diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 68fa6bf86..eaa5f0d4c 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,2 +1,3 @@
 *~
 *.db
+*.user
diff --git a/Attorney_Online_remake.pro b/Attorney_Online_remake.pro
index 0ce693ab1..c78457843 100644
--- a/Attorney_Online_remake.pro
+++ b/Attorney_Online_remake.pro
@@ -32,8 +32,6 @@ SOURCES += main.cpp\
     hardware_functions.cpp
 
 HEADERS  += lobby.h \
-    text_file_functions.h \
-    path_functions.h \
     aoimage.h \
     file_functions.h \
     aobutton.h \
diff --git a/aoapplication.cpp b/aoapplication.cpp
index 70aeb1522..f0576eead 100644
--- a/aoapplication.cpp
+++ b/aoapplication.cpp
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
-#include <QDebug>
+#include "aoapplication.h"
 
 #include "lobby.h"
 #include "courtroom.h"
 #include "networkmanager.h"
-#include "text_file_functions.h"
 
-#include "aoapplication.h"
+#include <QDebug>
+#include <QRect>
+#include <QDesktopWidget>
 
 AOApplication::AOApplication(int &argc, char **argv) : QApplication(argc, argv)
 {
@@ -29,6 +30,11 @@ void AOApplication::construct_lobby()
   w_lobby = new Lobby(this);
   lobby_constructed = true;
 
+  QRect screenGeometry = QApplication::desktop()->screenGeometry();
+  int x = (screenGeometry.width()-w_lobby->width()) / 2;
+  int y = (screenGeometry.height()-w_lobby->height()) / 2;
+  w_lobby->move(x, y);
+
   w_lobby->show();
 }
 
@@ -55,8 +61,10 @@ void AOApplication::construct_courtroom()
   w_courtroom = new Courtroom(this);
   courtroom_constructed = true;
 
-  //D3BUG
-  w_courtroom->show();
+  QRect screenGeometry = QApplication::desktop()->screenGeometry();
+  int x = (screenGeometry.width()-w_courtroom->width()) / 2;
+  int y = (screenGeometry.height()-w_courtroom->height()) / 2;
+  w_courtroom->move(x, y);
 }
 
 void AOApplication::destruct_courtroom()
@@ -100,3 +108,10 @@ void AOApplication::add_favorite_server(int p_server)
 
   write_to_serverlist_txt(server_line);
 }
+
+void AOApplication::loading_cancelled()
+{
+  destruct_courtroom();
+
+  w_lobby->hide_loading_overlay();
+}
diff --git a/aoapplication.h b/aoapplication.h
index 77d7af013..5cd255ccc 100644
--- a/aoapplication.h
+++ b/aoapplication.h
@@ -44,10 +44,20 @@ class AOApplication : public QApplication
   unsigned int s_decryptor = 5;
   bool encryption_needed = true;
   bool ao2_features = false;
+
+  ///////////////loading info///////////////////
+
   //player number, it's hardly used but might be needed for some old servers
-  bool s_pv = 0;
+  int s_pv = 0;
 
-  //////////////////////////////////////////////////
+  int char_list_size = 0;
+  int loaded_chars = 0;
+  int evidence_list_size = 0;
+  int loaded_evidence = 0;
+  int music_list_size = 0;
+  int loaded_music = 0;
+
+  //////////////////versioning///////////////
 
   int get_release() {return RELEASE;}
   int get_major_version() {return MAJOR_VERSION;}
@@ -64,18 +74,19 @@ class AOApplication : public QApplication
   void set_user_theme();
   QString get_user_theme() {return user_theme;}
 
-  //path functions
+  //implementation in path_functions.cpp
   QString get_base_path();
   QString get_theme_path();
   QString get_default_theme_path();
   QString get_character_path(QString p_character);
   QString get_demothings_path();
 
-  //text file functions
+  //implementation in text_file_functions.cpp
   QString read_user_theme();
   void write_to_serverlist_txt(QString p_line);
   QVector<server_type> read_serverlist_txt();
   pos_size_type get_pos_and_size(QString p_identifier, QString p_design_path);
+  QString get_char_side(QString p_char);
 
 private:
   const int RELEASE = 2;
@@ -86,6 +97,9 @@ class AOApplication : public QApplication
 
   QVector<server_type> server_list;
   QVector<server_type> favorite_list;
+
+public slots:
+  void loading_cancelled();
 };
 
 #endif // AOAPPLICATION_H
diff --git a/aobutton.cpp b/aobutton.cpp
index 0938f51be..370eca99c 100644
--- a/aobutton.cpp
+++ b/aobutton.cpp
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 #include "aobutton.h"
 
 #include "debug_functions.h"
-#include "path_functions.h"
 #include "file_functions.h"
 
 #include <QDebug>
diff --git a/aocharbutton.cpp b/aocharbutton.cpp
index 41a4f402c..d6edf804b 100644
--- a/aocharbutton.cpp
+++ b/aocharbutton.cpp
@@ -1,17 +1,53 @@
 #include "aocharbutton.h"
 
-#include "path_functions.h"
 #include "file_functions.h"
 
 #include <QFile>
 
-AOCharButton::AOCharButton(QWidget *parent, AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QPushButton(parent)
+AOCharButton::AOCharButton(QWidget *parent, AOApplication *p_ao_app, int x_pos, int y_pos) : QPushButton(parent)
 {
   m_parent = parent;
 
   ao_app = p_ao_app;
 
   this->resize(60, 60);
+  this->move(x_pos, y_pos);
+
+  ui_taken = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
+  ui_taken->resize(60, 60);
+  ui_taken->set_image("char_taken.png");
+  ui_taken->setAttribute(Qt::WA_TransparentForMouseEvents);
+  ui_taken->hide();
+
+  ui_passworded = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
+  ui_passworded->resize(60, 60);
+  ui_passworded->set_image("char_passworded");
+  ui_passworded->setAttribute(Qt::WA_TransparentForMouseEvents);
+  ui_passworded->hide();
+
+  ui_selector = new AOImage(parent, ao_app);
+  ui_selector->resize(62, 62);
+  ui_selector->move(x_pos - 1, y_pos - 1);
+  ui_selector->set_image("char_selector.png");
+  ui_selector->setAttribute(Qt::WA_TransparentForMouseEvents);
+  ui_selector->hide();
+}
+
+void AOCharButton::reset()
+{
+  ui_taken->hide();
+  ui_passworded->hide();
+  ui_selector->hide();
+}
+
+void AOCharButton::set_taken()
+{
+  ui_taken->show();
+}
+
+void AOCharButton::set_passworded()
+{
+  ui_passworded->show();
 }
 
 void AOCharButton::set_image(QString p_character)
@@ -19,6 +55,8 @@ void AOCharButton::set_image(QString p_character)
   QString image_path = ao_app->get_character_path(p_character) + "char_icon.png";
   QString legacy_path = ao_app->get_demothings_path() + p_character.toLower() + "_char_icon.png";
 
+  this->setText("");
+
   if (file_exists(image_path))
     this->setStyleSheet("border-image:url(\"" + image_path + "\")");
   else if (file_exists(legacy_path))
@@ -33,3 +71,20 @@ void AOCharButton::set_image(QString p_character)
     this->setText(p_character);
   }
 }
+
+void AOCharButton::enterEvent(QEvent * e)
+{
+  ui_selector->raise();
+  ui_selector->show();
+
+  setFlat(false);
+  QPushButton::enterEvent(e);
+}
+
+void AOCharButton::leaveEvent(QEvent * e)
+{
+  ui_selector->hide();
+  QPushButton::leaveEvent(e);
+}
+
+
diff --git a/aocharbutton.h b/aocharbutton.h
index e91a1201b..f71541691 100644
--- a/aocharbutton.h
+++ b/aocharbutton.h
@@ -6,20 +6,33 @@
 #include <QPushButton>
 #include <QString>
 #include <QWidget>
+#include "aoimage.h"
 
 class AOCharButton : public QPushButton
 {
   Q_OBJECT
 
 public:
-  AOCharButton(QWidget *parent, AOApplication *p_ao_app);
+  AOCharButton(QWidget *parent, AOApplication *p_ao_app, int x_pos, int y_pos);
 
   AOApplication *ao_app;
 
+  void reset();
+  void set_taken();
+  void set_passworded();
+
   void set_image(QString p_character);
 
 private:
   QWidget *m_parent;
+
+  AOImage *ui_taken;
+  AOImage *ui_passworded;
+  AOImage *ui_selector;
+
+protected:
+  void enterEvent(QEvent *e);
+  void leaveEvent(QEvent *e);
 };
 
 #endif // AOCHARBUTTON_H
diff --git a/aoimage.cpp b/aoimage.cpp
index 2e09f6a00..4b0e97384 100644
--- a/aoimage.cpp
+++ b/aoimage.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,4 @@
 #include "file_functions.h"
-#include "path_functions.h"
-#include "global_variables.h"
 
 #include "aoimage.h"
 
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.gif b/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.gif
deleted file mode 100644
index 7b330a3c3..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.gif and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.png b/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.png
deleted file mode 100644
index cce6bfe10..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/bancoacusacion.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.gif b/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.gif
deleted file mode 100644
index bb30ac14c..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.gif and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.png b/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.png
deleted file mode 100644
index c7121cc34..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/bancodefensa.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/defenseempty.png b/base/background/gs4/defenseempty.png
deleted file mode 100644
index fc9069e5f..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/defenseempty.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/estrado.gif b/base/background/gs4/estrado.gif
deleted file mode 100644
index cd5075f7c..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/estrado.gif and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/estrado.png b/base/background/gs4/estrado.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 9341a8108..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/estrado.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/gallery.gif b/base/background/gs4/gallery.gif
deleted file mode 100644
index 4469bcebe..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/gallery.gif and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/helperstand.png b/base/background/gs4/helperstand.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 882c30ced..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/helperstand.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/judgestand.png b/base/background/gs4/judgestand.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 6a17e7c91..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/judgestand.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/prohelperstand.png b/base/background/gs4/prohelperstand.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 6554d32d1..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/prohelperstand.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/prosecutorempty.png b/base/background/gs4/prosecutorempty.png
deleted file mode 100644
index eecf85221..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/prosecutorempty.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/speedlineupclose.png b/base/background/gs4/speedlineupclose.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 06dc9b3a0..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/speedlineupclose.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/super anim.png b/base/background/gs4/super anim.png
deleted file mode 100644
index fd3ec29ad..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/super anim.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/tribunal.gif b/base/background/gs4/tribunal.gif
deleted file mode 100644
index 4469bcebe..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/tribunal.gif and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/background/gs4/witnessempty.png b/base/background/gs4/witnessempty.png
deleted file mode 100644
index 11e22f749..000000000
Binary files a/base/background/gs4/witnessempty.png and /dev/null differ
diff --git a/base/config.ini~ b/base/config.ini~
deleted file mode 100644
index 61e18830f..000000000
--- a/base/config.ini~
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-theme = default
diff --git a/base/serverlist.txt b/base/serverlist.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fef701dac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/base/serverlist.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+10.0.0.1:27071:the shit server
+88.203.168.170:27777:Demon Server For Demons! Vanilla! 1.8+
+24.193.75.13:27053:The Flaming Phoenix
+51.255.160.217:50000:Attorney Online Vidya(Dedicated)
diff --git a/base/themes/default/courtroom_design.ini b/base/themes/default/courtroom_design.ini
index c96d26208..e7a3de4b1 100644
--- a/base/themes/default/courtroom_design.ini
+++ b/base/themes/default/courtroom_design.ini
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ area_list = 266, 494, 224, 174
 music_list = 490, 342, 224, 326
 ic_chat_message = 0, 192, 255, 23
 ooc_chat_message = 492, 281, 222, 19
-ooc_chat_name = 492, 300, 32, 19
+ooc_chat_name = 492, 300, 85, 19
 area_password = 266, 471, 224, 23
 music_search = 490, 319, 226, 23
 emote_left = 0, 253, 20, 20
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ sfx_label = 260, 410, 21, 16
 blip_label = 260, 430, 31, 16
 hold_it = 10, 312, 76, 28
 objection = 90, 312, 76, 28
+take_that = 170, 312, 76, 28
 ooc_toggle = 580, 300, 133, 19
 witness_testimony = 5, 345, 85, 42
 cross_examination = 95, 345, 85, 42
@@ -30,8 +31,8 @@ pre = 187, 345, 51, 21
 flip = 187, 362, 51, 21
 guard = 187, 379, 61, 21
 custom_objection = 250, 325, 40, 40
-realization = 295, 323, 40, 40
-mute = 340, 325, 40, 40
+realization = 295, 325, 40, 40
+mute_button = 340, 325, 40, 40
 defense_plus = 477, 325, 9, 9
 defense_minus = 385, 325, 9, 9
 prosecution_plus = 477, 342, 9, 9
diff --git a/base/themes/default/design.ini b/base/themes/default/design.ini
deleted file mode 100644
index 5488ac4bc..000000000
--- a/base/themes/default/design.ini
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,28 +0,0 @@
-hold_it = 10, 312
-objection = 90, 312
-take_that = 170, 312
-objection_custom = 250, 325
-realization = 295, 325
-mute = 340, 325
-text_color = 390, 360
-defense_bar = 393, 323
-prosecution_bar = 393, 340
-def_plus = 477, 325
-def_minus = 385, 325
-pro_plus = 477, 342
-pro_minus = 385, 342
-witness_testimony = 5, 345
-cross_examination = 95, 345
-pre = 187, 345
-flip = 187, 362
-guard = 187, 379
-change_character = 5, 390
-reload_theme = 5, 415
-call_mod = 5, 440
-music_label = 260, 390
-music_slider = 310, 392
-sfx_label = 260, 410
-sfx_slider = 310, 412
-blips_label = 260, 430
-blips_slider = 310, 432
-
diff --git a/base/themes/default/loadingbackground.png b/base/themes/default/loadingbackground.png
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..202a88130
Binary files /dev/null and b/base/themes/default/loadingbackground.png differ
diff --git a/base/themes/default/lobby_design.ini b/base/themes/default/lobby_design.ini
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..efce59a78
--- /dev/null
+++ b/base/themes/default/lobby_design.ini
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+lobby = 0, 0, 517, 666
+public_servers = 46, 88, 114, 30
+favorites = 164, 88, 114, 30
+refresh = 56, 381, 132, 28
+add_to_fav = 194, 381, 132, 28
+connect = 332, 381, 132, 28
+about = 428, 1, 88, 21
+server_list = 20, 125, 286, 240
+player_count = 336, 91, 173, 16
+description = 337, 109, 173, 245
+chatbox = 2, 445, 515, 198
+chatname = 3, 646, 85, 19
+chatmessage = 93, 646, 424, 19
+loading_label = 135, 92, 254, 95
+progress_bar = 135, 188, 254, 21
+cancel = 220, 220, 80, 20
diff --git a/base/themes/default/muted.png b/base/themes/default/muted.png
index f9878f1a3..969da04e2 100644
Binary files a/base/themes/default/muted.png and b/base/themes/default/muted.png differ
diff --git a/base/themes/default/muted_old.png b/base/themes/default/muted_old.png
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f9878f1a3
Binary files /dev/null and b/base/themes/default/muted_old.png differ
diff --git a/courtroom.cpp b/courtroom.cpp
index f0ad216e0..f408b148d 100644
--- a/courtroom.cpp
+++ b/courtroom.cpp
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 #include "courtroom.h"
 
 #include "aoapplication.h"
-#include "text_file_functions.h"
-#include "path_functions.h"
-#include "global_variables.h"
+#include "lobby.h"
+#include "hardware_functions.h"
+#include "file_functions.h"
 
 #include <QDebug>
 
@@ -11,27 +11,40 @@ Courtroom::Courtroom(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
 {
   ao_app = p_ao_app;
 
+  char_button_mapper = new QSignalMapper(this);
+
   ui_background = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
 
   //viewport elements like background, desk, etc.
 
   ui_ic_chatlog = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
+  ui_ic_chatlog->setReadOnly(true);
 
   ui_ms_chatlog = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
-  ui_server_chatlog = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
+  ui_ms_chatlog->setReadOnly(true);
+  ui_ms_chatlog->hide();
 
+  ui_server_chatlog = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
+  ui_server_chatlog->setReadOnly(true);
 
   ui_mute_list = new QListWidget(this);
   ui_area_list = new QListWidget(this);
   ui_music_list = new QListWidget(this);
 
   ui_ic_chat_message = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_ic_chat_message->setFrame(false);
 
   ui_ooc_chat_message = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_ooc_chat_message->setFrame(false);
+
   ui_ooc_chat_name = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_ooc_chat_name->setFrame(false);
+  ui_ooc_chat_name->setPlaceholderText("Name");
 
   ui_area_password = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_area_password->setFrame(false);
   ui_music_search = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_music_search->setFrame(false);
 
   //emote buttons
 
@@ -73,9 +86,17 @@ Courtroom::Courtroom(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
 
   ui_text_color = new QComboBox(this);
 
-  ui_music_slider = new QSlider(this);
-  ui_sfx_slider = new QSlider(this);
-  ui_blip_slider = new QSlider(this);
+  ui_music_slider = new QSlider(Qt::Horizontal, this);
+  ui_music_slider->setRange(0, 100);
+  ui_music_slider->setValue(50);
+
+  ui_sfx_slider = new QSlider(Qt::Horizontal, this);
+  ui_sfx_slider->setRange(0, 100);
+  ui_sfx_slider->setValue(50);
+
+  ui_blip_slider = new QSlider(Qt::Horizontal, this);
+  ui_blip_slider->setRange(0, 100);
+  ui_blip_slider->setValue(50);
 
   ui_muted = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
 
@@ -83,7 +104,7 @@ Courtroom::Courtroom(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
 
   ui_char_select_background = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
 
-  //setting up the grid and positions
+  //constructing character button grid
   const int base_x_pos{25};
   const int base_y_pos{36};
 
@@ -95,23 +116,52 @@ Courtroom::Courtroom(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
 
   for (int n = 0 ; n < 90 ; ++n)
   {
-    ui_char_button_list.append(new AOCharButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app));
+    int x_pos = base_x_pos + (x_modifier * x_mod_count);
+    int y_pos = base_y_pos + (y_modifier * y_mod_count);
+
+    ui_char_button_list.append(new AOCharButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app, x_pos, y_pos));
+
+    connect(ui_char_button_list.at(n), SIGNAL(clicked()), char_button_mapper, SLOT(map())) ;
+    char_button_mapper->setMapping (ui_char_button_list.at(n), n) ;
+
+    ++x_mod_count;
+
+    //if char number is divisible by ten with rest 9 then the next charicon should start on a new line
+    if (n % 10 == 9 && n != 0)
+    {
+      ++y_mod_count;
+      x_mod_count = 0;
+    }
   }
 
-  ui_char_select_background->hide();
+  connect (char_button_mapper, SIGNAL(mapped(int)), this, SLOT(char_clicked(int))) ;
 
   ui_selector = new AOImage(ui_char_select_background, ao_app);
+  ui_selector->setAttribute(Qt::WA_TransparentForMouseEvents);
+  ui_selector->resize(62, 62);
 
   ui_back_to_lobby = new AOButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app);
 
   ui_char_password = new QLineEdit(ui_char_select_background);
 
+  ui_char_select_left = new AOButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app);
+  ui_char_select_right = new AOButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app);
+
   ui_spectator = new AOButton(ui_char_select_background, ao_app);
 
+  connect(ui_ooc_chat_message, SIGNAL(returnPressed()), this, SLOT(on_ooc_return_pressed()));
+  connect(ui_ooc_toggle, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_ooc_toggle_clicked()));
+  connect(ui_change_character, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_change_character_clicked()));
+
   connect(ui_reload_theme, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_reload_theme_clicked()));
 
   connect(ui_back_to_lobby, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_back_to_lobby_clicked()));
 
+  connect(ui_char_select_left, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_char_select_left_clicked()));
+  connect(ui_char_select_right, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_char_select_right_clicked()));
+
+  connect(ui_spectator, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_spectator_clicked()));
+
   set_widgets();
 }
 
@@ -127,20 +177,31 @@ void Courtroom::set_widgets()
   //viewport elements like background, desk, etc. go here
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ic_chatlog, "ic_chatlog");
+  ui_ic_chatlog->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ms_chatlog, "ms_chatlog");
+  ui_ms_chatlog->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_server_chatlog, "server_chatlog");
+  ui_server_chatlog->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_mute_list, "mute_list");
+  ui_mute_list->hide();
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_area_list, "area_list");
+  ui_area_list->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_music_list, "music_list");
+  ui_area_list->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ic_chat_message, "ic_chat_message");
+  ui_ic_chat_message->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ooc_chat_message, "ooc_chat_message");
+  ui_ooc_chat_message->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ooc_chat_name, "ooc_chat_name");
+  ui_ooc_chat_name->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_area_password, "area_password");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_music_search, "music_search");
@@ -148,44 +209,77 @@ void Courtroom::set_widgets()
   //emote buttons
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_emote_left, "emote_left");
+  ui_emote_left->set_image("arrow_left.png");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_emote_right, "emote_right");
+  ui_emote_right->set_image("arrow_right.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_defense_bar, "defense_bar");
+  ui_defense_bar->set_image("defensebar10.png");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_prosecution_bar, "prosecution_bar");
+  ui_prosecution_bar->set_image("prosecutionbar10.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_music_label, "music_label");
+  ui_music_label->setText("Music");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_sfx_label, "sfx_label");
+  ui_sfx_label->setText("Sfx");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_blip_label, "blip_label");
+  ui_blip_label->setText("Blips");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_hold_it, "hold_it");
+  ui_hold_it->set_image("holdit.png");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_objection, "objection");
+  ui_objection->set_image("objection.png");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_take_that, "take_that");
+  ui_take_that->set_image("takethat.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_ooc_toggle, "ooc_toggle");
+  ui_ooc_toggle->setText("Server");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_witness_testimony, "witness_testimony");
+  ui_witness_testimony->set_image("witnesstestimony.png");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_cross_examination, "cross_examination");
+  ui_cross_examination->set_image("crossexamination.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_change_character, "change_character");
+  ui_change_character->setText("Change character");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_reload_theme, "reload_theme");
   ui_reload_theme->setText("Reload theme");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_call_mod, "call_mod");
+  ui_call_mod->setText("Call mod");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_pre, "pre");
+  ui_pre->setText("Pre");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_flip, "flip");
+  ui_flip->setText("Flip");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_guard, "guard");
+  ui_guard->setText("Guard");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_custom_objection, "custom_objection");
+  ui_custom_objection->set_image("custom.png");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_realization, "realization");
-  set_size_and_pos(ui_mute, "mute");
+  ui_realization->set_image("realization.png");
+
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_mute, "mute_button");
+  ui_mute->set_image("mute.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_defense_plus, "defense_plus");
+  ui_defense_plus->set_image("defplus.png");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_defense_minus, "defense_minus");
+  ui_defense_minus->set_image("defminus.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_prosecution_plus, "prosecution_plus");
+  ui_prosecution_plus->set_image("proplus.png");
+
   set_size_and_pos(ui_prosecution_minus, "prosecution_minus");
+  ui_prosecution_minus->set_image("prominus.png");
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_text_color, "text_color");
 
@@ -202,10 +296,9 @@ void Courtroom::set_widgets()
   ui_char_select_background->move(0, 0);
   ui_char_select_background->resize(m_courtroom_width, m_courtroom_height);
 
-  //T0D0: uncomment and set position properly
-  //QVector<AOCharButton*> ui_char_button_list;
+  //buttons are in the constructor
 
-  ui_selector->set_image("selector.png");
+  ui_selector->set_image("char_selector.png");
   ui_selector->hide();
 
   ui_back_to_lobby->setText("Back to Lobby");
@@ -213,7 +306,15 @@ void Courtroom::set_widgets()
 
   set_size_and_pos(ui_char_password, "char_password");
 
-  ui_spectator->setText("spectator");
+  ui_char_select_left->set_image("arrow_left.png");
+  ui_char_select_left->move(2, 325);
+  ui_char_select_left->resize(20, 20);
+
+  ui_char_select_right->set_image("arrow_right.png");
+  ui_char_select_right->move(691, 325);
+  ui_char_select_right->resize(20, 20);
+
+  ui_spectator->setText("Spectator");
   set_size_and_pos(ui_spectator, "spectator");
 
 }
@@ -242,6 +343,151 @@ void Courtroom::set_size_and_pos(QWidget *p_widget, QString p_identifier)
   p_widget->resize(design_ini_result.width, design_ini_result.height);
 }
 
+void Courtroom::set_taken(int n_char, bool p_taken)
+{
+  if (n_char >= char_list.size())
+  {
+    qDebug() << "W: set_taken attempted to set an index bigger than char_list size";
+    return;
+  }
+
+  char_type f_char;
+  f_char.name = char_list.at(n_char).name;
+  f_char.description = char_list.at(n_char).description;
+  f_char.taken = p_taken;
+
+  char_list.replace(n_char, f_char);
+}
+
+void Courtroom::set_char_select_page()
+{
+  ui_char_select_background->show();
+
+  ui_char_select_left->hide();
+  ui_char_select_right->hide();
+
+  for (AOCharButton *i_button : ui_char_button_list)
+    i_button->hide();
+
+  int total_pages = char_list.size() / 90;
+  int chars_on_page = 0;
+
+  if (char_list.size() % 90 != 0)
+  {
+    ++total_pages;
+    //i. e. not on the last page
+    if (total_pages > current_char_page + 1)
+      chars_on_page = 90;
+    else
+      chars_on_page = char_list.size() % 90;
+
+  }
+  else
+    chars_on_page = 90;
+
+  qDebug() << "chars_on_page: " << chars_on_page;
+
+  if (total_pages > current_char_page + 1)
+    ui_char_select_right->show();
+
+  if (current_char_page > 0)
+    ui_char_select_left->show();
+
+  for (int n_button = 0 ; n_button < chars_on_page ; ++n_button)
+  {
+    int n_real_char = n_button + current_char_page * 90;
+
+    ui_char_button_list.at(n_button)->set_image(char_list.at(n_real_char).name);
+    ui_char_button_list.at(n_button)->show();
+  }
+
+}
+
+void Courtroom::enter_courtroom(int p_cid)
+{
+  m_cid = p_cid;
+  QString f_char = char_list.at(m_cid).name;
+
+  //T0D0: set emote buttons
+
+  QString side = ao_app->get_char_side(f_char);
+
+  if (side == "jud")
+  {
+    ui_witness_testimony->show();
+    ui_cross_examination->show();
+    ui_defense_minus->show();
+    ui_defense_plus->show();
+    ui_prosecution_minus->show();
+    ui_prosecution_plus->show();
+  }
+  else
+  {
+    ui_witness_testimony->hide();
+    ui_cross_examination->hide();
+    ui_defense_minus->hide();
+    ui_defense_plus->hide();
+    ui_prosecution_minus->hide();
+    ui_prosecution_plus->hide();
+  }
+
+  ui_char_select_background->hide();
+}
+
+void Courtroom::append_ms_chatmessage(QString f_message)
+{
+  ui_ms_chatlog->appendPlainText(f_message);
+}
+
+void Courtroom::append_server_chatmessage(QString f_message)
+{
+  ui_server_chatlog->appendPlainText(f_message);
+}
+
+void Courtroom::on_ooc_return_pressed()
+{
+  if (ui_ooc_chat_message->text() == "" || ui_ooc_chat_name->text() == "")
+    return;
+
+  QStringList packet_contents;
+  packet_contents.append(ui_ooc_chat_name->text());
+  packet_contents.append(ui_ooc_chat_message->text());
+
+  AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket("CT", packet_contents);
+
+  if (server_ooc)
+    ao_app->send_server_packet(f_packet);
+  else
+    ao_app->send_ms_packet(f_packet);
+
+  ui_ooc_chat_message->clear();
+}
+
+void Courtroom::on_ooc_toggle_clicked()
+{
+  if (server_ooc)
+  {
+    ui_ms_chatlog->show();
+    ui_server_chatlog->hide();
+    ui_ooc_toggle->setText("Master");
+
+    server_ooc = false;
+  }
+  else
+  {
+    ui_ms_chatlog->hide();
+    ui_server_chatlog->show();
+    ui_ooc_toggle->setText("Server");
+
+    server_ooc = true;
+  }
+}
+
+void Courtroom::on_change_character_clicked()
+{
+  ui_char_select_background->show();
+}
+
 void Courtroom::on_reload_theme_clicked()
 {
   ao_app->set_user_theme();
@@ -252,9 +498,43 @@ void Courtroom::on_reload_theme_clicked()
 void Courtroom::on_back_to_lobby_clicked()
 {
   ao_app->construct_lobby();
+  ao_app->w_lobby->list_servers();
   ao_app->destruct_courtroom();
 }
 
+void Courtroom::on_char_select_left_clicked()
+{
+  --current_char_page;
+  set_char_select_page();
+}
+
+void Courtroom::on_char_select_right_clicked()
+{
+  ++current_char_page;
+  set_char_select_page();
+}
+
+void Courtroom::on_spectator_clicked()
+{
+  ui_char_select_background->hide();
+}
+
+void Courtroom::char_clicked(int n_char)
+{
+  int n_real_char = n_char + current_char_page * 90;
+
+  QString char_ini_path = ao_app->get_character_path(char_list.at(n_real_char).name) + "char.ini";
+
+  if (!file_exists(char_ini_path))
+  {
+    qDebug() << "did not find " << char_ini_path;
+    //T0D0: call error
+    return;
+  }
+
+  ao_app->send_server_packet(new AOPacket("CC#" + QString::number(ao_app->s_pv) + "#" + QString::number(n_real_char) + "#" + get_hdid() + "#%"));
+}
+
 Courtroom::~Courtroom()
 {
 
diff --git a/courtroom.h b/courtroom.h
index dee5401d2..9f25387e7 100644
--- a/courtroom.h
+++ b/courtroom.h
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 #include <QSlider>
 #include <QVector>
 #include <QCloseEvent>
+#include <QSignalMapper>
 
 class AOApplication;
 
@@ -24,8 +25,20 @@ class Courtroom : public QMainWindow
   Q_OBJECT
 public:
   explicit Courtroom(AOApplication *p_ao_app);
+
+  void append_char(char_type p_char){char_list.append(p_char);}
+  void append_evidence(evi_type p_evi){evidence_list.append(p_evi);}
+  void append_music(QString f_music){music_list.append(f_music);}
+
   void set_widgets();
   void set_size_and_pos(QWidget *p_widget, QString p_identifier);
+  void set_taken(int n_char, bool p_taken);
+  void set_char_select_page();
+
+  void enter_courtroom(int p_cid);
+
+  void append_ms_chatmessage(QString f_message);
+  void append_server_chatmessage(QString f_message);
 
   ~Courtroom();
 
@@ -41,8 +54,25 @@ class Courtroom : public QMainWindow
   const int m_viewport_width = 256;
   const int m_viewport_height = 192;
 
+  QVector<char_type> char_list;
+  QVector<evi_type> evidence_list;
+  QVector<QString> music_list;
+
+  QSignalMapper *char_button_mapper;
+
+  //0 is the first page, 1 second etc.
+  //makes char arithmetic easier
+  int current_char_page = 0;
+
+  //character id, which index of the char_list the player is
+  int m_cid = 0;
+
+  //wether the ooc chat is server or master chat, true is server
+  bool server_ooc = true;
+
   AOImage *ui_background;
-  //viewport elements like background, desk, etc.
+
+  //T0D0: add viewport elements like background, desk, etc.
 
   QPlainTextEdit *ui_ic_chatlog;
 
@@ -62,7 +92,7 @@ class Courtroom : public QMainWindow
   QLineEdit *ui_area_password;
   QLineEdit *ui_music_search;
 
-  //emote buttons
+  //T0D0: add emote buttons
 
   AOButton *ui_emote_left;
   AOButton *ui_emote_right;
@@ -119,12 +149,26 @@ class Courtroom : public QMainWindow
 
   QLineEdit *ui_char_password;
 
+  AOButton *ui_char_select_left;
+  AOButton *ui_char_select_right;
+
   AOButton *ui_spectator;
 private slots:
+  void on_ooc_return_pressed();
+  void on_ooc_toggle_clicked();
+
+  void on_change_character_clicked();
   void on_reload_theme_clicked();
 
   void on_back_to_lobby_clicked();
 
+  void on_char_select_left_clicked();
+  void on_char_select_right_clicked();
+
+  void on_spectator_clicked();
+
+  void char_clicked(int n_char);
+
 };
 
 #endif // COURTROOM_H
diff --git a/datatypes.h b/datatypes.h
index 0d396bfa4..9fe50166b 100644
--- a/datatypes.h
+++ b/datatypes.h
@@ -26,12 +26,14 @@ struct char_type
 {
   QString name;
   QString description;
+  bool taken;
 };
 
 struct evi_type
 {
   QString name;
   QString description;
+  QString image;
 };
 
 struct chatmessage_type
diff --git a/hardware_functions.cpp b/hardware_functions.cpp
index ce6e35a65..0b161c3db 100644
--- a/hardware_functions.cpp
+++ b/hardware_functions.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,10 @@
 #include "hardware_functions.h"
 
+#include <QDebug>
+
 #if (defined (_WIN32) || defined (_WIN64))
+#include <windows.h>
+
 DWORD dwVolSerial;
 BOOL bIsRetrieved;
 
@@ -11,24 +15,43 @@ QString get_hdid()
     if (bIsRetrieved)
         return QString::number(dwVolSerial, 16);
     else
-        return "invalid_windows_hd"; //what could possibly go wrong
+        return "gxsps32sa9fnwic92mfbs0"; //what could possibly go wrong
 
 }
 
 #elif (defined (LINUX) || defined (__linux__))
 
+#include <QFile>
+#include <QTextStream>
+
 QString get_hdid()
 {
-  //T0D0: add linux implementation
-  return "linux_os_hdid";
+  QFile fstab_file("/etc/fstab");
+  if (!fstab_file.open(QIODevice::ReadOnly))
+    //literally a random string.... what else are we supposed to do?
+    return "gxcps32sa9fnwic92mfbs0";
+
+  QTextStream in(&fstab_file);
+
+  while(!in.atEnd())
+  {
+    QString line = in.readLine();
+
+    if (line.startsWith("UUID"))
+    {
+      QStringList line_elements = line.split("=");
+
+      if (line_elements.size() > 1)
+        return line_elements.at(1).left(23).trimmed();
+    }
+  }
+
+  return "gxcpz32sa9fnwic92mfbs0";
 }
 
 #else
 
-QString get_hdid()
-{
-  //T0D0: find a sane way to handle this
-  return "unknown_os_hdid";
-}
+//throwing compile-time errors professionally
+fhasdfuifhidfhasjkfasdkfahsdj
 
 #endif
diff --git a/hardware_functions.h b/hardware_functions.h
index 7508a5a6e..3fcb27cb1 100644
--- a/hardware_functions.h
+++ b/hardware_functions.h
@@ -1,14 +1,10 @@
-#ifndef WIN32_FUNCTIONS_H
-#define WIN32_FUNCTIONS_H
+#ifndef HARDWARE_FUNCTIONS_H
+#define HARDWARE_FUNCTIONS_H
 
 #include <QString>
 
-#ifdef Q_OS_WIN32
-#include <windows.h>
-#endif // Q_OS_WIN32
-
 #include <stdio.h>
 
 QString get_hdid();
 
-#endif // WIN32_FUNCTIONS_H
+#endif // HARDWARE_FUNCTIONS_H
diff --git a/lobby.cpp b/lobby.cpp
index 414ce933c..8bc67bd4d 100644
--- a/lobby.cpp
+++ b/lobby.cpp
@@ -1,8 +1,5 @@
 #include "lobby.h"
 
-#include "path_functions.h"
-#include "text_file_functions.h"
-#include "global_variables.h"
 #include "debug_functions.h"
 #include "aoapplication.h"
 #include "networkmanager.h"
@@ -28,7 +25,12 @@ Lobby::Lobby(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
   ui_description = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
   ui_chatbox = new QPlainTextEdit(this);
   ui_chatname = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_chatname->setPlaceholderText("Name");
   ui_chatmessage = new QLineEdit(this);
+  ui_loading_background = new AOImage(this, ao_app);
+  ui_loading_text = new QTextEdit(ui_loading_background);
+  ui_progress_bar = new QProgressBar(ui_loading_background);
+  ui_cancel = new AOButton(ui_loading_background, ao_app);
 
   connect(ui_public_servers, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_public_servers_clicked()));
   connect(ui_favorites, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_favorites_clicked()));
@@ -41,6 +43,7 @@ Lobby::Lobby(AOApplication *p_ao_app) : QMainWindow()
   connect(ui_about, SIGNAL(clicked()), this, SLOT(on_about_clicked()));
   connect(ui_server_list, SIGNAL(clicked(QModelIndex)), this, SLOT(on_server_list_clicked(QModelIndex)));
   connect(ui_chatmessage, SIGNAL(returnPressed()), this, SLOT(on_chatfield_return_pressed()));
+  connect(ui_cancel, SIGNAL(clicked()), ao_app, SLOT(loading_cancelled()));
 
   set_widgets();
 }
@@ -51,66 +54,108 @@ void Lobby::set_widgets()
   ao_app->set_user_theme();
 
   ui_background->set_image("lobbybackground.png");
-  ui_background->move(0, 0);
   ui_background->resize(m_lobby_width, m_lobby_height);
 
   ui_public_servers->set_image("publicservers_selected.png");
-  ui_public_servers->move(46, 88);
-  ui_public_servers->resize(114, 30);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_public_servers, "public_servers");
 
   ui_favorites->set_image("favorites.png");
-  ui_favorites->move(164, 88);
-  ui_favorites->resize(114, 30);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_favorites, "favorites");
 
   ui_refresh->set_image("refresh.png");
-  ui_refresh->move(56, 381);
-  ui_refresh->resize(132, 28);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_refresh, "refresh");
 
   ui_add_to_fav->set_image("addtofav.png");
-  ui_add_to_fav->move(194, 381);
-  ui_add_to_fav->resize(132, 28);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_add_to_fav, "add_to_fav");
 
   ui_connect->set_image("connect.png");
-  ui_connect->move(332, 381);
-  ui_connect->resize(132, 28);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_connect, "connect");
 
   ui_about->set_image("about.png");
-  ui_about->move(428, 1);
-  ui_about->resize(88, 21);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_about, "about");
 
-  ui_server_list->move(20, 125);
-  ui_server_list->resize(286, 240);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_server_list, "server_list");
   ui_server_list->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"
-                                "font: bold;");
+                                  "font: bold;");
 
-  ui_player_count->move(336, 91);
-  ui_player_count->resize(173, 16);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_player_count, "player_count");
   ui_player_count->setText("Offline");
   ui_player_count->setStyleSheet("font: bold;"
                                  "color: white;"
                                  "qproperty-alignment: AlignCenter;");
 
-  ui_description->move(337, 109);
-  ui_description->resize(173, 245);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_description, "description");
   ui_description->setReadOnly(true);
   ui_description->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"
                                 "color: white;");
 
-  ui_chatbox->move(2, 445);
-  ui_chatbox->resize(515, 198);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_chatbox, "chatbox");
   ui_chatbox->setReadOnly(true);
   ui_chatbox->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
-  ui_chatname->move(3, 646);
-  ui_chatname->resize(85, 19);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_chatname, "chatname");
   ui_chatname->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"
                              "selection-background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
-  ui_chatmessage->move(93, 646);
-  ui_chatmessage->resize(424, 19);
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_chatmessage, "chatmessage");
   ui_chatmessage->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"
                                 "selection-background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);");
 
+  ui_loading_background->set_image("loadingbackground.png");
+  ui_loading_background->resize(m_lobby_width, m_lobby_height);
+
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_loading_text, "loading_label");
+  ui_loading_text->setFont(QFont("Arial", 20, QFont::Bold));
+  ui_loading_text->setReadOnly(true);
+  ui_loading_text->setAlignment(Qt::AlignCenter);
+  ui_loading_text->setStyleSheet("background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"
+                                 "color: rgba(255, 128, 0, 255);");
+  ui_loading_text->append("Loading");
+
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_progress_bar, "progress_bar");
+  set_size_and_pos(ui_cancel, "cancel");
+  ui_cancel->setText("Cancel");
+
+  ui_loading_background->hide();
+
+}
+
+void Lobby::set_size_and_pos(QWidget *p_widget, QString p_identifier)
+{
+  QString design_ini_path = ao_app->get_theme_path() + "lobby_design.ini";
+  QString default_ini_path = ao_app->get_base_path() + "themes/default/lobby_design.ini";
+
+  pos_size_type design_ini_result = ao_app->get_pos_and_size(p_identifier, design_ini_path);
+
+  if (design_ini_result.width < 0 || design_ini_result.height < 0)
+  {
+    design_ini_result = ao_app->get_pos_and_size(p_identifier, default_ini_path);
+
+    if (design_ini_result.width < 0 || design_ini_result.height < 0)
+    {
+      //at this point it's pretty much game over
+      //T0D0: add message box
+      qDebug() << "CRITICAL ERROR: NO SUITABLE DATA FOR SETTING " << p_identifier;
+      ao_app->quit();
+    }
+  }
+
+  p_widget->move(design_ini_result.x, design_ini_result.y);
+  p_widget->resize(design_ini_result.width, design_ini_result.height);
+}
+
+void Lobby::set_loading_text(QString p_text)
+{
+  ui_loading_text->clear();
+  ui_loading_text->setAlignment(Qt::AlignCenter);
+  ui_loading_text->append(p_text);
+}
+
+QString Lobby::get_chatlog()
+{
+  QString return_value = ui_chatbox->toPlainText();
+
+  return return_value;
 }
 
 void Lobby::on_public_servers_clicked()
@@ -148,8 +193,6 @@ void Lobby::on_refresh_released()
   AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket("ALL#%");
 
   ao_app->send_ms_packet(f_packet);
-
-  delete f_packet;
 }
 
 void Lobby::on_add_to_fav_pressed()
@@ -177,15 +220,8 @@ void Lobby::on_connect_released()
 {
   ui_connect->set_image("connect.png");
 
-  //D3BUG START
-
-  ao_app->construct_courtroom();
-
-  ao_app->destruct_lobby();
-
-  //D3BUG END
-
-  //T0D0: call ao_app to initialize loading sequence
+  AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket("askchaa#%");
+  ao_app->send_server_packet(f_packet);
 }
 
 void Lobby::on_about_clicked()
@@ -230,6 +266,11 @@ void Lobby::on_server_list_clicked(QModelIndex p_model)
 
 void Lobby::on_chatfield_return_pressed()
 {
+  //no you can't send empty messages
+  if (ui_chatname->text() == "" || ui_chatmessage->text() == "")
+    return;
+
+
   QString f_header = "CT";
   QStringList f_contents{ui_chatname->text(), ui_chatmessage->text()};
 
@@ -238,8 +279,6 @@ void Lobby::on_chatfield_return_pressed()
   ao_app->send_ms_packet(f_packet);
 
   ui_chatmessage->clear();
-
-  delete f_packet;
 }
 
 void Lobby::list_servers()
diff --git a/lobby.h b/lobby.h
index e4d6499f5..ebdc05b22 100644
--- a/lobby.h
+++ b/lobby.h
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 #include <QLabel>
 #include <QPlainTextEdit>
 #include <QLineEdit>
+#include <QProgressBar>
 
 class AOApplication;
 
@@ -25,6 +26,10 @@ class Lobby : public QMainWindow
   void list_favorites();
   void append_chatmessage(QString p_message_line);
   void set_player_count(int players_online, int max_players);
+  void set_loading_text(QString p_text);
+  void show_loading_overlay(){ui_loading_background->show();}
+  void hide_loading_overlay(){ui_loading_background->hide();}
+  QString get_chatlog();
 
   ~Lobby();
 
@@ -57,6 +62,13 @@ class Lobby : public QMainWindow
   QLineEdit *ui_chatname;
   QLineEdit *ui_chatmessage;
 
+  AOImage *ui_loading_background;
+  QTextEdit *ui_loading_text;
+  QProgressBar *ui_progress_bar;
+  AOButton *ui_cancel;
+
+  void set_size_and_pos(QWidget *p_widget, QString p_identifier);
+
 private slots:
   void on_public_servers_clicked();
   void on_favorites_clicked();
diff --git a/networkmanager.cpp b/networkmanager.cpp
index 2568b694f..e0967f0b7 100644
--- a/networkmanager.cpp
+++ b/networkmanager.cpp
@@ -78,8 +78,6 @@ void NetworkManager::handle_ms_packet()
     AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket(packet);
 
     ao_app->ms_packet_received(f_packet);
-
-    delete f_packet;
   }
 }
 
@@ -114,8 +112,6 @@ void NetworkManager::handle_server_packet()
     AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket(packet);
 
     ao_app->server_packet_received(f_packet);
-
-    delete f_packet;
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/packet_distribution.cpp b/packet_distribution.cpp
index 5250dfab5..163c744d0 100644
--- a/packet_distribution.cpp
+++ b/packet_distribution.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "aoapplication.h"
 
 #include "lobby.h"
+#include "courtroom.h"
 #include "networkmanager.h"
 #include "encryption_functions.h"
 #include "hardware_functions.h"
@@ -62,8 +63,7 @@ void AOApplication::ms_packet_received(AOPacket *p_packet)
     }
     if (courtroom_constructed)
     {
-      //T0D0: uncomment this when it's implemented
-      //w_courtroom->append_ms_chat_message(message_line);
+      w_courtroom->append_ms_chatmessage(message_line);
     }
   }
 }
@@ -76,7 +76,8 @@ void AOApplication::server_packet_received(AOPacket *p_packet)
   QStringList f_contents = p_packet->get_contents();
   QString f_packet = p_packet->to_string();
 
-  qDebug() << "R: " << f_packet;
+  if (header != "checkconnection")
+    qDebug() << "R: " << f_packet;
 
   if (header == "decryptor")
   {
@@ -91,15 +92,18 @@ void AOApplication::server_packet_received(AOPacket *p_packet)
 
     AOPacket *hi_packet = new AOPacket("HI#" + f_hdid + "#%");
     send_server_packet(hi_packet);
-
-    delete hi_packet;
   }
   else if (header == "ID")
   {
     if (f_contents.size() < 1)
       return;
 
-    //T0D0: save server version here, somehow(it's in the HI# packet usually)
+    s_pv = f_contents.at(0).toInt();
+
+    if (f_contents.size() < 2)
+      return;
+
+    //T0D0: store server version
   }
   else if (header == "CT")
   {
@@ -109,10 +113,9 @@ void AOApplication::server_packet_received(AOPacket *p_packet)
       return;
     }
 
-    //QString message_line = f_contents.at(0) + ": " + f_contents.at(1);
+    QString message_line = f_contents.at(0) + ": " + f_contents.at(1);
 
-    //T0D0, uncomment when implemented
-    //w_courtroom->append_ooc_chatmessage(message_line)
+    w_courtroom->append_server_chatmessage(message_line);
   }
   else if (header == "PN")
   {
@@ -121,6 +124,175 @@ void AOApplication::server_packet_received(AOPacket *p_packet)
 
     w_lobby->set_player_count(f_contents.at(0).toInt(), f_contents.at(1).toInt());
   }
+  else if (header == "SI")
+  {
+    if (f_contents.size() < 3)
+      return;
+
+    char_list_size = f_contents.at(0).toInt();
+    loaded_chars = 0;
+    evidence_list_size = f_contents.at(1).toInt();
+    loaded_evidence = 0;
+    music_list_size = f_contents.at(2).toInt();
+    loaded_music = 0;
+
+    destruct_courtroom();
+
+    construct_courtroom();
+
+    w_lobby->show_loading_overlay();
+    w_lobby->set_loading_text("Loading");
+
+    AOPacket *f_packet = new AOPacket("askchar2#%");
+    send_server_packet(f_packet);
+  }
+  else if (header == "CI")
+  {
+    if (!courtroom_constructed)
+      return;
+
+    for (int n_element = 0 ; n_element < f_contents.size() ; n_element += 2)
+    {
+      if (f_contents.at(n_element).toInt() != loaded_chars)
+        break;
+
+      //this means we are on the last element and checking n + 1 element will be game over so
+      if (n_element == f_contents.size() - 1)
+        break;
+
+      QStringList sub_elements = f_contents.at(n_element + 1).split("&");
+      if (sub_elements.size() < 2)
+        break;
+
+      char_type f_char;
+      f_char.name = sub_elements.at(0);
+      f_char.description = sub_elements.at(1);
+      //temporary. the CharsCheck packet sets this properly
+      f_char.taken = false;
+
+      ++loaded_chars;
+
+      w_lobby->set_loading_text("Loading chars:\n" + QString::number(loaded_chars) + "/" + QString::number(char_list_size));
+
+      w_courtroom->append_char(f_char);
+    }
+
+    if (loaded_chars < char_list_size)
+    {
+      QString next_packet_number = QString::number(((loaded_chars - 1) / 10) + 1);
+      send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AN#" + next_packet_number + "#%"));
+    }
+
+    else
+    {
+      if (evidence_list_size == 0)
+        send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AM#0#%"));
+      else
+        send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AE#0#%"));
+    }
+  }
+  else if (header == "EI"){
+    if (!courtroom_constructed)
+      return;
+
+
+    // +1 because evidence starts at 1 rather than 0 for whatever reason
+    //enjoy fanta
+    if (f_contents.at(0).toInt() != loaded_evidence + 1)
+      return;
+
+    if (f_contents.size() < 2)
+      return;
+
+    QStringList sub_elements = f_contents.at(1).split("&");
+    if (sub_elements.size() < 4)
+      return;
+
+    evi_type f_evi;
+    f_evi.name = sub_elements.at(0);
+    f_evi.description = sub_elements.at(1);
+    //no idea what the number at position 2 is. probably an identifier?
+    f_evi.image = sub_elements.at(3);
+
+    ++loaded_evidence;
+
+    w_lobby->set_loading_text("Loading evidence:\n" + QString::number(loaded_evidence) + "/" + QString::number(evidence_list_size));
+
+    w_courtroom->append_evidence(f_evi);
+
+    if (loaded_evidence < evidence_list_size)
+    {
+      qDebug() << "loaded evidence: " << loaded_evidence;
+      QString next_packet_number = QString::number(loaded_evidence);
+      send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AE#" + next_packet_number + "#%"));
+    }
+    else
+    {
+      send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AM#0#%"));
+    }
+  }
+  else if (header == "EM")
+  {
+    if (!courtroom_constructed)
+      return;
+
+    for (int n_element = 0 ; n_element < f_contents.size() ; n_element += 2)
+    {
+      if (f_contents.at(n_element).toInt() != loaded_music)
+        break;
+
+      if (n_element == f_contents.size() - 1)
+        break;
+
+      QString f_music = f_contents.at(n_element + 1);
+
+      ++loaded_music;
+
+      w_lobby->set_loading_text("Loading music:\n" + QString::number(loaded_music) + "/" + QString::number(music_list_size));
+
+      w_courtroom->append_music(f_music);
+    }
+
+    //apparently we need to intentionally send another AM packet to get onwards in the loading process
+    //in spite of the fact that we actually received all the music
+    //enjoy fanta
+    //if (loaded_music < music_list_size)
+    //{
+      QString next_packet_number = QString::number(((loaded_music - 1) / 10) + 1);
+      send_server_packet(new AOPacket("AM#" + next_packet_number + "#%"));
+    //}
+  }
+  if (header == "CharsCheck")
+  {
+    for (int n_char = 0 ; n_char < f_contents.size() ; ++n_char)
+    {
+      if (f_contents.at(n_char) == "-1")
+        w_courtroom->set_taken(n_char, true);
+      else
+        w_courtroom->set_taken(n_char, false);
+    }
+  }
+  if (header == "DONE")
+  {
+    if (!courtroom_constructed)
+      return;
+
+    w_courtroom->set_char_select_page();
+
+    w_courtroom->append_ms_chatmessage(w_lobby->get_chatlog());
+
+    w_courtroom->show();
+
+    destruct_lobby();
+  }
+  //server accepting char request(CC) packet
+  if (header == "PV")
+  {
+    if (f_contents.size() < 3)
+      return;
+
+    w_courtroom->enter_courtroom(f_contents.at(2).toInt());
+  }
 }
 
 void AOApplication::send_ms_packet(AOPacket *p_packet)
@@ -132,6 +304,8 @@ void AOApplication::send_ms_packet(AOPacket *p_packet)
   net_manager->ship_ms_packet(f_packet);
 
   qDebug() << "S(ms):" << f_packet;
+
+  delete p_packet;
 }
 
 void AOApplication::send_server_packet(AOPacket *p_packet)
@@ -142,7 +316,7 @@ void AOApplication::send_server_packet(AOPacket *p_packet)
 
   if (encryption_needed)
   {
-    qDebug() << "S:(e)" << f_packet;
+    qDebug() << "S(e):" << f_packet;
 
     p_packet->encrypt_header(s_decryptor);
     f_packet = p_packet->to_string();
@@ -154,4 +328,5 @@ void AOApplication::send_server_packet(AOPacket *p_packet)
 
   net_manager->ship_server_packet(f_packet);
 
+  delete p_packet;
 }
diff --git a/path_functions.cpp b/path_functions.cpp
index 46f80ef33..5b9e92ee2 100644
--- a/path_functions.cpp
+++ b/path_functions.cpp
@@ -1,8 +1,5 @@
 #include "aoapplication.h"
 
-#include "global_variables.h"
-#include "text_file_functions.h"
-
 #include <QDir>
 #include <QDebug>
 
diff --git a/path_functions.h b/path_functions.h
deleted file mode 100644
index 2f37a0ce3..000000000
--- a/path_functions.h
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@
-#ifndef PATH_FUNCTIONS_H
-#define PATH_FUNCTIONS_H
-
-#include <QString>
-
-
-
-#endif // PATH_FUNCTIONS_H
diff --git a/text_file_functions.cpp b/text_file_functions.cpp
index db1ecc745..dc97c6079 100644
--- a/text_file_functions.cpp
+++ b/text_file_functions.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 #include "aoapplication.h"
 
-#include "path_functions.h"
 #include "file_functions.h"
 
 #include <QTextStream>
@@ -140,3 +139,38 @@ pos_size_type AOApplication::get_pos_and_size(QString p_identifier, QString p_de
   return return_value;
 }
 
+QString AOApplication::get_char_side(QString p_char)
+{
+  QString char_ini_path = get_character_path(p_char) + "char.ini";
+
+  QFile char_ini;
+
+  char_ini.setFileName(char_ini_path);
+
+  if (!char_ini.open(QIODevice::ReadOnly))
+  {
+    //default to wit and don't make a big deal about it
+    return "wit";
+  }
+
+  QTextStream in(&char_ini);
+
+  while(!in.atEnd())
+  {
+    QString line = in.readLine();
+
+    if (!line.startsWith("side"))
+      continue;
+
+    QStringList line_elements = line.split("=");
+
+    if (line_elements.size() < 2)
+      continue;
+
+    //note that we do not validate if this is a valid side or not. that's up to the caller
+    return line_elements.at(1).trimmed().toLower();
+  }
+
+  return "wit";
+}
+
diff --git a/text_file_functions.h b/text_file_functions.h
deleted file mode 100644
index 54abd4d8e..000000000
--- a/text_file_functions.h
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@
-#ifndef TEXT_FILE_FUNCTIONS_H
-#define TEXT_FILE_FUNCTIONS_H
-
-#include "datatypes.h"
-
-#include <QString>
-#include <QFile>
-
-
-
-#endif // TEXT_FILE_FUNCTIONS_H