diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 0f0c968..32cbe3c 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -6,7 +6,10 @@ reset:
 patch:
 	powershell "cp ./patches/process.h ./subprojects/libgit2-1.9.0/src/util/process.h"
 
-build:
+%.cpp : %.rl
+	ragel -o $@ $<
+
+build: lel_parser.cpp
 	meson compile -C builddir
 
 config:
@@ -19,10 +22,10 @@ test: build
 install: build test
 	powershell "cp ./builddir/subprojects/libgit2-1.9.0/liblibgit2package.dll ."
 	powershell "cp ./builddir/subprojects/efsw/libefsw.dll ."
-	powershell "cp builddir/escape_turings_tarpit.exe ."
+	powershell "cp builddir/ttpit.exe ."
 
 run: install
-	./escape_turings_tarpit.exe
+	./ttpit.exe
 
 clean:
 	meson compile --clean -C builddir
diff --git a/color.hpp b/color.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4026ba5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/color.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <SFML/Graphics/Color.hpp>
+
+namespace ColorValue {
+  const sf::Color BLACK{0, 0, 0};
+  const sf::Color DARK_DARK{10, 10, 10};
+  const sf::Color DARK_MID{30, 30, 30};
+  const sf::Color DARK_LIGHT{60, 60, 60};
+  const sf::Color MID{100, 100, 100};
+  const sf::Color LIGHT_DARK{150, 150, 150};
+  const sf::Color LIGHT_MID{200, 200, 200};
+  const sf::Color LIGHT_LIGHT{230, 230, 230};
+  const sf::Color WHITE{255, 255, 255};
+  const sf::Color TRANSPARENT = sf::Color::Transparent;
+}
diff --git a/config.cpp b/config.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea3ef62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/config.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+#include "config.hpp"
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+
+using nlohmann::json;
+using fmt::format;
+
+Config::Config(const std::string src_path) : $src_path(src_path) {
+  std::ifstream infile($src_path);
+  $config = json::parse(infile);
+}
+
+json &Config::operator[](const std::string &key) {
+  dbc::check($config.contains(key), fmt::format("ERROR in config, key {} doesn't exist.", key));
+  return $config[key];
+}
+
+std::wstring Config::wstring(const std::string main_key, const std::string sub_key) {
+  dbc::check($config.contains(main_key), fmt::format("ERROR wstring main/key in config, main_key {} doesn't exist.", main_key));
+  dbc::check($config[main_key].contains(sub_key), fmt::format("ERROR wstring in config, main_key/key {}/{} doesn't exist.", main_key, sub_key));
+
+  const std::string& str_val = $config[main_key][sub_key];
+  std::wstring_convert<std::codecvt_utf8_utf16<wchar_t>> $converter;
+  return $converter.from_bytes(str_val);
+}
+
+std::vector<std::string> Config::keys() {
+  std::vector<std::string> the_fucking_keys;
+
+  for(auto& [key, value] : $config.items()) {
+    the_fucking_keys.push_back(key);
+  }
+
+  return the_fucking_keys;
+}
diff --git a/config.hpp b/config.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..52bf664
--- /dev/null
+++ b/config.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <nlohmann/json.hpp>
+#include <fstream>
+#include <codecvt>
+
+struct Config {
+  nlohmann::json $config;
+  std::string $src_path;
+
+  Config(const std::string src_path);
+
+  Config(nlohmann::json config, std::string src_path)
+    : $config(config), $src_path(src_path) {}
+
+  nlohmann::json &operator[](const std::string &key);
+  nlohmann::json &json() { return $config; };
+  std::wstring wstring(const std::string main_key, const std::string sub_key);
+  std::vector<std::string> keys();
+};
diff --git a/constants.hpp b/constants.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8c653dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/constants.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <string>
+#include "color.hpp"
+#include <array>
+
+constexpr const int TEXTURE_WIDTH=256;
+constexpr const int TEXTURE_HEIGHT=256;
+constexpr const int SCREEN_WIDTH=1280;
+constexpr const int SCREEN_HEIGHT=720;
+
+constexpr const bool VSYNC=false;
+constexpr const int FRAME_LIMIT=60;
+
+constexpr const int GUECS_PADDING = 3;
+constexpr const int GUECS_BORDER_PX = 1;
+constexpr const int GUECS_FONT_SIZE = 30;
+const sf::Color GUECS_FILL_COLOR = ColorValue::DARK_MID;
+const sf::Color GUECS_TEXT_COLOR = ColorValue::LIGHT_LIGHT;
+const sf::Color GUECS_BG_COLOR = ColorValue::MID;
+const sf::Color GUECS_BORDER_COLOR = ColorValue::MID;
+constexpr const char *FONT_FILE_NAME="assets/text.otf";
+
+#ifdef NDEBUG
+constexpr const bool DEBUG_BUILD=false;
+#else
+constexpr const bool DEBUG_BUILD=true;
+#endif
diff --git a/dbc.cpp b/dbc.cpp
index c25d32a..6b17faf 100644
--- a/dbc.cpp
+++ b/dbc.cpp
@@ -1,40 +1,47 @@
 #include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <iostream>
 
-void dbc::log(const string &message) {
-  fmt::print("{}\n", message);
+void dbc::log(const string &message, const std::source_location location) {
+  std::cout << '[' << location.file_name() << ':'
+     << location.line() << "|"
+     << location.function_name() << "] "
+     << message << std::endl;
 }
 
-void dbc::sentinel(const string &message) {
-  string err = fmt::format("[SENTINEL!] {}\n", message);
+void dbc::sentinel(const string &message, const std::source_location location) {
+  string err = fmt::format("[SENTINEL!] {}", message);
+  dbc::log(err, location);
   throw dbc::SentinelError{err};
 }
 
-void dbc::pre(const string &message, bool test) {
+void dbc::pre(const string &message, bool test, const std::source_location location) {
   if(!test) {
-    string err = fmt::format("[PRE!] {}\n", message);
+    string err = fmt::format("[PRE!] {}", message);
+    dbc::log(err, location);
     throw dbc::PreCondError{err};
   }
 }
 
-void dbc::pre(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester) {
-  dbc::pre(message, tester());
+void dbc::pre(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester, const std::source_location location) {
+  dbc::pre(message, tester(), location);
 }
 
-void dbc::post(const string &message, bool test) {
+void dbc::post(const string &message, bool test, const std::source_location location) {
   if(!test) {
-    string err = fmt::format("[POST!] {}\n", message);
+    string err = fmt::format("[POST!] {}", message);
+    dbc::log(err, location);
     throw dbc::PostCondError{err};
   }
 }
 
-void dbc::post(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester) {
-  dbc::post(message, tester());
+void dbc::post(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester, const std::source_location location) {
+  dbc::post(message, tester(), location);
 }
 
-void dbc::check(bool test, const string &message) {
+void dbc::check(bool test, const string &message, const std::source_location location) {
   if(!test) {
     string err = fmt::format("[CHECK!] {}\n", message);
-    fmt::println("{}", err);
+    dbc::log(err, location);
     throw dbc::CheckError{err};
   }
 }
diff --git a/dbc.hpp b/dbc.hpp
index 919d729..87e4fb0 100644
--- a/dbc.hpp
+++ b/dbc.hpp
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <fmt/core.h>
 #include <functional>
+#include <source_location>
 
 using std::string;
 
@@ -19,11 +20,31 @@ namespace dbc {
   class PreCondError : public Error {};
   class PostCondError : public Error {};
 
-  void log(const string &message);
-  void sentinel(const string &message);
-  void pre(const string &message, bool test);
-  void pre(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester);
-  void post(const string &message, bool test);
-  void post(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester);
-  void check(bool test, const string &message);
+  void log(const string &message,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  [[noreturn]] void sentinel(const string &message,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  void pre(const string &message, bool test,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  void pre(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  void post(const string &message, bool test,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  void post(const string &message, std::function<bool()> tester,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
+
+  void check(bool test, const string &message,
+      const std::source_location location =
+      std::source_location::current());
 }
diff --git a/dinkyecs.hpp b/dinkyecs.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1434558
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dinkyecs.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,214 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <any>
+#include <functional>
+#include <queue>
+#include <tuple>
+#include <typeindex>
+#include <typeinfo>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <optional>
+
+namespace DinkyECS
+{
+  typedef unsigned long Entity;
+
+  using EntityMap = std::unordered_map<Entity, size_t>;
+
+  template <typename T>
+    struct ComponentStorage {
+      std::vector<T> data;
+      std::queue<size_t> free_indices;
+    };
+
+  struct Event {
+    int event = 0;
+    Entity entity = 0;
+    std::any data;
+  };
+
+  typedef std::queue<Event> EventQueue;
+
+  struct World {
+    unsigned long entity_count = 0;
+    std::unordered_map<std::type_index, EntityMap> $components;
+    std::unordered_map<std::type_index, std::any> $facts;
+    std::unordered_map<std::type_index, EventQueue> $events;
+    std::unordered_map<std::type_index, std::any> $component_storages;
+    std::vector<Entity> $constants;
+
+    Entity entity() { return ++entity_count; }
+
+    void clone_into(DinkyECS::World &to_world) {
+      to_world.$constants = $constants;
+      to_world.$facts = $facts;
+      to_world.entity_count = entity_count;
+      to_world.$component_storages = $component_storages;
+
+      for(auto eid : $constants) {
+        for(const auto &[tid, eid_map] : $components) {
+          auto &their_map = to_world.$components[tid];
+          if(eid_map.contains(eid)) {
+            their_map.insert_or_assign(eid, eid_map.at(eid));
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    void make_constant(DinkyECS::Entity entity) {
+      $constants.push_back(entity);
+    }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      size_t make_component() {
+        auto &storage = component_storage_for<Comp>();
+        size_t index;
+
+        if(!storage.free_indices.empty()) {
+          index = storage.free_indices.front();
+          storage.free_indices.pop();
+        } else {
+          storage.data.emplace_back();
+          index = storage.data.size() - 1;
+        }
+
+        return index;
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      ComponentStorage<Comp> &component_storage_for() {
+        auto type_index = std::type_index(typeid(Comp));
+        $component_storages.try_emplace(type_index, ComponentStorage<Comp>{});
+        return std::any_cast<ComponentStorage<Comp> &>(
+            $component_storages.at(type_index));
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      EntityMap &entity_map_for() {
+        return $components[std::type_index(typeid(Comp))];
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      EventQueue &queue_map_for() {
+        return $events[std::type_index(typeid(Comp))];
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      void remove(Entity ent) {
+        EntityMap &map = entity_map_for<Comp>();
+
+        if(map.contains(ent)) {
+          size_t index = map.at(ent);
+          component_storage_for<Comp>().free_indices.push(index);
+        }
+
+        map.erase(ent);
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      void set_the(Comp val) {
+        $facts.insert_or_assign(std::type_index(typeid(Comp)), val);
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      Comp &get_the() {
+        auto comp_id = std::type_index(typeid(Comp));
+        dbc::check($facts.contains(comp_id),
+            fmt::format("!!!! ATTEMPT to access world fact that hasn't "
+              "been set yet: {}",
+              typeid(Comp).name()));
+
+        // use .at to get std::out_of_range if fact not set
+        std::any &res = $facts.at(comp_id);
+        return std::any_cast<Comp &>(res);
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      bool has_the() {
+        auto comp_id = std::type_index(typeid(Comp));
+        return $facts.contains(comp_id);
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      void set(Entity ent, Comp val) {
+        EntityMap &map = entity_map_for<Comp>();
+
+        if(has<Comp>(ent)) {
+          get<Comp>(ent) = val;
+          return;
+        }
+
+        map.insert_or_assign(ent, make_component<Comp>());
+        get<Comp>(ent) = val;
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      Comp &get(Entity ent) {
+        EntityMap &map = entity_map_for<Comp>();
+        auto &storage = component_storage_for<Comp>();
+        auto index = map.at(ent);
+        return storage.data[index];
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      bool has(Entity ent) {
+        EntityMap &map = entity_map_for<Comp>();
+        return map.contains(ent);
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      void query(std::function<void(Entity, Comp &)> cb) {
+        EntityMap &map = entity_map_for<Comp>();
+
+        for(auto &[entity, index] : map) {
+          cb(entity, get<Comp>(entity));
+        }
+      }
+
+    template <typename CompA, typename CompB>
+      void query(std::function<void(Entity, CompA &, CompB &)> cb) {
+        EntityMap &map_a = entity_map_for<CompA>();
+        EntityMap &map_b = entity_map_for<CompB>();
+
+        for(auto &[entity, index_a] : map_a) {
+          if(map_b.contains(entity)) {
+            cb(entity, get<CompA>(entity), get<CompB>(entity));
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      void send(Comp event, Entity entity, std::any data) {
+        EventQueue &queue = queue_map_for<Comp>();
+        queue.push({event, entity, data});
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      Event recv() {
+        EventQueue &queue = queue_map_for<Comp>();
+        Event evt = queue.front();
+        queue.pop();
+        return evt;
+      }
+
+    template <typename Comp>
+      bool has_event() {
+        EventQueue &queue = queue_map_for<Comp>();
+        return !queue.empty();
+      }
+
+    /* std::optional can't do references. Don't try it!
+     * Actually, this sucks, either delete it or have it
+     * return pointers (assuming optional can handle pointers)
+     */
+    template <typename Comp>
+      std::optional<Comp> get_if(DinkyECS::Entity entity) {
+        if(has<Comp>(entity)) {
+          return std::make_optional<Comp>(get<Comp>(entity));
+        } else {
+          return std::nullopt;
+        }
+      }
+  };
+} // namespace DinkyECS
diff --git a/events.hpp b/events.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..984b732
--- /dev/null
+++ b/events.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+#pragma once
+
+namespace Events {
+  enum GUI {
+    START, NOOP
+  };
+}
diff --git a/guecs.cpp b/guecs.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..360fe6b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/guecs.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,310 @@
+#include "guecs.hpp"
+#include "shaders.hpp"
+#include "sound.hpp"
+
+namespace guecs {
+
+  void Textual::init(lel::Cell &cell, shared_ptr<sf::Font> font_ptr) {
+    dbc::check(font_ptr != nullptr, "you failed to initialize this WideText");
+    if(font == nullptr) font = font_ptr;
+    if(text == nullptr) text = make_shared<sf::Text>(*font, content, size);
+    text->setFillColor(color);
+
+    if(centered) {
+      auto bounds = text->getLocalBounds();
+      auto text_cell = lel::center(bounds.size.x, bounds.size.y, cell);
+      // this stupid / 2 is because SFML renders from baseline rather than from the claimed bounding box
+      text->setPosition({float(text_cell.x), float(text_cell.y) - text_cell.h / 2});
+    } else {
+      text->setPosition({float(cell.x + padding * 2), float(cell.y + padding * 2)});
+    }
+
+    text->setCharacterSize(size);
+  }
+
+  void Textual::update(std::wstring& new_content) {
+    content = new_content;
+    text->setString(content);
+  }
+
+  void Sprite::init(lel::Cell &cell) {
+    auto sprite_texture = textures::get(name);
+
+    sprite = make_shared<sf::Sprite>(
+        *sprite_texture.texture,
+        sprite_texture.sprite->getTextureRect());
+
+    sprite->setPosition({
+        float(cell.x + padding),
+        float(cell.y + padding)});
+
+    auto bounds = sprite->getLocalBounds();
+
+    sprite->setScale({
+        float(cell.w - padding * 2) / bounds.size.x,
+        float(cell.h - padding * 2) / bounds.size.y});
+  }
+
+  void Rectangle::init(lel::Cell& cell) {
+    sf::Vector2f size{float(cell.w) - padding * 2, float(cell.h) - padding * 2};
+    if(shape == nullptr) shape = make_shared<sf::RectangleShape>(size);
+    shape->setPosition({float(cell.x + padding), float(cell.y + padding)});
+    shape->setFillColor(color);
+    shape->setOutlineColor(border_color);
+    shape->setOutlineThickness(border_px);
+  }
+
+
+  void Meter::init(lel::Cell& cell) {
+    bar.init(cell);
+  }
+
+  void Sound::play(bool hover) {
+    if(!hover) {
+      sound::play(on_click);
+    }
+  }
+
+  void Background::init() {
+    sf::Vector2f size{float(w), float(h)};
+    if(shape == nullptr) shape = make_shared<sf::RectangleShape>(size);
+    shape->setPosition({float(x), float(y)});
+    shape->setFillColor(color);
+  }
+
+  void Effect::init(lel::Cell &cell) {
+    $shader_version = shaders::version();
+    $shader = shaders::get(name);
+    $shader->setUniform("u_resolution", sf::Vector2f({float(cell.w), float(cell.h)}));
+    $clock = std::make_shared<sf::Clock>();
+  }
+
+  void Effect::step() {
+    sf::Time cur_time = $clock->getElapsedTime();
+    float u_time = cur_time.asSeconds();
+
+    if(u_time < $u_time_end) {
+      $shader->setUniform("u_duration", duration);
+      $shader->setUniform("u_time_end", $u_time_end);
+      $shader->setUniform("u_time", u_time);
+    } else {
+      $active = false;
+    }
+  }
+
+  void Effect::run() {
+    $active = true;
+    sf::Time u_time = $clock->getElapsedTime();
+    $u_time_end = u_time.asSeconds() + duration;
+  }
+
+  shared_ptr<sf::Shader> Effect::checkout_ptr() {
+    if(shaders::updated($shader_version)) {
+      $shader = shaders::get(name);
+      $shader_version = shaders::version();
+    }
+
+    return $shader;
+  }
+
+  UI::UI() {
+    $font = make_shared<sf::Font>(FONT_FILE_NAME);
+  }
+
+  void UI::position(int x, int y, int width, int height) {
+    $parser.position(x, y, width, height);
+  }
+
+  void UI::layout(std::string grid) {
+    $grid = grid;
+    bool good = $parser.parse($grid);
+    dbc::check(good, "LEL parsing failed.");
+
+    for(auto& [name, cell] : $parser.cells) {
+      auto ent = init_entity(name);
+      $world.set<lel::Cell>(ent, cell);
+    }
+  }
+
+  DinkyECS::Entity UI::init_entity(std::string name) {
+    auto entity = $world.entity();
+    // this lets you look up an entity by name
+    $name_ents.insert_or_assign(name, entity);
+    // this makes it easier to get the name during querying
+    $world.set<CellName>(entity, {name});
+    return entity;
+  }
+
+  DinkyECS::Entity UI::entity(std::string name) {
+    dbc::check($name_ents.contains(name),
+        fmt::format("GUECS entity {} does not exist. Forgot to init_entity?", name));
+    return $name_ents.at(name);
+  }
+
+  void UI::init() {
+    if($world.has_the<Background>()) {
+      auto& bg = $world.get_the<Background>();
+      bg.init();
+    }
+
+    $world.query<Background>([](auto, auto& bg) {
+        bg.init();
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Rectangle>([](auto, auto& cell, auto& rect) {
+      rect.init(cell);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Effect>([](auto, auto& cell, auto& shader) {
+        shader.init(cell);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<Rectangle, Meter>([](auto, auto& bg, auto &) {
+        bg.shape->setFillColor(ColorValue::BLACK);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Meter>([](auto, auto &cell, auto& meter) {
+        meter.init(cell);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Textual>([this](auto, auto& cell, auto& text) {
+      text.init(cell, $font);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Label>([this](auto, auto& cell, auto& text) {
+      text.init(cell, $font);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Sprite>([&](auto, auto &cell, auto &sprite) {
+        sprite.init(cell);
+    });
+  }
+
+  void UI::debug_layout(sf::RenderWindow& window) {
+    $world.query<lel::Cell>([&](const auto, auto &cell) {
+        sf::RectangleShape rect{{float(cell.w), float(cell.h)}};
+        rect.setPosition({float(cell.x), float(cell.y)});
+        rect.setFillColor(sf::Color::Transparent);
+        rect.setOutlineColor(sf::Color::Red);
+        rect.setOutlineThickness(2.0f);
+        window.draw(rect);
+    });
+  }
+
+  void UI::render(sf::RenderWindow& window) {
+    if($world.has_the<Background>()) {
+      auto& bg = $world.get_the<Background>();
+      window.draw(*bg.shape);
+    }
+
+    $world.query<Effect>([&](auto, auto& shader) {
+      if(shader.$active) shader.step();
+    });
+
+    $world.query<Rectangle>([&](auto ent, auto& rect) {
+        render_helper(window, ent, true, rect.shape);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Meter>([&](auto ent, auto& cell, const auto &meter) {
+        float level = std::clamp(meter.percent, 0.0f, 1.0f) * float(cell.w);
+        // ZED: this 6 is a border width, make it a thing
+        meter.bar.shape->setSize({std::max(level, 0.0f), float(cell.h - 6)});
+        render_helper(window, ent, true, meter.bar.shape);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<Sprite>([&](auto ent, auto& sprite) {
+        render_helper(window, ent, false, sprite.sprite);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<Label>([&](auto ent, auto& text) {
+        render_helper(window, ent, false, text.text);
+    });
+
+    $world.query<Textual>([&](auto ent, auto& text) {
+        render_helper(window, ent, true, text.text);
+    });
+  }
+
+  bool UI::mouse(float x, float y, bool hover) {
+    int action_count = 0;
+
+    $world.query<lel::Cell, Clickable>([&](auto ent, auto& cell, auto &clicked) {
+      if((x >= cell.x && x <= cell.x + cell.w) &&
+          (y >= cell.y && y <= cell.y + cell.h))
+      {
+        do_if<Effect>(ent, [hover](auto& effect) {
+          effect.$shader->setUniform("hover", hover);
+          effect.run();
+        });
+
+        do_if<Sound>(ent, [hover](auto& sound) {
+            // here set that it played then only play once
+            sound.play(hover);
+        });
+
+        if(hover) return; // kinda gross
+
+        if(auto action_data = get_if<ActionData>(ent)) {
+          clicked.action(ent, action_data->data);
+        } else {
+          clicked.action(ent, {});
+        }
+
+        action_count++;
+      } else {
+        // via ORBLISHJ
+        // just reset the hover trigger for all that aren't hit
+        // then in the ^^ positive branch play it and set it played
+      }
+    });
+
+    return action_count > 0;
+  }
+
+  void UI::show_sprite(string region, string sprite_name) {
+    auto ent = entity(region);
+
+    if(!has<Sprite>(ent)) {
+      Sprite to_show{sprite_name};
+      auto& cell = cell_for(ent);
+      to_show.init(cell);
+      set<guecs::Sprite>(ent, to_show);
+    }
+  }
+
+  void UI::show_text(string region, wstring content) {
+    auto ent = entity(region);
+
+    if(auto text = get_if<Textual>(ent)) {
+      text->text->setString(content);
+    } else {
+      auto &cell = cell_for(ent);
+      Textual to_set{content, 20};
+      to_set.init(cell, $font);
+      to_set.text->setFillColor(ColorValue::LIGHT_MID);
+      set<Textual>(ent, to_set);
+    }
+  }
+
+  void UI::show_label(string region, wstring content) {
+    auto ent = entity(region);
+
+    if(auto text = get_if<Label>(ent)) {
+      text->text->setString(content);
+    } else {
+      auto &cell = cell_for(ent);
+      Label to_set{content, 20};
+      to_set.init(cell, $font);
+      to_set.text->setFillColor(ColorValue::LIGHT_MID);
+      set<Label>(ent, to_set);
+    }
+  }
+
+  Clickable make_action(DinkyECS::World& target, Events::GUI event) {
+    return {[&, event](auto ent, auto data){
+      // remember that ent is passed in from the UI::mouse handler
+      target.send<Events::GUI>(event, ent, data);
+    }};
+  }
+
+}
diff --git a/guecs.hpp b/guecs.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be2b431
--- /dev/null
+++ b/guecs.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,235 @@
+#pragma once
+#include "color.hpp"
+#include "dinkyecs.hpp"
+#include "lel.hpp"
+#include <string>
+#include <memory>
+#include <SFML/Graphics.hpp>
+#include "textures.hpp"
+#include <functional>
+#include "events.hpp"
+#include "constants.hpp"
+#include <any>
+#include "shaders.hpp"
+
+namespace guecs {
+  using std::shared_ptr, std::make_shared, std::wstring, std::string;
+
+  struct Textual {
+    std::wstring content;
+    unsigned int size = GUECS_FONT_SIZE;
+    sf::Color color = GUECS_TEXT_COLOR;
+    int padding = GUECS_PADDING;
+    bool centered = false;
+    shared_ptr<sf::Font> font = nullptr;
+    shared_ptr<sf::Text> text = nullptr;
+
+    void init(lel::Cell &cell, shared_ptr<sf::Font> font_ptr);
+    void update(std::wstring& new_content);
+  };
+
+  struct Label : public Textual {
+    template<typename... Args>
+    Label(Args... args) : Textual(args...)
+    {
+      centered = true;
+    }
+
+    Label() {
+      centered = true;
+    };
+  };
+
+  struct Clickable {
+    /* This is actually called by UI::mouse and passed the entity ID of the
+     * button pressed so you can interact with it in the event handler.
+     */
+    std::function<void(DinkyECS::Entity ent, std::any data)> action;
+  };
+
+  struct Sprite {
+    std::string name;
+    int padding = GUECS_PADDING;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Sprite> sprite = nullptr;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Texture> texture = nullptr;
+
+    void init(lel::Cell &cell);
+  };
+
+  struct Rectangle {
+    int padding = GUECS_PADDING;
+    sf::Color color = GUECS_FILL_COLOR;
+    sf::Color border_color = GUECS_BORDER_COLOR;
+    int border_px = GUECS_BORDER_PX;
+    shared_ptr<sf::RectangleShape> shape = nullptr;
+
+    void init(lel::Cell& cell);
+  };
+
+  struct Meter {
+    float percent = 1.0f;
+    Rectangle bar;
+
+    void init(lel::Cell& cell);
+  };
+
+  struct ActionData {
+    std::any data;
+  };
+
+  struct CellName {
+    std::string name;
+  };
+
+  struct Effect {
+    float duration = 0.1f;
+    std::string name{"ui_shader"};
+    float $u_time_end = 0.0;
+    bool $active = false;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Clock> $clock = nullptr;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Shader> $shader = nullptr;
+    int $shader_version = 0;
+
+    void init(lel::Cell &cell);
+    void run();
+    void step();
+    shared_ptr<sf::Shader> checkout_ptr();
+  };
+
+  struct Sound {
+    std::string on_click{"ui_click"};
+    void play(bool hover);
+  };
+
+  struct Background {
+    float x = 0.0f;
+    float y = 0.0f;
+    float w = 0.0f;
+    float h = 0.0f;
+    sf::Color color = GUECS_BG_COLOR;
+    shared_ptr<sf::RectangleShape> shape = nullptr;
+
+    Background(lel::Parser& parser, sf::Color bg_color=GUECS_BG_COLOR) :
+      x(parser.grid_x),
+      y(parser.grid_y),
+      w(parser.grid_w),
+      h(parser.grid_h),
+      color(bg_color)
+    {}
+
+    Background() {}
+
+    void init();
+  };
+
+  class UI {
+    public:
+      DinkyECS::World $world;
+      std::unordered_map<std::string, DinkyECS::Entity> $name_ents;
+      shared_ptr<sf::Font> $font = nullptr;
+      lel::Parser $parser;
+      std::string $grid = "";
+
+      UI();
+
+      void position(int x, int y, int width, int height);
+      void layout(std::string grid);
+      DinkyECS::Entity init_entity(std::string name);
+      DinkyECS::Entity entity(std::string name);
+
+      inline lel::CellMap& cells() {
+        return $parser.cells;
+      }
+
+      inline DinkyECS::World& world() {
+        return $world;
+      }
+
+      void init();
+      void render(sf::RenderWindow& window);
+      bool mouse(float x, float y, bool hover);
+      void debug_layout(sf::RenderWindow& window);
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+      void set(DinkyECS::Entity ent, Comp val) {
+        $world.set<Comp>(ent, val);
+      }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+      void set_init(DinkyECS::Entity ent, Comp val) {
+        dbc::check(has<lel::Cell>(ent),"WRONG! slot is missing its cell?!");
+        auto& cell = get<lel::Cell>(ent);
+        val.init(cell);
+        $world.set<Comp>(ent, val);
+      }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+      void do_if(DinkyECS::Entity ent, std::function<void(Comp &)> cb) {
+        if($world.has<Comp>(ent)) {
+          cb($world.get<Comp>(ent));
+        }
+      }
+
+      lel::Cell& cell_for(DinkyECS::Entity ent) {
+        return $world.get<lel::Cell>(ent);
+      }
+
+      lel::Cell& cell_for(std::string name) {
+        DinkyECS::Entity ent = entity(name);
+        return $world.get<lel::Cell>(ent);
+      }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+        Comp& get(DinkyECS::Entity entity) {
+          return $world.get<Comp>(entity);
+        }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+        std::optional<Comp> get_if(DinkyECS::Entity entity) {
+          return $world.get_if<Comp>(entity);
+        }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+        bool has(DinkyECS::Entity entity) {
+          return $world.has<Comp>(entity);
+        }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+        void remove(DinkyECS::Entity ent) {
+          $world.remove<Comp>(ent);
+        }
+
+      template <typename Comp>
+      void close(string region) {
+        auto ent = entity(region);
+        remove<Comp>(ent);
+      }
+
+      template<typename T>
+      void render_helper(sf::RenderWindow& window, DinkyECS::Entity ent, bool is_shape, T& target) {
+        sf::Shader *shader_ptr = nullptr;
+
+        if($world.has<Effect>(ent)) {
+          auto& shader = $world.get<Effect>(ent);
+
+          if(shader.$active) {
+            auto ptr = shader.checkout_ptr();
+            ptr->setUniform("is_shape", is_shape);
+            // NOTE: this is needed because SFML doesn't handle shared_ptr
+            shader_ptr = ptr.get();
+          }
+        }
+
+        window.draw(*target, shader_ptr);
+      }
+
+      void show_sprite(string region, string sprite_name);
+      void show_text(string region, wstring content);
+      void update_text(string region, wstring content);
+      void update_label(string region, wstring content);
+      void show_label(string region, wstring content);
+  };
+
+  Clickable make_action(DinkyECS::World& target, Events::GUI event);
+
+}
diff --git a/lel.cpp b/lel.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2579fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lel.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+#include "lel.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <numeric>
+
+#include "lel_parser.cpp"
+
+namespace lel {
+
+  Parser::Parser(int x, int y, int width, int height) :
+    grid_x(x),
+    grid_y(y),
+    grid_w(width),
+    grid_h(height),
+    cur(0, 0)
+  {
+  }
+
+  Parser::Parser() : cur(0, 0) { }
+
+  void Parser::position(int x, int y, int width, int height) {
+    grid_x = x;
+    grid_y = y;
+    grid_w = width;
+    grid_h = height;
+  }
+
+  void Parser::id(std::string name) {
+    if(name != "_") {
+      dbc::check(!cells.contains(name),
+          fmt::format("duplicate cell name {}", name));
+      cells.insert_or_assign(name, cur);
+    }
+
+    cur = {cur.col + 1, cur.row};
+    auto& row = grid.back();
+    row.push_back(name);
+  }
+
+  void Parser::finalize() {
+    size_t rows = grid.size();
+    int cell_height = grid_h / rows;
+
+    for(auto& row : grid) {
+      size_t columns = row.size();
+      int cell_width = grid_w / columns;
+      dbc::check(cell_width > 0, "invalid cell width calc");
+      dbc::check(cell_height > 0, "invalid cell height calc");
+
+      for(auto& name : row) {
+        if(name == "_") continue;
+        auto& cell = cells.at(name);
+
+        // ZED: getting a bit hairy but this should work
+        if(cell.percent) {
+          // when percent mode we have to take unset to 100%
+          if(cell.max_w == 0) cell.max_w = 100;
+          if(cell.max_h == 0) cell.max_h = 100;
+          cell.max_w *= cell_width * 0.01;
+          cell.max_h *= cell_height * 0.01;
+        } else {
+          if(cell.max_w == 0) cell.max_w = cell_width;
+          if(cell.max_h == 0) cell.max_h = cell_height;
+        }
+
+        cell.w = cell.expand ? std::min(cell.max_w, grid_w) : std::min(cell_width, cell.max_w);
+        cell.h = cell.expand ? std::min(cell.max_h, grid_h) : std::min(cell_height, cell.max_h);
+
+        dbc::check(cell.h > 0, fmt::format("invalid height cell {}", name));
+        dbc::check(cell.w > 0, fmt::format("invalid width cell {}", name));
+
+        cell.x = grid_x + (cell.col * cell_width);
+        cell.y = grid_y + (cell.row * cell_height);
+
+        // keep the midpoint since it is used a lot
+        cell.mid_x = std::midpoint(cell.x, cell.x + cell.w);
+        cell.mid_y = std::midpoint(cell.y, cell.y + cell.h);
+
+        // perform alignments
+        if(cell.right) cell.x += cell_width - cell.w;
+        if(cell.bottom) cell.y += cell_height - cell.h;
+        if(cell.center) {
+          cell.x = cell.mid_x - cell.w / 2;
+          cell.y = cell.mid_y - cell.h / 2;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  void Parser::reset() {
+    cur = {0, 0};
+    grid.clear();
+    cells.clear();
+  }
+
+  std::optional<std::string> Parser::hit(int x, int y) {
+    for(auto& [name, cell] : cells) {
+      if((x >= cell.x && x <= cell.x + cell.w) &&
+          (y >= cell.y && y <= cell.y + cell.h)) {
+        return name;
+      }
+    }
+
+    return std::nullopt;
+  }
+
+  Cell center(int width, int height, Cell &parent) {
+    Cell copy = parent;
+
+    copy.x = parent.mid_x - width / 2;
+    copy.y = parent.mid_y - height / 2;
+    copy.w = width;
+    copy.h = height;
+
+    return copy;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/lel.hpp b/lel.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..136fcce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lel.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <string>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <functional>
+#include <optional>
+#include <vector>
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+
+namespace lel {
+
+  struct Cell {
+    int x = 0;
+    int y = 0;
+    int w = 0;
+    int h = 0;
+    int mid_x = 0;
+    int mid_y = 0;
+    int max_w = 0;
+    int max_h = 0;
+    int col = 0;
+    int row = 0;
+    bool right = false;
+    bool bottom = false;
+    bool expand = false;
+    bool center = false;
+    bool percent = false;
+
+    Cell(int col, int row) : col(col), row(row) {}
+    Cell() {}
+  };
+
+  using Row = std::vector<std::string>;
+  using CellMap = std::unordered_map<std::string, Cell>;
+
+  struct Parser {
+    int grid_x = 0;
+    int grid_y = 0;
+    int grid_w = 0;
+    int grid_h = 0;
+    Cell cur;
+    std::vector<Row> grid;
+    CellMap cells;
+
+    Parser(int x, int y, int width, int height);
+    Parser();
+
+    void position(int x, int y, int width, int height);
+    void id(std::string name);
+    void reset();
+    bool parse(std::string input);
+    void finalize();
+    std::optional<std::string> hit(int x, int y);
+  };
+
+
+  Cell center(int width, int height, Cell &parent);
+}
diff --git a/lel_parser.cpp b/lel_parser.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3abc243
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lel_parser.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,263 @@
+
+#line 1 "lel_parser.rl"
+/***** !!!!!! THIS IS INCLUDED BY lel.cpp DO NOT PUT IN BUILD!!!!!! ******/
+
+#include "lel.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include <iostream>
+
+namespace lel {
+
+
+#line 42 "lel_parser.rl"
+
+
+
+#line 12 "lel_parser.cpp"
+static const char _Parser_actions[] = {
+	0, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 3, 1, 
+	4, 1, 5, 1, 6, 1, 9, 1, 
+	10, 1, 11, 1, 12, 1, 13, 2, 
+	0, 7, 2, 0, 8, 2, 4, 1, 
+	2, 4, 5
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_key_offsets[] = {
+	0, 0, 4, 20, 33, 35, 39, 41, 
+	44, 56, 61
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_trans_keys[] = {
+	32, 91, 9, 13, 32, 37, 40, 42, 
+	46, 61, 94, 95, 9, 13, 60, 62, 
+	65, 90, 97, 122, 37, 40, 42, 46, 
+	61, 94, 95, 60, 62, 65, 90, 97, 
+	122, 48, 57, 41, 44, 48, 57, 48, 
+	57, 41, 48, 57, 32, 93, 95, 124, 
+	9, 13, 48, 57, 65, 90, 97, 122, 
+	32, 93, 124, 9, 13, 32, 91, 9, 
+	13, 0
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_single_lengths[] = {
+	0, 2, 8, 7, 0, 2, 0, 1, 
+	4, 3, 2
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_range_lengths[] = {
+	0, 1, 4, 3, 1, 1, 1, 1, 
+	4, 1, 1
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_index_offsets[] = {
+	0, 0, 4, 17, 28, 30, 34, 36, 
+	39, 48, 53
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_indicies[] = {
+	0, 2, 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 
+	7, 9, 7, 10, 3, 8, 10, 10, 
+	1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 7, 10, 
+	8, 10, 10, 1, 11, 1, 12, 13, 
+	14, 1, 15, 1, 16, 17, 1, 18, 
+	20, 19, 21, 18, 19, 19, 19, 1, 
+	22, 23, 24, 22, 1, 25, 2, 25, 
+	1, 0
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_trans_targs[] = {
+	1, 0, 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 
+	3, 3, 8, 5, 3, 6, 5, 7, 
+	3, 7, 9, 8, 10, 2, 9, 10, 
+	2, 10
+};
+
+static const char _Parser_trans_actions[] = {
+	0, 0, 3, 0, 17, 0, 13, 5, 
+	11, 15, 21, 19, 23, 23, 0, 19, 
+	26, 0, 7, 0, 32, 29, 0, 9, 
+	1, 0
+};
+
+static const int Parser_start = 1;
+static const int Parser_first_final = 10;
+static const int Parser_error = 0;
+
+static const int Parser_en_main = 1;
+
+
+#line 45 "lel_parser.rl"
+
+bool Parser::parse(std::string input) {
+  reset();
+  int cs = 0;
+  const char *start = nullptr;
+  const char *begin = input.data();
+  const char *p = input.data();
+  const char *pe = p + input.size();
+  std::string tk;
+
+  
+#line 93 "lel_parser.cpp"
+	{
+	cs = Parser_start;
+	}
+
+#line 56 "lel_parser.rl"
+  
+#line 96 "lel_parser.cpp"
+	{
+	int _klen;
+	unsigned int _trans;
+	const char *_acts;
+	unsigned int _nacts;
+	const char *_keys;
+
+	if ( p == pe )
+		goto _test_eof;
+	if ( cs == 0 )
+		goto _out;
+_resume:
+	_keys = _Parser_trans_keys + _Parser_key_offsets[cs];
+	_trans = _Parser_index_offsets[cs];
+
+	_klen = _Parser_single_lengths[cs];
+	if ( _klen > 0 ) {
+		const char *_lower = _keys;
+		const char *_mid;
+		const char *_upper = _keys + _klen - 1;
+		while (1) {
+			if ( _upper < _lower )
+				break;
+
+			_mid = _lower + ((_upper-_lower) >> 1);
+			if ( (*p) < *_mid )
+				_upper = _mid - 1;
+			else if ( (*p) > *_mid )
+				_lower = _mid + 1;
+			else {
+				_trans += (unsigned int)(_mid - _keys);
+				goto _match;
+			}
+		}
+		_keys += _klen;
+		_trans += _klen;
+	}
+
+	_klen = _Parser_range_lengths[cs];
+	if ( _klen > 0 ) {
+		const char *_lower = _keys;
+		const char *_mid;
+		const char *_upper = _keys + (_klen<<1) - 2;
+		while (1) {
+			if ( _upper < _lower )
+				break;
+
+			_mid = _lower + (((_upper-_lower) >> 1) & ~1);
+			if ( (*p) < _mid[0] )
+				_upper = _mid - 2;
+			else if ( (*p) > _mid[1] )
+				_lower = _mid + 2;
+			else {
+				_trans += (unsigned int)((_mid - _keys)>>1);
+				goto _match;
+			}
+		}
+		_trans += _klen;
+	}
+
+_match:
+	_trans = _Parser_indicies[_trans];
+	cs = _Parser_trans_targs[_trans];
+
+	if ( _Parser_trans_actions[_trans] == 0 )
+		goto _again;
+
+	_acts = _Parser_actions + _Parser_trans_actions[_trans];
+	_nacts = (unsigned int) *_acts++;
+	while ( _nacts-- > 0 )
+	{
+		switch ( *_acts++ )
+		{
+	case 0:
+#line 13 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{tk = input.substr(start - begin, p - start); }
+	break;
+	case 1:
+#line 15 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{}
+	break;
+	case 2:
+#line 16 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ grid.push_back(Row()); }
+	break;
+	case 3:
+#line 17 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.bottom = (*p) == '.'; }
+	break;
+	case 4:
+#line 18 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ id(input.substr(start - begin, p - start)); }
+	break;
+	case 5:
+#line 19 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.col = 0; cur.row++; }
+	break;
+	case 6:
+#line 20 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.right = (*p) == '>'; }
+	break;
+	case 7:
+#line 21 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{cur.max_w = std::stoi(tk); }
+	break;
+	case 8:
+#line 22 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.max_h = std::stoi(tk); }
+	break;
+	case 9:
+#line 23 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.expand = true; }
+	break;
+	case 10:
+#line 24 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.center = true; }
+	break;
+	case 11:
+#line 25 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ cur.percent = true; }
+	break;
+	case 12:
+#line 35 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{ start = p; }
+	break;
+	case 13:
+#line 38 "lel_parser.rl"
+	{start = p;}
+	break;
+#line 211 "lel_parser.cpp"
+		}
+	}
+
+_again:
+	if ( cs == 0 )
+		goto _out;
+	if ( ++p != pe )
+		goto _resume;
+	_test_eof: {}
+	_out: {}
+	}
+
+#line 57 "lel_parser.rl"
+
+  bool good = pe - p == 0;
+  if(good) {
+    finalize();
+  } else {
+    dbc::log("error at:");
+    std::cout << p;
+  }
+  return good;
+}
+
+}
diff --git a/lel_parser.rl b/lel_parser.rl
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5368ac2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lel_parser.rl
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+/***** !!!!!! THIS IS INCLUDED BY lel.cpp DO NOT PUT IN BUILD!!!!!! ******/
+
+#include "lel.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include <iostream>
+
+namespace lel {
+
+%%{
+  machine Parser;
+  alphtype char;
+
+  action token {tk = input.substr(start - begin, fpc - start); }
+
+  action col {}
+  action ltab { grid.push_back(Row()); }
+  action valign { cur.bottom = fc == '.'; }
+  action id { id(input.substr(start - begin, fpc - start)); }
+  action row { cur.col = 0; cur.row++; }
+  action align { cur.right = fc == '>'; }
+  action setwidth {cur.max_w = std::stoi(tk); }
+  action setheight { cur.max_h = std::stoi(tk); }
+  action expand { cur.expand = true; }
+  action center { cur.center = true; }
+  action percent { cur.percent = true; }
+
+  col = "|" $col;
+  ltab = "[" $ltab;
+  rtab = "]" $row;
+  valign = ("^" | ".") $valign;
+  expand = "*" $expand;
+  center = "=" $center;
+  percent = "%" $percent;
+  halign = ("<" | ">") $align;
+  number =  digit+ >{ start = fpc; } %token;
+  setw = ("(" number %setwidth ("," number %setheight)? ")") ;
+  modifiers = (percent | center | expand | valign | halign | setw);
+  id = modifiers* ((alpha | '_')+ :>> (alnum | '_')*) >{start = fpc;} %id;
+  row = space* ltab space* id space* (col space* id space*)* space* rtab space*;
+
+  main := row+;
+}%%
+
+%% write data;
+
+bool Parser::parse(std::string input) {
+  reset();
+  int cs = 0;
+  const char *start = nullptr;
+  const char *begin = input.data();
+  const char *p = input.data();
+  const char *pe = p + input.size();
+  std::string tk;
+
+  %% write init;
+  %% write exec;
+
+  bool good = pe - p == 0;
+  if(good) {
+    finalize();
+  } else {
+    dbc::log("error at:");
+    std::cout << p;
+  }
+  return good;
+}
+
+}
diff --git a/matrix.cpp b/matrix.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..72b3d51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/matrix.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#include "matrix.hpp"
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include "constants.hpp"
+
+using namespace fmt;
+using std::min, std::max;
+
+namespace matrix {
+  void dump(const std::string &msg, Matrix &map, int show_x, int show_y) {
+    println("----------------- {}", msg);
+
+    for(each_row it{map}; it.next();) {
+      int cell = map[it.y][it.x];
+
+      if(int(it.x) == show_x && int(it.y) == show_y) {
+        print("{:x}<", cell);
+      } else if(cell > 15 && cell < 32) {
+        print("{:x}+", cell - 16);
+      } else if(cell > 31) {
+        print("* ");
+      } else {
+        print("{:x} ", cell);
+      }
+
+      if(it.row) print("\n");
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/matrix.hpp b/matrix.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bf40fe3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/matrix.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <vector>
+#include <queue>
+#include <string>
+#include <array>
+#include <numeric>
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include "shiterator.hpp"
+
+namespace matrix {
+  using Row = shiterator::BaseRow<int>;
+  using Matrix = shiterator::Base<int>;
+
+  using viewport = shiterator::viewport_t<Matrix>;
+
+  using each_cell = shiterator::each_cell_t<Matrix>;
+
+  using each_row = shiterator::each_row_t<Matrix>;
+  using box = shiterator::box_t<Matrix>;
+  using compass = shiterator::compass_t<Matrix>;
+  using circle = shiterator::circle_t<Matrix>;
+  using rectangle = shiterator::rectangle_t<Matrix>;
+  using rando_rect = shiterator::rando_rect_t<Matrix>;
+  using line = shiterator::line;
+
+  void dump(const std::string &msg, Matrix &map, int show_x=-1, int show_y=-1);
+
+  inline Matrix make(size_t width, size_t height) {
+    return shiterator::make<int>(width, height);
+  }
+
+  inline bool inbounds(Matrix &mat, size_t x, size_t y) {
+    return shiterator::inbounds(mat, x, y);
+  }
+
+  inline size_t width(Matrix &mat) {
+    return shiterator::width(mat);
+  }
+
+  inline size_t height(Matrix &mat) {
+    return shiterator::height(mat);
+  }
+
+  inline void assign(Matrix &out, int new_value) {
+    shiterator::assign(out, new_value);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/meson.build b/meson.build
index a5d19ae..59793d6 100644
--- a/meson.build
+++ b/meson.build
@@ -93,16 +93,23 @@ dependencies += [
 ]
 
 sources = [
-    'game_engine.cpp',
+    'builder.cpp',
+    'config.cpp',
     'dbc.cpp',
+    'game_engine.cpp',
+    'guecs.cpp',
     'gui.cpp',
-    'watcher.cpp',
-    'builder.cpp',
+    'lel.cpp',
+    'matrix.cpp',
+    'rand.cpp',
     'sfmlbackend.cpp',
+    'shaders.cpp',
+    'sound.cpp',
+    'textures.cpp',
+    'watcher.cpp',
 ]
 
-
-executable('escape_turings_tarpit', sources + [
+executable('ttpit', sources + [
   'main.cpp'
   ],
   cpp_args: cpp_args,
diff --git a/point.hpp b/point.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f8886b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/point.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <vector>
+
+struct Point {
+  size_t x = 0;
+  size_t y = 0;
+
+  bool operator==(const Point& other) const {
+    return other.x == x && other.y == y;
+  }
+};
+
+typedef std::vector<Point> PointList;
+
+template<> struct std::hash<Point> {
+  size_t operator()(const Point& p) const {
+    auto hasher = std::hash<int>();
+    return hasher(p.x) ^ hasher(p.y);
+  }
+};
diff --git a/rand.cpp b/rand.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..25d77d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rand.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+#include "rand.hpp"
+
+namespace Random {
+  std::random_device RNG;
+  std::mt19937 GENERATOR(RNG());
+}
diff --git a/rand.hpp b/rand.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e639235
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rand.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <random>
+
+
+namespace Random {
+  extern std::mt19937 GENERATOR;
+
+  template<typename T>
+  T uniform(T from, T to) {
+    std::uniform_int_distribution<T> rand(from, to);
+
+    return rand(GENERATOR);
+  }
+
+  template<typename T>
+  T uniform_real(T from, T to) {
+    std::uniform_real_distribution<T> rand(from, to);
+
+    return rand(GENERATOR);
+  }
+
+  template<typename T>
+  T normal(T mean, T stddev) {
+    std::normal_distribution<T> rand(mean, stddev);
+
+    return rand(GENERATOR);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/shaders.cpp b/shaders.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..011a73a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/shaders.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+#include "shaders.hpp"
+#include <SFML/Graphics/Image.hpp>
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "config.hpp"
+#include <memory>
+
+namespace shaders {
+  using std::shared_ptr, std::make_shared;
+
+  static ShaderManager SMGR;
+  static bool INITIALIZED = false;
+  static int VERSION = 0;
+
+  inline void configure_shader_defaults(std::shared_ptr<sf::Shader> ptr) {
+    ptr->setUniform("source", sf::Shader::CurrentTexture);
+  }
+
+  bool load_shader(std::string name, nlohmann::json& settings) {
+    std::string file_name = settings["file_name"];
+    auto ptr = std::make_shared<sf::Shader>();
+    bool good = ptr->loadFromFile(file_name, sf::Shader::Type::Fragment);
+
+    if(good) {
+      configure_shader_defaults(ptr);
+      SMGR.shaders.try_emplace(name, name, file_name, ptr);
+    }
+    return good;
+  }
+
+  void init() {
+    if(!INITIALIZED) {
+      dbc::check(sf::Shader::isAvailable(), "no shaders?!");
+      INITIALIZED = true;
+      Config config("assets/shaders.json");
+      bool good = load_shader("ERROR", config["ERROR"]);
+      dbc::check(good, "Failed to load ERROR shader. Look in assets/shaders.json");
+
+      for(auto& [name, settings] : config.json().items()) {
+        if(name == "ERROR") continue;
+
+        dbc::check(!SMGR.shaders.contains(name),
+            fmt::format("shader name '{}' duplicated in assets/shaders.json", name));
+        good = load_shader(name, settings);
+
+        if(!good) {
+          dbc::log(fmt::format("failed to load shader {}", name));
+          SMGR.shaders.insert_or_assign(name, SMGR.shaders.at("ERROR"));
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  std::shared_ptr<sf::Shader> get(const std::string& name) {
+    dbc::check(INITIALIZED, "you forgot to shaders::init()");
+    dbc::check(SMGR.shaders.contains(name),
+        fmt::format("shader name '{}' not in assets/shaders.json", name));
+    auto& rec = SMGR.shaders.at(name);
+    return rec.ptr;
+  }
+
+  int reload() {
+    VERSION++;
+    INITIALIZED = false;
+    SMGR.shaders.clear();
+    init();
+    return VERSION;
+  }
+
+  bool updated(int my_version) {
+    return my_version != VERSION;
+  }
+
+  int version() {
+    return VERSION;
+  }
+};
diff --git a/shaders.hpp b/shaders.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..51565b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/shaders.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <cstdint>
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
+#include <SFML/Graphics.hpp>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <memory>
+#include "matrix.hpp"
+#include <nlohmann/json.hpp>
+
+namespace shaders {
+  struct Record {
+    std::string name;
+    std::string file_name;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Shader> ptr = nullptr;
+  };
+
+  struct ShaderManager {
+    std::unordered_map<std::string, Record> shaders;
+  };
+
+  std::shared_ptr<sf::Shader> get(const std::string& name);
+  void init();
+  bool load_shader(std::string& name, nlohmann::json& settings);
+  bool updated(int my_version);
+  int reload();
+  int version();
+}
diff --git a/shiterator.hpp b/shiterator.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..434107d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/shiterator.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,607 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <vector>
+#include <queue>
+#include <string>
+#include <array>
+#include <numeric>
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "point.hpp"
+#include "rand.hpp"
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+
+/*
+ * # What is This Shit?
+ *
+ * Announcing the Shape Iterators, or "shiterators" for short.  The best shite
+ * for C++ for-loops since that [one youtube
+ * video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX0ItVEVjHc) told everyone to
+ * recreate SQL databases with structs. You could also say these are Shaw's
+ * Iterators, but either way they are the _shite_. Or are they shit? You decide.
+ * Maybe they're "shite"?
+ *
+ * A shiterator is a simple generator that converts 2D shapes into a 1D stream
+ * of x/y coordinates.  You give it a matrix, some parameters like start, end,
+ * etc. and each time you call `next()` you get the next viable x/y coordinate to
+ * complete the shape. This makes them far superior to _any_ existing for-loop
+ * technology because shiterators operate _intelligently_ in shapes.  Other
+ * [programming pundits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD5NrevFtbU) will say
+ * their 7000 line "easy to maintain" switch statements are better at drawing
+ * shapes, but they're wrong.  My way of making a for-loop do stuff is vastly
+ * superior because it doesn't use a switch _or_ a virtual function _or_
+ * inheritance at all.  That means they have to be the _fastest_. Feel free to run
+ * them 1000 times and bask in the glory of 1 nanosecond difference performance.
+ *
+ * It's science and shite.
+ *
+ * More importantly, shiterators are simple and easy to use.  They're so easy to
+ * use you _don't even use the 3rd part of the for-loop_.  What? You read that right,
+ * not only have I managed to eliminate _both_ massive horrible to maintain switches,
+ * and also avoided virtual functions, but I've also _eliminated one entire part
+ * of the for-loop_. This obviously makes them way faster than other inferior
+ * three-clause-loop-trash.  Just look at this comparison:
+ *
+ * ```cpp
+ * for(it = trash.begin(); it != trash.end(); it++) {
+ *     std::cout << it << std::endl;
+ * }
+ * ```
+ *
+ * ```cpp
+ * for(each_cell it{mat}; it.next();) {
+ *    std::cout << mat[it.y][it.x] << std::endl;
+ * }
+ * ```
+ *
+ * Obviously this will outperform _any_ iterator invented in the last 30 years, but the best
+ * thing about shiterators is their composability and ability to work simultaneously across
+ * multiple matrices in one loop:
+ *
+ * ```cpp
+ * for(line it{start, end}; it.next();) {
+ *    for(compass neighbor{walls, it.x, it.y}; neighbor.next();) {
+ *        if(walls[neighbor.y][neighbor.x] == 1) {
+ *          wall_update[it.y][it.x] = walls[it.y][it.x] + 10;
+ *        }
+ *    }
+ * }
+ * ```
+ *
+ * This code sample (maybe, because I didn't run it) draws a line from
+ * `start` to `end` then looks at each neighbor on a compass (north, south, east, west)
+ * at each point to see if it's set to 1.  If it is then it copies that cell over to
+ * another matrix with +10.  Why would you need this?  Your Wizard just shot a fireball
+ * down a corridor and you need to see if anything in the path is within 1 square of it.
+ *
+ * You _also_ don't even need to use a for-loop.  Yes, you can harken back to the old
+ * days when we did everything RAW inside a Duff's Device between a while-loop for
+ * that PERFORMANCE because who cares about maintenance? You're a game developer! Tests?
+ * Don't need a test if it runs fine on Sony Playstation only.  Maintenance? You're moving
+ * on to the next project in two weeks anyway right?!  Use that while-loop and a shiterator
+ * to really help that next guy:
+ *
+ * ```cpp
+ * box it{walls, center_x, center_y, 20};
+ * while(it.next()) {
+ *     walls[it.y][it.x] = 1;
+ * }
+ * ```
+ *
+ * ## Shiterator "Guarantees"
+ *
+ * Just like Rust [guarantees no memory leaks](https://github.com/pop-os/cosmic-comp/issues/1133),
+ * a shiterator tries to ensure a few things, if it can:
+ *
+ * 1. All x/y values will be within the Matrix you give it. The `line` shiterator doesn't though.
+ * 2. They try to not store anything and only calculate the math necessary to linearlize the shape.
+ * 3. You can store them and incrementally call next to get the next value.
+ * 4. You should be able to compose them together on the same Matrix or different matrices of the same dimensions.
+ * 5. Most of them will only require 1 for-loop, the few that require 2 only do this so you can draw the inside of a shape.  `circle` is like this.
+ * 6. They don't assume any particular classes or require subclassing.  As long as the type given enables `mat[y][x]` (row major) access then it'll work.
+ * 7. The matrix given to a shiterator isn't actually attached to it, so you can use one matrix to setup an iterator, then apply the x/y values to any other matrix of the same dimensions. Great for smart copying and transforming.
+ * 8. More importantly, shiterators _do not return any values from the matrix_. They only do the math for coordinates and leave it to you to work your matrix.
+ *
+ * These shiterators are used all over the game to do map rendering, randomization, drawing, nearly everything that involves a shape.
+ *
+ * ## Algorithms I Need
+ *
+ * I'm currently looking for a few algorithms, so if you know how to do these let me know:
+ *
+ * 1. _Flood fill_  This turns out to be really hard because most algorithms require keeping track of visited cells with a queue, recursion, etc.
+ * 2. _Random rectangle fill_  I have something that mostly works but it's really only random across each y-axis, then separate y-axes are randomized.
+ * 3. _Dijkstra Map_ I have a Dijkstra algorithm but it's not in this style yet.  Look in `worldbuilder.cpp` for my current implementation.
+ * 4. _Viewport_ Currently working on this but I need to have a rectangle I can move around as a viewport.
+ *
+ *
+ * ## Usage
+ *
+ * Check the `matrix.hpp` for an example if you want to make it more conventient for your own type.
+ *
+ * ## Thanks
+ *
+ * Special thanks to Amit and hirdrac for their help with the math and for
+ * giving me the initial idea. hirdrac doesn't want to be held responsible for
+ * this travesty but he showed me that you can do iteration and _not_ use the
+ * weird C++ iterators.  Amit did a lot to show me how to do these calculations
+ * without branching.  Thanks to you both--and to everyone else--for helping me while I
+ * stream my development.
+ *
+ * ### SERIOUS DISCLAIMER
+ *
+ * I am horribly bad at trigonometry and graphics algorithms, so if you've got an idea to improve them
+ * or find a bug shoot me an email at help@learncodethehardway.com.
+ */
+namespace shiterator { using std::vector, std::queue, std::array; using
+  std::min, std::max, std::floor;
+
+  template<typename T>
+  using BaseRow = vector<T>;
+
+  template<typename T>
+  using Base = vector<BaseRow<T>>;
+
+  template<typename T>
+  inline Base<T> make(size_t width, size_t height) {
+    Base<T> result(height, BaseRow<T>(width));
+    return result;
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Just a quick thing to reset a matrix to a value.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT, typename VAL>
+  inline void assign(MAT &out, VAL new_value) {
+    for(auto &row : out) {
+      row.assign(row.size(), new_value);
+    }
+  }
+
+
+  /*
+   * Tells you if a coordinate is in bounds of the matrix
+   * and therefore safe to use.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  inline bool inbounds(MAT &mat, size_t x, size_t y) {
+    // since Point.x and Point.y are size_t any negatives are massive
+    return (y < mat.size()) && (x < mat[0].size());
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Gives the width of a matrix. Assumes row major (y/x)
+   * and vector API .size().
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  inline size_t width(MAT &mat) {
+    return mat[0].size();
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Same as shiterator::width but just the height.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  inline size_t height(MAT &mat) {
+    return mat.size();
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * These are internal calculations that help
+   * with keeping track of the next x coordinate.
+   */
+  inline size_t next_x(size_t x, size_t width) {
+    return (x + 1) * ((x + 1) < width);
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Same as next_x but updates the next y coordinate.
+   * It uses the fact that when x==0 you have a new
+   * line so increment y.
+   */
+  inline size_t next_y(size_t x, size_t y) {
+    return y + (x == 0);
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Figures out if you're at the end of the shape,
+   * which is usually when y > height.
+   */
+  inline bool at_end(size_t y, size_t height) {
+    return y < height;
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Determines if you're at the end of a row.
+   */
+  inline bool end_row(size_t x, size_t width) {
+    return x == width - 1;
+  }
+
+  /*
+   * Most basic shiterator. It just goes through
+   * every cell in the matrix in linear order
+   * with not tracking of anything else.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct each_cell_t {
+    size_t x = ~0;
+    size_t y = ~0;
+    size_t width = 0;
+    size_t height = 0;
+
+    each_cell_t(MAT &mat)
+    {
+      height = shiterator::height(mat);
+      width = shiterator::width(mat);
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      x = next_x(x, width);
+      y = next_y(x, y);
+      return at_end(y, height);
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * This is just each_cell_t but it sets
+   * a boolean value `bool row` so you can
+   * tell when you've reached the end of a
+   * row.  This is mostly used for printing
+   * out a matrix and similar just drawing the
+   * whole thing with its boundaries.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct each_row_t {
+    size_t x = ~0;
+    size_t y = ~0;
+    size_t width = 0;
+    size_t height = 0;
+    bool row = false;
+
+    each_row_t(MAT &mat) {
+      height = shiterator::height(mat);
+      width = shiterator::width(mat);
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      x = next_x(x, width);
+      y = next_y(x, y);
+      row = end_row(x, width);
+      return at_end(y, height);
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * This is a CENTERED box, that will create
+   * a centered rectangle around a point of a
+   * certain dimension. This kind of needs a
+   * rewrite but if you want a rectangle from
+   * a upper corner then use rectangle_t type.
+   *
+   * Passing 1 parameter for the size will make
+   * a square.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct box_t {
+    size_t from_x;
+    size_t from_y;
+    size_t x = 0; // these are set in constructor
+    size_t y = 0; // again, no fancy ~ trick needed
+    size_t left = 0;
+    size_t top = 0;
+    size_t right = 0;
+    size_t bottom = 0;
+
+    box_t(MAT &mat, size_t at_x, size_t at_y, size_t size) :
+      box_t(mat, at_x, at_y, size, size) {
+      }
+
+    box_t(MAT &mat, size_t at_x, size_t at_y, size_t width, size_t height) :
+      from_x(at_x), from_y(at_y)
+    {
+      size_t h = shiterator::height(mat);
+      size_t w = shiterator::width(mat);
+
+      // keeps it from going below zero
+      // need extra -1 to compensate for the first next()
+      left = max(from_x, width) - width;
+      x = left - 1;  // must be -1 for next()
+      // keeps it from going above width
+      right = min(from_x + width + 1, w);
+
+      // same for these two
+      top = max(from_y, height) - height;
+      y = top - (left == 0);
+      bottom = min(from_y + height + 1, h);
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      // calc next but allow to go to 0 for next
+      x = next_x(x, right);
+      // x will go to 0, which signals new line
+      y = next_y(x, y);  // this must go here
+      // if x==0 then this moves it to min_x
+      x = max(x, left);
+      // and done
+
+      return at_end(y, bottom);
+    }
+
+    /*
+     * This was useful for doing quick lighting
+     * calculations, and I might need to implement
+     * it in other shiterators. It gives the distance
+     * to the center from the current x/y.
+     */
+    float distance() {
+      int dx = from_x - x;
+      int dy = from_y - y;
+
+      return sqrt((dx * dx) + (dy * dy));
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * Stupid simple compass shape North/South/East/West.
+   * This comes up a _ton_ when doing searching, flood
+   * algorithms, collision, etc.  Probably not the
+   * fastest way to do it but good enough.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct compass_t {
+    size_t x = 0; // these are set in constructor
+    size_t y = 0; // again, no fancy ~ trick needed
+    array<int, 4> x_dirs{0, 1, 0, -1};
+    array<int, 4> y_dirs{-1, 0, 1, 0};
+    size_t max_dirs=0;
+    size_t dir = ~0;
+
+    compass_t(MAT &mat, size_t x, size_t y) :
+      x(x), y(y)
+    {
+      array<int, 4> x_in{0, 1, 0, -1};
+      array<int, 4> y_in{-1, 0, 1, 0};
+
+      for(size_t i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
+        int nx = x + x_in[i];
+        int ny = y + y_in[i];
+        if(shiterator::inbounds(mat, nx, ny)) {
+          x_dirs[max_dirs] = nx;
+          y_dirs[max_dirs] = ny;
+          max_dirs++;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      dir++;
+      if(dir < max_dirs) {
+        x = x_dirs[dir];
+        y = y_dirs[dir];
+        return true;
+      } else {
+        return false;
+      }
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * Draws a line from start to end using a algorithm from
+   * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bresenham%27s_line_algorithm
+   * No idea if the one I picked is best but it's the one
+   * that works in the shiterator requirements and produced
+   * good results.
+   *
+   * _WARNING_: This one doesn't check if the start/end are
+   * within your Matrix, as it's assumed _you_ did that
+   * already.
+   */
+  struct line {
+    int x;
+    int y;
+    int x1;
+    int y1;
+    int sx;
+    int sy;
+    int dx;
+    int dy;
+    int error;
+
+    line(Point start, Point end) :
+        x(start.x), y(start.y),
+        x1(end.x), y1(end.y)
+    {
+      dx = std::abs(x1 - x);
+      sx = x < x1 ? 1 : -1;
+      dy = std::abs(y1 - y) * -1;
+      sy = y < y1 ? 1 : -1;
+      error = dx + dy;
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      if(x != x1 || y != y1) {
+        int e2 = 2 * error;
+
+        if(e2 >= dy) {
+          error = error + dy;
+          x = x + sx;
+        }
+
+        if(e2 <= dx) {
+          error = error + dx;
+          y = y + sy;
+        }
+        return true;
+      } else {
+        return false;
+      }
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * Draws a simple circle using a fairly naive algorithm
+   * but one that actually worked.  So, so, so, so many
+   * circle drawing algorithms described online don't work
+   * or are flat wrong.  Even the very best I could find
+   * did overdrawing of multiple lines or simply got the
+   * math wrong.  Keep in mind, _I_ am bad at this trig math
+   * so if I'm finding errors in your circle drawing then
+   * you got problems.
+   *
+   * This one is real simple, and works. If you got better
+   * then take the challenge but be ready to get it wrong.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct circle_t {
+    float center_x;
+    float center_y;
+    float radius = 0.0f;
+    int y = 0;
+    int dx = 0;
+    int dy = 0;
+    int left = 0;
+    int right = 0;
+    int top = 0;
+    int bottom = 0;
+    int width = 0;
+    int height = 0;
+
+    circle_t(MAT &mat, Point center, float radius) :
+      center_x(center.x), center_y(center.y), radius(radius)
+    {
+      width = shiterator::width(mat);
+      height = shiterator::height(mat);
+      top = max(int(floor(center_y - radius)), 0);
+      bottom = min(int(floor(center_y + radius)), height - 1);
+
+      y = top;
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      y++;
+      if(y <= bottom) {
+        dy = y - center_y;
+        dx = floor(sqrt(radius * radius - dy * dy));
+        left = max(0, int(center_x) - dx);
+        right = min(width, int(center_x) + dx + 1);
+        return true;
+      } else {
+        return false;
+      }
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * Basic rectangle shiterator, and like box and rando_rect_t you can
+   * pass only 1 parameter for size to do a square.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct rectangle_t {
+    int x;
+    int y;
+    int top;
+    int left;
+    int width;
+    int height;
+    int right;
+    int bottom;
+
+    rectangle_t(MAT &mat, size_t start_x, size_t start_y, size_t size) :
+      rectangle_t(mat, start_x, start_y, size, size) {
+      }
+
+    rectangle_t(MAT &mat, size_t start_x, size_t start_y, size_t width, size_t height) :
+      top(start_y),
+      left(start_x),
+      width(width),
+      height(height)
+    {
+      size_t h = shiterator::height(mat);
+      size_t w = shiterator::width(mat);
+      y = start_y - 1;
+      x = left - 1;  // must be -1 for next()
+      right = min(start_x + width, w);
+
+      y = start_y;
+      bottom = min(start_y + height, h);
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      x = next_x(x, right);
+      y = next_y(x, y);
+      x = max(x, left);
+      return at_end(y, bottom);
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * WIP:  This one is used to place entities randomly but
+   * could be used for effects like random destruction of floors.
+   * It simply "wraps" the rectangle_t but randomizes the x/y values
+   * using a random starting point.  This makes it random across the
+   * x-axis but only partially random across the y.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct rando_rect_t {
+    int x;
+    int y;
+    int x_offset;
+    int y_offset;
+    rectangle_t<MAT> it;
+
+    rando_rect_t(MAT &mat, size_t start_x, size_t start_y, size_t size) :
+      rando_rect_t(mat, start_x, start_y, size, size) {
+      }
+
+    rando_rect_t(MAT &mat, size_t start_x, size_t start_y, size_t width, size_t height) :
+      it{mat, start_x, start_y, width, height}
+    {
+      x_offset = Random::uniform(0, int(width));
+      y_offset = Random::uniform(0, int(height));
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      bool done = it.next();
+      x = it.left + ((it.x + x_offset) % it.width);
+      y = it.top + ((it.y + y_offset) % it.height);
+      return done;
+    }
+  };
+
+  /*
+   * BROKEN: I'm actually not sure what I'm trying to
+   * do here yet.
+   */
+  template<typename MAT>
+  struct viewport_t {
+    Point start;
+    // this is the point in the map
+    size_t x;
+    size_t y;
+    // this is the point inside the box, start at 0
+    size_t view_x = ~0;
+    size_t view_y = ~0;
+    // viewport width/height
+    size_t width;
+    size_t height;
+
+    viewport_t(MAT &mat, Point start, int max_x, int max_y) :
+      start(start),
+      x(start.x-1),
+      y(start.y-1)
+    {
+      width = std::min(size_t(max_x), shiterator::width(mat) - start.x);
+      height = std::min(size_t(max_y), shiterator::height(mat) - start.y);
+      fmt::println("viewport_t max_x, max_y {},{} vs matrix {},{}, x={}, y={}",
+          max_x, max_y, shiterator::width(mat), shiterator::height(mat), x, y);
+    }
+
+    bool next() {
+      y = next_y(x, y);
+      x = next_x(x, width);
+      view_x = next_x(view_x, width);
+      view_y = next_y(view_x, view_y);
+      return at_end(y, height);
+    }
+  };
+
+}
diff --git a/sound.cpp b/sound.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf8c48a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sound.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+#include "sound.hpp"
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "config.hpp"
+
+namespace sound {
+  static SoundManager SMGR;
+  static bool initialized = false;
+  static bool muted = false;
+
+  using namespace fmt;
+  using std::make_shared;
+  namespace fs = std::filesystem;
+
+  SoundPair& get_sound_pair(const std::string& name) {
+    dbc::check(initialized, "You need to call sound::init() first");
+
+    if(SMGR.sounds.contains(name)) {
+      // get the sound from the sound map
+      return SMGR.sounds.at(name);
+    } else {
+      dbc::log(fmt::format("Attempted to stop {} sound but not available.",
+            name));
+      return SMGR.sounds.at("blank");
+    }
+  }
+
+
+  void init() {
+    if(!initialized) {
+      Config assets("assets/config.json");
+
+      for(auto& el : assets["sounds"].items()) {
+        load(el.key(), el.value());
+      }
+      initialized = true;
+    }
+  }
+
+  void load(const std::string& name, const std::string& sound_path) {
+    dbc::check(fs::exists(sound_path), fmt::format("sound file {} does not exist", sound_path));
+
+    // create the buffer and keep in the buffer map
+    auto buffer = make_shared<sf::SoundBuffer>(sound_path);
+
+    // set it on the sound and keep in the sound map
+    auto sound = make_shared<sf::Sound>(*buffer);
+    sound->setRelativeToListener(false);
+    sound->setPosition({0.0f, 0.0f, 1.0f});
+
+    SMGR.sounds.try_emplace(name, buffer, sound);
+  }
+
+  void play(const std::string& name, bool loop) {
+    if(muted) return;
+    auto& pair = get_sound_pair(name);
+    pair.sound->setLooping(loop);
+    // play it
+    pair.sound->play();
+  }
+
+  void stop(const std::string& name) {
+    auto& pair = get_sound_pair(name);
+    pair.sound->stop();
+  }
+
+  bool playing(const std::string& name) {
+    auto& pair = get_sound_pair(name);
+    auto status = pair.sound->getStatus();
+    return status == sf::SoundSource::Status::Playing;
+  }
+
+  void play_at(const std::string& name, float x, float y, float z) {
+    auto& pair = get_sound_pair(name);
+    pair.sound->setPosition({x, y, z});
+    pair.sound->play();
+  }
+
+  void mute(bool setting) {
+    muted = setting;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/sound.hpp b/sound.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3dc21cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/sound.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <string>
+#include <filesystem>
+#include <memory>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <SFML/Audio.hpp>
+
+namespace sound {
+  struct SoundPair {
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::SoundBuffer> buffer;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Sound> sound;
+  };
+
+  struct SoundManager {
+    std::unordered_map<std::string, SoundPair> sounds;
+  };
+
+  void init();
+  void load(const std::string& name, const std::string& path);
+  void play(const std::string& name, bool loop=false);
+  void play_at(const std::string& name, float x, float y, float z);
+  void stop(const std::string& name);
+  void mute(bool setting);
+  bool playing(const std::string& name);
+  SoundPair& get_sound_pair(const std::string& name);
+}
diff --git a/textures.cpp b/textures.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4af1cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/textures.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+#include "textures.hpp"
+#include <SFML/Graphics/Image.hpp>
+#include "dbc.hpp"
+#include <fmt/core.h>
+#include "config.hpp"
+#include <memory>
+
+namespace textures {
+  using std::shared_ptr, std::make_shared;
+
+  static TextureManager TMGR;
+  static bool initialized = false;
+
+  void load_sprites() {
+    Config assets("assets/config.json");
+
+    for(auto& [name, settings] : assets["sprites"].items()) {
+      auto texture = make_shared<sf::Texture>(settings["path"]);
+
+      texture->setSmooth(assets["graphics"]["smooth_textures"]);
+      auto sprite = make_shared<sf::Sprite>(*texture);
+
+      int width = settings["frame_width"];
+      int height = settings["frame_height"];
+      sprite->setTextureRect({{0,0}, {width, height}});
+
+      TMGR.sprite_textures.try_emplace(name, name, sprite, texture);
+    }
+
+    TMGR.floor = load_image(assets["sprites"]["floor"]["path"]);
+    TMGR.ceiling = load_image(assets["sprites"]["ceiling"]["path"]);
+  }
+
+  void load_tiles() {
+    Config assets("assets/tiles.json");
+    auto &tiles = assets.json();
+
+    for(auto &el : tiles.items()) {
+      auto &config = el.value();
+      TMGR.surfaces.emplace_back(load_image(config["texture"]));
+      wchar_t tid = config["display"];
+      int surface_i = TMGR.surfaces.size() - 1;
+      TMGR.char_to_texture[tid] = surface_i;
+    }
+  }
+
+  void init() {
+    if(!initialized) {
+      load_tiles();
+      load_sprites();
+      initialized = true;
+    }
+  }
+
+  SpriteTexture get(std::string name) {
+    dbc::check(initialized, "you forgot to call textures::init()");
+    dbc::check(TMGR.sprite_textures.contains(name),
+        fmt::format("!!!!! texture pack does not contain {} sprite", name));
+
+    auto result = TMGR.sprite_textures.at(name);
+
+    dbc::check(result.sprite != nullptr,
+        fmt::format("bad sprite from textures::get named {}", name));
+    dbc::check(result.texture != nullptr,
+        fmt::format("bad texture from textures::get named {}", name));
+
+    return result;
+  }
+
+  sf::Image load_image(std::string filename) {
+    sf::Image texture;
+    bool good = texture.loadFromFile(filename);
+    dbc::check(good, fmt::format("failed to load {}", filename));
+    return texture;
+  }
+
+  const uint32_t* get_surface(size_t num) {
+    return (const uint32_t *)TMGR.surfaces[num].getPixelsPtr();
+  }
+
+  matrix::Matrix convert_char_to_texture(matrix::Matrix &tile_ids) {
+    auto result = matrix::make(matrix::width(tile_ids), matrix::height(tile_ids));
+
+    for(matrix::each_cell it(tile_ids); it.next();) {
+      wchar_t tid = tile_ids[it.y][it.x];
+      result[it.y][it.x] = TMGR.char_to_texture.at(tid);
+    }
+
+    return result;
+  }
+
+  const uint32_t* get_floor() {
+    return (const uint32_t *)TMGR.floor.getPixelsPtr();
+  }
+
+  const uint32_t* get_ceiling() {
+    return (const uint32_t *)TMGR.ceiling.getPixelsPtr();
+  }
+};
diff --git a/textures.hpp b/textures.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..129ff1c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/textures.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+#pragma once
+#include <cstdint>
+#include <vector>
+#include <string>
+#include <SFML/Graphics.hpp>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <memory>
+#include "matrix.hpp"
+
+namespace textures {
+
+  struct SpriteTexture {
+    std::string name;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Sprite> sprite = nullptr;
+    std::shared_ptr<sf::Texture> texture = nullptr;
+  };
+
+  struct TextureManager {
+    std::vector<sf::Image> surfaces;
+    std::unordered_map<std::string, SpriteTexture> sprite_textures;
+    std::unordered_map<wchar_t, int> char_to_texture;
+    sf::Image floor;
+    sf::Image ceiling;
+  };
+
+  void init();
+
+  SpriteTexture get(std::string name);
+
+  sf::Image load_image(std::string filename);
+
+  const uint32_t* get_surface(size_t num);
+
+  matrix::Matrix convert_char_to_texture(matrix::Matrix &from);
+
+  const uint32_t* get_floor();
+
+  const uint32_t* get_ceiling();
+}