diff --git a/packages/ludic.gameplay/combat.ludic b/packages/ludic.gameplay/combat.ludic
index 042f8abb..eefa7b30 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.gameplay/combat.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.gameplay/combat.ludic
@@ -23,10 +23,14 @@ event Died { e: int = 0, src: int = 0 }
 event Healed { e: int = 0, amount: int = 0 }
 event Crit { target: int = 0, src: int = 0 }     # the attacker's crit_pct fired
 
+# the faction table: FAC_MAX ids square, every pair unset (faction.ludic)
+const FAC_MAX: int = 32
+function fac_table() -> words { return words(FAC_MAX * FAC_MAX) }
+
 state GameplayState {
   combat_reflecting: bool = false              # thorns never reflect thorns
   combat_pending: int = 0
-  fac_tbl: words = words(FAC_MAX * FAC_MAX)
+  fac_tbl: words = fac_table()
 }
 
 # the mutable channel for lever 6: listeners rewrite the pending damage here.
diff --git a/packages/ludic.gameplay/faction.ludic b/packages/ludic.gameplay/faction.ludic
index 0bada609..d72169de 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.gameplay/faction.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.gameplay/faction.ludic
@@ -9,20 +9,14 @@
 
 property Faction { id: int = 0 }
 
-const FAC_MAX: int = 32
 const REL_FRIEND: int = 0
 const REL_NEUTRAL: int = 1
 const REL_HOSTILE: int = 2
 
-# relationships stored as (rel + 1); a zero slot means "unset -> use the default".
-# A global var initialiser must be a literal, so it is allocated lazily.
-
-function fac_ensure(gameplay_st: mut GameplayState) -> void {
-}
+# relationships stored as (rel + 1); a zero slot means "unset -> use the default"
 
 # Faction.set(a, b, rel) — record a symmetric relationship between two factions.
 @Namespace(Faction) function faction_set(gameplay_st: mut GameplayState, a: int, b: int, rel: int) -> void {
-  fac_ensure(gameplay_st)
   if (a < 0) or (a >= FAC_MAX) { return }
   if (b < 0) or (b >= FAC_MAX) { return }
   gameplay_st.fac_tbl[a * FAC_MAX + b] = rel + 1
@@ -31,7 +25,6 @@ function fac_ensure(gameplay_st: mut GameplayState) -> void {
 
 # Faction.rel(a, b) — the relationship code (0 friend, 1 neutral, 2 hostile).
 @Namespace(Faction) function faction_rel(gameplay_st: mut GameplayState, a: int, b: int) -> int {
-  fac_ensure(gameplay_st)
   if (a >= 0) and (a < FAC_MAX) and (b >= 0) and (b < FAC_MAX) {
     let v = gameplay_st.fac_tbl[a * FAC_MAX + b]
     if v != 0 { return v - 1 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.hints/rail.ludic b/packages/ludic.hints/rail.ludic
index 5dcdf044..bc59a176 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.hints/rail.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.hints/rail.ludic
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ export state HintsState {
   hn_foreign: []string = new []string      # muted keys with no card in this build, written back as read
   hn_shown: int = 3            # how many the rail holds
   hn_every: float = 1.0        # seconds between passes
-  hn_top: []int = null         # the cards on the rail this pass
+  hn_top: []int = hn_slots(3)  # the cards on the rail this pass
   hn_n: int = 0
   hn_t: float = 0.0            # seconds to the next pass
   hn_pick: int = 0             # which chip the key would open
@@ -28,21 +28,19 @@ function hn_fact(hints_st: HintsState, what: int, card: int) -> void {
 export function hints_config(hints_st: mut HintsState, shown: int, every: float) -> void {
   hints_st.hn_shown = shown
   hints_st.hn_every = every
-  hints_st.hn_top = null
+  hints_st.hn_top = hn_slots(shown)
 }
-
-function hn_ensure(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> void {
-  if hints_st.hn_top == null or len(hints_st.hn_top) != hints_st.hn_shown {
-    hints_st.hn_top = new []int
-    for i in 0 .. hints_st.hn_shown { push(hints_st.hn_top, -1) }
-  }
+# a rail of n empty places
+function hn_slots(n: int) -> []int {
+  let out = new []int
+  for i in 0 .. n { push(out, -1) }
+  return out
 }
 
 # the next pass comes on the next tick rather than in a second
 export function hints_refresh(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> void { hints_st.hn_t = 0.0 }
 
 export function hints_tick(hints_st: mut HintsState, dt: float) -> void {
-  hn_ensure(hints_st)
   hints_st.hn_t = hints_st.hn_t - dt
   if hints_st.hn_t > 0.0 { return }
   hints_st.hn_t = hints_st.hn_every
@@ -52,7 +50,6 @@ export function hints_tick(hints_st: mut HintsState, dt: float) -> void {
 # one pass now: the rail re-sorted, the pick kept in range, and the card following its subject
 # along the rail - or put down when what it was about stopped being true
 export function hints_sort(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> void {
-  hn_ensure(hints_st)
   hints_st.hn_n = 0
   let on = HintsWorld.showing()
   for u in 0 .. 4 {
@@ -75,8 +72,7 @@ export function hints_sort(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> void {
 }
 
 # the cards on the rail, most urgent first (empty while the rail is not showing)
-export function hints_rail(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> []int {
-  hn_ensure(hints_st)
+export function hints_rail(hints_st: HintsState) -> []int {
   let out = new []int
   if not HintsWorld.showing() { return out }
   for k in 0 .. hints_st.hn_n { push(out, hints_st.hn_top[k]) }
@@ -95,7 +91,7 @@ export function hints_pick(hints_st: HintsState) -> int { return hints_st.hn_pic
 export function hints_hot(hints_st: HintsState, k: int) -> bool { return k == hints_st.hn_pick }
 
 export function hints_reset(hints_st: mut HintsState) -> void {
-  hints_st.hn_top = null
+  hints_st.hn_top = hn_slots(hints_st.hn_shown)
   hints_st.hn_n = 0
   hints_st.hn_t = 0.0
   hints_st.hn_pick = 0
diff --git a/packages/ludic.lab/png.ludic b/packages/ludic.lab/png.ludic
index bd5ed1f6..edd6b7e5 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.lab/png.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.lab/png.ludic
@@ -2,21 +2,21 @@
 # compressed (a PNG anything opens, with no zlib here): the shot is the PPM's pixels, filter 0
 # on every row, in deflate's stored blocks, with its CRCs and its Adler-32.
 
-function lp_table_init(lab_st: mut LabState) -> void {
-  if lab_st.lp_table != null { return }
-  lab_st.lp_table = new []long
+# the CRC-32 table, made once with the state
+function lp_crc_table() -> []long {
+  let t = new []long
   let poly: long = 3988292384            # 0xEDB88320: eight hex digits would be a 32-bit pattern
   for n in 0 .. 256 {
     var c = long(n)
     for k in 0 .. 8 {
       if (c & long(1)) != long(0) { c = (c >> long(1)) ^ poly } else { c = c >> long(1) }
     }
-    push(lab_st.lp_table, c)
+    push(t, c)
   }
+  return t
 }
 # CRC-32 of out[from .. from + n)
 function lp_crc(lab_st: mut LabState, out: []byte, from: int, n: int) -> long {
-  lp_table_init(lab_st)
   let mask: long = 4294967295
   var c = mask
   for i in from .. from + n {
diff --git a/packages/ludic.lab/state.ludic b/packages/ludic.lab/state.ludic
index affac690..be22a12f 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.lab/state.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.lab/state.ludic
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 export state LabState {
   lb_plate: Actor = null
   lb_plate_dir: string = ""
-  lp_table: []long = null
+  lp_table: []long = lp_crc_table()
   lp_w: int = 0
   lp_h: int = 0
   lb_scene: string = ""
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/census.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/census.ludic
index 375c4a91..5b48a5b6 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/census.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/census.ludic
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 # census.ludic - making one (a slot reused before a new one, a look, a name, a start on its own
 # ground out of the players' sight where that can be had), a post's fixed person, and leaving
 export function npc_spawn(npc_st: mut NpcState, kind: int) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   if npc_st.np_n >= npc_st.np_max or kind < 0 or kind >= NPCK_COUNT { return null }
   var p: NpcPerson = null
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_walkers) {
@@ -94,7 +93,6 @@ export function npc_set_at(p: NpcPerson, x: float, z: float) -> void {
 # somebody fixed at a post (a vendor behind the counter): never walks, never counted, never leaves,
 # turns to a player within its kind's notice and back to `yaw` when they go
 export function npc_place(npc_st: mut NpcState, kind: int, x: float, z: float, yaw: float, name: string, look: int) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   let p = new NpcPerson
   p.slot = len(npc_st.np_posts)
   np_fresh(p, kind, look)
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/mirror.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/mirror.ludic
index ac22a921..a2026cf7 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/mirror.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/mirror.ludic
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 
 # on: this machine's own walkers leave, and only the host's are drawn until it is turned off
 export function npc_mirror(npc_st: mut NpcState, on: bool) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   if npc_st.np_mirror == on { return }
   npc_st.np_mirror = on
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_walkers) { npc_retire(npc_st, npc_st.np_walkers[i]) }
@@ -14,7 +13,6 @@ export function npc_mirroring(npc_st: NpcState) -> bool { return npc_st.np_mirro
 
 # the host's slot: somebody new in it (born), or nobody (gone)
 export function npc_put(npc_st: mut NpcState, slot: int, id: int, kind: int, look: int, seed: float, name: string, hx: float, hz: float) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   if slot < 0 or slot >= npc_st.np_max or kind < 0 or kind >= NPCK_COUNT { return null }
   while len(npc_st.np_walkers) <= slot {
     let q = new NpcPerson
@@ -60,7 +58,6 @@ export function npc_heard(npc_st: NpcState, slot: int, x: float, y: float, z: fl
 export function npc_heard_lately(npc_st: NpcState, p: NpcPerson) -> bool { return p.heard and npc_st.np_clock - p.heard_t <= 6.0 }
 
 export function npc_mirror_tick(npc_st: mut NpcState, dt: float) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   npc_st.np_clock = npc_st.np_clock + dt
   let k = Math.min(1.0, dt * 8.0)
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_walkers) {
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/person.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/person.ludic
index 093135d9..02dc1754 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/person.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/person.ludic
@@ -39,37 +39,30 @@ function np_fact(npc_st: NpcState, what: int, p: NpcPerson, player: int) -> NpcF
   return f
 }
 
-function np_ensure() -> void {
-}
 
 # how many walkers the place can hold at once
 export function npc_config(npc_st: mut NpcState, max: int) -> void { npc_st.np_max = max }
 
 export function npc_seed(npc_st: NpcState, n: int) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   rng_seed(npc_st.np_dice, n)
 }
 
 # 0 .. 1, and whole seconds lo .. hi, off the package's dice
 export function npc_rnd(npc_st: NpcState) -> float {
-  np_ensure()
   return rng_float(npc_st.np_dice)
 }
 
 export function npc_between(npc_st: NpcState, lo: int, hi: int) -> int {
-  np_ensure()
   return rng_between(npc_st.np_dice, lo, hi)
 }
 
 export function npc_secs(npc_st: NpcState, lo: int, hi: int) -> float { return float(npc_between(npc_st, lo, np_hi(lo, hi))) }
 
 export function npc_walkers(npc_st: NpcState) -> []NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   return npc_st.np_walkers
 }
 
 export function npc_posts(npc_st: NpcState) -> []NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   return npc_st.np_posts
 }
 
@@ -79,19 +72,16 @@ export function npc_max(npc_st: NpcState) -> int { return npc_st.np_max }
 
 # a walker's slot or a post, and anyone by id
 export function npc_at(npc_st: NpcState, slot: int) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   if slot < 0 or slot >= len(npc_st.np_walkers) { return null }
   return npc_st.np_walkers[slot]
 }
 
 export function npc_post(npc_st: NpcState, i: int) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   if i < 0 or i >= len(npc_st.np_posts) { return null }
   return npc_st.np_posts[i]
 }
 
 export function npc_by_id(npc_st: NpcState, id: int) -> NpcPerson {
-  np_ensure()
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_walkers) { if npc_st.np_walkers[i].active and npc_st.np_walkers[i].id == id { return npc_st.np_walkers[i] } }
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_posts) { if npc_st.np_posts[i].active and npc_st.np_posts[i].id == id { return npc_st.np_posts[i] } }
   return null
diff --git a/packages/ludic.npc/tick.ludic b/packages/ludic.npc/tick.ludic
index 4c0a09cd..72619bbe 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.npc/tick.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.npc/tick.ludic
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 # tick.ludic - a step of everyone, on the machine that runs the place: the census on the half hour,
 # the day's end (only ever out of every player's sight), the walk or the act, and who noticed whom
 export function npc_tick(npc_st: mut NpcState, dt: float) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_posts) { if npc_st.np_posts[i].active { np_step_post(npc_st, npc_st.np_posts[i], dt) } }
   if npc_st.np_hold or npc_st.np_mirror { return }
   np_census(npc_st)
@@ -15,7 +14,6 @@ export function npc_tick(npc_st: mut NpcState, dt: float) -> void {
 
 # the posts alone: a machine that does not run the place still turns its vendors to whoever comes
 export function npc_posts_tick(npc_st: mut NpcState, dt: float) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_posts) { if npc_st.np_posts[i].active { np_step_post(npc_st, npc_st.np_posts[i], dt) } }
 }
 
@@ -82,7 +80,6 @@ export function npc_hold(npc_st: mut NpcState, on: bool) -> void { npc_st.np_hol
 
 # everyone gone, as a new trip starts; the posts are the place's and stay
 export function npc_reset(npc_st: mut NpcState) -> void {
-  np_ensure()
   for i in 0 .. len(npc_st.np_walkers) { npc_retire(npc_st, npc_st.np_walkers[i]) }
   npc_st.np_n = 0
   npc_st.np_next_h = 0.0
diff --git a/packages/ludic.prefs/prefs.ludic b/packages/ludic.prefs/prefs.ludic
index 6b1ddcf9..8421a108 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.prefs/prefs.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.prefs/prefs.ludic
@@ -11,18 +11,12 @@ const PREFS_MAX: int = 64
 
 state PrefsState {
   prefs_path:  pointer  = null
-  prefs_names: pointers = null
-  prefs_vals:  words    = null
+  prefs_names: pointers = pointers(PREFS_MAX)
+  prefs_vals:  words    = words(PREFS_MAX)
   prefs_n:     int      = 0
 }
 
 namespace Prefs {
-  internal function init(prefs_st: mut PrefsState) -> void {
-    if prefs_st.prefs_names != null { return }
-    prefs_st.prefs_names = pointers(PREFS_MAX)
-    prefs_st.prefs_vals  = words(PREFS_MAX)
-    prefs_st.prefs_n = 0
-  }
 
   internal function find(prefs_st: PrefsState, key: pointer) -> int {
     var i = 0
@@ -31,7 +25,6 @@ namespace Prefs {
   }
 
   export function get(prefs_st: mut PrefsState, key: pointer, fallback: int) -> int {
-    init(prefs_st)
     let i = find(prefs_st, key)
     if i < 0 { return fallback }
     return prefs_st.prefs_vals[i]
@@ -45,7 +38,6 @@ namespace Prefs {
   }
 
   export function set(prefs_st: mut PrefsState, key: pointer, value: int) -> void {
-    init(prefs_st)
     var i = find(prefs_st, key)
     if i < 0 {
       if prefs_st.prefs_n >= PREFS_MAX { return }
@@ -89,7 +81,6 @@ namespace Prefs {
   }
 
   export function load(prefs_st: mut PrefsState, path: pointer) -> void {
-    init(prefs_st)
     prefs_st.prefs_path = path
     let buf = read_all(path)
     if buf == null { return }
@@ -109,7 +100,6 @@ namespace Prefs {
   }
 
   export function save(prefs_st: mut PrefsState) -> void {
-    init(prefs_st)
     if prefs_st.prefs_path == null { return }
     let f = file_open(prefs_st.prefs_path, "wb")
     if f == null { return }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.rpg/crafting.ludic b/packages/ludic.rpg/crafting.ludic
index d54c2861..5c44aa93 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.rpg/crafting.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.rpg/crafting.ludic
@@ -10,20 +10,12 @@ const CRAFT_MAX: int = 128
 const CRAFT_ING_MAX: int = 512
 
 
-function craft_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
-  if rpg_st.recipe_reg == null {
-    rpg_st.recipe_reg = Dict.new()
-    rpg_st.recipe_out = pointers(CRAFT_MAX);  rpg_st.recipe_outqty = words(CRAFT_MAX)
-    rpg_st.ing_rid = words(CRAFT_ING_MAX);  rpg_st.ing_name = pointers(CRAFT_ING_MAX);  rpg_st.ing_qty = words(CRAFT_ING_MAX)
-  }
-}
 
 event cancellable CraftRequested { e: int = 0, recipe: int = 0 }
 event CraftCompleted { e: int = 0, recipe: int = 0 }
 
 # Craft.recipe(name, out_item, out_qty) — declare a recipe; returns its id.
 @Namespace(Craft) function craft_recipe(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer, out_item: pointer, out_qty: int) -> int {
-  craft_ensure(rpg_st)
   if rpg_st.recipe_n >= CRAFT_MAX { return -1 }
   let id = rpg_st.recipe_n
   rpg_st.recipe_out[id] = out_item;  rpg_st.recipe_outqty[id] = out_qty
@@ -31,10 +23,9 @@ event CraftCompleted { e: int = 0, recipe: int = 0 }
   Dict.set(rpg_st.recipe_reg, name, id)
   return id
 }
-@Namespace(Craft) function craft_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { craft_ensure(rpg_st);  return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.recipe_reg, name, -1) }
+@Namespace(Craft) function craft_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.recipe_reg, name, -1) }
 # Craft.ingredient(recipe_name, item, qty) — add an ingredient requirement.
 @Namespace(Craft) function craft_ingredient(rpg_st: mut RpgState, recipe_name: pointer, item: pointer, qty: int) -> void {
-  craft_ensure(rpg_st)
   let rid = craft_id(rpg_st, recipe_name)
   if rid < 0 { return }
   if rpg_st.ing_n >= CRAFT_ING_MAX { return }
@@ -44,7 +35,6 @@ event CraftCompleted { e: int = 0, recipe: int = 0 }
 
 # Craft.can(e, recipe_name) — does the owner hold every ingredient?
 @Namespace(Craft) function craft_can(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, recipe_name: pointer) -> int {
-  craft_ensure(rpg_st)
   let rid = craft_id(rpg_st, recipe_name)
   if rid < 0 { return 0 }
   var i = 0
@@ -59,7 +49,6 @@ event CraftCompleted { e: int = 0, recipe: int = 0 }
 
 # Craft.make(e, recipe_name) — consume ingredients + produce output; 1 on success.
 @Namespace(Craft) function craft_make(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, recipe_name: pointer) -> int {
-  craft_ensure(rpg_st)
   let rid = craft_id(rpg_st, recipe_name)
   if rid < 0 { return 0 }
   if craft_can(rpg_st, e, recipe_name) == 0 { return 0 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.rpg/dialog.ludic b/packages/ludic.rpg/dialog.ludic
index 91bd8e41..94961300 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.rpg/dialog.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.rpg/dialog.ludic
@@ -9,14 +9,6 @@ const DLG_NODE_MAX: int = 512
 const DLG_CHOICE_MAX: int = 1024
 
 
-function dlg_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
-  if rpg_st.dlg_reg == null {
-    rpg_st.dlg_reg = Dict.new()
-    rpg_st.dlg_tree_start = words(DLG_TREE_MAX)
-    rpg_st.dlg_node_tree = words(DLG_NODE_MAX);  rpg_st.dlg_node_text = pointers(DLG_NODE_MAX)
-    rpg_st.dlg_choice_node = words(DLG_CHOICE_MAX);  rpg_st.dlg_choice_label = pointers(DLG_CHOICE_MAX);  rpg_st.dlg_choice_next = words(DLG_CHOICE_MAX)
-  }
-}
 
 property Dialog { tree: int = 0, node: int = 0, active: int = 0 }
 
@@ -27,7 +19,6 @@ event DialogEnded { e: int = 0 }
 
 # Dialog.tree(name) — register (or fetch) a tree id.
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_tree(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   let ex = Dict.get_or(rpg_st.dlg_reg, name, -1)
   if ex >= 0 { return ex }
   if rpg_st.dlg_tree_n >= DLG_TREE_MAX { return -1 }
@@ -40,7 +31,6 @@ event DialogEnded { e: int = 0 }
 # Dialog.node(tree_name, text) — add a line node; the first node added to a tree is
 # its entry point. Returns the node id.
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_node(rpg_st: mut RpgState, tree_name: pointer, text: pointer) -> int {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   let tid = dialog_tree(rpg_st, tree_name)
   if tid < 0 { return -1 }
   if rpg_st.dlg_node_n >= DLG_NODE_MAX { return -1 }
@@ -52,7 +42,6 @@ event DialogEnded { e: int = 0 }
 }
 # Dialog.choice(node, label, next_node) — add a branch (next_node -1 ends).
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_choice(rpg_st: mut RpgState, node: int, label: pointer, next_node: int) -> int {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   if rpg_st.dlg_choice_n >= DLG_CHOICE_MAX { return -1 }
   let id = rpg_st.dlg_choice_n
   rpg_st.dlg_choice_node[id] = node;  rpg_st.dlg_choice_label[id] = label;  rpg_st.dlg_choice_next[id] = next_node
@@ -71,7 +60,6 @@ function dlg_set(e: int, name: pointer, v: int) -> void {
 
 # Dialog.start(e, tree_name) — open the tree on a speaker (DialogStarted + Line).
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_start(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, tree_name: pointer) -> void {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   let tid = dialog_tree(rpg_st, tree_name)
   if tid < 0 { return }
   dlg_set(e, "tree", tid)
@@ -87,7 +75,6 @@ function dlg_set(e: int, name: pointer, v: int) -> void {
 }
 # Dialog.count(e) — number of choices at the current node.
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_count(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int) -> int {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   if dlg_get(e, "active") == 0 { return 0 }
   let node = dlg_get(e, "node")
   var n = 0;  var i = 0
@@ -96,7 +83,6 @@ function dlg_set(e: int, name: pointer, v: int) -> void {
 }
 # Dialog.choose(e, i) — take the i-th choice (veto-able); advance or end.
 @Namespace(Dialog) function dialog_choose(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, idx: int) -> int {
-  dlg_ensure(rpg_st)
   if dlg_get(e, "active") == 0 { return 0 }
   let node = dlg_get(e, "node")
   var seen = 0;  var i = 0;  var pick = -1
diff --git a/packages/ludic.rpg/inventory.ludic b/packages/ludic.rpg/inventory.ludic
index cf188a28..49bcbc0b 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.rpg/inventory.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.rpg/inventory.ludic
@@ -11,52 +11,45 @@ const INV_MAX: int = 256
 
 # ---- item registry --------------------------------------------------------
 state RpgState {
-  recipe_reg: Dict = null           # recipe name -> id
+  recipe_reg: Dict = Dict.new()           # recipe name -> id
   recipe_n: int = 0
-  recipe_out: pointers = null       # output item name
-  recipe_outqty: words = null
+  recipe_out: pointers = pointers(CRAFT_MAX)       # output item name
+  recipe_outqty: words = words(CRAFT_MAX)
   ing_n: int = 0
-  ing_rid:  words = null            # owning recipe id
-  ing_name: pointers = null         # ingredient item name
-  ing_qty:  words = null
-  dlg_reg: Dict = null              # tree name -> tree id
+  ing_rid:  words = words(CRAFT_ING_MAX)            # owning recipe id
+  ing_name: pointers = pointers(CRAFT_ING_MAX)         # ingredient item name
+  ing_qty:  words = words(CRAFT_ING_MAX)
+  dlg_reg: Dict = Dict.new()              # tree name -> tree id
   dlg_tree_n: int = 0
-  dlg_tree_start: words = null      # first node id per tree
+  dlg_tree_start: words = words(DLG_TREE_MAX)      # first node id per tree
   dlg_node_n: int = 0
-  dlg_node_tree: words = null
-  dlg_node_text: pointers = null
+  dlg_node_tree: words = words(DLG_NODE_MAX)
+  dlg_node_text: pointers = pointers(DLG_NODE_MAX)
   dlg_choice_n: int = 0
-  dlg_choice_node: words = null     # owning node
-  dlg_choice_label: pointers = null
-  dlg_choice_next: words = null     # next node id, or -1 to end
-  item_reg: Dict = null
+  dlg_choice_node: words = words(DLG_CHOICE_MAX)     # owning node
+  dlg_choice_label: pointers = pointers(DLG_CHOICE_MAX)
+  dlg_choice_next: words = words(DLG_CHOICE_MAX)     # next node id, or -1 to end
+  item_reg: Dict = Dict.new()
   item_n: int = 0
-  item_stackmax: words = null
-  item_weight:   words = null
-  item_value:    words = null
-  inv_counts: Dict = null
-  quest_reg: Dict = null            # quest name -> id
+  item_stackmax: words = words(INV_MAX)
+  item_weight:   words = words(INV_MAX)
+  item_value:    words = words(INV_MAX)
+  inv_counts: Dict = Dict.new()
+  quest_reg: Dict = Dict.new()            # quest name -> id
   quest_n: int = 0
-  quest_state: words = null
+  quest_state: words = words(QUEST_MAX)
   obj_n: int = 0
-  obj_qid:    words = null          # owning quest id
-  obj_kind:   words = null
-  obj_target: words = null          # a target id/tag (kind-specific; 0 = any)
-  obj_need:   words = null
-  obj_have:   words = null
-  quest_flags: Dict = null          # global flag store
+  obj_qid:    words = words(OBJ_MAX)          # owning quest id
+  obj_kind:   words = words(OBJ_MAX)
+  obj_target: words = words(OBJ_MAX)          # a target id/tag (kind-specific; 0 = any)
+  obj_need:   words = words(OBJ_MAX)
+  obj_have:   words = words(OBJ_MAX)
+  quest_flags: Dict = Dict.new()          # global flag store
 }
 
-function item_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
-  if rpg_st.item_reg == null {
-    rpg_st.item_reg = Dict.new()
-    rpg_st.item_stackmax = words(INV_MAX);  rpg_st.item_weight = words(INV_MAX);  rpg_st.item_value = words(INV_MAX)
-  }
-}
 
 # Item.def(name, stack_max, weight, value) — register an item template. Returns id.
 @Namespace(Item) function item_def(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer, stack_max: int, weight: int, value: int) -> int {
-  item_ensure(rpg_st)
   if rpg_st.item_n >= INV_MAX { return -1 }
   let id = rpg_st.item_n
   rpg_st.item_stackmax[id] = stack_max;  rpg_st.item_weight[id] = weight;  rpg_st.item_value[id] = value
@@ -64,7 +57,7 @@ function item_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
   Dict.set(rpg_st.item_reg, name, id)
   return id
 }
-@Namespace(Item) function item_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { item_ensure(rpg_st);  return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.item_reg, name, -1) }
+@Namespace(Item) function item_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.item_reg, name, -1) }
 @Namespace(Item) function item_value_of(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int {
   let id = item_id(rpg_st, name);  if id < 0 { return 0 }
   return rpg_st.item_value[id]
@@ -73,7 +66,6 @@ function item_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
 # ---- per-owner counts -----------------------------------------------------
 property Inventory { gold: int = 0, weight_max: int = 0, slots: int = 0 }
 
-function inv_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void { if rpg_st.inv_counts == null { rpg_st.inv_counts = Dict.new() } }
 function inv_key(e: int, name: pointer) -> pointer { return `{e}/{name}` }
 
 event ItemAdded { e: int = 0, item: int = 0, qty: int = 0 }        # item = registry id
@@ -82,14 +74,12 @@ event cancellable ItemUse { e: int = 0, item: int = 0 }           # veto a use (
 
 # Inventory.add(e, name, n) — add n of an item; emits ItemAdded.
 @Namespace(Inventory) function inventory_add(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, name: pointer, n: int) -> void {
-  inv_ensure(rpg_st)
   let k = inv_key(e, name)
   Dict.set(rpg_st.inv_counts, k, Dict.get_or(rpg_st.inv_counts, k, 0) + n)
   emit ItemAdded(e: e, item: item_id(rpg_st, name), qty: n)
 }
 # Inventory.count(e, name) — how many the owner holds.
 @Namespace(Inventory) function inventory_count(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, name: pointer) -> int {
-  inv_ensure(rpg_st)
   return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.inv_counts, inv_key(e, name), 0)
 }
 @Namespace(Inventory) function inventory_has(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, name: pointer) -> int {
@@ -98,7 +88,6 @@ event cancellable ItemUse { e: int = 0, item: int = 0 }           # veto a use (
 }
 # Inventory.remove(e, name, n) — remove up to n; returns 1 if it had enough.
 @Namespace(Inventory) function inventory_remove(rpg_st: mut RpgState, e: int, name: pointer, n: int) -> int {
-  inv_ensure(rpg_st)
   let k = inv_key(e, name)
   let have = Dict.get_or(rpg_st.inv_counts, k, 0)
   if have < n { return 0 }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.rpg/quests.ludic b/packages/ludic.rpg/quests.ludic
index 277ec1cb..8d330abb 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.rpg/quests.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.rpg/quests.ludic
@@ -15,14 +15,6 @@ const QUEST_MAX: int = 128
 const OBJ_MAX: int = 512
 
 
-function quest_ensure(rpg_st: mut RpgState) -> void {
-  if rpg_st.quest_reg == null {
-    rpg_st.quest_reg = Dict.new();  rpg_st.quest_flags = Dict.new()
-    rpg_st.quest_state = words(QUEST_MAX)
-    rpg_st.obj_qid = words(OBJ_MAX);  rpg_st.obj_kind = words(OBJ_MAX);  rpg_st.obj_target = words(OBJ_MAX)
-    rpg_st.obj_need = words(OBJ_MAX);  rpg_st.obj_have = words(OBJ_MAX)
-  }
-}
 
 event QuestStarted { quest: int = 0 }
 event QuestCompleted { quest: int = 0 }
@@ -30,7 +22,6 @@ event ObjectiveProgressed { quest: int = 0, objective: int = 0, have: int = 0, n
 
 # Quest.define(name) — register a quest (state hidden). Returns id.
 @Namespace(Quest) function quest_define(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int {
-  quest_ensure(rpg_st)
   if rpg_st.quest_n >= QUEST_MAX { return -1 }
   let id = rpg_st.quest_n
   rpg_st.quest_state[id] = 0
@@ -38,10 +29,9 @@ event ObjectiveProgressed { quest: int = 0, objective: int = 0, have: int = 0, n
   Dict.set(rpg_st.quest_reg, name, id)
   return id
 }
-@Namespace(Quest) function quest_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { quest_ensure(rpg_st);  return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.quest_reg, name, -1) }
+@Namespace(Quest) function quest_id(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.quest_reg, name, -1) }
 # Quest.objective(quest_name, kind, target, need) — add an objective.
 @Namespace(Quest) function quest_objective(rpg_st: mut RpgState, quest_name: pointer, kind: int, target: int, need: int) -> int {
-  quest_ensure(rpg_st)
   let qid = quest_id(rpg_st, quest_name)
   if qid < 0 { return -1 }
   if rpg_st.obj_n >= OBJ_MAX { return -1 }
@@ -53,14 +43,12 @@ event ObjectiveProgressed { quest: int = 0, objective: int = 0, have: int = 0, n
 }
 # Quest.start(name) — activate a quest (emits QuestStarted).
 @Namespace(Quest) function quest_start(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> void {
-  quest_ensure(rpg_st)
   let qid = quest_id(rpg_st, name)
   if qid < 0 { return }
   rpg_st.quest_state[qid] = 2
   emit QuestStarted(quest: qid)
 }
 @Namespace(Quest) function quest_state_of(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int {
-  quest_ensure(rpg_st)
   let qid = quest_id(rpg_st, name)
   if qid < 0 { return -1 }
   return rpg_st.quest_state[qid]
@@ -80,7 +68,6 @@ function quest_all_done(rpg_st: RpgState, qid: int) -> int {
 # quest's matching objectives tick up (target 0 on the objective = "any"); a quest
 # whose objectives are all met auto-completes.
 @Namespace(Quest) function quest_notify(rpg_st: mut RpgState, kind: int, target: int, amount: int) -> void {
-  quest_ensure(rpg_st)
   var i = 0
   while i < rpg_st.obj_n {
     let qid = rpg_st.obj_qid[i]
@@ -104,5 +91,5 @@ function quest_all_done(rpg_st: RpgState, qid: int) -> int {
 }
 
 # ---- global flag store (branching / world state) --------------------------
-@Namespace(Quest) function quest_flag(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer, value: int) -> void { quest_ensure(rpg_st);  Dict.set(rpg_st.quest_flags, name, value) }
-@Namespace(Quest) function quest_flag_get(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { quest_ensure(rpg_st);  return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.quest_flags, name, 0) }
+@Namespace(Quest) function quest_flag(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer, value: int) -> void { Dict.set(rpg_st.quest_flags, name, value) }
+@Namespace(Quest) function quest_flag_get(rpg_st: mut RpgState, name: pointer) -> int { return Dict.get_or(rpg_st.quest_flags, name, 0) }
diff --git a/packages/ludic.shooter/shooter.ludic b/packages/ludic.shooter/shooter.ludic
index ca38bbba..fc7ef0b6 100644
--- a/packages/ludic.shooter/shooter.ludic
+++ b/packages/ludic.shooter/shooter.ludic
@@ -70,36 +70,26 @@ event WeaponFired { owner: int = 0, def_id: int = 0 }
 # Weapon registry (name-keyed, mod-friendly — add a gun with no code)
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 state ShooterState {
-  wpn_reg: Dict = null
+  wpn_reg: Dict = Dict.new()
   wpn_n:   int = 0
-  wpn_rate:    words = null
-  wpn_dmg:     words = null
-  wpn_speed:   words = null
-  wpn_spread:  words = null
-  wpn_pellets: words = null
-  wpn_pattern: words = null
-  wpn_ttl:     words = null
-  wpn_pierce:  words = null
-  wpn_homing:  words = null
-  wpn_color:   words = null
-  wpn_rate_base: words = null
+  wpn_rate:    words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_dmg:     words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_speed:   words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_spread:  words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_pellets: words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_pattern: words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_ttl:     words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_pierce:  words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_homing:  words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_color:   words = words(WPN_MAX)
+  wpn_rate_base: words = words(WPN_MAX)
   wpn_fire_color: int = 0xffffff              # the colour of the weapon being fired (sh_fire)
 }
 
-function wpn_ensure(shooter_st: mut ShooterState) -> void {
-  if shooter_st.wpn_reg == null {
-    shooter_st.wpn_reg = Dict.new()
-    shooter_st.wpn_rate = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_dmg = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_speed = words(WPN_MAX)
-    shooter_st.wpn_spread = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_pellets = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_pattern = words(WPN_MAX)
-    shooter_st.wpn_ttl = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_pierce = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_homing = words(WPN_MAX)
-    shooter_st.wpn_color = words(WPN_MAX);  shooter_st.wpn_rate_base = words(WPN_MAX)
-  }
-}
 
 # Weapon.def(name, fire_rate, damage, speed, spread, pellets, pattern) — register a
 # gun. pattern: 0 single/aimed, 1 spread cone, 2 ring, 3 spiral. Returns the def id.
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_def(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, name: pointer, fire_rate: int, damage: int, speed: int, spread: int, pellets: int, pattern: int) -> int {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st)
   if shooter_st.wpn_n >= WPN_MAX { return -1 }
   let id = shooter_st.wpn_n
   shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] = fire_rate;  shooter_st.wpn_dmg[id] = damage;  shooter_st.wpn_speed[id] = speed
@@ -112,36 +102,35 @@ function wpn_ensure(shooter_st: mut ShooterState) -> void {
   return id
 }
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_id(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, name: pointer) -> int {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st)
   return Dict.get_or(shooter_st.wpn_reg, name, -1)
 }
 # Weapon.set_rate(id, frames) — frames between shots (a fire-rate upgrade changes it in place).
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_set_rate(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int, frames: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] = frames }
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] = frames }
 }
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_rate(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int) -> int {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { return shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] };  return 0
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { return shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] };  return 0
 }
 # Weapon.reset(id) — back to the definition: no pierce, no homing, the defined fire rate.
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_reset(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id < 0) or (id >= WPN_MAX) { return }
+  if (id < 0) or (id >= WPN_MAX) { return }
   shooter_st.wpn_pierce[id] = 0;  shooter_st.wpn_homing[id] = 0;  shooter_st.wpn_rate[id] = shooter_st.wpn_rate_base[id]
 }
 # Weapon.set_color(id, color) — the colour the engine draws this weapon's shots in.
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_set_color(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int, color: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_color[id] = color }
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_color[id] = color }
 }
 # Weapon.set_ttl(id, frames) — projectile lifetime for a weapon (range control).
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_set_ttl(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int, frames: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_ttl[id] = frames }
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_ttl[id] = frames }
 }
 # Weapon.set_pierce(id, n) — a shot passes through n targets before it dies.
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_set_pierce(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int, n: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_pierce[id] = n }
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_pierce[id] = n }
 }
 # Weapon.set_homing(id, deg) — max degrees/frame a shot turns toward an enemy.
 @Namespace(Weapon) function weapon_set_homing(shooter_st: mut ShooterState, id: int, deg: int) -> void {
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st);  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_homing[id] = deg }
+  if (id >= 0) and (id < WPN_MAX) { shooter_st.wpn_homing[id] = deg }
 }
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -534,7 +523,6 @@ function sh_spawn_bullet(shooter_st: ShooterState, owner: int, fac: int, px: int
 @EngineSystem(Weapon, Update) function esys_weapon(shooter_st: mut ShooterState) -> void {
   let P = World.prop_id("Weapon")
   if P < 0 { return }
-  wpn_ensure(shooter_st)
   var e = World.query_next(P, 0)
   while e >= 0 {
     let cd = World.get(e, P, World.field_id(P, "cooldown"))