diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/XEH_postInit.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/XEH_postInit.sqf
index 7666467..e93f034 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/XEH_postInit.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/XEH_postInit.sqf
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 #include "script_component.hpp"
 
+if !(isNil QGVAR(TaskStore)) then { GVAR(TaskStore) call ["resetMissionState", []]; };
 if (isNil QEGVAR(common,EventBus)) then { call EFUNC(common,eventBus); };
 if (isNil QGVAR(TaskLifecycleEventLogTokens)) then {
     private _logTaskLifecycleEvent = {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/fnc_initTaskStore.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/fnc_initTaskStore.sqf
index b8aef1c..cb48ada 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/fnc_initTaskStore.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/fnc_initTaskStore.sqf
@@ -37,6 +37,21 @@ GVAR(TaskStore) = createHashMapObject [[
             ["targets", createHashMap]
         ]];
 
+        _self call ["resetMissionState", []];
+    }],
+    ["resetMissionState", compileFinal {
+        _self set ["participantRegistry", createHashMap];
+        _self set ["taskLifecycleRegistry", createHashMap];
+        _self set ["taskEntityRegistries", createHashMapFromArray [
+            ["cargo", createHashMap],
+            ["hostages", createHashMap],
+            ["hvts", createHashMap],
+            ["ieds", createHashMap],
+            ["entities", createHashMap],
+            ["shooters", createHashMap],
+            ["targets", createHashMap]
+        ]];
+
         // Task extension state is mission-scoped and intentionally reset on
         // startup rather than being treated as durable account data.
         ["task:reset", []] call EFUNC(extension,extCall) params ["_result", "_isSuccess"];
@@ -44,9 +59,12 @@ GVAR(TaskStore) = createHashMapObject [[
             !_isSuccess
             || { !(_result isEqualType "") }
             || { (_result find "Error:") == 0 }
-        ) then {
+        ) exitWith {
             ["WARNING", "Failed to reset task backend state during task store initialization."] call EFUNC(common,log);
+            false
         };
+
+        true
     }],
     ["callTaskStateEnvelope", compileFinal {
         params [["_function", "", [""]], ["_arguments", [], [[]]]];
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_AttackTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_AttackTaskBaseClass.sqf
index 7bbcfab..e640dd2 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_AttackTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_AttackTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -89,6 +89,18 @@ GVAR(AttackTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
         private _targets = _self getOrDefault ["targets", []];
         { !alive _x } count _targets
     }],
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
+        private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
+
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+
+        waitUntil {
+            sleep 1;
+            GVAR(TaskStore) call ["isTaskAccepted", [_taskID]]
+        };
+
+        true
+    }],
     ["tick", compileFinal {
         private _startedAt = _self getOrDefault ["startedAt", -1];
         private _timeLimit = _self getOrDefault ["timeLimit", 0];
@@ -136,26 +148,7 @@ GVAR(AttackTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
             };
         };
 
-        if (_timeLimit isNotEqualTo 0 && { _useTaskStore }) then {
-            private _catalogEntry = GVAR(TaskStore) call ["getTaskCatalogEntry", [_taskID]];
-            ["INFO", format [
-                "Attack task %1 initial state before acceptance wait. Accepted=%2, RequesterUid='%3', Source='%4', TimeLimit=%5s",
-                _taskID,
-                _catalogEntry getOrDefault ["accepted", false],
-                _catalogEntry getOrDefault ["requesterUid", ""],
-                _catalogEntry getOrDefault ["source", ""],
-                _timeLimit
-            ]] call EFUNC(common,log);
-
-            ["INFO", format ["Attack task %1 waiting for acceptance before starting %2s time limit.", _taskID, _timeLimit]] call EFUNC(common,log);
-            waitUntil {
-                sleep 1;
-                GVAR(TaskStore) call ["isTaskAccepted", [_taskID]]
-            };
-
-            ["INFO", format ["Attack task %1 accepted. Starting %2s time limit.", _taskID, _timeLimit]] call EFUNC(common,log);
-        };
-
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
         while { (_self call ["getStatus", []]) isEqualTo "active" } do {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DefuseTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DefuseTaskBaseClass.sqf
index 0c316c2..7ec5bc3 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DefuseTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DefuseTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -114,6 +114,18 @@ GVAR(DefuseTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
 
         true
     }],
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
+        private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
+
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+
+        waitUntil {
+            sleep 1;
+            GVAR(TaskStore) call ["isTaskAccepted", [_taskID]]
+        };
+
+        true
+    }],
     ["startIedControllers", compileFinal {
         if ((_self getOrDefault ["iedControllers", []]) isNotEqualTo []) exitWith { true };
 
@@ -234,6 +246,7 @@ GVAR(DefuseTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
         _self call ["waitForRequiredEntities", []];
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["startIedControllers", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DeliveryTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DeliveryTaskBaseClass.sqf
index 606c035..37ae6b5 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DeliveryTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DeliveryTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -78,11 +78,10 @@ GVAR(DeliveryTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
         _self set ["maxDamaged", _maxDamaged];
         true
     }],
-    ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", compileFinal {
-        private _timeLimit = _self getOrDefault ["timeLimit", 0];
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
         private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
 
-        if (_timeLimit <= 0 || { _taskID isEqualTo "" } || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
 
         waitUntil {
             sleep 1;
@@ -175,7 +174,7 @@ GVAR(DeliveryTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
         _self call ["waitForRequiredEntities", []];
-        _self call ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", []];
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
         while { (_self call ["getStatus", []]) isEqualTo "active" } do {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DestroyTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DestroyTaskBaseClass.sqf
index 2ccea27..54961d0 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DestroyTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_DestroyTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -69,11 +69,10 @@ GVAR(DestroyTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
         _self set ["requiredDestroyed", _requiredDestroyed];
         true
     }],
-    ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", compileFinal {
-        private _timeLimit = _self getOrDefault ["timeLimit", 0];
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
         private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
 
-        if (_timeLimit <= 0 || { _taskID isEqualTo "" } || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
 
         waitUntil {
             sleep 1;
@@ -155,7 +154,7 @@ GVAR(DestroyTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
         _self call ["waitForRequiredEntities", []];
-        _self call ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", []];
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
         while { (_self call ["getStatus", []]) isEqualTo "active" } do {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTEntityController.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTEntityController.sqf
index fa26c09..1c162cd 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTEntityController.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTEntityController.sqf
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ GVAR(HVTEntityController) = createHashMapFromArray [
         if (isNull _entity || { !alive _entity }) exitWith { false };
 
         _entity setCaptive true;
-        doStop _entity;
+        _entity enableAIFeature ["MOVE", true];
         true
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTTaskBaseClass.sqf
index 53c9145..a93fdf7 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HVTTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -115,11 +115,10 @@ GVAR(HVTTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
         _self set ["hvtControllers", _controllers];
         true
     }],
-    ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", compileFinal {
-        private _timeLimit = _self getOrDefault ["timeLimit", 0];
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
         private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
 
-        if (_timeLimit <= 0 || { _taskID isEqualTo "" } || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
 
         waitUntil {
             sleep 1;
@@ -210,8 +209,8 @@ GVAR(HVTTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
         _self call ["waitForRequiredEntities", []];
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["startHvtControllers", []];
-        _self call ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
         while { (_self call ["getStatus", []]) isEqualTo "active" } do {
diff --git a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HostageTaskBaseClass.sqf b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HostageTaskBaseClass.sqf
index efa44f2..db7fb13 100644
--- a/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HostageTaskBaseClass.sqf
+++ b/arma/server/addons/task/functions/objects/fnc_HostageTaskBaseClass.sqf
@@ -183,11 +183,10 @@ GVAR(HostageTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
         _self set ["maxHostageLosses", _maxHostageLosses];
         true
     }],
-    ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", compileFinal {
-        private _timeLimit = _self getOrDefault ["timeLimit", 0];
+    ["waitForAssignment", compileFinal {
         private _taskID = _self getOrDefault ["taskID", ""];
 
-        if (_timeLimit <= 0 || { _taskID isEqualTo "" } || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
+        if (_taskID isEqualTo "" || { !(_self getOrDefault ["useTaskStore", false]) }) exitWith { true };
 
         waitUntil {
             sleep 1;
@@ -337,8 +336,8 @@ GVAR(HostageTaskBaseClass) = createHashMapFromArray [
     }],
     ["runLoop", compileFinal {
         _self call ["waitForRequiredEntities", []];
+        _self call ["waitForAssignment", []];
         _self call ["startHostageControllers", []];
-        _self call ["waitForAssignmentIfTimed", []];
         _self call ["markActive", []];
 
         while { (_self call ["getStatus", []]) isEqualTo "active" } do {
diff --git a/arma/server/config.example.toml b/arma/server/config.example.toml
index e25d1a4..67d1947 100644
--- a/arma/server/config.example.toml
+++ b/arma/server/config.example.toml
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Forge Server Configuration
 # Copy this file to config.toml and place it beside forge_server_x64.dll.
+# Start SurrealDB before launching the Arma server, and keep these values
+# aligned with the running database.
 
 [surreal]
 endpoint = "127.0.0.1:8000"
diff --git a/arma/server/docs/README.md b/arma/server/docs/README.md
index ea53226..d2cac9f 100644
--- a/arma/server/docs/README.md
+++ b/arma/server/docs/README.md
@@ -21,7 +21,9 @@ SQF module
 
 ## Configuration
 
-Copy `config.example.toml` to `config.toml` next to the extension DLL.
+Copy `config.example.toml` to `config.toml` next to the extension DLL before
+launching a Forge-enabled server. SurrealDB must also be running before the
+server starts, and the values in `config.toml` must match that database.
 
 ```toml
 [surreal]
@@ -33,6 +35,9 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
+Players and mission designers do not need this file unless they are hosting
+locally. Server owners and developers do.
+
 For install links and Forge-specific setup steps, see
 [SurrealDB Setup](../../../docs/surrealdb-setup.md).
 
diff --git a/arma/server/extension/README.md b/arma/server/extension/README.md
index ea72deb..9eeda21 100644
--- a/arma/server/extension/README.md
+++ b/arma/server/extension/README.md
@@ -6,6 +6,19 @@ persists durable state through SurrealDB.
 
 This extension build targets SurrealDB `3.x`.
 
+## Launch Prerequisites
+
+Before starting the Arma server with Forge enabled:
+
+1. Start SurrealDB.
+2. Copy `config.example.toml` to `config.toml` beside `forge_server_x64.dll`.
+3. Match the `config.toml` endpoint, namespace, database, username, and password
+   to the running SurrealDB instance.
+
+The extension reads configuration during startup. If SurrealDB is offline or
+the config values do not match, persistence-backed commands are not ready for
+normal gameplay.
+
 ## Responsibilities
 
 - Register extension command groups for actor, bank, garage, locker, org,
diff --git a/arma/server/extension/config.example.toml b/arma/server/extension/config.example.toml
index bd1bc63..346efe3 100644
--- a/arma/server/extension/config.example.toml
+++ b/arma/server/extension/config.example.toml
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Forge Server Configuration
 # Copy this file to config.toml and place it beside forge_server_x64.dll.
+# Start SurrealDB before launching the Arma server, and keep these values
+# aligned with the running database.
 
 [surreal]
 # SurrealDB HTTP endpoint. Use "127.0.0.1:8000" for a local server.
diff --git a/docs/DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md b/docs/DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md
index e8b4588..ce7f54e 100644
--- a/docs/DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md
+++ b/docs/DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@ This guide covers the usual path for adding or changing a Forge module.
 ## Local Checks
 
 Before running storage-backed workflows locally, complete
-[SurrealDB Setup](./surrealdb-setup.md).
+[SurrealDB Setup](./surrealdb-setup.md). A local or dedicated server launch must
+have SurrealDB running and a `config.toml` beside `forge_server_x64.dll` that
+matches the running database.
 
 Run these before pushing Rust or extension changes:
 
diff --git a/docs/FRAMEWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md b/docs/FRAMEWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md
index a6bfeff..08f4529 100644
--- a/docs/FRAMEWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md
+++ b/docs/FRAMEWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md
@@ -127,6 +127,13 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
+`config.toml` is a launch prerequisite for server owners and developers. The
+file must exist beside `forge_server_x64.dll`, and SurrealDB must already be
+running at the configured endpoint before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated
+server or local multiplayer test. Clients and mission designers do not run this
+configuration unless they are hosting locally, but the server they connect to
+must have it in place.
+
 For install links and role-based setup guidance, see
 [SurrealDB Setup](./surrealdb-setup.md).
 
diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index e4b4a81..0b560b5 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -4,6 +4,20 @@ Forge is split into Arma client addons, Arma server addons, a Rust server
 extension, shared Rust domain crates, and web UI build tooling. This directory
 collects framework-level documentation for those pieces.
 
+## Launch Prerequisites
+
+Before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated server or local multiplayer test,
+server owners and developers must:
+
+1. Start SurrealDB.
+2. Place `config.toml` beside `forge_server_x64.dll`.
+3. Keep the `config.toml` SurrealDB endpoint, namespace, database, username,
+   and password aligned with the running database.
+
+Mission designers and players do not need to run SurrealDB unless they are
+hosting locally, but the server they join must have these prerequisites ready.
+See [SurrealDB Setup](./surrealdb-setup.md) for the full setup path.
+
 ## Start Here
 
 - [Framework Architecture](./FRAMEWORK_ARCHITECTURE.md): how SQF, web UIs,
diff --git a/docs/SURREALDB_SETUP.md b/docs/SURREALDB_SETUP.md
index b865024..b26119c 100644
--- a/docs/SURREALDB_SETUP.md
+++ b/docs/SURREALDB_SETUP.md
@@ -4,6 +4,26 @@ Forge uses SurrealDB for durable storage. The Rust server extension connects to
 SurrealDB on startup and applies Forge schema modules automatically, so setup
 comes down to running a reachable database and matching the Forge config.
 
+## Launch Requirement
+
+Before launching an Arma server or local multiplayer test with Forge enabled:
+
+1. Start SurrealDB and confirm it is listening on the endpoint Forge will use.
+2. Copy `arma/server/extension/config.example.toml` to `config.toml` beside
+   `forge_server_x64.dll`.
+3. Make sure `config.toml` matches the running SurrealDB endpoint, namespace,
+   database, username, and password.
+
+Server owners and developers must do this before starting the dedicated server
+or hosting a test session. Mission designers and players do not need their own
+SurrealDB instance unless they are running the server locally, but the server
+they connect to must have SurrealDB running and configured.
+
+If SurrealDB is not running, or if `config.toml` points at the wrong endpoint
+or credentials, persistence-backed systems such as actors, bank accounts,
+garages, lockers, organizations, phone data, stores, and tasks will not be
+ready for normal gameplay.
+
 ## Choose the Right Path
 
 ### Developer or Server Operator
@@ -73,11 +93,11 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
-After that:
+Before starting the game server, confirm SurrealDB is still running. After
+launching the Arma server:
 
-1. Start the Arma server with the Forge extension enabled.
-2. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
-3. Verify the connection state:
+1. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
+2. Verify the connection state:
 
 ```sqf
 "forge_server" callExtension ["status", []];
diff --git a/docs/surrealdb-setup.md b/docs/surrealdb-setup.md
index b865024..b26119c 100644
--- a/docs/surrealdb-setup.md
+++ b/docs/surrealdb-setup.md
@@ -4,6 +4,26 @@ Forge uses SurrealDB for durable storage. The Rust server extension connects to
 SurrealDB on startup and applies Forge schema modules automatically, so setup
 comes down to running a reachable database and matching the Forge config.
 
+## Launch Requirement
+
+Before launching an Arma server or local multiplayer test with Forge enabled:
+
+1. Start SurrealDB and confirm it is listening on the endpoint Forge will use.
+2. Copy `arma/server/extension/config.example.toml` to `config.toml` beside
+   `forge_server_x64.dll`.
+3. Make sure `config.toml` matches the running SurrealDB endpoint, namespace,
+   database, username, and password.
+
+Server owners and developers must do this before starting the dedicated server
+or hosting a test session. Mission designers and players do not need their own
+SurrealDB instance unless they are running the server locally, but the server
+they connect to must have SurrealDB running and configured.
+
+If SurrealDB is not running, or if `config.toml` points at the wrong endpoint
+or credentials, persistence-backed systems such as actors, bank accounts,
+garages, lockers, organizations, phone data, stores, and tasks will not be
+ready for normal gameplay.
+
 ## Choose the Right Path
 
 ### Developer or Server Operator
@@ -73,11 +93,11 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
-After that:
+Before starting the game server, confirm SurrealDB is still running. After
+launching the Arma server:
 
-1. Start the Arma server with the Forge extension enabled.
-2. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
-3. Verify the connection state:
+1. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
+2. Verify the connection state:
 
 ```sqf
 "forge_server" callExtension ["status", []];
diff --git a/docus/content/1.getting-started/0.index.md b/docus/content/1.getting-started/0.index.md
index 840d99c..ae32302 100644
--- a/docus/content/1.getting-started/0.index.md
+++ b/docus/content/1.getting-started/0.index.md
@@ -11,6 +11,17 @@ Forge combines:
 - shared Rust crates for models, repositories, and services
 - SurrealDB for durable storage
 
+## Launch Prerequisites
+
+Before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated server or local multiplayer test,
+server owners and developers must start SurrealDB and make sure
+`config.toml` is beside `forge_server_x64.dll`. The config values must match
+the running SurrealDB endpoint, namespace, database, username, and password.
+
+Mission designers and players do not need their own SurrealDB instance unless
+they are hosting locally, but the server they join must have these prerequisites
+ready.
+
 ## Common Commands
 
 ```powershell
diff --git a/docus/content/1.getting-started/1.architecture.md b/docus/content/1.getting-started/1.architecture.md
index f6785f9..f0c9c4a 100644
--- a/docus/content/1.getting-started/1.architecture.md
+++ b/docus/content/1.getting-started/1.architecture.md
@@ -126,6 +126,13 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
+`config.toml` is a launch prerequisite for server owners and developers. The
+file must exist beside `forge_server_x64.dll`, and SurrealDB must already be
+running at the configured endpoint before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated
+server or local multiplayer test. Clients and mission designers do not run this
+configuration unless they are hosting locally, but the server they connect to
+must have it in place.
+
 For install links and role-based setup guidance, see
 [SurrealDB Setup](/getting-started/surrealdb-setup).
 
diff --git a/docus/content/1.getting-started/3.development.md b/docus/content/1.getting-started/3.development.md
index 569c902..d9bd7e0 100644
--- a/docus/content/1.getting-started/3.development.md
+++ b/docus/content/1.getting-started/3.development.md
@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ description: "This guide covers the usual path for adding or changing a Forge mo
 ## Local Checks
 
 Before running storage-backed workflows locally, complete
-[SurrealDB Setup](/getting-started/surrealdb-setup).
+[SurrealDB Setup](/getting-started/surrealdb-setup). A local or dedicated server launch must
+have SurrealDB running and a `config.toml` beside `forge_server_x64.dll` that
+matches the running database.
 
 Run these before pushing Rust or extension changes:
 
diff --git a/docus/content/1.getting-started/5.surrealdb-setup.md b/docus/content/1.getting-started/5.surrealdb-setup.md
index 2d84f09..abf2272 100644
--- a/docus/content/1.getting-started/5.surrealdb-setup.md
+++ b/docus/content/1.getting-started/5.surrealdb-setup.md
@@ -3,6 +3,26 @@ title: "SurrealDB Setup"
 description: "Forge uses SurrealDB for durable storage. The Rust server extension connects to SurrealDB on startup and applies Forge schema modules automatically, so setup comes down to running a reachable database and matching the Forge config."
 ---
 
+## Launch Requirement
+
+Before launching an Arma server or local multiplayer test with Forge enabled:
+
+1. Start SurrealDB and confirm it is listening on the endpoint Forge will use.
+2. Copy `arma/server/extension/config.example.toml` to `config.toml` beside
+   `forge_server_x64.dll`.
+3. Make sure `config.toml` matches the running SurrealDB endpoint, namespace,
+   database, username, and password.
+
+Server owners and developers must do this before starting the dedicated server
+or hosting a test session. Mission designers and players do not need their own
+SurrealDB instance unless they are running the server locally, but the server
+they connect to must have SurrealDB running and configured.
+
+If SurrealDB is not running, or if `config.toml` points at the wrong endpoint
+or credentials, persistence-backed systems such as actors, bank accounts,
+garages, lockers, organizations, phone data, stores, and tasks will not be
+ready for normal gameplay.
+
 ## Choose the Right Path
 
 ### Developer or Server Operator
@@ -72,11 +92,11 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
-After that:
+Before starting the game server, confirm SurrealDB is still running. After
+launching the Arma server:
 
-1. Start the Arma server with the Forge extension enabled.
-2. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
-3. Verify the connection state:
+1. Let the extension connect and apply the Forge schema modules.
+2. Verify the connection state:
 
 ```sqf
 "forge_server" callExtension ["status", []];
diff --git a/docus/content/2.server-extension/0.index.md b/docus/content/2.server-extension/0.index.md
index 4413988..6e8f284 100644
--- a/docus/content/2.server-extension/0.index.md
+++ b/docus/content/2.server-extension/0.index.md
@@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ SQF module
 
 ## Configuration
 
-Copy `config.example.toml` to `config.toml` next to the extension DLL.
+Copy `config.example.toml` to `config.toml` next to the extension DLL before
+launching a Forge-enabled server. SurrealDB must also be running before the
+server starts, and the values in `config.toml` must match that database.
 
 ```toml
 [surreal]
@@ -32,6 +34,9 @@ password = "root"
 connect_timeout_ms = 5000
 ```
 
+Players and mission designers do not need this file unless they are hosting
+locally. Server owners and developers do.
+
 For install links and Forge-specific setup steps, see
 [SurrealDB Setup](/getting-started/surrealdb-setup).
 
diff --git a/docus/content/index.md b/docus/content/index.md
index 7ea050e..dee8f26 100644
--- a/docus/content/index.md
+++ b/docus/content/index.md
@@ -16,6 +16,10 @@ browser-backed player interfaces.
 Use these docs to understand the runtime architecture, extension API surface,
 server gameplay modules, and client addon integration patterns.
 
+Server owners and developers must start SurrealDB and place a matching
+`config.toml` beside `forge_server_x64.dll` before launching a
+Forge-enabled server or local multiplayer test.
+
 #links
   :::u-button
   ---
diff --git a/lib/services/src/task.rs b/lib/services/src/task.rs
index 292367f..e66dd94 100644
--- a/lib/services/src/task.rs
+++ b/lib/services/src/task.rs
@@ -80,9 +80,10 @@ impl<R: TaskRepository> TaskStateService<R> {
 
         self.repository
             .save_ownership(entry_id.clone(), ownership.clone())?;
+        let accepted = !ownership.requester_uid.trim().is_empty();
         let entry = self.patch_catalog_ownership(
             &entry_id,
-            true,
+            accepted,
             &ownership.requester_uid,
             &ownership.org_id,
         )?;
@@ -326,6 +327,39 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn bind_ownership_without_requester_does_not_accept_task() {
+        let repository = InMemoryTaskRepository::new();
+        let service = TaskStateService::new(repository.clone());
+
+        service
+            .upsert_catalog_entry("task-1".to_string(), r#"{"title":"Hostage"}"#.to_string())
+            .expect("catalog upsert should succeed");
+
+        let result = service
+            .bind_ownership(
+                "task-1".to_string(),
+                r#"{"requesterUid":"","orgId":"default"}"#.to_string(),
+            )
+            .expect("bind should succeed");
+
+        assert_eq!(result.requester_uid, "");
+        assert_eq!(result.org_id, "default");
+        assert_eq!(
+            result.entry.get("accepted").and_then(Value::as_bool),
+            Some(false)
+        );
+
+        let stored = repository
+            .get_catalog_entry("task-1")
+            .expect("catalog lookup should succeed")
+            .expect("catalog entry should exist");
+        assert_eq!(
+            stored.fields.get("requesterUid").and_then(Value::as_str),
+            Some("")
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn get_status_falls_back_to_completed_status() {
         let repository = InMemoryTaskRepository::new();
diff --git a/tools/sync-docus-docs.mjs b/tools/sync-docus-docs.mjs
index 386ceaa..46a5953 100644
--- a/tools/sync-docus-docs.mjs
+++ b/tools/sync-docus-docs.mjs
@@ -171,6 +171,10 @@ browser-backed player interfaces.
 Use these docs to understand the runtime architecture, extension API surface,
 server gameplay modules, and client addon integration patterns.
 
+Server owners and developers must start SurrealDB and place a matching
+\`config.toml\` beside \`forge_server_x64.dll\` before launching a
+Forge-enabled server or local multiplayer test.
+
 #links
   :::u-button
   ---
@@ -372,6 +376,17 @@ Forge combines:
 - shared Rust crates for models, repositories, and services
 - SurrealDB for durable storage
 
+## Launch Prerequisites
+
+Before starting a Forge-enabled dedicated server or local multiplayer test,
+server owners and developers must start SurrealDB and make sure
+\`config.toml\` is beside \`forge_server_x64.dll\`. The config values must match
+the running SurrealDB endpoint, namespace, database, username, and password.
+
+Mission designers and players do not need their own SurrealDB instance unless
+they are hosting locally, but the server they join must have these prerequisites
+ready.
+
 ## Common Commands
 
 \`\`\`powershell