diff --git a/common/network/serial_packet.hpp b/common/network/serial_packet.hpp
index 2075c75..180c8dd 100644
--- a/common/network/serial_packet.hpp
+++ b/common/network/serial_packet.hpp
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 typedef SerialPacketBase SerialPacket;
 
 //DOCS: NETWORK_VERSION is used to discern compatible servers and clients
-constexpr int NETWORK_VERSION = 20150214;
+constexpr int NETWORK_VERSION = 20150221;
 
 union MaxPacket {
 	CharacterPacket a;
diff --git a/common/network/serial_packet_type.hpp b/common/network/serial_packet_type.hpp
index d538c24..062fa05 100644
--- a/common/network/serial_packet_type.hpp
+++ b/common/network/serial_packet_type.hpp
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 /* DOCS: The headers indicate what packet type is used for each message
  * different messages under the same header will carry different amounts of
  * valid data, but it will still be carried in that packet's format.
+ * FORMAT_* is for internal use, deviding the different format bounds.
 */
 
 enum class SerialPacketType {
@@ -36,6 +37,8 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	//  name, player count, version
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_SERVER,
+
 	//heartbeat
 	PING,
 	PONG,
@@ -44,11 +47,15 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	BROADCAST_REQUEST,
 	BROADCAST_RESPONSE,
 
+	FORMAT_END_SERVER,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//ClientPacket
 	//  client index, account index, username
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_CLIENT,
+
 	//Connecting to a server as a client
 	JOIN_REQUEST,
 	JOIN_RESPONSE,
@@ -69,15 +76,21 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	//shut down the server
 	ADMIN_SHUTDOWN_REQUEST,
 
+	FORMAT_END_CLIENT,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//RegionPacket
 	//  room index, x, y, raw data
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_REGION,
+
 	//map data
 	REGION_REQUEST,
 	REGION_CONTENT,
 
+	FORMAT_END_REGION,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//CharacterPacket
 	//  character index,
@@ -86,6 +99,11 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	//  room index, origin, motion
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_CHARACTER,
+
+	//full data update
+	CHARACTER_UPDATE,
+
 	//character management
 	CHARACTER_CREATE,
 	CHARACTER_DELETE,
@@ -97,7 +115,7 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	QUERY_CHARACTER_STATS,
 	QUERY_CHARACTER_LOCATION,
 
-	//set the info in the server
+	//actions taken
 	CHARACTER_MOVEMENT,
 	CHARACTER_ATTACK,
 	CHARACTER_DAMAGE,
@@ -105,6 +123,8 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	//admin control
 //	ADMIN_SET_CHARACTER_ORIGIN,
 
+	FORMAT_END_CHARACTER,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//MonsterPacket
 	//  monster index,
@@ -113,22 +133,34 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	//  room index, origin, motion
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_MONSTER,
+
+	//full data update
+	MONSTER_UPDATE,
+
+	//character management
 	MONSTER_CREATE,
 	MONSTER_DELETE,
 
+	//find out info from the server
 	QUERY_MONSTER_EXISTS,
 	QUERY_MONSTER_STATS,
 	QUERY_MONSTER_LOCATION,
 
+	//actions taken
 	MONSTER_MOVEMENT,
 	MONSTER_ATTACK,
 	MONSTER_DAMAGE,
 
+	FORMAT_END_MONSTER,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//TextPacket
 	//  name, text
 	//-------------------------
 
+	FORMAT_TEXT,
+
 	//general speech
 	TEXT_BROADCAST,
 	TEXT_SPEECH,
@@ -143,6 +175,8 @@ enum class SerialPacketType {
 	SHUTDOWN_REJECTION,
 	QUERY_REJECTION,
 
+	FORMAT_END_TEXT,
+
 	//-------------------------
 	//not used
 	//-------------------------
diff --git a/common/network/serial_utility.cpp b/common/network/serial_utility.cpp
index 25a3dfc..d002891 100644
--- a/common/network/serial_utility.cpp
+++ b/common/network/serial_utility.cpp
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@
 
 #include <cstring>
 
+//macros
+#define BOUNDS(type, lower, upper) ((type) > (lower) && (type) < (upper))
+
 //raw memory copy
 void serialCopy(void** buffer, void* data, int size) {
 	memcpy(*buffer, data, size);
@@ -46,63 +49,28 @@ void deserialCopy(void** buffer, void* data, int size) {
 
 //main switch functions
 void serializePacket(void* buffer, SerialPacketBase* packet) {
-	switch(packet->type) {
-		case SerialPacketType::PING:
-		case SerialPacketType::PONG:
-		case SerialPacketType::BROADCAST_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::BROADCAST_RESPONSE:
-			serializeServer(buffer, static_cast<ServerPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::DISCONNECT_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::DISCONNECT_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::ADMIN_DISCONNECT_FORCED:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGOUT_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGOUT_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::ADMIN_SHUTDOWN_REQUEST:
-			serializeClient(buffer, static_cast<ClientPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_CONTENT:
-			serializeRegion(buffer, static_cast<RegionPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_CREATE:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_DELETE:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_LOAD:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_UNLOAD:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_EXISTS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_STATS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_LOCATION:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_MOVEMENT:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_ATTACK:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_DAMAGE:
-			serializeCharacter(buffer, static_cast<CharacterPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_CREATE:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_DELETE:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_EXISTS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_STATS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_LOCATION:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_MOVEMENT:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_ATTACK:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_DAMAGE:
-			serializeMonster(buffer, static_cast<MonsterPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_BROADCAST:
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_SPEECH:
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_WHISPER:
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::SHUTDOWN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_REJECTION:
-			serializeText(buffer, static_cast<TextPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_SERVER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_SERVER)) {
+		serializeServer(buffer, static_cast<ServerPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_CLIENT, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_CLIENT)) {
+		serializeClient(buffer, static_cast<ClientPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_REGION, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_REGION)) {
+		serializeRegion(buffer, static_cast<RegionPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_CHARACTER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_CHARACTER)) {
+		serializeCharacter(buffer, static_cast<CharacterPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_MONSTER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_MONSTER)) {
+		serializeMonster(buffer, static_cast<MonsterPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(packet->type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_TEXT, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_TEXT)) {
+		serializeText(buffer, static_cast<TextPacket*>(packet));
 	}
 }
 
@@ -111,62 +79,27 @@ void deserializePacket(void* buffer, SerialPacketBase* packet) {
 	SerialPacketType type;
 	memcpy(&type, buffer, sizeof(SerialPacketType));
 
-	switch(type) {
-		case SerialPacketType::PING:
-		case SerialPacketType::PONG:
-		case SerialPacketType::BROADCAST_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::BROADCAST_RESPONSE:
-			deserializeServer(buffer, static_cast<ServerPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::DISCONNECT_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::DISCONNECT_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::ADMIN_DISCONNECT_FORCED:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGOUT_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGOUT_RESPONSE:
-		case SerialPacketType::ADMIN_SHUTDOWN_REQUEST:
-			deserializeClient(buffer, static_cast<ClientPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_REQUEST:
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_CONTENT:
-			deserializeRegion(buffer, static_cast<RegionPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_CREATE:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_DELETE:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_LOAD:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_UNLOAD:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_EXISTS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_STATS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_CHARACTER_LOCATION:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_MOVEMENT:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_ATTACK:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_DAMAGE:
-			deserializeCharacter(buffer, static_cast<CharacterPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_CREATE:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_DELETE:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_EXISTS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_STATS:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_MONSTER_LOCATION:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_MOVEMENT:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_ATTACK:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_DAMAGE:
-			deserializeMonster(buffer, static_cast<MonsterPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_BROADCAST:
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_SPEECH:
-		case SerialPacketType::TEXT_WHISPER:
-		case SerialPacketType::JOIN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::LOGIN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::REGION_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::CHARACTER_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::MONSTER_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::SHUTDOWN_REJECTION:
-		case SerialPacketType::QUERY_REJECTION:
-			deserializeText(buffer, static_cast<TextPacket*>(packet));
-		break;
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_SERVER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_SERVER)) {
+		deserializeServer(buffer, static_cast<ServerPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_CLIENT, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_CLIENT)) {
+		deserializeClient(buffer, static_cast<ClientPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_REGION, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_REGION)) {
+		deserializeRegion(buffer, static_cast<RegionPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_CHARACTER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_CHARACTER)) {
+		deserializeCharacter(buffer, static_cast<CharacterPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_MONSTER, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_MONSTER)) {
+		deserializeMonster(buffer, static_cast<MonsterPacket*>(packet));
+	}
+
+	if (BOUNDS(type, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_TEXT, SerialPacketType::FORMAT_END_TEXT)) {
+		deserializeText(buffer, static_cast<TextPacket*>(packet));
 	}
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/rsc/scripts/setup_server.lua b/rsc/scripts/setup_server.lua
index 8e498a3..bdb0974 100644
--- a/rsc/scripts/setup_server.lua
+++ b/rsc/scripts/setup_server.lua
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ print("Lua script check")
 mapMaker = require("map_maker")
 mapSaver = require("map_saver")
 roomSystem = require("room_system")
+characterSystem = require("character_system")
 
 local function dumpTable(t)
 	print(t)
@@ -11,6 +12,25 @@ local function dumpTable(t)
 	end
 end
 
+--test the room hooks
+roomSystem.RoomManager.SetOnCreate(function(room, index)
+	print("", "Creating room: ", roomSystem.Room.GetName(room), index)
+
+	--called ~60 times per second
+	roomSystem.Room.SetOnTick(room, function(room)
+		local character = characterSystem.CharacterManager.GetCharacter("handle")
+		if character ~= nil then
+			--debugging
+			local x, y = characterSystem.Character.GetOrigin(character)
+			print("character.Origin(x, y): ", x, y)
+		end
+	end)
+end)
+
+roomSystem.RoomManager.SetOnUnload(function(room, index)
+	print("", "Unloading room: ", roomSystem.Room.GetName(room), index)
+end)
+
 --NOTE: room 0 is the first that the client asks for, therefore it must exist
 local overworld, uid = roomSystem.RoomManager.CreateRoom("overworld", "overworld.bmp")
 roomSystem.Room.Initialize(overworld, mapSaver.Load, mapSaver.Save, mapMaker.DebugIsland, mapSaver.Save)
diff --git a/server/characters/character_api.cpp b/server/characters/character_api.cpp
index bf8b6f0..c6a0414 100644
--- a/server/characters/character_api.cpp
+++ b/server/characters/character_api.cpp
@@ -23,11 +23,56 @@
 
 #include "character_data.hpp"
 
+#include "entity_api.hpp"
+
+static int getOwner(lua_State* L) {
+	CharacterData* character = static_cast<CharacterData*>(lua_touserdata(L, 1));
+	lua_pushinteger(L, character->GetOwner());
+	return 1;
+}
+
+static int getHandle(lua_State* L) {
+	CharacterData* character = static_cast<CharacterData*>(lua_touserdata(L, 1));
+	lua_pushstring(L, character->GetHandle().c_str());
+	return 1;
+}
+
+static int getAvatar(lua_State* L) {
+	CharacterData* character = static_cast<CharacterData*>(lua_touserdata(L, 1));
+	lua_pushstring(L, character->GetAvatar().c_str());
+	return 1;
+}
+
 static const luaL_Reg characterLib[] = {
+//	{"GetOwner", getOwner}, //unusable without account API
+	{"GetHandle", getHandle},
+	{"GetAvatar", getAvatar},
 	{nullptr, nullptr}
 };
 
 LUAMOD_API int openCharacterAPI(lua_State* L) {
+	//the local table
 	luaL_newlib(L, characterLib);
+
+	//get the parent table
+	luaL_requiref(L, TORTUGA_ENTITY_API, openEntityAPI, false);
+
+	//clone the parent table into the local table
+	lua_pushnil(L);	//first key
+	while(lua_next(L, -2)) {
+		//copy the key-value pair
+		lua_pushvalue(L, -2);
+		lua_pushvalue(L, -2);
+
+		//push the copy to the local table
+		lua_settable(L, -6);
+
+		//pop the original value before continuing
+		lua_pop(L, 1);
+	}
+
+	//remove the parent table, leaving the expanded child table
+	lua_pop(L, 1);
+
 	return 1;
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/characters/character_data.hpp b/server/characters/character_data.hpp
index 873bfa4..6c02134 100644
--- a/server/characters/character_data.hpp
+++ b/server/characters/character_data.hpp
@@ -35,9 +35,6 @@ public:
 	CharacterData() = default;
 	~CharacterData() = default;
 
-	//accessors and mutators
-	//...
-
 	//database stuff
 	int GetOwner();
 	std::string GetHandle();
diff --git a/server/characters/character_manager.cpp b/server/characters/character_manager.cpp
index 2d7cf7c..300ee18 100644
--- a/server/characters/character_manager.cpp
+++ b/server/characters/character_manager.cpp
@@ -193,6 +193,7 @@ void CharacterManager::Unload(int uid) {
 }
 
 void CharacterManager::Delete(int uid) {
+	//TODO: when deleting a character, move it to an archive table
 	//delete this character from the database, then remove it from memory
 	sqlite3_stmt* statement = nullptr;
 
@@ -252,6 +253,15 @@ CharacterData* CharacterManager::Get(int uid) {
 	return &it->second;
 }
 
+CharacterData* CharacterManager::Get(std::string handle) {
+	for (std::map<int, CharacterData>::iterator it = elementMap.begin(); it != elementMap.end(); ++it) {
+		if (it->second.GetHandle() == handle) {
+			return &it->second;
+		}
+	}
+	return nullptr;
+}
+
 int CharacterManager::GetLoadedCount() {
 	return elementMap.size();
 }
diff --git a/server/characters/character_manager.hpp b/server/characters/character_manager.hpp
index 3a24c34..48cc54f 100644
--- a/server/characters/character_manager.hpp
+++ b/server/characters/character_manager.hpp
@@ -44,13 +44,18 @@ public:
 
 	//accessors and mutators
 	CharacterData* Get(int uid);
+	CharacterData* Get(std::string handle);
 	int GetLoadedCount();
 	int GetTotalCount();
 	std::map<int, CharacterData>* GetContainer();
 
+	//API interface
 	sqlite3* SetDatabase(sqlite3* db);
 	sqlite3* GetDatabase();
 
+	//hooks
+	//TODO: character hooks
+
 private:
 	friend Singleton<CharacterManager>;
 
diff --git a/server/characters/character_manager_api.cpp b/server/characters/character_manager_api.cpp
index b249ba9..eca3d6f 100644
--- a/server/characters/character_manager_api.cpp
+++ b/server/characters/character_manager_api.cpp
@@ -23,7 +23,70 @@
 
 #include "character_manager.hpp"
 
+static int setOnCreate(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (9) empty
+}
+
+static int setOnLoad(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (9) empty
+}
+
+static int setOnSave(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (9) empty
+}
+
+static int setOnUnload(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (9) empty
+}
+
+static int setOnDelete(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (9) empty
+}
+
+static int getCharacter(lua_State* L) {
+	//integer vs name
+	CharacterManager& characterMgr = CharacterManager::GetSingleton();
+	CharacterData* characterData = nullptr;
+
+	switch(lua_type(L, 1)) {
+		case LUA_TNUMBER:
+			characterData = characterMgr.Get(lua_tointeger(L, 1));
+		break;
+		case LUA_TSTRING:
+			//access characters via their handles
+			characterData = characterMgr.Get(lua_tostring(L, 1));
+		break;
+	}
+
+	if (characterData) {
+		lua_pushlightuserdata(L, static_cast<void*>(characterData));
+	}
+	else {
+		lua_pushnil(L);
+	}
+
+	return 1;
+}
+
+static int getLoadedCount(lua_State* L) {
+	CharacterManager& characterMgr = CharacterManager::GetSingleton();
+	lua_pushinteger(L, characterMgr.GetLoadedCount());
+	return 1;
+}
+
+static int forEach(lua_State* L) {
+	//TODO: (1) find a way to update the clients when a script alters a character's data
+}
+
 static const luaL_Reg characterManagerLib[] = {
+//	{"SetOnCreate", setOnCreate},
+//	{"SetOnLoad", setOnLoad},
+//	{"SetOnSave", setOnSave},
+//	{"SetOnUnload", setOnUnload},
+//	{"SetOnDelete", setOnDelete},
+	{"GetCharacter", getCharacter},
+	{"GetLoadedCount", getLoadedCount},
+//	{"ForEach", forEach},
 	{nullptr, nullptr}
 };
 
diff --git a/server/characters/character_system_api.cpp b/server/characters/character_system_api.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bac7893
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/characters/character_system_api.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+/* Copyright: (c) Kayne Ruse 2013-2015
+ * 
+ * This software is provided 'as-is', without any express or implied
+ * warranty. In no event will the authors be held liable for any damages
+ * arising from the use of this software.
+ * 
+ * Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose,
+ * including commercial applications, and to alter it and redistribute it
+ * freely, subject to the following restrictions:
+ * 
+ * 1. The origin of this software must not be misrepresented; you must not
+ * claim that you wrote the original software. If you use this software
+ * in a product, an acknowledgment in the product documentation would be
+ * appreciated but is not required.
+ * 
+ * 2. Altered source versions must be plainly marked as such, and must not be
+ * misrepresented as being the original software.
+ * 
+ * 3. This notice may not be removed or altered from any source
+ * distribution.
+*/
+#include "character_system_api.hpp"
+
+//all character API headers
+#include "character_api.hpp"
+#include "character_manager_api.hpp"
+
+//useful "globals"
+//...
+
+//This mimics linit.c to create a nested collection of all character modules.
+static const luaL_Reg funcs[] = {
+	{nullptr, nullptr}
+};
+
+static const luaL_Reg libs[] = {
+	{"Character", openCharacterAPI},
+	{"CharacterManager", openCharacterManagerAPI},
+	{nullptr, nullptr}
+};
+
+int openCharacterSystemAPI(lua_State* L) {
+	//create the table
+	luaL_newlibtable(L, libs);
+
+	//push the "global" functions
+	luaL_setfuncs(L, funcs, 0);
+
+	//push the substable
+	for (const luaL_Reg* lib = libs; lib->func; lib++) {
+		lib->func(L);
+		lua_setfield(L, -2, lib->name);
+	}
+	return 1;
+}
diff --git a/server/characters/character_system_api.hpp b/server/characters/character_system_api.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67b47a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/characters/character_system_api.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+/* Copyright: (c) Kayne Ruse 2013-2015
+ * 
+ * This software is provided 'as-is', without any express or implied
+ * warranty. In no event will the authors be held liable for any damages
+ * arising from the use of this software.
+ * 
+ * Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose,
+ * including commercial applications, and to alter it and redistribute it
+ * freely, subject to the following restrictions:
+ * 
+ * 1. The origin of this software must not be misrepresented; you must not
+ * claim that you wrote the original software. If you use this software
+ * in a product, an acknowledgment in the product documentation would be
+ * appreciated but is not required.
+ * 
+ * 2. Altered source versions must be plainly marked as such, and must not be
+ * misrepresented as being the original software.
+ * 
+ * 3. This notice may not be removed or altered from any source
+ * distribution.
+*/
+#ifndef CHARACTERSYSTEMAPI_HPP_
+#define CHARACTERSYSTEMAPI_HPP_
+
+#include "lua.hpp"
+
+#define TORTUGA_CHARACTER_SYSTEM_API "character_system"
+LUAMOD_API int openCharacterSystemAPI(lua_State* L);
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/clients/client_manager.cpp b/server/clients/client_manager.cpp
index 488a742..80d6942 100644
--- a/server/clients/client_manager.cpp
+++ b/server/clients/client_manager.cpp
@@ -21,11 +21,15 @@
 */
 #include "client_manager.hpp"
 
+#include "ip_operators.hpp"
 #include "udp_network_utility.hpp"
 
 #include <chrono>
 
-int ClientManager::CheckConnections() {
+std::list<int> ClientManager::CheckConnections() {
+	//list of clients to disconnect
+	std::list<int> returnList;
+
 	for (auto& it : elementMap) {
 		//3 seconds between beats
 		if (ClientData::Clock::now() - it.second.GetLastBeat() > std::chrono::seconds(3)) {
@@ -38,21 +42,17 @@ int ClientManager::CheckConnections() {
 
 	for (auto& it : elementMap) {
 		if (it.second.GetAttempts() > 2) {
-			int ret = it.first;
-//			elementMap.erase(it.first);
-			return ret;
+			returnList.push_back(it.first);
 		}
 	}
 
-	return -1;
+	return returnList;
 }
 
 void ClientManager::HandlePong(ServerPacket* const argPacket) {
 	//find and update the specified client
 	for (auto& it : elementMap) {
-		if (it.second.GetAddress().host == argPacket->srcAddress.host &&
-			it.second.GetAddress().port == argPacket->srcAddress.port
-			) {
+		if (it.second.GetAddress() == argPacket->srcAddress) {
 			it.second.ResetAttempts();
 			return;
 		}
diff --git a/server/clients/client_manager.hpp b/server/clients/client_manager.hpp
index 320499f..9dcec7c 100644
--- a/server/clients/client_manager.hpp
+++ b/server/clients/client_manager.hpp
@@ -29,12 +29,13 @@
 #include "SDL/SDL_net.h"
 
 #include <functional>
+#include <list>
 #include <map>
 
 class ClientManager: public Singleton<ClientManager> {
 public:
 	//methods
-	int CheckConnections();
+	std::list<int> CheckConnections();
 	void HandlePong(ServerPacket* const argPacket);
 
 	//common public methods
diff --git a/server/linit.cpp b/server/linit.cpp
index b460290..c6bd870 100644
--- a/server/linit.cpp
+++ b/server/linit.cpp
@@ -37,8 +37,10 @@
 #include "lua.hpp"
 
 #include "entity_api.hpp"
+#include "character_system_api.hpp"
 #include "map_system_api.hpp"
 #include "monster_system_api.hpp"
+#include "network_api.hpp"
 #include "room_system_api.hpp"
 #include "waypoint_system_api.hpp"
 
@@ -58,12 +60,13 @@ static const luaL_Reg loadedlibs[] = {
 	{NULL, NULL}
 };
 
-
 //these libs are preloaded and must be required before used
 static const luaL_Reg preloadedlibs[] = {
-	{TORTUGA_ENTITY_API, openEntityAPI},
+	{TORTUGA_ENTITY_API, openEntityAPI}, //required by derived classes
+	{TORTUGA_CHARACTER_SYSTEM_API, openCharacterSystemAPI},
 	{TORTUGA_MAP_SYSTEM_API, openMapSystemAPI},
 	{TORTUGA_MONSTER_SYSTEM_API, openMonsterSystemAPI},
+	{TORTUGA_NETWORK_API, openNetworkAPI},
 	{TORTUGA_ROOM_SYSTEM_API, openRoomSystemAPI},
 	{TORTUGA_WAYPOINT_SYSTEM_API, openWaypointSystemAPI},
 	{NULL, NULL}
diff --git a/server/network_api.cpp b/server/network_api.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f78bd90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/network_api.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+/* Copyright: (c) Kayne Ruse 2013-2015
+ * 
+ * This software is provided 'as-is', without any express or implied
+ * warranty. In no event will the authors be held liable for any damages
+ * arising from the use of this software.
+ * 
+ * Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose,
+ * including commercial applications, and to alter it and redistribute it
+ * freely, subject to the following restrictions:
+ * 
+ * 1. The origin of this software must not be misrepresented; you must not
+ * claim that you wrote the original software. If you use this software
+ * in a product, an acknowledgment in the product documentation would be
+ * appreciated but is not required.
+ * 
+ * 2. Altered source versions must be plainly marked as such, and must not be
+ * misrepresented as being the original software.
+ * 
+ * 3. This notice may not be removed or altered from any source
+ * distribution.
+*/
+#include "network_api.hpp"
+
+static int pumpCharacterUpdate(lua_State* L) {
+	return 0;
+}
+
+static const luaL_Reg networkLib[] = {
+	{"PumpCharacterUpdate", pumpCharacterUpdate},
+	{nullptr, nullptr}
+};
+
+LUAMOD_API int openNetworkAPI(lua_State* L) {
+	luaL_newlib(L, networkLib);
+	return 1;
+
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/network_api.hpp b/server/network_api.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f6ec7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/network_api.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+/* Copyright: (c) Kayne Ruse 2013-2015
+ * 
+ * This software is provided 'as-is', without any express or implied
+ * warranty. In no event will the authors be held liable for any damages
+ * arising from the use of this software.
+ * 
+ * Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose,
+ * including commercial applications, and to alter it and redistribute it
+ * freely, subject to the following restrictions:
+ * 
+ * 1. The origin of this software must not be misrepresented; you must not
+ * claim that you wrote the original software. If you use this software
+ * in a product, an acknowledgment in the product documentation would be
+ * appreciated but is not required.
+ * 
+ * 2. Altered source versions must be plainly marked as such, and must not be
+ * misrepresented as being the original software.
+ * 
+ * 3. This notice may not be removed or altered from any source
+ * distribution.
+*/
+#ifndef NETWORKAPI_HPP_
+#define NETWORKAPI_HPP_
+
+#include "lua.hpp"
+
+#define TORTUGA_NETWORK_API "network"
+LUAMOD_API int openNetworkAPI(lua_State* L);
+
+#endif
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_api.cpp b/server/rooms/room_api.cpp
index ffb9c8a..cac2651 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_api.cpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_api.cpp
@@ -65,6 +65,15 @@ static int getWaypointMgr(lua_State* L) {
 	return 1;
 }
 
+//TODO: character list
+
+static int setOnTick(lua_State* L) {
+	RoomData* room = reinterpret_cast<RoomData*>(lua_touserdata(L, 1));
+	luaL_unref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, room->GetTickReference());
+	room->SetTickReference(luaL_ref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX));
+	return 0;
+}
+
 static int initialize(lua_State* L) {
 	RoomData* room = static_cast<RoomData*>(lua_touserdata(L, 1));
 
@@ -88,6 +97,8 @@ static const luaL_Reg roomLib[] = {
 	{"GetMonsterMgr",getMonsterMgr},
 	{"GetWaypointMgr",getWaypointMgr},
 
+	{"SetOnTick", setOnTick},
+
 	{"Initialize", initialize},
 	{nullptr, nullptr}
 };
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_data.cpp b/server/rooms/room_data.cpp
index 815f73a..14cf328 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_data.cpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_data.cpp
@@ -21,6 +21,22 @@
 */
 #include "room_data.hpp"
 
+void RoomData::RunFrame() {
+	//get the hook
+	lua_rawgeti(lua, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, tickRef);
+
+	if (lua_isnil(lua, -1)) {
+		lua_pop(lua, 1);
+		return;
+	}
+
+	//call the tick function, with this as a parameter
+	lua_pushlightuserdata(lua, this);
+	if (lua_pcall(lua, 1, 0, 0) != LUA_OK) {
+		throw(std::runtime_error(std::string() + "Lua error: " + lua_tostring(lua, -1) ));
+	}
+}
+
 std::string RoomData::SetName(std::string s) {
 	return roomName = s;
 }
@@ -52,3 +68,33 @@ WaypointManager* RoomData::GetWaypointMgr() {
 std::list<CharacterData*>* RoomData::GetCharacterList() {
 	return &characterList;
 }
+
+lua_State* RoomData::SetLuaState(lua_State* L) {
+	lua = L;
+	pager.SetLuaState(lua);
+	monsterMgr.SetLuaState(lua);
+	waypointMgr.SetLuaState(lua);
+	return lua;
+}
+
+lua_State* RoomData::GetLuaState() {
+	return lua;
+}
+
+sqlite3* RoomData::SetDatabase(sqlite3* db) {
+	database = db;
+	monsterMgr.SetDatabase(database);
+	return database;
+}
+
+sqlite3* RoomData::GetDatabase() {
+	return database;
+}
+
+int RoomData::SetTickReference(int i) {
+	return tickRef = i;
+}
+
+int RoomData::GetTickReference() {
+	return tickRef;
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_data.hpp b/server/rooms/room_data.hpp
index 83720b9..1933e68 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_data.hpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_data.hpp
@@ -37,6 +37,8 @@ public:
 	RoomData() = default;
 	~RoomData() = default;
 
+	void RunFrame();
+
 	//accessors and mutators
 	std::string SetName(std::string);
 	std::string GetName();
@@ -49,19 +51,34 @@ public:
 	WaypointManager* GetWaypointMgr();
 	std::list<CharacterData*>* GetCharacterList();
 
-	//TODO: triggers for unload, save, per-second, player enter, player exit, etc.
+	//API interfaces
+	lua_State* SetLuaState(lua_State* L);
+	lua_State* GetLuaState();
+	sqlite3* SetDatabase(sqlite3* db);
+	sqlite3* GetDatabase();
+
+	//hooks
+	int SetTickReference(int i);
+	int GetTickReference();
+	//TODO: other triggers like player entry & exit, etc.
 
 private:
-	friend class RoomManager;
-
-	//members
+	//metadata
 	std::string roomName;
 	std::string tilesetName;
 
+	//members
 	RegionPagerLua pager;
 	MonsterManager monsterMgr;
 	WaypointManager waypointMgr;
 	std::list<CharacterData*> characterList;
+
+	//API
+	lua_State* lua = nullptr;
+	sqlite3* database = nullptr;
+
+	//hooks
+	int tickRef = LUA_NOREF;
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_manager.cpp b/server/rooms/room_manager.cpp
index 1ba26ca..c974413 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_manager.cpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_manager.cpp
@@ -35,29 +35,79 @@ int RoomManager::Create(std::string roomName, std::string tileset) {
 	newRoom->SetName(roomName);
 	newRoom->SetTileset(tileset);
 
-	newRoom->pager.SetLuaState(lua);
-	newRoom->monsterMgr.SetLuaState(lua);
-	newRoom->monsterMgr.SetDatabase(database);
-	newRoom->waypointMgr.SetLuaState(lua);
+	newRoom->SetLuaState(lua);
+	newRoom->SetDatabase(database);
+
+	//get the hook
+	lua_rawgeti(lua, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, createRef);
+
+	if(!lua_isnil(lua, -1)) {
+		lua_pushlightuserdata(lua, newRoom);
+		lua_pushinteger(lua, counter);
+		//call the function, 2 arg, 0 return
+		if (lua_pcall(lua, 2, 0, 0) != LUA_OK) {
+			throw(std::runtime_error(std::string() + "Lua error: " + lua_tostring(lua, -1) ));
+		}
+	}
 
 	//finish the routine
 	return counter++;
 }
 
 void RoomManager::UnloadAll() {
+	//get the hook
+	lua_rawgeti(lua, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, unloadRef);
+
+	if(!lua_isnil(lua, -1)) {
+		//pass each room to the hook
+		for (auto& it : elementMap) {
+			lua_pushvalue(lua, -1); //copy the hook
+			lua_pushlightuserdata(lua, &it.second);
+			lua_pushinteger(lua, it.first);
+			//call the function, 2 arg, 0 return
+			if (lua_pcall(lua, 2, 0, 0) != LUA_OK) {
+				throw(std::runtime_error(std::string() + "Lua error: " + lua_tostring(lua, -1) ));
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	//pop the hook or nil
+	lua_pop(lua, 1);
+
 	elementMap.clear();
 }
 
 void RoomManager::UnloadIf(std::function<bool(std::pair<const int, RoomData const&>)> fn) {
+	//get the hook
+	lua_rawgeti(lua, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, unloadRef);
+
+	//get the element
 	std::map<int, RoomData>::iterator it = elementMap.begin();
+
+	//jenky pattern
 	while (it != elementMap.end()) {
 		if (fn(*it)) {
+
+			if(!lua_isnil(lua, -1)) {
+				lua_pushvalue(lua, -1); //copy the hook
+				lua_pushlightuserdata(lua, &it->second);
+				lua_pushinteger(lua, it->first);
+
+				//call the function, 2 arg, 0 return
+				if (lua_pcall(lua, 2, 0, 0) != LUA_OK) {
+					throw(std::runtime_error(std::string() + "Lua error: " + lua_tostring(lua, -1) ));
+				}
+			}
+
 			it = elementMap.erase(it);
 		}
 		else {
 			++it;
 		}
 	}
+
+	//pop the hook or nil
+	lua_pop(lua, 1);
 }
 
 void RoomManager::PushCharacter(CharacterData* character) {
@@ -71,7 +121,7 @@ void RoomManager::PushCharacter(CharacterData* character) {
 		throw(std::runtime_error("Failed to push an character to a non-existant room"));
 	}
 
-	room->characterList.push_back(character);
+	room->GetCharacterList()->push_back(character);
 }
 
 void RoomManager::PopCharacter(CharacterData const* character) {
@@ -86,7 +136,7 @@ void RoomManager::PopCharacter(CharacterData const* character) {
 		throw(std::runtime_error("Failed to pop an character to a non-existant room"));
 	}
 
-	room->characterList.remove_if([character](CharacterData* ptr) {
+	room->GetCharacterList()->remove_if([character](CharacterData* ptr) {
 		return character == ptr;
 	});
 }
@@ -119,7 +169,11 @@ std::map<int, RoomData>* RoomManager::GetContainer() {
 }
 
 lua_State* RoomManager::SetLuaState(lua_State* L) {
-	return lua = L;
+	lua = L;
+	for (auto& it : elementMap) {
+		it.second.SetLuaState(lua);
+	}
+	return lua;
 }
 
 lua_State* RoomManager::GetLuaState() {
@@ -127,9 +181,29 @@ lua_State* RoomManager::GetLuaState() {
 }
 
 sqlite3* RoomManager::SetDatabase(sqlite3* db) {
-	return database = db;
+	database = db;
+	for (auto& it : elementMap) {
+		it.second.SetDatabase(database);
+	}
+	return database;
 }
 
 sqlite3* RoomManager::GetDatabase() {
 	return database;
 }
+
+int RoomManager::SetCreateReference(int i) {
+	return createRef = i;
+}
+
+int RoomManager::SetUnloadReference(int i) {
+	return unloadRef = i;
+}
+
+int RoomManager::GetCreateReference() {
+	return createRef;
+}
+
+int RoomManager::GetUnloadReference() {
+	return unloadRef;
+}
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_manager.hpp b/server/rooms/room_manager.hpp
index 6e21382..90e7a49 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_manager.hpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_manager.hpp
@@ -49,12 +49,19 @@ public:
 	int GetLoadedCount();
 	std::map<int, RoomData>* GetContainer();
 
-	//hooks
+	//API interfaces
 	lua_State* SetLuaState(lua_State* L);
 	lua_State* GetLuaState();
 	sqlite3* SetDatabase(sqlite3* db);
 	sqlite3* GetDatabase();
 
+	//hooks
+	int SetCreateReference(int i);
+	int SetUnloadReference(int i);
+
+	int GetCreateReference();
+	int GetUnloadReference();
+
 private:
 	friend Singleton<RoomManager>;
 
@@ -63,9 +70,15 @@ private:
 
 	//members
 	std::map<int, RoomData> elementMap;
+	int counter = 0;
+
+	//API
 	lua_State* lua = nullptr;
 	sqlite3* database = nullptr;
-	int counter = 0;
+
+	//hooks
+	int createRef = LUA_NOREF;
+	int unloadRef = LUA_NOREF;
 };
 
 #endif
diff --git a/server/rooms/room_manager_api.cpp b/server/rooms/room_manager_api.cpp
index 1d4ba15..c0e88a6 100644
--- a/server/rooms/room_manager_api.cpp
+++ b/server/rooms/room_manager_api.cpp
@@ -96,10 +96,26 @@ int getRoom(lua_State* L) {
 	return 1;
 }
 
+static int setOnCreate(lua_State* L) {
+	RoomManager& roomMgr = RoomManager::GetSingleton();
+	luaL_unref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, roomMgr.GetCreateReference());
+	roomMgr.SetCreateReference(luaL_ref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX));
+	return 0;
+}
+
+static int setOnUnload(lua_State* L) {
+	RoomManager& roomMgr = RoomManager::GetSingleton();
+	luaL_unref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX, roomMgr.GetUnloadReference());
+	roomMgr.SetUnloadReference(luaL_ref(L, LUA_REGISTRYINDEX));
+	return 0;
+}
+
 static const luaL_Reg roomManagerLib[] = {
 	{"CreateRoom", createRoom},
 	{"UnloadRoom", unloadRoom},
 	{"GetRoom", getRoom},
+	{"SetOnCreate", setOnCreate},
+	{"SetOnUnload", setOnUnload},
 	{nullptr, nullptr}
 };
 
diff --git a/server/server_logic.cpp b/server/server_logic.cpp
index 78d5114..32bb812 100644
--- a/server/server_logic.cpp
+++ b/server/server_logic.cpp
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <chrono>
 #include <iostream>
+#include <list>
 #include <sstream>
 #include <string>
 
@@ -161,9 +162,16 @@ void ServerApplication::Init(int argc, char* argv[]) {
 }
 
 void ServerApplication::Proc() {
+	//network buffer
 	SerialPacket* packetBuffer = reinterpret_cast<SerialPacket*>(new char[MAX_PACKET_SIZE]);
 	memset(packetBuffer, 0, MAX_PACKET_SIZE); //zero the buffer
 
+	//time system
+	typedef std::chrono::steady_clock Clock;
+
+	Clock::time_point simTime = Clock::now();
+	Clock::time_point realTime;
+
 	while(running) {
 		//suck in the waiting packets & process them
 		while(network.Receive(packetBuffer)) {
@@ -173,20 +181,33 @@ void ServerApplication::Proc() {
 			catch(std::exception& e) {
 				std::cerr << "HandlePacket Error: " << e.what() << std::endl;
 			}
-			memset(packetBuffer, 0, MAX_PACKET_SIZE); //reset the buffer
-		}
-		//update the internals
-		//...
-
-		//Check connections
-		int disconnected = clientMgr.CheckConnections();
-		if (disconnected != -1) {
-			FullClientUnload(disconnected);
-			std::cerr << "Client dropped: " << disconnected << std::endl;
+			//reset the buffer
+			memset(packetBuffer, 0, MAX_PACKET_SIZE);
 		}
 
-		//give the machine a break
-		SDL_Delay(10);
+		//Check client connections
+		std::list<int> disconnections = clientMgr.CheckConnections();
+		for(auto const& it : disconnections) {
+			FullClientUnload(it);
+			std::cerr << "Client dropped: " << it << std::endl;
+		}
+
+		//"tick" the internals
+		realTime = Clock::now();
+
+		if (simTime < realTime) {
+			while(simTime < realTime) {
+				for (auto& it : *roomMgr.GetContainer()) {
+					it.second.RunFrame();
+				}
+				//~60 FPS
+				simTime += std::chrono::duration<int, std::milli>(16);
+			}
+		}
+		else {
+			//give the machine a break
+			SDL_Delay(10);
+		}
 	}
 	delete reinterpret_cast<char*>(packetBuffer);
 }
diff --git a/todo.txt b/todo.txt
index eca1dfc..7f22396 100644
--- a/todo.txt
+++ b/todo.txt
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+TODO: upgrade to lua 5.3
+TODO: Split config.cfg in two, one for the server and the client
+
 TODO: In need of script APIs (list)
 	* Characters
 
@@ -9,7 +12,6 @@ TODO: Account passwords (list)
 
 TODO: Features
 	* Make sure login errors are sent to the client
-	* Split config.cfg in two, one for the server and the client
 	* Add the "home" parameter to the server's config file
 	* Waypoints, with positions and trigger zones (collision areas) for doors, monster spawns, etc.
 	* Fix shoddy movement