diff --git a/RENDER.md b/RENDER.md
index e57fe40..7f157a3 100644
--- a/RENDER.md
+++ b/RENDER.md
@@ -1491,6 +1491,18 @@ $exe = Join-Path $env:TEMP 'godot-4.6.1-openwc\Godot_v4.6.1-stable_win64.exe'
   queues and permits remain loader-owned. Synthetic traversal timing is not
   private-asset visual, leak, GPU or p95/p99 evidence.
 
+## 2026-08-01 WMO Scene Instance Factory Extraction
+
+- `WmoSceneInstanceFactory` now owns cached PackedScene instantiation/currentness
+  validation and live-prototype duplication with shared basename/placement rules.
+- Cached validation still precedes placement; live duplicates still skip the
+  scene-cache validator. Accepted descendant Resources retain exact identity.
+- Invalid non-Node3D cached roots are now freed synchronously, closing an
+  error-path lifetime leak that normal scene-cache admission already prevents.
+- Source lookup, ResourceLoader, runtime preparation, attachment, registry,
+  queues and permits remain loader-owned. Synthetic factory timing is not
+  private-asset visual, leak/GPU or p95/p99 evidence.
+
 ## Practical Rule For Future Work
 
 If something improves quality but creates visible hitch, it is not done. Move it to bake/cache/background work, split finalization over frames, or prewarm it before the player can see it.
diff --git a/coordination/claims/M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001.md b/coordination/claims/M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1749255
--- /dev/null
+++ b/coordination/claims/M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001.md
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+# M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001
+
+<!-- OPENWC_CLAIM:M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001:sindo-main-codex:2026-08-03 -->
+
+## Owner
+
+- Agent ID: `sindo-main-codex`
+- Target: M03 Renderer Facade and Safe Extraction
+- Branch: `work/sindo-main-codex/m03-wmo-scene-instance-factory`
+- Worktree: `C:\Users\sindo\open-wc-worktrees\m03-wmo-scene-instance-factory`
+
+## Outcome
+
+Move WMO cached-scene instantiation/currentness validation and live-prototype
+duplication with shared name/placement application into one main-thread factory.
+
+## Non-goals
+
+- Change cache lookup/admission, ResourceLoader or prototype construction.
+- Change runtime Mesh/material/occluder/shadow preparation.
+- Change attachment, placement registry, queues, permits or lifetime.
+- Change scene cache version rules or placement formulas.
+
+## Paths
+
+- Exclusive: `src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd`,
+  `src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd`,
+  `docs/modules/wmo-scene-instance-factory.md`, this claim
+- Shared: loader, adjacent WMO verifier/spec, renderer registry/specification,
+  `RENDER.md`, M03 Evidence
+
+## Contracts and data
+
+- Null scenes/prototypes and non-Node3D instantiation/duplication return null.
+- Cached instances failing the injected currentness validator are synchronously freed.
+- Accepted instances retain exact descendant Resource identities.
+- Both paths apply `relative_path.get_file().get_basename()` and the exact
+  placement-resolver Transform3D.
+- The factory returns detached roots and retains no Node or Resource.
+
+## Dependencies
+
+- Requires: accepted WMO placement resolver and runtime scene preparer
+- Blocks: remaining loader-owned WMO cache/prototype orchestration cleanup
+
+## Verification
+
+- Synthetic cached/live type, validation, freeing, exact identity, name,
+  transform, dependency/order, ownership, source and bounded-timing contracts;
+  adjacent WMO/renderer gates and checkpoint dry-run.
+
+## Documentation deliverables
+
+- Inline API docs; module API/I/O/ownership; data-flow/sequence/dependency
+  diagrams; adjacent renderer docs and M03 Evidence.
+
+## Status
+
+- State: ready
+- Done: implementation, verification and documentation
+- Next: integrator review and merge
+- Blocked by:
+
+## Handoff
+
+- Commit: `7e97b19` (`render: extract WMO scene instance factory`)
+- Results: factory PASS `cases=41 iterations=1000 elapsed_ms=5.297`;
+  placement resolver dependency PASS `cases=10 iterations=20000
+  elapsed_ms=28.740`; suite `65/66` with no unexpected failures and only the
+  proprietary ADT placement probe unavailable; editor parse had zero script
+  diagnostics; checkpoint dry-run retained `7/7`; documentation passed with
+  `52` module specifications; coordination passed with `77` historical warnings.
+- Fidelity: valid cached/live cache-validation distinction, basename, exact
+  Transform3D and descendant Resource identity are unchanged. Invalid non-Node3D
+  cached roots are now freed synchronously, fixing an error-path leak without
+  changing valid visible output.
+- Remaining risks: instantiation/duplication remains synchronous; no private WMO
+  portal/room, visual, long-traversal, leak/GPU or p95/p99 evidence.
+- Documentation: new full factory module specification; placement resolver
+  consumers/sequence, renderer registry/source map and `RENDER.md` updated.
+
+<!-- OPENWC_HANDOFF:READY:M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001:7e97b19 -->
diff --git a/docs/modules/README.md b/docs/modules/README.md
index 918a793..8b14a27 100644
--- a/docs/modules/README.md
+++ b/docs/modules/README.md
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@
 | WMO runtime Mesh finalizer | Implemented extraction | [`wmo-runtime-mesh-finalizer.md`](wmo-runtime-mesh-finalizer.md) |
 | WMO render group materializer | Implemented extraction | [`wmo-render-group-materializer.md`](wmo-render-group-materializer.md) |
 | WMO runtime scene preparer | Implemented extraction | [`wmo-runtime-scene-preparer.md`](wmo-runtime-scene-preparer.md) |
+| WMO scene instance factory | Implemented extraction | [`wmo-scene-instance-factory.md`](wmo-scene-instance-factory.md) |
 | Third-person camera | Implemented | [`third-person-camera.md`](third-person-camera.md) |
 | Character presentation | Implemented boundary / Partial fidelity | [`character-presentation.md`](character-presentation.md) |
 | Renderer | Partial | [`world-renderer.md`](world-renderer.md), [`../../RENDER.md`](../../RENDER.md) |
diff --git a/docs/modules/wmo-placement-resolver.md b/docs/modules/wmo-placement-resolver.md
index 9d2c341..39e0d6a 100644
--- a/docs/modules/wmo-placement-resolver.md
+++ b/docs/modules/wmo-placement-resolver.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 | Status | Implemented |
 | Target/work package | M03 / `M03-RND-WMO-PLACEMENT-RESOLVER-001` |
 | Owners | Pure WMO cache-key, placement-identity and world-transform rules |
-| Last verified | Worktree `work/sindo-main-codex/m03-wmo-placement-resolver`, 2026-07-17 |
+| Last verified | Worktree `work/sindo-main-codex/m03-wmo-scene-instance-factory`, 2026-08-01 |
 | Profiles/capabilities | Existing ADT/WDT WMO placement paths |
 
 ## Purpose
@@ -31,14 +31,17 @@ live-prototype instance paths.
 flowchart LR
     Parsed[ADT/WDT WMO placement] --> Loader[StreamingWorldLoader adapter]
     Loader --> Resolver[WmoPlacementResolver]
+    Loader --> Factory[WmoSceneInstanceFactory]
+    Factory --> Resolver
     Resolver --> CacheKey[Normalized cache key]
     Resolver --> Identity[Registry unique key]
     Resolver --> Transform[World Transform3D]
     CacheKey --> Cache[Loader WMO caches/requests]
     Identity --> Registry[WmoPlacementRegistry]
     Transform --> RenderRoot[Lightweight render root]
-    Transform --> Scene[Cached scene instance]
-    Transform --> Live[Live prototype instance]
+    Transform --> Factory
+    Factory --> Scene[Cached scene instance]
+    Factory --> Live[Live prototype instance]
 ```
 
 Allowed dependencies are Dictionary/String values and Godot `Vector3`, `Basis`
@@ -62,7 +65,7 @@ WorkerThreadPool, mutexes, files, gameplay, network and editor UI are forbidden.
 | Input | Tile key and placement index | Loader build job | Synthetic identity fallback | Copied scalar/String | Registry entry lifetime |
 | Output | Normalized relative path | Resolver | Render/scene cache and load-request maps | New String value | Request/cache lookup |
 | Output | `uid:*` or `tile:*:*` key | Resolver | `WmoPlacementRegistry` and loader ref arrays | New String value | Until unregister/reset |
-| Output | World `Transform3D` | Resolver | Three WMO instance adapters | Value copy | Instance lifetime after assignment |
+| Output | World `Transform3D` | Resolver | Lightweight render-root adapter and cached/live instance factory | Value copy | Instance lifetime after assignment |
 
 The resolver retains no source Dictionary, output or engine resource.
 
@@ -91,6 +94,7 @@ and shutdown require no resolver operation.
 ```mermaid
 sequenceDiagram
     participant Loader as StreamingWorldLoader
+    participant Factory as WmoSceneInstanceFactory
     participant Resolver as WmoPlacementResolver
     participant Registry as WmoPlacementRegistry
     participant Instance as Render/cached/live instance
@@ -98,9 +102,15 @@ sequenceDiagram
     Resolver-->>Loader: cache key
     Loader->>Resolver: resolve_unique_key(placement, tile, index)
     Resolver-->>Registry: identity adopted by loader
-    Loader->>Resolver: resolve_world_transform(placement)
-    Resolver-->>Loader: value Transform3D
-    Loader->>Instance: assign transform and attach/build
+    alt lightweight render root
+        Loader->>Resolver: resolve_world_transform(placement)
+        Resolver-->>Loader: value Transform3D
+    else cached/live instance
+        Loader->>Factory: create with placement
+        Factory->>Resolver: resolve_world_transform(placement)
+        Resolver-->>Factory: value Transform3D
+    end
+    Loader->>Instance: attach/build prepared instance
 ```
 
 ## Ownership, threading and resources
@@ -109,7 +119,9 @@ sequenceDiagram
 - `WmoPlacementRegistry` owns placement-key reference sets. The loader owns its
   key-to-Node map, cache/load-request state, jobs/queues, resource fallback and
   cancellation.
-- The loader and builders own every Node/Mesh/MultiMesh/material/RID lifecycle.
+- `WmoSceneInstanceFactory` owns detached cached/live candidate roots until
+  rejection or transfer; the loader/builders own attachment and remaining
+  Node/Mesh/MultiMesh/material/RID lifecycle.
 - Pure calls are thread-safe; current consumers execute on the main thread.
 
 ## Errors, cancellation and recovery
diff --git a/docs/modules/wmo-scene-instance-factory.md b/docs/modules/wmo-scene-instance-factory.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b32426
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/modules/wmo-scene-instance-factory.md
@@ -0,0 +1,219 @@
+# WMO Scene Instance Factory
+
+## Metadata
+
+| Field | Value |
+|---|---|
+| Status | Implemented |
+| Target | M03 Renderer Facade and Safe Extraction |
+| Work package | `M03-RND-WMO-SCENE-INSTANCE-FACTORY-001` |
+| Owner | Render |
+| Last verified | 2026-08-01 |
+
+## Purpose
+
+`WmoSceneInstanceFactory` creates detached WMO `Node3D` roots from validated
+cached `PackedScene` resources or live-built prototypes. It owns cache-currentness
+validation, basename assignment and canonical placement-resolver delegation.
+
+## Non-goals
+
+- look up/load/cache PackedScenes or build live WMO prototypes;
+- apply Mesh/material/occluder/shadow runtime preparation;
+- attach nodes, assign Editor ownership or manage placement references;
+- own queues, permits, cache versions or world teardown;
+- define WMO placement formulas or scene-cache currentness rules.
+
+## Context and boundaries
+
+The loader selects cached versus live sources. The factory creates a detached
+instance and applies identity/placement. `WmoRuntimeScenePreparer` then applies
+path-specific presentation policy before the loader attaches/registers the root.
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart LR
+    Cache[WMO PackedScene cache] --> Loader[StreamingWorldLoader]
+    Prototype[Live WMO prototype cache/build] --> Loader
+    Loader --> Factory[WmoSceneInstanceFactory]
+    Validator[WMOBuilder scene-cache validator] --> Factory
+    Resolver[WmoPlacementResolver] --> Factory
+    Factory --> Detached[Detached WMO Node3D]
+    Detached --> Preparer[WmoRuntimeScenePreparer]
+    Preparer --> Loader
+    Loader --> Scene[Attachment and placement registry]
+```
+
+## Public API
+
+| Symbol | Role | Thread/lifetime | Failure behavior |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `is_cached_node_current(node)` | Delegate one Node to the injected cache validator | Renderer main thread; no retention | Null/missing validator returns false |
+| `instantiate_cached_scene(relative_path, scene, placement)` | Instantiate, type-check, validate, name and place a cached scene | Renderer main thread; detached result caller-owned | Invalid input/root/stale/dependency returns null; created rejected roots freed |
+| `duplicate_live_prototype(relative_path, prototype, placement)` | Duplicate, name and place a live prototype | Renderer main thread; detached result caller-owned | Null/missing resolver/unexpected duplicate returns null |
+
+The cached path validates before placement. The live path deliberately skips the
+scene-cache validator. Both paths use `get_file().get_basename()` and the exact
+`WmoPlacementResolver.resolve_world_transform` result.
+
+## Inputs and outputs
+
+| Direction | Contract/data | Producer | Consumer | Ownership | Thread/lifetime |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| Input | Cached `PackedScene` or live prototype `Node3D` | Loader cache/build adapters | Factory | Borrowed Resource/Node | One main-thread call |
+| Input | Relative WMO path and placement Dictionary | Loader placement job | Factory | Borrowed values | One call |
+| Internal | Candidate root | PackedScene instantiate/prototype duplicate | Validator/factory | Factory-owned until accepted | One call |
+| Output | Detached named/placed `Node3D` | Factory | Runtime scene preparer/loader | Ownership transfers to caller | Until attachment/release |
+| Output | Currentness bool | Validator via factory | Loader cache admission | Value | Immediate |
+
+Side effects are limited to scene instantiation/duplication, candidate name and
+transform mutation, and synchronous free of rejected candidates. No attachment,
+filesystem, ResourceLoader, worker, RID, queue, cache or Editor-owner mutation.
+
+## Data flow
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart LR
+    Source[PackedScene or live prototype] --> Create{Cached or live?}
+    Create -->|cached| Instantiate[PackedScene.instantiate]
+    Create -->|live| Duplicate[prototype.duplicate]
+    Instantiate --> Type{Node3D?}
+    Duplicate --> Type
+    Type -->|no| Free[Free created candidate and return null]
+    Type -->|yes cached| Current{Cache current?}
+    Type -->|yes live| Identity[Apply basename]
+    Current -->|no| Free
+    Current -->|yes| Identity
+    Identity --> Resolve[WmoPlacementResolver]
+    Resolve --> Return[Return detached Node3D]
+```
+
+## Main sequence
+
+```mermaid
+sequenceDiagram
+    participant Loader as StreamingWorldLoader
+    participant Factory as WmoSceneInstanceFactory
+    participant Validator as WMOBuilder
+    participant Resolver as WmoPlacementResolver
+    alt cached source
+        Loader->>Factory: instantiate_cached_scene(path, scene, placement)
+        Factory->>Factory: instantiate and require Node3D
+        Factory->>Validator: is_scene_cache_current(root)
+        Validator-->>Factory: current/stale
+    else live source
+        Loader->>Factory: duplicate_live_prototype(path, prototype, placement)
+        Factory->>Factory: duplicate and require Node3D
+    end
+    Factory->>Factory: assign basename
+    Factory->>Resolver: resolve_world_transform(placement)
+    Resolver-->>Factory: exact Transform3D
+    Factory-->>Loader: detached Node3D or null
+```
+
+## Dependency diagram
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart TB
+    Loader[StreamingWorldLoader] --> Factory[WmoSceneInstanceFactory]
+    Factory --> Validator[Injected WMO scene-cache validator]
+    Factory --> Resolver[Injected WmoPlacementResolver]
+    Factory --> Engine[PackedScene / Node3D / Transform3D]
+    Factory -. no dependency .-> Preparation[WmoRuntimeScenePreparer]
+    Factory -. no dependency .-> IO[ResourceLoader / FileAccess]
+    Factory -. no dependency .-> Queue[WMO queues / scheduler]
+```
+
+## Ownership, threading and resources
+
+- Calls are renderer-main-thread only because PackedScene/Node APIs mutate.
+- The source scene/prototype remains caller/cache-owned.
+- The factory owns a newly created root until rejection or successful return.
+- Successful return transfers detached-root ownership to the caller.
+- Descendant Mesh/Material Resources retain engine duplicate/instantiate identity.
+- The factory retains only injected stateless dependencies, never Nodes/Resources.
+
+## Errors, cancellation and recovery
+
+| Failure/state | Detection | Behavior | Recovery |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| Null scene/prototype | Guard | Return null without allocation | Correct caller source |
+| Missing validator | Currentness guard | Cached candidate rejected/freed | Fix composition |
+| Missing resolver | Guard before creation | Return null without allocation | Fix composition |
+| Non-Node3D root | Runtime type check | Free candidate and return null | Rebuild invalid cache/source |
+| Stale cached root | Injected validator | Free candidate; skip placement | Rebuild cache/current metadata |
+| Placement cancellation | Loader lifecycle | Detached/attached result released by caller | Existing retry path |
+| Shutdown | No retained candidates | Nothing to drain | Existing loader teardown |
+
+The non-Node3D cached rejection now frees the created invalid root synchronously.
+Normal admitted caches already enforce Node3D through the scene finalizer, so this
+closes an error-path lifetime leak without changing valid rendered output.
+
+## Configuration and capabilities
+
+No new settings. Cache-currentness rules belong to the injected WMOBuilder
+boundary; placement formulas belong to `WmoPlacementResolver`.
+
+## Persistence, cache and migration
+
+No format/version change and no rebake. The factory reads no files and writes no
+metadata. Existing cache validator version policy remains authoritative.
+
+## Diagnostics and observability
+
+The factory emits no logs or metrics. Loader cache/placement metrics and
+synthetic rejection contracts remain the diagnostic surfaces.
+
+## Verification
+
+- `verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd` covers cached validation-before-placement,
+  exact accepted root/descendant Resource identity, stale-root free, non-Node3D
+  rejection, live validator suppression, detached ownership, dependencies,
+  basename/Transform3D application, source boundaries and 1,000 duplicates.
+- Adjacent scene finalizer, placement resolver, runtime preparer, shutdown and
+  checkpoint regressions protect lifecycle and visible output.
+- Fidelity evidence is behavior-preserving extraction for valid inputs. The
+  invalid non-Node3D free is a lifetime fix, not a visual 3.3.5a change.
+
+The synthetic budget requires 1,000 simple live duplicates in under one second.
+Asset-backed CPU/GPU p95/p99 and long-traversal evidence remain pending.
+
+## Extension points
+
+- Asset-backed cached/live instances can compare placement and lifetime without
+  changing the factory API.
+- New source kinds should be separate explicit methods only when their validation
+  and identity semantics differ materially.
+
+## Capability status
+
+| Capability | Status | Evidence | Gap/next step |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| Cached WMO instantiation | Implemented extraction | Type/currentness/name/placement/lifetime contract | Serialized asset-backed cache corpus pending |
+| Live prototype duplication | Implemented extraction | Identity/name/placement/validator-suppression contract | Asset-backed traversal/leak evidence pending |
+| Runtime preparation | Separate implemented service | Runtime scene preparer regression | Visual/GPU p95/p99 pending |
+| Attachment/registry lifetime | Loader-owned | Existing WMO placement/shutdown regressions | Further orchestration extraction pending |
+
+## Known gaps and risks
+
+- Scene instantiation/duplication remains synchronous main-thread work.
+- No private WMO corpus, portal/room behavior, long traversal, leak/GPU timing or
+  paired original-client capture is included.
+
+## Source map
+
+| Path | Responsibility |
+|---|---|
+| `src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd` | Cached/live creation, validation, identity and placement |
+| `src/render/wmo/wmo_placement_resolver.gd` | Canonical WMO placement Transform3D |
+| `src/render/wmo/wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.gd` | Post-factory cached/live render preparation |
+| `src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd` | Source selection, cache/prototype lookup, attachment and lifetime |
+| `src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd` | Synthetic type/identity/lifetime/boundary/timing regression |
+
+## Related decisions and references
+
+- [`wmo-placement-resolver.md`](wmo-placement-resolver.md)
+- [`wmo-scene-resource-finalizer.md`](wmo-scene-resource-finalizer.md)
+- [`wmo-runtime-scene-preparer.md`](wmo-runtime-scene-preparer.md)
+- [`world-renderer.md`](world-renderer.md)
+- [`../../RENDER.md`](../../RENDER.md)
+- [`../../targets/roadmap/02-rendering-and-graphics.md`](../../targets/roadmap/02-rendering-and-graphics.md)
diff --git a/docs/modules/world-renderer.md b/docs/modules/world-renderer.md
index 5c258ad..b68f4f1 100644
--- a/docs/modules/world-renderer.md
+++ b/docs/modules/world-renderer.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 | Status | Partial |
 | Target/work package | M00 baseline; `M01-RND-STREAMING-FOCUS-001`; `M01-QAR-SERVER-SPAWN-RENDERER-001`; M03 facade/planner/scheduler/internal-access/ground/environment/entity packages; M03 terrain packages; M03 M2 packages; M03 WMO placement package |
 | Owners | Renderer workstream / milestone integrator |
-| Last verified | Worktree `work/sindo-main-codex/m03-wmo-runtime-scene-preparer`, 2026-08-01 |
+| Last verified | Worktree `work/sindo-main-codex/m03-wmo-scene-instance-factory`, 2026-08-01 |
 | Profiles/capabilities | `Performance`, `Balanced`, `High`, `Custom`; Blizzlike fidelity incomplete |
 
 ## Purpose
@@ -74,6 +74,8 @@ flowchart LR
     WmoGroupMaterializer --> Scene
     Loader --> WmoScenePreparer[WmoRuntimeScenePreparer]
     WmoScenePreparer --> Scene
+    Loader --> WmoInstanceFactory[WmoSceneInstanceFactory]
+    WmoInstanceFactory --> WmoScenePreparer
     Native --> Parsed[Parsed tile/model data]
     Parsed --> Loader
     Loader --> Scene[SceneTree nodes]
@@ -170,6 +172,7 @@ from externally reading/writing loader-private queue, task, cache and tile-state
 | `WmoRenderBuildQueue` / `WmoRenderBuildJob` | Internal WMO pending-state service | Owns typed root/resource/cursor jobs and FIFO placement keys | Renderer main thread; map session | Invalid enqueue rejected; duplicate/stale behavior preserved |
 | `WmoRenderGroupMaterializer.materialize_mesh_group/materialize_multimesh_group` | Internal WMO scene-materialization service | Creates, configures and attaches one indexed lightweight render group | Renderer main thread; stateless after each call | Invalid parent/resource/index returns null without attachment |
 | `WmoRuntimeScenePreparer.prepare_cached_instance/prepare_live_instance` | Internal WMO subtree-preparation service | Preserves cached/live Mesh-finalization distinction, direct occluder policy and recursive shadow enabling | Renderer main thread; stateless after each call | Null/freed root returns false |
+| `WmoSceneInstanceFactory.instantiate_cached_scene/duplicate_live_prototype` | Internal WMO instance-creation service | Validates/creates detached cached/live roots and applies shared name/placement | Renderer main thread; stateless after each call | Invalid/stale/dependency failure returns null and frees created rejects |
 | `WmoRenderResourceCacheState` | Internal WMO cache-state service | Owns validated Resources, negative entries and pending cache paths | Renderer main thread; map/cache session | Invalid/occupied request and unknown completion are rejected |
 | `WmoRenderResourceFinalizer` | Internal WMO terminal-I/O service | Polls lightweight render requests, validates script/format and publishes Resource/missing outcomes | Renderer main thread; stateless across calls | Non-terminal retained; failed/null/wrong/stale complete missing |
 | `WmoSceneResourceCacheState` | Internal WMO cache-state service | Owns validated PackedScenes, negative entries and pending `.tscn` paths | Renderer main thread; map/cache session | Direct missing and terminal request transitions remain distinct |
@@ -214,6 +217,7 @@ loader configuration remains transitional composition data, not a caller API.
 | Internal WMO pending build | Placement key, Node3D root, WMO Resource and cursors | Loader / `WmoRenderBuildQueue` | Loader drain and step planner adapter | Queue-owned job and strong references | Until cancel/clear/replacement |
 | Internal WMO group materialization | Parent root, exact Mesh/MultiMesh, indexed metadata and render settings | Loader / `WmoRenderGroupMaterializer` | Attached geometry node | Parent owns node and exact Resource reference | One main-thread group operation |
 | Internal WMO subtree preparation | Cached/live root, extracted directory and render policies | Loader / `WmoRuntimeScenePreparer` | Borrowed subtree and runtime Mesh finalizer | Loader/placement owns subtree; preparer retains nothing | One main-thread instance preparation |
+| Internal WMO instance creation | Cached PackedScene or live prototype, path and placement | Loader / `WmoSceneInstanceFactory` | Runtime scene preparer and attachment adapter | Factory owns candidate until detached-root transfer | One main-thread creation |
 | Internal WMO render cache | Normalized path, cache path and validated Resource | Loader / `WmoRenderResourceCacheState` | Loader lookup, ResourceLoader poll and build queue | State-owned Resource/path references; detached request snapshots | Until transient/full clear |
 | Internal WMO scene cache | Normalized path, `.tscn` path and validated PackedScene | Loader / `WmoSceneResourceCacheState` | Loader lookup, request poll and scene instantiation | State-owned PackedScene/path references; detached request snapshots | Until transient/full clear |
 | Internal ADT water load | Tile key, ADT path, task ID and parsed Dictionary | Loader/worker / `AdtWaterLoadPipelineState` | Loader task start, budgeted drain and finalization | State-owned records; mutex result mailbox | Request through result completion/reset |
@@ -425,6 +429,9 @@ sequenceDiagram
   creation, render settings and attachment without retaining engine objects.
   `WmoRuntimeScenePreparer` owns cached-only Mesh traversal/finalization plus the
   shared direct-Occluders and recursive shadow policies for cached/live roots.
+  `WmoSceneInstanceFactory` owns cached/live detached-root creation, cache
+  validation, basename and placement application; loader retains source lookup,
+  runtime preparation, attachment and lifetime.
   `WmoRenderResourceCacheState` owns validated render Resources, negative entries
   and pending cache paths; `WmoRenderResourceFinalizer` owns its terminal
   ResourceLoader polling and script/format validation. `WmoSceneResourceCacheState`
@@ -576,6 +583,9 @@ Exact exported settings and cache versions remain documented in [`../../RENDER.m
 - WMO runtime scene preparer contract: cached/live finalizer distinction,
   exact Mesh traversal order, direct occluder removal, recursive shadow policy,
   ownership boundaries and bounded main-thread timing.
+- WMO scene instance factory contract: cached validation-before-placement,
+  stale/type rejection lifetime, live validator suppression, exact descendant
+  Resource identity, naming/placement and bounded main-thread timing.
 - WMO render Resource cache contract: invalid/duplicate request rejection,
   validated/missing terminal transitions, transient/full reset, detached sorted
   diagnostics, loader-owned version validation and bounded timing.
@@ -638,6 +648,7 @@ Exact exported settings and cache versions remain documented in [`../../RENDER.m
 | WMO render build queue | Implemented extraction | Typed lifecycle/order/ownership/source/timing contract | Asset-backed traversal/leak evidence pending |
 | WMO render group materializer | Implemented extraction | Synthetic Resource/name/transform/render/attachment/source/timing contract | Asset-backed visual/leak/GPU p95/p99 pending |
 | WMO runtime scene preparer | Implemented extraction | Synthetic cached/live traversal/occluder/shadow/source/timing contract | Asset-backed visual/leak/GPU p95/p99 pending |
+| WMO scene instance factory | Implemented extraction | Synthetic cached/live type/identity/lifetime/name/placement/source/timing contract | Serialized/asset-backed traversal/leak evidence pending |
 | WMO render Resource cache state | Implemented extraction | Scene-free lifecycle/exclusivity/source/timing plus shutdown contract | Asset-backed traversal/leak evidence pending |
 | WMO render Resource finalizer | Implemented extraction | Status/order/script/format/adoption/source/timing contract | Serialized/asset-backed corrupt-cache and leak evidence pending |
 | WMO scene Resource cache state | Implemented extraction | Scene-free lifecycle/direct-missing/source/timing plus shutdown contract | Asset-backed traversal/leak evidence pending |
@@ -722,6 +733,7 @@ Exact exported settings and cache versions remain documented in [`../../RENDER.m
 | `src/render/wmo/wmo_runtime_mesh_finalizer.gd` | Cached WMO runtime refresh admission, surface iteration and material reconstruction |
 | `src/render/wmo/wmo_render_group_materializer.gd` | Indexed lightweight WMO geometry-node creation, render setup and attachment |
 | `src/render/wmo/wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.gd` | Cached/live WMO subtree Mesh traversal and render policy |
+| `src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd` | Cached/live detached-root creation, validation, identity and placement |
 | `src/render/streaming/streaming_target_planner.gd` | Scene-free wanted/retained ADT target calculation |
 | `src/render/streaming/streaming_target_policy.gd` | Immutable renderer radius/prefetch policy |
 | `src/render/streaming/streaming_target_plan.gd` | Immutable planner result with read-only tile-key sets |
@@ -761,6 +773,7 @@ Exact exported settings and cache versions remain documented in [`../../RENDER.m
 | `src/tools/verify_wmo_runtime_mesh_finalizer.gd` | WMO Mesh identity/version/material-definition/boundary/timing regression |
 | `src/tools/verify_wmo_render_group_materializer.gd` | WMO render-group Resource/name/transform/render/attachment/boundary/timing regression |
 | `src/tools/verify_wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.gd` | WMO cached/live traversal/occluder/shadow/boundary/timing regression |
+| `src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd` | WMO cached/live type/identity/lifetime/name/placement/boundary/timing regression |
 | `src/tools/verify_streaming_target_planner.gd` | Planner behavior, dependency and bounded timing regression |
 | `src/tools/verify_render_budget_scheduler.gd` | Scheduler bounds, shared-lane priority, cancellation and timing regression |
 | `src/tools/verify_renderer_internal_access.gd` | Gameplay/EditorPlugin/registered renderer-tool boundary gate derived from private streamer fields |
diff --git a/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd b/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa5f6b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+class_name WmoSceneInstanceFactory
+extends RefCounted
+
+## Creates detached cached/live WMO Node3D instances with the existing cache
+## validation, naming and world-placement rules. Runtime preparation is separate.
+
+var _scene_cache_validator: Object
+var _placement_resolver: Object
+
+
+func _init(scene_cache_validator: Object, placement_resolver: Object) -> void:
+	_scene_cache_validator = scene_cache_validator
+	_placement_resolver = placement_resolver
+
+
+## Returns whether [param node] satisfies the injected WMO scene-cache contract.
+## Null nodes or missing validators return false without mutation.
+func is_cached_node_current(node: Node) -> bool:
+	if node == null or _scene_cache_validator == null:
+		return false
+	return bool(_scene_cache_validator.call("is_scene_cache_current", node))
+
+
+## Instantiates, validates, names and places a cached WMO PackedScene. Rejected
+## instantiated roots are freed synchronously. The accepted detached Node3D is
+## caller-owned and retains its exact descendant Resource identities.
+func instantiate_cached_scene(
+		relative_path: String,
+		scene: PackedScene,
+		placement: Dictionary) -> Node3D:
+	if scene == null or _placement_resolver == null:
+		return null
+	var instantiated_root := scene.instantiate()
+	if not (instantiated_root is Node3D):
+		if instantiated_root != null:
+			instantiated_root.free()
+		return null
+	var instance := instantiated_root as Node3D
+	if not is_cached_node_current(instance):
+		instance.free()
+		return null
+	_apply_identity_and_placement(instance, relative_path, placement)
+	return instance
+
+
+## Duplicates, names and places a live-built WMO prototype. The detached result
+## is caller-owned. Null inputs, missing placement composition or an unexpected
+## non-Node3D duplicate return null; rejected duplicates are freed synchronously.
+func duplicate_live_prototype(
+		relative_path: String,
+		prototype: Node3D,
+		placement: Dictionary) -> Node3D:
+	if prototype == null or _placement_resolver == null:
+		return null
+	var duplicated_root := prototype.duplicate()
+	if not (duplicated_root is Node3D):
+		if duplicated_root != null:
+			duplicated_root.free()
+		return null
+	var instance := duplicated_root as Node3D
+	_apply_identity_and_placement(instance, relative_path, placement)
+	return instance
+
+
+func _apply_identity_and_placement(
+		instance: Node3D,
+		relative_path: String,
+		placement: Dictionary) -> void:
+	instance.name = relative_path.get_file().get_basename()
+	instance.transform = _placement_resolver.call(
+		"resolve_world_transform",
+		placement
+	) as Transform3D
diff --git a/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid b/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cbca3e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://c13w66d7uaf2n
diff --git a/src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd b/src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd
index ecadaa0..91b8c81 100644
--- a/src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd
+++ b/src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ const WMO_RENDER_GROUP_MATERIALIZER_SCRIPT := preload(
 const WMO_RUNTIME_SCENE_PREPARER_SCRIPT := preload(
 	"res://src/render/wmo/wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.gd"
 )
+const WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY_SCRIPT := preload(
+	"res://src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd"
+)
 const M2_BUILDER_SCRIPT := preload("res://addons/mpq_extractor/loaders/m2_builder.gd")
 const M2_NATIVE_ANIMATOR_SCRIPT := preload("res://src/scenes/streaming/m2_native_animator.gd")
 const STREAMING_FOCUS_SCRIPT := preload("res://src/domain/streaming/streaming_focus.gd")
@@ -393,6 +396,10 @@ var _wmo_runtime_scene_preparer := WMO_RUNTIME_SCENE_PREPARER_SCRIPT.new(
 )
 var _wmo_missing_cache: Dictionary = {}
 var _wmo_placement_resolver := WMO_PLACEMENT_RESOLVER_SCRIPT.new()
+var _wmo_scene_instance_factory := WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(
+	WMO_BUILDER_SCRIPT,
+	_wmo_placement_resolver
+)
 var _world_wmo_root: Node3D
 var _wmo_placement_registry := WMO_PLACEMENT_REGISTRY_SCRIPT.new()
 var _wmo_render_build_step_planner := WMO_RENDER_BUILD_STEP_PLANNER_SCRIPT.new()
@@ -3692,7 +3699,13 @@ func _process_wmo_build_jobs() -> void:
 										)
 										refs.append(unique_key)
 							else:
-								var scene_instance := _instantiate_wmo_scene(rel_path, scene, placement)
+								var scene_instance := (
+									_wmo_scene_instance_factory.instantiate_cached_scene(
+										rel_path,
+										scene,
+										placement
+									)
+								)
 								if scene_instance != null:
 									_prepare_runtime_wmo_instance(scene_instance)
 									_world_wmo_root.add_child(scene_instance)
@@ -3920,26 +3933,6 @@ func _get_resource_file_size(path: String) -> int:
 	return int(length)
 
 
-func _is_wmo_node_cache_current(node: Node) -> bool:
-	if node == null:
-		return false
-	return bool(WMO_BUILDER_SCRIPT.is_scene_cache_current(node))
-
-
-func _instantiate_wmo_scene(rel_path: String, scene: PackedScene, placement: Dictionary) -> Node3D:
-	if scene == null:
-		return null
-	var instance := scene.instantiate() as Node3D
-	if instance == null:
-		return null
-	if not _is_wmo_node_cache_current(instance):
-		instance.free()
-		return null
-	instance.name = rel_path.get_file().get_basename()
-	instance.transform = _wmo_placement_resolver.resolve_world_transform(placement)
-	return instance
-
-
 func _prepare_runtime_wmo_instance(instance: Node3D) -> void:
 	_wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.prepare_cached_instance(
 		instance,
@@ -4632,11 +4625,15 @@ func _instantiate_wmo_world(rel_path: String, placement: Dictionary) -> Node3D:
 	if prototype == null:
 		return null
 
-	var instance := prototype.duplicate()
-	instance.name = rel_path.get_file().get_basename()
 	# WMOs are parented to _terrain_root, whose position absorbs the editor
-	# offset — use world-space placement.pos directly (no tile_origin subtraction).
-	instance.transform = _wmo_placement_resolver.resolve_world_transform(placement)
+	# offset — the factory applies world-space placement.pos directly.
+	var instance := _wmo_scene_instance_factory.duplicate_live_prototype(
+		rel_path,
+		prototype,
+		placement
+	)
+	if instance == null:
+		return null
 	_wmo_runtime_scene_preparer.prepare_live_instance(
 		instance,
 		enable_occlusion_culling,
@@ -4736,7 +4733,7 @@ func _get_or_load_wmo_prototype(rel_path: String) -> Node3D:
 		var resource: Resource = load(cache_path)
 		if resource is PackedScene:
 			var node = (resource as PackedScene).instantiate()
-			if node is Node3D and _is_wmo_node_cache_current(node):
+			if node is Node3D and _wmo_scene_instance_factory.is_cached_node_current(node):
 				_wmo_prototype_cache[normalized_rel] = node as Node3D
 				return node as Node3D
 			if node is Node:
diff --git a/src/tools/verify_wmo_placement_resolver.gd b/src/tools/verify_wmo_placement_resolver.gd
index 699efeb..fa8f562 100644
--- a/src/tools/verify_wmo_placement_resolver.gd
+++ b/src/tools/verify_wmo_placement_resolver.gd
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ extends SceneTree
 
 const RESOLVER_SCRIPT := preload("res://src/render/wmo/wmo_placement_resolver.gd")
 const RESOLVER_PATH := "res://src/render/wmo/wmo_placement_resolver.gd"
+const INSTANCE_FACTORY_PATH := "res://src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd"
 const LOADER_PATH := "res://src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd"
 
 
@@ -25,7 +26,7 @@ func _initialize() -> void:
 		quit(1)
 		return
 	print(
-		"WMO_PLACEMENT_RESOLVER PASS cases=9 iterations=20000 elapsed_ms=%.3f"
+		"WMO_PLACEMENT_RESOLVER PASS cases=10 iterations=20000 elapsed_ms=%.3f"
 		% elapsed_milliseconds
 	)
 	quit(0)
@@ -138,6 +139,7 @@ func _verify_node_property_equivalence(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
 func _verify_source_boundaries(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
 	var loader_source := _read_text(LOADER_PATH, failures)
 	var resolver_source := _read_text(RESOLVER_PATH, failures)
+	var instance_factory_source := _read_text(INSTANCE_FACTORY_PATH, failures)
 	_expect_true(
 		loader_source.contains("WMO_PLACEMENT_RESOLVER_SCRIPT.new()"),
 		"loader composes resolver",
@@ -157,8 +159,13 @@ func _verify_source_boundaries(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
 	)
 	_expect_equal_int(
 		loader_source.count("_wmo_placement_resolver.resolve_world_transform("),
-		3,
-		"three transform adapters",
+		1,
+		"one direct lightweight render-root transform adapter",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_true(
+		instance_factory_source.contains('"resolve_world_transform"'),
+		"cached/live instance factory delegates transform resolution",
 		failures
 	)
 	_expect_true(
diff --git a/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd b/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a357ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,294 @@
+extends SceneTree
+
+## Asset-free WMO cached/live instance validation, identity, placement,
+## lifetime, source-boundary and bounded-timing regression.
+
+const FACTORY_SCRIPT := preload("res://src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd")
+const FACTORY_PATH := "res://src/render/wmo/wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd"
+const LOADER_PATH := "res://src/scenes/streaming/streaming_world_loader.gd"
+
+
+class FakeSceneCacheValidator extends RefCounted:
+	var is_current := true
+	var inspected_nodes: Array[Node] = []
+	var events: Array[String]
+
+	func _init(shared_events: Array[String] = []) -> void:
+		events = shared_events
+
+	func is_scene_cache_current(node: Node) -> bool:
+		inspected_nodes.append(node)
+		events.append("validate")
+		return is_current
+
+
+class FakePlacementResolver extends RefCounted:
+	var resolved_transform := Transform3D(Basis.IDENTITY, Vector3(4.0, 5.0, 6.0))
+	var placements: Array[Dictionary] = []
+	var events: Array[String]
+
+	func _init(shared_events: Array[String] = []) -> void:
+		events = shared_events
+
+	func resolve_world_transform(placement: Dictionary) -> Transform3D:
+		placements.append(placement.duplicate(true))
+		events.append("resolve")
+		return resolved_transform
+
+
+func _initialize() -> void:
+	var failures: Array[String] = []
+	_verify_cached_scene_contract(failures)
+	_verify_stale_and_wrong_root_rejection(failures)
+	_verify_live_prototype_contract(failures)
+	_verify_invalid_composition(failures)
+	_verify_source_boundaries(failures)
+	var elapsed_milliseconds := _verify_bounded_timing(failures)
+	if not failures.is_empty():
+		for failure in failures:
+			push_error("WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY: %s" % failure)
+		quit(1)
+		return
+	print(
+		"WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY PASS cases=41 iterations=1000 elapsed_ms=%.3f"
+		% elapsed_milliseconds
+	)
+	quit(0)
+
+
+func _verify_cached_scene_contract(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	var events: Array[String] = []
+	var validator := FakeSceneCacheValidator.new(events)
+	var resolver := FakePlacementResolver.new(events)
+	var factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, resolver)
+	var fixture := _create_packed_wmo_scene()
+	var scene: PackedScene = fixture["scene"]
+	var source_mesh: Mesh = fixture["mesh"]
+	var placement := {"pos": Vector3(1.0, 2.0, 3.0), "rotation": Vector3.ZERO}
+	var instance: Node3D = factory.instantiate_cached_scene(
+		"World/Wmo/Stormwind/Keep.wmo",
+		scene,
+		placement
+	)
+	_expect_true(instance != null, "current cached scene accepted", failures)
+	_expect_true(instance.get_parent() == null, "cached result remains detached", failures)
+	_expect_string_equal(instance.name, "Keep", "cached basename applied", failures)
+	_expect_true(instance.transform == resolver.resolved_transform, "cached transform applied", failures)
+	_expect_equal(validator.inspected_nodes.size(), 1, "cached root validated once", failures)
+	_expect_same(validator.inspected_nodes[0], instance, "accepted exact root validated", failures)
+	_expect_true(resolver.placements == [placement], "cached placement forwarded", failures)
+	_expect_true(events == ["validate", "resolve"], "validate precedes placement", failures)
+	var mesh_child := instance.get_node_or_null("Group") as MeshInstance3D
+	_expect_true(mesh_child != null, "cached Mesh child retained", failures)
+	_expect_same(mesh_child.mesh, source_mesh, "cached descendant Mesh identity retained", failures)
+	_expect_true(factory.is_cached_node_current(instance), "public currentness delegates", failures)
+	instance.free()
+
+
+func _verify_stale_and_wrong_root_rejection(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	var validator := FakeSceneCacheValidator.new()
+	validator.is_current = false
+	var resolver := FakePlacementResolver.new()
+	var factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, resolver)
+	var fixture := _create_packed_wmo_scene()
+	_expect_true(
+		factory.instantiate_cached_scene("world/stale.wmo", fixture["scene"], {}) == null,
+		"stale cached scene rejected",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_equal(validator.inspected_nodes.size(), 1, "stale root validated once", failures)
+	_expect_false(
+		is_instance_valid(validator.inspected_nodes[0]),
+		"stale instantiated root freed",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_equal(resolver.placements.size(), 0, "stale root skips placement", failures)
+
+	var control_root := Control.new()
+	var wrong_root_scene := PackedScene.new()
+	_expect_equal(wrong_root_scene.pack(control_root), OK, "wrong-root fixture packed", failures)
+	control_root.free()
+	validator.is_current = true
+	_expect_true(
+		factory.instantiate_cached_scene("world/control.wmo", wrong_root_scene, {}) == null,
+		"non-Node3D cached root rejected",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_equal(validator.inspected_nodes.size(), 1, "wrong root skips validator", failures)
+
+
+func _verify_live_prototype_contract(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	var validator := FakeSceneCacheValidator.new()
+	var resolver := FakePlacementResolver.new()
+	var factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, resolver)
+	var prototype := Node3D.new()
+	prototype.name = "Prototype"
+	var source_mesh := ArrayMesh.new()
+	var mesh_child := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	mesh_child.name = "Group"
+	mesh_child.mesh = source_mesh
+	prototype.add_child(mesh_child)
+	var placement := {"pos": Vector3(7.0, 8.0, 9.0)}
+	var instance: Node3D = factory.duplicate_live_prototype(
+		"World/Live/Abbey.wmo",
+		prototype,
+		placement
+	)
+	_expect_true(instance != null, "live prototype duplicated", failures)
+	_expect_false(is_same(instance, prototype), "live root identity isolated", failures)
+	_expect_true(instance.get_parent() == null, "live result remains detached", failures)
+	_expect_string_equal(instance.name, "Abbey", "live basename applied", failures)
+	_expect_true(instance.transform == resolver.resolved_transform, "live transform applied", failures)
+	_expect_same(
+		(instance.get_node("Group") as MeshInstance3D).mesh,
+		source_mesh,
+		"live descendant Mesh identity retained",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_equal(validator.inspected_nodes.size(), 0, "live path skips cache validator", failures)
+	_expect_true(resolver.placements == [placement], "live placement forwarded", failures)
+	instance.free()
+	prototype.free()
+
+
+func _verify_invalid_composition(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	var validator := FakeSceneCacheValidator.new()
+	var resolver := FakePlacementResolver.new()
+	var factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, resolver)
+	_expect_false(factory.is_cached_node_current(null), "null currentness rejected", failures)
+	_expect_true(
+		factory.instantiate_cached_scene("world/a.wmo", null, {}) == null,
+		"null PackedScene rejected",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_true(
+		factory.duplicate_live_prototype("world/a.wmo", null, {}) == null,
+		"null prototype rejected",
+		failures
+	)
+	var fixture := _create_packed_wmo_scene()
+	var missing_validator_factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(null, resolver)
+	_expect_true(
+		missing_validator_factory.instantiate_cached_scene(
+			"world/a.wmo", fixture["scene"], {}
+		) == null,
+		"missing validator rejects cached instance",
+		failures
+	)
+	var missing_resolver_factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, null)
+	_expect_true(
+		missing_resolver_factory.instantiate_cached_scene(
+			"world/a.wmo", fixture["scene"], {}
+		) == null,
+		"missing resolver rejects cached instance before allocation",
+		failures
+	)
+	var prototype := Node3D.new()
+	_expect_true(
+		missing_resolver_factory.duplicate_live_prototype("world/a.wmo", prototype, {}) == null,
+		"missing resolver rejects live duplicate",
+		failures
+	)
+	prototype.free()
+
+
+func _verify_source_boundaries(failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	var factory_source := FileAccess.get_file_as_string(FACTORY_PATH)
+	var loader_source := FileAccess.get_file_as_string(LOADER_PATH)
+	_expect_true(
+		loader_source.contains("WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY_SCRIPT.new("),
+		"loader composes scene instance factory",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_true(
+		loader_source.contains("_wmo_scene_instance_factory.instantiate_cached_scene("),
+		"loader delegates cached instantiation",
+		failures
+	)
+	_expect_true(
+		loader_source.contains("_wmo_scene_instance_factory.duplicate_live_prototype("),
+		"loader delegates live duplication",
+		failures
+	)
+	for released_token in [
+		"func _is_wmo_node_cache_current(",
+		"func _instantiate_wmo_scene(",
+	]:
+		_expect_false(loader_source.contains(released_token), "loader releases %s" % released_token, failures)
+	for owned_token in [
+		"scene.instantiate()",
+		"prototype.duplicate()",
+		"is_scene_cache_current",
+		"relative_path.get_file().get_basename()",
+		"resolve_world_transform",
+	]:
+		_expect_true(factory_source.contains(owned_token), "factory owns %s" % owned_token, failures)
+	for forbidden_dependency in [
+		"ResourceLoader.",
+		"FileAccess.",
+		"WorkerThreadPool.",
+		"RenderingServer.",
+		"add_child(",
+		".owner =",
+		"WmoRuntimeScenePreparer",
+		"_wmo_render_build_queue",
+	]:
+		_expect_false(factory_source.contains(forbidden_dependency), "factory omits %s" % forbidden_dependency, failures)
+
+
+func _verify_bounded_timing(failures: Array[String]) -> float:
+	var validator := FakeSceneCacheValidator.new()
+	var resolver := FakePlacementResolver.new()
+	var factory := FACTORY_SCRIPT.new(validator, resolver)
+	var prototype := Node3D.new()
+	var started_microseconds := Time.get_ticks_usec()
+	for iteration in 1000:
+		var instance: Node3D = factory.duplicate_live_prototype(
+			"world/timing.wmo", prototype, {}
+		)
+		instance.free()
+	var elapsed_milliseconds := float(Time.get_ticks_usec() - started_microseconds) / 1000.0
+	_expect_equal(resolver.placements.size(), 1000, "timing duplicates complete", failures)
+	_expect_true(elapsed_milliseconds < 1000.0, "1000 duplicates under one second", failures)
+	prototype.free()
+	return elapsed_milliseconds
+
+
+func _create_packed_wmo_scene() -> Dictionary:
+	var source_root := Node3D.new()
+	var mesh := ArrayMesh.new()
+	var mesh_child := MeshInstance3D.new()
+	mesh_child.name = "Group"
+	mesh_child.mesh = mesh
+	source_root.add_child(mesh_child)
+	mesh_child.owner = source_root
+	var scene := PackedScene.new()
+	var pack_error := scene.pack(source_root)
+	if pack_error != OK:
+		push_error("WMO_SCENE_INSTANCE_FACTORY: cannot pack fixture")
+	source_root.free()
+	return {"scene": scene, "mesh": mesh}
+
+
+func _expect_true(condition: bool, label: String, failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	if not condition:
+		failures.append(label)
+
+
+func _expect_false(condition: bool, label: String, failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	_expect_true(not condition, label, failures)
+
+
+func _expect_equal(actual: int, expected: int, label: String, failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	if actual != expected:
+		failures.append("%s expected=%d actual=%d" % [label, expected, actual])
+
+
+func _expect_string_equal(actual: String, expected: String, label: String, failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	if actual != expected:
+		failures.append("%s expected=%s actual=%s" % [label, expected, actual])
+
+
+func _expect_same(actual: Variant, expected: Variant, label: String, failures: Array[String]) -> void:
+	if not is_same(actual, expected):
+		failures.append(label)
diff --git a/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid b/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5b0910
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/tools/verify_wmo_scene_instance_factory.gd.uid
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://cae6gor0iqjv4