diff --git a/flow-state/filmstrip.html b/flow-state/filmstrip.html
index 2c0fe9f..3cad26f 100644
--- a/flow-state/filmstrip.html
+++ b/flow-state/filmstrip.html
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@
     <div class="bar" id="bar">
         <span class="spinner"></span>
         <button id="rebuild">rebuild</button>
+        <select id="venueSel" title="pin one venue in every row, or census"></select>
         <select id="sort">
             <option value="direction">sort: least direction first</option>
             <option value="drift">sort: least drift first</option>
@@ -103,6 +104,7 @@
 
 <script type="module">
 import { buildFilmstrip, songNames, STRIP, DEFAULT_EVERY, DEFAULT_DURATION } from '/src/checks/filmstrip.js';
+import { venues } from '/src/venues/registry.js';
 import { blit } from '/src/checks/blit.js';
 import { hashString } from '/src/engine/rng.js';
 import {
@@ -115,6 +117,7 @@ const every = Number(params.get('every')) || DEFAULT_EVERY;
 const duration = Number(params.get('duration')) || DEFAULT_DURATION;
 const only = params.get('song') ? params.get('song').split(',') : null;
 const venueEnabled = params.get('venue') === '1';
+const venueSelParam = params.get('venueSel') || '';
 
 document.getElementById('everyLabel').textContent = every;
 
@@ -122,9 +125,21 @@ const bar = document.getElementById('bar');
 const out = document.getElementById('out');
 const status = document.getElementById('status');
 const sortSel = document.getElementById('sort');
+const venueSel = document.getElementById('venueSel');
 const progress = document.querySelector('#progress i');
 const rebuildBtn = document.getElementById('rebuild');
 
+venueSel.innerHTML = `<option value="">all venues (census)</option>` +
+    venues.map((v) => `<option value="${v.name}">${v.name} (${v.archetype})</option>`).join('');
+if ([...venueSel.options].some((o) => o.value === venueSelParam)) venueSel.value = venueSelParam;
+venueSel.addEventListener('change', () => {
+    const p = new URLSearchParams(location.search);
+    if (venueSel.value) p.set('venueSel', venueSel.value);
+    else p.delete('venueSel');
+    history.replaceState(null, '', `${location.pathname}?${p}`);
+    build();
+});
+
 let rows = [];
 
 // Read against the arcless reference the variety report prints: around zero is
@@ -224,7 +239,8 @@ function summarise(built) {
         ? rows.reduce((a, r) => a + (r.direction || 0), 0) / rows.length : 0;
     const meanAgit = rows.length
         ? rows.reduce((a, r) => a + (r.agitation ?? 0), 0) / rows.length : 0;
-    return `${rows.length} songs · every ${every}s of ${duration}s · ` +
+    const venueNote = venueSel.value ? ` · venue ${venueSel.value}` : (venueEnabled ? ' · venues from census' : '');
+    return `${rows.length} songs · every ${every}s of ${duration}s${venueNote} · ` +
         `mean direction ${meanDir.toFixed(2)} · ${flat} with no direction` +
         ` · mean agit ${meanAgit.toFixed(2)} · ${agited} agitated (≥${AGIT_CEILING.toFixed(2)})${validatedNote}` +
         (built ? ` · built ${new Date(built).toLocaleString()}` : '');
@@ -232,7 +248,7 @@ function summarise(built) {
 
 // The cache key carries the sampling parameters as well as the source, so
 // changing `?every=` does not silently show you the previous spacing's pixels.
-const cacheKey = () => `filmstrip:${every}:${duration}:${only ? only.join(',') : 'all'}:v${venueEnabled ? 1 : 0}:${sourceFingerprint()}`;
+const cacheKey = () => `filmstrip:${every}:${duration}:${only ? only.join(',') : 'all'}:v${venueEnabled ? 1 : 0}:${venueSel.value || 'auto'}:${sourceFingerprint()}`;
 
 async function build() {
     bar.classList.add('building');
@@ -242,7 +258,7 @@ async function build() {
 
     const total = (only || songNames()).length;
     const built = await buildFilmstrip({
-        duration, every, names: only, venueEnabled,
+        duration, every, names: only, venueEnabled, venueSel: venueSel.value || null,
         // Painted as they land, in bank order, rather than after the whole run.
         // A full build is a couple of minutes of GPU work and the interesting
         // failure — a strip whose frames could be shuffled — is visible in the
diff --git a/flow-state/src/checks/filmstrip.js b/flow-state/src/checks/filmstrip.js
index 254d0d9..eaa1827 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/checks/filmstrip.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/checks/filmstrip.js
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 
 import { Show, FADE_SECONDS } from '../Show.js';
 import { generateLook } from '../look/LookGenerator.js';
+import { venues } from '../venues/registry.js';
 import { song, SONGS } from '../audio/songbank.js';
 import { hashString } from '../engine/rng.js';
 import { frameDescriptor, motionDescriptor } from './variety/descriptors.js';
@@ -69,12 +70,22 @@ function blockMean(byBlock) {
  *
  * @returns {{name, frames: Array, drift: number, direction: number, look}}
  */
-export function renderSong(show, name, { duration, every, venueEnabled = null }) {
+export function renderSong(show, name, { duration, every, venueEnabled = null, venueSel = null }) {
     const { track } = song(name, { duration });
     // Seeded off the song's name, so a strip is stable between rebuilds and two
     // songs are not accidentally handed the same look.
     const venueFlag = venueEnabled !== null ? !!venueEnabled : (typeof location !== 'undefined' && new URLSearchParams(location.search).get('venue') === '1');
     const look = generateLook(track, { seed: hashString(name), venueEnabled: venueFlag });
+    // Pin one venue in every row (same shell-swap as the venue gallery): the
+    // VenueSpec population stays the census one, only the shell is forced.
+    const sel = venueSel || (typeof location !== 'undefined' && new URLSearchParams(location.search).get('venueSel')) || null;
+    if (sel && look.venue) {
+        const picked = venues.find((v) => v.name === sel);
+        if (!picked) throw new Error(`unknown venue "${sel}"`);
+        look.venue.module = picked;
+        look.venue.name = picked.name;
+        look.venue.archetype = picked.archetype;
+    }
     show.useTrack(track, look);
 
     const frames = [];
@@ -208,6 +219,7 @@ function momentAt(story, index) {
  */
 export async function buildFilmstrip({
     duration = DEFAULT_DURATION, every = DEFAULT_EVERY, names = null, venueEnabled = null,
+    venueSel = null,
     onSong = null, onSongStart = null,
 } = {}) {
     const list = names && names.length ? names : songNames();
@@ -225,7 +237,7 @@ export async function buildFilmstrip({
             }
             let row;
             try {
-                row = renderSong(show, list[i], { duration, every, venueEnabled });
+                row = renderSong(show, list[i], { duration, every, venueEnabled, venueSel });
             } catch (err) {
                 row = { name: list[i], frames: [], shots: [], drift: 0, direction: 0, error: err.message };
             }
diff --git a/flow-state/src/engine/Compositor.js b/flow-state/src/engine/Compositor.js
index 141ad13..c156df1 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/engine/Compositor.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/engine/Compositor.js
@@ -224,15 +224,62 @@ export class Compositor {
                 const rise = (trav - 0.5) * 0.9 * room;
                 const shiftX = framing.shift[0] * 0.6;
                 const shiftY = framing.shift[1] * 0.35;
+                let px = walk * 1.5 * room + Math.sin(time * swayRate) * sway * 4 + shiftX + hx;
+                let py = 0.35 + rise + Math.cos(time * swayRate * 0.83) * sway * 3 + shiftY + hy;
+                let pz = dolly;
+                if (venue.archetype === 'ride') {
+                    // Orbit the car once per video (~200° arc, seeded direction)
+                    // ON TOP of the traverse: the chase unit circles while it
+                    // pushes in, so angles genuinely change instead of the
+                    // camera shuffling on one side. Monotonic in progress — the
+                    // arc survives — and bounded by the same box below.
+                    // Radius tracks the shot dolly (wides orbit far, closes
+                    // near) with a floor that keeps the camera out of the
+                    // bodywork: the car is ~2 wide and ~3.5 long, and a 2.6
+                    // floor still put close-ups through the paint.
+                    const oDir = s1 >= 0 ? 1 : -1;
+                    const oAng = oDir * (0.5 + trav * 3.5);
+                    const oRad = Math.max(3.2, dolly);
+                    // Blend orbit with traverse by section energy of the gaze:
+                    // keep half the traverse so the walk's travel isn't lost.
+                    px = (px + Math.sin(oAng) * oRad) / 2;
+                    pz = (pz + Math.cos(oAng) * oRad) / 2;
+                    py = (py + (0.5 + Math.sin(trav * 6.28 + s2 * 3.0) * 0.9)) / 2;
+                }
+                // Minimum focus distance from the car (origin): blending can
+                // still land the camera inside the paint, where a frame is
+                // nothing but chassis. Push out along the xz ray, keep y.
+                {
+                    const dx = px, dz = pz;
+                    const r = Math.hypot(dx, dz);
+                    const minR = venue.archetype === 'ride' ? 3.4 : 0;
+                    if (r < minR && r > 1e-4) {
+                        const k = minR / r;
+                        px = dx * k; pz = dz * k;
+                    } else if (r <= 1e-4) {
+                        px = minR; pz = 0;
+                    }
+                }
                 cam.position.set(
-                    walk * 1.5 * room + Math.sin(time * swayRate) * sway * 4 + shiftX + hx,
-                    Math.max(lim.yLo, Math.min(lim.yHi,
-                        0.35 + rise + Math.cos(time * swayRate * 0.83) * sway * 3 + shiftY + hy)),
-                    Math.max(lim.zLo, Math.min(lim.zHi, dolly)),
+                    Math.max(-lim.x, Math.min(lim.x, px)),
+                    Math.max(lim.yLo, Math.min(lim.yHi, py)),
+                    Math.max(lim.zLo, Math.min(lim.zHi, pz)),
                 );
             }
             cam.rotation.z = pCam ? pCam.spin * time * 0.5 : 0;
-            cam.lookAt(planned.look[0], planned.look[1], planned.look[2]);
+            let lx = planned.look[0], ly = planned.look[1], lz = planned.look[2];
+            if (venue.archetype === 'ride') {
+                // Track the car: the orbit swings wide, and the planned look
+                // alone lets the vehicle leave the frame (measured: empty-road
+                // shots). Blend the plan's motive look with the car's analytic
+                // position (same formula as the module sweep) so the chase
+                // unit keeps its subject while still panning with motive.
+                const carX = Math.sin(time * 0.133 + ((venue.seed >>> 0) || 1) * 0.001) * 1.1;
+                lx = carX * 0.55 + lx * 0.45;
+                ly = 0.3 * 0.55 + ly * 0.45;
+                lz = -0.3 * 0.55 + lz * 0.45;
+            }
+            cam.lookAt(lx, ly, lz);
             cam.updateMatrixWorld();
             return;
         }
diff --git a/flow-state/src/look/venueShots.js b/flow-state/src/look/venueShots.js
index 8b3e924..4df779e 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/look/venueShots.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/look/venueShots.js
@@ -49,13 +49,15 @@ export const VENUE_STAGING = {
         box: { x: 4.0, yLo: -0.2, yHi: 2.0, zLo: 1.0, zHi: 9.0 },
         dolly: { wide: 8.2, normal: 4.6, close: 2.4 },
     },
-    // The ride: the "screen" is the dash radio on its stalk at (0, 1.15,
-    // 0.9), facing +z toward the default camera; the car sits at the origin
-    // driving toward -z. The camera works the car like a chase unit — orbits,
-    // push-ins on the radio, pull-backs for the road — inside a box that keeps
-    // it out of the bodywork.
+    // The ride: the "screen" is the small dash radio at (0, 0.82, -0.8),
+    // facing +z (rearward) at the passengers; the car sits at the origin
+    // driving toward -z. Screen visits shoot from the rear hemisphere (the
+    // only side the radio faces); the camera works the car like a chase unit
+    // otherwise — orbits, pull-backs for the road, and passerby plants it on
+    // the shoulder while the car sweeps through — inside a box that keeps it
+    // out of the bodywork.
     ride: {
-        screen: [0, 1.15, 0.9],
+        screen: [0, 0.82, -0.8],
         fieldL: [-3.4, 0.2, -3.0],
         fieldR: [3.4, 0.2, -3.0],
         roomMid: [0, 0.3, -6],
diff --git a/flow-state/src/main.js b/flow-state/src/main.js
index 70bc782..da0bbb3 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/main.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/main.js
@@ -291,9 +291,26 @@ document.addEventListener('keydown', (e) => {
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------- look edits
 
+/**
+ * Persist the current look seed into the URL so a reload restores it.
+ *
+ * Only meaningful with `?song=` (bank songs load by name; a dropped file has
+ * no URL identity, so a seed alone restores nothing). Uses replaceState — no
+ * reload, no history spam.
+ */
+function persistSeedInUrl() {
+    try {
+        const q = new URLSearchParams(location.search);
+        if (!q.get('song')) return;
+        q.set('seed', String(state.show.look.seed >>> 0));
+        history.replaceState(null, '', `${location.pathname}?${q}`);
+    } catch { /* non-browser or sandboxed iframe — seeding still works in-memory */ }
+}
+
 document.getElementById('btn-reroll').addEventListener('click', () => {
     if (!state.show.ready) return;
     state.show.reroll((state.show.look.seed ^ (++state.rerollSalt * 0x9e3779b9)) >>> 0);
+    persistSeedInUrl();
     refreshAfterLookChange();
 });
 
diff --git a/flow-state/src/venues/chamber.js b/flow-state/src/venues/chamber.js
index 2efc792..9d16025 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/venues/chamber.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/venues/chamber.js
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 // Primitives only in V1 — no glTF kit.
 
 import { actorToGeometry } from '../actors/meshes.js';
+import { buildSky, paintSky } from './sky.js';
 
 export const chamber = {
     name: 'Chamber',
@@ -212,6 +213,11 @@ export const chamber = {
         scene.fog = new T.Fog(0x0e0e12, 12, 28);
         scene.userData.transparentBackground = true;
 
+        // Song sky above the open room — replaces clear-to-black. Radius 90
+        // clears the 22-unit room with margin; fog melts the horizon.
+        const sky = buildSky(T, { radius: 90 });
+        scene.add(sky.mesh);
+
         // Population container — memories
         const popGroup = new T.Group();
         popGroup.name = 'memories';
@@ -221,6 +227,7 @@ export const chamber = {
             room, floor, floorMat, wallMat, walls, windowMesh, windowMat,
             reflection, reflectMat,
             ambient, sun, fill,
+            skyMesh: sky.mesh, skyMat: sky.mat,
             popGroup,
             seed,
             venueSpec: venueSpec || null,
@@ -305,6 +312,12 @@ export const chamber = {
             }
         }
 
+        // Song sky + matched fog. The sky replaces clear-to-black; fog takes
+        // the dome's mid colour so the horizon melts instead of banding.
+        paintSky(instance.skyMat, {
+            palette: pal, light: roomLight, style,
+            seed: instance.seed,
+        });
         // Fog via space + story: resolution (fog 0.55) closes the room in,
         // climax (0.18) opens it. Swing near AND far so the depth change reads.
         if (scene.fog) {
@@ -312,7 +325,9 @@ export const chamber = {
             const fogDepth = (space ? 12 + space.depth * 6 : 15) * (0.7 + fogMul * 0.75);
             scene.fog.near = fogDepth;
             scene.fog.far = fogDepth + 10 + fogMul * 10;
-            scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0] * 0.06, c0[1] * 0.06, c0[2] * 0.08);
+            const mid = instance.skyMat ? instance.skyMat.uniforms.u_mid.value : null;
+            if (mid) scene.fog.color.copy(mid);
+            else scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0] * 0.06, c0[1] * 0.06, c0[2] * 0.08);
         }
 
         // Rebuild population if needed (deterministic, seeded). The arrangement
diff --git a/flow-state/src/venues/ride.js b/flow-state/src/venues/ride.js
index 15ad79e..d170211 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/venues/ride.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/venues/ride.js
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 // ArcDriver (never stepped).
 
 import { actorToGeometry } from '../actors/meshes.js';
+import { buildSky, paintSky } from './sky.js';
 
 export const ride = {
     name: 'Ride',
@@ -35,13 +36,18 @@ export const ride = {
 
     // Venue RTT: the compositor calls this with the finished viz texture after
     // compositing the viz stack into vizTarget. The radio screen samples it,
-    // so the viz plays ON the dash rather than composited over the venue.
+    // so the viz plays ON the dash rather than composited over the venue —
+    // and so does the roadside billboard when the seed placed one.
     bindVizTexture(instance, texture) {
         if (!instance || !texture) return;
         if (instance.radioMat && instance.radioMat.emissiveMap !== texture) {
             instance.radioMat.emissiveMap = texture;
             instance.radioMat.needsUpdate = true;
         }
+        if (instance.billMat && instance.billMat.emissiveMap !== texture) {
+            instance.billMat.emissiveMap = texture;
+            instance.billMat.needsUpdate = true;
+        }
     },
 
     // Radio-glow wash for the viz composite — arcs with venueState.light.
@@ -88,6 +94,73 @@ export const ride = {
         }
         scene.add(dashes);
 
+        // Chevron strips: wide faint chevrons across the lane that stream with
+        // the dashes — road texture with no texture map. Same scroll loop.
+        const chevMat = new T.MeshBasicMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.35, 0.38, 0.5), transparent: true, opacity: 0.28,
+            depthWrite: false,
+        });
+        const chevGeo = new T.PlaneGeometry(5.6, 0.5);
+        const chevrons = new T.Group();
+        chevrons.name = 'chevrons';
+        for (let i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
+            const c = new T.Mesh(chevGeo, chevMat);
+            c.rotation.x = -Math.PI / 2;
+            c.position.set(0, -1.14, -72 + i * 10);
+            chevrons.add(c);
+        }
+        scene.add(chevrons);
+
+        // Wind streaks: faint long quads at the frame edges rushing past in
+        // chase mode — pure speed read, no geometry to hit. Billboarded
+        // manually each frame (see update); analytic scroll like everything.
+        const streakMat = new T.MeshBasicMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.5, 0.55, 0.7), transparent: true, opacity: 0.16,
+            depthWrite: false, side: T.DoubleSide,
+        });
+        const streakGeo = new T.PlaneGeometry(0.06, 7);
+        const streaks = new T.Group();
+        streaks.name = 'streaks';
+        const streakSeeds = [];
+        for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
+            const s = new T.Mesh(streakGeo, streakMat);
+            const side = i % 2 === 0 ? -1 : 1;
+            s.position.set(side * (5.5 + (i % 5)), 1.5 + ((i * 37) % 40) / 10, -60 + i * 7);
+            s.userData.baseX = s.position.x;
+            s.userData.baseY = s.position.y;
+            streaks.add(s);
+            streakSeeds.push(i * 0.7);
+        }
+        scene.add(streaks);
+
+        // Roadside posts: the stuff that streams past — alternating near/far
+        // sentinels off both shoulders, palette-lit, so chase speed reads even
+        // with eyes closed to the dashes. Analytic scroll (see update).
+        const postMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.08, 0.08, 0.09),
+            emissive: new T.Color(0.4, 0.5, 0.75),
+            emissiveIntensity: 0.55,
+            roughness: 0.7,
+        });
+        const postGeo = new T.BoxGeometry(0.28, 2.6, 0.28);
+        const capGeo = new T.BoxGeometry(0.4, 0.22, 0.4);
+        const posts = new T.Group();
+        posts.name = 'posts';
+        for (let i = 0; i < 14; i++) {
+            const g = new T.Group();
+            const side = i % 2 === 0 ? -1 : 1;
+            const near = i % 4 < 2;
+            const pole = new T.Mesh(postGeo, postMat);
+            const cap = new T.Mesh(capGeo, postMat);
+            cap.position.y = 1.35;
+            g.add(pole); g.add(cap);
+            // Far shoulder: angular velocity falls with distance, so pushed-out
+            // posts glide instead of whipping past (measured flip-by at ±4.6).
+            g.position.set(side * (near ? 7 : 12), 0.15, -78 + i * 6);
+            posts.add(g);
+        }
+        scene.add(posts);
+
         // Lane edge glow: two long emissive strips so the road reads as a
         // road even when the asphalt is near-black.
         const edgeMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
@@ -106,6 +179,122 @@ export const ride = {
             edges.push(edge);
         }
 
+        // Roadside set dressing: houses, road signs, trees, and one seeded
+        // billboard that can carry the viz. All primitives, all palette-lit,
+        // all scrolling with the same analytic span as the dashes (see
+        // update) — the world streams past in chase mode, holds in parked.
+        // Seeded per arrangement so a story jump re-hangs the roadside too.
+        const dressMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.07, 0.07, 0.08),
+            roughness: 0.85,
+            metalness: 0.05,
+        });
+        const leafMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.05, 0.09, 0.05),
+            emissive: new T.Color(0.1, 0.3, 0.12),
+            emissiveIntensity: 0.35,
+            roughness: 0.9,
+        });
+        const signMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.06, 0.06, 0.07),
+            emissive: new T.Color(0.85, 0.7, 0.3),
+            emissiveIntensity: 0.6,
+            roughness: 0.6,
+        });
+        const billMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+            color: new T.Color(0.02, 0.02, 0.02),
+            emissive: new T.Color(1, 1, 1),
+            emissiveIntensity: 1.1,
+            roughness: 0.6,
+        });
+        const roadside = new T.Group();
+        roadside.name = 'roadside';
+        // 12 slots spaced 8 over [-84, +4]: house / sign / trees / billboard.
+        // Billboard appears at most once, on one side, placed mid-span so it
+        // is on screen for a stretch, not a flash.
+        const billSlot = 3 + Math.floor(rng() * 6);
+        const billSide = rng() < 0.5 ? -1 : 1;
+        const roadsideMeta = [];
+        for (let i = 0; i < 12; i++) {
+            const g = new T.Group();
+            const side = i % 2 === 0 ? -1 : 1;
+            const kind = i === billSlot ? 'billboard'
+                : i % 3 === 0 ? 'house' : i % 3 === 1 ? 'sign' : 'trees';
+            // Dressing lives far out (houses ±13-18, signs/trees ±9-13): near
+            // items cross the frame in a blink, far items linger and let the
+            // camera actually see them. Scaled up ~1.3x with distance so they
+            // don't shrink to dots.
+            const bx = side * (kind === 'house' ? 13 + rng() * 5 : 9 + rng() * 4);
+            const farK = kind === 'house' ? 1.35 : 1.2;
+            if (kind === 'house') {
+                // Box + prism roof + one lit window quad.
+                const w = 2.6 + rng() * 1.6, h = 1.8 + rng() * 1.2, d = 2.2 + rng() * 1.2;
+                const walls = new T.Mesh(new T.BoxGeometry(w, h, d), dressMat);
+                walls.position.y = h / 2 - 1.15;
+                g.add(walls);
+                const roof = new T.Mesh(new T.ConeGeometry(Math.max(w, d) * 0.72, 1.1 + rng() * 0.6, 4), dressMat);
+                roof.position.y = h - 1.15 + 0.55;
+                roof.rotation.y = Math.PI / 4;
+                g.add(roof);
+                const win = new T.Mesh(new T.PlaneGeometry(0.5 + rng() * 0.4, 0.6),
+                    new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
+                        color: new T.Color(0.05, 0.05, 0.05),
+                        emissive: new T.Color(0.95, 0.75, 0.4),
+                        emissiveIntensity: 0.9, roughness: 0.6,
+                    }));
+                win.position.set((rng() - 0.5) * w * 0.5, 0.1 + rng() * 0.5, d / 2 + 0.01);
+                if (side > 0) win.rotation.y = Math.PI;
+                g.add(win);
+                g.userData.winMat = win.material;
+            } else if (kind === 'sign') {
+                // Pole + reflective diamond.
+                const pole = new T.Mesh(new T.CylinderGeometry(0.06, 0.06, 2.2, 6), dressMat);
+                pole.position.y = -0.05;
+                g.add(pole);
+                const diamond = new T.Mesh(new T.BoxGeometry(0.7, 0.7, 0.06), signMat);
+                diamond.position.y = 1.25;
+                diamond.rotation.z = Math.PI / 4;
+                diamond.rotation.y = side > 0 ? -0.35 : 0.35;
+                g.add(diamond);
+            } else if (kind === 'billboard') {
+                // Two posts + big panel carrying the viz (bound in
+                // bindVizTexture alongside the radio). Faces the road.
+                const pGeo = new T.CylinderGeometry(0.12, 0.12, 3.4, 6);
+                for (const px of [-1.4, 1.4]) {
+                    const post = new T.Mesh(pGeo, dressMat);
+                    post.position.set(px, 0.55, 0);
+                    g.add(post);
+                }
+                const panel = new T.Mesh(new T.PlaneGeometry(4.4, 2.5), billMat);
+                panel.position.y = 3.1;
+                // Faces rearward (+z, toward the chase camera and the car it
+                // follows): a billboard is for approaching traffic, and our
+                // traffic approaches from +z. Slight toe-in per side so it
+                // isn't a flat wall from the shoulder.
+                panel.rotation.y = side < 0 ? 0.18 : -0.18;
+                panel.name = 'billboard';
+                g.add(panel);
+                g.userData.billPanel = panel;
+            } else {
+                // Trees: 2-3 cones on cylinders, dark green glow.
+                const n = 2 + Math.floor(rng() * 2);
+                for (let k = 0; k < n; k++) {
+                    const th = 1.6 + rng() * 1.6;
+                    const trunk = new T.Mesh(new T.CylinderGeometry(0.09, 0.12, 0.8, 5), dressMat);
+                    trunk.position.set((rng() - 0.5) * 2.2, -0.75, (rng() - 0.5) * 2.2);
+                    const crown = new T.Mesh(new T.ConeGeometry(0.65 + rng() * 0.4, th, 7), leafMat);
+                    crown.position.copy(trunk.position);
+                    crown.position.y += 0.4 + th / 2;
+                    g.add(trunk); g.add(crown);
+                }
+            }
+            g.position.set(bx, 0, -84 + i * 8);
+            g.scale.setScalar(farK);
+            roadside.add(g);
+            roadsideMeta.push({ kind, side, baseX: bx });
+        }
+        scene.add(roadside);
+
         // The car: a group at the origin facing -z (driving away from camera
         // start). Body panels come from the track's actor; chassis/cabin/wheels
         // are seeded primitives so every song's vehicle differs.
@@ -128,15 +317,23 @@ export const ride = {
         scene.fog = new T.Fog(0x07070c, 14, 46);
         scene.userData.transparentBackground = true;
 
+        // Song sky over the night road — radius 90 clears the 120-unit road.
+        const sky = buildSky(T, { radius: 90 });
+        scene.add(sky.mesh);
+
         // Passenger container — actor riders seated in the cabin.
         const crew = new T.Group();
         crew.name = 'crew';
         car.add(crew);
 
         return {
-            car, road, roadMat, dashes, dashMat, edges, edgeMat, crew,
+            car, road, roadMat, dashes, dashMat, chevrons, chevMat, streaks, streakMat, streakSeeds,
+            posts, postMat, edges, edgeMat,
+            roadside, roadsideMeta, dressMat, leafMat, signMat, billMat,
+            skyMesh: sky.mesh, skyMat: sky.mat,
+            crew,
             ambient, key, tail,
-            radioMat: null, radioMesh: null,
+            radioMat: null, radioMesh: null, billPanel: null,
             bodyMeshes: [],
             seed,
             venueSpec: venueSpec || null,
@@ -182,12 +379,19 @@ export const ride = {
         if (instance.key) instance.key.intensity = 0.7 + fieldLight * 1.1;
         if (instance.ambient) instance.ambient.intensity = 0.4 + fieldLight * 0.5;
         if (instance.tail) instance.tail.intensity = 1.2 + fieldLight * 2;
+        // Song sky + matched fog, same contract as chamber/stage.
+        paintSky(instance.skyMat, {
+            palette: pal, light: fieldLight, style,
+            seed: instance.seed,
+        });
         if (scene.fog) {
             const fogMul = vState ? vState.fog : 0.35;
             const fogDepth = (space ? 10 + space.depth * 8 : 15) * (0.9 + fogMul * 0.45);
             scene.fog.near = fogDepth;
             scene.fog.far = fogDepth + 30;
-            scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0] * 0.05, c0[1] * 0.05, c0[2] * 0.07);
+            const mid = instance.skyMat ? instance.skyMat.uniforms.u_mid.value : null;
+            if (mid) scene.fog.color.copy(mid);
+            else scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0] * 0.05, c0[1] * 0.05, c0[2] * 0.07);
         }
 
         // --- vehicle body (built once; arrangement re-hangs it) ---
@@ -274,33 +478,43 @@ export const ride = {
                     roughness: 0.4, metalness: 0.6,
                 }));
                 wheel.add(tire); wheel.add(hub);
+                // Torus lies in the XY plane (axle along z) — rotate 90° about
+                // Y so the axle runs across the car (x) and the tire rolls
+                // along z. Spin is then rotation.x on the group... which the
+                // yaw would fight — so spin the tire/hub meshes, not the group.
+                wheel.rotation.y = Math.PI / 2;
                 wheel.position.set(wx, -0.72, wz);
+                wheel.userData.tire = tire;
+                wheel.userData.hub = hub;
                 instance.car.add(wheel);
                 instance.bodyMeshes.push(wheel);
                 instance.wheels.push(wheel);
             }
 
-            // Radio: the viz screen. Rises above the dash on a small stalk so
-            // it reads over the bodywork from chase angles — emissiveMap bound
-            // per-frame by bindVizTexture, emissive stays near-white so the
-            // viz keeps its own colours.
+            // Radio: the viz screen, on the dash ahead of the crew, facing BACK
+            // at the passengers (+z face toward the cabin — a screen is for
+            // watching, and the audience that can see it rides inside). The car
+            // drives toward -z, so the radio sits forward (z < crew) with its
+            // face rearward. A small dash unit, NOT a billboard. EmissiveMap
+            // bound per-frame by bindVizTexture, emissive stays near-white so
+            // the viz keeps its own colours. From a front chase angle it reads
+            // dark — correct, a dash screen is not for oncoming traffic.
             const radioMat = new T.MeshStandardMaterial({
                 color: new T.Color(0.02, 0.02, 0.02),
                 emissive: new T.Color(1, 1, 1),
-                emissiveIntensity: 1.2,
+                emissiveIntensity: 1.4,
                 roughness: 0.5, metalness: 0.2,
-                side: T.DoubleSide,
             });
-            const stalk = new T.Mesh(
-                new T.CylinderGeometry(0.05, 0.07, 0.5, 8),
+            const dash = new T.Mesh(
+                new T.BoxGeometry(0.85, 0.3, 0.28),
                 new T.MeshStandardMaterial({ color: new T.Color(0.05, 0.05, 0.06), roughness: 0.6 }));
-            stalk.position.set(0, 0.75, 0.9);
-            instance.car.add(stalk);
-            instance.bodyMeshes.push(stalk);
-            const radio = new T.Mesh(new T.PlaneGeometry(1.3, 0.73), radioMat);
-            radio.position.set(0, 1.15, 0.9);
-            radio.rotation.x = -0.12;
-            radio.rotation.y = Math.PI;
+            dash.position.set(0, 0.72, -0.95);
+            instance.car.add(dash);
+            instance.bodyMeshes.push(dash);
+            const radio = new T.Mesh(new T.PlaneGeometry(0.62, 0.35), radioMat);
+            radio.position.set(0, 0.82, -0.8);
+            radio.rotation.x = 0.15;
+            radio.rotation.y = 0;
             radio.name = 'radio';
             instance.car.add(radio);
             instance.radioMat = radioMat;
@@ -316,7 +530,10 @@ export const ride = {
             for (const bx of [-0.55, 0.55]) {
                 const beamGeo = new T.ConeGeometry(0.45, 3.5, 12, 1, true);
                 beamGeo.translate(0, -1.75, 0);
-                beamGeo.rotateX(-Math.PI / 2 - 0.06);
+                // Tip at origin, base forward (-z, direction of travel):
+                // rotateX(+PI/2) maps -y to -z. The old -PI/2 aimed them
+                // rearward over the cabin, 180° off.
+                beamGeo.rotateX(Math.PI / 2 - 0.06);
                 const beam = new T.Mesh(beamGeo, beamMat);
                 beam.position.set(bx, -0.1, -2.2);
                 instance.car.add(beam);
@@ -373,43 +590,155 @@ export const ride = {
         }
 
         // --- motion: analytic, no integration ---
-        const speed = (params.speed || 0.7) * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0);
-        const rate = 1 + (features.bandLow || 0) * 0.6;
-        // Road scroll in chase mode: dashes stream past; parked otherwise.
-        if (instance.chase && speed > 0.01) {
-            const dz = speed * 9 * rate;
-            for (const d of instance.dashes.children) {
-                let z = d.position.z + dz * 0.016;
-                if (z > 4) z -= 72;
-                d.position.z = z;
+        // Drive speed: the sampled param floored so even calm songs roll, then
+        // scaled by section energy (venueState is interpolated, so this swells
+        // into drops rather than stepping). Parked mode rolls at ~zero.
+        // Deliberately NOT modulated by instantaneous bands: multiplying the
+        // scroll clock by bandLow fast-forwards the world on every loud hit
+        // and rewinds it in quiet moments — the car surged back and forth
+        // with the volume. Speed-up/slow-down lives in the smooth energy arc.
+        const energyK = vState ? (0.55 + vState.light * 0.65) : 1;
+        const speed = (0.35 + (params.speed || 0.7) * 0.75) * energyK * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0);
+        const rate = 1;
+        // World scroll: dashes, posts, roadside, chevrons and streaks stream
+        // past toward +z (the car drives toward -z, so the world comes at the
+        // camera). Parked mode keeps a 12% idle creep plus a floor so the
+        // world never reads dead — a frozen world with a crawling camera
+        // measured as "no movement at all". Analytic in t (not += per frame):
+        // a seek must land on the same positions as playback. The chase rate
+        // reads as driving at a glance (~3x the original).
+        {
+            const dz = (instance.chase ? speed * 26 : speed * 26 * 0.12 + 0.25) * rate;
+            const kids = instance.dashes.children;
+            for (let i = 0; i < kids.length; i++) {
+                const z0 = -70 + i * 6;
+                const span = 76;
+                const z = z0 + t * dz;
+                kids[i].position.z = z0 + (((z - z0) % span) + span) % span;
+            }
+            const pk = instance.posts.children;
+            for (let i = 0; i < pk.length; i++) {
+                const z0 = -78 + i * 6;
+                const span = 84;
+                const z = z0 + t * dz;
+                pk[i].position.z = z0 + (((z - z0) % span) + span) % span;
+            }
+            // Roadside set dressing streams on the same clock: 12 slots spaced
+            // 8 over [-84, +12]. Same wrap math, so houses/signs/trees and the
+            // billboard hold formation with the posts.
+            const rs = instance.roadside.children;
+            for (let i = 0; i < rs.length; i++) {
+                const z0 = -84 + i * 8;
+                const span = 96;
+                const z = z0 + t * dz;
+                rs[i].position.z = z0 + (((z - z0) % span) + span) % span;
+            }
+            // Chevrons ride the same clock, wider spacing.
+            const ch = instance.chevrons.children;
+            for (let i = 0; i < ch.length; i++) {
+                const z0 = -72 + i * 10;
+                const span = 80;
+                const z = z0 + t * dz;
+                ch[i].position.z = z0 + (((z - z0) % span) + span) % span;
+            }
+            // Wind streaks rush past at ~1.6x road speed, hugging the frame
+            // edges; faint in parked mode, strong at speed.
+            for (let i = 0; i < instance.streaks.children.length; i++) {
+                const s = instance.streaks.children[i];
+                const z0 = -60 + i * 7;
+                const span = 70;
+                const z = z0 + t * dz * 1.6;
+                s.position.z = z0 + (((z - z0) % span) + span) % span;
+                s.position.x = s.userData.baseX + Math.sin(t * 0.7 + instance.streakSeeds[i]) * 0.4;
+                // Face the camera: yaw-only billboard around the streak's long
+                // (y) axis toward the camera position.
+                const dx = camera.position.x - s.position.x;
+                const dzz = camera.position.z - s.position.z;
+                s.rotation.y = Math.atan2(dx, dzz);
+            }
+            instance.streakMat.opacity = instance.chase
+                ? 0.05 + Math.min(0.2, speed * 0.12)
+                : 0.04;
+        }
+        // Suspension + weave: the car floats on its springs (two detuned sines
+        // so it never loops visibly), leans into a slow lane-change sweep, and
+        // shudders with section energy — never the instantaneous band, which
+        // jerks the body on every hit like the old scroll clock did. All
+        // analytic f(t): weave period ~47 s so a song holds two crossings;
+        // parked mode nearly still.
+        const shudder = vState ? (0.5 + vState.light * 0.7) : 1;
+        const bob = (Math.sin(t * 2.1) * 0.5 + Math.sin(t * 3.7 + 1.3) * 0.5)
+            * 0.045 * shudder
+            // Idle engine shake: parked cars shiver faintly at ~9 Hz so a
+            // stationary frame never sits pixel-dead.
+            + (instance.chase ? 0 : Math.sin(t * 9.3) * 0.006);
+        const sweepAmp = instance.chase ? 1.1 : 0.15;
+        const sweep = Math.sin(t * 0.133 + instance.seed * 0.001);
+        instance.car.position.x = sweep * sweepAmp;
+        instance.car.position.y = bob * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0.3);
+        // Lean INTO the sweep (roll) and yaw with it, like a lane change.
+        const leanK = instance.chase ? 1 : 0.2;
+        instance.car.rotation.z = -Math.cos(t * 0.133 + instance.seed * 0.001) * 0.035 * leanK
+            + Math.sin(t * 0.9) * 0.008 * leanK;
+        instance.car.rotation.y = Math.cos(t * 0.133 + instance.seed * 0.001) * 0.045 * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0.2);
+        instance.car.rotation.x = Math.sin(t * 1.7 + 0.6) * 0.012 * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0.3);
+        if (instance.wheels) {
+            // Rolling spin on the meshes (local axes), not the yawed group:
+            // tire about its hole axis (local z), hub about its cylinder
+            // axis (local x after the geometry pre-rotation).
+            for (const w of instance.wheels) {
+                if (w.userData.tire) w.userData.tire.rotation.z = t * speed * 6 * rate;
+                if (w.userData.hub) w.userData.hub.rotation.x = t * speed * 6 * rate;
             }
         }
-        // Wheels spin with speed; bob with the low band.
-        const bob = Math.sin(t * 2.1) * 0.02 * (0.4 + (features.bandLow || 0));
-        instance.car.position.y = bob * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0.3);
-        instance.car.rotation.z = Math.sin(t * 0.9) * 0.008 * (instance.chase ? 1 : 0.3);
-        if (instance.wheels) {
-            for (const w of instance.wheels) w.rotation.x = t * speed * 6 * rate;
-        }
         // Passengers bob gently, out of phase — analytic f(t), seek-stable.
-        // popMul gates how many are visible (setup: driver + 1; climax: full car).
+        // popMul gates how many ride (setup: driver + 1; climax: full car) as
+        // a SMOOTH opacity fade, never a visible toggle: the interpolated
+        // venueState crosses thresholds at arbitrary mid-section moments, and
+        // hard cuts there read as random flashes. Pure f(threshold, index).
         const popMul = vState ? vState.popMul : 1;
+        const crewLevel = 0.35 + popMul * 0.75;
         for (const g of instance.crew.children) {
             const idx = g.userData.index || 0;
             g.position.y = (g.userData.baseY || 0) + Math.sin(t * 0.5 + (g.userData.phase || 0)) * 0.03;
             g.rotation.y = Math.PI + Math.sin(t * 0.18 + idx * 1.3) * 0.22;
             const showIndex = idx / Math.max(1, instance.popCount);
-            g.visible = opacity > 0.01 && (showIndex < (0.35 + popMul * 0.75));
+            const fade = Math.max(0, Math.min(1, (crewLevel - showIndex) / 0.12));
+            g.visible = opacity > 0.01 && fade > 0.01;
             for (const mesh of g.children) {
                 if (mesh.isMesh) {
-                    mesh.material.opacity = opacity;
-                    mesh.material.transparent = opacity < 0.999;
+                    mesh.material.opacity = opacity * fade;
+                    mesh.material.transparent = opacity * fade < 0.999;
                     if (vState && mesh.material.emissiveIntensity !== undefined) {
                         mesh.material.emissiveIntensity = 0.5 + vState.light * 1.0;
                     }
                 }
             }
         }
+        // Roadside density is fixed per arrangement (re-hung only on story
+        // jumps, under a camera cut) — gating it by the interpolated popMul
+        // toggled houses mid-section at arbitrary moments, which reads as
+        // random flashes. Sparse arrangements show sentinels, dense ones the
+        // whole town; light/fog still arc within each.
+        if (instance.roadside) {
+            const n = instance.roadside.children.length;
+            const dense = (arrangement % 2 === 1) || (vState && vState.popMul > 0.8);
+            const showUpTo = dense ? n : Math.max(3, Math.floor(n * 0.45));
+            for (let i = 0; i < n; i++) {
+                instance.roadside.children[i].visible = opacity > 0.01 && (i < showUpTo);
+            }
+        }
+        // Dressing takes the palette tint so houses/trees belong to the song;
+        // the billboard glows with the section light (its IMAGE is the viz).
+        if (instance.dressMat) {
+            const tintM = 0.5 + fieldLight * 0.7;
+            instance.dressMat.color.setRGB(c0[0] * 0.14 * tintM + 0.03, c0[1] * 0.14 * tintM + 0.03, c0[2] * 0.16 * tintM + 0.04);
+        }
+        if (instance.billMat) {
+            const l = vState ? vState.light : 1;
+            instance.billMat.emissive.setRGB(1, 1, 1);
+            instance.billMat.emissiveIntensity = (params.light || 0.85) * (0.7 + l * 0.7);
+        }
         // Radio glow follows the section light; the IMAGE is the viz texture.
         if (instance.radioMat) {
             const l = vState ? vState.light : 1;
diff --git a/flow-state/src/venues/sky.js b/flow-state/src/venues/sky.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..edbbf0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/flow-state/src/venues/sky.js
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+// Shared sky dome for model venues: a gradient backdrop derived from the
+// song, replacing the clear-to-black background every venue used to sit on.
+//
+// Why shared: the background is the largest single region in every venue
+// frame, and three hand-rolled gradients would drift into three art styles.
+// One helper, one grammar — hue from the palette, level from the section,
+// texture from the personality — and each venue reads as the same video in a
+// different place.
+//
+// Contract (mirrors the venue module shape, but it is NOT a venue):
+//   buildSky(THREE, { radius }) -> { mesh, mat }   // BackSide sphere shell
+//   paintSky(mat, { palette, light, style, seed }) // per-frame recolour
+//
+// Determinism: pure f(inputs), no rng held, no wall-clock. The dome is static
+// geometry; only its colours move, and they move with venueState.
+
+/**
+ * Build the dome mesh. Radius must exceed the venue's far plane content but
+ * stay inside the camera far (200) and the fog wash — fog applies, which is
+ * what melts the horizon into the ground.
+ */
+export function buildSky(THREE, { radius = 90 } = {}) {
+    const T = THREE;
+    const mat = new T.ShaderMaterial({
+        side: T.BackSide,
+        depthWrite: false,
+        fog: false,
+        uniforms: {
+            u_top: { value: new T.Color(0.05, 0.06, 0.10) },
+            u_mid: { value: new T.Color(0.10, 0.08, 0.14) },
+            u_bot: { value: new T.Color(0.02, 0.02, 0.03) },
+            u_bands: { value: 0.0 },
+            u_seed: { value: 0.0 },
+        },
+        vertexShader: `
+            varying vec3 vPos;
+            void main() {
+                vPos = position;
+                gl_Position = projectionMatrix * modelViewMatrix * vec4(position, 1.0);
+            }
+        `,
+        fragmentShader: `
+            uniform vec3 u_top;
+            uniform vec3 u_mid;
+            uniform vec3 u_bot;
+            uniform float u_bands;
+            uniform float u_seed;
+            varying vec3 vPos;
+            void main() {
+                float h = normalize(vPos).y;              // -1 .. 1
+                vec3 col = h > 0.0
+                    ? mix(u_mid, u_top, pow(h, 0.65))
+                    : mix(u_mid, u_bot, pow(clamp(-h * 1.6, 0.0, 1.0), 0.8));
+                // Faint horizontal banding (strata / city glow lines) when the
+                // personality asks for texture; silent otherwise.
+                if (u_bands > 0.001) {
+                    float b = sin(h * 40.0 + u_seed) * 0.5 + 0.5;
+                    b = smoothstep(0.75, 0.95, b) * u_bands;
+                    col += u_top * b * 0.6;
+                }
+                gl_FragColor = vec4(col, 1.0);
+            }
+        `,
+    });
+    const mesh = new T.Mesh(new T.SphereGeometry(radius, 24, 16), mat);
+    mesh.name = 'sky';
+    mesh.frustumCulled = false;
+    return { mesh, mat };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Recolour the dome from the song: hue from the palette, level from the
+ * section light, texture from the personality style. All continuous inputs —
+ * nothing here may step at a boundary.
+ */
+export function paintSky(mat, { palette, light = 0.7, style = null, seed = 0 } = {}) {
+    if (!mat) return;
+    const pal = palette && palette.length ? palette : [[0.5, 0.5, 0.6], [0.7, 0.6, 0.8], [0.4, 0.6, 0.9], [0.9, 0.5, 0.4]];
+    const u = mat.uniforms;
+    // Zenith: palette's coolest entry deepened; mid: warmest entry at dusk
+    // level; nadir: near-black of the first entry (melts into the ground).
+    const top = pal[2] || pal[0];
+    const mid = pal[1] || pal[0];
+    const bot = pal[0];
+    const lv = 0.35 + light * 0.85;
+    u.u_top.value.setRGB(top[0] * 0.55 * lv, top[1] * 0.55 * lv, top[2] * 0.75 * lv);
+    u.u_mid.value.setRGB(mid[0] * 0.5 * lv, mid[1] * 0.42 * lv, mid[2] * 0.5 * lv);
+    u.u_bot.value.setRGB(bot[0] * 0.12, bot[1] * 0.12, bot[2] * 0.15);
+    // Texture: grain-handed tracks get strata bands, clean ones a flat grade.
+    const tex = style && typeof style.texture === 'number' ? style.texture : 0.5;
+    u.u_bands.value = Math.max(0, Math.min(1, (tex - 0.45) * 2.2));
+    u.u_seed.value = (seed % 1000) / 1000;
+}
diff --git a/flow-state/src/venues/stage.js b/flow-state/src/venues/stage.js
index 5645457..9c2241d 100644
--- a/flow-state/src/venues/stage.js
+++ b/flow-state/src/venues/stage.js
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 // from actorToGeometry primitives via stageNode. One venue = one place.
 
 import { actorToGeometry, castShape } from '../actors/meshes.js';
+import { buildSky, paintSky } from './sky.js';
 
 export const stage = {
     name: 'Stage',
@@ -97,12 +98,17 @@ export const stage = {
         scene.fog = new T.Fog(0x0a0a0f, 10, 26);
         scene.userData.transparentBackground = true;
 
+        // Song sky over the open field — radius 90 clears the 44-unit ground.
+        const sky = buildSky(T, { radius: 90 });
+        scene.add(sky.mesh);
+
         const pylonContainer = new T.Group();
         pylonContainer.name = 'pylons';
         scene.add(pylonContainer);
 
         return {
             ground, groundMat, screen, screenMat, ambient, key, fill,
+            skyMesh: sky.mesh, skyMat: sky.mat,
             pylonContainer,
             seed,
             venueSpec: venueSpec || null,
@@ -166,11 +172,18 @@ export const stage = {
         // Ground level follows horizon
         const groundY = -1.15 + (spaceHorizon - 0.5) * 0.6;
         instance.ground.position.y = groundY;
+        // Song sky + matched fog, same contract as chamber.
+        paintSky(instance.skyMat, {
+            palette: pal, light: fieldLight, style,
+            seed: instance.seed,
+        });
         if (scene.fog) {
             const fogMul = vState ? vState.fog : 0.35; const fogDepth = (space ? 10 + space.depth * 8 : 15) * (0.9 + fogMul * 0.45);
             scene.fog.near = fogDepth;
             scene.fog.far = fogDepth + 18;
-            scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0]*0.07, c0[1]*0.07, c0[2]*0.09);
+            const mid = instance.skyMat ? instance.skyMat.uniforms.u_mid.value : null;
+            if (mid) scene.fog.color.copy(mid);
+            else scene.fog.color.setRGB(c0[0]*0.07, c0[1]*0.07, c0[2]*0.09);
         }
 
         // Column count is locked at first build: it used to re-derive from live
diff --git a/flow-state/venue-gallery.html b/flow-state/venue-gallery.html
index 55bc90a..7edb3ee 100644
--- a/flow-state/venue-gallery.html
+++ b/flow-state/venue-gallery.html
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ import { scenes } from '/src/scenes/registry.js';
 import { blit } from '/src/checks/blit.js';
 
 const THUMB = { width: 320, height: 180 };
-const DEFAULT_ROWS = 5;
-const DEFAULT_COLS = 5;
+const DEFAULT_ROWS = 3;
+const DEFAULT_COLS = 3;
 const ROW_OPTIONS = [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10];
 const COL_OPTIONS = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8];