diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/asset.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/asset.rs
index e846d8ec..aa033729 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/asset.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/asset.rs
@@ -191,10 +191,10 @@ impl GlyphAssetSlotIndex {
     }
 }
 
-const GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1: usize = 64;
+const GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1: usize = 64;
 const GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE: usize = 16;
-const GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1: usize =
-    GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * size_of::<u32>();
+const GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE: usize =
+    GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * size_of::<u32>();
 
 /// Resident metadata for a decoded/materialized asset inside a BankPolicy.
 #[derive(Debug)]
@@ -599,7 +599,7 @@ impl AssetBridge for AssetManager {
 impl AssetManager {
     fn decode_glyph_bank_layout(
         entry: &AssetEntry,
-    ) -> Result<(TileSize, usize, usize, usize), String> {
+    ) -> Result<(TileSize, usize, usize, usize, usize, usize), String> {
         let meta = entry.metadata_as_glyph_bank()?;
 
         let tile_size = match meta.tile_size {
@@ -609,7 +609,8 @@ impl AssetManager {
             _ => return Err(format!("Invalid tile_size: {}", meta.tile_size)),
         };
 
-        if meta.palette_count as usize != GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 {
+        let palette_count = meta.palette_count as usize;
+        if !(1..=GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1).contains(&palette_count) {
             return Err(format!("Invalid palette_count: {}", meta.palette_count));
         }
 
@@ -618,12 +619,14 @@ impl AssetManager {
 
         let logical_pixels = width.checked_mul(height).ok_or("GlyphBank dimensions overflow")?;
         let serialized_pixel_bytes = logical_pixels.div_ceil(2);
+        let palette_bytes = palette_count
+            .checked_mul(GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE)
+            .ok_or("GlyphBank palette size overflow")?;
         let serialized_size = serialized_pixel_bytes
-            .checked_add(GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1)
+            .checked_add(palette_bytes)
             .ok_or("GlyphBank serialized size overflow")?;
-        let decoded_size = logical_pixels
-            .checked_add(GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1)
-            .ok_or("GlyphBank decoded size overflow")?;
+        let decoded_size =
+            logical_pixels.checked_add(palette_bytes).ok_or("GlyphBank decoded size overflow")?;
 
         if entry.size != serialized_size as u64 {
             return Err(format!(
@@ -639,7 +642,7 @@ impl AssetManager {
             ));
         }
 
-        Ok((tile_size, width, height, serialized_pixel_bytes))
+        Ok((tile_size, width, height, serialized_pixel_bytes, palette_count, palette_bytes))
     }
 
     fn unpack_glyph_bank_pixels(packed_pixels: &[u8], logical_pixels: usize) -> Vec<u8> {
@@ -1200,19 +1203,18 @@ impl AssetManager {
         entry: &AssetEntry,
         buffer: &[u8],
     ) -> Result<GlyphBank, String> {
-        let (tile_size, width, height, packed_pixel_bytes) = Self::decode_glyph_bank_layout(entry)?;
-        if buffer.len() < packed_pixel_bytes + GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1 {
+        let (tile_size, width, height, packed_pixel_bytes, palette_count, palette_bytes) =
+            Self::decode_glyph_bank_layout(entry)?;
+        if buffer.len() < packed_pixel_bytes + palette_bytes {
             return Err("Buffer too small for GLYPHBANK".to_string());
         }
 
         let logical_pixels = width * height;
         let packed_pixels = &buffer[0..packed_pixel_bytes];
         let pixel_indices = Self::unpack_glyph_bank_pixels(packed_pixels, logical_pixels);
-        let palette_data =
-            &buffer[packed_pixel_bytes..packed_pixel_bytes + GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1];
+        let palette_data = &buffer[packed_pixel_bytes..packed_pixel_bytes + palette_bytes];
 
-        let mut palettes =
-            [[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1];
+        let mut palettes = vec![[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; palette_count];
         for (p, pal) in palettes.iter_mut().enumerate() {
             for (c, slot) in pal.iter_mut().enumerate() {
                 let offset = (p * 16 + c) * 4;
@@ -1232,7 +1234,8 @@ impl AssetManager {
         entry: &AssetEntry,
         reader: &mut impl Read,
     ) -> Result<GlyphBank, String> {
-        let (tile_size, width, height, packed_pixel_bytes) = Self::decode_glyph_bank_layout(entry)?;
+        let (tile_size, width, height, packed_pixel_bytes, palette_count, palette_bytes) =
+            Self::decode_glyph_bank_layout(entry)?;
         let logical_pixels = width * height;
         let mut packed_pixels = vec![0_u8; packed_pixel_bytes];
         reader
@@ -1241,13 +1244,12 @@ impl AssetManager {
 
         let pixel_indices = Self::unpack_glyph_bank_pixels(&packed_pixels, logical_pixels);
 
-        let mut palette_data = [0_u8; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1];
+        let mut palette_data = vec![0_u8; palette_bytes];
         reader
             .read_exact(&mut palette_data)
             .map_err(|_| "Buffer too small for GLYPHBANK".to_string())?;
 
-        let mut palettes =
-            [[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1];
+        let mut palettes = vec![[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; palette_count];
         for (p, pal) in palettes.iter_mut().enumerate() {
             for (c, slot) in pal.iter_mut().enumerate() {
                 let offset = (p * 16 + c) * 4;
@@ -1883,35 +1885,53 @@ mod tests {
     use prometeu_hal::tile::Tile;
     use prometeu_hal::tilemap::TileMap;
 
-    fn expected_glyph_payload_size(width: usize, height: usize) -> usize {
-        (width * height).div_ceil(2) + GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1
+    fn expected_glyph_payload_size(width: usize, height: usize, palette_count: usize) -> usize {
+        (width * height).div_ceil(2) + (palette_count * GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE)
     }
 
-    fn expected_glyph_decoded_size(width: usize, height: usize) -> usize {
-        width * height + GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1
+    fn expected_glyph_decoded_size(width: usize, height: usize, palette_count: usize) -> usize {
+        width * height + (palette_count * GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE)
     }
 
     fn test_glyph_asset_data() -> Vec<u8> {
+        test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1)
+    }
+
+    fn test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(palette_count: usize) -> Vec<u8> {
         let mut data = vec![0x11u8; 128];
-        data.extend_from_slice(&[0u8; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1]);
+        data.extend_from_slice(&vec![0u8; palette_count * GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE]);
         data
     }
 
     fn test_glyph_asset_entry(asset_name: &str, width: usize, height: usize) -> AssetEntry {
+        test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count(
+            asset_name,
+            width,
+            height,
+            GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+        )
+    }
+
+    fn test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count(
+        asset_name: &str,
+        width: usize,
+        height: usize,
+        palette_count: usize,
+    ) -> AssetEntry {
         AssetEntry {
             asset_id: 0,
             asset_name: asset_name.to_string(),
             bank_type: BankType::GLYPH,
             offset: 0,
-            size: expected_glyph_payload_size(width, height) as u64,
-            decoded_size: expected_glyph_decoded_size(width, height) as u64,
+            size: expected_glyph_payload_size(width, height, palette_count) as u64,
+            decoded_size: expected_glyph_decoded_size(width, height, palette_count) as u64,
             codec: AssetCodec::None,
             metadata: serde_json::json!({
                 "tile_size": 16,
                 "width": width,
                 "height": height,
-                "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-                "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+                "palette_count": palette_count,
+                "palette_authored": palette_count
             }),
         }
     }
@@ -2034,22 +2054,67 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn test_decode_glyph_bank_unpacks_packed_pixels_and_reads_palette_colors() {
-        let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry("glyphs", 2, 2);
+        let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count("glyphs", 2, 2, 1);
         let mut data = vec![0x10, 0x23];
-        data.extend_from_slice(&[0u8; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_V1]);
+        data.extend_from_slice(&[0u8; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_BYTES_PER_PALETTE]);
         data[2..6].copy_from_slice(&[0x12, 0x34, 0x56, 0x78]);
 
         let bank =
             AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &data).expect("glyph decode");
 
         assert_eq!(bank.pixel_indices, vec![1, 0, 2, 3]);
+        assert_eq!(bank.palette_count(), 1);
         assert_eq!(bank.palettes[0][0], Color::from_raw(0x12345678));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_accepts_intermediate_palette_count() {
+        let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count("glyphs", 16, 16, 7);
+        let data = test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(7);
+
+        let bank =
+            AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &data).expect("glyph decode");
+
+        assert_eq!(bank.palette_count(), 7);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_accepts_max_palette_count() {
+        let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count(
+            "glyphs",
+            16,
+            16,
+            GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+        );
+        let data = test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1);
+
+        let bank =
+            AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &data).expect("glyph decode");
+
+        assert_eq!(bank.palette_count(), GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_reader_matches_buffer_for_variable_palette_count() {
+        let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count("glyphs", 16, 16, 3);
+        let data = test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(3);
+
+        let from_buffer =
+            AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &data).expect("buffer decode");
+        let mut reader = std::io::Cursor::new(data);
+        let from_reader = AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_reader(&entry, &mut reader)
+            .expect("reader decode");
+
+        assert_eq!(from_buffer.palette_count(), from_reader.palette_count());
+        assert_eq!(from_buffer.pixel_indices, from_reader.pixel_indices);
+        assert_eq!(from_buffer.palettes, from_reader.palettes);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_decode_glyph_bank_rejects_short_packed_buffer() {
         let entry = test_glyph_asset_entry("glyphs", 16, 16);
-        let data = vec![0u8; expected_glyph_payload_size(16, 16) - 1];
+        let data =
+            vec![0u8; expected_glyph_payload_size(16, 16, GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1) - 1];
 
         let err = match AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &data) {
             Ok(_) => panic!("glyph decode should reject short buffer"),
@@ -2060,9 +2125,9 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_requires_palette_count_64() {
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_rejects_palette_count_zero() {
         let mut entry = test_glyph_asset_entry("glyphs", 16, 16);
-        entry.metadata["palette_count"] = serde_json::json!(32);
+        entry.metadata["palette_count"] = serde_json::json!(0);
 
         let err =
             match AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &test_glyph_asset_data()) {
@@ -2070,7 +2135,67 @@ mod tests {
                 Err(err) => err,
             };
 
-        assert_eq!(err, "Invalid palette_count: 32");
+        assert_eq!(err, "Invalid palette_count: 0");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_rejects_palette_count_above_v1_max() {
+        let mut entry = test_glyph_asset_entry("glyphs", 16, 16);
+        entry.metadata["palette_count"] = serde_json::json!(65);
+
+        let err =
+            match AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(&entry, &test_glyph_asset_data()) {
+                Ok(_) => panic!("glyph decode should reject invalid palette_count"),
+                Err(err) => err,
+            };
+
+        assert_eq!(err, "Invalid palette_count: 65");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_rejects_mismatched_variable_decoded_size() {
+        let mut entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count("glyphs", 16, 16, 3);
+        entry.decoded_size += 1;
+
+        let err = match AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(
+            &entry,
+            &test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(3),
+        ) {
+            Ok(_) => panic!("glyph decode should reject invalid decoded_size"),
+            Err(err) => err,
+        };
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            err,
+            format!(
+                "Invalid GLYPHBANK decoded_size: expected {}, got {}",
+                expected_glyph_decoded_size(16, 16, 3),
+                expected_glyph_decoded_size(16, 16, 3) + 1
+            )
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_decode_glyph_bank_rejects_mismatched_variable_serialized_size() {
+        let mut entry = test_glyph_asset_entry_with_palette_count("glyphs", 16, 16, 3);
+        entry.size += 1;
+
+        let err = match AssetManager::decode_glyph_bank_from_buffer(
+            &entry,
+            &test_glyph_asset_data_with_palette_count(3),
+        ) {
+            Ok(_) => panic!("glyph decode should reject invalid serialized size"),
+            Err(err) => err,
+        };
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            err,
+            format!(
+                "Invalid GLYPHBANK serialized size: expected {}, got {}",
+                expected_glyph_payload_size(16, 16, 3),
+                expected_glyph_payload_size(16, 16, 3) + 1
+            )
+        );
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/frame_composer.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/frame_composer.rs
index 80e3bd5a..11abbc6c 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/frame_composer.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/frame_composer.rs
@@ -557,8 +557,9 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn make_glyph_bank(tile_size: TileSize, palette_id: u8, color: Color) -> GlyphBank {
         let size = tile_size as usize;
-        let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(tile_size, size, size);
-        bank.palettes[palette_id as usize][1] = color;
+        let mut bank =
+            GlyphBank::with_palette_count(tile_size, size, size, palette_id as usize + 1);
+        bank.palette_mut(palette_id).unwrap()[1] = color;
         for pixel in &mut bank.pixel_indices {
             *pixel = 1;
         }
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/gfx.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/gfx.rs
index 6b86cee6..e984a3d1 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/gfx.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/gfx.rs
@@ -812,7 +812,14 @@ impl Gfx {
                 let fetch_x = if tile.entry.flip_x() { size - 1 - local_x } else { local_x };
                 let fetch_y = if tile.entry.flip_y() { size - 1 - local_y } else { local_y };
                 let px_index = tile.bank.get_pixel_index(tile.entry.glyph_id, fetch_x, fetch_y);
-                let color = tile.bank.resolve_color(tile.entry.palette_id, px_index);
+                let color = tile.bank.resolve_color(tile.entry.palette_id, px_index).unwrap_or_else(
+                    || {
+                        panic!(
+                            "SCENE composition fatal: palette_id {} is not resident for glyph asset {}",
+                            tile.entry.palette_id, tile.entry.glyph_asset_id
+                        )
+                    },
+                );
                 if color.alpha() == 0 {
                     continue;
                 }
@@ -862,7 +869,14 @@ impl Gfx {
                 let fetch_y = if sprite.flip_y { size - 1 - local_y } else { local_y };
 
                 let px_index = bank.get_pixel_index(sprite.glyph.glyph_id, fetch_x, fetch_y);
-                let color = bank.resolve_color(sprite.glyph.palette_id, px_index);
+                let color = bank.resolve_color(sprite.glyph.palette_id, px_index).unwrap_or_else(
+                    || {
+                        panic!(
+                            "SPRITE composition fatal: palette_id {} is not resident for glyph bank {}",
+                            sprite.glyph.palette_id, sprite.bank_id
+                        )
+                    },
+                );
                 if color.alpha() == 0 {
                     continue;
                 }
@@ -1010,9 +1024,14 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn make_glyph_bank(tile_size: TileSize, palette_colors: &[(u8, u8, Color)]) -> GlyphBank {
         let size = tile_size as usize;
-        let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(tile_size, size, size);
+        let palette_count = palette_colors
+            .iter()
+            .map(|(palette_id, _, _)| *palette_id as usize + 1)
+            .max()
+            .unwrap_or(1);
+        let mut bank = GlyphBank::with_palette_count(tile_size, size, size, palette_count);
         for (palette_id, color_index, color) in palette_colors {
-            bank.palettes[*palette_id as usize][*color_index as usize] = *color;
+            bank.palette_mut(*palette_id).unwrap()[*color_index as usize] = *color;
         }
         bank
     }
@@ -1152,6 +1171,26 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(back[0], Color::RED.raw());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    #[should_panic(expected = "SPRITE composition fatal: palette_id 1 is not resident")]
+    fn sprite_draw_panics_for_invalid_palette_reference() {
+        let bank = make_filled_glyph_bank(TileSize::Size8, 0, &[(0, 0, Color::GREEN)]);
+        let mut back = vec![Color::BLACK.raw(); 8 * 8];
+        let sprite = Sprite {
+            glyph: Glyph { glyph_id: 0, palette_id: 1 },
+            x: 0,
+            y: 0,
+            layer: 0,
+            flip_x: false,
+            flip_y: false,
+            bank_id: 0,
+            active: true,
+            priority: 0,
+        };
+
+        Gfx::draw_sprite_pixel_by_pixel(&mut back, 8, 8, &sprite, &bank);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_cached_tile_draws_opaque_color_index_zero() {
         let bank = make_filled_glyph_bank(TileSize::Size8, 0, &[(0, 0, Color::GREEN)]);
@@ -1194,6 +1233,26 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(target.back[0], Color::RED.raw());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    #[should_panic(expected = "SCENE composition fatal: palette_id 1 is not resident")]
+    fn cached_tile_draw_panics_for_invalid_palette_reference() {
+        let bank = make_filled_glyph_bank(TileSize::Size8, 0, &[(0, 0, Color::GREEN)]);
+        let mut back = vec![Color::BLACK.raw(); 8 * 8];
+        let mut target = RenderTarget { back: &mut back, screen_w: 8, screen_h: 8 };
+        let entry = CachedTileEntry {
+            active: true,
+            glyph_id: 0,
+            palette_id: 1,
+            flags: 0,
+            glyph_asset_id: 0,
+        };
+
+        Gfx::draw_cached_tile_pixels(
+            &mut target,
+            CachedTileDraw { x: 0, y: 0, entry, bank: &bank, tile_size: TileSize::Size8 },
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_draw_rect() {
         let banks = Arc::new(MemoryBanks::new());
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/hardware.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/hardware.rs
index cd4d3cf9..bb375591 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/hardware.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/hardware.rs
@@ -118,7 +118,11 @@ impl Game2DFrameComposer for Hardware {
     }
 
     fn emit_sprite(&mut self, sprite: Sprite) -> prometeu_hal::ComposerOpStatus {
-        if self.gfx.glyph_banks.glyph_bank_slot(sprite.bank_id as usize).is_none() {
+        let Some(bank) = self.gfx.glyph_banks.glyph_bank_slot(sprite.bank_id as usize) else {
+            return prometeu_hal::ComposerOpStatus::BankInvalid;
+        };
+
+        if !bank.contains_palette(sprite.glyph.palette_id) {
             return prometeu_hal::ComposerOpStatus::BankInvalid;
         }
 
@@ -261,7 +265,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn make_glyph_bank() -> GlyphBank {
         let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8);
-        bank.palettes[0][1] = Color::RED;
+        bank.palette_mut(0).unwrap()[1] = Color::RED;
         for pixel in &mut bank.pixel_indices {
             *pixel = 1;
         }
@@ -433,4 +437,28 @@ mod tests {
 
         assert_eq!(hardware.gfx.front_buffer()[0], Color::RED.raw());
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn emit_sprite_rejects_palette_id_outside_loaded_glyph_bank() {
+        let banks = Arc::new(MemoryBanks::new());
+        banks.install_glyph_bank(0, Arc::new(make_glyph_bank()));
+        let mut hardware = Hardware::new_with_memory_banks(banks);
+
+        let status = Game2DFrameComposer::emit_sprite(
+            &mut hardware,
+            Sprite {
+                glyph: Glyph { glyph_id: 0, palette_id: 1 },
+                x: 0,
+                y: 0,
+                layer: 0,
+                bank_id: 0,
+                active: false,
+                flip_x: false,
+                flip_y: false,
+                priority: 0,
+            },
+        );
+
+        assert_eq!(status, prometeu_hal::ComposerOpStatus::BankInvalid);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/memory_banks.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/memory_banks.rs
index 1eef36e6..aa694f71 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/memory_banks.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-drivers/src/memory_banks.rs
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn make_glyph_bank() -> GlyphBank {
         let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8);
-        bank.palettes[0][1] = Color::WHITE;
+        bank.palette_mut(0).unwrap()[1] = Color::WHITE;
         bank
     }
 
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/cartridge_loader.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/cartridge_loader.rs
index 2fe4f836..302da027 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/cartridge_loader.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/cartridge_loader.rs
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ mod tests {
     use super::*;
     use crate::asset::{AssetCodec, AssetEntry, BankType, PreloadEntry};
     use crate::cartridge::{ASSETS_PA_MAGIC, ASSETS_PA_SCHEMA_VERSION, AssetsPackPrelude};
-    use crate::glyph_bank::GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1;
+    use crate::glyph_bank::GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1;
     use serde_json::json;
     use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
     use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicU64, Ordering};
@@ -369,14 +369,14 @@ mod tests {
             bank_type: BankType::GLYPH,
             offset,
             size,
-            decoded_size: 16 * 16 + (GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 as u64 * 16 * 4),
+            decoded_size: 16 * 16 + (GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 as u64 * 16 * 4),
             codec: AssetCodec::None,
             metadata: json!({
                 "tile_size": 16,
                 "width": 16,
                 "height": 16,
-                "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-                "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+                "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+                "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
             }),
         }
     }
@@ -452,14 +452,14 @@ mod tests {
                 bank_type: BankType::GLYPH,
                 offset: 4,
                 size: 4,
-                decoded_size: 16 * 16 + (GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 as u64 * 16 * 4),
+                decoded_size: 16 * 16 + (GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 as u64 * 16 * 4),
                 codec: AssetCodec::None,
                 metadata: json!({
                     "tile_size": 16,
                     "width": 16,
                     "height": 16,
-                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
                 }),
             },
         ];
@@ -519,8 +519,8 @@ mod tests {
                     "tile_size": 16,
                     "width": 16,
                     "height": 16,
-                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
                 }
             }],
             "preload": []
@@ -561,8 +561,8 @@ mod tests {
                     "tile_size": 16,
                     "width": 16,
                     "height": 16,
-                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+                    "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+                    "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
                 }
             }],
             "preload": []
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/glyph_bank.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/glyph_bank.rs
index fe92e131..2c72d8ed 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/glyph_bank.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-hal/src/glyph_bank.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use crate::color::Color;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
-pub const GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1: usize = 64;
+pub const GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1: usize = 64;
 pub const GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE: usize = 16;
 
 /// Standard sizes for square tiles.
@@ -35,22 +35,59 @@ pub struct GlyphBank {
     /// Palette indices are ordinary indices; transparency is resolved through
     /// the RGBA alpha channel of the palette entry.
     pub pixel_indices: Vec<u8>,
-    /// Runtime-facing v1 palette table: 64 palettes of 16 RGBA8888 colors each.
-    pub palettes: [[Color; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1],
+    /// Runtime-facing v1 palette table.
+    ///
+    /// Palette identity is the direct index in this vector. A resident glyph
+    /// bank carries exactly the palettes materialized from its payload.
+    pub palettes: Vec<[Color; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]>,
 }
 
 impl GlyphBank {
-    /// Creates an empty glyph bank with the specified dimensions.
+    /// Creates an empty glyph bank with one palette.
     pub fn new(tile_size: TileSize, width: usize, height: usize) -> Self {
+        Self::with_palette_count(tile_size, width, height, 1)
+    }
+
+    /// Creates an empty glyph bank with the specified resident palette count.
+    pub fn with_palette_count(
+        tile_size: TileSize,
+        width: usize,
+        height: usize,
+        palette_count: usize,
+    ) -> Self {
+        assert!(
+            (1..=GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1).contains(&palette_count),
+            "glyph bank palette_count must be in 1..={}",
+            GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+        );
+
         Self {
             tile_size,
             width,
             height,
             pixel_indices: vec![0; width * height],
-            palettes: [[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1],
+            palettes: vec![[Color::BLACK; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]; palette_count],
         }
     }
 
+    /// Returns the number of resident palettes.
+    pub fn palette_count(&self) -> usize {
+        self.palettes.len()
+    }
+
+    /// Returns true when the palette id is valid for this resident bank.
+    pub fn contains_palette(&self, palette_id: u8) -> bool {
+        (palette_id as usize) < self.palette_count()
+    }
+
+    /// Returns a mutable palette slot when the palette exists.
+    pub fn palette_mut(
+        &mut self,
+        palette_id: u8,
+    ) -> Option<&mut [Color; GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE]> {
+        self.palettes.get_mut(palette_id as usize)
+    }
+
     /// Resolves a global tile ID and local pixel coordinates to a palette index.
     /// tile_id: the tile index in the bank
     /// local_x, local_y: the pixel position inside the tile (0 to tile_size-1)
@@ -71,11 +108,48 @@ impl GlyphBank {
     }
 
     /// Maps a 4-bit index to a real RGBA8888 Color using the specified palette.
-    pub fn resolve_color(&self, palette_id: u8, pixel_index: u8) -> Color {
+    pub fn resolve_color(&self, palette_id: u8, pixel_index: u8) -> Option<Color> {
         self.palettes
             .get(palette_id as usize)
             .and_then(|palette| palette.get(pixel_index as usize))
             .copied()
-            .unwrap_or(Color::TRANSPARENT)
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn new_glyph_bank_uses_single_resident_palette() {
+        let bank = GlyphBank::new(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8);
+
+        assert_eq!(bank.palette_count(), 1);
+        assert!(bank.contains_palette(0));
+        assert!(!bank.contains_palette(1));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn glyph_bank_can_materialize_v1_max_palette_count() {
+        let bank =
+            GlyphBank::with_palette_count(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8, GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1);
+
+        assert_eq!(bank.palette_count(), GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1);
+        assert!(bank.contains_palette((GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 - 1) as u8));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_palette_lookup_is_distinct_from_transparent_color() {
+        let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8);
+        bank.palette_mut(0).unwrap()[1] = Color::TRANSPARENT;
+
+        assert_eq!(bank.resolve_color(0, 1), Some(Color::TRANSPARENT));
+        assert_eq!(bank.resolve_color(1, 1), None);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    #[should_panic(expected = "glyph bank palette_count must be in 1..=64")]
+    fn glyph_bank_rejects_zero_resident_palettes() {
+        let _ = GlyphBank::with_palette_count(TileSize::Size8, 8, 8, 0);
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/console/prometeu-system/src/services/vm_runtime/tests.rs b/crates/console/prometeu-system/src/services/vm_runtime/tests.rs
index a10b47c1..e23abe67 100644
--- a/crates/console/prometeu-system/src/services/vm_runtime/tests.rs
+++ b/crates/console/prometeu-system/src/services/vm_runtime/tests.rs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ use prometeu_hal::asset::{
 use prometeu_hal::cartridge::{AssetsPayloadSource, Cartridge};
 use prometeu_hal::color::Color;
 use prometeu_hal::glyph::Glyph;
-use prometeu_hal::glyph_bank::{GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1, GlyphBank, TileSize};
+use prometeu_hal::glyph_bank::{GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1, GlyphBank, TileSize};
 use prometeu_hal::scene_bank::SceneBank;
 use prometeu_hal::scene_layer::{ParallaxFactor, SceneLayer};
 use prometeu_hal::syscalls::caps;
@@ -113,11 +113,12 @@ fn serialized_single_function_module_with_consts(
 }
 
 fn test_glyph_payload_size(width: usize, height: usize) -> usize {
-    (width * height).div_ceil(2) + (GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * std::mem::size_of::<u32>())
+    (width * height).div_ceil(2)
+        + (GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * std::mem::size_of::<u32>())
 }
 
 fn test_glyph_decoded_size(width: usize, height: usize) -> usize {
-    width * height + (GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * std::mem::size_of::<u32>())
+    width * height + (GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * std::mem::size_of::<u32>())
 }
 
 fn test_glyph_asset_entry(asset_name: &str, data_len: usize) -> AssetEntry {
@@ -133,23 +134,23 @@ fn test_glyph_asset_entry(asset_name: &str, data_len: usize) -> AssetEntry {
             "tile_size": 16,
             "width": 16,
             "height": 16,
-            "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-            "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+            "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+            "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
         }),
     }
 }
 
 fn test_glyph_asset_data() -> Vec<u8> {
     let mut data =
-        vec![0x11u8; test_glyph_payload_size(16, 16) - (GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * 4)];
-    data.extend_from_slice(&[0u8; GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * 4]);
+        vec![0x11u8; test_glyph_payload_size(16, 16) - (GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * 4)];
+    data.extend_from_slice(&[0u8; GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * 16 * 4]);
     data
 }
 
 fn runtime_test_glyph_bank(tile_size: TileSize, palette_id: u8, color: Color) -> GlyphBank {
     let size = tile_size as usize;
-    let mut bank = GlyphBank::new(tile_size, size, size);
-    bank.palettes[palette_id as usize][1] = color;
+    let mut bank = GlyphBank::with_palette_count(tile_size, size, size, palette_id as usize + 1);
+    bank.palette_mut(palette_id).unwrap()[1] = color;
     for pixel in &mut bank.pixel_indices {
         *pixel = 1;
     }
@@ -1275,6 +1276,53 @@ fn tick_composer_emit_sprite_operational_error_returns_status_not_crash() {
     assert_eq!(vm.operand_stack_top(1), vec![Value::Int64(ComposerOpStatus::BankInvalid as i64)]);
 }
 
+#[test]
+fn tick_composer_emit_sprite_invalid_palette_returns_bank_invalid() {
+    let mut runtime = VirtualMachineRuntime::new(None);
+    let mut log_service = LogService::new(4096);
+    let mut fs = VirtualFS::new();
+    let mut fs_state = FsState::Unmounted;
+    let mut memcard = MemcardService::new();
+    let mut open_files: HashMap<u32, String> = HashMap::new();
+    let mut next_handle = 1;
+    let mut vm = VirtualMachine::default();
+    let banks = Arc::new(MemoryBanks::new());
+    banks.install_glyph_bank(0, Arc::new(runtime_test_glyph_bank(TileSize::Size8, 0, Color::BLUE)));
+    let mut platform = TestPlatform::new_with_memory_banks(banks);
+    let signals = InputSignals::default();
+    let code = assemble(
+        "PUSH_I32 0\nPUSH_I32 1\nPUSH_I32 0\nPUSH_I32 0\nPUSH_I32 0\nPUSH_I32 0\nPUSH_BOOL 0\nPUSH_BOOL 0\nPUSH_I32 0\nHOSTCALL 0\nHALT",
+    )
+    .expect("assemble");
+    let program = serialized_single_function_module(
+        code,
+        vec![SyscallDecl {
+            module: "composer".into(),
+            name: "emit_sprite".into(),
+            version: 1,
+            arg_slots: 9,
+            ret_slots: 1,
+        }],
+    );
+    let cartridge = cartridge_with_program(program, caps::GFX);
+
+    runtime.initialize_vm(&mut log_service, &mut vm, &cartridge).expect("runtime must initialize");
+    let report = runtime.tick(
+        &mut log_service,
+        &mut fs,
+        &mut fs_state,
+        &mut memcard,
+        &mut open_files,
+        &mut next_handle,
+        &mut vm,
+        &signals,
+        &mut platform,
+    );
+    assert!(report.is_none(), "invalid palette must not crash VM execution");
+    assert!(vm.is_halted());
+    assert_eq!(vm.operand_stack_top(1), vec![Value::Int64(ComposerOpStatus::BankInvalid as i64)]);
+}
+
 #[test]
 fn tick_composer_emit_sprite_invalid_layer_returns_status_not_crash() {
     let mut runtime = VirtualMachineRuntime::new(None);
diff --git a/crates/tools/pbxgen-stress/src/lib.rs b/crates/tools/pbxgen-stress/src/lib.rs
index 11b8bee1..9395b431 100644
--- a/crates/tools/pbxgen-stress/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/tools/pbxgen-stress/src/lib.rs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ use prometeu_hal::cartridge::{
 use prometeu_hal::color::Color;
 use prometeu_hal::glyph::Glyph;
 use prometeu_hal::glyph_bank::{
-    TileSize, GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE, GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+    TileSize, GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE, GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
 };
 use prometeu_hal::scene_bank::SceneBank;
 use prometeu_hal::scene_layer::{ParallaxFactor, SceneLayer};
@@ -275,15 +275,15 @@ fn build_glyph_asset() -> (AssetEntry, Vec<u8>) {
         bank_type: BankType::GLYPH,
         offset: 0,
         size: payload.len() as u64,
-        decoded_size: (8 * 8 + GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * 4)
+        decoded_size: (8 * 8 + GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * 4)
             as u64,
         codec: AssetCodec::None,
         metadata: serde_json::json!({
             "tile_size": 8,
             "width": 8,
             "height": 8,
-            "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
-            "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
+            "palette_count": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1,
+            "palette_authored": GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1
         }),
     };
 
@@ -292,8 +292,8 @@ fn build_glyph_asset() -> (AssetEntry, Vec<u8>) {
 
 fn build_palette_bytes() -> Vec<u8> {
     let mut bytes =
-        Vec::with_capacity(GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * 4);
-    for palette_id in 0..GLYPH_BANK_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 {
+        Vec::with_capacity(GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 * GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE * 4);
+    for palette_id in 0..GLYPH_BANK_MAX_PALETTE_COUNT_V1 {
         for color_index in 0..GLYPH_BANK_COLORS_PER_PALETTE {
             let color = if color_index == 1 { stress_color(palette_id) } else { Color::BLACK };
             bytes.extend_from_slice(&color.raw().to_be_bytes());
diff --git a/discussion/.index.lock b/discussion/.index.lock
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/discussion/index.ndjson b/discussion/index.ndjson
index 9da61ed1..5ada6974 100644
--- a/discussion/index.ndjson
+++ b/discussion/index.ndjson
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-{"type":"meta","next_id":{"DSC":46,"AGD":49,"DEC":41,"PLN":167,"LSN":55,"CLSN":1}}
+{"type":"meta","next_id":{"DSC":47,"AGD":50,"DEC":42,"PLN":173,"LSN":56,"CLSN":1}}
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0044","status":"done","ticket":"hub-suspended-game-kill-affordance","title":"Hub Suspended Game Kill Affordance","created_at":"2026-07-05","updated_at":"2026-07-05","tags":["hub","lifecycle","game","ui"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0054","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0044-hub-suspended-game-kill-affordance/LSN-0054-manual-hub-kill-must-share-game-termination-cleanup.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-07-05","updated_at":"2026-07-05"}]}
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0043","status":"done","ticket":"system-os-cartridge-switch-orchestrator","title":"SystemOS Cartridge Switch Orchestrator","created_at":"2026-07-03","updated_at":"2026-07-05","tags":["runtime","os","lifecycle","game","cartridge","architecture"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0053","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0043-system-os-cartridge-switch-orchestrator/LSN-0053-game-switching-is-lifecycle-replacement-not-loader-work.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-07-05","updated_at":"2026-07-05"}]}
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0039","status":"abandoned","ticket":"render-pipeline-family-and-future-3d","title":"Render Pipeline Family and Future 3D","created_at":"2026-06-04","updated_at":"2026-06-04","tags":["gfx","renderer","runtime","architecture","pipeline"],"agendas":[{"id":"AGD-0039","file":"AGD-0039-render-pipeline-family-and-future-3d.md","status":"abandoned","created_at":"2026-06-04","updated_at":"2026-06-04","_override_reason":"User explicitly chose to close this agenda without a new decision because DSC-0038 already established enough architecture for future extension, and 3D is intentionally deferred."}],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[],"_override_reason":"User explicitly chose to close this agenda without a new decision because DSC-0038 already established enough architecture for future extension, and 3D is intentionally deferred."}
@@ -44,3 +44,4 @@
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0033","status":"done","ticket":"system-os-service-ownership-and-module-layout","title":"Agenda - SystemOS Service Ownership and Module Layout","created_at":"2026-05-14","updated_at":"2026-05-15","tags":["runtime","os","services","module-layout","vm","window-manager","logging"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0042","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0033-system-os-service-ownership-and-module-layout/LSN-0042-systemos-service-ownership-boundary.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-05-15","updated_at":"2026-05-15"}]}
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0036","status":"done","ticket":"prometeu-hub-ui-direction","title":"Agenda - Prometeu Hub UI Direction","created_at":"2026-05-15","updated_at":"2026-05-22","tags":["hub","ui","shell","system-apps","lifecycle","design-system"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0045","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0036-prometeu-hub-ui-direction/LSN-0045-hub-ui-slices-should-prove-os-boundaries.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-05-22","updated_at":"2026-05-22"}]}
 {"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0037","status":"done","ticket":"rgba8888-framebuffer-and-pixel-format-direction","title":"Agenda - RGBA8888 Framebuffer and Pixel Format Direction","created_at":"2026-05-22","updated_at":"2026-05-23","tags":["gfx","framebuffer","rgb565","rgba8888","renderer","assets","host","backend"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0046","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0037-rgba8888-framebuffer-and-pixel-format-direction/LSN-0046-pixel-format-contracts-must-move-as-one-surface.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-05-23","updated_at":"2026-05-23"}]}
+{"type":"discussion","id":"DSC-0046","status":"done","ticket":"runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol","title":"Runtime-Owned Variable Glyph Bank Palette Protocol","created_at":"2026-07-14","updated_at":"2026-07-14","tags":["runtime","gfx","assets","glyph-bank","palette-serialization","protocol"],"agendas":[],"decisions":[],"plans":[],"lessons":[{"id":"LSN-0055","file":"discussion/lessons/DSC-0046-runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol/LSN-0055-runtime-owned-asset-protocols-must-align-payload-residency-and-lookup.md","status":"done","created_at":"2026-07-14","updated_at":"2026-07-14"}]}
diff --git a/discussion/lessons/DSC-0046-runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol/LSN-0055-runtime-owned-asset-protocols-must-align-payload-residency-and-lookup.md b/discussion/lessons/DSC-0046-runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol/LSN-0055-runtime-owned-asset-protocols-must-align-payload-residency-and-lookup.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..57708be9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/discussion/lessons/DSC-0046-runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol/LSN-0055-runtime-owned-asset-protocols-must-align-payload-residency-and-lookup.md
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+---
+id: LSN-0055
+ticket: runtime-owned-variable-glyph-bank-palette-protocol
+title: Runtime-Owned Asset Protocols Must Align Payload, Residency, and Lookup
+created: 2026-07-14
+tags: [runtime, assets, glyph-bank, palette-serialization, protocol]
+decision: DEC-0041
+---
+
+## Context
+
+The runtime changed the `GLYPH/indexed_v1` glyph-bank palette contract from a
+fixed 64-palette payload and resident table to variable palette serialization
+and variable resident palette storage.
+
+The initiating pressure came from packer/studio: fixed RGBA8888 palette padding
+made small glyph banks pay for `64 * 16 * 4` palette bytes even when they used
+far fewer palettes. The important architectural point was that the runtime, not
+the packer, had to decide the protocol. The packer can only emit payloads that
+conform to the runtime contract once the runtime spec is published.
+
+## Key Decisions
+
+### Variable Glyph Bank Palette Protocol
+
+**What:**
+`palette_count` became the number of serialized palettes and the number of
+resident palettes in the loaded `GlyphBank`. The valid range is `1..=64`.
+`palette_id` remains a direct palette identity and is valid only when
+`palette_id < palette_count` for the referenced resident bank.
+
+**Why:**
+Keeping serialized count variable while retaining a fixed 64-slot resident
+table would preserve two meanings for palette capacity. The runtime would save
+payload bytes but still carry a split contract between payload shape, resident
+shape, and lookup validity. Making all three agree gives the runtime one
+source of truth.
+
+**Trade-offs:**
+Palette validity is now bank-dependent. Scene and sprite composition must check
+the referenced loaded bank instead of relying on a global `0..63` rule. This
+adds validation work, but it prevents invalid references from silently becoming
+transparent or default colors.
+
+## Patterns and Algorithms
+
+Let the runtime own runtime-facing asset protocols. Tooling can discover pain,
+but the runtime spec must define effective metadata, payload shape, resident
+shape, and failure semantics.
+
+Make count fields material. A count such as `palette_count` should not describe
+only what the producer authored or only what the payload happens to include. If
+runtime lookup depends on it, the count must also define resident state and
+validation boundaries.
+
+Keep identity direct unless a real remapping problem exists. Sparse-to-dense
+palette remapping was rejected because it would add a second identity layer
+across scenes, sprites, packer output, and runtime lookup. V1 keeps palette id
+`N` as palette slot `N` in the resident bank.
+
+Separate transparent color from invalid lookup. RGBA alpha is valid color data.
+An invalid palette reference must be observable as invalid; it must not be
+collapsed into `Color::TRANSPARENT`.
+
+Use residue scans after protocol migrations. Search for fixed byte formulas,
+old constants, fixture helpers, and spec phrases. Legitimate hits should be
+renamed as maximum-bound concepts, not left as accidental active contracts.
+
+## Pitfalls
+
+Partially variable specs are worse than fixed specs. The asset spec already had
+variable size formulas in some places but still required `palette_count = 64`
+elsewhere. That contradiction made it unclear which rule was canonical.
+
+Resident data structures can preserve obsolete protocol assumptions after the
+payload changes. A fixed array in `GlyphBank` would have kept the old model
+alive even if decode accepted variable payloads.
+
+Fallback rendering hides contract errors. Returning transparent for an invalid
+palette id makes bad assets and bad scene references look like intentional
+alpha, which is exactly the wrong failure mode for a runtime protocol.
+
+Fixture generators are part of the contract surface. Stress cartridges and
+test payload builders must express whether they are using a variable count or
+the v1 maximum; otherwise they reintroduce fixed-padding assumptions.
+
+## Takeaways
+
+- Runtime-facing asset protocols should align payload size, resident memory,
+  and lookup validity.
+- `palette_count` is effective runtime metadata, not producer commentary.
+- Direct identity is simpler than remapping until a concrete remapping need
+  exists.
+- Invalid palette references should fail explicitly; transparent remains a
+  valid RGBA color, not an error substitute.
+- Protocol migrations need spec edits, code changes, fixture updates, and
+  residue scans in the same workflow.
diff --git a/docs/specs/runtime/04-gfx-peripheral.md b/docs/specs/runtime/04-gfx-peripheral.md
index d6801caa..a64ada99 100644
--- a/docs/specs/runtime/04-gfx-peripheral.md
+++ b/docs/specs/runtime/04-gfx-peripheral.md
@@ -625,7 +625,8 @@ Each tilemap cell contains:
 
 Runtime-facing validity rule for v1:
 
-- `palette_id` values are valid only in the range `0..63`
+- `palette_id` values are valid only when `palette_id < palette_count` for the
+  resolved resident glyph bank
 
 #### Sprite
 
@@ -640,7 +641,8 @@ Each sprite draw contains:
 
 Runtime-facing validity rule for v1:
 
-- `palette_id` values are valid only in the range `0..63`
+- `palette_id` values are valid only when `palette_id < palette_count` for the
+  referenced resident glyph bank
 
 ---
 
@@ -649,7 +651,7 @@ Runtime-facing validity rule for v1:
 The pipeline works like this:
 
 1. Read indexed pixel from tile (value 0..15)
-2. Resolve:
+2. Validate and resolve:
   - real_color = palette[palette_id][index]
 3. Apply:
   - flip
@@ -667,6 +669,9 @@ else:
     draw_or_blend(color)
 ```
 
+The `palette_id` lookup above is valid only after the runtime has established
+that the referenced resident glyph bank contains that palette.
+
 ---
 
 ### 19.7. Organization of Tile Banks
@@ -766,6 +771,8 @@ Rules:
 - missing glyph dependencies referenced by a resident scene are not a passive `status:int` case;
 - if scene activation discovers that a layer dependency cannot be resolved to a committed glyph asset, the machine MUST fail fatally and emit a clear log;
 - if scene composition later discovers that a layer dependency can no longer be resolved, the machine MUST fail fatally and emit a clear log;
+- if scene activation or composition discovers that a tile references `palette_id >= palette_count` for its resolved glyph bank, the machine MUST fail fatally and emit a clear log;
+- invalid scene palette references are scene dependency failures and MUST NOT be rendered through transparent, black, or default color substitution;
 - runtime MUST NOT continue canonical scene composition after such a dependency failure.
 
 ### 20.2 `composer.emit_sprite`
@@ -774,7 +781,7 @@ Rules:
 
 ABI:
 1. `glyph_id: int` — glyph index within the bank
-2. `palette_id: int` — palette index
+2. `palette_id: int` — palette index within the referenced bank; valid only when `palette_id < palette_count` for that resident glyph bank
 3. `x: int` — x coordinate
 4. `y: int` — y coordinate
 5. `layer: int` — composition layer reference
@@ -797,4 +804,6 @@ Operational notes:
 - the canonical public sprite contract is frame-emission based;
 - no caller-provided sprite index exists in the v1 canonical ABI;
 - no `active` flag exists in the v1 canonical ABI;
+- `palette_id >= palette_count` for the referenced glyph bank MUST return `BANK_INVALID`;
+- invalid sprite palette references MUST NOT be rendered through transparent, black, or default color substitution;
 - overflow remains non-fatal and must not escalate to trap in v1.
diff --git a/docs/specs/runtime/15-asset-management.md b/docs/specs/runtime/15-asset-management.md
index 699c499d..43e6982d 100644
--- a/docs/specs/runtime/15-asset-management.md
+++ b/docs/specs/runtime/15-asset-management.md
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ For `BankType::GLYPH`, the v1 runtime-facing contract is:
 - `codec = NONE`
 - serialized pixels use packed `u4` palette indices
 - serialized palettes use `RGBA8888` with canonical RGBA channel order
-- `palette_count = 64`
+- `palette_count` is the number of serialized and resident palettes and must be in `1..=64`
 - runtime materialization may expand pixel indices to one `u8` per pixel
 
 For `GLYPH`, `NONE` means there is no additional generic codec layer beyond the bank contract itself.
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ Required effective metadata fields for `GLYPH` at the root level:
 - `tile_size`: tile edge in pixels; valid values are `8`, `16`, or `32`
 - `width`: total sheet width in pixels
 - `height`: total sheet height in pixels
-- `palette_count`: number of serialized palettes for the bank
+- `palette_count`: number of serialized palettes and resident runtime palettes for the bank
 
 Optional informative subtrees:
 
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ Optional informative subtrees:
 
 Validation rules for `GLYPH` v1:
 
-- `palette_count` must be `64`
+- `palette_count` must be in the inclusive range `1..=64`
 - `width * height` defines the number of logical indexed pixels in the decoded sheet
 - extra metadata may exist, but the runtime contract must not depend on it to reconstruct the in-memory bank unless that data is defined at the root as an effective field.
 
@@ -158,7 +158,16 @@ The tile-bank payload therefore separates serialized storage form from runtime m
 
 - serialized pixel plane: packed `4bpp`
 - decoded pixel plane: expanded `u8` indices, one entry per pixel
-- palette table: `64 * 16` colors in RGBA8888 channel order
+- palette table: `palette_count * 16` colors in RGBA8888 channel order
+
+For `GLYPH` v1:
+
+```text
+serialized_pixel_bytes = ceil(width * height / 2)
+palette_bytes = palette_count * 16 * 4
+size = serialized_pixel_bytes + palette_bytes
+decoded_size = (width * height) + palette_bytes
+```
 
 For `GLYPH` v1:
 
@@ -172,6 +181,11 @@ before they are loaded by the runtime.
 Palette indices are ordinary indices. Transparency is represented by the alpha
 channel of the resolved RGBA8888 palette entry, not by reserving index `0`.
 
+`palette_id` is valid only when it is lower than the referenced resident glyph
+bank's `palette_count`. Canonical runtime composition MUST NOT substitute
+transparent, black, or any other default color for `palette_id >=
+palette_count`.
+
 ### 4.2 `SCENE` asset contract in v1
 
 For `BankType::SCENE`, the v1 runtime-facing contract is: