deployment updates

2026-01-13 00:58:34 +00:00 · 2025-10-19 03:39:51 -04:00
parent 3426acae6d
commit b62a55c47b
12 changed files with 777 additions and 185 deletions
--- a/.env.template
+++ b/.env.template
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE=64M
 DB_AUTH_NAME=acore_auth
 DB_WORLD_NAME=acore_world
 DB_CHARACTERS_NAME=acore_characters
+DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME=acore_playerbots

 # DB import image
 AC_DB_IMPORT_IMAGE=acore/ac-wotlk-db-import:14.0.0-dev
@@ -130,6 +131,7 @@ MODULE_BLACK_MARKET_AUCTION_HOUSE=0
 # Rebuild automation
 # =====================
 AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY=0
+# Default AzerothCore source checkout used for module rebuilds
 MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH=./source/azerothcore

 # =====================
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,148 +1,400 @@
-# ac-compose Deployment Guide
+# AzerothCore Docker/Compose Stack

-This guide walks through the end-to-end deployment workflow for the `ac-compose` stack. It focuses on the supported automation scripts, the order in which to run them, the default services/ports that come online, and the optional manual steps you may need when enabling additional modules.
+A complete containerized deployment of AzerothCore WoW 3.3.5a (Wrath of the Lich King) private server with enhanced modules, automated management, and production-ready features.

+## 🚀 Quick Start

-## 1. Prerequisites
+### Prerequisites
+- **Docker** and **Docker Compose v2** installed
+- **4GB+ RAM** and **20GB+ storage**
+- **Linux/macOS/WSL2** (Windows with WSL2 recommended)

-Before you begin:
+### ⚡ Automated Setup (Recommended)

- **Docker** and **Docker Compose v2** installed on the host.
- A POSIX-compatible shell (the provided scripts target Bash).
- Sufficient disk space for game assets, module clones, and source builds ( ≈ 20 GB recommended).
- Network access to GitHub (or a local mirror) for cloning AzerothCore source and modules.
-
-> Tip: If you use a distinct user/group mapping (e.g., NFS-backed storage) the setup wizard will let you pick non-root UIDs/GIDs.
-
-
-## 2. Generate `.env` via `setup.sh`
-
-All environment configuration lives in `ac-compose/.env`. Generate or refresh it by running:
+**1. Get the Code**
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/uprightbass360/acore-compose.git
+cd acore-compose
+```

+**2. Run Interactive Setup**
 ```bash
 ./setup.sh
 ```

-The wizard will ask you to confirm:
-
-1. **Deployment type** (local, LAN, or public) – sets bind address and default ports.
-2. **Filesystem ownership** for container volumes.
-3. **Exterior ports** for Auth (default 3784), World (8215), SOAP (7778), and MySQL (64306).
-4. **Storage path** (default `./storage`) and backup retention.
-5. **Module preset**. The wizard defaults to a safe set (Solo LFG, Solocraft, Autobalance, Transmog, NPC Buffer, Learn Spells, Fireworks). Manual mode lets you toggle more modules, while warning you about unsafe or incompatible ones.
-
-### Module notes from the wizard
-
- **AHBot** – remains disabled until the upstream module exports `Addmod_ahbotScripts()` (linker failure otherwise).
- **Quest Count Level** – disabled: relies on deprecated ConfigMgr calls and fails to compile.
- **Eluna** – bundled with AzerothCore by default. To disable the runtime later, edit the `AC_ELUNA_ENABLED` flag under “Eluna runtime” in `.env`.
- Other disabled modules (Individual Progression, Breaking News, TimeIsTime, Pocket Portal, Random Enchants, NPC Beastmaster/Enchanter, Instance Reset, etc.) require additional SQL, DBC, or in-game configuration. Inline comments in `.env` describe these requirements.
-
-When the wizard completes, it writes the fully populated `.env`. Re-run `./setup.sh` anytime you want to regenerate the file; make backups first if you have custom edits.
-
-
-## 3. (Optional) Clone AzerothCore Source
-
-Certain modules require recompiling the AzerothCore core. If you plan to enable any of them, clone/update the source repository first:
-
+**3. Deploy Your Realm**
 ```bash
-./scripts/setup-source.sh
+./deploy.sh
 ```

-This script:
+**4. Create Admin Account**

- Reads `MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH` (default `./source/azerothcore`).
- Clones or updates the repository (uses the Playerbot fork if `MODULE_PLAYERBOTS=1`).
- Ensures the desired branch is checked out.
-
-You can rerun it whenever you need to pull upstream updates.
-
-
-## 4. Deploy with `deploy.sh`
-
-Use `deploy.sh` to perform a full module-aware deployment. Example:
+Once the worldserver is running:

 ```bash
-./deploy.sh --profile modules
+# Attach to worldserver console
+docker attach ac-worldserver
+
+# In the worldserver console, create admin account:
+account create admin yourpassword
+account set gmlevel admin 3 -1
+server info
+
+# Detach from console without stopping: Ctrl+P, Ctrl+Q
 ```

-What the script does:
+**5. Configure Game Client**

-1. Stops any running stack (unless `--keep-running` is supplied) to avoid container-name conflicts.
-2. Runs the modules manager (`docker compose --profile db --profile modules up ac-modules`) to clone missing modules, apply configuration, and execute module SQL.
-3. Rebuilds AzerothCore from source if any C++ modules are enabled. The helper also tags the freshly-built images as `acore/ac-wotlk-{worldserver,authserver}:modules-latest` for subsequent compose runs.
-4. Stages the runtime profile by invoking `./scripts/stage-modules.sh --yes`.
-5. Tails the `ac-worldserver` logs by default (omit with `--no-watch`).
+**Client Connection Instructions**:

-Useful flags:
-
- `--profile {standard|playerbots|modules}` – force a specific services profile instead of auto-detecting by module toggles.
- `--skip-rebuild` – skip the source rebuild even if modules demand it (not recommended unless you are certain rebuilt images already exist).
- `--keep-running` – do not stop existing containers before syncing modules (use sparingly; stale `ac-db-import` containers can block the rebuild stage).
- `--no-watch` – exit after staging without tailing worldserver logs.
-
-All Docker Compose commands run with the project name derived from `COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME` in `.env` (default `ac-compose`).
-
-
-### If you prefer a health check after deployment
-
-Run:
+1. **Locate your WoW 3.3.5a client directory**
+2. **Edit `realmlist.wtf` file** (in your WoW client folder):
+   ```
+   set realmlist SERVER_ADDRESS
+   ```

+**Examples based on your server configuration**:
 ```bash
-./verify-deployment.sh --skip-deploy --quick
+# Local development
+set realmlist 127.0.0.1
+
+# LAN server
+set realmlist 192.168.1.100
+
+# Public server with custom port
+set realmlist your-domain.com 8215
+# or for IP with custom port
+set realmlist 203.0.113.100 8215
 ```

-This script inspects container health states and key ports without altering the running stack.
+**6. Access Your Realm**
+- **Game Server**: `your-server-ip:8215` (or port you configured)
+- **Database Admin**: http://localhost:8081 (phpMyAdmin)
+- **Game Content Editor**: http://localhost:4201 (Keira3)

-
-## 5. Service Inventory & Default Ports
-
-| Service / Container        | Role                                | Ports (host → container) | Profile(s)                 |
-|----------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------------|
-| `ac-mysql`                 | MySQL 8.0 database                  | `64306 → 3306`           | `db`                       |
-| `ac-db-import`             | One-shot DB import/update           | –                        | `db`                       |
-| `ac-db-init`               | Schema bootstrap helper             | –                        | `db`                       |
-| `ac-authserver`            | Auth server (no modules)            | `3784 → 3724`            | `services-standard`        |
-| `ac-worldserver`           | World server (no modules)           | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` (SOAP) | `services-standard`        |
-| `ac-authserver-modules`    | Auth server w/ custom build         | `3784 → 3724`            | `services-modules`         |
-| `ac-worldserver-modules`   | World server w/ custom build        | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` | `services-modules`       |
-| `ac-authserver-playerbots` | Playerbots auth image               | `3784 → 3724`            | `services-playerbots`      |
-| `ac-worldserver-playerbots`| Playerbots world image              | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` | `services-playerbots`   |
-| `ac-client-data-standard`  | Client-data fetcher                 | –                        | `client-data`              |
-| `ac-modules`               | Module management / SQL executor    | –                        | `modules`                  |
-| `ac-phpmyadmin`            | phpMyAdmin UI                       | `8081 → 80`              | `tools`                    |
-| `ac-keira3`                | Keira3 world editor                 | `4201 → 8080`            | `tools`                    |
-
-Additional services (e.g., backups, monitoring) can be enabled by editing `.env` and the compose file as needed.
-
-
-## 6. Manual Tasks & Advanced Options
-
- **Disabling Eluna**: Eluna’s runtime flags live near the end of `.env`. Set `AC_ELUNA_ENABLED=0` if you do not want Lua scripting loaded.
- **Enabling experimental modules**: Edit `.env` toggles. Review the inline comments carefully—some modules require additional SQL, DBC patches, or configuration files before they work safely.
- **Custom `.env` variants**: You can create `.env.custom` files and run `docker compose --env-file` if you maintain multiple environments. The setup wizard always writes `./.env`.
- **Manual source rebuild**: If you prefer to rebuild without staging services, run `./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh --yes`. The script now stops and cleans up its own compose project to avoid lingering containers.
- **Health check**: `verify-deployment.sh` can also be run without `--skip-deploy` to bring up a stack and verify container states using the default profiles.
-
-
-## 7. Clean-Up & Re-running
-
- To tear down everything: `docker compose --profile db --profile services-standard --profile services-playerbots --profile services-modules --profile client-data --profile modules --profile tools down`.
- To force the module manager to re-run (e.g., after toggling modules in `.env`): `docker compose --profile db --profile modules up --build ac-modules`.
- Storage (logs, configs, client data) lives under `./storage` by default; remove directories carefully if you need a clean slate.
-
-
-## 8. Further Reading
-
-For a full description of individual modules, sample workflows, or deeper dive into AzerothCore internals, consult the original **V1 README** and linked documentation inside the `V1/` directory. Those docs provide module-specific CMake and SQL references you can adapt if you decide to maintain custom forks.
+✅ **That's it!** Your realm is ready with all enabled modules installed and configured.

 ---

-You now have a repeatable, script-driven deployment process:
+## 📋 What Gets Installed Automatically

-1. Configure once with `setup.sh`.
-2. (Optional) Pull upstream source via `scripts/setup-source.sh`.
-3. Deploy and stage via `deploy.sh`.
-4. Verify with `verify-deployment.sh` or directly inspect `docker compose ps`.
+### ✅ Core Server Components
+- **AzerothCore 3.3.5a** - WotLK server application
+- **MySQL 8.0** - Database with intelligent initialization and restoration
+- **Smart Module System** - Automated module management and source builds
+- **phpMyAdmin** - Web-based database administration
+- **Keira3** - Game content editor and developer tools

-Happy adventuring!
+### ✅ Available Enhanced Modules
+
+All modules are automatically downloaded, configured, and SQL scripts executed when enabled:
+
+| Module | Description | Default Status |
+|--------|-------------|----------------|
+| **mod-solo-lfg** | Solo dungeon finder access | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-solocraft** | Dynamic instance scaling for solo play | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-autobalance** | Automatic raid/dungeon balancing | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-transmog** | Appearance customization system | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-npc-buffer** | NPC buffing services | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-learn-spells** | Automatic spell learning | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-fireworks** | Level-up celebrations | ✅ ENABLED |
+| **mod-playerbots** | AI companions for solo play | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-aoe-loot** | Streamlined loot collection | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-individual-progression** | Personal advancement system | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-ahbot** | Auction house bot | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-dynamic-xp** | Dynamic experience rates | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-1v1-arena** | Solo arena battles | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-phased-duels** | Phased dueling system | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-breaking-news** | Server announcement system | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-boss-announcer** | Boss kill announcements | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-account-achievements** | Account-wide achievements | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-auto-revive** | Automatic resurrection | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-gain-honor-guard** | Honor from guard kills | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-time-is-time** | Time manipulation | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-pocket-portal** | Portal convenience | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-random-enchants** | Random item enchantments | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-pvp-titles** | PvP title system | 🔧 OPTIONAL |
+| **mod-npc-beastmaster** | Pet management NPC | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-npc-enchanter** | Enchanting services NPC | ❌ DISABLED* |
+| **mod-instance-reset** | Instance reset controls | ❌ DISABLED* |
+
+*\* Disabled modules require additional configuration or have compatibility issues*
+
+### ✅ Automated Configuration
+- **Intelligent Database Setup** - Smart backup detection, restoration, and conditional schema import
+- **Module Integration** - Automatic source builds when C++ modules are enabled
+- **Realmlist Configuration** - Server address and port setup
+- **Service Orchestration** - Profile-based deployment (standard/playerbots/modules)
+- **Health Monitoring** - Container health checks and restart policies
+
+---
+
+## 🏗️ Architecture Overview
+
+### Container Profiles
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│               Tools Profile             │
+│  ┌─────────────┐  ┌─────────────┐      │
+│  │ phpMyAdmin  │  │   Keira3    │      │
+│  │   :8081     │  │   :4201     │      │
+│  └─────────────┘  └─────────────┘      │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│            Services Profiles            │
+│  Standard | Playerbots | Modules        │
+│  ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
+│  │   Auth   │ │  World   │ │  Client  │ │
+│  │  :3784   │ │  :8215   │ │   Data   │ │
+│  └──────────┘ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│          Database & Modules             │
+│  ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
+│  │  MySQL   │ │  Module  │ │ DB-Init  │ │
+│  │  :64306  │ │ Manager  │ │  & Imp.  │ │
+│  └──────────┘ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+### Service Inventory & Ports
+
+| Service / Container | Role | Ports (host → container) | Profile |
+|---------------------|------|--------------------------|---------|
+| `ac-mysql` | MySQL 8.0 database | `64306 → 3306` | `db` |
+| `ac-authserver` | Auth server (standard) | `3784 → 3724` | `services-standard` |
+| `ac-worldserver` | World server (standard) | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` | `services-standard` |
+| `ac-authserver-playerbots` | Playerbots auth | `3784 → 3724` | `services-playerbots` |
+| `ac-worldserver-playerbots` | Playerbots world | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` | `services-playerbots` |
+| `ac-authserver-modules` | Custom build auth | `3784 → 3724` | `services-modules` |
+| `ac-worldserver-modules` | Custom build world | `8215 → 8085`, `7778 → 7878` | `services-modules` |
+| `ac-client-data` | Client data fetcher | – | `client-data` |
+| `ac-modules` | Module manager | – | `modules` |
+| `ac-phpmyadmin` | Database admin UI | `8081 → 80` | `tools` |
+| `ac-keira3` | Game content editor | `4201 → 8080` | `tools` |
+
+### Storage Structure
+```
+storage/
+├── config/           # Server configuration files
+├── data/             # Game client data (maps, DBC files)
+├── logs/             # Server log files
+├── modules/          # Module source code and configs
+├── mysql-data/       # Database files
+└── backups/          # Automated database backups
+```
+
+---
+
+## 🛠️ Management Commands
+
+### Health Monitoring
+```bash
+# Check realm status
+./status.sh
+
+# Watch services continuously
+./status.sh --watch
+
+# View service logs
+docker logs ac-worldserver -f
+docker logs ac-authserver -f
+
+# Check module management
+docker logs ac-modules --tail 50
+```
+
+### Module Management
+```bash
+# Reconfigure modules via interactive setup
+./setup.sh
+
+# Deploy with specific profile
+./deploy.sh --profile standard      # Standard AzerothCore
+./deploy.sh --profile playerbots    # Playerbots branch
+./deploy.sh --profile modules       # Custom modules build
+
+# Force source rebuild
+./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh --yes
+
+# Stage services without full deployment
+./scripts/stage-modules.sh
+
+# Launch management tooling (phpMyAdmin + Keira3)
+./scripts/deploy-tools.sh
+```
+
+### Database Operations
+```bash
+# Access database via phpMyAdmin
+open http://localhost:8081
+
+# Direct MySQL access
+docker exec -it ac-mysql mysql -u root -p
+
+# View available backups
+ls -la storage/backups/
+```
+
+### Deployment Verification
+```bash
+# Quick health check
+./verify-deployment.sh --skip-deploy --quick
+
+# Full deployment verification
+./verify-deployment.sh
+```
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Advanced Configuration
+
+### Module-Specific Requirements
+
+Some modules require additional manual configuration after deployment:
+
+#### mod-playerbots
+- Requires playerbots-specific AzerothCore branch
+- Automatically handled when `MODULE_PLAYERBOTS=1` is set in setup
+
+#### mod-individual-progression
+- **Client patches required**: `patch-V.mpq` (found in module storage)
+- **Server config**: Add `EnablePlayerSettings = 1` and `DBC.EnforceItemAttributes = 0` to worldserver.conf
+
+#### mod-transmog / mod-npc-* modules
+- **NPC spawning required**: Use GM commands to spawn service NPCs
+- Example: `.npc add 190010` for transmog NPC
+
+### Profile Selection
+
+The deployment system automatically selects profiles based on enabled modules:
+
+- **services-standard**: No special modules enabled
+- **services-playerbots**: `MODULE_PLAYERBOTS=1` enabled
+- **services-modules**: Any C++ modules enabled (requires source rebuild)
+
+### Custom Builds
+
+When C++ modules are enabled, the system automatically:
+1. Clones/updates AzerothCore source
+2. Syncs enabled modules into source tree
+3. Rebuilds server images with modules compiled in
+4. Tags custom images for deployment
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues
+
+**Containers failing to start**
+```bash
+# Check container logs
+docker logs <container_name>
+
+# Verify network connectivity
+docker network ls | grep azerothcore
+
+# Check port conflicts
+ss -tulpn | grep -E "(3784|8215|8081|4201)"
+```
+
+**Module not working**
+```bash
+# Check if module is enabled in environment
+grep MODULE_NAME .env
+
+# Verify module installation
+ls storage/modules/
+
+# Check module-specific configuration
+ls storage/config/mod_*.conf*
+```
+
+**Database connection issues**
+```bash
+# Verify MySQL is running and responsive
+docker exec ac-mysql mysql -u root -p -e "SELECT 1;"
+
+# Check database initialization
+docker logs ac-db-init
+docker logs ac-db-import
+```
+
+**Source rebuild issues**
+```bash
+# Check rebuild logs
+docker logs ac-modules | grep -A20 -B5 "rebuild"
+
+# Verify source path exists
+ls -la ./source/azerothcore/
+
+# Force source setup
+./scripts/setup-source.sh
+```
+
+### Getting Help
+
+1. **Check service status**: `./status.sh --watch`
+2. **Review logs**: `docker logs <service-name> -f`
+3. **Verify configuration**: Check `.env` file for proper module toggles
+4. **Clean deployment**: Stop all services and redeploy with `./deploy.sh`
+
+---
+
+## 📚 Advanced Deployment Options
+
+### Custom Environment Configuration
+```bash
+# Generate environment with custom settings
+./setup.sh
+
+# Deploy with specific options
+./deploy.sh --profile modules --no-watch --keep-running
+```
+
+### Source Management
+```bash
+# Setup/update AzerothCore source
+./scripts/setup-source.sh
+
+# Rebuild with modules (manual)
+./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh --yes --source ./custom/path
+```
+
+### Cleanup Operations
+```bash
+# Stop all services
+docker compose --profile db --profile services-standard \
+  --profile services-playerbots --profile services-modules \
+  --profile client-data --profile modules --profile tools down
+
+# Clean rebuild (modules changed)
+rm -f storage/modules/.requires_rebuild
+./deploy.sh --profile modules
+```
+
+---
+
+## 🎯 Next Steps After Installation
+
+1. **Test Client Connection** - Connect with WoW 3.3.5a client using configured realmlist
+2. **Create Characters** - Test account creation and character creation
+3. **Verify Modules** - Test enabled module functionality in-game
+4. **Configure Optional Features** - Enable additional modules as needed
+5. **Set Up Backups** - Configure automated backup retention policies
+
+---
+
+## 📄 Project Credits
+
+This project builds upon:
+- **[AzerothCore](https://github.com/azerothcore/azerothcore-wotlk)** - Core server application
+- **[AzerothCore Module Community](https://github.com/azerothcore)** - Enhanced gameplay modules
+
+### Key Features
+- ✅ **Fully Automated Setup** - Interactive configuration and deployment
+- ✅ **Intelligent Module System** - Automatic source builds and profile selection
+- ✅ **Production Ready** - Health checks, backups, monitoring
+- ✅ **Cross-Platform** - Docker and Podman support
+- ✅ **Comprehensive Documentation** - Clear setup and troubleshooting guides
--- a/cleanup.sh
+++ b/cleanup.sh
@@ -101,6 +101,20 @@ if [ -f "$ENV_FILE" ]; then
  set -a; source "$ENV_FILE"; set +a
 fi
 STORAGE_PATH="${STORAGE_PATH:-$STORAGE_PATH_DEFAULT}"
+PROJECT_NAME="${COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME:-ac-compose}"
+
+remove_storage_dir(){
+  local path="$1"
+  if [ -d "$path" ]; then
+    rm -rf "$path" 2>/dev/null || sudo rm -rf "$path" 2>/dev/null || true
+  fi
+}
+
+remove_project_volumes(){
+  docker volume ls --format '{{.Name}}' \
+    | grep -E "^${PROJECT_NAME}|^azerothcore" \
+    | xargs -r docker volume rm >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
+}

 soft_cleanup() {
  print_status HEADER "SOFT CLEANUP - Stop runtime stack"
@@ -133,6 +147,7 @@ hard_cleanup() {
    --profile db
  )
  execute_command "Removing containers and networks" docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "${profiles[@]}" down --remove-orphans
+  execute_command "Remove project volumes" remove_project_volumes
  # Remove straggler containers matching project name (defensive)
  execute_command "Remove stray project containers" "docker ps -a --format '{{.Names}}' | grep -E '^ac-' | xargs -r docker rm -f"
  # Remove project network if present and not automatically removed
@@ -159,6 +174,7 @@ nuclear_cleanup() {
    --profile db
  )
  execute_command "Removing containers, networks and volumes" docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "${profiles[@]}" down --volumes --remove-orphans
+  execute_command "Remove leftover volumes" remove_project_volumes

  # Remove project images (server/tool images typical to this project)
  execute_command "Remove acore images" "docker images --format '{{.Repository}}:{{.Tag}}' | grep -E '^acore/' | xargs -r docker rmi"
@@ -170,15 +186,15 @@ nuclear_cleanup() {
    print_status INFO "Preserving backups under ${STORAGE_PATH}/backups"
    TMP_PRESERVE="${PROJECT_DIR}/.preserve-backups"
    if [ -d "${STORAGE_PATH}/backups" ]; then
-      execute_command "Staging backups" "mkdir -p '${TMP_PRESERVE}' && cp -r '${STORAGE_PATH}/backups' '${TMP_PRESERVE}/'"
+      execute_command "Staging backups" "mkdir -p '${TMP_PRESERVE}' && cp -a '${STORAGE_PATH}/backups' '${TMP_PRESERVE}/'"
    fi
-    execute_command "Removing storage" "rm -rf '${STORAGE_PATH}' 2>/dev/null || true"
+    execute_command "Removing storage" "remove_storage_dir '${STORAGE_PATH}'"
    if [ -d "${TMP_PRESERVE}/backups" ]; then
      execute_command "Restoring backups" "mkdir -p '${STORAGE_PATH}' && mv '${TMP_PRESERVE}/backups' '${STORAGE_PATH}/backups' && rm -rf '${TMP_PRESERVE}'"
      print_status SUCCESS "Backups preserved at ${STORAGE_PATH}/backups"
    fi
  else
-    execute_command "Removing storage and local backups" "rm -rf '${STORAGE_PATH}' '${PROJECT_DIR}/backups' 2>/dev/null || true"
+    execute_command "Removing storage and local backups" "remove_storage_dir '${STORAGE_PATH}'; remove_storage_dir '${PROJECT_DIR}/backups'"
  fi

  # Optional system prune for project context
--- a/compose.yml
+++ b/compose.yml
@@ -558,6 +558,9 @@ services:
      - DB_AUTH_NAME=${DB_AUTH_NAME:-acore_auth}
      - DB_WORLD_NAME=${DB_WORLD_NAME:-acore_world}
      - DB_CHARACTERS_NAME=${DB_CHARACTERS_NAME:-acore_characters}
+      - DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME=${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME:-acore_playerbots}
+      - MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET=${MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET:-utf8mb4}
+      - MYSQL_COLLATION=${MYSQL_COLLATION:-utf8mb4_unicode_ci}
      - CONTAINER_USER=${CONTAINER_USER:-0:0}
    entrypoint: ["/bin/sh"]
    command:
@@ -587,6 +590,9 @@ services:
      DB_AUTH_NAME: ${DB_AUTH_NAME:-acore_auth}
      DB_WORLD_NAME: ${DB_WORLD_NAME:-acore_world}
      DB_CHARACTERS_NAME: ${DB_CHARACTERS_NAME:-acore_characters}
+      DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME: ${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME:-acore_playerbots}
+      MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET: ${MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET:-utf8mb4}
+      MYSQL_COLLATION: ${MYSQL_COLLATION:-utf8mb4_unicode_ci}
      STORAGE_PATH: ${STORAGE_PATH:-./storage}
      SERVER_ADDRESS: ${SERVER_ADDRESS:-127.0.0.1}
      REALM_PORT: ${REALM_PORT:-8215}
--- a/deploy.sh
+++ b/deploy.sh
@@ -22,6 +22,23 @@ ok(){ echo -e "${GREEN}✅ $*${NC}"; }
 warn(){ echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠️  $*${NC}"; }
 err(){ echo -e "${RED}❌ $*${NC}"; }

+show_deployment_header(){
+  echo -e "\n${BLUE}    ⚔️  AZEROTHCORE REALM DEPLOYMENT  ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}    ════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}         🏰 Bringing Your Realm Online 🏰${NC}\n"
+}
+
+show_step(){
+  local step="$1" total="$2" message="$3"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Step ${step}/${total}: ${message}...${NC}"
+}
+
+show_realm_ready(){
+  echo -e "\n${GREEN}⚔️ The realm has been forged! ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🏰 Adventurers may now enter your world${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🗡️ May your server bring epic adventures!${NC}\n"
+}
+
 usage(){
  cat <<EOF
 Usage: $(basename "$0") [options]
@@ -134,6 +151,10 @@ modules_need_rebuild(){
 rebuild_source(){
  local src_dir="$1"
  local compose_file="$src_dir/docker-compose.yml"
+  if [ ! -f "$compose_file" ]; then
+    warn "Source docker-compose.yml missing at $compose_file; running setup-source.sh"
+    (cd "$ROOT_DIR" && ./scripts/setup-source.sh)
+  fi
  if [ ! -f "$compose_file" ]; then
    err "Source docker-compose.yml missing at $compose_file"
    return 1
@@ -187,19 +208,25 @@ tail_world_logs(){
 }

 main(){
+  show_deployment_header
+
  local src_dir
+  show_step 1 5 "Setting up source repository"
  src_dir="$(ensure_source_repo)"

  if [ "$KEEP_RUNNING" -ne 1 ]; then
+    show_step 2 5 "Stopping runtime stack"
    stop_runtime_stack
  fi

+  show_step 3 5 "Syncing modules"
  sync_modules

  if modules_need_rebuild; then
    if [ "$SKIP_REBUILD" -eq 1 ]; then
      warn "Modules require rebuild, but --skip-rebuild was provided."
    else
+      show_step 4 5 "Building realm with modules (this may take 15-45 minutes)"
      rebuild_source "$src_dir"
      tag_module_images
    fi
@@ -208,12 +235,16 @@ main(){
    tag_module_images
  fi

+  show_step 5 5 "Bringing your realm online"
  stage_runtime

+  show_realm_ready
+
  if [ "$WATCH_LOGS" -eq 1 ]; then
+    info "Watching your realm come to life (Ctrl+C to stop watching)"
    tail_world_logs
  else
-    ok "Deployment completed. Logs not tailed (--no-watch)."
+    ok "Realm deployment completed. Use './status.sh' to monitor your realm."
  fi
 }

--- a/scripts/auto-post-install.sh
+++ b/scripts/auto-post-install.sh
@@ -2,12 +2,44 @@
 # ac-compose
 set -e

-echo "🚀 AzerothCore Auto Post-Install Configuration"
-echo "=============================================="
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'; BLUE='\033[0;34m'; NC='\033[0m'
+
+show_post_install_header(){
+  echo -e "\n${BLUE}    ⚔️  REALM POST-INSTALL CONFIGURATION  ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}    ══════════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}         🏯 Blessing Your Realm with Final Touches 🏯${NC}\n"
+}
+
+show_post_install_header

 # Install required packages
 apk add --no-cache curl mysql-client bash docker-cli-compose jq || apk add --no-cache curl mysql-client bash jq

+ensure_playerbots_db(){
+  local db_name="${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME:-acore_playerbots}"
+  local charset="${MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET:-utf8mb4}"
+  local collation="${MYSQL_COLLATION:-utf8mb4_unicode_ci}"
+  echo "🔐 Ensuring playerbots database '${db_name}' exists..."
+  if mysql -h "${MYSQL_HOST}" -u"${MYSQL_USER}" -p"${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD}" --skip-ssl-verify -e "CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS \`${db_name}\` CHARACTER SET ${charset} COLLATE ${collation};" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo "✅ Playerbots database ready"
+  else
+    echo "⚠️  Failed to guarantee playerbots database"
+  fi
+}
+
+update_playerbots_conf(){
+  local target="$1"
+  if [ ! -f "$target" ]; then
+    return 0
+  fi
+  if sed -i "s|^PlayerbotsDatabaseInfo *=.*|PlayerbotsDatabaseInfo = \"${MYSQL_HOST};${MYSQL_PORT};${MYSQL_USER};${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD};${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME}\"|" "$target"; then
+    echo "   🔁 Updated $(basename "$target")"
+  else
+    echo "   ⚠️  Could not update $(basename "$target")"
+  fi
+  return 0
+}
+
 # Create install markers directory
 mkdir -p /install-markers

@@ -31,6 +63,7 @@ else
  for i in $(seq 1 120); do
    if mysql -h "${MYSQL_HOST}" -u"${MYSQL_USER}" -p"${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD}" --skip-ssl-verify -e "SELECT 1;" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
      echo "✅ MySQL is ready"
+      ensure_playerbots_db
      break
    fi
    echo "   ⏳ Attempt $i/120..."
@@ -62,6 +95,10 @@ else
  sed -i "s|^LoginDatabaseInfo *=.*|LoginDatabaseInfo = \"${MYSQL_HOST};${MYSQL_PORT};${MYSQL_USER};${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD};${DB_AUTH_NAME}\"|" /azerothcore/config/worldserver.conf || true
  sed -i "s|^WorldDatabaseInfo *=.*|WorldDatabaseInfo = \"${MYSQL_HOST};${MYSQL_PORT};${MYSQL_USER};${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD};${DB_WORLD_NAME}\"|" /azerothcore/config/worldserver.conf || true
  sed -i "s|^CharacterDatabaseInfo *=.*|CharacterDatabaseInfo = \"${MYSQL_HOST};${MYSQL_PORT};${MYSQL_USER};${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD};${DB_CHARACTERS_NAME}\"|" /azerothcore/config/worldserver.conf || true
+  update_playerbots_conf /azerothcore/config/playerbots.conf
+  update_playerbots_conf /azerothcore/config/playerbots.conf.dist
+  update_playerbots_conf /azerothcore/config/modules/playerbots.conf
+  update_playerbots_conf /azerothcore/config/modules/playerbots.conf.dist

  echo "✅ Configuration files updated"

@@ -84,7 +121,9 @@ else
  echo "REALMLIST_UPDATED=true" >> /install-markers/post-install-completed

  echo ""
-  echo "🎉 Auto post-install configuration completed successfully!"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}⚔️ Your realm has been blessed and configured! ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🏰 All post-installation rituals completed${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🗡️ Your realm awaits brave adventurers!${NC}"
  echo ""
  tail -f /dev/null
 fi
--- a/scripts/deploy-tools.sh
+++ b/scripts/deploy-tools.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+# ac-compose helper to deploy phpMyAdmin and Keira3 tooling.
+
+set -euo pipefail
+
+ROOT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)/.."
+COMPOSE_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/compose.yml"
+ENV_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/.env"
+
+BLUE='\033[0;34m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+info(){ echo -e "${BLUE}ℹ️  $*${NC}"; }
+ok(){ echo -e "${GREEN}✅ $*${NC}"; }
+warn(){ echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠️  $*${NC}"; }
+err(){ echo -e "${RED}❌ $*${NC}"; }
+
+read_env(){
+  local key="$1" default="${2:-}" value=""
+  if [ -f "$ENV_FILE" ]; then
+    value="$(grep -E "^${key}=" "$ENV_FILE" 2>/dev/null | tail -n1 | cut -d'=' -f2- | tr -d '\r')"
+  fi
+  if [ -z "$value" ]; then
+    value="$default"
+  fi
+  echo "$value"
+}
+
+resolve_project_name(){
+  local raw_name sanitized
+  raw_name="$(read_env COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME "acore-compose")"
+  sanitized="$(echo "$raw_name" | tr '[:upper:]' '[:lower:]')"
+  sanitized="${sanitized// /-}"
+  sanitized="$(echo "$sanitized" | tr -cd 'a-z0-9_-')"
+  if [[ -z "$sanitized" ]]; then
+    sanitized="acore-compose"
+  elif [[ ! "$sanitized" =~ ^[a-z0-9] ]]; then
+    sanitized="ac${sanitized}"
+  fi
+  echo "$sanitized"
+}
+
+compose(){
+  docker compose --project-name "$PROJECT_NAME" -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "$@"
+}
+
+show_header(){
+  echo -e "\n${BLUE}    🛠️  TOOLING DEPLOYMENT  🛠️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}    ═══════════════════════════${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}        📊 Enabling Management UIs 📊${NC}\n"
+}
+
+ensure_command(){
+  if ! command -v "$1" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    err "Required command '$1' not found in PATH."
+    exit 1
+  fi
+}
+
+ensure_mysql_running(){
+  local mysql_service="ac-mysql"
+  local mysql_container
+  mysql_container="$(read_env CONTAINER_MYSQL "ac-mysql")"
+  if docker ps --format '{{.Names}}' | grep -qx "$mysql_container"; then
+    info "MySQL container '$mysql_container' already running."
+    return
+  fi
+  info "Starting database service '$mysql_service'..."
+  compose --profile db up -d "$mysql_service" >/dev/null
+  ok "Database service ready."
+}
+
+start_tools(){
+  info "Starting phpMyAdmin and Keira3..."
+  compose --profile tools up --detach --quiet-pull >/dev/null
+  ok "Tooling services are online."
+}
+
+show_endpoints(){
+  local pma_port keira_port
+  pma_port="$(read_env PMA_EXTERNAL_PORT 8081)"
+  keira_port="$(read_env KEIRA3_EXTERNAL_PORT 4201)"
+  echo ""
+  echo -e "${GREEN}Accessible endpoints:${NC}"
+  echo "  • phpMyAdmin : http://localhost:${pma_port}"
+  echo "  • Keira3     : http://localhost:${keira_port}"
+  echo ""
+}
+
+main(){
+  if [[ "${1:-}" == "--help" ]]; then
+    cat <<EOF
+Usage: $(basename "$0")
+
+Ensures the database service is running and launches the tooling profile
+containing phpMyAdmin and Keira3 dashboards.
+EOF
+    exit 0
+  fi
+
+  ensure_command docker
+  docker info >/dev/null 2>&1 || { err "Docker daemon unavailable."; exit 1; }
+
+  PROJECT_NAME="$(resolve_project_name)"
+
+  show_header
+  ensure_mysql_running
+  start_tools
+  show_endpoints
+}
+
+main "$@"
--- a/scripts/manage-modules-sql.sh
+++ b/scripts/manage-modules-sql.sh
@@ -6,9 +6,44 @@ set -e
 execute_module_sql() {
  local module_dir="$1"
  local module_name="$2"
+  local playerbots_db="${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME:-acore_playerbots}"
+  local character_set="${MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET:-utf8mb4}"
+  local collation="${MYSQL_COLLATION:-utf8mb4_unicode_ci}"
+  local run_sorted_sql
+
+  run_sorted_sql() {
+    local dir="$1"
+    local target_db="$2"
+    local label="$3"
+    local skip_regex="${4:-}"
+    [ -d "$dir" ] || return
+    LC_ALL=C find "$dir" -type f -name "*.sql" | sort | while read -r sql_file; do
+      local base_name
+      base_name="$(basename "$sql_file")"
+      if [ -n "$skip_regex" ] && [[ "$base_name" =~ $skip_regex ]]; then
+        echo "  Skipping ${label}: ${base_name}"
+        continue
+      fi
+      echo "  Executing ${label}: ${base_name}"
+      if mariadb --ssl=false -h "${CONTAINER_MYSQL}" -P 3306 -u root -p"${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD}" "${target_db}" < "$sql_file" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+        echo "    ✅ Successfully executed ${base_name}"
+      else
+        echo "    ❌ Failed to execute $sql_file"
+      fi
+    done
+  }

  echo "Processing SQL scripts for $module_name..."

+  if [ "$module_name" = "Playerbots" ]; then
+    echo "  Ensuring database ${playerbots_db} exists..."
+    if mariadb --ssl=false -h "${CONTAINER_MYSQL}" -P 3306 -u root -p"${MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD}" -e "CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS \`${playerbots_db}\` CHARACTER SET ${character_set} COLLATE ${collation};" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+      echo "    ✅ Playerbots database ready"
+    else
+      echo "    ❌ Failed to ensure playerbots database"
+    fi
+  fi
+
  # Find and execute SQL files in the module
  if [ -d "$module_dir/data/sql" ]; then
    # Execute world database scripts
@@ -47,6 +82,16 @@ execute_module_sql() {
      done
    fi

+    # Execute playerbots database scripts
+    if [ "$module_name" = "Playerbots" ] && [ -d "$module_dir/data/sql/playerbots" ]; then
+      local pb_root="$module_dir/data/sql/playerbots"
+      run_sorted_sql "$pb_root/base" "$playerbots_db" "playerbots SQL"
+      run_sorted_sql "$pb_root/custom" "$playerbots_db" "playerbots SQL"
+      run_sorted_sql "$pb_root/updates" "$playerbots_db" "playerbots SQL"
+      run_sorted_sql "$pb_root/archive" "$playerbots_db" "playerbots SQL"
+      echo "  Skipping playerbots create scripts (handled by automation)"
+    fi
+
    # Execute base SQL files (common pattern)
    find "$module_dir/data/sql" -maxdepth 1 -name "*.sql" -type f | while read sql_file; do
      echo "  Executing base SQL: $(basename "$sql_file")"
--- a/scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh
+++ b/scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh
@@ -8,6 +8,16 @@ SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 PROJECT_DIR="$(dirname "$SCRIPT_DIR")"
 ENV_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/.env"

+BLUE='\033[0;34m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+NC='\033[0m'
+
+show_rebuild_step(){
+  local step="$1" total="$2" message="$3"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Step ${step}/${total}: ${message}...${NC}"
+}
+
 usage(){
  cat <<EOF
 Usage: $(basename "$0") [options]
@@ -79,19 +89,11 @@ SENTINEL_FILE="$MODULES_DIR/.requires_rebuild"

 REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH="$SOURCE_OVERRIDE"
 if [ -z "$REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH" ]; then
-  REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH="$(read_env MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH "")"
+  REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH="$(read_env MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH "./source/azerothcore")"
 fi

 if [ -z "$REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH" ]; then
-  cat <<EOF
-❌ MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH is not configured.
-
-Set MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH in .env to the AzerothCore source repository
-that contains the Docker Compose file used for source builds, then rerun:
-
-  scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh --yes
-EOF
-  exit 1
+  REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH="./source/azerothcore"
 fi

 if [[ "$REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH" != /* ]]; then
@@ -170,10 +172,10 @@ fi
 if [ -d "$MODULES_DIR" ]; then
  echo "🔄 Syncing enabled modules into source tree..."
  mkdir -p modules
+  find modules -mindepth 1 -maxdepth 1 -type d -name 'mod-*' -exec rm -rf {} + 2>/dev/null || true
  if command -v rsync >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-    rsync -a --delete "$MODULES_DIR"/ modules/
+    rsync -a "$MODULES_DIR"/ modules/
  else
-    rm -rf modules/*
    cp -R "$MODULES_DIR"/. modules/
  fi
 else
@@ -183,12 +185,32 @@ fi
 echo "🚀 Building AzerothCore with modules..."
 docker compose build --no-cache

+show_rebuild_step 5 5 "Cleaning up build containers"
 echo "🧹 Cleaning up source build containers..."
 docker compose down --remove-orphans >/dev/null 2>&1 || true

 popd >/dev/null

-rm -f "$SENTINEL_FILE" 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ -n "$SENTINEL_FILE" ]; then
+  if ! rm -f "$SENTINEL_FILE" 2>/dev/null; then
+    if [ -f "$SENTINEL_FILE" ] && command -v docker >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+      DB_IMPORT_IMAGE="$(read_env AC_DB_IMPORT_IMAGE "acore/ac-wotlk-db-import:14.0.0-dev")"
+      if docker image inspect "$DB_IMPORT_IMAGE" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+        docker run --rm \
+          --entrypoint /bin/sh \
+          --user 0:0 \
+          -v "$MODULES_DIR":/modules \
+          "$DB_IMPORT_IMAGE" \
+          -c 'rm -f /modules/.requires_rebuild' >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
+      fi
+    fi
+  fi
+  if [ -f "$SENTINEL_FILE" ]; then
+    echo "⚠️  Unable to remove rebuild sentinel at $SENTINEL_FILE. Remove manually if rebuild detection persists."
+  fi
+fi

 echo ""
-echo "🎉 SUCCESS! AzerothCore source build completed with modules."
+echo -e "${GREEN}⚔️ Module build forged successfully! ⚔️${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}🏰 Your custom AzerothCore images are ready${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}🗡️ Time to stage your enhanced realm!${NC}"
--- a/scripts/stage-modules.sh
+++ b/scripts/stage-modules.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,19 @@

 set -e

+BLUE='\033[0;34m'; GREEN='\033[0;32m'; YELLOW='\033[1;33m'; NC='\033[0m'
+
+show_staging_header(){
+  echo -e "\n${BLUE}    ⚔️  REALM STAGING SYSTEM  ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}    ══════════════════════════════${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}         🎯 Configuring Your Realm 🎯${NC}\n"
+}
+
+show_staging_step(){
+  local step="$1" message="$2"
+  echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 ${step}: ${message}...${NC}"
+}
+
 SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 PROJECT_DIR="$(dirname "$SCRIPT_DIR")"
 ENV_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/.env"
@@ -117,6 +130,8 @@ declare -A MODULE_REPO_MAP=(
  [MODULE_LEVEL_GRANT]=mod-quest-count-level
 )

+show_staging_header
+
 # Check for enabled C++ modules that require compilation
 compile_modules=()
 for key in "${!MODULE_REPO_MAP[@]}"; do
@@ -131,7 +146,8 @@ MODULE_PLAYERBOTS="$(read_env MODULE_PLAYERBOTS "0")"

 # Determine target profile if not specified
 if [ -z "$TARGET_PROFILE" ]; then
-  if [ ${#compile_modules[@]} -gt 0 ]; then
+  show_staging_step "Profile Detection" "Analyzing enabled modules"
+if [ ${#compile_modules[@]} -gt 0 ]; then
    echo "🔧 Detected ${#compile_modules[@]} C++ modules requiring compilation:"
    for mod in "${compile_modules[@]}"; do
      echo "   • $mod"
@@ -165,6 +181,7 @@ if [ "$TARGET_PROFILE" = "modules" ]; then
  fi

  if [ "$REBUILD_NEEDED" = "1" ]; then
+    show_staging_step "Source Rebuild" "Preparing custom build with modules"
    echo "🚀 Triggering source rebuild with modules..."
    if confirm "Proceed with source rebuild? (15-45 minutes)" n; then
      "$SCRIPT_DIR/rebuild-with-modules.sh" ${ASSUME_YES:+--yes}
@@ -178,6 +195,7 @@ if [ "$TARGET_PROFILE" = "modules" ]; then
 fi

 # Stage the services
+show_staging_step "Service Orchestration" "Preparing realm services"
 echo "🎬 Staging services with profile: services-$TARGET_PROFILE"

 # Stop any currently running services
@@ -199,11 +217,14 @@ case "$TARGET_PROFILE" in
 esac

 # Start the target profile
+show_staging_step "Realm Activation" "Bringing services online"
 echo "🟢 Starting services-$TARGET_PROFILE profile..."
 docker compose "${PROFILE_ARGS[@]}" up -d

 echo ""
-echo "🎉 SUCCESS! AzerothCore staged with profile: services-$TARGET_PROFILE"
+echo -e "${GREEN}⚔️ Realm staging completed successfully! ⚔️${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}🏰 Profile: services-$TARGET_PROFILE${NC}"
+echo -e "${GREEN}🗡️ Your realm is ready for adventure!${NC}"

 # Show status
 echo ""
--- a/setup.sh
+++ b/setup.sh
@@ -36,6 +36,18 @@ ask_yn(){ local p="$1"; local d="$2"; local v; while true; do
  if [ "$d" = "y" ]; then read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 ${p} [Y/n]: ${NC}")" v; v=${v:-y}; else read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 ${p} [y/N]: ${NC}")" v; v=${v:-n}; fi
  case "$v" in [Yy]*) echo 1; return 0;; [Nn]*) echo 0; return 0;; esac; say ERROR "Please answer y or n"; done; }

+show_wow_header(){
+  echo -e "\n${BLUE}    ⚔️  AZEROTHCORE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM  ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}    ═══════════════════════════════════════${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}         🏰 Build Your Own WoW Server 🏰${NC}\n"
+}
+
+show_realm_configured(){
+  echo -e "\n${GREEN}⚔️ Your realm configuration has been forged! ⚔️${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🏰 Ready to deploy your World of Warcraft server${NC}"
+  echo -e "${GREEN}🗡️ May your realm bring epic adventures!${NC}\n"
+}
+
 main(){
  # Basic arg handling for help
  if [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; then
@@ -63,14 +75,14 @@ EOF
        ;;
    esac
  fi
-  say HEADER "AZEROTHCORE PROFILES SETUP (.env generator)"
+  show_wow_header
  say INFO "This will create ac-compose/.env for compose profiles."

  # Deployment type
  say HEADER "DEPLOYMENT TYPE"
-  echo "1) Local Development (127.0.0.1, local storage)"
-  echo "2) LAN Server (local network IP)"
-  echo "3) Public Server (domain or public IP)"
+  echo "1) 🏠 Local Development (127.0.0.1, local storage)"
+  echo "2) 🌐 LAN Server (local network IP)"
+  echo "3) ☁️  Public Server (domain or public IP)"
  local DEPLOYMENT_TYPE
  while true; do
    read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select deployment type [1-3]: ${NC}")" x
@@ -84,9 +96,9 @@ EOF

  # Permission scheme
  say HEADER "PERMISSION SCHEME"
-  echo "1) Local Dev (0:0)"
-  echo "2) NFS Server (1001:1000)"
-  echo "3) Custom"
+  echo "1) 🏠 Local Dev (0:0)"
+  echo "2) 🗂️  NFS Server (1001:1000)"
+  echo "3) ⚙️  Custom"
  local CONTAINER_USER
  while true; do
    read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select permission scheme [1-3]: ${NC}")" x
@@ -126,9 +138,9 @@ EOF
  if [ "$DEPLOYMENT_TYPE" = "local" ]; then
    STORAGE_PATH=./storage
  else
-    echo "1) ./storage (local)"
-    echo "2) /nfs/azerothcore (NFS)"
-    echo "3) Custom"
+    echo "1) 💾 ./storage (local)"
+    echo "2) 🌐 /nfs/azerothcore (NFS)"
+    echo "3) 📁 Custom"
    while true; do
      read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select storage option [1-3]: ${NC}")" s
      case "$s" in
@@ -149,10 +161,10 @@ EOF

  # Module config
  say HEADER "MODULE PRESET"
-  echo "1) Suggested Modules"
-  echo "2) Playerbots + Suggested modules"
-  echo "3) Manual selection"
-  echo "4) No modules"
+  echo "1) ⭐ Suggested Modules"
+  echo "2) 🤖 Playerbots + Suggested modules"
+  echo "3) ⚙️  Manual selection"
+  echo "4) 🚫 No modules"
  local MODE; while true; do
    read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select module configuration [1-4]: ${NC}")" MODE
    case "$MODE" in 1|2|3|4) break;; *) say ERROR "Please select 1, 2, 3, or 4";; esac
@@ -254,12 +266,8 @@ EOF
    AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY=$(ask_yn "Enable automatic rebuild during future deploys?" n)
    if [ "$RUN_REBUILD_NOW" = "1" ] || [ "$AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY" = "1" ]; then
      if [ -z "$MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE" ]; then
-        read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Path to AzerothCore source compose (optional): ${NC}")" MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE
-      fi
-      if [ -z "$MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE" ]; then
-        say WARNING "No source path provided; skipping rebuild automation."
-        RUN_REBUILD_NOW=0
-        AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY=0
+        MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE="./source/azerothcore"
+        say INFO "Using default source path: ${MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE}"
      fi
    fi
  fi
@@ -271,6 +279,12 @@ EOF
    local cont; cont=$(ask_yn "Continue and overwrite?" n); [ "$cont" = "1" ] || { say ERROR "Aborted"; exit 1; }
  fi

+  if [ -z "$MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE" ]; then
+    MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE="./source/azerothcore"
+  fi
+
+  DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME=${DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME:-acore_playerbots}
+
  cat > "$ENV_OUT" <<EOF
 # Generated by ac-compose/setup.sh

@@ -295,6 +309,7 @@ MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE=64M
 DB_AUTH_NAME=acore_auth
 DB_WORLD_NAME=acore_world
 DB_CHARACTERS_NAME=acore_characters
+DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME=$DB_PLAYERBOTS_NAME
 AC_DB_IMPORT_IMAGE=acore/ac-wotlk-db-import:14.0.0-dev

 # Services (images)
@@ -402,6 +417,7 @@ NETWORK_GATEWAY=172.20.0.1
 EOF

  say SUCCESS ".env written to $ENV_OUT"
+  show_realm_configured

  if [ "$RUN_REBUILD_NOW" = "1" ]; then
    echo ""
@@ -410,20 +426,20 @@ EOF
      if ./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh --yes --source "$MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH_VALUE"; then
        say SUCCESS "Module rebuild completed"
      else
-        warn "Module rebuild failed; run ./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh manually once issues are resolved."
+        say WARNING "Module rebuild failed; run ./scripts/rebuild-with-modules.sh manually once issues are resolved."
      fi
    else
-      warn "Rebuild path was not provided; skipping automatic rebuild."
+      say WARNING "Rebuild path was not provided; skipping automatic rebuild."
    fi
  fi

-  say INFO "Run with profiles (examples):"
+  say INFO "Ready to bring your realm online:"
  if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ]; then
-    echo "  docker compose -f compose.yml --profile db --profile services-playerbots --profile client-data-bots --profile modules --profile tools up -d"
-    echo "  ./deploy.sh --profile modules --no-watch"
+    echo "  🚀 Quick deploy: ./deploy.sh"
+    echo "  🔧 Manual: docker compose --profile db --profile services-playerbots --profile client-data-bots --profile modules up -d"
  else
-    echo "  docker compose -f compose.yml --profile db --profile services-standard --profile client-data --profile modules --profile tools up -d"
-    echo "  ./deploy.sh --profile modules --no-watch"
+    echo "  🚀 Quick deploy: ./deploy.sh"
+    echo "  🔧 Manual: docker compose --profile db --profile services-standard --profile client-data --profile modules up -d"
  fi
 }

--- a/status.sh
+++ b/status.sh
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #!/bin/bash
-# ac-compose condensed status view
+# ac-compose condensed realm status view

 set -e

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ ENV_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/.env"

 cd "$PROJECT_DIR"

-RED='\033[0;31m'; GREEN='\033[0;32m'; YELLOW='\033[1;33m'; CYAN='\033[0;36m'; NC='\033[0m'
+RED='\033[0;31m'; GREEN='\033[0;32m'; YELLOW='\033[1;33m'; CYAN='\033[0;36m'; BLUE='\033[0;34m'; NC='\033[0m'

 WATCH_MODE=false
 LOG_LINES=5
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
    --lines) LOG_LINES="$2"; shift 2;;
    -h|--help)
      cat <<EOF
-ac-compose status
+ac-compose realm status

 Usage: $0 [options]
  -w, --watch        Continuously refresh every 3s
@@ -68,32 +68,42 @@ container_running(){

 format_state(){
  local status="$1" health="$2" started="$3" exit_code="$4"
+  local started_fmt
+  if [ -n "$started" ] && [[ "$started" != "--:--:--" ]]; then
+    started_fmt="$(date -d "$started" '+%H:%M:%S' 2>/dev/null || echo "")"
+    if [ -z "$started_fmt" ]; then
+      started_fmt="$(echo "$started" | cut -c12-19)"
+    fi
+    [ -z "$started_fmt" ] && started_fmt="--:--:--"
+  else
+    started_fmt="--:--:--"
+  fi
  case "$status" in
    running)
-      local desc="running" colour="$GREEN"
+      local desc="running (since $started_fmt)" colour="$GREEN"
      if [ "$health" = "healthy" ]; then
-        desc="healthy"
+        desc="healthy (since $started_fmt)"
      elif [ "$health" = "none" ]; then
-        desc="running"
+        desc="running (since $started_fmt)"
      else
-        desc="$health"; colour="$YELLOW"
+        desc="$health (since $started_fmt)"; colour="$YELLOW"
        [ "$health" = "unhealthy" ] && colour="$RED"
      fi
-      echo -e "${colour}●${NC} ${desc} (since ${started%:*})"
+      echo "${colour}|● ${desc}"
      ;;
    exited)
      local colour="$YELLOW"
      [ "$exit_code" != "0" ] && colour="$RED"
-      echo -e "${colour}○${NC} completed"
+      echo "${colour}|○ exited (code $exit_code)"
      ;;
    restarting)
-      echo -e "${YELLOW}●${NC} restarting"
+      echo "${YELLOW}|● restarting"
      ;;
    created)
-      echo -e "${CYAN}○${NC} created"
+      echo "${CYAN}|○ created"
      ;;
    *)
-      echo -e "${RED}○${NC} $status"
+      echo "${RED}|○ $status"
      ;;
  esac
 }
@@ -131,12 +141,16 @@ print_service(){
    started="$(docker inspect --format='{{.State.StartedAt}}' "$container" 2>/dev/null | cut -c12-19 2>/dev/null || echo "--:--:--")"
    exit_code="$(docker inspect --format='{{.State.ExitCode}}' "$container" 2>/dev/null || echo "?")"
    image="$(docker inspect --format='{{.Config.Image}}' "$container" 2>/dev/null || echo "-")"
-    printf "%-20s %-28s %s\n" "$label" "$(format_state "$status" "$health" "$started" "$exit_code")" "$(short_image "$image")"
+    local state_info colour text
+    state_info="$(format_state "$status" "$health" "$started" "$exit_code")"
+    colour="${state_info%%|*}"
+    text="${state_info#*|}"
+    printf "%-20s %b%-30s%b %s\n" "$label" "$colour" "$text" "$NC" "$(short_image "$image")"
    if [ "$SHOW_LOGS" = true ]; then
      docker logs "$container" --tail "$LOG_LINES" 2>/dev/null | sed 's/^/    /' || printf "    (no logs available)\n"
    fi
  else
-    printf "%-20s ${RED}○${NC} missing               -\n" "$label"
+    printf "%-20s %b%-30s%b %s\n" "$label" "$RED" "○ missing" "$NC" "-"
  fi
 }

@@ -166,9 +180,15 @@ module_summary(){
  fi

  if container_running "ac-worldserver"; then
-    local ws_image="$(docker inspect --format='{{.Config.Image}}' ac-worldserver 2>/dev/null || echo "")"
    local playerbot="disabled"
-    [[ "$ws_image" == *playerbots* ]] && playerbot="running"
+    local module_playerbots
+    module_playerbots="$(read_env MODULE_PLAYERBOTS 0)"
+    if [ "$module_playerbots" = "1" ]; then
+      playerbot="enabled"
+      if docker inspect --format='{{.State.Status}}' ac-worldserver 2>/dev/null | grep -q "running"; then
+        playerbot="running"
+      fi
+    fi
    local eluna="disabled"
    [ "$ELUNA_ENABLED" = "1" ] && eluna="running"
    echo "RUNTIME: playerbots $playerbot | eluna $eluna"
@@ -198,9 +218,15 @@ network_summary(){
  fi
 }

+show_realm_status_header(){
+  echo -e "${BLUE}🏰 REALM STATUS DASHBOARD 🏰${NC}"
+  echo -e "${BLUE}═══════════════════════════${NC}"
+}
+
 print_status(){
  clear 2>/dev/null || printf '\033[2J\033[H'
-  printf "TIME %s  PROJECT %s\n\n" "$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')" "$PROJECT_NAME"
+  show_realm_status_header
+  printf "\nTIME %s  PROJECT %s\n\n" "$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')" "$PROJECT_NAME"
  printf "%-20s %-28s %s\n" "SERVICE" "STATE" "IMAGE"
  printf "%-20s %-28s %s\n" "--------------------" "----------------------------" "------------------------------"
  print_service ac-mysql "MySQL"