diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 6ee0ef6..193aa82 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -4,6 +4,61 @@ Changes are listed newest first, with an independent version for every individua
 T5/T6 script and each native plugin. Current versions are recorded in
 [versions.json](versions.json); see the [version policy](README.md#versioning).
 
+## 2026-10-14
+
+### Fixed upper-right core HUD and shared service window
+
+| Component | Version | Affected source |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| `tws_t5_common.gsc` | `1.2.0` | `t5/scripts/tws_t5_common.gsc` |
+| `tws_t6_common.gsc` | `1.2.0` | `t6/scripts/tws_t6_common.gsc` |
+| `tws_t5_hud.gsc` | `1.2.0` | `t5/scripts/tws_t5_hud.gsc` |
+| `tws_t6_hud.gsc` | `1.2.0` | `t6/scripts/tws_t6_hud.gsc` |
+| `tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc` | `1.1.0` | `t5/scripts/tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc` |
+| `tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` | `1.1.0` | `t6/scripts/tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` |
+| `tws_t5_afk.gsc` | `1.0.1` | `t5/scripts/tws_t5_afk.gsc` |
+| `tws_t6_afk.gsc` | `1.0.1` | `t6/scripts/tws_t6_afk.gsc` |
+
+- Both engines use a fixed upper-right core panel below the top edge, with
+  `TWS ZOMBIES`, `discord.tws.lol`, side-by-side match/round timers, zombie count,
+  current/maximum HP even at full health, and a full-width health bar. Replace
+  the co-op name row with reserved footer space for the AFK indicator. Core
+  creation on connection supports spectator placeholders without seeding the
+  match clock early. Preserve each engine's timer behavior and frozen clocks at
+  game end; health and zombie-count workers now freeze on both engines as well.
+  Missing max-health values use a display fallback without modifying gameplay health.
+- Common owns one fixed-height service window below the core. Help shows four
+  commands per page for 12 seconds each, in stable order and filtered by loaded
+  modules. `.help` / `.commands` restart at page one. The final page dismisses
+  automatically; opening a service never shifts or resizes the core.
+- Render help with two fixed multiline text columns and a muted command-column
+  backdrop. The service uses 19 nonarchived HUD elements regardless of command
+  or page count; the core and AFK use 15 + 1 archived elements. Reuse text and
+  numeric displays instead of allocating elements for every command/page.
+- Records use the same window, with a prominent round, page count, replay hint,
+  and up to three holder lines per page. Abbreviate overlong individual names
+  without splitting UTF-8 characters; retain every tied holder across bounded
+  lines and pages. Help pauses records and resumes their remaining page time;
+  `.leaders` during help replaces the pending record from page one. Unavailable
+  records are distinct from an empty recorded history. Help and records remain
+  private and work without the HUD module. Reused elements and request state
+  protect newer displays from stale timers and clean up on disconnect/game end.
+- Compatibility: HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0`, and AFK `1.0.1` require the
+  matching game's common `1.2.0+`. Existing common helper signatures remain
+  available for unchanged consumers. No new native-plugin, backend or external
+  dependency requirement; existing leaderboard HTTP/JSON requirements still apply.
+  Both T5 and T6 receive companion implementations adapted to their engines.
+- Deployment: copy each game's matching common, HUD, leaderboard and AFK scripts
+  that are installed, then restart the map. No plugin update or full server-process
+  restart is required for this change. No deployment performed.
+- Validation: `node tools/check_hud.mjs` passed 8 core and 35 service checks;
+  `node tools/check_leaderboard.mjs` passed 143 checks, `node tools/check_bank.mjs`
+  passed 42 fixture groups, `node tools/check_join.mjs` passed 17 checks, and
+  `node tools/check_telemetry.mjs` passed 23 checks. These use engine shims.
+  No local GSC compiler or PowerShell was available; GSC compilation and live
+  Windows/Plutonium validation remain required. Follow the
+  [HUD validation guide](README.md#hud-validation) before rollout.
+
 ## 2026-10-13
 
 ### Shorter Discord URL
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 563f42f..207de54 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -359,16 +359,87 @@ For this upgrade also verify stale URL settings are ignored, an empty `.b`
 shows zero, `.w all` reports insufficient balance, and an EC rebuild/removal
 settles legacy and public journals without duplicate ledger entries or lost points.
 
+## Core HUD and service window (T5 and T6)
+
+The HUD uses a fixed upper-right panel below the top edge, leaving room above
+for performance overlays and below for stock player scores, ammo and equipment.
+The header contains `TWS ZOMBIES` and `discord.tws.lol`; match and round timers
+share the next row. Zombie count and current/maximum HP sit above a full-width
+health bar. HP numbers remain visible at full health. A reserved footer holds
+the AFK indicator; the former co-op player-name row is removed.
+
+The core is created once per connection and stays in place when services open,
+across death and respawn, and while newcomers spectate. Unavailable values use
+placeholders until the first-spawn callback binds the data displays. Creating the
+panel does not start the match clock. Each engine retains its timer behavior;
+clocks, health and zombie-count displays freeze at game over. Health display
+fallbacks never modify gameplay max health.
+
+Common owns one fixed-height service window directly below the core. `.help`
+and its `.commands` alias show four commands per page, with command and
+description columns plus a page count. Pages advance automatically every
+12 seconds and close after the last page. Repeating either command restarts
+page one. The order is `.help`, `.afk`, `.back`, `.join`, `.leaders`, `.b`, `.d`,
+`.w`, omitting commands whose modules are not registered. The `.join` description
+continues to identify its newcomer restriction.
+
+Records use the same service window. Help pauses a visible record and resumes
+its remaining page time when help ends. `.leaders` during help replaces the
+pending record with a fresh replay from page one. One service is visible at a
+time, and neither changes the core's position or height. Services are private
+to the requesting player and work when the HUD module is omitted.
+
+Install HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0` and AFK `1.0.1` with the matching
+game's common `1.2.0+`; update the installed scripts together and restart the map.
+There is no new native-plugin or backend requirement, and this change does not
+require a full server-process restart. Existing leaderboard plugin requirements
+still apply. Unchanged modules retain their existing common helper interfaces.
+
+### HUD validation
+
+Run `node tools/check_hud.mjs` for portable pagination, service arbitration,
+request replacement and cleanup checks, and `node tools/check_leaderboard.mjs`
+for record data handling. Run `node tools/check_bank.mjs`,
+`node tools/check_join.mjs` and `node tools/check_telemetry.mjs` for unchanged
+command/lifecycle regressions. These
+checks use engine shims and do not prove GSC VM behavior. Follow the
+[T6 compiler instructions](t6/scripts/README.md#validation); T5 requires a live
+Plutonium server because gsc-tool has no T5 backend.
+
+Before rollout, validate both engines in Plutonium:
+
+1. Check 16:9 and narrower/wider resolutions, safe-area settings, long match
+   timers, stock map inventory/objectives, performance overlays, player scores,
+   ammo and interaction prompts. The core and service panels must stay clear of
+   these areas and retain their geometry for every page.
+2. Join before spawning, join mid-match, die/respawn and reconnect. Verify one
+   core per player, spectator placeholders, no early match-clock start, correct
+   health/Juggernog changes, and frozen timers at game over. Toggle AFK and back
+   without overlapping the health bar or changing existing protection behavior.
+3. Open `.help`, `.HELP` and `.commands` with all modules installed. Verify two
+   pages of four commands, 12 seconds per page and automatic dismissal. Repeat
+   on page two to return to page one. Remove optional modules and restart the
+   map to confirm filtered pages, then restore them.
+4. Interrupt records with help and check that the interrupted page resumes for
+   its remaining time. Repeat `.leaders` while help is open; only the latest
+   replay should start, at page one. Check long holder names, ties spanning
+   pages, no records, and unavailable records. Repeat without the HUD installed.
+5. Disconnect or end the game while help/records are active, reconnect and
+   request them again. Verify no duplicate elements, stale timeout closures or
+   surviving service windows. Confirm `.join`, bank commands and lobby lock
+   retain their existing behavior with their required modules installed.
+
 ## Map record announcements
 
 Install `tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc` for T5 or `tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` for T6,
-**along with the updated common module** for that game.
-The new module privately announces the current map's fleet-wide highest recorded
+**along with common `1.2.0+`** for that game when using leaderboard `1.1.0`.
+The module privately announces the current map's fleet-wide highest recorded
 round and every tied holder once per connection, including spectator newcomers.
 Type `.leaders` to replay the record privately from the latest usable cache.
 Repeating the command restarts the announcement from its first page. It appears
 in `.help` when the leaderboard module is enabled. If no usable record is
-available, the command asks you to try again shortly.
+available, the service window identifies the record as unavailable and keeps
+the `.leaders` retry reminder; this differs from a valid empty record history.
 It reads Electric Cherry's public `/api/leaderboard` endpoint without a token;
 only completed matches contribute. Ties may come from the same run or separate
 runs. Names are the API's latest player names, with players identified by GUID.
@@ -390,13 +461,17 @@ exist in the API's map list and match the current game and engine map. Clear it
 when changing variants; restart the map after changing these settings.
 
 The announcement starts five seconds after player readiness and waits for the
-initial record fetch if necessary. It appears in the same HUD area as `.help`,
-below the health bar, with a heading such as `Record: Round 23` and holder names
-underneath. Each page shows up to three holder lines for 12 seconds. Opening
-`.help` hides the record and pauses its display time until help closes.
-All holders are included; colour/control codes are removed, and unusually long
-names are shortened to keep messages readable. HUD elements are removed when
-the announcement finishes, the player disconnects, or the game ends.
+initial record fetch if necessary. It appears in the common-owned service
+window beneath the core, with a `MAP RECORD` heading, prominent round value,
+holder names, page count and `.leaders` replay hint. Each page shows up to three
+holder lines for 12 seconds. Opening `.help` pauses the record's remaining
+page time until help closes. A `.leaders` request during help replaces any
+pending replay and starts from page one after help closes.
+All holders are included; colour/control codes are removed, and overlong
+individual names are abbreviated without splitting UTF-8 characters. Bounded
+lines and additional pages preserve every tied holder. The window hides when the
+announcement finishes and its elements are reused for subsequent services.
+Disconnect or game end cleans up service elements.
 
 One level worker fetches the map list and pages of three players, stopping when
 the highest-round tie ends. Successful snapshots refresh every five minutes.
diff --git a/t5/scripts/NOTES.md b/t5/scripts/NOTES.md
index b99bf69..eebd334 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/NOTES.md
+++ b/t5/scripts/NOTES.md
@@ -32,9 +32,11 @@ before copying the renamed scripts.
 - **`SetTimerUp(N)` only ticks when `N == 0`** on T5 SP. Non-zero seeds
   render "0:00" but don't advance. Late joiners see 0, not real elapsed;
   authoritative elapsed lives in `level.match_start_time`.
-- **Dynamic text: use `SetValue`, not `SetText`.** `SetText` allocates a
-  config string per call; per-tick rebuilds overflow and take the server
-  down. Composite strings like `"87/160"` are three elements.
+- **Dynamic numbers use `SetValue`.** Repeatedly generating unique strings
+  risks exhausting the text config-string pool; identical strings can be reused
+  by the engine's [string lookup](https://github.com/MisaDev4/bo1-zombies-decompiled/blob/102f6992be332610aff587e681e3180b15f395bb/src/game_mp/g_utils_mp.cpp#L46).
+  Composite HP uses numeric elements around a static slash. Help updates two
+  multiline columns only on page changes, and record rows skip unchanged text.
 - **`NewClientHudElem(player)`, not `NewHudElem()`.** `NewHudElem` is
   globally owned; in co-op every player's HUD draws on top of every other
   player's. Fall back to `NewHudElem` only if elements don't render at all
@@ -56,18 +58,40 @@ before copying the renamed scripts.
   Many BO1 maps pre-set `round_number = 1` at init, so the round watcher
   fires on transitions only and the timer row seeds on first spawn as a
   fallback.
+- **Connection-time HUD creation must not seed clocks.** The upper-right core
+  is available to waiting spectators with placeholders. Timer updates retain
+  their existing spawn/round lifecycle, independently of element creation.
+- **One service window per player.** Common owns fixed geometry, ordered
+  four-command help pages, record display state and cleanup. Help pauses record
+  page time; `.leaders` during help replaces the pending replay from page one.
+  Keep both services independent of the HUD module. The core never moves or
+  resizes when a service opens, and the AFK indicator uses its reserved footer.
+- **Bound HUD element counts, including hidden elements.** Core + AFK use
+  15 + 1 archived elements; the service uses 19 nonarchived elements regardless
+  of command/page count. Help reuses two multiline columns and one muted column
+  backdrop. Hiding an element does not free its slot. The
+  [BO1 HUD update](https://github.com/MisaDev4/bo1-zombies-decompiled/blob/102f6992be332610aff587e681e3180b15f395bb/src/game/g_hudelem.cpp#L2596)
+  shows 31 slots per bucket; this is not proof of current Plutonium stock HUD
+  usage, which still needs live validation.
 - **Game-over trigger is level-scope, raced across three candidate
   notifies** (`end_game` / `game_ended` / `intermission`) since BO1 maps
   are inconsistent. Per-player triggers do not work — `self waittill("death")`
   is intercepted by the zombiemode scripts before it reaches our scope, and
   polling `self.health` misses the zero-crossing (health is rewritten during
   the game-over sequence).
+
+HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0` and AFK `1.0.1` require matching common `1.2.0+`.
+Install the changed scripts together and restart the map. There is no new
+native-plugin/backend dependency or full server-process restart requirement.
+Run the [shared HUD checks](../../README.md#hud-validation); portable fixtures
+do not replace T5 live loading, layout and lifecycle validation.
+
 ## Module map
 
 | File | Role | Fires notifies | Reads notifies |
 |---|---|---|---|
-| `tws_t5_common` | Shared config, HUD helpers, `.help` registry, spawn-handler registry, single connect listener + dispatcher | — | `say` |
-| `tws_t5_hud`    | Timer row, zombie count, health bar | `hud_round_changed`, `hud_match_started`, `hud_game_over` | (internal) |
+| `tws_t5_common` | Shared config, HUD helpers, paginated `.help`, service window, spawn-handler registry, single connect listener + dispatcher | — | `say`, game-end notifications |
+| `tws_t5_hud`    | Upper-right core: branding, timer row, zombie count, HP and health bar | `hud_round_changed`, `hud_match_started`, `hud_game_over` | (internal) |
 | `tws_t5_afk`    | `.afk` / `.back` chat toggle, owns its [AFK] indicator | — | — |
 | `tws_t5_join`   | `.join` for spectators who have not played on this connection | — | `say`, `end_game`, `game_ended`, `intermission` |
 | `tws_t5_lock`   | Lobby `g_password` lock at milestone round (`tws_lock_round`, default 20) | — | `hud_round_changed`, `hud_game_over` |
diff --git a/t5/scripts/README.md b/t5/scripts/README.md
index 38e87a5..d720f74 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/README.md
+++ b/t5/scripts/README.md
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ Platform quirks and deploy commands: [NOTES.md](NOTES.md).
 
 | File | Role |
 |---|---|
-| [tws_t5_common.gsc](tws_t5_common.gsc) | Shared config, HUD helpers, `.help`, connect/spawn registries, single `connected` listener + dispatcher |
-| [tws_t5_hud.gsc](tws_t5_hud.gsc)       | Top-left Discord URL, timers, zombie count, health bar |
+| [tws_t5_common.gsc](tws_t5_common.gsc) | Shared config, HUD helpers, paginated `.help`, service window, connect/spawn registries, single `connected` listener + dispatcher |
+| [tws_t5_hud.gsc](tws_t5_hud.gsc)       | Fixed upper-right core: branding, timers, zombie count, current/maximum HP and health bar |
 | [tws_t5_afk.gsc](tws_t5_afk.gsc)       | `.afk` / `.back` chat toggle + `[AFK]` indicator |
 | [tws_t5_join.gsc](tws_t5_join.gsc)     | `.join` lets newcomers spawn before the current round ends |
 | [tws_t5_lock.gsc](tws_t5_lock.gsc)     | Lobby `g_password` lock at a milestone round |
@@ -54,14 +54,24 @@ requests or journal writes, preserving existing strings exactly. Missing or
 invalid identities fail privately without changing points. Follow the shared
 [identity and deployment checks](../../README.md#bank-identity-validation).
 
-## Persistent Discord text
+## Core HUD and service window
 
-The HUD shows `https://discord.tws.lol` in small muted-gray text
-at the top-left, including for newcomers waiting in spectator mode. The label
-is created once per connection and persists across death and respawn. The
-gameplay HUD starts one line lower, keeping timers, help and records clear.
-Install HUD `1.1.2` with common `1.1.0` or later, then restart the map; no plugin
-update or full server-process restart is required.
+The fixed upper-right core shows `TWS ZOMBIES`, `discord.tws.lol`, side-by-side
+match/round timers, zombie count, current/maximum HP and a full-width health bar.
+HP stays visible at full health. A reserved footer holds the AFK indicator;
+there is no co-op name row. The core is created once per connection, including
+for spectator newcomers with placeholders until values are available. Creation
+does not seed the match clock. It persists across death and respawn.
+Clocks, health and zombie-count displays freeze at game over. Health fallbacks
+only affect the display and never modify gameplay max health.
+
+Common provides one fixed-height service window beneath the core for help or
+records. Services never move or resize the core. They remain private and work
+without the HUD module installed. See the [shared layout and validation guide](../../README.md#core-hud-and-service-window-t5-and-t6).
+
+Install HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0` and AFK `1.0.1` with common `1.2.0+`.
+Update the installed scripts together and restart the map; this change requires
+no new plugin/backend dependency or full server-process restart.
 
 ## Map record announcements
 
@@ -83,8 +93,10 @@ apply to both games.
 Type `.help` or `.commands` in chat to see available player commands and a short description.
 The response is visible only to the requesting player and works while spectating,
 before the first spawn. Commands are case-insensitive.
-Help appears below the health bar for 12 seconds, clear of the timers, zombie
-counter and health display. Typing either command again restarts that display time.
+Help uses the service window below the core. It shows four commands per page,
+advances automatically every 12 seconds and closes after the last page. The
+panel retains its height on short pages. Typing either command again returns to
+page one with a fresh timer.
 
 | Command | Effect |
 |---|---|
@@ -93,12 +105,17 @@ counter and health display. Typing either command again restarts that display ti
 | `.back` | Return from AFK |
 | `.join` | Join mid-round (newcomers only) |
 | `.leaders` | Show the map record again (leaderboard module required) |
+| `.b` | Check bank balance (bank module required) |
+| `.d <amount\|all>` | Deposit points (bank module required) |
+| `.w <amount\|all>` | Withdraw points (bank module required) |
 
-Each module registers its own help entries; removing AFK or join also removes
-those entries from `.help` after a map restart.
+Each module registers its own help entries. Commands follow the order above,
+independent of initialization order; removing a module also removes its entries
+from `.help` after a map restart.
 The enabled leaderboard module registers `.leaders`, which replays the latest
 cached map record privately. Repeating it restarts the record from the first page;
-help temporarily hides the record until its own display ends.
+help pauses the record's remaining page time and resumes it after the final
+help page. `.leaders` during help replaces the pending record replay from page one.
 
 ## Dependency graph
 
@@ -148,16 +165,18 @@ graph BT
 
 ## tws_t5_common.gsc
 
-Hub file. Shared config, HUD helpers, spawn-handler registry, and the
+Hub file. Shared config, HUD helpers, service window, spawn-handler registry, and the
 single `level waittill("connected")` in the fleet. Adding a second
 connect listener anywhere else crashes the T5 SP handshake.
 
 **Features**
-- Shared HUD constants: `level.hud_x`, `hud_y`, `hud_row_*`, `hud_col_*`,
-  `hud_font_*`, `hud_bar_*`, `hud_c_*`, `hud_rate`, `hud_health_threshold`
+- Shared HUD constants for panel geometry, rows/columns, fonts, health bar,
+  colors and update rate
 - Spawn-handler registry
 - Connection-handler registry for optional modules that serve spectator newcomers
-- `.help` listener and help registry populated by installed command modules
+- `.help` / `.commands` listener and ordered help registry populated by installed modules
+- One reusable service window per player, with help/record pagination,
+  interruption/resume, request replacement and disconnect/game-end cleanup
 - Connect listener + per-player dispatch: iterates
   `level.tws_spawn_handlers` after `spawned_player` and threads each on
   the player
@@ -172,6 +191,9 @@ connect listener anywhere else crashes the T5 SP handshake.
 | `register_help_command(command, description)` | Adds a player command to `.help`; call from the owning module's `init()` |
 | `make_text_elem(p, x, y, ax, s, c)`| `NewClientHudElem` text element with black-glow outline |
 | `make_shader_elem(p, x, y)`        | `NewClientHudElem` shader element |
+| `make_panel_text(p, x, y, ax, s, c)` | Text positioned relative to the fixed upper-right core origin |
+| `make_panel_shader(p, x, y, w, h, c, alpha, sort)` | Background/bar shader positioned relative to the core origin |
+| `show_record(snapshot)` | Replace the player's record service request; an undefined snapshot shows unavailable |
 | `destroy_on_disconnect(elems)`     | Waits on `disconnect`, destroys the array |
 | `int_dvar_or(name, fallback)`      | Parse an integer dvar with default |
 | `format_mmss(elapsed_ms)`          | Format milliseconds as `M:SS` |
@@ -180,27 +202,33 @@ connect listener anywhere else crashes the T5 SP handshake.
 
 **Live validation (requires a T5 server)**
 
-1. Type `.help` and `.HELP` while playing and while spectating before the first
-   spawn. Verify all four descriptions appear below the health bar, only for the
-   requesting player. Take damage so health numbers are visible and check that
-   they do not cover the help text.
+1. Type `.help`, `.HELP` and `.commands` while playing and spectating before the
+   first spawn. Verify four commands per page in the service window, private to
+   the requesting player. Check that full and damaged HP remain visible above it.
 2. Remove AFK or join, restart the map, and verify its entries disappear while
    `.help` and the remaining commands still work. Restore the scripts afterward.
-3. Repeat `.help` before 12 seconds elapse; verify one list stays visible for
-   12 seconds after the latest request, then hides. Reopen it after expiry,
-   die/respawn and reconnect; verify no duplicate text or leftover help elements.
+3. Verify pages advance every 12 seconds and close after the last page. Repeat
+   `.help` on a later page and check that it restarts page one. Interrupt a record
+   with help and verify remaining page time resumes; repeat `.leaders` during
+   help and verify only the latest replay starts from page one.
+4. Reopen after expiry, die/respawn and reconnect; verify no duplicate text or
+   leftover elements. Repeat without the HUD module. Follow the complete
+   [HUD validation guide](../../README.md#hud-validation) before rollout.
 
 ---
 
 ## tws_t5_hud.gsc
 
-Bottom-left cluster. Per-player elements spawn via `::hud_start`.
+Fixed upper-right core panel. Per-player elements are created on connection;
+gameplay updates start through the existing spawn lifecycle.
 
 **Features**
 - Match timer + round timer (round resets each round, both freeze on game over)
-- Player-name row (only visible in co-op)
+- `TWS ZOMBIES` / `discord.tws.lol` header and reserved AFK footer
 - Zombies-remaining counter
-- Health bar with green / amber / red ramp; numbers fade in below full HP
+- Full-width health bar with green / amber / red ramp; current/maximum HP
+  remains visible at full health
+- Spectator placeholders without starting the match clock on connection
 - Round-transition and game-over notify machinery
 
 **Provides**
@@ -214,22 +242,24 @@ Bottom-left cluster. Per-player elements spawn via `::hud_start`.
 
 Spawn handler registered: `::hud_start` — threads `hud_timer_row`,
 `hud_zombie_counter`, `hud_health_display`.
+Connection handler registered: `::hud_connect` — creates the core with placeholders
+without seeding clocks; `hud_start` calls it as a fallback if needed.
 
 **Depends on**
-- `scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::` — `ensure_config`, `make_text_elem`,
-  `make_shader_elem`, `destroy_on_disconnect`, `format_mmss`,
-  `register_spawn_handler`
+- `scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::` — `ensure_config`, `make_panel_text`,
+  `make_panel_shader`, `destroy_on_disconnect`, `format_mmss`,
+  `register_spawn_handler`, `register_connect_handler`
 - Every `level.hud_*` config value from `tws_t5_common`
 - Stock BO1 state: `level.round_number`, `level.zombie_total`,
-  `level.players`, `self.health`, `self.maxhealth`, `self.name` /
-  `self.playername`, AI entities' `.animname` and `.ignore_enemy_count`
+  `level.players`, `self.health`, `self.maxhealth`, AI entities' `.animname`
+  and `.ignore_enemy_count`
 
 ---
 
 ## tws_t5_afk.gsc
 
-Self-invoked pause mode. Owns the `[AFK]` indicator element entirely — HUD
-module has zero knowledge of AFK.
+Self-invoked pause mode. Owns the `[AFK]` indicator element, positioned in the
+core's reserved footer through common layout values. It does not require HUD.
 
 **Features**
 - Chat commands `.afk` and `.back` (via `level waittill("say")` — not
@@ -247,10 +277,9 @@ module has zero knowledge of AFK.
 - Level var: `level.afk_grace_seconds` (default 2)
 
 **Depends on**
-- `scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::` — `ensure_config`, `make_text_elem`,
+- `scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::` — `ensure_config`, `make_panel_text`,
   `destroy_on_disconnect`, `register_spawn_handler`, `register_help_command`
-- Shared config: `level.hud_x`, `level.hud_row_match`,
-  `level.hud_font_small`, `level.hud_c_afk`
+- Shared config: core footer position, `level.hud_font_small`, `level.hud_c_afk`
 - Stock BO1: `enableInvulnerability`, `disableInvulnerability`,
   `freezeControls`, `.ignoreme`, `level waittill("say", message, player)`
 
diff --git a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_afk.gsc b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_afk.gsc
index 50ef3a0..36aeb75 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_afk.gsc
+++ b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_afk.gsc
@@ -50,9 +50,9 @@ afk_spawn()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
-    afk = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x + 42, level.hud_row_match,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_afk);
+    afk = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_panel_text(
+        self, level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_afk,
+        "left", level.hud_font_afk, level.hud_c_afk);
     afk SetText("[AFK]");
     afk.alpha = 0;
     self.hud_afk_elem = afk;
diff --git a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_common.gsc b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_common.gsc
index 5bf7f81..c43cdc5 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_common.gsc
+++ b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_common.gsc
@@ -3,6 +3,11 @@
 #include maps\_utility;
 #include common_scripts\utility;
 
+main()
+{
+    precacheShader("white");
+}
+
 init()
 {
     if (GetDvar(#"zombiemode") != "1")
@@ -11,6 +16,9 @@ init()
     common_config();
 
     register_help_command(".help", "List available commands");
+    level thread service_game_over_via("end_game");
+    level thread service_game_over_via("game_ended");
+    level thread service_game_over_via("intermission");
     level thread help_chat_listener();
     level thread on_player_connect_dispatch();
 }
@@ -20,41 +28,50 @@ common_config()
     if (isDefined(level.hud_x))
         return;
 
-    // Anchor the gameplay stack below the persistent Discord line.
+    // Existing generic helpers retain their screen-anchor conventions. Panels
+    // use their own right-edge origin and never push stock HUD areas around.
     level.hud_x = 10;
     level.hud_y = 30;
-
-    level.hud_row_match  = level.hud_y;
-    level.hud_row_round  = level.hud_y + 15;
-    level.hud_row_name   = level.hud_y + 32;
-    level.hud_row_count  = level.hud_y + 54;
-    level.hud_row_bar    = level.hud_y + 84;
-
-    level.hud_font_small = 1.4;
-    level.hud_font_large = 2.0;
-    level.hud_font_mid   = 1.6;
-
-    level.hud_bar_width  = 120;
-    level.hud_bar_height = 8;
-
-    level.hud_col_count  = level.hud_x + 90;
-    level.hud_col_name   = level.hud_x + 60;
-    level.hud_col_health = level.hud_x + level.hud_bar_width + 12;
-
-    level.hud_rate = 0.1;
-
-    // green/amber/red ramp is health-only
-    level.hud_c_label = (0.85, 0.85, 0.85);
-    level.hud_c_dim   = (0.55, 0.55, 0.55);
-    level.hud_c_count = (1, 1, 1);
-    level.hud_c_name  = (0.4, 0.9, 0.5);
-    level.hud_c_high  = (0.2, 1, 0.4);
-    level.hud_c_mid   = (1, 0.8, 0);
-    level.hud_c_low   = (1, 0.2, 0.2);
-    level.hud_c_afk   = (1, 0.8, 0.2);
-
-    // numbers fade in below this fraction of max hp
+    // Retain the legacy fields for consumers of the original common config.
+    // The panel renderers below use dedicated row/column offsets instead.
+    level.hud_row_match = level.hud_y;
+    level.hud_row_round = level.hud_y + 15;
+    level.hud_row_name = level.hud_y + 32;
+    level.hud_row_count = level.hud_y + 54;
+    level.hud_col_count = level.hud_x + 90;
+    level.hud_col_name = level.hud_x + 60;
+    level.hud_col_health = level.hud_x + 120 + 12;
     level.hud_health_threshold = 1.0;
+    level.hud_panel_right = 10;
+    level.hud_panel_top = 42;
+    level.hud_panel_width = 220;
+    level.hud_core_height = 100;
+    level.hud_service_y = 108;
+    level.hud_service_height = 124;
+    level.hud_pad = 10;
+    level.hud_row_header = 10;
+    level.hud_row_timers = 34;
+    level.hud_row_stats = 59;
+    level.hud_row_bar = 80;
+    level.hud_row_afk = 86;
+
+    level.hud_font_small = 1.1;
+    level.hud_font_large = 1.6;
+    level.hud_font_mid = 1.25;
+    level.hud_font_afk = 1.0;
+    level.hud_bar_width = 200;
+    level.hud_bar_height = 4;
+    level.hud_rate = 0.1;
+    level.hud_c_panel = (0.07, 0.10, 0.08);
+    level.hud_panel_alpha = 0.72;
+    level.hud_c_label = (0.72, 0.77, 0.74);
+    level.hud_c_dim = (0.65, 0.70, 0.67);
+    level.hud_c_count = (0.93, 0.96, 0.94);
+    level.hud_c_name = (0.65, 0.85, 0.70);
+    level.hud_c_high = (0.65, 0.85, 0.70);
+    level.hud_c_mid = (1, 0.8, 0);
+    level.hud_c_low = (1, 0.2, 0.2);
+    level.hud_c_afk = (1, 0.8, 0.2);
 
     if (!isDefined(level.tws_spawn_handlers))
         level.tws_spawn_handlers = [];
@@ -111,58 +128,356 @@ help_chat_listener()
     }
 }
 
+// A single per-player controller owns service priority, pages and expiry.
 show_help()
 {
-    // Cache the text per connection; repeated SetText calls consume config strings.
-    if (!isDefined(self.tws_help_elems))
-    {
-        elems = [];
-        // Use the same anchors as the HUD, with room below the health numbers.
-        y = level.hud_row_bar + level.hud_bar_height + 20;
-        title = make_text_elem(self, level.hud_x, y,
-            "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_afk);
-        title SetText("Commands");
-        elems[elems.size] = title;
+    if (isDefined(level.tws_service_ended))
+        return;
+    self service_ensure();
+    state = self.tws_service;
+    service_advance(state, getTime());
+    state.generation++;
+    state.help = service_request("help", service_page_count(state.commands.size, 4), state.generation);
+    service_render(state);
+}
 
+// An undefined snapshot is the explicit unavailable view for manual requests.
+show_record(snapshot)
+{
+    if (isDefined(level.tws_service_ended))
+        return;
+    self service_ensure();
+    state = self.tws_service;
+    service_advance(state, getTime());
+    count = 0;
+    if (isDefined(snapshot))
+        count = snapshot.lines.size;
+    state.generation++;
+    state.record = service_request("record", service_page_count(count, 3), state.generation);
+    state.record.snapshot = snapshot;
+    service_render(state);
+}
+
+service_page_count(count, rows)
+{
+    return int((max(count, 1) + rows - 1) / rows);
+}
+
+service_request(kind, pages, generation)
+{
+    request = spawnStruct();
+    request.kind = kind;
+    request.generation = generation;
+    request.page = 0;
+    request.pages = pages;
+    request.remaining = 12000;
+    return request;
+}
+
+service_current(state)
+{
+    if (isDefined(state.help))
+        return state.help;
+    return state.record;
+}
+
+service_advance(state, now)
+{
+    elapsed = max(0, now - state.updated_at);
+    state.updated_at = now;
+    request = service_current(state);
+    if (!isDefined(request) || state.closed)
+        return;
+
+    // Only the visible request consumes time. Help leaves the record untouched.
+    request.remaining -= elapsed;
+    if (request.remaining > 0)
+        return;
+    request.page++;
+    request.remaining = 12000;
+    if (request.page >= request.pages)
+    {
+        if (request.kind == "help")
+            state.help = undefined;
+        else
+            state.record = undefined;
+    }
+}
+
+// Stable order is independent of module initialization order; absent commands
+// stay absent. Unknown future commands follow the built-in ones in registry order.
+help_rank(command)
+{
+    if (command == ".help") return 0;
+    if (command == ".afk") return 1;
+    if (command == ".back") return 2;
+    if (command == ".join") return 3;
+    if (command == ".leaders") return 4;
+    if (command == ".b") return 5;
+    if (command.size >= 3 && getSubStr(command, 0, 3) == ".d ") return 6;
+    if (command.size >= 3 && getSubStr(command, 0, 3) == ".w ") return 7;
+    return 8;
+}
+
+help_entries()
+{
+    entries = [];
+    if (!isDefined(level.tws_help_commands))
+        return entries;
+    for (rank = 0; rank <= 8; rank++)
+    {
         for (i = 0; i < level.tws_help_commands.size; i++)
         {
             entry = level.tws_help_commands[i];
-            elem = make_text_elem(self, level.hud_x, y + 22 + i * 18,
-                "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_count);
-            elem SetText("^3" + entry.command + "^7 - " + entry.description);
-            elems[elems.size] = elem;
+            if (help_rank(entry.command) == rank)
+                entries[entries.size] = entry;
         }
-
-        self.tws_help_elems = elems;
-        self thread destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
     }
-
-    for (i = 0; i < self.tws_help_elems.size; i++)
-    {
-        elem = self.tws_help_elems[i];
-        elem.alpha = 1;
-    }
-
-    // Only the expiry timer is replaced; the say listener and cleanup stay alive.
-    self notify("tws_help_refresh");
-    self thread hide_help_after_delay();
+    return entries;
 }
 
-hide_help_after_delay()
+help_command_label(command)
+{
+    rank = help_rank(command);
+    if (rank == 6) return ".d <n|all>";
+    if (rank == 7) return ".w <n|all>";
+    return command;
+}
+
+help_description(entry)
+{
+    rank = help_rank(entry.command);
+    if (rank == 0) return "Show commands";
+    if (rank == 1) return "Enable protection";
+    if (rank == 2) return "Return to play";
+    if (rank == 3) return "Join as newcomer";
+    if (rank == 4) return "View records";
+    if (rank == 5) return "Check balance";
+    if (rank == 6) return "Deposit points";
+    if (rank == 7) return "Withdraw points";
+    return entry.description;
+}
+
+service_ensure()
+{
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_service))
+        return;
+    ensure_config();
+    state = spawnStruct();
+    state.elems = [];
+    state.commands = help_entries();
+    state.help = undefined;
+    state.record = undefined;
+    state.closed = false;
+    state.updated_at = getTime();
+    state.rendered = false;
+    state.generation = 0;
+    state.last_generation = 0;
+    state.last_page = -1;
+    state.record_text = [];
+    state.help_page = -1;
+    state.rows = [];
+    self.tws_service = state;
+
+    y = level.hud_service_y;
+    state.background = make_panel_shader(self, 0, y, level.hud_panel_width,
+        level.hud_service_height, level.hud_c_panel, level.hud_panel_alpha, 0);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = state.background;
+    state.help_title = service_text(self, state, 10, 10, "left", 1.1, "COMMANDS", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.record_title = service_text(self, state, 10, 10, "left", 1.1, "MAP RECORD", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.help_footer = service_text(self, state, 10, 108, "left", 0.9,
+        "Four commands per page", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.record_footer = service_text(self, state, 10, 108, "left", 0.9,
+        "Briefly shown - .leaders to view again", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_number = service_text(self, state, 178, 10, "right", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_slash = service_text(self, state, 184, 10, "center", 1.1, "/", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_total = service_text(self, state, 210, 10, "right", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_dim);
+    // Two fixed text columns keep the HUD element budget independent of the
+    // command count. Strings change only at page boundaries, never per tick.
+    state.command_back = make_panel_shader(self, 10, y + 30, 65, 68,
+        (0.16, 0.19, 0.17), 0.9, 5);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = state.command_back;
+    state.command_column = service_text(self, state, 14, 31,
+        "left", 1.0, "", level.hud_c_name);
+    state.description_column = service_text(self, state, 81, 31,
+        "left", 1.0, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.round_label = service_text(self, state, 10, 32, "left", 1.1, "ROUND", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.round_number = service_text(self, state, 54, 27, "left", 1.9, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.holders_label = service_text(self, state, 10, 52, "left", 1.0, "RECORD HOLDERS", level.hud_c_label);
+    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
+        state.rows[i] = service_text(self, state, 10, 65 + i * 13,
+            "left", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.empty = service_text(self, state, 10, 40, "left", 1.1,
+        "No recorded high round yet", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.unavailable = service_text(self, state, 10, 40, "left", 1.1,
+        "Map record unavailable", level.hud_c_count);
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+    {
+        state.elems[i].alpha = 0;
+        // Keep temporary private services out of the archived HUD bucket.
+        // Hidden elements still occupy slots; do not allocate one per page.
+        state.elems[i].archived = false;
+    }
+
+    self thread service_loop(state);
+    self thread service_disconnect(state);
+    self thread service_end_game(state);
+}
+
+service_text(player, state, x, y, align, scale, text, colour)
+{
+    elem = make_panel_text(player, x, level.hud_service_y + y, align, scale, colour);
+    elem.alpha = 0;
+    if (text != "")
+        elem SetText(text);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = elem;
+    return elem;
+}
+
+service_render(state)
+{
+    if (state.closed)
+        return;
+    request = service_current(state);
+    page = -1;
+    generation = 0;
+    if (isDefined(request))
+    {
+        page = request.page;
+        generation = request.generation;
+    }
+    if (state.rendered && state.last_generation == generation && state.last_page == page)
+        return;
+    state.rendered = true;
+    state.last_generation = generation;
+    state.last_page = page;
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+        state.elems[i].alpha = 0;
+    if (!isDefined(request))
+        return;
+
+    state.background.alpha = level.hud_panel_alpha;
+    state.page_number SetValue(page + 1);
+    state.page_total SetValue(request.pages);
+    state.page_number.alpha = 1;
+    state.page_slash.alpha = 1;
+    state.page_total.alpha = 1;
+    if (request.kind == "help")
+    {
+        state.help_title.alpha = 1;
+        state.help_footer.alpha = 1;
+        if (state.help_page != page)
+        {
+            command_text = "";
+            description_text = "";
+            for (i = 0; i < 4; i++)
+            {
+                index = page * 4 + i;
+                if (index < state.commands.size)
+                {
+                    if (i > 0)
+                    {
+                        command_text += "\n";
+                        description_text += "\n";
+                    }
+                    entry = state.commands[index];
+                    command_text += help_command_label(entry.command);
+                    description_text += help_description(entry);
+                }
+            }
+            state.command_column SetText(command_text);
+            state.description_column SetText(description_text);
+            state.help_page = page;
+        }
+        state.command_back.alpha = 0.9;
+        state.command_column.alpha = 1;
+        state.description_column.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    state.record_title.alpha = 1;
+    state.record_footer.alpha = 1;
+    snapshot = request.snapshot;
+    if (!isDefined(snapshot))
+    {
+        state.unavailable.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+    if (snapshot.round == 0)
+    {
+        state.empty.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+    state.round_label.alpha = 1;
+    state.round_number SetValue(snapshot.round);
+    state.round_number.alpha = 1;
+    state.holders_label.alpha = 1;
+    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
+    {
+        index = page * 3 + i;
+        if (index < snapshot.lines.size)
+        {
+            text = snapshot.lines[index];
+            // Skip identical text when replaying a page or resuming after help.
+            if (!isDefined(state.record_text[i]) || state.record_text[i] != text)
+            {
+                state.rows[i] SetText(text);
+                state.record_text[i] = text;
+            }
+            state.rows[i].alpha = 1;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+service_loop(state)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_help_refresh");
-
-    wait 12;
-
-    for (i = 0; i < self.tws_help_elems.size; i++)
+    level endon("tws_service_game_over");
+    for (;;)
     {
-        elem = self.tws_help_elems[i];
-        elem.alpha = 0;
+        service_advance(state, getTime());
+        service_render(state);
+        wait 0.1;
     }
 }
 
-// only connect listener in the fleet; a second one crashes the T5 SP handshake
+service_disconnect(state)
+{
+    self waittill("disconnect");
+    service_destroy(state);
+}
+
+service_end_game(state)
+{
+    self endon("disconnect");
+    level waittill("tws_service_game_over");
+    service_destroy(state);
+}
+
+service_destroy(state)
+{
+    if (state.closed)
+        return;
+    state.closed = true;
+    state.help = undefined;
+    state.record = undefined;
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+    {
+        if (isDefined(state.elems[i]))
+            state.elems[i] Destroy();
+    }
+    state.elems = [];
+}
+
+service_game_over_via(event)
+{
+    level endon("tws_service_game_over");
+    level waittill(event);
+    level.tws_service_ended = true;
+    level notify("tws_service_game_over");
+}
+
+// The only connected listener; modules use the shared registries.
 on_player_connect_dispatch()
 {
     for (;;)
@@ -238,6 +553,32 @@ make_shader_elem(player, x, y)
     return elem;
 }
 
+// Panel x/y are local to the fixed upper-right core origin. A right screen
+// anchor keeps the panel on-screen across aspect ratios; negative offsets grow
+// left from that edge. Keep each engine's existing vertical anchor convention.
+make_panel_text(player, x, y, align_x, scale, colour)
+{
+    elem = make_text_elem(player, x - level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_panel_right,
+        level.hud_panel_top + y, align_x, scale, colour);
+    elem.horzAlign = "right";
+    elem.sort = 20;
+    elem.archived = true;
+    return elem;
+}
+
+make_panel_shader(player, x, y, width, height, colour, alpha, sort)
+{
+    elem = make_shader_elem(player, x - level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_panel_right,
+        level.hud_panel_top + y);
+    elem.horzAlign = "right";
+    elem.color = colour;
+    elem.alpha = alpha;
+    elem.sort = sort;
+    elem.archived = true;
+    elem SetShader("white", width, height);
+    return elem;
+}
+
 destroy_on_disconnect(elems)
 {
     self waittill("disconnect");
diff --git a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_hud.gsc b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_hud.gsc
index 40adb88..dc6eebb 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_hud.gsc
+++ b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_hud.gsc
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-/* tws_t5_hud.gsc — top-left Discord URL, timers, zombie count and health bar. */
+/* tws_t5_hud.gsc - fixed upper-right core HUD, visible from connection. */
 
 #include maps\_utility;
 #include common_scripts\utility;
@@ -13,34 +13,90 @@ init()
     level thread round_watcher();
     level thread game_over_watcher();
 
+    scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::register_connect_handler(::hud_connect);
     scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::register_spawn_handler(::hud_start);
-    scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::register_connect_handler(::hud_discord);
 }
 
-// One static label per connection, including newcomers waiting to spawn.
-hud_discord()
+// Connection construction never seeds clocks or reads player gameplay state.
+// The first-spawn fallback also handles a spawn before the connect callback.
+hud_connect()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
-    label = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, 10, 10, "left", 1.2, (0.65, 0.65, 0.65));
-    label SetText("https://discord.tws.lol");
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_hud_elems))
+        return;
 
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = label;
-    self thread scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
+    self.tws_hud_elems = [];
+    background = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, 0, 0, level.hud_panel_width, level.hud_core_height,
+        level.hud_c_panel, level.hud_panel_alpha, 0);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = background;
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_header, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_name, "TWS ZOMBIES");
+    self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_header,
+        "right", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim, "discord.tws.lol");
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_timers, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "MATCH");
+    self.tws_hud_match = self hud_text(104, level.hud_row_timers - 2, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--:--");
+    self hud_text(114, level.hud_row_timers, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "ROUND");
+    self.tws_hud_round = self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad,
+        level.hud_row_timers - 2, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--:--");
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "ZOMBIES");
+    self.tws_hud_count = self hud_text(67, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+    self hud_text(132, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "HP");
+
+    // Independent numeric elements avoid a new config string on every tick.
+    self.tws_hud_health = self hud_text(174, level.hud_row_stats, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+    self.tws_hud_slash = self hud_text(181, level.hud_row_stats, "center",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "/");
+    self.tws_hud_maxhealth = self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad,
+        level.hud_row_stats, "right", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+
+    track = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_bar,
+        level.hud_bar_width, level.hud_bar_height, (0.18, 0.22, 0.19), 0.8, 10);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = track;
+    self.tws_hud_bar = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_bar,
+        level.hud_bar_width, level.hud_bar_height, level.hud_c_high, 0, 11);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = self.tws_hud_bar;
+
+    self thread scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::destroy_on_disconnect(self.tws_hud_elems);
+}
+
+hud_text(x, y, align, scale, colour, text)
+{
+    elem = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_panel_text(self, x, y, align, scale, colour);
+    elem SetText(text);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = elem;
+    return elem;
 }
 
 hud_start()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
+    self hud_connect();
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_hud_bound) || is_true(level.tws_ended))
+        return;
+
+    self.tws_hud_bound = true;
     self thread hud_timer_row();
     self thread hud_zombie_counter();
     self thread hud_health_display();
 }
 
-// BO1 maps use different end-of-match notify names; race all three
+// Race the map-dependent game-over notifications once at level scope.
 game_over_watcher()
 {
     level thread game_over_via("end_game");
@@ -52,17 +108,14 @@ game_over_via(notify_name)
 {
     level endon("hud_game_over");
     level waittill(notify_name);
+    level.tws_ended = true;
     level notify("hud_game_over");
 }
 
-/*
-    Watch level.round_number rather than a notify — the notify names vary
-    between BO1 map scripts, the variable doesn't. Seed on OBSERVED
-    transitions only: many maps pre-set round_number = 1 at level init
-    and we don't want getTime() captured there (see NOTES.md).
-*/
+// Pre-set round 1 is seeded on first spawn; only observed transitions seed here.
 round_watcher()
 {
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
     last = 0;
 
     if (isDefined(level.round_number))
@@ -92,7 +145,7 @@ hud_timer_row()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
-    // fallback seed for the round-1-already-active case (round_watcher misses it)
+    // A visible panel for a waiting newcomer must not start a pre-set round 1.
     if (!isDefined(level.match_start_time) &&
         isDefined(level.round_number) &&
         level.round_number >= 1)
@@ -102,59 +155,17 @@ hud_timer_row()
         level notify("hud_match_started");
     }
 
-    match = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_match,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim);
-    match.alpha = 0;    // revealed by match_timer_bind when round 1 opens
-
-    round = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_round,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim);
+    round = self.tws_hud_round;
     round SetTimerUp(0);
 
-    // name only shows in co-op — your own name is noise in solo
-    name = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_name,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_name);
-
-    if (isDefined(self.name))
-        name SetText(self.name);
-    else
-        name SetText(self.playername);
-
-    name.alpha = 0;
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = match;
-    elems[elems.size] = round;
-    elems[elems.size] = name;
-    self thread scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
     self thread reset_timer_each_round(round);
-    self thread match_timer_bind(match);
-    self thread freeze_timers_on_game_over(match, round);
-
-    coop = -1;
-
-    for (;;)
-    {
-        is_coop = 0;
-
-        if (isDefined(level.players) && level.players.size > 1)
-            is_coop = 1;
-
-        if (is_coop != coop)
-        {
-            name.alpha = is_coop;
-            coop = is_coop;
-        }
-
-        wait (1);
-    }
+    self thread match_timer_bind(self.tws_hud_match);
+    self thread freeze_timers_on_game_over(self.tws_hud_match, round);
 }
 
 reset_timer_each_round(timer)
 {
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
     self endon("disconnect");
 
     for (;;)
@@ -166,26 +177,20 @@ reset_timer_each_round(timer)
     }
 }
 
-// SetTimerUp only ticks with arg 0 on T5 SP; late joiners start at 0
+// T5 SP only ticks with a zero seed; late joiners retain that engine limitation.
 match_timer_bind(elem)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
     if (!isDefined(level.match_start_time))
         level waittill("hud_match_started");
 
     if (isDefined(elem))
-    {
         elem SetTimerUp(0);
-        elem.alpha = 1;
-    }
 }
 
-/*
-    Level-scope trigger only — per-player death/health polling is intercepted
-    by the zombiemode scripts. Freeze value math relies on the timers being
-    anchored at first spawn / first round transition, not level init.
-*/
+// The panel remains visible at game over, with authoritative frozen clocks.
 freeze_timers_on_game_over(match_elem, round_elem)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
@@ -201,27 +206,16 @@ freeze_timers_on_game_over(match_elem, round_elem)
 hud_zombie_counter()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
-    label = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_count,
-        "left", level.hud_font_large, level.hud_c_label);
-    label SetText("Zombies");
-
-    count = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_count, level.hud_row_count,
-        "left", level.hud_font_large, level.hud_c_count);
-    count SetValue(0);
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = label;
-    elems[elems.size] = count;
-    self thread scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
+    count = self.tws_hud_count;
     last = -1;
 
     for (;;)
     {
-        remaining = get_enemy_count() + level.zombie_total;
+        remaining = get_enemy_count();
+        if (isDefined(level.zombie_total))
+            remaining += max(0, level.zombie_total);
 
         if (remaining != last)
         {
@@ -253,117 +247,64 @@ get_enemy_count()
 hud_health_display()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
-
-    if (!isDefined(self.maxhealth) || self.maxhealth <= 0)
-        self.maxhealth = 100;
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
     bar_width = level.hud_bar_width;
-
-    // -2 on both axes so the back frames the bar with 2px padding
-    back = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_shader_elem(self, level.hud_x - 2, level.hud_row_bar - 2);
-    back.alpha = 0.5;
-    back.color = (0, 0, 0);
-    back SetShader("black", bar_width + 4, level.hud_bar_height + 4);
-
-    bar = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_shader_elem(self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_bar);
-    bar.color = level.hud_c_high;
-    bar SetShader("white", bar_width, level.hud_bar_height);
-
-    /*
-       "87/160" is three elements, not a rebuilt string. SetText allocates
-       a config string per call; per-tick rebuilds crash the server.
-       cur is right-aligned so digits grow leftward and the slash + max
-       never shift.
-    */
-    cur = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 26, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "right", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    cur SetValue(self.health);
-
-    slash = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 30, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "center", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    slash SetText("/");
-
-    max_hp = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 34, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    max_hp SetValue(self.maxhealth);
-
-    cur.alpha    = 0;
-    slash.alpha  = 0;
-    max_hp.alpha = 0;
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = back;
-    elems[elems.size] = bar;
-    elems[elems.size] = cur;
-    elems[elems.size] = slash;
-    elems[elems.size] = max_hp;
-    self thread scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
-    last_width  = bar_width;
+    bar = self.tws_hud_bar;
+    cur = self.tws_hud_health;
+    slash = self.tws_hud_slash;
+    max_hp = self.tws_hud_maxhealth;
+    last_width = -1;
     last_health = -1;
-    last_max    = -1;
-    last_shown  = -1;
+    last_max = -1;
 
     for (;;)
     {
-        if (!isDefined(self.maxhealth) || self.maxhealth <= 0)
-            self.maxhealth = 100;
-
-        frac = self.health / self.maxhealth;
+        // Display fallbacks must not alter gameplay health values.
+        maximum = 100;
+        if (isDefined(self.maxhealth) && self.maxhealth > 0)
+            maximum = self.maxhealth;
+        current = 0;
+        if (isDefined(self.health))
+            current = max(0, self.health);
+        frac = current / (maximum * 1.0);
 
         if (frac > 1)
             frac = 1;
 
-        if (frac < 0)
-            frac = 0;
-
         width = int(max(frac * bar_width, 1));
-
         if (width != last_width)
         {
             bar SetShader("white", width, level.hud_bar_height);
             last_width = width;
         }
 
-        colour = level.hud_c_high;
+        bar.alpha = 1;
+        if (frac == 0)
+            bar.alpha = 0;
 
+        colour = level.hud_c_high;
         if (frac <= 0.25)
             colour = level.hud_c_low;
         else if (frac <= 0.5)
             colour = level.hud_c_mid;
 
-        bar.color    = colour;
-        cur.color    = colour;
-        slash.color  = colour;
+        bar.color = colour;
+        cur.color = colour;
+        slash.color = colour;
         max_hp.color = colour;
 
-        // numbers only show once you're hurt
-        show = 0;
-
-        if (frac < level.hud_health_threshold)
-            show = 1;
-
-        if (show != last_shown)
+        // Health numbers remain visible at full health.
+        if (current != last_health)
         {
-            cur.alpha    = show;
-            slash.alpha  = show;
-            max_hp.alpha = show;
-            last_shown   = show;
+            cur SetValue(current);
+            last_health = current;
         }
 
-        if (self.health != last_health)
+        if (maximum != last_max)
         {
-            cur SetValue(self.health);
-            last_health = self.health;
-        }
-
-        if (self.maxhealth != last_max)
-        {
-            max_hp SetValue(self.maxhealth);
-            last_max = self.maxhealth;
+            max_hp SetValue(maximum);
+            last_max = maximum;
         }
 
         wait (level.hud_rate);
diff --git a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc
index 454a5a9..f6b2b25 100644
--- a/t5/scripts/tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc
+++ b/t5/scripts/tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc
@@ -124,120 +124,17 @@ lb_request(manual)
     level endon("game_ended");
     level endon("intermission");
 
-    snapshot = lb_cached_record();
-    if (!isDefined(snapshot))
-    {
-        if (manual)
-            self iPrintLnBold("^3Map record unavailable; try .leaders again shortly");
-        return;
-    }
     // A manual replay replaces any welcome announcement still waiting to run.
+    // This also applies when the cache is unavailable.
     if (manual)
         self notify("tws_lb_requested");
-    self lb_show_hud(snapshot);
-}
+    snapshot = lb_cached_record();
+    if (!isDefined(snapshot) && !manual)
+        return;
 
-lb_show_hud(snapshot)
-{
-    // Stop the previous display and its cleanup threads before replacing it.
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    if (isDefined(self.tws_lb_elems))
-        lb_hud_destroy(self.tws_lb_elems);
-    self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-
-    scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::ensure_config();
-    // Match .help's position, typography and row spacing below the health bar.
-    y = level.hud_row_bar + level.hud_bar_height + 20;
-    elems = [];
-    title = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, y, "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_afk);
-    title.alpha = 0;
-    if (snapshot.round == 0)
-        title SetText("No recorded high round yet");
-    else
-        title SetText("Record: Round " + snapshot.round);
-    elems[elems.size] = title;
-
-    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-    {
-        row = scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::make_text_elem(
-            self, level.hud_x, y + 22 + i * 18,
-            "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_count);
-        row.alpha = 0;
-        elems[elems.size] = row;
-    }
-
-    // Cleanup runs independently of the display and ends when it is replaced.
-    self.tws_lb_elems = elems;
-    self thread lb_hud_disconnect(elems);
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "end_game");
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "game_ended");
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "intermission");
-
-    offset = 0;
-    for (;;)
-    {
-        // Text changes only once per page, never during the visibility loop.
-        for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-        {
-            row = elems[i + 1];
-            if (offset + i < snapshot.lines.size)
-                row SetText("^3Held by: ^7" + snapshot.lines[offset + i]);
-            else
-                row SetText("");
-        }
-
-        remaining = 12;
-        while (remaining > 0)
-        {
-            visible = !self lb_hud_help_visible();
-            for (i = 0; i < elems.size; i++)
-                elems[i].alpha = visible;
-            wait 0.1;
-            // Pause the page while .help occupies the same area.
-            if (visible)
-                remaining -= 0.1;
-        }
-        offset += 3;
-        if (offset >= snapshot.lines.size)
-            break;
-    }
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-    self.tws_lb_elems = undefined;
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-}
-
-lb_hud_help_visible()
-{
-    return isDefined(self.tws_help_elems) && self.tws_help_elems.size > 0 &&
-        isDefined(self.tws_help_elems[0]) && self.tws_help_elems[0].alpha > 0;
-}
-
-lb_hud_disconnect(elems)
-{
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    self waittill("disconnect");
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-}
-
-lb_hud_end_game(elems, event)
-{
-    self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    level waittill(event);
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-    self.tws_lb_elems = undefined;
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-}
-
-lb_hud_destroy(elems)
-{
-    for (i = 0; i < elems.size; i++)
-    {
-        if (isDefined(elems[i]))
-            elems[i] Destroy();
-    }
+    // Common owns pagination, help priority and the single service window.
+    // Undefined snapshots produce a private unavailable page for manual replay.
+    self scripts\sp\tws_t5_common::show_record(snapshot);
 }
 
 lb_refresh()
@@ -480,22 +377,85 @@ lb_holder_lines(names)
 {
     lines = [];
     line = "";
+    columns = 0;
     for (i = 0; i < names.size; i++)
     {
-        if (line != "" && line.size + names[i].size + 2 > 100)
+        name = lb_holder_name(names[i]);
+        width = lb_holder_width(name);
+        if (line != "" && columns + width + 2 > 16)
         {
             lines[lines.size] = line;
             line = "";
+            columns = 0;
         }
         if (line != "")
+        {
             line += ", ";
-        line += names[i];
+            columns += 2;
+        }
+        line += name;
+        columns += width;
     }
     if (line != "")
         lines[lines.size] = line;
     return lines;
 }
 
+lb_holder_name(value)
+{
+    // The service has 200 virtual units at font scale 1.1. Use a conservative
+    // 16-column bound, counting non-ASCII glyphs twice, pending in-game metrics.
+    // A long name gets one bounded entry; no tied holder is dropped.
+    value = lb_display_text(value, 64);
+    if (value == "")
+        value = "Unknown player";
+    if (lb_holder_width(value) <= 16)
+        return value;
+
+    output = "";
+    columns = 0;
+    for (i = 0; i < value.size; i++)
+    {
+        code = level.tws_lb_bytes[getSubStr(value, i, i + 1)];
+        width = 1;
+        if (code >= 128)
+            width = 2;
+        if (columns + width > 13)
+            break;
+        count = lb_glyph_bytes(code);
+        output += getSubStr(value, i, i + count);
+        columns += width;
+        i += count - 1;
+    }
+    return output + "...";
+}
+
+lb_holder_width(value)
+{
+    columns = 0;
+    for (i = 0; i < value.size; i++)
+    {
+        code = level.tws_lb_bytes[getSubStr(value, i, i + 1)];
+        if (code >= 128)
+            columns += 2;
+        else
+            columns++;
+        i += lb_glyph_bytes(code) - 1;
+    }
+    return columns;
+}
+
+lb_glyph_bytes(code)
+{
+    if (code >= 240)
+        return 4;
+    if (code >= 224)
+        return 3;
+    if (code >= 192)
+        return 2;
+    return 1;
+}
+
 lb_display_text(value, limit)
 {
     output = "";
diff --git a/t6/scripts/NOTES.md b/t6/scripts/NOTES.md
index ceaa763..030cc62 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/NOTES.md
+++ b/t6/scripts/NOTES.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # T6 port notes
 
 T6 is ported from T5. Both source trees contain common, HUD, AFK, join, lock,
-telemetry and leaderboard modules; neither includes bank or database modules.
+telemetry, leaderboard and bank modules; neither includes direct-database modules.
 
 ## Differences retained for T6 and requested fixes
 
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ telemetry and leaderboard modules; neither includes bank or database modules.
 | --- | --- | --- |
 | Paths | `maps/mp/_utility`, `scripts/zm/tws_t6_common` | T6 namespaces and requested filenames |
 | Loading | No T5 `zombiemode` dvar gate; each module has `main()` and `init()` | Zombies-only folder loading; avoid r5346 missing-main warnings |
-| HUD positioning | Fullscreen screen anchors, same 10-unit margin | Requested fix for inset HUD |
+| HUD positioning | Fullscreen upper-right anchors, fixed core and service-window geometry | Keep clear of top-edge overlays and stock scores/ammo without moving the core for services |
 | HUD rendering | Precached white shader, local max-health fallback, floating-point ratio, `getPlayers()` | T6 rendering/state handling without changing player max health |
 | Enemy count | Stock `_zm_utility::get_current_zombie_count()` plus queued zombies | Uses the map's zombie team and enemy filters |
 | Timers | Seed elapsed time for late joiners; stop round watcher/reset on game over | T6 timer behavior; keep frozen timers frozen |
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ telemetry and leaderboard modules; neither includes bank or database modules.
 | Telemetry | Global `httpPost(url, options)`; T5-parity queue + heartbeat + game_start/end + watchdog + log-level dvar; per-player `guid` comes from the persistent `player.guid` field (T5 uses `player getGuid()` directly); per-match `kills`/`headshots`/`downs`/`revives` read from `player.pers[]`, with missing or negative values reported as `0` | Stock T6 connection initialization populates `.guid` before notifying `connected`; stock `initpersstat` / `incpersstat` maintain match counters in `player.pers[]`, whereas T5 uses `player.stats[]`. Payload keys match T5 for downstream shape parity |
 | Join | Port of T5 `tws_t5_join.gsc`; uses `level.spawnplayer` / `level.custom_spawnplayer` (lowercase) and `maps\mp\zombies\_zm::spectator_respawn`; readiness gated on `self.sessionstate == "spectator"` instead of T5's `self.initialized` | T6 stock spectator respawn hook lives in `_zm.gsc`; `self.initialized` is a T5 SP zombiemode marker that T6 stock does not populate the same way |
 
-Common retains the T5 HUD constants, helpers and first-spawn dispatcher.
+Common provides matching T5/T6 HUD layout constants, helpers and first-spawn dispatcher.
 HUD again owns the `hud_game_over` notification fan-out. Lock again waits on HUD
 notifications, applies T5's random password, and clears it on startup/game over.
 The added password-preservation dvars and independent lock watcher are gone.
@@ -26,11 +26,30 @@ Common also listens for `.help` through the native `say` notification, independe
 of first-spawn initialization so newcomers can view commands while spectating.
 Each loaded command module registers its command and description with
 `register_help_command()` during `init()`. Lazy registry initialization preserves
-registrations regardless of module initialization order. Help uses client HUD
-elements below the health bar, sharing the HUD's anchors to avoid overlap with
-timers, zombie count and health numbers. Text is created once per connection and
-reused; each request restarts a 12-second visibility timer. Disconnect cleanup
-is independent of that timer. The command handlers retain their existing listeners.
+registrations regardless of module initialization order. Common owns one reusable
+service window beneath the fixed core. Help uses four commands per page in stable
+order, with 12 seconds per page and automatic dismissal after the final page.
+`.help` / `.commands` restart at page one. Help pauses record page time, and a
+`.leaders` request during help replaces the pending replay from page one. Service
+state prevents old requests from closing newer displays. Disconnect and game-end
+cleanup are independent of page timing. The command handlers retain their
+existing listeners, and help/records work without the HUD module.
+
+Help reuses two multiline text columns and a muted command-column backdrop.
+The service has 19 nonarchived elements independent of command/page count;
+core + AFK use 15 + 1 archived elements. Hidden elements still occupy slots.
+The [T6 player HUD structure](https://github.com/skiff/t6-gsc-helper/blob/50ff6cb7397c9376894a195f48118d1743812d1d/src/game/structs.hpp#L184)
+has 31 slots in each bucket; it does not establish current Plutonium stock HUD
+usage. Keep the live overlap/element-budget checks alongside the portable checks.
+
+The core is created on connection for waiting spectators with placeholders, while
+timer updates retain the existing spawn/round lifecycle. Connection-time creation
+must not seed the match clock. Current/maximum HP remains visible at full health;
+the former co-op name row is removed and AFK uses a reserved footer. Opening a
+service never changes core position or height. HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0`
+and AFK `1.0.1` require matching common `1.2.0+`; deploy the changed scripts
+together and restart the map. This introduces no native-plugin/backend dependency
+or full server-process restart requirement.
 
 AFK again listens to the native `say` notification, so it no longer needs plugin
 chat registration. The additional T6 controls are only held while AFK; `.back`
@@ -49,7 +68,7 @@ The module is `tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` in T6 and `tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc` in T5.
 Common's existing
 connection listener now also dispatches optional connection handlers after a
 one-frame yield. Leaderboard waits for player readiness and uses a level-owned
-HTTP cache, independent of the first-playable-spawn handlers. T6 spectators keep
+HTTP cache, independent of the first-spawn handlers. T6 spectators keep
 `hasSpawned` false, so T6 readiness uses session state and the intro-screen flag;
 T5 sets `hasSpawned` for both playable and spectator spawns.
 
@@ -60,9 +79,10 @@ Mode/location combinations follow the
 and Electric Cherry's map catalogue. Unknown selections require an explicit API
 key instead of falling back to another variant sharing the engine map.
 
-Validation for this change: 135 fixture/static checks pass using the actual
-data-handling functions from both scripts with JavaScript engine-value shims.
-All seven T6 scripts compile and assemble using a local Intel macOS driver built
+Historical validation for the initial leaderboard change: 135 fixture/static
+checks passed using the actual data-handling functions from both scripts with
+JavaScript engine-value shims. All seven then-current T6 scripts compiled and
+assembled using a local Intel macOS driver built
 from gsc-tool 1.5.1 sources. PowerShell was unavailable, so `check.ps1` itself was
 not executed here. T5 compilation and live plugin/gameplay checks were not run;
 gsc-tool has no T5 backend. The production API could not be reached from this
@@ -137,15 +157,17 @@ wait for a normal round-start spawn, die, and verify `.join` is rejected.
 Also check a round-1 participant, reconnecting, disconnect during setup, and
 game over. Repeat on another T6 map; compile with the checker below first.
 
-Local: `tools/check.ps1` compiles all seven files for T6 PC and checks shared
-references and entry points. It requires PowerShell and gsc-tool. The `.help`
-change passed the static entry-point/reference checks, but compilation and live
-gameplay were not run. Compiler success does not certify runtime linking.
+Local: `tools/check.ps1` compiles all eight files for T6 PC and checks shared
+references and entry points. It requires PowerShell and gsc-tool. Run the
+[shared HUD checks](../../README.md#hud-validation) for core/service behavior and
+command regressions. Compiler success does not certify runtime linking.
 
 Live checks after deploying:
 
-1. Join, late-join, die/respawn, and reconnect: one HUD per player, correct corner
-   position, health/Juggernog changes, zombies remaining, timers frozen at game over.
+1. Join, late-join, die/respawn, and reconnect: one core per player, fixed
+   upper-right position, spectator placeholders without an early clock start,
+   visible full/damaged HP, health/Juggernog changes, zombies remaining, and
+   timers frozen at game over. Test safe-area settings and different resolutions.
 2. `.afk` blocks movement, shooting and grenades; `.back` restores them. Try rapid
    toggles, a round transition, death/respawn and game over.
 3. Lock fires at the threshold and clears on game over/restart. HUD must be installed.
@@ -153,12 +175,21 @@ Live checks after deploying:
 4. Telemetry sends the initial occupied round and each new round to the existing
    endpoint. Check server ID/player count, same-round joins and an unreachable API.
 5. Repeat on the actual server maps, especially afterlife and special-enemy rounds.
-6. Type `.help` and `.HELP` before first spawn, during play and while AFK: see
-   `.help`, `.afk`, `.back` and `.join` with descriptions, only on the requesting
-   player's screen below the health bar. Take damage so health numbers appear
-   and verify they do not overlap help. Repeat the command before 12 seconds
-   elapse: one list should remain visible until 12 seconds after the latest
-   request. Reopen after expiry and reconnect; verify no duplicates or leftovers.
-   Remove the AFK or Join module, restart the map and confirm its commands are
-   absent. Restore the modules and confirm `.afk`, `.back` and `.join` still
-   behave as before.
+6. Type `.help`, `.HELP` and `.commands` before first spawn, during play and
+   while AFK: four commands per page, only on the requesting player's screen,
+   without moving or resizing the core. Verify 12 seconds per page and dismissal
+   after the final page; repeat on page two to restart page one. Remove optional
+   modules and restart the map to confirm their commands are absent. Restore
+   the modules and confirm their command behavior is unchanged.
+7. Interrupt a record with help and check that its remaining page time resumes.
+   Repeat `.leaders` during help; only the latest replay should start from page
+   one after help closes. Check long names across pages, no records and
+   unavailable records. Reopen after expiry, disconnect/reconnect and end the
+   game during a service; verify no duplicates or leftovers. Repeat without HUD.
+
+The stock T6 [HUD initialization](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/plutoniummod/t6-scripts/main/ZM/Core/maps/mp/gametypes_zm/_hud.gsc)
+sets a nominal font height of 12; the corresponding
+[font helper](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/plutoniummod/t6-scripts/main/ZM/Core/maps/mp/gametypes_zm/_hud_util.gsc)
+uses `int(level.fontheight * fontscale)` for its height. The portable HUD checks
+use that nominal box to prevent holder-row and AFK-footer overlaps. Exact glyph
+extents and multiline spacing still need live validation, especially on T5.
diff --git a/t6/scripts/README.md b/t6/scripts/README.md
index e8c71eb..f00ce5a 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/README.md
+++ b/t6/scripts/README.md
@@ -7,19 +7,20 @@ private server token.
 
 | File | Role | Dependencies |
 | --- | --- | --- |
-| `tws_t6_common.gsc` | Shared HUD values, helpers, `.help`, connection and first-spawn dispatchers | Stock T6 |
-| `tws_t6_hud.gsc` | Top-left Discord URL, match/round timers, name, zombie count and health bar | Common |
-| `tws_t6_afk.gsc` | `.afk` / `.back`, protection, movement and weapon blocking | Common |
+| `tws_t6_common.gsc` | Shared HUD values, helpers, paginated `.help`, service window, connection and first-spawn dispatchers | Stock T6 |
+| `tws_t6_hud.gsc` | Fixed upper-right core: branding, timers, zombie count, current/maximum HP and health bar | Common 1.2.0+ |
+| `tws_t6_afk.gsc` | `.afk` / `.back`, protection, movement and weapon blocking | Common 1.2.0+ |
 | `tws_t6_lock.gsc` | Lock at round 20; clear password on game over | Common, HUD |
 | `tws_t6_telemetry.gsc` | Async queued game reports (game_start/heartbeat/round_change/game_end) | tws-t6-gsc-utils |
 | `tws_t6_join.gsc` | `.join` chat command lets a spectator newcomer enter mid-match once | Common |
-| `tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` | Private map high-round record and every tied holder on connection | Common, tws-t6-gsc-utils |
+| `tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc` | Private map high-round record and every tied holder on connection | Common 1.2.0+, tws-t6-gsc-utils |
 | `tws_t6_bank.gsc` | Persistent shared GUID bank | Common, telemetry, TWS plugin 1.2.0 |
 
 ## Install
 
 1. Copy all eight `tws_t6_*.gsc` files into
-   `Plutonium/storage/t6/scripts/zm/`. Update common along with leaderboard.
+   `Plutonium/storage/t6/scripts/zm/`. Update common along with HUD, leaderboard
+   and AFK when those modules are installed.
 2. For telemetry, leaderboard or bank, install the [tws-t6-gsc-utils build](../plugins/README.md), based on upstream v3.1.1,
    in `Plutonium/plugins/` and restart the server process. The other five scripts
    do not require that plugin.
@@ -67,14 +68,24 @@ changing points. Stock T6
 populates that field before the `connected` notification. Follow the shared
 [identity and deployment checks](../../README.md#bank-identity-validation).
 
-## Persistent Discord text
+## Core HUD and service window
 
-The HUD shows `https://discord.tws.lol` in small muted-gray text
-at the top-left, including for newcomers waiting in spectator mode. The label
-is created once per connection and persists across death and respawn. The
-gameplay HUD starts one line lower, keeping timers, help and records clear.
-Install HUD `1.1.2` with common `1.1.0` or later, then restart the map; no plugin
-update or full server-process restart is required.
+The fixed upper-right core shows `TWS ZOMBIES`, `discord.tws.lol`, side-by-side
+match/round timers, zombie count, current/maximum HP and a full-width health bar.
+HP stays visible at full health. A reserved footer holds the AFK indicator;
+there is no co-op name row. The core is created once per connection, including
+for spectator newcomers with placeholders until values are available. Creation
+does not seed the match clock. It persists across death and respawn.
+Clocks, health and zombie-count displays freeze at game over. Health fallbacks
+only affect the display and never modify gameplay max health.
+
+Common provides one fixed-height service window beneath the core for help or
+records. Services never move or resize the core. They remain private and work
+without the HUD module installed. See the [shared layout and validation guide](../../README.md#core-hud-and-service-window-t5-and-t6).
+
+Install HUD `1.2.0`, leaderboard `1.1.0` and AFK `1.0.1` with common `1.2.0+`.
+Update the installed scripts together and restart the map; this change requires
+no new plugin/backend dependency or full server-process restart.
 
 ## Map record announcements
 
@@ -99,8 +110,10 @@ apply to both versions. All T6 script filenames use the `tws_t6_` prefix.
 Type `.help` or `.commands` in chat to see the commands supplied by the loaded TWS modules and
 a short description of each. The list is shown only to the requesting player,
 including spectators who have not spawned. Commands are case-insensitive.
-Help appears below the health bar for 12 seconds, clear of the timers, zombie
-counter and health display. Typing either command again restarts that display time.
+Help uses the service window below the core. It shows four commands per page,
+advances automatically every 12 seconds and closes after the last page. The
+panel retains its height on short pages. Typing either command again returns to
+page one with a fresh timer.
 
 | Command | Description |
 | --- | --- |
@@ -109,20 +122,25 @@ counter and health display. Typing either command again restarts that display ti
 | `.back` | Return from AFK |
 | `.join` | Join mid-round (newcomers only) |
 | `.leaders` | Show the map record again (leaderboard module required) |
+| `.b` | Check bank balance (bank module required) |
+| `.d <amount\|all>` | Deposit points (bank module required) |
+| `.w <amount\|all>` | Withdraw points (bank module required) |
 
 AFK and Join register their commands during `init()` through
 `tws_t6_common::register_help_command(command, description)`. If a module is
-omitted, its commands are omitted from `.help`. Register new commands alongside
-their module's initialization so the list stays current.
+omitted, its commands are omitted from `.help`. Commands follow the order above,
+independent of initialization order. Register new commands alongside their
+module's initialization so the list stays current.
 The enabled leaderboard module registers `.leaders`, which replays the latest
 cached map record privately. Repeating it restarts the record from the first page;
-help temporarily hides the record until its own display ends.
+help pauses the record's remaining page time and resumes it after the final
+help page. `.leaders` during help replaces the pending record replay from page one.
 
 ## Defaults, matching T5
 
 - HUD values live in `tws_t6_common::common_config()`. That function and
   `ensure_config()` came from T5; they initialize in-script values and do not
-  load a config file. The requested fullscreen corner alignment is retained.
+  load a config file. Core and service panels use fullscreen upper-right anchors.
 - AFK uses T5's native `level waittill("say", message, player)` listener.
   `.back` restores movement and weapons immediately, then ends protection after
   two seconds. The T6 control/weapon fix remains in place.
@@ -211,6 +229,9 @@ another mod installed one first.
 
 ## Validation
 
+Run the shared [portable and live HUD checks](../../README.md#hud-validation)
+for core placement, service pagination, record interruptions and command regressions.
+
 To compile all eight scripts for T6 PC with gsc-tool:
 
 ```powershell
diff --git a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_afk.gsc b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_afk.gsc
index 44a946d..d49a531 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_afk.gsc
+++ b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_afk.gsc
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ afk_spawn()
     self.hud_afk_on = false;
     self.tws_afk_protected = false;
     self.tws_afk_controls_locked = false;
-    elem = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(self,
-        level.hud_x + 42, level.hud_row_match, "left",
-        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_afk);
+    elem = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_panel_text(self,
+        level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_afk, "left",
+        level.hud_font_afk, level.hud_c_afk);
     elem SetText("[AFK]");
     elem.alpha = 0;
     self.hud_afk_elem = elem;
diff --git a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_common.gsc b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_common.gsc
index bf753a2..10fc669 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_common.gsc
+++ b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_common.gsc
@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@ init()
     common_config();
     register_help_command(".help", "List available commands");
 
+    level thread service_game_over_via("end_game");
+    level thread service_game_over_via("game_ended");
+    level thread service_game_over_via("intermission");
     level thread help_chat_listener();
     level thread on_player_connect_dispatch();
 }
@@ -22,41 +25,50 @@ common_config()
     if (isDefined(level.hud_x))
         return;
 
-    // Fullscreen coordinates; reserve the top line for the Discord URL.
+    // Existing generic helpers retain their screen-anchor conventions. Panels
+    // use their own right-edge origin and never push stock HUD areas around.
     level.hud_x = 10;
     level.hud_y = 30;
-
-    level.hud_row_match  = level.hud_y;
-    level.hud_row_round  = level.hud_y + 15;
-    level.hud_row_name   = level.hud_y + 32;
-    level.hud_row_count  = level.hud_y + 54;
-    level.hud_row_bar    = level.hud_y + 84;
-
-    level.hud_font_small = 1.4;
-    level.hud_font_large = 2.0;
-    level.hud_font_mid   = 1.6;
-
-    level.hud_bar_width  = 120;
-    level.hud_bar_height = 8;
-
-    level.hud_col_count  = level.hud_x + 90;
-    level.hud_col_name   = level.hud_x + 60;
-    level.hud_col_health = level.hud_x + level.hud_bar_width + 12;
-
-    level.hud_rate = 0.1;
-
-    // green/amber/red ramp is health-only
-    level.hud_c_label = (0.85, 0.85, 0.85);
-    level.hud_c_dim   = (0.55, 0.55, 0.55);
-    level.hud_c_count = (1, 1, 1);
-    level.hud_c_name  = (0.4, 0.9, 0.5);
-    level.hud_c_high  = (0.2, 1, 0.4);
-    level.hud_c_mid   = (1, 0.8, 0);
-    level.hud_c_low   = (1, 0.2, 0.2);
-    level.hud_c_afk   = (1, 0.8, 0.2);
-
-    // numbers fade in below this fraction of max hp
+    // Retain the legacy fields for consumers of the original common config.
+    // The panel renderers below use dedicated row/column offsets instead.
+    level.hud_row_match = level.hud_y;
+    level.hud_row_round = level.hud_y + 15;
+    level.hud_row_name = level.hud_y + 32;
+    level.hud_row_count = level.hud_y + 54;
+    level.hud_col_count = level.hud_x + 90;
+    level.hud_col_name = level.hud_x + 60;
+    level.hud_col_health = level.hud_x + 120 + 12;
     level.hud_health_threshold = 1.0;
+    level.hud_panel_right = 10;
+    level.hud_panel_top = 42;
+    level.hud_panel_width = 220;
+    level.hud_core_height = 100;
+    level.hud_service_y = 108;
+    level.hud_service_height = 124;
+    level.hud_pad = 10;
+    level.hud_row_header = 10;
+    level.hud_row_timers = 34;
+    level.hud_row_stats = 59;
+    level.hud_row_bar = 80;
+    level.hud_row_afk = 86;
+
+    level.hud_font_small = 1.1;
+    level.hud_font_large = 1.6;
+    level.hud_font_mid = 1.25;
+    level.hud_font_afk = 1.0;
+    level.hud_bar_width = 200;
+    level.hud_bar_height = 4;
+    level.hud_rate = 0.1;
+    level.hud_c_panel = (0.07, 0.10, 0.08);
+    level.hud_panel_alpha = 0.72;
+    level.hud_c_label = (0.72, 0.77, 0.74);
+    level.hud_c_dim = (0.65, 0.70, 0.67);
+    level.hud_c_count = (0.93, 0.96, 0.94);
+    level.hud_c_name = (0.65, 0.85, 0.70);
+    level.hud_c_high = (0.65, 0.85, 0.70);
+    level.hud_c_mid = (1, 0.8, 0);
+    level.hud_c_low = (1, 0.2, 0.2);
+    level.hud_c_afk = (1, 0.8, 0.2);
 
     if (!isDefined(level.tws_spawn_handlers))
         level.tws_spawn_handlers = [];
@@ -112,58 +124,356 @@ help_chat_listener()
     }
 }
 
+// A single per-player controller owns service priority, pages and expiry.
 show_help()
 {
-    // Cache the text per connection; repeated SetText calls consume config strings.
-    if (!isDefined(self.tws_help_elems))
-    {
-        elems = [];
-        // Use the same anchors as the HUD, with room below the health numbers.
-        y = level.hud_row_bar + level.hud_bar_height + 20;
-        title = make_text_elem(self, level.hud_x, y,
-            "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_afk);
-        title SetText("Commands");
-        elems[elems.size] = title;
+    if (isDefined(level.tws_service_ended))
+        return;
+    self service_ensure();
+    state = self.tws_service;
+    service_advance(state, getTime());
+    state.generation++;
+    state.help = service_request("help", service_page_count(state.commands.size, 4), state.generation);
+    service_render(state);
+}
 
+// An undefined snapshot is the explicit unavailable view for manual requests.
+show_record(snapshot)
+{
+    if (isDefined(level.tws_service_ended))
+        return;
+    self service_ensure();
+    state = self.tws_service;
+    service_advance(state, getTime());
+    count = 0;
+    if (isDefined(snapshot))
+        count = snapshot.lines.size;
+    state.generation++;
+    state.record = service_request("record", service_page_count(count, 3), state.generation);
+    state.record.snapshot = snapshot;
+    service_render(state);
+}
+
+service_page_count(count, rows)
+{
+    return int((max(count, 1) + rows - 1) / rows);
+}
+
+service_request(kind, pages, generation)
+{
+    request = spawnStruct();
+    request.kind = kind;
+    request.generation = generation;
+    request.page = 0;
+    request.pages = pages;
+    request.remaining = 12000;
+    return request;
+}
+
+service_current(state)
+{
+    if (isDefined(state.help))
+        return state.help;
+    return state.record;
+}
+
+service_advance(state, now)
+{
+    elapsed = max(0, now - state.updated_at);
+    state.updated_at = now;
+    request = service_current(state);
+    if (!isDefined(request) || state.closed)
+        return;
+
+    // Only the visible request consumes time. Help leaves the record untouched.
+    request.remaining -= elapsed;
+    if (request.remaining > 0)
+        return;
+    request.page++;
+    request.remaining = 12000;
+    if (request.page >= request.pages)
+    {
+        if (request.kind == "help")
+            state.help = undefined;
+        else
+            state.record = undefined;
+    }
+}
+
+// Stable order is independent of module initialization order; absent commands
+// stay absent. Unknown future commands follow the built-in ones in registry order.
+help_rank(command)
+{
+    if (command == ".help") return 0;
+    if (command == ".afk") return 1;
+    if (command == ".back") return 2;
+    if (command == ".join") return 3;
+    if (command == ".leaders") return 4;
+    if (command == ".b") return 5;
+    if (command.size >= 3 && getSubStr(command, 0, 3) == ".d ") return 6;
+    if (command.size >= 3 && getSubStr(command, 0, 3) == ".w ") return 7;
+    return 8;
+}
+
+help_entries()
+{
+    entries = [];
+    if (!isDefined(level.tws_help_commands))
+        return entries;
+    for (rank = 0; rank <= 8; rank++)
+    {
         for (i = 0; i < level.tws_help_commands.size; i++)
         {
             entry = level.tws_help_commands[i];
-            elem = make_text_elem(self, level.hud_x, y + 22 + i * 18,
-                "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_count);
-            elem SetText("^3" + entry.command + "^7 - " + entry.description);
-            elems[elems.size] = elem;
+            if (help_rank(entry.command) == rank)
+                entries[entries.size] = entry;
         }
-
-        self.tws_help_elems = elems;
-        self thread destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
     }
-
-    for (i = 0; i < self.tws_help_elems.size; i++)
-    {
-        elem = self.tws_help_elems[i];
-        elem.alpha = 1;
-    }
-
-    // Only the expiry timer is replaced; the say listener and cleanup stay alive.
-    self notify("tws_help_refresh");
-    self thread hide_help_after_delay();
+    return entries;
 }
 
-hide_help_after_delay()
+help_command_label(command)
+{
+    rank = help_rank(command);
+    if (rank == 6) return ".d <n|all>";
+    if (rank == 7) return ".w <n|all>";
+    return command;
+}
+
+help_description(entry)
+{
+    rank = help_rank(entry.command);
+    if (rank == 0) return "Show commands";
+    if (rank == 1) return "Enable protection";
+    if (rank == 2) return "Return to play";
+    if (rank == 3) return "Join as newcomer";
+    if (rank == 4) return "View records";
+    if (rank == 5) return "Check balance";
+    if (rank == 6) return "Deposit points";
+    if (rank == 7) return "Withdraw points";
+    return entry.description;
+}
+
+service_ensure()
+{
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_service))
+        return;
+    ensure_config();
+    state = spawnStruct();
+    state.elems = [];
+    state.commands = help_entries();
+    state.help = undefined;
+    state.record = undefined;
+    state.closed = false;
+    state.updated_at = getTime();
+    state.rendered = false;
+    state.generation = 0;
+    state.last_generation = 0;
+    state.last_page = -1;
+    state.record_text = [];
+    state.help_page = -1;
+    state.rows = [];
+    self.tws_service = state;
+
+    y = level.hud_service_y;
+    state.background = make_panel_shader(self, 0, y, level.hud_panel_width,
+        level.hud_service_height, level.hud_c_panel, level.hud_panel_alpha, 0);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = state.background;
+    state.help_title = service_text(self, state, 10, 10, "left", 1.1, "COMMANDS", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.record_title = service_text(self, state, 10, 10, "left", 1.1, "MAP RECORD", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.help_footer = service_text(self, state, 10, 108, "left", 0.9,
+        "Four commands per page", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.record_footer = service_text(self, state, 10, 108, "left", 0.9,
+        "Briefly shown - .leaders to view again", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_number = service_text(self, state, 178, 10, "right", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_slash = service_text(self, state, 184, 10, "center", 1.1, "/", level.hud_c_dim);
+    state.page_total = service_text(self, state, 210, 10, "right", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_dim);
+    // Two fixed text columns keep the HUD element budget independent of the
+    // command count. Strings change only at page boundaries, never per tick.
+    state.command_back = make_panel_shader(self, 10, y + 30, 65, 68,
+        (0.16, 0.19, 0.17), 0.9, 5);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = state.command_back;
+    state.command_column = service_text(self, state, 14, 31,
+        "left", 1.0, "", level.hud_c_name);
+    state.description_column = service_text(self, state, 81, 31,
+        "left", 1.0, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.round_label = service_text(self, state, 10, 32, "left", 1.1, "ROUND", level.hud_c_label);
+    state.round_number = service_text(self, state, 54, 27, "left", 1.9, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.holders_label = service_text(self, state, 10, 52, "left", 1.0, "RECORD HOLDERS", level.hud_c_label);
+    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
+        state.rows[i] = service_text(self, state, 10, 65 + i * 13,
+            "left", 1.1, "", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.empty = service_text(self, state, 10, 40, "left", 1.1,
+        "No recorded high round yet", level.hud_c_count);
+    state.unavailable = service_text(self, state, 10, 40, "left", 1.1,
+        "Map record unavailable", level.hud_c_count);
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+    {
+        state.elems[i].alpha = 0;
+        // Keep temporary private services out of the archived HUD bucket.
+        // Hidden elements still occupy slots; do not allocate one per page.
+        state.elems[i].archived = false;
+    }
+
+    self thread service_loop(state);
+    self thread service_disconnect(state);
+    self thread service_end_game(state);
+}
+
+service_text(player, state, x, y, align, scale, text, colour)
+{
+    elem = make_panel_text(player, x, level.hud_service_y + y, align, scale, colour);
+    elem.alpha = 0;
+    if (text != "")
+        elem SetText(text);
+    state.elems[state.elems.size] = elem;
+    return elem;
+}
+
+service_render(state)
+{
+    if (state.closed)
+        return;
+    request = service_current(state);
+    page = -1;
+    generation = 0;
+    if (isDefined(request))
+    {
+        page = request.page;
+        generation = request.generation;
+    }
+    if (state.rendered && state.last_generation == generation && state.last_page == page)
+        return;
+    state.rendered = true;
+    state.last_generation = generation;
+    state.last_page = page;
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+        state.elems[i].alpha = 0;
+    if (!isDefined(request))
+        return;
+
+    state.background.alpha = level.hud_panel_alpha;
+    state.page_number SetValue(page + 1);
+    state.page_total SetValue(request.pages);
+    state.page_number.alpha = 1;
+    state.page_slash.alpha = 1;
+    state.page_total.alpha = 1;
+    if (request.kind == "help")
+    {
+        state.help_title.alpha = 1;
+        state.help_footer.alpha = 1;
+        if (state.help_page != page)
+        {
+            command_text = "";
+            description_text = "";
+            for (i = 0; i < 4; i++)
+            {
+                index = page * 4 + i;
+                if (index < state.commands.size)
+                {
+                    if (i > 0)
+                    {
+                        command_text += "\n";
+                        description_text += "\n";
+                    }
+                    entry = state.commands[index];
+                    command_text += help_command_label(entry.command);
+                    description_text += help_description(entry);
+                }
+            }
+            state.command_column SetText(command_text);
+            state.description_column SetText(description_text);
+            state.help_page = page;
+        }
+        state.command_back.alpha = 0.9;
+        state.command_column.alpha = 1;
+        state.description_column.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    state.record_title.alpha = 1;
+    state.record_footer.alpha = 1;
+    snapshot = request.snapshot;
+    if (!isDefined(snapshot))
+    {
+        state.unavailable.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+    if (snapshot.round == 0)
+    {
+        state.empty.alpha = 1;
+        return;
+    }
+    state.round_label.alpha = 1;
+    state.round_number SetValue(snapshot.round);
+    state.round_number.alpha = 1;
+    state.holders_label.alpha = 1;
+    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
+    {
+        index = page * 3 + i;
+        if (index < snapshot.lines.size)
+        {
+            text = snapshot.lines[index];
+            // Skip identical text when replaying a page or resuming after help.
+            if (!isDefined(state.record_text[i]) || state.record_text[i] != text)
+            {
+                state.rows[i] SetText(text);
+                state.record_text[i] = text;
+            }
+            state.rows[i].alpha = 1;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+service_loop(state)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_help_refresh");
-
-    wait 12;
-
-    for (i = 0; i < self.tws_help_elems.size; i++)
+    level endon("tws_service_game_over");
+    for (;;)
     {
-        elem = self.tws_help_elems[i];
-        elem.alpha = 0;
+        service_advance(state, getTime());
+        service_render(state);
+        wait 0.1;
     }
 }
 
-// Shared dispatcher: one HUD instance and account load per connection.
+service_disconnect(state)
+{
+    self waittill("disconnect");
+    service_destroy(state);
+}
+
+service_end_game(state)
+{
+    self endon("disconnect");
+    level waittill("tws_service_game_over");
+    service_destroy(state);
+}
+
+service_destroy(state)
+{
+    if (state.closed)
+        return;
+    state.closed = true;
+    state.help = undefined;
+    state.record = undefined;
+    for (i = 0; i < state.elems.size; i++)
+    {
+        if (isDefined(state.elems[i]))
+            state.elems[i] Destroy();
+    }
+    state.elems = [];
+}
+
+service_game_over_via(event)
+{
+    level endon("tws_service_game_over");
+    level waittill(event);
+    level.tws_service_ended = true;
+    level notify("tws_service_game_over");
+}
+
+// The only connected listener; modules use the shared registries.
 on_player_connect_dispatch()
 {
     for (;;)
@@ -240,6 +550,32 @@ make_shader_elem(player, x, y)
     return elem;
 }
 
+// Panel x/y are local to the fixed upper-right core origin. A right screen
+// anchor keeps the panel on-screen across aspect ratios; negative offsets grow
+// left from that edge. Keep each engine's existing vertical anchor convention.
+make_panel_text(player, x, y, align_x, scale, colour)
+{
+    elem = make_text_elem(player, x - level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_panel_right,
+        level.hud_panel_top + y, align_x, scale, colour);
+    elem.horzAlign = "right";
+    elem.sort = 20;
+    elem.archived = true;
+    return elem;
+}
+
+make_panel_shader(player, x, y, width, height, colour, alpha, sort)
+{
+    elem = make_shader_elem(player, x - level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_panel_right,
+        level.hud_panel_top + y);
+    elem.horzAlign = "right";
+    elem.color = colour;
+    elem.alpha = alpha;
+    elem.sort = sort;
+    elem.archived = true;
+    elem SetShader("white", width, height);
+    return elem;
+}
+
 destroy_on_disconnect(elems)
 {
     self waittill("disconnect");
diff --git a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_hud.gsc b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_hud.gsc
index 8936291..82574cd 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_hud.gsc
+++ b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_hud.gsc
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-/* tws_t6_hud.gsc - top-left Discord URL, timers, zombie count and health bar. */
+/* tws_t6_hud.gsc - fixed upper-right core HUD, visible from connection. */
 
 #include maps\mp\_utility;
 #include common_scripts\utility;
@@ -15,36 +15,90 @@ init()
     level thread round_watcher();
     level thread game_over_watcher();
 
+    scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::register_connect_handler(::hud_connect);
     scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::register_spawn_handler(::hud_start);
-    scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::register_connect_handler(::hud_discord);
 }
 
-// One static label per connection, including newcomers waiting to spawn.
-hud_discord()
+// Connection construction never seeds clocks or reads player gameplay state.
+// The first-spawn fallback also handles a spawn before the connect callback.
+hud_connect()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
-    label = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, 10, 10, "left", 1.2, (0.65, 0.65, 0.65));
-    label SetText("https://discord.tws.lol");
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_hud_elems))
+        return;
 
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = label;
-    self thread scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
+    self.tws_hud_elems = [];
+    background = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, 0, 0, level.hud_panel_width, level.hud_core_height,
+        level.hud_c_panel, level.hud_panel_alpha, 0);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = background;
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_header, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_name, "TWS ZOMBIES");
+    self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_header,
+        "right", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim, "discord.tws.lol");
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_timers, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "MATCH");
+    self.tws_hud_match = self hud_text(104, level.hud_row_timers - 2, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--:--");
+    self hud_text(114, level.hud_row_timers, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "ROUND");
+    self.tws_hud_round = self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad,
+        level.hud_row_timers - 2, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--:--");
+
+    self hud_text(level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "ZOMBIES");
+    self.tws_hud_count = self hud_text(67, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+    self hud_text(132, level.hud_row_stats, "left",
+        level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_label, "HP");
+
+    // Independent numeric elements avoid a new config string on every tick.
+    self.tws_hud_health = self hud_text(174, level.hud_row_stats, "right",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+    self.tws_hud_slash = self hud_text(181, level.hud_row_stats, "center",
+        level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "/");
+    self.tws_hud_maxhealth = self hud_text(level.hud_panel_width - level.hud_pad,
+        level.hud_row_stats, "right", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_count, "--");
+
+    track = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_bar,
+        level.hud_bar_width, level.hud_bar_height, (0.18, 0.22, 0.19), 0.8, 10);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = track;
+    self.tws_hud_bar = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_panel_shader(
+        self, level.hud_pad, level.hud_row_bar,
+        level.hud_bar_width, level.hud_bar_height, level.hud_c_high, 0, 11);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = self.tws_hud_bar;
+
+    self thread scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::destroy_on_disconnect(self.tws_hud_elems);
+}
+
+hud_text(x, y, align, scale, colour, text)
+{
+    elem = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_panel_text(self, x, y, align, scale, colour);
+    elem SetText(text);
+    self.tws_hud_elems[self.tws_hud_elems.size] = elem;
+    return elem;
 }
 
 hud_start()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
-    if (isDefined(level.tws_ended) && level.tws_ended)
+
+    self hud_connect();
+    if (isDefined(self.tws_hud_bound) || is_true(level.tws_ended))
         return;
 
+    self.tws_hud_bound = true;
     self thread hud_timer_row();
     self thread hud_zombie_counter();
     self thread hud_health_display();
 }
 
-// Same game-over notification fan-out as T5.
+// Race the map-dependent game-over notifications once at level scope.
 game_over_watcher()
 {
     level thread game_over_via("end_game");
@@ -60,7 +114,7 @@ game_over_via(notify_name)
     level notify("hud_game_over");
 }
 
-// Poll stock round state; the first player spawn seeds pre-set round 1.
+// Pre-set round 1 is seeded on first spawn; only observed transitions seed here.
 round_watcher()
 {
     level endon("hud_game_over");
@@ -93,7 +147,7 @@ hud_timer_row()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
 
-    // fallback seed for the round-1-already-active case (round_watcher misses it)
+    // A visible panel for a waiting newcomer must not start a pre-set round 1.
     if (!isDefined(level.match_start_time) &&
         isDefined(level.round_number) &&
         level.round_number >= 1)
@@ -103,58 +157,14 @@ hud_timer_row()
         level notify("hud_match_started");
     }
 
-    match = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_match,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim);
-    match.alpha = 0;    // revealed by match_timer_bind when round 1 opens
-
-    round = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_round,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_dim);
+    round = self.tws_hud_round;
     round SetTimerUp(0);
     if (isDefined(level.round_start_time))
         round SetTimerUp(max(0, (getTime() - level.round_start_time) / 1000.0));
 
-    // name only shows in co-op — your own name is noise in solo
-    name = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_name,
-        "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_name);
-
-    if (isDefined(self.name))
-        name SetText(self.name);
-    else
-        name SetText(self.playername);
-
-    name.alpha = 0;
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = match;
-    elems[elems.size] = round;
-    elems[elems.size] = name;
-    self thread scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
     self thread reset_timer_each_round(round);
-    self thread match_timer_bind(match);
-    self thread freeze_timers_on_game_over(match, round);
-
-    coop = -1;
-
-    for (;;)
-    {
-        is_coop = 0;
-
-        players = getPlayers();
-        if (players.size > 1)
-            is_coop = 1;
-
-        if (is_coop != coop)
-        {
-            name.alpha = is_coop;
-            coop = is_coop;
-        }
-
-        wait (1);
-    }
+    self thread match_timer_bind(self.tws_hud_match);
+    self thread freeze_timers_on_game_over(self.tws_hud_match, round);
 }
 
 reset_timer_each_round(timer)
@@ -171,26 +181,20 @@ reset_timer_each_round(timer)
     }
 }
 
-// T6 timer seed includes elapsed time for late joiners.
+// T6 accepts elapsed seconds, including time before a late joiner's spawn.
 match_timer_bind(elem)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
     if (!isDefined(level.match_start_time))
         level waittill("hud_match_started");
 
     if (isDefined(elem))
-    {
         elem SetTimerUp(max(0, (getTime() - level.match_start_time) / 1000.0));
-        elem.alpha = 1;
-    }
 }
 
-/*
-    Level-scope trigger only — per-player death/health polling is intercepted
-    by the zombiemode scripts. Freeze value math relies on the timers being
-    anchored at first spawn / first round transition, not level init.
-*/
+// The panel remains visible at game over, with authoritative frozen clocks.
 freeze_timers_on_game_over(match_elem, round_elem)
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
@@ -206,22 +210,9 @@ freeze_timers_on_game_over(match_elem, round_elem)
 hud_zombie_counter()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
-    label = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_count,
-        "left", level.hud_font_large, level.hud_c_label);
-    label SetText("Zombies");
-
-    count = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_count, level.hud_row_count,
-        "left", level.hud_font_large, level.hud_c_count);
-    count SetValue(0);
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = label;
-    elems[elems.size] = count;
-    self thread scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
+    count = self.tws_hud_count;
     last = -1;
 
     for (;;)
@@ -245,108 +236,58 @@ hud_zombie_counter()
 hud_health_display()
 {
     self endon("disconnect");
+    level endon("hud_game_over");
 
     bar_width = level.hud_bar_width;
-
-    // -2 on both axes so the back frames the bar with 2px padding
-    back = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_shader_elem(self, level.hud_x - 2, level.hud_row_bar - 2);
-    back.alpha = 0.5;
-    back.color = (0, 0, 0);
-    back SetShader("white", bar_width + 4, level.hud_bar_height + 4);
-
-    bar = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_shader_elem(self, level.hud_x, level.hud_row_bar);
-    bar.color = level.hud_c_high;
-    bar SetShader("white", bar_width, level.hud_bar_height);
-
-    /*
-       "87/160" is three elements, not a rebuilt string. SetText allocates
-       a config string per call; per-tick rebuilds crash the server.
-       cur is right-aligned so digits grow leftward and the slash + max
-       never shift.
-    */
-    cur = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 26, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "right", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    cur SetValue(self.health);
-
-    slash = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 30, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "center", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    slash SetText("/");
-
-    max_hp = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_col_health + 34, level.hud_row_bar + 3,
-        "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_high);
-    max_hp SetValue(100);
-
-    cur.alpha    = 0;
-    slash.alpha  = 0;
-    max_hp.alpha = 0;
-
-    elems = [];
-    elems[elems.size] = back;
-    elems[elems.size] = bar;
-    elems[elems.size] = cur;
-    elems[elems.size] = slash;
-    elems[elems.size] = max_hp;
-    self thread scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::destroy_on_disconnect(elems);
-
-    last_width  = bar_width;
+    bar = self.tws_hud_bar;
+    cur = self.tws_hud_health;
+    slash = self.tws_hud_slash;
+    max_hp = self.tws_hud_maxhealth;
+    last_width = -1;
     last_health = -1;
-    last_max    = -1;
-    last_shown  = -1;
+    last_max = -1;
 
     for (;;)
     {
+        // Display fallbacks must not alter gameplay health values.
         maximum = 100;
         if (isDefined(self.maxhealth) && self.maxhealth > 0)
             maximum = self.maxhealth;
-        frac = self.health / (maximum * 1.0);
+        current = 0;
+        if (isDefined(self.health))
+            current = max(0, self.health);
+        frac = current / (maximum * 1.0);
 
         if (frac > 1)
             frac = 1;
 
-        if (frac < 0)
-            frac = 0;
-
         width = int(max(frac * bar_width, 1));
-
         if (width != last_width)
         {
             bar SetShader("white", width, level.hud_bar_height);
             last_width = width;
         }
 
-        colour = level.hud_c_high;
+        bar.alpha = 1;
+        if (frac == 0)
+            bar.alpha = 0;
 
+        colour = level.hud_c_high;
         if (frac <= 0.25)
             colour = level.hud_c_low;
         else if (frac <= 0.5)
             colour = level.hud_c_mid;
 
-        bar.color    = colour;
-        cur.color    = colour;
-        slash.color  = colour;
+        bar.color = colour;
+        cur.color = colour;
+        slash.color = colour;
         max_hp.color = colour;
 
-        // numbers only show once you're hurt
-        show = 0;
-
-        if (frac < level.hud_health_threshold)
-            show = 1;
-
-        if (show != last_shown)
+        // Health numbers remain visible at full health.
+        if (current != last_health)
         {
-            cur.alpha    = show;
-            slash.alpha  = show;
-            max_hp.alpha = show;
-            last_shown   = show;
-        }
-
-        if (self.health != last_health)
-        {
-            cur SetValue(self.health);
-            last_health = self.health;
+            cur SetValue(current);
+            last_health = current;
         }
 
         if (maximum != last_max)
diff --git a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc
index 0f8a0c1..2f0f202 100644
--- a/t6/scripts/tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc
+++ b/t6/scripts/tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc
@@ -127,120 +127,17 @@ lb_request(manual)
     level endon("game_ended");
     level endon("intermission");
 
-    snapshot = lb_cached_record();
-    if (!isDefined(snapshot))
-    {
-        if (manual)
-            self iPrintLnBold("^3Map record unavailable; try .leaders again shortly");
-        return;
-    }
     // A manual replay replaces any welcome announcement still waiting to run.
+    // This also applies when the cache is unavailable.
     if (manual)
         self notify("tws_lb_requested");
-    self lb_show_hud(snapshot);
-}
+    snapshot = lb_cached_record();
+    if (!isDefined(snapshot) && !manual)
+        return;
 
-lb_show_hud(snapshot)
-{
-    // Stop the previous display and its cleanup threads before replacing it.
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    if (isDefined(self.tws_lb_elems))
-        lb_hud_destroy(self.tws_lb_elems);
-    self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-
-    scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::ensure_config();
-    // Match .help's position, typography and row spacing below the health bar.
-    y = level.hud_row_bar + level.hud_bar_height + 20;
-    elems = [];
-    title = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-        self, level.hud_x, y, "left", level.hud_font_mid, level.hud_c_afk);
-    title.alpha = 0;
-    if (snapshot.round == 0)
-        title SetText("No recorded high round yet");
-    else
-        title SetText("Record: Round " + snapshot.round);
-    elems[elems.size] = title;
-
-    for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-    {
-        row = scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::make_text_elem(
-            self, level.hud_x, y + 22 + i * 18,
-            "left", level.hud_font_small, level.hud_c_count);
-        row.alpha = 0;
-        elems[elems.size] = row;
-    }
-
-    // Cleanup runs independently of the display and ends when it is replaced.
-    self.tws_lb_elems = elems;
-    self thread lb_hud_disconnect(elems);
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "end_game");
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "game_ended");
-    self thread lb_hud_end_game(elems, "intermission");
-
-    offset = 0;
-    for (;;)
-    {
-        // Text changes only once per page, never during the visibility loop.
-        for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-        {
-            row = elems[i + 1];
-            if (offset + i < snapshot.lines.size)
-                row SetText("^3Held by: ^7" + snapshot.lines[offset + i]);
-            else
-                row SetText("");
-        }
-
-        remaining = 12;
-        while (remaining > 0)
-        {
-            visible = !self lb_hud_help_visible();
-            for (i = 0; i < elems.size; i++)
-                elems[i].alpha = visible;
-            wait 0.1;
-            // Pause the page while .help occupies the same area.
-            if (visible)
-                remaining -= 0.1;
-        }
-        offset += 3;
-        if (offset >= snapshot.lines.size)
-            break;
-    }
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-    self.tws_lb_elems = undefined;
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-}
-
-lb_hud_help_visible()
-{
-    return isDefined(self.tws_help_elems) && self.tws_help_elems.size > 0 &&
-        isDefined(self.tws_help_elems[0]) && self.tws_help_elems[0].alpha > 0;
-}
-
-lb_hud_disconnect(elems)
-{
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    self waittill("disconnect");
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-}
-
-lb_hud_end_game(elems, event)
-{
-    self endon("disconnect");
-    self endon("tws_lb_hud_done");
-    level waittill(event);
-    lb_hud_destroy(elems);
-    self.tws_lb_elems = undefined;
-    self notify("tws_lb_hud_done");
-}
-
-lb_hud_destroy(elems)
-{
-    for (i = 0; i < elems.size; i++)
-    {
-        if (isDefined(elems[i]))
-            elems[i] Destroy();
-    }
+    // Common owns pagination, help priority and the single service window.
+    // Undefined snapshots produce a private unavailable page for manual replay.
+    self scripts\zm\tws_t6_common::show_record(snapshot);
 }
 
 lb_refresh()
@@ -529,22 +426,85 @@ lb_holder_lines(names)
 {
     lines = [];
     line = "";
+    columns = 0;
     for (i = 0; i < names.size; i++)
     {
-        if (line != "" && line.size + names[i].size + 2 > 100)
+        name = lb_holder_name(names[i]);
+        width = lb_holder_width(name);
+        if (line != "" && columns + width + 2 > 16)
         {
             lines[lines.size] = line;
             line = "";
+            columns = 0;
         }
         if (line != "")
+        {
             line += ", ";
-        line += names[i];
+            columns += 2;
+        }
+        line += name;
+        columns += width;
     }
     if (line != "")
         lines[lines.size] = line;
     return lines;
 }
 
+lb_holder_name(value)
+{
+    // The service has 200 virtual units at font scale 1.1. Use a conservative
+    // 16-column bound, counting non-ASCII glyphs twice, pending in-game metrics.
+    // A long name gets one bounded entry; no tied holder is dropped.
+    value = lb_display_text(value, 64);
+    if (value == "")
+        value = "Unknown player";
+    if (lb_holder_width(value) <= 16)
+        return value;
+
+    output = "";
+    columns = 0;
+    for (i = 0; i < value.size; i++)
+    {
+        code = level.tws_lb_bytes[getSubStr(value, i, i + 1)];
+        width = 1;
+        if (code >= 128)
+            width = 2;
+        if (columns + width > 13)
+            break;
+        count = lb_glyph_bytes(code);
+        output += getSubStr(value, i, i + count);
+        columns += width;
+        i += count - 1;
+    }
+    return output + "...";
+}
+
+lb_holder_width(value)
+{
+    columns = 0;
+    for (i = 0; i < value.size; i++)
+    {
+        code = level.tws_lb_bytes[getSubStr(value, i, i + 1)];
+        if (code >= 128)
+            columns += 2;
+        else
+            columns++;
+        i += lb_glyph_bytes(code) - 1;
+    }
+    return columns;
+}
+
+lb_glyph_bytes(code)
+{
+    if (code >= 240)
+        return 4;
+    if (code >= 224)
+        return 3;
+    if (code >= 192)
+        return 2;
+    return 1;
+}
+
 lb_display_text(value, limit)
 {
     output = "";
diff --git a/tools/check_core_hud.mjs b/tools/check_core_hud.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..473fa5e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/check_core_hud.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+// Execute selected core HUD functions with engine-value shims.
+// These checks are not a GSC VM, compiler, linker, or live layout test.
+import assert from 'node:assert/strict';
+import { readFileSync } from 'node:fs';
+import vm from 'node:vm';
+const root = new URL('../', import.meta.url);
+let checks = 0;
+function check(name, fn) { fn(); checks++; console.log(name); }
+function body(source, name) {
+  const match = new RegExp(`^${name}\\(([^\\n]*)\\)\\s*\\n\\{`, 'm').exec(source);
+  assert(match, name);
+  let at = match.index + match[0].length, end = at, depth = 1;
+  while (depth) { const ch = source[end++]; if (ch === '{') depth++; if (ch === '}') depth--; }
+  return [match[1], source.slice(at, end - 1)];
+}
+for (const game of ['t5', 't6']) {
+  const source = readFileSync(new URL(`${game}/scripts/tws_${game}_hud.gsc`, root), 'utf8');
+  const afk = readFileSync(new URL(`${game}/scripts/tws_${game}_afk.gsc`, root), 'utf8');
+  check(`${game}: shared lifecycle, frozen clocks and engine-specific timer seeds`, () => {
+    assert(source.includes('register_connect_handler(::hud_connect)'));
+    assert(source.includes('register_spawn_handler(::hud_start)'));
+    assert(!source.includes('waittill("connected"'));
+    assert(!body(source, 'hud_connect')[1].includes('getTime()'));
+    for (const name of ['round_watcher', 'reset_timer_each_round', 'match_timer_bind'])
+      assert(body(source, name)[1].includes('level endon("hud_game_over")'));
+    const bind = body(source, 'match_timer_bind')[1];
+    if (game === 't5') assert(bind.includes('elem SetTimerUp(0)'));
+    else assert(bind.includes('(getTime() - level.match_start_time) / 1000.0'));
+    assert(afk.includes('make_panel_text'));
+    assert(afk.includes('level.hud_row_afk'));
+  });
+  const queued = [], elems = [];
+  const common = {
+    make_panel_text: (...args) => element(args),
+    make_panel_shader: (...args) => element(args),
+  };
+  function element(args) {
+    const result = { args, alpha: 1, writes: [], SetText(value) { this.text = value; this.writes.push(['text', value]); },
+      SetValue(value) { this.value = value; this.writes.push(['value', value]); },
+      SetShader(...args) { this.shader = args; }, SetTimerUp(value) { this.timer = value; } };
+    elems.push(result); return result;
+  }
+  const level = { round_number: 1, hud_panel_width: 220, hud_core_height: 100, hud_pad: 10,
+    hud_row_header: 10, hud_row_timers: 34, hud_row_stats: 59, hud_row_bar: 80,
+    hud_bar_width: 200, hud_bar_height: 4, hud_rate: .1,
+    hud_font_small: 1.1, hud_font_mid: 1.25,
+    hud_c_high: 'green', hud_c_mid: 'yellow', hud_c_low: 'red', notify() {} };
+  const self = {};
+  const context = vm.createContext({ self, level, common, queued, getTime: () => 123456,
+    isDefined: value => value !== undefined && value !== null, is_true: value => !!value,
+    int: Math.trunc, max: Math.max });
+  for (const name of ['hud_connect', 'hud_text', 'hud_start', 'hud_timer_row', 'hud_health_display']) {
+    const [args, original] = body(source, name);
+    let code = original.replace(/\/\/[^\n]*/g, '');
+    const locals = [...new Set([...code.matchAll(/(?<![\w.])(\w+)\s*=(?!=)/g)].map(match => match[1]))];
+    code = code.replace(/(?:self|level) endon\([^;]+;/g, '')
+      .replace(/scripts\\(?:sp|zm)\\tws_t[56]_common::/g, 'common.')
+      .replace(/self thread ([\w.]+)\(([^;]*)\);/g, (_, name, args) => `queued.push(['${name}', ${args}]);`)
+      .replace(/self (hud_\w+)\(/g, '$1(')
+      .replace(/(\w+) (SetText|SetValue|SetTimerUp|SetShader)\(([^;]*)\);/g, '$1.$2($3);')
+      .replace(/level notify\(([^;]*)\);/g, 'level.notify($1);')
+      .replace(/\.size\b/g, '.length')
+      .replace(/\((\d+\.\d+), (\d+\.\d+), (\d+\.\d+)\)/g, '[$1, $2, $3]')
+      .replace(/wait \(([^;]*)\);/g, 'yield $1;');
+    vm.runInContext(`function${name === 'hud_health_display' ? '*' : ''} ${name}(${args}) { var ${locals.join(', ') || 'unused'}; ${code} }`, context);
+  }
+  check(`${game}: connection constructs one fixed panel without seeding clocks`, () => {
+    context.hud_connect();
+    assert.equal(level.match_start_time, undefined); assert.equal(level.round_start_time, undefined);
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_match.text, '--:--'); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.text, '--');
+    const before = elems.length; context.hud_connect(); assert.equal(elems.length, before);
+    assert.equal(queued.length, 1); assert.equal(queued[0][0], 'common.destroy_on_disconnect');
+    assert.equal(queued[0][1].length, elems.length);
+  });
+  check(`${game}: repeated first-spawn binding reuses panel and launches workers once`, () => {
+    const before = elems.length; context.hud_start(); context.hud_start();
+    assert.equal(elems.length, before);
+    assert.deepEqual(queued.slice(1).map(item => item[0]), ['hud_timer_row', 'hud_zombie_counter', 'hud_health_display']);
+    context.hud_timer_row(); assert.equal(level.match_start_time, 123456); assert.equal(level.round_start_time, 123456);
+  });
+  check(`${game}: HP stays visible at full health and falls back without mutating maxhealth`, () => {
+    self.health = 100; const run = context.hud_health_display(); run.next();
+    assert.equal(self.maxhealth, undefined); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.value, 100);
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_maxhealth.value, 100); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.alpha, 1);
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.alpha, 1); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.shader[1], 200);
+    const writes = self.tws_hud_health.writes.length; run.next(); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.writes.length, writes);
+    self.maxhealth = 250; self.health = 50; run.next();
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_maxhealth.value, 250); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.shader[1], 40);
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.color, 'red');
+    self.health = 0; run.next(); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.alpha, 0); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.value, 0);
+    self.health = 250; run.next(); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.alpha, 1); assert.equal(self.tws_hud_bar.color, 'green');
+    assert.equal(self.tws_hud_health.writes.filter(item => item[0] === 'text').length, 1);
+  });
+}
+console.log(`${checks} core HUD fixture checks passed (transpiled subset, not a GSC VM).`);
diff --git a/tools/check_hud.mjs b/tools/check_hud.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e2e708
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/check_hud.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,302 @@
+// Execute the actual common GSC service functions with HUD/event shims.
+// These fixtures do not emulate the GSC VM, fonts, safe areas or HUD pool limits.
+import assert from 'node:assert/strict';
+import { readFileSync, readdirSync } from 'node:fs';
+import vm from 'node:vm';
+import './check_core_hud.mjs';
+
+const root = new URL('../', import.meta.url);
+let checks = 0;
+function check(name, run) {
+    try { run(); checks++; }
+    catch (error) { throw new Error(name, { cause: error }); }
+}
+const coroutineNames = new Set(['service_loop', 'service_disconnect', 'service_end_game', 'service_game_over_via']);
+function translate(source) {
+    const literals = [];
+    const protectedSource = source.replace(/"(?:\\.|[^"\\])*"|\/\/[^\n]*|\/\*[\s\S]*?\*\//g, token => {
+        if (token.startsWith('/')) return '';
+        literals.push(token);
+        return `__literal_${literals.length - 1}__`;
+    });
+    const headers = /^(\w+)\(([^\n]*)\)\s*\n\{/gm;
+    const result = [];
+    for (let match; (match = headers.exec(protectedSource));) {
+        const name = match[1];
+        if (!/^(service_|help_|make_)/.test(name) && !['common_config', 'ensure_config', 'register_help_command', 'show_help', 'show_record'].includes(name)) continue;
+        if (name === 'help_chat_listener') continue;
+        let end = headers.lastIndex, depth = 1;
+        while (depth) {
+            assert(end < protectedSource.length, `unclosed ${name}`);
+            const ch = protectedSource[end++];
+            if (ch === '{') depth++;
+            if (ch === '}') depth--;
+        }
+        let body = protectedSource.slice(headers.lastIndex, end - 1);
+        const locals = new Set([...body.matchAll(/(?<![\w.])(\w+)\s*(?:[+*/%-]?=(?!=)|\+\+|--)/g)].map(x => x[1]));
+        body = body
+            .replace(/\(([-\d.]+),\s*([-\d.]+),\s*([-\d.]+)\)/g, '[$1, $2, $3]')
+            .replace(/\.size\b/g, '.length')
+            .replace(/(self|level) endon\(([^;]+)\);/g, 'endon($1, $2);')
+            .replace(/self thread (\w+)\(([^;]*)\);/g, 'startThread($1, [$2]);')
+            .replace(/(self|level) waittill\(([^;]+)\);/g, 'yield { entity: $1, event: $2 };')
+            .replace(/(self|level) notify\(([^;]+)\);/g, 'emit($1, $2);')
+            .replace(/self (\w+)\(/g, '$1(')
+            .replace(/\bwait ([\d.]+);/g, 'yield { milliseconds: $1 * 1000 };')
+            .replace(/([\w.]+(?:\[[^\]\n]+\])?)\s+(SetText|SetValue|SetShader|Destroy)\(/g, '$1.$2(')
+            .replace(/__literal_(\d+)__/g, (_, i) => literals[Number(i)]);
+        result.push(`function${coroutineNames.has(name) ? '*' : ''} ${name}(${match[2]}) { var ${[...locals].join(', ') || 'unused'}; ${body} }`);
+    }
+    return result.join('\n');
+}
+
+const commands = [
+    ['.help', 'List available commands'], ['.afk', 'Pause with protection'],
+    ['.back', 'Return from AFK'], ['.join', 'Join mid-round (newcomers only)'],
+    ['.leaders', 'Show the map record again'], ['.b', 'Show bank balance'],
+    ['.d <amount|all>', 'Deposit points'], ['.w <amount|all>', 'Withdraw points'],
+    ['.x', 'Extra command'],
+];
+function engine(game, count = 8) {
+    const source = readFileSync(new URL(`${game}/scripts/tws_${game}_common.gsc`, root), 'utf8');
+    let now = 0, running;
+    const self = { sessionstate: 'spectator' }, level = {}, tasks = [], elements = [];
+    function resume(task) {
+        const prior = running;
+        running = task;
+        const result = task.generator.next();
+        task.done = result.done;
+        task.wait = result.value;
+        task.at = result.value?.milliseconds !== undefined ? now + result.value.milliseconds : Infinity;
+        running = prior;
+    }
+    function startThread(fn, args) {
+        const task = { generator: fn(...args), ends: [] };
+        tasks.push(task);
+        resume(task);
+    }
+    function emit(entity, event) {
+        const listeners = tasks.filter(t => !t.done);
+        for (const task of listeners) if (task.ends.some(([e, n]) => e === entity && n === event)) task.done = true;
+        for (const task of listeners) if (!task.done && task.wait?.entity === entity && task.wait.event === event) resume(task);
+    }
+    function advance(milliseconds) {
+        const until = now + milliseconds;
+        for (;;) {
+            const next = tasks.filter(t => !t.done && t.at <= until).sort((a, b) => a.at - b.at)[0];
+            if (!next) break;
+            now = next.at;
+            resume(next);
+        }
+        now = until;
+    }
+    function newElement(owner) {
+        assert.equal(owner, self, 'every HUD element must be client-owned');
+        const element = {
+            alpha: 1, textCalls: 0, valueCalls: 0, destroyCalls: 0,
+            SetText(text) { assert(!this.destroyCalls); this.text = text; this.textCalls++; },
+            SetValue(value) { assert(!this.destroyCalls); this.value = value; this.valueCalls++; },
+            SetShader(shader, width, height) { assert(!this.destroyCalls); Object.assign(this, { shader, width, height }); },
+            Destroy() { this.destroyCalls++; assert.equal(this.destroyCalls, 1, 'double destruction'); this.alpha = 0; },
+        };
+        elements.push(element);
+        return element;
+    }
+    const c = vm.createContext({
+        self, level, NewClientHudElem: newElement, getTime: () => now,
+        spawnStruct: () => ({}), isDefined: v => v !== undefined && v !== null,
+        max: Math.max, int: Math.trunc,
+        getSubStr: (text, begin, end) => { assert(end <= text.length); return text.slice(begin, end); },
+        endon: (entity, event) => running.ends.push([entity, event]), startThread, emit,
+    });
+    vm.runInContext(translate(source), c);
+    c.common_config();
+    for (const [command, description] of commands.slice(0, count).reverse()) c.register_help_command(command, description);
+    for (const event of ['end_game', 'game_ended', 'intermission']) startThread(c.service_game_over_via, [event]);
+    return { c, self, level, elements, tasks, advance, source,
+        help: () => c.show_help(), record: snapshot => c.show_record(snapshot),
+        event: name => emit(self, name), end: name => emit(level, name),
+        get state() { return self.tws_service; },
+        get visible() { return elements.filter(e => e.alpha > 0 && !e.destroyCalls); },
+        get textCalls() { return elements.reduce((n, e) => n + e.textCalls, 0); },
+    };
+}
+const snapshot = (lines = ['Alex, Sam, Jamie']) => ({ round: 82, saved_at: 0, lines });
+for (const game of ['t5', 't6']) {
+    for (const count of [1, 4, 5, 8, 9]) check(`${game} ${count} registry entries paginate, order and dismiss`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game, count);
+        assert.equal(e.elements.length, 0, 'service is lazy and independent of core');
+        e.help();
+        const s = e.state, background = [s.background.x, s.background.y, s.background.width, s.background.height];
+        const pages = Math.ceil(count / 4);
+        assert.equal(s.help.pages, pages);
+        assert.deepEqual(Array.from(s.commands, entry => entry.command), commands.slice(0, count).map(entry => entry[0]));
+        for (let page = 0; page < pages; page++) {
+            assert.equal(s.help.page, page);
+            assert.equal(s.page_number.value, page + 1);
+            assert.equal(s.page_total.value, pages);
+            assert.equal(s.command_column.text.split('\n').length, Math.min(4, count - page * 4));
+            assert.equal(s.description_column.text.split('\n').length, Math.min(4, count - page * 4));
+            assert.deepEqual([s.background.x, s.background.y, s.background.width, s.background.height], background);
+            e.advance(12000);
+        }
+        assert.equal(s.help, undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.visible.length, 0);
+    });
+    check(`${game} repeated help reuses strings/elements and resets page one`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.help();
+        const count = e.elements.length, texts = e.textCalls;
+        e.help();
+        assert.equal(e.textCalls, texts, 'repeating current page does not reassign text');
+        e.advance(12000);
+        assert.equal(e.state.help.page, 1);
+        e.help();
+        assert.equal(e.state.help.page, 0);
+        e.advance(11900);
+        e.help();
+        e.advance(100);
+        assert.equal(e.state.help.page, 0, 'old expiry cannot advance replacement');
+        e.advance(23900);
+        assert.equal(e.state.help, undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.elements.length, count);
+        assert.equal(e.textCalls, texts + 6, 'only three page transitions update the two text columns');
+    });
+    check(`${game} help pauses record time and resumes the same page`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.record(snapshot(['One', 'Two', 'Three', 'Four']));
+        e.advance(15000);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.page, 1);
+        const remaining = e.state.record.remaining;
+        e.help();
+        const texts = e.textCalls;
+        e.advance(24000);
+        assert.equal(e.state.help, undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.page, 1);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.remaining, remaining);
+        assert.equal(e.state.rows[0].text, 'Four');
+        assert.equal(e.textCalls, texts + 2, 'only the help page transition changes text; record resumption does not');
+        e.advance(remaining);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record, undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.visible.length, 0);
+    });
+    check(`${game} latest record replaces pending one without disturbing help`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.help();
+        e.advance(3000);
+        const help = e.state.help;
+        e.record(snapshot(['Old']));
+        e.record(snapshot(['Newest']));
+        assert.equal(e.state.help, help);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.page, 0);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.remaining, 12000);
+        assert.equal(e.state.rows.filter(row => row.alpha > 0).length, 0);
+        e.advance(21000);
+        assert.equal(e.state.rows[0].text, 'Newest');
+        assert.equal(e.state.record.remaining, 12000);
+        e.advance(11900);
+        e.record(snapshot(['Newest']));
+        const texts = e.textCalls;
+        e.advance(100);
+        assert(e.state.record, 'previous expiry cannot hide newer request');
+        assert.equal(e.textCalls, texts);
+    });
+    check(`${game} no record, unavailable and short final record page are distinct`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.record(undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.state.unavailable.alpha, 1);
+        assert.equal(e.state.empty.alpha, 0);
+        e.record({ round: 0, lines: [] });
+        assert.equal(e.state.unavailable.alpha, 0);
+        assert.equal(e.state.empty.alpha, 1);
+        e.record(snapshot(['A', 'B', 'C', 'D']));
+        assert.equal(e.state.empty.alpha, 0);
+        assert.equal(e.state.round_number.value, 82);
+        e.advance(12000);
+        assert.deepEqual(Array.from(e.state.rows, row => row.alpha), [1, 0, 0]);
+        assert.equal(e.state.rows[0].text, 'D');
+    });
+    for (const event of ['end_game', 'game_ended', 'intermission', 'disconnect']) check(`${game} ${event} cleans active and pending pages once`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.record(snapshot());
+        e.help();
+        e.advance(2000);
+        if (event === 'disconnect') e.event(event); else e.end(event);
+        assert(e.state.closed);
+        assert.equal(e.state.help, undefined);
+        assert.equal(e.state.record, undefined);
+        assert(e.elements.every(elem => elem.destroyCalls === 1));
+        const count = e.elements.length;
+        e.advance(60000);
+        if (event !== 'disconnect') {
+            e.help(); e.record(snapshot()); e.event('disconnect');
+            assert.equal(e.elements.length, count, 'game end blocks new service requests');
+        }
+        assert(e.elements.every(elem => elem.destroyCalls === 1));
+    });
+    check(`${game} ending before first service blocks lazy creation`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.end('end_game'); e.help(); e.record(snapshot());
+        assert.equal(e.elements.length, 0);
+    });
+    check(`${game} no per-tick text updates, stable core origin and private elements`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.record(snapshot());
+        const calls = e.textCalls, count = e.elements.length;
+        e.advance(11000);
+        assert.equal(e.textCalls, calls);
+        assert.equal(e.elements.length, count);
+        assert.equal(e.state.background.horzAlign, 'right');
+        assert.equal(e.state.background.vertAlign, game === 't5' ? 'top' : 'fullscreen');
+        assert.equal(e.state.background.y, e.level.hud_panel_top + e.level.hud_service_y);
+        assert(e.state.background.y > e.level.hud_panel_top + e.level.hud_core_height);
+        assert.equal(e.state.commands[3].command, '.join');
+        assert.match(e.c.help_description(e.state.commands[3]), /newcomer/);
+        assert.equal(e.c.help_command_label(e.state.commands[6].command), '.d <n|all>');
+        assert.equal(e.elements.length, 19, 'service allocation is bounded even when hidden');
+        assert(e.elements.every(elem => elem.archived === false));
+    });
+    check(`${game} nominal font boxes fit the fixed panels without row collisions`, () => {
+        const e = engine(game);
+        e.record(snapshot(['One', 'Two', 'Three']));
+        // Stock T6 _hud uses level.fontheight=12. This catches the original
+        // 11-unit holder pitch / overflowing AFK footer, not actual glyph fit.
+        const height = elem => Math.trunc(12 * elem.fontScale);
+        const s = e.state;
+        assert(s.holders_label.y + height(s.holders_label) <= s.rows[0].y);
+        for (let i = 1; i < s.rows.length; i++)
+            assert(s.rows[i - 1].y + height(s.rows[i - 1]) <= s.rows[i].y);
+        assert(s.rows.at(-1).y + height(s.rows.at(-1)) <= s.record_footer.y);
+        assert(s.record_footer.y + height(s.record_footer) < s.background.y + s.background.height);
+        assert(e.level.hud_row_bar + e.level.hud_bar_height < e.level.hud_row_afk);
+        assert(e.level.hud_row_afk + Math.trunc(12 * e.level.hud_font_afk) < e.level.hud_core_height);
+        e.help();
+        const helpHeight = 4 * height(s.command_column);
+        assert(s.command_column.y + helpHeight <= s.command_back.y + s.command_back.height);
+        assert(s.command_column.y + helpHeight <= s.help_footer.y);
+    });
+    check(`${game} script entrypoints and common references resolve`, () => {
+        const functions = new Set([...eSource(game).matchAll(/^(\w+)\([^\n]*\)\s*\n\{/gm)].map(m => m[1]));
+        const folder = new URL(`${game}/scripts/`, root);
+        const scripts = readdirSync(folder).filter(file => file.endsWith('.gsc'));
+        assert.equal(scripts.length, 8);
+        let connected = 0;
+        for (const file of scripts) {
+            const source = readFileSync(new URL(file, folder), 'utf8');
+            assert.match(source, /^init\(\)/m);
+            if (game === 't6') {
+                assert.match(source, /^main\(\)/m);
+                assert(!/scripts\\sp\\|maps\\_utility|#"zombiemode"/.test(source));
+            }
+            connected += (source.match(/waittill\("connected"/g) ?? []).length;
+            for (const ref of source.matchAll(/tws_t[56]_common::(\w+)/g)) assert(functions.has(ref[1]), `${file} missing ${ref[1]}`);
+        }
+        assert.equal(connected, 1);
+    });
+}
+function eSource(game) { return readFileSync(new URL(`${game}/scripts/tws_${game}_common.gsc`, root), 'utf8'); }
+check('paired service behavior remains identical', () => {
+    const section = game => eSource(game).slice(eSource(game).indexOf('show_help()\n{'), eSource(game).indexOf('// The only connected listener;'));
+    assert.equal(section('t5'), section('t6'));
+});
+console.log(`PASS ${checks} service HUD fixture/static checks (both games). GSC compilation and Plutonium rendering remain separate.`);
diff --git a/tools/check_leaderboard.mjs b/tools/check_leaderboard.mjs
index 06ca141..332565d 100644
--- a/tools/check_leaderboard.mjs
+++ b/tools/check_leaderboard.mjs
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ function functions(source) {
 function engine(game) {
     const source = readFileSync(new URL(`${game}/scripts/tws_${game}_leaderboard.gsc`, root), 'utf8');
     const all = functions(source);
-    const excluded = new Set(['lb_worker', 'lb_welcome', 'lb_get', 'lb_collect', 'lb_log', 'lb_show_hud', 'lb_hud_help_visible', 'lb_hud_end_game', 'lb_hud_destroy', 'lb_chat_listener', 'lb_request', 'lb_hud_disconnect']);
+    const excluded = new Set(['lb_worker', 'lb_welcome', 'lb_get', 'lb_collect', 'lb_log', 'lb_chat_listener', 'lb_request']);
     const table = [];
     for (let i = 1; i < 256; i++) table[String.fromCharCode(i)] = i;
     const dvars = { mapname: game === 't5' ? 'zombie_theater' : 'zm_transit', ui_gametype: 'zstandard', ui_zm_mapstartlocation: 'town' };
@@ -111,6 +111,42 @@ for (const game of ['t5', 't6']) {
         c.level.tws_lb_cache = undefined;
         assert.equal(queries.length, 0);
     });
+    check(`${game} common owns the record service window`, () => {
+        const commonPath = game === 't5' ? 'scripts\\sp\\tws_t5_common' : 'scripts\\zm\\tws_t6_common';
+        assert(source.includes(`self ${commonPath}::show_record(snapshot);`));
+        assert(!source.includes('lb_show_hud'));
+        assert(!source.includes('lb_hud_'));
+        assert(!source.includes('tws_help_elems'));
+        assert(!source.includes('iPrintLnBold'));
+        assert(!source.includes('make_text_elem'));
+        assert(!source.includes('tws_t5_hud') && !source.includes('tws_t6_hud'));
+    });
+    check(`${game} manual missing/stale requests cancel welcome and reach the service`, () => {
+        const calls = [];
+        c.self = { notify: (event) => calls.push(['notify', event]) };
+        c.recordService = (snapshot) => calls.push(['record', snapshot]);
+        const request = all.get('lb_request')
+            .replace(/\b(?:self|level) endon\([^;]*\);/g, '')
+            .replace(/\bself notify\(/g, 'self.notify(')
+            .replace(/\bself scripts\\(?:sp|zm)\\tws_t[56]_common::show_record\(/g, 'recordService(');
+        vm.runInContext(request, c);
+        for (const cached of [undefined, { saved_at: 1, round: 52, lines: ['Alice'] }]) {
+            c.level.tws_lb_cache = cached;
+            c.lb_request(false);
+            assert.deepEqual(calls, []);
+            c.lb_request(true);
+            assert.deepEqual(calls, [['notify', 'tws_lb_requested'], ['record', undefined]]);
+            calls.length = 0;
+        }
+        const snapshot = { saved_at: 1000000, round: 0, lines: [] };
+        c.level.tws_lb_cache = snapshot;
+        c.lb_request(false);
+        assert.deepEqual(calls, [['record', snapshot]]);
+        calls.length = 0;
+        c.lb_request(true);
+        assert.deepEqual(calls, [['notify', 'tws_lb_requested'], ['record', snapshot]]);
+        c.level.tws_lb_cache = undefined;
+    });
     check(`${game} unicode and URL encoding`, () => {
         assert.equal(c.lb_url_encode(bytes('t6:zm_transit:town /?&=#é')), 't6%3Azm_transit%3Atown%20%2F%3F%26%3D%23%C3%A9');
         assert.equal(text(c.lb_display_text(bytes('^1Alice\n^7 René 🧟'), 64)), 'Alice René 🧟');
@@ -193,11 +229,33 @@ for (const game of ['t5', 't6']) {
         assert.equal(c.lb_refresh(), undefined);
         c.level.tws_lb_override = '';
     });
-    check(`${game} all holders fit bounded messages`, () => {
+    check(`${game} all holders fit bounded service rows`, () => {
         const names = Array.from({ length: 100 }, (_, i) => `Holder ${i}`);
         const lines = Array.from(c.lb_holder_lines(names));
-        assert(lines.every((line) => line.length <= 100));
+        assert(lines.every((line) => c.lb_holder_width(line) <= 16));
         assert.deepEqual(lines.join(', ').split(', '), names);
+        assert.deepEqual(Array.from(c.lb_holder_lines([])), []);
+        assert.deepEqual(Array.from(c.lb_holder_lines(['Alex', 'Sam', 'Jamie'])), ['Alex, Sam, Jamie']);
+    });
+    check(`${game} holder width counts glyphs and clips without breaking UTF-8`, () => {
+        const samples = ['M'.repeat(64), 'é'.repeat(32), '🧟'.repeat(16), '玩家名字'.repeat(5),
+            'abcdefghijklééé', '^1Alice\n^7 René 🧟', '^1\n\t'];
+        for (const sample of samples) {
+            const value = c.lb_holder_name(bytes(sample));
+            assert(c.lb_holder_width(value) <= 16, sample);
+            assert(c.lb_utf8_valid(value), sample);
+            assert(!text(value).includes('\uFFFD'), sample);
+            assert(!/[\x00-\x1f\x7f^]/.test(value), sample);
+            assert(value.length > 0, sample);
+        }
+        assert.equal(c.lb_holder_name('M'.repeat(64)), 'M'.repeat(13) + '...');
+        assert.equal(text(c.lb_holder_name(bytes('🧟'.repeat(16)))), '🧟'.repeat(6) + '...');
+        assert.equal(c.lb_holder_name('^1\n\t'), 'Unknown player');
+        assert.equal(c.lb_holder_width(bytes('René 🧟')), 8);
+        const names = Array(100).fill(bytes('同じ名前'.repeat(5)));
+        const rows = Array.from(c.lb_holder_lines(names));
+        assert.equal(rows.length, names.length, 'identical long names still represent every holder');
+        assert(rows.every((line) => c.lb_holder_width(line) <= 16 && c.lb_utf8_valid(line)));
     });
     if (game === 't6') {
         const variants = [
diff --git a/versions.json b/versions.json
index 44f6775..7f813c9 100644
--- a/versions.json
+++ b/versions.json
@@ -1,18 +1,18 @@
 {
-  "tws_t5_afk.gsc": "1.0.0",
+  "tws_t5_afk.gsc": "1.0.1",
   "tws_t5_bank.gsc": "2.0.3",
-  "tws_t5_common.gsc": "1.1.0",
-  "tws_t5_hud.gsc": "1.1.2",
+  "tws_t5_common.gsc": "1.2.0",
+  "tws_t5_hud.gsc": "1.2.0",
   "tws_t5_join.gsc": "1.0.0",
-  "tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc": "1.0.0",
+  "tws_t5_leaderboard.gsc": "1.1.0",
   "tws_t5_lock.gsc": "1.0.0",
   "tws_t5_telemetry.gsc": "1.0.0",
-  "tws_t6_afk.gsc": "1.0.0",
+  "tws_t6_afk.gsc": "1.0.1",
   "tws_t6_bank.gsc": "2.0.3",
-  "tws_t6_common.gsc": "1.1.0",
-  "tws_t6_hud.gsc": "1.1.2",
+  "tws_t6_common.gsc": "1.2.0",
+  "tws_t6_hud.gsc": "1.2.0",
   "tws_t6_join.gsc": "1.0.1",
-  "tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc": "1.0.0",
+  "tws_t6_leaderboard.gsc": "1.1.0",
   "tws_t6_lock.gsc": "1.0.0",
   "tws_t6_telemetry.gsc": "1.0.0",
   "t5-plugin": "1.2.0",