
+
+        # Expected main gradient: 231→225→177→171→165→135→129→93→57→57→57(dim)→235
+        expected_main = [231, 225, 177, 171, 165, 135, 129, 93, 57, 57, 57, 235]
+        # Expected msg gradient: 231→226→226→220→220→184→184→178→178→172→172(dim)→235
+        expected_msg = [231, 226, 226, 220, 220, 184, 184, 178, 178, 172, 172, 235]
+
+        assert purple.main_gradient == expected_main
+        assert purple.message_gradient == expected_msg
+
+    def test_purple_theme_name(self):
+        """Purple theme has correct name."""
+        purple = themes.get_theme("purple")
+        assert purple.name == "purple"
+
+
+class TestThemeDataOnly:
+    """Tests to ensure themes module has no problematic imports."""
+
+    def test_themes_module_imports(self):
+        """themes module should be data-only without config/render imports."""
+        import inspect
+        source = inspect.getsource(themes)
+        # Verify no imports of config or render (look for actual import statements)
+        lines = source.split('\n')
+        import_lines = [line for line in lines if line.strip().startswith('import ') or line.strip().startswith('from ')]
+        # Filter out empty and comment lines
+        import_lines = [line for line in import_lines if line.strip() and not line.strip().startswith('#')]
+        # Should have no import lines
+        assert len(import_lines) == 0, f"Found unexpected imports: {import_lines}"