diff --git a/internal/babble/babble.go b/internal/babble/babble.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2afe57
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/babble/babble.go
@@ -0,0 +1,350 @@
+package babble
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"dk/internal/database"
+
+	"zombiezen.com/go/sqlite"
+)
+
+// Babble represents a global chat message in the database
+type Babble struct {
+	ID     int    `json:"id"`
+	Posted int64  `json:"posted"`
+	Author string `json:"author"`
+	Babble string `json:"babble"`
+
+	db *database.DB
+}
+
+// Find retrieves a babble message by ID
+func Find(db *database.DB, id int) (*Babble, error) {
+	babble := &Babble{db: db}
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE id = ?"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble.ID = stmt.ColumnInt(0)
+		babble.Posted = stmt.ColumnInt64(1)
+		babble.Author = stmt.ColumnText(2)
+		babble.Babble = stmt.ColumnText(3)
+		return nil
+	}, id)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to find babble: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if babble.ID == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("babble with ID %d not found", id)
+	}
+
+	return babble, nil
+}
+
+// All retrieves all babble messages ordered by posted time (newest first)
+func All(db *database.DB) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	})
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve all babble: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// ByAuthor retrieves babble messages by a specific author
+func ByAuthor(db *database.DB, author string) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE LOWER(author) = LOWER(?) ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, author)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve babble by author: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// Recent retrieves the most recent babble messages (limited by count)
+func Recent(db *database.DB, limit int) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC LIMIT ?"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, limit)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve recent babble: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// Since retrieves babble messages since a specific timestamp
+func Since(db *database.DB, since int64) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE posted >= ? ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, since)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve babble since timestamp: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// Between retrieves babble messages between two timestamps (inclusive)
+func Between(db *database.DB, start, end int64) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE posted >= ? AND posted <= ? ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, start, end)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve babble between timestamps: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// Search retrieves babble messages containing the search term (case-insensitive)
+func Search(db *database.DB, term string) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE LOWER(babble) LIKE LOWER(?) ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC"
+	searchTerm := "%" + term + "%"
+	
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, searchTerm)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to search babble: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// RecentByAuthor retrieves recent messages from a specific author
+func RecentByAuthor(db *database.DB, author string, limit int) ([]*Babble, error) {
+	var babbles []*Babble
+
+	query := "SELECT id, posted, author, babble FROM babble WHERE LOWER(author) = LOWER(?) ORDER BY posted DESC, id DESC LIMIT ?"
+	err := db.Query(query, func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+		babble := &Babble{
+			ID:     stmt.ColumnInt(0),
+			Posted: stmt.ColumnInt64(1),
+			Author: stmt.ColumnText(2),
+			Babble: stmt.ColumnText(3),
+			db:     db,
+		}
+		babbles = append(babbles, babble)
+		return nil
+	}, author, limit)
+
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to retrieve recent babble by author: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return babbles, nil
+}
+
+// Save updates an existing babble message in the database
+func (b *Babble) Save() error {
+	if b.ID == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("cannot save babble without ID")
+	}
+
+	query := `UPDATE babble SET posted = ?, author = ?, babble = ? WHERE id = ?`
+	return b.db.Exec(query, b.Posted, b.Author, b.Babble, b.ID)
+}
+
+// Delete removes the babble message from the database
+func (b *Babble) Delete() error {
+	if b.ID == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("cannot delete babble without ID")
+	}
+
+	query := "DELETE FROM babble WHERE id = ?"
+	return b.db.Exec(query, b.ID)
+}
+
+// PostedTime returns the posted timestamp as a time.Time
+func (b *Babble) PostedTime() time.Time {
+	return time.Unix(b.Posted, 0)
+}
+
+// SetPostedTime sets the posted timestamp from a time.Time
+func (b *Babble) SetPostedTime(t time.Time) {
+	b.Posted = t.Unix()
+}
+
+// IsRecent returns true if the babble message was posted within the last hour
+func (b *Babble) IsRecent() bool {
+	return time.Since(b.PostedTime()) < time.Hour
+}
+
+// Age returns how long ago the babble message was posted
+func (b *Babble) Age() time.Duration {
+	return time.Since(b.PostedTime())
+}
+
+// IsAuthor returns true if the given username is the author of this babble message
+func (b *Babble) IsAuthor(username string) bool {
+	return strings.EqualFold(b.Author, username)
+}
+
+// Preview returns a truncated version of the babble for previews
+func (b *Babble) Preview(maxLength int) string {
+	if len(b.Babble) <= maxLength {
+		return b.Babble
+	}
+	
+	if maxLength < 3 {
+		return b.Babble[:maxLength]
+	}
+	
+	return b.Babble[:maxLength-3] + "..."
+}
+
+// WordCount returns the number of words in the babble message
+func (b *Babble) WordCount() int {
+	if b.Babble == "" {
+		return 0
+	}
+	
+	// Simple word count by splitting on whitespace
+	words := 0
+	inWord := false
+	
+	for _, char := range b.Babble {
+		if char == ' ' || char == '\t' || char == '\n' || char == '\r' {
+			if inWord {
+				words++
+				inWord = false
+			}
+		} else {
+			inWord = true
+		}
+	}
+	
+	if inWord {
+		words++
+	}
+	
+	return words
+}
+
+// Length returns the character length of the babble message
+func (b *Babble) Length() int {
+	return len(b.Babble)
+}
+
+// Contains returns true if the babble message contains the given term (case-insensitive)
+func (b *Babble) Contains(term string) bool {
+	return strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(b.Babble), strings.ToLower(term))
+}
+
+// IsEmpty returns true if the babble message is empty or whitespace-only
+func (b *Babble) IsEmpty() bool {
+	return strings.TrimSpace(b.Babble) == ""
+}
+
+// IsLongMessage returns true if the message exceeds the typical chat length
+func (b *Babble) IsLongMessage(threshold int) bool {
+	return b.Length() > threshold
+}
+
+// GetMentions returns a slice of usernames mentioned in the message (starting with @)
+func (b *Babble) GetMentions() []string {
+	words := strings.Fields(b.Babble)
+	var mentions []string
+	
+	for _, word := range words {
+		if strings.HasPrefix(word, "@") && len(word) > 1 {
+			// Clean up punctuation from the end
+			mention := strings.TrimRight(word[1:], ".,!?;:")
+			if mention != "" {
+				mentions = append(mentions, mention)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	
+	return mentions
+}
+
+// HasMention returns true if the message mentions the given username
+func (b *Babble) HasMention(username string) bool {
+	mentions := b.GetMentions()
+	for _, mention := range mentions {
+		if strings.EqualFold(mention, username) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/internal/babble/babble_test.go b/internal/babble/babble_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9d4e7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/babble/babble_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,625 @@
+package babble
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"dk/internal/database"
+)
+
+func setupTestDB(t *testing.T) *database.DB {
+	testDB := "test_babble.db"
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		os.Remove(testDB)
+	})
+	
+	db, err := database.Open(testDB)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to open test database: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Create babble table
+	createTable := `CREATE TABLE babble (
+		id     INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+		posted INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT (unixepoch()),
+		author TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+		babble TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT ''
+	)`
+	
+	if err := db.Exec(createTable); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create babble table: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Insert test data with specific timestamps for predictable testing
+	now := time.Now().Unix()
+	testBabble := `INSERT INTO babble (posted, author, babble) VALUES
+		(?, 'Alice', 'Hello everyone! Welcome to the game'),
+		(?, 'Bob', 'Thanks Alice! @Alice this game is great'),
+		(?, 'Charlie', 'Anyone want to team up for the dungeon?'),
+		(?, 'Alice', 'I can help @Charlie, let me know'),
+		(?, 'David', 'Server lag is really bad right now...'),
+		(?, 'Eve', 'Quick question about spell mechanics')`
+	
+	timestamps := []interface{}{
+		now - 3600*6, // 6 hours ago
+		now - 3600*4, // 4 hours ago  
+		now - 3600*2, // 2 hours ago
+		now - 3600*1, // 1 hour ago
+		now - 1800,   // 30 minutes ago
+		now - 300,    // 5 minutes ago
+	}
+	
+	if err := db.Exec(testBabble, timestamps...); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to insert test babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	return db
+}
+
+func TestFind(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test finding existing babble
+	babble, err := Find(db, 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to find babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if babble.ID != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected ID 1, got %d", babble.ID)
+	}
+	if babble.Author != "Alice" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected author 'Alice', got '%s'", babble.Author)
+	}
+	if babble.Babble != "Hello everyone! Welcome to the game" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected specific message, got '%s'", babble.Babble)
+	}
+	if babble.Posted == 0 {
+		t.Error("Expected non-zero posted timestamp")
+	}
+	
+	// Test finding non-existent babble
+	_, err = Find(db, 999)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Error("Expected error when finding non-existent babble")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAll(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	babbles, err := All(db)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get all babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(babbles) != 6 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 6 babble messages, got %d", len(babbles))
+	}
+	
+	// Check ordering (newest first)
+	if len(babbles) >= 2 {
+		if babbles[0].Posted < babbles[1].Posted {
+			t.Error("Expected babble to be ordered by posted time (newest first)")
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// First message should be the most recent (5 minutes ago)
+	if babbles[0].Author != "Eve" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected newest message from Eve, got from '%s'", babbles[0].Author)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestByAuthor(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test messages by Alice
+	aliceMessages, err := ByAuthor(db, "Alice")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get babble by author: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(aliceMessages) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 2 messages by Alice, got %d", len(aliceMessages))
+	}
+	
+	// Verify all messages are by Alice
+	for _, message := range aliceMessages {
+		if message.Author != "Alice" {
+			t.Errorf("Expected author 'Alice', got '%s'", message.Author)
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Check ordering (newest first)
+	if len(aliceMessages) == 2 {
+		if aliceMessages[0].Babble != "I can help @Charlie, let me know" {
+			t.Errorf("Expected newest message by Alice first")
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test case insensitive search
+	aliceMessagesLower, err := ByAuthor(db, "alice")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get babble by lowercase author: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(aliceMessagesLower) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected case insensitive search to find 2 messages, got %d", len(aliceMessagesLower))
+	}
+	
+	// Test author with no messages
+	noMessages, err := ByAuthor(db, "NonexistentUser")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to query non-existent author: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(noMessages) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 0 messages by non-existent author, got %d", len(noMessages))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRecent(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test getting 3 most recent messages
+	recentMessages, err := Recent(db, 3)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get recent babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(recentMessages) != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 3 recent messages, got %d", len(recentMessages))
+	}
+	
+	// Check ordering (newest first)
+	if len(recentMessages) >= 2 {
+		if recentMessages[0].Posted < recentMessages[1].Posted {
+			t.Error("Expected recent messages to be ordered newest first")
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test getting more messages than exist
+	allRecentMessages, err := Recent(db, 10)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get recent babble with high limit: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(allRecentMessages) != 6 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 6 messages (all available), got %d", len(allRecentMessages))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSince(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test messages since 3 hours ago
+	threeHoursAgo := time.Now().Add(-3 * time.Hour).Unix()
+	recentMessages, err := Since(db, threeHoursAgo)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get babble since timestamp: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Should get messages from 2 hours ago, 1 hour ago, 30 minutes ago, and 5 minutes ago
+	expectedCount := 4
+	if len(recentMessages) != expectedCount {
+		t.Errorf("Expected %d messages since 3 hours ago, got %d", expectedCount, len(recentMessages))
+	}
+	
+	// Verify all messages are since the timestamp
+	for _, message := range recentMessages {
+		if message.Posted < threeHoursAgo {
+			t.Errorf("Message with timestamp %d is before the 'since' timestamp %d", message.Posted, threeHoursAgo)
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test with future timestamp (should return no messages)
+	futureMessages, err := Since(db, time.Now().Add(time.Hour).Unix())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to query future timestamp: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(futureMessages) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 0 messages since future timestamp, got %d", len(futureMessages))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestBetween(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test messages between 5 hours ago and 1 hour ago
+	start := time.Now().Add(-5 * time.Hour).Unix()
+	end := time.Now().Add(-1 * time.Hour).Unix()
+	
+	betweenMessages, err := Between(db, start, end)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get babble between timestamps: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Should get messages from 4 hours ago, 2 hours ago, and 1 hour ago (inclusive end)
+	expectedCount := 3
+	if len(betweenMessages) != expectedCount {
+		t.Errorf("Expected %d messages between timestamps, got %d", expectedCount, len(betweenMessages))
+	}
+	
+	// Verify all messages are within the range
+	for _, message := range betweenMessages {
+		if message.Posted < start || message.Posted > end {
+			t.Errorf("Message with timestamp %d is outside range [%d, %d]", message.Posted, start, end)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSearch(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test searching for "game"
+	gameMessages, err := Search(db, "game")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to search babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	expectedCount := 2 // Alice's welcome message and Bob's response
+	if len(gameMessages) != expectedCount {
+		t.Errorf("Expected %d messages containing 'game', got %d", expectedCount, len(gameMessages))
+	}
+	
+	// Verify all messages contain the search term
+	for _, message := range gameMessages {
+		if !message.Contains("game") {
+			t.Errorf("Message '%s' does not contain search term 'game'", message.Babble)
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test case insensitive search
+	gameMessagesUpper, err := Search(db, "GAME")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to search babble with uppercase: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(gameMessagesUpper) != expectedCount {
+		t.Error("Expected case insensitive search to find same results")
+	}
+	
+	// Test search with no results
+	noResults, err := Search(db, "nonexistentterm")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to search for non-existent term: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(noResults) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 0 results for non-existent term, got %d", len(noResults))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRecentByAuthor(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test recent messages by Alice (limit 1)
+	aliceRecent, err := RecentByAuthor(db, "Alice", 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get recent babble by author: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(aliceRecent) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 1 recent message by Alice, got %d", len(aliceRecent))
+	}
+	
+	if len(aliceRecent) > 0 && aliceRecent[0].Babble != "I can help @Charlie, let me know" {
+		t.Error("Expected most recent message by Alice")
+	}
+	
+	// Test with higher limit
+	aliceAll, err := RecentByAuthor(db, "Alice", 5)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to get all recent messages by Alice: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(aliceAll) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 2 total messages by Alice, got %d", len(aliceAll))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestBuilder(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Create new babble using builder
+	testTime := time.Now()
+	babble, err := NewBuilder(db).
+		WithAuthor("TestUser").
+		WithBabble("Test message from builder").
+		WithPostedTime(testTime).
+		Create()
+	
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create babble with builder: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if babble.ID == 0 {
+		t.Error("Expected non-zero ID after creation")
+	}
+	if babble.Author != "TestUser" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected author 'TestUser', got '%s'", babble.Author)
+	}
+	if babble.Babble != "Test message from builder" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected specific message, got '%s'", babble.Babble)
+	}
+	if babble.Posted != testTime.Unix() {
+		t.Errorf("Expected posted time %d, got %d", testTime.Unix(), babble.Posted)
+	}
+	
+	// Test WithMessage alias
+	babble2, err := NewBuilder(db).
+		WithAuthor("TestUser2").
+		WithMessage("Using WithMessage alias").
+		Create()
+	
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create babble with WithMessage: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if babble2.Babble != "Using WithMessage alias" {
+		t.Errorf("WithMessage alias failed, got '%s'", babble2.Babble)
+	}
+	
+	// Verify it was saved to database
+	foundBabble, err := Find(db, babble.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to find created babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if foundBabble.Babble != "Test message from builder" {
+		t.Errorf("Created babble not found in database")
+	}
+	
+	// Test builder with default timestamp
+	defaultBabble, err := NewBuilder(db).
+		WithAuthor("DefaultUser").
+		WithBabble("Message with default timestamp").
+		Create()
+	
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create babble with default timestamp: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Should have recent timestamp (within last minute)
+	if time.Since(defaultBabble.PostedTime()) > time.Minute {
+		t.Error("Expected default timestamp to be recent")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSave(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	babble, err := Find(db, 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to find babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Modify babble
+	babble.Author = "UpdatedAuthor"
+	babble.Babble = "Updated message content"
+	babble.Posted = time.Now().Unix()
+	
+	// Save changes
+	err = babble.Save()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to save babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Verify changes were saved
+	updatedBabble, err := Find(db, 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to find updated babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	if updatedBabble.Author != "UpdatedAuthor" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected updated author 'UpdatedAuthor', got '%s'", updatedBabble.Author)
+	}
+	if updatedBabble.Babble != "Updated message content" {
+		t.Errorf("Expected updated message, got '%s'", updatedBabble.Babble)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDelete(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	babble, err := Find(db, 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to find babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Delete babble
+	err = babble.Delete()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to delete babble: %v", err)
+	}
+	
+	// Verify babble was deleted
+	_, err = Find(db, 1)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Error("Expected error when finding deleted babble")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUtilityMethods(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	babble, _ := Find(db, 1)
+	
+	// Test PostedTime
+	postedTime := babble.PostedTime()
+	if postedTime.IsZero() {
+		t.Error("Expected non-zero posted time")
+	}
+	
+	// Test SetPostedTime
+	newTime := time.Now().Add(-30 * time.Minute)
+	babble.SetPostedTime(newTime)
+	if babble.Posted != newTime.Unix() {
+		t.Errorf("Expected posted timestamp %d, got %d", newTime.Unix(), babble.Posted)
+	}
+	
+	// Test IsRecent (should be true for 30 minutes ago)
+	if !babble.IsRecent() {
+		t.Error("Expected message from 30 minutes ago to be recent")
+	}
+	
+	// Test Age
+	age := babble.Age()
+	if age < 0 {
+		t.Error("Expected positive age")
+	}
+	
+	// Test IsAuthor
+	if !babble.IsAuthor("Alice") {
+		t.Error("Expected IsAuthor to return true for correct author")
+	}
+	if !babble.IsAuthor("alice") { // Test case insensitive
+		t.Error("Expected IsAuthor to be case insensitive")
+	}
+	if babble.IsAuthor("Bob") {
+		t.Error("Expected IsAuthor to return false for incorrect author")
+	}
+	
+	// Test Preview
+	longMessage := "This is a very long chat message that should be truncated when preview is called for display purposes"
+	babble.Babble = longMessage
+	
+	preview := babble.Preview(20)
+	if len(preview) > 20 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected preview length <= 20, got %d", len(preview))
+	}
+	if preview[len(preview)-3:] != "..." {
+		t.Error("Expected preview to end with ellipsis")
+	}
+	
+	shortPreview := babble.Preview(200) // Longer than message
+	if shortPreview != longMessage {
+		t.Error("Expected short message to not be truncated")
+	}
+	
+	// Test WordCount
+	babble.Babble = "This is a test with five words"
+	wordCount := babble.WordCount()
+	if wordCount != 7 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 7 words, got %d", wordCount)
+	}
+	
+	// Test Length
+	expectedLength := len(babble.Babble)
+	if babble.Length() != expectedLength {
+		t.Errorf("Expected length %d, got %d", expectedLength, babble.Length())
+	}
+	
+	// Test Contains
+	if !babble.Contains("test") {
+		t.Error("Expected message to contain 'test'")
+	}
+	if !babble.Contains("TEST") { // Case insensitive
+		t.Error("Expected Contains to be case insensitive")
+	}
+	if babble.Contains("nonexistent") {
+		t.Error("Expected message not to contain 'nonexistent'")
+	}
+	
+	// Test IsEmpty
+	babble.Babble = ""
+	if !babble.IsEmpty() {
+		t.Error("Expected empty message to be empty")
+	}
+	
+	babble.Babble = "   "
+	if !babble.IsEmpty() {
+		t.Error("Expected whitespace-only message to be empty")
+	}
+	
+	babble.Babble = "Not empty"
+	if babble.IsEmpty() {
+		t.Error("Expected non-empty message not to be empty")
+	}
+	
+	// Test IsLongMessage
+	shortMsg := "Short"
+	babble.Babble = shortMsg
+	if babble.IsLongMessage(100) {
+		t.Error("Expected short message not to be long")
+	}
+	if !babble.IsLongMessage(3) {
+		t.Error("Expected message longer than threshold to be long")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestMentionMethods(t *testing.T) {
+	db := setupTestDB(t)
+	defer db.Close()
+	
+	// Test GetMentions
+	babble, _ := Find(db, 2) // Bob's message: "Thanks Alice! @Alice this game is great"
+	mentions := babble.GetMentions()
+	
+	expectedMentions := []string{"Alice"}
+	if len(mentions) != len(expectedMentions) {
+		t.Errorf("Expected %d mentions, got %d", len(expectedMentions), len(mentions))
+	}
+	
+	for i, expected := range expectedMentions {
+		if i < len(mentions) && mentions[i] != expected {
+			t.Errorf("Expected mention '%s' at position %d, got '%s'", expected, i, mentions[i])
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test HasMention
+	if !babble.HasMention("Alice") {
+		t.Error("Expected message to mention Alice")
+	}
+	if !babble.HasMention("alice") { // Case insensitive
+		t.Error("Expected HasMention to be case insensitive")
+	}
+	if babble.HasMention("Bob") {
+		t.Error("Expected message not to mention Bob")
+	}
+	
+	// Test message with multiple mentions and punctuation
+	babble.Babble = "Hey @Alice, @Bob! Can you help @Charlie?"
+	mentions = babble.GetMentions()
+	expectedMentions = []string{"Alice", "Bob", "Charlie"}
+	
+	if len(mentions) != len(expectedMentions) {
+		t.Errorf("Expected %d mentions, got %d: %v", len(expectedMentions), len(mentions), mentions)
+	}
+	
+	for _, expected := range expectedMentions {
+		if !babble.HasMention(expected) {
+			t.Errorf("Expected message to mention %s", expected)
+		}
+	}
+	
+	// Test message with no mentions
+	babble.Babble = "No mentions in this message"
+	mentions = babble.GetMentions()
+	
+	if len(mentions) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 0 mentions, got %d", len(mentions))
+	}
+	
+	// Test malformed mentions (should be ignored)
+	babble.Babble = "Just @ alone or @"
+	mentions = babble.GetMentions()
+	
+	if len(mentions) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("Expected 0 mentions for malformed @, got %d", len(mentions))
+	}
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/internal/babble/builder.go b/internal/babble/builder.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca9d647
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/babble/builder.go
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+package babble
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"dk/internal/database"
+
+	"zombiezen.com/go/sqlite"
+)
+
+// Builder provides a fluent interface for creating babble messages
+type Builder struct {
+	babble *Babble
+	db     *database.DB
+}
+
+// NewBuilder creates a new babble builder
+func NewBuilder(db *database.DB) *Builder {
+	return &Builder{
+		babble: &Babble{
+			db:     db,
+			Posted: time.Now().Unix(), // Default to current time
+		},
+		db: db,
+	}
+}
+
+// WithAuthor sets the author username
+func (b *Builder) WithAuthor(author string) *Builder {
+	b.babble.Author = author
+	return b
+}
+
+// WithBabble sets the message content
+func (b *Builder) WithBabble(message string) *Builder {
+	b.babble.Babble = message
+	return b
+}
+
+// WithMessage is an alias for WithBabble for more intuitive usage
+func (b *Builder) WithMessage(message string) *Builder {
+	return b.WithBabble(message)
+}
+
+// WithPosted sets the posted timestamp
+func (b *Builder) WithPosted(posted int64) *Builder {
+	b.babble.Posted = posted
+	return b
+}
+
+// WithPostedTime sets the posted timestamp from a time.Time
+func (b *Builder) WithPostedTime(t time.Time) *Builder {
+	b.babble.Posted = t.Unix()
+	return b
+}
+
+// Create saves the babble message to the database and returns the created babble with ID
+func (b *Builder) Create() (*Babble, error) {
+	// Use a transaction to ensure we can get the ID
+	var babble *Babble
+	err := b.db.Transaction(func(tx *database.Tx) error {
+		query := `INSERT INTO babble (posted, author, babble) 
+		          VALUES (?, ?, ?)`
+		
+		if err := tx.Exec(query, b.babble.Posted, b.babble.Author, b.babble.Babble); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to insert babble: %w", err)
+		}
+
+		// Get the last insert ID
+		var id int
+		err := tx.Query("SELECT last_insert_rowid()", func(stmt *sqlite.Stmt) error {
+			id = stmt.ColumnInt(0)
+			return nil
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to get insert ID: %w", err)
+		}
+
+		b.babble.ID = id
+		babble = b.babble
+		return nil
+	})
+	
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	
+	return babble, nil
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/internal/babble/doc.go b/internal/babble/doc.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..030024e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/babble/doc.go
@@ -0,0 +1,514 @@
+/*
+Package babble is the active record implementation for global chat messages in the game.
+
+Babble represents the global chat system where players can communicate with each other in real-time. The package provides comprehensive chat message management with features like mentions, search, time-based queries, and moderation utilities.
+
+# Basic Usage
+
+To retrieve a babble message by ID:
+
+	message, err := babble.Find(db, 1)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("<%s> %s\n", message.Author, message.Babble)
+
+To get all babble messages:
+
+	allMessages, err := babble.All(db)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, message := range allMessages {
+		fmt.Printf("[%s] <%s> %s\n", 
+			message.PostedTime().Format("15:04"), 
+			message.Author, 
+			message.Babble)
+	}
+
+To get recent chat messages:
+
+	recentChat, err := babble.Recent(db, 50)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+To filter messages by author:
+
+	userMessages, err := babble.ByAuthor(db, "PlayerName")
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+# Creating Messages with Builder Pattern
+
+The package provides a fluent builder interface for creating new chat messages:
+
+	message, err := babble.NewBuilder(db).
+		WithAuthor("PlayerName").
+		WithBabble("Hello everyone! Ready for some adventure?").
+		WithPostedTime(time.Now()).
+		Create()
+
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("Posted message with ID: %d\n", message.ID)
+
+The builder automatically sets the current time if no posted time is specified:
+
+	message, err := babble.NewBuilder(db).
+		WithAuthor("Admin").
+		WithMessage("Server restart in 5 minutes!").
+		Create() // Uses current timestamp
+
+You can use either `WithBabble()` or `WithMessage()` - they are aliases for the same functionality.
+
+# Updating Messages
+
+Chat messages can be modified and saved back to the database:
+
+	message, _ := babble.Find(db, 1)
+	message.Babble = "[EDITED] Original message was inappropriate"
+	
+	err := message.Save()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+# Deleting Messages
+
+Messages can be removed from the database (for moderation):
+
+	message, _ := babble.Find(db, 1)
+	err := message.Delete()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+# Database Schema
+
+The babble table has the following structure:
+
+	CREATE TABLE babble (
+		id     INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+		posted INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT (unixepoch()),
+		author TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+		babble TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT ''
+	)
+
+Where:
+  - id: Unique identifier for the chat message
+  - posted: Unix timestamp when the message was posted
+  - author: Username of the player who posted the message
+  - babble: The text content of the chat message
+
+# Time-Based Queries
+
+## Recent Messages
+
+Get the most recent chat messages:
+
+	// Get 100 most recent messages for chat display
+	chatHistory, err := babble.Recent(db, 100)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	
+	fmt.Println("=== Recent Chat ===")
+	for _, msg := range chatHistory {
+		age := msg.Age()
+		timeStr := ""
+		if age < time.Minute {
+			timeStr = "just now"
+		} else if age < time.Hour {
+			timeStr = fmt.Sprintf("%dm ago", int(age.Minutes()))
+		} else {
+			timeStr = msg.PostedTime().Format("15:04")
+		}
+		
+		fmt.Printf("[%s] <%s> %s\n", timeStr, msg.Author, msg.Babble)
+	}
+
+## Messages Since Timestamp
+
+Get messages posted since a specific time:
+
+	// Get messages since user's last login
+	lastLogin := getUserLastLogin(userID)
+	newMessages, err := babble.Since(db, lastLogin)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	
+	if len(newMessages) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("You missed %d messages while you were away\n", len(newMessages))
+	}
+
+## Messages Between Timestamps
+
+Get messages within a time range:
+
+	// Get today's chat history
+	startOfDay := time.Now().Truncate(24 * time.Hour).Unix()
+	endOfDay := time.Now().Unix()
+	
+	todaysChat, err := babble.Between(db, startOfDay, endOfDay)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+# Search and Filtering
+
+## Text Search
+
+Search for messages containing specific terms:
+
+	// Search for messages about "boss fight"
+	bossMessages, err := babble.Search(db, "boss fight")
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	
+	for _, msg := range bossMessages {
+		fmt.Printf("<%s> %s\n", msg.Author, msg.Preview(60))
+	}
+
+Search is case-insensitive and matches partial words.
+
+## Author-Based Queries
+
+Get messages from specific players:
+
+	// Get recent messages from a player
+	playerRecent, err := babble.RecentByAuthor(db, "PlayerName", 10)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	
+	// Get all messages from a player (for moderation)
+	allPlayerMessages, err := babble.ByAuthor(db, "ReportedPlayer")
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+All author searches are case-insensitive.
+
+# Mention System
+
+## Finding Mentions
+
+The package includes a comprehensive mention system using @username syntax:
+
+	message, _ := babble.Find(db, someID)
+	
+	// Get all mentioned usernames
+	mentions := message.GetMentions()
+	for _, username := range mentions {
+		fmt.Printf("Message mentions: @%s\n", username)
+	}
+	
+	// Check if specific user is mentioned
+	if message.HasMention("PlayerName") {
+		fmt.Println("You were mentioned in this message!")
+	}
+
+## Mention Parsing
+
+The mention system handles various formats:
+- `@username` - Basic mention
+- `@username!` - With punctuation
+- `@username,` - In lists
+- `@username?` - In questions
+
+Mentions are extracted without the punctuation and are case-insensitive.
+
+## Notification Integration
+
+Use mentions for player notifications:
+
+	// Process new messages for mentions
+	recentMessages, _ := babble.Recent(db, 50)
+	
+	for _, msg := range recentMessages {
+		mentions := msg.GetMentions()
+		for _, mentionedUser := range mentions {
+			// Send notification to mentioned user
+			notifyUser(mentionedUser, fmt.Sprintf("%s mentioned you: %s", 
+				msg.Author, msg.Preview(50)))
+		}
+	}
+
+# Message Analysis
+
+## Content Analysis
+
+Analyze message content for moderation or statistics:
+
+	message, _ := babble.Find(db, someID)
+	
+	// Basic content metrics
+	fmt.Printf("Length: %d characters\n", message.Length())
+	fmt.Printf("Words: %d\n", message.WordCount())
+	
+	// Content checks
+	if message.IsEmpty() {
+		fmt.Println("Empty message detected")
+	}
+	
+	if message.IsLongMessage(200) {
+		fmt.Println("Very long message - possible spam")
+	}
+	
+	// Search within message
+	if message.Contains("inappropriate_term") {
+		fmt.Println("Message flagged for review")
+	}
+
+## Time Analysis
+
+Analyze posting patterns:
+
+	message, _ := babble.Find(db, someID)
+	
+	age := message.Age()
+	fmt.Printf("Message posted %v ago\n", age)
+	
+	if message.IsRecent() {
+		fmt.Println("This is a recent message (within 1 hour)")
+	}
+	
+	// Format for display
+	postedTime := message.PostedTime()
+	if age < 24*time.Hour {
+		fmt.Printf("Posted at %s\n", postedTime.Format("15:04"))
+	} else {
+		fmt.Printf("Posted on %s\n", postedTime.Format("Jan 2 15:04"))
+	}
+
+# Chat Display Patterns
+
+## Live Chat Feed
+
+Display real-time chat messages:
+
+	func displayChatFeed(db *database.DB) {
+		messages, _ := babble.Recent(db, 50)
+		
+		fmt.Println("=== Global Chat ===")
+		for i := len(messages) - 1; i >= 0; i-- { // Reverse for chronological order
+			msg := messages[i]
+			
+			// Format timestamp
+			age := msg.Age()
+			var timeStr string
+			if age < time.Minute {
+				timeStr = "now"
+			} else if age < time.Hour {
+				timeStr = fmt.Sprintf("%dm", int(age.Minutes()))
+			} else {
+				timeStr = msg.PostedTime().Format("15:04")
+			}
+			
+			// Handle mentions highlighting
+			content := msg.Babble
+			if msg.HasMention(currentUser) {
+				content = fmt.Sprintf("🔔 %s", content) // Highlight mentions
+			}
+			
+			fmt.Printf("[%s] <%s> %s\n", timeStr, msg.Author, content)
+		}
+	}
+
+## Chat History Browser
+
+Browse historical messages:
+
+	func browseChatHistory(db *database.DB, page int, pageSize int) {
+		offset := page * pageSize
+		
+		// Get paginated results (implement with LIMIT/OFFSET)
+		allMessages, _ := babble.All(db)
+		
+		start := offset
+		end := offset + pageSize
+		if end > len(allMessages) {
+			end = len(allMessages)
+		}
+		
+		if start >= len(allMessages) {
+			fmt.Println("No more messages")
+			return
+		}
+		
+		pageMessages := allMessages[start:end]
+		
+		fmt.Printf("=== Chat History (Page %d) ===\n", page+1)
+		for _, msg := range pageMessages {
+			fmt.Printf("%s <%s> %s\n", 
+				msg.PostedTime().Format("Jan 2 15:04"), 
+				msg.Author, 
+				msg.Babble)
+		}
+	}
+
+# Moderation Features
+
+## Content Moderation
+
+Tools for chat moderation:
+
+	// Flag inappropriate messages
+	func moderateMessage(db *database.DB, messageID int) {
+		msg, err := babble.Find(db, messageID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return
+		}
+		
+		// Check for spam (very short or very long)
+		if msg.WordCount() < 2 {
+			fmt.Printf("Possible spam: %s\n", msg.Preview(30))
+		}
+		
+		if msg.IsLongMessage(500) {
+			fmt.Printf("Very long message from %s\n", msg.Author)
+		}
+		
+		// Check for excessive mentions
+		mentions := msg.GetMentions()
+		if len(mentions) > 5 {
+			fmt.Printf("Message with %d mentions from %s\n", len(mentions), msg.Author)
+		}
+	}
+
+## User Activity Analysis
+
+Analyze user posting patterns:
+
+	// Check user activity
+	func analyzeUserActivity(db *database.DB, username string) {
+		// Recent activity
+		recentMessages, _ := babble.RecentByAuthor(db, username, 10)
+		
+		fmt.Printf("User %s recent activity:\n", username)
+		fmt.Printf("- Recent messages: %d\n", len(recentMessages))
+		
+		if len(recentMessages) > 0 {
+			totalWords := 0
+			for _, msg := range recentMessages {
+				totalWords += msg.WordCount()
+			}
+			avgWords := totalWords / len(recentMessages)
+			fmt.Printf("- Average words per message: %d\n", avgWords)
+			
+			latest := recentMessages[0]
+			fmt.Printf("- Last message: %s (%s ago)\n", 
+				latest.Preview(40), latest.Age())
+		}
+		
+		// Check for mention patterns
+		allUserMessages, _ := babble.ByAuthor(db, username)
+		mentionCount := 0
+		for _, msg := range allUserMessages {
+			mentionCount += len(msg.GetMentions())
+		}
+		
+		if len(allUserMessages) > 0 {
+			avgMentions := float64(mentionCount) / float64(len(allUserMessages))
+			fmt.Printf("- Average mentions per message: %.2f\n", avgMentions)
+		}
+	}
+
+# Performance Considerations
+
+## Efficient Queries
+
+All time-based queries are optimized:
+
+	// Recent messages are efficiently ordered
+	recent, _ := babble.Recent(db, 100) // Uses LIMIT for efficiency
+	
+	// Time-based queries use indexed timestamp
+	since, _ := babble.Since(db, timestamp) // Efficient with proper index
+	
+	// Author queries support case-insensitive search
+	authorMessages, _ := babble.ByAuthor(db, "username") // Uses LOWER() function
+
+## Memory Management
+
+For large chat histories, process in batches:
+
+	// Process messages in batches
+	func processAllMessages(db *database.DB, batchSize int) {
+		allMessages, _ := babble.All(db)
+		
+		for i := 0; i < len(allMessages); i += batchSize {
+			end := i + batchSize
+			if end > len(allMessages) {
+				end = len(allMessages)
+			}
+			
+			batch := allMessages[i:end]
+			processBatch(batch)
+		}
+	}
+
+# Integration Examples
+
+## Real-Time Chat
+
+Implement live chat updates:
+
+	func pollForNewMessages(db *database.DB, lastMessageID int) []*babble.Babble {
+		// Get messages newer than last seen
+		allMessages, _ := babble.All(db)
+		
+		newMessages := make([]*babble.Babble, 0)
+		for _, msg := range allMessages {
+			if msg.ID > lastMessageID {
+				newMessages = append(newMessages, msg)
+			}
+		}
+		
+		return newMessages
+	}
+
+## Chat Commands
+
+Process special chat commands:
+
+	func processMessage(db *database.DB, author, content string) {
+		// Check for commands
+		if strings.HasPrefix(content, "/") {
+			handleCommand(author, content)
+			return
+		}
+		
+		// Regular chat message
+		msg, err := babble.NewBuilder(db).
+			WithAuthor(author).
+			WithBabble(content).
+			Create()
+		
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Printf("Failed to save message: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		
+		// Process mentions for notifications
+		mentions := msg.GetMentions()
+		for _, username := range mentions {
+			sendMentionNotification(username, msg)
+		}
+	}
+
+# Error Handling
+
+All functions return appropriate errors for common failure cases:
+  - Message not found (Find returns error for non-existent IDs)
+  - Database connection issues
+  - Invalid operations (e.g., saving/deleting messages without IDs)
+  - Search query errors
+  - Time range validation errors
+*/
+package babble
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