diff --git a/src/apps/epic/migrations/0004_alter_room_gate_status.py b/src/apps/epic/migrations/0004_alter_room_gate_status.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c1e1143
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/apps/epic/migrations/0004_alter_room_gate_status.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# Generated by Django 6.0 on 2026-03-15 00:32
+
+from django.db import migrations, models
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+
+    dependencies = [
+        ('epic', '0003_roominvite'),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.AlterField(
+            model_name='room',
+            name='gate_status',
+            field=models.CharField(choices=[('GATHERING', 'GATHERING GAMERS'), ('OPEN', 'Open'), ('RENEWAL_DUE', 'Renewal Due')], default='GATHERING', max_length=20),
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/models.py b/src/apps/epic/models.py
index fde5edf..7943d32 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/models.py
+++ b/src/apps/epic/models.py
@@ -93,13 +93,30 @@ def create_gate_slots(sender, instance, created, **kwargs):
             GateSlot.objects.create(room=instance, slot_number=i)
 
 
+def select_token(user):
+    if user.is_staff:
+        pass_token = user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.PASS).first()
+        if pass_token:
+            return pass_token
+    coin = user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.COIN, current_room__isnull=True).first()
+    if coin:
+        return coin
+    free = user.tokens.filter(
+        token_type=Token.FREE,
+        expires_at__gt=timezone.now(),
+    ).order_by("expires_at").first()
+    if free:
+        return free
+    return user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.TITHE).first()
+
+
 def debit_token(user, slot, token):
     if token.token_type == Token.COIN:
         token.current_room = slot.room
         period = slot.room.renewal_period or timedelta(days=7)
         token.next_ready_at = timezone.now() + period
         token.save()
-    else:
+    elif token.token_type != Token.PASS:
         token.delete()
     slot.gamer = user
     slot.status = GateSlot.FILLED
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_models.py b/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_models.py
index 1dd5a00..1fc2357 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_models.py
+++ b/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_models.py
@@ -2,9 +2,10 @@ from datetime import timedelta
 from django.db.models import Q
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.urls import reverse
+from django.utils import timezone
 
 from apps.lyric.models import Token, User
-from apps.epic.models import GateSlot, Room, RoomInvite, debit_token
+from apps.epic.models import GateSlot, Room, RoomInvite, debit_token, select_token
 
 
 class RoomCreationTest(TestCase):
@@ -77,6 +78,60 @@ class CoinTokenInUseTest(TestCase):
         self.assertIn(self.room.name, html)
 
 
+class SelectTokenTest(TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.user = User.objects.create(email="gamer@test.io")
+        self.other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=self.user)
+        self.coin = Token.objects.get(user=self.user, token_type=Token.COIN)
+
+    def test_returns_coin_when_available(self):
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(token.token_type, Token.COIN)
+
+    def test_returns_free_token_when_coin_in_use(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(token.token_type, Token.FREE)
+
+    def test_free_token_selection_is_fefo(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        soon = Token.objects.create(
+            user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE,
+            expires_at=timezone.now() + timedelta(days=2),
+        )
+        Token.objects.create(
+            user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE,
+            expires_at=timezone.now() + timedelta(days=6),
+        )
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(token.pk, soon.pk)
+
+    def test_returns_tithe_when_coin_in_use_and_no_free_tokens(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        tithe = Token.objects.create(user=self.user, token_type=Token.TITHE)
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(token.pk, tithe.pk)
+
+    def test_returns_none_when_all_depleted(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertIsNone(token)
+
+    def test_returns_pass_for_staff(self):
+        self.user.is_staff = True
+        self.user.save()
+        pass_token = Token.objects.create(user=self.user, token_type=Token.PASS)
+        token = select_token(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(token.token_type, Token.PASS)
+
+
 class RoomInviteTest(TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         self.founder = User.objects.create(email="founder@example.com")
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_views.py b/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_views.py
index 827a0eb..7b73707 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_views.py
+++ b/src/apps/epic/tests/integrated/test_views.py
@@ -229,6 +229,81 @@ class RejectTokenViewTest(TestCase):
         )
 
 
+class DropTokenAvailabilityViewTest(TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.gamer = User.objects.create(email="gamer@test.io")
+        self.client.force_login(self.gamer)
+        owner = User.objects.create(email="owner@test.io")
+        self.room = Room.objects.create(name="Test Room", owner=owner)
+        self.other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=owner)
+        self.coin = Token.objects.get(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.COIN)
+
+    def test_drop_reserves_slot_when_tokens_available(self):
+        self.client.post(reverse("epic:drop_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id}))
+        slot = self.room.gate_slots.get(slot_number=1)
+        self.assertEqual(slot.status, GateSlot.RESERVED)
+        # token not debited yet — that happens at confirm
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertIsNone(self.coin.current_room)
+
+    def test_drop_returns_402_when_all_tokens_depleted(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        response = self.client.post(
+            reverse("epic:drop_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id})
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 402)
+
+
+class ConfirmTokenPriorityViewTest(TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.gamer = User.objects.create(email="gamer@test.io")
+        self.client.force_login(self.gamer)
+        owner = User.objects.create(email="owner@test.io")
+        self.room = Room.objects.create(name="Test Room", owner=owner)
+        self.other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=owner)
+        self.slot = self.room.gate_slots.get(slot_number=1)
+        self.slot.gamer = self.gamer
+        self.slot.status = GateSlot.RESERVED
+        self.slot.reserved_at = timezone.now()
+        self.slot.save()
+        self.coin = Token.objects.get(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.COIN)
+
+    def test_confirm_leases_coin_to_room(self):
+        self.client.post(reverse("epic:confirm_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id}))
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertEqual(self.coin.current_room, self.room)
+        self.assertTrue(Token.objects.filter(pk=self.coin.pk).exists())
+
+    def test_confirm_uses_free_token_when_coin_in_use(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        self.client.post(reverse("epic:confirm_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id}))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).count(), 0
+        )
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertEqual(self.coin.current_room, self.other_room)
+
+    def test_confirm_uses_tithe_when_free_tokens_exhausted(self):
+        self.coin.current_room = self.other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        tithe = Token.objects.create(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.TITHE)
+        self.client.post(reverse("epic:confirm_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id}))
+        self.assertFalse(Token.objects.filter(pk=tithe.pk).exists())
+
+    def test_pass_not_consumed_and_coin_not_leased(self):
+        self.gamer.is_staff = True
+        self.gamer.save()
+        pass_token = Token.objects.create(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.PASS)
+        self.client.post(reverse("epic:confirm_token", kwargs={"room_id": self.room.id}))
+        self.assertTrue(Token.objects.filter(pk=pass_token.pk).exists())
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertIsNone(self.coin.current_room)
+
+
 class RoomActionsViewTest(TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         self.owner = User.objects.create(email="owner@test.io")
diff --git a/src/apps/epic/views.py b/src/apps/epic/views.py
index 7d7c226..419e215 100644
--- a/src/apps/epic/views.py
+++ b/src/apps/epic/views.py
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ from django.http import HttpResponse
 from django.shortcuts import redirect, render
 from django.utils import timezone
 
-from apps.epic.models import GateSlot, Room, RoomInvite, debit_token
-from apps.lyric.models import Token
+from apps.epic.models import GateSlot, Room, RoomInvite, debit_token, select_token
 
 
 RESERVE_TIMEOUT = timedelta(seconds=60)
@@ -29,12 +28,14 @@ def _gate_context(room, user):
     if user.is_authenticated:
         user_reserved_slot = slots.filter(gamer=user, status=GateSlot.RESERVED).first()
         user_filled_slot = slots.filter(gamer=user, status=GateSlot.FILLED).first()
-    can_drop = (
+    eligible = (
         user.is_authenticated
         and pending_slot is None
         and user_reserved_slot is None
         and user_filled_slot is None
     )
+    token_depleted = eligible and select_token(user) is None
+    can_drop = eligible and not token_depleted
     is_last_slot = (
         user_reserved_slot is not None
         and slots.filter(status=GateSlot.EMPTY).count() == 0
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@ def _gate_context(room, user):
         "user_reserved_slot": user_reserved_slot,
         "user_filled_slot": user_filled_slot,
         "can_drop": can_drop,
+        "token_depleted": token_depleted,
         "is_last_slot": is_last_slot,
         "user_can_reject": user_can_reject,
     }
@@ -76,6 +78,8 @@ def drop_token(request, room_id):
             return redirect("epic:gatekeeper", room_id=room_id)
         if room.gate_slots.filter(gamer=request.user, status=GateSlot.FILLED).exists():
             return redirect("epic:gatekeeper", room_id=room_id)
+        if select_token(request.user) is None:
+            return HttpResponse(status=402)
         slot = room.gate_slots.filter(
             status=GateSlot.EMPTY
         ).order_by("slot_number").first()
@@ -95,11 +99,7 @@ def confirm_token(request, room_id):
             gamer=request.user, status=GateSlot.RESERVED
         ).first()
         if slot:
-            token = (
-                request.user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.COIN).first()
-                or request.user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.FREE).first()
-                or request.user.tokens.filter(token_type=Token.TITHE).first()
-            )
+            token = select_token(request.user)
             if token:
                 debit_token(request.user, slot, token)
     return redirect("epic:gatekeeper", room_id=room_id)
diff --git a/src/apps/lyric/migrations/0009_alter_token_token_type.py b/src/apps/lyric/migrations/0009_alter_token_token_type.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1433be3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/apps/lyric/migrations/0009_alter_token_token_type.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# Generated by Django 6.0 on 2026-03-15 00:32
+
+from django.db import migrations, models
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+
+    dependencies = [
+        ('lyric', '0008_token_current_room_token_next_ready_at'),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.AlterField(
+            model_name='token',
+            name='token_type',
+            field=models.CharField(choices=[('coin', 'Coin-on-a-String'), ('Free', 'Free Token'), ('tithe', 'Tithe Token'), ('pass', 'Backstage Pass')], max_length=8),
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/src/apps/lyric/models.py b/src/apps/lyric/models.py
index 99eb8d8..a771ef6 100644
--- a/src/apps/lyric/models.py
+++ b/src/apps/lyric/models.py
@@ -71,10 +71,12 @@ class Token(models.Model):
     COIN = "coin"
     FREE = "Free"
     TITHE = "tithe"
+    PASS = "pass"
     TOKEN_TYPE_CHOICES = [
         (COIN, "Coin-on-a-String"),
         (FREE, "Free Token"),
         (TITHE, "Tithe Token"),
+        (PASS, "Backstage Pass"),
     ]
 
     user = models.ForeignKey(User, on_delete=models.CASCADE, related_name="tokens")
@@ -97,8 +99,8 @@ class Token(models.Model):
         return ""
 
     def tooltip_expiry(self):
-        if self.token_type == self.COIN:
-            if self.next_ready_at:
+        if self.token_type in (self.COIN, self.PASS):
+            if self.token_type == self.COIN and self.next_ready_at:
                 return f"Ready {self.next_ready_at.strftime('%Y-%m-%d')}"
             return "no expiry"
         if self.expires_at:
@@ -143,3 +145,5 @@ def create_wallet_and_tokens(sender, instance, created, **kwargs):
         token_type=Token.FREE,
         expires_at=timezone.now() + timedelta(days=7),
     )
+    if instance.is_staff:
+        Token.objects.create(user=instance, token_type=Token.PASS)
diff --git a/src/apps/lyric/tests/integrated/test_models.py b/src/apps/lyric/tests/integrated/test_models.py
index 7f7b953..98971bc 100644
--- a/src/apps/lyric/tests/integrated/test_models.py
+++ b/src/apps/lyric/tests/integrated/test_models.py
@@ -97,6 +97,30 @@ class TokenCreationTest(TestCase):
         self.assertLessEqual(delta.days, 7)
         self.assertGreater(delta.total_seconds(), 0)
 
+    def test_no_pass_token_for_regular_user(self):
+        self.assertFalse(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.PASS).exists()
+        )
+
+class SuperuserTokenCreationTest(TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.user = User.objects.create_superuser(
+            email="admin@test.io", password="secret"
+        )
+
+    def test_pass_token_created_for_superuser(self):
+        self.assertTrue(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.PASS).exists()
+        )
+
+    def test_superuser_also_gets_coin_and_free_token(self):
+        self.assertTrue(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.COIN).exists()
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.user, token_type=Token.FREE).exists()
+        )
+
 
 class WalletTooltipTest(TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
diff --git a/src/apps/lyric/tests/unit/test_tokens.py b/src/apps/lyric/tests/unit/test_tokens.py
index 9844d90..5d33bed 100644
--- a/src/apps/lyric/tests/unit/test_tokens.py
+++ b/src/apps/lyric/tests/unit/test_tokens.py
@@ -41,3 +41,17 @@ class FreeTokenTooltipTest(SimpleTestCase):
     def test_tooltip_contains_expiry_date(self):
         self.assertIn("2026-03-15", self.token.tooltip_text())
 
+
+class PassTokenTooltipTest(SimpleTestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.token = Token()
+        self.token.token_type = Token.PASS
+        self.token.expires_at = None
+        self.token.next_ready_at = None
+
+    def test_tooltip_contains_name(self):
+        self.assertIn("Backstage Pass", self.token.tooltip_text())
+
+    def test_tooltip_contains_no_expiry(self):
+        self.assertIn("no expiry", self.token.tooltip_text())
+
diff --git a/src/functional_tests/test_gatekeeper.py b/src/functional_tests/test_gatekeeper.py
index 64d6421..bae50a6 100644
--- a/src/functional_tests/test_gatekeeper.py
+++ b/src/functional_tests/test_gatekeeper.py
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 import time
 
+from datetime import timedelta
 from django.utils import timezone
-
 from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
 
 from .base import FunctionalTest
 from apps.applets.models import Applet
-from apps.epic.models import Room, GateSlot
-from apps.lyric.models import User
+from apps.epic.models import Room, GateSlot, select_token
+from apps.lyric.models import Token, User
 
 
 class GatekeeperTest(FunctionalTest):
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ class GatekeeperTest(FunctionalTest):
         )
         # 4. Page shows room name, GATHERING status
         body = self.browser.find_element(By.TAG_NAME, "body")
-        self.assertIn("Test Room", body.text)
+        self.assertIn("TEST ROOM", body.text)
         self.assertIn("GATHERING GAMERS", body.text)
         # 5. Six token slot circles are visible, all empty
         slots = self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot")
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ class GatekeeperTest(FunctionalTest):
         slots = self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot")
         self.assertIn("filled", slots[0].get_attribute("class"))
         self.assertEqual(
-            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")), 0
+            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot .btn-confirm")), 0
         )
 
     def test_room_appears_in_my_games_after_creation(self):
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ class CoinSlotTest(FunctionalTest):
             lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot.filled")
         )
         self.assertEqual(
-            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")), 0
+            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot .btn-confirm")), 0
         )
         slot = self.room.gate_slots.get(slot_number=1)
         slot.refresh_from_db()
@@ -374,5 +374,130 @@ class CoinSlotTest(FunctionalTest):
             )
         )
         self.assertEqual(
-            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")), 0
+            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot .btn-confirm")), 0
         )
+
+
+class TokenPriorityTest(FunctionalTest):
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        Applet.objects.get_or_create(
+            slug="new-game", defaults={"name": "New Game", "context": "gameboard"}
+        )
+        Applet.objects.get_or_create(
+            slug="my-games", defaults={"name": "My Games", "context": "gameboard"}
+        )
+        self.create_pre_authenticated_session("gamer@test.io")
+        self.gamer = User.objects.get(email="gamer@test.io")
+        self.room = Room.objects.create(name="Token Room", owner=self.gamer)
+        self.gate_url = self.live_server_url + f"/gameboard/room/{self.room.id}/gate/"
+        self.coin = Token.objects.get(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.COIN)
+
+    def test_coin_is_used_by_default(self):
+        # 1. COIN token created at signup, not yet leased to a room
+        self.assertEqual(self.coin.token_type, Token.COIN)
+        self.assertIsNone(self.coin.current_room)
+        # 2. Gamer drops token and confirms
+        self.browser.get(self.gate_url)
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button.token-rails")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot.filled")
+        )
+        # 3. Coin is now leased to this room, page not refreshed
+        self.assertEqual(self.browser.current_url, self.gate_url)
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertEqual(self.coin.current_room, self.room)
+
+    def test_free_token_used_when_coin_in_use(self):
+        # 1. Coin already leased to another room
+        other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=self.gamer)
+        self.coin.current_room = other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        # 2. Gamer has one unexpired free token (signup gives one; delete it and add fresh)
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        Token.objects.create(
+            user=self.gamer,
+            token_type=Token.FREE,
+            expires_at=timezone.now() + timedelta(days=7),
+        )
+        # 3. Gamer drops token → Free Token consumed
+        self.browser.get(self.gate_url)
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button.token-rails")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot.filled")
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).count(), 0
+        )
+        # 4. Coin untouched, still leased to other room
+        self.assertEqual(self.browser.current_url, self.gate_url)
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertEqual(self.coin.current_room, other_room)
+
+    def test_tithe_token_used_when_free_tokens_exhausted(self):
+        # 1. Coin in use, no Free Tokens, one Tithe Token
+        other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=self.gamer)
+        self.coin.current_room = other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        tithe = Token.objects.create(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.TITHE)
+        # 2. Gamer drops token → tithe consumed
+        self.browser.get(self.gate_url)
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button.token-rails")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot.filled")
+        )
+        # Tithe row deleted, page hasn't refreshed
+        self.assertEqual(self.browser.current_url, self.gate_url)
+        self.assertFalse(Token.objects.filter(pk=tithe.pk).exists())
+
+    def test_slot_blocked_when_no_tokens_available(self):
+        # Coin in use, no Free Tokens, no Tithe Tokens → depleted state
+        other_room = Room.objects.create(name="Other Room", owner=self.gamer)
+        self.coin.current_room = other_room
+        self.coin.save()
+        Token.objects.filter(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.FREE).delete()
+        self.browser.get(self.gate_url)
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".token-slot.depleted")
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            len(self.browser.find_elements(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button.token-rails")), 0
+        )
+
+    def test_staff_backstage_pass_bypasses_token_cost(self):
+        # 1. Staff user has a PASS token
+        self.gamer.is_staff = True
+        self.gamer.save()
+        pass_token = Token.objects.create(user=self.gamer, token_type=Token.PASS)
+        # 2. Drops token, confirms as normal
+        self.browser.get(self.gate_url)
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button.token-rails")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".btn-confirm")
+        ).click()
+        self.wait_for(
+            lambda: self.browser.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, ".gate-slot.filled")
+        )
+        # 3. Pass not consumed, coin not leased; no reload
+        self.assertEqual(self.browser.current_url, self.gate_url)
+        self.assertTrue(Token.objects.filter(pk=pass_token.pk).exists())
+        self.coin.refresh_from_db()
+        self.assertIsNone(self.coin.current_room)
diff --git a/src/static_src/scss/_room.scss b/src/static_src/scss/_room.scss
index e19b36c..07ab2ab 100644
--- a/src/static_src/scss/_room.scss
+++ b/src/static_src/scss/_room.scss
@@ -30,14 +30,33 @@ $gate-line: 2px;
     display: flex;
     flex-direction: column;
     align-items: center;
-    gap: 2rem;
     padding: 2rem;
+    border: 0.1rem solid rgba(var(--terUser), 0.5);
     border-radius: 1rem;
     background-color: rgba(var(--priUser), 1);
 
     .gate-header {
         text-align: center;
-        h1 { margin: 0 0 0.5rem; }
+
+        h1 {
+            font-size: 2rem;
+            color: rgba(var(--secUser), 0.6);
+            margin-bottom: 1rem;
+            text-align: justify;
+            text-align-last: justify;
+            text-justify: inter-character;
+            text-transform: uppercase;
+            text-shadow:
+                1px 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.125),       // highlight (up-left)
+                -0.125rem -0.125rem 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8)    // shadow (down-right)
+            ;
+
+            span {
+                color: rgba(var(--quaUser), 0.6);
+            }
+            margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
+        }
+        
         .gate-status-wrap {
             display: flex;
             justify-content: center;
@@ -46,6 +65,7 @@ $gate-line: 2px;
             font-size: 0.75em;
             text-transform: uppercase;
             letter-spacing: 0.15em;
+            margin-bottom: 1rem;
 
             .status-dots {
                 display: inline-flex;
diff --git a/src/templates/apps/gameboard/_partials/_gatekeeper.html b/src/templates/apps/gameboard/_partials/_gatekeeper.html
index 0c6a65c..4cd3f66 100644
--- a/src/templates/apps/gameboard/_partials/_gatekeeper.html
+++ b/src/templates/apps/gameboard/_partials/_gatekeeper.html
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
                 </div>
             </header>
 
-            <div class="token-slot{% if can_drop %} active{% elif user_reserved_slot %} pending{% elif user_filled_slot %} claimed{% else %} locked{% endif %}">
+            <div class="token-slot{% if can_drop %} active{% elif user_reserved_slot %} pending{% elif user_filled_slot %} claimed{% elif token_depleted %} depleted{% else %} locked{% endif %}">
                 {% if can_drop %}
                     <form method="POST" action="{% url 'epic:drop_token' room.id %}" style="display:contents">
                         {% csrf_token %}
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
                 {% endif %}
             </div>
 
-            <div class="gate-slots">
+            <div class="gate-slots row">
                 {% for slot in slots %}
                     <div
                         class="gate-slot{% if slot.status == 'EMPTY' %} empty{% elif slot.status == 'FILLED' %} filled{% elif slot.status == 'RESERVED' %} reserved{% endif %}"
@@ -72,11 +72,14 @@
             </div>
 
             {% if request.user == room.owner %}
-                <form method="POST" action="{% url 'epic:invite_gamer' room.id %}">
-                    {% csrf_token %}
-                    <input type="email" name="invitee_email" id="id_invite_email" class="form-control form-control-lg" placeholder="friend@example.com" hx-preserve>
-                    <button type="submit" id="id_invite_btn" class="btn btn-primary btn-xl">Invite</button>
-                </form>
+                <div class="form-container">
+                    <h3>Invite Friend</h3>
+                    <form method="POST" action="{% url 'epic:invite_gamer' room.id %}" style="display:flex; gap:0.5rem; align-items:center;">
+                        {% csrf_token %}
+                        <input type="email" name="invitee_email" id="id_invite_email" class="form-control form-control-lg" placeholder="friend@example.com" style="flex:1; min-width:0;" hx-preserve>
+                        <button type="submit" id="id_invite_btn" class="btn btn-confirm">OK</button>
+                    </form>
+                </div>
             {% endif %}
 
         </div>
diff --git a/src/templates/apps/wallet/_partials/_applet-wallet-tokens.html b/src/templates/apps/wallet/_partials/_applet-wallet-tokens.html
index 29202f2..3bf34d3 100644
--- a/src/templates/apps/wallet/_partials/_applet-wallet-tokens.html
+++ b/src/templates/apps/wallet/_partials/_applet-wallet-tokens.html
@@ -29,6 +29,15 @@
                 <p class="expiry">{{ token.tooltip_expiry }}</p>
             </div>
         </div>
+    {% empty %}
+        <div id="id_free_token_empty" class="token token--empty">
+            <i class="fa-solid fa-coins"></i>
+            <div class="token-tooltip">
+                <h4>Free Token</h4>
+                <p>0 owned</p>
+                <p class="expiry">find one around</p>
+            </div>
+        </div>
     {% endfor %}
     {% for token in tithe_tokens %}
         <div id="id_tithe_token_{{ forloop.counter0 }}" class="token">