fix: use FindDataRoot in FindOrInitSQLiteStore for consistent database location

- Condensed README to quick overview (~40 lines) with key features
- Added install instructions for Alpine, Arch, source, and Docker
- Created USAGE.md with full command reference, server mode, OIDC, and permission model docs
- New features documented: server mode, OIDC authentication, per-node permissions, multiplatform auto-builds

Co-Authored-By: Claude Haiku 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Dockerfile

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-FROM golang:1.24-alpine AS builder
+FROM golang:1.25-alpine AS builder
 
 WORKDIR /app
 
-ENV GOTOOLCHAIN=auto
+ENV GOTOOLCHAIN=local
 
 COPY src/go.mod src/go.sum ./
 RUN go mod download

README.md

@@ -1,266 +1,52 @@
 # Axolotl
 
-CLI-native lightweight issue tracker for you and your agents. A SQLite-based
+CLI-native issue tracker for you and your agents. Single binary, SQLite-backed, a few lines of Go.
-single portable binary, built from ~1300 lines of Go code.
 
-## Features
+## Install
 
-- **Issues with dependencies** - blocks, subtask, related relations
+**Alpine Linux** (apk):
-- **Tagging system** - flexible tags with `_key::value` property pattern
+Download from the Gitea package registry. Have a look
-- **Namespacing** - organize issues by project or team
+[here](https://g.eliaskohout.de/eliaskohout/-/packages/alpine/axolotl/).
-- **Due dates** - track deadlines
-- **Thread-safe** - WAL mode for concurrent access
-- **Multiuser support** - @mentions and assignments, inbox per user
-- **JSON output** - all commands support `--json` for agent integration
-- **Alias system** - define custom command shortcuts with argument expansion
-- **Single binary** - no dependencies, portable `.ax.db` file
 
-## Installation
+**Arch Linux** (pacman):
+Download from the Gitea package registry. Have a look
+[here](https://g.eliaskohout.de/eliaskohout/-/packages/arch/axolotl/).
 
+**From source:**
 ```bash
-go build -o ax .
+go build -o ax ./src
 ```
 
+**Docker (server mode):**
+```bash
+docker run -v ./data:/data g.eliaskohout.de/eliaskohout/axolotl-server:latest
+```
+
+Packages are built automatically on every version tag for `linux/amd64` and `linux/arm64`.
+
 ## Quick Start
 
 ```bash
-# Initialize a new database
+ax init .                                      # create .ax.db in current dir
-ax init .
+ax add "Fix login bug" --prio high             # create an issue
-
+ax list --status open                          # list open issues
-# Create an issue
+ax show abc12                                  # show issue details
-ax add "Implement feature X" --tag backend --prio high
+ax update abc12 --status done                  # close issue
-
+ax inbox                                       # your @mention inbox
-# Create with relations
-ax add "Fix bug in auth" --rel blocks:abc12
-
-# List open issues
-ax list --status open
-
-# Show issue details
-ax show abc12
-
-# Update an issue
-ax update abc12 --status done
-
-# View your inbox
-ax inbox
-
-# Define an alias
-ax alias mywork "list --namespace myproject --status open" --desc "My project tasks"
 ```
 
-## Commands
+## Key Features
 
-### `ax init [path]`
+- **Graph relations** — `blocks`, `subtask`, `related`, `assignee`
+- **Namespaces** — organize issues by project or team
+- **Permissions** — per-node access control (`can_read`, `can_write`, `has_ownership`)
+- **Aliases** — custom shortcuts with `$me`, `$1`, `$@` expansion
+- **JSON output** — `--json` flag on all commands for agent integration
+- **Multiuser** — `@mention` auto-creates inbox entries; `AX_USER` to switch users
+- **Server mode** — HTTP JSON API with optional OIDC authentication (`ax serve` / `ax login`)
+- **Portable** — single `.ax.db` file, no server required
 
-Create a new `.ax.db` database in the specified directory (default: current).
+For full command reference and examples, see [USAGE.md](USAGE.md).
-
-### `ax add <title> [flags]`
-
-Create a new node.
-
-| Flag | Description |
-|------|-------------|
-| `--type` | Node type: `issue` (default), `note`, `user`, `namespace` |
-| `--status` | Status: `open` (default), `done` |
-| `--prio` | Priority: `high`, `medium`, `low` |
-| `--namespace` | Namespace (default: current user) |
-| `--tag` | Add tag (repeatable) |
-| `--due` | Due date |
-| `--content` | Content/body text |
-| `--rel` | Add relation `type:id` (repeatable) |
-
-### `ax update <id> [flags]`
-
-Update a node.
-
-| Flag | Description |
-|------|-------------|
-| `--title` | New title |
-| `--status` | New status |
-| `--prio` | New priority |
-| `--type` | New type |
-| `--namespace` | New namespace |
-| `--assignee` | New assignee |
-| `--due` | New due date |
-| `--clear-due` | Clear due date |
-| `--content` | New content |
-| `--tag` | Add tag (repeatable) |
-| `--tag-remove` | Remove tag (repeatable) |
-| `--rel` | Add relation `type:id` (repeatable) |
-| `--rel-remove` | Remove relation `type:id` (repeatable) |
-
-### `ax show <id>`
-
-Display node details.
-
-### `ax list [flags]`
-
-Query and list nodes.
-
-| Flag | Description |
-|------|-------------|
-| `--type` | Filter by type |
-| `--status` | Filter by status |
-| `--prio` | Filter by priority |
-| `--namespace` | Filter by namespace |
-| `--tag` | Filter by tag (repeatable) |
-| `--assignee` | Filter by assignee |
-| `--mention` | Filter by mention |
-
-### `ax edit <id>`
-
-Open node content in `$EDITOR`.
-
-### `ax del <id> [-f|--force]`
-
-Delete a node. Prompts for confirmation unless `--force`.
-
-### `ax alias [name] [command] [flags]`
-
-Manage aliases.
-
-```bash
-ax alias                           # list all aliases
-ax alias mywork "list --tag work"  # create alias
-ax alias mywork                    # show alias command
-ax alias mywork "list --tag work2" # update alias
-ax alias del mywork             # delete alias
-```
-
-**Default aliases:**
-
-| Alias | Command | Description |
-|-------|---------|-------------|
-| `mine` | `list --assignee $me --type issue --status open` | Show open issues assigned to you |
-| `due` | `list --type issue --status open` | Show open issues |
-| `inbox` | `list --mention $me` | Show your inbox |
-
-**Alias argument expansion:**
-
-| Variable | Expands to |
-|----------|------------|
-| `$me` | Current username |
-| `$@` | All arguments |
-| `$1`, `$2`, ... | Positional arguments |
-
-```bash
-# Create alias with argument expansion
-ax alias find "list --tag $1 --status $2"
-ax find backend open  # expands to: list --tag backend --status open
-```
-
-## Relations
-
-Relations connect nodes together:
-
-| Type | Meaning | Behavior |
-|------|---------|----------|
-| `blocks` | A blocks B — B can't close until A is done | Enforced on status=done |
-| `subtask` | A is a subtask of B | |
-| `related` | A is related to B | |
-| `assignee` | A is assigned to user | Single-value; set via `--assignee` flag |
-| `in_namespace` | A belongs to namespace | Single-value; set via `--namespace` flag |
-
-```bash
-# Block an issue (B can't close until A is done)
-ax update A --rel blocks:B
-
-# Assign to user
-ax update abc12 --assignee alice
-
-# Create subtask
-ax update abc12 --rel subtask:parent12
-```
-
-## Tags and Properties
-
-Tags are flexible labels. Tags with pattern `_key::value` are properties:
-
-```bash
-# Regular tag
-ax add "Task" --tag backend
-
-# Property tags (set via flags)
-ax add "Task" --type issue --status open --prio high
-# Equivalent to: --tag _type::issue --tag _status::open --tag _prio::high
-```
-
-**Built-in properties:**
-
-| Property | Values | Required |
-|----------|--------|----------|
-| `_type` | `issue`, `note`, `user`, `namespace` | Yes (default: `issue`) |
-| `_status` | `open`, `done` | No |
-| `_prio` | `high`, `medium`, `low` | No |
-
-## Mentions and Inbox
-
-Use `@username` in title or content to automatically add to user's inbox:
-
-```bash
-ax add "Review PR @alice" --content "@bob please check"
-# Both alice and bob get this in their inbox
-```
-
-View inbox:
-```bash
-ax inbox                          # your inbox
-AX_USER=alice ax inbox            # alice's inbox
-```
-
-## JSON Output
-
-All commands support `--json` for machine-readable output:
-
-```bash
-ax list --status open --json
-ax show abc12 --json
-```
-
-Example output:
-```json
-{
-  "id": "abc12",
-  "title": "Implement feature",
-  "content": "Description here",
-  "created_at": "2026-03-25T10:00:00Z",
-  "updated_at": "2026-03-25T10:00:00Z",
-  "tags": ["_type::issue", "_status::open", "backend"],
-  "relations": {
-    "blocks": ["def34"]
-  }
-}
-```
-
-## Configuration
-
-`ax` stores user configuration in a JSON file. It searches for `.axconfig` in the
-current directory and parent directories (like git finds `.git`), falling back to
-`~/.config/ax/config.json`.
-
-**Config file format:**
-```json
-{
-  "user": "alice",
-  "aliases": [
-    {"name": "mywork", "command": "list --namespace myproject", "description": "My tasks"}
-  ]
-}
-```
-
-## Database Location
-
-`ax` searches for `.ax.db` in the current directory and parent directories,
-similar to how git finds `.git`. This allows you to run commands from any
-subdirectory.
-
-## Environment Variables
-
-| Variable | Description |
-|----------|-------------|
-| `AX_USER` | Override current username |
-| `EDITOR` | Editor for `ax edit` (default: `vi`) |
 
 ## License
 

USAGE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+# Axolotl Usage Reference
+
+## Commands
+
+### `ax init [path]`
+Create a new `.ax.db` in the specified directory (default: current).
+
+### `ax add <title> [flags]`
+| Flag | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `--type` | `issue` (default), `note`, `user`, `namespace` |
+| `--status` | `open` (default), `done` |
+| `--prio` | `high`, `medium`, `low` |
+| `--namespace` | Namespace (default: current user) |
+| `--tag` | Add tag (repeatable) |
+| `--due` | Due date |
+| `--content` | Body text |
+| `--rel` | Relation `type:id` (repeatable) |
+
+### `ax update <id> [flags]`
+| Flag | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `--title` | New title |
+| `--status` | New status |
+| `--prio` | New priority |
+| `--type` | New type |
+| `--namespace` | Transfer to namespace |
+| `--assignee` | Assign to user |
+| `--due` / `--clear-due` | Set or clear due date |
+| `--content` | New body text |
+| `--tag` / `--tag-remove` | Add or remove tag |
+| `--rel` / `--rel-remove` | Add or remove relation `type:id` |
+
+### `ax show <id>`
+Display node details.
+
+### `ax list [flags]`
+| Flag | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `--type` | Filter by type |
+| `--status` | Filter by status |
+| `--prio` | Filter by priority |
+| `--namespace` | Filter by namespace |
+| `--tag` | Filter by tag (repeatable) |
+| `--assignee` | Filter by assignee |
+| `--mention` | Filter by mention |
+
+### `ax edit <id>`
+Open node content in `$EDITOR`.
+
+### `ax del <id> [-f]`
+Delete a node. Prompts for confirmation unless `--force`.
+
+### `ax alias [name] [command]`
+```bash
+ax alias                            # list all aliases
+ax alias mywork "list --tag work"   # create/update alias
+ax alias del mywork                 # delete alias
+```
+
+**Built-in aliases:** `mine`, `due`, `inbox`
+
+**Argument expansion:** `$me` → current user, `$@` → all args, `$1`/`$2`/… → positional
+
+## Relations
+
+| Type | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `blocks` | Prevents target from closing until this is done |
+| `subtask` | Marks as subtask of target |
+| `related` | General association |
+| `assignee` | Assigns to a user (single-value) |
+
+```bash
+ax update A --rel blocks:B          # A blocks B
+ax update abc12 --assignee alice    # assign to alice
+```
+
+## Tags and Properties
+
+Tags follow the `_key::value` pattern for properties:
+
+| Property | Values |
+|----------|--------|
+| `_type` | `issue`, `note`, `user`, `namespace` |
+| `_status` | `open`, `done` |
+| `_prio` | `high`, `medium`, `low` |
+
+## Mentions and Inbox
+
+Use `@username` in title or content to add to a user's inbox:
+```bash
+ax add "Review PR @alice"           # alice gets an inbox entry
+ax inbox                            # your inbox
+AX_USER=alice ax inbox              # alice's inbox
+```
+
+## JSON Output
+
+All commands support `--json`:
+```bash
+ax list --status open --json
+ax show abc12 --json
+```
+
+## Configuration
+
+`ax` searches upward from CWD for `.axconfig`, falling back to `~/.config/ax/config.json`.
+
+```json
+{
+  "user": "alice",
+  "aliases": [
+    {"name": "mywork", "command": "list --namespace myproject", "description": "My tasks"}
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+## Server Mode
+
+`ax` can run as a shared HTTP JSON API server:
+
+```bash
+ax serve    # starts server on configured host:port (default: 0.0.0.0:7000)
+```
+
+The server exposes the same operations (add, list, show, update, delete) over HTTP. Clients connect by setting `remote.host` / `remote.port` in their config — the CLI then transparently routes calls to the server instead of a local database.
+
+### OIDC Authentication
+
+The server supports OIDC for authentication. Configure in `.axconfig`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "serve": { "host": "0.0.0.0", "port": 7000 },
+  "oidc": {
+    "issuer": "https://your-idp.example.com",
+    "client_id": "axolotl",
+    "client_secret": "secret",
+    "public_url": "https://ax.example.com",
+    "user_claim": "preferred_username"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Client login:
+```bash
+ax login    # opens browser for OIDC flow, saves session token
+```
+
+Without OIDC configured, the server accepts an `X-Ax-User` header for the username (development/trusted networks only).
+
+### Docker
+
+```bash
+docker run -v ./data:/data g.eliaskohout.de/eliaskohout/axolotl-server:latest
+```
+
+The image runs `ax serve` and exposes port 7000. Mount a volume at `/data` to persist the database.
+
+## Permission Model
+
+Every node has per-node access control. Permissions are transitive via BFS from the requesting user's own node.
+
+| Level | Relation | Grants |
+|-------|----------|--------|
+| 1 | `can_read` | Read / show / list |
+| 2 | `can_create_rel` | Create relations pointing to this node |
+| 3 | `can_write` | Update title, content, tags |
+| 4 | `has_ownership` | Full control including delete and granting access |
+
+- Creators automatically get `has_ownership` on nodes they create.
+- Namespace nodes own regular nodes within them; users own their namespaces.
+- Deleting an owner cascades to all nodes it owns.
+- User nodes and namespace nodes are globally readable.
+
+```bash
+# Grant bob read access to a node
+ax update <bob-user-id> --rel can_read:<node-id>
+
+# Grant bob write access
+ax update <bob-user-id> --rel can_write:<node-id>
+```
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+| Variable | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| `AX_USER` | Override current username |
+| `EDITOR` | Editor for `ax edit` (default: `vi`) |
+
+## Database Location
+
+`ax` searches for `.ax.db` upward from CWD (like git finds `.git`), so commands work from any subdirectory.

src/cmd/add.go

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ var addCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			input.Rels = append(input.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelType("_prio::" + cPrio), Target: ""})
 		}
 		if cNamespace != "" {
-			input.Rels = append(input.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelInNamespace, Target: cNamespace})
+			input.Namespace = cNamespace
 		}
 		if cAssignee != "" {
 			input.Rels = append(input.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelAssignee, Target: cAssignee})

src/cmd/list.go

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ var listCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			filter.Rels = append(filter.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelType("_type::" + lType), Target: ""})
 		}
 		if lNamespace != "" {
-			filter.Rels = append(filter.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelInNamespace, Target: lNamespace})
+			filter.Namespace = lNamespace
 		}
 		if lAssignee != "" {
 			filter.Rels = append(filter.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelAssignee, Target: lAssignee})

src/cmd/output.go

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ var (
 		"low":    {" ", "low", cDim},
 		"":       {" ", "n/a", cDim},
 	}
-	relIcons    = map[string]string{"blocks": "\uf068", "subtask": "\uf0da", "related": "\uf0c1", "assignee": "\uf007", "in_namespace": "\uf07b"}
+	relIcons = map[string]string{"blocks": "\uf068", "subtask": "\uf0da", "related": "\uf0c1", "assignee": "\uf007"}
 	prioRanks   = map[string]int{"high": 3, "medium": 2, "low": 1}
 	statusRanks = map[string]int{"open": 2, "": 1, "done": 0}
 )
@@ -94,24 +94,12 @@ func PrintNodes(w io.Writer, svc service.NodeService, nodes []*models.Node, json
 	})
 
 	for _, n := range nodes {
-		n_rels := n.Relations
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "  %s %s %s %s %s %s",
-		ns_rel_node_ids := n_rels[string(models.RelInNamespace)]
-		ns_rel_node_titles := make([]string, 0, len(ns_rel_node_ids))
-		for _, id := range ns_rel_node_ids {
-			ns_rel_node, err := svc.GetByID(id)
-			if err != nil {
-				ns_rel_node_titles = append(ns_rel_node_titles, id)
-				continue
-			}
-			ns_rel_node_titles = append(ns_rel_node_titles, ns_rel_node.Title)
-		}
-		fmt.Fprintf(w, "  %s %s %s %s %s %s %s",
 			cDim.Sprint(n.ID),
 			render(prioRM, n.GetProperty("prio"), true),
 			render(statusRM, n.GetProperty("status"), true),
 			render(typeRM, n.GetProperty("type"), true),
 			cTitle.Sprint(truncate(n.Title, 80)),
-			cDim.Sprint("["+strings.Join(ns_rel_node_titles, ",")+"]"),
 			dueDateShort(n.DueDate),
 		)
 		tags := n.GetDisplayTags()

src/cmd/update.go

@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ var updateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			input.AddRels = append(input.AddRels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelType("_prio::" + uPrio), Target: ""})
 		}
 		if cmd.Flags().Changed("namespace") {
-			input.AddRels = append(input.AddRels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelInNamespace, Target: uNamespace})
+			input.Namespace = &uNamespace
 		}
 		if cmd.Flags().Changed("assignee") {
 			input.AddRels = append(input.AddRels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelAssignee, Target: uAssignee})

src/e2e/e2e_crud_test.go

@@ -33,9 +33,6 @@ func TestCRUD(t *testing.T) {
 		if len(n.Relations["created"]) == 0 {
 			t.Error("expected created relation to be set")
 		}
-		if len(n.Relations["in_namespace"]) == 0 {
-			t.Error("expected in_namespace relation to be set")
-		}
 		if n.CreatedAt == "" || n.UpdatedAt == "" {
 			t.Error("expected timestamps to be set")
 		}
@@ -73,9 +70,6 @@ func TestCRUD(t *testing.T) {
 		if n.Content != "some body" {
 			t.Errorf("content: want %q, got %q", "some body", n.Content)
 		}
-		if len(n.Relations["in_namespace"]) == 0 {
-			t.Error("expected in_namespace relation")
-		}
 		if len(n.Relations["assignee"]) == 0 {
 			t.Error("expected assignee relation")
 		}

src/e2e/e2e_permissions_test.go

@@ -168,10 +168,6 @@ func TestNamespaceExplicitCreate(t *testing.T) {
 
 	nsNode := env.parseNode(env.mustAx("add", "myworkspace", "--type", "namespace", "--json"))
 
-	if !nsNode.HasRelation("in_namespace", nsNode.ID) {
-		t.Errorf("expected namespace to have in_namespace pointing to itself, got relations: %v", nsNode.Relations)
-	}
-
 	users := env.parseNodes(env.mustAx("list", "--type", "user", "--json"))
 	var userNode *NodeResponse
 	for i := range users {

src/models/node.go

@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ func (n *Node) AddRelation(relType RelType, target string) {
 	if n.Relations == nil {
 		n.Relations = make(map[string][]string)
 	}
-	if relType == RelAssignee || relType == RelCreated || relType == RelInNamespace {
+	if relType == RelAssignee || relType == RelCreated {
 		n.Relations[string(relType)] = []string{target}
 		return
 	}

src/models/rel_type.go

@@ -8,13 +8,12 @@ type Rel struct {
 }
 
 const (
-	RelBlocks      RelType = "blocks"
+	RelBlocks   RelType = "blocks"
-	RelSubtask     RelType = "subtask"
+	RelSubtask  RelType = "subtask"
-	RelRelated     RelType = "related"
+	RelRelated  RelType = "related"
-	RelCreated     RelType = "created"
+	RelCreated  RelType = "created"
-	RelAssignee    RelType = "assignee"
+	RelAssignee RelType = "assignee"
-	RelInNamespace RelType = "in_namespace"
+	RelMentions RelType = "mentions"
-	RelMentions    RelType = "mentions"
 
 	// Permission rels (subject → object). Levels are inclusive and transitive.
 	RelCanRead      RelType = "can_read"       // level 1: visible in list/show

src/serve/server.go

@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ func (s *server) listNodes(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		}
 	}
 	if v := q.Get("namespace"); v != "" {
-		filter.Rels = append(filter.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelInNamespace, Target: v})
+		filter.Namespace = v
 	}
 	if v := q.Get("assignee"); v != "" {
 		filter.Rels = append(filter.Rels, service.RelInput{Type: models.RelAssignee, Target: v})

src/service/api_client.go

@@ -72,6 +72,9 @@ func (c *apiClient) GetByID(id string) (*models.Node, error) {
 
 func (c *apiClient) List(filter ListFilter) ([]*models.Node, error) {
 	q := url.Values{}
+	if filter.Namespace != "" {
+		q.Set("namespace", filter.Namespace)
+	}
 	for _, r := range filter.Rels {
 		if r.Target == "" {
 			q.Add("rel", string(r.Type))

src/service/node_service.go

@@ -34,20 +34,23 @@ type NodeService interface {
 // Type is "prefix::value"), and edge rels (Target is a node name or ID).
 // The service applies defaults (type=issue, status=open for issues) and validates.
 type AddInput struct {
-	Title   string
+	Title     string
-	Content string
+	Content   string
-	DueDate string
+	DueDate   string
-	Rels    []RelInput
+	Namespace string // namespace name or ID; defaults to the user's personal namespace
+	Rels      []RelInput
 }
 
 // UpdateInput describes changes to apply to an existing node.
 // AddRels and RemoveRels accept both tag rels (Target == "") and edge rels.
 // Setting _status::done in AddRels is rejected when the node has open blockers.
-// Adding assignee or in_namespace rels replaces the previous single target.
+// Adding an assignee rel replaces the previous single target.
+// Setting Namespace transfers ownership from the current namespace to the new one.
 type UpdateInput struct {
 	Title      *string
 	Content    *string
 	DueDate    *string // nil = no change; pointer to "" = clear due date
+	Namespace  *string // nil = no change; namespace name or ID to move node into
 	AddRels    []RelInput
 	RemoveRels []RelInput
 }
@@ -56,6 +59,7 @@ type UpdateInput struct {
 // Tag filters (Target == "") match by rel_name prefix.
 // Edge filters (Target != "") are resolved to node IDs.
 type ListFilter struct {
+	Namespace  string // when non-empty, only return nodes owned by this namespace
 	Rels       []RelInput
 	HasDueDate bool // when true, only return nodes that have a due date set
 	DueWithin  *int // when non-nil, only return nodes due within this many days (includes overdue)

src/service/node_service_impl.go

@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ const (
 // namespaces are globally readable and any node can reference them.
 func isReferenceRel(t models.RelType) bool {
 	switch t {
-	case models.RelAssignee, models.RelCreated, models.RelMentions, models.RelInNamespace:
+	case models.RelAssignee, models.RelCreated, models.RelMentions:
 		return true
 	}
 	return false
@@ -208,6 +208,28 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) GetByID(id string) (*models.Node, error) {
 }
 
 func (s *nodeServiceImpl) List(filter ListFilter) ([]*models.Node, error) {
+	// Resolve namespace filter to owned node IDs.
+	var nsOwnedIDs map[string]bool
+	if filter.Namespace != "" {
+		nsID, _ := s.resolveIDByNameAndType(s.store, filter.Namespace, "namespace")
+		if nsID == "" {
+			if exists, _ := s.store.NodeExists(filter.Namespace); exists {
+				nsID = filter.Namespace
+			}
+		}
+		if nsID == "" {
+			return nil, nil // namespace not found
+		}
+		nsNode, err := s.store.GetNode(nsID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil
+		}
+		nsOwnedIDs = make(map[string]bool)
+		for _, ownedID := range nsNode.Relations[string(models.RelHasOwnership)] {
+			nsOwnedIDs[ownedID] = true
+		}
+	}
+
 	var storeFilters []*models.Rel
 	for _, ri := range filter.Rels {
 		if ri.Target == "" {
@@ -230,9 +252,13 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) List(filter ListFilter) ([]*models.Node, error) {
 	}
 	var result []*models.Node
 	for _, n := range nodes {
-		if pc.canRead(n.ID) {
+		if !pc.canRead(n.ID) {
-			result = append(result, n)
+			continue
 		}
+		if nsOwnedIDs != nil && !nsOwnedIDs[n.ID] {
+			continue
+		}
+		result = append(result, n)
 	}
 
 	if filter.HasDueDate || filter.DueWithin != nil {
@@ -323,13 +349,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Add(input AddInput) (*models.Node, error) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	hasNamespace := false
-	for _, ri := range input.Rels {
-		if ri.Type == models.RelInNamespace && ri.Target != "" {
-			hasNamespace = true
-		}
-	}
-
 	dueDate, err := parseDueDate(input.DueDate)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -364,9 +383,8 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Add(input AddInput) (*models.Node, error) {
 			}
 		}
 
-		// Edge rels. Track the namespace the node is placed in for ownership.
+		// Edge rels.
 		hasCreated := false
-		var actualNsID string
 		for _, ri := range input.Rels {
 			if ri.Target == "" {
 				continue // already stored as tag
@@ -378,9 +396,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Add(input AddInput) (*models.Node, error) {
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
-			if ri.Type == models.RelInNamespace {
-				actualNsID = resolved
-			}
 			if ri.Type == models.RelHasOwnership {
 				// Ownership transfer: remove existing owner of the target.
 				existingOwners, _ := st.FindNodes([]*models.Rel{{Type: models.RelHasOwnership, Target: resolved}})
@@ -393,18 +408,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Add(input AddInput) (*models.Node, error) {
 			}
 		}
 
-		// Default namespace.
-		if !hasNamespace {
-			nsID, err := s.resolveNamespaceRef(st, s.userID)
-			if err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
-			if err := st.AddRel(id, string(models.RelInNamespace), nsID); err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
-			actualNsID = nsID
-		}
-
 		// Default created.
 		if !hasCreated {
 			userID, err := s.resolveUserRef(st, s.userID)
@@ -417,39 +420,30 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Add(input AddInput) (*models.Node, error) {
 		}
 
 		// Grant ownership of the new node.
-		// Namespace nodes are owned by their creator. All other nodes are owned
+		// Namespace nodes are owned by their creator (user node).
-		// by the namespace they belong to — the user retains transitive ownership
+		// All other nodes are owned by the namespace they belong to — the user
-		// through the namespace's own ownership chain (e.g. user→owns→default-ns→owns→node).
+		// retains transitive ownership through the namespace's own ownership chain
+		// (e.g. user→has_ownership→default-ns→has_ownership→node).
 		creatorID, err := s.resolveUserRef(st, s.userID)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		ownerID := creatorID
-		if tmp.GetProperty("type") != "namespace" && actualNsID != "" {
+		if tmp.GetProperty("type") != "namespace" {
-			ownerID = actualNsID
+			nsRef := input.Namespace
+			if nsRef == "" {
+				nsRef = s.userID
+			}
+			nsID, err := s.resolveNamespaceRef(st, nsRef)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			ownerID = nsID
 		}
 		if err := st.AddRel(ownerID, string(models.RelHasOwnership), id); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 
-		// Namespace bootstrap: when creating a namespace node directly, apply the
-		// same setup as ensureNamespace — self in_namespace and creator ownership.
-		if tmp.GetProperty("type") == "namespace" {
-			if !hasNamespace {
-				// Replace the default namespace rel (user's ns) with self-reference.
-				userNsID, _ := s.resolveIDByNameAndType(st, s.userID, "namespace")
-				if userNsID != "" {
-					if err := st.RemoveRel(id, string(models.RelInNamespace), userNsID); err != nil {
-						return err
-					}
-				}
-				if err := st.AddRel(id, string(models.RelInNamespace), id); err != nil {
-					return err
-				}
-			}
-			// Creator already gets ownership via the block above; nothing more to do.
-		}
-
 		return nil
 	})
 	if err != nil {
@@ -470,8 +464,8 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Update(id string, input UpdateInput) (*models.Node, er
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	// Field/tag changes and rel removals require can_write on the node.
+	// Field/tag changes, rel removals, and namespace change require can_write on the node.
-	needsWrite := input.Title != nil || input.Content != nil || input.DueDate != nil
+	needsWrite := input.Title != nil || input.Content != nil || input.DueDate != nil || input.Namespace != nil
 	for _, ri := range input.AddRels {
 		if ri.Target == "" {
 			needsWrite = true
@@ -619,7 +613,7 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Update(id string, input UpdateInput) (*models.Node, er
 				return err
 			}
 			// Single-value relations replace the previous target.
-			if ri.Type == models.RelAssignee || ri.Type == models.RelInNamespace {
+			if ri.Type == models.RelAssignee {
 				for _, oldTgt := range currentRels[string(ri.Type)] {
 					if err := st.RemoveRel(id, string(ri.Type), oldTgt); err != nil {
 						return err
@@ -651,6 +645,24 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) Update(id string, input UpdateInput) (*models.Node, er
 			}
 		}
 
+		// Namespace change: transfer ownership from the current namespace to the new one.
+		if input.Namespace != nil {
+			newNsID, err := s.resolveNamespaceRef(st, *input.Namespace)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			// Remove ownership from any current namespace owner.
+			currentOwners, _ := st.FindNodes([]*models.Rel{{Type: models.RelHasOwnership, Target: id}})
+			for _, owner := range currentOwners {
+				if owner.GetProperty("type") == "namespace" {
+					st.RemoveRel(owner.ID, string(models.RelHasOwnership), id) //nolint:errcheck
+				}
+			}
+			if err := st.AddRel(newNsID, string(models.RelHasOwnership), id); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+
 		return nil
 	})
 	if err != nil {
@@ -770,8 +782,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) resolveRelTarget(st store.GraphStore, ri RelInput) (st
 	switch ri.Type {
 	case models.RelAssignee, models.RelCreated, models.RelMentions:
 		return s.resolveUserRef(st, ri.Target)
-	case models.RelInNamespace:
-		return s.resolveNamespaceRef(st, ri.Target)
 	default:
 		// Permission rels and all other edge rels expect raw node IDs.
 		return ri.Target, nil
@@ -788,8 +798,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) lookupRelTarget(relType models.RelType, target string)
 	switch relType {
 	case models.RelAssignee, models.RelCreated, models.RelMentions:
 		nodeType = "user"
-	case models.RelInNamespace:
-		nodeType = "namespace"
 	default:
 		// Permission rels and other edge rels use raw node IDs.
 		return "", false
@@ -843,9 +851,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) ensureGlobalNamespace(st store.GraphStore) (string, er
 	if err := st.AddRel(id, "_type::namespace", ""); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	if err := st.AddRel(id, string(models.RelInNamespace), id); err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
 	// Self-owned so no single user controls it.
 	if err := st.AddRel(id, string(models.RelHasOwnership), id); err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -916,9 +921,6 @@ func (s *nodeServiceImpl) ensureNamespace(st store.GraphStore, name string) (str
 	if err := st.AddRel(id, "_type::namespace", ""); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	if err := st.AddRel(id, string(models.RelInNamespace), id); err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
 	userID, err := s.resolveUserRef(st, s.userID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err

src/store/graph_store_sqlite.go

@@ -74,31 +74,20 @@ func FindAndOpenSQLiteStore() (GraphStore, error) {
 }
 
 // FindOrInitSQLiteStore is like FindAndOpenSQLiteStore but intended for server
-// mode: if no .ax.db is found it creates and initialises one in the current
+// mode: if no database is found it creates and initialises one in the
-// working directory instead of returning an error.
+// ~/.local/share/ax/ directory instead of returning an error.
 func FindOrInitSQLiteStore() (GraphStore, error) {
-	dir, err := filepath.Abs(".")
+	dataRoot, err := FindDataRoot(".local", "share")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to find data dir: %w", err)
 	}
-	for {
+	dbPath := filepath.Join(dataRoot, "ax.db")
-		dbpath := filepath.Join(dir, ".ax.db")
+	if _, err := os.Stat(dbPath); err != nil {
-		if _, err := os.Stat(dbpath); err == nil {
+		if err := InitSQLiteStore(dbPath); err != nil {
-			return NewSQLiteStore(dbpath)
+			return nil, err
-		}
-		if parent := filepath.Dir(dir); parent == dir {
-			break
-		} else {
-			dir = parent
 		}
 	}
-	// Not found — create and initialise in CWD.
+	return NewSQLiteStore(dbPath)
-	cwd, _ := filepath.Abs(".")
-	dbpath := filepath.Join(cwd, ".ax.db")
-	if err := InitSQLiteStore(dbpath); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	return NewSQLiteStore(dbpath)
 }
 
 // NewSQLiteStore opens a SQLite database at the given path, runs a one-time

src/store/session.go

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ func LoadSession() (*Session, error) {
 	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
 	if err != nil {
 		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
-			return nil, nil
+			return &Session{path: path}, nil
 		}
 		return nil, err
 	}