diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/README.md b/packages/ludic.nav/README.md
index a889a2cf..0f6eba1f 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/README.md
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/README.md
@@ -48,8 +48,10 @@ import "ludic.nav"
 | `nav_save_file(kind, path)`, `nav_load_file(kind, path)`, `nav_reset()` | a baked mesh written and read; every mesh let go |
 | `nav_nearest(kind, x, y, z) -> bool`, `nav_near_x/y/z()` | the nearest walkable point within a couple of metres |
 | `nav_path(kind, filter, sx, sy, sz, ex, ey, ez) -> int`, `nav_corners()`, `nav_corner_x/y/z(i)`, `nav_partial(kind)` | a way as corners |
+| `nav_next_corner(kind, filter, sx, sy, sz, ex, ey, ez) -> bool` | the next corner of that way, read back as the nearest point is (a walker's one question a frame) |
 | `nav_straight(kind, filter, sx, sy, sz, ex, ez) -> bool` | does the straight line stay walkable |
 | `nav_random_near(kind, filter, x, y, z, r, seed) -> bool`, `nav_near_x/y/z()` | a reachable point about r away, from the caller's seed |
+| `nav_asked()`, `nav_found()`, `nav_short()` | paths asked for, found and cut short since the meshes loaded (a game's measure of how often its walkers had a way) |
 | `nav_area_cost(kind, filter, area, cost)` | how dear a kind of ground is to cross by that filter |
 
 ## Tests
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/build.ludic b/packages/ludic.nav/build.ludic
index 15fc5233..6ba8ef4e 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/build.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/build.ludic
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@ export function nav_polygons(nav_st: NavState, kind: int) -> int {
   return nvc_polys(h)
 }
 
-# a kind's mesh written to a file, and read back. Reading holds the file's bytes for good (a slice
-# is never given back), so a mesh is loaded once per map, never per frame
+# a kind's mesh written to a file, and read back - through the asset pack when it is in one - into the
+# shim's own memory, which it frees once the tiles are made, so a map swap leaves nothing behind
 export function nav_save_file(nav_st: NavState, kind: int, path: string) -> bool {
   let h = nv_mesh(nav_st, kind)
   if h == null { return false }
@@ -59,8 +59,14 @@ export function nav_save_file(nav_st: NavState, kind: int, path: string) -> bool
   return Fs.write_bytes(path, buf, n)
 }
 export function nav_load_file(nav_st: mut NavState, kind: int, path: string) -> bool {
-  if not Fs.exists(path) { return false }
-  let buf = Fs.read_bytes(path)
-  if buf == null or len(buf) == 0 { return false }
-  return nv_set(nav_st, kind, nvc_load(buf, len(buf)))
+  let f = file_open(path, "rb")
+  if f == null { return false }
+  file_seek(f, 0, 2)
+  let n = file_tell(f)
+  file_seek(f, 0, 0)
+  let buf = nvc_stage(n)
+  var got = 0
+  if buf != null { got = file_read(f, buf, n) }
+  file_close(f)
+  return nv_set(nav_st, kind, nvc_load_staged(buf, got))
 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/macos-arm64/libludicnav.dylib b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/macos-arm64/libludicnav.dylib
index 4ea3bedc..3941b8a7 100755
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/macos-arm64/libludicnav.dylib
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/macos-arm64/libludicnav.dylib
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
-oid sha256:7d2e4aa97130a76c41dfb6a6b93172e7cbab3fa6249035cc745c8eb162a8487a
-size 176736
+oid sha256:10555b7baa5958700f0ce4599e85fc4fc18b9c92afbbacfa64f04b630f42f583
+size 176816
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.dll b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.dll
index b5e76515..7a9c6695 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.dll
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.dll
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
-oid sha256:300a80b3d3edd283e7911a9899823cf21f1731ea1a41a1190223a0eced900972
-size 336896
+oid sha256:99671e7df79802010fbf132f736d1b5e2681f0cd72ab71e3aa6e7026b837c97c
+size 337408
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.lib b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.lib
index 46a507d1..9e1bdfe3 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.lib
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/lib/windows-x64/ludicnav.lib
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
-oid sha256:48f55cfffe5d3e99ae24b68a34b272bfc8ea693ab1f9d849e3e99f17797fee2b
-size 3492
+oid sha256:c3e4f7ae19a6113829feffe2ed99e4a8f6b8fb2831c90115f489d1ecf646216a
+size 3866
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/native.ludic b/packages/ludic.nav/native.ludic
index 0d897d54..71d02ce1 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/native.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/native.ludic
@@ -13,3 +13,5 @@ extern function nvc_path(h: pointer, f: int, sx: float, sy: float, sz: float, ex
 extern function nvc_partial(h: pointer) -> int = "nav_partial"
 extern function nvc_raycast(h: pointer, f: int, sx: float, sy: float, sz: float, ex: float, ez: float) -> int = "nav_raycast"
 extern function nvc_random_near(h: pointer, f: int, x: float, y: float, z: float, r: float, seed: int, out: pointer) -> int = "nav_random_near"
+extern function nvc_stage(size: int) -> pointer = "nav_stage"
+extern function nvc_load_staged(buf: pointer, size: int) -> pointer = "nav_load_staged"
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_shim.cpp b/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_shim.cpp
index f31f049f..4d5b485f 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_shim.cpp
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_shim.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 #include <DetourNavMeshQuery.h>
 #include <DetourCommon.h>
 #include <cstring>
+#include <cstdlib>
 #include <cmath>
 #include <vector>
 
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_tiles.inl b/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_tiles.inl
index 0b1b8ec4..347f7c55 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_tiles.inl
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/native/shim/nav_tiles.inl
@@ -100,3 +100,12 @@ NAV_SHIM void *nav_load(const unsigned char *buf, int size) {
   }
   return nav_open(mesh);
 }
+
+// a file read straight into the shim's own memory rather than a Ludic slice (which is never given
+// back): nav_stage hands out the room, nav_load_staged parses it and frees it, whatever the outcome
+NAV_SHIM unsigned char *nav_stage(int size) { return size > 0 ? static_cast<unsigned char *>(malloc(size)) : nullptr; }
+NAV_SHIM void *nav_load_staged(unsigned char *buf, int size) {
+  void *h = buf ? nav_load(buf, size) : nullptr;
+  free(buf);
+  return h;
+}
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/query.ludic b/packages/ludic.nav/query.ludic
index 7718c290..21e6ef6f 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/query.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/query.ludic
@@ -19,6 +19,16 @@ export function nav_random_near(nav_st: NavState, kind: int, filter: int, x: flo
   return nvc_random_near(h, filter, x, y, z, r, seed, nav_st.nv_near) == 1
 }
 
+# the next corner of the way from (sx, sy, sz) toward (ex, ey, ez) - the first after the start - read
+# back as the nearest point is (nav_near_x / _z), so a walker's question and a goal share one answer
+export function nav_next_corner(nav_st: mut NavState, kind: int, filter: int, sx: float, sy: float, sz: float, ex: float, ey: float, ez: float) -> bool {
+  if nav_path(nav_st, kind, filter, sx, sy, sz, ex, ey, ez) < 2 { return false }
+  nav_st.nv_near[0] = nav_st.nv_out[3]
+  nav_st.nv_near[1] = nav_st.nv_out[4]
+  nav_st.nv_near[2] = nav_st.nv_out[5]
+  return true
+}
+
 # a way from one point to another: its corners, first the start and last the end (or as near the end
 # as the mesh reaches - nav_partial says which); -1 when either end is off the mesh
 export function nav_path(nav_st: mut NavState, kind: int, filter: int, sx: float, sy: float, sz: float, ex: float, ey: float, ez: float) -> int {
@@ -26,9 +36,17 @@ export function nav_path(nav_st: mut NavState, kind: int, filter: int, sx: float
   nav_st.nv_count = 0
   if h == null { return -1 }
   let n = nvc_path(h, filter, sx, sy, sz, ex, ey, ez, nav_st.nv_out, NAV_CORNERS)
+  nav_st.nv_asked += 1
   if n > 0 { nav_st.nv_count = n }
+  if n >= 2 { nav_st.nv_found += 1 }
+  if n > 0 and nvc_partial(h) == 1 { nav_st.nv_short += 1 }
   return n
 }
+
+# how many paths were asked for, found, and cut short (the end out of reach) since the meshes loaded
+export function nav_asked(nav_st: NavState) -> int { return nav_st.nv_asked }
+export function nav_found(nav_st: NavState) -> int { return nav_st.nv_found }
+export function nav_short(nav_st: NavState) -> int { return nav_st.nv_short }
 export function nav_partial(nav_st: NavState, kind: int) -> bool {
   let h = nv_mesh(nav_st, kind)
   return h != null and nvc_partial(h) == 1
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/state.ludic b/packages/ludic.nav/state.ludic
index 23a1ba8e..cf0f240c 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/state.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/state.ludic
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ export state NavState {
   nv_near: []float = floats(3)
   nv_cfg: []float = floats(7)      # the configuration handed to the shim, filled in place per build
   nv_empty: []float = floats(1)    # what the shim is handed for no cylinders or no footprints
+  nv_asked: int = 0                # paths asked for, found (two corners or more), and cut short
+  nv_found: int = 0
+  nv_short: int = 0
 }
 function nv_none() -> []pointer {
   let m = new []pointer
@@ -66,4 +69,7 @@ export function nav_drop(nav_st: mut NavState, kind: int) -> void { nv_set(nav_s
 export function nav_reset(nav_st: mut NavState) -> void {
   for k in 0 .. NAV_KINDS { nv_set(nav_st, k, null) }
   nav_st.nv_count = 0
+  nav_st.nv_asked = 0
+  nav_st.nv_found = 0
+  nav_st.nv_short = 0
 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.nav/tests/nav_test.ludic b/packages/ludic.nav/tests/nav_test.ludic
index e55bfe08..cfc66f08 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.nav/tests/nav_test.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.nav/tests/nav_test.ludic
@@ -76,6 +76,18 @@ program NavTest {
     expect_eq(nav_near_z(nav_st), z7)
   }
 
+  test "the next corner is the path's second, read back as the nearest point" (nav_st: mut NavState) {
+    expect(meadow(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 0, true))
+    let n = nav_path(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 0, 5.0, 0.0, 20.0, 35.0, 0.0, 20.0)
+    let cx = nav_corner_x(nav_st, 1)
+    let cz = nav_corner_z(nav_st, 1)
+    expect(n >= 3)
+    expect(nav_next_corner(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 0, 5.0, 0.0, 20.0, 35.0, 0.0, 20.0))
+    expect_near(nav_near_x(nav_st), cx, 0.0001)
+    expect_near(nav_near_z(nav_st), cz, 0.0001)
+    expect(not nav_next_corner(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 0, -50.0, 0.0, -50.0, 35.0, 0.0, 20.0))
+  }
+
   test "a filter that dislikes a band of thicket walks round it; the plain one goes through" (nav_st: mut NavState) {
     expect(meadow(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 3, false))
     nav_area_cost(nav_st, NAV_PERSON, 1, 2, 20.0)
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/README.md b/packages/ludic.npc/README.md
index 31daab20..42263c87 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/README.md
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/README.md
@@ -87,10 +87,18 @@ export port NpcWorld {       # every member has a default: a flat dry field at n
   next_id: fn() -> int, body_of: fn(int) -> int      # an id across machines; a look seed's body
   taken: fn(string) -> bool                          # a name the place keeps
   born / gone: fn(NpcPerson) -> void                 # draw it, stop drawing it
+  way: fn(NpcPerson, x, z) -> bool, way_x, way_z      # the next corner of its way toward (x, z)
 }
 export port NpcTalk { say: fn(NpcPerson, int) -> string, greeting: fn(NpcPerson) -> string }
 ```
 
+**A person walks by the world's way where the world has one.** `way` is asked for the next corner
+toward where it is going - every half second, on reaching the corner, and at once for a new target -
+and the person walks corner to corner, but begins its errand only at the target itself. With no
+answer (the default) it walks straight and steps round what is in the way, as before; the step
+round and the twenty seconds' give-up stay as the fallback. Maroon Lake binds `way` to its navmesh
+by a person's taste.
+
 ## API
 
 | | |
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/defs.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/defs.ludic
index 905fee0b..18e3121a 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/defs.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/defs.ludic
@@ -47,6 +47,11 @@ export property NpcPerson {
   via_on: bool = false         # a step round whatever is in the way
   vx: float = 0.0
   vz: float = 0.0
+  wx: float = 0.0              # the corner of its way it walks to now (NpcWorld.way)
+  wz: float = 0.0
+  wtx: float = 0.0             # the target that corner was asked for: a new target asks again
+  wtz: float = 0.0
+  way_t: float = 0.0           # seconds until it asks the way again
   detours: int = 0
   fails: int = 0
   stall: float = 0.0           # seconds walking without moving
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/index.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/index.ludic
index ee478ac6..4cb6a00c 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/index.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/index.ludic
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import "ground.ludic"
 import "spots.ludic"
 import "routine.ludic"
 import "walk.ludic"
+import "way.ludic"
 import "act.ludic"
 import "names.ludic"
 import "census.ludic"
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/port.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/port.ludic
index 3448ec87..908588a4 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/port.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/port.ludic
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@ export port NpcWorld {
   taken: fn(string) -> bool = fn nw_free                   # a name the place already uses
   born: fn(NpcPerson) -> void = fn nw_nothing              # a new one (or a slot reused): draw it
   gone: fn(NpcPerson) -> void = fn nw_nothing              # left: stop drawing it
+  # (p, x, z): the next corner of this person's way toward (x, z) into way_x / _z; false, the
+  # straight line with its steps round (a navmesh's path by a person's taste, in Maroon Lake)
+  way: fn(NpcPerson, float, float) -> bool = fn nw_no_way
+  way_x: fn() -> float = fn nw_asked_x
+  way_z: fn() -> float = fn nw_asked_z
 }
 
 # what the story says through them: the words of a line whose `fill` is set ("" when it has nothing
@@ -76,3 +81,4 @@ export function npc_near(npc_st: mut NpcState, x: float, z: float) -> float {
 }
 
 export function npc_near_i(npc_st: NpcState) -> int { return npc_st.np_near_i }
+function nw_no_way(p: NpcPerson, x: float, z: float) -> bool { return false }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/tests/way_test.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/tests/way_test.ludic
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..22b726b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/tests/way_test.ludic
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+# way_test.ludic - a person walks by the world's way where the world has one: round a wall the
+# straight line runs into, by the corners NpcWorld.way gives, and arrives only where it was going -
+# never at a corner
+import "ludic.npc"
+import "ludic.base"
+import "fake"
+program NpcWayTest {
+  numbers float
+  bind NpcWorld {
+    ground: fn fk_ground
+    water: fn fk_water
+    allowed: fn fk_allowed
+    push: fn fk_push
+    pushed_x: fn fk_pushed_x
+    pushed_z: fn fk_pushed_z
+    clear: fn fk_clear
+    hour: fn fk_hour_now
+    day: fn fk_day_now
+    players: fn fk_players
+    player_on: fn fk_player_on
+    player_x: fn fk_x
+    player_z: fn fk_z
+    want: fn fk_wanted
+    extra: fn fk_extra_kind
+    taken: fn fk_taken
+    born: fn fk_on_born
+    gone: fn fk_on_gone
+    way: fn wt_way
+    way_x: fn wt_x
+    way_z: fn wt_z
+  }
+  bind NpcTalk { say: fn tk_say, greeting: fn tk_greeting }
+
+  def NpcActs sit { }
+  def NpcActs fish { turns: false }
+  def NpcKinds from "kinds.lres"
+  def NpcNames from "names.lres"
+  def NpcLines from "lines.lres"
+
+  function tk_say(p: NpcPerson, line: int) -> string { return "" }
+  function tk_greeting(p: NpcPerson) -> string { return "" }
+  function tk_start(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson) -> void { npc_start_near(npc_st, p, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 10.0) }
+
+  state WayTestState {
+    wx: float = 0.0
+    wz: float = 0.0
+    asked: int = 0
+  }
+  # a wall across x = 20 for |z| < 15 (a straight walk to (38, -25) meets it): the way goes round its
+  # north end, then on to the target - which is clear of where the fake place forbids stopping
+  function wt_way(way_test_st: mut WayTestState, p: NpcPerson, x: float, z: float) -> bool {
+    way_test_st.asked += 1
+    way_test_st.wx = x
+    way_test_st.wz = z
+    if p.x < 19.0 and p.z < 16.0 {
+      way_test_st.wx = 20.0
+      way_test_st.wz = 17.0
+    }
+    return true
+  }
+  function wt_x(way_test_st: WayTestState) -> float { return way_test_st.wx }
+  function wt_z(way_test_st: WayTestState) -> float { return way_test_st.wz }
+
+  test "it walks round the wall by the corners it is given and begins only where it was going" (npc_st: mut NpcState, npc_tests_fake_st: mut NpcTestsFakeState, way_test_st: WayTestState) {
+    fk_setup(npc_st, npc_tests_fake_st)
+    npc_tests_fake_st.fk_want = 1
+    let p = npc_spawn(npc_st, NPCK_HIKER)
+    npc_set_at(p, 0.0, 0.0)
+    npc_go(npc_st, p, 38.0, -25.0, NPCA_SIT, 30.0)
+    var north = -100.0
+    var k = 0
+    while p.act == NPCA_WALK and k < 2000 {
+      npc_tick(npc_st, 0.05)
+      if p.x > 19.0 and p.x < 21.0 { north = Math.max(north, p.z) }
+      k += 1
+    }
+    expect(north > 14.0)
+    expect_eq(p.act, NPCA_SIT)
+    expect(npc_d(p.x, p.z, 38.0, -25.0) < 1.3)
+    expect(way_test_st.asked > 5)
+  }
+}
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/walk.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/walk.ludic
index 230a7797..90758386 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/walk.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/walk.ludic
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-# walk.ludic - walking to the target: turn toward it, step, slid round a trunk or a tent, never into
-# the water and never up a scramble - step round it instead - and give up on a target that gets no
-# closer for twenty seconds
+# walk.ludic - walking to the target by the world's way where it has one (way.ludic): turn toward the
+# next corner, step, slid round a trunk or a tent, never into the water and never up a scramble - step
+# round it instead - and give up on a target that gets no closer for twenty seconds
 const NP_BODY_R: float = 0.35      # a person's width, for the still things
 
 export function npc_walk(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson, dt: float) -> void {
@@ -10,12 +10,17 @@ export function npc_walk(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson, dt: float) -> void
     gx = p.vx
     gz = p.vz
   }
-  let dx = gx - p.x
-  let dz = gz - p.z
-  if Math.sqrt(dx * dx + dz * dz) < 1.2 {
+  if npc_d(p.x, p.z, gx, gz) < 1.2 {
     np_arrive(npc_st, p)
     return
   }
+  if not p.via_on {
+    np_way(p, dt)
+    gx = p.wx
+    gz = p.wz
+  }
+  let dx = gx - p.x
+  let dz = gz - p.z
   let dg = npc_d(p.x, p.z, p.tx, p.tz)
   if dg < p.best - 1.0 {
     p.best = dg
@@ -79,28 +84,3 @@ function np_arrive(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson) -> void {
   p.stall = 0.0
   if p.act != NPCA_WALK { np_fact(npc_st, NPC_F_ARRIVED, p, -1) }
 }
-
-function np_detour(p: NpcPerson, want: float) -> bool {
-  for k in 0 .. 8 {
-    let ang = want + float((k / 2 + 1) * (1 - 2 * (k % 2))) * 0.6
-    let x = p.x - Math.sin(ang) * 6.0
-    let z = p.z - Math.cos(ang) * 6.0
-    if npc_line_ok(p.x, p.z, x, z) {
-      p.via_on = true
-      p.vx = x
-      p.vz = z
-      p.yaw = ang
-      return true
-    }
-  }
-  return false
-}
-
-function np_stuck(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson) -> void {
-  p.fails += 1
-  p.via_on = false
-  if p.fails >= 3 {
-    p.fails = 0
-    npc_wander(npc_st, p)
-  } else { npc_plan(npc_st, p) }
-}
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/way.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/way.ludic
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1108897f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/way.ludic
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+# way.ludic - where a person walks when the straight line will not do: the world's way (NpcWorld.way,
+# a navmesh by a person's taste in Maroon Lake), and without one a step round what is in the way,
+# and giving the target up after three tries
+
+# the next corner toward the target, asked again every half second, on reaching it, or for a new target
+const NP_WAY_EVERY: float = 0.5
+function np_way(p: NpcPerson, dt: float) -> void {
+  p.way_t = p.way_t - dt
+  let fresh = p.wtx != p.tx or p.wtz != p.tz
+  if p.way_t > 0.0 and not fresh and npc_d(p.x, p.z, p.wx, p.wz) >= 1.0 { return }
+  p.way_t = NP_WAY_EVERY
+  p.wtx = p.tx
+  p.wtz = p.tz
+  p.wx = p.tx
+  p.wz = p.tz
+  if NpcWorld.way(p, p.tx, p.tz) {
+    p.wx = NpcWorld.way_x()
+    p.wz = NpcWorld.way_z()
+  }
+}
+
+function np_detour(p: NpcPerson, want: float) -> bool {
+  for k in 0 .. 8 {
+    let ang = want + float((k / 2 + 1) * (1 - 2 * (k % 2))) * 0.6
+    let x = p.x - Math.sin(ang) * 6.0
+    let z = p.z - Math.cos(ang) * 6.0
+    if npc_line_ok(p.x, p.z, x, z) {
+      p.via_on = true
+      p.vx = x
+      p.vz = z
+      p.yaw = ang
+      return true
+    }
+  }
+  return false
+}
+
+function np_stuck(npc_st: mut NpcState, p: NpcPerson) -> void {
+  p.fails += 1
+  p.via_on = false
+  if p.fails >= 3 {
+    p.fails = 0
+    npc_wander(npc_st, p)
+  } else { npc_plan(npc_st, p) }
+}
diff --git a/packages/ludic.render3d/gltf.ludic b/packages/ludic.render3d/gltf.ludic
index c991972a..2862f985 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.render3d/gltf.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.render3d/gltf.ludic
@@ -163,7 +163,11 @@ function gltf_load(render3d_st: mut Render3dState, dir: string, file: string, no
   render3d_st.gltf_dir = dir
   let text = Fs.read_text(dir + "/" + file)
   if text == null { print(`gltf: cannot read {dir}/{file}`);  return null }
+  # the last file's tree goes first (it is read only until the next load: ludic.anim's read.ludic),
+  # and the text once parsed - nothing gives memory back on its own (plan 23 of maroon-lake)
+  if render3d_st.gltf_doc != null { Json.free(render3d_st.gltf_doc) }
   render3d_st.gltf_doc = Json.parse(text)
+  free(text)
   let buffers = value_get(render3d_st.gltf_doc, "buffers")
   let bin_uri = value_as_str(value_get(value_at(buffers, 0), "uri"))
   render3d_st.gltf_bin = file_open(dir + "/" + bin_uri, "rb")
diff --git a/packages/ludic.save/read.ludic b/packages/ludic.save/read.ludic
index 454488b2..242c2625 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.save/read.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.save/read.ludic
@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ export function save_parse(text: string, f: SaveFormat) -> SaveRead {
   if text == null { return read_new(SAVE_NONE, null) }
   if not save_text_intact(text) { return read_new(SAVE_CORRUPT, null) }
   let v = Json.parse(text)
-  if value_kind(v) != 6 { return read_new(SAVE_CORRUPT, null) }          # 6 is an object
-  if f.is_one != null and not f.is_one(v) { return read_new(SAVE_CORRUPT, null) }
+  if value_kind(v) != 6 or (f.is_one != null and not f.is_one(v)) {      # 6 is an object
+    if v != null { Json.free(v) }                                        # a refused tree is let go
+    return read_new(SAVE_CORRUPT, null)
+  }
   return read_new(SAVE_OK, v)
 }
 
diff --git a/packages/ludic.telemetry/queue.ludic b/packages/ludic.telemetry/queue.ludic
index db920021..893720d7 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.telemetry/queue.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.telemetry/queue.ludic
@@ -92,6 +92,10 @@ function telemetry__read_obj(path: string) -> Val {
   let s = Fs.read_text(path)
   if s == null { return null }
   let v = Json.parse(s)
-  if v == null or Value.kind(v) != 6 { return null }
+  if v == null { return null }
+  if Value.kind(v) != 6 {
+    Json.free(v)
+    return null
+  }
   return v
 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/README.md b/packages/ludic.wildlife/README.md
index c9d5b67b..67cf0306 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/README.md
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/README.md
@@ -46,9 +46,18 @@ export port WildlifeWorld {        # every member has a default: a flat dry mead
   next_id: fn() -> int                                # an animal's id across machines
   born: fn(WildAnimal) -> void                        # draw it
   placed: fn(WildRange, int) -> void                  # a range was set out: put its water and forage down
+  way: fn(WildAnimal, float, float) -> bool           # the next corner of its way toward (x, z), into way_x / _z
+  goal: fn(WildAnimal, x, z, r, seed) -> bool         # a spot about r from (x, z) it can walk to, into way_x / _z
 }
 ```
 
+**An animal walks by the world's way where the world has one.** Wandering and going to water or
+forage face the next corner `way` gives (asked again every half second, or on reaching the corner),
+and a wander's target is a spot `goal` says it can reach, seeded by the same two draws the old
+target took - so binding them changes where an animal walks and never the order of the dice. With
+no answer (the defaults) it walks straight and turns 75 degrees off water and a climb, as before.
+Maroon Lake binds both to its navmesh, walked by the species' habitat's taste.
+
 ## API
 
 | | |
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/animal.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/animal.ludic
index eb3f52e4..56e92221 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/animal.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/animal.ludic
@@ -41,6 +41,9 @@ export property WildAnimal {
   home_z: float = 0.0
   tx: float = 0.0
   tz: float = 0.0
+  wx: float = 0.0         # the corner of its way it is walking to now (WildlifeWorld.way)
+  wz: float = 0.0
+  way_t: float = 0.0      # seconds until it asks the way again; 0 asks at once
   thirst: float = 0.0     # 0..100: over 60 it goes looking for water
   hunger: float = 0.0
   scat_t: float = 0.0     # game minutes until it might leave sign
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/ground.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/ground.ludic
index ae9339c0..26313853 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/ground.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/ground.ludic
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ export function wildlife_tick_ground(wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState, a: WildAnim
     }
     return
   }
-  wl_face(a, a.tx, a.tz, 2.0, dt)
+  wl_head(a, a.tx, a.tz, 2.0, dt)
   a.speed = s.walk
   wl_step(wildlife_st, a, dt)
   if wl_at_target(a, 1.5) or a.timer < 0.0 {
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/index.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/index.ludic
index 0a65d1ed..37f48c0a 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/index.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/index.ludic
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import "ranges.ludic"
 import "migrate.ludic"
 import "senses.ludic"
 import "steer.ludic"
+import "way.ludic"
 import "lures.ludic"
 import "needs.ludic"
 import "ground.ludic"
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/port.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/port.ludic
index 5fb77d1c..7c599b5c 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/port.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/port.ludic
@@ -46,6 +46,13 @@ export port WildlifeWorld {
   next_id: fn() -> int = fn wl_next_id
   born: fn(WildAnimal) -> void = fn wl_nothing            # a new animal: draw it
   placed: fn(WildRange, int) -> void = fn wl_range_nothing   # a range was set out
+  # (a, x, z): the next corner of this animal's way toward (x, z) into way_x / _z; false, the
+  # straight line (a navmesh's path by its habitat's taste, in Maroon Lake)
+  way: fn(WildAnimal, float, float) -> bool = fn wl_no_way
+  # (a, x, z, r, seed): a spot about r from (x, z) this animal can walk to, into way_x / _z
+  goal: fn(WildAnimal, float, float, float, int) -> bool = fn wl_no_goal
+  way_x: fn() -> float = fn wl_asked_x
+  way_z: fn() -> float = fn wl_asked_z
 }
 function wl_zero0() -> float { return 0.0 }
 function wl_zero1(p: int) -> float { return 0.0 }
@@ -73,6 +80,8 @@ function wl_no_spot(a: WildAnimal, water: bool, s: WildSpot) -> bool { return fa
 function wl_no_lure(i: int, l: WildLure) -> bool { return false }
 function wl_nothing(a: WildAnimal) -> void { }
 function wl_range_nothing(r: WildRange, i: int) -> void { }
+function wl_no_way(a: WildAnimal, x: float, z: float) -> bool { return false }
+function wl_no_goal(a: WildAnimal, x: float, z: float, r: float, seed: int) -> bool { return false }
 function wl_next_id(wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState) -> int {
   wildlife_st.wl_ids += 1
   return wildlife_st.wl_ids
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/steer.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/steer.ludic
index b561d5cc..4e73371e 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/steer.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/steer.ludic
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 # steer.ludic - turning toward a point at a rate, a step along the facing that turns away from water
-# and a climb, and a target somewhere about home; a walker leaves a print every 2.8 m
+# and a climb; a walker leaves a print every 2.8 m (the way there and a target about home: way.ludic)
 function wl_wrap(a: float) -> float {
   var r = a
   while r > 3.1415927 { r = r - WL_TAU }
@@ -58,13 +58,6 @@ function wl_push(wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState, a: WildAnimal, s: WildSpecies,
   return hit
 }
 
-function wl_pick_target(wildlife_st: WildlifeState, a: WildAnimal, radius: float) -> void {
-  let ang = wl_rnd(wildlife_st) * WL_TAU
-  let d = wl_rnd(wildlife_st) * radius
-  a.tx = a.home_x + Math.cos(ang) * d
-  a.tz = a.home_z + Math.sin(ang) * d
-}
-
 function wl_at_target(a: WildAnimal, r: float) -> bool {
   let dx = a.tx - a.x
   let dz = a.tz - a.z
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/tests/way_test.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/tests/way_test.ludic
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b9624030
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/tests/way_test.ludic
@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+# way_test.ludic - an animal walks by the world's way where the world has one: round a wall the
+# straight line runs into (by the corners WildlifeWorld.way gives), and to a wander target the world
+# says it can reach (goal); with no answer it walks straight, as before
+import "ludic.wildlife"
+import "ludic.base"
+import "fake"
+program WayTest {
+  numbers float
+  bind WildlifeWorld {
+    ground: fn fk_ground
+    water: fn fk_water
+    forest: fn fk_forest
+    sight: fn fk_sight
+    push: fn fk_push
+    pushed_x: fn fk_pushed_x
+    pushed_z: fn fk_pushed_z
+    players: fn fk_players
+    player_on: fn fk_player_on
+    player_x: fn fk_x
+    player_y: fn fk_y
+    player_z: fn fk_z
+    hidden: fn fk_is_hidden
+    noise: fn fk_noise_of
+    scent: fn fk_scent_of
+    stillness: fn fk_still_of
+    wind: fn fk_wind_of
+    wind_dir: fn fk_wind_to
+    winterness: fn fk_winter_of
+    about: fn fk_about_of
+    per_range: fn fk_one
+    lures: fn fk_count
+    lure: fn fk_lure
+    present: fn fk_present
+    born: fn fk_on_born
+    spot: fn fk_spot
+    way: fn wt_way
+    way_x: fn wt_x
+    way_z: fn wt_z
+    goal: fn wt_goal
+  }
+
+  state WayTestState {
+    wx: float = 0.0
+    wz: float = 0.0
+    asked: int = 0
+  }
+  # a wall across z = -40 for |x| < 30: the way goes round its east end, then on to the target
+  function wt_way(way_test_st: mut WayTestState, a: WildAnimal, x: float, z: float) -> bool {
+    way_test_st.asked += 1
+    way_test_st.wx = x
+    way_test_st.wz = z
+    if a.z > -38.0 and a.x < 31.0 {
+      way_test_st.wx = 32.0
+      way_test_st.wz = -40.0
+    }
+    return true
+  }
+  # a wander target a known step from home, whatever the seed
+  function wt_goal(way_test_st: mut WayTestState, a: WildAnimal, x: float, z: float, r: float, seed: int) -> bool {
+    way_test_st.wx = x + 7.0
+    way_test_st.wz = z + 3.0
+    return true
+  }
+  function wt_x(way_test_st: WayTestState) -> float { return way_test_st.wx }
+  function wt_z(way_test_st: WayTestState) -> float { return way_test_st.wz }
+
+  test "it walks round the wall by the corners it is given, and asks again as it goes" (wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState, wildlife_tests_fake_st: mut WildlifeTestsFakeState, way_test_st: WayTestState) {
+    fk_setup(wildlife_st, wildlife_tests_fake_st)
+    let a = wildlife_make(wildlife_st, 0, 0.0, 0.0, false, 0.0, 0, 1.0, 1)
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_px[0] = 400.0
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_pz[0] = 0.0
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_hidden = true
+    a.state = WILD_WANDER
+    a.tx = 0.0
+    a.tz = -100.0
+    a.timer = 300.0
+    var east = -100.0
+    for k in 0 .. 3000 {
+      wildlife_tick(wildlife_st, 0.05, 0.0)
+      if a.z > -42.0 and a.z < -38.0 { east = Math.max(east, a.x) }
+    }
+    expect(east > 29.0)
+    expect(a.z < -60.0)
+    expect(way_test_st.asked > 10)
+  }
+
+  test "a wander target is where the world says it can walk" (wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState, wildlife_tests_fake_st: mut WildlifeTestsFakeState, way_test_st: WayTestState) {
+    fk_setup(wildlife_st, wildlife_tests_fake_st)
+    let a = wildlife_make(wildlife_st, 0, 5.0, 5.0, false, 0.0, 0, 1.0, 1)
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_px[0] = 400.0
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_pz[0] = 0.0
+    wildlife_tests_fake_st.fk_hidden = true
+    a.hunger = 0.0
+    a.thirst = 0.0
+    a.state = WILD_IDLE
+    a.timer = -1.0
+    var k = 0
+    while a.state != WILD_WANDER and k < 2000 {
+      wildlife_tick(wildlife_st, 0.05, 0.0)
+      k += 1
+    }
+    expect_eq(a.state, WILD_WANDER)
+    expect_near(a.tx, a.home_x + 7.0, 0.001)
+    expect_near(a.tz, a.home_z + 3.0, 0.001)
+  }
+}
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/want.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/want.ludic
index 696d6005..ebe42f43 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.wildlife/want.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/want.ludic
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ function wl_seek(wildlife_st: mut WildlifeState, a: WildAnimal, dt: float) -> bo
     a.timer = 2.0
     return true
   }
-  wl_face(a, a.spot_x, a.spot_z, 2.0, dt)
+  wl_head(a, a.spot_x, a.spot_z, 2.0, dt)
   a.speed = wl_sp(wildlife_st, a.sp).walk
   a.tx = a.spot_x
   a.tz = a.spot_z
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ function wl_drink(wildlife_st: WildlifeState, a: WildAnimal, dt: float, gh: floa
   let water = a.thirst > a.hunger
   if not WildlifeWorld.spot(a, water, wildlife_st.wl_spot_ask) { return false }
   a.spot = wildlife_st.wl_spot_ask.uid
+  a.way_t = 0.0
   a.spot_x = wildlife_st.wl_spot_ask.x
   a.spot_z = wildlife_st.wl_spot_ask.z
   a.spot_water = wildlife_st.wl_spot_ask.water
diff --git a/packages/ludic.wildlife/way.ludic b/packages/ludic.wildlife/way.ludic
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ddc00e31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/ludic.wildlife/way.ludic
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+# way.ludic - where an animal walks: by the world's path to where it is going (WildlifeWorld.way, a
+# navmesh by its habitat's taste in Maroon Lake), to a target about home it can reach (goal), and
+# straight, as before, where the world has no answer
+
+# face the way toward (tx, tz): the next corner of the world's path for it, asked again every
+# WL_WAY_EVERY seconds or on reaching the corner; without a path, the straight line as before
+const WL_WAY_EVERY: float = 0.5
+function wl_head(a: WildAnimal, tx: float, tz: float, rate: float, dt: float) -> void {
+  a.way_t = a.way_t - dt
+  let cx = a.wx - a.x
+  let cz = a.wz - a.z
+  if a.way_t <= 0.0 or cx * cx + cz * cz < 1.0 {
+    a.way_t = WL_WAY_EVERY
+    a.wx = tx
+    a.wz = tz
+    if WildlifeWorld.way(a, tx, tz) {
+      a.wx = WildlifeWorld.way_x()
+      a.wz = WildlifeWorld.way_z()
+    }
+  }
+  wl_face(a, a.wx, a.wz, rate, dt)
+}
+
+# somewhere about home: a spot the world says it can walk to when it knows, seeded by the same two
+# draws the old target took, so the dice are the same whether it knows or not
+function wl_pick_target(wildlife_st: WildlifeState, a: WildAnimal, radius: float) -> void {
+  let ang = wl_rnd(wildlife_st) * WL_TAU
+  let d = wl_rnd(wildlife_st) * radius
+  a.tx = a.home_x + Math.cos(ang) * d
+  a.tz = a.home_z + Math.sin(ang) * d
+  a.way_t = 0.0
+  if WildlifeWorld.goal(a, a.home_x, a.home_z, radius, int(ang * 100000.0) + int(d * 1000.0)) {
+    a.tx = WildlifeWorld.way_x()
+    a.tz = WildlifeWorld.way_z()
+  }
+}
diff --git a/runtime/native/namespaces.ludic b/runtime/native/namespaces.ludic
index 7c24ea21..3f8627e4 100644
--- a/runtime/native/namespaces.ludic
+++ b/runtime/native/namespaces.ludic
@@ -478,10 +478,12 @@ namespace Value {
   alias as_int(value) = value_as_int
   alias as_float(value) = value_as_float
   alias as_str(value) = value_as_str
+  alias free(value) = value_free
 }
 namespace Json {
   alias encode(value) = json_encode
   alias parse(text) = json_parse
+  alias free(value) = json_free
 }
 namespace Xml {
   alias parse(text) = xml_parse
diff --git a/runtime/native/value.ludic b/runtime/native/value.ludic
index dab65b28..cc3e4c0b 100644
--- a/runtime/native/value.ludic
+++ b/runtime/native/value.ludic
@@ -166,9 +166,23 @@ function jp_skip_ws(p: JP) -> void {
 function json_parse(s: pointer) -> Val {
   let p = new JP
   p.s = s;  p.i = 0;  p.n = len(s)
-  return jp_value(p)
+  let v = jp_value(p)
+  free(p)
+  return v
 }
 
+# Let a parsed tree go once what it describes is built: every node and its lists. Its strings stay -
+# a caller may keep a name it read out of the tree - and a tree put together by hand, which may share
+# a node or hold a literal, is not for this (Ludic has no collector; plan 23 of maroon-lake).
+function value_free(v: Val) -> void {
+  if v == null { return }
+  for i in 0 .. len(v.kids) { value_free(v.kids[i]) }
+  free(v.kids)
+  free(v.keys)
+  free(v)
+}
+function json_free(v: Val) -> void { value_free(v) }
+
 function jp_value(p: JP) -> Val {
   jp_skip_ws(p)
   if p.i >= p.n { return value_null() }
@@ -182,9 +196,29 @@ function jp_value(p: JP) -> Val {
   return jp_number(p)
 }
 
-# read a quoted string (cursor on the opening quote) -> the unescaped contents.
+# read a quoted string (cursor on the opening quote) -> the unescaped contents. One allocation for a
+# string with no escape in it: built a character at a time, every step was a string never freed
 function jp_string(p: JP) -> string {
   p.i += 1                                    # skip opening quote
+  let a = p.i
+  while p.i < p.n {
+    let c = p.s[p.i]
+    if c == '"' {
+      let out = p.s[a..p.i]
+      p.i += 1
+      return out
+    }
+    if c == '\\' {
+      p.i = a
+      return jp_string_esc(p)
+    }
+    p.i += 1
+  }
+  return p.s[a..p.n]
+}
+
+# the same with escapes in it, the rare case, a character at a time
+function jp_string_esc(p: JP) -> string {
   var out = ""
   while p.i < p.n {
     let c = p.s[p.i]