diff --git a/packages/docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.md b/packages/docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca34ef4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.md
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+# Move the documentation catalog to another hostname
+
+The catalog is a **static tree** (`site/` in the monorepo). HTML cards and PDF clicks are **path-relative**, so the same files can be served from `https://zapier.georgelambert.org/` today and `https://docs.verae-time.net/` later without rewriting links.
+
+Live service doors (portal, IAM, fleet, …) stay on their own hostnames. Forgejo stays on `git.georgelambert.org`.
+
+**Script:** `scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py` in [master-zapier-plan-draft](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/master-zapier-plan-draft)  
+**Build:** `scripts/build-docs-site.py` · **Deploy:** `scripts/deploy-docs-site.sh`
+
+## Default (relative) — no hostname pass
+
+1. Build: `python3 scripts/build-docs-site.py`
+2. Rsync the `site/` directory to the new host document root (must be the site root, `/`).
+3. Point DNS + TLS (Caddy `file_server` with `index index.html index.pdf README.html README.pdf`) at that tree.
+
+PDF annotations look like `README.pdf` and `../../index.html` (relative to the PDF). Browsers resolve them against the PDF’s own URL, so they follow the new host.
+
+Optional label in the HTML banner (not a link target):
+
+```bash
+DOCS_PUBLIC_HOST=docs.verae-time.net python3 scripts/build-docs-site.py
+```
+
+## Absolute URLs (only if a viewer needs them)
+
+Bake a public origin at build time:
+
+```bash
+DOCS_PUBLIC_URL=https://docs.verae-time.net \
+DOCS_PUBLIC_HOST=docs.verae-time.net \
+  python3 scripts/build-docs-site.py
+```
+
+Or retarget an **already built** `site/` without rebuilding PDFs from markdown:
+
+```bash
+# Lab origin → future docs host
+python3 scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py \
+  --site ./site \
+  --from https://zapier.georgelambert.org \
+  --to https://docs.verae-time.net
+
+# Strip the origin (same as the default build)
+python3 scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py --site ./site --relative
+
+python3 scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py --site ./site --from … --to … --dry-run
+```
+
+The rewrite walks HTML/SVG/CSS/JS/MD text and PDF `/URI` annotations. It does **not** change `portal.zapier.georgelambert.org`, `iam.…`, or `git.georgelambert.org`.
+
+## Caddy (any host)
+
+```caddy
+docs.verae-time.net {
+	root * /SSD2/sites/docs.verae-time.net
+	encode gzip zstd
+	file_server {
+		index index.html index.pdf README.html README.pdf
+	}
+	try_files {path} {path}/index.html {path}/index.pdf {path}/README.html {path}/README.pdf
+}
+```
+
+Lab copy: `packages/verae-ops/caddy/zapier.georgelambert.org.caddy`.
+
+## Check
+
+```bash
+python3 scripts/check-doc-links.py
+```
+
+Local files must exist for homepage hrefs and PDF URI targets. Off-site HTTPS (Forgejo, live doors) is left alone.
+
+## Publish lab catalog (today)
+
+```bash
+git -C /Users/marchon/apps/zapier push ns1 main
+git -C /Users/marchon/apps/zapier push ns1 main:master
+bash scripts/deploy-docs-site.sh
+# → marchon@70.88.205.138:/SSD2/sites/zapier.georgelambert.org
+```
diff --git a/packages/docs-master/HOST-DEPS.md b/packages/docs-master/HOST-DEPS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0aebf79
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/docs-master/HOST-DEPS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# Host dependencies for every Forgejo module
+
+The installer lives in **verae-bootstrap** (not this summaries repo):
+
+- Script: `scripts/host-deps.sh`
+- Manifest: `host-deps.tsv` (one row per Forgejo repo)
+- Narrative: [HOST-DEPS.md](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/verae-bootstrap/src/branch/main/HOST-DEPS.md)
+
+It detects Debian/Ubuntu vs Alpine (and best-effort macOS), checks that git, curl, Node, native build tools, and `nats-server` are present, and **downloads/installs** whatever is missing on **this** machine.
+
+```bash
+git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/verae-bootstrap.git
+cd verae-bootstrap
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --check --type ns1-all-in-one
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one
+export VERAE_SRC=$HOME/verae-src
+bash scripts/fetch.sh ns1-all-in-one
+```
+
+Alpine if `bash` is not installed yet: `apk add --no-cache bash git curl`.
+
+Catalog hostname move (relative PDFs): [CATALOG-HOST.md](CATALOG-HOST.md).
diff --git a/packages/docs-master/README.md b/packages/docs-master/README.md
index 240a3b0..83b52cc 100644
--- a/packages/docs-master/README.md
+++ b/packages/docs-master/README.md
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 Summaries, NATS contracts, and message flows for every Verae Time × Zapier module.
 
 **Live catalog:** https://zapier.georgelambert.org/  
+**Move the catalog to another host:** [CATALOG-HOST.md](CATALOG-HOST.md) (relative PDF links; `scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py`)  
+**Host OS / Node / NATS install:** [verae-bootstrap HOST-DEPS](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/verae-bootstrap)  
 **Overview (start here):** https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/overview  
 **Operator console:** http://127.0.0.1:3850/ (Fleet · Trace · Docs)  
 **Monorepo:** https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/master-zapier-plan-draft (`main` and `master`)
diff --git a/packages/docs-master/modules/verae-bootstrap/SUMMARY.md b/packages/docs-master/modules/verae-bootstrap/SUMMARY.md
index ee89719..87f842c 100644
--- a/packages/docs-master/modules/verae-bootstrap/SUMMARY.md
+++ b/packages/docs-master/modules/verae-bootstrap/SUMMARY.md
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
 # verae-bootstrap
 
 Clone Forgejo modules and install npm deps. Server types under `types/`.
+
+`scripts/host-deps.sh` checks this machine (Debian/Ubuntu or Alpine) and installs git, curl, Node, build tools for `better-sqlite3`, and `nats-server` when the server type runs JetStream locally. Manifest: `host-deps.tsv`. See `HOST-DEPS.md`.
diff --git a/packages/overview/02-modules-and-repos.md b/packages/overview/02-modules-and-repos.md
index 95da726..2bd1013 100644
--- a/packages/overview/02-modules-and-repos.md
+++ b/packages/overview/02-modules-and-repos.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Each runtime piece is its **own git repo** on Forgejo (`git.georgelambert.org`,
 | **verae-staff-ui** | `packages/verae-staff-ui` | Shared staff review HTML (CS + access-staff) |
 | **verae-staff-iam** | `packages/verae-staff-iam` | Internal staff users, roles, permissions, audit |
 | **verae-keep** | `packages/verae-keep` | Host keep-alive + watch + guard (honors admin pause/stop) |
-| **verae-bootstrap** | `packages/verae-bootstrap` | Clone every repo and install deps for each server type |
+| **verae-bootstrap** | `packages/verae-bootstrap` | Clone every repo; `host-deps.sh` installs OS/Node/NATS per module |
 | **zapier-docs-master** | `packages/docs-master` | Per-module `SUMMARY.md` + `NATS.md` |
 | **verae-ops** | `packages/verae-ops` | Docker, Proxmox, VMs, dedicated hardware, linking services |
 
diff --git a/packages/overview/10-docs-sync.md b/packages/overview/10-docs-sync.md
index 381ae1c..5b3a195 100644
--- a/packages/overview/10-docs-sync.md
+++ b/packages/overview/10-docs-sync.md
@@ -20,7 +20,15 @@ Validated against the module list in `packages/` and Forgejo repos.
 
 - `verae-staff-iam`, `verae-staff-session`, `verae-staff-ui`
 - `verae-keep`
-- `verae-bootstrap` (clone + npm per server type)
+- `verae-bootstrap` (clone + npm per server type; `scripts/host-deps.sh` installs OS/Node/NATS)
+
+## Move the catalog to another hostname
+
+HTML and PDF catalog links are **path-relative**. Rsync `site/` to a new document root (for example `docs.verae-time.net`) without rewriting files.
+
+- Procedure: [CATALOG-HOST.md](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/zapier-docs-master/src/branch/main/CATALOG-HOST.md) in **zapier-docs-master**
+- Optional absolute retarget: `python3 scripts/rewrite-docs-host.py --site ./site --from https://zapier.georgelambert.org --to https://docs.verae-time.net`
+- Host packages for a new box: `bash packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one`
 
 ## Still blocked (not closable here)
 
diff --git a/packages/overview/INDEX.md b/packages/overview/INDEX.md
index 0a67911..7e5ecf0 100644
--- a/packages/overview/INDEX.md
+++ b/packages/overview/INDEX.md
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ Operator console (loopback): http://127.0.0.1:3850/ · [CONSOLE.pdf](https://zap
 | [zapier-docs-master](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/zapier-docs-master) | One-line SUMMARY + NATS per module |
 | [zapier-user-docs](https://zapier.georgelambert.org/user-docs/README.pdf) | Signup → register → lookup |
 | [verae-ops](https://zapier.georgelambert.org/packages/verae-ops/README.pdf) | Docker / Proxmox / VM / metal install |
+| [CATALOG-HOST](https://zapier.georgelambert.org/docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.pdf) | Serve the catalog on another hostname |
+| [HOST-DEPS](https://zapier.georgelambert.org/packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.pdf) | OS / Node / NATS install per module |
 
 ## 2. Architecture
 
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.md b/packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b78b968
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# Host dependencies (`scripts/host-deps.sh`)
+
+Every Forgejo module on `git.georgelambert.org` is listed in `host-deps.tsv`. This script **checks** that the current machine has the OS packages, Node, and (when this host runs JetStream) `nats-server`. Missing pieces are **downloaded and installed** for the OS it is running on.
+
+| OS family | Package tool | Node | nats-server |
+|-----------|--------------|------|-------------|
+| Debian / Ubuntu | `apt-get` | official `linux-x64` / `linux-arm64` tarball into `$PREFIX` | GitHub release tarball |
+| Alpine | `apk` | `apk add nodejs` then musl tarball if still too old | `apk add nats-server` or glibc release (last resort) |
+| macOS | Homebrew | already on PATH or brew | brew / skip |
+
+`$PREFIX` is `/usr/local` as root, otherwise `~/.local`. Put `$PREFIX/bin` on `PATH`.
+
+Do **not** copy `node_modules` from macOS onto Linux (`better-sqlite3` → `invalid ELF header`). Run `npm install` **on the target OS** (`scripts/install-deps.sh`).
+
+Zapier cloud never talks to NATS. `nats-server` binds **127.0.0.1:4222** only on `ns1-all-in-one` and `ns1-archive`.
+
+## Commands
+
+```bash
+git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/verae-bootstrap.git
+cd verae-bootstrap
+
+# What this box still needs (no changes)
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --check --type ns1-all-in-one
+
+# Install git, curl, Node 22, build tools, nats-server
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one
+
+# Single module (e.g. a thin Alpine VM that only runs worm)
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --module verae-archive-worm
+
+# Catalog PDF/HTML build tools (pandoc, weasyprint, pypdf)
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --docs --module zapier-docs-master
+
+# Then clone + npm
+export VERAE_SRC=$HOME/verae-src
+bash scripts/fetch.sh ns1-all-in-one
+```
+
+`scripts/fetch.sh` runs `host-deps.sh` first so Git/Node exist before clone.
+
+## Module → host needs
+
+| Module (Forgejo) | Node | npm | native C++ | NATS client | Notes |
+|------------------|------|-----|------------|-------------|--------|
+| zappier-edge | 20 | yes | **better-sqlite3** | yes | Rebuild sqlite on Linux |
+| verae-middleware | **22** | yes | | yes | |
+| verae-zapier-app / verae-activate | 18 | local zapier CLI only | | | Runs on Zapier cloud |
+| archive-worm / tree-node / aggregator / splitter | 20 | yes | | yes | |
+| fleet | 20 | yes | | | `openssh-client` |
+| keep, IAM, session, access-* , identity, jobs-events, billing NATS | 20 | yes | | most | |
+| overview, docs-master, user-docs, decisions, nats-accounts, ops | — | | | | Docs only (`--docs` for catalog build) |
+
+Full table: `host-deps.tsv`.
+
+## Server types and nats-server
+
+| Type | `nats-server` on this host? |
+|------|------------------------------|
+| ns1-all-in-one | yes (`--nats` implied) |
+| ns1-archive | yes |
+| control-plane | no (client to NS1 loopback / private URL) |
+| lan-worker | no (client; lan-134 stays disabled until SSH works) |
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/README.md b/packages/verae-bootstrap/README.md
index dd40d21..335e791 100644
--- a/packages/verae-bootstrap/README.md
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/README.md
@@ -7,14 +7,22 @@ Clone every Verae Time × Zapier **module repo** from Forgejo and install Node d
 
 ## Host requirements
 
+`scripts/host-deps.sh` **checks** this machine and **installs** anything missing (Debian/Ubuntu `apt`, Alpine `apk`, Node tarball, `nats-server` release). Table: [HOST-DEPS.md](HOST-DEPS.md). Manifest: `host-deps.tsv`.
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --check --type ns1-all-in-one
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one    # install
+```
+
 | Need | Why |
 |------|-----|
-| Node 20+ (`node`, `npm`) | All HTTP and worker processes |
+| Node 20+ (`node`, `npm`); middleware wants **22** | All HTTP and worker processes |
 | Git + SSH to Forgejo **port 2223** | `git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/<name>.git` |
-| `nats-server -js` on **127.0.0.1:4222** | Archive / billing types only — never a public bind |
+| `python3` `make` `g++` | Native addon `better-sqlite3` on **zappier-edge** (rebuild on Linux) |
+| `nats-server -js` on **127.0.0.1:4222** | Archive / all-in-one types only — never a public bind |
 | `curl` | Health probes |
 
-Zapier cloud never talks to NATS. Do not publish `:4222`.
+Alpine first line if `bash` is missing: `apk add --no-cache bash git curl`. Zapier cloud never talks to NATS. Do not publish `:4222`.
 
 ## Fetch
 
@@ -26,7 +34,7 @@ bash scripts/fetch.sh                 # every repo
 bash scripts/fetch.sh ns1-all-in-one  # one server type
 ```
 
-`scripts/clone.sh` pulls `main`. `scripts/install-deps.sh` runs `npm install` **on the target OS** (then `npm rebuild`). Do not copy `node_modules` from macOS onto Linux — native addons such as `better-sqlite3` will fail with `invalid ELF header`.
+`scripts/fetch.sh` runs `host-deps.sh` (OS + Node), then `clone.sh` (`main`), then `install-deps.sh` (`npm install` **on the target OS**, then `npm rebuild`). Do not copy `node_modules` from macOS onto Linux — native addons such as `better-sqlite3` will fail with `invalid ELF header`.
 
 ## Server types
 
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/host-deps.tsv b/packages/verae-bootstrap/host-deps.tsv
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13d2512
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/host-deps.tsv
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+# Forgejo module | min Node | flags (comma)
+# flags: npm, native (C++ addon / better-sqlite3), nats (NATS client),
+#        nats_server (this host runs nats-server), ssh, docs (catalog build)
+# Zapier Platform apps run in Zapier cloud; npm here is only for local zapier build.
+zappier-edge|20|npm,native,nats
+verae-middleware|22|npm,nats
+verae-zapier-app|18|npm
+verae-activate|18|npm
+verae-request-splitter|20|npm,nats
+verae-archive-worm|20|npm,nats
+verae-archive-aggregator|20|npm,nats
+verae-tree-node|20|npm,nats
+verae-zapier-simulator|20|npm
+zapier-user-docs|0|
+verae-fleet|20|npm,ssh
+overview|0|
+verae-nats-process|20|npm,nats
+verae-ops|0|
+zappier-account-balance|20|npm,nats
+zappier-customer-service|20|npm,nats
+zappier-sales-pricing|20|npm,nats
+zappier-accounting-export|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-authz|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-web|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-api|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-leaf|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-zapier|20|npm,nats
+verae-access-staff|20|npm,nats
+zappier-identity|20|npm,nats
+verae-jobs-events|20|npm,nats
+verae-nats-accounts|0|
+zapier-decisions|0|
+UI-Docs|20|npm,docs
+verae-staff-session|20|npm
+verae-staff-ui|20|npm
+verae-staff-iam|20|npm
+verae-keep|20|npm
+verae-bootstrap|0|
+zapier-docs-master|0|docs
+master-zapier-plan-draft|22|npm,native,nats,docs
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/package.json b/packages/verae-bootstrap/package.json
index c60e4ac..2426c1d 100644
--- a/packages/verae-bootstrap/package.json
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/package.json
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
   "scripts": {
     "clone": "bash scripts/clone.sh",
     "deps": "bash scripts/install-deps.sh",
+    "host-deps": "bash scripts/host-deps.sh",
     "fetch": "bash scripts/fetch.sh",
     "test": "bash scripts/test.sh"
   }
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/fetch.sh b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/fetch.sh
index 1c274e0..915ea3c 100755
--- a/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/fetch.sh
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/fetch.sh
@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@ if [[ -n "$TYPE" ]]; then
   LIST="$ROOT/types/$TYPE/repos.txt"
   [[ -f "$LIST" ]] || { echo "unknown type $TYPE" >&2; exit 1; }
 fi
+# OS packages + Node (+ nats-server for archive types) before clone.
+if [[ -n "$TYPE" ]]; then
+  bash "$ROOT/scripts/host-deps.sh" --type "$TYPE"
+else
+  bash "$ROOT/scripts/host-deps.sh"
+fi
 bash "$ROOT/scripts/clone.sh" "$LIST"
 bash "$ROOT/scripts/install-deps.sh"
 echo "fetch done type=${TYPE:-all}"
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/host-deps.sh b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/host-deps.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..1b433ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/host-deps.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,348 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# Check (and optionally install) OS + Node + NATS packages needed to run
+# Verae Time × Zapier modules on this host.
+#
+# Debian/Ubuntu and Alpine are first-class. Other Linux: print the plan.
+# macOS: Homebrew when present.
+#
+# Usage:
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh                  # detect modules, install missing
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh --check          # report only
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh --module zappier-edge
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh --nats           # also install nats-server
+#   bash scripts/host-deps.sh --docs           # pandoc / weasyprint / pypdf
+set -euo pipefail
+
+ROOT="$(cd "$(dirname "$0")/.." && pwd)"
+MANIFEST="$ROOT/host-deps.tsv"
+NODE_VER="${NODE_VER:-22.14.0}"
+NATS_VER="${NATS_VER:-2.10.26}"
+PREFIX="${PREFIX:-}"
+CHECK_ONLY=0
+WANT_NATS=0
+WANT_DOCS=0
+WANT_CADDY=0
+TYPE=""
+MODULES=()
+
+usage() { sed -n '2,16p' "$0" | tr -d '#'; exit "${1:-0}"; }
+
+while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
+  case "$1" in
+    --check) CHECK_ONLY=1 ;;
+    --install) CHECK_ONLY=0 ;;
+    --nats) WANT_NATS=1 ;;
+    --docs) WANT_DOCS=1 ;;
+    --caddy) WANT_CADDY=1 ;;
+    --type) TYPE="${2:-}"; shift ;;
+    --module) MODULES+=("${2:-}"); shift ;;
+    --prefix) PREFIX="${2:-}"; shift ;;
+    -h|--help) usage 0 ;;
+    *) echo "unknown arg $1" >&2; usage 1 ;;
+  esac
+  shift
+done
+
+# --- OS / arch ---
+OS_ID="unknown"
+OS_FAMILY="unknown"
+if [[ "$(uname -s)" == Darwin ]]; then
+  OS_ID=macos
+  OS_FAMILY=macos
+elif [[ -f /etc/os-release ]]; then
+  # shellcheck disable=SC1091
+  . /etc/os-release
+  OS_ID="${ID:-unknown}"
+  case "$OS_ID" in
+    debian|ubuntu|raspbian|linuxmint) OS_FAMILY=debian ;;
+    alpine) OS_FAMILY=alpine ;;
+    *) OS_FAMILY=linux ;;
+  esac
+fi
+ARCH="$(uname -m)"
+case "$ARCH" in
+  x86_64|amd64) NODE_ARCH=x64; NATS_ARCH=amd64; DEB_ARCH=amd64 ;;
+  aarch64|arm64) NODE_ARCH=arm64; NATS_ARCH=arm64; DEB_ARCH=arm64 ;;
+  armv7l) NODE_ARCH=armv7l; NATS_ARCH=arm7; DEB_ARCH=armhf ;;
+  *) NODE_ARCH=$ARCH; NATS_ARCH=$ARCH; DEB_ARCH=$ARCH ;;
+esac
+MUSL=0
+if [[ "$OS_FAMILY" == alpine ]]; then MUSL=1; fi
+
+is_root() { [[ "$(id -u)" -eq 0 ]]; }
+run_root() {
+  if is_root; then
+    "$@"
+  elif command -v sudo >/dev/null; then
+    sudo "$@"
+  else
+    echo "need root (or sudo) to run: $*" >&2
+    return 1
+  fi
+}
+
+if [[ -z "$PREFIX" ]]; then
+  if is_root; then PREFIX=/usr/local; else PREFIX="${HOME}/.local"; fi
+fi
+mkdir -p "$PREFIX/bin"
+export PATH="$PREFIX/bin:$PATH"
+
+# --- module list ---
+PKG_TO_REPO="$(cat <<'EOF'
+zappier zappier-edge
+verae-zapier-middleware verae-middleware
+verae-zapier verae-zapier-app
+docs-master zapier-docs-master
+ui-docs UI-Docs
+EOF
+)"
+
+map_name() {
+  local n="$1"
+  local line
+  while read -r from to; do
+    [[ "$n" == "$from" ]] && { echo "$to"; return; }
+  done <<<"$PKG_TO_REPO"
+  echo "$n"
+}
+
+collect_from_list() {
+  local f="$1"
+  while read -r name; do
+    [[ -z "$name" || "$name" == \#* ]] && continue
+    MODULES+=("$name")
+  done < "$f"
+}
+
+if [[ ${#MODULES[@]} -eq 0 ]]; then
+  if [[ -n "$TYPE" ]]; then
+    collect_from_list "$ROOT/types/$TYPE/repos.txt"
+  elif [[ -n "${VERAE_SRC:-}" && -d "${VERAE_SRC}" ]]; then
+    for d in "$VERAE_SRC"/*/; do
+      [[ -d "$d" ]] || continue
+      MODULES+=("$(basename "$d")")
+    done
+  elif [[ -d "$PWD/packages" ]]; then
+    for d in "$PWD"/packages/*/; do
+      MODULES+=("$(map_name "$(basename "$d")")")
+    done
+    MODULES+=(master-zapier-plan-draft)
+  elif [[ -f "$PWD/package.json" ]]; then
+    n="$(basename "$PWD")"
+    MODULES+=("$(map_name "$n")")
+  else
+    collect_from_list "$ROOT/repos.txt"
+  fi
+fi
+
+# types that run nats-server on this box
+case "$TYPE" in
+  ns1-all-in-one|ns1-archive) WANT_NATS=1 ;;
+esac
+
+# --- union flags ---
+MIN_NODE=0
+NEED_NPM=0
+NEED_NATIVE=0
+NEED_NATS_CLIENT=0
+NEED_SSH=0
+NEED_DOCS=$WANT_DOCS
+
+while IFS='|' read -r name min flags; do
+  [[ -z "$name" || "$name" == \#* ]] && continue
+  wanted=0
+  for m in "${MODULES[@]}"; do
+    [[ "$m" == "$name" ]] && wanted=1
+  done
+  [[ $wanted -eq 1 ]] || continue
+  if [[ "$min" != 0 && "$min" -gt "$MIN_NODE" ]]; then MIN_NODE=$min; fi
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",npm,"* ]] && NEED_NPM=1
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",native,"* ]] && NEED_NATIVE=1
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",nats,"* ]] && NEED_NATS_CLIENT=1
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",nats_server,"* ]] && WANT_NATS=1
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",ssh,"* ]] && NEED_SSH=1
+  [[ ",$flags," == *",docs,"* ]] && NEED_DOCS=1
+done < "$MANIFEST"
+
+echo "os=$OS_ID family=$OS_FAMILY arch=$ARCH musl=$MUSL prefix=$PREFIX"
+echo "modules: ${MODULES[*]}"
+echo "need: node>=${MIN_NODE:-0} npm=$NEED_NPM native=$NEED_NATIVE nats_client=$NEED_NATS_CLIENT nats_server=$WANT_NATS ssh=$NEED_SSH docs=$NEED_DOCS"
+
+MISSING=()
+have() { command -v "$1" >/dev/null 2>&1; }
+
+need_cmd() {
+  local c="$1"
+  if have "$c"; then
+    echo "ok  $c  $($c --version 2>/dev/null | head -1 || true)"
+  else
+    echo "NO  $c"
+    MISSING+=("$c")
+  fi
+}
+
+node_ok() {
+  local want="$1"
+  have node || return 1
+  node -e "process.exit(parseInt(process.versions.node,10)>=$want?0:1)" 2>/dev/null
+}
+
+# --- package installers ---
+apt_install() {
+  run_root apt-get update -qq
+  run_root env DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends "$@"
+}
+apk_install() { run_root apk add --no-cache "$@"; }
+brew_install() { brew install "$@"; }
+
+install_pkgs() {
+  local pkgs=("$@")
+  [[ ${#pkgs[@]} -eq 0 ]] && return 0
+  echo "install OS packages: ${pkgs[*]}"
+  [[ $CHECK_ONLY -eq 1 ]] && return 0
+  case "$OS_FAMILY" in
+    debian) apt_install "${pkgs[@]}" ;;
+    alpine) apk_install "${pkgs[@]}" ;;
+    macos) brew_install "${pkgs[@]}" ;;
+    *) echo "install these packages yourself: ${pkgs[*]}" >&2; return 1 ;;
+  esac
+}
+
+install_node() {
+  local want="${1:-20}"
+  if node_ok "$want"; then
+    echo "ok  node $(node -v) (>=$want)"
+    return 0
+  fi
+  echo "NO  node (>=$want)  have=$(node -v 2>/dev/null || echo none)"
+  MISSING+=("node>=$want")
+  [[ $CHECK_ONLY -eq 1 ]] && return 0
+  if [[ "$OS_FAMILY" == alpine && $MUSL -eq 1 ]]; then
+    apk_install nodejs npm python3 make g++ linux-headers || true
+    if node_ok "$want"; then echo "ok  node $(node -v) (apk)"; return 0; fi
+  fi
+  if [[ "$OS_FAMILY" == debian ]]; then
+    apt_install ca-certificates curl xz-utils
+  elif [[ "$OS_FAMILY" == alpine ]]; then
+    apk_install curl tar xz
+  fi
+  local dist="linux-${NODE_ARCH}"
+  [[ $MUSL -eq 1 ]] && dist="linux-${NODE_ARCH}-musl"
+  local base="https://nodejs.org/dist/v${NODE_VER}"
+  [[ $MUSL -eq 1 ]] && base="https://unofficial-builds.nodejs.org/download/release/v${NODE_VER}"
+  local tar="node-v${NODE_VER}-${dist}.tar.xz"
+  local tmp
+  tmp="$(mktemp -d)"
+  echo "download $base/$tar"
+  curl -fsSL "$base/$tar" -o "$tmp/$tar"
+  tar -xJf "$tmp/$tar" -C "$tmp"
+  mkdir -p "$PREFIX"
+  run_root cp -a "$tmp/node-v${NODE_VER}-${dist}/." "$PREFIX/"
+  rm -rf "$tmp"
+  hash -r
+  node_ok "$want" || { echo "node install failed" >&2; return 1; }
+  echo "ok  node $(node -v) → $PREFIX"
+}
+
+install_nats() {
+  if have nats-server; then
+    echo "ok  nats-server  $(nats-server -v 2>/dev/null | head -1 || true)"
+    return 0
+  fi
+  echo "NO  nats-server"
+  MISSING+=("nats-server")
+  [[ $CHECK_ONLY -eq 1 ]] && return 0
+  if [[ "$OS_FAMILY" == alpine ]]; then
+    apk_install nats-server 2>/dev/null && { echo "ok  nats-server (apk)"; return 0; } || true
+  fi
+  local tar="nats-server-v${NATS_VER}-linux-${NATS_ARCH}.tar.gz"
+  local url="https://github.com/nats-io/nats-server/releases/download/v${NATS_VER}/${tar}"
+  local tmp
+  tmp="$(mktemp -d)"
+  echo "download $url"
+  curl -fsSL "$url" -o "$tmp/$tar"
+  tar -xzf "$tmp/$tar" -C "$tmp"
+  run_root install -m 0755 "$tmp/nats-server-v${NATS_VER}-linux-${NATS_ARCH}/nats-server" "$PREFIX/bin/nats-server"
+  rm -rf "$tmp"
+  have nats-server || { echo "nats-server install failed" >&2; return 1; }
+  echo "ok  nats-server → $PREFIX/bin"
+}
+
+# --- plan OS packages ---
+PKGS=()
+add_pkg() { PKGS+=("$1"); }
+
+case "$OS_FAMILY" in
+  debian)
+    add_pkg ca-certificates; add_pkg curl; add_pkg git; add_pkg bash; add_pkg tar; add_pkg xz-utils
+    [[ $NEED_NATIVE -eq 1 || $NEED_NPM -eq 1 ]] && { add_pkg python3; add_pkg make; add_pkg g++; add_pkg python3-dev; }
+    [[ $NEED_SSH -eq 1 ]] && add_pkg openssh-client
+    [[ $NEED_DOCS -eq 1 ]] && { add_pkg pandoc; add_pkg weasyprint; add_pkg python3-pip; }
+    [[ $WANT_CADDY -eq 1 ]] && add_pkg debian-keyring
+    ;;
+  alpine)
+    add_pkg ca-certificates; add_pkg curl; add_pkg git; add_pkg bash; add_pkg tar; add_pkg xz
+    [[ $NEED_NATIVE -eq 1 || $NEED_NPM -eq 1 ]] && { add_pkg python3; add_pkg make; add_pkg g++; add_pkg linux-headers; add_pkg libstdc++; }
+    [[ $NEED_SSH -eq 1 ]] && add_pkg openssh-client
+    [[ $NEED_DOCS -eq 1 ]] && { add_pkg pandoc; add_pkg py3-pip; add_pkg weasyprint; }
+    ;;
+  macos)
+    add_pkg git; add_pkg curl
+    [[ $NEED_DOCS -eq 1 ]] && { add_pkg pandoc; add_pkg weasyprint; }
+    ;;
+esac
+
+echo "--- check ---"
+need_cmd git
+need_cmd curl
+[[ $NEED_SSH -eq 1 ]] && need_cmd ssh
+if [[ "$MIN_NODE" != 0 ]]; then
+  if node_ok "$MIN_NODE"; then echo "ok  node $(node -v)"; else echo "NO  node (>=$MIN_NODE)"; MISSING+=("node>=$MIN_NODE"); fi
+  need_cmd npm
+fi
+[[ $WANT_NATS -eq 1 ]] && { have nats-server && echo "ok  nats-server" || { echo "NO  nats-server"; MISSING+=("nats-server"); }; }
+[[ $NEED_DOCS -eq 1 ]] && { need_cmd pandoc; have weasyprint || have weasyprint3 || echo "NO  weasyprint"; }
+
+if [[ $CHECK_ONLY -eq 1 ]]; then
+  if [[ ${#MISSING[@]} -eq 0 ]]; then
+    echo "host deps OK"
+    exit 0
+  fi
+  echo "missing: ${MISSING[*]}"
+  exit 2
+fi
+
+echo "--- install ---"
+if [[ ${#PKGS[@]} -gt 0 ]]; then
+  UNIQ=()
+  while IFS= read -r p; do
+    [[ -n "$p" ]] && UNIQ+=("$p")
+  done < <(printf '%s\n' "${PKGS[@]}" | sort -u)
+  install_pkgs "${UNIQ[@]}"
+fi
+if [[ "$MIN_NODE" != 0 ]]; then
+  install_node "$MIN_NODE"
+fi
+if [[ $WANT_NATS -eq 1 ]]; then
+  install_nats
+fi
+if [[ $NEED_DOCS -eq 1 ]] && have python3; then
+  python3 -m pip install --user pypdf >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
+fi
+
+MISSING=()
+need_cmd git
+need_cmd curl
+if [[ "$MIN_NODE" != 0 ]]; then
+  node_ok "$MIN_NODE" || MISSING+=("node>=$MIN_NODE")
+  have npm || MISSING+=("npm")
+fi
+[[ $WANT_NATS -eq 1 ]] && { have nats-server || MISSING+=("nats-server"); }
+
+if [[ ${#MISSING[@]} -eq 0 ]]; then
+  echo "host deps OK  (PATH should include $PREFIX/bin)"
+  exit 0
+fi
+echo "still missing: ${MISSING[*]}" >&2
+exit 1
diff --git a/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/test.sh b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/test.sh
index d36b03c..c21dc75 100755
--- a/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/test.sh
+++ b/packages/verae-bootstrap/scripts/test.sh
@@ -11,4 +11,10 @@ while read -r name; do
   [[ -z "$name" || "$name" == \#* ]] && continue
   grep -qx "$name" "$ROOT/repos.txt" || { echo "type repo not in master: $name" >&2; exit 1; }
 done < <(cat "$ROOT"/types/*/repos.txt)
+# every Forgejo module has a host-deps row
+while read -r name; do
+  [[ -z "$name" || "$name" == \#* ]] && continue
+  grep -q "^${name}|" "$ROOT/host-deps.tsv" || { echo "missing host-deps.tsv row: $name" >&2; exit 1; }
+done < "$ROOT/repos.txt"
+bash -n "$ROOT/scripts/host-deps.sh"
 echo OK
diff --git a/packages/verae-ops/01-dependencies.md b/packages/verae-ops/01-dependencies.md
index 6d19194..cdcfbc1 100644
--- a/packages/verae-ops/01-dependencies.md
+++ b/packages/verae-ops/01-dependencies.md
@@ -46,13 +46,24 @@ Optional: `verae-activate` (tiny pushable app), `verae-zapier-simulator` (trace)
 
 ## Runtime dependencies
 
+Install (or verify) OS packages on the **target** machine — Debian/Ubuntu or Alpine:
+
+```bash
+git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/verae-bootstrap.git
+cd verae-bootstrap
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --check --type ns1-all-in-one
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one
+```
+
+Manifest: `host-deps.tsv`. Narrative: [HOST-DEPS.md](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/verae-bootstrap). Catalog hostname move: [CATALOG-HOST.md](https://git.georgelambert.org/marchon/zapier-docs-master/src/branch/main/CATALOG-HOST.md).
+
 | Service | Needs |
 |---------|--------|
-| zappier-edge | Node 20+, SQLite path or volume, `PORT`, optional Stripe keys |
+| zappier-edge | Node 20+, **better-sqlite3** (python3/make/g++ on Linux), SQLite path, `PORT`, optional Stripe keys |
 | middleware | Node 22+, `NATS_URL` **or** `NATS_ENABLED=false`, chain URL or `MOCK_VERAE` |
-| NATS | JetStream, **no public bind** |
+| NATS | JetStream, **no public bind** (`host-deps.sh --nats` on archive / all-in-one) |
 | worm / tree-node | Node, `NATS_URL`, local state dir |
-| fleet | Node, `machines.json` (SSH **paths**), HTTP `:3850` on `0.0.0.0` |
+| fleet | Node, `machines.json` (SSH **paths**), HTTP `:3850` on `0.0.0.0`, `openssh-client` |
 | Zapier cloud app | `MIDDLEWARE_BASE_URL` = **public HTTPS of zappier-edge** (or middleware if you skip metering in lab) |
 
 ## Ports (lab defaults)
diff --git a/packages/verae-ops/GETTING-STARTED.md b/packages/verae-ops/GETTING-STARTED.md
index ff5fe6d..c77025d 100644
--- a/packages/verae-ops/GETTING-STARTED.md
+++ b/packages/verae-ops/GETTING-STARTED.md
@@ -33,6 +33,18 @@ The billing and user platform is the standalone **zappier** project (`/Users/mar
 
 ## 15-minute lab (one machine)
 
+Bare metal / VM (Debian or Alpine): install OS + Node first, then clone.
+
+```bash
+git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/verae-bootstrap.git
+cd verae-bootstrap
+bash scripts/host-deps.sh --type ns1-all-in-one
+export VERAE_SRC=$HOME/verae-src
+bash scripts/fetch.sh ns1-all-in-one
+```
+
+Docker lab from the monorepo:
+
 ```bash
 git clone ssh://git@git.georgelambert.org:2223/marchon/master-zapier-plan-draft.git
 cd master-zapier-plan-draft
diff --git a/scripts/build-docs-site.py b/scripts/build-docs-site.py
index 075e0bc..aaf0a37 100755
--- a/scripts/build-docs-site.py
+++ b/scripts/build-docs-site.py
@@ -616,6 +616,8 @@ def main() -> None:
             extras = ("README.md", "SUMMARY.md", "NATS.md")
             if pkg == "zapier-decisions":
                 extras = extras + ("LOG.md", "TODO.md")
+            if pkg == "verae-bootstrap":
+                extras = extras + ("HOST-DEPS.md",)
             for name in extras:
                 p = pkg_root / name
                 if p.exists():
@@ -824,8 +826,11 @@ def main() -> None:
 
     extra_pdf = [
         ("docs-master/README.pdf", "Master summaries (docs-master)"),
+        ("docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.pdf", "Move the catalog to another hostname"),
+        ("docs-master/HOST-DEPS.pdf", "Host OS / Node / NATS installer"),
         ("docs-master/MESSAGE-FLOWS.pdf", "Numbered message flows"),
         ("docs-master/modules-and-nats.pdf", "NATS address table"),
+        ("packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.pdf", "Host OS / Node / NATS installer"),
         ("user-docs/README.pdf", "User guide index"),
         ("packages/verae-zapier-simulator/README.pdf", "Simulator README"),
         ("packages/verae-fleet/docs/CONSOLE.pdf", "Operator console"),
@@ -839,8 +844,11 @@ def main() -> None:
     ]
     extra_md = [
         ("docs-master/README.html", "Master summaries (docs-master)"),
+        ("docs-master/CATALOG-HOST.html", "Move the catalog to another hostname"),
+        ("docs-master/HOST-DEPS.html", "Host OS / Node / NATS installer"),
         ("docs-master/MESSAGE-FLOWS.html", "Numbered message flows"),
         ("docs-master/modules-and-nats.html", "NATS address table"),
+        ("packages/verae-bootstrap/HOST-DEPS.html", "Host OS / Node / NATS installer"),
         ("user-docs/README.html", "User guide index"),
         ("packages/verae-zapier-simulator/README.html", "Simulator README"),
         ("packages/verae-fleet/docs/CONSOLE.html", "Operator console"),