diff --git a/docs/familiars.md b/docs/familiars.md
index 51a1c30..270b173 100644
--- a/docs/familiars.md
+++ b/docs/familiars.md
@@ -42,9 +42,9 @@ Workspace Agents                    ← .coven-code/agents/*.md
   • my-custom-agent   default · user
 
 ✨ Coven Familiars                  ← ~/.coven/familiars.toml
-  ★ Nova      ✨ Orchestrator — Your personal AI ...
-  ★ Sage      🧙 Research — Deep reasoning and ...
-  ★ Cody      🤖 Code — Focused implementation ...
+  ★ Dev       🤖 Code — Focused implementation ...
+  ★ Research  🧙 Research — Deep reasoning and ...
+  ★ Writer    ✍️ Writing — Docs and communication ...
 ```
 
 Select a familiar to see its full detail view, including persona preview and the suggested `--agent` invocation.
@@ -170,8 +170,8 @@ The `access` field controls **which tools** a familiar may invoke once you selec
 
 | Tier | What the familiar can do | Typical role |
 |---|---|---|
-| `full` | Read, write, and execute — full tool set (Edit/Write/Bash/etc.) | Build-tier familiars: `cody`, `nova`, `kitty` |
-| `read-only` | Read & search the workspace plus `AskUserQuestion`, no writes or shell. **Default.** | Research/strategy familiars: `sage`, `astra`, `echo` |
+| `full` | Read, write, and execute — full tool set (Edit/Write/Bash/etc.) | Build-tier familiars that edit and run code |
+| `read-only` | Read & search the workspace plus `AskUserQuestion`, no writes or shell. **Default.** | Research / strategy familiars |
 | `search-only` | Narrow read+search whitelist: `Grep`, `Glob`, `Read`, `WebSearch`, `WebFetch`. No writes or shell. | Pure-research personas with minimal codebase footprint |
 
 > **Unknown values fail closed.** Case and surrounding whitespace are normalized silently — `"READ-ONLY"`, `"Read-Only"`, and `" full "` all map to their canonical tier. Anything else (a typo like `"readonly"`, an invented tier like `"super-admin"`, an empty string) is treated as `"read-only"` and a warning is printed to stderr. Typos cannot silently grant write/exec power.
@@ -197,15 +197,15 @@ The `access` field controls **which tools** a familiar may invoke once you selec
 ```toml
 # Build-tier — can edit and run.
 [[familiar]]
-id = "cody"
-display_name = "Cody"
+id = "dev"
+display_name = "Dev"
 role = "Code"
 access = "full"
 
 # Research-tier — read-only by default (no `access` line needed).
 [[familiar]]
-id = "sage"
-display_name = "Sage"
+id = "research"
+display_name = "Research"
 role = "Research"
 ```
 
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ Every saved familiar from `~/.coven/familiars.toml` renders as a **static themed
 2. The **F2 switcher popup**: one row per saved familiar, each painted in that familiar's accent palette with a coloured tier dot.
 3. The **`/agents` detail view**: the card appears above the persona preview when you select a familiar-sourced agent.
 
-The glyph itself does **not** animate. The only motion is a quarter-block eye spinner that kicks in when the assistant has gone quiet for ~3 seconds, so you still get a "thinking" signal without a walking mascot pulling attention from the work area.
+The glyph is a procedural sigil framing the familiar's emoji. Its accent colour pulses gently while idle and pulses faster when the assistant has gone quiet for ~3 seconds, so you get a "thinking" signal without a walking mascot pulling attention from the work area.
 
 Cards adapt to available room:
 
@@ -263,21 +263,15 @@ Cards adapt to available room:
 - **Standard** (default): glyph + name + tier dot inside a rounded border.
 - **Large** (wide terminals): adds the role line and an accent rule under the glyph.
 
-### Built-in glyphs
-
-| ID | Concept | Accent |
-|---|---|---|
-| `kitty` | Cat head — ears, whiskers, square eyes (default) | violet |
-| `nova` | Crowned sorceress with star sparkles | gold |
-| `cody` | Robot face — antenna, bracket eyes, code body | cyan |
-| `charm` | Heart with sparkle dots | pink |
-| `sage` | Wizard hat + star + open book | emerald |
-| `astra` | Crescent moon + compass star + orbit | indigo |
-| `echo` | Round ghost + bracket eyes + echo dots | teal |
-
-### User-defined familiars
+### Procedural glyphs
 
-Any familiar declared in `~/.coven/familiars.toml` automatically gets a procedurally-generated card. The accent palette and sigil frame (crystal, hexagon, rune, or seal) are picked deterministically from the familiar's `id`, so the same familiar looks the same across sessions and machines without storing extra config. The familiar's `emoji` is rendered inside the frame.
+There is **no built-in roster** — nothing ships with a named familiar, so a
+fresh install never inherits one. Every familiar declared in
+`~/.coven/familiars.toml` automatically gets a procedurally-generated card. The
+accent palette and sigil frame (crystal, hexagon, rune, or seal) are picked
+deterministically from the familiar's `id`, so the same familiar looks the same
+across sessions and machines without storing extra config. The familiar's
+`emoji` is rendered inside the frame.
 
 If you want a hand-crafted image instead of the procedural sigil, drop a PNG/JPG/WebP at `~/.coven/assets/familiars/<id>.<ext>`. When the terminal supports Kitty or Sixel inline graphics, that image takes precedence over the card.
 
@@ -287,14 +281,14 @@ Set `familiar` in your settings:
 
 ```json
 {
-  "familiar": "nova"
+  "familiar": "dev"
 }
 ```
 
 Or run:
 
 ```
-coven-code config set familiar nova
+coven-code config set familiar dev
 ```
 
 When `~/.coven/familiars.toml` contains saved familiars, you can also press
@@ -317,8 +311,8 @@ agent markdown files, and saved agent/familiar settings. After reset the
 welcome panel renders `Familiar: none`, the footer shows no familiar label,
 and the F2 familiar switcher does not open until a saved familiar roster
 exists again. The `/familiar` command only selects familiars from
-`~/.coven/familiars.toml`; stale settings or built-in names are ignored when
-the roster file is absent.
+`~/.coven/familiars.toml`; stale settings are ignored when the roster file is
+absent.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/cli/src/main.rs b/src-rust/crates/cli/src/main.rs
index 9a9d50c..3ed7610 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/cli/src/main.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/cli/src/main.rs
@@ -5323,15 +5323,15 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn startup_agent_defaults_to_configured_familiar() {
         assert_eq!(
-            startup_agent_name(None, Some("Echo")),
-            Some("echo".to_string())
+            startup_agent_name(None, Some("Wisp")),
+            Some("wisp".to_string())
         );
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn startup_agent_prefers_explicit_agent_over_familiar() {
         assert_eq!(
-            startup_agent_name(Some("Explore"), Some("Echo")),
+            startup_agent_name(Some("Explore"), Some("Wisp")),
             Some("explore".to_string())
         );
     }
@@ -5424,8 +5424,8 @@ mod tests {
                 "issue_body": "Tokens expire early."
             },
             "familiar": {
-                "id": "cody",
-                "display_name": "Cody",
+                "id": "ember",
+                "display_name": "Ember",
                 "model": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6",
                 "skills": ["systematic-debugging"]
             },
@@ -5459,7 +5459,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn github_output_envelope_includes_git_summary() {
         let git = GitResultSummary {
-            branch: Some("cody/fix-auth-refresh".to_string()),
+            branch: Some("ember/fix-auth-refresh".to_string()),
             commits: vec![GitCommitSummary {
                 sha: "abc123".to_string(),
                 message: "fix auth refresh".to_string(),
@@ -5470,7 +5470,7 @@ mod tests {
         let envelope = github_output_envelope(true, &git);
 
         assert_eq!(envelope["status"], "success");
-        assert_eq!(envelope["branch"], "cody/fix-auth-refresh");
+        assert_eq!(envelope["branch"], "ember/fix-auth-refresh");
         assert_eq!(envelope["commits"][0]["sha"], "abc123");
         assert_eq!(envelope["files_changed"][0], "src/auth.rs");
         assert_eq!(envelope["exit_reason"], serde_json::Value::Null);
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/agents_view.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/agents_view.rs
index 6302ddd..8421f3e 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/agents_view.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/agents_view.rs
@@ -730,8 +730,8 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn status(status: &str, active_sessions: u32) -> coven_shared::FamiliarStatus {
         coven_shared::FamiliarStatus {
-            id: "sage".to_string(),
-            display_name: "Sage".to_string(),
+            id: "wisp".to_string(),
+            display_name: "Wisp".to_string(),
             emoji: String::new(),
             status: status.to_string(),
             active_sessions,
@@ -763,12 +763,12 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn familiar_id_from_source_parses_coven_familiar_prefix() {
         assert_eq!(
-            familiar_id_from_source("coven:familiar:cody"),
-            Some("cody".to_string())
+            familiar_id_from_source("coven:familiar:ember"),
+            Some("ember".to_string())
         );
         assert_eq!(
-            familiar_id_from_source("coven:familiar:Nova"),
-            Some("nova".to_string())
+            familiar_id_from_source("coven:familiar:Onyx"),
+            Some("onyx".to_string())
         );
         assert_eq!(familiar_id_from_source("user"), None);
         assert_eq!(familiar_id_from_source("plugin:foo"), None);
@@ -807,8 +807,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn familiar_as_agent_def_matches_core_conversion() {
         let fam = coven_shared::CovenFamiliar {
-            id: "Cody".to_string(),
-            display_name: Some("Cody".to_string()),
+            id: "Ember".to_string(),
+            display_name: Some("Ember".to_string()),
             emoji: Some("⚡".to_string()),
             role: Some("Code".to_string()),
             description: Some("Builds and ships.".to_string()),
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn familiar_as_agent_def_defaults_access_to_read_only() {
         let fam = coven_shared::CovenFamiliar {
-            id: "sage".to_string(),
+            id: "wisp".to_string(),
             display_name: None,
             emoji: None,
             role: None,
@@ -842,12 +842,12 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn confirm_selection_returns_familiar_id_from_list_route() {
         let mut state = AgentsMenuState::new();
-        state.definitions = vec![user_def("review"), familiar_def("cody", "Cody")];
+        state.definitions = vec![user_def("review"), familiar_def("ember", "Ember")];
         state.route = AgentsRoute::List;
         // selected_row 0 = "Create new"; row 1 = reset; row 2 = first def; row 3 = familiar.
         state.selected_row = 3;
         let result = state.confirm_selection();
-        assert_eq!(result, Some(("cody".to_string(), "Cody".to_string())));
+        assert_eq!(result, Some(("ember".to_string(), "Ember".to_string())));
         // List route is unchanged — caller is responsible for closing the menu.
         assert!(matches!(state.route, AgentsRoute::List));
     }
@@ -876,10 +876,10 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn confirm_selection_returns_familiar_id_from_detail_route() {
         let mut state = AgentsMenuState::new();
-        state.definitions = vec![familiar_def("nova", "Nova")];
+        state.definitions = vec![familiar_def("onyx", "Onyx")];
         state.route = AgentsRoute::Detail(0);
         let result = state.confirm_selection();
-        assert_eq!(result, Some(("nova".to_string(), "Nova".to_string())));
+        assert_eq!(result, Some(("onyx".to_string(), "Onyx".to_string())));
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -914,7 +914,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn delete_selected_definition_rejects_coven_familiar() {
         let mut state = AgentsMenuState::new();
-        state.definitions = vec![familiar_def("nova", "Nova")];
+        state.definitions = vec![familiar_def("onyx", "Onyx")];
         state.route = AgentsRoute::List;
         state.selected_row = 2;
 
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/app.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/app.rs
index 834c166..786a886 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/app.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/app.rs
@@ -4832,16 +4832,18 @@ impl App {
                         Some("No saved familiars. Add ~/.coven/familiars.toml first.".to_string());
                 } else {
                     self.familiar_switcher_open = true;
-                    let current = self.config.familiar.as_deref().unwrap_or("kitty");
-                    if let Some(idx) = self
-                        .familiar_switcher_list
-                        .iter()
-                        .position(|id| id == current)
-                    {
-                        self.familiar_switcher_idx = idx;
-                    } else {
-                        self.familiar_switcher_idx = 0;
-                    }
+                    // Highlight the active familiar if one is set; otherwise
+                    // start at the top. No built-in default is assumed.
+                    self.familiar_switcher_idx = self
+                        .config
+                        .familiar
+                        .as_deref()
+                        .and_then(|current| {
+                            self.familiar_switcher_list
+                                .iter()
+                                .position(|id| id == current)
+                        })
+                        .unwrap_or(0);
                 }
             }
             KeyCode::Char('?')
@@ -7426,8 +7428,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn cycle_agent_mode_clears_visible_familiar() {
         let mut app = make_app();
-        app.config.familiar = Some("echo".to_string());
-        app.agent_mode = Some("echo".to_string());
+        app.config.familiar = Some("wisp".to_string());
+        app.agent_mode = Some("wisp".to_string());
 
         app.cycle_agent_mode();
 
@@ -7447,7 +7449,7 @@ mod tests {
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&project).expect("project dir");
         std::fs::write(
             coven_home.join("familiars.toml"),
-            "[[familiar]]\nid = \"nova\"\n",
+            "[[familiar]]\nid = \"ember\"\n",
         )
         .expect("familiar roster");
         let guard = EnvGuard::set(&home, &coven_home);
@@ -7457,16 +7459,16 @@ mod tests {
         app.config
             .agents
             .insert("custom".to_string(), test_agent_definition());
-        app.config.familiar = Some("nova".to_string());
+        app.config.familiar = Some("ember".to_string());
         app.config.managed_agents = Some(test_managed_agents());
         app.config.permission_mode = claurst_core::config::PermissionMode::Plan;
-        app.agent_mode = Some("nova".to_string());
+        app.agent_mode = Some("ember".to_string());
         app.agent_mode_changed = false;
         app.accent_color = ACCENT_PLAN;
         app.plan_mode = true;
         app.managed_agents_active = true;
         app.familiar_switcher_open = true;
-        app.familiar_switcher_list = vec!["nova".to_string(), "kitty".to_string()];
+        app.familiar_switcher_list = vec!["ember".to_string(), "onyx".to_string()];
         app.familiar_switcher_idx = 1;
 
         app.reset_agents_and_familiars();
@@ -7510,7 +7512,7 @@ mod tests {
         let coven_home = temp.path().join("coven");
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&home).expect("home dir");
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&coven_home).expect("coven home dir");
-        let _guard = EnvGuard::set_with_user(&home, &coven_home, Some("sage"));
+        let _guard = EnvGuard::set_with_user(&home, &coven_home, Some("ember"));
 
         let app = make_app();
 
@@ -7529,18 +7531,18 @@ mod tests {
             coven_home.join("familiars.toml"),
             r#"
 [[familiar]]
-id = "sage"
-display_name = "Sage"
+id = "wisp"
+display_name = "Wisp"
 role = "Research"
 "#,
         )
         .expect("familiars file");
-        let _guard = EnvGuard::set_with_user(&home, &coven_home, Some("sage"));
+        let _guard = EnvGuard::set_with_user(&home, &coven_home, Some("wisp"));
 
         let app = make_app();
 
-        assert_eq!(app.config.familiar.as_deref(), Some("sage"));
-        assert_eq!(app.familiar_switcher_list, vec!["sage".to_string()]);
+        assert_eq!(app.config.familiar.as_deref(), Some("wisp"));
+        assert_eq!(app.familiar_switcher_list, vec!["wisp".to_string()]);
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_card.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_card.rs
index 6ef8fd1..f7f118b 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_card.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_card.rs
@@ -7,13 +7,12 @@
 //! eye row while the assistant is in the `Loading` state; other surfaces pass
 //! `CompanionPose::Static` and stay still.
 //!
-//! Built-in archetypes dispatch to the pixel-art builders in
-//! [`crate::mascot`]. Procedural archetypes ([`Archetype::SigilCrystal`] etc.)
-//! draw a colored frame around the familiar's emoji so any user-defined entry
-//! from `~/.coven/familiars.toml` gets first-class visual identity.
+//! Every archetype ([`Archetype::SigilCrystal`] etc.) draws a colored frame
+//! around the familiar's emoji, so any entry from `~/.coven/familiars.toml`
+//! gets first-class visual identity and nothing inherits a built-in persona.
 
 use crate::familiar_theme::{Archetype, FamiliarPalette, FamiliarTheme};
-use crate::mascot::{archetype_lines, CompanionPose};
+use crate::mascot::CompanionPose;
 use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
 use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
 
@@ -240,24 +239,38 @@ fn access_line(theme: &FamiliarTheme, primary: Color, inner_w: u16) -> Line<'sta
 
 fn glyph_lines(theme: &FamiliarTheme, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     match theme.archetype {
-        Archetype::SigilCrystal => sigil_crystal(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji),
-        Archetype::SigilHex => sigil_hex(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji),
-        Archetype::SigilRune => sigil_rune(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji),
-        Archetype::SigilSeal => sigil_seal(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji),
-        _ => archetype_lines(theme.archetype, &theme.palette, pose).to_vec(),
+        Archetype::SigilCrystal => sigil_crystal(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji, pose),
+        Archetype::SigilHex => sigil_hex(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji, pose),
+        Archetype::SigilRune => sigil_rune(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji, pose),
+        Archetype::SigilSeal => sigil_seal(&theme.palette, &theme.emoji, pose),
     }
 }
 
-// ── Procedural sigils for user-defined familiars ─────────────────────────────
+/// Accent color for a sigil's decorative row, pulsed by the companion pose.
+///
+/// The glyph text never changes width — only the accent row's color shifts
+/// between the bright accent and the dimmer primary — so an `Idle` card
+/// breathes softly and a stalled `Loading` card pulses faster, while a
+/// `Static` card stays bright. This is the only animation; it is identical for
+/// every familiar and tied to no named persona.
+fn pulse_accent(p: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Color {
+    match pose {
+        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if matches!(frame % 120, 90..=95) => p.primary,
+        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } if (frame / 5) % 2 == 1 => p.primary,
+        _ => p.accent,
+    }
+}
+
+// ── Procedural sigils ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 //
-// Each sigil is 11 visible cells wide × 4 rows so it slots in next to the
-// hand-crafted built-ins without changing the bordered layout.  The emoji
-// (2 cells wide on most terminals) is rendered as its own span; the
-// surrounding frame characters are colored in the resolved palette.
+// Each sigil is 11 visible cells wide × 4 rows so it slots into the bordered
+// layout consistently.  The emoji (2 cells wide on most terminals) is rendered
+// as its own span; the surrounding frame characters are colored in the
+// resolved palette.
 
-fn sigil_crystal(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
+fn sigil_crystal(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     let frame = Style::default().fg(p.primary).add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD);
-    let accent = Style::default().fg(p.accent);
+    let accent = Style::default().fg(pulse_accent(p, pose));
     vec![
         Line::from(Span::styled(
             "    \u{2581}\u{2580}\u{2581}    ".to_string(),
@@ -275,9 +288,9 @@ fn sigil_crystal(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     ]
 }
 
-fn sigil_hex(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
+fn sigil_hex(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     let frame = Style::default().fg(p.primary).add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD);
-    let accent = Style::default().fg(p.accent);
+    let accent = Style::default().fg(pulse_accent(p, pose));
     vec![
         Line::from(Span::styled(
             "   \u{256d}\u{2500}\u{2500}\u{2500}\u{256e}   ".to_string(),
@@ -295,9 +308,9 @@ fn sigil_hex(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     ]
 }
 
-fn sigil_rune(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
+fn sigil_rune(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     let frame = Style::default().fg(p.primary).add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD);
-    let accent = Style::default().fg(p.accent);
+    let accent = Style::default().fg(pulse_accent(p, pose));
     vec![
         Line::from(Span::styled(
             "    \u{258e}   \u{258e}   ".to_string(),
@@ -315,9 +328,9 @@ fn sigil_rune(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     ]
 }
 
-fn sigil_seal(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
+fn sigil_seal(p: &FamiliarPalette, emoji: &str, pose: &CompanionPose) -> Vec<Line<'static>> {
     let frame = Style::default().fg(p.primary).add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD);
-    let accent = Style::default().fg(p.accent);
+    let accent = Style::default().fg(pulse_accent(p, pose));
     vec![
         Line::from(Span::styled(
             "    \u{2726} \u{2726}    ".to_string(),
@@ -421,23 +434,23 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn render_card_compact_is_glyph_only() {
-        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("kitty", &[]);
+        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("alpha", &[]);
         let lines = render_card(&t, CardSize::Compact, &CompanionPose::Static);
-        // Built-in archetypes return 5 rows (4 content + 1 blank); compact passes through.
+        // Sigil archetypes return 4 content rows; compact passes through.
         assert!(lines.len() >= 4);
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn render_card_standard_has_border() {
-        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("nova", &[]);
+        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("beta", &[]);
         let lines = render_card(&t, CardSize::Standard, &CompanionPose::Static);
-        // Top border + 5 glyph rows + access row + bottom border = at least 8.
+        // Top border + glyph rows + access row + bottom border = at least 7.
         assert!(lines.len() >= 7);
     }
 
     #[test]
     fn render_card_large_includes_rule_row() {
-        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("sage", &[]);
+        let t = familiar_theme::resolve("gamma", &[]);
         let lines = render_card(&t, CardSize::Large, &CompanionPose::Static);
         // Large has at least one more row than Standard (the rule + role region).
         let standard = render_card(&t, CardSize::Standard, &CompanionPose::Static).len();
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_theme.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_theme.rs
index 523d253..a8b39a6 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_theme.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/familiar_theme.rs
@@ -1,15 +1,13 @@
-//! Familiar theming — resolves any familiar id (built-in or user-defined from
+//! Familiar theming — resolves any familiar id (user-defined in
 //! `~/.coven/familiars.toml`) to a stable [`FamiliarTheme`] used by
 //! [`crate::familiar_card`] when composing the static themed card shown in the
 //! welcome panel, F2 switcher, and `/agents` detail view.
 //!
-//! Built-in familiars (`kitty`, `nova`, `cody`, `charm`, `sage`, `astra`,
-//! `echo`) get hand-tuned palettes + their existing pixel-art archetypes.
-//!
-//! User-defined familiars get a procedurally derived palette + sigil
-//! archetype hashed from the lowercased id so the same familiar always
-//! looks the same across sessions and machines without persisting extra
-//! state in `familiars.toml`.
+//! There is no built-in roster: nothing ships with a named familiar, so a
+//! fresh install never inherits one. Every familiar gets a procedurally
+//! derived palette + sigil archetype hashed from the lowercased id, so the
+//! same familiar always looks the same across sessions and machines without
+//! persisting extra state in `familiars.toml`.
 //!
 //! The access tier flows through verbatim from `coven_shared` — it drives the
 //! coloured tier dot drawn on the card.
@@ -52,19 +50,11 @@ impl FamiliarPalette {
 
 // ── Archetype ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
-/// Which renderer in [`crate::mascot`] / [`crate::familiar_card`] draws the
-/// glyph body. The first seven variants map to the hand-crafted built-ins;
-/// `SigilCrystal`/`SigilHex`/`SigilRune`/`SigilSeal` are procedural frames
-/// used for any user-defined familiar.
+/// Which procedural frame in [`crate::familiar_card`] draws the glyph body.
+/// One of these is picked for every familiar by hashing its id, so each
+/// familiar gets a stable sigil without any named persona being baked in.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum Archetype {
-    Cat,
-    SorceressCrown,
-    Robot,
-    Heart,
-    WizardBook,
-    Moon,
-    Ghost,
     SigilCrystal,
     SigilHex,
     SigilRune,
@@ -102,64 +92,10 @@ impl FamiliarTheme {
     }
 }
 
-// ── Built-in palettes ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
-/// Palettes for the seven hand-crafted built-ins. Each one breaks the old
-/// uniform violet so familiars are visually distinct at a glance.
-const BUILTIN_PALETTES: &[(&str, FamiliarPalette, Archetype, &str, &str)] = &[
-    (
-        "kitty",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((139, 92, 246), (167, 139, 250), (196, 181, 253)),
-        Archetype::Cat,
-        "Kitty",
-        "\u{1f431}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "nova",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((245, 197, 24), (253, 230, 138), (254, 240, 138)),
-        Archetype::SorceressCrown,
-        "Nova",
-        "\u{1f451}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "cody",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((34, 211, 238), (165, 243, 252), (165, 243, 252)),
-        Archetype::Robot,
-        "Cody",
-        "\u{1f4bb}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "charm",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((236, 72, 153), (251, 207, 232), (251, 207, 232)),
-        Archetype::Heart,
-        "Charm",
-        "\u{2728}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "sage",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((16, 185, 129), (167, 243, 208), (167, 243, 208)),
-        Archetype::WizardBook,
-        "Sage",
-        "\u{1f33f}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "astra",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((99, 102, 241), (199, 210, 254), (199, 210, 254)),
-        Archetype::Moon,
-        "Astra",
-        "\u{1f319}",
-    ),
-    (
-        "echo",
-        FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((20, 184, 166), (153, 246, 228), (153, 246, 228)),
-        Archetype::Ghost,
-        "Echo",
-        "\u{1f47b}",
-    ),
-];
+// ── Procedural palettes ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 /// Eight-color palette table used to pick a deterministic accent for any
-/// user-defined familiar by hashing its id.
+/// familiar by hashing its id.
 const PROCEDURAL_PALETTES: &[FamiliarPalette] = &[
     FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((139, 92, 246), (167, 139, 250), (196, 181, 253)), // violet
     FamiliarPalette::from_rgb((245, 197, 24), (253, 230, 138), (254, 240, 138)), // gold
@@ -180,43 +116,25 @@ const PROCEDURAL_ARCHETYPES: &[Archetype] = &[
 
 /// Resolve a familiar id to its theme.
 ///
-/// Built-in ids win first. Anything else is matched against the supplied
-/// `daemon_familiars` (callers pass [`coven_shared::load_familiars`] output).
-/// Unknown ids fall back to the `kitty` theme so the welcome panel never
-/// renders blank.
+/// Ids present in the supplied `daemon_familiars` (callers pass
+/// [`coven_shared::load_familiars`] output) use that definition's display
+/// name, emoji, role, and access tier. Any other id is derived straight from
+/// the id string so the welcome panel still renders — there is no named
+/// fallback, so an unknown id never resolves to someone else's familiar.
 pub fn resolve(id: &str, daemon_familiars: &[CovenFamiliar]) -> FamiliarTheme {
     let lc = id.to_lowercase();
-    if let Some(theme) = builtin(&lc) {
-        return theme;
-    }
     if let Some(def) = daemon_familiars.iter().find(|f| f.id.to_lowercase() == lc) {
         return procedural(def);
     }
-    builtin("kitty").expect("kitty is always present in BUILTIN_PALETTES")
-}
-
-fn builtin(id: &str) -> Option<FamiliarTheme> {
-    BUILTIN_PALETTES
-        .iter()
-        .find(|(slug, _, _, _, _)| *slug == id)
-        .map(|(slug, palette, arch, name, emoji)| FamiliarTheme {
-            id: (*slug).to_string(),
-            display_name: (*name).to_string(),
-            emoji: (*emoji).to_string(),
-            role: None,
-            access: builtin_access(slug).to_string(),
-            palette: *palette,
-            archetype: *arch,
-        })
-}
-
-/// Built-in tier defaults match the recommendation table in `docs/familiars.md`:
-/// `cody`, `nova`, `kitty` get `full`; the research-leaning rest stay read-only.
-fn builtin_access(id: &str) -> &'static str {
-    match id {
-        "kitty" | "cody" | "nova" => "full",
-        _ => "read-only",
-    }
+    procedural(&CovenFamiliar {
+        id: id.to_string(),
+        display_name: None,
+        emoji: None,
+        role: None,
+        description: None,
+        pronouns: None,
+        access: None,
+    })
 }
 
 fn procedural(def: &CovenFamiliar) -> FamiliarTheme {
@@ -263,22 +181,46 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn builtin_resolution() {
-        let t = resolve("kitty", &[]);
-        assert_eq!(t.id, "kitty");
-        assert!(matches!(t.archetype, Archetype::Cat));
+    fn roster_definition_is_used() {
+        let mut f = fake_familiar("planner");
+        f.display_name = Some("Planner".to_string());
+        let t = resolve("planner", &[f]);
+        assert_eq!(t.id, "planner");
+        assert_eq!(t.display_name, "Planner");
+        // Every familiar resolves to a procedural sigil archetype.
+        assert!(matches!(
+            t.archetype,
+            Archetype::SigilCrystal
+                | Archetype::SigilHex
+                | Archetype::SigilRune
+                | Archetype::SigilSeal
+        ));
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn case_insensitive_lookup() {
-        let t = resolve("KITTY", &[]);
-        assert_eq!(t.id, "kitty");
+    fn unknown_id_renders_without_named_fallback() {
+        // An id that isn't in the roster derives a theme from itself rather
+        // than inheriting any built-in persona.
+        let t = resolve("does-not-exist", &[]);
+        assert_eq!(t.id, "does-not-exist");
+        assert!(matches!(
+            t.archetype,
+            Archetype::SigilCrystal
+                | Archetype::SigilHex
+                | Archetype::SigilRune
+                | Archetype::SigilSeal
+        ));
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn unknown_falls_back_to_kitty() {
-        let t = resolve("does-not-exist", &[]);
-        assert_eq!(t.id, "kitty");
+    fn unknown_id_is_stable() {
+        let a = resolve("solo", &[]);
+        let b = resolve("solo", &[]);
+        assert_eq!(format!("{:?}", a.archetype), format!("{:?}", b.archetype));
+        assert_eq!(
+            format!("{:?}", a.palette.primary),
+            format!("{:?}", b.palette.primary)
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
@@ -296,12 +238,17 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn eye_socket_palette_varies_by_familiar() {
-        let kitty = resolve("kitty", &[]);
-        let cody = resolve("cody", &[]);
-
-        assert_ne!(
-            kitty.palette.eye_socket, cody.palette.eye_socket,
-            "eye sockets should use each familiar palette instead of one hardcoded violet"
+        // The eye socket follows each familiar's palette rather than one
+        // shared hardcoded violet, so across a spread of ids more than one
+        // distinct eye socket shows up.
+        let ids = ["alpha", "beta", "gamma", "delta", "epsilon", "zeta"];
+        let sockets: std::collections::HashSet<String> = ids
+            .iter()
+            .map(|id| format!("{:?}", resolve(id, &[]).palette.eye_socket))
+            .collect();
+        assert!(
+            sockets.len() > 1,
+            "eye sockets should follow each familiar's palette, got {sockets:?}"
         );
     }
 
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/handoff.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/handoff.rs
index 2ef2ba5..6c554c4 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/handoff.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/handoff.rs
@@ -99,9 +99,9 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn handoff_context_handles_empty_messages() {
-        let ctx = build_handoff_context(&[], "sage");
-        assert!(ctx.contains("**Familiar:** sage"));
-        assert!(ctx.contains("Continue this work as sage"));
+        let ctx = build_handoff_context(&[], "wisp");
+        assert!(ctx.contains("**Familiar:** wisp"));
+        assert!(ctx.contains("Continue this work as wisp"));
         assert!(ctx.contains("(unknown topic)"));
     }
 
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ mod tests {
             Message::user("Fix the login bug"),
             Message::assistant("I'll inspect auth"),
         ];
-        let ctx = build_handoff_context(&msgs, "astra");
+        let ctx = build_handoff_context(&msgs, "onyx");
         assert!(ctx.contains("> **User**: Fix the login bug"));
         assert!(ctx.contains("> **Assistant**: I'll inspect auth"));
         assert!(ctx.contains("The user was working on: Fix the login bug"));
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn truncate_chars_does_not_split_unicode_boundaries() {
-        let text = "sage 🌿 keeps context";
-        assert_eq!(truncate_chars(text, 6), "sage 🌿...");
+        let text = "wisp 🌿 keeps context";
+        assert_eq!(truncate_chars(text, 6), "wisp 🌿...");
     }
 }
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/mascot.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/mascot.rs
index ea559ee..b527b31 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/mascot.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/mascot.rs
@@ -1,582 +1,24 @@
-//! Companion mascot rendering for ratatui.
+//! Companion pose state for the familiar card.
 //!
-//! Each OpenCoven familiar has its own pixel-art glyph. The active familiar
-//! is read from `config.familiar` (settings.json `"familiar"` key) and
-//! determines which glyph renders in the welcome screen top-left, the F2
-//! switcher, and the `/agents` detail view.
+//! The active familiar's glyph is composed by [`crate::familiar_card`] from the
+//! procedural sigil for its archetype (resolved in [`crate::familiar_theme`]).
+//! No named persona or bespoke pixel-art is baked into the binary, so a fresh
+//! install never inherits a built-in familiar.
 //!
-//! The glyph has subtle idle motion (blink/spark frames) plus a loading
-//! spinner that rotates inside the eye row when the assistant is mid-turn
-//! and stalled. Loading motion lives in [`loading_eye_spans`].
-//!
-//! Public surface:
-//! - [`CompanionPose`] — `Static`, `Idle { frame }`, or `Loading { frame }`.
-//! - [`archetype_lines`] — palette-aware glyph dispatcher used by [`crate::familiar_card`].
-//! - [`mascot_lines_for`] — legacy entry point preserved for callers that still
-//!   pass a familiar slug; it routes through the theme/card path internally.
-//!
-//! # Built-in roster
-//!
-//! | ID       | Archetype                                                                |
-//! |----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
-//! | `kitty`  | Cat head — pointy ears, whisker nose, square eyes (default).             |
-//! | `nova`   | 4-point star + crown + orbit dots — sorceress.                           |
-//! | `cody`   | Robot face with antenna, bracket eyes, code body.                        |
-//! | `charm`  | Large pixel heart with sparkle dots.                                     |
-//! | `sage`   | Wizard hat with star above an open spellbook.                            |
-//! | `astra`  | Crescent moon, compass star, dotted orbit.                               |
-//! | `echo`   | Round ghost with bracket eyes and floaty echo dots.                      |
-//!
-//! All glyphs are 11 chars wide × 4 content rows + 1 blank spacing row.
-
-use crate::familiar_theme::{Archetype, FamiliarPalette};
-use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
-use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
-
-// ── Pose ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+//! This module only carries the pose/expression the card animates in: surfaces
+//! that never animate pass [`CompanionPose::Static`]; the welcome panel passes
+//! a live [`CompanionPose::Idle`] / [`CompanionPose::Loading`] whose frame
+//! counter drives the card's subtle palette pulse.
 
 /// Pose / expression of the companion mascot.
 ///
-/// Static is the resting frame, used by surfaces that never animate (F2
-/// switcher rows, `/agents` detail view). Idle and Loading carry a
-/// monotonically-increasing frame counter: Idle drives the blink/sway idle
-/// loop, Loading drives the eye-spinner animation.
+/// `Static` is the resting frame, used by surfaces that never animate (F2
+/// switcher rows, `/agents` detail view). `Idle` and `Loading` carry a
+/// monotonically-increasing frame counter: `Idle` drives the resting pulse,
+/// `Loading` drives a faster pulse while the assistant is mid-turn and stalled.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum CompanionPose {
     Static,
     Idle { frame: u64 },
     Loading { frame: u64 },
 }
-
-// ── Style helpers ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
-fn body_style(palette: &FamiliarPalette) -> Style {
-    Style::default()
-        .fg(palette.primary)
-        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
-}
-
-fn accent_style(palette: &FamiliarPalette) -> Style {
-    Style::default()
-        .fg(palette.accent)
-        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
-}
-
-fn eye_bg_style(palette: &FamiliarPalette) -> Style {
-    Style::default()
-        .fg(palette.eye_socket)
-        .bg(palette.eye_bg)
-        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
-}
-
-fn eyeball_style(palette: &FamiliarPalette) -> Style {
-    Style::default()
-        .fg(Color::White)
-        .bg(palette.eye_bg)
-        .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
-}
-
-// The event loop ticks at roughly 10 fps, so the 120-frame idle cycle is
-// about 12 seconds: the glyph sways one column to the right for the second
-// half of each cycle, and blinks (or sparks, for familiars without eyes)
-// briefly inside that window.
-
-fn idle_blink(frame: u64) -> bool {
-    matches!(frame % 120, 90..=95)
-}
-
-fn idle_sway(frame: u64) -> bool {
-    matches!(frame % 120, 60..=119)
-}
-
-// ── Eye helpers ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
-fn eye_spans(palette: &FamiliarPalette, s: &'static str) -> Vec<Span<'static>> {
-    let mut spans: Vec<Span<'static>> = Vec::new();
-    let mut buf = String::new();
-    let mut buf_is_eyeball = false;
-    for ch in s.chars() {
-        let is_eyeball = matches!(
-            ch,
-            '\u{2598}'
-                | '\u{259d}'
-                | '\u{2580}'
-                | '\u{2584}'
-                | '\u{2596}'
-                | '\u{258c}'
-                | '\u{2590}'
-        );
-        if is_eyeball != buf_is_eyeball && !buf.is_empty() {
-            spans.push(Span::styled(
-                buf.clone(),
-                if buf_is_eyeball {
-                    eyeball_style(palette)
-                } else {
-                    eye_bg_style(palette)
-                },
-            ));
-            buf.clear();
-        }
-        buf_is_eyeball = is_eyeball;
-        buf.push(ch);
-    }
-    if !buf.is_empty() {
-        spans.push(Span::styled(
-            buf,
-            if buf_is_eyeball {
-                eyeball_style(palette)
-            } else {
-                eye_bg_style(palette)
-            },
-        ));
-    }
-    spans
-}
-
-/// Five-cell eye row that rotates a quarter-block highlight clockwise.
-/// Returned spans use the supplied palette for the dim trailing color so the
-/// loader feels coherent with the rest of the glyph.
-fn loading_eye_spans(palette: &FamiliarPalette, frame: u64) -> Vec<Span<'static>> {
-    const QUARTERS: [char; 4] = ['\u{2598}', '\u{259d}', '\u{2597}', '\u{2596}'];
-    const CW: [usize; 4] = [0, 1, 2, 3];
-    const CCW: [usize; 4] = [1, 0, 3, 2];
-    let step = (frame / 5) as usize % 4;
-    let prev = (step + 3) % 4;
-    let trail = palette.primary;
-    let head = Color::White;
-    let bg = palette.eye_bg;
-    let bold = Modifier::BOLD;
-    vec![
-        Span::styled(
-            QUARTERS[CW[prev]].to_string(),
-            Style::default().fg(trail).bg(bg).add_modifier(bold),
-        ),
-        Span::styled(
-            QUARTERS[CW[step]].to_string(),
-            Style::default().fg(head).bg(bg).add_modifier(bold),
-        ),
-        Span::styled("\u{2588}".to_string(), eye_bg_style(palette)),
-        Span::styled(
-            QUARTERS[CCW[step]].to_string(),
-            Style::default().fg(head).bg(bg).add_modifier(bold),
-        ),
-        Span::styled(
-            QUARTERS[CCW[prev]].to_string(),
-            Style::default().fg(trail).bg(bg).add_modifier(bold),
-        ),
-    ]
-}
-
-// ── Per-archetype glyph builders ──────────────────────────────────────────────
-
-/// **Kitty** — cat head: pointy ears, square eyes, whisker nose.
-fn kitty_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        " \u{2584}\u{2596}   \u{2597}\u{2584}\u{2596}  ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2590}\u{2500}   \u{2500}\u{2590}\u{258c} ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2590}\u{25c8}   \u{25c8}\u{2590}\u{258c} ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let mut spans = vec![Span::styled(" \u{2590}".to_string(), body_style(palette))];
-            spans.extend(loading_eye_spans(palette, *frame));
-            spans.push(Span::styled(
-                "\u{2590}\u{258c}  ".to_string(),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ));
-            Line::from(spans)
-        }
-    };
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        " \u{2590}\u{258c} \u{1d25} \u{2590}\u{258c}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2580}\u{2580}\u{2580}\u{2580}\u{2580}\u{2580}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Nova** — crown, hooded face, gem clasp, sparkle accents.
-fn nova_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "   \u{00b7} \u{2726} \u{00b7}   ".to_string(),
-        accent_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let spin = ['\u{00b7}', '\u{2726}', '*', '\u{00b7}'];
-            let s = spin[(*frame / 5) as usize % 4];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                format!(" \u{2597}\u{2584}{}\u{2584}\u{2597}\u{2596}    ", s),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2597}\u{2584}\u{2726}\u{2584}\u{2597}\u{2596}    ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2597}\u{2584}\u{265b}\u{2584}\u{2597}\u{2596}    ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2590}\u{258c}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2590}\u{258c}  ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "   \u{25c6} \u{00b7} \u{25c6}   ".to_string(),
-        accent_style(palette),
-    ));
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Cody** — robot programmer: antenna, bracket eyes, code body.
-fn cody_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "    \u{2500}\u{253c}\u{2500}    ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let anim = ['[', '(', '[', '<'];
-            let ch = anim[(*frame / 5) as usize % 4];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                format!(" \u{2584}\u{2584}[{ch} {ch}]\u{2584}  "),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2584}\u{2584}[\u{2500} \u{2500}]\u{2584}  ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2584}\u{2584}[\u{25c8} \u{25c8}]\u{2584}  ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{258c}</> \u{2590}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2584}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2584}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Charm** — large pixel heart with sparkle dots.
-fn charm_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2584}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2584}\u{2584}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2584} ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let sparkle = ['\u{2726}', '\u{00b7}', '*', '\u{00b7}'];
-            let s = sparkle[(*frame / 5) as usize % 4];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                format!(" {s}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}{s}  "),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2726}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2726} "
-                .to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588} "
-                .to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}  ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "    \u{2580}\u{2588}\u{2580}    ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Sage** — wizard hat with star above an open spellbook.
-fn sage_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "    \u{2597}\u{2584}\u{2596}    ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2597}\u{2588}\u{2726}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2596}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        " \u{2584}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2584} ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let page = ['\u{2500}', '~', '\u{2500}', '~'];
-            let p = page[(*frame / 5) as usize % 4];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                format!(" \u{2590}{p}{p}\u{253c}{p}{p}\u{258c}   "),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2590}~~\u{253c}~~\u{258c}   ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2590}\u{2500}\u{2500}\u{253c}\u{2500}\u{2500}\u{258c}   ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Astra** — crescent moon with compass star and dotted orbit.
-fn astra_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "    \u{2726}  \u{00b7}   ".to_string(),
-        accent_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        " \u{2597}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2596}    ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row3 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let arcs = [
-                " \u{2588}    \u{2598}    ",
-                " \u{2588}    \u{00b7}    ",
-                " \u{2588}    \u{2598}    ",
-                " \u{2588}     \u{00b7}   ",
-            ];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                arcs[(*frame / 5) as usize % 4].to_string(),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2588}    \u{00b7}    ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            " \u{2588}    \u{2726}    ".to_string(),
-            body_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    let row4 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        " \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2584}\u{00b7} \u{00b7}    ".to_string(),
-        accent_style(palette),
-    ));
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-/// **Echo** — round ghost with bracket eyes, blush smile, floaty dots.
-fn echo_lines(palette: &FamiliarPalette, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let row1 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2584}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2588}\u{2584}   ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row2 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let mut spans = vec![Span::styled("  \u{2588}[".to_string(), body_style(palette))];
-            spans.extend(loading_eye_spans(palette, *frame));
-            spans.push(Span::styled(
-                "]\u{2588}   ".to_string(),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ));
-            Line::from(spans)
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Idle { frame } if idle_blink(*frame) => {
-            let mut spans = vec![Span::styled("  \u{2588}[".to_string(), body_style(palette))];
-            spans.extend(eye_spans(palette, "\u{2500}\u{00b7}\u{2500}"));
-            spans.push(Span::styled(
-                "]\u{2588}   ".to_string(),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ));
-            Line::from(spans)
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => {
-            let mut spans = vec![Span::styled("  \u{2588}[".to_string(), body_style(palette))];
-            spans.extend(eye_spans(palette, "\u{2580}\u{00b7}\u{2580}"));
-            spans.push(Span::styled(
-                "]\u{2588}   ".to_string(),
-                body_style(palette),
-            ));
-            Line::from(spans)
-        }
-    };
-    let row3 = Line::from(Span::styled(
-        "  \u{2588} \u{203f} \u{2588}    ".to_string(),
-        body_style(palette),
-    ));
-    let row4 = match pose {
-        CompanionPose::Loading { frame } => {
-            let dots = [
-                "  \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580} \u{00b7}\u{00b7}\u{00b7}",
-                "  \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580} \u{00b7}\u{00b7} ",
-                "  \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580} \u{00b7}  ",
-                "  \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}    ",
-            ];
-            Line::from(Span::styled(
-                dots[(*frame / 8) as usize % 4].to_string(),
-                accent_style(palette),
-            ))
-        }
-        CompanionPose::Static | CompanionPose::Idle { .. } => Line::from(Span::styled(
-            "  \u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580}\u{2584}\u{2580} \u{00b7}\u{00b7}\u{00b7}".to_string(),
-            accent_style(palette),
-        )),
-    };
-    [row1, row2, row3, row4, Line::from("")]
-}
-
-// ── Public API ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
-/// Render the 5-line glyph block for a built-in archetype.
-///
-/// Sigil archetypes ([`Archetype::SigilCrystal`] etc.) are handled by
-/// [`crate::familiar_card`] directly, so they will hit `kitty_lines` here as
-/// a safe fallback if they ever route through this path by accident.
-pub fn archetype_lines(
-    arch: Archetype,
-    palette: &FamiliarPalette,
-    pose: &CompanionPose,
-) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let mut lines = match arch {
-        Archetype::Cat => kitty_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::SorceressCrown => nova_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::Robot => cody_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::Heart => charm_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::WizardBook => sage_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::Moon => astra_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::Ghost => echo_lines(palette, pose),
-        Archetype::SigilCrystal
-        | Archetype::SigilHex
-        | Archetype::SigilRune
-        | Archetype::SigilSeal => kitty_lines(palette, pose),
-    };
-    // Idle sway: drift the whole glyph one column right for half of each
-    // idle cycle. Card layouts pad rows to a fixed width, so the shift only
-    // moves the glyph inside its slot.
-    if let CompanionPose::Idle { frame } = pose {
-        if idle_sway(*frame) {
-            for line in lines.iter_mut() {
-                line.spans.insert(0, Span::raw(" "));
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    lines
-}
-
-/// Resolve a familiar slug to its theme and render the glyph block.
-///
-/// Newer UI surfaces usually go through [`crate::familiar_card::render_card`],
-/// but this helper remains useful for tests and compact callers that already
-/// know they only need the raw glyph lines.
-pub fn mascot_lines_for(familiar: Option<&str>, pose: &CompanionPose) -> [Line<'static>; 5] {
-    let id = familiar.unwrap_or("kitty");
-    let theme = crate::familiar_theme::resolve(id, &[]);
-    archetype_lines(theme.archetype, &theme.palette, pose)
-}
-
-#[cfg(test)]
-mod tests {
-    use super::*;
-    use crate::familiar_theme;
-
-    fn line_text(line: &Line<'_>) -> String {
-        line.spans
-            .iter()
-            .map(|s| s.content.as_ref())
-            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
-            .join("")
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn static_pose_renders_all_familiars() {
-        let familiars = ["kitty", "nova", "cody", "charm", "sage", "astra", "echo"];
-        for fam in &familiars {
-            let lines = mascot_lines_for(Some(fam), &CompanionPose::Static);
-            assert_eq!(lines.len(), 5, "familiar {fam} should produce 5 rows");
-            let row0 = line_text(&lines[0]);
-            assert!(
-                !row0.trim().is_empty(),
-                "familiar {fam} row 0 should not be blank: {row0:?}"
-            );
-        }
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn loading_pose_drives_frame_dependent_output() {
-        // Different frame values should produce at least one frame where the
-        // visible text differs, proving the spinner is actually frame-driven.
-        let a = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Loading { frame: 0 });
-        let b = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Loading { frame: 5 });
-        let txt_a = line_text(&a[1]);
-        let txt_b = line_text(&b[1]);
-        assert_ne!(txt_a, txt_b, "loading row should differ between frames");
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn idle_pose_blinks_between_frames() {
-        let awake = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Idle { frame: 0 });
-        let blink = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Idle { frame: 90 });
-
-        assert_ne!(
-            line_text(&awake[1]),
-            line_text(&blink[1]),
-            "idle row should blink instead of staying completely static"
-        );
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn idle_pose_sways_between_frames() {
-        // Frame 0 sits in the resting half of the idle cycle, frame 60 in the
-        // swayed half: every row gains a one-column shift.
-        let rest = mascot_lines_for(Some("sage"), &CompanionPose::Idle { frame: 0 });
-        let sway = mascot_lines_for(Some("sage"), &CompanionPose::Idle { frame: 60 });
-        assert_eq!(format!(" {}", line_text(&rest[0])), line_text(&sway[0]));
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn unknown_familiar_falls_back_to_kitty() {
-        let a = mascot_lines_for(Some("unknown_xxx"), &CompanionPose::Static);
-        let b = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Static);
-        assert_eq!(line_text(&a[0]), line_text(&b[0]));
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn none_familiar_falls_back_to_kitty() {
-        let a = mascot_lines_for(None, &CompanionPose::Static);
-        let b = mascot_lines_for(Some("kitty"), &CompanionPose::Static);
-        assert_eq!(line_text(&a[0]), line_text(&b[0]));
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn archetype_dispatcher_respects_palette() {
-        // Different palettes produce spans whose styles differ; the glyph
-        // shape itself stays the same.
-        let theme_a = familiar_theme::resolve("kitty", &[]);
-        let theme_b = familiar_theme::resolve("nova", &[]);
-        let a = archetype_lines(theme_a.archetype, &theme_a.palette, &CompanionPose::Static);
-        let b = archetype_lines(theme_b.archetype, &theme_b.palette, &CompanionPose::Static);
-        // Distinct archetypes → distinct row 0 content.
-        assert_ne!(line_text(&a[0]), line_text(&b[0]));
-    }
-}
diff --git a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/render.rs b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/render.rs
index 39ec32e..722ce21 100644
--- a/src-rust/crates/tui/src/render.rs
+++ b/src-rust/crates/tui/src/render.rs
@@ -3367,7 +3367,7 @@ mod welcome_tests {
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&coven_home).expect("coven home dir");
         let _guard = EnvGuard::set(&home, &coven_home);
 
-        let app = make_test_app_with_model_and_familiar(None, None, Some("sage"), None);
+        let app = make_test_app_with_model_and_familiar(None, None, Some("wisp"), None);
         assert_eq!(welcome_familiar_label(&app), "Familiar: none");
     }
 
@@ -3380,13 +3380,13 @@ mod welcome_tests {
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&coven_home).expect("coven home dir");
         std::fs::write(
             coven_home.join("familiars.toml"),
-            "[[familiar]]\nid = \"sage\"\nemoji = \"🌿\"\n",
+            "[[familiar]]\nid = \"wisp\"\nemoji = \"🌿\"\n",
         )
         .expect("familiar roster");
         let _guard = EnvGuard::set(&home, &coven_home);
 
-        let app = make_test_app_with_model_and_familiar(None, None, Some("sage"), None);
-        assert_eq!(welcome_familiar_label(&app), "Familiar: sage");
+        let app = make_test_app_with_model_and_familiar(None, None, Some("wisp"), None);
+        assert_eq!(welcome_familiar_label(&app), "Familiar: wisp");
     }
 
     #[test]