From 56e0ec1e79f08b8f231b15fbe30b9c2f088eb82f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Frank <mail@franktovar.de>
Date: Mon, 4 May 2026 23:02:39 +0200
Subject: [PATCH] fix: phase authenticated startup

---
 README.md                                     |   1 +
 .../Pages/AdminWorkspaceContent.razor         | 128 ++++++++------
 .../Pages/CampaignsWorkspaceContent.razor     |  52 ++++--
 .../Pages/PlayWorkspaceContent.razor          | 163 +++++++++++-------
 RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor    |  72 ++++++--
 RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor.cs |  34 +++-
 .../Components/Pages/WorkspacePageContext.cs  |   7 +
 .../Components/Pages/WorkspaceRenderPhase.cs  |   9 +
 .../Components/Pages/WorkspaceRouteView.razor |   5 +-
 TASKS.md                                      |   4 +
 10 files changed, 312 insertions(+), 163 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRenderPhase.cs

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7c4baa1..20f7cca 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -196,6 +196,7 @@ SQLite migration rule:
 - Interactive authenticated startup begins in `WorkspaceRouteView.razor` after first render because `RpgRollerApiClient` still depends on JS interop-backed `fetch`.
 - Workspace startup diagnostics now log route initialization, route-content render phases, and browser-side workspace mutation snapshots to help isolate the remaining Firefox startup crash documented in `POSTMORTEM.md`.
 - Pre-Blazor diagnostics also watch the static `#rr-interactive-host` container before `_framework/blazor.web.js` connects, so extension-driven DOM mutations can be compared against the first failing interactive batch.
+- Authenticated routes now mount through phased interactive batches: minimal shell first, then a simple header placeholder, then route skeletons, and only then the real header and control-heavy route content after route initialization succeeds.
 - Live workspace refresh compares separate roster, per-character sheet, and log versions so unrelated changes do not trigger full reloads.
 - Campaign log data is loaded in bounded slices: campaign summaries, one selected roster, one selected character sheet, and a 25-row incremental log window from `/api/campaigns/{campaignId}/log/page`.
 - Log rows return compact summary data first and lazy-load full detail from `/api/rolls/{rollId}` when expanded.
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/AdminWorkspaceContent.razor b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/AdminWorkspaceContent.razor
index 537e05d..3f282bc 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/AdminWorkspaceContent.razor
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/AdminWorkspaceContent.razor
@@ -1,67 +1,85 @@
 @using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Components
 
-<main class="management-screen">
-    @if (Workspace.State.IsCurrentUserAdmin)
-    {
+@if (!Workspace.ShowLiveContent)
+{
+    <main class="management-screen">
         <section class="card">
             <div class="section-head">
-                <h2>Database</h2>
+                <h2>Admin</h2>
             </div>
-            <p class="muted">Download the current SQLite file for backup or offline inspection.</p>
-            <div class="management-actions">
-                <a class="action-link" href="@Workspace.AdminDatabaseDownloadUrl" download>Download SQLite database</a>
+            <div class="skeleton-stack">
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line short"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
             </div>
         </section>
-    }
-    <section class="card">
-        <div class="section-head">
-            <h2>User Management</h2>
-        </div>
-        @if (IsAdminDataLoading)
+    </main>
+}
+else
+{
+    <main class="management-screen">
+        @if (Workspace.State.IsCurrentUserAdmin)
         {
-            <p class="empty">Loading users...</p>
+            <section class="card">
+                <div class="section-head">
+                    <h2>Database</h2>
+                </div>
+                <p class="muted">Download the current SQLite file for backup or offline inspection.</p>
+                <div class="management-actions">
+                    <a class="action-link" href="@Workspace.AdminDatabaseDownloadUrl" download>Download SQLite database</a>
+                </div>
+            </section>
         }
-        else if (!Workspace.State.IsCurrentUserAdmin)
-        {
-            <p class="empty">Admin role is required to manage users.</p>
-        }
-        else if (Workspace.State.AdminUsers.Count == 0)
-        {
-            <p class="empty">No users found.</p>
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            <ul class="management-list">
-                @foreach (var user in Workspace.State.AdminUsers)
-                {
-                    <li>
-                        <div>
-                            <strong>@user.Username</strong>
-                            <p class="muted">@user.DisplayName</p>
-                            <p class="muted">Roles: @(user.Roles.Count == 0 ? "none" : string.Join(", ", user.Roles))</p>
-                        </div>
-                        <div class="skill-chip-actions">
-                            <button type="button"
-                                    class="chip-button"
-                                    disabled="@(Workspace.State.IsMutating || user.Id == Workspace.State.User?.Id)"
-                                    @onclick="() => Workspace.Admin.ToggleAdminRoleAsync(user)">
-                                <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoji">🛡️</span>
-                                <span class="sr-only">Toggle admin role for @user.Username</span>
-                            </button>
-                            <button type="button"
-                                    class="chip-button"
-                                    disabled="@(Workspace.State.IsMutating || user.Id == Workspace.State.User?.Id)"
-                                    @onclick="() => Workspace.Admin.DeleteUserAsync(user)">
-                                <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoji">🗑️</span>
-                                <span class="sr-only">Delete user @user.Username</span>
-                            </button>
-                        </div>
-                    </li>
-                }
-            </ul>
-        }
-    </section>
-</main>
+        <section class="card">
+            <div class="section-head">
+                <h2>User Management</h2>
+            </div>
+            @if (IsAdminDataLoading)
+            {
+                <p class="empty">Loading users...</p>
+            }
+            else if (!Workspace.State.IsCurrentUserAdmin)
+            {
+                <p class="empty">Admin role is required to manage users.</p>
+            }
+            else if (Workspace.State.AdminUsers.Count == 0)
+            {
+                <p class="empty">No users found.</p>
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                <ul class="management-list">
+                    @foreach (var user in Workspace.State.AdminUsers)
+                    {
+                        <li>
+                            <div>
+                                <strong>@user.Username</strong>
+                                <p class="muted">@user.DisplayName</p>
+                                <p class="muted">Roles: @(user.Roles.Count == 0 ? "none" : string.Join(", ", user.Roles))</p>
+                            </div>
+                            <div class="skill-chip-actions">
+                                <button type="button"
+                                        class="chip-button"
+                                        disabled="@(Workspace.State.IsMutating || user.Id == Workspace.State.User?.Id)"
+                                        @onclick="() => Workspace.Admin.ToggleAdminRoleAsync(user)">
+                                    <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoji">🛡️</span>
+                                    <span class="sr-only">Toggle admin role for @user.Username</span>
+                                </button>
+                                <button type="button"
+                                        class="chip-button"
+                                        disabled="@(Workspace.State.IsMutating || user.Id == Workspace.State.User?.Id)"
+                                        @onclick="() => Workspace.Admin.DeleteUserAsync(user)">
+                                    <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoji">🗑️</span>
+                                    <span class="sr-only">Delete user @user.Username</span>
+                                </button>
+                            </div>
+                        </li>
+                    }
+                </ul>
+            }
+        </section>
+    </main>
+}
 
 @code {
     private bool IsAdminDataLoading => !Workspace.HasSessionInitialized || Workspace.State.IsAdminDataLoading;
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/CampaignsWorkspaceContent.razor b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/CampaignsWorkspaceContent.razor
index d1cd5a0..b322ca2 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/CampaignsWorkspaceContent.razor
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/CampaignsWorkspaceContent.razor
@@ -1,24 +1,42 @@
 @using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Components
 @using RpgRoller.Components.Pages.HomeControls
 
-<CampaignManagementPanel
-    Campaigns="Workspace.State.Campaigns"
-    SelectedCampaignId="Workspace.State.SelectedCampaignId"
-    SelectedCampaign="Workspace.State.SelectedCampaign"
-    Rulesets="Workspace.State.Rulesets"
-    IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
-    OwnerLabel="Workspace.State.OwnerLabel"
-    CanEditCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanEditCharacter"
-    CanDeleteCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanDeleteCharacter"
-    CanDeleteCampaign="Workspace.State.CanDeleteSelectedCampaign"
-    CampaignSelectionChanged="OnCampaignSelectionChangedAsync"
-    CampaignCreated="Workspace.Campaigns.OnCampaignCreatedAsync"
-    DeleteCampaignRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.DeleteSelectedCampaignAsync"
-    CreateCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenCreateCharacterModal"
-    EditCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenEditCharacterModal"
-    DeleteCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.DeleteCharacterAsync"/>
+@if (!Workspace.ShowLiveContent)
+{
+    <main class="management-screen">
+        <section class="card">
+            <div class="section-head">
+                <h2>Campaign Management</h2>
+            </div>
+            <div class="skeleton-stack">
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line short"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+            </div>
+        </section>
+    </main>
+}
+else
+{
+    <CampaignManagementPanel
+        Campaigns="Workspace.State.Campaigns"
+        SelectedCampaignId="Workspace.State.SelectedCampaignId"
+        SelectedCampaign="Workspace.State.SelectedCampaign"
+        Rulesets="Workspace.State.Rulesets"
+        IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
+        OwnerLabel="Workspace.State.OwnerLabel"
+        CanEditCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanEditCharacter"
+        CanDeleteCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanDeleteCharacter"
+        CanDeleteCampaign="Workspace.State.CanDeleteSelectedCampaign"
+        CampaignSelectionChanged="OnCampaignSelectionChangedAsync"
+        CampaignCreated="Workspace.Campaigns.OnCampaignCreatedAsync"
+        DeleteCampaignRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.DeleteSelectedCampaignAsync"
+        CreateCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenCreateCharacterModal"
+        EditCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenEditCharacterModal"
+        DeleteCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.DeleteCharacterAsync"/>
 
-<CharacterManagementModals Workspace="Workspace"/>
+    <CharacterManagementModals Workspace="Workspace"/>
+}
 
 @code {
     private async Task OnCampaignSelectionChangedAsync(ChangeEventArgs args)
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/PlayWorkspaceContent.razor b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/PlayWorkspaceContent.razor
index 59c2ab5..4d3b499 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/PlayWorkspaceContent.razor
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/PlayWorkspaceContent.razor
@@ -1,74 +1,103 @@
 @using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Components
 @using RpgRoller.Components.Pages.HomeControls
 
-<main class="play-screen @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "log" ? "mobile-log" : "mobile-character")">
-    <CharacterPanel
-        IsCampaignDataLoading="@IsCampaignDataLoading"
-        SelectedCampaign="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign"
-        SelectedCharacterId="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterId"
-        SelectedCharacter="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacter"
+@if (!Workspace.ShowLiveContent)
+{
+    <main class="play-screen mobile-character">
+        <section class="card character-panel">
+            <div class="skeleton-stack">
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line short"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+            </div>
+        </section>
+        <aside class="card log-panel">
+            <div class="section-head">
+                <h2>Campaign Log</h2>
+            </div>
+            <div class="skeleton-stack">
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line short"></div>
+                <div class="skeleton-line"></div>
+            </div>
+        </aside>
+    </main>
+    <div class="mobile-bottom-nav" aria-hidden="true">
+        <span class="switch active">Character</span>
+        <span class="switch">Log</span>
+    </div>
+}
+else
+{
+    <main class="play-screen @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "log" ? "mobile-log" : "mobile-character")">
+        <CharacterPanel
+            IsCampaignDataLoading="@IsCampaignDataLoading"
+            SelectedCampaign="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign"
+            SelectedCharacterId="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterId"
+            SelectedCharacter="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacter"
+            IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
+            SelectedCharacterSkills="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterSkills"
+            SelectedCharacterSkillGroups="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterSkillGroups"
+            SelectedCampaignRulesetId="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign?.RulesetId ?? string.Empty)"
+            RollVisibility="Workspace.State.RollVisibility"
+            RollVisibilityChanged="Workspace.Session.OnRollVisibilityChangedAsync"
+            OwnerLabel="Workspace.State.OwnerLabel"
+            SkillDefinitionLabel="Workspace.State.SkillDefinitionLabel"
+            CanEditCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanEditCharacter"
+            CanEditSkill="Workspace.Play.CanEditSkill"
+            CharacterSelected="Workspace.Play.SelectCharacterAsync"
+            EditCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenEditCharacterModal"
+            SkillCreated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillCreatedAsync"
+            SkillUpdated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillUpdatedAsync"
+            SkillGroupCreated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupCreatedAsync"
+            SkillGroupUpdated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupUpdatedAsync"
+            SkillDeleted="Workspace.Play.OnSkillDeletedAsync"
+            SkillGroupDeleted="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupDeletedAsync"
+            ErrorOccurred="Workspace.Play.OnCharacterPanelErrorAsync"
+            RollRequested="Workspace.Play.RollSkillAsync"/>
+
+        <CampaignLogPanel
+            IsCampaignDataLoading="@IsCampaignDataLoading"
+            CampaignLog="Workspace.State.PlayVisibleCampaignLog"
+            ExpandedRollId="Workspace.State.ExpandedCampaignLogRollId"
+            FreshRollId="Workspace.State.FreshCampaignLogRollId"
+            SelectedCharacterId="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterId"
+            SelectedCharacterName="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacter?.Name)"
+            SelectedCampaignRulesetId="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign?.RulesetId ?? string.Empty)"
+            RollVisibility="Workspace.State.RollVisibility"
+            IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
+            ToggleRollDetailRequested="Workspace.Play.ToggleRollDetailAsync"
+            ResolveRollDetail="Workspace.Play.ResolveRollDetail"
+            IsRollDetailLoading="Workspace.Play.IsRollDetailLoading"
+            GetRollDetailError="Workspace.Play.GetRollDetailError"
+            CustomRollCreated="Workspace.Play.OnCustomRollCreatedAsync"
+            ErrorOccurred="Workspace.Play.OnCampaignLogPanelErrorAsync"/>
+    </main>
+    <nav class="mobile-bottom-nav" aria-label="Play panel selector">
+        <button type="button" class="switch @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "character" ? "active" : string.Empty)"
+                @onclick='() => Workspace.Scope.SetMobilePanelAsync("character")'>
+            Character
+        </button>
+        <button type="button" class="switch @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "log" ? "active" : string.Empty)"
+                @onclick='() => Workspace.Scope.SetMobilePanelAsync("log")'>
+            Log
+        </button>
+    </nav>
+
+    <CharacterManagementModals Workspace="Workspace"/>
+
+    <RolemasterSkillRollModal
+        Visible="Workspace.State.ShowRolemasterSkillRollModal"
+        SkillName="@(Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRoll?.Name ?? string.Empty)"
+        Expression="@(Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRoll?.DiceRollDefinition ?? string.Empty)"
+        ModifierText="@Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSituationalModifier"
+        ModifierTextChanged="@(text => Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSituationalModifier = text)"
+        ErrorMessage="@Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRollError"
         IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
-        SelectedCharacterSkills="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterSkills"
-        SelectedCharacterSkillGroups="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterSkillGroups"
-        SelectedCampaignRulesetId="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign?.RulesetId ?? string.Empty)"
-        RollVisibility="Workspace.State.RollVisibility"
-        RollVisibilityChanged="Workspace.Session.OnRollVisibilityChangedAsync"
-        OwnerLabel="Workspace.State.OwnerLabel"
-        SkillDefinitionLabel="Workspace.State.SkillDefinitionLabel"
-        CanEditCharacter="Workspace.Campaigns.CanEditCharacter"
-        CanEditSkill="Workspace.Play.CanEditSkill"
-        CharacterSelected="Workspace.Play.SelectCharacterAsync"
-        EditCharacterRequested="Workspace.Campaigns.OpenEditCharacterModal"
-        SkillCreated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillCreatedAsync"
-        SkillUpdated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillUpdatedAsync"
-        SkillGroupCreated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupCreatedAsync"
-        SkillGroupUpdated="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupUpdatedAsync"
-        SkillDeleted="Workspace.Play.OnSkillDeletedAsync"
-        SkillGroupDeleted="Workspace.Play.OnSkillGroupDeletedAsync"
-        ErrorOccurred="Workspace.Play.OnCharacterPanelErrorAsync"
-        RollRequested="Workspace.Play.RollSkillAsync"/>
-
-    <CampaignLogPanel
-        IsCampaignDataLoading="@IsCampaignDataLoading"
-        CampaignLog="Workspace.State.PlayVisibleCampaignLog"
-        ExpandedRollId="Workspace.State.ExpandedCampaignLogRollId"
-        FreshRollId="Workspace.State.FreshCampaignLogRollId"
-        SelectedCharacterId="Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacterId"
-        SelectedCharacterName="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCharacter?.Name)"
-        SelectedCampaignRulesetId="@(Workspace.State.PlaySelectedCampaign?.RulesetId ?? string.Empty)"
-        RollVisibility="Workspace.State.RollVisibility"
-        IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
-        ToggleRollDetailRequested="Workspace.Play.ToggleRollDetailAsync"
-        ResolveRollDetail="Workspace.Play.ResolveRollDetail"
-        IsRollDetailLoading="Workspace.Play.IsRollDetailLoading"
-        GetRollDetailError="Workspace.Play.GetRollDetailError"
-        CustomRollCreated="Workspace.Play.OnCustomRollCreatedAsync"
-        ErrorOccurred="Workspace.Play.OnCampaignLogPanelErrorAsync"/>
-</main>
-<nav class="mobile-bottom-nav" aria-label="Play panel selector">
-    <button type="button" class="switch @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "character" ? "active" : string.Empty)"
-            @onclick='() => Workspace.Scope.SetMobilePanelAsync("character")'>
-        Character
-    </button>
-    <button type="button" class="switch @(Workspace.State.MobilePanel == "log" ? "active" : string.Empty)"
-            @onclick='() => Workspace.Scope.SetMobilePanelAsync("log")'>
-        Log
-    </button>
-</nav>
-
-<CharacterManagementModals Workspace="Workspace"/>
-
-<RolemasterSkillRollModal
-    Visible="Workspace.State.ShowRolemasterSkillRollModal"
-    SkillName="@(Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRoll?.Name ?? string.Empty)"
-    Expression="@(Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRoll?.DiceRollDefinition ?? string.Empty)"
-    ModifierText="@Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSituationalModifier"
-    ModifierTextChanged="@(text => Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSituationalModifier = text)"
-    ErrorMessage="@Workspace.State.PendingRolemasterSkillRollError"
-    IsMutating="Workspace.State.IsMutating"
-    IsSubmitting="Workspace.State.IsSubmittingRolemasterSkillRoll"
-    ConfirmRequested="Workspace.Play.SubmitRolemasterSkillRollAsync"
-    CancelRequested="Workspace.Play.CancelRolemasterSkillRollAsync"/>
+        IsSubmitting="Workspace.State.IsSubmittingRolemasterSkillRoll"
+        ConfirmRequested="Workspace.Play.SubmitRolemasterSkillRollAsync"
+        CancelRequested="Workspace.Play.CancelRolemasterSkillRollAsync"/>
+}
 
 @code {
     private bool IsCampaignDataLoading => !Workspace.HasSessionInitialized || Workspace.State.IsCampaignDataLoading;
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor
index ef4d428..7f5d34a 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor
@@ -2,13 +2,14 @@
 <div class="@AppCssClass"
      data-workspace-root="true"
      data-workspace-route="@Route"
+     data-workspace-phase="@PageContext.RenderPhase"
      data-workspace-session-initialized="@HasSessionInitialized"
      data-workspace-campaign-loading="@State.IsCampaignDataLoading"
      data-workspace-admin-loading="@State.IsAdminDataLoading"
      data-workspace-user="@(State.User?.Username ?? "loading")">
     <p class="sr-only" aria-live="polite">@State.LiveAnnouncement</p>
 
-    @if (State.HasHealthIssue)
+    @if (PageContext.ShowLiveContent && State.HasHealthIssue)
     {
         <section class="health-banner" role="alert">
             <div>
@@ -20,27 +21,62 @@
     }
 
     <div class="workspace-shell">
-        <AppHeader
-            User="State.User"
-            ShowCampaign="@ShowCampaignInHeader"
-            CampaignName="@State.SelectedCampaignName"
-            ShowConnectionState="@ShowConnectionStateInHeader"
-            ConnectionStateLabel="@State.ConnectionStateLabel"
-            ConnectionStateCssClass="@State.ConnectionStateCssClass"
-            IsMenuOpen="State.IsScreenMenuOpen"
-            MenuButtonId="workspace-screen-menu-button"
-            MenuId="workspace-screen-menu"
-            MenuItems="HeaderMenuItems"
-            ToggleMenuRequested="ToggleScreenMenu"
-            LogoutRequested="Session.LogoutAsync"/>
-
-        @if (ChildContent is not null)
+        @if (PageContext.ShowLiveContent)
         {
-            @ChildContent(PageContext)
+            <AppHeader
+                User="State.User"
+                ShowCampaign="@ShowCampaignInHeader"
+                CampaignName="@State.SelectedCampaignName"
+                ShowConnectionState="@ShowConnectionStateInHeader"
+                ConnectionStateLabel="@State.ConnectionStateLabel"
+                ConnectionStateCssClass="@State.ConnectionStateCssClass"
+                IsMenuOpen="State.IsScreenMenuOpen"
+                MenuButtonId="workspace-screen-menu-button"
+                MenuId="workspace-screen-menu"
+                MenuItems="HeaderMenuItems"
+                ToggleMenuRequested="ToggleScreenMenu"
+                LogoutRequested="Session.LogoutAsync"/>
+
+            @if (ChildContent is not null)
+            {
+                @ChildContent(PageContext)
+            }
+        }
+        else if (PageContext.ShowHeaderPlaceholder)
+        {
+            <header class="workspace-header">
+                <div class="header-row">
+                    <h1>RpgRoller</h1>
+                    <p class="header-identity">
+                        <strong>Loading workspace...</strong>
+                    </p>
+                    @if (ShowCampaignInHeader)
+                    {
+                        <p class="header-campaign">Campaign: <strong>Loading...</strong></p>
+                    }
+                    @if (ShowConnectionStateInHeader)
+                    {
+                        <div class="header-connection-cell">
+                            <p class="connection offline">Offline fallback</p>
+                        </div>
+                    }
+                </div>
+            </header>
+
+            @if (PageContext.ShowRouteSkeleton && ChildContent is not null)
+            {
+                @ChildContent(PageContext)
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            <section class="card" aria-live="polite">
+                <p>Loading workspace...</p>
+            </section>
         }
     </div>
 
-    @if (State.Toasts.Count > 0)
+    @if (PageContext.ShowLiveContent && State.Toasts.Count > 0)
     {
         <div class="toast-stack" aria-live="polite" aria-atomic="false">
             @foreach (var toast in State.Toasts)
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor.cs b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor.cs
index afdd107..f2c61dc 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor.cs
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/Workspace.razor.cs
@@ -31,8 +31,12 @@ public partial class Workspace : IAsyncDisposable
     {
         RenderCount += 1;
         Logger.LogInformation(
-            "Workspace.OnAfterRenderAsync route={Route} renderCount={RenderCount} firstRender={FirstRender} hasSessionInitialized={HasSessionInitialized} state=[{State}]",
-            Route, RenderCount, firstRender, HasSessionInitialized, WorkspaceDiagnosticSummary.DescribeState(State));
+            "Workspace.OnAfterRenderAsync route={Route} renderCount={RenderCount} firstRender={FirstRender} renderPhase={RenderPhase} hasSessionInitialized={HasSessionInitialized} state=[{State}]",
+            Route, RenderCount, firstRender, RenderPhase, HasSessionInitialized,
+            WorkspaceDiagnosticSummary.DescribeState(State));
+        if (RenderPhase < WorkspaceRenderPhase.RouteSkeleton)
+            return AdvanceRenderPhaseAsync("Workspace.OnAfterRenderAsync");
+
         return Task.CompletedTask;
     }
 
@@ -149,6 +153,14 @@ public partial class Workspace : IAsyncDisposable
         return InitializationTask ??= InitializeRouteCoreAsync();
     }
 
+    private Task EnsureLiveRenderPhaseAsync()
+    {
+        if (RenderPhase == WorkspaceRenderPhase.Live)
+            return Task.CompletedTask;
+
+        return AdvanceRenderPhaseAsync("WorkspaceRouteView.EnsureLiveRenderPhaseAsync", WorkspaceRenderPhase.Live);
+    }
+
     private async Task InitializeRouteCoreAsync()
     {
         if (HasSessionInitialized)
@@ -199,6 +211,19 @@ public partial class Workspace : IAsyncDisposable
         return exception.Message.Contains("statically rendered", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
     }
 
+    private Task AdvanceRenderPhaseAsync(string source, WorkspaceRenderPhase? targetPhase = null)
+    {
+        var nextPhase = targetPhase ?? (WorkspaceRenderPhase)((int)RenderPhase + 1);
+        if (nextPhase <= RenderPhase)
+            return Task.CompletedTask;
+
+        Logger.LogInformation(
+            "Workspace.AdvanceRenderPhaseAsync source={Source} route={Route} from={FromPhase} to={ToPhase}",
+            source, Route, RenderPhase, nextPhase);
+        RenderPhase = nextPhase;
+        return RequestRefreshAsync(source);
+    }
+
     [Inject] private IJSRuntime JS { get; set; } = null!;
 
     [Inject] private RpgRollerApiClient ApiClient { get; set; } = null!;
@@ -223,8 +248,8 @@ public partial class Workspace : IAsyncDisposable
     private bool ShowConnectionStateInHeader => IsPlayRoute;
 
     private WorkspacePageContext PageContext => new(State, Play, Campaigns, Admin, Scope, Session,
-        InitializeRouteAsync, HasSessionInitialized, RequestRefreshAsync, AdminDatabaseDownloadUrl, HeaderMenuItems,
-        IsPlayRoute, IsCampaignsRoute, IsAdminRoute);
+        InitializeRouteAsync, HasSessionInitialized, RequestRefreshAsync, EnsureLiveRenderPhaseAsync,
+        AdminDatabaseDownloadUrl, HeaderMenuItems, RenderPhase, IsPlayRoute, IsCampaignsRoute, IsAdminRoute);
 
     private WorkspaceCampaignScopeCoordinator Scope => m_Scope ??= new(State, Feedback, JS, WorkspaceQuery,
         () => IsPlayRoute, Play.EnsureSelectedCharacterActiveAsync, Play.RefreshSelectedCharacterSheetAsync,
@@ -308,4 +333,5 @@ public partial class Workspace : IAsyncDisposable
     private Task? InitializationTask { get; set; }
     private WorkspaceRoute? PreviousRoute { get; set; }
     private int RenderCount { get; set; }
+    private WorkspaceRenderPhase RenderPhase { get; set; }
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspacePageContext.cs b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspacePageContext.cs
index 02806b2..2ce3644 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspacePageContext.cs
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspacePageContext.cs
@@ -12,8 +12,10 @@ public sealed class WorkspacePageContext(
     Func<Task> initializeRouteAsync,
     bool hasSessionInitialized,
     Func<Task> requestRefreshAsync,
+    Func<Task> ensureLiveRenderPhaseAsync,
     string adminDatabaseDownloadUrl,
     IReadOnlyList<AppHeaderMenuItem> headerMenuItems,
+    WorkspaceRenderPhase renderPhase,
     bool isPlayRoute,
     bool isCampaignsRoute,
     bool isAdminRoute)
@@ -27,9 +29,14 @@ public sealed class WorkspacePageContext(
     public Func<Task> InitializeRouteAsync { get; } = initializeRouteAsync;
     public bool HasSessionInitialized { get; } = hasSessionInitialized;
     public Func<Task> RequestRefreshAsync { get; } = requestRefreshAsync;
+    public Func<Task> EnsureLiveRenderPhaseAsync { get; } = ensureLiveRenderPhaseAsync;
     public string AdminDatabaseDownloadUrl { get; } = adminDatabaseDownloadUrl;
     public IReadOnlyList<AppHeaderMenuItem> HeaderMenuItems { get; } = headerMenuItems;
+    public WorkspaceRenderPhase RenderPhase { get; } = renderPhase;
     public bool IsPlayRoute { get; } = isPlayRoute;
     public bool IsCampaignsRoute { get; } = isCampaignsRoute;
     public bool IsAdminRoute { get; } = isAdminRoute;
+    public bool ShowHeaderPlaceholder => RenderPhase >= WorkspaceRenderPhase.HeaderPlaceholder;
+    public bool ShowRouteSkeleton => RenderPhase >= WorkspaceRenderPhase.RouteSkeleton;
+    public bool ShowLiveContent => RenderPhase == WorkspaceRenderPhase.Live;
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRenderPhase.cs b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRenderPhase.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f6fe86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRenderPhase.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+namespace RpgRoller.Components.Pages;
+
+public enum WorkspaceRenderPhase
+{
+    Minimal = 0,
+    HeaderPlaceholder = 1,
+    RouteSkeleton = 2,
+    Live = 3
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRouteView.razor b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRouteView.razor
index 6eb31c0..97062db 100644
--- a/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRouteView.razor
+++ b/RpgRoller/Components/Pages/WorkspaceRouteView.razor
@@ -7,15 +7,16 @@
     protected override async Task OnAfterRenderAsync(bool firstRender)
     {
         Logger.LogInformation(
-            "WorkspaceRouteView.OnAfterRenderAsync routeFlags=play:{IsPlayRoute} campaigns:{IsCampaignsRoute} admin:{IsAdminRoute} firstRender={FirstRender} hasSessionInitialized={HasSessionInitialized} state=[{State}]",
+            "WorkspaceRouteView.OnAfterRenderAsync routeFlags=play:{IsPlayRoute} campaigns:{IsCampaignsRoute} admin:{IsAdminRoute} firstRender={FirstRender} renderPhase={RenderPhase} hasSessionInitialized={HasSessionInitialized} state=[{State}]",
             Workspace.IsPlayRoute, Workspace.IsCampaignsRoute, Workspace.IsAdminRoute, firstRender,
-            Workspace.HasSessionInitialized, WorkspaceDiagnosticSummary.DescribeState(Workspace.State));
+            Workspace.RenderPhase, Workspace.HasSessionInitialized, WorkspaceDiagnosticSummary.DescribeState(Workspace.State));
         await TryMarkWorkspacePhaseAsync(firstRender ? "after-first-render" : "after-render");
         if (!firstRender)
             return;
 
         await TryInstallWorkspaceDiagnosticsAsync();
         await Workspace.InitializeRouteAsync();
+        await Workspace.EnsureLiveRenderPhaseAsync();
         Logger.LogInformation("WorkspaceRouteView.OnAfterRenderAsync initialized state=[{State}]",
             WorkspaceDiagnosticSummary.DescribeState(Workspace.State));
         await TryMarkWorkspacePhaseAsync("after-initialize-route");
diff --git a/TASKS.md b/TASKS.md
index 400f869..c7df620 100644
--- a/TASKS.md
+++ b/TASKS.md
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ The change is complete when a human can run the app, open `/`, observe the corre
 - [x] (2026-05-04) Updated host tests, Selenium smoke tests, and docs so the real-route model is the documented and verified Milestone 2 behavior.
 - [x] (2026-05-04) Added expanded workspace startup diagnostics across Blazor lifecycle logging, route-content render logging, and browser-side DOM mutation snapshots to narrow the remaining Firefox batch-2 crash.
 - [x] (2026-05-04) Extended the diagnostics to page-load time by wrapping the interactive host in a stable container and logging pre-Blazor body and host mutations before the first interactive batch applies.
+- [x] (2026-05-04) Reworked authenticated route startup into phased interactive batches so the first render mounts only a tiny shell, the second render mounts a simple header placeholder, the third render mounts route skeletons, and real control-heavy content appears only after route initialization completes.
 
 ## Surprises & Discoveries
 
@@ -52,6 +53,9 @@ The change is complete when a human can run the app, open `/`, observe the corre
 - Observation: the remaining Firefox failure still happens during Blazor batch application, so server-side coordinator logs alone are not enough to localize it.
   Evidence: after route-scoping startup, Firefox still reported `There was an error applying batch 2` with `TypeError: can't access property "insertBefore", n.parentNode is null`, which motivated adding route render lifecycle logs plus browser-side workspace mutation snapshots.
 
+- Observation: the RoboForm-triggered crash happens before any component `OnAfterRenderAsync` callback in the authenticated route tree.
+  Evidence: in the failing `/play` and `/admin` reproductions, the last server-side logs were only `OnInitialized` and `OnParametersSet` entries for `Workspace` and its immediate child components; there were no `WorkspaceRouteView.OnAfterRenderAsync` or `Workspace.InitializeRouteCoreAsync` entries before the circuit terminated.
+
 - Observation: the locally installed Snap Firefox build on this machine is viable for Selenium through `geckodriver`, but not for Playwright protocol control.
   Evidence: Playwright stalled during the `-juggler-pipe` handshake, while a `geckodriver` plus Selenium session against `/snap/firefox/current/usr/lib/firefox/firefox` completed the same Milestone 1 verification successfully.