Add proxy positioning API and CK-placed pool

Add a ProxyGameAPI (F4TProxyGameAPI.h/.cpp) exposing PositionRemoteActor which centralizes positioning logic, play-space resolution, MoveRefrToPosition-style moves, and 20Hz throttling bypass for forced moves. Replace ad-hoc SetPosition/SetHeading calls across the proxy controller to use the new API, ensuring correct cell/worldspace migration, logging, and move-rate throttling.

Introduce support for Creation Kit placed proxy refs: detect CK-placed proxies by editor ID prefix or base form, populate a per-cell proxy pool, and prefer assigning CK-placed proxies for runtime remotes (with fallbacks). Update proxy spawn/holding logic (skip smooth frame once, handle settle states, preserve/reuse CK pool entries) and improve worldspace/cell mismatch checks to avoid incorrect movement across play spaces.

Other changes: add CommonwealthOnline.esp resource file, update setup.md with the new local FormID (0x002666) for COPlayerProxy, enable animation sync gating to require loaded 3D, and small logging/message improvements.

plugin/include/F4TProxyGameAPI.h

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "RE/N/NiPoint3.h"
+
+namespace RE
+{
+	class Actor;
+}
+
+namespace F4T::ProxyGameAPI
+{
+	// Move a remote proxy into the local player's loaded play space at world coordinates.
+	// Uses the engine MoveRefrToPosition native (same path as Papyrus MoveTo) so parent
+	// cell/worldspace follow the local player across interior/exterior transitions.
+	// When true, bypass the 20 Hz MoveRefrToPosition throttle (snap/restore/holding moves).
+	void PositionRemoteActor(
+		RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos,
+		float a_headingZ,
+		bool a_force = false);
+
+	void PositionRemoteActor(
+		RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_rot,
+		bool a_force = false);
+}

plugin/setup.md

@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ Use this checklist for the first plugin test:
 * [ ] Plugin log shows `[LocalPlayerId=N] Assigned server playerId: N`
 * [ ] Plugin logs prefixed remote player updates from another connected client
 * [ ] Plugin logs prefixed remote player removal after a disconnect
-* [ ] `CommonwealthOnline.esp` is enabled (provides `COPlayerProxy` actor base, local FormID `001733`)
+* [ ] `CommonwealthOnline.esp` is enabled (provides `COPlayerProxy` actor base, local FormID `002666`)
 * [ ] With two Fallout 4 instances in the same cell, each instance spawns a dynamic
       proxy at the other player's networked position
 * [ ] Optional regression: `coc F4TTestCell01` with `kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool` enabled

plugin/src/F4TProxyActorController.cpp

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 #include "F4TRemotePlayerState.h"
 #include "F4RemoteActionComponent.h"
 #include "F4TInterpolationSystem.h"
+#include "F4TProxyGameAPI.h"
 
 #include "RE/A/ACTOR_STANCE.h"
 #include "RE/A/ActorValue.h"
@@ -43,14 +44,13 @@ namespace
 	constexpr auto kProxyBaseActorEditorId = "COPlayerProxy";
 	constexpr auto kTestPluginName = "CommonwealthOnline.esp";
 	constexpr auto kBaseGamePluginName = "Fallout4.esm";
-	constexpr RE::TESFormID kProxyBaseActorLocalFormId = 0x001733;
+	constexpr RE::TESFormID kProxyBaseActorLocalFormId = 0x002666;
 	constexpr RE::TESFormID kProxyFallbackLocalFormId = 0x0020A2;
 	constexpr auto kProxyOffsetX = 150.0F;
 
-	// Runtime mode (default: global dynamic spawn)
+	// Runtime mode (default: global dynamic PlaceAtMe spawn + MoveRefrToPosition puppeting)
 	constexpr bool kEnableGlobalProxyController = true;
-	// Disabled while PlaceAtMe-backed spawn is primary; direct CreateReferenceAtLocation
-	// refs persist as invisible actors (Get3D=false) and block PlaceAtMe fallback.
+	// Dynamic spawn at the local player, positioned via MoveRefrToPosition (DoxyCoSync path).
 	constexpr bool kEnableDynamicProxySpawn = false;
 	constexpr bool kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool = false;
 	constexpr bool kEnablePlacedFallbackProxy = false;
@@ -67,9 +67,9 @@ namespace
 	constexpr bool kDebugUsePlaceAtMeCandidateIsolation = kEnableStage3SpawnDiagnostics;
 	constexpr float kDebugPlaceAtMePostSpawnSettleSeconds = 2.0F;
 	constexpr float kDebugPlaceAtMeCandidateSearchSeconds = 5.0F;
-	// CreateReferenceAtLocation spawns often fail to load visible 3D in exterior cells.
-	// PlaceAtMe (player.placeatme) is the proven runtime spawn path for visible proxies.
 	constexpr bool kUsePlaceAtMeBackedRuntimeProxySpawn = true;
+	// Legacy test-cell ref editor ID; also accepts COProxyRemotePlayer* refs in any cell.
+	constexpr auto kCkPlacedProxyEditorIdPrefix = "COProxyRemotePlayer";
 
 	// Pre-placed proxies discovered in the current cell (regression only when kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool)
 	static std::vector<RE::ObjectRefHandle> g_availableProxyPool;
@@ -94,8 +94,9 @@ namespace
 		std::uint32_t a_oldCellId,
 		RE::TESObjectCELL& a_currentCell,
 		const RE::PlayerCharacter& a_player);
+	bool IsProxyPoolActorAssigned(const RE::Actor& a_actor);
 	void ApplySlotInitialRemoteSpawnTransform(ProxyActorSlot& a_slot, RE::Actor& a_actor);
-	// COPlayerProxy in CommonwealthOnline.esp (local FormID 001733, runtime 01001733 at LO 01).
+	// COPlayerProxy in CommonwealthOnline.esp (local FormID 002666, runtime 01002666 at LO 01).
 	constexpr bool kDebugPlaceAtMeSpawnUseCustomProxyBase = true;
 	constexpr bool kDebugPlaceAtMeSpawnFallbackToCodsworth = true;
 	constexpr float kPlaceAtMeProxySettleSeconds = 2.0F;
@@ -299,6 +300,7 @@ namespace
 		bool directRemoteSpawnLogged{ false };
 		bool visibilityRefreshPending{ true };
 		bool visibilityRefreshLogged{ false };
+		bool skipSmoothFrameOnce{ false };
 		std::optional<std::uint32_t> cachedProxyFormId;
 		RE::NiPointer<RE::Actor> cachedProxyActor;
 		bool hasLoggedInitialAnimationState{ false };
@@ -674,11 +676,11 @@ namespace
 			a_optSlot->interpolationComponent.Clear();
 		}
 
+		float headingToApply = a_heading;
 		// Slot-backed proxies get per-frame rotation smoothing in ApplySmoothFrameMovement.
 		if (!a_optSlot) {
 			const bool shouldSnapHeading =
 				ShouldSnapRemoteMovement(a_remotePlayer.movementType) || distanceDrift >= kLargeDriftSnapDistance;
-			float headingToApply = a_heading;
 			if (!shouldSnapHeading) {
 				const float rotationAlpha = a_shouldSnap ?
 					kProxyRotationLerpAlpha :
@@ -691,11 +693,15 @@ namespace
 					a_heading,
 					rotationAlpha);
 			}
-
-			a_proxy.SetHeading(headingToApply);
 		}
 
-		a_proxy.SetPosition(positionToApply, true);
+		const bool shouldForcePosition =
+			a_shouldSnap || distanceDrift >= kLargeDriftSnapDistance;
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+			a_proxy,
+			positionToApply,
+			headingToApply,
+			shouldForcePosition);
 
 		// Character controller velocity is injected once per frame in ApplySmoothFrameMovement
 		// (derived from the actual applied displacement). Injecting it here too, at packet rate,
@@ -1189,7 +1195,11 @@ namespace
 			return;
 		}
 
-		a_proxy.SetPosition(kProxyHiddenHoldingPosition, true);
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+			a_proxy,
+			kProxyHiddenHoldingPosition,
+			a_proxy.GetHeading(),
+			true);
 		g_proxyLifecycleState = a_reason;
 		g_proxyHoldReason = a_reason;
 		g_proxyHoldPlayerId = a_playerId;
@@ -1256,6 +1266,45 @@ namespace
 		return editorId && a_editorId == editorId;
 	}
 
+	bool HasEditorIdPrefix(const RE::TESForm& a_form, std::string_view a_prefix)
+	{
+		if (a_prefix.empty()) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
+		const auto* editorId = a_form.GetFormEditorID();
+		if (!editorId) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
+		const auto id = std::string_view(editorId);
+		return id.size() >= a_prefix.size() && id.substr(0, a_prefix.size()) == a_prefix;
+	}
+
+	bool IsCkPlacedProxyReference(
+		const RE::TESObjectREFR& a_ref,
+		const RE::Actor& a_actor,
+		std::optional<RE::TESFormID> a_proxyBaseFormId)
+	{
+		if (HasEditorId(a_ref, kProxyEditorId) || HasEditorIdPrefix(a_ref, kCkPlacedProxyEditorIdPrefix)) {
+			return true;
+		}
+
+		const auto refLocalFormId = a_ref.GetFormID() & 0x00FFFFFF;
+		if (refLocalFormId == kProxyFallbackLocalFormId) {
+			return true;
+		}
+
+		if (a_proxyBaseFormId) {
+			const auto* baseActor = a_actor.GetNPC();
+			if (baseActor && baseActor->GetFormID() == *a_proxyBaseFormId) {
+				return true;
+			}
+		}
+
+		return false;
+	}
+
 	bool IsTestPluginLoaded()
 	{
 		auto* dataHandler = RE::TESDataHandler::GetSingleton();
@@ -1638,25 +1687,10 @@ namespace
 		}
 
 		const auto localCellId = a_parentCell.GetFormID();
-		if (localCellId != *remoteCellId) {
-			LogThrottledInfo(
-				"remote_cell_mismatch_" + std::to_string(a_remotePlayer.playerId),
-				std::format(
-					"Remote player {} is in a different cell: local={:08X}, remote={}. Proxy movement is skipped.",
-					a_remotePlayer.playerId,
-					localCellId,
-					a_remotePlayer.cellId));
-			return false;
-		}
-
+		if (localCellId == *remoteCellId) {
 			const auto remoteWorldspaceId = ParseHexFormId(a_remotePlayer.worldspaceId);
 			const auto localWorldspaceId = GetLocalWorldspaceId(a_player, a_parentCell);
 			if (!localWorldspaceId && !remoteWorldspaceId) {
-			LogThrottledInfo(
-				"remote_same_cell_" + std::to_string(a_remotePlayer.playerId),
-				std::format(
-					"Remote player {} is in the same cell/worldspace; moving proxy from remote state.",
-					a_remotePlayer.playerId));
 				return true;
 			}
 
@@ -1674,6 +1708,32 @@ namespace
 			return true;
 		}
 
+		// Exterior Commonwealth: same worldspace is enough; adjacent cells load together.
+		if (a_parentCell.IsExterior()) {
+			const auto remoteWorldspaceId = ParseHexFormId(a_remotePlayer.worldspaceId);
+			const auto localWorldspaceId = GetLocalWorldspaceId(a_player, a_parentCell);
+			if (localWorldspaceId && remoteWorldspaceId && *localWorldspaceId == *remoteWorldspaceId) {
+				LogThrottledInfo(
+					"remote_same_worldspace_" + std::to_string(a_remotePlayer.playerId),
+					std::format(
+						"Remote player {} is in a different exterior cell but same worldspace; proxy movement continues. localCell={:08X}, remoteCell={}.",
+						a_remotePlayer.playerId,
+						localCellId,
+						a_remotePlayer.cellId));
+				return true;
+			}
+		}
+
+		LogThrottledInfo(
+			"remote_cell_mismatch_" + std::to_string(a_remotePlayer.playerId),
+			std::format(
+				"Remote player {} is in a different location: local={:08X}, remote={}. Proxy movement is skipped.",
+				a_remotePlayer.playerId,
+				localCellId,
+				a_remotePlayer.cellId));
+		return false;
+	}
+
 	void FillSpawnDataForCell(
 		RE::NEW_REFR_DATA& a_spawnData,
 		RE::TESObjectCELL& a_parentCell,
@@ -2403,9 +2463,15 @@ namespace
 
 		g_availableProxyPool.clear();
 
-		// Search current cell for the known pre-placed proxy reference.
+		std::optional<RE::TESFormID> proxyBaseFormId;
+		if (auto* proxyBase = ResolveProxyActorBaseByPluginLocalFormId()) {
+			proxyBaseFormId = proxyBase->GetFormID();
+		}
+
+		// Search current cell for CK-placed proxy references (refs placed in the editor, not
+		// spawned at runtime). These actors load with full skeleton, head, and behavior graph.
 		a_cell.ForEachReference([&](RE::TESObjectREFR* a_ref) {
-			if (!a_ref) {
+			if (!a_ref || IsRuntimeProxyRef(*a_ref)) {
 				return RE::BSContainer::ForEachResult::kContinue;
 			}
 
@@ -2414,21 +2480,20 @@ namespace
 				return RE::BSContainer::ForEachResult::kContinue;
 			}
 
-			const auto refFormId = actor->GetFormID();
-			const auto refLocalFormId = refFormId & 0x00FFFFFF;
-			const auto isKnownProxyRef =
-				HasEditorId(*a_ref, kProxyEditorId) ||
-				refLocalFormId == kProxyFallbackLocalFormId;
-			if (!isKnownProxyRef) {
+			if (!IsCkPlacedProxyReference(*a_ref, *actor, proxyBaseFormId)) {
+				return RE::BSContainer::ForEachResult::kContinue;
+			}
+
+			if (IsProxyPoolActorAssigned(*actor)) {
 				return RE::BSContainer::ForEachResult::kContinue;
 			}
 
 			auto handle = actor->GetHandle();
 			g_availableProxyPool.push_back(handle);
 			LogInfoWithLocalPlayerPrefix(std::format(
-				"Proxy pool: Found pre-placed proxy {:08X} (localForm={:06X}, editorId={}), total proxies: {}",
+				"Proxy pool: Found CK-placed proxy {:08X} (localForm={:06X}, editorId={}), total proxies: {}",
 				actor->GetFormID(),
-				refLocalFormId,
+				actor->GetFormID() & 0x00FFFFFF,
 				GetEditorIdForLog(*a_ref),
 				g_availableProxyPool.size()));
 
@@ -2438,13 +2503,17 @@ namespace
 		g_proxyPoolInitialized = true;
 
 		if (g_availableProxyPool.empty()) {
-			LogWarningWithLocalPlayerPrefix(
-				"Proxy pool initialized but NO pre-placed proxies found in cell! "
-				"Expected F4TProxyRemotePlayer01REF or ESP-local form 0x0020A2 in the current cell.");
+			LogWarningWithLocalPlayerPrefix(std::format(
+				"Proxy pool initialized but NO CK-placed proxies found in cell {:08X}. "
+				"Place Actor refs in Creation Kit using COPlayerProxy base and editor IDs like "
+				"COProxyRemotePlayer01REF (legacy: {}).",
+				a_cell.GetFormID(),
+				kProxyEditorId));
 		} else {
 			LogInfoWithLocalPlayerPrefix(std::format(
-				"Proxy pool ready: {} pre-placed proxies available. Max concurrent players: {}",
+				"Proxy pool ready: {} CK-placed proxies available in cell {:08X}. Max concurrent remotes in this cell: {}.",
 				g_availableProxyPool.size(),
+				a_cell.GetFormID(),
 				g_availableProxyPool.size()));
 		}
 	}
@@ -4706,8 +4775,11 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 		targetPosition.y = a_remotePlayer.y;
 		targetPosition.z = a_remotePlayer.z;
 
-		a_proxy.SetPosition(targetPosition, true);
-		a_proxy.SetHeading(a_remotePlayer.angleZ);
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+			a_proxy,
+			targetPosition,
+			a_remotePlayer.angleZ,
+			true);
 		g_proxyLifecycleState = ProxyLifecycleState::kActive;
 		g_proxyHoldReason.reset();
 		g_proxyHoldPlayerId.reset();
@@ -4803,6 +4875,14 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 		const RE::TESObjectCELL& a_currentCell,
 		const RE::PlayerCharacter& a_player)
 	{
+		// Keep the proxy at the local spawn feet during settle; movement/animation before
+		// 3D finishes loading causes headless A-poses (especially on PlaceAtMe spawns).
+		if (a_slot.spawnState == PlaceAtMeBackedProxySpawnState::kSettling ||
+			a_slot.spawnState == PlaceAtMeBackedProxySpawnState::kCustomProxyAttempting ||
+			a_slot.spawnState == PlaceAtMeBackedProxySpawnState::kCodsworthFallbackAttempting) {
+			return nullptr;
+		}
+
 		if (!a_slot.cachedProxyActor) {
 			return nullptr;
 		}
@@ -4940,8 +5020,13 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 				if (auto* pooledProxy = TryGetProxyFromPool()) {
 					a_slot.proxyHandle = GetProxyActorHandle(*pooledProxy);
 					a_slot.cachedProxyFormId = pooledProxy->GetFormID();
+					a_slot.cachedProxyActor = pooledProxy;
+					a_slot.spawnState = PlaceAtMeBackedProxySpawnState::kPromoted;
+					a_slot.spawnSucceeded = true;
+					a_slot.spawnAttemptInProgress = false;
+					a_slot.spawnFailed = false;
 					LogInfoWithLocalPlayerPrefix(std::format(
-						"Assigned proxy from pre-placed pool {:08X} to remote player {}",
+						"Assigned CK-placed proxy {:08X} to remote player {} from cell pool.",
 						pooledProxy->GetFormID(),
 						a_slot.remotePlayerId));
 					return pooledProxy;
@@ -5126,7 +5211,7 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 			return;
 		}
 
-		a_proxy.SetPosition(holdingPosition, true);
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(a_proxy, holdingPosition, a_proxy.GetHeading(), true);
 		LogThrottledInfo(
 			"held_runtime_proxy_position_corrected_" + std::to_string(a_slot.remotePlayerId),
 			std::format(
@@ -5165,7 +5250,15 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 			ClearSlotVisualSneakIfApplied(slot, *proxy, "local cell change");
 			ClearSlotProxyAnimationIfApplied(slot, *proxy, "local cell change");
 			NeutralizeProxyActor(slot, *proxy, a_player, ProxyNeutralizationReason::kHolding);
+			if constexpr (kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool) {
+				MoveProxyToHoldingPosition(
+					*proxy,
+					ProxyLifecycleState::kHeldLeftCell,
+					slot.remotePlayerId,
+					ActiveProxyKind::kPlacedFallback);
+			} else {
 				proxy->MarkAsDeleted();
+			}
 
 			slot.proxyHandle.reset();
 			slot.cachedProxyActor = nullptr;
@@ -5209,7 +5302,11 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 			a_slot,
 			a_proxy,
 			a_reason == ProxyLifecycleState::kHeldDisconnected ? "disconnect hold" : "hold");
-		a_proxy.SetPosition(GetSlotHoldingPosition(a_slot), true);
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+			a_proxy,
+			GetSlotHoldingPosition(a_slot),
+			a_proxy.GetHeading(),
+			true);
 		if (auto* player = RE::PlayerCharacter::GetSingleton()) {
 			NeutralizeProxyActor(a_slot, a_proxy, *player, ProxyNeutralizationReason::kHolding);
 		}
@@ -5306,7 +5403,31 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 	{
 		const auto targetPosition = GetRuntimeProxyVisibleTargetPosition(a_slot, a_remotePlayer, a_player);
 
-	ApplyRuntimeProxyTransform(a_proxy, targetPosition, a_remotePlayer.angleZ, a_remotePlayer, true, &a_slot);
+		a_slot.targetPosition = targetPosition;
+		a_slot.targetHeading = a_remotePlayer.angleZ;
+		a_slot.puppetDirection = a_remotePlayer.angleZ;
+		a_slot.lastRemotePlayerSnapshot = a_remotePlayer;
+		a_slot.puppetGraphSpeed = -1.0F;
+		if (a_remotePlayer.isMoving && a_remotePlayer.movementSpeed >= 1.0F) {
+			a_slot.puppetGraphSpeed = F4T::ProxyAnimationSync::ResolveLocomotionGraphSpeed(
+				a_remotePlayer.movementSpeed,
+				a_remotePlayer.animationGraphSpeed,
+				a_remotePlayer.isMoving,
+				a_remotePlayer.isSprinting);
+		}
+
+		F4T::ProxyPuppet::SetProxyLocomotionState(
+			a_proxy.GetFormID(),
+			a_slot.puppetGraphSpeed,
+			a_slot.puppetDirection);
+
+		F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+			a_proxy,
+			targetPosition,
+			a_remotePlayer.angleZ,
+			true);
+		a_slot.skipSmoothFrameOnce = true;
+
 		a_slot.lifecycleState = ProxyLifecycleState::kActive;
 		a_slot.holdReason.reset();
 		a_slot.heldSinceTime = {};
@@ -5706,6 +5827,9 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 		auto* proxy = TryResolveSlotProxy(a_slot, a_parentCell, a_player);
 		if (!proxy) {
 			MaintainSlotPlaceAtMeSpawn(a_slot, a_parentCell, a_player);
+			if (a_slot.spawnState == PlaceAtMeBackedProxySpawnState::kSettling) {
+				return false;
+			}
 			proxy = TryResolveSlotProxy(a_slot, a_parentCell, a_player);
 			if (!proxy) {
 				return false;
@@ -5893,6 +6017,11 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 				continue;
 			}
 
+			if (slot.skipSmoothFrameOnce) {
+				slot.skipSmoothFrameOnce = false;
+				continue;
+			}
+
 			auto* proxy = TryResolveSlotProxy(slot, *player->GetParentCell(), *player);
 			if (!proxy || !proxy->currentProcess) {
 				continue;
@@ -5932,7 +6061,11 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 			// Animation follows network state, not interpolation remainder. When the remote
 			// stops, pin position immediately so we don't jog-in-place while lerping.
 			if (!remoteLocomoting || distanceToTarget < 0.1F) {
-				proxy->SetPosition(slot.targetPosition, true);
+				F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+					*proxy,
+					slot.targetPosition,
+					headingToApply,
+					true);
 				slot.puppetGraphSpeed = -1.0F;
 				F4T::ProxyPuppet::SetProxyLocomotionState(
 					proxy->GetFormID(),
@@ -5964,9 +6097,15 @@ bool IsConsolePlaceAtMeCandidateActor(const RE::Actor& a_actor, const RE::Player
 			};
 
 			// Move through the character controller so FO4's motion-feedback path sees
-			// real velocity (within-state walk cadence). SetPosition alone leaves ~0
-			// controller velocity, so every sub-run pace used the same authored walk.
-			proxy->Move(frameDeltaSeconds, frameDelta, true);
+			// real velocity (within-state walk cadence). PositionRemoteActor uses
+			// SetPosition(..., true) so the Havok body follows the lerp each frame.
+			// Per-frame lerp must bypass the 20 Hz MoveRefrToPosition throttle; otherwise
+			// puppet motion feedback runs every frame but the actor stays at PlaceAtMe spawn.
+			F4T::ProxyGameAPI::PositionRemoteActor(
+				*proxy,
+				nextPosition,
+				headingToApply,
+				true);
 			F4T::ProxyPuppet::ApplyProxyLocomotionFrame(
 				*proxy,
 				frameDelta,
@@ -6108,7 +6247,9 @@ namespace F4T::ProxyActorController
 
 		if (!g_stage4StartedLogged) {
 			LogInfoWithLocalPlayerPrefix(std::format(
-				"Runtime proxy actor manager active: one runtime proxy slot per remote playerId, max runtime proxies={}.",
+				"Proxy actor manager active (PlaceAtMe={}, MoveRefrToPosition positioning, CK pool={}), max slots={}.",
+				kUsePlaceAtMeBackedRuntimeProxySpawn,
+				kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool,
 				kMaxRuntimeProxyActors));
 			g_stage4StartedLogged = true;
 		}
@@ -6116,7 +6257,7 @@ namespace F4T::ProxyActorController
 	const auto remotePlayers = GetSortedRemotePlayerSnapshot();
 
 	if constexpr (kEnablePrePlacedProxyPool) {
-		if (!g_proxyPoolInitialized && IsTestCell(*parentCell)) {
+		if (!g_proxyPoolInitialized) {
 			InitializeProxyPool(*parentCell, *player);
 		}
 	}

plugin/src/F4TProxyAnimationSync.cpp

@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
 namespace
 {
 	// Master gate; sub-gates allow incremental rollback.
-	// Enabled now that proxies use CK-placed actors with active AI (g_preserveProxyAIForAnimationTesting).
-	// The old reason for disabling (suppressed AI) no longer applies.
+	// Enabled for dynamic PlaceAtMe proxies positioned via MoveRefrToPosition; puppet hook
+	// drives graph Speed/Direction because controller velocity stays near zero.
 	constexpr bool kEnableProxyVisualAnimationSync = true;
 	constexpr bool kEnableProxyLocomotionSync = true;
 	// Enabled now that the authoritative FO4 graph name is known: sneak is the INT32
@@ -90,8 +90,19 @@ namespace
 		return std::fabs(a_lhs - a_rhs) > kSpeedEpsilon;
 	}
 
+	bool ProxyHasLoaded3D(const RE::Actor& a_proxy)
+	{
+		return a_proxy.Get3D() != nullptr ||
+		       a_proxy.GetFullyLoaded3D() != nullptr ||
+		       a_proxy.GetCurrent3D() != nullptr;
+	}
+
 	bool CanWriteProxyGraph(RE::Actor& a_proxy, std::uint32_t a_remotePlayerId, std::uint32_t a_actorId)
 	{
+		if (!ProxyHasLoaded3D(a_proxy)) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
 		auto* graphHolder = static_cast<RE::IAnimationGraphManagerHolder*>(&a_proxy);
 		RE::BSTSmartPointer<RE::BSAnimationGraphManager> graphManager;
 		if (!graphHolder->GetAnimationGraphManagerImpl(graphManager) || !graphManager) {

plugin/src/F4TProxyGameAPI.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+#include "pch.h"
+
+#include "F4TProxyGameAPI.h"
+
+#include "F4TNetworking.h"
+
+#include "RE/P/PlayerCharacter.h"
+#include "RE/T/TESObjectCELL.h"
+#include "RE/T/TESWorldSpace.h"
+
+#include <chrono>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <format>
+#include <unordered_map>
+
+namespace
+{
+	struct ActorMoveState
+	{
+		std::uint32_t callCount{ 0 };
+		std::chrono::steady_clock::time_point lastTime{};
+		float lastX{ 0.0F };
+		float lastY{ 0.0F };
+		float lastZ{ 0.0F };
+	};
+
+	static std::unordered_map<RE::Actor*, ActorMoveState> g_moveState;
+
+	constexpr double kMoveIntervalSeconds = 1.0 / 20.0;
+	constexpr float kMoveDeltaSq = 0.25F;
+	constexpr std::uint32_t kForcedMoveCalls = 5;
+
+	std::string GetLocalPlayerLogMessage(std::string_view a_message)
+	{
+		return F4T::Networking::GetLocalPlayerLogPrefix() + " " + std::string(a_message);
+	}
+
+	void LogThrottledCellFix(
+		RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos,
+		RE::TESObjectCELL* a_cell,
+		RE::TESWorldSpace* a_worldSpace,
+		std::uint32_t a_callCount,
+		bool a_migratedPlaySpace)
+	{
+		if (a_callCount > kForcedMoveCalls && a_callCount % 300 != 0) {
+			return;
+		}
+
+		const auto cellId = a_cell ? a_cell->GetFormID() : 0U;
+		const auto worldId = a_worldSpace ? a_worldSpace->GetFormID() : 0U;
+		REX::INFO(std::string_view{ GetLocalPlayerLogMessage(std::format(
+			"PositionRemoteActor proxy={:08X} call#{} pos=({:.1f},{:.1f},{:.1f}) mode={} ws={:08X} cell={:08X} migrated={}.",
+			a_proxy.GetFormID(),
+			a_callCount,
+			a_pos.x,
+			a_pos.y,
+			a_pos.z,
+			a_worldSpace ? "exterior" : (a_cell ? "interior" : "no-anchor"),
+			worldId,
+			cellId,
+			a_migratedPlaySpace)) });
+	}
+
+	void ResolveLocalPlaySpace(
+		RE::TESObjectCELL*& a_outCell,
+		RE::TESWorldSpace*& a_outWorldSpace)
+	{
+		a_outCell = nullptr;
+		a_outWorldSpace = nullptr;
+
+		const auto* player = RE::PlayerCharacter::GetSingleton();
+		if (!player) {
+			return;
+		}
+
+		const auto* playerCell = player->GetParentCell();
+		if (!playerCell) {
+			return;
+		}
+
+		if (playerCell->IsExterior()) {
+			a_outWorldSpace = playerCell->worldSpace;
+			if (!a_outWorldSpace) {
+				a_outWorldSpace = player->cachedWorldspace;
+			}
+			return;
+		}
+
+		a_outCell = const_cast<RE::TESObjectCELL*>(playerCell);
+	}
+
+	bool IsFinitePosition(const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos)
+	{
+		return std::isfinite(a_pos.x) && std::isfinite(a_pos.y) && std::isfinite(a_pos.z);
+	}
+
+	bool ProxyInLocalPlaySpace(
+		const RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		RE::TESObjectCELL* a_localCell,
+		RE::TESWorldSpace* a_localWorldSpace)
+	{
+		const auto* proxyCell = a_proxy.GetParentCell();
+		if (!proxyCell) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
+		if (a_localWorldSpace) {
+			return proxyCell->IsExterior() && proxyCell->worldSpace == a_localWorldSpace;
+		}
+
+		return a_localCell && proxyCell->GetFormID() == a_localCell->GetFormID();
+	}
+
+	void ApplyPositionInPlaySpace(
+		RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_rot,
+		RE::TESObjectCELL* a_cell,
+		RE::TESWorldSpace* a_worldSpace,
+		std::uint32_t a_callCount)
+	{
+		const bool migrated =
+			!ProxyInLocalPlaySpace(a_proxy, a_cell, a_worldSpace);
+		if (migrated) {
+			a_proxy.MoveRefToNewSpace(a_cell, a_worldSpace);
+		}
+
+		// SetLocationOnReference only updates TESObjectREFR::pos; it does not sync the
+		// Havok character controller. PlaceAtMe proxies snap back to spawn on the next
+		// AI tick while GetPosition() briefly reports the teleported coords.
+		a_proxy.SetPosition(a_pos, true);
+		a_proxy.SetAngleOnReference(a_rot);
+		a_proxy.SetHeading(a_rot.z);
+
+		LogThrottledCellFix(a_proxy, a_pos, a_cell, a_worldSpace, a_callCount, migrated);
+	}
+}
+
+namespace F4T::ProxyGameAPI
+{
+	void PositionRemoteActor(RE::Actor& a_proxy, const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos, float a_headingZ, bool a_force)
+	{
+		PositionRemoteActor(a_proxy, a_pos, RE::NiPoint3{ 0.0F, 0.0F, a_headingZ }, a_force);
+	}
+
+	void PositionRemoteActor(
+		RE::Actor& a_proxy,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_pos,
+		const RE::NiPoint3& a_rot,
+		bool a_force)
+	{
+		if (!IsFinitePosition(a_pos)) {
+			REX::WARN(std::string_view{ GetLocalPlayerLogMessage(std::format(
+				"PositionRemoteActor skipped for proxy {:08X}: non-finite target position.",
+				a_proxy.GetFormID())) });
+			return;
+		}
+
+		RE::TESObjectCELL* cell = nullptr;
+		RE::TESWorldSpace* worldSpace = nullptr;
+		ResolveLocalPlaySpace(cell, worldSpace);
+		if (!cell && !worldSpace) {
+			REX::WARN(std::string_view{ GetLocalPlayerLogMessage(std::format(
+				"PositionRemoteActor skipped for proxy {:08X}: local play space unavailable.",
+				a_proxy.GetFormID())) });
+			return;
+		}
+
+		auto& moveState = g_moveState[&a_proxy];
+		++moveState.callCount;
+
+		const float dx = a_pos.x - moveState.lastX;
+		const float dy = a_pos.y - moveState.lastY;
+		const float dz = a_pos.z - moveState.lastZ;
+		const float deltaSq = (dx * dx) + (dy * dy) + (dz * dz);
+
+		const auto now = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
+		const bool forceMove = a_force || moveState.callCount <= kForcedMoveCalls;
+		const bool timedOut = moveState.lastTime.time_since_epoch().count() == 0 ||
+		                      std::chrono::duration<double>(now - moveState.lastTime).count() >= kMoveIntervalSeconds;
+		const bool movedEnough = deltaSq >= kMoveDeltaSq;
+
+		if (!forceMove && !(timedOut && movedEnough)) {
+			return;
+		}
+
+		moveState.lastX = a_pos.x;
+		moveState.lastY = a_pos.y;
+		moveState.lastZ = a_pos.z;
+		moveState.lastTime = now;
+
+		ApplyPositionInPlaySpace(a_proxy, a_pos, a_rot, cell, worldSpace, moveState.callCount);
+	}
+}