diff --git a/src/core/bot.rs b/src/core/bot.rs
index b9bf6ae..4d7d1da 100644
--- a/src/core/bot.rs
+++ b/src/core/bot.rs
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ impl EventHandler for Handler {
                 {
                     warn!(error=%e, "ensure_ticket_panel failed");
                 }
-                if crate::feature::ticket::forum::is_enabled() {
-                    if let Err(e) = crate::feature::ticket::forum::ensure_forum_channel(
+                if crate::feature::ticket::service::forum::is_enabled() {
+                    if let Err(e) = crate::feature::ticket::service::forum::ensure_forum_channel(
                         &http2,
                         serenity::all::GuildId::new(gid),
                     )
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/handler.rs b/src/feature/ticket/handler.rs
deleted file mode 100644
index 6578688..0000000
--- a/src/feature/ticket/handler.rs
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,690 +0,0 @@
-//! Ticket handler - SelectMenu + Modal + private channels (or Forum posts if TICKET_USE_FORUM), claim/close with transcript.
-use super::service;
-use crate::feature::ticket::forum;
-use serenity::all::{
-    AutoArchiveDuration, ChannelId, ChannelType, ComponentInteraction, Context, CreateActionRow,
-    CreateChannel, CreateEmbed, CreateForumPost, CreateInteractionResponse,
-    CreateInteractionResponseMessage, CreateMessage, CreateModal, CreateSelectMenu,
-    CreateSelectMenuKind, CreateSelectMenuOption, GuildId, InputTextStyle, ModalInteraction,
-    PermissionOverwrite, PermissionOverwriteType, Permissions,
-};
-use tracing::{info, warn};
-
-const SUPPORT_CATEGORY: u64 = 1547213779224363008;
-const TICKET_LOGS: u64 = 1509503717127356446;
-/// Dedicated panel channel (#open-ticket / #🎫｜open-ticket)
-const TICKET_PANEL_CHANNEL: u64 = 1509503682914549861;
-
-/// Canonical topics - single source of truth for select menu + modal title + validation.
-struct Topic {
-    value: &'static str,
-    label: &'static str,
-    emoji: char,
-    desc: &'static str,
-}
-const TOPICS: &[Topic] = &[
-    Topic {
-        value: "general",
-        label: "General support",
-        emoji: '🛠',
-        desc: "Questions about bot / server",
-    },
-    Topic { value: "bug", label: "Bug report", emoji: '🐛', desc: "Report a bug or error" },
-    Topic {
-        value: "appeal", label: "Mute / ban appeal", emoji: '🔇', desc: "Appeal a punishment"
-    },
-    Topic { value: "report", label: "Report user", emoji: '😡', desc: "Report rule violation" },
-    Topic {
-        value: "owners",
-        label: "Contact owners",
-        emoji: '👑',
-        desc: "Private contact with owners",
-    },
-];
-
-fn topic_label(value: &str) -> Option<&'static str> {
-    TOPICS.iter().find(|t| t.value == value).map(|t| t.label)
-}
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Panel builders (pure, reusable)
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-pub fn panel_embed() -> CreateEmbed {
-    CreateEmbed::new()
-        .title("🎫 Support tickets")
-        .description(
-            "**Choose a topic below to open a private ticket.**\n\
-            \n\
-            • Staff will respond shortly — please describe your issue clearly.\n\
-            • One open ticket per user.\n\
-            • Abuse / spam → blacklist.",
-        )
-        .color(0x0058_65F2)
-        .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(
-            "Loki Dev • Select topic → fill form → ticket created",
-        ))
-}
-
-pub fn panel_select_row() -> CreateActionRow {
-    let options: Vec<CreateSelectMenuOption> = TOPICS
-        .iter()
-        .map(|t| CreateSelectMenuOption::new(t.label, t.value).description(t.desc).emoji(t.emoji))
-        .collect();
-    let menu = CreateSelectMenu::new("ticket_topic", CreateSelectMenuKind::String { options })
-        .placeholder("Choose topic…")
-        .min_values(1)
-        .max_values(1);
-    CreateActionRow::SelectMenu(menu)
-}
-
-/// Ensures panel exists in dedicated channel. Called on Ready + on demand from /ticket_panel.
-/// Idempotent: checks last 20 messages for bot's panel (select `ticket_topic`), creates if missing.
-pub async fn ensure_ticket_panel(
-    http: &serenity::http::Http,
-    guild_id: GuildId,
-) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
-    // Prefer constant id, fallback to search by name "open-ticket"
-    let channel_id =
-        resolve_panel_channel(http, guild_id).await.unwrap_or(ChannelId::new(TICKET_PANEL_CHANNEL));
-    let msgs = channel_id.messages(http, serenity::all::GetMessages::new().limit(20)).await?;
-    let has_panel = msgs.iter().any(|m| {
-        m.author.id.get() == 1527966600173457408
-            && m.components.iter().any(|row| {
-                row.components.iter().any(|c| match c {
-                    serenity::all::ActionRowComponent::SelectMenu(sm) => {
-                        sm.custom_id.as_deref() == Some("ticket_topic")
-                    }
-                    _ => false,
-                })
-            })
-    });
-    if has_panel {
-        info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket panel already exists");
-        return Ok(());
-    }
-    channel_id
-        .send_message(
-            http,
-            CreateMessage::new().embed(panel_embed()).components(vec![panel_select_row()]),
-        )
-        .await?;
-    info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket panel created on boot");
-    Ok(())
-}
-
-async fn resolve_panel_channel(
-    http: &serenity::http::Http,
-    guild_id: GuildId,
-) -> Option<ChannelId> {
-    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(http).await {
-        if let Some((id, _)) = channels.iter().find(|(_, c)| c.name.contains("open-ticket")) {
-            return Some(*id);
-        }
-    }
-    None
-}
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Interaction routing
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-/// Handles ticket buttons (claim/close) + legacy create buttons.
-pub async fn on_button(ctx: Context, interaction: ComponentInteraction) {
-    match interaction.data.custom_id.as_str() {
-        "ticket_general" | "ticket_bug" => handle_create_legacy(ctx, interaction).await,
-        "ticket_claim" => handle_claim(ctx, interaction).await,
-        "ticket_close" => handle_close(ctx, interaction).await,
-        _ => {}
-    }
-}
-
-/// Handles select menu `ticket_topic` -> shows modal with subject/description.
-pub async fn on_select(ctx: Context, interaction: ComponentInteraction) {
-    if interaction.data.custom_id != "ticket_topic" {
-        return;
-    }
-    let topic = match &interaction.data.kind {
-        serenity::all::ComponentInteractionDataKind::StringSelect { values } => {
-            values.first().cloned().unwrap_or_default()
-        }
-        _ => return,
-    };
-    if topic.is_empty() {
-        return;
-    }
-    let Some(label) = topic_label(&topic) else {
-        let _ = interaction
-            .create_response(
-                &ctx.http,
-                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
-                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
-                        .content(format!("Unknown topic: {topic}"))
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                ),
-            )
-            .await;
-        return;
-    };
-    // Fast pre-check: only blacklist (DB, ~5ms). Duplicate check moved to modal submit after defer (guild.channels is 300-500ms and delays modal popup).
-    if let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id {
-        if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-            if let Some(reason) =
-                service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), interaction.user.id.get()).await
-            {
-                let _ = interaction
-                    .create_response(
-                        &ctx.http,
-                        CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
-                            CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
-                                .content(format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}"))
-                                .ephemeral(true),
-                        ),
-                    )
-                    .await;
-                return;
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    let modal = CreateModal::new(format!("ticket_modal:{topic}"), format!("New ticket • {label}"))
-        .components(vec![
-            CreateActionRow::InputText(
-                serenity::all::CreateInputText::new(InputTextStyle::Short, "Subject", "subject")
-                    .placeholder("Brief title (3-100 chars)")
-                    .min_length(3)
-                    .max_length(100)
-                    .required(true),
-            ),
-            CreateActionRow::InputText(
-                serenity::all::CreateInputText::new(
-                    InputTextStyle::Paragraph,
-                    "Description",
-                    "description",
-                )
-                .placeholder("Describe your issue in detail (10-1000 chars)")
-                .min_length(10)
-                .max_length(1000)
-                .required(true),
-            ),
-        ]);
-    let _ = interaction.create_response(&ctx.http, CreateInteractionResponse::Modal(modal)).await;
-}
-
-/// Handles modal submit `ticket_modal:<topic>` -> creates private ticket channel.
-pub async fn on_modal(ctx: Context, interaction: ModalInteraction) {
-    let Some(topic) = interaction.data.custom_id.strip_prefix("ticket_modal:") else {
-        return;
-    };
-    let Some(label) = topic_label(topic) else {
-        let _ = interaction
-            .create_response(
-                &ctx.http,
-                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
-                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
-                        .content("Unknown ticket topic.")
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                ),
-            )
-            .await;
-        return;
-    };
-    let subject =
-        extract_modal_field(&interaction, "subject").unwrap_or_else(|| "No subject".into());
-    let description = extract_modal_field(&interaction, "description").unwrap_or_default();
-    // Basic validation mirrored from modal (discord enforces, but double-check)
-    if subject.trim().len() < 3 || description.trim().len() < 10 {
-        let _ = interaction
-            .create_response(
-                &ctx.http,
-                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
-                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
-                        .content("Subject ≥3 and description ≥10 chars required.")
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                ),
-            )
-            .await;
-        return;
-    }
-    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else {
-        return;
-    };
-    let user = interaction.user.clone();
-    // Defer immediately — Discord channel creation is slow (1-2s), avoid 3s timeout and UI lag
-    let _ = interaction
-        .create_response(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateInteractionResponse::Defer(
-                CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new().ephemeral(true),
-            ),
-        )
-        .await;
-    // Re-check blacklist / duplicate after defer (race between modal open and submit)
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        if let Some(reason) = service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await {
-            let _ = interaction
-                .create_followup(
-                    &ctx.http,
-                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
-                        .content(format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}"))
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                )
-                .await;
-            return;
-        }
-    }
-    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(&ctx.http).await {
-        let exists = channels.values().any(|c| {
-            c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.name.to_lowercase()))
-                || c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.id))
-        });
-        if exists {
-            let _ = interaction
-                .create_followup(
-                    &ctx.http,
-                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
-                        .content("You already have an open ticket.")
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                )
-                .await;
-            return;
-        }
-    }
-    // Use helper that supports details
-    match create_ticket_channel(&ctx, guild_id, &user, topic, label, &subject, &description).await {
-        Ok(channel_id) => {
-            let _ = interaction
-                .create_followup(
-                    &ctx.http,
-                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
-                        .content(format!("Ticket created: <#{channel_id}>"))
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                )
-                .await;
-        }
-        Err(e) => {
-            warn!(error=%e, "failed to create ticket via modal");
-            let _ = interaction
-                .create_followup(
-                    &ctx.http,
-                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
-                        .content("Failed to create ticket. Try again later.")
-                        .ephemeral(true),
-                )
-                .await;
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-fn extract_modal_field(modal: &ModalInteraction, custom_id: &str) -> Option<String> {
-    for row in &modal.data.components {
-        for comp in &row.components {
-            if let serenity::all::ActionRowComponent::InputText(it) = comp {
-                if it.custom_id == custom_id {
-                    return it.value.clone();
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    None
-}
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Channel creation (shared for legacy + modal)
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-async fn create_ticket_channel(
-    ctx: &Context,
-    guild_id: GuildId,
-    user: &serenity::all::User,
-    topic: &str,
-    label: &str,
-    subject: &str,
-    description: &str,
-) -> anyhow::Result<ChannelId> {
-    // Forum branch (if TICKET_USE_FORUM=true and forum available) - each ticket = forum post with tag
-    if forum::is_enabled() {
-        if let Ok(forum_id) = forum::ensure_forum_channel(&ctx.http, guild_id).await {
-            if let Some(tag_id) = forum::tag_id_for_async(&ctx.http, forum_id, topic).await {
-                let embed = CreateEmbed::new()
-                    .title(subject)
-                    .description(format!(
-                        "Hello <@{}> — staff will be with you shortly.\n\n**Topic:** {label} (`{topic}`)\n**Description:**\n{description}",
-                        user.id
-                    ))
-                    .color(0x0058_65F2)
-                    .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!(
-                        "Opened by {} • {}",
-                        user.name, topic
-                    )));
-                // Forum post name must be 1-100 chars, use sanitized subject
-                let post_name = subject.chars().take(90).collect::<String>();
-                let post_name = if post_name.trim().len() < 2 {
-                    format!("ticket-{topic}-{}", sanitize_name(&user.name))
-                } else {
-                    post_name
-                };
-                match forum_id
-                    .create_forum_post(
-                        &ctx.http,
-                        CreateForumPost::new(post_name.clone(), CreateMessage::new().embed(embed))
-                            .add_applied_tag(tag_id)
-                            .auto_archive_duration(AutoArchiveDuration::OneWeek),
-                    )
-                    .await
-                {
-                    Ok(thread) => {
-                        let thread_id = thread.id;
-                        if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-                            service::record_ticket(
-                                pool,
-                                thread_id.get(),
-                                guild_id.get(),
-                                user.id.get(),
-                            )
-                            .await;
-                        }
-                        let row = serenity::all::CreateActionRow::Buttons(vec![
-                            serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_claim")
-                                .label("Claim")
-                                .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Primary)
-                                .emoji('🙋'),
-                            serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_close")
-                                .label("Close")
-                                .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Danger)
-                                .emoji('🔒'),
-                        ]);
-                        let _ = thread_id
-                            .send_message(
-                                &ctx.http,
-                                CreateMessage::new()
-                                    .content(format!("<@{}> — staff control", user.id))
-                                    .components(vec![row]),
-                            )
-                            .await;
-                        let _ = ChannelId::new(TICKET_LOGS)
-                            .send_message(
-                                &ctx.http,
-                                CreateMessage::new().embed(
-                                    CreateEmbed::new()
-                                        .title("Ticket opened (forum)")
-                                        .description(format!(
-                                            "<@{}> opened forum post <#{}> — **{label}**\nSubject: {subject}",
-                                            user.id, thread_id
-                                        ))
-                                        .color(0x0058_65F2),
-                                ),
-                            )
-                            .await;
-                        info!(user=%user.name, channel=%thread_id, topic=%topic, forum=%forum_id, "ticket created via forum");
-                        return Ok(thread_id);
-                    }
-                    Err(e) => {
-                        warn!(error=%e, "forum post failed, falling back to channel");
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    // Fallback: classic text channel in SUPPORT category
-    let safe_user = sanitize_name(&user.name);
-    let name = format!("ticket-{topic}-{safe_user}");
-    let name = name.chars().take(90).collect::<String>();
-    let overwrites = build_ticket_overwrites(user.id.get());
-    let channel = guild_id
-        .create_channel(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateChannel::new(&name)
-                .kind(ChannelType::Text)
-                .category(ChannelId::new(SUPPORT_CATEGORY))
-                .permissions(overwrites),
-        )
-        .await?;
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        service::record_ticket(pool, channel.id.get(), guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await;
-    }
-    let embed = CreateEmbed::new()
-        .title(subject)
-        .description(format!(
-            "Hello <@{}> — staff will be with you shortly.\n\n**Topic:** {label} (`{topic}`)\n**Description:**\n{description}",
-            user.id
-        ))
-        .color(0x0058_65F2)
-        .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!("Opened by {} • {}", user.name, topic)));
-    let row = serenity::all::CreateActionRow::Buttons(vec![
-        serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_claim")
-            .label("Claim")
-            .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Primary)
-            .emoji('🙋'),
-        serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_close")
-            .label("Close")
-            .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Danger)
-            .emoji('🔒'),
-    ]);
-    let _ = channel
-        .send_message(&ctx.http, CreateMessage::new().embed(embed).components(vec![row]))
-        .await;
-    let _ = ChannelId::new(TICKET_LOGS)
-        .send_message(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateMessage::new().embed(
-                CreateEmbed::new()
-                    .title("Ticket opened")
-                    .description(format!(
-                        "<@{}> opened <#{}> — **{label}**\nSubject: {subject}",
-                        user.id, channel.id
-                    ))
-                    .color(0x0058_65F2),
-            ),
-        )
-        .await;
-    info!(user=%user.name, channel=%channel.id, topic=%topic, "ticket created via modal");
-    Ok(channel.id)
-}
-
-fn sanitize_name(s: &str) -> String {
-    let lower = s.to_lowercase().replace(' ', "-");
-    let mut out = String::new();
-    for ch in lower.chars() {
-        if ch.is_ascii_alphanumeric() || ch == '-' {
-            out.push(ch);
-        } else {
-            out.push('-');
-        }
-    }
-    let collapsed = out.split('-').filter(|p| !p.is_empty()).collect::<Vec<_>>().join("-");
-    if collapsed.is_empty() { "user".into() } else { collapsed }
-}
-
-async fn ephemeral(ctx: &Context, i: &ComponentInteraction, content: String) {
-    let _ = i
-        .create_response(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
-                CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new().content(content).ephemeral(true),
-            ),
-        )
-        .await;
-}
-
-async fn handle_create_legacy(ctx: Context, interaction: ComponentInteraction) {
-    // Legacy button path - create with generic subject/desc
-    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else { return };
-    let user = interaction.user.clone();
-    let custom = interaction.data.custom_id.clone();
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        if let Some(reason) = service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await {
-            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}")).await;
-            return;
-        }
-    }
-    let (topic, label) =
-        if custom == "ticket_bug" { ("bug", "Bug report") } else { ("general", "General support") };
-    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(&ctx.http).await {
-        let exists = channels.values().any(|c| {
-            c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.name.to_lowercase()))
-                || c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.id))
-        });
-        if exists {
-            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "You already have an open ticket.".into()).await;
-            return;
-        }
-    }
-    match create_ticket_channel(
-        &ctx,
-        guild_id,
-        &user,
-        topic,
-        label,
-        &format!("Ticket - {label}"),
-        "Opened via legacy button.",
-    )
-    .await
-    {
-        Ok(cid) => ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Ticket created: <#{cid}>")).await,
-        Err(e) => {
-            warn!(error=%e, "failed to create legacy ticket");
-            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Failed to create ticket.".into()).await;
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-async fn handle_claim(ctx: Context, interaction: ComponentInteraction) {
-    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else { return };
-    let channel_id = interaction.channel_id;
-    let claimer = interaction.user.clone();
-    // Staff-only + not opener check (creator cannot claim own ticket)
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        if let Some(opener) = service::get_opener(pool, channel_id.get()).await {
-            if opener == claimer.id.get() {
-                ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "You cannot claim your own ticket.".into()).await;
-                return;
-            }
-        }
-    }
-    // Require Staff/Owner/Moderator role
-    const STAFF_ROLES: &[u64] = &[
-        1547203757711040572, // Staff
-        1547203762035236925, // Owner
-        1547203753373859901, // Moderator
-    ];
-    let is_staff = match guild_id.member(&ctx.http, claimer.id).await {
-        Ok(member) => member.roles.iter().any(|r| STAFF_ROLES.contains(&r.get())),
-        Err(_) => false,
-    };
-    if !is_staff {
-        ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Only staff can claim tickets.".into()).await;
-        return;
-    }
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        if let Some(existing) = service::get_claim(pool, channel_id.get()).await {
-            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Already claimed by <@{existing}>")).await;
-            return;
-        }
-        if !service::try_claim(pool, channel_id.get(), guild_id.get(), claimer.id.get()).await {
-            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Claim failed, already claimed.".into()).await;
-            return;
-        }
-    }
-    ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Ticket claimed by <@{}>", claimer.id)).await;
-    let _ = channel_id
-        .send_message(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateMessage::new().embed(
-                CreateEmbed::new()
-                    .title("Ticket claimed")
-                    .description(format!("Claimed by <@{}>", claimer.id))
-                    .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!(
-                        "Claimed by {}",
-                        claimer.name
-                    )))
-                    .color(0x0057_F387),
-            ),
-        )
-        .await;
-    let _ = ChannelId::new(TICKET_LOGS)
-        .send_message(
-            &ctx.http,
-            CreateMessage::new().embed(
-                CreateEmbed::new()
-                    .title("Ticket claimed")
-                    .description(format!("<@{}> claimed ticket <#{}>", claimer.id, channel_id))
-                    .color(0x0057_F387),
-            ),
-        )
-        .await;
-    info!(channel=%channel_id, claimer=%claimer.id, "ticket claimed");
-}
-
-async fn handle_close(ctx: Context, interaction: ComponentInteraction) {
-    let channel_id = interaction.channel_id;
-    let user = interaction.user.clone();
-    ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Closing ticket... transcript will be saved.".into()).await;
-    let transcript = service::fetch_transcript(&ctx.http, channel_id).await;
-    let haste_url = service::upload_hastebin(&transcript).await;
-    service::deliver_transcript(
-        &ctx.http,
-        channel_id,
-        user.id.get(),
-        transcript.clone(),
-        haste_url.clone(),
-    )
-    .await;
-    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
-        service::cleanup_ticket(pool, channel_id.get()).await;
-    }
-    tokio::time::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2)).await; // SAFETY: small delay to let log flush, not in command path, jitter not needed
-    // Forum threads: archive+lock instead of delete (keeps history, respects forum lifecycle)
-    let is_thread = ctx
-        .http
-        .get_channel(channel_id)
-        .await
-        .map(|c| matches!(c, serenity::all::Channel::Guild(gc) if gc.thread_metadata.is_some()))
-        .unwrap_or(false);
-    if is_thread {
-        let _ = channel_id
-            .edit_thread(&ctx.http, serenity::all::EditThread::new().archived(true).locked(true))
-            .await;
-        // Try delete if archive fails (fallback)
-        if ctx.http.get_channel(channel_id).await.is_ok() {
-            // Already archived, no delete needed; optionally delete after archive
-        }
-        info!(channel=%channel_id, thread=true, "ticket thread closed (archived)");
-    } else {
-        let _ = channel_id.delete(&ctx.http).await;
-        info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket closed");
-    }
-}
-
-fn allow_view(id: serenity::all::RoleId) -> PermissionOverwrite {
-    PermissionOverwrite {
-        allow: Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL
-            | Permissions::SEND_MESSAGES
-            | Permissions::READ_MESSAGE_HISTORY,
-        deny: Permissions::empty(),
-        kind: PermissionOverwriteType::Role(id),
-    }
-}
-fn build_ticket_overwrites(user_id: u64) -> Vec<PermissionOverwrite> {
-    let everyone = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1509503154708811837);
-    let staff = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203757711040572);
-    let owner = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203762035236925);
-    let moderator = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203753373859901);
-    let user = serenity::all::UserId::new(user_id);
-    vec![
-        PermissionOverwrite {
-            allow: Permissions::empty(),
-            deny: Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL,
-            kind: PermissionOverwriteType::Role(everyone),
-        },
-        PermissionOverwrite {
-            allow: Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL
-                | Permissions::SEND_MESSAGES
-                | Permissions::READ_MESSAGE_HISTORY,
-            deny: Permissions::empty(),
-            kind: PermissionOverwriteType::Member(user),
-        },
-        allow_view(staff),
-        allow_view(owner),
-        allow_view(moderator),
-    ]
-}
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/handler/claim.rs b/src/feature/ticket/handler/claim.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05737e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/handler/claim.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+//! Ticket claim/close (staff-only claim).
+
+use crate::feature::ticket::service;
+use serenity::all::{ChannelId, Context, CreateEmbed, CreateMessage};
+use tracing::info;
+
+async fn ephemeral(ctx: &Context, i: &serenity::all::ComponentInteraction, content: String) {
+    let _ = i
+        .create_response(
+            &ctx.http,
+            serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                    .content(content)
+                    .ephemeral(true),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+}
+
+pub async fn handle_claim(ctx: Context, interaction: serenity::all::ComponentInteraction) {
+    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else { return };
+    let channel_id = interaction.channel_id;
+    let claimer = interaction.user.clone();
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        if let Some(opener) = service::get_opener(pool, channel_id.get()).await {
+            if opener == claimer.id.get() {
+                ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "You cannot claim your own ticket.".into()).await;
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    const STAFF_ROLES: &[u64] = &[1547203757711040572, 1547203762035236925, 1547203753373859901];
+    let is_staff = match guild_id.member(&ctx.http, claimer.id).await {
+        Ok(member) => member.roles.iter().any(|r| STAFF_ROLES.contains(&r.get())),
+        Err(_) => false,
+    };
+    if !is_staff {
+        ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Only staff can claim tickets.".into()).await;
+        return;
+    }
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        if let Some(existing) = service::get_claim(pool, channel_id.get()).await {
+            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Already claimed by <@{existing}>")).await;
+            return;
+        }
+        if !service::try_claim(pool, channel_id.get(), guild_id.get(), claimer.id.get()).await {
+            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Claim failed, already claimed.".into()).await;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Ticket claimed by <@{}>", claimer.id)).await;
+    let _ = channel_id
+        .send_message(
+            &ctx.http,
+            CreateMessage::new().embed(
+                CreateEmbed::new()
+                    .title("Ticket claimed")
+                    .description(format!("Claimed by <@{}>", claimer.id))
+                    .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!(
+                        "Claimed by {}",
+                        claimer.name
+                    )))
+                    .color(0x0057_F387),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+    let _ = ChannelId::new(super::TICKET_LOGS)
+        .send_message(
+            &ctx.http,
+            CreateMessage::new().embed(
+                CreateEmbed::new()
+                    .title("Ticket claimed")
+                    .description(format!("<@{}> claimed ticket <#{}>", claimer.id, channel_id))
+                    .color(0x0057_F387),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+    info!(channel=%channel_id, claimer=%claimer.id, "ticket claimed");
+}
+
+pub async fn handle_close(ctx: Context, interaction: serenity::all::ComponentInteraction) {
+    let channel_id = interaction.channel_id;
+    let user = interaction.user.clone();
+    ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Closing ticket... transcript will be saved.".into()).await;
+    let transcript = service::fetch_transcript(&ctx.http, channel_id).await;
+    let haste_url = service::upload_hastebin(&transcript).await;
+    service::deliver_transcript(
+        &ctx.http,
+        channel_id,
+        user.id.get(),
+        transcript.clone(),
+        haste_url.clone(),
+    )
+    .await;
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        service::cleanup_ticket(pool, channel_id.get()).await;
+    }
+    tokio::time::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2)).await; // SAFETY: small delay to let log flush
+    let is_thread = ctx
+        .http
+        .get_channel(channel_id)
+        .await
+        .map(|c| matches!(c, serenity::all::Channel::Guild(gc) if gc.thread_metadata.is_some()))
+        .unwrap_or(false);
+    if is_thread {
+        let _ = channel_id
+            .edit_thread(&ctx.http, serenity::all::EditThread::new().archived(true).locked(true))
+            .await;
+        info!(channel=%channel_id, thread=true, "ticket thread closed (archived)");
+    } else {
+        let _ = channel_id.delete(&ctx.http).await;
+        info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket closed");
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/handler/create.rs b/src/feature/ticket/handler/create.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee58e63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/handler/create.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+//! Ticket channel/forums creation (shared for modal + legacy).
+
+use super::{SUPPORT_CATEGORY, TICKET_LOGS, build_ticket_overwrites, ephemeral, sanitize_name};
+use crate::feature::ticket::service;
+use crate::feature::ticket::service::forum;
+use serenity::all::{
+    AutoArchiveDuration, ChannelId, ChannelType, Context, CreateChannel, CreateEmbed,
+    CreateForumPost, CreateMessage, GuildId,
+};
+use tracing::{info, warn};
+
+pub async fn create_ticket_channel(
+    ctx: &Context,
+    guild_id: GuildId,
+    user: &serenity::all::User,
+    topic: &str,
+    label: &str,
+    subject: &str,
+    description: &str,
+) -> anyhow::Result<ChannelId> {
+    // Forum branch (if TICKET_USE_FORUM=true)
+    if forum::is_enabled() {
+        if let Ok(forum_id) = forum::ensure_forum_channel(&ctx.http, guild_id).await {
+            if let Some(tag_id) = forum::tag_id_for_async(&ctx.http, forum_id, topic).await {
+                let embed = CreateEmbed::new()
+                    .title(subject)
+                    .description(format!(
+                        "Hello <@{}> — staff will be with you shortly.\n\n**Topic:** {label} (`{topic}`)\n**Description:**\n{description}",
+                        user.id
+                    ))
+                    .color(0x0058_65F2)
+                    .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!("Opened by {} • {}", user.name, topic)));
+                let post_name = subject.chars().take(90).collect::<String>();
+                let post_name = if post_name.trim().len() < 2 {
+                    format!("ticket-{topic}-{}", sanitize_name(&user.name))
+                } else {
+                    post_name
+                };
+                match forum_id
+                    .create_forum_post(
+                        &ctx.http,
+                        CreateForumPost::new(post_name.clone(), CreateMessage::new().embed(embed))
+                            .add_applied_tag(tag_id)
+                            .auto_archive_duration(AutoArchiveDuration::OneWeek),
+                    )
+                    .await
+                {
+                    Ok(thread) => {
+                        let thread_id = thread.id;
+                        if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+                            service::record_ticket(
+                                pool,
+                                thread_id.get(),
+                                guild_id.get(),
+                                user.id.get(),
+                            )
+                            .await;
+                        }
+                        let row = serenity::all::CreateActionRow::Buttons(vec![
+                            serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_claim")
+                                .label("Claim")
+                                .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Primary)
+                                .emoji('🙋'),
+                            serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_close")
+                                .label("Close")
+                                .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Danger)
+                                .emoji('🔒'),
+                        ]);
+                        let _ = thread_id
+                            .send_message(
+                                &ctx.http,
+                                CreateMessage::new()
+                                    .content(format!("<@{}> — staff control", user.id))
+                                    .components(vec![row]),
+                            )
+                            .await;
+                        let _ = ChannelId::new(TICKET_LOGS)
+                            .send_message(
+                                &ctx.http,
+                                CreateMessage::new().embed(
+                                    CreateEmbed::new().title("Ticket opened (forum)").description(format!("<@{}> opened forum post <#{}> — **{label}**\nSubject: {subject}", user.id, thread_id)).color(0x0058_65F2),
+                                ),
+                            )
+                            .await;
+                        info!(user=%user.name, channel=%thread_id, topic=%topic, forum=%forum_id, "ticket created via forum");
+                        return Ok(thread_id);
+                    }
+                    Err(e) => warn!(error=%e, "forum post failed, falling back to channel"),
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    // Fallback: classic text channel in SUPPORT category
+    let safe_user = sanitize_name(&user.name);
+    let name = format!("ticket-{topic}-{safe_user}").chars().take(90).collect::<String>();
+    let overwrites = build_ticket_overwrites(user.id.get());
+    let channel = guild_id
+        .create_channel(
+            &ctx.http,
+            CreateChannel::new(&name)
+                .kind(ChannelType::Text)
+                .category(ChannelId::new(SUPPORT_CATEGORY))
+                .permissions(overwrites),
+        )
+        .await?;
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        service::record_ticket(pool, channel.id.get(), guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await;
+    }
+    let embed = CreateEmbed::new()
+        .title(subject)
+        .description(format!("Hello <@{}> — staff will be with you shortly.\n\n**Topic:** {label} (`{topic}`)\n**Description:**\n{description}", user.id))
+        .color(0x0058_65F2)
+        .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(format!("Opened by {} • {}", user.name, topic)));
+    let row = serenity::all::CreateActionRow::Buttons(vec![
+        serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_claim")
+            .label("Claim")
+            .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Primary)
+            .emoji('🙋'),
+        serenity::all::CreateButton::new("ticket_close")
+            .label("Close")
+            .style(serenity::all::ButtonStyle::Danger)
+            .emoji('🔒'),
+    ]);
+    let _ = channel
+        .send_message(&ctx.http, CreateMessage::new().embed(embed).components(vec![row]))
+        .await;
+    let _ = ChannelId::new(TICKET_LOGS)
+        .send_message(
+            &ctx.http,
+            CreateMessage::new().embed(
+                CreateEmbed::new()
+                    .title("Ticket opened")
+                    .description(format!(
+                        "<@{}> opened <#{}> — **{label}**\nSubject: {subject}",
+                        user.id, channel.id
+                    ))
+                    .color(0x0058_65F2),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+    info!(user=%user.name, channel=%channel.id, topic=%topic, "ticket created via modal");
+    Ok(channel.id)
+}
+
+pub async fn handle_create_legacy(ctx: Context, interaction: serenity::all::ComponentInteraction) {
+    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else { return };
+    let user = interaction.user.clone();
+    let custom = interaction.data.custom_id.clone();
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        if let Some(reason) = service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await {
+            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}")).await;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    let (topic, label) =
+        if custom == "ticket_bug" { ("bug", "Bug report") } else { ("general", "General support") };
+    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(&ctx.http).await {
+        let exists = channels.values().any(|c| {
+            c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.name.to_lowercase()))
+                || c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.id))
+        });
+        if exists {
+            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "You already have an open ticket.".into()).await;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    match create_ticket_channel(
+        &ctx,
+        guild_id,
+        &user,
+        topic,
+        label,
+        &format!("Ticket - {label}"),
+        "Opened via legacy button.",
+    )
+    .await
+    {
+        Ok(cid) => ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, format!("Ticket created: <#{cid}>")).await,
+        Err(e) => {
+            warn!(error=%e, "failed to create legacy ticket");
+            ephemeral(&ctx, &interaction, "Failed to create ticket.".into()).await;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/handler/interaction.rs b/src/feature/ticket/handler/interaction.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7352d22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/handler/interaction.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+//! Ticket interaction - select menu → modal, modal submit → channel create (defer fast).
+
+use super::{create, topic_label};
+use crate::feature::ticket::service;
+use serenity::all::{
+    Context, CreateActionRow, CreateInteractionResponse, CreateInteractionResponseMessage,
+    CreateModal, InputTextStyle, ModalInteraction,
+};
+use tracing::warn;
+
+/// Handles select menu `ticket_topic` -> shows modal.
+pub async fn on_select(ctx: Context, interaction: serenity::all::ComponentInteraction) {
+    if interaction.data.custom_id != "ticket_topic" {
+        return;
+    }
+    let topic = match &interaction.data.kind {
+        serenity::all::ComponentInteractionDataKind::StringSelect { values } => {
+            values.first().cloned().unwrap_or_default()
+        }
+        _ => return,
+    };
+    if topic.is_empty() {
+        return;
+    }
+    let Some(label) = topic_label(&topic) else {
+        let _ = interaction
+            .create_response(
+                &ctx.http,
+                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                        .content(format!("Unknown topic: {topic}"))
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                ),
+            )
+            .await;
+        return;
+    };
+    // Fast pre-check: only blacklist (DB, ~5ms). Duplicate moved to modal submit.
+    if let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id {
+        if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+            if let Some(reason) =
+                service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), interaction.user.id.get()).await
+            {
+                let _ = interaction
+                    .create_response(
+                        &ctx.http,
+                        CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                            CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                                .content(format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}"))
+                                .ephemeral(true),
+                        ),
+                    )
+                    .await;
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    let modal = CreateModal::new(format!("ticket_modal:{topic}"), format!("New ticket • {label}"))
+        .components(vec![
+            CreateActionRow::InputText(
+                serenity::all::CreateInputText::new(InputTextStyle::Short, "Subject", "subject")
+                    .placeholder("Brief title (3-100 chars)")
+                    .min_length(3)
+                    .max_length(100)
+                    .required(true),
+            ),
+            CreateActionRow::InputText(
+                serenity::all::CreateInputText::new(
+                    InputTextStyle::Paragraph,
+                    "Description",
+                    "description",
+                )
+                .placeholder("Describe your issue in detail (10-1000 chars)")
+                .min_length(10)
+                .max_length(1000)
+                .required(true),
+            ),
+        ]);
+    let _ = interaction.create_response(&ctx.http, CreateInteractionResponse::Modal(modal)).await;
+}
+
+/// Handles modal submit `ticket_modal:<topic>` -> creates ticket.
+pub async fn on_modal(ctx: Context, interaction: ModalInteraction) {
+    let Some(topic) = interaction.data.custom_id.strip_prefix("ticket_modal:") else {
+        return;
+    };
+    let Some(label) = topic_label(topic) else {
+        let _ = interaction
+            .create_response(
+                &ctx.http,
+                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                        .content("Unknown ticket topic.")
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                ),
+            )
+            .await;
+        return;
+    };
+    let subject =
+        extract_modal_field(&interaction, "subject").unwrap_or_else(|| "No subject".into());
+    let description = extract_modal_field(&interaction, "description").unwrap_or_default();
+    if subject.trim().len() < 3 || description.trim().len() < 10 {
+        let _ = interaction
+            .create_response(
+                &ctx.http,
+                CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                    CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                        .content("Subject ≥3 and description ≥10 chars required.")
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                ),
+            )
+            .await;
+        return;
+    }
+    let Some(guild_id) = interaction.guild_id else { return };
+    let user = interaction.user.clone();
+    // Defer immediately — channel creation is slow (1-2s)
+    let _ = interaction
+        .create_response(
+            &ctx.http,
+            CreateInteractionResponse::Defer(
+                CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new().ephemeral(true),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+    if let Some(pool) = service::pool() {
+        if let Some(reason) = service::is_blacklisted(pool, guild_id.get(), user.id.get()).await {
+            let _ = interaction
+                .create_followup(
+                    &ctx.http,
+                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
+                        .content(format!("You are blacklisted: {reason}"))
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                )
+                .await;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(&ctx.http).await {
+        let exists = channels.values().any(|c| {
+            c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.name.to_lowercase()))
+                || c.name.starts_with(&format!("ticket-{}", user.id))
+        });
+        if exists {
+            let _ = interaction
+                .create_followup(
+                    &ctx.http,
+                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
+                        .content("You already have an open ticket.")
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                )
+                .await;
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+    match create::create_ticket_channel(&ctx, guild_id, &user, topic, label, &subject, &description)
+        .await
+    {
+        Ok(channel_id) => {
+            let _ = interaction
+                .create_followup(
+                    &ctx.http,
+                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
+                        .content(format!("Ticket created: <#{channel_id}>"))
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                )
+                .await;
+        }
+        Err(e) => {
+            warn!(error=%e, "failed to create ticket via modal");
+            let _ = interaction
+                .create_followup(
+                    &ctx.http,
+                    serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseFollowup::new()
+                        .content("Failed to create ticket. Try again later.")
+                        .ephemeral(true),
+                )
+                .await;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn extract_modal_field(modal: &ModalInteraction, custom_id: &str) -> Option<String> {
+    for row in &modal.data.components {
+        for comp in &row.components {
+            if let serenity::all::ActionRowComponent::InputText(it) = comp {
+                if it.custom_id == custom_id {
+                    return it.value.clone();
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    None
+}
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/handler/mod.rs b/src/feature/ticket/handler/mod.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a02f0e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/handler/mod.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+//! Ticket handler - mod (topics, panel, routing). Re-exports submodules.
+
+pub mod claim;
+pub mod create;
+pub mod interaction;
+
+pub use interaction::{on_modal, on_select};
+
+use serenity::all::{
+    ChannelId, Context, CreateActionRow, CreateEmbed, CreateSelectMenu, CreateSelectMenuKind,
+    CreateSelectMenuOption, GuildId,
+};
+use tracing::info;
+
+pub const SUPPORT_CATEGORY: u64 = 1547213779224363008;
+pub const TICKET_LOGS: u64 = 1509503717127356446;
+const TICKET_PANEL_CHANNEL: u64 = 1509503682914549861;
+
+/// Canonical topics - single source of truth.
+pub struct Topic {
+    pub value: &'static str,
+    pub label: &'static str,
+    pub emoji: char,
+    pub desc: &'static str,
+}
+pub const TOPICS: &[Topic] = &[
+    Topic {
+        value: "general",
+        label: "General support",
+        emoji: '🛠',
+        desc: "Questions about bot / server",
+    },
+    Topic { value: "bug", label: "Bug report", emoji: '🐛', desc: "Report a bug or error" },
+    Topic {
+        value: "appeal", label: "Mute / ban appeal", emoji: '🔇', desc: "Appeal a punishment"
+    },
+    Topic { value: "report", label: "Report user", emoji: '😡', desc: "Report rule violation" },
+    Topic {
+        value: "owners",
+        label: "Contact owners",
+        emoji: '👑',
+        desc: "Private contact with owners",
+    },
+];
+
+pub fn topic_label(value: &str) -> Option<&'static str> {
+    TOPICS.iter().find(|t| t.value == value).map(|t| t.label)
+}
+
+pub fn panel_embed() -> CreateEmbed {
+    CreateEmbed::new()
+        .title("🎫 Support tickets")
+        .description(
+            "**Choose a topic below to open a private ticket.**\n\n\
+            • Staff will respond shortly — please describe your issue clearly.\n\
+            • One open ticket per user.\n\
+            • Abuse / spam → blacklist.",
+        )
+        .color(0x0058_65F2)
+        .footer(serenity::all::CreateEmbedFooter::new(
+            "Loki Dev • Select topic → fill form → ticket created",
+        ))
+}
+
+pub fn panel_select_row() -> CreateActionRow {
+    let options: Vec<CreateSelectMenuOption> = TOPICS
+        .iter()
+        .map(|t| CreateSelectMenuOption::new(t.label, t.value).description(t.desc).emoji(t.emoji))
+        .collect();
+    let menu = CreateSelectMenu::new("ticket_topic", CreateSelectMenuKind::String { options })
+        .placeholder("Choose topic…")
+        .min_values(1)
+        .max_values(1);
+    CreateActionRow::SelectMenu(menu)
+}
+
+/// Ensures panel exists in dedicated channel. Idempotent.
+pub async fn ensure_ticket_panel(
+    http: &serenity::http::Http,
+    guild_id: GuildId,
+) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
+    let channel_id =
+        resolve_panel_channel(http, guild_id).await.unwrap_or(ChannelId::new(TICKET_PANEL_CHANNEL));
+    let msgs = channel_id.messages(http, serenity::all::GetMessages::new().limit(20)).await?;
+    let has_panel = msgs.iter().any(|m| {
+        m.author.id.get() == 1527966600173457408
+            && m.components.iter().any(|row| {
+                row.components.iter().any(|c| match c {
+                    serenity::all::ActionRowComponent::SelectMenu(sm) => {
+                        sm.custom_id.as_deref() == Some("ticket_topic")
+                    }
+                    _ => false,
+                })
+            })
+    });
+    if has_panel {
+        info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket panel already exists");
+        return Ok(());
+    }
+    channel_id
+        .send_message(
+            http,
+            serenity::all::CreateMessage::new()
+                .embed(panel_embed())
+                .components(vec![panel_select_row()]),
+        )
+        .await?;
+    info!(channel=%channel_id, "ticket panel created on boot");
+    Ok(())
+}
+
+async fn resolve_panel_channel(
+    http: &serenity::http::Http,
+    guild_id: GuildId,
+) -> Option<ChannelId> {
+    if let Ok(channels) = guild_id.channels(http).await {
+        if let Some((id, _)) = channels.iter().find(|(_, c)| c.name.contains("open-ticket")) {
+            return Some(*id);
+        }
+    }
+    None
+}
+
+/// Handles ticket buttons (claim/close) + legacy create buttons.
+pub async fn on_button(ctx: Context, interaction: serenity::all::ComponentInteraction) {
+    match interaction.data.custom_id.as_str() {
+        "ticket_general" | "ticket_bug" => create::handle_create_legacy(ctx, interaction).await,
+        "ticket_claim" => claim::handle_claim(ctx, interaction).await,
+        "ticket_close" => claim::handle_close(ctx, interaction).await,
+        _ => {}
+    }
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn sanitize_name(s: &str) -> String {
+    let lower = s.to_lowercase().replace(' ', "-");
+    let mut out = String::new();
+    for ch in lower.chars() {
+        if ch.is_ascii_alphanumeric() || ch == '-' {
+            out.push(ch);
+        } else {
+            out.push('-');
+        }
+    }
+    let collapsed = out.split('-').filter(|p| !p.is_empty()).collect::<Vec<_>>().join("-");
+    if collapsed.is_empty() { "user".into() } else { collapsed }
+}
+
+pub(crate) async fn ephemeral(
+    ctx: &Context,
+    i: &serenity::all::ComponentInteraction,
+    content: String,
+) {
+    let _ = i
+        .create_response(
+            &ctx.http,
+            serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponse::Message(
+                serenity::all::CreateInteractionResponseMessage::new()
+                    .content(content)
+                    .ephemeral(true),
+            ),
+        )
+        .await;
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn allow_view(id: serenity::all::RoleId) -> serenity::all::PermissionOverwrite {
+    serenity::all::PermissionOverwrite {
+        allow: serenity::all::Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL
+            | serenity::all::Permissions::SEND_MESSAGES
+            | serenity::all::Permissions::READ_MESSAGE_HISTORY,
+        deny: serenity::all::Permissions::empty(),
+        kind: serenity::all::PermissionOverwriteType::Role(id),
+    }
+}
+pub(crate) fn build_ticket_overwrites(user_id: u64) -> Vec<serenity::all::PermissionOverwrite> {
+    let everyone = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1509503154708811837);
+    let staff = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203757711040572);
+    let owner = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203762035236925);
+    let moderator = serenity::all::RoleId::new(1547203753373859901);
+    let user = serenity::all::UserId::new(user_id);
+    vec![
+        serenity::all::PermissionOverwrite {
+            allow: serenity::all::Permissions::empty(),
+            deny: serenity::all::Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL,
+            kind: serenity::all::PermissionOverwriteType::Role(everyone),
+        },
+        serenity::all::PermissionOverwrite {
+            allow: serenity::all::Permissions::VIEW_CHANNEL
+                | serenity::all::Permissions::SEND_MESSAGES
+                | serenity::all::Permissions::READ_MESSAGE_HISTORY,
+            deny: serenity::all::Permissions::empty(),
+            kind: serenity::all::PermissionOverwriteType::Member(user),
+        },
+        allow_view(staff),
+        allow_view(owner),
+        allow_view(moderator),
+    ]
+}
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/mod.rs b/src/feature/ticket/mod.rs
index 62a937a..c6da5e8 100644
--- a/src/feature/ticket/mod.rs
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
 pub mod command;
-pub mod forum;
 pub mod handler;
 pub mod service;
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/forum.rs b/src/feature/ticket/service/forum.rs
similarity index 100%
rename from src/feature/ticket/forum.rs
rename to src/feature/ticket/service/forum.rs
diff --git a/src/feature/ticket/service.rs b/src/feature/ticket/service/mod.rs
similarity index 99%
rename from src/feature/ticket/service.rs
rename to src/feature/ticket/service/mod.rs
index 73510ca..e7d6fa7 100644
--- a/src/feature/ticket/service.rs
+++ b/src/feature/ticket/service/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 //! Ticket service
+pub mod forum;
 use serenity::all::{ChannelId, CreateAttachment, CreateMessage, Http, MessageId};
 use sqlx::SqlitePool;
 use std::sync::OnceLock;