diff --git a/data/scene.json b/data/scene.json
index 4935c9f..6878ffc 100644
--- a/data/scene.json
+++ b/data/scene.json
@@ -4,24 +4,179 @@
     "note": "origin = front-left corner of the table; +X right, +Z toward the back, +Y up. All positions/sizes in centimetres; marker print size stays in mm (sizeMM)."
   },
   "anchors": [
-    { "markerId": 0, "position": [20.0, 0.0, 20.0], "mount": "flat", "yawDeg": 0, "pitchDeg": 0, "rollDeg": 0, "sizeMM": 60, "enabled": true },
-    { "markerId": 1, "position": [90.0, 0.0, 20.0], "mount": "flat", "yawDeg": 0, "pitchDeg": 0, "rollDeg": 0, "sizeMM": 60, "enabled": true },
-    { "markerId": 2, "position": [20.0, 0.0, 90.0], "mount": "flat", "yawDeg": 0, "pitchDeg": 0, "rollDeg": 0, "sizeMM": 60, "enabled": true },
-    { "markerId": 3, "position": [90.0, 0.0, 90.0], "mount": "flat", "yawDeg": 0, "pitchDeg": 0, "rollDeg": 0, "sizeMM": 60, "enabled": true },
-    { "markerId": 4, "position": [55.0, 12.0, 0.0], "mount": "wall", "yawDeg": 180, "pitchDeg": 0, "rollDeg": 0, "sizeMM": 60, "enabled": true }
+    {
+      "markerId": 0,
+      "position": [
+        20.0,
+        0.0,
+        20.0
+      ],
+      "mount": "flat",
+      "yawDeg": 0,
+      "pitchDeg": 0,
+      "rollDeg": 0,
+      "sizeMM": 60,
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "markerId": 1,
+      "position": [
+        90.0,
+        0.0,
+        20.0
+      ],
+      "mount": "flat",
+      "yawDeg": 0,
+      "pitchDeg": 0,
+      "rollDeg": 0,
+      "sizeMM": 60,
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "markerId": 2,
+      "position": [
+        20.0,
+        0.0,
+        90.0
+      ],
+      "mount": "flat",
+      "yawDeg": 0,
+      "pitchDeg": 0,
+      "rollDeg": 0,
+      "sizeMM": 60,
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "markerId": 3,
+      "position": [
+        90.0,
+        0.0,
+        90.0
+      ],
+      "mount": "flat",
+      "yawDeg": 0,
+      "pitchDeg": 0,
+      "rollDeg": 0,
+      "sizeMM": 60,
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "markerId": 4,
+      "position": [
+        55.0,
+        12.0,
+        0.0
+      ],
+      "mount": "wall",
+      "yawDeg": 180,
+      "pitchDeg": 0,
+      "rollDeg": 0,
+      "sizeMM": 60,
+      "enabled": true
+    }
   ],
   "buildings": [
-    { "name": "Newbury High", "position": [55.0, 0.0, 55.0], "size": [35.0, 30.0, 25.0], "yawDeg": 0 }
+    {
+      "name": "Newbury High",
+      "position": [
+        55.0,
+        0.0,
+        55.0
+      ],
+      "size": [
+        35.0,
+        30.0,
+        25.0
+      ],
+      "yawDeg": 0
+    }
   ],
   "spawns": [
-    { "id": "spawn-1", "position": [35.0, 30.0, 40.0], "enabled": true },
-    { "id": "spawn-2", "position": [75.0, 35.0, 40.0], "enabled": true },
-    { "id": "spawn-3", "position": [55.0, 45.0, 70.0], "enabled": true },
-    { "id": "spawn-4", "position": [25.0, 25.0, 75.0], "enabled": true },
-    { "id": "spawn-5", "position": [85.0, 28.0, 75.0], "enabled": true }
+    {
+      "id": "spawn-1",
+      "position": [
+        35.0,
+        30.0,
+        40.0
+      ],
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "spawn-2",
+      "position": [
+        75.0,
+        35.0,
+        40.0
+      ],
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "spawn-3",
+      "position": [
+        55.0,
+        45.0,
+        70.0
+      ],
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "spawn-4",
+      "position": [
+        25.0,
+        25.0,
+        75.0
+      ],
+      "enabled": true
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "spawn-5",
+      "position": [
+        85.0,
+        28.0,
+        75.0
+      ],
+      "enabled": true
+    }
   ],
   "paths": [
-    { "id": "main-street", "mode": "loop", "enabled": true, "points": [[20, 20, 35], [90, 20, 35], [95, 25, 75], [55, 30, 95], [15, 25, 70]] }
+    {
+      "id": "main-street",
+      "mode": "loop",
+      "enabled": true,
+      "points": [
+        [
+          20,
+          20,
+          35
+        ],
+        [
+          90,
+          20,
+          35
+        ],
+        [
+          95,
+          25,
+          75
+        ],
+        [
+          55,
+          30,
+          95
+        ],
+        [
+          15,
+          25,
+          70
+        ]
+      ]
+    }
   ],
-  "table": { "width": 110, "depth": 110, "offsetX": 0, "offsetZ": 0, "show": true }
-}
+  "table": {
+    "width": 110,
+    "depth": 110,
+    "offsetX": 0,
+    "offsetZ": 0,
+    "show": true
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/public/admin/admin.js b/public/admin/admin.js
index 34e2a36..4207204 100644
--- a/public/admin/admin.js
+++ b/public/admin/admin.js
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ export const styles = `
 export function nav(active) {
   return `<header>
     <h1>Newbury Exhibit — Admin</h1>
-    ${['preview', 'layout', 'plan', 'playlist', 'print', 'calibrate', 'errors'].map(p =>
+    ${['preview', 'layout', 'plan', 'playlist', 'characters', 'print', 'calibrate', 'errors'].map(p =>
       `<a href="/admin/${p}.html" class="${p === active ? 'active' : ''}">${p}</a>`).join('')}
     <a href="/">viewer ↗</a>
   </header>`;
diff --git a/public/admin/characters.html b/public/admin/characters.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78dd745
--- /dev/null
+++ b/public/admin/characters.html
@@ -0,0 +1,302 @@
+<!doctype html>
+<html lang="en"><head><meta charset="utf-8"><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
+<title>Characters — Newbury Exhibit</title></head>
+<body>
+<div id="app"></div>
+<script type="importmap">
+{ "imports": {
+    "three": "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/three@0.160.0/build/three.module.js",
+    "three/addons/": "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/three@0.160.0/examples/jsm/"
+} }
+</script>
+<script type="module">
+import * as THREE from 'three';
+import { OrbitControls } from 'three/addons/controls/OrbitControls.js';
+import { buildGhost } from '/js/ghosts/loader.js';
+import { api, requireAuth, styles, nav } from './admin.js';
+
+document.head.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', `<style>${styles}
+  #wrap { display:grid; grid-template-columns: 260px 1fr 300px; height:calc(100vh - 44px); }
+  #list { background:#0d1226; overflow:auto; padding:8px; }
+  #list .gh { padding:6px 9px; border-radius:6px; cursor:pointer; font-size:.82rem; display:flex; gap:7px; align-items:center; }
+  #list .gh:hover { background:#1a2244; }
+  #list .gh.sel { background:#2a3a6e; }
+  #list .gh .dot { width:9px; height:9px; border-radius:50%; flex:none; }
+  #list .gh .cust { margin-left:auto; font-size:.65rem; color:#51eaf1; }
+  #list input.search { width:100%; box-sizing:border-box; margin-bottom:8px; }
+  #stage { position:relative; background:#0a0e1c; }
+  #gl { width:100%; height:100%; display:block; }
+  #side { background:#111730; padding:12px; overflow:auto; }
+  #side h2 { font-size:.9rem; margin:12px 0 6px; color:#8fb8ff; }
+  #side h2:first-child { margin-top:0; }
+  .row { display:flex; gap:8px; align-items:center; margin:5px 0; }
+  .row label { width:96px; font-size:.75rem; }
+  .row input, .row select { flex:1; min-width:0; }
+  .row input[type=color] { padding:1px; height:26px; }
+  .row input[type=range] { padding:0; }
+  .assets { display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:6px; margin:6px 0; }
+  .asset { background:#0d1226; border-radius:6px; padding:5px 8px; font-size:.72rem; display:flex; gap:6px; align-items:center; }
+  .asset img { width:26px; height:26px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:3px; }
+  .asset button { padding:1px 6px; font-size:.7rem; }
+  .badge { font-size:.7rem; opacity:.62; line-height:1.45; }
+  .drop { border:1px dashed #2a3a6e; border-radius:8px; padding:10px; text-align:center; font-size:.75rem; opacity:.8; }
+  .drop.over { border-color:#51eaf1; background:#141c3a; }
+</style>`);
+await requireAuth();
+
+const COLORS = { Red: '#ff2678', Yellow: '#fff35d', Blue: '#51eaf1' };
+const app = document.getElementById('app');
+app.innerHTML = `${nav('characters')}
+<div id="wrap">
+  <div id="list"><input class="search" id="search" placeholder="Search ghosts…"><div id="ghosts"></div></div>
+  <div id="stage"><canvas id="gl"></canvas>
+    <div style="position:absolute;left:10px;bottom:10px;font-size:.72rem;background:rgba(6,8,15,.6);padding:6px 10px;border-radius:8px">
+      Live preview · drag to orbit · changes apply to all viewers on Save</div></div>
+  <div id="side"></div>
+</div>`;
+
+// ---------- data ----------
+const gdata = await api('/api/ghosts');
+const ghosts = gdata.ghosts;
+const gradients = gdata.gradients.gradients || gdata.gradients;
+let manifest = await api('/api/models');
+let assets = await api('/api/assets');
+let chars = await api('/api/characters');
+chars.byId ||= {}; chars.defaults ||= {};
+const scene = await api('/api/scene');
+const baseHeight = scene.ghostHeightCm ?? 4;
+
+let selId = ghosts[0]?.id;
+let filter = '';
+
+// ---------- preview ----------
+const cvs = document.getElementById('gl');
+const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer({ canvas: cvs, antialias: true, alpha: true });
+renderer.setPixelRatio(Math.min(devicePixelRatio, 2));
+const scn = new THREE.Scene();
+scn.background = new THREE.Color(0x0a0e1c);
+const cam = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(45, 1, 0.1, 500);
+cam.position.set(0, 4, 12);
+scn.add(new THREE.AmbientLight(0xffffff, 1.2));
+const dl = new THREE.DirectionalLight(0xffffff, 0.7); dl.position.set(4, 10, 8); scn.add(dl);
+const orbit = new OrbitControls(cam, cvs);
+orbit.target.set(0, 2.2, 0);
+const grid = new THREE.GridHelper(20, 20, 0x2a3a6e, 0x151b36); scn.add(grid);
+
+let previewObj = null;
+async function refreshPreview() {
+  if (previewObj) { scn.remove(previewObj); previewObj = null; }
+  const g = ghosts.find(x => x.id === selId);
+  if (!g) return;
+  previewObj = await buildGhost(g, gradients, manifest, chars);
+  previewObj.userData.setHeight(baseHeight);
+  scn.add(previewObj);
+  const h = chars.byId[selId]?.heightCm || baseHeight;
+  orbit.target.set(0, h / 2, 0);
+  cam.position.set(0, h * 0.75, h * 3);
+}
+
+function fit() {
+  renderer.setSize(cvs.clientWidth, cvs.clientHeight, false);
+  cam.aspect = cvs.clientWidth / cvs.clientHeight; cam.updateProjectionMatrix();
+}
+new ResizeObserver(fit).observe(cvs);
+(function loop(t) {
+  requestAnimationFrame(loop);
+  if (previewObj) { previewObj.userData.tick(t / 1000); previewObj.rotation.y += 0.004; }
+  orbit.update(); renderer.render(scn, cam);
+})(0);
+
+// ---------- ghost list ----------
+function renderList() {
+  const q = filter.toLowerCase();
+  document.getElementById('ghosts').innerHTML = ghosts
+    .filter(g => !q || g.name.toLowerCase().includes(q))
+    .map(g => `<div class="gh ${g.id === selId ? 'sel' : ''}" data-id="${g.id}">
+      <span class="dot" style="background:${COLORS[g.color]}"></span>${g.name}
+      ${chars.byId[g.id] ? '<span class="cust">●</span>' : ''}</div>`).join('');
+  document.querySelectorAll('.gh').forEach(el => el.onclick = async () => {
+    selId = el.dataset.id; renderList(); renderSide(); await refreshPreview();
+  });
+}
+document.getElementById('search').oninput = e => { filter = e.target.value; renderList(); };
+
+// ---------- side panel ----------
+const side = document.getElementById('side');
+const ov = () => (chars.byId[selId] ||= {});
+const cur = (k, dflt) => { const v = chars.byId[selId]?.[k]; return v != null ? v : (chars.defaults[k] != null ? chars.defaults[k] : dflt); };
+
+function renderSide() {
+  const g = ghosts.find(x => x.id === selId);
+  if (!g) { side.innerHTML = ''; return; }
+  const grad = gradients[g.color] || gradients.Blue;
+  const models = (manifest.models || []);
+  const textures = assets.assets.filter(a => a.kind === 'texture');
+
+  side.innerHTML = `
+    <h2>${g.name}</h2>
+    <div class="badge">${g.rarity} · ${g.color} · id <code>${g.id}</code></div>
+
+    <h2>Model</h2>
+    <div class="row"><label>model</label>
+      <select id="modelId">
+        <option value="">— default (${models[0]?.id || 'procedural wisp'}) —</option>
+        ${models.map(m => `<option value="${m.id}" ${cur('modelId', '') === m.id ? 'selected' : ''}>${m.id}</option>`).join('')}
+      </select></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>height (cm)</label>
+      <input type="number" step="0.5" min="0.5" id="heightCm" value="${cur('heightCm', baseHeight)}"></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>extra scale</label>
+      <input type="number" step="0.05" min="0.05" id="scale" value="${cur('scale', 1)}"></div>
+
+    <h2>Appearance</h2>
+    <div class="row"><label>opacity</label>
+      <input type="range" min="0.1" max="1" step="0.02" id="opacity" value="${cur('opacity', 0.92)}">
+      <span id="opv" style="width:32px;font-size:.72rem">${(+cur('opacity', 0.92)).toFixed(2)}</span></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>top colour</label>
+      <input type="color" id="topColor" value="${cur('topColor', grad.top)}">
+      <button id="resetTop">reset</button></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>bottom</label>
+      <input type="color" id="bottomColor" value="${cur('bottomColor', grad.bottom)}">
+      <button id="resetBottom">reset</button></div>
+
+    <h2>Textures</h2>
+    <div class="badge">Front-projected decals — no UV mapping needed. Use PNGs with transparency.</div>
+    <div class="row"><label>face</label>
+      <select id="faceTextureUrl"><option value="">— none —</option>
+        ${textures.map(a => `<option value="${a.url}" ${cur('faceTextureUrl', '') === a.url ? 'selected' : ''}>${a.name}</option>`).join('')}
+      </select></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>face Y</label><input type="range" min="0" max="1" step="0.01" id="faceY" value="${cur('faceY', 0.82)}"></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>face size</label><input type="range" min="0.04" max="0.5" step="0.01" id="faceSize" value="${cur('faceSize', 0.16)}"></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>torso</label>
+      <select id="torsoTextureUrl"><option value="">— none —</option>
+        ${textures.map(a => `<option value="${a.url}" ${cur('torsoTextureUrl', '') === a.url ? 'selected' : ''}>${a.name}</option>`).join('')}
+      </select></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>torso Y</label><input type="range" min="0" max="1" step="0.01" id="torsoY" value="${cur('torsoY', 0.52)}"></div>
+    <div class="row"><label>torso size</label><input type="range" min="0.04" max="0.6" step="0.01" id="torsoSize" value="${cur('torsoSize', 0.22)}"></div>
+
+    <div class="row" style="margin-top:12px">
+      <button id="clearChar" class="danger">Reset this ghost</button>
+      <button id="applyAll">Apply to all</button>
+    </div>
+    <button id="save" class="primary" style="width:100%;padding:10px;margin-top:8px">Save characters</button>
+    <div id="status" class="badge" style="margin-top:6px"></div>`;
+
+  const bind = (id, key, transform = v => v) => {
+    const el = document.getElementById(id);
+    if (!el) return;
+    el.oninput = el.onchange = async () => {
+      const v = transform(el.value);
+      if (v === '' || v == null) delete ov()[key]; else ov()[key] = v;
+      if (id === 'opacity') document.getElementById('opv').textContent = (+v).toFixed(2);
+      if (!Object.keys(chars.byId[selId] || {}).length) delete chars.byId[selId];
+      await refreshPreview(); renderList();
+    };
+  };
+  bind('modelId', 'modelId');
+  bind('heightCm', 'heightCm', v => parseFloat(v) || baseHeight);
+  bind('scale', 'scale', v => parseFloat(v) || 1);
+  bind('opacity', 'opacity', v => parseFloat(v));
+  bind('topColor', 'topColor');
+  bind('bottomColor', 'bottomColor');
+  bind('faceTextureUrl', 'faceTextureUrl');
+  bind('torsoTextureUrl', 'torsoTextureUrl');
+  for (const k of ['faceY', 'faceSize', 'torsoY', 'torsoSize']) bind(k, k, v => parseFloat(v));
+
+  document.getElementById('resetTop').onclick = async () => { delete ov().topColor; await refreshPreview(); renderSide(); };
+  document.getElementById('resetBottom').onclick = async () => { delete ov().bottomColor; await refreshPreview(); renderSide(); };
+  document.getElementById('clearChar').onclick = async () => {
+    delete chars.byId[selId]; await refreshPreview(); renderList(); renderSide();
+  };
+  document.getElementById('applyAll').onclick = async () => {
+    const src = { ...(chars.byId[selId] || {}) };
+    delete src.faceTextureUrl;                       // per-ghost faces stay per-ghost
+    if (!confirm('Apply this ghost\'s model/appearance settings as the default for every ghost?')) return;
+    chars.defaults = { ...chars.defaults, ...src };
+    renderList(); renderSide();
+  };
+  document.getElementById('save').onclick = async () => {
+    const st = document.getElementById('status');
+    try { chars = await api('/api/characters', 'PUT', chars); chars.byId ||= {}; chars.defaults ||= {};
+      st.textContent = 'Saved ' + new Date().toLocaleTimeString(); renderList();
+    } catch (e) { st.textContent = 'Save failed: ' + e.message; }
+  };
+}
+
+// ---------- asset manager (bottom of list column) ----------
+function renderAssets() {
+  const models = assets.assets.filter(a => a.kind === 'model');
+  const textures = assets.assets.filter(a => a.kind === 'texture');
+  let box = document.getElementById('assetBox');
+  if (!box) {
+    box = document.createElement('div');
+    box.id = 'assetBox';
+    box.style.cssText = 'margin-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #1a2244;padding-top:10px';
+    document.getElementById('list').appendChild(box);
+  }
+  box.innerHTML = `
+    <h2 style="font-size:.85rem;color:#8fb8ff;margin:0 0 6px">Assets</h2>
+    <div class="drop" id="drop">Drop .obj / .png here<br><span style="opacity:.6">or</span>
+      <input type="file" id="file" multiple accept=".obj,.mtl,.png,.jpg,.jpeg,.webp" style="width:100%;margin-top:5px"></div>
+    <div class="badge" style="margin-top:6px">Models (${models.length})</div>
+    <div class="assets">${models.map(a => `<span class="asset">${a.name}
+      <button data-delasset="${a.id}" class="danger">✕</button></span>`).join('') || '<span class="badge">none</span>'}</div>
+    <div class="badge">Textures (${textures.length})</div>
+    <div class="assets">${textures.map(a => `<span class="asset"><img src="${a.url}">${a.name}
+      <button data-delasset="${a.id}" class="danger">✕</button></span>`).join('') || '<span class="badge">none</span>'}</div>
+    ${models.length ? `<button id="buildModel" style="width:100%;margin-top:6px">Build model from parts…</button>` : ''}`;
+
+  const drop = document.getElementById('drop');
+  drop.ondragover = e => { e.preventDefault(); drop.classList.add('over'); };
+  drop.ondragleave = () => drop.classList.remove('over');
+  drop.ondrop = e => { e.preventDefault(); drop.classList.remove('over'); upload([...e.dataTransfer.files]); };
+  document.getElementById('file').onchange = e => upload([...e.target.files]);
+  document.querySelectorAll('[data-delasset]').forEach(b => b.onclick = async () => {
+    if (!confirm('Delete this asset? Any character using it falls back to default.')) return;
+    await api('/api/assets/' + b.dataset.delasset, 'DELETE');
+    assets = await api('/api/assets'); renderAssets(); renderSide(); await refreshPreview();
+  });
+  const bm = document.getElementById('buildModel');
+  if (bm) bm.onclick = buildModelDialog;
+}
+
+async function upload(files) {
+  for (const f of files) {
+    const ext = f.name.toLowerCase().split('.').pop();
+    const kind = ['obj', 'mtl'].includes(ext) ? 'model' : 'texture';
+    const dataBase64 = await new Promise((res, rej) => {
+      const r = new FileReader();
+      r.onload = () => res(String(r.result).split(',')[1]);
+      r.onerror = () => rej(new Error('read failed'));
+      r.readAsDataURL(f);
+    });
+    try { await api('/api/assets', 'POST', { name: f.name, kind, dataBase64 }); }
+    catch (e) { alert(`${f.name}: ${e.message}`); }
+  }
+  assets = await api('/api/assets');
+  renderAssets(); renderSide();
+}
+
+/* Assemble uploaded OBJ parts into a named model in the manifest. */
+async function buildModelDialog() {
+  const objs = assets.assets.filter(a => a.kind === 'model' && a.name.toLowerCase().endsWith('.obj'));
+  if (!objs.length) return alert('Upload some .obj parts first.');
+  const id = prompt('Model name (e.g. minifig):', 'minifig');
+  if (!id) return;
+  const parts = {};
+  for (const key of ['legs', 'torso', 'head', 'headpiece']) {
+    const list = objs.map((o, i) => `${i}: ${o.name}`).join('\n');
+    const pick = prompt(`Which file is the ${key}? (number, or blank to skip)\n\n${list}`, '');
+    if (pick === null) return;
+    if (pick.trim() !== '' && objs[+pick]) parts[key] = objs[+pick].url;
+  }
+  if (!Object.keys(parts).length) return alert('No parts chosen.');
+  manifest.models = (manifest.models || []).filter(m => m.id !== id);
+  manifest.models.push({ id, scale: 1, parts });
+  manifest = await api('/api/models', 'PUT', manifest);
+  renderSide(); await refreshPreview();
+  alert(`Model "${id}" created — pick it in the Model dropdown.`);
+}
+
+renderList(); renderSide(); renderAssets(); fit(); await refreshPreview();
+</script>
+</body></html>
diff --git a/public/admin/preview.html b/public/admin/preview.html
index fd15c53..11a1372 100644
--- a/public/admin/preview.html
+++ b/public/admin/preview.html
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ app.innerHTML = `${nav('preview')}
 const g = await (await fetch('/api/ghosts')).json();
 const gradients = g.gradients.gradients || g.gradients;
 const modelManifest = await (await fetch('/api/models')).json();
+let characters = await (await fetch('/api/characters')).json();
 
 // ---------- three.js ----------
 const cvs = document.getElementById('gl');
@@ -134,7 +135,7 @@ const clockSamples = []; let clockOffset = 0;
 
 async function addGhost(rec) {
   if (active.has(rec.uid)) return;
-  const group = await buildGhost(rec, gradients, modelManifest);
+  const group = await buildGhost(rec, gradients, modelManifest, characters);
   group.userData.setHeight(ghostHeight);
   const label = textSprite(rec.name, COLORS[rec.color] || '#fff');
   label.scale.set(20, 5, 1);
@@ -157,6 +158,12 @@ net.on('scene', m => {
      ghostHeight = m.scene.ghostHeightCm || 4;
      for (const e of active.values()) e.group.userData.setHeight(ghostHeight);
    })
+   .on('characters', async m => {
+     characters = m.characters || characters;
+     const recs = [...active.values()].map(e => e.rec);
+     for (const uid of [...active.keys()]) removeGhost(uid);
+     for (const rec of recs) await addGhost(rec);
+   })
    .on('active', async m => {
      for (const uid of [...active.keys()]) removeGhost(uid);
      for (const rec of m.ghosts) await addGhost(rec);
diff --git a/public/js/exhibit.js b/public/js/exhibit.js
index cd0e4b6..47cd63b 100644
--- a/public/js/exhibit.js
+++ b/public/js/exhibit.js
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ const $ = (s) => document.querySelector(s);
 let info = { mode: 'dev' };
 let scene3, camera3, renderer, video, canvas2d, ctx2d;
 let detector, poseEst, fuser;
-let gradients = {}, modelManifest = null;
+let gradients = {}, modelManifest = null, characters = { defaults: {}, byId: {} };
 let ghostHeight = 4; // cm, from scene.ghostHeightCm
 const activeGhosts = new Map(); // uid -> { rec, group }
 let tracking = { markers: 0, lastSeen: 0 };
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ async function boot() {
   const g = await (await fetch('/api/ghosts')).json();
   gradients = g.gradients.gradients || g.gradients;
   modelManifest = await (await fetch('/api/models')).json();
+  characters = await (await fetch('/api/characters')).json();
 
   $('#start').addEventListener('click', start, { once: true });
 }
@@ -68,6 +69,12 @@ async function start() {
        ghostHeight = m.scene.ghostHeightCm || 4;
        for (const e of activeGhosts.values()) e.group.userData.setHeight(ghostHeight);
      })
+     .on('characters', async (m) => {
+       characters = m.characters || characters;
+       const recs = [...activeGhosts.values()].map(e => e.rec);
+       for (const uid of [...activeGhosts.keys()]) removeGhost(uid);
+       for (const rec of recs) await addGhost(rec);     // rebuild with new visuals
+     })
      .on('active', async (m) => {
        for (const uid of [...activeGhosts.keys()]) removeGhost(uid);
        for (const rec of m.ghosts) await addGhost(rec);
@@ -111,7 +118,7 @@ function buildOcclusion(scene) {
 // ---------- ghosts ----------
 async function addGhost(rec) {
   if (activeGhosts.has(rec.uid)) return;
-  const group = await buildGhost(rec, gradients, modelManifest);
+  const group = await buildGhost(rec, gradients, modelManifest, characters);
   group.userData.setHeight(ghostHeight);
   scene3.add(group);
   activeGhosts.set(rec.uid, { rec, group });
diff --git a/public/js/ghosts/loader.js b/public/js/ghosts/loader.js
index 4fdca52..240a5d3 100644
--- a/public/js/ghosts/loader.js
+++ b/public/js/ghosts/loader.js
@@ -1,20 +1,36 @@
 /* loader.js — ghost visuals.
- * Multi-part OBJ ghosts: { legs|wisp, torso, head, headpiece } assembled into one Group,
- * every part rendered with the recovered Hidden Side gradient shader (top->bottom tint
- * by GhostColor: Red / Yellow / Blue). Until models exist, a procedural wisp fallback
- * is used so the exhibit always has something to show.
  *
- * Model manifest (data/models.json, editable via /api/models):
- * { "models": [ { "id": "classic", "scale": 1.0,
- *     "parts": { "legs": "/models/classic/legs.obj", "torso": "...", "head": "...", "headpiece": "..." } } ] }
+ * Multi-part OBJ ghosts: { legs|wisp, torso, head, headpiece } assembled into one Group,
+ * rendered with the recovered Hidden Side gradient shader (top->bottom tint by GhostColor:
+ * Red / Yellow / Blue). Procedural wisp fallback until models are uploaded.
+ *
+ * Per-character overrides come from /api/characters (managed in /admin/characters.html):
+ *   { modelId, opacity, topColor, bottomColor, heightCm, scale,
+ *     faceTextureUrl, torsoTextureUrl }
+ *
+ * Textures: face and torso images are projected planar-front onto the mesh (UV-independent,
+ * so untextured OBJs still work). Each is placed by a normalized Y band with adjustable
+ * centre/size, blended over the gradient — a simple decal without needing UV-mapped models.
  */
 import * as THREE from 'three';
 import { OBJLoader } from 'three/addons/loaders/OBJLoader.js';
 
 const objLoader = new OBJLoader();
 const objCache = new Map();
+const texLoader = new THREE.TextureLoader();
+const texCache = new Map();
 
-function gradientMaterial(top, bottom, opacity = 0.92) {
+function loadTexture(url) {
+  if (!url) return null;
+  if (!texCache.has(url)) {
+    const t = texLoader.load(url);
+    t.colorSpace = THREE.SRGBColorSpace;
+    texCache.set(url, t);
+  }
+  return texCache.get(url);
+}
+
+function gradientMaterial(top, bottom, opacity, faceTex, torsoTex, bands) {
   return new THREE.ShaderMaterial({
     transparent: true,
     depthWrite: false,
@@ -25,25 +41,60 @@ function gradientMaterial(top, bottom, opacity = 0.92) {
       uMinY: { value: 0 },
       uMaxY: { value: 1 },
       uTime: { value: 0 },
+      faceMap: { value: faceTex || null },
+      torsoMap: { value: torsoTex || null },
+      hasFace: { value: faceTex ? 1 : 0 },
+      hasTorso: { value: torsoTex ? 1 : 0 },
+      // [centreY, halfHeight, halfWidth] in normalized model space
+      faceBand: { value: new THREE.Vector3(bands.faceY, bands.faceSize, bands.faceSize) },
+      torsoBand: { value: new THREE.Vector3(bands.torsoY, bands.torsoSize, bands.torsoSize) },
     },
     vertexShader: `
       varying float vY;
       varying vec3 vNormal;
+      varying vec3 vLocal;
       uniform float uMinY, uMaxY;
       void main() {
-        vY = clamp((position.y - uMinY) / max(uMaxY - uMinY, 0.001), 0.0, 1.0);
+        float h = max(uMaxY - uMinY, 0.001);
+        vY = clamp((position.y - uMinY) / h, 0.0, 1.0);
+        vLocal = vec3(position.x / h, vY, position.z / h);
         vNormal = normalize(normalMatrix * normal);
         gl_Position = projectionMatrix * modelViewMatrix * vec4(position, 1.0);
       }`,
     fragmentShader: `
       varying float vY;
       varying vec3 vNormal;
+      varying vec3 vLocal;
       uniform vec3 topColor, bottomColor;
       uniform float opacity, uTime;
+      uniform sampler2D faceMap, torsoMap;
+      uniform int hasFace, hasTorso;
+      uniform vec3 faceBand, torsoBand;
+
+      // planar-front decal: map local X/Y into the band's UV box
+      vec4 decal(sampler2D map, vec3 band) {
+        vec2 uv = vec2((vLocal.x / band.z) * 0.5 + 0.5,
+                       ((vLocal.y - band.x) / band.y) * 0.5 + 0.5);
+        if (uv.x < 0.0 || uv.x > 1.0 || uv.y < 0.0 || uv.y > 1.0) return vec4(0.0);
+        return texture2D(map, uv);
+      }
+
       void main() {
         vec3 c = mix(bottomColor, topColor, vY);
         float rim = pow(1.0 - abs(dot(vNormal, vec3(0.0, 0.0, 1.0))), 2.0);
         c += rim * 0.35;
+
+        // only decal the front-facing side so images don't mirror onto the back
+        float front = smoothstep(0.0, 0.35, vNormal.z);
+        if (hasTorso == 1) {
+          vec4 t = decal(torsoMap, torsoBand);
+          c = mix(c, t.rgb, t.a * front);
+        }
+        if (hasFace == 1) {
+          vec4 f = decal(faceMap, faceBand);
+          c = mix(c, f.rgb, f.a * front);
+        }
+
         float pulse = 0.92 + 0.08 * sin(uTime * 2.2);
         gl_FragColor = vec4(c, opacity * pulse);
       }`,
@@ -69,12 +120,37 @@ function proceduralWisp() {
   return g;
 }
 
-export async function buildGhost(ghost, gradients, manifest) {
+/* Resolve the override chain: character-specific -> defaults -> built-in. */
+function resolveOverrides(ghost, characters) {
+  const d = (characters && characters.defaults) || {};
+  const c = (characters && characters.byId && characters.byId[ghost.id]) || {};
+  return { ...d, ...c };
+}
+
+function pickModel(manifest, ov) {
+  const models = (manifest && manifest.models) || [];
+  if (!models.length) return null;
+  if (ov.modelId) return models.find(m => m.id === ov.modelId) || models[0];
+  return models[0];
+}
+
+export async function buildGhost(ghost, gradients, manifest, characters) {
+  const ov = resolveOverrides(ghost, characters);
   const grad = gradients[ghost.color] || gradients.Blue;
-  const mat = gradientMaterial(grad.top, grad.bottom);
+  const top = ov.topColor || grad.top;
+  const bottom = ov.bottomColor || grad.bottom;
+  const opacity = ov.opacity != null ? Number(ov.opacity) : 0.92;
+  const bands = {
+    faceY: ov.faceY != null ? Number(ov.faceY) : 0.82,
+    faceSize: ov.faceSize != null ? Number(ov.faceSize) : 0.16,
+    torsoY: ov.torsoY != null ? Number(ov.torsoY) : 0.52,
+    torsoSize: ov.torsoSize != null ? Number(ov.torsoSize) : 0.22,
+  };
+  const mat = gradientMaterial(top, bottom, opacity,
+    loadTexture(ov.faceTextureUrl), loadTexture(ov.torsoTextureUrl), bands);
 
   let group;
-  const model = (manifest?.models || [])[0]; // default model; per-ghost mapping can extend later
+  const model = pickModel(manifest, ov);
   if (model && model.parts) {
     group = new THREE.Group();
     try {
@@ -92,7 +168,7 @@ export async function buildGhost(ghost, gradients, manifest) {
     group = proceduralWisp();
   }
 
-  // apply gradient material to every mesh; compute Y-range for gradient mapping
+  // gradient/decal mapping needs the model's Y range
   const box = new THREE.Box3().setFromObject(group);
   group.traverse(o => {
     if (o.isMesh) {
@@ -102,20 +178,19 @@ export async function buildGhost(ghost, gradients, manifest) {
     }
   });
 
-  // Normalize: wrap so feet sit at the group origin, then expose setHeight(cm) that
-  // scales the whole ghost (any source units) to an exact world height. Minifigure ≈ 4 cm.
+  // Normalize: feet at origin, then setHeight(cm) scales any source units to world height.
   const outer = new THREE.Group();
   const inner = new THREE.Group();
-  inner.position.y = -box.min.y;          // feet -> origin
+  inner.position.y = -box.min.y;
   inner.add(group);
   outer.add(inner);
   const rawH = Math.max(box.max.y - box.min.y, 1e-6);
-  const modelScale = model?.scale || 1;   // per-model fine-tune multiplier from the manifest
-  outer.userData.setHeight = (cm) => outer.scale.setScalar((cm / rawH) * modelScale);
+  const modelScale = (ov.scale || model?.scale || 1);
+  outer.userData.setHeight = (cm) => outer.scale.setScalar(((ov.heightCm || cm) / rawH) * modelScale);
   outer.userData.setHeight(4);
 
   outer.userData.material = mat;
-  outer.userData.setOpacity = (v) => { mat.uniforms.opacity.value = v; };
+  outer.userData.setOpacity = (v) => { mat.uniforms.opacity.value = v * opacity; };
   outer.userData.tick = (t) => { mat.uniforms.uTime.value = t; };
   return outer;
 }
diff --git a/push-characters.bat b/push-characters.bat
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5199eed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/push-characters.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+@echo off
+REM push-characters.bat - commit and push the character manager changes to Gitea.
+REM Run from anywhere; it always works on K:\newbury-exhibit-v2
+cd /d K:\newbury-exhibit-v2
+
+if not exist .git (
+  echo No git repo here - initialising and linking to Gitea...
+  git init -b main
+  git remote add origin https://gitea.hideawaygaming.com.au/jessikitty/newbury-exhibit-v2.git
+  git fetch origin
+  git reset --soft origin/main
+)
+
+git add -A
+git commit -m "Character manager: asset uploads, per-ghost model/colour/opacity overrides, face+torso texture decals"
+git push origin main
+pause
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/server.js b/server/server.js
index acba871..42cce51 100644
--- a/server/server.js
+++ b/server/server.js
@@ -11,18 +11,40 @@ const { WebSocketServer } = require('ws');
 const state = require('./state');
 const auth = require('./auth');
 const Playlist = require('./playlist');
+const { Assets } = require('./uploads');
 
 const PORT = process.env.PORT || 33044;
 const MODE = process.env.EXHIBIT_MODE || 'dev';
 
 const app = express();
-app.use(express.json({ limit: '2mb' }));
+app.use(express.json({ limit: '20mb' }));   // base64 asset uploads
 
 // ---------- public static ----------
 app.use(express.static(path.join(__dirname, '..', 'public')));
 app.use('/data/ghosts.json', express.static(path.join(__dirname, '..', 'data', 'ghosts.json')));
 app.use('/data/gradients.json', express.static(path.join(__dirname, '..', 'data', 'gradients.json')));
 
+// ---------- uploaded assets (models + textures) ----------
+const assets = new Assets(state.liveDir);
+app.use('/assets', express.static(path.join(state.liveDir, 'assets'), { maxAge: '1h' }));
+
+app.get('/api/assets', (req, res) => res.json(assets.list()));
+app.post('/api/assets', guard, (req, res) => {
+  try { res.json(assets.save(req.body)); }
+  catch (e) { res.status(400).json({ error: String(e.message || e) }); }
+});
+app.delete('/api/assets/:id', guard, (req, res) => {
+  try { res.json(assets.remove(req.params.id)); }
+  catch (e) { res.status(400).json({ error: String(e.message || e) }); }
+});
+
+// ---------- character overrides ----------
+app.get('/api/characters', (req, res) => res.json(state.getCharacters()));
+app.put('/api/characters', guard, (req, res) => {
+  try { res.json(state.putCharacters(req.body)); }
+  catch (e) { res.status(400).json({ error: String(e.message || e) }); }
+});
+
 // ---------- runtime info ----------
 app.get('/api/info', (req, res) => {
   res.json({ mode: MODE, authRequired: MODE === 'final', version: 2 });
@@ -91,6 +113,7 @@ playlist.start();
 
 wss.on('connection', (ws) => {
   ws.send(JSON.stringify({ type: 'scene', scene: state.getScene() }));
+  ws.send(JSON.stringify({ type: 'characters', characters: state.getCharacters() }));
   ws.send(JSON.stringify({ type: 'active', ghosts: playlist.activeSnapshot() }));
   ws.on('message', (raw) => {
     let m; try { m = JSON.parse(raw); } catch { return; }
@@ -99,7 +122,10 @@ wss.on('connection', (ws) => {
 });
 
 // push scene updates to viewers when admin saves
-state.onChange(() => broadcast({ type: 'scene', scene: state.getScene() }));
+state.onChange(() => {
+  broadcast({ type: 'scene', scene: state.getScene() });
+  broadcast({ type: 'characters', characters: state.getCharacters() });
+});
 
 server.listen(PORT, () => {
   console.log(`Newbury Exhibit v2 [${MODE}] on :${PORT}`);
diff --git a/server/state.js b/server/state.js
index defc7b6..7cde8ee 100644
--- a/server/state.js
+++ b/server/state.js
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ const LIVE = path.join(LIVE_DIR, 'scene.live.json');
 const PLAYLIST_LIVE = path.join(LIVE_DIR, 'playlist.live.json');
 const MODELS_LIVE = path.join(LIVE_DIR, 'models.live.json');
 const MODELS_SEED = path.join(DATA, 'models.json');
+const CHARS_LIVE = path.join(LIVE_DIR, 'characters.live.json');
 
 fs.mkdirSync(LIVE_DIR, { recursive: true });
 
@@ -26,6 +27,10 @@ let scene = readJSON(LIVE, null) || readJSON(SEED, { anchors: [], buildings: [],
 let ghosts = readJSON(path.join(DATA, 'ghosts.json'), []);
 let gradients = readJSON(path.join(DATA, 'gradients.json'), {});
 let models = readJSON(MODELS_LIVE, null) || readJSON(MODELS_SEED, { models: [] });
+/* characters: per-ghost visual overrides keyed by ghost id, plus defaults.
+ * { defaults: {...}, byId: { 'mad-fenton': { modelId, opacity, topColor, bottomColor,
+ *   faceTextureUrl, torsoTextureUrl, heightCm, scale } } } */
+let characters = readJSON(CHARS_LIVE, null) || { defaults: {}, byId: {} };
 
 const listeners = [];
 
@@ -71,6 +76,15 @@ module.exports = {
     return scene;
   },
   getGhosts: () => ({ ghosts, gradients }),
+  getCharacters: () => characters,
+  putCharacters(c) {
+    if (!c || typeof c !== 'object') throw new Error('characters must be object');
+    characters = { defaults: c.defaults || {}, byId: c.byId || {} };
+    writeJSON(CHARS_LIVE, characters);
+    listeners.forEach(f => f());
+    return characters;
+  },
+  liveDir: LIVE_DIR,
   getModels: () => models,
   putModels(m) {
     if (!m || !Array.isArray(m.models)) throw new Error('models.models must be array');