beta 2014.01.07 14:00

75 files changed, 8855 insertions, 8138 deletions

diff --git a/tex/context/base/anch-pos.lua b/tex/context/base/anch-pos.lua
index 9cc9fb128..0bd945c8a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/anch-pos.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/anch-pos.lua
@@ -30,15 +30,25 @@ local texsp = tex.sp
 ----- texsp = string.todimen -- because we cache this is much faster but no rounding
 
 local texgetcount       = tex.getcount
-local texgetbox         = tex.getbox
 local texsetcount       = tex.setcount
 local texget            = tex.get
 
 local pdf               = pdf -- h and v are variables
 
 local setmetatableindex = table.setmetatableindex
-local new_latelua       = nodes.pool.latelua
-local find_tail         = node.slide
+
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+
+local getfield          = nuts.getfield
+local setfield          = nuts.setfield
+local getlist           = nuts.getlist
+local getbox            = nuts.getbox
+local getskip           = nuts.getskip
+
+local find_tail         = nuts.tail
+
+local new_latelua       = nuts.pool.latelua
+local new_latelua_node  = nodes.pool.latelua
 
 local variables         = interfaces.variables
 local v_text            = variables.text
@@ -302,13 +312,13 @@ function commands.bcolumn(tag,register) -- name will change
     insert(columns,tag)
     column = tag
     if register then
-        context(new_latelua(f_b_column(tag)))
+        context(new_latelua_node(f_b_column(tag)))
     end
 end
 
 function commands.ecolumn(register) -- name will change
     if register then
-        context(new_latelua(f_e_column()))
+        context(new_latelua_node(f_e_column()))
     end
     remove(columns)
     column = columns[#columns]
@@ -340,10 +350,10 @@ function jobpositions.markregionbox(n,tag,correct)
         nofregions = nofregions + 1
         tag = f_region(nofregions)
     end
-    local box = texgetbox(n)
-    local w = box.width
-    local h = box.height
-    local d = box.depth
+    local box = getbox(n)
+    local w = getfield(box,"width")
+    local h = getfield(box,"height")
+    local d = getfield(box,"depth")
     tobesaved[tag] = {
         p = true,
         x = true,
@@ -355,18 +365,18 @@ function jobpositions.markregionbox(n,tag,correct)
     local push = new_latelua(f_b_region(tag))
     local pop  = new_latelua(f_e_region(tostring(correct))) -- todo: check if tostring is needed with formatter
     -- maybe we should construct a hbox first (needs experimenting) so that we can avoid some at the tex end
-    local head = box.list
+    local head = getlist(box)
     if head then
         local tail = find_tail(head)
-        head.prev = push
-        push.next = head
-        pop .prev = tail
-        tail.next = pop
+        setfield(head,"prev",push)
+        setfield(push,"next",head)
+        setfield(pop,"prev",tail)
+        setfield(tail,"next",pop)
     else -- we can have a simple push/pop
-        push.next = pop
-        pop.prev = push
+        setfield(push,"next",pop)
+        setfield(pop,"prev",push)
     end
-    box.list = push
+    setfield(box,"list",push)
 end
 
 function jobpositions.enhance(name)
@@ -375,7 +385,7 @@ end
 
 function commands.pos(name,t)
     tobesaved[name] = t
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(name)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(name)))
 end
 
 local nofparagraphs = 0
@@ -383,19 +393,19 @@ local nofparagraphs = 0
 function commands.parpos() -- todo: relate to localpar (so this is an intermediate variant)
     nofparagraphs = nofparagraphs + 1
     texsetcount("global","c_anch_positions_paragraph",nofparagraphs)
-    local strutbox = texgetbox("strutbox")
+    local strutbox = getbox("strutbox")
     local t = {
         p  = true,
         c  = true,
         r  = true,
         x  = true,
         y  = true,
-        h  = strutbox.height,
-        d  = strutbox.depth,
+        h  = getfield(strutbox,"height"),
+        d  = getfield(strutbox,"depth"),
         hs = texget("hsize"),
     }
-    local leftskip   = texget("leftskip").width
-    local rightskip  = texget("rightskip").width
+    local leftskip   = getfield(getskip("leftskip"),"width")
+    local rightskip  = getfield(getskip("rightskip"),"width")
     local hangindent = texget("hangindent")
     local hangafter  = texget("hangafter")
     local parindent  = texget("parindent")
@@ -420,7 +430,7 @@ function commands.parpos() -- todo: relate to localpar (so this is an intermedia
     end
     local tag = f_p_tag(nofparagraphs)
     tobesaved[tag] = t
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(tag)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(tag)))
 end
 
 function commands.posxy(name) -- can node.write be used here?
@@ -432,7 +442,7 @@ function commands.posxy(name) -- can node.write be used here?
         y = true,
         n = nofparagraphs > 0 and nofparagraphs or nil,
     }
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(name)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(name)))
 end
 
 function commands.poswhd(name,w,h,d)
@@ -447,7 +457,7 @@ function commands.poswhd(name,w,h,d)
         d = d,
         n = nofparagraphs > 0 and nofparagraphs or nil,
     }
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(name)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(name)))
 end
 
 function commands.posplus(name,w,h,d,extra)
@@ -463,22 +473,22 @@ function commands.posplus(name,w,h,d,extra)
         n = nofparagraphs > 0 and nofparagraphs or nil,
         e = extra,
     }
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(name)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(name)))
 end
 
 function commands.posstrut(name,w,h,d)
-    local strutbox = texgetbox("strutbox")
+    local strutbox = getbox("strutbox")
     tobesaved[name] = {
         p = true,
         c = column,
         r = true,
         x = true,
         y = true,
-        h = strutbox.height,
-        d = strutbox.depth,
+        h = getfield(strutbox,"height"),
+        d = getfield(strutbox,"depth"),
         n = nofparagraphs > 0 and nofparagraphs or nil,
     }
-    context(new_latelua(f_enhance(name)))
+    context(new_latelua_node(f_enhance(name)))
 end
 
 function jobpositions.getreserved(tag,n)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua b/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
index 18a339247..dedfc22c0 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/back-exp.lua
@@ -95,10 +95,22 @@ local a_reference       = attributes.private('reference')
 
 local a_textblock       = attributes.private("textblock")
 
-local traverse_id       = node.traverse_id
-local traverse_nodes    = node.traverse
-local slide_nodelist    = node.slide
-local locate_node       = nodes.locate
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+local tonut             = nuts.tonut
+
+local getnext           = nuts.getnext
+local getsubtype        = nuts.getsubtype
+local getfont           = nuts.getfont
+local getchar           = nuts.getchar
+local getlist           = nuts.getlist
+local getid             = nuts.getid
+local getfield          = nuts.getfield
+local getattr           = nuts.getattr
+
+local setattr           = nuts.setattr
+
+local traverse_id       = nuts.traverse_id
+local traverse_nodes    = nuts.traverse
 
 local references        = structures.references
 local structurestags    = structures.tags
@@ -1826,25 +1838,25 @@ end
 local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentattribute)
     local p
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        local id = n.id -- 14: image, 8: literal (mp)
+        local id = getid(n) -- 14: image, 8: literal (mp)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local at = n[a_tagged]
+            local at = getattr(n,a_tagged)
             if not at then
              -- we need to tag the pagebody stuff as being valid skippable
              --
              -- report_export("skipping character: %C (no attribute)",n.char)
             else
                 -- we could add tonunicodes for ligatures (todo)
-                local components =  n.components
+                local components =  getfield(n,"components")
                 if components then -- we loose data
                     collectresults(components,nil)
                 else
-                    local c = n.char
+                    local c = getchar(n)
                     if last ~= at then
                         local tl = taglist[at]
                         pushcontent()
                         currentnesting = tl
-                        currentparagraph = n[a_taggedpar]
+                        currentparagraph = getattr(n,a_taggedpar)
                         currentattribute = at
                         last = at
                         pushentry(currentnesting)
@@ -1853,13 +1865,13 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                         end
                         -- We need to intercept this here; maybe I will also move this
                         -- to a regular setter at the tex end.
-                        local r = n[a_reference]
+                        local r = getattr(n,a_reference)
                         if r then
                             referencehash[tl[#tl]] = r -- fulltag
                         end
                         --
                     elseif last then
-                        local ap = n[a_taggedpar]
+                        local ap = getattr(n,a_taggedpar)
                         if ap ~= currentparagraph then
                             pushcontent(currentparagraph,ap)
                             pushentry(currentnesting)
@@ -1874,7 +1886,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                             report_export("%w<!-- processing glyph %C tagged %a) -->",currentdepth,c,at)
                         end
                     end
-                    local s = n[a_exportstatus]
+                    local s = getattr(n,a_exportstatus)
                     if s then
                         c = s
                     end
@@ -1883,7 +1895,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                             report_export("%w<!-- skipping last glyph -->",currentdepth)
                         end
                     elseif c == 0x20 then
-                        local a = n[a_characters]
+                        local a = getattr(n,a_characters)
                         nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                         if a then
                             if trace_export then
@@ -1894,7 +1906,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                             currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = " "
                         end
                     else
-                        local fc = fontchar[n.font]
+                        local fc = fontchar[getfont(n)]
                         if fc then
                             fc = fc and fc[c]
                             if fc then
@@ -1919,20 +1931,23 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then -- probably too late
             if keephyphens then
-                local pre = n.pre
-                if pre and not pre.next and pre.id == glyph_code and pre.char == hyphencode then
+                local pre = getfield(n,"pre")
+                if pre and not getnext(pre) and getid(pre) == glyph_code and getchar(pre) == hyphencode then
                     nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent + 1
                     currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = hyphen
                 end
             end
-            collectresults(n.replace,nil)
+            local replace = getfield(n,"replace")
+            if replace then
+                collectresults(replace,nil)
+            end
         elseif id == glue_code then
             -- we need to distinguish between hskips and vskips
-            local ca = n[a_characters]
+            local ca = getattr(n,a_characters)
             if ca == 0 then
                 -- skip this one ... already converted special character (node-acc)
             elseif ca then
-                local a = n[a_tagged]
+                local a = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                 if a then
                     local c = specialspaces[ca]
                     if last ~= a then
@@ -1942,13 +1957,13 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                         end
                         pushcontent()
                         currentnesting = tl
-                        currentparagraph = n[a_taggedpar]
+                        currentparagraph = getattr(n,a_taggedpar)
                         currentattribute = a
                         last = a
                         pushentry(currentnesting)
                         -- no reference check (see above)
                     elseif last then
-                        local ap = n[a_taggedpar]
+                        local ap = getattr(n,a_taggedpar)
                         if ap ~= currentparagraph then
                             pushcontent(currentparagraph,ap)
                             pushentry(currentnesting)
@@ -1969,11 +1984,11 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent] = c
                 end
             else
-                local subtype = n.subtype
+                local subtype = getsubtype(n)
                 if subtype == userskip_code then
-                    if n.spec.width > threshold then
+                    if getfield(getfield(n,"spec"),"width") > threshold then
                         if last and not somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
-                            local a = n[a_tagged]
+                            local a = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                             if a == last then
                                 if trace_export then
                                     report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 5a -->",currentdepth)
@@ -2000,7 +2015,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                     end
                 elseif subtype == spaceskip_code or subtype == xspaceskip_code then
                     if not somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
-                        local a = n[a_tagged]
+                        local a = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                         if a == last then
                             if trace_export then
                                 report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 7 (stay in element) -->",currentdepth)
@@ -2029,7 +2044,7 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                                 nofcurrentcontent = nofcurrentcontent - 1
                             end
                         elseif not somespace[r] then
-                            local a = n[a_tagged]
+                            local a = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                             if a == last then
                                 if trace_export then
                                     report_export("%w<!-- injecting spacing 1 (end of line, stay in element) -->",currentdepth)
@@ -2057,9 +2072,9 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                 end
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local ai = n[a_image]
+            local ai = getattr(n,a_image)
             if ai then
-                local at = n[a_tagged]
+                local at = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                 if nofcurrentcontent > 0 then
                     pushcontent()
                     pushentry(currentnesting) -- ??
@@ -2072,18 +2087,21 @@ local function collectresults(head,list) -- is last used (we also have currentat
                 currentparagraph = nil
             else
                 -- we need to determine an end-of-line
-                collectresults(n.list,n)
+                local list = getlist(n)
+                if list then
+                    collectresults(list,n)
+                end
             end
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            local kern = n.kern
+            local kern = getfield(n,"kern")
             if kern > 0 then
                 local limit = threshold
-                if p and p.id == glyph_code then
+                if p and getid(p) == glyph_code then
                     limit = fontquads[p.font] / 4
                 end
                 if kern > limit then
                     if last and not somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
-                        local a = n[a_tagged]
+                        local a = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                         if a == last then
                             if not somespace[currentcontent[nofcurrentcontent]] then
                                 if trace_export then
@@ -2123,7 +2141,7 @@ function nodes.handlers.export(head) -- hooks into the page builder
     end
  -- continueexport()
     restart = true
-    collectresults(head)
+    collectresults(tonut(head))
     if trace_export then
         report_export("%w<!-- stop flushing page -->",currentdepth)
     end
@@ -2133,12 +2151,12 @@ end
 
 function builders.paragraphs.tag(head)
     noftextblocks = noftextblocks + 1
-    for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,head) do
-        local subtype = n.subtype
+    for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,tonut(head)) do
+        local subtype = getsubtype(n)
         if subtype == line_code then
-            n[a_textblock] = noftextblocks
+            setattr(n,a_textblock,noftextblocks)
         elseif subtype == glue_code or subtype == kern_code then
-            n[a_textblock] = 0
+            setattr(n,a_textblock,0)
         end
     end
     return false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
index 2bbd9ea9b..0918a2119 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/cont-new.mkiv
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 %C therefore copyrighted by \PRAGMA. See mreadme.pdf for
 %C details.
 
-\newcontextversion{2014.01.07 01:06}
+\newcontextversion{2014.01.07 14:00}
 
 %D This file is loaded at runtime, thereby providing an excellent place for
 %D hacks, patches, extensions and new features.
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf b/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
index db893977e..7a76449f0 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/context-version.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/context.mkiv b/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
index 7934f5a26..579d8ea75 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
+++ b/tex/context/base/context.mkiv
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 %D up and the dependencies are more consistent.
 
 \edef\contextformat {\jobname}
-\edef\contextversion{2014.01.07 01:06}
+\edef\contextversion{2014.01.07 14:00}
 \edef\contextkind   {beta}
 
 %D For those who want to use this:
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua b/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
index 6dc1667bb..5d4f6059b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-chk.lua
@@ -41,9 +41,18 @@ local enableaction       = tasks.enableaction
 local disableaction      = tasks.disableaction
 
 local glyph_code         = nodes.nodecodes.glyph
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
 
 -- maybe in fonts namespace
 -- deletion can be option
@@ -205,9 +214,10 @@ end
 
 function checkers.missing(head)
     local lastfont, characters, found = nil, nil, nil
+    head = tonut(head)
     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do -- faster than while loop so we delay removal
-        local font = n.font
-        local char = n.char
+        local font = getfont(n)
+        local char = getchar(n)
         if font ~= lastfont then
             characters = fontcharacters[font]
             lastfont = font
@@ -236,8 +246,8 @@ function checkers.missing(head)
     elseif action == "replace" then
         for i=1,#found do
             local n = found[i]
-            local font = n.font
-            local char = n.char
+            local font = getfont(n)
+            local char = getchar(n)
             local tfmdata = fontdata[font]
             local properties = tfmdata.properties
             local privates = properties.privates
@@ -255,13 +265,13 @@ function checkers.missing(head)
                 head = remove_node(head,n,true)
             else
                 -- good, we have \definefontfeature[default][default][missing=yes]
-                n.char = p
+                setfield(n,"char",p)
             end
         end
     else
         -- maye write a report to the log
     end
-    return head, false
+    return tonode(head), false
 end
 
 local relevant = { "missing (will be deleted)", "missing (will be flagged)", "missing" }
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-col.lua b/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
index f5e17f1da..187e33311 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-col.lua
@@ -17,7 +17,12 @@ local type, next, toboolean = type, next, toboolean
 local gmatch = string.gmatch
 local fastcopy = table.fastcopy
 
-local traverse_id        = nodes.traverse_id
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
 
 local settings_to_hash   = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
 
@@ -199,7 +204,7 @@ end
 --
 -- if lpegmatch(okay,name) then
 
-function collections.prepare(name) -- we can do this in lua now
+function collections.prepare(name) -- we can do this in lua now .. todo
     current = currentfont()
     if vectors[current] then
         return
@@ -244,23 +249,23 @@ end
 
 function collections.process(head) -- this way we keep feature processing
     local done = false
-    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        local v = vectors[n.font]
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+        local v = vectors[getfont(n)]
         if v then
-            local id = v[n.char]
+            local id = v[getchar(n)]
             if id then
                 if type(id) == "table" then
                     local newid, newchar = id[1], id[2]
                     if trace_collecting then
                         report_fonts("remapping character %C in font %a to character %C in font %a",getchar(n),getfont(n),newchar,newid)
                     end
-                    n.font = newid
-                    n.char = newchar
+                    setfield(n,"font",newid)
+                    setfield(n,"char",newchar)
                 else
                     if trace_collecting then
                         report_fonts("remapping font %a to %a for character %C",getfont(n),id,getchar(n))
                     end
-                    n.font = id
+                    setfield(n,"font",id)
                 end
             end
         end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua b/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
index b08a6aed2..8c4992d0c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-ctx.lua
@@ -57,6 +57,16 @@ local helpers             = fonts.helpers
 local hashes              = fonts.hashes
 local currentfont         = font.current
 
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local getfont             = nuts.getfont
+
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+
 local texgetattribute     = tex.getattribute
 local texsetattribute     = tex.setattribute
 local texgetdimen         = tex.getdimen
@@ -1901,24 +1911,25 @@ end
 
 -- a fontkern plug:
 
-local copy_node = node.copy
-local kern      = nodes.pool.register(nodes.pool.kern())
 
-node.set_attribute(kern,attributes.private('fontkern'),1) -- we can have several, attributes are shared
+local copy_node = nuts.copy
+local kern      = nuts.pool.register(nuts.pool.kern())
+
+setattr(kern,attributes.private('fontkern'),1) -- we can have several, attributes are shared
 
 nodes.injections.installnewkern(function(k)
     local c = copy_node(kern)
-    c.kern = k
+    setfield(c,"kern",k)
     return c
 end)
 
-directives.register("nodes.injections.fontkern", function(v) kern.subtype = v and 0 or 1 end)
+directives.register("nodes.injections.fontkern", function(v) setfield(kern,"subtype",v and 0 or 1) end)
 
 -- here
 
 local trace_analyzing    = false  trackers.register("otf.analyzing", function(v) trace_analyzing = v end)
 
-local otffeatures        = fonts.constructors.newfeatures("otf")
+local otffeatures        = constructors.newfeatures("otf")
 local registerotffeature = otffeatures.register
 
 local analyzers          = fonts.analyzers
@@ -1926,7 +1937,7 @@ local methods            = analyzers.methods
 
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local traverse_by_id     = node.traverse_id
+local traverse_by_id     = nuts.traverse_id
 
 local a_color            = attributes.private('color')
 local a_colormodel       = attributes.private('colormodel')
@@ -1953,16 +1964,17 @@ local names = {
 
 local function markstates(head)
     if head then
-        local model = head[a_colormodel] or 1
+        head = tonut(head)
+        local model = getattr(head,a_colormodel) or 1
         for glyph in traverse_by_id(glyph_code,head) do
-            local a = glyph[a_state]
+            local a = getattr(glyph,a_state)
             if a then
                 local name = names[a]
                 if name then
                     local color = m_color[name]
                     if color then
-                        glyph[a_colormodel] = model
-                        glyph[a_color] = color
+                        setattr(glyph,a_colormodel,model)
+                        setattr(glyph,a_color,color)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -2005,8 +2017,8 @@ registerotffeature { -- adapts
 
 function methods.nocolor(head,font,attr)
     for n in traverse_by_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        if not font or n.font == font then
-            n[a_color] = unsetvalue
+        if not font or getfont(n) == font then
+            setattr(n,a_color,unsetvalue)
         end
     end
     return head, true
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua b/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
index 7131ecad5..e57f784a0 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-gds.lua
@@ -46,7 +46,12 @@ local findfile           = resolvers.findfile
 
 local glyph_code         = nodes.nodecodes.glyph
 
-local traverse_id        = nodes.traverse_id
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
 
 function fontgoodies.report(what,trace,goodies)
     if trace_goodies or trace then
@@ -311,16 +316,16 @@ local setnodecolor   = nodes.tracers.colors.set
 -- function colorschemes.coloring(head)
 --     local lastfont, lastscheme
 --     local done = false
---     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
---         local a = n[a_colorscheme]
+--     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+--         local a = getattr(n,a_colorscheme)
 --         if a then
---             local f = n.font
+--             local f = getfont(n)
 --             if f ~= lastfont then
 --                 lastscheme = fontproperties[f].colorscheme
 --                 lastfont   = f
 --             end
 --             if lastscheme then
---                 local sc = lastscheme[n.char]
+--                 local sc = lastscheme[getchar(n)]
 --                 if sc then
 --                     done = true
 --                     setnodecolor(n,"colorscheme:"..a..":"..sc) -- slow
@@ -338,21 +343,21 @@ local setnodecolor   = nodes.tracers.colors.set
 --     local lastattr   = nil
 --     local lastscheme = nil
 --     local lastprefix = nil
---     local done      = nil
---     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
---         local a = n[a_colorscheme]
+--     local done       = nil
+--     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+--         local a = getattr(n,a_colorscheme)
 --         if a then
 --             if a ~= lastattr then
 --                 lastattr   = a
 --                 lastprefix = "colorscheme:" .. a .. ":"
 --             end
---             local f = n.font
+--             local f = getfont(n)
 --             if f ~= lastfont then
 --                 lastfont   = f
 --                 lastscheme = fontproperties[f].colorscheme
 --             end
 --             if lastscheme then
---                 local sc = lastscheme[n.char]
+--                 local sc = lastscheme[getchar(n)]
 --                 if sc then
 --                     setnodecolor(n,lastprefix .. sc) -- slow
 --                     done = true
@@ -384,10 +389,10 @@ function colorschemes.coloring(head)
     local lastcache  = nil
     local lastscheme = nil
     local done       = nil
-    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        local a = n[a_colorscheme]
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+        local a = getattr(n,a_colorscheme)
         if a then
-            local f = n.font
+            local f = getfont(n)
             if f ~= lastfont then
                 lastfont   = f
                 lastscheme = fontproperties[f].colorscheme
@@ -397,7 +402,7 @@ function colorschemes.coloring(head)
                 lastcache = cache[a]
             end
             if lastscheme then
-                local sc = lastscheme[n.char]
+                local sc = lastscheme[getchar(n)]
                 if sc then
                     setnodecolor(n,lastcache[sc]) -- we could inline this one
                     done = true
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-nod.lua b/tex/context/base/font-nod.lua
deleted file mode 100644
index 7fa3297d4..000000000
--- a/tex/context/base/font-nod.lua
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,437 +0,0 @@
-if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['font-nod'] = {
-    version   = 1.001,
-    comment   = "companion to font-ini.mkiv",
-    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
-    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
-    license   = "see context related readme files"
-}
-
---[[ldx--
-<p>This is rather experimental. We need more control and some of this
-might become a runtime module instead. This module will be cleaned up!</p>
---ldx]]--
-
-local tonumber, tostring = tonumber, tostring
-local utfchar = utf.char
-local concat = table.concat
-local match, gmatch, concat, rep = string.match, string.gmatch, table.concat, string.rep
-
-local report_nodes = logs.reporter("fonts","tracing")
-
-fonts = fonts or { }
-nodes = nodes or { }
-
-local fonts, nodes, node, context = fonts, nodes, node, context
-
-local tracers          = nodes.tracers or { }
-nodes.tracers          = tracers
-
-local tasks            = nodes.tasks or { }
-nodes.tasks            = tasks
-
-local handlers         = nodes.handlers or { }
-nodes.handlers         = handlers
-
-local injections       = nodes.injections or { }
-nodes.injections       = injections
-
-local char_tracers     = tracers.characters or { }
-tracers.characters     = char_tracers
-
-local step_tracers     = tracers.steppers or { }
-tracers.steppers       = step_tracers
-
-local texsetbox        = tex.setbox
-
-local copy_node_list   = nodes.copy_list
-local hpack_node_list  = nodes.hpack
-local free_node_list   = nodes.flush_list
-local traverse_nodes   = nodes.traverse
-
-local nodecodes        = nodes.nodecodes
-local whatcodes        = nodes.whatcodes
-
-local glyph_code       = nodecodes.glyph
-local hlist_code       = nodecodes.hlist
-local vlist_code       = nodecodes.vlist
-local disc_code        = nodecodes.disc
-local glue_code        = nodecodes.glue
-local kern_code        = nodecodes.kern
-local rule_code        = nodecodes.rule
-local whatsit_code     = nodecodes.whatsit
-local spec_code        = nodecodes.glue_spec
-
-local localpar_code    = whatcodes.localpar
-local dir_code         = whatcodes.dir
-
-local nodepool         = nodes.pool
-local new_glyph        = nodepool.glyph
-
-local formatters       = string.formatters
-local formatter        = string.formatter
-
-local hashes           = fonts.hashes
-
-local fontidentifiers  = hashes.identifiers
-local fontdescriptions = hashes.descriptions
-local fontcharacters   = hashes.characters
-local fontproperties   = hashes.properties
-local fontparameters   = hashes.parameters
-
-function char_tracers.collect(head,list,tag,n)
-    n = n or 0
-    local ok, fn = false, nil
-    while head do
-        local id = head.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            local f = head.font
-            if f ~= fn then
-                ok, fn = false, f
-            end
-            local c = head.char
-            local i = fontidentifiers[f].indices[c] or 0
-            if not ok then
-                ok = true
-                n = n + 1
-                list[n] = list[n] or { }
-                list[n][tag] = { }
-            end
-            local l = list[n][tag]
-            l[#l+1] = { c, f, i }
-        elseif id == disc_code then
-            -- skip
-        else
-            ok = false
-        end
-        head = head.next
-    end
-end
-
-function char_tracers.equal(ta, tb)
-    if #ta ~= #tb then
-        return false
-    else
-        for i=1,#ta do
-            local a, b = ta[i], tb[i]
-            if a[1] ~= b[1] or a[2] ~= b[2] or a[3] ~= b[3] then
-                return false
-            end
-        end
-    end
-    return true
-end
-
-function char_tracers.string(t)
-    local tt = { }
-    for i=1,#t do
-        tt[i] = utfchar(t[i][1])
-    end
-    return concat(tt,"")
-end
-
-local f_unicode = formatters["%U"]
-
-function char_tracers.unicodes(t,decimal)
-    local tt = { }
-    for i=1,#t do
-        local n = t[i][1]
-        if n == 0 then
-            tt[i] = "-"
-        elseif decimal then
-            tt[i] = n
-        else
-            tt[i] = f_unicode(n)
-        end
-    end
-    return concat(tt," ")
-end
-
-function char_tracers.indices(t,decimal)
-    local tt = { }
-    for i=1,#t do
-        local n = t[i][3]
-        if n == 0 then
-            tt[i] = "-"
-        elseif decimal then
-            tt[i] = n
-        else
-            tt[i] = f_unicode(n)
-        end
-    end
-    return concat(tt," ")
-end
-
-function char_tracers.start()
-    local npc = handlers.characters
-    local list = { }
-    function handlers.characters(head)
-        local n = #list
-        char_tracers.collect(head,list,'before',n)
-        local h, d = npc(head)
-        char_tracers.collect(head,list,'after',n)
-        if #list > n then
-            list[#list+1] = { }
-        end
-        return h, d
-    end
-    function char_tracers.stop()
-        tracers.list['characters'] = list
-        local variables = {
-            ['title']                = 'ConTeXt Character Processing Information',
-            ['color-background-one'] = lmx.get('color-background-yellow'),
-            ['color-background-two'] = lmx.get('color-background-purple'),
-        }
-        lmx.show('context-characters.lmx',variables)
-        handlers.characters = npc
-        tasks.restart("processors", "characters")
-    end
-    tasks.restart("processors", "characters")
-end
-
-local stack = { }
-
-function tracers.start(tag)
-    stack[#stack+1] = tag
-    local tracer = tracers[tag]
-    if tracer and tracer.start then
-        tracer.start()
-    end
-end
-function tracers.stop()
-    local tracer = stack[#stack]
-    if tracer and tracer.stop then
-        tracer.stop()
-    end
-    stack[#stack] = nil
-end
-
--- experimental
-
-local collection, collecting, messages = { }, false, { }
-
-function step_tracers.start()
-    collecting = true
-end
-
-function step_tracers.stop()
-    collecting = false
-end
-
-function step_tracers.reset()
-    for i=1,#collection do
-        local c = collection[i]
-        if c then
-            free_node_list(c)
-        end
-    end
-    collection, messages = { }, { }
-end
-
-function step_tracers.nofsteps()
-    return context(#collection)
-end
-
-function step_tracers.glyphs(n,i)
-    local c = collection[i]
-    if c then
-        local b = hpack_node_list(copy_node_list(c)) -- multiple arguments 
-        texsetbox(n,b)
-    end
-end
-
-function step_tracers.features()
-    -- we cannot use first_glyph here as it only finds characters with subtype < 256
-    local f = collection[1]
-    while f do
-        if f.id == glyph_code then
-            local tfmdata, t = fontidentifiers[f.font], { }
-            for feature, value in table.sortedhash(tfmdata.shared.features) do
-                if feature == "number" or feature == "features" then
-                    -- private
-                elseif type(value) == "boolean" then
-                    if value then
-                        t[#t+1] = formatters["%s=yes"](feature)
-                    else
-                        -- skip
-                    end
-                else
-                    t[#t+1] = formatters["%s=%s"](feature,value)
-                end
-            end
-            if #t > 0 then
-                context(concat(t,", "))
-            else
-                context("no features")
-            end
-            return
-        end
-        f = f.next
-    end
-end
-
-function tracers.fontchar(font,char)
-    local n = new_glyph()
-    n.font, n.char, n.subtype = font, char, 256
-    context(n)
-end
-
-function step_tracers.font(command)
-    local c = collection[1]
-    while c do
-        local id = c.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            local font = c.font
-            local name = file.basename(fontproperties[font].filename or "unknown")
-            local size = fontparameters[font].size or 0
-            if command then
-                context[command](font,name,size) -- size in sp
-            else
-                context("[%s: %s @ %p]",font,name,size)
-            end
-            return
-        else
-            c = c.next
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-function step_tracers.codes(i,command)
-    local c = collection[i]
-    while c do
-        local id = c.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            if command then
-                local f, c = c.font,c.char
-                local d = fontdescriptions[f]
-                local d = d and d[c]
-                context[command](f,c,d and d.class or "")
-            else
-                context("[%s:U+%04X]",c.font,c.char)
-            end
-        elseif id == whatsit_code and (c.subtype == localpar_code or c.subtype == dir_code) then
-            context("[%s]",c.dir)
-        else
-            context("[%s]",nodecodes[id])
-        end
-        c = c.next
-    end
-end
-
-function step_tracers.messages(i,command,split)
-    local list = messages[i] -- or { "no messages" }
-    if list then
-        for i=1,#list do
-            local l = list[i]
-            if not command then
-                context("(%s)",l)
-            elseif split then
-                local a, b = match(l,"^(.-)%s*:%s*(.*)$")
-                context[command](a or l or "",b or "")
-            else
-                context[command](l)
-            end
-        end
-    end
-end
-
--- hooks into the node list processor (see otf)
-
-function step_tracers.check(head)
-    if collecting then
-        step_tracers.reset()
-        local n = copy_node_list(head)
-        injections.handler(n,nil,"trace",true)
-        handlers.protectglyphs(n) -- can be option
-        collection[1] = n
-    end
-end
-
-function step_tracers.register(head)
-    if collecting then
-        local nc = #collection+1
-        if messages[nc] then
-            local n = copy_node_list(head)
-            injections.handler(n,nil,"trace",true)
-            handlers.protectglyphs(n) -- can be option
-            collection[nc] = n
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-function step_tracers.message(str,...)
-    str = formatter(str,...)
-    if collecting then
-        local n = #collection + 1
-        local m = messages[n]
-        if not m then m = { } messages[n] = m end
-        m[#m+1] = str
-    end
-    return str -- saves an intermediate var in the caller
-end
-
---
-
-local threshold = 65536
-
-local function toutf(list,result,nofresult,stopcriterium)
-    if list then
-        for n in traverse_nodes(list) do
-            local id = n.id
-            if id == glyph_code then
-                local components = n.components
-                if components then
-                    result, nofresult = toutf(components,result,nofresult)
-                else
-                    local c = n.char
-                    local fc = fontcharacters[n.font]
-                    if fc then
-                        local u = fc[c].tounicode
-                        if u then
-                            for s in gmatch(u,"....") do
-                                nofresult = nofresult + 1
-                                result[nofresult] = utfchar(tonumber(s,16))
-                            end
-                        else
-                            nofresult = nofresult + 1
-                            result[nofresult] = utfchar(c)
-                        end
-                    else
-                        nofresult = nofresult + 1
-                        result[nofresult] = utfchar(c)
-                    end
-                end
-            elseif id == disc_code then
-                result, nofresult = toutf(n.replace,result,nofresult) -- needed?
-            elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-             -- if nofresult > 0 and result[nofresult] ~= " " then
-             --     nofresult = nofresult + 1
-             --     result[nofresult] = " "
-             -- end
-                result, nofresult = toutf(n.list,result,nofresult)
-            elseif id == glue_code then
-                if nofresult > 0 and result[nofresult] ~= " " then
-                    nofresult = nofresult + 1
-                    result[nofresult] = " "
-                end
-            elseif id == kern_code and n.kern > threshold then
-                if nofresult > 0 and result[nofresult] ~= " " then
-                    nofresult = nofresult + 1
-                    result[nofresult] = " "
-                end
-            end
-            if n == stopcriterium then
-                break
-            end
-        end
-    end
-    if nofresult > 0 and result[nofresult] == " " then
-        result[nofresult] = nil
-        nofresult = nofresult - 1
-    end
-    return result, nofresult
-end
-
-function nodes.toutf(list,stopcriterium)
-    local result, nofresult = toutf(list,{},0,stopcriterium)
-    return concat(result)
-end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-odv.lua b/tex/context/base/font-odv.lua
index 7255c5be5..198acd6f9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-odv.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-odv.lua
@@ -63,9 +63,9 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['font-odv'] = {
 --
 -- local function ms_matra(c)
 --     local prebase, abovebase, belowbase, postbase = true, true, true, true
---     local n = c.next
---     while n and n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype < 256 and n.font == font do
---         local char = n.char
+--     local n = getnext(c)
+--     while n and getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font do
+--         local char = getchar(n)
 --         if not dependent_vowel[char] then
 --             break
 --         elseif pre_mark[char] and prebase then
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['font-odv'] = {
 --         else
 --             return c
 --         end
---         c = c.next
+--         c = getnext(c)
 --     end
 --     return c
 -- end
@@ -106,11 +106,26 @@ local methods            = fonts.analyzers.methods
 local otffeatures        = fonts.constructors.newfeatures("otf")
 local registerotffeature = otffeatures.register
 
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
-local copy_node          = nodes.copy
-local free_node          = nodes.free
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local flush_list         = nodes.flush_list
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local free_node          = nuts.free
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local flush_list         = nuts.flush_list
 
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
@@ -147,7 +162,7 @@ xprocesscharacters = function(head,font)
 end
 
 local function processcharacters(head,font)
-    return xprocesscharacters(head)
+    return tonut(xprocesscharacters(tonode(head)))
 end
 
 -- function processcharacters(head,font)
@@ -402,6 +417,7 @@ local reorder_class = {
     [0x0CC4] = "after subscript",
     [0x0CD5] = "after subscript",
     [0x0CD6] = "after subscript",
+    -- malayalam
 }
 
 -- We use some pseudo features as we need to manipulate the nodelist based
@@ -615,30 +631,30 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
     local lookuphash, reph, vattu, blwfcache = deva_initialize(font,attr) -- could be inlines but ugly
 
     local current   = start
-    local n         = start.next
+    local n         = getnext(start)
     local base      = nil
     local firstcons = nil
     local lastcons  = nil
     local basefound = false
 
-    if ra[start.char] and halant[n.char] and reph then
+    if ra[getchar(start)] and halant[getchar(n)] and reph then
         -- if syllable starts with Ra + H and script has 'Reph' then exclude Reph
         -- from candidates for base consonants
         if n == stop then
             return head, stop, nbspaces
         end
-        if n.next.char == c_zwj then
+        if getchar(getnext(n)) == c_zwj then
             current = start
         else
-            current = n.next
-            start[a_state] = s_rphf
+            current = getnext(n)
+            setattr(start,a_state,s_rphf)
         end
     end
 
-    if current.char == c_nbsp then
+    if getchar(current) == c_nbsp then
         -- Stand Alone cluster
         if current == stop then
-            stop = stop.prev
+            stop = getprev(stop)
             head = remove_node(head,current)
             free_node(current)
             return head, stop, nbspaces
@@ -647,37 +663,37 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
             base      = current
             firstcons = current
             lastcons  = current
-            current   = current.next
+            current   = getnext(current)
             if current ~= stop then
-                if nukta[current.char] then
-                    current = current.next
+                if nukta[getchar(current)] then
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
-                if current.char == c_zwj then
+                if getchar(current) == c_zwj then
                     if current ~= stop then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        if next ~= stop and halant[next.char] then
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        if next ~= stop and halant[getchar(next)] then
                             current = next
-                            next = current.next
-                            local tmp = next and next.next or nil -- needs checking
+                            next = getnext(current)
+                            local tmp = next and getnext(next) or nil -- needs checking
                             local changestop = next == stop
                             local tempcurrent = copy_node(next)
                             local nextcurrent = copy_node(current)
-                            tempcurrent.next = nextcurrent
-                            nextcurrent.prev = tempcurrent
-                            tempcurrent[a_state] = s_blwf
+                            setfield(tempcurrent,"next",nextcurrent)
+                            setfield(nextcurrent,"prev",tempcurrent)
+                            setattr(tempcurrent,a_state,s_blwf)
                             tempcurrent = processcharacters(tempcurrent,font)
-                            tempcurrent[a_state] = unsetvalue
-                            if next.char == tempcurrent.char then
+                            setattr(tempcurrent,a_state,unsetvalue)
+                            if getchar(next) == getchar(tempcurrent) then
                                 flush_list(tempcurrent)
                                 local n = copy_node(current)
-                                current.char = dotted_circle
+                                setfield(current,"char",dotted_circle)
                                 head = insert_node_after(head, current, n)
                             else
-                                current.char = tempcurrent.char    -- (assumes that result of blwf consists of one node)
-                                local freenode = current.next
-                                current.next = tmp
+                                setfield(current,"char",getchar(tempcurrent))    -- (assumes that result of blwf consists of one node)
+                                local freenode = getnext(current)
+                                setfield(current,"next",tmp)
                                 if tmp then
-                                    tmp.prev = current
+                                    setfield(tmp,"prev",current)
                                 end
                                 free_node(freenode)
                                 flush_list(tempcurrent)
@@ -694,82 +710,82 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
 
     while not basefound do
         -- find base consonant
-        if consonant[current.char] then
-            current[a_state] = s_half
+        if consonant[getchar(current)] then
+            setattr(current,a_state,s_half)
             if not firstcons then
                 firstcons = current
             end
             lastcons = current
             if not base then
                 base = current
-            elseif blwfcache[current.char] then
+            elseif blwfcache[getchar(current)] then
                 -- consonant has below-base (or post-base) form
-                current[a_state] = s_blwf
+                setattr(current,a_state,s_blwf)
             else
                 base = current
             end
         end
         basefound = current == stop
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
 
     if base ~= lastcons then
         -- if base consonant is not last one then move halant from base consonant to last one
         local np = base
-        local n = base.next
-        if nukta[n.char] then
+        local n = getnext(base)
+        if nukta[getchar(n)] then
             np = n
-            n = n.next
+            n = getnext(n)
         end
-        if halant[n.char] then
+        if halant[getchar(n)] then
             if lastcons ~= stop then
-                local ln = lastcons.next
-                if nukta[ln.char] then
+                local ln = getnext(lastcons)
+                if nukta[getchar(ln)] then
                     lastcons = ln
                 end
             end
-         -- local np = n.prev
-            local nn = n.next
-            local ln = lastcons.next -- what if lastcons is nn ?
-            np.next = nn
-            nn.prev = np
-            lastcons.next = n
+         -- local np = getprev(n)
+            local nn = getnext(n)
+            local ln = getnext(lastcons) -- what if lastcons is nn ?
+            setfield(np,"next",nn)
+            setfield(nn,"prev",np)
+            setfield(lastcons,"next",n)
             if ln then
-                ln.prev = n
+                setfield(ln,"prev",n)
             end
-            n.next = ln
-            n.prev = lastcons
+            setfield(n,"next",ln)
+            setfield(n,"prev",lastcons)
             if lastcons == stop then
                 stop = n
             end
         end
     end
 
-    n = start.next
-    if n ~= stop and ra[start.char] and halant[n.char] and not zw_char[n.next.char] then
+    n = getnext(start)
+    if n ~= stop and ra[getchar(start)] and halant[getchar(n)] and not zw_char[getchar(getnext(n))] then
         -- if syllable starts with Ra + H then move this combination so that it follows either:
         -- the post-base 'matra' (if any) or the base consonant
         local matra = base
         if base ~= stop then
-            local next = base.next
-            if dependent_vowel[next.char] then
+            local next = getnext(base)
+            if dependent_vowel[getchar(next)] then
                 matra = next
             end
         end
         -- [sp][start][n][nn] [matra|base][?]
         -- [matra|base][start]  [n][?] [sp][nn]
-        local sp = start.prev
-        local nn = n.next
-        local mn = matra.next
+        local sp = getprev(start)
+        local nn = getnext(n)
+        local mn = getnext(matra)
         if sp then
-            sp.next = nn
+            setfield(sp,"next",nn)
         end
-        nn.prev = sp
-        matra.next = start
-        start.prev = matra
-        n.next = mn
+        setfield(nn,"prev",sp)
+        setfield(matra,"next",start)
+        setfield(start,"prev",matra)
+        setfield(n,"next",mn)
         if mn then
-            mn.prev = n
+            setfield(mn,"prev",n)
         end
         if head == start then
             head = nn
@@ -782,17 +798,17 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
 
     local current = start
     while current ~= stop do
-        local next = current.next
-        if next ~= stop and halant[next.char] and next.next.char == c_zwnj then
-            current[a_state] = unsetvalue
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        if next ~= stop and halant[getchar(next)] and getchar(getnext(next)) == c_zwnj then
+            setattr(current,a_state,unsetvalue)
         end
         current = next
     end
 
-    if base ~= stop and base[a_state] then
-        local next = base.next
-        if halant[next.char] and not (next ~= stop and next.next.char == c_zwj) then
-            base[a_state] = unsetvalue
+    if base ~= stop and getattr(base,a_state) then
+        local next = getnext(base)
+        if halant[getchar(next)] and not (next ~= stop and getchar(getnext(next)) == c_zwj) then
+            setattr(base,a_state,unsetvalue)
         end
     end
 
@@ -802,62 +818,62 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
     -- classify consonants and 'matra' parts as pre-base, above-base (Reph), below-base or post-base, and group elements of the syllable (consonants and 'matras') according to this classification
 
     local current, allreordered, moved = start, false, { [base] = true }
-    local a, b, p, bn = base, base, base, base.next
-    if base ~= stop and nukta[bn.char] then
+    local a, b, p, bn = base, base, base, getnext(base)
+    if base ~= stop and nukta[getchar(bn)] then
         a, b, p = bn, bn, bn
     end
     while not allreordered do
         -- current is always consonant
         local c = current
-        local n = current.next
+        local n = getnext(current)
         local l = nil -- used ?
         if c ~= stop then
-            if nukta[n.char] then
+            if nukta[getchar(n)] then
                 c = n
-                n = n.next
+                n = getnext(n)
             end
             if c ~= stop then
-                if halant[n.char] then
+                if halant[getchar(n)] then
                     c = n
-                    n = n.next
+                    n = getnext(n)
                 end
-                while c ~= stop and dependent_vowel[n.char] do
+                while c ~= stop and dependent_vowel[getchar(n)] do
                     c = n
-                    n = n.next
+                    n = getnext(n)
                 end
                 if c ~= stop then
-                    if vowel_modifier[n.char] then
+                    if vowel_modifier[getchar(n)] then
                         c = n
-                        n = n.next
+                        n = getnext(n)
                     end
-                    if c ~= stop and stress_tone_mark[n.char] then
+                    if c ~= stop and stress_tone_mark[getchar(n)] then
                         c = n
-                        n = n.next
+                        n = getnext(n)
                     end
                 end
             end
         end
-        local bp = firstcons.prev
-        local cn = current.next
-        local last = c.next
+        local bp = getprev(firstcons)
+        local cn = getnext(current)
+        local last = getnext(c)
         while cn ~= last do
             -- move pre-base matras...
-            if pre_mark[cn.char] then
+            if pre_mark[getchar(cn)] then
                 if bp then
-                    bp.next = cn
+                    setfield(bp,"next",cn)
                 end
-                local next = cn.next
-                local prev = cn.prev
+                local next = getnext(cn)
+                local prev = getprev(cn)
                 if next then
-                    next.prev = prev
+                    setfield(next,"prev",prev)
                 end
-                prev.next = next
+                setfield(prev,"next",next)
                 if cn == stop then
                     stop = prev
                 end
-                cn.prev = bp
-                cn.next = firstcons
-                firstcons.prev = cn
+                setfield(cn,"prev",bp)
+                setfield(cn,"next",firstcons)
+                setfield(firstcons,"prev",cn)
                 if firstcons == start then
                     if head == start then
                         head = cn
@@ -866,29 +882,29 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
                 end
                 break
             end
-            cn = cn.next
+            cn = getnext(cn)
         end
         allreordered = c == stop
-        current = c.next
+        current = getnext(c)
     end
 
     if reph or vattu then
         local current, cns = start, nil
         while current ~= stop do
             local c = current
-            local n = current.next
-            if ra[current.char] and halant[n.char] then
+            local n = getnext(current)
+            if ra[getchar(current)] and halant[getchar(n)] then
                 c = n
-                n = n.next
+                n = getnext(n)
                 local b, bn = base, base
                 while bn ~= stop  do
-                    local next = bn.next
-                    if dependent_vowel[next.char] then
+                    local next = getnext(bn)
+                    if dependent_vowel[getchar(next)] then
                         b = next
                     end
                     bn = next
                 end
-                if current[a_state] == s_rphf then
+                if getattr(current,a_state) == s_rphf then
                     -- position Reph (Ra + H) after post-base 'matra' (if any) since these
                     -- become marks on the 'matra', not on the base glyph
                     if b ~= current then
@@ -901,65 +917,65 @@ local function deva_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces)
                         if b == stop then
                             stop = c
                         end
-                        local prev = current.prev
+                        local prev = getprev(current)
                         if prev then
-                            prev.next = n
+                            setfield(prev,"next",n)
                         end
                         if n then
-                            n.prev = prev
+                            setfield(n,"prev",prev)
                         end
-                        local next = b.next
-                        c.next = next
+                        local next = getnext(b)
+                        setfield(c,"next",next)
                         if next then
-                            next.prev = c
+                            setfield(next,"prev",c)
                         end
-                        c.next = next
-                        b.next = current
-                        current.prev = b
+                        setfield(c,"next",next)
+                        setfield(b,"next",current)
+                        setfield(current,"prev",b)
                     end
-                elseif cns and cns.next ~= current then
+                elseif cns and getnext(cns) ~= current then -- todo: optimize next
                     -- position below-base Ra (vattu) following the consonants on which it is placed (either the base consonant or one of the pre-base consonants)
-                    local cp, cnsn = current.prev, cns.next
+                    local cp, cnsn = getprev(current), getnext(cns)
                     if cp then
-                        cp.next = n
+                        setfield(cp,"next",n)
                     end
                     if n then
-                        n.prev = cp
+                        setfield(n,"prev",cp)
                     end
-                    cns.next = current
-                    current.prev = cns
-                    c.next = cnsn
+                    setfield(cns,"next",current)
+                    setfield(current,"prev",cns)
+                    setfield(c,"next",cnsn)
                     if cnsn then
-                        cnsn.prev = c
+                        setfield(cnsn,"prev",c)
                     end
                     if c == stop then
                         stop = cp
                         break
                     end
-                    current = n.prev
+                    current = getprev(n)
                 end
             else
-                local char = current.char
+                local char = getchar(current)
                 if consonant[char] then
                     cns = current
-                    local next = cns.next
-                    if halant[next.char] then
+                    local next = getnext(cns)
+                    if halant[getchar(next)] then
                         cns = next
                     end
                 elseif char == c_nbsp then
                     nbspaces   = nbspaces + 1
                     cns        = current
-                    local next = cns.next
-                    if halant[next.char] then
+                    local next = getnext(cns)
+                    if halant[getchar(next)] then
                         cns = next
                     end
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
 
-    if base.char == c_nbsp then
+    if getchar(base) == c_nbsp then
         nbspaces = nbspaces - 1
         head = remove_node(head,base)
         free_node(base)
@@ -979,24 +995,24 @@ end
 
 function handlers.devanagari_reorder_matras(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement) -- no leak
     local current = start -- we could cache attributes here
-    local startfont = start.font
-    local startattr = start[a_syllabe]
+    local startfont = getfont(start)
+    local startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
     -- can be fast loop
-    while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do
-        local next = current.next
-        if halant[current.char] and not current[a_state] then
-            if next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype<256 and next.font == font and next[a_syllabe] == startattr and zw_char[next.char] then
+    while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        if halant[getchar(current)] and not getattr(current,a_state) then
+            if next and getid(next) == glyph_code and getsubtype(next) < 256 and getfont(next) == font and getattr(next,a_syllabe) == startattr and zw_char[getchar(next)] then
                 current = next
             end
-            local startnext = start.next
+            local startnext = getnext(start)
             head = remove_node(head,start)
-            local next = current.next
+            local next = getnext(current)
             if next then
-                next.prev = start
+                setfield(next,"prev",start)
             end
-            start.next = next
-            current.next = start
-            start.prev = current
+            setfield(start,"next",next)
+            setfield(current,"next",start)
+            setfield(start,"prev",current)
             start = startnext
             break
         end
@@ -1032,98 +1048,98 @@ end
 function handlers.devanagari_reorder_reph(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement)
     -- since in Devanagari reph has reordering position 'before postscript' dev2 only follows step 2, 4, and 6,
     -- the other steps are still ToDo (required for scripts other than dev2)
-    local current   = start.next
+    local current   = getnext(start)
     local startnext = nil
     local startprev = nil
-    local startfont = start.font
-    local startattr = start[a_syllabe]
-    while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == startfont and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do    --step 2
-        if halant[current.char] and not current[a_state] then
-            local next = current.next
-            if next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype<256 and next.font == startfont and next[a_syllabe] == startattr and zw_char[next.char] then
+    local startfont = getfont(start)
+    local startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
+    while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == startfont and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do    --step 2
+        if halant[getchar(current)] and not getattr(current,a_state) then
+            local next = getnext(current)
+            if next and getid(next) == glyph_code and getsubtype(next) < 256 and getfont(next) == startfont and getattr(next,a_syllabe) == startattr and zw_char[getchar(next)] then
                 current = next
             end
-            startnext = start.next
+            startnext = getnext(start)
             head = remove_node(head,start)
-            local next = current.next
+            local next = getnext(current)
             if next then
-                next.prev = start
+                setfield(next,"prev",start)
             end
-            start.next = next
-            current.next = start
-            start.prev = current
+            setfield(start,"next",next)
+            setfield(current,"next",start)
+            setfield(start,"prev",current)
             start = startnext
-            startattr = start[a_syllabe]
+            startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
             break
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if not startnext then
-        current = start.next
-        while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == startfont and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do    --step 4
-            if current[a_state] == s_pstf then    --post-base
-                startnext = start.next
+        current = getnext(start)
+        while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == startfont and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do    --step 4
+            if getattr(current,a_state) == s_pstf then    --post-base
+                startnext = getnext(start)
                 head = remove_node(head,start)
-                local prev = current.prev
-                start.prev = prev
-                prev.next = start
-                start.next = current
-                current.prev = start
+                local prev = getprev(current)
+                setfield(start,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(prev,"next",start)
+                setfield(start,"next",current)
+                setfield(current,"prev",start)
                 start = startnext
-                startattr = start[a_syllabe]
+                startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
                 break
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     -- ToDo: determine position for reph with reordering position other than 'before postscript'
     -- (required for scripts other than dev2)
     -- leaks
     if not startnext then
-        current = start.next
+        current = getnext(start)
         local c = nil
-        while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == startfont and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do    --step 5
+        while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == startfont and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do    --step 5
             if not c then
-                local char = current.char
+                local char = getchar(current)
                 -- todo: combine in one
                 if mark_above_below_post[char] and reorder_class[char] ~= "after subscript" then
                     c = current
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         -- here we can loose the old start node: maybe best split cases
         if c then
-            startnext = start.next
+            startnext = getnext(start)
             head = remove_node(head,start)
-            local prev = c.prev
-            start.prev = prev
-            prev.next = start
-            start.next = c
-            c.prev = start
+            local prev = getprev(c)
+            setfield(start,"prev",prev)
+            setfield(prev,"next",start)
+            setfield(start,"next",c)
+            setfield(c,"prev",start)
             -- end
             start = startnext
-            startattr = start[a_syllabe]
+            startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
         end
     end
     -- leaks
     if not startnext then
         current = start
-        local next = current.next
-        while next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype<256 and next.font == startfont and next[a_syllabe] == startattr do    --step 6
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        while next and getid(next) == glyph_code and getsubtype(next) < 256 and getfont(next) == startfont and getattr(next,a_syllabe) == startattr do    --step 6
             current = next
-            next = current.next
+            next = getnext(current)
         end
         if start ~= current then
-            startnext = start.next
+            startnext = getnext(start)
             head = remove_node(head,start)
-            local next = current.next
+            local next = getnext(current)
             if next then
-                next.prev = start
+                setfield(next,"prev",start)
             end
-            start.next = next
-            current.next = start
-            start.prev = current
+            setfield(start,"next",next)
+            setfield(current,"next",start)
+            setfield(start,"prev",current)
             start = startnext
         end
     end
@@ -1146,71 +1162,71 @@ function handlers.devanagari_reorder_pre_base_reordering_consonants(head,start,k
     local current = start
     local startnext = nil
     local startprev = nil
-    local startfont = start.font
-    local startattr = start[a_syllabe]
+    local startfont = getfont(start)
+    local startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
     -- can be fast for loop + caching state
-    while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == startfont and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do
-        local next = current.next
-        if halant[current.char] and not current[a_state] then
-            if next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype<256 and next.font == font and next[a_syllabe] == startattr then
-                local char = next.char
+    while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == startfont and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        if halant[getchar(current)] and not getattr(current,a_state) then
+            if next and getid(next) == glyph_code and getsubtype(next) < 256 and getfont(next) == font and getattr(next,a_syllabe) == startattr then
+                local char = getchar(next)
                 if char == c_zwnj or char == c_zwj then
                     current = next
                 end
             end
-            startnext = start.next
+            startnext = getnext(start)
             removenode(start,start)
-            local next = current.next
+            local next = getnext(current)
             if next then
-                next.prev = start
+                setfield(next,"prev",start)
             end
-            start.next = next
-            current.next = start
-            start.prev = current
+            setfield(start,"next",next)
+            setfield(current,"next",start)
+            setfield(start,"prev",current)
             start = startnext
             break
         end
         current = next
     end
     if not startnext then
-        current = start.next
-        startattr = start[a_syllabe]
-        while current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == startfont and current[a_syllabe] == startattr do
-            if not consonant[current.char] and current[a_state] then    --main
-                startnext = start.next
+        current = getnext(start)
+        startattr = getattr(start,a_syllabe)
+        while current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == startfont and getattr(current,a_syllabe) == startattr do
+            if not consonant[getchar(current)] and getattr(current,a_state) then    --main
+                startnext = getnext(start)
                 removenode(start,start)
-                local prev = current.prev
-                start.prev = prev
-                prev.next = start
-                start.next = current
-                current.prev = start
+                local prev = getprev(current)
+                setfield(start,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(prev,"next",start)
+                setfield(start,"next",current)
+                setfield(current,"prev",start)
                 start = startnext
                 break
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     return head, start, true
 end
 
 function handlers.devanagari_remove_joiners(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement)
-    local stop = start.next
-    local startfont = start.font
-    while stop and stop.id == glyph_code and stop.subtype<256 and stop.font == startfont do
-        local char = stop.char
+    local stop = getnext(start)
+    local startfont = getfont(start)
+    while stop and getid(stop) == glyph_code and getsubtype(stop) < 256 and getfont(stop) == startfont do
+        local char = getchar(stop)
         if char == c_zwnj or char == c_zwj then
-            stop = stop.next
+            stop = getnext(stop)
         else
             break
         end
     end
     if stop then
-        stop.prev.next = nil
-        stop.prev = start.prev
+        setfield(getfield(stop,"prev"),"next",nil)
+        setfield(stop,"prev",getprev(start))
     end
-    local prev = start.prev
+    local prev = getprev(start)
     if prev then
-        prev.next = stop
+        setfield(prev,"next",stop)
     end
     if head == start then
     	head = stop
@@ -1276,6 +1292,7 @@ local function dev2_initialize(font,attr)
                                 for k, v in next, ra do
                                     local r = lookupcache[k]
                                     if r then
+                                        local h = false
                                         for k, v in next, halant do
                                             local h = r[k]
                                             if h then
@@ -1331,7 +1348,6 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
             for k, v in next, ra do
                 local r = lookupcache[k]
                 if r then
-                    local h = false
                     for k, v in next, halant do
                         local h = r[k]
                         if h then
@@ -1345,21 +1361,21 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
                 end
             end
             local current = start
-            local last = stop.next
+            local last = getnext(stop)
             while current ~= last do
                 if current ~= stop then
-                    local c = locl[current] or current.char
+                    local c = locl[current] or getchar(current)
                     local found = lookupcache[c]
                     if found then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        local n = locl[next] or next.char
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        local n = locl[next] or getchar(next)
                         if found[n] then    --above-base: rphf    Consonant + Halant
-                            local afternext = next ~= stop and next.next
-                            if afternext and zw_char[afternext.char] then -- ZWJ and ZWNJ prevent creation of reph
+                            local afternext = next ~= stop and getnext(next)
+                            if afternext and zw_char[getchar(afternext)] then -- ZWJ and ZWNJ prevent creation of reph
                                 current = next
-                                current = current.next
+                                current = getnext(current)
                             elseif current == start then
-                                current[a_state] = s_rphf
+                                setattr(current,a_state,s_rphf)
                                 current = next
                             else
                                 current = next
@@ -1367,7 +1383,7 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         elseif kind == "pref" then
             -- why not global? pretty ineffient this way
@@ -1391,87 +1407,87 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
             end
             --
             local current = start
-            local last = stop.next
+            local last = getnext(stop)
             while current ~= last do
                 if current ~= stop then
-                    local c = locl[current] or current.char
+                    local c = locl[current] or getchar(current)
                     local found = lookupcache[c]
                     if found then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        local n = locl[next] or next.char
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        local n = locl[next] or getchar(next)
                         if found[n] then
-                            current[a_state] = s_pref
-                            next[a_state] = s_pref
+                            setattr(current,a_state,s_pref)
+                            setattr(next,a_state,s_pref)
                             current = next
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         elseif kind == "half" then -- half forms: half / Consonant + Halant
             local current = start
-            local last = stop.next
+            local last = getnext(stop)
             while current ~= last do
                 if current ~= stop then
-                    local c = locl[current] or current.char
+                    local c = locl[current] or getchar(current)
                     local found = lookupcache[c]
                     if found then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        local n = locl[next] or next.char
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        local n = locl[next] or getchar(next)
                         if found[n] then
-                            if next ~= stop and next.next.char == c_zwnj then    -- zwnj prevent creation of half
+                            if next ~= stop and getchar(getnext(next)) == c_zwnj then    -- zwnj prevent creation of half
                                 current = next
                             else
-                                current[a_state] = s_half
+                                setattr(current,a_state,s_half)
                                 if not halfpos then
                                     halfpos = current
                                 end
                             end
-                            current = current.next
+                            current = getnext(current)
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         elseif kind == "blwf" then -- below-base: blwf / Halant + Consonant
             local current = start
-            local last = stop.next
+            local last = getnext(stop)
             while current ~= last do
                 if current ~= stop then
-                    local c = locl[current] or current.char
+                    local c = locl[current] or getchar(current)
                     local found = lookupcache[c]
                     if found then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        local n = locl[next] or next.char
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        local n = locl[next] or getchar(next)
                         if found[n] then
-                            current[a_state] = s_blwf
-                            next[a_state] = s_blwf
+                            setattr(current,a_state,s_blwf)
+                            setattr(next,a_state,s_blwf)
                             current = next
                             subpos = current
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         elseif kind == "pstf" then -- post-base: pstf / Halant + Consonant
             local current = start
-            local last = stop.next
+            local last = getnext(stop)
             while current ~= last do
                 if current ~= stop then
-                    local c = locl[current] or current.char
+                    local c = locl[current] or getchar(current)
                     local found = lookupcache[c]
                     if found then
-                        local next = current.next
-                        local n = locl[next] or next.char
+                        local next = getnext(current)
+                        local n = locl[next] or getchar(next)
                         if found[n] then
-                            current[a_state] = s_pstf
-                            next[a_state] = s_pstf
+                            setattr(current,a_state,s_pstf)
+                            setattr(next,a_state,s_pstf)
                             current = next
                             postpos = current
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -1483,14 +1499,14 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
 
     local current, base, firstcons = start, nil, nil
 
-    if start[a_state] == s_rphf then
+    if getattr(start,a_state) == s_rphf then
         -- if syllable starts with Ra + H and script has 'Reph' then exclude Reph from candidates for base consonants
-        current = start.next.next
+        current = getnext(getnext(start))
     end
 
     local function stand_alone(is_nbsp)
         if current == stop then
-            stop = stop.prev
+            stop = getprev(stop)
             head = remove_node(head,current)
             free_node(current)
             return head, stop, nbspaces
@@ -1498,36 +1514,36 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
             if is_nbsp then
                 nbspaces = nbspaces + 1
             end
-            base    = current
-            current = current.next
+            base     = current
+            current  = getnext(current)
             if current ~= stop then
-                local char = current.char
+                local char = getchar(current)
                 if nukta[char] then
-                    current = current.next
-                    char = current.char
+                    current = getnext(current)
+                    char = getchar(current)
                 end
                 if char == c_zwj then
-                    local next = current.next
-                    if current ~= stop and next ~= stop and halant[next.char] then
+                    local next = getnext(current)
+                    if current ~= stop and next ~= stop and halant[getchar(next)] then
                         current = next
-                        next = current.next
-                        local tmp = next.next
+                        next = getnext(current)
+                        local tmp = getnext(next)
                         local changestop = next == stop
-                        next.next = nil
-                        current[a_state] = s_pref
+                        setfield(next,"next",nil)
+                        setattr(current,a_state,s_pref)
                         current = processcharacters(current,font)
-                        current[a_state] = s_blwf
+                        setattr(current,a_state,s_blwf)
                         current = processcharacters(current,font)
-                        current[a_state] = s_pstf
+                        setattr(current,a_state,s_pstf)
                         current = processcharacters(current,font)
-                        current[a_state] = unsetvalue
-                        if halant[current.char] then
-                            current.next.next = tmp
+                        setattr(current,a_state,unsetvalue)
+                        if halant[getchar(current)] then
+                            setfield(getnext(current),"next",tmp)
                             local nc = copy_node(current)
-                            current.char = dotted_circle
+                            setfield(current,"char",dotted_circle)
                             head = insert_node_after(head,current,nc)
                         else
-                            current.next = tmp -- assumes that result of pref, blwf, or pstf consists of one node
+                            setfield(current,"next",tmp) -- assumes that result of pref, blwf, or pstf consists of one node
                             if changestop then
                                 stop = current
                             end
@@ -1538,23 +1554,23 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
         end
     end
 
-    if current ~= stop.next then
+    if current ~= getnext(stop) then
         -- Stand Alone cluster
         stand_alone()
-    elseif current.char == c_nbsp then
+    elseif getchar(current) == c_nbsp then
         -- Stand Alone cluster
         stand_alone(true)
     else -- not Stand Alone cluster
-        local last = stop.next
+        local last = getnext(stop)
         while current ~= last do    -- find base consonant
-            local next = current.next
-            if consonant[current.char] then
-                if not (current ~= stop and next ~= stop and halant[next.char] and next.next.char == c_zwj) then
+            local next = getnext(current)
+            if consonant[getchar(current)] then
+                if not (current ~= stop and next ~= stop and halant[getchar(next)] and getchar(getnext(next)) == c_zwj) then
                     if not firstcons then
                         firstcons = current
                     end
                     -- check whether consonant has below-base or post-base form or is pre-base reordering Ra
-                    local a = current[a_state]
+                    local a = getattr(current,a_state)
                     if not (a == s_pref or a == s_blwf or a == s_pstf) then
                         base = current
                     end
@@ -1568,13 +1584,13 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
     end
 
     if not base then
-        if start[a_state] == s_rphf then
-            start[a_state] = unsetvalue
+        if getattr(start,a_state) == s_rphf then
+            setattr(start,a_state,unsetvalue)
         end
         return head, stop, nbspaces
     else
-        if base[a_state] then
-            base[a_state] = unsetvalue
+        if getattr(base,a_state) then
+            setattr(base,a_state,unsetvalue)
         end
         basepos = base
     end
@@ -1592,32 +1608,32 @@ local function dev2_reorder(head,start,stop,font,attr,nbspaces) -- maybe do a pa
 
     local moved = { }
     local current = start
-    local last = stop.next
+    local last = getnext(stop)
     while current ~= last do
-        local char, target, cn = locl[current] or current.char, nil, current.next
+        local char, target, cn = locl[current] or getchar(current), nil, getnext(current)
 -- not so efficient (needed for malayalam)
 local tpm = twopart_mark[char]
 if tpm then
     local extra = copy_node(current)
     char = tpm[1]
-    current.char = char
-    extra.char = tpm[2]
-    head = insert_after(head,current,extra)
+    setfield(current,"char",char)
+    setfield(extra,"char",tpm[2])
+    head = insert_node_after(head,current,extra)
 end
 --
         if not moved[current] and dependent_vowel[char] then
             if pre_mark[char] then            -- Before first half form in the syllable
                 moved[current] = true
-                local prev = current.prev
-                local next = current.next
+                local prev = getprev(current)
+                local next = getnext(current)
                 if prev then
-                    prev.next = next
+                    setfield(prev,"next",next)
                 end
                 if next then
-                    next.prev = prev
+                    setfield(next,"prev",prev)
                 end
                 if current == stop then
-                    stop = current.prev
+                    stop = getprev(current)
                 end
                 if halfpos == start then
                     if head == start then
@@ -1625,13 +1641,13 @@ end
                     end
                     start = current
                 end
-                local prev = halfpos.prev
+                local prev = getprev(halfpos)
                 if prev then
-                    prev.next = current
+                    setfield(prev,"next",current)
                 end
-                current.prev = prev
-                halfpos.prev = current
-                current.next = halfpos
+                setfield(current,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(halfpos,"prev",current)
+                setfield(current,"next",halfpos)
                 halfpos = current
             elseif above_mark[char] then    -- After main consonant
                 target = basepos
@@ -1653,25 +1669,25 @@ end
                 postpos = current
             end
             if mark_above_below_post[char] then
-                local prev = current.prev
+                local prev = getprev(current)
                 if prev ~= target then
-                    local next = current.next
+                    local next = getnext(current)
                     if prev then -- not needed, already tested with target
-                        prev.next = next
+                        setfield(prev,"next",next)
                     end
                     if next then
-                        next.prev = prev
+                        setfield(next,"prev",prev)
                     end
                     if current == stop then
                         stop = prev
                     end
-                    local next = target.next
+                    local next = getnext(target)
                     if next then
-                        next.prev = current
+                        setfield(next,"prev",current)
                     end
-                    current.next = next
-                    target.next = current
-                    current.prev = target
+                    setfield(current,"next",next)
+                    setfield(target,"next",current)
+                    setfield(current,"prev",target)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -1682,7 +1698,7 @@ end
 
     local current, c = start, nil
     while current ~= stop do
-        local char = current.char
+        local char = getchar(current)
         if halant[char] or stress_tone_mark[char] then
             if not c then
                 c = current
@@ -1690,33 +1706,33 @@ end
         else
             c = nil
         end
-        local next = current.next
-        if c and nukta[next.char] then
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        if c and nukta[getchar(next)] then
             if head == c then
                 head = next
             end
             if stop == next then
                 stop = current
             end
-            local prev = c.prev
+            local prev = getprev(c)
             if prev then
-                prev.next = next
+                setfield(prev,"next",next)
             end
-            next.prev = prev
-            local nextnext = next.next
-            current.next = nextnext
-            local nextnextnext = nextnext.next
+            setfield(next,"prev",prev)
+            local nextnext = getnext(next)
+            setfield(current,"next",nextnext)
+            local nextnextnext = getnext(nextnext)
             if nextnextnext then
-                nextnextnext.prev = current
+                setfield(nextnextnext,"prev",current)
             end
-            c.prev = nextnext
-            nextnext.next = c
+            setfield(c,"prev",nextnext)
+            setfield(nextnext,"next",c)
         end
         if stop == current then break end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
 
-    if base.char == c_nbsp then
+    if getchar(base) == c_nbsp then
         nbspaces = nbspaces - 1
         head = remove_node(head, base)
         free_node(base)
@@ -1740,30 +1756,30 @@ for k, v in next, halant do separator[k] = true end
 
 local function analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,variant) -- skip one dependent vowel
     -- why two variants ... the comment suggests that it's the same ruleset
-    local n = c.next
+    local n = getnext(c)
     if not n then
         return c
     end
     if variant == 1 then
-        local v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
-        if v and nukta[n.char] then
-            n = n.next
+        local v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
+        if v and nukta[getchar(n)] then
+            n = getnext(n)
             if n then
-                v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+                v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
             end
         end
         if n and v then
-            local nn = n.next
-            if nn and nn.id == glyph_code and nn.subtype<256 and nn.font == font then
-                local nnn = nn.next
-                if nnn and nnn.id == glyph_code and nnn.subtype<256 and nnn.font == font then
-                    local nnc = nn.char
-                    local nnnc = nnn.char
+            local nn = getnext(n)
+            if nn and getid(nn) == glyph_code and getsubtype(nn) < 256 and getfont(nn) == font then
+                local nnn = getnext(nn)
+                if nnn and getid(nnn) == glyph_code and getsubtype(nnn) < 256 and getfont(nnn) == font then
+                    local nnc = getchar(nn)
+                    local nnnc = getchar(nnn)
                     if nnc == c_zwj and consonant[nnnc] then
                         c = nnn
                     elseif (nnc == c_zwnj or nnc == c_zwj) and halant[nnnc] then
-                        local nnnn = nnn.next
-                        if nnnn and nnnn.id == glyph_code and consonant[nnnn.char] and nnnn.subtype<256 and nnnn.font == font then
+                        local nnnn = getnext(nnn)
+                        if nnnn and getid(nnnn) == glyph_code and consonant[getchar(nnnn)] and getsubtype(nnnn) < 256 and getfont(nnnn) == font then
                             c = nnnn
                         end
                     end
@@ -1771,94 +1787,94 @@ local function analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,variant) -- skip one dependent vowe
             end
         end
     elseif variant == 2 then
-        if n.id == glyph_code and nukta[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+        if getid(n) == glyph_code and nukta[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
             c = n
         end
-        n = c.next
-        if n and n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
-            local nn = n.next
+        n = getnext(c)
+        if n and getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
+            local nn = getnext(n)
             if nn then
-                local nv = nn.id == glyph_code and nn.subtype<256 and nn.font == font
-                if nv and zw_char[n.char] then
+                local nv = getid(nn) == glyph_code and getsubtype(nn) < 256 and getfont(nn) == font
+                if nv and zw_char[getchar(n)] then
                     n = nn
-                    nn = nn.next
-                    nv = nn and nn.id == glyph_code and nn.subtype<256 and nn.font == font
+                    nn = getnext(nn)
+                    nv = nn and getid(nn) == glyph_code and getsubtype(nn) < 256 and getfont(nn) == font
                 end
-                if nv and halant[n.char] and consonant[nn.char] then
+                if nv and halant[getchar(n)] and consonant[getchar(nn)] then
                     c = nn
                 end
             end
         end
     end
     -- c = ms_matra(c)
-    local n = c.next
+    local n = getnext(c)
     if not n then
         return c
     end
-    local v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+    local v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
     if not v then
         return c
     end
-    local char = n.char
+    local char = getchar(n)
     if dependent_vowel[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if nukta[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if halant[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if vowel_modifier[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if stress_tone_mark[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if stress_tone_mark[char] then
         return n
@@ -1868,38 +1884,38 @@ local function analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,variant) -- skip one dependent vowe
 end
 
 local function analyze_next_chars_two(c,font)
-    local n = c.next
+    local n = getnext(c)
     if not n then
         return c
     end
-    if n.id == glyph_code and nukta[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+    if getid(n) == glyph_code and nukta[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
         c = n
     end
     n = c
     while true do
-        local nn = n.next
-        if nn and nn.id == glyph_code and nn.subtype<256 and nn.font == font then
-            local char = nn.char
+        local nn = getnext(n)
+        if nn and getid(nn) == glyph_code and getsubtype(nn) < 256 and getfont(nn) == font then
+            local char = getchar(nn)
             if halant[char] then
                 n = nn
-                local nnn = nn.next
-                if nnn and nnn.id == glyph_code and zw_char[nnn.char] and nnn.subtype<256 and nnn.font == font then
+                local nnn = getnext(nn)
+                if nnn and getid(nnn) == glyph_code and zw_char[getchar(nnn)] and getsubtype(nnn) < 256 and getfont(nnn) == font then
                     n = nnn
                 end
             elseif char == c_zwnj or char == c_zwj then
              -- n = nn -- not here (?)
-                local nnn = nn.next
-                if nnn and nnn.id == glyph_code and halant[nnn.char] and nnn.subtype<256 and nnn.font == font then
+                local nnn = getnext(nn)
+                if nnn and getid(nnn) == glyph_code and halant[getchar(nnn)] and getsubtype(nnn) < 256 and getfont(nnn) == font then
                     n = nnn
                 end
             else
                 break
             end
-            local nn = n.next
-            if nn and nn.id == glyph_code and consonant[nn.char] and nn.subtype<256 and nn.font == font then
+            local nn = getnext(n)
+            if nn and getid(nn) == glyph_code and consonant[getchar(nn)] and getsubtype(nn) < 256 and getfont(nn) == font then
                 n = nn
-                local nnn = nn.next
-                if nnn and nnn.id == glyph_code and nukta[nnn.char] and nnn.subtype<256 and nnn.font == font then
+                local nnn = getnext(nn)
+                if nnn and getid(nnn) == glyph_code and nukta[getchar(nnn)] and getsubtype(nnn) < 256 and getfont(nnn) == font then
                     n = nnn
                 end
                 c = n
@@ -1915,114 +1931,114 @@ local function analyze_next_chars_two(c,font)
         -- This shouldn't happen I guess.
         return
     end
-    local n = c.next
+    local n = getnext(c)
     if not n then
         return c
     end
-    local v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+    local v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
     if not v then
         return c
     end
-    local char = n.char
+    local char = getchar(n)
     if char == c_anudatta then
         c = n
-        n = c.next
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if halant[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
         if char == c_zwnj or char == c_zwj then
-            c = c.next
-            n = c.next
+            c = getnext(c)
+            n = getnext(c)
             if not n then
                 return c
             end
-            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
             if not v then
                 return c
             end
-            char = n.char
+            char = getchar(n)
         end
     else
         -- c = ms_matra(c)
         -- same as one
         if dependent_vowel[char] then
-            c = c.next
-            n = c.next
+            c = getnext(c)
+            n = getnext(c)
             if not n then
                 return c
             end
-            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
             if not v then
                 return c
             end
-            char = n.char
+            char = getchar(n)
         end
         if nukta[char] then
-            c = c.next
-            n = c.next
+            c = getnext(c)
+            n = getnext(c)
             if not n then
                 return c
             end
-            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
             if not v then
                 return c
             end
-            char = n.char
+            char = getchar(n)
         end
         if halant[char] then
-            c = c.next
-            n = c.next
+            c = getnext(c)
+            n = getnext(c)
             if not n then
                 return c
             end
-            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
             if not v then
                 return c
             end
-            char = n.char
+            char = getchar(n)
         end
     end
     -- same as one
     if vowel_modifier[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if stress_tone_mark[char] then
-        c = c.next
-        n = c.next
+        c = getnext(c)
+        n = getnext(c)
         if not n then
             return c
         end
-        v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+        v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
         if not v then
             return c
         end
-        char = n.char
+        char = getchar(n)
     end
     if stress_tone_mark[char] then
         return n
@@ -2034,9 +2050,9 @@ end
 local function inject_syntax_error(head,current,mark)
     local signal = copy_node(current)
     if mark == pre_mark then
-        signal.char = dotted_circle
+        setfield(signal,"char",dotted_circle)
     else
-        current.char = dotted_circle
+        setfield(current,"char",dotted_circle)
     end
     return insert_node_after(head,current,signal)
 end
@@ -2045,31 +2061,32 @@ end
 -- a lot. Common code has been synced.
 
 function methods.deva(head,font,attr)
+    head           = tonut(head)
     local current  = head
     local start    = true
     local done     = false
     local nbspaces = 0
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font then
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font then
             done = true
             local syllablestart = current
             local syllableend = nil
             local c = current
-            local n = c.next
-            if n and ra[c.char] and n.id == glyph_code and halant[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
-                local n = n.next
-                if n and n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+            local n = getnext(c)
+            if n and ra[getchar(c)] and getid(n) == glyph_code and halant[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
+                local n = getnext(n)
+                if n and getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
                     c = n
                 end
             end
-            local standalone = c.char == c_nbsp
+            local standalone = getchar(c) == c_nbsp
             if standalone then
-                local prev = current.prev
+                local prev = getprev(current)
                 if not prev then
                     -- begin of paragraph or box
-                elseif prev.id ~= glyph_code or prev.subtype>=256 or prev.font ~= font then
+                elseif getid(prev) ~= glyph_code or getsubtype(prev) >= 256 or getfont(prev) ~= font then
                     -- different font or language so quite certainly a different word
-                elseif not separator[prev.char] then
+                elseif not separator[getchar(prev)] then
                     -- something that separates words
                 else
                     standalone = false
@@ -2078,61 +2095,61 @@ function methods.deva(head,font,attr)
             if standalone then
                 -- stand alone cluster (at the start of the word only): #[Ra+H]+NBSP+[N]+[<[<ZWJ|ZWNJ>]+H+C>]+[{M}+[N]+[H]]+[SM]+[(VD)]
 				local syllableend = analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,2)
-				current = syllableend.next
+				current = getnext(syllableend)
                 if syllablestart ~= syllableend then
                     head, current, nbspaces = deva_reorder(head,syllablestart,syllableend,font,attr,nbspaces)
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
             else
-                -- we can delay the n.subtype and n.font and test for say halant first
+                -- we can delay the getsubtype(n) and getfont(n) and test for say halant first
                 -- as an table access is faster than two function calls (subtype and font are
                 -- pseudo fields) but the code becomes messy (unless we make it a function)
-                local char = current.char
+                local char = getchar(current)
                 if consonant[char] then
                     -- syllable containing consonant
                     local prevc = true
                     while prevc do
                         prevc = false
-                        local n = current.next
+                        local n = getnext(current)
                         if not n then
                             break
                         end
-                        local v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+                        local v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
                         if not v then
                             break
                         end
-                        local c = n.char
+                        local c = getchar(n)
                         if nukta[c] then
-                            n = n.next
+                            n = getnext(n)
                             if not n then
                                 break
                             end
-                            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+                            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
                             if not v then
                                 break
                             end
-                            c = n.char
+                            c = getchar(n)
                         end
                         if halant[c] then
-                            n = n.next
+                            n = getnext(n)
                             if not n then
                                 break
                             end
-                            v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+                            v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
                             if not v then
                                 break
                             end
-                            c = n.char
+                            c = getchar(n)
                             if c == c_zwnj or c == c_zwj then
-                                n = n.next
+                                n = getnext(n)
                                 if not n then
                                     break
                                 end
-                                v = n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font
+                                v = getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font
                                 if not v then
                                     break
                                 end
-                                c = n.char
+                                c = getchar(n)
                             end
                             if consonant[c] then
                                 prevc = true
@@ -2140,77 +2157,77 @@ function methods.deva(head,font,attr)
                             end
                         end
                     end
-                    local n = current.next
-                    if n and n.id == glyph_code and nukta[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+                    local n = getnext(current)
+                    if n and getid(n) == glyph_code and nukta[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
                         -- nukta (not specified in Microsft Devanagari OpenType specification)
                         current = n
-                        n = current.next
+                        n = getnext(current)
                     end
                     syllableend = current
                     current = n
                     if current then
-                        local v = current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font
+                        local v = getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font
                         if v then
-                            if halant[current.char] then
+                            if halant[getchar(current)] then
                                 -- syllable containing consonant without vowels: {C + [Nukta] + H} + C + H
-                                local n = current.next
-                                if n and n.id == glyph_code and zw_char[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+                                local n = getnext(current)
+                                if n and getid(n) == glyph_code and zw_char[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
                                     -- code collapsed, probably needs checking with intention
                                     syllableend = n
-                                    current = n.next
+                                    current = getnext(n)
                                 else
                                     syllableend = current
                                     current = n
                                 end
                             else
                                 -- syllable containing consonant with vowels: {C + [Nukta] + H} + C + [M] + [VM] + [SM]
-                                local c = current.char
+                                local c = getchar(current)
                                 if dependent_vowel[c] then
                                     syllableend = current
-                                    current = current.next
-                                    v = current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font
+                                    current = getnext(current)
+                                    v = current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font
                                     if v then
-                                        c = current.char
+                                        c = getchar(current)
                                     end
                                 end
                                 if v and vowel_modifier[c] then
                                     syllableend = current
-                                    current = current.next
-                                    v = current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font
+                                    current = getnext(current)
+                                    v = current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font
                                     if v then
-                                        c = current.char
+                                        c = getchar(current)
                                     end
                                 end
                                 if v and stress_tone_mark[c] then
                                     syllableend = current
-                                    current = current.next
+                                    current = getnext(current)
                                 end
                             end
                         end
                     end
                     if syllablestart ~= syllableend then
                         head, current, nbspaces = deva_reorder(head,syllablestart,syllableend,font,attr,nbspaces)
-                        current = current.next
+                        current = getnext(current)
                     end
                 elseif independent_vowel[char] then
                     -- syllable without consonants: VO + [VM] + [SM]
                     syllableend = current
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                     if current then
-                        local v = current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font
+                        local v = getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font
                         if v then
-                            local c = current.char
+                            local c = getchar(current)
                             if vowel_modifier[c] then
                                 syllableend = current
-                                current = current.next
-                                v = current and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font
+                                current = getnext(current)
+                                v = current and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font
                                 if v then
-                                    c = current.char
+                                    c = getchar(current)
                                 end
                             end
                             if v and stress_tone_mark[c] then
                                 syllableend = current
-                                current = current.next
+                                current = getnext(current)
                             end
                         end
                     end
@@ -2219,11 +2236,11 @@ function methods.deva(head,font,attr)
                     if mark then
                         head, current = inject_syntax_error(head,current,mark)
                     end
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
             end
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         start = false
     end
@@ -2232,7 +2249,7 @@ function methods.deva(head,font,attr)
         head = replace_all_nbsp(head)
     end
 
-    head = typesetters.characters.handler(head)
+    head = tonode(head)
 
     return head, done
 end
@@ -2243,6 +2260,7 @@ end
 -- handler(head,start,kind,lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
 
 function methods.dev2(head,font,attr)
+    head           = tonut(head)
     local current  = head
     local start    = true
     local done     = false
@@ -2250,18 +2268,18 @@ function methods.dev2(head,font,attr)
     local nbspaces = 0
     while current do
         local syllablestart, syllableend = nil, nil
-        if current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font then
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font then
             done = true
             syllablestart = current
             local c = current
-            local n = current.next
-            if n and ra[c.char] and n.id == glyph_code and halant[n.char] and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
-                local n = n.next
-                if n and n.id == glyph_code and n.subtype<256 and n.font == font then
+            local n = getnext(current)
+            if n and ra[getchar(c)] and getid(n) == glyph_code and halant[getchar(n)] and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
+                local n = getnext(n)
+                if n and getid(n) == glyph_code and getsubtype(n) < 256 and getfont(n) == font then
                     c = n
                 end
             end
-            local char = c.char
+            local char = getchar(c)
             if independent_vowel[char] then
                 -- vowel-based syllable: [Ra+H]+V+[N]+[<[<ZWJ|ZWNJ>]+H+C|ZWJ+C>]+[{M}+[N]+[H]]+[SM]+[(VD)]
                 current = analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,1)
@@ -2270,12 +2288,12 @@ function methods.dev2(head,font,attr)
                 local standalone = char == c_nbsp
                 if standalone then
                     nbspaces = nbspaces + 1
-                    local p = current.prev
+                    local p = getprev(current)
                     if not p then
                         -- begin of paragraph or box
-                    elseif p.id ~= glyph_code or p.subtype>=256 or p.font ~= font then
+                    elseif getid(p) ~= glyph_code or getsubtype(p) >= 256 or getfont(p) ~= font then
                         -- different font or language so quite certainly a different word
-                    elseif not separator[p.char] then
+                    elseif not separator[getchar(p)] then
                         -- something that separates words
                     else
                         standalone = false
@@ -2285,7 +2303,7 @@ function methods.dev2(head,font,attr)
                     -- Stand Alone cluster (at the start of the word only): #[Ra+H]+NBSP+[N]+[<[<ZWJ|ZWNJ>]+H+C>]+[{M}+[N]+[H]]+[SM]+[(VD)]
                     current = analyze_next_chars_one(c,font,2)
                     syllableend = current
-                elseif consonant[current.char] then
+                elseif consonant[getchar(current)] then
                     -- WHY current INSTEAD OF c ?
 
                     -- Consonant syllable: {C+[N]+<H+[<ZWNJ|ZWJ>]|<ZWNJ|ZWJ>+H>} + C+[N]+[A] + [< H+[<ZWNJ|ZWJ>] | {M}+[N]+[H]>]+[SM]+[(VD)]
@@ -2297,29 +2315,31 @@ function methods.dev2(head,font,attr)
         if syllableend then
             syllabe = syllabe + 1
             local c = syllablestart
-            local n = syllableend.next
+            local n = getnext(syllableend)
             while c ~= n do
-                c[a_syllabe] = syllabe
-                c = c.next
+                setattr(c,a_syllabe,syllabe)
+                c = getnext(c)
             end
         end
         if syllableend and syllablestart ~= syllableend then
             head, current, nbspaces = dev2_reorder(head,syllablestart,syllableend,font,attr,nbspaces)
         end
-        if not syllableend and current.id == glyph_code and current.subtype<256 and current.font == font and not current[a_state] then
-            local mark = mark_four[current.char]
+        if not syllableend and getid(current) == glyph_code and getsubtype(current) < 256 and getfont(current) == font and not getattr(current,a_state) then
+            local mark = mark_four[getchar(current)]
             if mark then
                 head, current = inject_syntax_error(head,current,mark)
             end
         end
         start = false
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
 
     if nbspaces > 0 then
         head = replace_all_nbsp(head)
     end
 
+    head = tonode(head)
+
     return head, done
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
index c57be5f02..7a5ae1758 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otn.lua
@@ -171,12 +171,28 @@ registertracker("otf.injections","nodes.injections")
 
 registertracker("*otf.sample","otf.steps,otf.actions,otf.analyzing")
 
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local delete_node        = nodes.delete
-local copy_node          = node.copy
-local find_node_tail     = node.tail or node.slide
-local flush_node_list    = node.flush_list
-local end_of_math        = node.end_of_math
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local delete_node        = nuts.delete
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local find_node_tail     = nuts.tail
+local flush_node_list    = nuts.flush_list
+local end_of_math        = nuts.end_of_math
 
 local setmetatableindex  = table.setmetatableindex
 
@@ -332,11 +348,11 @@ end
 -- and indices.
 
 local function copy_glyph(g) -- next and prev are untouched !
-    local components = g.components
+    local components = getfield(g,"components")
     if components then
-        g.components = nil
+        setfield(g,"components",nil)
         local n = copy_node(g)
-        g.components = components
+        setfield(g,"components",components)
         return n
     else
         return copy_node(g)
@@ -346,28 +362,28 @@ end
 -- start is a mark and we need to keep that one
 
 local function markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char)
-    if start == stop and start.char == char then
+    if start == stop and getchar(start) == char then
         return head, start
     else
-        local prev = start.prev
-        local next = stop.next
-        start.prev = nil
-        stop.next = nil
+        local prev = getprev(start)
+        local next = getnext(stop)
+        setfield(start,"prev",nil)
+        setfield(stop,"next",nil)
         local base = copy_glyph(start)
         if head == start then
             head = base
         end
-        base.char = char
-        base.subtype = ligature_code
-        base.components = start
+        setfield(base,"char",char)
+        setfield(base,"subtype",ligature_code)
+        setfield(base,"components",start)
         if prev then
-            prev.next = base
+            setfield(prev,"next",base)
         end
         if next then
-            next.prev = base
+            setfield(next,"prev",base)
         end
-        base.next = next
-        base.prev = prev
+        setfield(base,"next",next)
+        setfield(base,"prev",prev)
         return head, base
     end
 end
@@ -380,17 +396,17 @@ end
 -- third component.
 
 local function getcomponentindex(start)
-    if start.id ~= glyph_code then
+    if getid(start) ~= glyph_code then
         return 0
-    elseif start.subtype == ligature_code then
+    elseif getsubtype(start) == ligature_code then
         local i = 0
-        local components = start.components
+        local components = getfield(start,"components")
         while components do
             i = i + getcomponentindex(components)
-            components = components.next
+            components = getnext(components)
         end
         return i
-    elseif not marks[start.char] then
+    elseif not marks[getchar(start)] then
         return 1
     else
         return 0
@@ -400,29 +416,29 @@ end
 -- eventually we will do positioning in an other way (needs addional w/h/d fields)
 
 local function toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char,markflag,discfound) -- brr head
-    if start == stop and start.char == char then
-        start.char = char
+    if start == stop and getchar(start) == char then
+        setfield(start,"char",char)
         return head, start
     end
-    local prev = start.prev
-    local next = stop.next
-    start.prev = nil
-    stop.next = nil
+    local prev = getprev(start)
+    local next = getnext(stop)
+    setfield(start,"prev",nil)
+    setfield(stop,"next",nil)
     local base = copy_glyph(start)
     if start == head then
         head = base
     end
-    base.char = char
-    base.subtype = ligature_code
-    base.components = start -- start can have components
+    setfield(base,"char",char)
+    setfield(base,"subtype",ligature_code)
+    setfield(base,"components",start) -- start can have components
     if prev then
-        prev.next = base
+        setfield(prev,"next",base)
     end
     if next then
-        next.prev = base
+        setfield(next,"prev",base)
     end
-    base.next = next
-    base.prev = prev
+    setfield(base,"next",next)
+    setfield(base,"prev",prev)
     if not discfound then
         local deletemarks = markflag ~= "mark"
         local components = start
@@ -432,35 +448,35 @@ local function toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char,markflag,discfoun
         local current = base
         -- first we loop over the glyphs in start .. stop
         while start do
-            local char = start.char
+            local char = getchar(start)
             if not marks[char] then
                 baseindex = baseindex + componentindex
                 componentindex = getcomponentindex(start)
             elseif not deletemarks then -- quite fishy
-                start[a_ligacomp] = baseindex + (start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
+                setattr(start,a_ligacomp,baseindex + (getattr(start,a_ligacomp) or componentindex))
                 if trace_marks then
-                    logwarning("%s: keep mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
+                    logwarning("%s: keep mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),getattr(start,a_ligacomp))
                 end
                 head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copy_node(start)) -- unlikely that mark has components
             elseif trace_marks then
                 logwarning("%s: delete mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char))
             end
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
         -- we can have one accent as part of a lookup and another following
      -- local start = components -- was wrong (component scanning was introduced when more complex ligs in devanagari was added)
-        local start = current.next
-        while start and start.id == glyph_code do
-            local char = start.char
+        local start = getnext(current)
+        while start and getid(start) == glyph_code do
+            local char = getchar(start)
             if marks[char] then
-                start[a_ligacomp] = baseindex + (start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
+                setattr(start,a_ligacomp,baseindex + (getattr(start,a_ligacomp) or componentindex))
                 if trace_marks then
-                    logwarning("%s: set mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
+                    logwarning("%s: set mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),getattr(start,a_ligacomp))
                 end
             else
                 break
             end
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
     return head, base
@@ -468,9 +484,9 @@ end
 
 function handlers.gsub_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement)
     if trace_singles then
-        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by single %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(replacement))
+        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by single %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),gref(replacement))
     end
-    start.char = replacement
+    setfield(start,"char",replacement)
     return head, start, true
 end
 
@@ -497,7 +513,7 @@ local function get_alternative_glyph(start,alternatives,value,trace_alternatives
                 return false, trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"out of range")
             end
         elseif value == 0 then
-            return start.char, trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"no change")
+            return getchar(start), trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"no change")
         elseif value < 1 then
             return alternatives[1], trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, taking %a"](value,1)
         else
@@ -509,30 +525,30 @@ end
 local function multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,ignoremarks)
     local nofmultiples = #multiple
     if nofmultiples > 0 then
-        start.char = multiple[1]
+        setfield(start,"char",multiple[1])
         if nofmultiples > 1 then
-            local sn = start.next
+            local sn = getnext(start)
             for k=2,nofmultiples do -- todo: use insert_node
 -- untested:
 --
--- while ignoremarks and marks[sn.char] then
---     local sn = sn.next
+-- while ignoremarks and marks[getchar(sn)] then
+--     local sn = getnext(sn)
 -- end
                 local n = copy_node(start) -- ignore components
-                n.char = multiple[k]
-                n.next = sn
-                n.prev = start
+                setfield(n,"char",multiple[k])
+                setfield(n,"next",sn)
+                setfield(n,"prev",start)
                 if sn then
-                    sn.prev = n
+                    setfield(sn,"prev",n)
                 end
-                start.next = n
+                setfield(start,"next",n)
                 start = n
             end
         end
         return head, start, true
     else
         if trace_multiples then
-            logprocess("no multiple for %s",gref(start.char))
+            logprocess("no multiple for %s",gref(getchar(start)))
         end
         return head, start, false
     end
@@ -543,12 +559,12 @@ function handlers.gsub_alternate(head,start,kind,lookupname,alternative,sequence
     local choice, comment = get_alternative_glyph(start,alternative,value,trace_alternatives)
     if choice then
         if trace_alternatives then
-            logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
+            logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),choice,gref(choice),comment)
         end
-        start.char = choice
+        setfield(start,"char",choice)
     else
         if trace_alternatives then
-            logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),value,gref(start.char),comment)
+            logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),value,gref(getchar(start)),comment)
         end
     end
     return head, start, true
@@ -556,23 +572,23 @@ end
 
 function handlers.gsub_multiple(head,start,kind,lookupname,multiple,sequence)
     if trace_multiples then
-        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(multiple))
+        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),gref(multiple))
     end
     return multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,sequence.flags[1])
 end
 
 function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
-    local s, stop, discfound = start.next, nil, false
-    local startchar = start.char
+    local s, stop, discfound = getnext(start), nil, false
+    local startchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[startchar] then
         while s do
-            local id = s.id
-            if id == glyph_code and s.font == currentfont and s.subtype<256 then
-                local lg = ligature[s.char]
+            local id = getid(s)
+            if id == glyph_code and getfont(s) == currentfont and getsubtype(s)<256 then
+                local lg = ligature[getchar(s)]
                 if lg then
                     stop = s
                     ligature = lg
-                    s = s.next
+                    s = getnext(s)
                 else
                     break
                 end
@@ -584,9 +600,9 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
             local lig = ligature.ligature
             if lig then
                 if trace_ligatures then
-                    local stopchar = stop.char
+                    local stopchar = getchar(stop)
                     head, start = markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
-                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 1",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
+                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 1",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(getchar(start)))
                 else
                     head, start = markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
                 end
@@ -598,18 +614,18 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
     else
         local skipmark = sequence.flags[1]
         while s do
-            local id = s.id
-            if id == glyph_code and s.subtype<256 then
-                if s.font == currentfont then
-                    local char = s.char
+            local id = getid(s)
+            if id == glyph_code and getsubtype(s)<256 then
+                if getfont(s) == currentfont then
+                    local char = getchar(s)
                     if skipmark and marks[char] then
-                        s = s.next
+                        s = getnext(s)
                     else
                         local lg = ligature[char]
                         if lg then
                             stop = s
                             ligature = lg
-                            s = s.next
+                            s = getnext(s)
                         else
                             break
                         end
@@ -619,7 +635,7 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
                 end
             elseif id == disc_code then
                 discfound = true
-                s = s.next
+                s = getnext(s)
             else
                 break
             end
@@ -628,21 +644,20 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
         if lig then
             if stop then
                 if trace_ligatures then
-                    local stopchar = stop.char
+                    local stopchar = getchar(stop)
                     head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
-                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 2",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
+                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 2",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(getchar(start)))
                 else
                     head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
                 end
-                return head, start, true
             else
                 -- weird but happens (in some arabic font)
-                start.char = lig
+                setfield(start,"char",lig)
                 if trace_ligatures then
                     logprocess("%s: replacing %s by (no real) ligature %s case 3",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(lig))
                 end
-                return head, start, true
             end
+            return head, start, true
         else
             -- weird but happens
         end
@@ -656,16 +671,16 @@ we need to explicitly test for basechar, baselig and basemark entries.</p>
 --ldx]]--
 
 function handlers.gpos_mark2base(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
-        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [start=mark]
-        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-            local basechar = base.char
+        local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [start=mark]
+        if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+            local basechar = getchar(base)
             if marks[basechar] then
                 while true do
-                    base = base.prev
-                    if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                        basechar = base.char
+                    base = getprev(base)
+                    if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                        basechar = getchar(base)
                         if not marks[basechar] then
                             break
                         end
@@ -717,16 +732,16 @@ end
 
 function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
     -- check chainpos variant
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
-        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
-        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-            local basechar = base.char
+        local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
+        if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+            local basechar = getchar(base)
             if marks[basechar] then
                 while true do
-                    base = base.prev
-                    if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                        basechar = base.char
+                    base = getprev(base)
+                    if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                        basechar = getchar(base)
                         if not marks[basechar] then
                             break
                         end
@@ -738,7 +753,7 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequ
                     end
                 end
             end
-            local index = start[a_ligacomp]
+            local index = getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
             local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar]
             if baseanchors then
                 baseanchors = baseanchors.anchors
@@ -785,22 +800,22 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequ
 end
 
 function handlers.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
-        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
-        local slc = start[a_ligacomp]
+        local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
+        local slc = getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
         if slc then -- a rather messy loop ... needs checking with husayni
             while base do
-                local blc = base[a_ligacomp]
+                local blc = getattr(base,a_ligacomp)
                 if blc and blc ~= slc then
-                    base = base.prev
+                    base = getprev(base)
                 else
                     break
                 end
             end
         end
-        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then -- subtype test can go
-            local basechar = base.char
+        if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then -- subtype test can go
+            local basechar = getchar(base)
             local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar]
             if baseanchors then
                 baseanchors = baseanchors.anchors
@@ -840,21 +855,21 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence
 end
 
 function handlers.gpos_cursive(head,start,kind,lookupname,exitanchors,sequence) -- to be checked
-    local alreadydone = cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
+    local alreadydone = cursonce and getattr(start,a_cursbase)
     if not alreadydone then
         local done = false
-        local startchar = start.char
+        local startchar = getchar(start)
         if marks[startchar] then
             if trace_cursive then
                 logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
             end
         else
-            local nxt = start.next
-            while not done and nxt and nxt.id == glyph_code and nxt.font == currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
-                local nextchar = nxt.char
+            local nxt = getnext(start)
+            while not done and nxt and getid(nxt) == glyph_code and getfont(nxt) == currentfont and getsubtype(nxt)<256 do
+                local nextchar = getchar(nxt)
                 if marks[nextchar] then
                     -- should not happen (maybe warning)
-                    nxt = nxt.next
+                    nxt = getnext(nxt)
                 else
                     local entryanchors = descriptions[nextchar]
                     if entryanchors then
@@ -889,14 +904,14 @@ function handlers.gpos_cursive(head,start,kind,lookupname,exitanchors,sequence)
         return head, start, done
     else
         if trace_cursive and trace_details then
-            logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
+            logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),alreadydone)
         end
         return head, start, false
     end
 end
 
 function handlers.gpos_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
-    local startchar = start.char
+    local startchar = getchar(start)
     local dx, dy, w, h = setpair(start,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],kerns,characters[startchar])
     if trace_kerns then
         logprocess("%s: shifting single %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),dx,dy,w,h)
@@ -907,19 +922,19 @@ end
 function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
     -- todo: kerns in disc nodes: pre, post, replace -> loop over disc too
     -- todo: kerns in components of ligatures
-    local snext = start.next
+    local snext = getnext(start)
     if not snext then
         return head, start, false
     else
         local prev, done = start, false
         local factor = tfmdata.parameters.factor
         local lookuptype = lookuptypes[lookupname]
-        while snext and snext.id == glyph_code and snext.font == currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
-            local nextchar = snext.char
+        while snext and getid(snext) == glyph_code and getfont(snext) == currentfont and getsubtype(snext)<256 do
+            local nextchar = getchar(snext)
             local krn = kerns[nextchar]
             if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
                 prev = snext
-                snext = snext.next
+                snext = getnext(snext)
             else
                 if not krn then
                     -- skip
@@ -927,14 +942,14 @@ function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
                     if lookuptype == "pair" then -- probably not needed
                         local a, b = krn[2], krn[3]
                         if a and #a > 0 then
-                            local startchar = start.char
+                            local startchar = getchar(start)
                             local x, y, w, h = setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
                             if trace_kerns then
                                 logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
                             end
                         end
                         if b and #b > 0 then
-                            local startchar = start.char
+                            local startchar = getchar(start)
                             local x, y, w, h = setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
                             if trace_kerns then
                                 logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
@@ -946,7 +961,7 @@ function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
                      -- if a and a ~= 0 then
                      --     local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,a)
                      --     if trace_kerns then
-                     --         logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                     --         logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
                      --     end
                      -- end
                      -- if b and b ~= 0 then
@@ -957,7 +972,7 @@ function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
                 elseif krn ~= 0 then
                     local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
                     if trace_kerns then
-                        logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                        logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
                     end
                     done = true
                 end
@@ -1012,13 +1027,13 @@ end
 -- itself. It is meant mostly for dealing with Urdu.
 
 function chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,replacements)
-    local char = start.char
+    local char = getchar(start)
     local replacement = replacements[char]
     if replacement then
         if trace_singles then
             logprocess("%s: single reverse replacement of %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),gref(replacement))
         end
-        start.char = replacement
+        setfield(start,"char",replacement)
         return head, start, true
     else
         return head, start, false
@@ -1047,9 +1062,9 @@ as less as needed but that would also make the code even more messy.</p>
 --         -- done
 --     elseif ignoremarks then
 --         repeat -- start x x m x x stop => start m
---             local next = start.next
---             if not marks[next.char] then
---                 local components = next.components
+--             local next = getnext(start)
+--             if not marks[getchar(next)] then
+--                 local components = getfield(next,"components")
 --                 if components then -- probably not needed
 --                     flush_node_list(components)
 --                 end
@@ -1059,8 +1074,8 @@ as less as needed but that would also make the code even more messy.</p>
 --         until next == stop
 --     else -- start x x x stop => start
 --         repeat
---             local next = start.next
---             local components = next.components
+--             local next = getnext(start)
+--             local components = getfield(next,"components")
 --             if components then -- probably not needed
 --                 flush_node_list(components)
 --             end
@@ -1084,8 +1099,8 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lo
         logwarning("todo: check if we need to loop over the replacements: %s",concat(subtables," "))
     end
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then
-            local currentchar = current.char
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code then
+            local currentchar = getchar(current)
             local lookupname = subtables[1] -- only 1
             local replacement = lookuphash[lookupname]
             if not replacement then
@@ -1102,14 +1117,14 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lo
                     if trace_singles then
                         logprocess("%s: replacing single %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(currentchar),gref(replacement))
                     end
-                    current.char = replacement
+                    setfield(current,"char",replacement)
                 end
             end
             return head, start, true
         elseif current == stop then
             break
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     return head, start, false
@@ -1124,7 +1139,7 @@ the match.</p>
 
 function chainprocs.gsub_multiple(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
  -- local head, n = delete_till_stop(head,start,stop)
-    local startchar = start.char
+    local startchar = getchar(start)
     local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname = subtables[1]
     local replacements = lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -1167,8 +1182,8 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
     local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
     local value  = featurevalue == true and tfmdata.shared.features[kind] or featurevalue
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then -- is this check needed?
-            local currentchar = current.char
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code then -- is this check needed?
+            local currentchar = getchar(current)
             local lookupname = subtables[1]
             local alternatives = lookuphash[lookupname]
             if not alternatives then
@@ -1183,7 +1198,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
                         if trace_alternatives then
                             logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
                         end
-                        start.char = choice
+                        setfield(start,"char",choice)
                     else
                         if trace_alternatives then
                             logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),value,gref(char),comment)
@@ -1197,7 +1212,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
         elseif current == stop then
             break
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     return head, start, false
@@ -1212,7 +1227,7 @@ assume rather stupid ligatures (no complex disc nodes).</p>
 --ldx]]--
 
 function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex)
-    local startchar = start.char
+    local startchar = getchar(start)
     local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname = subtables[1]
     local ligatures = lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -1227,20 +1242,20 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
                 logwarning("%s: no ligatures starting with %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
             end
         else
-            local s = start.next
+            local s = getnext(start)
             local discfound = false
             local last = stop
             local nofreplacements = 0
             local skipmark = currentlookup.flags[1]
             while s do
-                local id = s.id
+                local id = getid(s)
                 if id == disc_code then
-                    s = s.next
+                    s = getnext(s)
                     discfound = true
                 else
-                    local schar = s.char
+                    local schar = getchar(s)
                     if skipmark and marks[schar] then -- marks
-                        s = s.next
+                        s = getnext(s)
                     else
                         local lg = ligatures[schar]
                         if lg then
@@ -1248,7 +1263,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
                             if s == stop then
                                 break
                             else
-                                s = s.next
+                                s = getnext(s)
                             end
                         else
                             break
@@ -1265,7 +1280,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
                     if start == stop then
                         logprocess("%s: replacing character %s by ligature %s case 3",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(l2))
                     else
-                        logprocess("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature %s case 4",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char),gref(l2))
+                        logprocess("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature %s case 4",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(getchar(stop)),gref(l2))
                     end
                 end
                 head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,l2,currentlookup.flags[1],discfound)
@@ -1274,7 +1289,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
                 if start == stop then
                     logwarning("%s: replacing character %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
                 else
-                    logwarning("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char))
+                    logwarning("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(getchar(stop)))
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -1285,7 +1300,7 @@ end
 chainmores.gsub_ligature = chainprocs.gsub_ligature
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
         local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
         local lookupname = subtables[1]
@@ -1294,14 +1309,14 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
             markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
         end
         if markanchors then
-            local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [start=mark]
-            if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                local basechar = base.char
+            local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [start=mark]
+            if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                local basechar = getchar(base)
                 if marks[basechar] then
                     while true do
-                        base = base.prev
-                        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                            basechar = base.char
+                        base = getprev(base)
+                        if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                            basechar = getchar(base)
                             if not marks[basechar] then
                                 break
                             end
@@ -1349,7 +1364,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
 end
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
         local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
         local lookupname = subtables[1]
@@ -1358,14 +1373,14 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
             markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
         end
         if markanchors then
-            local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
-            if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                local basechar = base.char
+            local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
+            if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                local basechar = getchar(base)
                 if marks[basechar] then
                     while true do
-                        base = base.prev
-                        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
-                            basechar = base.char
+                        base = getprev(base)
+                        if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
+                            basechar = getchar(base)
                             if not marks[basechar] then
                                 break
                             end
@@ -1378,7 +1393,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
                     end
                 end
                 -- todo: like marks a ligatures hash
-                local index = start[a_ligacomp]
+                local index = getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
                 local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar].anchors
                 if baseanchors then
                    local baseanchors = baseanchors['baselig']
@@ -1418,9 +1433,9 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
 end
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-    local markchar = start.char
+    local markchar = getchar(start)
     if marks[markchar] then
-     -- local alreadydone = markonce and start[a_markmark]
+     -- local alreadydone = markonce and getattr(start,a_markmark)
      -- if not alreadydone then
         --  local markanchors = descriptions[markchar].anchors markanchors = markanchors and markanchors.mark
             local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
@@ -1430,20 +1445,20 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
                 markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
             end
             if markanchors then
-                local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
-                local slc = start[a_ligacomp]
+                local base = getprev(start) -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
+                local slc = getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
                 if slc then -- a rather messy loop ... needs checking with husayni
                     while base do
-                        local blc = base[a_ligacomp]
+                        local blc = getattr(base,a_ligacomp)
                         if blc and blc ~= slc then
-                            base = base.prev
+                            base = getprev(base)
                         else
                             break
                         end
                     end
                 end
-                if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then -- subtype test can go
-                    local basechar = base.char
+                if base and getid(base) == glyph_code and getfont(base) == currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then -- subtype test can go
+                    local basechar = getchar(base)
                     local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar].anchors
                     if baseanchors then
                         baseanchors = baseanchors['basemark']
@@ -1483,9 +1498,9 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
 end
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-    local alreadydone = cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
+    local alreadydone = cursonce and getattr(start,a_cursbase)
     if not alreadydone then
-        local startchar = start.char
+        local startchar = getchar(start)
         local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
         local lookupname = subtables[1]
         local exitanchors = lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -1499,12 +1514,12 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,l
                     logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
                 end
             else
-                local nxt = start.next
-                while not done and nxt and nxt.id == glyph_code and nxt.font == currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
-                    local nextchar = nxt.char
+                local nxt = getnext(start)
+                while not done and nxt and getid(nxt) == glyph_code and getfont(nxt) == currentfont and getsubtype(nxt)<256 do
+                    local nextchar = getchar(nxt)
                     if marks[nextchar] then
                         -- should not happen (maybe warning)
-                        nxt = nxt.next
+                        nxt = getnext(nxt)
                     else
                         local entryanchors = descriptions[nextchar]
                         if entryanchors then
@@ -1539,7 +1554,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,l
             return head, start, done
         else
             if trace_cursive and trace_details then
-                logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
+                logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),alreadydone)
             end
             return head, start, false
         end
@@ -1549,7 +1564,7 @@ end
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
     -- untested .. needs checking for the new model
-    local startchar = start.char
+    local startchar = getchar(start)
     local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname = subtables[1]
     local kerns = lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -1570,9 +1585,9 @@ chainmores.gpos_single = chainprocs.gpos_single -- okay?
 -- when machines become faster i will make a shared function
 
 function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
-    local snext = start.next
+    local snext = getnext(start)
     if snext then
-        local startchar = start.char
+        local startchar = getchar(start)
         local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
         local lookupname = subtables[1]
         local kerns = lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -1582,12 +1597,12 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
                 local lookuptype = lookuptypes[lookupname]
                 local prev, done = start, false
                 local factor = tfmdata.parameters.factor
-                while snext and snext.id == glyph_code and snext.font == currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
-                    local nextchar = snext.char
+                while snext and getid(snext) == glyph_code and getfont(snext) == currentfont and getsubtype(snext)<256 do
+                    local nextchar = getchar(snext)
                     local krn = kerns[nextchar]
                     if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
                         prev = snext
-                        snext = snext.next
+                        snext = getnext(snext)
                     else
                         if not krn then
                             -- skip
@@ -1595,14 +1610,14 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
                             if lookuptype == "pair" then
                                 local a, b = krn[2], krn[3]
                                 if a and #a > 0 then
-                                    local startchar = start.char
+                                    local startchar = getchar(start)
                                     local x, y, w, h = setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
                                     if trace_kerns then
                                         logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
                                     end
                                 end
                                 if b and #b > 0 then
-                                    local startchar = start.char
+                                    local startchar = getchar(start)
                                     local x, y, w, h = setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
                                     if trace_kerns then
                                         logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
@@ -1614,7 +1629,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
                                 if a and a ~= 0 then
                                     local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,a)
                                     if trace_kerns then
-                                        logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                                        logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
                                     end
                                 end
                                 if b and b ~= 0 then
@@ -1625,7 +1640,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
                         elseif krn ~= 0 then
                             local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
                             if trace_kerns then
-                                logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                                logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
                             end
                             done = true
                         end
@@ -1657,6 +1672,12 @@ local function show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
     end
 end
 
+local quit_on_no_replacement = true
+
+directives.register("otf.chain.quitonnoreplacement",function(value) -- maybe per font
+    quit_on_no_replacement = value
+end)
+
 local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,sequence,lookuphash)
     --  local rule, lookuptype, sequence, f, l, lookups = ck[1], ck[2] ,ck[3], ck[4], ck[5], ck[6]
     local flags        = sequence.flags
@@ -1677,7 +1698,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
         -- f..l = mid string
         if s == 1 then
             -- never happens
-            match = current.id == glyph_code and current.font == currentfont and current.subtype<256 and seq[1][current.char]
+            match = getid(current) == glyph_code and getfont(current) == currentfont and getsubtype(current)<256 and seq[1][getchar(current)]
         else
             -- maybe we need a better space check (maybe check for glue or category or combination)
             -- we cannot optimize for n=2 because there can be disc nodes
@@ -1692,13 +1713,13 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                  -- match = true
                 else
                     local n = f + 1
-                    last = last.next
+                    last = getnext(last)
                     while n <= l do
                         if last then
-                            local id = last.id
+                            local id = getid(last)
                             if id == glyph_code then
-                                if last.font == currentfont and last.subtype<256 then
-                                    local char = last.char
+                                if getfont(last) == currentfont and getsubtype(last)<256 then
+                                    local char = getchar(last)
                                     local ccd = descriptions[char]
                                     if ccd then
                                         local class = ccd.class
@@ -1707,10 +1728,10 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                                             if trace_skips then
                                                 show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
                                             end
-                                            last = last.next
+                                            last = getnext(last)
                                         elseif seq[n][char] then
                                             if n < l then
-                                                last = last.next
+                                                last = getnext(last)
                                             end
                                             n = n + 1
                                         else
@@ -1726,7 +1747,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                                     break
                                 end
                             elseif id == disc_code then
-                                last = last.next
+                                last = getnext(last)
                             else
                                 match = false
                                 break
@@ -1740,15 +1761,15 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
             end
             -- before
             if match and f > 1 then
-                local prev = start.prev
+                local prev = getprev(start)
                 if prev then
                     local n = f-1
                     while n >= 1 do
                         if prev then
-                            local id = prev.id
+                            local id = getid(prev)
                             if id == glyph_code then
-                                if prev.font == currentfont and prev.subtype<256 then -- normal char
-                                    local char = prev.char
+                                if getfont(prev) == currentfont and getsubtype(prev)<256 then -- normal char
+                                    local char = getchar(prev)
                                     local ccd = descriptions[char]
                                     if ccd then
                                         local class = ccd.class
@@ -1779,7 +1800,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                                 match = false
                                 break
                             end
-                            prev = prev.prev
+                            prev = getprev(prev)
                         elseif seq[n][32] then -- somewhat special, as zapfino can have many preceding spaces
                             n = n -1
                         else
@@ -1800,16 +1821,16 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
             end
             -- after
             if match and s > l then
-                local current = last and last.next
+                local current = last and getnext(last)
                 if current then
                     -- removed optimization for s-l == 1, we have to deal with marks anyway
                     local n = l + 1
                     while n <= s do
                         if current then
-                            local id = current.id
+                            local id = getid(current)
                             if id == glyph_code then
-                                if current.font == currentfont and current.subtype<256 then -- normal char
-                                    local char = current.char
+                                if getfont(current) == currentfont and getsubtype(current)<256 then -- normal char
+                                    local char = getchar(current)
                                     local ccd = descriptions[char]
                                     if ccd then
                                         local class = ccd.class
@@ -1840,7 +1861,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                                 match = false
                                 break
                             end
-                            current = current.next
+                            current = getnext(current)
                         elseif seq[n][32] then
                             n = n + 1
                         else
@@ -1864,7 +1885,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
             -- ck == currentcontext
             if trace_contexts then
                 local rule, lookuptype, f, l = ck[1], ck[2], ck[4], ck[5]
-                local char = start.char
+                local char = getchar(start)
                 if ck[9] then
                     logwarning("%s: rule %s matches at char %s for (%s,%s,%s) chars, lookuptype %a, %a => %a",
                         cref(kind,chainname),rule,gref(char),f-1,l-f+1,s-l,lookuptype,ck[9],ck[10])
@@ -1899,12 +1920,12 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                     repeat
                         if skipped then
                             while true do
-                                local char = start.char
+                                local char = getchar(start)
                                 local ccd = descriptions[char]
                                 if ccd then
                                     local class = ccd.class
                                     if class == skipmark or class == skipligature or class == skipbase or (markclass and class == "mark" and not markclass[char]) then
-                                        start = start.next
+                                        start = getnext(start)
                                     else
                                         break
                                     end
@@ -1938,7 +1959,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                             end
                         end
                         if start then
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         else
                             -- weird
                         end
@@ -1949,7 +1970,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                 if replacements then
                     head, start, done = chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,last,kind,chainname,ck,lookuphash,replacements) -- sequence
                 else
-                    done = true -- can be meant to be skipped
+                    done = quit_on_no_replacement -- can be meant to be skipped / quite inconsistent in fonts
                     if trace_contexts then
                         logprocess("%s: skipping match",cref(kind,chainname))
                     end
@@ -2099,12 +2120,12 @@ end
 --             if ok then
 --                 done = true
 --             end
---             if start then start = start.next end
+--             if start then start = getnext(start) end
 --         else
---             start = start.next
+--             start = getnext(start)
 --         end
 --     else
---         start = start.next
+--         start = getnext(start)
 --     end
 
 -- there will be a new direction parser (pre-parsed etc)
@@ -2126,6 +2147,8 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
         return head, false
     end
 
+    head = tonut(head)
+
     if trace_steps then
         checkstep(head)
     end
@@ -2157,6 +2180,8 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
     -- Keeping track of the headnode is needed for devanagari (I generalized it a bit
     -- so that multiple cases are also covered.)
 
+    -- todo: retain prev
+
     for s=1,#datasets do
         local dataset = datasets[s]
         featurevalue = dataset[1] -- todo: pass to function instead of using a global
@@ -2175,10 +2200,10 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
             -- we need to get rid of this slide! probably no longer needed in latest luatex
             local start = find_node_tail(head) -- slow (we can store tail because there's always a skip at the end): todo
             while start do
-                local id = start.id
+                local id = getid(start)
                 if id == glyph_code then
-                    if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
-                        local a = start[0]
+                    if getfont(start) == font and getsubtype(start) < 256 then
+                        local a = getattr(start,0)
                         if a then
                             a = a == attr
                         else
@@ -2189,7 +2214,7 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                                 local lookupname = subtables[i]
                                 local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
                                 if lookupcache then
-                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(start)]
                                     if lookupmatch then
                                         head, start, success = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
                                         if success then
@@ -2200,15 +2225,15 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                                     report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                                 end
                             end
-                            if start then start = start.prev end
+                            if start then start = getprev(start) end
                         else
-                            start = start.prev
+                            start = getprev(start)
                         end
                     else
-                        start = start.prev
+                        start = getprev(start)
                     end
                 else
-                    start = start.prev
+                    start = getprev(start)
                 end
             end
         else
@@ -2228,16 +2253,16 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                         local head = start
                         local done = false
                         while start do
-                            local id = start.id
-                            if id == glyph_code and start.font == font and start.subtype <256 then
-                                local a = start[0]
+                            local id = getid(start)
+                            if id == glyph_code and getfont(start) == font and getsubtype(start) < 256 then
+                                local a = getattr(start,0)
                                 if a then
-                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute)
                                 else
-                                    a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                    a = not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute
                                 end
                                 if a then
-                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(start)]
                                     if lookupmatch then
                                         -- sequence kan weg
                                         local ok
@@ -2246,12 +2271,12 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                                             done = true
                                         end
                                     end
-                                    if start then start = start.next end
+                                    if start then start = getnext(start) end
                                 else
-                                    start = start.next
+                                    start = getnext(start)
                                 end
                             else
-                                start = start.next
+                                start = getnext(start)
                             end
                         end
                         if done then
@@ -2261,19 +2286,19 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                     end
 
                     local function kerndisc(disc) -- we can assume that prev and next are glyphs
-                        local prev = disc.prev
-                        local next = disc.next
+                        local prev = getprev(disc)
+                        local next = getnext(disc)
                         if prev and next then
-                            prev.next = next
-                         -- next.prev = prev
-                            local a = prev[0]
+                            setfield(prev,"next",next)
+                         -- setfield(next,"prev",prev)
+                            local a = getattr(prev,0)
                             if a then
-                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute)
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state) == attribute)
                             else
-                                a = not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute
+                                a = not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state) == attribute
                             end
                             if a then
-                                local lookupmatch = lookupcache[prev.char]
+                                local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(prev)]
                                 if lookupmatch then
                                     -- sequence kan weg
                                     local h, d, ok = handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
@@ -2283,24 +2308,24 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                                     end
                                 end
                             end
-                            prev.next = disc
-                         -- next.prev = disc
+                            setfield(prev,"next",disc)
+                         -- setfield(next,"prev",disc)
                         end
                         return next
                     end
 
                     while start do
-                        local id = start.id
+                        local id = getid(start)
                         if id == glyph_code then
-                            if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
-                                local a = start[0]
+                            if getfont(start) == font and getsubtype(start) < 256 then
+                                local a = getattr(start,0)
                                 if a then
-                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute)
                                 else
-                                    a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                    a = not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute
                                 end
                                 if a then
-                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(start)]
                                     if lookupmatch then
                                         -- sequence kan weg
                                         local ok
@@ -2309,39 +2334,39 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                                             success = true
                                         end
                                     end
-                                    if start then start = start.next end
+                                    if start then start = getnext(start) end
                                 else
-                                    start = start.next
+                                    start = getnext(start)
                                 end
                             else
-                                start = start.next
+                                start = getnext(start)
                             end
                         elseif id == disc_code then
                             -- mostly for gsub
-                            if start.subtype == discretionary_code then
-                                local pre = start.pre
+                            if getsubtype(start) == discretionary_code then
+                                local pre = getfield(start,"pre")
                                 if pre then
                                     local new = subrun(pre)
-                                    if new then start.pre = new end
+                                    if new then setfield(start,"pre",new) end
                                 end
-                                local post = start.post
+                                local post = getfield(start,"post")
                                 if post then
                                     local new = subrun(post)
-                                    if new then start.post = new end
+                                    if new then setfield(start,"post",new) end
                                 end
-                                local replace = start.replace
+                                local replace = getfield(start,"replace")
                                 if replace then
                                     local new = subrun(replace)
-                                    if new then start.replace = new end
+                                    if new then setfield(start,"replace",new) end
                                 end
 elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
     kerndisc(start)
                             end
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         elseif id == whatsit_code then -- will be function
-                            local subtype = start.subtype
+                            local subtype = getsubtype(start)
                             if subtype == dir_code then
-                                local dir = start.dir
+                                local dir = getfield(start,"dir")
                                 if     dir == "+TRT" or dir == "+TLT" then
                                     topstack = topstack + 1
                                     dirstack[topstack] = dir
@@ -2360,7 +2385,7 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                     report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                                 end
                             elseif subtype == localpar_code then
-                                local dir = start.dir
+                                local dir = getfield(start,"dir")
                                 if dir == "TRT" then
                                     rlparmode = -1
                                 elseif dir == "TLT" then
@@ -2374,11 +2399,11 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                     report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                                 end
                             end
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         elseif id == math_code then
-                            start = end_of_math(start).next
+                            start = getnext(end_of_math(start))
                         else
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -2389,20 +2414,20 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                     local head = start
                     local done = false
                     while start do
-                        local id = start.id
-                        if id == glyph_code and start.id == font and start.subtype <256 then
-                            local a = start[0]
+                        local id = getid(start)
+                        if id == glyph_code and getfont(start) == font and getsubtype(start) < 256 then
+                            local a = getattr(start,0)
                             if a then
-                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute)
                             else
-                                a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                a = not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute
                             end
                             if a then
                                 for i=1,ns do
                                     local lookupname = subtables[i]
                                     local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
                                     if lookupcache then
-                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(start)]
                                         if lookupmatch then
                                             -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
                                             local ok
@@ -2419,12 +2444,12 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                         report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                                     end
                                 end
-                                if start then start = start.next end
+                                if start then start = getnext(start) end
                             else
-                                start = start.next
+                                start = getnext(start)
                             end
                         else
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         end
                     end
                     if done then
@@ -2434,23 +2459,23 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                 end
 
                 local function kerndisc(disc) -- we can assume that prev and next are glyphs
-                    local prev = disc.prev
-                    local next = disc.next
+                    local prev = getprev(disc)
+                    local next = getnext(disc)
                     if prev and next then
-                        prev.next = next
-                     -- next.prev = prev
-                        local a = prev[0]
+                        setfield(prev,"next",next)
+                     -- setfield(next,"prev",prev)
+                        local a = getattr(prev,0)
                         if a then
-                            a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute)
+                            a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state) == attribute)
                         else
-                            a = not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute
+                            a = not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state) == attribute
                         end
                         if a then
                             for i=1,ns do
                                 local lookupname = subtables[i]
                                 local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
                                 if lookupcache then
-                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[prev.char]
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(prev)]
                                     if lookupmatch then
                                         -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
                                         local h, d, ok = handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
@@ -2464,28 +2489,28 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                 end
                             end
                         end
-                        prev.next = disc
-                     -- next.prev = disc
+                        setfield(prev,"next",disc)
+                     -- setfield(next,"prev",disc)
                     end
                     return next
                 end
 
                 while start do
-                    local id = start.id
+                    local id = getid(start)
                     if id == glyph_code then
-                        if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
-                            local a = start[0]
+                        if getfont(start) == font and getsubtype(start) < 256 then
+                            local a = getattr(start,0)
                             if a then
-                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute)
                             else
-                                a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                a = not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute
                             end
                             if a then
                                 for i=1,ns do
                                     local lookupname = subtables[i]
                                     local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
                                     if lookupcache then
-                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[getchar(start)]
                                         if lookupmatch then
                                             -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
                                             local ok
@@ -2502,39 +2527,39 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                         report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                                     end
                                 end
-                                if start then start = start.next end
+                                if start then start = getnext(start) end
                             else
-                                start = start.next
+                                start = getnext(start)
                             end
                         else
-                            start = start.next
+                            start = getnext(start)
                         end
                     elseif id == disc_code then
                         -- mostly for gsub
-                        if start.subtype == discretionary_code then
-                            local pre = start.pre
+                        if getsubtype(start) == discretionary_code then
+                            local pre = getfield(start,"pre")
                             if pre then
                                 local new = subrun(pre)
-                                if new then start.pre = new end
+                                if new then setfield(start,"pre",new) end
                             end
-                            local post = start.post
+                            local post = getfield(start,"post")
                             if post then
                                 local new = subrun(post)
-                                if new then start.post = new end
+                                if new then setfield(start,"post",new) end
                             end
-                            local replace = start.replace
+                            local replace = getfield(start,"replace")
                             if replace then
                                 local new = subrun(replace)
-                                if new then start.replace = new end
+                                if new then setfield(start,"replace",new) end
                             end
 elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
     kerndisc(start)
                         end
-                        start = start.next
+                        start = getnext(start)
                     elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                        local subtype = start.subtype
+                        local subtype = getsubtype(start)
                         if subtype == dir_code then
-                            local dir = start.dir
+                            local dir = getfield(start,"dir")
                             if     dir == "+TRT" or dir == "+TLT" then
                                 topstack = topstack + 1
                                 dirstack[topstack] = dir
@@ -2553,7 +2578,7 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                 report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                             end
                         elseif subtype == localpar_code then
-                            local dir = start.dir
+                            local dir = getfield(start,"dir")
                             if dir == "TRT" then
                                 rlparmode = -1
                             elseif dir == "TLT" then
@@ -2566,11 +2591,11 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
                                 report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                             end
                         end
-                        start = start.next
+                        start = getnext(start)
                     elseif id == math_code then
-                        start = end_of_math(start).next
+                        start = getnext(end_of_math(start))
                     else
-                        start = start.next
+                        start = getnext(start)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -2582,6 +2607,9 @@ elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
             registerstep(head)
         end
     end
+
+    head = tonode(head)
+
     return head, done
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-otx.lua b/tex/context/base/font-otx.lua
index f39045223..b7d2ae0bc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-otx.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-otx.lua
@@ -30,15 +30,29 @@ analyzers.methods         = methods
 
 local a_state             = attributes.private('state')
 
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local getfont             = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+
+local traverse_id         = nuts.traverse_id
+local traverse_node_list  = nuts.traverse
+local end_of_math         = nuts.end_of_math
+
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code          = nodecodes.glyph
 local disc_code           = nodecodes.disc
 local math_code           = nodecodes.math
 
-local traverse_id         = node.traverse_id
-local traverse_node_list  = node.traverse
-local end_of_math         = node.end_of_math
-
 local fontdata            = fonts.hashes.identifiers
 local categories          = characters and characters.categories or { } -- sorry, only in context
 local chardata            = characters and characters.data
@@ -95,60 +109,61 @@ analyzers.useunicodemarks = false
 -- todo: analyzers per script/lang, cross font, so we need an font id hash -> script
 -- e.g. latin -> hyphenate, arab -> 1/2/3 analyze -- its own namespace
 
-function analyzers.setstate(head,font)
+function analyzers.setstate(head,font) -- we can skip math
     local useunicodemarks  = analyzers.useunicodemarks
     local tfmdata = fontdata[font]
     local descriptions = tfmdata.descriptions
     local first, last, current, n, done = nil, nil, head, 0, false -- maybe make n boolean
+    current = tonut(current)
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
-        if id == glyph_code and current.font == font then
+        local id = getid(current)
+        if id == glyph_code and getfont(current) == font then
             done = true
-            local char = current.char
+            local char = getchar(current)
             local d = descriptions[char]
             if d then
                 if d.class == "mark" then
                     done = true
-                    current[a_state] = s_mark
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_mark)
                 elseif useunicodemarks and categories[char] == "mn" then
                     done = true
-                    current[a_state] = s_mark
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_mark)
                 elseif n == 0 then
                     first, last, n = current, current, 1
-                    current[a_state] = s_init
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_init)
                 else
                     last, n = current, n+1
-                    current[a_state] = s_medi
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_medi)
                 end
             else -- finish
                 if first and first == last then
-                    last[a_state] = s_isol
+                    setattr(last,a_state,s_isol)
                 elseif last then
-                    last[a_state] = s_fina
+                    setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
                 end
                 first, last, n = nil, nil, 0
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
             -- always in the middle
-            current[a_state] = s_medi
+            setattr(current,a_state,s_medi)
             last = current
         else -- finish
             if first and first == last then
-                last[a_state] = s_isol
+                setattr(last,a_state,s_isol)
             elseif last then
-                last[a_state] = s_fina
+                setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
             end
             first, last, n = nil, nil, 0
             if id == math_code then
                 current = end_of_math(current)
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if first and first == last then
-        last[a_state] = s_isol
+        setattr(last,a_state,s_isol)
     elseif last then
-        last[a_state] = s_fina
+        setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
     end
     return head, done
 end
@@ -209,7 +224,7 @@ methods.latn = analyzers.setstate
 local arab_warned = { }
 
 local function warning(current,what)
-    local char = current.char
+    local char = getchar(current)
     if not arab_warned[char] then
         log.report("analyze","arab: character %C has no %a class",char,what)
         arab_warned[char] = true
@@ -261,94 +276,95 @@ function methods.arab(head,font,attr)
     local first, last = nil, nil
     local c_first, c_last = nil, nil
     local current, done = head, false
+    current = tonut(current)
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
-        if id == glyph_code and current.font == font and current.subtype<256 and not current[a_state] then
+        local id = getid(current)
+        if id == glyph_code and getfont(current) == font and getsubtype(current)<256 and not getattr(current,a_state) then
             done = true
-            local char = current.char
+            local char = getchar(current)
             local classifier = classifiers[char]
             if not classifier then
                 if last then
                     if c_last == s_medi or c_last == s_fina then
-                        last[a_state] = s_fina
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
                     else
                         warning(last,"fina")
-                        last[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first, last = nil, nil
                 elseif first then
                     if c_first == s_medi or c_first == s_fina then
-                        first[a_state] = s_isol
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_isol)
                     else
                         warning(first,"isol")
-                        first[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first = nil
                 end
             elseif classifier == s_mark then
-                current[a_state] = s_mark
+                setattr(current,a_state,s_mark)
             elseif classifier == s_isol then
                 if last then
                     if c_last == s_medi or c_last == s_fina then
-                        last[a_state] = s_fina
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
                     else
                         warning(last,"fina")
-                        last[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first, last = nil, nil
                 elseif first then
                     if c_first == s_medi or c_first == s_fina then
-                        first[a_state] = s_isol
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_isol)
                     else
                         warning(first,"isol")
-                        first[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first = nil
                 end
-                current[a_state] = s_isol
+                setattr(current,a_state,s_isol)
             elseif classifier == s_medi then
                 if first then
                     last = current
                     c_last = classifier
-                    current[a_state] = s_medi
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_medi)
                 else
-                    current[a_state] = s_init
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_init)
                     first = current
                     c_first = classifier
                 end
             elseif classifier == s_fina then
                 if last then
-                    if last[a_state] ~= s_init then
-                        last[a_state] = s_medi
+                    if getattr(last,a_state) ~= s_init then
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_medi)
                     end
-                    current[a_state] = s_fina
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_fina)
                     first, last = nil, nil
                 elseif first then
-                 -- if first[a_state] ~= s_init then
+                 -- if getattr(first,a_state) ~= s_init then
                  --     -- needs checking
-                 --     first[a_state] = s_medi
+                 --     setattr(first,a_state,s_medi)
                  -- end
-                    current[a_state] = s_fina
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_fina)
                     first = nil
                 else
-                    current[a_state] = s_isol
+                    setattr(current,a_state,s_isol)
                 end
             else -- classifier == s_rest
-                current[a_state] = s_rest
+                setattr(current,a_state,s_rest)
                 if last then
                     if c_last == s_medi or c_last == s_fina then
-                        last[a_state] = s_fina
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
                     else
                         warning(last,"fina")
-                        last[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(last,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first, last = nil, nil
                 elseif first then
                     if c_first == s_medi or c_first == s_fina then
-                        first[a_state] = s_isol
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_isol)
                     else
                         warning(first,"isol")
-                        first[a_state] = s_error
+                        setattr(first,a_state,s_error)
                     end
                     first = nil
                 end
@@ -356,18 +372,18 @@ function methods.arab(head,font,attr)
         else
             if last then
                 if c_last == s_medi or c_last == s_fina then
-                    last[a_state] = s_fina
+                    setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
                 else
                     warning(last,"fina")
-                    last[a_state] = s_error
+                    setattr(last,a_state,s_error)
                 end
                 first, last = nil, nil
             elseif first then
                 if c_first == s_medi or c_first == s_fina then
-                    first[a_state] = s_isol
+                    setattr(first,a_state,s_isol)
                 else
                     warning(first,"isol")
-                    first[a_state] = s_error
+                    setattr(first,a_state,s_error)
                 end
                 first = nil
             end
@@ -375,21 +391,21 @@ function methods.arab(head,font,attr)
                 current = end_of_math(current)
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if last then
         if c_last == s_medi or c_last == s_fina then
-            last[a_state] = s_fina
+            setattr(last,a_state,s_fina)
         else
             warning(last,"fina")
-            last[a_state] = s_error
+            setattr(last,a_state,s_error)
         end
     elseif first then
         if c_first == s_medi or c_first == s_fina then
-            first[a_state] = s_isol
+            setattr(first,a_state,s_isol)
         else
             warning(first,"isol")
-            first[a_state] = s_error
+            setattr(first,a_state,s_error)
         end
     end
     return head, done
diff --git a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
index 9ccfd0588..a41e4a679 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/font-sol.lua
@@ -48,19 +48,41 @@ local v_split            = variables.split
 local settings_to_array  = utilities.parsers.settings_to_array
 local settings_to_hash   = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
 
-local find_node_tail     = node.tail or node.slide
-local free_node          = node.free
-local free_nodelist      = node.flush_list
-local copy_nodelist      = node.copy_list
-local traverse_nodes     = node.traverse
-local traverse_ids       = node.traverse_id
-local protect_glyphs     = nodes.handlers.protectglyphs or node.protect_glyphs
-local hpack_nodes        = node.hpack
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local repack_hlist       = nodes.repackhlist
+local tasks              = nodes.tasks
+
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+
+local find_node_tail     = nuts.tail
+local free_node          = nuts.free
+local free_nodelist      = nuts.flush_list
+local copy_nodelist      = nuts.copy_list
+local traverse_nodes     = nuts.traverse
+local traverse_ids       = nuts.traverse_id
+local hpack_nodes        = nuts.hpack
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local protect_glyphs     = nuts.protect_glyphs
+
+local repack_hlist       = nuts.repackhlist
+
 local nodes_to_utf       = nodes.listtoutf
 
+----- protect_glyphs     = nodes.handlers.protectglyphs
+
 local setnodecolor       = nodes.tracers.colors.set
 
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
@@ -79,8 +101,7 @@ local localpar_code      = whatsitcodes.localpar
 local dir_code           = whatsitcodes.dir
 local userdefined_code   = whatsitcodes.userdefined
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
-local tasks              = nodes.tasks
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local usernodeids        = nodepool.userids
 
 local new_textdir        = nodepool.textdir
@@ -90,7 +111,7 @@ local new_leftskip       = nodepool.leftskip
 
 local starttiming        = statistics.starttiming
 local stoptiming         = statistics.stoptiming
-local process_characters = nodes.handlers.characters
+----- process_characters = nodes.handlers.characters
 local inject_kerns       = nodes.injections.handler
 
 local fonthashes         = fonts.hashes
@@ -317,11 +338,12 @@ end)
 
 function splitters.split(head)
     -- quite fast
+    head = tonut(head)
     local current, done, rlmode, start, stop, attribute = head, false, false, nil, nil, 0
     cache, max_less, max_more = { }, 0, 0
     local function flush() -- we can move this
-        local font = start.font
-        local last = stop.next
+        local font = getfont(start)
+        local last = getnext(stop)
         local list = last and copy_nodelist(start,last) or copy_nodelist(start)
         local n = #cache + 1
         if encapsulate then
@@ -332,18 +354,18 @@ function splitters.split(head)
         else
             local current = start
             while true do
-                current[a_word] = n
+                setattr(current,a_word,n)
                 if current == stop then
                     break
                 else
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
             end
         end
         if rlmode == "TRT" or rlmode == "+TRT" then
             local dirnode = new_textdir("+TRT")
-            list.prev = dirnode
-            dirnode.next = list
+            setfield(list,"prev",dirnode)
+            setfield(dirnode,"next",list)
             list = dirnode
         end
         local c = {
@@ -364,11 +386,11 @@ function splitters.split(head)
         start, stop, done = nil, nil, true
     end
     while current do -- also nextid
-        local next = current.next
-        local id = current.id
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            if current.subtype < 256 then
-                local a = current[a_split]
+            if getsubtype(current) < 256 then
+                local a = getattr(current,a_split)
                 if not a then
                     start, stop = nil, nil
                 elseif not start then
@@ -384,7 +406,7 @@ function splitters.split(head)
                 if start then
                     flush()
                 end
-            elseif start and next and next.id == glyph_code and next.subtype < 256 then
+            elseif start and next and getid(next) == glyph_code and getsubtype(next) < 256 then
                 -- beware: we can cross future lines
                 stop = next
             else
@@ -394,9 +416,9 @@ function splitters.split(head)
             if start then
                 flush()
             end
-            local subtype = current.subtype
+            local subtype = getsubtype(current)
             if subtype == dir_code or subtype == localpar_code then
-                rlmode = current.dir
+                rlmode = getfield(current,"dir")
             end
         else
             if start then
@@ -410,17 +432,17 @@ function splitters.split(head)
     end
     nofparagraphs = nofparagraphs + 1
     nofwords = nofwords + #cache
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
     local words, w, word = { }, 0, nil
     if encapsulate then
         for current in traverse_ids(whatsit_code,list) do
-            if current.subtype == userdefined_code then -- hm
-                local user_id = current.user_id
+            if getsubtype(current) == userdefined_code then -- hm
+                local user_id = getfield(current,"user_id")
                 if user_id == splitter_one then
-                    word = { current.value, current, current }
+                    word = { getfield(current,"value"), current, current }
                     w = w + 1
                     words[w] = word
                 elseif user_id == splitter_two then
@@ -436,9 +458,9 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
         local current, first, last, index = list, nil, nil, nil
         while current do
             -- todo: disc and kern
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == glyph_code or id == disc_code then
-                local a = current[a_word]
+                local a = getattr(current,a_word)
                 if a then
                     if a == index then
                         -- same word
@@ -471,7 +493,7 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
                         report_splitters("skipped: %C",current.char)
                     end
                 end
-            elseif id == kern_code and (current.subtype == fontkern_code or current[a_fontkern]) then
+            elseif id == kern_code and (getsubtype(current) == fontkern_code or getattr(current,a_fontkern)) then
                 if first then
                     last = current
                 else
@@ -489,7 +511,7 @@ local function collect_words(list) -- can be made faster for attributes
                     end
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         if index then
             w = w + 1
@@ -520,8 +542,8 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
     if found then
         local h, t
         if encapsulate then
-            h = word[2].next -- head of current word
-            t = word[3].prev -- tail of current word
+            h = getnext(word[2]) -- head of current word
+            t = getprev(word[3]) -- tail of current word
         else
             h = word[2]
             t = word[3]
@@ -536,7 +558,7 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                     ok = true
                     break
                 else
-                    c = c.next
+                    c = getnext(c)
                 end
             end
             if not ok then
@@ -555,19 +577,20 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                 local first = copy_nodelist(original)
                 if not trace_colors then
                     for n in traverse_nodes(first) do -- maybe fast force so no attr needed
-                        n[0] = featurenumber -- this forces dynamics
+                        setattr(n,0,featurenumber) -- this forces dynamics
                     end
                 elseif set == "less" then
                     for n in traverse_nodes(first) do
                         setnodecolor(n,"font:isol") -- yellow
-                        n[0] = featurenumber
+                        setattr(n,0,featurenumber)
                     end
                 else
                     for n in traverse_nodes(first) do
                         setnodecolor(n,"font:medi") -- green
-                        n[0] = featurenumber
+                        setattr(n,0,featurenumber)
                     end
                 end
+first = tonode(first)
                 local font = found.font
                 local setdynamics = setfontdynamics[font]
                 if setdynamics then
@@ -579,20 +602,21 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                     report_solutions("fatal error, no dynamics for font %a",font)
                 end
                 first = inject_kerns(first)
-                if first.id == whatsit_code then
+first = tonut(first)
+                if getid(first) == whatsit_code then
                     local temp = first
-                    first = first.next
+                    first = getnext(first)
                     free_node(temp)
                 end
                 local last = find_node_tail(first)
                 -- replace [u]h->t by [u]first->last
-                local prev = h.prev
-                local next = t.next
-                prev.next = first
-                first.prev = prev
+                local prev = getprev(h)
+                local next = getnext(t)
+                setfield(prev,"next",first)
+                setfield(first,"prev",prev)
                 if next then
-                    last.next = next
-                    next.prev = last
+                    setfield(last,"next",next)
+                    setfield(next,"prev",last)
                 end
                 -- check new pack
                 local temp, b = repack_hlist(list,width,'exactly',listdir)
@@ -601,22 +625,22 @@ local function doit(word,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
                         report_optimizers("line %a, badness before %a, after %a, criterium %a, verdict %a",line,badness,b,criterium,"quit")
                     end
                     -- remove last insert
-                    prev.next = h
-                    h.prev = prev
+                    setfield(prev,"next",h)
+                    setfield(h,"prev",prev)
                     if next then
-                        t.next = next
-                        next.prev = t
+                        setfield(t,"next",next)
+                        setfield(next,"prev",t)
                     else
-                        t.next = nil
+                        setfield(t,"next",nil)
                     end
-                    last.next = nil
+                    setfield(last,"next",nil)
                     free_nodelist(first)
                 else
                     if trace_optimize then
                         report_optimizers("line %a, badness before: %a, after %a, criterium %a, verdict %a",line,badness,b,criterium,"continue")
                     end
                     -- free old h->t
-                    t.next = nil
+                    setfield(t,"next",nil)
                     free_nodelist(h) -- somhow fails
                     if not encapsulate then
                         word[2] = first
@@ -697,9 +721,9 @@ variants[v_random] = function(words,list,best,width,badness,line,set,listdir)
 end
 
 local function show_quality(current,what,line)
-    local set    = current.glue_set
-    local sign   = current.glue_sign
-    local order  = current.glue_order
+    local set    = getfield(current,"glue_set")
+    local sign   = getfield(current,"glue_sign")
+    local order  = getfield(current,"glue_order")
     local amount = set * ((sign == 2 and -1) or 1)
     report_optimizers("line %a, category %a, amount %a, set %a, sign %a, how %a, order %a",line,what,amount,set,sign,how,order)
 end
@@ -719,20 +743,25 @@ function splitters.optimize(head)
         math.setrandomseedi(randomseed)
         randomseed = nil
     end
-    local line = 0
-    local tex_hbadness, tex_hfuzz = tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz
-    tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz = 10000, number.maxdimen
+    local line         = 0
+    local tex_hbadness = tex.hbadness
+    local tex_hfuzz    = tex.hfuzz
+    tex.hbadness       = 10000
+    tex.hfuzz          = number.maxdimen
     if trace_optimize then
         report_optimizers("preroll %a, variant %a, criterium %a, cache size %a",preroll,variant,criterium,nc)
     end
-    for current in traverse_ids(hlist_code,head) do
-     -- report_splitters("before: [%s] => %s",current.dir,nodes.tosequence(current.list,nil))
+    for current in traverse_ids(hlist_code,tonut(head)) do
         line = line + 1
-        local sign, dir, list, width = current.glue_sign, current.dir, current.list, current.width
-        if not encapsulate and list.id == glyph_code then
+        local sign  = getfield(current,"glue_sign")
+        local dir   = getfield(current,"dir")
+        local width = getfield(current,"width")
+        local list  = getlist(current)
+        if not encapsulate and getid(list) == glyph_code then
             -- nasty .. we always assume a prev being there .. future luatex will always have a leftskip set
-         -- current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_glue(0))
-            current.list, list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_leftskip(0))
+            -- is this assignment ok ? .. needs checking
+            list = insert_node_before(list,list,new_leftskip(0)) -- new_glue(0)
+            setfield(current,"list",list)
         end
         local temp, badness = repack_hlist(list,width,'exactly',dir) -- it would be nice if the badness was stored in the node
         if badness > 0 then
@@ -792,7 +821,7 @@ function splitters.optimize(head)
                 local words = collect_words(list)
                 for best=lastbest or 1,max do
                     local temp, done, changes, b = optimize(words,list,best,width,badness,line,set,dir)
-                    current.list = temp
+                    setfield(current,"list",temp)
                     if trace_optimize then
                         report_optimizers("line %a, alternative %a, changes %a, badness %a",line,best,changes,b)
                     end
@@ -810,15 +839,16 @@ function splitters.optimize(head)
             end
         end
         -- we pack inside the outer hpack and that way keep the original wd/ht/dp as bonus
-        current.list = hpack_nodes(current.list,width,'exactly',listdir)
-     -- report_splitters("after: [%s] => %s",temp.dir,nodes.tosequence(temp.list,nil))
+        local list = hpack_nodes(getlist(current),width,'exactly',listdir)
+        setfield(current,"list",list)
     end
     for i=1,nc do
         local ci = cache[i]
         free_nodelist(ci.original)
     end
     cache = { }
-    tex.hbadness, tex.hfuzz = tex_hbadness, tex_hfuzz
+    tex.hbadness = tex_hbadness
+    tex.hfuzz    = tex_hfuzz
     stoptiming(splitters)
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lang-rep.lua b/tex/context/base/lang-rep.lua
deleted file mode 100644
index 31ae36e6d..000000000
--- a/tex/context/base/lang-rep.lua
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,189 +0,0 @@
-if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['lang-rep'] = {
-    version   = 1.001,
-    comment   = "companion to lang-rep.mkiv",
-    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
-    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
-    license   = "see context related readme files"
-}
-
--- A BachoTeX 2013 experiment, probably not that useful. Eventually I used a simpler
--- more generic example.
-
-local utfbyte, utfsplit = utf.byte, utf.split
-
-local trace_replacements = false  trackers.register("languages.replacements",        function(v) trace_replacements = v end)
-local trace_detail       = false  trackers.register("languages.replacements.detail", function(v) trace_detail       = v end)
-
-local report_replacement = logs.reporter("languages","replacements")
-
-local glyph_code         = nodes.nodecodes.glyph
-
-local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local copy_node          = nodes.copy
-
-local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
-local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
-
-local v_reset            = interfaces.variables.reset
-
-local replacements       = languages.replacements or { }
-languages.replacements   = replacements
-
-local a_replacements     = attributes.private("replacements")
-
-local lists = { }
-local last  = 0
-local trees = { }
-
-table.setmetatableindex(lists,function(lists,name)
-    last = last + 1
-    local list = { }
-    local data = { name = name, list = list, attribute = last }
-    lists[last] = data
-    lists[name] = data
-    trees[last] = list
-    return data
-end)
-
-local function add(root,word,replacement)
-    local list = utfsplit(word,true)
-    for i=1,#list do
-        local l = utfbyte(list[i])
-        if not root[l] then
-            root[l] = { }
-        end
-        if i == #list then
-            local newlist = utfsplit(replacement,true)
-            for i=1,#newlist do
-                newlist[i] = utfbyte(newlist[i])
-            end
-            root[l].final = {
-                word        = word,
-                replacement = replacement,
-                oldlength   = #list,
-                newcodes    = newlist,
-            }
-        end
-        root = root[l]
-    end
-end
-
-function replacements.add(category,word,replacement)
-    local root = lists[category].list
-    if type(word) == "table" then
-        for word, replacement in next, word do
-            add(root,word,replacement)
-        end
-    else
-        add(root,word,replacement or "")
-    end
-end
-
-local function hit(a,head)
-    local tree = trees[a]
-    if tree then
-        local root = tree[head.char]
-        if root then
-            local current   = head.next
-            local lastrun   = false
-            local lastfinal = false
-            while current and current.id == glyph_code do
-                local newroot = root[current.char]
-                if not newroot then
-                    return lastrun, lastfinal
-                else
-                    local final = newroot.final
-                    if final then
-                        if trace_detail then
-                            report_replacement("hitting word %a, replacement %a",final.word,final.replacement)
-                        end
-                        lastrun   = current
-                        lastfinal = final
-                    else
-                        root = newroot
-                    end
-                end
-                current = current.next
-            end
-            if lastrun then
-                return lastrun, lastfinal
-            end
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-function replacements.handler(head)
-    local current = head
-    local done    = false
-    while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then
-            local a = getattr(current,a_replacements)
-            if a then
-                local last, final = hit(a,current)
-                if last then
-                    local oldlength = final.oldlength
-                    local newcodes  = final.newcodes
-                    local newlength = #newcodes
-                    if report_replacement then
-                        report_replacement("replacing word %a by %a",final.word,final.replacement)
-                    end
-                    if oldlength == newlength then -- #old == #new
-                        for i=1,newlength do
-                            current.char = newcodes[i]
-                            current = current.next
-                        end
-                    elseif oldlength < newlength then -- #old < #new
-                        for i=1,newlength-oldlength do
-                            local n = copy_node(current)
-                            n.char = newcodes[i]
-                            head, current = insert_node_before(head,current,n)
-                            current = current.next
-                        end
-                        for i=newlength-oldlength+1,newlength do
-                            current.char = newcodes[i]
-                            current = current.next
-                        end
-                    else -- #old > #new
-                        for i=1,oldlength-newlength do
-                            head, current = remove_node(head,current,true)
-                        end
-                        for i=1,newlength do
-                            current.char = newcodes[i]
-                            current = current.next
-                        end
-                    end
-                    done = true
-                end
-            end
-        end
-        current = current.next
-    end
-    return head, done
-end
-
-local enabled = false
-
-function replacements.set(n) -- number or 'reset'
-    if n == v_reset then
-        n = unsetvalue
-    else
-        n = lists[n].attribute
-        if not enabled then
-            nodes.tasks.enableaction("processors","languages.replacements.handler")
-            if trace_replacements then
-                report_replacement("enabling replacement handler")
-            end
-            enabled = true
-        end
-    end
-    texsetattribute(a_replacements,n)
-end
-
--- interface
-
-commands.setreplacements = replacements.set
-commands.addreplacements = replacements.add
-
-nodes.tasks.prependaction("processors","words","languages.replacements.handler")
-nodes.tasks.disableaction("processors","languages.replacements.handler")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua b/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
index bf066fc09..11d99976e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lang-wrd.lua
@@ -26,7 +26,17 @@ words.threshold       = 4
 local numbers         = languages.numbers
 local registered      = languages.registered
 
-local traverse_nodes  = node.traverse
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+local tonut           = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield        = nuts.getfield
+local getnext         = nuts.getnext
+local getid           = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype      = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar         = nuts.getchar
+
+local traverse_nodes  = nuts.traverse
+
 local wordsdata       = words.data
 local chardata        = characters.data
 local tasks           = nodes.tasks
@@ -96,7 +106,7 @@ end
 -- there is an n=1 problem somewhere in nested boxes
 
 local function mark_words(head,whenfound) -- can be optimized and shared
-    local current, language, done = head, nil, nil, 0, false
+    local current, language, done = tonut(head), nil, nil, 0, false
     local str, s, nds, n = { }, 0, { }, 0 -- n could also be a table, saves calls
     local function action()
         if s > 0 then
@@ -112,9 +122,9 @@ local function mark_words(head,whenfound) -- can be optimized and shared
         n, s = 0, 0
     end
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local a = current.lang
+            local a = getfield(current,"lang")
             if a then
                 if a ~= language then
                     if s > 0 then
@@ -126,16 +136,16 @@ local function mark_words(head,whenfound) -- can be optimized and shared
                 action()
                 language = a
             end
-            local components = current.components
+            local components = getfield(current,"components")
             if components then
                 n = n + 1
                 nds[n] = current
                 for g in traverse_nodes(components) do
                     s = s + 1
-                    str[s] = utfchar(g.char)
+                    str[s] = utfchar(getchar(g))
                 end
             else
-                local code = current.char
+                local code = getchar(current)
                 local data = chardata[code]
                 if is_letter[data.category] then
                     n = n + 1
@@ -151,12 +161,12 @@ local function mark_words(head,whenfound) -- can be optimized and shared
                 n = n + 1
                 nds[n] = current
             end
-        elseif id == kern_code and current.subtype == kerning_code and s > 0 then
+        elseif id == kern_code and getsubtype(current) == kerning_code and s > 0 then
             -- ok
         elseif s > 0 then
             action()
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if s > 0 then
         action()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-nod.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-nod.lua
index 6b104d2fa..68d7fca90 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-nod.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-nod.lua
@@ -6,21 +6,29 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['lpdf-nod'] = {
     license   = "see context related readme files"
 }
 
-local formatters     = string.formatters
+local type = type
 
-local copy_node      = node.copy
-local new_node       = node.new
+local formatters     = string.formatters
 
-local nodepool       = nodes.pool
-local register       = nodepool.register
 local whatsitcodes   = nodes.whatsitcodes
 local nodeinjections = backends.nodeinjections
 
-local pdfliteral     = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfliteral))    pdfliteral.mode  = 1
+local nuts           = nodes.nuts
+local tonut          = nuts.tonut
+
+local setfield       = nuts.setfield
+
+local copy_node      = nuts.copy
+local new_node       = nuts.new
+
+local nodepool       = nuts.pool
+local register       = nodepool.register
+
+local pdfliteral     = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfliteral))    setfield(pdfliteral,"mode",1)
 local pdfsave        = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfsave))
 local pdfrestore     = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfrestore))
 local pdfsetmatrix   = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfsetmatrix))
-local pdfdest        = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfdest))       pdfdest.named_id = 1 -- xyz_zoom untouched
+local pdfdest        = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfdest))       setfield(pdfdest,"named_id",1) -- xyz_zoom untouched
 local pdfannot       = register(new_node("whatsit", whatsitcodes.pdfannot))
 
 local variables      = interfaces.variables
@@ -38,14 +46,14 @@ local views = { -- beware, we do support the pdf keys but this is *not* official
 
 function nodepool.pdfliteral(str)
     local t = copy_node(pdfliteral)
-    t.data = str
+    setfield(t,"data",str)
     return t
 end
 
 function nodepool.pdfdirect(str)
     local t = copy_node(pdfliteral)
-    t.data = str
-    t.mode = 1
+    setfield(t,"data",str)
+    setfield(t,"mode",1)
     return t
 end
 
@@ -57,16 +65,10 @@ function nodepool.pdfrestore()
     return copy_node(pdfrestore)
 end
 
-function nodepool.pdfsetmatrix(rx,sx,sy,ry,tx,ty)
-    local t = copy_node(pdfsetmatrix)
-    t.data = formatters["%s %s %s %s"](rx or 0,sx or 0,sy or 0,ry or 0) -- todo: tx ty
-    return t
-end
-
-function nodepool.pdfsetmatrix(rx,sx,sy,ry,tx,ty)
+function nodepool.pdfsetmatrix(rx,sx,sy,ry,tx,ty) -- todo: tx ty
     local t = copy_node(pdfsetmatrix)
     if type(rx) == "string" then
-        t.data = rx
+        setfield(t,"data",rx)
     else
         if not rx then
             rx = 1
@@ -86,12 +88,12 @@ function nodepool.pdfsetmatrix(rx,sx,sy,ry,tx,ty)
         end
         if sx == 0 and sy == 0 then
             if rx == 1 and ry == 1 then
-                t.data = "1 0 0 1"
+                setfield(t,"data","1 0 0 1")
             else
-                t.data = formatters["%0.6f 0 0 %0.6f"](rx,ry)
+                setfield(t,"data",formatters["%0.6f 0 0 %0.6f"](rx,ry))
             end
         else
-            t.data = formatters["%0.6f %0.6f %0.6f %0.6f"](rx,sx,sy,ry)
+            setfield(t,"data",formatters["%0.6f %0.6f %0.6f %0.6f"](rx,sx,sy,ry))
         end
     end
     return t
@@ -104,19 +106,19 @@ nodeinjections.transform = nodepool.pdfsetmatrix
 function nodepool.pdfannotation(w,h,d,data,n)
     local t = copy_node(pdfannot)
     if w and w ~= 0 then
-        t.width = w
+        setfield(t,"width",w)
     end
     if h and h ~= 0 then
-        t.height = h
+        setfield(t,"height",h)
     end
     if d and d ~= 0 then
-        t.depth = d
+        setfield(t,"depth",d)
     end
     if n then
-        t.objnum = n
+        setfield(t,"objnum",n)
     end
     if data and data ~= "" then
-        t.data = data
+        setfield(t,"data",data)
     end
     return t
 end
@@ -138,35 +140,36 @@ function nodepool.pdfdestination(w,h,d,name,view,n)
     local t = copy_node(pdfdest)
     local hasdimensions = false
     if w and w ~= 0 then
-        t.width = w
+        setfield(t,"width",w)
         hasdimensions = true
     end
     if h and h ~= 0 then
-        t.height = h
+        setfield(t,"height",h)
         hasdimensions = true
     end
     if d and d ~= 0 then
-        t.depth = d
+        setfield(t,"depth",d)
         hasdimensions = true
     end
     if n then
-        t.objnum = n
+        setfield(t,"objnum",n)
     end
     view = views[view] or view or 1 -- fit is default
-    t.dest_id = name
-    t.dest_type = view
+    setfield(t,"dest_id",name)
+    setfield(t,"dest_type",view)
     if hasdimensions and view == 0 then -- xyz
         -- see (!) s -> m -> t -> r
+        -- linked
         local s = copy_node(pdfsave)
         local m = copy_node(pdfsetmatrix)
         local r = copy_node(pdfrestore)
-        m.data = "1 0 0 1"
-        s.next = m
-        m.next = t
-        t.next = r
-        m.prev = s
-        t.prev = m
-        r.prev = t
+        setfield(m,"data","1 0 0 1")
+        setfield(s,"next",m)
+        setfield(m,"next",t)
+        setfield(t,"next",r)
+        setfield(m,"prev",s)
+        setfield(t,"prev",m)
+        setfield(r,"prev",t)
         return s -- a list
     else
         return t
diff --git a/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua b/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
index 29ffcd207..83315da07 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/lpdf-tag.lua
@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@ local trace_tags = false  trackers.register("structures.tags", function(v) trace
 
 local report_tags = logs.reporter("backend","tags")
 
-local backends, lpdf, nodes = backends, lpdf, nodes
+local backends         = backends
+local lpdf             = lpdf
+local nodes            = nodes
 
 local nodeinjections   = backends.pdf.nodeinjections
 local codeinjections   = backends.pdf.codeinjections
@@ -47,11 +49,22 @@ local glyph_code       = nodecodes.glyph
 local a_tagged         = attributes.private('tagged')
 local a_image          = attributes.private('image')
 
-local traverse_nodes   = node.traverse
-local traverse_id      = node.traverse_id
-local tosequence       = nodes.tosequence
-local copy_node        = node.copy
-local slide_nodelist   = node.slide
+local nuts             = nodes.nuts
+local tonut            = nuts.tonut
+local tonode           = nuts.tonode
+
+local getid            = nuts.getid
+local getattr          = nuts.getattr
+local getprev          = nuts.getprev
+local getlist          = nuts.getlist
+local setfield         = nuts.setfield
+
+local traverse_nodes   = nuts.traverse
+local tosequence       = nuts.tosequence
+local copy_node        = nuts.copy
+local slide_nodelist   = nuts.slide
+local insert_before    = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_after     = nuts.insert_after
 
 local structure_stack = { }
 local structure_kids  = pdfarray()
@@ -175,7 +188,8 @@ local function makeelement(fulltag,parent)
 end
 
 local function makecontent(parent,start,stop,slist,id)
-    local tag, kids = parent.tag, parent.kids
+    local tag  = parent.tag
+    local kids = parent.kids
     local last = index
     if id == "image" then
         local d = pdfdictionary {
@@ -198,23 +212,16 @@ local function makecontent(parent,start,stop,slist,id)
     end
     --
     local bliteral = pdfliteral(format("/%s <</MCID %s>>BDC",tag,last))
-    local prev = start.prev
-    if prev then
-        prev.next, bliteral.prev = bliteral, prev
-    end
-    start.prev, bliteral.next = bliteral, start
-    if slist and slist.list == start then
-        slist.list = bliteral
-    elseif not prev then
+    local eliteral = pdfliteral("EMC")
+    --
+    if slist and getlist(slist) == start then
+        setfield(slist,"list",bliteral)
+    elseif not getprev(start) then
         report_tags("this can't happen: injection in front of nothing")
     end
     --
-    local eliteral = pdfliteral("EMC")
-    local next = stop.next
-    if next then
-        next.prev, eliteral.next = eliteral, next
-    end
-    stop.next, eliteral.prev = eliteral, stop
+    insert_before(start,start,bliteral)
+    insert_after(stop,stop,eliteral)
     --
     index = index + 1
     list[index] = parent.pref
@@ -227,9 +234,9 @@ local level, last, ranges, range = 0, nil, { }, nil
 
 local function collectranges(head,list)
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        local id = n.id -- 14: image, 8: literal (mp)
+        local id = getid(n) -- 14: image, 8: literal (mp)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local at = n[a_tagged]
+            local at = getattr(n,a_tagged)
             if not at then
                 range = nil
             elseif last ~= at then
@@ -240,9 +247,9 @@ local function collectranges(head,list)
                 range[4] = n -- stop
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local at = n[a_image]
+            local at = getattr(n,a_image)
             if at then
-                local at = n[a_tagged]
+                local at = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                 if not at then
                     range = nil
                 else
@@ -250,7 +257,7 @@ local function collectranges(head,list)
                 end
                 last = nil
             else
-                local nl = n.list
+                local nl = getlist(n)
                 slide_nodelist(nl) -- temporary hack till math gets slided (tracker item)
                 collectranges(nl,n)
             end
@@ -262,7 +269,7 @@ function nodeinjections.addtags(head)
     -- no need to adapt head, as we always operate on lists
     level, last, ranges, range = 0, nil, { }, nil
     initializepage()
-    collectranges(head)
+    collectranges(tonut(head))
     if trace_tags then
         for i=1,#ranges do
             local range = ranges[i]
@@ -289,13 +296,13 @@ function nodeinjections.addtags(head)
         local b, e = makecontent(prev,start,stop,list,id)
         if start == head then
             report_tags("this can't happen: parent list gets tagged")
-            head = b
+            head = tonode(b)
         end
     end
     finishpage()
     -- can be separate feature
     --
-    -- injectspans(head) -- does to work yet
+    -- injectspans(tonut(head)) -- does to work yet
     --
     return head, true
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-dir.lua b/tex/context/base/math-dir.lua
index 507a24e41..ec64e6787 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-dir.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-dir.lua
@@ -23,8 +23,19 @@ local trace_directions   = false  trackers.register("typesetters.directions.math
 
 local report_directions  = logs.reporter("typesetting","math directions")
 
-local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
 
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local tasks              = nodes.tasks
@@ -33,7 +44,7 @@ local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
 local hlist_code         = nodecodes.hlist
 local vlist_code         = nodecodes.vlist
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local new_textdir        = nodepool.textdir
 
@@ -61,9 +72,9 @@ local function processmath(head)
         stop  = nil
     end
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local char = current.char
+            local char = getchar(current)
             local cdir = chardirections[char]
             if cdir == "en" or cdir == "an" then -- we could check for mathclass punctuation
                 if not start then
@@ -83,7 +94,7 @@ local function processmath(head)
                     if mirror then
                         local class = charclasses[char]
                         if class == "open" or class == "close" then
-                            current.char = mirror
+                            setfield(current,"char",mirror)
                             if trace_directions then
                                 report_directions("mirrored: %C to %C",char,mirror)
                             end
@@ -101,14 +112,14 @@ local function processmath(head)
             -- math can pack things into hlists .. we need to make sure we don't process
             -- too often: needs checking
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                local list, d = processmath(current.list)
-                current.list = list
+                local list, d = processmath(getlist(current))
+                setfield(current,"list",list)
                 if d then
                     done = true
                 end
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if not start then
         -- nothing
@@ -124,9 +135,11 @@ local enabled = false
 
 function directions.processmath(head) -- style, penalties
     if enabled then
-        local a = head[a_mathbidi]
+        local h = tonut(head)
+        local a = getattr(h,a_mathbidi)
         if a and a > 0 then
-            return processmath(head)
+            local head, done = processmath(h)
+            return tonode(head), done
         end
     end
     return head, false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua b/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
index f3987c12f..4e25fe206 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-noa.lua
@@ -54,16 +54,35 @@ local report_families     = logs.reporter("mathematics","families")
 local a_mathrendering     = attributes.private("mathrendering")
 local a_exportstatus      = attributes.private("exportstatus")
 
-local mlist_to_hlist      = node.mlist_to_hlist
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+local nutstring           = nuts.tostring
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local getfont             = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before  = nuts.insert_before
+local free_node           = nuts.free
+local new_node            = nuts.new -- todo: pool: math_noad math_sub
+local copy_node           = nuts.copy
+
+local mlist_to_hlist      = nodes.mlist_to_hlist
+
 local font_of_family      = node.family_font
-local insert_node_after   = node.insert_after
-local insert_node_before  = node.insert_before
-local free_node           = node.free
-local new_node            = node.new -- todo: pool: math_noad math_sub
-local copy_node           = node.copy
 
-local new_kern            = nodes.pool.kern
-local new_rule            = nodes.pool.rule
+local new_kern            = nodepool.kern
+local new_rule            = nodepool.rule
 
 local topoints            = number.points
 
@@ -126,23 +145,23 @@ local function process(start,what,n,parent)
     if n then n = n + 1 else n = 0 end
     local prev = nil
     while start do
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         if trace_processing then
             if id == math_noad then
-                report_processing("%w%S, class %a",n*2,start,noadcodes[start.subtype])
+                report_processing("%w%S, class %a",n*2,nutstring(start),noadcodes[getsubtype(start)])
             elseif id == math_char then
-                local char = start.char
-                local fam = start.fam
+                local char = getchar(start)
+                local fam  = getfield(start,"fam")
                 local font = font_of_family(fam)
-                report_processing("%w%S, family %a, font %a, char %a, shape %c",n*2,start,fam,font,char,char)
+                report_processing("%w%S, family %a, font %a, char %a, shape %c",n*2,nutstring(start),fam,font,char,char)
             else
-                report_processing("%w%S",n*2,start)
+                report_processing("%w%S",n*2,nutstring(start))
             end
         end
         local proc = what[id]
         if proc then
          -- report_processing("start processing")
-            local done, newstart = proc(start,what,n,parent) -- prev is bugged:  or start.prev
+            local done, newstart = proc(start,what,n,parent) -- prev is bugged:  or getprev(start)
             if newstart then
                 start = newstart
              -- report_processing("stop processing (new start)")
@@ -154,55 +173,55 @@ local function process(start,what,n,parent)
         elseif id == math_noad then
 if prev then
     -- we have no proper prev in math nodes yet
-    start.prev = prev
+    setfield(start,"prev",prev)
 end
-            local noad = start.nucleus      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sup          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sub          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+
+            local noad = getfield(start,"nucleus")      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sup")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sub")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
         elseif id == math_box or id == math_sub then
-         -- local noad = start.list         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-            local noad = start.head         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+            local noad = getfield(start,"list")         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list (not getlist !)
         elseif id == math_fraction then
-            local noad = start.num          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.denom        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.left         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
-                  noad = start.right        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
+            local noad = getfield(start,"num")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"denom")        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"left")         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
+                  noad = getfield(start,"right")        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
         elseif id == math_choice then
-            local noad = start.display      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.text         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.script       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.scriptscript if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+            local noad = getfield(start,"display")      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"text")         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"script")       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"scriptscript") if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
         elseif id == math_fence then
-            local noad = start.delim        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
+            local noad = getfield(start,"delim")        if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
         elseif id == math_radical then
-            local noad = start.nucleus      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sup          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sub          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.left         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
-                  noad = start.degree       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+            local noad = getfield(start,"nucleus")      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sup")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sub")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"left")         if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- delimiter
+                  noad = getfield(start,"degree")       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
         elseif id == math_accent then
-            local noad = start.nucleus      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sup          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.sub          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.accent       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
-                  noad = start.bot_accent   if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+            local noad = getfield(start,"nucleus")      if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sup")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"sub")          if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"accent")       if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
+                  noad = getfield(start,"bot_accent")   if noad then process(noad,what,n,start) end -- list
         elseif id == math_style then
             -- has a next
         else
             -- glue, penalty, etc
         end
 prev = start
-        start = start.next
+        start = getnext(start)
     end
 end
 
 local function processnoads(head,actions,banner)
     if trace_processing then
         report_processing("start %a",banner)
-        process(head,actions)
+        process(tonut(head),actions)
         report_processing("stop %a",banner)
     else
-        process(head,actions)
+        process(tonut(head),actions)
     end
 end
 
@@ -233,37 +252,71 @@ local familymap = { [0] =
     "pseudobold",
 }
 
+-- families[math_char] = function(pointer)
+--     if getfield(pointer,"fam") == 0 then
+--         local a = getattr(pointer,a_mathfamily)
+--         if a and a > 0 then
+--             setattr(pointer,a_mathfamily,0)
+--             if a > 5 then
+--                 local char = getchar(pointer)
+--                 local bold = boldmap[char]
+--                 local newa = a - 3
+--                 if bold then
+--                     setattr(pointer,a_exportstatus,char)
+--                     setfield(pointer,"char",bold)
+--                     if trace_families then
+--                         report_families("replacing %C by bold %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s with remap %s",char,bold,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
+--                     end
+--                 else
+--                     if trace_families then
+--                         report_families("no bold replacement for %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
+--                     end
+--                 end
+--                 setfield(pointer,"fam",newa)
+--             else
+--                 if trace_families then
+--                     local char = getchar(pointer)
+--                     report_families("family of %C becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a])
+--                 end
+--                 setfield(pointer,"fam",a)
+--             end
+--         else
+--          -- pointer.fam = 0
+--         end
+--     end
+-- end
+
 families[math_char] = function(pointer)
-    if pointer.fam == 0 then
-        local a = pointer[a_mathfamily]
+    if getfield(pointer,"fam") == 0 then
+        local a = getattr(pointer,a_mathfamily)
         if a and a > 0 then
-            pointer[a_mathfamily] = 0
+            setattr(pointer,a_mathfamily,0)
             if a > 5 then
-                local char = pointer.char
+                local char = getchar(pointer)
                 local bold = boldmap[char]
                 local newa = a - 3
                 if not bold then
                     if trace_families then
                         report_families("no bold replacement for %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
                     end
-                    pointer.fam = newa
-               elseif not fontcharacters[font_of_family(newa)][bold] then
+                    setfield(pointer,"fam",newa)
+                elseif not fontcharacters[font_of_family(newa)][bold] then
                     if trace_families then
                         report_families("no bold character for %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
                     end
                     if newa > 3 then
-                        pointer.fam = newa - 3
+                        setfield(pointer,"fam",newa-3)
                     end
                 else
-                    pointer[a_exportstatus] = char
-                    pointer.char = bold
+                    setattr(pointer,a_exportstatus,char)
+                    setfield(pointer,"char",bold)
                     if trace_families then
                         report_families("replacing %C by bold %C, family %s with remap %s becomes %s with remap %s",char,bold,a,familymap[a],newa,familymap[newa])
                     end
-                    pointer.fam = newa
+                    setfield(pointer,"fam",newa)
                 end
             else
-                local char = pointer.char
+                local char = getchar(pointer)
                 if not fontcharacters[font_of_family(a)][char] then
                     if trace_families then
                         report_families("no bold replacement for %C",char)
@@ -272,7 +325,7 @@ families[math_char] = function(pointer)
                     if trace_families then
                         report_families("family of %C becomes %s with remap %s",char,a,familymap[a])
                     end
-                    pointer.fam = a
+                    setfield(pointer,"fam",a)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -280,31 +333,31 @@ families[math_char] = function(pointer)
 end
 
 families[math_delim] = function(pointer)
-    if pointer.small_fam == 0 then
-        local a = pointer[a_mathfamily]
+    if getfield(pointer,"small_fam") == 0 then
+        local a = getattr(pointer,a_mathfamily)
         if a and a > 0 then
-            pointer[a_mathfamily] = 0
+            setattr(pointer,a_mathfamily,0)
             if a > 5 then
                 -- no bold delimiters in unicode
                 a = a - 3
             end
-            local char = pointer.small_char
+            local char = getfield(pointer,"small_char")
             local okay = fontcharacters[font_of_family(a)][char]
             if okay then
-                pointer.small_fam = a
+                setfield(pointer,"small_fam",a)
             elseif a > 2 then
-                pointer.small_fam = a - 3
+                setfield(pointer,"small_fam",a-3)
             end
-            local char = pointer.large_char
+            local char = getfield(pointer,"large_char")
             local okay = fontcharacters[font_of_family(a)][char]
             if okay then
-                pointer.large_fam = a
+                setfield(pointer,"large_fam",a)
             elseif a > 2 then
-                pointer.large_fam = a - 3
+                setfield(pointer,"large_fam",a-3)
             end
         else
-            pointer.small_fam = 0
-            pointer.large_fam = 0
+            setfield(pointer,"small_fam",0)
+            setfield(pointer,"large_fam",0)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -332,8 +385,8 @@ local fallbackstyleattr = mathematics.fallbackstyleattr
 local setnodecolor      = nodes.tracers.colors.set
 
 local function checked(pointer)
-    local char = pointer.char
-    local fam = pointer.fam
+    local char = getchar(pointer)
+    local fam = getfield(pointer,"fam")
     local id = font_of_family(fam)
     local tc = fontcharacters[id]
     if not tc[char] then
@@ -346,27 +399,27 @@ local function checked(pointer)
             if trace_analyzing then
                 setnodecolor(pointer,"font:isol")
             end
-            pointer[a_exportstatus] = char -- testcase: exponentiale
-            pointer.char = newchar
+            setattr(pointer,a_exportstatus,char) -- testcase: exponentiale
+            setfield(pointer,"char",newchar)
             return true
         end
     end
 end
 
 processors.relocate[math_char] = function(pointer)
-    local g = pointer[a_mathgreek] or 0
-    local a = pointer[a_mathalphabet] or 0
+    local g = getattr(pointer,a_mathgreek) or 0
+    local a = getattr(pointer,a_mathalphabet) or 0
     if a > 0 or g > 0 then
         if a > 0 then
-            pointer[a_mathgreek] = 0
+            setattr(pointer,a_mathgreek,0)
         end
         if g > 0 then
-            pointer[a_mathalphabet] = 0
+            setattr(pointer,a_mathalphabet,0)
         end
-        local char = pointer.char
+        local char = getchar(pointer)
         local newchar = remapalphabets(char,a,g)
         if newchar then
-            local fam = pointer.fam
+            local fam = getfield(pointer,"fam")
             local id = font_of_family(fam)
             local characters = fontcharacters[id]
             if characters[newchar] then
@@ -376,7 +429,7 @@ processors.relocate[math_char] = function(pointer)
                 if trace_analyzing then
                     setnodecolor(pointer,"font:isol")
                 end
-                pointer.char = newchar
+                setfield(pointer,"char",newchar)
                 return true
             else
                 local fallback = fallbackstyleattr(a)
@@ -390,7 +443,7 @@ processors.relocate[math_char] = function(pointer)
                             if trace_analyzing then
                                 setnodecolor(pointer,"font:isol")
                             end
-                            pointer.char = newchar
+                            setfield(pointer,"char",newchar)
                             return true
                         elseif trace_remapping then
                             report_remap("char",id,char,newchar," fails (no fallback character)")
@@ -436,19 +489,19 @@ processors.render = { }
 local rendersets = mathematics.renderings.numbers or { } -- store
 
 processors.render[math_char] = function(pointer)
-    local attr = pointer[a_mathrendering]
+    local attr = getattr(pointer,a_mathrendering)
     if attr and attr > 0 then
-        local char = pointer.char
+        local char = getchar(pointer)
         local renderset = rendersets[attr]
         if renderset then
             local newchar = renderset[char]
             if newchar then
-                local fam = pointer.fam
+                local fam = getfield(pointer,"fam")
                 local id = font_of_family(fam)
                 local characters = fontcharacters[id]
                 if characters and characters[newchar] then
-                    pointer.char = newchar
-                    pointer[a_exportstatus] = char
+                    setfield(pointer,"char",newchar)
+                    setattr(pointer,a_exportstatus,char)
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -475,19 +528,19 @@ local mathsize = attributes.private("mathsize")
 local resize = { } processors.resize = resize
 
 resize[math_fence] = function(pointer)
-    local subtype = pointer.subtype
+    local subtype = getsubtype(pointer)
     if subtype == left_fence_code or subtype == right_fence_code then
-        local a = pointer[mathsize]
+        local a = getattr(pointer,mathsize)
         if a and a > 0 then
             local method, size = div(a,100), a % 100
-            pointer[mathsize] = 0
-            local delimiter = pointer.delim
-            local chr = delimiter.small_char
+            setattr(pointer,mathsize,0)
+            local delimiter = getfield(pointer,"delim")
+            local chr = getfield(delimiter,"small_char")
             if chr > 0 then
-                local fam = delimiter.small_fam
+                local fam = getfield(delimiter,"small_fam")
                 local id = font_of_family(fam)
                 if id > 0 then
-                    delimiter.small_char = mathematics.big(fontdata[id],chr,size,method)
+                    setfield(delimiter,"small_char",mathematics.big(fontdata[id],chr,size,method))
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -499,7 +552,6 @@ function handlers.resize(head,style,penalties)
     return true
 end
 
-
 local collapse = { } processors.collapse = collapse
 
 local mathpairs = characters.mathpairs
@@ -538,20 +590,20 @@ local validpair = {
 }
 
 local function movesubscript(parent,current_nucleus,current_char)
-    local prev = parent.prev
-    if prev and prev.id == math_noad then
-        if not prev.sup and not prev.sub then
-            current_nucleus.char = movesub[current_char or current_nucleus.char]
+    local prev = getfield(parent,"prev")
+    if prev and getid(prev) == math_noad then
+        if not getfield(prev,"sup") and not getfield(prev,"sub") then
+            setfield(current_nucleus,"char",movesub[current_char or getchar(current_nucleus)])
             -- {f} {'}_n => f_n^'
-            local nucleus = parent.nucleus
-            local sub     = parent.sub
-            local sup     = parent.sup
-            prev.sup = nucleus
-            prev.sub = sub
+            local nucleus = getfield(parent,"nucleus")
+            local sub     = getfield(parent,"sub")
+            local sup     = getfield(parent,"sup")
+            setfield(prev,"sup",nucleus)
+            setfield(prev,"sub",sub)
             local dummy = copy_node(nucleus)
-            dummy.char = 0
-            parent.nucleus = dummy
-            parent.sub = nil
+            setfield(dummy,"char",0)
+            setfield(parent,"nucleus",dummy)
+            setfield(parent,"sub",nil)
             if trace_collapsing then
                 report_collapsing("fixing subscript")
             end
@@ -561,40 +613,40 @@ end
 
 local function collapsepair(pointer,what,n,parent,nested) -- todo: switch to turn in on and off
     if parent then
-        if validpair[parent.subtype] then
-            local current_nucleus = parent.nucleus
-            if current_nucleus.id == math_char then
-                local current_char = current_nucleus.char
-                if not parent.sub and not parent.sup then
+        if validpair[getsubtype(parent)] then
+            local current_nucleus = getfield(parent,"nucleus")
+            if getid(current_nucleus) == math_char then
+                local current_char = getchar(current_nucleus)
+                if not getfield(parent,"sub") and not getfield(parent,"sup") then
                     local mathpair = mathpairs[current_char]
                     if mathpair then
-                        local next_noad = parent.next
-                        if next_noad and next_noad.id == math_noad then
-                            if validpair[next_noad.subtype] then
-                                local next_nucleus = next_noad.nucleus
-                                if next_nucleus.id == math_char then
-                                    local next_char = next_nucleus.char
+                        local next_noad = getnext(parent)
+                        if next_noad and getid(next_noad) == math_noad then
+                            if validpair[getsubtype(next_noad)] then
+                                local next_nucleus = getfield(next_noad,"nucleus")
+                                if getid(next_nucleus) == math_char then
+                                    local next_char = getchar(next_nucleus)
                                     local newchar = mathpair[next_char]
                                     if newchar then
-                                        local fam = current_nucleus.fam
+                                        local fam = getfield(current_nucleus,"fam")
                                         local id = font_of_family(fam)
                                         local characters = fontcharacters[id]
                                         if characters and characters[newchar] then
                                             if trace_collapsing then
                                                 report_collapsing("%U + %U => %U",current_char,next_char,newchar)
                                             end
-                                            current_nucleus.char = newchar
-                                            local next_next_noad = next_noad.next
+                                            setfield(current_nucleus,"char",newchar)
+                                            local next_next_noad = getnext(next_noad)
                                             if next_next_noad then
-                                                parent.next = next_next_noad
-                                                next_next_noad.prev = parent
+                                                setfield(parent,"next",next_next_noad)
+                                                setfield(next_next_noad,"prev",parent)
                                             else
-                                                parent.next = nil
+                                                setfield(parent,"next",nil)
                                             end
-                                            parent.sup = next_noad.sup
-                                            parent.sub = next_noad.sub
-                                            next_noad.sup = nil
-                                            next_noad.sub = nil
+                                            setfield(parent,"sup",getfield(next_noad,"sup"))
+                                            setfield(parent,"sub",getfield(next_noad,"sub"))
+                                            setfield(next_noad,"sup",nil)
+                                            setfield(next_noad,"sub",nil)
                                             free_node(next_noad)
                                             collapsepair(pointer,what,n,parent,true)
                                             if not nested and movesub[current_char] then
@@ -634,13 +686,13 @@ local replaced = { }
 
 local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
     pointer = parent -- we're following the parent list (chars trigger this)
-    local next = pointer.next
+    local next = getnext(pointer)
     local start_super, stop_super, start_sub, stop_sub
     local mode = "unset"
-    while next and next.id == math_noad do
-        local nextnucleus = next.nucleus
-        if nextnucleus and nextnucleus.id == math_char and not next.sub and not next.sup then
-            local char = nextnucleus.char
+    while next and getid(next) == math_noad do
+        local nextnucleus = getfield(next,"nucleus")
+        if nextnucleus and getid(nextnucleus) == math_char and not getfield(next,"sub") and not getfield(next,"sup") then
+            local char = getchar(nextnucleus)
             local s = superscripts[char]
             if s then
                 if not start_super then
@@ -650,8 +702,8 @@ local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
                     break
                 end
                 stop_super = next
-                next = next.next
-                nextnucleus.char = s
+                next = getnext(next)
+                setfield(nextnucleus,"char",s)
                 replaced[char] = (replaced[char] or 0) + 1
                 if trace_normalizing then
                     report_normalizing("superscript %C becomes %C",char,s)
@@ -666,8 +718,8 @@ local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
                         break
                     end
                     stop_sub = next
-                    next = next.next
-                    nextnucleus.char = s
+                    next = getnext(next)
+                    setfield(nextnucleus,"char",s)
                     replaced[char] = (replaced[char] or 0) + 1
                     if trace_normalizing then
                         report_normalizing("subscript %C becomes %C",char,s)
@@ -682,29 +734,29 @@ local function replace(pointer,what,n,parent)
     end
     if start_super then
         if start_super == stop_super then
-            pointer.sup = start_super.nucleus
+            setfield(pointer,"sup",getfield(start_super,"nucleus"))
         else
             local list = new_node(math_sub) -- todo attr
-            list.head = start_super
-            pointer.sup = list
+            setfield(list,"list",start_super)
+            setfield(pointer,"sup",list)
         end
         if mode == "super" then
-            pointer.next = stop_super.next
+            setfield(pointer,"next",getnext(stop_super))
         end
-        stop_super.next = nil
+        setfield(stop_super,"next",nil)
     end
     if start_sub then
         if start_sub == stop_sub then
-            pointer.sub = start_sub.nucleus
+            setfield(pointer,"sub",getfield(start_sub,"nucleus"))
         else
             local list = new_node(math_sub) -- todo attr
-            list.head = start_sub
-            pointer.sub = list
+            setfield(list,"list",start_sub)
+            setfield(pointer,"sub",list)
         end
         if mode == "sub" then
-            pointer.next = stop_sub.next
+            setfield(pointer,"next",getnext(stop_sub))
         end
-        stop_sub.next = nil
+        setfield(stop_sub,"next",nil)
     end
     -- we could return stop
 end
@@ -785,20 +837,20 @@ function mathematics.setalternate(fam,tag)
 end
 
 alternate[math_char] = function(pointer)
-    local a = pointer[a_mathalternate]
+    local a = getattr(pointer,a_mathalternate)
     if a and a > 0 then
-        pointer[a_mathalternate] = 0
-        local tfmdata = fontdata[font_of_family(pointer.fam)] -- we can also have a famdata
+        setattr(pointer,a_mathalternate,0)
+        local tfmdata = fontdata[font_of_family(getfield(pointer,"fam"))] -- we can also have a famdata
         local mathalternatesattributes = tfmdata.shared.mathalternatesattributes
         if mathalternatesattributes then
             local what = mathalternatesattributes[a]
-            local alt = getalternate(tfmdata,pointer.char,what.feature,what.value)
+            local alt = getalternate(tfmdata,getchar(pointer),what.feature,what.value)
             if alt then
                 if trace_alternates then
                     report_alternates("alternate %a, value %a, replacing glyph %U by glyph %U",
-                        tostring(what.feature),tostring(what.value),pointer.char,alt)
+                        tostring(what.feature),tostring(what.value),getchar(pointer),alt)
                 end
-                pointer.char = alt
+                setfield(pointer,"char",alt)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -885,13 +937,14 @@ end
 local function insert_kern(current,kern)
     local sub  = new_node(math_sub) -- todo: pool
     local noad = new_node(math_noad) -- todo: pool
-    sub.head = kern
-    kern.next = noad
-    noad.nucleus = current
+    setfield(sub,"list",kern)
+    setfield(kern,"next",noad)
+    setfield(noad,"nucleus",current)
     return sub
 end
 
 local setcolor     = nodes.tracers.colors.set
+local resetcolor   = nodes.tracers.colors.reset
 local italic_kern  = new_kern
 local c_positive_d = "trace:db"
 local c_negative_d = "trace:dr"
@@ -913,44 +966,44 @@ trackers.register("math.italics", function(v)
 end)
 
 italics[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
-    local method = pointer[a_mathitalics]
+    local method = getattr(pointer,a_mathitalics)
     if method and method > 0 then
-        local char = pointer.char
-        local font = font_of_family(pointer.fam) -- todo: table
+        local char = getchar(pointer)
+        local font = font_of_family(getfield(pointer,"fam")) -- todo: table
         local correction, visual = getcorrection(method,font,char)
         if correction then
-            local pid = parent.id
+            local pid = getid(parent)
             local sub, sup
             if pid == math_noad then
-                sup = parent.sup
-                sub = parent.sub
+                sup = getfield(parent,"sup")
+                sub = getfield(parent,"sub")
             end
             if sup or sub then
-                local subtype = parent.subtype
+                local subtype = getsubtype(parent)
                 if subtype == noad_oplimits then
                     if sup then
-                        parent.sup = insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font))
+                        setfield(parent,"sup",insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font)))
                         if trace_italics then
                             report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction for upper limit of %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                     if sub then
                         local correction = - correction
-                        parent.sub = insert_kern(sub,italic_kern(correction,font))
+                        setfield(parent,"sub",insert_kern(sub,italic_kern(correction,font)))
                         if trace_italics then
                             report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction for lower limit of %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                 else
                     if sup then
-                        parent.sup = insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font))
+                        setfield(parent,"sup",insert_kern(sup,italic_kern(correction,font)))
                         if trace_italics then
                             report_italics("method %a, adding %p italic correction before superscript after %C",method,correction,char)
                         end
                     end
                 end
             else
-                local next_noad = parent.next
+                local next_noad = getnext(parent)
                 if not next_noad then
                     if n== 1 then -- only at the outer level .. will become an option (always,endonly,none)
                         if trace_italics then
@@ -958,12 +1011,12 @@ italics[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
                         end
                         insert_node_after(parent,parent,italic_kern(correction,font))
                     end
-                elseif next_noad.id == math_noad then
-                    local next_subtype = next_noad.subtype
+                elseif getid(next_noad) == math_noad then
+                    local next_subtype = getsubtype(next_noad)
                     if next_subtype == noad_punct or next_subtype == noad_ord then
-                        local next_nucleus = next_noad.nucleus
-                        if next_nucleus.id == math_char then
-                            local next_char = next_nucleus.char
+                        local next_nucleus = getfield(next_noad,"nucleus")
+                        if getid(next_nucleus) == math_char then
+                            local next_char = getchar(next_nucleus)
                             local next_data = chardata[next_char]
                             local visual = next_data.visual
                             if visual == "it" or visual == "bi" then
@@ -1047,15 +1100,15 @@ local validvariants = { -- fast check on valid
 }
 
 variants[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent) -- also set export value
-    local char = pointer.char
+    local char = getchar(pointer)
     local selector = validvariants[char]
     if selector then
-        local next = parent.next
-        if next and next.id == math_noad then
-            local nucleus = next.nucleus
-            if nucleus and nucleus.id == math_char and nucleus.char == selector then
+        local next = getnext(parent)
+        if next and getid(next) == math_noad then
+            local nucleus = getfield(next,"nucleus")
+            if nucleus and getid(nucleus) == math_char and getchar(nucleus) == selector then
                 local variant
-                local tfmdata = fontdata[font_of_family(pointer.fam)] -- we can also have a famdata
+                local tfmdata = fontdata[font_of_family(getfield(pointer,"fam"))] -- we can also have a famdata
                 local mathvariants = tfmdata.resources.variants -- and variantdata
                 if mathvariants then
                     mathvariants = mathvariants[selector]
@@ -1064,8 +1117,8 @@ variants[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent) -- also set export value
                     end
                 end
                 if variant then
-                    pointer.char = variant
-                    pointer[a_exportstatus] = char -- we don't export the variant as it's visual markup
+                    setfield(pointer,"char",variant)
+                    setattr(pointer,a_exportstatus,char) -- we don't export the variant as it's visual markup
                     if trace_variants then
                         report_variants("variant (%U,%U) replaced by %U",char,selector,variant)
                     end
@@ -1074,8 +1127,8 @@ variants[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent) -- also set export value
                         report_variants("no variant (%U,%U)",char,selector)
                     end
                 end
-                next.prev = pointer
-                parent.next = next.next
+                setfield(next,"prev",pointer)
+                setfield(parent,"next",getnext(next))
                 free_node(next)
             end
         end
@@ -1108,7 +1161,7 @@ local colors = {
 }
 
 classes[math_char] = function(pointer,what,n,parent)
-    local color = colors[parent.subtype]
+    local color = colors[getsubtype(parent)]
     if color then
         setcolor(pointer,color)
     else
diff --git a/tex/context/base/math-tag.lua b/tex/context/base/math-tag.lua
index ab5902dd4..3cd4cae16 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/math-tag.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/math-tag.lua
@@ -11,10 +11,22 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['math-tag'] = {
 local find, match = string.find, string.match
 local insert, remove = table.insert, table.remove
 
-local attributes, nodes = attributes, nodes
+local attributes          = attributes
+local nodes               = nodes
 
-local set_attributes      = nodes.setattributes
-local traverse_nodes      = node.traverse
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+
+local set_attributes      = nuts.setattributes
+local traverse_nodes      = nuts.traverse
 
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
 
@@ -61,22 +73,24 @@ local function processsubsup(start)
     -- At some point we might need to add an attribute signaling the
     -- super- and subscripts because TeX and MathML use a different
     -- order.
-    local nucleus, sup, sub = start.nucleus, start.sup, start.sub
+    local nucleus = getfield(start,"nucleus")
+    local sup     = getfield(start,"sup")
+    local sub     = getfield(start,"sub")
     if sub then
         if sup then
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("msubsup")
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("msubsup"))
             process(nucleus)
             process(sub)
             process(sup)
             stop_tagged()
         else
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("msub")
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("msub"))
             process(nucleus)
             process(sub)
             stop_tagged()
         end
     elseif sup then
-        start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("msup")
+        setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("msup"))
         process(nucleus)
         process(sup)
         stop_tagged()
@@ -93,11 +107,11 @@ local actionstack = { }
 
 process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizers (yet)
     while start do
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         if id == math_char_code then
-            local char = start.char
+            local char = getchar(start)
             -- check for code
-            local a = start[a_mathcategory]
+            local a = getattr(start,a_mathcategory)
             if a then
                 a = { detail = a }
             end
@@ -119,22 +133,22 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
             else
                 tag = "mo"
             end
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged(tag,a)
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged(tag,a))
             stop_tagged()
             break -- okay?
         elseif id == math_textchar_code then
             -- check for code
-            local a = start[a_mathcategory]
+            local a = getattr(start,a_mathcategory)
             if a then
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("ms",{ detail = a })
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("ms",{ detail = a }))
             else
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("ms")
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("ms"))
             end
             stop_tagged()
             break
         elseif id == math_delim_code then
             -- check for code
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mo")
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mo"))
             stop_tagged()
             break
         elseif id == math_style_code then
@@ -143,14 +157,14 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
             processsubsup(start)
         elseif id == math_box_code or id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
             -- keep an eye on math_box_code and see what ends up in there
-            local attr = start[a_tagged]
+            local attr = getattr(start,a_tagged)
             local last = attr and taglist[attr]
             if last and find(last[#last],"formulacaption[:%-]") then
                 -- leave alone, will nicely move to the outer level
             else
                 local text = start_tagged("mtext")
-                start[a_tagged] = text
-                local list = start.list
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,text)
+                local list = getfield(start,"list")
                 if not list then
                     -- empty list
                 elseif not attr then
@@ -166,8 +180,8 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
                     local function runner(list) -- quite inefficient
                         local cache = { } -- we can have nested unboxed mess so best local to runner
                         for n in traverse_nodes(list) do
-                            local id = n.id
-                            local aa = n[a_tagged]
+                            local id = getid(n)
+                            local aa = getattr(n,a_tagged)
                             if aa then
                                 local ac = cache[aa]
                                 if not ac then
@@ -185,12 +199,12 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
                                     end
                                     cache[aa] = ac
                                 end
-                                n[a_tagged] = ac
+                                setattr(n,a_tagged,ac)
                             else
-                                n[a_tagged] = text
+                                setattr(n,a_tagged,text)
                             end
                             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                                runner(n.list)
+                                runner(getlist(n))
                             end
                         end
                     end
@@ -199,47 +213,53 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
                 stop_tagged()
             end
         elseif id == math_sub_code then
-            local list = start.list
+            local list = getfield(start,"list")
             if list then
-                local attr = start[a_tagged]
+                local attr = getattr(start,a_tagged)
                 local last = attr and taglist[attr]
                 local action = last and match(last[#last],"maction:(.-)%-")
                 if action and action ~= "" then
                     if actionstack[#actionstack] == action then
-                        start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mrow")
+                        setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mrow"))
                         process(list)
                         stop_tagged()
                     else
                         insert(actionstack,action)
-                        start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mrow",{ detail = action })
+                        setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mrow",{ detail = action }))
                         process(list)
                         stop_tagged()
                         remove(actionstack)
                     end
                 else
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mrow")
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mrow"))
                     process(list)
                     stop_tagged()
                 end
             end
         elseif id == math_fraction_code then
-            local num, denom, left, right = start.num, start.denom, start.left, start.right
+            local num   = getfield(start,"num")
+            local denom = getfield(start,"denom")
+            local left  = getfield(start,"left")
+            local right = getfield(start,"right")
             if left then
-               left[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mo")
+               setattr(left,a_tagged,start_tagged("mo"))
                process(left)
                stop_tagged()
             end
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mfrac")
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mfrac"))
             process(num)
             process(denom)
             stop_tagged()
             if right then
-                right[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mo")
+                setattr(right,a_tagged,start_tagged("mo"))
                 process(right)
                 stop_tagged()
             end
         elseif id == math_choice_code then
-            local display, text, script, scriptscript = start.display, start.text, start.script, start.scriptscript
+            local display      = getfield(start,"display")
+            local text         = getfield(start,"text")
+            local script       = getfield(start,"script")
+            local scriptscript = getfield(start,"scriptscript")
             if display then
                 process(display)
             end
@@ -253,67 +273,69 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
                 process(scriptscript)
             end
         elseif id == math_fence_code then
-            local delim = start.delim
-            local subtype = start.subtype
+            local delim   = getfield(start,"delim")
+            local subtype = getfield(start,"subtype")
+         -- setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mfenced")) -- needs checking
             if subtype == 1 then
                 -- left
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mfenced")
                 if delim then
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mleft")
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mleft"))
                     process(delim)
                     stop_tagged()
                 end
             elseif subtype == 2 then
                 -- middle
                 if delim then
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mmiddle")
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mmiddle"))
                     process(delim)
                     stop_tagged()
                 end
             elseif subtype == 3 then
                 if delim then
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mright")
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mright"))
                     process(delim)
                     stop_tagged()
                 end
-                stop_tagged()
             else
                 -- can't happen
             end
+         -- stop_tagged()
         elseif id == math_radical_code then
-            local left, degree = start.left, start.degree
+            local left   = getfield(start,"left")
+            local degree = getfield(start,"degree")
             if left then
                 start_tagged("")
                 process(left) -- root symbol, ignored
                 stop_tagged()
             end
             if degree then -- not good enough, can be empty mlist
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mroot")
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mroot"))
                 processsubsup(start)
                 process(degree)
                 stop_tagged()
             else
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("msqrt")
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("msqrt"))
                 processsubsup(start)
                 stop_tagged()
             end
         elseif id == math_accent_code then
-            local accent, bot_accent = start.accent, start.bot_accent
+            local accent     = getfield(start,"accent")
+            local bot_accent = getfield(start,"bot_accent")
             if bot_accent then
                 if accent then
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("munderover",{ detail = "accent" })
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("munderover",{ detail = "accent" }))
                     processsubsup(start)
                     process(bot_accent)
                     process(accent)
                     stop_tagged()
                 else
-                    start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("munder",{ detail = "accent" })
+                    setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("munder",{ detail = "accent" }))
                     processsubsup(start)
                     process(bot_accent)
                     stop_tagged()
                 end
             elseif accent then
-                start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mover",{ detail = "accent" })
+                setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mover",{ detail = "accent" }))
                 processsubsup(start)
                 process(accent)
                 stop_tagged()
@@ -321,22 +343,23 @@ process = function(start) -- we cannot use the processor as we have no finalizer
                 processsubsup(start)
             end
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("mspace")
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("mspace"))
             stop_tagged()
         else
-            start[a_tagged] = start_tagged("merror", { detail = nodecodes[i] })
+            setattr(start,a_tagged,start_tagged("merror", { detail = nodecodes[i] }))
             stop_tagged()
         end
-        start = start.next
+        start = getnext(start)
     end
 end
 
 function noads.handlers.tags(head,style,penalties)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local v_math = start_tagged("math")
     local v_mrow = start_tagged("mrow")
-    local v_mode = head[a_mathmode]
-    head[a_tagged] = v_math
-    head[a_tagged] = v_mrow
+    local v_mode = getattr(head,a_mathmode)
+ -- setattr(head,a_tagged,v_math)
+    setattr(head,a_tagged,v_mrow)
     tags.setattributehash(v_math,"mode",v_mode == 1 and "display" or "inline")
     process(head)
     stop_tagged()
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-acc.lua b/tex/context/base/node-acc.lua
index 81ae496b2..6a1b986bc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-acc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-acc.lua
@@ -11,10 +11,25 @@ local nodes, node = nodes, node
 local nodecodes      = nodes.nodecodes
 local tasks          = nodes.tasks
 
-local traverse_nodes = node.traverse
-local traverse_id    = node.traverse_id
-local copy_node      = node.copy
-local free_nodelist  = node.flush_list
+local nuts           = nodes.nuts
+local tonut          = nodes.tonut
+local tonode         = nodes.tonode
+
+local getid          = nuts.getid
+local getfield       = nuts.getfield
+local getattr        = nuts.getattr
+local getlist        = nuts.getlist
+local getchar        = nuts.getchar
+local getnext        = nuts.getnext
+
+local setfield       = nuts.setfield
+local setattr        = nuts.setattr
+
+local traverse_nodes = nuts.traverse
+local traverse_id    = nuts.traverse_id
+local copy_node      = nuts.copy
+local free_nodelist  = nuts.flush_list
+local insert_after   = nuts.insert_after
 
 local glue_code      = nodecodes.glue
 local kern_code      = nodecodes.kern
@@ -29,57 +44,68 @@ local threshold      = 65536
 -- todo: nbsp etc
 -- todo: collapse kerns
 
+-- p_id
+
 local function injectspaces(head)
-    local p
+    local p, p_id
     local n = head
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == glue_code then -- todo: check for subtype related to spacing (13/14 but most seems to be 0)
-       -- if n.spec.width > 0 then -- threshold
-            if p and p.id == glyph_code then
+       -- if getfield(getfield(n,"spec"),"width") > 0 then -- threshold
+            if p and p_id == glyph_code then
                 local g = copy_node(p)
-                local c = g.components
+                local c = getfield(g,"components")
                 if c then -- it happens that we copied a ligature
                     free_nodelist(c)
-                    g.components = nil
-                    g.subtype = 256
+                    setfield(g,"components",nil)
+                    setfield(g,"subtype",256)
                 end
-                local a = n[a_characters]
-                local s = copy_node(n.spec)
-                g.char, n.spec = 32, s
-                p.next, g.prev = g, p
-                g.next, n.prev = n, g
-                s.width = s.width - g.width
+                -- p .. g
+                local a = getattr(n,a_characters)
+                local s = copy_node(getfield(n,"spec"))
+                setfield(g,"char",32)
+                insert_after(p,p,g)
+             -- setfield(p,"next",g)
+             -- setfield(g,"prev",p)
+             -- setfield(g,"next",n)
+             -- setfield(n,"prev",g)
+                setfield(n,"spec",s)
+                setfield(s,"width",getfield(s,"width") - getfield(g,"width"))
                 if a then
-                    g[a_characters] = a
+                    setattr(g,a_characters,a)
                 end
-                s[a_characters] = 0
-                n[a_characters] = 0
+                setattr(s,a_characters,0)
+                setattr(n,a_characters,0)
             end
        -- end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            injectspaces(n.list,attribute)
+            injectspaces(getlist(n),attribute)
      -- elseif id == kern_code then -- the backend already collapses
      --     local first = n
      --     while true do
-     --         local nn = n.next
-     --         if nn and nn.id == kern_code then
+     --         local nn = getnext(n)
+     --         if nn and getid(nn) == kern_code then
      --          -- maybe we should delete kerns but who cares at this stage
-     --             first.kern = first.kern + nn.kern
-     --             nn.kern = 0
+     --             setfield(first,"kern",getfield(first,"kern") + getfield(nn,"kern")
+     --             setfield(nn,"kern",0)
      --             n = nn
      --         else
      --             break
      --         end
      --     end
         end
+        p_id = id
         p = n
-        n = n.next
+        n = getnext(n)
     end
-    return head, true
+    return head, true -- always done anyway
 end
 
-nodes.handlers.accessibility = injectspaces
+nodes.handlers.accessibility = function(head)
+    local head, done = injectspaces(tonut(head))
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 -- todo:
 
@@ -90,16 +116,18 @@ nodes.handlers.accessibility = injectspaces
 -- local function compact(n)
 --     local t = { }
 --     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,n) do
---         t[#t+1] = utfchar(n.char) -- check for unicode
+--         t[#t+1] = utfchar(getchar(n)) -- check for unicode
 --     end
 --     return concat(t,"")
 -- end
 --
 -- local function injectspans(head)
---     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
---         local id = n.id
+--     local done = false
+--     for n in traverse_nodes(tonuts(head)) do
+--         local id = getid(n)
 --         if id == disc then
---             local r, p = n.replace, n.pre
+--             local r = getfield(n,"replace")
+--             local p = getfield(n,"pre")
 --             if r and p then
 --                 local str = compact(r)
 --                 local hsh = hyphenated[str]
@@ -108,13 +136,14 @@ nodes.handlers.accessibility = injectspaces
 --                     hyphenated[str] = hsh
 --                     codes[hsh] = str
 --                 end
---                 n[a_hyphenated] = hsh
+--                 setattr(n,a_hyphenated,hsh)
+--                 done = true
 --             end
 --         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
---             injectspans(n.list)
+--             injectspans(getlist(n))
 --         end
 --     end
---     return head, true
+--     return tonodes(head), done
 -- end
 --
 -- nodes.injectspans = injectspans
@@ -122,19 +151,22 @@ nodes.handlers.accessibility = injectspaces
 -- tasks.appendaction("processors", "words", "nodes.injectspans")
 --
 -- local function injectspans(head)
---     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
---         local id = n.id
+--     local done = false
+--     for n in traverse_nodes(tonut(head)) do
+--         local id = getid(n)
 --         if id == disc then
---             local a = n[a_hyphenated]
+--             local a = getattr(n,a_hyphenated)
 --             if a then
 --                 local str = codes[a]
 --                 local b = new_pdfliteral(format("/Span << /ActualText %s >> BDC", lpdf.tosixteen(str)))
 --                 local e = new_pdfliteral("EMC")
---                 node.insert_before(head,n,b)
---                 node.insert_after(head,n,e)
+--                 insert_before(head,n,b)
+--                 insert_after(head,n,e)
+--                 done = true
 --             end
 --         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
---             injectspans(n.list)
+--             injectspans(getlist(n))
 --         end
 --     end
+--     return tonodes(head), done
 -- end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua b/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
index 443c78547..7eb51e5b4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-aux.lua
@@ -22,82 +22,105 @@ local vlist_code         = nodecodes.vlist
 local attributelist_code = nodecodes.attributelist -- temporary
 local math_code          = nodecodes.math
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
-
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local vianuts            = nuts.vianuts
+
+local getbox             = nuts.getbox
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local traverse_nodes     = nuts.traverse
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local free_node          = nuts.free
+local hpack_nodes        = nuts.hpack
+local unset_attribute    = nuts.unset_attribute
+local first_glyph        = nuts.first_glyph
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local copy_node_list     = nuts.copy_list
+local slide_nodes        = nuts.slide
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local isnode             = nuts.is_node
+
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
 local new_glyph          = nodepool.glyph
 
-local traverse_nodes     = node.traverse
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local free_node          = node.free
-local hpack_nodes        = node.hpack
-local unset_attribute    = node.unset_attribute
-local first_glyph        = node.first_glyph or node.first_character
-local copy_node          = node.copy
-local copy_node_list     = node.copy_list
-local slide_nodes        = node.slide
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local isnode             = node.is_node
-
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 local current_font       = font.current
 
-local texgetbox          = tex.getbox
-
 local report_error       = logs.reporter("node-aux:error")
 
-function nodes.repackhlist(list,...)
---~ nodes.showsimplelist(list)
+local function repackhlist(list,...)
     local temp, b = hpack_nodes(list,...)
-    list = temp.list
-    temp.list = nil
+    list = getlist(temp)
+    setfield(temp,"list",nil)
     free_node(temp)
     return list, b
 end
 
+nuts.repackhlist = repackhlist
+
+function nodes.repackhlist(list,...)
+    local list, b = repackhlist(tonut(list),...)
+    return tonode(list), b
+end
+
 local function set_attributes(head,attr,value)
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        n[attr] = value
-        local id = n.id
+        setattr(n,attr,value)
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == hlist_node or id == vlist_node then
-            set_attributes(n.list,attr,value)
+            set_attributes(getlist(n),attr,value)
         end
     end
 end
 
 local function set_unset_attributes(head,attr,value)
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        if not n[attr] then
-            n[attr] = value
+        if not getattr(n,attr) then
+            setattr(n,attr,value)
         end
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            set_unset_attributes(n.list,attr,value)
+            set_unset_attributes(getlist(n),attr,value)
         end
     end
 end
 
 local function unset_attributes(head,attr)
     for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        n[attr] = unsetvalue
-        local id = n.id
+        setattr(n,attr,unsetvalue)
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            unset_attributes(n.list,attr)
+            unset_attributes(getlist(n),attr)
         end
     end
 end
 
-nodes.setattribute       = node.set_attribute
-nodes.getattribute       = node.has_attribute
-nodes.unsetattribute     = node.unset_attribute
-nodes.has_attribute      = node.has_attribute
+-- for old times sake
+
+nuts.setattribute        = nuts.setattr                      nodes.setattribute       = nodes.setattr
+nuts.getattribute        = nuts.getattr                      nodes.getattribute       = nodes.getattr
+nuts.unsetattribute      = nuts.unset_attribute              nodes.unsetattribute     = nodes.unset_attribute
+nuts.has_attribute       = nuts.has_attribute                nodes.has_attribute      = nodes.has_attribute
+nuts.firstglyph          = nuts.first_glyph                  nodes.firstglyph         = nodes.first_glyph
 
-nodes.firstglyph         = first_glyph
-nodes.setattributes      = set_attributes
-nodes.setunsetattributes = set_unset_attributes
-nodes.unsetattributes    = unset_attributes
+nuts.setattributes       = set_attributes                    nodes.setattributes      = vianuts(set_attributes)
+nuts.setunsetattributes  = set_unset_attributes              nodes.setunsetattributes = vianuts(set_unset_attributes)
+nuts.unsetattributes     = unset_attributes                  nodes.unsetattributes    = vianuts(unset_attributes)
 
+-- history:
+--
 -- function nodes.is_skipable(a,id)  -- skipable nodes at the margins during character protrusion
 --     return (
 --             id ~= glyph_node
@@ -106,29 +129,26 @@ nodes.unsetattributes    = unset_attributes
 --         or  id == adjust_node
 --         or  id == penalty_node
 --         or (id == glue_node    and a.spec.writable)
---         or (id == disc_node    and a.pre == nil and a.post == nil and a.replace == nil)
---         or (id == math_node    and a.surround == 0)
---         or (id == kern_node    and (a.kern == 0 or a.subtype == NORMAL))
---         or (id == hlist_node   and a.width == 0 and a.height == 0 and a.depth == 0 and a.list == nil)
---         or (id == whatsit_node and a.subtype ~= pdf_refximage_node and a.subtype ~= pdf_refxform_node)
+--         or (id == disc_node    and getfield(a,"pre") == nil and getfield(a,"post") == nil and getfield(a,"replace") == nil)
+--         or (id == math_node    and getfield(a,"surround") == 0)
+--         or (id == kern_node    and (getfield(a,"kern") == 0 or getsubtype(subtype) == NORMAL))
+--         or (id == hlist_node   and getfield(a,"width") == 0 and getfield(a,"height") == 0 and getfield(a,"depth") == 0 and getlist(a) == nil)
+--         or (id == whatsit_node and getsubtype(a) ~= pdf_refximage_node and getsubtype(a) ~= pdf_refxform_node)
 --     )
 -- end
-
--- history:
---
 --
 -- local function glyph_width(a)
---     local ch = chardata[a.font][a.char]
+--     local ch = chardata[getfont(a)][getchar(a)]
 --     return (ch and ch.width) or 0
 -- end
 --
 -- local function glyph_total(a)
---     local ch = chardata[a.font][a.char]
+--     local ch = chardata[getfont(a)][getchar(a)]
 --     return (ch and (ch.height+ch.depth)) or 0
 -- end
 --
 -- local function non_discardable(a) -- inline
---     return a.id < math_node -- brrrr
+--     return getid(id) < math_node -- brrrr
 -- end
 --
 -- local function calculate_badness(t,s)
@@ -183,8 +203,36 @@ nodes.unsetattributes    = unset_attributes
 --         return -u
 --     end
 -- end
+--
+-- if not node.end_of_math then
+--     function node.end_of_math(n)
+--         for n in traverse_id(math_code,getnext(next)) do
+--             return n
+--         end
+--     end
+-- end
+--
+-- nodes.endofmath = node.end_of_math
+--
+-- local function firstline(n)
+--     while n do
+--         local id = getid(n)
+--         if id == hlist_code then
+--             if getsubtype(n) == line_code then
+--                 return n
+--             else
+--                 return firstline(getlist(n))
+--             end
+--         elseif id == vlist_code then
+--             return firstline(getlist(n))
+--         end
+--         n = getnext(n)
+--     end
+-- end
+--
+-- nodes.firstline = firstline
 
-function nodes.firstcharacter(n,untagged) -- tagged == subtype > 255
+local function firstcharacter(n,untagged) -- tagged == subtype > 255
     if untagged then
         return first_glyph(n)
     else
@@ -194,43 +242,18 @@ function nodes.firstcharacter(n,untagged) -- tagged == subtype > 255
     end
 end
 
-function nodes.firstcharinbox(n)
-    local l = texgetbox(n).list
+local function firstcharinbox(n)
+    local l = getlist(getbox(n))
     if l then
         for g in traverse_id(glyph_code,l) do
-            return g.char
+            return getchar(g)
         end
     end
     return 0
 end
 
-if not node.end_of_math then
-    function node.end_of_math(n)
-        for n in traverse_id(math_code,n.next) do
-            return n
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-nodes.endofmath = node.end_of_math
-
--- local function firstline(n)
---     while n do
---         local id = n.id
---         if id == hlist_code then
---             if n.subtype == line_code then
---                 return n
---             else
---                 return firstline(n.list)
---             end
---         elseif id == vlist_code then
---             return firstline(n.list)
---         end
---         n = n.next
---     end
--- end
-
--- nodes.firstline = firstline
+nuts.firstcharacter = firstcharacter  nodes.firstcharacter = vianuts(firstcharacter)
+nuts.firstcharinbox = firstcharinbox  nodes.firstcharinbox = vianuts(firstcharinbox)
 
 -- this depends on fonts, so we have a funny dependency ... will be
 -- sorted out .. we could make tonodes a plugin into this
@@ -242,10 +265,8 @@ local function tonodes(str,fnt,attr) -- (str,template_glyph) -- moved from blob-
     local head, tail, space, fnt, template = nil, nil, nil, nil, nil
     if not fnt then
         fnt = current_font()
-    elseif type(fnt) ~= "number" and fnt.id == "glyph" then
-        fnt, template = nil, fnt
- -- else
-     -- already a number
+    elseif type(fnt) ~= "number" and getid(fnt) == glyph_code then -- so it has to be a real node
+        fnt, template = nil, tonut(fnt)
     end
     for s in utfvalues(str) do
         local n
@@ -259,12 +280,12 @@ local function tonodes(str,fnt,attr) -- (str,template_glyph) -- moved from blob-
             end
         elseif template then
             n = copy_node(template)
-            n.char = s
+            setvalue(n,"char",s)
         else
             n = new_glyph(fnt,s)
         end
         if attr then -- normally false when template
-            n.attr = copy_node_list(attr)
+            setfield(n,"attr",copy_node_list(attr))
         end
         if head then
             insert_node_after(head,tail,n)
@@ -276,68 +297,129 @@ local function tonodes(str,fnt,attr) -- (str,template_glyph) -- moved from blob-
     return head, tail
 end
 
-nodes.tonodes = tonodes
+nuts.tonodes = tonodes
+
+nodes.tonodes = function(str,fnt,attr)
+    local head, tail = tonodes(str,fnt,attr)
+    return tonode(head), tonode(tail)
+end
+
+-- local function link(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
+--     for i=1,#list do
+--         local n = list[i]
+--         if n then
+--             local tn = isnode(n)
+--             if not tn then
+--                 local tn = type(n)
+--                 if tn == "number" then
+--                     if not currentfont then
+--                         currentfont = current_font()
+--                     end
+--                     local h, t = tonodes(tostring(n),currentfont,currentattr)
+--                     if not h then
+--                         -- skip
+--                     elseif not head then
+--                         head = h
+--                         tail = t
+--                     else
+--                         setfield(tail,"next",h)
+--                         setfield(h,"prev",t)
+--                         tail = t
+--                     end
+--                 elseif tn == "string" then
+--                     if #tn > 0 then
+--                         if not currentfont then
+--                             currentfont = current_font()
+--                         end
+--                         local h, t = tonodes(n,currentfont,currentattr)
+--                         if not h then
+--                             -- skip
+--                         elseif not head then
+--                             head, tail = h, t
+--                         else
+--                             setfield(tail,"next",h)
+--                             setfield(h,"prev",t)
+--                             tail = t
+--                         end
+--                     end
+--                 elseif tn == "table" then
+--                     if #tn > 0 then
+--                         if not currentfont then
+--                             currentfont = current_font()
+--                         end
+--                         head, tail = link(n,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
+--                     end
+--                 end
+--             elseif not head then
+--                 head = n
+--                 tail = slide_nodes(n)
+--             elseif getid(n) == attributelist_code then
+--                 -- weird case
+--                 report_error("weird node type in list at index %s:",i)
+--                 for i=1,#list do
+--                     local l = list[i]
+--                     report_error("%3i: %s %S",i,getid(l) == attributelist_code and "!" or ">",l)
+--                 end
+--                 os.exit()
+--             else
+--                 setfield(tail,"next",n)
+--                 setfield(n,"prev",tail)
+--                 if getnext(n) then
+--                     tail = slide_nodes(n)
+--                 else
+--                     tail = n
+--                 end
+--             end
+--         else
+--             -- permitting nil is convenient
+--         end
+--     end
+--     return head, tail
+-- end
 
-local function link(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
+local function link(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail) -- an oldie, might be replaced
     for i=1,#list do
         local n = list[i]
         if n then
-            local tn = isnode(n)
-            if not tn then
-                local tn = type(n)
-                if tn == "number" then
+            local tn = type(n)
+            if tn == "string" then
+                if #tn > 0 then
                     if not currentfont then
                         currentfont = current_font()
                     end
-                    local h, t = tonodes(tostring(n),currentfont,currentattr)
+                    local h, t = tonodes(n,currentfont,currentattr)
                     if not h then
                         -- skip
                     elseif not head then
                         head, tail = h, t
                     else
-                        tail.next, h.prev, tail = h, t, t
-                    end
-                elseif tn == "string" then
-                    if #tn > 0 then
-                        if not currentfont then
-                            currentfont = current_font()
-                        end
-                        local h, t = tonodes(n,currentfont,currentattr)
-                        if not h then
-                            -- skip
-                        elseif not head then
-                            head, tail = h, t
-                        else
-                            tail.next, h.prev, tail = h, t, t
-                        end
+                        setfield(tail,"next",h)
+                        setfield(h,"prev",t)
+                        tail = t
                     end
-                elseif tn == "table" then
-                    if #tn > 0 then
-                        if not currentfont then
-                            currentfont = current_font()
-                        end
-                        head, tail = link(n,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
+                end
+            elseif tn == "table" then
+                if #tn > 0 then
+                    if not currentfont then
+                        currentfont = current_font()
                     end
+                    head, tail = link(n,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
                 end
             elseif not head then
                 head = n
-                if n.next then
-                    tail = slide_nodes(n)
-                else
-                    tail = n
-                end
-            elseif n.id == attributelist_code then
+                tail = slide_nodes(n)
+            elseif getid(n) == attributelist_code then
                 -- weird case
                 report_error("weird node type in list at index %s:",i)
                 for i=1,#list do
                     local l = list[i]
-                    report_error("%3i: %s %S",i,l.id == attributelist_code and "!" or ">",l)
+                    report_error("%3i: %s %S",i,getid(l) == attributelist_code and "!" or ">",l)
                 end
                 os.exit()
             else
-                tail.next = n
-                n.prev = tail
-                if n.next then
+                setfield(tail,"next",n)
+                setfield(n,"prev",tail)
+                if getnext(n) then
                     tail = slide_nodes(n)
                 else
                     tail = n
@@ -350,17 +432,22 @@ local function link(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
     return head, tail
 end
 
-nodes.link = link
+nuts.link = link
+
+nodes.link = function(list,currentfont,currentattr,head,tail)
+    local head, tail = link(list,currentfont,currentattr,tonut(head),tonut(tail))
+    return tonode(head), tonode(tail)
+end
 
 local function locate(start,wantedid,wantedsubtype)
     for n in traverse_nodes(start) do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == wantedid then
-            if not wantedsubtype or n.subtype == wantedsubtype then
+            if not wantedsubtype or getsubtype(n) == wantedsubtype then
                 return n
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local found = locate(n.list,wantedid,wantedsubtype)
+            local found = locate(getlist(n),wantedid,wantedsubtype)
             if found then
                 return found
             end
@@ -368,7 +455,12 @@ local function locate(start,wantedid,wantedsubtype)
     end
 end
 
-nodes.locate =  locate
+nuts.locate = locate
+
+nodes.locate = function(start,wantedid,wantedsubtype)
+    local found = locate(tonut(start),wantedid,wantedsubtype)
+    return found and tonode(found)
+end
 
 -- I have no use for this yet:
 --
@@ -381,10 +473,12 @@ nodes.locate =  locate
 --     return (badness/100)^(1/3)
 -- end
 --
--- function tex.stretch_amount(skip,badness)
+-- function tex.stretch_amount(skip,badness) -- node no nut
 --     if skip.id == gluespec_code then
 --         return skip.width + (badness and (badness/100)^(1/3) or 1) * skip.stretch
 --     else
 --         return 0
 --     end
 -- end
+
+
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-bck.lua b/tex/context/base/node-bck.lua
index feaa2c684..d756d43d6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-bck.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-bck.lua
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-bck'] = {
 
 local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
 
+local tasks             = nodes.tasks
+
 local nodecodes         = nodes.nodecodes
 local listcodes         = nodes.listcodes
 
@@ -19,11 +21,25 @@ local vlist_code        = nodecodes.vlist
 local glyph_code        = nodecodes.glyph
 local cell_code         = listcodes.cell
 
-local traverse          = node.traverse
-local traverse_id       = node.traverse_id
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool          = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode            = nuts.tonode
+local tonut             = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield          = nuts.getfield
+local setfield          = nuts.setfield
+local getnext           = nuts.getnext
+local getprev           = nuts.getprev
+local getid             = nuts.getid
+local getlist           = nuts.getlist
+local getattr           = nuts.getattr
+local setattr           = nuts.setattr
+local getsubtype        = nuts.getsubtype
+
+local traverse          = nuts.traverse
+local traverse_id       = nuts.traverse_id
 
-local nodepool          = nodes.pool
-local tasks             = nodes.tasks
 
 local new_rule          = nodepool.rule
 local new_glue          = nodepool.glue
@@ -37,50 +53,50 @@ local a_alignbackground = attributes.private('alignbackground')
 local function add_backgrounds(head) -- rather old code .. to be redone
     local current = head
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local list = current.list
+            local list = getlist(current)
             if list then
                 local head = add_backgrounds(list)
                 if head then
-                    current.list = head
+                    setfield(current,"list",head)
                     list = head
                 end
             end
-            local width = current.width
+            local width = getfield(current,"width")
             if width > 0 then
-                local background = current[a_background]
+                local background = getattr(current,a_background)
                 if background then
                     -- direct to hbox
                     -- colorspace is already set so we can omit that and stick to color
-                    local mode = current[a_colorspace]
+                    local mode = getattr(current,a_colorspace)
                     if mode then
-                        local height = current.height
-                        local depth = current.depth
+                        local height = getfield(current,"height")
+                        local depth = getfield(current,"depth")
                         local skip = id == hlist_code and width or (height + depth)
                         local glue = new_glue(-skip)
                         local rule = new_rule(width,height,depth)
-                        local color = current[a_color]
-                        local transparency = current[a_transparency]
-                        rule[a_colorspace] = mode
+                        local color = getattr(current,a_color)
+                        local transparency = getattr(current,a_transparency)
+                        setattr(rule,a_colorspace,mode)
                         if color then
-                            rule[a_color] = color
+                            setattr(rule,a_color,color)
                         end
                         if transparency then
-                            rule[a_transparency] = transparency
+                            setattr(rule,a_transparency,transparency)
                         end
-                        rule.next = glue
-                        glue.prev = rule
+                        setfield(rule,"next",glue)
+                        setfield(glue,"prev",rule)
                         if list then
-                            glue.next = list
-                            list.prev = glue
+                            setfield(glue,"next",list)
+                            setfield(list,"prev",glue)
                         end
-                        current.list = rule
+                        setfield(current,"list",rule)
                     end
                 end
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return head, true
 end
@@ -88,16 +104,16 @@ end
 local function add_alignbackgrounds(head)
     local current = head
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            local list = current.list
+            local list = getlist(current)
             if not list then
                 -- no need to look
-            elseif current.subtype == cell_code then
+            elseif getsubtype(current) == cell_code then
                 local background = nil
                 local found = nil
              -- for l in traverse(list) do
-             --     background = l[a_alignbackground]
+             --     background = getattr(l,a_alignbackground)
              --     if background then
              --         found = l
              --         break
@@ -106,7 +122,7 @@ local function add_alignbackgrounds(head)
                 -- we know that it's a fake hlist (could be user node)
                 -- but we cannot store tables in user nodes yet
                 for l in traverse_id(hpack_code,list) do
-                    background = l[a_alignbackground]
+                    background = getattr(l,a_alignbackground)
                     if background then
                         found = l
                     end
@@ -115,28 +131,28 @@ local function add_alignbackgrounds(head)
                 --
                 if background then
                     -- current has subtype 5 (cell)
-                    local width = current.width
+                    local width = getfield(current,"width")
                     if width > 0 then
-                        local mode = found[a_colorspace]
+                        local mode = getattr(found,a_colorspace)
                         if mode then
                             local glue = new_glue(-width)
-                            local rule = new_rule(width,current.height,current.depth)
-                            local color = found[a_color]
-                            local transparency = found[a_transparency]
-                            rule[a_colorspace] = mode
+                            local rule = new_rule(width,getfield(current,"height"),getfield(current,"depth"))
+                            local color = getattr(found,a_color)
+                            local transparency = getattr(found,a_transparency)
+                            setattr(rule,a_colorspace,mode)
                             if color then
-                                rule[a_color] = color
+                                setattr(rule,a_color,color)
                             end
                             if transparency then
-                                rule[a_transparency] = transparency
+                                setattr(rule,a_transparency,transparency)
                             end
-                            rule.next = glue
-                            glue.prev = rule
+                            setfield(rule,"next",glue)
+                            setfield(glue,"prev",rule)
                             if list then
-                                glue.next = list
-                                list.prev = glue
+                                setfield(glue,"next",list)
+                                setfield(list,"prev",glue)
                             end
-                            current.list = rule
+                            setfield(current,"list",rule)
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -144,18 +160,21 @@ local function add_alignbackgrounds(head)
                 add_alignbackgrounds(list)
             end
         elseif id == vlist_code then
-            local list = current.list
+            local list = getlist(current)
             if list then
                 add_alignbackgrounds(list)
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return head, true
 end
 
-nodes.handlers.backgrounds      = add_backgrounds
-nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds = add_alignbackgrounds
+-- nodes.handlers.backgrounds      = add_backgrounds
+-- nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds = add_alignbackgrounds
+
+nodes.handlers.backgrounds      = function(head) local head, done = add_backgrounds     (tonut(head)) return tonode(head), done end
+nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds = function(head) local head, done = add_alignbackgrounds(tonut(head)) return tonode(head), done end
 
 tasks.appendaction("shipouts","normalizers","nodes.handlers.backgrounds")
 tasks.appendaction("shipouts","normalizers","nodes.handlers.alignbackgrounds")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-fin.lua b/tex/context/base/node-fin.lua
index 63a5ef83e..0d095cbde 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-fin.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-fin.lua
@@ -8,36 +8,55 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-fin'] = {
 
 -- this module is being reconstructed
 -- local functions, only slightly slower
+--
+-- leaders are also triggers
 
 local next, type, format = next, type, string.format
 
 local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
 
-local copy_node       = node.copy
-local find_tail       = node.slide
-
-local nodecodes       = nodes.nodecodes
-local whatcodes       = nodes.whatcodes
-
-local glyph_code      = nodecodes.glyph
-local disc_code       = nodecodes.disc
-local glue_code       = nodecodes.glue
-local rule_code       = nodecodes.rule
-local whatsit_code    = nodecodes.whatsit
-local hlist_code      = nodecodes.hlist
-local vlist_code      = nodecodes.vlist
-
-local pdfliteral_code = whatcodes.pdfliteral
-
-local states          = attributes.states
-local numbers         = attributes.numbers
-local a_trigger       = attributes.private('trigger')
-local triggering      = false
-
-local starttiming     = statistics.starttiming
-local stoptiming      = statistics.stoptiming
-local loadstripped    = utilities.lua.loadstripped
-local unsetvalue      = attributes.unsetvalue
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getleader          = nuts.getleader
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local find_tail          = nuts.slide
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+
+local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
+local whatcodes          = nodes.whatcodes
+
+local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
+local disc_code          = nodecodes.disc
+local glue_code          = nodecodes.glue
+local rule_code          = nodecodes.rule
+local whatsit_code       = nodecodes.whatsit
+local hlist_code         = nodecodes.hlist
+local vlist_code         = nodecodes.vlist
+
+local pdfliteral_code    = whatcodes.pdfliteral
+
+local states             = attributes.states
+local numbers            = attributes.numbers
+local a_trigger          = attributes.private('trigger')
+local triggering         = false
+
+local starttiming        = statistics.starttiming
+local stoptiming         = statistics.stoptiming
+local loadstripped       = utilities.lua.loadstripped
+local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 -- these two will be like trackers
 
@@ -102,10 +121,13 @@ function nodes.installattributehandler(plugin)
     return loadstripped(template)()
 end
 
--- the injectors
+-- for the moment:
 
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+local function copied(n)
+    return copy_node(tonut(n))
+end
+
+-- the injectors
 
 local nsdata, nsnone, nslistwise, nsforced, nsselector, nstrigger
 local current, current_selector, done = 0, 0, false -- nb, stack has a local current !
@@ -132,23 +154,25 @@ end
 
 function states.finalize(namespace,attribute,head) -- is this one ok?
     if current > 0 and nsnone then
-        local id = head.id
+        head = tonut(head)
+        local id = getid(head)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local list = head.list
+            local list = getlist(head)
             if list then
-                head.list = insert_node_before(list,list,copy_node(nsnone))
+                list = insert_node_before(list,list,copied(nsnone)) -- two return values
+                setfield(head,"list",list)
             end
         else
-            head = insert_node_before(head,head,copy_node(nsnone))
+            head = insert_node_before(head,head,copied(nsnone))
         end
-        return head, true, true
+        return tonode(head), true, true
     end
     return head, false, false
 end
 
 -- disc nodes can be ignored
 -- we need to deal with literals too (reset as well as oval)
--- if id == glyph_code or (id == whatsit_code and stack.subtype == pdfliteral_code) or (id == rule_code and stack.width ~= 0) or (id == glue_code and stack.leader) then
+-- if id == glyph_code or (id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(stack) == pdfliteral_code) or (id == rule_code and stack.width ~= 0) or (id == glue_code and stack.leader) then
 
 local function process(namespace,attribute,head,inheritance,default) -- one attribute
     local stack  = head
@@ -156,53 +180,57 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head,inheritance,default) -- one attr
     local check  = false
     local leader = nil
     while stack do
-        local id = stack.id
+        local id = getid(stack)
         if id == glyph_code then
             check = true
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            leader = stack.leader
+            leader = getleader(stack)
             if leader then
                 check = true
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local content = stack.list
+            local content = getlist(stack)
             if content then
                 -- begin nested --
-                local ok
-                if nstrigger and stack[nstrigger] then
-                    local outer = stack[attribute]
+                if nstrigger and getattr(stack,nstrigger) then
+                    local outer = getattr(stack,attribute)
                     if outer ~= inheritance then
-                        stack.list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,outer)
+                        local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,outer)
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     else
-                        stack.list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                        local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     end
                 else
-                    stack.list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                    local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                    setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                    done = done or ok
                 end
                 -- end nested --
-                done = done or ok
             end
         elseif id == rule_code then
-            check = stack.width ~= 0
+            check = getfield(stack,"width") ~= 0
         end
         -- much faster this way than using a check() and nested() function
         if check then
-            local c = stack[attribute]
+            local c = getattr(stack,attribute)
             if c then
                 if default and c == inheritance then
                     if current ~= default then
-                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsdata[default]))
+                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsdata[default]))
                         current = default
                         done = true
                     end
                 elseif current ~= c then
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsdata[c]))
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsdata[c]))
                     current = c
                     done = true
                 end
                 if leader then
                     local savedcurrent = current
-                    local ci = leader.id
+                    local ci = getid(leader)
                     if ci == hlist_code or ci == vlist_code then
                         -- else we reset inside a box unneeded, okay, the downside is
                         -- that we trigger color in each repeated box, so there is room
@@ -210,41 +238,48 @@ local function process(namespace,attribute,head,inheritance,default) -- one attr
                         current = 0
                     end
                     -- begin nested --
-                    local ok = false
-                    if nstrigger and stack[nstrigger] then
-                        local outer = stack[attribute]
+                    if nstrigger and getattr(stack,nstrigger) then
+                        local outer = getattr(stack,attribute)
                         if outer ~= inheritance then
-                            stack.leader, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,outer)
+                            local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,outer)
+                            setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                            done = done or ok
                         else
-                            stack.leader, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                            local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                            setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                            done = done or ok
                         end
                     else
-                        stack.leader, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                        local list, ok = process(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                        setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     end
                     -- end nested --
-                    done = done or ok
                     current = savedcurrent
                     leader = false
                 end
             elseif default and inheritance then
                 if current ~= default then
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsdata[default]))
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsdata[default]))
                     current = default
                     done = true
                 end
             elseif current > 0 then
-                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsnone))
+                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsnone))
                 current = 0
                 done = true
             end
             check = false
         end
-        stack = stack.next
+        stack = getnext(stack)
     end
     return head, done
 end
 
-states.process = process
+states.process = function(namespace,attribute,head,default)
+    local head, done = process(namespace,attribute,tonut(head),default)
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 -- we can force a selector, e.g. document wide color spaces, saves a little
 -- watch out, we need to check both the selector state (like colorspace) and
@@ -258,93 +293,103 @@ local function selective(namespace,attribute,head,inheritance,default) -- two at
     local check  = false
     local leader = nil
     while stack do
-        local id = stack.id
+        local id = getid(stack)
         if id == glyph_code then
             check = true
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            leader = stack.leader
+            leader = getleader(stack)
             if leader then
                 check = true
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local content = stack.list
+            local content = getlist(stack)
             if content then
-                local ok = false
                 -- begin nested
-                if nstrigger and stack[nstrigger] then
-                    local outer = stack[attribute]
+                if nstrigger and getattr(stack,nstrigger) then
+                    local outer = getattr(stack,attribute)
                     if outer ~= inheritance then
-                        stack.list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,outer)
+                        local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,outer)
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     else
-                        stack.list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                        local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     end
                 else
-                    stack.list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                    local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,content,inheritance,default)
+                    setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                    done = done or ok
                 end
                 -- end nested
-                done = done or ok
             end
         elseif id == rule_code then
-            check = stack.width ~= 0
+            check = getfield(stack,"width") ~= 0
         end
 
         if check then
-            local c = stack[attribute]
+            local c = getattr(stack,attribute)
             if c then
                 if default and c == inheritance then
                     if current ~= default then
                         local data = nsdata[default]
-                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(data[nsforced or stack[nsselector] or nsselector]))
+                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(data[nsforced or getattr(stack,nsselector) or nsselector]))
                         current = default
                         done = true
                     end
                 else
-                    local s = stack[nsselector]
+                    local s = getattr(stack,nsselector)
                     if current ~= c or current_selector ~= s then
                         local data = nsdata[c]
-                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(data[nsforced or stack[nsselector] or nsselector]))
+                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(data[nsforced or getattr(stack,nsselector) or nsselector]))
                         current = c
                         current_selector = s
                         done = true
                     end
                 end
                 if leader then
-                    local ok = false
                     -- begin nested
-                    if nstrigger and stack[nstrigger] then
-                        local outer = stack[attribute]
+                    if nstrigger and getattr(stack,nstrigger) then
+                        local outer = getatribute(stack,attribute)
                         if outer ~= inheritance then
-                            stack.leader, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,outer)
+                            local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,outer)
+                            setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                            done = done or ok
                         else
-                            stack.leader, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                            local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                            setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                            done = done or ok
                         end
                     else
-                        stack.leader, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                        local list, ok = selective(namespace,attribute,leader,inheritance,default)
+                        setfield(stack,"leader",list)
+                        done = done or ok
                     end
                     -- end nested
-                    done = done or ok
-                    leader = false
+					leader = false
                 end
             elseif default and inheritance then
                 if current ~= default then
                     local data = nsdata[default]
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(data[nsforced or stack[nsselector] or nsselector]))
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(data[nsforced or getattr(stack,nsselector) or nsselector]))
                     current = default
                     done = true
                 end
             elseif current > 0 then
-                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsnone))
+                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsnone))
                 current, current_selector, done = 0, 0, true
             end
             check = false
         end
-
-        stack = stack.next
+        stack = getnext(stack)
     end
     return head, done
 end
 
-states.selective = selective
+states.selective = function(namespace,attribute,head,default)
+    local head, done = selective(namespace,attribute,tonut(head),default)
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 -- Ideally the next one should be merged with the previous but keeping it separate is
 -- safer. We deal with two situations: efficient boxwise (layoutareas) and mixed layers
@@ -363,76 +408,80 @@ local function stacked(namespace,attribute,head,default) -- no triggering, no in
     local check   = false
     local leader  = false
     while stack do
-        local id = stack.id
+        local id = getid(stack)
         if id == glyph_code then
             check = true
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            leader = stack.leader
+            leader = getleader(stack)
             if leader then
                 check = true
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local content = stack.list
+            local content = getlist(stack)
             if content then
              -- the problem is that broken lines gets the attribute which can be a later one
                 if nslistwise then
-                    local a = stack[attribute]
+                    local a = getattr(stack,attribute)
                     if a and current ~= a and nslistwise[a] then -- viewerlayer / needs checking, see below
                         local p = current
-                        current, done = a, true
-                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsdata[a]))
-                        stack.list = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
-                        head, stack = insert_node_after(head,stack,copy_node(nsnone))
+                        current = a
+                        head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsdata[a]))
+                        local list = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current) -- two return values
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list)
+                        done = true
+                        head, stack = insert_node_after(head,stack,copied(nsnone))
                         current = p
                     else
-                        local ok = false
-                        stack.list, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                        local list, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                        setfield(stack,"list",list) -- only if ok
                         done = done or ok
                     end
                 else
-                    local ok = false
-                    stack.list, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                    local list, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                    setfield(stack,"list",list) -- only if ok
                     done = done or ok
                 end
             end
         elseif id == rule_code then
-            check = stack.width ~= 0
+            check = getfield(stack,"width") ~= 0
         end
 
         if check then
-            local a = stack[attribute]
+            local a = getattr(stack,attribute)
             if a then
                 if current ~= a then
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsdata[a]))
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsdata[a]))
                     depth = depth + 1
                     current, done = a, true
                 end
                 if leader then
-                    local ok = false
-                    stack.leader, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                    local list, ok = stacked(namespace,attribute,content,current)
+                    setfield(stack,"leader",list) -- only if ok
                     done = done or ok
                     leader = false
                 end
             elseif default > 0 then
                 --
             elseif current > 0 then
-                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copy_node(nsnone))
+                head = insert_node_before(head,stack,copied(nsnone))
                 depth = depth - 1
                 current, done = 0, true
             end
             check = false
         end
-
-        stack = stack.next
+        stack = getnext(stack)
     end
     while depth > 0 do
-        head = insert_node_after(head,stack,copy_node(nsnone))
+        head = insert_node_after(head,stack,copied(nsnone))
         depth = depth - 1
     end
     return head, done
 end
 
-states.stacked = stacked
+states.stacked = function(namespace,attribute,head,default)
+    local head, done = stacked(namespace,attribute,tonut(head),default)
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 -- experimental
 
@@ -446,52 +495,53 @@ local function stacker(namespace,attribute,head,default) -- no triggering, no in
     local check    = false
     local leader   = false
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
             check = true
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            leader = current.leader
+            leader = getleader(current)
             if leader then
                 check = true
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local content = current.list
+            local content = getlist(current)
             if not content then
                 -- skip
             elseif nslistwise then
-                local a = current[attribute]
+                local a = getattr(current,attribute)
                 if a and attrib ~= a and nslistwise[a] then -- viewerlayer
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,current,copied(nsdata[a]))
+                    local list = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,a)
+                    setfield(current,"list",list)
                     done = true
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,current,copy_node(nsdata[a]))
-                    current.list = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,a)
-                    head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copy_node(nsnone))
+                    head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copied(nsnone))
                 else
-                    local ok = false
-                    current.list, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,attrib)
+                    local list, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,attrib)
+                    setfield(current,"list",list)
                     done = done or ok
                 end
             else
-                local ok = false
-                current.list, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,default)
+                local list, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,content,default)
+                setfield(current,"list",list)
                 done = done or ok
             end
         elseif id == rule_code then
-            check = current.width ~= 0
+            check = getfield(current,"width") ~= 0
         end
 
         if check then
-            local a = current[attribute] or unsetvalue
+            local a = getattr(current,attribute) or unsetvalue
             if a ~= attrib then
                 local n = nsstep(a)
                 if n then
                  -- !!!! TEST CODE !!!!
-                 -- head = insert_node_before(head,current,copy_node(nsdata[tonumber(n)])) -- a
-                    head = insert_node_before(head,current,n) -- a
+                 -- head = insert_node_before(head,current,copied(nsdata[tonumber(n)])) -- a
+                    head = insert_node_before(head,current,tonut(n)) -- a
                 end
                 attrib, done, okay = a, true, true
                 if leader then
                     -- tricky as a leader has to be a list so we cannot inject before
-                    local _, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,leader,attrib)
+                    local list, ok = stacker(namespace,attribute,leader,attrib)
                     done = done or ok
                     leader = false
                 end
@@ -500,20 +550,23 @@ local function stacker(namespace,attribute,head,default) -- no triggering, no in
         end
 
         previous = current
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if okay then
         local n = nsend()
         if n then
              -- !!!! TEST CODE !!!!
-         -- head = insert_node_after(head,previous,copy_node(nsdata[tostring(n)]))
-            head = insert_node_after(head,previous,n)
+         -- head = insert_node_after(head,previous,copied(nsdata[tostring(n)]))
+            head = insert_node_after(head,previous,tonut(n))
         end
     end
     return head, done
 end
 
-states.stacker = stacker
+states.stacker = function(namespace,attribute,head,default)
+    local head, done = stacker(namespace,attribute,tonut(head),default)
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 -- -- --
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-fnt.lua b/tex/context/base/node-fnt.lua
index 2f59d513c..7000c4fd7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-fnt.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-fnt.lua
@@ -23,12 +23,24 @@ local fontdata          = fonthashes.identifiers
 
 local otf               = fonts.handlers.otf
 
-local traverse_id       = node.traverse_id
 local starttiming       = statistics.starttiming
 local stoptiming        = statistics.stoptiming
+
 local nodecodes         = nodes.nodecodes
 local handlers          = nodes.handlers
 
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+local tonut             = nuts.tonut
+
+local getattr           = nuts.getattr
+local getid             = nuts.getid
+local getfont           = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype        = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar           = nuts.getchar
+local getnext           = nuts.getnext
+
+local traverse_id       = nuts.traverse_id
+
 local glyph_code        = nodecodes.glyph
 local disc_code         = nodecodes.disc
 
@@ -109,25 +121,25 @@ function handlers.characters(head)
         report_fonts()
         report_fonts("checking node list, run %s",run)
         report_fonts()
-        local n = head
+        local n = tonut(head)
         while n do
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local font = n.font
-                local attr = n[0] or 0
-                report_fonts("font %03i, dynamic %03i, glyph %C",font,attr,n.char)
+                local font = getfont(n)
+                local attr = getattr(n,0) or 0
+                report_fonts("font %03i, dynamic %03i, glyph %C",font,attr,getchar(n))
             elseif id == disc_code then
                 report_fonts("[disc] %s",nodes.listtoutf(n,true,false,n))
             else
                 report_fonts("[%s]",nodecodes[id])
             end
-            n = n.next
+            n = getnext(n)
         end
     end
-    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-     -- if n.subtype<256 then -- all are 1
-        local font = n.font
-        local attr = n[0] or 0 -- zero attribute is reserved for fonts in context
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+     -- if getsubtype(n) <256 then -- all are 1
+        local font = getfont(n)
+        local attr = getattr(n,0) or 0 -- zero attribute is reserved for fonts in context
         if font ~= prevfont or attr ~= prevattr then
             if attr > 0 then
                 local used = attrfonts[font]
@@ -391,5 +403,8 @@ end
 --         return head, true
 --     end
 
-handlers.protectglyphs   = node.protect_glyphs
-handlers.unprotectglyphs = node.unprotect_glyphs
+local d_protect_glyphs   = nuts.protect_glyphs
+local d_unprotect_glyphs = nuts.unprotect_glyphs
+
+handlers.protectglyphs   = function(n) return d_protect_glyphs  (tonut(n)) end
+handlers.unprotectglyphs = function(n) return d_unprotect_glyphs(tonut(n)) end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua b/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
index ae48150a6..f30070e9e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-inj.lua
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-inj'] = {
 -- test fonts. Btw, future versions of luatex will have extended glyph properties
 -- that can be of help. Some optimizations can go away when we have faster machines.
 
--- todo: make a special one for context
+-- todo: ignore kerns between disc and glyph
 
 local next = next
 local utfchar = utf.char
@@ -30,13 +30,32 @@ local injections         = nodes.injections
 
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
+local disc_code          = nodecodes.disc
 local kern_code          = nodecodes.kern
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
+
 local newkern            = nodepool.kern
 
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
 
 local a_kernpair = attributes.private('kernpair')
 local a_ligacomp = attributes.private('ligacomp')
@@ -71,8 +90,8 @@ function injections.setcursive(start,nxt,factor,rlmode,exit,entry,tfmstart,tfmne
     local dx, dy = factor*(exit[1]-entry[1]), factor*(exit[2]-entry[2])
     local ws, wn = tfmstart.width, tfmnext.width
     local bound = #cursives + 1
-    start[a_cursbase] = bound
-    nxt[a_curscurs] = bound
+    setattr(start,a_cursbase,bound)
+    setattr(nxt,a_curscurs,bound)
     cursives[bound] = { rlmode, dx, dy, ws, wn }
     return dx, dy, bound
 end
@@ -81,14 +100,14 @@ function injections.setpair(current,factor,rlmode,r2lflag,spec,tfmchr)
     local x, y, w, h = factor*spec[1], factor*spec[2], factor*spec[3], factor*spec[4]
     -- dy = y - h
     if x ~= 0 or w ~= 0 or y ~= 0 or h ~= 0 then
-        local bound = current[a_kernpair]
+        local bound = getattr(current,a_kernpair)
         if bound then
             local kb = kerns[bound]
             -- inefficient but singles have less, but weird anyway, needs checking
             kb[2], kb[3], kb[4], kb[5] = (kb[2] or 0) + x, (kb[3] or 0) + y, (kb[4] or 0)+ w, (kb[5] or 0) + h
         else
             bound = #kerns + 1
-            current[a_kernpair] = bound
+            setattr(current,a_kernpair,bound)
             kerns[bound] = { rlmode, x, y, w, h, r2lflag, tfmchr.width }
         end
         return x, y, w, h, bound
@@ -100,7 +119,7 @@ function injections.setkern(current,factor,rlmode,x,tfmchr)
     local dx = factor*x
     if dx ~= 0 then
         local bound = #kerns + 1
-        current[a_kernpair] = bound
+        setattr(current,a_kernpair,bound)
         kerns[bound] = { rlmode, dx }
         return dx, bound
     else
@@ -110,7 +129,7 @@ end
 
 function injections.setmark(start,base,factor,rlmode,ba,ma,index,baseismark) -- ba=baseanchor, ma=markanchor
     local dx, dy = factor*(ba[1]-ma[1]), factor*(ba[2]-ma[2])     -- the index argument is no longer used but when this
-    local bound = base[a_markbase]                    -- fails again we should pass it
+    local bound = getattr(base,a_markbase)                   -- fails again we should pass it
     local index = 1
     if bound then
         local mb = marks[bound]
@@ -118,19 +137,19 @@ function injections.setmark(start,base,factor,rlmode,ba,ma,index,baseismark) --
          -- if not index then index = #mb + 1 end
             index = #mb + 1
             mb[index] = { dx, dy, rlmode }
-            start[a_markmark] = bound
-            start[a_markdone] = index
+            setattr(start,a_markmark,bound)
+            setattr(start,a_markdone,index)
             return dx, dy, bound
         else
-            report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",base.char,bound)
+            report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",getchar(base),bound)
         end
     end
 --     index = index or 1
     index = index or 1
     bound = #marks + 1
-    base[a_markbase] = bound
-    start[a_markmark] = bound
-    start[a_markdone] = index
+    setattr(base,a_markbase,bound)
+    setattr(start,a_markmark,bound)
+    setattr(start,a_markdone,index)
     marks[bound] = { [index] = { dx, dy, rlmode, baseismark } }
     return dx, dy, bound
 end
@@ -142,15 +161,15 @@ end
 local function trace(head)
     report_injections("begin run")
     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        if n.subtype < 256 then
-            local kp = n[a_kernpair]
-            local mb = n[a_markbase]
-            local mm = n[a_markmark]
-            local md = n[a_markdone]
-            local cb = n[a_cursbase]
-            local cc = n[a_curscurs]
-            local char = n.char
-            report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",n.font,char,char)
+        if getsubtype(n) < 256 then
+            local kp = getattr(n,a_kernpair)
+            local mb = getattr(n,a_markbase)
+            local mm = getattr(n,a_markmark)
+            local md = getattr(n,a_markdone)
+            local cb = getattr(n,a_cursbase)
+            local cc = getattr(n,a_curscurs)
+            local char = getchar(n)
+            report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",getfont(n),char,char)
             if kp then
                 local k = kerns[kp]
                 if k[3] then
@@ -198,22 +217,24 @@ local function show_result(head)
     local current = head
     local skipping = false
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            report_injections("char: %C, width %p, xoffset %p, yoffset %p",current.char,current.width,current.xoffset,current.yoffset)
+            report_injections("char: %C, width %p, xoffset %p, yoffset %p",
+                getchar(current),getfield(current,"width"),getfield(current,"xoffset"),getfield(current,"yoffset"))
             skipping = false
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            report_injections("kern: %p",current.kern)
+            report_injections("kern: %p",getfield(current,"kern"))
             skipping = false
         elseif not skipping then
             report_injections()
             skipping = true
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
 end
 
 function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local has_marks, has_cursives, has_kerns = next(marks), next(cursives), next(kerns)
     if has_marks or has_cursives then
         if trace_injections then
@@ -224,17 +245,18 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
         if has_kerns then -- move outside loop
             local nf, tm = nil, nil
             for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do -- only needed for relevant fonts
-                if n.subtype < 256 then
+                if getsubtype(n) < 256 then
                     nofvalid = nofvalid + 1
                     valid[nofvalid] = n
-                    if n.font ~= nf then
-                        nf = n.font
-                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks
+                    local f = getfont(n)
+                    if f ~= nf then
+                        nf = f
+                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks -- other hash in ctx
                     end
                     if tm then
-                        mk[n] = tm[n.char]
+                        mk[n] = tm[getchar(n)]
                     end
-                    local k = n[a_kernpair]
+                    local k = getattr(n,a_kernpair)
                     if k then
                         local kk = kerns[k]
                         if kk then
@@ -254,15 +276,16 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
         else
             local nf, tm = nil, nil
             for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-                if n.subtype < 256 then
+                if getsubtype(n) < 256 then
                     nofvalid = nofvalid + 1
                     valid[nofvalid] = n
-                    if n.font ~= nf then
-                        nf = n.font
-                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks
+                    local f = getfont(n)
+                    if f ~= nf then
+                        nf = f
+                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks -- other hash in ctx
                     end
                     if tm then
-                        mk[n] = tm[n.char]
+                        mk[n] = tm[getchar(n)]
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -272,7 +295,7 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
             local cx = { }
             if has_kerns and next(ky) then
                 for n, k in next, ky do
-                    n.yoffset = k
+                    setfield(n,"yoffset",k)
                 end
             end
             -- todo: reuse t and use maxt
@@ -283,9 +306,9 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
                 for i=1,nofvalid do -- valid == glyphs
                     local n = valid[i]
                     if not mk[n] then
-                        local n_cursbase = n[a_cursbase]
+                        local n_cursbase = getattr(n,a_cursbase)
                         if p_cursbase then
-                            local n_curscurs = n[a_curscurs]
+                            local n_curscurs = getattr(n,a_curscurs)
                             if p_cursbase == n_curscurs then
                                 local c = cursives[n_curscurs]
                                 if c then
@@ -310,20 +333,20 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
                                 end
                             end
                         elseif maxt > 0 then
-                            local ny = n.yoffset
+                            local ny = getfield(n,"yoffset")
                             for i=maxt,1,-1 do
                                 ny = ny + d[i]
                                 local ti = t[i]
-                                ti.yoffset = ti.yoffset + ny
+                                setfield(ti,"yoffset",getfield(ti,"yoffset") + ny)
                             end
                             maxt = 0
                         end
                         if not n_cursbase and maxt > 0 then
-                            local ny = n.yoffset
+                            local ny = getfield(n,"yoffset")
                             for i=maxt,1,-1 do
                                 ny = ny + d[i]
                                 local ti = t[i]
-                                ti.yoffset = ny
+                                setfield(ti,"yoffset",ny)
                             end
                             maxt = 0
                         end
@@ -331,11 +354,11 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
                     end
                 end
                 if maxt > 0 then
-                    local ny = n.yoffset
+                    local ny = getfield(n,"yoffset")
                     for i=maxt,1,-1 do
                         ny = ny + d[i]
                         local ti = t[i]
-                        ti.yoffset = ny
+                        setfield(ti,"yoffset",ny)
                     end
                     maxt = 0
                 end
@@ -346,57 +369,83 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
             if has_marks then
                 for i=1,nofvalid do
                     local p = valid[i]
-                    local p_markbase = p[a_markbase]
+                    local p_markbase = getattr(p,a_markbase)
                     if p_markbase then
-                        local mrks = marks[p_markbase]
-                        local nofmarks = #mrks
-                        for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,p.next) do
-                            local n_markmark = n[a_markmark]
+                        local mrks      = marks[p_markbase]
+                        local nofmarks  = #mrks
+                        for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,getnext(p)) do
+                            local n_markmark = getattr(n,a_markmark)
                             if p_markbase == n_markmark then
-                                local index = n[a_markdone] or 1
+                                local index = getattr(n,a_markdone) or 1
                                 local d = mrks[index]
                                 if d then
                                     local rlmode = d[3]
                                     --
                                     local k = wx[p]
+                                    local px = getfield(p,"xoffset")
+                                    local ox = 0
                                     if k then
                                         local x = k[2]
                                         local w = k[4]
                                         if w then
                                             if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
                                                 -- kern(x) glyph(p) kern(w-x) mark(n)
-                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1] - (w-x)
+                                                ox = px - getfield(p,"width") + d[1] - (w-x)
+                                             -- report_injections("l2r case 1: %p",ox)
                                             else
                                                 -- kern(w-x) glyph(p) kern(x) mark(n)
-                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1] - x
+                                                ox = px - d[1] - x
+                                             -- report_injections("r2l case 1: %p",ox)
                                             end
                                         else
                                             if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
                                                 -- okay for husayni
-                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1]
+                                                ox = px - getfield(p,"width") + d[1]
+                                             -- report_injections("r2l case 2: %p",ox)
                                             else
                                                 -- needs checking: is x ok here?
-                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1] - x
+                                                ox = px - d[1] - x
+                                             -- report_injections("r2l case 2: %p",ox)
                                             end
                                         end
                                     else
+                                     -- if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
+                                     --     ox = px - getfield(p,"width") + d[1]
+                                     --  -- report_injections("l2r case 3: %p",ox)
+                                     -- else
+                                     --     ox = px - d[1]
+                                     --  -- report_injections("r2l case 3: %p",ox)
+                                     -- end
+                                        --
+                                        -- we need to deal with fonts that have marks with width
+                                        --
+                                        local wp = getfield(p,"width")
+                                        local wn = getfield(n,"width") -- in arial marks have widths
                                         if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
-                                            n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1]
+                                            ox = px - wp + d[1]
+                                         -- report_injections("l2r case 3: %p",ox)
                                         else
-                                            n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1]
+                                            ox = px - d[1]
+                                         -- report_injections("r2l case 3: %p",ox)
                                         end
-                                        local w = n.width
-                                        if w ~= 0 then
-                                            insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
-                                            insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
+                                        if wn ~= 0 then
+                                            -- bad: we should center
+                                            insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-wn/2))
+                                            insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(-wn/2))
+                                         -- wx[n] = { 0, -wn/2, 0, -wn }
                                         end
+                                        -- so far
                                     end
-                                    --                                    --
+                                    setfield(n,"xoffset",ox)
+                                    --
+                                    local py = getfield(p,"yoffset")
+                                    local oy = 0
                                     if mk[p] then
-                                        n.yoffset = p.yoffset + d[2]
+                                        oy = py + d[2]
                                     else
-                                        n.yoffset = n.yoffset + p.yoffset + d[2]
+                                        oy = getfield(n,"yoffset") + py + d[2]
                                     end
+                                    setfield(n,"yoffset",oy)
                                     --
                                     if nofmarks == 1 then
                                         break
@@ -404,6 +453,8 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
                                         nofmarks = nofmarks - 1
                                     end
                                 end
+                            elseif not n_markmark then
+                                break -- HH: added 2013-09-12: no need to deal with non marks
                             else
                                 -- KE: there can be <mark> <mkmk> <mark> sequences in ligatures
                             end
@@ -465,6 +516,7 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
          -- if trace_injections then
          --     show_result(head)
          -- end
+head = tonode(head)
             return head, true
         elseif not keep then
             kerns, cursives, marks = { }, { }, { }
@@ -474,14 +526,14 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
             trace(head)
         end
         for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-            if n.subtype < 256 then
-                local k = n[a_kernpair]
+            if getsubtype(n) < 256 then
+                local k = getattr(n,a_kernpair)
                 if k then
                     local kk = kerns[k]
                     if kk then
                         local rl, x, y, w = kk[1], kk[2] or 0, kk[3], kk[4]
                         if y and y ~= 0 then
-                            n.yoffset = y -- todo: h ?
+                            setfield(n,"yoffset",y) -- todo: h ?
                         end
                         if w then
                             -- copied from above
@@ -518,9 +570,9 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
      -- if trace_injections then
      --     show_result(head)
      -- end
-        return head, true
+        return tonode(head), true
     else
         -- no tracing needed
     end
-    return head, false
+    return tonode(head), false
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-ltp.lua b/tex/context/base/node-ltp.lua
deleted file mode 100644
index c52e001df..000000000
--- a/tex/context/base/node-ltp.lua
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,3192 +0,0 @@
-if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-par'] = {
-    version   = 1.001,
-    comment   = "companion to node-par.mkiv",
-    author    = "Hans Hagen",
-    copyright = "ConTeXt Development Team",
-    license   = "see context related readme files",
-    comment   = "a translation of the built in parbuilder, initial convertsin by Taco Hoekwater",
-}
-
--- todo: remove nest_stack from linebreak.w
--- todo: use ex field as signal (index in ?)
--- todo: attr driven unknown/on/off
--- todo: permit global steps i.e. using an attribute that sets min/max/step and overloads the font parameters
--- todo: split the three passes into three functions
--- todo: simplify the direction stack, no copy needed
--- todo: see if we can do without delta nodes (needs thinking)
--- todo: add more mkiv like tracing
--- todo: add a couple of plugin hooks
--- todo: maybe split expansion code paths
--- todo: fix line numbers (cur_list.pg_field needed)
--- todo: make kerns stretch an option and disable it by default (definitely not shrink)
--- todo: check and improve protrusion
--- todo: arabic etc (we could use pretty large scales there) .. marks and cursive
-
---[[
-
-    This code is derived from traditional TeX and has bits of pdfTeX, Aleph (Omega), and of course LuaTeX. So,
-    the basic algorithm for sure is not our work. On the other hand, the directional model in LuaTeX is cleaned
-    up as is other code. And of course there are hooks for callbacks.
-
-    The first version of the code below was a conversion of the C code that in turn was a conversion from the
-    original Pascal code. Around September 2008 we experimented with cq. discussed possible approaches to improved
-    typesetting of Arabic and as our policy is that extensions happen in Lua this means that we need a parbuilder
-    in Lua. Taco's first conversion still looked quite C-ish and in the process of cleaning up we uncovered some odd
-    bits and pieces in the original code as well. I did some first cleanup to get rid of C-artefacts, and Taco and I
-    spent the usual amount of Skyping to sort out problems. At that point we diverted to other LuaTeX issues.
-
-    A while later I decided to pick up this thread and decided to look into better ways to deal with font expansion
-    (aka hz). I got it running using a simpler method. One reason why the built-in mechanims is slow is that there is
-    lots of redudancy in calculations. Expanded widths are recalculated each time and because the hpakc routine does
-    it again that gives some overhead. In the process extra fonts are created with different dimensions so that the
-    backend can deal with it. The alternative method doesn't create fonts but passes an expansion factor to the
-    pdf generator. The small patch needed for the backend code worked more or less okay but was never intergated into
-    LuaTeX due to lack of time.
-
-    This all happened in 2010 while listening to Peter Gabriels "Scratch My Back" and Camels "Rayaz" so it was a
-    rather relaxed job.
-
-    In 2012 I picked up this thread. Because both languages are similar but also quite different it took some time
-    to get compatible output. Because the C code uses macros, careful checking was needed. Of course Lua's table model
-    and local variables brought some work as well. And still the code looks a bit C-ish. We could not divert too much
-    from the original model simply because it's well documented but future versions (or variants) might as well look
-    different.
-
-    Eventually I'll split this code into passes so that we can better see what happens, but first we need to reach
-    a decent level of stability. The current expansion results are not the same as the built-in but that was never
-    the objective. It all has to do with slightly different calculations.
-
-    The original C-code related to protrusion and expansion is not that efficient as many (redundant) function
-    calls take place in the linebreaker and packer. As most work related to fonts is done in the backend, we
-    can simply stick to width calculations here. Also, it is no problem at all that we use floating point
-    calculations (as Lua has only floats). The final result will look ok as the hpack will nicely compensate
-    for rounding errors as it will normally distribute the content well enough. And let's admit: most texies
-    won't see it anyway. As long as we're cross platform compatible it's fine.
-
-    We use the table checked_expansion to keep track of font related parameters (per paragraph). The table is
-    also the signal that we have adjustments > 1. In retrospect one might wonder if adjusting kerns is such a
-    good idea because other spacing is also not treated. If we would stick to the regular hpack routine
-    we do have to follow the same logic, but I decided to use a Lua hpacker so that constraint went away. And
-    anyway, instead of doing a lookup in the kern table (that we don't have in node mode) the set kern value
-    is used. Disabling kern scaling will become an option in Luatex some day. You can blame me for all errors
-    that crept in and I know that there are some.
-
-    To be honest, I slowly start to grasp the magic here as normally I start from scratch when implementing
-    something (as it's the only way I can understand things). This time I had a recently acquired stack of
-    Porcupine Tree disks to get me through.
-
-    Picking up this effort was inspired by discussions between Luigi Scarso and me about efficiency of Lua
-    code and we needed some stress tests to compare regular LuaTeX and LuajitTeX. One of the tests was
-    processing tufte.tex as that one has lots of hyphenations and is a tough one to get right.
-
-    tufte: boxed 1000 times, no flushing in backend:
-
-                           \testfeatureonce{1000}{\setbox0\hbox{\tufte}}
-                           \testfeatureonce{1000}{\setbox0\vbox{\tufte}}
-    \startparbuilder[basic]\testfeatureonce{1000}{\setbox0\vbox{\tufte}}\stopparbuilder
-
-                method     normal   hz      comment
-
-    luatex      tex hbox    9.64     9.64   baseline font feature processing, hyphenation etc: 9.74
-                tex vbox    9.84    10.16   0.20 linebreak / 0.52 with hz -> 0.32 hz overhead (150pct more)
-                lua vbox   17.28    18.43   7.64 linebreak / 8.79 with hz -> 1.33 hz overhead ( 20pct more)
-
-    new laptop | no nuts
-                            3.42            baseline
-                            3.63            0.21 linebreak
-                            7.38            3.96 linebreak
-
-    new laptop | most nuts
-                            2.45            baseline
-                            2.53            0.08 linebreak
-                            6.16            3.71 linebreak
-                 ltp nuts   5.45            3.00 linebreak
-
-    luajittex   tex hbox    6.33     6.33   baseline font feature processing, hyphenation etc: 6.33
-                tex vbox    6.53     6.81   0.20 linebreak / 0.48 with hz -> 0.28 hz overhead (expected 0.32)
-                lua vbox   11.06    11.81   4.53 linebreak / 5.28 with hz -> 0.75 hz overhead
-
-    new laptop | no nuts
-                            2.06            baseline
-                            2.27            0.21 linebreak
-                            3.95            1.89 linebreak
-
-    new laptop | most nuts
-                            1.25            baseline
-                            1.30            0.05 linebreak
-                            3.03            1.78 linebreak
-                 ltp nuts   2.47            1.22 linebreak
-
-    Interesting is that the runtime for the built-in parbuilder indeed increases much when expansion
-    is enabled, but in the Lua variant the extra overhead is way less significant. This means that when we
-    retrofit the same approach into the core, the overhead of expansion can be sort of nilled.
-
-]]--
-
-local utfchar = utf.char
-local write, write_nl = texio.write, texio.write_nl
-local sub, format = string.sub, string.format
-local round, floor = math.round, math.floor
-local insert, remove = table.insert, table.remove
-
-local fonts, nodes, node = fonts, nodes, node
-
-local trace_basic         = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.basic",       function(v) trace_basic       = v end)
-local trace_lastlinefit   = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.lastlinefit", function(v) trace_lastlinefit = v end)
-local trace_adjusting     = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.adjusting",   function(v) trace_adjusting   = v end)
-local trace_protruding    = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.protruding",  function(v) trace_protruding  = v end)
-local trace_expansion     = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.expansion",   function(v) trace_expansion   = v end)
-local trace_quality       = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.quality",     function(v) trace_quality     = v end)
-
-local report_parbuilders  = logs.reporter("nodes","parbuilders")
-local report_hpackers     = logs.reporter("nodes","hpackers")
-
-local calculate_badness   = tex.badness
-local texnest             = tex.nest
-local texlists            = tex.lists
-
--- (t == 0 and 0) or (s <= 0 and 10000) or calculate_badness(t,s)
-
--- local function calculate_badness(t,s)
---     if t == 0 then
---         return 0
---     elseif s <= 0 then
---         return 10000 -- infinite_badness
---     else
---         local r
---         if t <= 7230584 then
---             r = (t * 297) / s
---         elseif s >= 1663497 then
---             r = t / (s / 297)
---         else
---             r = t
---         end
---         if r > 1290 then
---             return 10000 -- infinite_badness
---         else
---             return (r * r * r + 0x20000) / 0x40000
---         end
---     end
--- end
-
-local parbuilders          = builders.paragraphs
-local constructors         = parbuilders.constructors
-
-local setmetatableindex    = table.setmetatableindex
-
-local fonthashes           = fonts.hashes
-local fontdata             = fonthashes.identifiers
-local chardata             = fonthashes.characters
-local quaddata             = fonthashes.quads
-local parameters           = fonthashes.parameters
-
-local slide_nodes          = node.slide
-local new_node             = node.new
-local copy_node            = node.copy
-local copy_node_list       = node.copy_list
-local flush_node           = node.free
-local flush_node_list      = node.flush_list
-local hpack_nodes          = node.hpack
-local xpack_nodes          = node.hpack
-local replace_node         = nodes.replace
-local insert_node_after    = node.insert_after
-local insert_node_before   = node.insert_before
-local traverse_by_id       = node.traverse_id
-
-local setnodecolor         = nodes.tracers.colors.set
-
-local nodepool             = nodes.pool
-
-local nodecodes            = nodes.nodecodes
-local whatcodes            = nodes.whatcodes
-local kerncodes            = nodes.kerncodes
-local glyphcodes           = nodes.glyphcodes
-local gluecodes            = nodes.gluecodes
-local margincodes          = nodes.margincodes
-local disccodes            = nodes.disccodes
-local mathcodes            = nodes.mathcodes
-local fillcodes            = nodes.fillcodes
-
-local temp_code            = nodecodes.temp
-local glyph_code           = nodecodes.glyph
-local ins_code             = nodecodes.ins
-local mark_code            = nodecodes.mark
-local adjust_code          = nodecodes.adjust
-local penalty_code         = nodecodes.penalty
-local whatsit_code         = nodecodes.whatsit
-local disc_code            = nodecodes.disc
-local math_code            = nodecodes.math
-local kern_code            = nodecodes.kern
-local glue_code            = nodecodes.glue
-local hlist_code           = nodecodes.hlist
-local vlist_code           = nodecodes.vlist
-local unset_code           = nodecodes.unset
-local marginkern_code      = nodecodes.marginkern
-
-local leaders_code         = gluecodes.leaders
-
-local localpar_code        = whatcodes.localpar
-local dir_code             = whatcodes.dir
-local pdfrefximage_code    = whatcodes.pdfrefximage
-local pdfrefxform_code     = whatcodes.pdfrefxform
-
-local kerning_code         = kerncodes.kerning -- font kern
-local userkern_code        = kerncodes.userkern
-
-local ligature_code        = glyphcodes.ligature
-
-local stretch_orders       = nodes.fillcodes
-
-local leftmargin_code      = margincodes.left
-local rightmargin_code     = margincodes.right
-
-local automatic_disc_code  = disccodes.automatic
-local regular_disc_code    = disccodes.regular
-local first_disc_code      = disccodes.first
-local second_disc_code     = disccodes.second
-
-local endmath_code         = mathcodes.endmath
-
-local nosubtype_code       = 0
-
-local unhyphenated_code    = nodecodes.unhyphenated or 1
-local hyphenated_code      = nodecodes.hyphenated   or 2
-local delta_code           = nodecodes.delta        or 3
-local passive_code         = nodecodes.passive      or 4
-
-local maxdimen             = number.maxdimen
-
-local max_halfword         = 0x7FFFFFFF
-local infinite_penalty     =  10000
-local eject_penalty        = -10000
-local infinite_badness     =  10000
-local awful_badness        = 0x3FFFFFFF
-
-local fit_very_loose_class = 0  -- fitness for lines stretching more than their stretchability
-local fit_loose_class      = 1  -- fitness for lines stretching 0.5 to 1.0 of their stretchability
-local fit_decent_class     = 2  -- fitness for all other lines
-local fit_tight_class      = 3  -- fitness for lines shrinking 0.5 to 1.0 of their shrinkability
-
-local new_penalty          = nodepool.penalty
-local new_dir              = nodepool.textdir
-local new_leftmarginkern   = nodepool.leftmarginkern
-local new_rightmarginkern  = nodepool.rightmarginkern
-local new_leftskip         = nodepool.leftskip
-local new_rightskip        = nodepool.rightskip
-local new_lineskip         = nodepool.lineskip
-local new_baselineskip     = nodepool.baselineskip
-local new_temp             = nodepool.temp
-local new_rule             = nodepool.rule
-
-local is_rotated           = nodes.is_rotated
-local is_parallel          = nodes.textdir_is_parallel
-local is_opposite          = nodes.textdir_is_opposite
-local textdir_is_equal     = nodes.textdir_is_equal
-local pardir_is_equal      = nodes.pardir_is_equal
-local glyphdir_is_equal    = nodes.glyphdir_is_equal
-
-local dir_pops             = nodes.dir_is_pop
-local dir_negations        = nodes.dir_negation
-local is_skipable          = node.protrusion_skippable
-local a_fontkern           = attributes.private('fontkern')
-
--- helpers --
-
--- It makes more sense to move the somewhat messy dir state tracking
--- out of the main functions. First we create a stack allocator.
-
-local function new_dir_stack(dir) -- also use elsewhere
-    return { n = 0, dir }
-end
-
--- The next function checks a dir node and returns the new dir state. By
--- using s static table we are quite efficient. This function is used
--- in the parbuilder.
-
-local function checked_line_dir(stack,current)
-    if not dir_pops[current] then
-        local n = stack.n + 1
-        stack.n = n
-        stack[n] = current
-        return current.dir
-    elseif n > 0 then
-        local n = stack.n
-        local dirnode = stack[n]
-        dirstack.n = n - 1
-        return dirnode.dir
-    else
-        report_parbuilders("warning: missing pop node (%a)",1) -- in line ...
-    end
-end
-
--- The next function checks a dir nodes in a list and appends the negations
--- that are currently needed (some day LuaTeX will be more tolerant). We use
--- the negations for the next line.
-
-local function inject_dirs_at_end_of_line(stack,current,start,stop)
-    local e = start
-    local n = stack.n
-    local h = nil
-    while start and start ~= stop do
-        if start.id == whatsit_code and start.subtype == dir_code then
-            if not dir_pops[start.dir] then
-                n = n + 1
-                stack[n] = start
-            elseif n > 0 then
-                n = n - 1
-            else
-                report_parbuilders("warning: missing pop node (%a)",2) -- in line ...
-            end
-        end
-        start = start.next
-    end
-    for i=n,1,-1 do
-        h, current = insert_node_after(current,current,new_dir(dir_negations[stack[i].dir]))
-    end
-    stack.n = n
-    return current
-end
-
-local function inject_dirs_at_begin_of_line(stack,current)
-    local h = nil
-    for i=stack.n,1,-1 do
-        h, current = insert_node_after(current,current,new_dir(stack[i]))
-    end
-    stack.n = 0
-    return current
-end
-
--- diagnostics --
-
-local dummy = function() end
-
-local diagnostics = {
-    start          = dummy,
-    stop           = dummy,
-    current_pass   = dummy,
-    break_node     = dummy,
-    feasible_break = dummy,
-}
-
--- statistics --
-
-local nofpars, noflines, nofprotrudedlines, nofadjustedlines = 0, 0, 0, 0
-
-local function register_statistics(par)
-    local statistics  = par.statistics
-    nofpars           = nofpars           + 1
-    noflines          = noflines          + statistics.noflines
-    nofprotrudedlines = nofprotrudedlines + statistics.nofprotrudedlines
-    nofadjustedlines  = nofadjustedlines  + statistics.nofadjustedlines
-end
-
--- resolvers --
-
-local whatsiters = {
-    get_width      = { },
-    get_dimensions = { },
-}
-
-local get_whatsit_width      = whatsiters.get_width
-local get_whatsit_dimensions = whatsiters.get_dimensions
-
-local function get_width     (n) return n.width end
-local function get_dimensions(n) return n.width, n.height, n.depth end
-
-get_whatsit_width[pdfrefximage_code] = get_width
-get_whatsit_width[pdfrefxform_code ] = get_width
-
-get_whatsit_dimensions[pdfrefximage_code] = get_dimensions
-get_whatsit_dimensions[pdfrefxform_code ] = get_dimensions
-
--- expansion etc --
-
-local function calculate_fraction(x,n,d,max_answer)
-    local the_answer = x * n/d + 1/2 -- round ?
-    if the_answer > max_answer then
-        return  max_answer
-    elseif the_answer < -max_answer then
-        return -max_answer
-    else
-        return  the_answer
-    end
-end
-
-local function check_shrinkage(par,n)
-    -- called often, so maybe move inline -- use NORMAL
-    if n.shrink_order ~= 0 and n.shrink ~= 0 then
-        if par.no_shrink_error_yet then
-            par.no_shrink_error_yet = false
-            report_parbuilders("infinite glue shrinkage found in a paragraph and removed")
-        end
-        n = copy_node(n)
-        n.shrink_order = 0
-    end
-    return n
-end
-
--- It doesn't really speed up much but the additional memory usage is
--- rather small so it doesn't hurt too much.
-
-local expansions = { }
-local nothing    = { stretch = 0, shrink = 0 }
-
-setmetatableindex(expansions,function(t,font) -- we can store this in tfmdata if needed
-    local expansion = parameters[font].expansion -- can be an extra hash
-    if expansion and expansion.auto then
-        local factors = { }
-        local c = chardata[font]
-        setmetatableindex(factors,function(t,char)
-            local fc = c[char]
-            local ef = fc.expansion_factor
-            if ef and ef > 0 then
-                local stretch = expansion.stretch
-                local shrink  = expansion.shrink
-                if stretch ~= 0 or shrink ~= 0 then
-                    local factor  = ef / 1000
-                    local ef_quad = factor * quaddata[font] / 1000
-                    local v = {
-                        glyphstretch = stretch * ef_quad,
-                        glyphshrink  = shrink  * ef_quad,
-                        factor       = factor,
-                        stretch      = stretch,
-                        shrink       = shrink,
-                    }
-                    t[char] = v
-                    return v
-                end
-            end
-            t[char] = nothing
-            return nothing
-        end)
-        t[font] = factors
-        return factors
-    else
-        t[font] = false
-        return false
-    end
-end)
-
--- local function char_stretch_shrink(p)
---     local data = expansions[p.font][p.char]
---     if data then
---         return data.glyphstretch, data.glyphshrink
---     else
---         return 0, 0
---     end
--- end
---
--- local cal_margin_kern_var = char_stretch_shrink
-
--- local function kern_stretch_shrink(p,d)
---     local l = p.prev
---     if l and l.id == glyph_code then -- how about disc nodes?
---         local r = p.next
---         if r and r.id == glyph_code then
---             local lf, rf = l.font, r.font
---             if lf == rf then
---                 local data = expansions[lf][l.char]
---                 if data then
---                     local stretch = data.stretch
---                     local shrink  = data.shrink
---                     if stretch ~= 0 then
---                      -- stretch = data.factor * (d *  stretch - d)
---                         stretch = data.factor *  d * (stretch - 1)
---                     end
---                     if shrink ~= 0 then
---                      -- shrink = data.factor * (d *  shrink - d)
---                         shrink = data.factor *  d * (shrink - 1)
---                     end
---                     return stretch, shrink
---                 end
---             end
---         end
---     end
---     return 0, 0
--- end
-
-local function kern_stretch_shrink(p,d)
-    local left = p.prev
-    if left and left.id == glyph_code then -- how about disc nodes?
-        local data = expansions[left.font][left.char]
-        if data then
-            local stretch = data.stretch
-            local shrink  = data.shrink
-            if stretch ~= 0 then
-             -- stretch = data.factor * (d *  stretch - d)
-                stretch = data.factor *  d * (stretch - 1)
-            end
-            if shrink ~= 0 then
-             -- shrink = data.factor * (d *  shrink - d)
-                shrink = data.factor *  d * (shrink - 1)
-            end
-            return stretch, shrink
-        end
-    end
-    return 0, 0
-end
-
--- local function kern_stretch_shrink(p,d)
---     -- maybe make it an option in luatex where we also need to check for attribute fontkern but in general
---     -- it makes no sense to scale kerns
---     return 0, 0
--- end
-
-local expand_kerns = false
--- local expand_kerns = "both"
-
-directives.register("builders.paragraphs.adjusting.kerns",function(v)
-    if not v then
-        expand_kerns = false
-    elseif v == "stretch" or v == "shrink" then
-        expand_kerns = v
-    elseif v == "both" then
-        expand_kerns = true
-    else
-        expand_kerns = toboolean(v,true) or false
-    end
-end)
-
--- state:
-
-local function check_expand_pars(checked_expansion,f)
-    local expansion = parameters[f].expansion
-    if not expansion then
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
--- expansion.step = 1
-    local step    = expansion.step    or 0
-    local stretch = expansion.stretch or 0
-    local shrink  = expansion.shrink  or 0
-    if step == 0 or (stretch == 0 and schrink == 0) then
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
-    local par = checked_expansion.par
-    if par.cur_font_step < 0 then
-        par.cur_font_step = step
-    elseif par.cur_font_step ~= step then
-        report_parbuilders("using fonts with different step of expansion in one paragraph is not allowed")
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
-    if stretch == 0 then
-        -- okay
-    elseif par.max_stretch_ratio < 0 then
-        par.max_stretch_ratio = stretch -- expansion_factor
-    elseif par.max_stretch_ratio ~= stretch then
-        report_parbuilders("using fonts with different stretch limit of expansion in one paragraph is not allowed")
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
-    if shrink == 0 then
-        -- okay
-    elseif par.max_shrink_ratio < 0 then
-        par.max_shrink_ratio = shrink -- - expansion_factor
-    elseif par.max_shrink_ratio ~= shrink then
-        report_parbuilders("using fonts with different shrink limit of expansion in one paragraph is not allowed")
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
-    if trace_adjusting then
-        report_parbuilders("expanding font %a using step %a, shrink %a and stretch %a",f,step,stretch,shrink)
-    end
-    local e = expansions[f]
-    checked_expansion[f] = e
-    return e
-end
-
-local function check_expand_lines(checked_expansion,f)
-    local expansion = parameters[f].expansion
-    if not expansion then
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
--- expansion.step = 1
-    local step    = expansion.step    or 0
-    local stretch = expansion.stretch or 0
-    local shrink  = expansion.shrink  or 0
-    if step == 0 or (stretch == 0 and schrink == 0) then
-        checked_expansion[f] = false
-        return false
-    end
-    if trace_adjusting then
-        report_parbuilders("expanding font %a using step %a, shrink %a and stretch %a",f,step,stretch,shrink)
-    end
-    local e = expansions[f]
-    checked_expansion[f] = e
-    return e
-end
-
--- protrusion
-
-local function find(head) -- do we really want to recurse into an hlist?
-    while head do
-        local id = head.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            return head
-        elseif id == hlist_code then
-            local found = find(head.list)
-            if found then
-                return found
-            else
-                head = head.next
-            end
-        elseif is_skipable(head) then
-            head = head.next
-        else
-            return head
-        end
-    end
-    return nil
-end
-
-local function find_protchar_left(l) -- weird function
-    local ln = l.next
-    if ln and ln.id == hlist_code and not ln.list and ln.width == 0 and ln.height == 0 and ln.depth == 0 then
-        l = l.next
-    else -- if d then -- was always true
-        local id = l.id
-        while ln and not (id == glyph_code or id < math_code) do -- is there always a glyph?
-            l = ln
-            ln = l.next
-            id = ln.id
-        end
-    end
- -- if l.id == glyph_code then
- --     return l
- -- end
-    return find(l) or l
-end
-
-local function find(head,tail)
-    local tail = tail or slide_nodes(head)
-    while tail do
-        local id = tail.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            return tail
-        elseif id == hlist_code then
-            local found = find(tail.list)
-            if found then
-                return found
-            else
-                tail = tail.prev
-            end
-        elseif is_skipable(tail) then
-            tail = tail.prev
-        else
-            return tail
-        end
-    end
-    return nil
-end
-
-local function find_protchar_right(l,r)
-    return r and find(l,r) or r
-end
-
-local function left_pw(p)
-    local font = p.font
-    local prot = chardata[font][p.char].left_protruding
-    if not prot or prot == 0 then
-        return 0
-    end
-    return prot * quaddata[font] / 1000, p
-end
-
-local function right_pw(p)
-    local font = p.font
-    local prot = chardata[font][p.char].right_protruding
-    if not prot or prot == 0 then
-        return 0
-    end
-    return prot * quaddata[font] / 1000, p
-end
-
--- par parameters
-
-local function reset_meta(par)
-    local active = {
-        id          = hyphenated_code,
-        line_number = max_halfword,
-    }
-    active.next = par.active -- head of metalist
-    par.active  = active
-    par.passive = nil
-end
-
-local function add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,s) -- split into two loops (normal and expansion)
-    local size           = 0
-    local adjust_stretch = 0
-    local adjust_shrink  = 0
-    while s do
-        local id = s.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            if is_rotated[line_break_dir] then -- can be shared
-                size = size + s.height + s.depth
-            else
-                size = size + s.width
-            end
-            if checked_expansion then
-                local data = checked_expansion[s.font]
-                if data then
-                    data = data[s.char]
-                    if data then
-                        adjust_stretch = adjust_stretch + data.glyphstretch
-                        adjust_shrink  = adjust_shrink  + data.glyphshrink
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-        elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            if is_parallel[s.dir][line_break_dir] then
-                size = size + s.width
-            else
-                size = size + s.depth + s.height
-            end
-        elseif id == kern_code then
-            local d = s.kern
-            if d ~= 0 then 
-                if checked_expansion and expand_kerns and (s.subtype == kerning_code or s[a_fontkern]) then
-                    local stretch, shrink = kern_stretch_shrink(s,d)
-                    if expand_kerns == "stretch" then
-                        adjust_stretch = adjust_stretch + stretch
-                    elseif expand_kerns == "shrink" then
-                        adjust_shrink  = adjust_shrink  + shrink
-                    else
-                        adjust_stretch = adjust_stretch + stretch
-                        adjust_shrink  = adjust_shrink  + shrink
-                    end
-                end
-                size = size + d
-            end
-        elseif id == rule_code then
-            size = size + s.width
-        else
-            report_parbuilders("unsupported node at location %a",6)
-        end
-        s = s.next
-    end
-    return size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink
-end
-
-local function compute_break_width(par,break_type,p) -- split in two
-    local break_width = par.break_width
-    if break_type > unhyphenated_code then
-        local disc_width           = par.disc_width
-        local checked_expansion    = par.checked_expansion
-        local line_break_dir       = par.line_break_dir
-        local break_size           = break_width.size           + disc_width.size
-        local break_adjust_stretch = break_width.adjust_stretch + disc_width.adjust_stretch
-        local break_adjust_shrink  = break_width.adjust_shrink  + disc_width.adjust_shrink
-        local replace = p.replace
-        if replace then
-            local size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink = add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,replace)
-            break_size           = break_size           - size
-            break_adjust_stretch = break_adjust_stretch - adjust_stretch
-            break_adjust_shrink  = break_adjust_shrink  - adjust_shrink
-        end
-        local post = p.post
-        if post then
-            local size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink = add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,post)
-            break_size           = break_size           + size
-            break_adjust_stretch = break_adjust_stretch + adjust_stretch
-            break_adjust_shrink  = break_adjust_shrink  + adjust_shrink
-        end
-        break_width.size           = break_size
-        break_width.adjust_stretch = break_adjust_stretch
-        break_width.adjust_shrink  = break_adjust_shrink
-        if not post then
-            p = p.next
-        else
-            return
-        end
-    end
-    while p do -- skip spacing etc
-        local id = p.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            return -- happens often
-        elseif id == glue_code then
-            local spec = p.spec
-            local order = stretch_orders[spec.stretch_order]
-            break_width.size   = break_width.size   - spec.width
-            break_width[order] = break_width[order] - spec.stretch
-            break_width.shrink = break_width.shrink - spec.shrink
-        elseif id == penalty_code then
-            -- do nothing
-        elseif id == kern_code then
-            if p.subtype == userkern_code then
-                break_width.size = break_width.size - p.kern
-            else
-                return
-            end
-        elseif id == math_code then
-            break_width.size = break_width.size - p.surround
-        else
-            return
-        end
-        p = p.next
-    end
-end
-
-local function append_to_vlist(par, b)
-    local prev_depth = par.prev_depth
-    if prev_depth > par.ignored_dimen then
-        if b.id == hlist_code then
-            local d = par.baseline_skip.width - prev_depth - b.height -- deficiency of space between baselines
-            local s = d < par.line_skip_limit and new_lineskip(tex.lineskip) or new_baselineskip(d)
-         -- local s = d < par.line_skip_limit
-         -- if s then
-         --     s = new_lineskip()
-         --     s.spec = tex.lineskip
-         -- else
-         --     s = new_baselineskip(d)
-         -- end
-            local head_field = par.head_field
-            if head_field then
-                local n = slide_nodes(head_field)
-                n.next = s
-                s.prev = n
-            else
-                par.head_field = s
-            end
-        end
-    end
-    local head_field = par.head_field
-    if head_field then
-        local n = slide_nodes(head_field)
-        n.next = b
-        b.prev = n
-    else
-        par.head_field = b
-    end
-    if b.id == hlist_code then
-        local pd = b.depth
-        par.prev_depth = pd
-        texnest[texnest.ptr].prevdepth = pd
-    end
-end
-
-local function append_list(par, b)
-    local head_field = par.head_field
-    if head_field then
-        local n = slide_nodes(head_field)
-        n.next = b
-        b.prev = n
-    else
-        par.head_field = b
-    end
-end
-
--- We can actually make par local to this module as we never break inside a break call and that way the
--- array is reused. At some point the information will be part of the paragraph spec as passed.
-
-local hztolerance = 2500
-local hzwarned    = false
-
-local function initialize_line_break(head,display)
-
-    local hang_indent    = tex.hangindent or 0
-    local hsize          = tex.hsize or 0
-    local hang_after     = tex.hangafter or 0
-    local par_shape_ptr  = tex.parshape
-    local left_skip      = tex.leftskip -- nodes
-    local right_skip     = tex.rightskip -- nodes
-    local pretolerance   = tex.pretolerance
-    local tolerance      = tex.tolerance
-    local adjust_spacing = tex.pdfadjustspacing
-    local protrude_chars = tex.pdfprotrudechars
-    local last_line_fit  = tex.lastlinefit
-
-    local newhead = new_temp()
-    newhead.next  = head
-
-    local adjust_spacing_status = adjust_spacing > 1 and -1 or 0
-
-    -- metatables
-
-    local par = {
-        head                         = newhead,
-        head_field                   = nil,
-        display                      = display,
-        font_in_short_display        = 0,
-        no_shrink_error_yet          = true,   -- have we complained about infinite shrinkage?
-        second_pass                  = false,  -- is this our second attempt to break this paragraph?
-        final_pass                   = false,  -- is this our final attempt to break this paragraph?
-        threshold                    = 0,      -- maximum badness on feasible lines
-
-        passive                      = nil,    -- most recent node on passive list
-        printed_node                 = head,   -- most recent node that has been printed
-        pass_number                  = 0,      -- the number of passive nodes allocated on this pass
-        auto_breaking                = 0,      -- make auto_breaking accessible out of line_break
-
-        active_width                 = { size = 0, stretch = 0, fi = 0, fil = 0, fill = 0, filll = 0, shrink = 0, adjust_stretch = 0, adjust_shrink = 0 },
-        break_width                  = { size = 0, stretch = 0, fi = 0, fil = 0, fill = 0, filll = 0, shrink = 0, adjust_stretch = 0, adjust_shrink = 0 },
-        disc_width                   = { size = 0,                                                                adjust_stretch = 0, adjust_shrink = 0 },
-        fill_width                   = {           stretch = 0, fi = 0, fil = 0, fill = 0, filll = 0, shrink = 0                                        },
-        background                   = { size = 0, stretch = 0, fi = 0, fil = 0, fill = 0, filll = 0, shrink = 0                                        },
-
-        hang_indent                  = hang_indent,
-        hsize                        = hsize,
-        hang_after                   = hang_after,
-        par_shape_ptr                = par_shape_ptr,
-        left_skip                    = left_skip,
-        right_skip                   = right_skip,
-        pretolerance                 = pretolerance,
-        tolerance                    = tolerance,
-
-        protrude_chars               = protrude_chars,
-        adjust_spacing               = adjust_spacing,
-        max_stretch_ratio            = adjust_spacing_status,
-        max_shrink_ratio             = adjust_spacing_status,
-        cur_font_step                = adjust_spacing_status,
-        checked_expansion            = false,
-        tracing_paragraphs           = tex.tracingparagraphs > 0,
-
-        emergency_stretch            = tex.emergencystretch     or 0,
-        looseness                    = tex.looseness            or 0,
-        line_penalty                 = tex.linepenalty          or 0,
-        hyphen_penalty               = tex.hyphenpenalty        or 0,
-        broken_penalty               = tex.brokenpenalty        or 0,
-        inter_line_penalty           = tex.interlinepenalty     or 0,
-        club_penalty                 = tex.clubpenalty          or 0,
-        widow_penalty                = tex.widowpenalty         or 0,
-        display_widow_penalty        = tex.displaywidowpenalty  or 0,
-        ex_hyphen_penalty            = tex.exhyphenpenalty      or 0,
-
-        adj_demerits                 = tex.adjdemerits          or 0,
-        double_hyphen_demerits       = tex.doublehyphendemerits or 0,
-        final_hyphen_demerits        = tex.finalhyphendemerits  or 0,
-
-        first_line                   = 0, -- tex.nest[tex.nest.ptr].modeline, -- 0, -- cur_list.pg_field
-
-        each_line_height             = tex.pdfeachlineheight    or 0, -- this will go away
-        each_line_depth              = tex.pdfeachlinedepth     or 0, -- this will go away
-        first_line_height            = tex.pdffirstlineheight   or 0, -- this will go away
-        last_line_depth              = tex.pdflastlinedepth     or 0, -- this will go away
-        ignored_dimen                = tex.pdfignoreddimen      or 0, -- this will go away
-
-        baseline_skip                = tex.baselineskip         or 0,
-        lineskip                     = tex.lineskip             or 0,
-        line_skip_limit              = tex.lineskiplimit        or 0,
-
-        prev_depth                   = texnest[texnest.ptr].prevdepth,
-
-        final_par_glue               = slide_nodes(head), -- todo: we know tail already, slow
-
-        par_break_dir                = tex.pardir,
-        line_break_dir               = tex.pardir,
-
-        internal_pen_inter           = 0,   -- running localinterlinepenalty
-        internal_pen_broken          = 0,   -- running localbrokenpenalty
-        internal_left_box            = nil, -- running localleftbox
-        internal_left_box_width      = 0,   -- running localleftbox width
-        init_internal_left_box       = nil, -- running localleftbox
-        init_internal_left_box_width = 0,   -- running localleftbox width
-        internal_right_box           = nil, -- running localrightbox
-        internal_right_box_width     = 0,   -- running localrightbox width
-
-        best_place                   = { }, -- how to achieve minimal_demerits
-        best_pl_line                 = { }, -- corresponding line number
-        easy_line                    = 0,   -- line numbers easy_line are equivalent in break nodes
-        last_special_line            = 0,   -- line numbers last_special_line all have the same width
-        first_width                  = 0,   -- the width of all lines last_special_line, if no parshape has been specified
-        second_width                 = 0,   -- the width of all lines last_special_line
-        first_indent                 = 0,   -- left margin to go with first_width
-        second_indent                = 0,   -- left margin to go with second_width
-
-        best_bet                     = nil, -- use this passive node and its predecessors
-        fewest_demerits              = 0,   -- the demerits associated with best_bet
-        best_line                    = 0,   -- line number following the last line of the new paragraph
-        line_diff                    = 0,   -- the difference between the current line number and the optimum best_line
-
-        -- not yet used
-
-        best_pl_short                = { }, -- shortfall corresponding to minimal_demerits
-        best_pl_glue                 = { }, -- corresponding glue stretch or shrink
-        do_last_line_fit             = false,
-        last_line_fit                = last_line_fit,
-
-        minimum_demerits             = awful_badness,
-
-        minimal_demerits             = {
-
-            [fit_very_loose_class] = awful_badness,
-            [fit_loose_class]      = awful_badness,
-            [fit_decent_class]     = awful_badness,
-            [fit_tight_class]      = awful_badness,
-
-        },
-
-        prev_char_p                  = nil,
-
-        statistics                   = {
-
-            noflines          = 0,
-            nofprotrudedlines = 0,
-            nofadjustedlines  = 0,
-
-        },
-
-     -- -- just a thought ... parshape functions ... it would be nice to
-     -- -- also store the height so far (probably not too hard) although
-     -- -- in most cases we work on grids in such cases
-     --
-     -- adapt_width = function(par,line)
-     --     -- carry attribute, so that we can accumulate
-     --     local left  = 655360 * (line - 1)
-     --     local right = 655360 * (line - 1)
-     --     return left, right
-     -- end
-
-    }
-
-    if adjust_spacing > 1 then
-        local checked_expansion = { par = par }
-        setmetatableindex(checked_expansion,check_expand_pars)
-        par.checked_expansion = checked_expansion
-
-        if par.tolerance < hztolerance then
-            if not hzwarned then
-                report_parbuilders("setting tolerance to %a for hz",hztolerance)
-                hzwarned = true
-            end
-            par.tolerance = hztolerance
-        end
-
-    end
-
-    -- we need par for the error message
-
-    local background = par.background
-
-    local l = check_shrinkage(par,left_skip)
-    local r = check_shrinkage(par,right_skip)
-    local l_order = stretch_orders[l.stretch_order]
-    local r_order = stretch_orders[r.stretch_order]
-
-    background.size     = l.width + r.width
-    background.shrink   = l.shrink + r.shrink
-    background[l_order] = l.stretch
-    background[r_order] = r.stretch + background[r_order]
-
-    -- this will move up so that we can assign the whole par table
-
-    if not par_shape_ptr then
-        if hang_indent == 0 then
-            par.second_width  = hsize
-            par.second_indent = 0
-        else
-            local abs_hang_after  = hang_after >0 and hang_after  or -hang_after
-            local abs_hang_indent = hang_indent>0 and hang_indent or -hang_indent
-            par.last_special_line = abs_hang_after
-            if hang_after < 0 then
-                par.first_width = hsize - abs_hang_indent
-                if hang_indent >= 0 then
-                    par.first_indent = hang_indent
-                else
-                    par.first_indent = 0
-                end
-                par.second_width  = hsize
-                par.second_indent = 0
-            else
-                par.first_width  = hsize
-                par.first_indent = 0
-                par.second_width = hsize - abs_hang_indent
-                if hang_indent >= 0 then
-                    par.second_indent = hang_indent
-                else
-                    par.second_indent = 0
-                end
-            end
-        end
-    else
-        local last_special_line = #par_shape_ptr
-        par.last_special_line = last_special_line
-        local parshape = par_shape_ptr[last_special_line]
-        par.second_width  = parshape[2]
-        par.second_indent = parshape[1]
-    end
-
-    if par.looseness == 0 then
-        par.easy_line = par.last_special_line
-    else
-        par.easy_line = max_halfword
-    end
-
-    if pretolerance >= 0 then
-        par.threshold   = pretolerance
-        par.second_pass = false
-        par.final_pass  = false
-    else
-        par.threshold   = tolerance
-        par.second_pass = true
-        par.final_pass  = par.emergency_stretch <= 0
-        if trace_basic then
-            if par.final_pass then
-                report_parbuilders("enabling second and final pass")
-            else
-                report_parbuilders("enabling second pass")
-            end
-        end
-    end
-
-    if last_line_fit > 0 then
-        local spec          = par.final_par_glue.spec
-        local stretch       = spec.stretch
-        local stretch_order = spec.stretch_order
-        if stretch > 0 and stretch_order > 0 and background.fi == 0 and background.fil == 0 and background.fill == 0 and background.filll == 0 then
-            par.do_last_line_fit = true
-            local si = stretch_orders[stretch_order]
-            if trace_lastlinefit or trace_basic then
-                report_parbuilders("enabling last line fit, stretch order %a set to %a, linefit is %a",si,stretch,last_line_fit)
-            end
-            par.fill_width[si] = stretch
-        end
-    end
-
-    return par
-end
-
-local function post_line_break(par)
-
-    local prevgraf       = texnest[texnest.ptr].prevgraf
-    local cur_line       = prevgraf + 1 -- the current line number being justified
-    local cur_p          = nil
-
-    local adjust_spacing = par.adjust_spacing
-    local protrude_chars = par.protrude_chars
-    local statistics     = par.statistics
-
-    local p, s, k, w  -- check when local
-
-    local q = par.best_bet.break_node
-    repeat -- goto first breakpoint
-        local r = q
-        q = q.prev_break
-        r.prev_break = cur_p
-        cur_p = r
-    until not q
-
-    local stack = new_dir_stack()
-
-    repeat
-
-        inject_dirs_at_begin_of_line(stack,par.head)
-
-        local q = nil
-        local r = cur_p.cur_break
-
-        local disc_break      = false
-        local post_disc_break = false
-        local glue_break      = false
-
-        if not r then
-            r = slide_nodes(par.head)
-            if r == par.final_par_glue then
-                q = r      -- q refers to the last node of the line (and paragraph)
-                r = r.prev -- r refers to the node after which the dir nodes should be closed
-            end
-        else
-            local id = r.id
-            if id == glue_code then
-                -- r is normal skip
-                r = replace_node(r,new_rightskip(par.right_skip))
-                glue_break = true
-                q = r      -- q refers to the last node of the line
-                r = r.prev -- r refers to the node after which the dir nodes should be closed
-            elseif id == disc_code then
-                -- todo: use insert_before/after
-                local prev_r  = r.prev
-                local next_r  = r.next
-                local subtype = r.subtype
-                local pre     = r.pre
-                local post    = r.post
-                local replace = r.replace
-                if subtype == second_disc_code then
-                    if not (prev_r.id == disc_code and prev_r.subtype == first_disc_code) then
-                        report_parbuilders('unsupported disc at location %a',3)
-                    end
-                    if pre then
-                        flush_node_list(pre)
-                        r.pre = nil
-                        pre   = nil -- signal
-                    end
-                    if replace then
-                        local n      = slide_nodes(replace)
-                        prev_r.next  = replace
-                        replace.prev = prev_r
-                        n.next       = r
-                        r.prev       = n
-                        r.replace    = nil
-                        replace      = nil -- signal
-                    end
-                    local pre     = prev_r.pre
-                    local post    = prev_r.post
-                    local replace = prev_r.replace
-                    if pre then
-                        flush_node_list(pre)
-                        prev_r.pre = nil
-                    end
-                    if replace then
-                        flush_node_list(replace)
-                        prev_r.replace = nil
-                    end
-                    if post then
-                        flush_node_list(post)
-                        prev_r.post = nil
-                    end
-                elseif subtype == first_disc_code then
-                    if not (v.id == disc_code and v.subtype == second_disc_code) then
-                        report_parbuilders('unsupported disc at location %a',4)
-                    end
-                    next_r.subtype = regular_disc_code
-                    next_r.replace = post
-                    r.post         = nil
-                end
-                if replace then
-                    r.replace = nil -- free
-                    flush_node_list(replace)
-                end
-                if pre then
-                    local n     = slide_nodes(pre)
-                    prev_r.next = pre
-                    pre.prev    = prev_r
-                    n.next      = r
-                    r.prev      = n
-                    r.pre       = nil
-                end
-                if post then
-                    local n         = slide_nodes(post)
-                    r.next          = post
-                    post.prev       = r
-                    n.next          = next_r
-                    next_r.prev     = n
-                    r.post          = nil
-                    post_disc_break = true
-                end
-                disc_break = true
-            elseif id == kern_code then
-                r.kern = 0
-            elseif r.id == math_code then
-                r.surround = 0
-            end
-        end
-        r = inject_dirs_at_end_of_line(stack,r,par.head.next,cur_p.cur_break)
-        local crb  = cur_p.passive_right_box
-        if crb then
-            local s = copy_node(crb)
-            local e = r.next
-            r.next = s
-            s.prev = r
-            s.next = e
-            if e then
-                e.prev = s
-            end
-            r = s
-        end
-        if not q then
-            q = r
-        end
-        if q and q ~= par.head and protrude_chars > 0 then
-            local id = q.id
-            local c = (disc_break and (id == glyph_code or id ~= disc_code) and q) or q.prev
-            local p = find_protchar_right(par.head.next,c)
-            if p and p.id == glyph_code then
-                local w, last_rightmost_char = right_pw(p)
-                if last_rightmost_char and w ~= 0 then
-                    -- so we inherit attributes, q is new pseudo head
-                    q, c = insert_node_after(q,c,new_rightmarginkern(copy_node(last_rightmost_char),-w))
-                end
-            end
-        end
-        if not glue_break then
-            local h
-            h, q = insert_node_after(q,q,new_rightskip(par.right_skip)) -- q moves on as pseudo head
-        end
-        r           = q.next
-        q.next      = nil
-        local phead = par.head
-        q           = phead.next
-        phead.next  = r
-        if r then
-            r.prev = phead
-        end
-        local clb  = cur_p.passive_left_box
-        if clb then -- here we miss some prev links
-            local s = copy_node(cb)
-            s       = q.next
-            r.next  = q
-            q       = r
-            if s and cur_line == (par.first_line + 1) and s.id == hlist_code and not s.list then
-                q      = q.next
-                r.next = s.next
-                s.next = r
-            end
-        end
-        if protrude_chars > 0 then
-            local p = find_protchar_left(q)
-            if p and p.id == glyph_code then
-                local w, last_leftmost_char = left_pw(p)
-                if last_leftmost_char and w ~= 0 then
-                    -- so we inherit attributes, q is pseudo head and moves back
-                    q = insert_node_before(q,q,new_leftmarginkern(copy_node(last_leftmost_char),-w))
-                end
-            end
-        end
-        local ls = par.left_skip
-        if ls and (ls.width ~= 0 or ls.stretch ~= 0 or ls.shrink ~= 0) then
-            q = insert_node_before(q,q,new_leftskip(ls))
-        end
-        local curwidth, cur_indent
-        if cur_line > par.last_special_line then
-            cur_indent = par.second_indent
-            cur_width  = par.second_width
-        else
-            local psp = par.par_shape_ptr
-            if psp then
-                cur_indent = psp[cur_line][1]
-                cur_width  = psp[cur_line][2]
-            else
-                cur_indent = par.first_indent
-                cur_width  = par.first_width
-            end
-        end
-        statistics.noflines = statistics.noflines + 1
-        if adjust_spacing > 0 then
-            statistics.nofadjustedlines = statistics.nofadjustedlines + 1
-            -- in the built-in hpack cal_expand_ratio will later on call subst_ext_font
-            -- in the alternative approach we can do both in one run
-            just_box = xpack_nodes(q,cur_width,"cal_expand_ratio",par.par_break_dir) -- ,cur_p.analysis)
-        else
-            just_box = xpack_nodes(q,cur_width,"exactly",par.par_break_dir) -- ,cur_p.analysis)
-        end
-        if protrude_chars > 0 then
-            statistics.nofprotrudedlines = statistics.nofprotrudedlines + 1
-        end
-        -- wrong:
-        local adjust_head     = texlists.adjust_head
-        local pre_adjust_head = texlists.pre_adjust_head
-        --
-        just_box.shift = cur_indent
-        if par.each_line_height ~= par.ignored_dimen then
-            just_box.height = par.each_line_height
-        end
-        if par.each_line_depth ~= par.ignored_dimen then
-            just_box.depth = par.each_line_depth
-        end
-        if par.first_line_height ~= par.ignored_dimen and (cur_line == par.first_line + 1) then
-            just_box.height = par.first_line_height
-        end
-        if par.last_line_depth ~= par.ignored_dimen and cur_line + 1 == par.best_line then
-            just_box.depth = par.last_line_depth
-        end
-        if texlists.pre_adjust_head ~= pre_adjust_head then
-            append_list(par, texlists.pre_adjust_head)
-            texlists.pre_adjust_head = pre_adjust_head
-        end
-        append_to_vlist(par, just_box)
-        if texlists.adjust_head ~= adjust_head then
-            append_list(par, texlists.adjust_head)
-            texlists.adjust_head = adjust_head
-        end
-        local pen
-        if cur_line + 1 ~= par.best_line then
-            if cur_p.passive_pen_inter then
-                pen = cur_p.passive_pen_inter
-            else
-                pen = par.inter_line_penalty
-            end
-            if cur_line == prevgraf + 1 then
-                pen = pen + par.club_penalty
-            end
-            if cur_line + 2 == par.best_line then
-                if par.display then
-                    pen = pen + par.display_widow_penalty
-                else
-                    pen = pen + par.widow_penalty
-                end
-            end
-            if disc_break then
-                if cur_p.passive_pen_broken ~= 0 then
-                    pen = pen + cur_p.passive_pen_broken
-                else
-                    pen = pen + par.broken_penalty
-                end
-            end
-            if pen ~= 0 then
-                append_to_vlist(par,new_penalty(pen))
-             end
-        end
-        cur_line = cur_line + 1
-        cur_p = cur_p.prev_break
-        if cur_p and not post_disc_break then
-            local phead = par.head
-            local r = phead
-            while true do
-                q = r.next
-                if q == cur_p.cur_break or q.id == glyph_code then
-                    break
-                end
-                local id = q.id
-                if not (id == whatsit_code and q.subtype == localpar_code) then
-                    if id < math_code or (id == kern_code and q.subtype ~= userkern_code) then
-                        break
-                    end
-                end
-                r = q
-            end
-            if r ~= phead then
-                r.next = nil
-                flush_node_list(phead.next)
-                phead.next = q
-                if q then
-                    q.prev = phead
-                end
-            end
-        end
-    until not cur_p
-    if cur_line ~= par.best_line then -- or not par.head.next then
-        report_parbuilders("line breaking")
-    end
-    if par.head then -- added
---         flush_node(par.head) -- the localpar_code whatsit
-        par.head = nil
-    end
-    cur_line = cur_line - 1
-    if trace_basic then
-        report_parbuilders("paragraph broken into %a lines",cur_line)
-    end
-    texnest[texnest.ptr].prevgraf  = cur_line
-end
-
-local function wrap_up(par)
-    if par.tracing_paragraphs then
-        diagnostics.stop()
-    end
-    if par.do_last_line_fit then
-        local best_bet     = par.best_bet
-        local active_short = best_bet.active_short
-        local active_glue  = best_bet.active_glue
-        if active_short == 0 then
-            if trace_lastlinefit then
-                report_parbuilders("disabling last line fit, no active_short")
-            end
-            par.do_last_line_fit = false
-        else
-            local glue = par.final_par_glue
-            local spec = copy_node(glue.spec)
-            spec.width = spec.width + active_short - active_glue
-            spec.stretch = 0
-        --  flush_node(glue.spec) -- brrr, when we do this we can get an "invalid id stretch message", maybe dec refcount
-            glue.spec = spec
-            if trace_lastlinefit then
-                report_parbuilders("applying last line fit, short %a, glue %p",active_short,active_glue)
-            end
-        end
-    end
-    -- we have a bunch of glue and and temp nodes not freed
-    local head = par.head
-    if head.id == temp_code then
-        par.head = head.next
-        flush_node(head)
-    end
-    post_line_break(par)
-    reset_meta(par)
-    register_statistics(par)
-    return par.head_field
-end
-
--- we could do active nodes differently ... table instead of linked list or a list
--- with prev nodes
-
-local function deactivate_node(par,prev_prev_r,prev_r,r,cur_active_width,checked_expansion) -- no need for adjust if disabled
-    local active = par.active
-    local active_width = par.active_width
-    prev_r.next = r.next
-    -- removes r
-    -- r = nil
-    if prev_r == active then
-        r = active.next
-        if r.id == delta_code then
-            local aw = active_width.size    + r.size    active_width.size    = aw  cur_active_width.size    = aw
-            local aw = active_width.stretch + r.stretch active_width.stretch = aw  cur_active_width.stretch = aw
-            local aw = active_width.fi      + r.fi      active_width.fi      = aw  cur_active_width.fi      = aw
-            local aw = active_width.fil     + r.fil     active_width.fil     = aw  cur_active_width.fil     = aw
-            local aw = active_width.fill    + r.fill    active_width.fill    = aw  cur_active_width.fill    = aw
-            local aw = active_width.filll   + r.filll   active_width.filll   = aw  cur_active_width.filll   = aw
-            local aw = active_width.shrink  + r.shrink  active_width.shrink  = aw  cur_active_width.shrink  = aw
-            if checked_expansion then
-                local aw = active_width.adjust_stretch + r.adjust_stretch  active_width.adjust_stretch = aw  cur_active_width.adjust_stretch = aw
-                local aw = active_width.adjust_shrink  + r.adjust_shrink   active_width.adjust_shrink  = aw  cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  = aw
-            end
-            active.next = r.next
-            -- removes r
-            -- r = nil
-        end
-    elseif prev_r.id == delta_code then
-        r = prev_r.next
-        if r == active then
-            cur_active_width.size    = cur_active_width.size    - prev_r.size
-            cur_active_width.stretch = cur_active_width.stretch - prev_r.stretch
-            cur_active_width.fi      = cur_active_width.fi      - prev_r.fi
-            cur_active_width.fil     = cur_active_width.fil     - prev_r.fil
-            cur_active_width.fill    = cur_active_width.fill    - prev_r.fill
-            cur_active_width.filll   = cur_active_width.filll   - prev_r.filll
-            cur_active_width.shrink  = cur_active_width.shrink  - prev_r.shrink
-            if checked_expansion then
-                cur_active_width.adjust_stretch = cur_active_width.adjust_stretch - prev_r.adjust_stretch
-                cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  = cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  - prev_r.adjust_shrink
-            end
-            prev_prev_r.next = active
-            -- removes prev_r
-            -- prev_r = nil
-            prev_r = prev_prev_r
-        elseif r.id == delta_code then
-            local rn = r.size     cur_active_width.size    = cur_active_width.size    + rn  prev_r.size    = prev_r.size    + rn
-            local rn = r.stretch  cur_active_width.stretch = cur_active_width.stretch + rn  prev_r.stretch = prev_r.stretch + rn
-            local rn = r.fi       cur_active_width.fi      = cur_active_width.fi      + rn  prev_r.fi      = prev_r.fi      + rn
-            local rn = r.fil      cur_active_width.fil     = cur_active_width.fil     + rn  prev_r.fil     = prev_r.fil     + rn
-            local rn = r.fill     cur_active_width.fill    = cur_active_width.fill    + rn  prev_r.fill    = prev_r.fill    + rn
-            local rn = r.filll    cur_active_width.filll   = cur_active_width.filll   + rn  prev_r.filll   = prev_r.fill    + rn
-            local rn = r.shrink   cur_active_width.shrink  = cur_active_width.shrink  + rn  prev_r.shrink  = prev_r.shrink  + rn
-            if checked_expansion then
-                local rn = r.adjust_stretch  cur_active_width.adjust_stretch = cur_active_width.adjust_stretch + rn  prev_r.adjust_stretch = prev_r.adjust_stretch    + rn
-                local rn = r.adjust_shrink   cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  = cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  + rn  prev_r.adjust_shrink  = prev_r.adjust_shrink     + rn
-            end
-            prev_r.next = r.next
-            -- removes r
-            -- r = nil
-        end
-    end
-    return prev_r, r
-end
-
-local function lastlinecrap(shortfall,active_short,active_glue,cur_active_width,fill_width,last_line_fit)
-    if active_short == 0 or active_glue <= 0 then
-        return false, 0, fit_decent_class, 0, 0
-    end
-    if cur_active_width.fi ~= fill_width.fi or cur_active_width.fil ~= fill_width.fil or cur_active_width.fill ~= fill_width.fill or cur_active_width.filll ~= fill_width.filll then
-        return false, 0, fit_decent_class, 0, 0
-    end
-    local adjustment = active_short > 0 and cur_active_width.stretch or cur_active_width.shrink
-    if adjustment <= 0 then
-        return false, 0, fit_decent_class, adjustment, 0
-    end
-    adjustment = calculate_fraction(adjustment,active_short,active_glue,maxdimen)
-    if last_line_fit < 1000 then
-        adjustment = calculate_fraction(adjustment,last_line_fit,1000,maxdimen) -- uses previous adjustment
-    end
-    local fit_class = fit_decent_class
-    if adjustment > 0 then
-        local stretch = cur_active_width.stretch
-        if adjustment > shortfall then
-            adjustment = shortfall
-        end
-        if adjustment > 7230584 and stretch < 1663497 then
-            return true, fit_very_loose_class, shortfall, adjustment, infinite_badness
-        end
-     -- if adjustment == 0 then -- badness = 0
-     --     return true, shortfall, fit_decent_class, 0, 0
-     -- elseif stretch <= 0 then -- badness = 10000
-     --     return true, shortfall, fit_very_loose_class, adjustment, 10000
-     -- end
-     -- local badness = (adjustment == 0 and 0) or (stretch <= 0 and 10000) or calculate_badness(adjustment,stretch)
-        local badness = calculate_badness(adjustment,stretch)
-        if badness > 99 then
-            return true, shortfall, fit_very_loose_class, adjustment, badness
-        elseif badness > 12 then
-            return true, shortfall, fit_loose_class, adjustment, badness
-        else
-            return true, shortfall, fit_decent_class, adjustment, badness
-        end
-    elseif adjustment < 0 then
-        local shrink = cur_active_width.shrink
-        if -adjustment > shrink then
-            adjustment = -shrink
-        end
-        local badness = calculate_badness(-adjustment,shrink)
-        if badness > 12 then
-            return true, shortfall, fit_tight_class, adjustment, badness
-        else
-            return true, shortfall, fit_decent_class, adjustment, badness
-        end
-    else
-        return false, 0, fit_decent_class, 0, 0
-    end
-end
-
-local function try_break(pi, break_type, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-
-    if pi >= infinite_penalty then
-        return                              -- this breakpoint is inhibited by infinite penalty
-    elseif pi <= -infinite_penalty then
-        pi = eject_penalty                  -- this breakpoint will be forced
-    end
-
-    local prev_prev_r         = nil         -- a step behind prev_r, if type(prev_r)=delta_code
-    local prev_r              = par.active  -- stays a step behind r
-    local r                   = nil         -- runs through the active list
-    local no_break_yet        = true        -- have we found a feasible break at cur_p?
-    local node_r_stays_active = false       -- should node r remain in the active list?
-    local line_width          = 0           -- the current line will be justified to this width
-    local line_number         = 0           -- line number of current active node
-    local old_line_number     = 0           -- maximum line number in current equivalence class of lines
-
-    local protrude_chars      = par.protrude_chars
-    local checked_expansion   = par.checked_expansion
-    local break_width         = par.break_width
-    local active_width        = par.active_width
-    local background          = par.background
-    local minimal_demerits    = par.minimal_demerits
-    local best_place          = par.best_place
-    local best_pl_line        = par.best_pl_line
-    local best_pl_short       = par.best_pl_short
-    local best_pl_glue        = par.best_pl_glue
-    local do_last_line_fit    = par.do_last_line_fit
-    local final_pass          = par.final_pass
-    local tracing_paragraphs  = par.tracing_paragraphs
- -- local par_active          = par.active
-
-    local cur_active_width = checked_expansion and { -- distance from current active node
-        size           = active_width.size,
-        stretch        = active_width.stretch,
-        fi             = active_width.fi,
-        fil            = active_width.fil,
-        fill           = active_width.fill,
-        filll          = active_width.filll,
-        shrink         = active_width.shrink,
-        adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch,
-        adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink,
-    } or {
-        size           = active_width.size,
-        stretch        = active_width.stretch,
-        fi             = active_width.fi,
-        fil            = active_width.fil,
-        fill           = active_width.fill,
-        filll          = active_width.filll,
-        shrink         = active_width.shrink,
-    }
-
-    while true do
-        r = prev_r.next
-        if r.id == delta_code then
-            cur_active_width.size    = cur_active_width.size    + r.size
-            cur_active_width.stretch = cur_active_width.stretch + r.stretch
-            cur_active_width.fi      = cur_active_width.fi      + r.fi
-            cur_active_width.fil     = cur_active_width.fil     + r.fil
-            cur_active_width.fill    = cur_active_width.fill    + r.fill
-            cur_active_width.filll   = cur_active_width.filll   + r.filll
-            cur_active_width.shrink  = cur_active_width.shrink  + r.shrink
-            if checked_expansion then
-                cur_active_width.adjust_stretch = cur_active_width.adjust_stretch + r.adjust_stretch
-                cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  = cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  + r.adjust_shrink
-            end
-            prev_prev_r = prev_r
-            prev_r = r
-        else
-            line_number = r.line_number
-            if line_number > old_line_number then
-                local minimum_demerits = par.minimum_demerits
-                if minimum_demerits < awful_badness and (old_line_number ~= par.easy_line or r == par.active) then
-                    if no_break_yet then
-                        no_break_yet = false
-                        break_width.size    = background.size
-                        break_width.stretch = background.stretch
-                        break_width.fi      = background.fi
-                        break_width.fil     = background.fil
-                        break_width.fill    = background.fill
-                        break_width.filll   = background.filll
-                        break_width.shrink  = background.shrink
-                        if checked_expansion then
-                            break_width.adjust_stretch = 0
-                            break_width.adjust_shrink  = 0
-                        end
-                        if cur_p then
-                            compute_break_width(par,break_type,cur_p)
-                        end
-                    end
-                    if prev_r.id == delta_code then
-                        prev_r.size    = prev_r.size    - cur_active_width.size   + break_width.size
-                        prev_r.stretch = prev_r.stretch - cur_active_width.stretc + break_width.stretch
-                        prev_r.fi      = prev_r.fi      - cur_active_width.fi     + break_width.fi
-                        prev_r.fil     = prev_r.fil     - cur_active_width.fil    + break_width.fil
-                        prev_r.fill    = prev_r.fill    - cur_active_width.fill   + break_width.fill
-                        prev_r.filll   = prev_r.filll   - cur_active_width.filll  + break_width.filll
-                        prev_r.shrink  = prev_r.shrink  - cur_active_width.shrink + break_width.shrink
-                        if checked_expansion then
-                            prev_r.adjust_stretch = prev_r.adjust_stretch - cur_active_width.adjust_stretch + break_width.adjust_stretch
-                            prev_r.adjust_shrink  = prev_r.adjust_shrink  - cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  + break_width.adjust_shrink
-                        end
-                    elseif prev_r == par.active then
-                        active_width.size    = break_width.size
-                        active_width.stretch = break_width.stretch
-                        active_width.fi      = break_width.fi
-                        active_width.fil     = break_width.fil
-                        active_width.fill    = break_width.fill
-                        active_width.filll   = break_width.filll
-                        active_width.shrink  = break_width.shrink
-                        if checked_expansion then
-                            active_width.adjust_stretch = break_width.adjust_stretch
-                            active_width.adjust_shrink  = break_width.adjust_shrink
-                        end
-                    else
-                        local q = checked_expansion and {
-                            id             = delta_code,
-                            subtype        = nosubtype_code,
-                            next           = r,
-                            size           = break_width.size           - cur_active_width.size,
-                            stretch        = break_width.stretch        - cur_active_width.stretch,
-                            fi             = break_width.fi             - cur_active_width.fi,
-                            fil            = break_width.fil            - cur_active_width.fil,
-                            fill           = break_width.fill           - cur_active_width.fill,
-                            filll          = break_width.filll          - cur_active_width.filll,
-                            shrink         = break_width.shrink         - cur_active_width.shrink,
-                            adjust_stretch = break_width.adjust_stretch - cur_active_width.adjust_stretch,
-                            adjust_shrink  = break_width.adjust_shrink  - cur_active_width.adjust_shrink,
-                        } or {
-                            id             = delta_code,
-                            subtype        = nosubtype_code,
-                            next           = r,
-                            size           = break_width.size           - cur_active_width.size,
-                            stretch        = break_width.stretch        - cur_active_width.stretch,
-                            fi             = break_width.fi             - cur_active_width.fi,
-                            fil            = break_width.fil            - cur_active_width.fil,
-                            fill           = break_width.fill           - cur_active_width.fill,
-                            filll          = break_width.filll          - cur_active_width.filll,
-                            shrink         = break_width.shrink         - cur_active_width.shrink,
-                        }
-                        prev_r.next = q
-                        prev_prev_r = prev_r
-                        prev_r = q
-                    end
-                    local adj_demerits     = par.adj_demerits
-                    local abs_adj_demerits = adj_demerits > 0 and adj_demerits or -adj_demerits
-                    if abs_adj_demerits >= awful_badness - minimum_demerits then
-                        minimum_demerits = awful_badness - 1
-                    else
-                        minimum_demerits = minimum_demerits + abs_adj_demerits
-                    end
-                    for fit_class = fit_very_loose_class, fit_tight_class do
-                        if minimal_demerits[fit_class] <= minimum_demerits then
-                            -- insert a new active node from best_place[fit_class] to cur_p
-                            par.pass_number = par.pass_number + 1
-                            local prev_break = best_place[fit_class]
-                            local passive = {
-                                id                          = passive_code,
-                                subtype                     = nosubtype_code,
-                                next                        = par.passive,
-                                cur_break                   = cur_p,
-                                serial                      = par.pass_number,
-                                prev_break                  = prev_break,
-                                passive_pen_inter           = par.internal_pen_inter,
-                                passive_pen_broken          = par.internal_pen_broken,
-                                passive_last_left_box       = par.internal_left_box,
-                                passive_last_left_box_width = par.internal_left_box_width,
-                                passive_left_box            = prev_break and prev_break.passive_last_left_box or par.init_internal_left_box,
-                                passive_left_box_width      = prev_break and prev_break.passive_last_left_box_width or par.init_internal_left_box_width,
-                                passive_right_box           = par.internal_right_box,
-                                passive_right_box_width     = par.internal_right_box_width,
--- analysis = table.fastcopy(cur_active_width),
-                            }
-                            par.passive = passive
-                            local q = {
-                                id             = break_type,
-                                subtype        = fit_class,
-                                break_node     = passive,
-                                line_number    = best_pl_line[fit_class] + 1,
-                                total_demerits = minimal_demerits[fit_class], --  or 0,
-                                next           = r,
-                            }
-                            if do_last_line_fit then
-                                local active_short = best_pl_short[fit_class]
-                                local active_glue  = best_pl_glue[fit_class]
-                                q.active_short = active_short
-                                q.active_glue  = active_glue
-                                if trace_lastlinefit then
-                                    report_parbuilders("setting short to %i and glue to %p using class %a",active_short,active_glue,fit_class)
-                                end
-                            end
-                         -- q.next = r -- already done
-                            prev_r.next = q
-                            prev_r = q
-                            if tracing_paragraphs then
-                                diagnostics.break_node(par,q,fit_class,break_type,cur_p)
-                            end
-                        end
-                        minimal_demerits[fit_class] = awful_badness
-                    end
-                    par.minimum_demerits = awful_badness
-                    if r ~= par.active then
-                        local q = checked_expansion and {
-                            id             = delta_code,
-                            subtype        = nosubtype_code,
-                            next           = r,
-                            size           = cur_active_width.size           - break_width.size,
-                            stretch        = cur_active_width.stretch        - break_width.stretch,
-                            fi             = cur_active_width.fi             - break_width.fi,
-                            fil            = cur_active_width.fil            - break_width.fil,
-                            fill           = cur_active_width.fill           - break_width.fill,
-                            filll          = cur_active_width.filll          - break_width.filll,
-                            shrink         = cur_active_width.shrink         - break_width.shrink,
-                            adjust_stretch = cur_active_width.adjust_stretch - break_width.adjust_stretch,
-                            adjust_shrink  = cur_active_width.adjust_shrink  - break_width.adjust_shrink,
-                        } or {
-                            id             = delta_code,
-                            subtype        = nosubtype_code,
-                            next           = r,
-                            size           = cur_active_width.size           - break_width.size,
-                            stretch        = cur_active_width.stretch        - break_width.stretch,
-                            fi             = cur_active_width.fi             - break_width.fi,
-                            fil            = cur_active_width.fil            - break_width.fil,
-                            fill           = cur_active_width.fill           - break_width.fill,
-                            filll          = cur_active_width.filll          - break_width.filll,
-                            shrink         = cur_active_width.shrink         - break_width.shrink,
-                        }
-                     -- q.next = r -- already done
-                        prev_r.next = q
-                        prev_prev_r = prev_r
-                        prev_r = q
-                    end
-                end
-                if r == par.active then
-                    return
-                end
-                if line_number > par.easy_line then
-                    old_line_number = max_halfword - 1
-                    line_width = par.second_width
-                else
-                    old_line_number = line_number
-                    if line_number > par.last_special_line then
-                        line_width = par.second_width
-                    elseif par.par_shape_ptr then
-                        line_width = par.par_shape_ptr[line_number][2]
-                    else
-                        line_width = par.first_width
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-            local artificial_demerits = false -- has d been forced to zero
-            local shortfall = line_width - cur_active_width.size - par.internal_right_box_width -- used in badness calculations
-            if not r.break_node then
-                shortfall = shortfall - par.init_internal_left_box_width
-            else
-                shortfall = shortfall - (r.break_node.passive_last_left_box_width or 0)
-            end
-            local pw, lp, rp -- used later on
-            if protrude_chars > 1 then
-                -- this is quite time consuming
-                local b = r.break_node
-                local l = b and b.cur_break or first_p
-                local o = cur_p and cur_p.prev
-                if cur_p and cur_p.id == disc_code and cur_p.pre then
-                    o = slide_nodes(cur_p.pre)
-                else
-                    o = find_protchar_right(l,o)
-                end
-                if o and o.id == glyph_code then
-                    pw, rp = right_pw(o)
-                    shortfall = shortfall + pw
-                end
-                local id = l.id
-                if id == glyph_code then
-                    -- ok ?
-                elseif id == disc_code and l.post then
-                    l = l.post -- TODO: first char could be a disc
-                else
-                    l = find_protchar_left(l)
-                end
-                if l and l.id == glyph_code then
-                    pw, lp = left_pw(l)
-                    shortfall = shortfall + pw
-                end
-            end
-            if checked_expansion and shortfall ~= 0 then
-                local margin_kern_stretch = 0
-                local margin_kern_shrink  = 0
-                if protrude_chars > 1 then
-                    if lp then
---                         margin_kern_stretch, margin_kern_shrink = cal_margin_kern_var(lp)
-local data = expansions[lp.font][lp.char]
-if data then
-    margin_kern_stretch, margin_kern_shrink = data.glyphstretch, data.glyphshrink
-end
-                    end
-                    if rp then
---                         local mka, mkb = cal_margin_kern_var(rp)
---                         margin_kern_stretch = margin_kern_stretch + mka
---                         margin_kern_shrink  = margin_kern_shrink  + mkb
-local data = expansions[lp.font][lp.char]
-if data then
-    margin_kern_stretch = margin_kern_stretch + data.glyphstretch
-    margin_kern_shrink  = margin_kern_shrink  + data.glyphshrink
-end
-                    end
-                end
-                local total = cur_active_width.adjust_stretch + margin_kern_stretch
-                if shortfall > 0 and total > 0 then
-                    if total > shortfall then
-                        shortfall = total / (par.max_stretch_ratio / par.cur_font_step) / 2 -- to be adapted
-                    else
-                        shortfall = shortfall - total
-                    end
-                else
-                    total = cur_active_width.adjust_shrink + margin_kern_shrink
-                    if shortfall < 0 and total > 0 then
-                        if total > - shortfall then
-                            shortfall = - total / (par.max_shrink_ratio / par.cur_font_step) / 2 -- to be adapted
-                        else
-                            shortfall = shortfall + total
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-            local b = 0
-            local g = 0
-            local fit_class = fit_decent_class
-            local found = false
-            if shortfall > 0  then
-                if cur_active_width.fi ~= 0 or cur_active_width.fil ~= 0 or cur_active_width.fill ~= 0 or cur_active_width.filll ~= 0 then
-                    if not do_last_line_fit then
-                        -- okay
-                    elseif not cur_p then
-                        found, shortfall, fit_class, g, b = lastlinecrap(shortfall,r.active_short,r.active_glue,cur_active_width,par.fill_width,par.last_line_fit)
-                    else
-                        shortfall = 0
-                    end
-                else
-                    local stretch = cur_active_width.stretch
-                    if shortfall > 7230584 and stretch < 1663497 then
-                        b = infinite_badness
-                        fit_class = fit_very_loose_class
-                    else
-                        b = calculate_badness(shortfall,stretch)
-                        if b > 99 then
-                            fit_class = fit_very_loose_class
-                        elseif b > 12 then
-                            fit_class = fit_loose_class
-                        else
-                            fit_class = fit_decent_class
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-            else
-                local shrink = cur_active_width.shrink
-                if -shortfall > shrink then
-                    b = infinite_badness + 1
-                else
-                    b = calculate_badness(-shortfall,shrink)
-                end
-                if b > 12 then
-                    fit_class = fit_tight_class
-                else
-                    fit_class = fit_decent_class
-                end
-            end
-            if do_last_line_fit and not found then
-                if not cur_p then
-                 -- g = 0
-                    shortfall = 0
-                elseif shortfall > 0 then
-                    g = cur_active_width.stretch
-                elseif shortfall < 0 then
-                    g = cur_active_width.shrink
-                else
-                    g = 0
-                end
-            end
-            -- ::FOUND::
-            local continue_only = false -- brrr
-            if b > infinite_badness or pi == eject_penalty then
-                if final_pass and par.minimum_demerits == awful_badness and r.next == par.active and prev_r == par.active then
-                    artificial_demerits = true -- set demerits zero, this break is forced
-                    node_r_stays_active = false
-                elseif b > par.threshold then
-                    prev_r, r = deactivate_node(par,prev_prev_r,prev_r,r,cur_active_width,checked_expansion)
-                    continue_only = true
-                else
-                    node_r_stays_active = false
-                end
-            else
-                prev_r = r
-                if b > par.threshold then
-                    continue_only = true
-                else
-                    node_r_stays_active = true
-                end
-            end
-            if not continue_only then
-                local d = 0
-                if not artificial_demerits then
-                    d = par.line_penalty + b
-                    if (d >= 0 and d or -d) >= 10000 then -- abs(d)
-                        d = 100000000
-                    else
-                        d = d * d
-                    end
-                    if pi == 0 then
-                        -- nothing
-                    elseif pi > 0 then
-                        d = d + pi * pi
-                    elseif pi > eject_penalty then
-                        d = d - pi * pi
-                    end
-                    if break_type == hyphenated_code and r.id == hyphenated_code then
-                        if cur_p then
-                            d = d + par.double_hyphen_demerits
-                        else
-                            d = d + par.final_hyphen_demerits
-                        end
-                    end
-                    local delta = fit_class - r.subtype
-                    if (delta >= 0 and delta or -delta) > 1 then -- abs(delta)
-                        d = d + par.adj_demerits
-                    end
-                end
-                if tracing_paragraphs then
-                    diagnostics.feasible_break(par,cur_p,r,b,pi,d,artificial_demerits)
-                end
-                d = d + r.total_demerits -- this is the minimum total demerits from the beginning to cur_p via r
-                if d <= minimal_demerits[fit_class] then
-                    minimal_demerits[fit_class] = d
-                    best_place      [fit_class] = r.break_node
-                    best_pl_line    [fit_class] = line_number
-                    if do_last_line_fit then
-                        best_pl_short[fit_class] = shortfall
-                        best_pl_glue [fit_class] = g
-                        if trace_lastlinefit then
-                            report_parbuilders("storing last line fit short %a and glue %p in class %a",shortfall,g,fit_class)
-                        end
-                    end
-                    if d < par.minimum_demerits then
-                        par.minimum_demerits = d
-                    end
-                end
-                if not node_r_stays_active then
-                    prev_r, r = deactivate_node(par,prev_prev_r,prev_r,r,cur_active_width,checked_expansion)
-                end
-            end
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-local function kern_break(par, cur_p, first_p, checked_expansion) -- move inline if needed
-    local v = cur_p.next
-    if par.auto_breaking and v.id == glue_code then
-        try_break(0, unhyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-    end
-    local active_width = par.active_width
-    if cur_p.id ~= math_code then
-        active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.kern
-    else
-        active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.surround
-    end
-end
-
--- we can call the normal one for simple box building in the otr so we need
--- frequent enabling/disabling
-
-local temp_head = new_temp()
-
-function constructors.methods.basic(head,d)
-    if trace_basic then
-        report_parbuilders("starting at %a",head)
-    end
-
-    local par = initialize_line_break(head,d)
-
-    local checked_expansion  = par.checked_expansion
-    local active_width       = par.active_width
-    local disc_width         = par.disc_width
-    local background         = par.background
-    local tracing_paragraphs = par.tracing_paragraphs
-
-    local dirstack = new_dir_stack()
-
-    if tracing_paragraphs then
-        diagnostics.start()
-        if par.pretolerance >= 0 then
-            diagnostics.current_pass(par,"firstpass")
-        end
-    end
-
-    while true do
-        reset_meta(par)
-        if par.threshold > infinite_badness then
-            par.threshold = infinite_badness
-        end
-        par.active.next = {
-            id             = unhyphenated_code,
-            subtype        = fit_decent_class,
-            next           = par.active,
-            break_node     = nil,
-            line_number    = par.first_line + 1,
-            total_demerits = 0,
-            active_short   = 0,
-            active_glue    = 0,
-        }
-        active_width.size           = background.size
-        active_width.stretch        = background.stretch
-        active_width.fi             = background.fi
-        active_width.fil            = background.fil
-        active_width.fill           = background.fill
-        active_width.filll          = background.filll
-        active_width.shrink         = background.shrink
-
-        if checked_expansion then
-            active_width.adjust_stretch = 0
-            active_width.adjust_shrink  = 0
-        end
-
-        par.passive                 = nil -- = 0
-        par.printed_node            = temp_head -- only when tracing, shared
-        par.printed_node.next       = head
-        par.pass_number             = 0
-        par.auto_breaking           = true
-
-        local cur_p                 = head
-        local first_p               = cur_p
-
-        par.font_in_short_display   = 0
-
-        if cur_p and cur_p.id == whatsit_code and cur_p.subtype == localpar_code then
-            par.init_internal_left_box       = cur_p.box_left
-            par.init_internal_left_box_width = cur_p.box_left_width
-            par.internal_pen_inter           = cur_p.pen_inter
-            par.internal_pen_broken          = cur_p.pen_broken
-            par.internal_left_box            = par.init_internal_left_box
-            par.internal_left_box_width      = par.init_internal_left_box_width
-            par.internal_right_box           = cur_p.box_right
-            par.internal_right_box_width     = cur_p.box_right_width
-        end
-
-        -- all passes are combined in this loop so maybe we should split this into
-        -- three function calls; we then also need to do the wrap_up elsewhere
-
-        -- split into normal and expansion loop
-
-        -- use an active local
-
-        local fontexp, lastfont -- we can pass fontexp to calculate width if needed
-
-        while cur_p and par.active.next ~= par.active do
-            while cur_p and cur_p.id == glyph_code do
-                if is_rotated[par.line_break_dir] then
-                    active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.height + cur_p.depth
-                else
-                    active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.width
-                end
-                if checked_expansion then
-                    local data= checked_expansion[cur_p.font]
-                    if data then
-                        local currentfont = cur_p.font
-                        if currentfont ~= lastfont then
-                            fontexps = checked_expansion[currentfont] -- a bit redundant for the par line packer
-                            lastfont = currentfont
-                        end
-                        if fontexps then
-                            local expansion = fontexps[cur_p.char]
-                            if expansion then
-                                active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch + expansion.glyphstretch
-                                active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  + expansion.glyphshrink
-                            end
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-                cur_p = cur_p.next
-            end
-            if not cur_p then -- TODO
-                report_parbuilders("problems with linebreak_tail")
-                os.exit()
-            end
-            local id = cur_p.id
-            if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                if is_parallel[cur_p.dir][par.line_break_dir] then
-                    active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.width
-                else
-                    active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.depth + cur_p.height
-                end
-            elseif id == glue_code then
-                if par.auto_breaking then
-                    local prev_p = cur_p.prev
-                    if prev_p and prev_p ~= temp_head then
-                        local id = prev_p.id
-                        if id == glyph_code or
-                            (id < math_code and (id ~= whatsit_code or prev_p.subtype ~= dir_code)) or -- was: precedes_break(prev_p)
-                            (id == kern_code and prev_p.subtype ~= userkern_code) then
-                            try_break(0, unhyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-                local spec = check_shrinkage(par,cur_p.spec)
-                local order = stretch_orders[spec.stretch_order]
-                cur_p.spec = spec
-                active_width.size   = active_width.size   + spec.width
-                active_width[order] = active_width[order] + spec.stretch
-                active_width.shrink = active_width.shrink + spec.shrink
-            elseif id == disc_code then
-                local subtype = cur_p.subtype
-                if subtype ~= second_disc_code then -- are there still second_disc_code in luatex
-                    local line_break_dir = par.line_break_dir
-                    if par.second_pass then -- todo: make second pass local
-                        local actual_pen = subtype == automatic_disc_code and par.ex_hyphen_penalty or par.hyphen_penalty
-                        local pre = cur_p.pre
-                        if not pre then    --  trivial pre-break
-                            disc_width.size = 0
-                            if checked_expansion then
-                                disc_width.adjust_stretch = 0
-                                disc_width.adjust_shrink  = 0
-                            end
-                            try_break(actual_pen, hyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-                        else
-                            local size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink = add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,pre)
-                            disc_width.size   = size
-                            active_width.size = active_width.size + size
-                            if checked_expansion then
-                                disc_width.adjust_stretch   = adjust_stretch
-                                disc_width.adjust_shrink    = adjust_shrink
-                                active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch + adjust_stretch
-                                active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  + adjust_shrink
-                            else
-                             -- disc_width.adjust_stretch = 0
-                             -- disc_width.adjust_shrink  = 0
-                            end
-                            try_break(actual_pen, hyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-                            if subtype == first_disc_code then
-                                local cur_p_next = cur_p.next
-                                if cur_p_next.id ~= disc_code or cur_p_next.subtype ~= second_disc_code then
-                                    report_parbuilders("unsupported disc at location %a",1)
-                                else
-                                    local pre = cur_p_next.pre
-                                    if pre then
-                                        local size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink = add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,pre)
-                                        disc_width.size = disc_width.size + size
-                                        if checked_expansion then
-                                            disc_width.adjust_stretch = disc_width.adjust_stretch + adjust_stretch
-                                            disc_width.adjust_shrink  = disc_width.adjust_shrink  + adjust_shrink
-                                        end
-                                        try_break(actual_pen, hyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p_next, checked_expansion)
-                                        --
-                                        -- I will look into this some day ... comment in linebreak.w says that this fails,
-                                        -- maybe this is what Taco means with his comment in the luatex manual.
-                                        --
-                                        -- do_one_seven_eight(sub_disc_width_from_active_width);
-                                        -- do_one_seven_eight(reset_disc_width);
-                                        -- s = vlink_no_break(vlink(cur_p));
-                                        -- add_to_widths(s, line_break_dir, pdf_adjust_spacing,disc_width);
-                                        -- ext_try_break(...,first_p,vlink(cur_p));
-                                        --
-                                    else
-                                        report_parbuilders("unsupported disc at location %a",2)
-                                    end
-                                end
-                            end
-                            -- beware, we cannot restore to a saved value as the try_break adapts active_width
-                            active_width.size = active_width.size - disc_width.size
-                            if checked_expansion then
-                                active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch - disc_width.adjust_stretch
-                                active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  - disc_width.adjust_shrink
-                            end
-                        end
-                    end
-                    local replace = cur_p.replace
-                    if replace then
-                        local size, adjust_stretch, adjust_shrink = add_to_width(line_break_dir,checked_expansion,replace)
-                        active_width.size = active_width.size + size
-                        if checked_expansion then
-                            active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch + adjust_stretch
-                            active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  + adjust_shrink
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-            elseif id == kern_code then
-                if cur_p.subtype == userkern_code then
-                    kern_break(par,cur_p,first_p, checked_expansion)
-                else
-                    local d = cur_p.kern
-                    of d ~= 0 then 
-                        active_width.size = active_width.size + d
-                        if checked_expansion and expand_kerns and (cur_p.subtype == kerning_code or cur_p[a_fontkern]) then
-                            local stretch, shrink = kern_stretch_shrink(cur_p,d)
-                            if expand_kerns == "stretch" then
-                                active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch + stretch
-                            elseif expand_kerns == "shrink" then
-                                active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  + shrink
-                            else
-                                active_width.adjust_stretch = active_width.adjust_stretch + stretch
-                                active_width.adjust_shrink  = active_width.adjust_shrink  + shrink
-                            end
-                        end
-                    end
-                end
-            elseif id == math_code then
-                par.auto_breaking = cur_p.subtype == endmath_code
-                kern_break(par,cur_p, first_p, checked_expansion)
-            elseif id == rule_code then
-                active_width.size = active_width.size + cur_p.width
-            elseif id == penalty_code then
-                try_break(cur_p.penalty, unhyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-            elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                local subtype = cur_p.subtype
-                if subtype == localpar_code then
-                    par.internal_pen_inter       = cur_p.pen_inter
-                    par.internal_pen_broken      = cur_p.pen_broken
-                    par.internal_left_box        = cur_p.box_left
-                    par.internal_left_box_width  = cur_p.box_left_width
-                    par.internal_right_box       = cur_p.box_right
-                    par.internal_right_box_width = cur_p.box_right_width
-                elseif subtype == dir_code then
-                    par.line_break_dir = checked_line_dir(dirstack) or par.line_break_dir
-                else
-                    local get_width = get_whatsit_width[subtype]
-                    if get_width then
-                        active_width.size = active_width.size + get_width(cur_p)
-                    end
-                end
-            elseif id == mark_code or id == ins_code or id == adjust_code then
-                -- skip
-            else
-                report_parbuilders("node of type %a found in paragraph",type(id))
-            end
-            cur_p = cur_p.next
-        end
-        if not cur_p then
-            try_break(eject_penalty, hyphenated_code, par, first_p, cur_p, checked_expansion)
-            local p_active = par.active
-            local n_active = p_active.next
-            if n_active ~= p_active then
-                local r = n_active
-                par.fewest_demerits = awful_badness
-                repeat -- use local d
-                    if r.id ~= delta_code and r.total_demerits < par.fewest_demerits then
-                        par.fewest_demerits = r.total_demerits
-                        par.best_bet = r
-                    end
-                    r = r.next
-                until r == p_active
-                par.best_line = par.best_bet.line_number
-                local asked_looseness = par.looseness
-                if asked_looseness == 0 then
-                    return wrap_up(par)
-                end
-                local r = n_active
-                local actual_looseness = 0
-                -- minimize assignments to par but happens seldom
-                repeat
-                    if r.id ~= delta_code then
-                        local line_diff = r.line_number - par.best_line
-                        par.line_diff = line_diff
-                        if (line_diff < actual_looseness and asked_looseness <= line_diff)   or
-                           (line_diff > actual_looseness and asked_looseness >= line_diff) then
-                            par.best_bet = r
-                            actual_looseness = line_diff
-                            par.fewest_demerits = r.total_demerits
-                        elseif line_diff == actual_looseness and r.total_demerits < par.fewest_demerits then
-                            par.best_bet = r
-                            par.fewest_demerits = r.total_demerits
-                        end
-                    end
-                    r = r.next
-                until r == p_active -- weird, loop list?
-                par.best_line = par.best_bet.line_number
-                if actual_looseness == asked_looseness or par.final_pass then
-                    return wrap_up(par)
-                end
-            end
-        end
-        reset_meta(par) -- clean up the memory by removing the break nodes
-        if not par.second_pass then
-            if tracing_paragraphs then
-                diagnostics.current_pass(par,"secondpass")
-            end
-            par.threshold = par.tolerance
-            par.second_pass = true
-            par.final_pass = par.emergency_stretch <= 0
-        else
-            if tracing_paragraphs then
-                diagnostics.current_pass(par,"emergencypass")
-            end
-            par.background.stretch = par.background.stretch + par.emergency_stretch
-            par.final_pass = true
-        end
-    end
-    return wrap_up(par)
-end
-
--- standard tex logging .. will be adapted ..
-
-local function write_esc(cs)
-    local esc = tex.escapechar
-    if esc then
-        write("log",utfchar(esc),cs)
-    else
-        write("log",cs)
-    end
-end
-
-function diagnostics.start()
-end
-
-function diagnostics.stop()
-    write_nl("log",'')
-end
-
-function diagnostics.current_pass(par,what)
-    write_nl("log",format("@%s",what))
-end
-
-local function short_display(a,font_in_short_display)
-    while a do
-        local id = a.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            local font = a.font
-            if font ~= font_in_short_display then
-                write("log",tex.fontidentifier(font) .. ' ')
-                font_in_short_display = font
-            end
-            if a.subtype == ligature_code then
-                font_in_short_display = short_display(a.components,font_in_short_display)
-            else
-                write("log",utfchar(a.char))
-            end
---         elseif id == rule_code then
---             write("log","|")
---         elseif id == glue_code then
---             if a.spec.writable then
---                 write("log"," ")
---             end
---         elseif id == math_code then
---             write("log","$")
-        elseif id == disc_code then
-            font_in_short_display = short_display(a.pre,font_in_short_display)
-            font_in_short_display = short_display(a.post,font_in_short_display)
-        else -- no explicit checking
-            write("log",format("[%s]",nodecodes[id]))
-        end
-        a = a.next
-    end
-    return font_in_short_display
-end
-
-diagnostics.short_display = short_display
-
-function diagnostics.break_node(par, q, fit_class, break_type, cur_p) -- %d ?
-    local passive = par.passive
-    local typ_ind = break_type == hyphenated_code and '-' or ""
-    if par.do_last_line_fit then
-        local s = number.toscaled(q.active_short)
-        local g = number.toscaled(q.active_glue)
-        if cur_p then
-            write_nl("log",format("@@%d: line %d.%d%s t=%s s=%s g=%s",
-                passive.serial or 0,q.line_number-1,fit_class,typ_ind,q.total_demerits,s,g))
-        else
-            write_nl("log",format("@@%d: line %d.%d%s t=%s s=%s a=%s",
-                passive.serial or 0,q.line_number-1,fit_class,typ_ind,q.total_demerits,s,g))
-        end
-    else
-        write_nl("log",format("@@%d: line %d.%d%s t=%s",
-            passive.serial or 0,q.line_number-1,fit_class,typ_ind,q.total_demerits))
-    end
-    if not passive.prev_break then
-        write("log"," -> @0")
-    else
-        write("log",format(" -> @%d", passive.prev_break.serial or 0))
-    end
-end
-
-function diagnostics.feasible_break(par, cur_p, r, b, pi, d, artificial_demerits)
-    local printed_node = par.printed_node
-    if printed_node ~= cur_p then
-        write_nl("log","")
-        if not cur_p then
-            par.font_in_short_display = short_display(printed_node.next,par.font_in_short_display)
-        else
-            local save_link = cur_p.next
-            cur_p.next = nil
-            write_nl("log","")
-            par.font_in_short_display = short_display(printed_node.next,par.font_in_short_display)
-            cur_p.next = save_link
-        end
-        par.printed_node = cur_p
-    end
-    write_nl("log","@")
-    if not cur_p then
-        write_esc("par")
-    else
-        local id = cur_p.id
-        if id == glue_code then
-            -- print nothing
-        elseif id == penalty_code then
-            write_esc("penalty")
-        elseif id == disc_code then
-            write_esc("discretionary")
-        elseif id == kern_code then
-            write_esc("kern")
-        elseif id == math_code then
-            write_esc("math")
-        else
-            write_esc("unknown")
-        end
-    end
-    local via, badness, demerits = 0, '*', '*'
-    if r.break_node then
-        via = r.break_node.serial or 0
-    end
-    if b <= infinite_badness then
-        badness = tonumber(d) -- format("%d", b)
-    end
-    if not artificial_demerits then
-        demerits = tonumber(d) -- format("%d", d)
-    end
-    write("log",format(" via @%d b=%s p=%s d=%s", via, badness, pi, demerits))
-end
-
--- reporting --
-
-statistics.register("alternative parbuilders", function()
-    if nofpars > 0 then
-        return format("%s paragraphs, %s lines (%s protruded, %s adjusted)", nofpars, noflines, nofprotrudedlines, nofadjustedlines)
-    end
-end)
-
--- actually scaling kerns is not such a good idea and it will become
--- configureable
-
--- This is no way a replacement for the built in (fast) packer
--- it's just an alternative for special (testing) purposes.
---
--- We could use two hpacks: one to be used in the par builder
--- and one to be used for other purposes. The one in the par
--- builder is much more simple as it does not need the expansion
--- code but only need to register the effective expansion factor
--- with the glyph.
-
-local function glyph_width_height_depth(curdir,pdir,p)
-    if is_rotated[curdir] then
-        if is_parallel[curdir][pdir] then
-            local half = (p.height + p.depth) / 2
-            return p.width, half, half
-        else
-            local half = p.width / 2
-            return p.height + p.depth, half, half
-        end
-    elseif is_rotated[pdir] then
-        if is_parallel[curdir][pdir] then
-            local half = (p.height + p.depth) / 2
-            return p.width, half, half
-        else
-            return p.height + p.depth, p.width, 0 -- weird
-        end
-    else
-        if glyphdir_is_equal[curdir][pdir] then
-            return p.width, p.height, p.depth
-        elseif is_opposite[curdir][pdir] then
-            return p.width, p.depth, p.height
-        else -- can this happen?
-            return p.height + p.depth, p.width, 0 -- weird
-        end
-    end
-end
-
-local function pack_width_height_depth(curdir,pdir,p)
-    if is_rotated[curdir] then
-        if is_parallel[curdir][pdir] then
-            local half = (p.height + p.depth) / 2
-            return p.width, half, half
-        else -- can this happen?
-            local half = p.width / 2
-            return p.height + p.depth, half, half
-        end
-    else
-        if pardir_is_equal[curdir][pdir] then
-            return p.width, p.height, p.depth
-        elseif is_opposite[curdir][pdir] then
-            return p.width, p.depth, p.height
-        else -- weird dimensions, can this happen?
-         -- return p.width, p.depth, p.height
-            return p.height + p.depth, p.width, 0
-        end
-    end
-end
-
--- local function xpack(head,width,method,direction,analysis)
---
---     -- inspect(analysis)
---
---     local expansion         = method == "cal_expand_ratio"
---     local natural           = analysis.size
---     local font_stretch      = analysis.adjust_stretch
---     local font_shrink       = analysis.adjust_shrink
---     local font_expand_ratio = 0
---     local delta             = width - natural
---
---     local hlist             = new_node("hlist")
---
---     hlist.list              = head
---     hlist.dir               = direction or tex.textdir
---     hlist.width             = width
---     hlist.height            = height
---     hlist.depth             = depth
---
---     if delta == 0 then
---
---         hlist.glue_sign  = 0
---         hlist.glue_order = 0
---         hlist.glue_set   = 0
---
---     else
---
---         local order = analysis.filll ~= 0 and fillcodes.filll or
---                       analysis.fill  ~= 0 and fillcodes.fill  or
---                       analysis.fil   ~= 0 and fillcodes.fil   or
---                       analysis.fi    ~= 0 and fillcodes.fi    or 0
---
---         if delta > 0 then
---
---             if expansion and order == 0 and font_stretch > 0 then
---                 font_expand_ratio = (delta/font_stretch) * 1000
---             else
---                 local stretch = analysis.stretch
---                 if stretch ~= 0 then
---                     hlist.glue_sign  = 1 -- stretch
---                     hlist.glue_order = order
---                     hlist.glue_set   = delta/stretch
---                 else
---                     hlist.glue_sign  = 0 -- nothing
---                     hlist.glue_order = order
---                     hlist.glue_set   = 0
---                 end
---             end
--- print("stretch",hlist.glue_sign,hlist.glue_order,hlist.glue_set)
---
---         else
---
---             if expansion and order == 0 and font_shrink > 0 then
---                 font_expand_ratio = (delta/font_shrink) * 1000
---             else
---                 local shrink = analysis.shrink
---                 if shrink ~= 0 then
---                     hlist.glue_sign  = 2 -- shrink
---                     hlist.glue_order = order
---                     hlist.glue_set   = - delta/shrink
---                 else
---                     hlist.glue_sign  = 0 -- nothing
---                     hlist.glue_order = order
---                     hlist.glue_set   = 0
---                 end
---             end
--- print("shrink",hlist.glue_sign,hlist.glue_order,hlist.glue_set)
---
---         end
---
---     end
---
---     if not expansion or font_expand_ratio == 0 then
---         -- nothing
---     elseif font_expand_ratio > 0 then
---         if font_expand_ratio > 1000 then
---             font_expand_ratio = 1000
---         end
---         local current = head
---         while current do
---             local id = current.id
---             if id == glyph_code then
---                 local stretch, shrink = char_stretch_shrink(current) -- get only one
---                 if stretch then
---                     if trace_expansion then
---                         setnodecolor(g,"hz:positive")
---                     end
---                     current.expansion_factor = font_expand_ratio * stretch
---                 end
---             elseif id == kern_code then
---                 local kern = current.kern
---                 if kern ~= 0 and current.subtype == kerning_code then
---                     current.kern = font_expand_ratio * current.kern
---                 end
---             end
---             current = current.next
---         end
---     elseif font_expand_ratio < 0 then
---         if font_expand_ratio < -1000 then
---             font_expand_ratio = -1000
---         end
---         local current = head
---         while current do
---             local id = current.id
---             if id == glyph_code then
---                 local stretch, shrink = char_stretch_shrink(current) -- get only one
---                 if shrink then
---                     if trace_expansion then
---                         setnodecolor(g,"hz:negative")
---                     end
---                     current.expansion_factor = font_expand_ratio * shrink
---                 end
---             elseif id == kern_code then
---                 local kern = current.kern
---                 if kern ~= 0 and current.subtype == kerning_code then
---                     current.kern = font_expand_ratio * current.kern
---                 end
---             end
---             current = current.next
---         end
---     end
---     return hlist, 0
--- end
-
-local function hpack(head,width,method,direction) -- fast version when head = nil
-
-    -- we can pass the adjust_width and adjust_height so that we don't need to recalculate them but
-    -- with the glue mess it's less trivial as we lack detail
-
-    local hlist = new_node("hlist")
-
-    if head == nil then
-        return hlist, 0
-    end
-
-    local cal_expand_ratio  = method == "cal_expand_ratio" or method == "subst_ex_font"
-
-    direction               = direction or tex.textdir
-
-    local line              = 0
-
-    local height            = 0
-    local depth             = 0
-    local natural           = 0
-    local font_stretch      = 0
-    local font_shrink       = 0
-    local font_expand_ratio = 0
-    local last_badness      = 0
-    local disc_stack        = { }
-    local disc_level        = 0
-    local expansion_stack   = cal_expand_ratio and { } -- todo: optionally pass this
-    local expansion_index   = 0
-    local total_stretch     = { [0] = 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-    local total_shrink      = { [0] = 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 }
-
-    local hpack_dir         = direction
-
-    local adjust_head       = texlists.adjust_head
-    local pre_adjust_head   = texlists.pre_adjust_head
-    local adjust_tail       = adjust_head and slide_nodes(adjust_head)
-    local pre_adjust_tail   = pre_adjust_head and slide_nodes(pre_adjust_head)
-
-    hlist.list = head
-    hlist.dir  = hpack_dir
-
-    new_dir_stack(hpack_dir)
-
-    local checked_expansion = false
-
-    if cal_expand_ratio then
-        checked_expansion = { }
-        setmetatableindex(checked_expansion,check_expand_lines)
-    end
-
-    -- this one also needs to check the font, so in the end indeed we might end up with two variants
-
-    local fontexps, lastfont
-
-    local current = head
-
-    while current do
-        local id = current.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            if cal_expand_ratio then
-                local currentfont = current.font
-                if currentfont ~= lastfont then
-                    fontexps = checked_expansion[currentfont] -- a bit redundant for the par line packer
-                    lastfont = currentfont
-                end
-                if fontexps then
-                    local expansion = fontexps[current.char]
-                    if expansion then
-                        font_stretch = font_stretch + expansion.glyphstretch
-                        font_shrink  = font_shrink  + expansion.glyphshrink
-                        expansion_index = expansion_index + 1
-                        expansion_stack[expansion_index] = current
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-            -- use inline if no expansion
-            local wd, ht, dp = glyph_width_height_depth(hpack_dir,"TLT",current) -- was TRT ?
-            natural = natural + wd
-            if ht > height then
-                height = ht
-            end
-            if dp > depth then
-                depth = dp
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == kern_code then
-            local kern = current.kern
-            if kern == 0 then
-                -- no kern
-            else
-                if cal_expand_ratio and expand_kerns and current.subtype == kerning_code or current[a_fontkern] then -- check p.kern
-                    local stretch, shrink = kern_stretch_shrink(current,kern)
-                    if expand_kerns == "stretch" then
-                        font_stretch = font_stretch + stretch
-                    elseif expand_kerns == "shrink" then
-                        font_shrink  = font_shrink + shrink
-                    else
-                        font_stretch = font_stretch + stretch
-                        font_shrink  = font_shrink + shrink
-                    end
-                    expansion_index = expansion_index + 1
-                    expansion_stack[expansion_index] = current
-                end
-                natural = natural + kern
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == disc_code then
-            if current.subtype ~= second_disc_code then
-                -- we follow the end of line disc chain
-                local replace = current.replace
-                if replace then
-                    disc_level = disc_level + 1
-                    disc_stack[disc_level] = current.next
-                    current = replace
-                else
-                    current = current.next
-                end
-            else
-                current = current.next
-            end
-        elseif id == glue_code then
-            local spec = current.spec
-            natural = natural + spec.width
-            local op = spec.stretch_order
-            local om = spec.shrink_order
-            total_stretch[op] = total_stretch[op] + spec.stretch
-            total_shrink [om] = total_shrink [om] + spec.shrink
-            if current.subtype >= leaders_code then
-                local leader = current.leader
-                local ht = leader.height
-                local dp = leader.depth
-                if ht > height then
-                    height = ht
-                end
-                if dp > depth then
-                    depth = dp
-                end
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local sh = current.shift
-            local wd, ht, dp = pack_width_height_depth(hpack_dir,current.dir or hpack_dir,current) -- added: or pack_dir
-            local hs, ds = ht - sh, dp + sh
-            natural = natural + wd
-            if hs > height then
-                height = hs
-            end
-            if ds > depth then
-                depth = ds
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == rule_code then
-            local wd = current.width
-            local ht = current.height
-            local dp = current.depth
-            natural = natural + wd
-            if ht > height then
-                height = ht
-            end
-            if dp > depth then
-                depth = dp
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == math_code then
-            natural = natural + current.surround
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == unset_code then
-            local wd = current.width
-            local ht = current.height
-            local dp = current.depth
-            local sh = current.shift
-            local hs = ht - sh
-            local ds = dp + sh
-            natural = natural + wd
-            if hs > height then
-                height = hs
-            end
-            if ds > depth then
-                depth = ds
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == ins_code or id == mark_code then
-            local prev = current.prev
-            local next = current.next
-            if adjust_tail then -- todo
-                if next then
-                    next.prev = prev
-                end
-                if prev then
-                    prev.next = next
-                end
-                current.prev = adjust_tail
-                current.next = nil
-                adjust_tail.next = current
-                adjust_tail = current
-            else
-                adjust_head = current
-                adjust_tail = current
-                current.prev = nil
-                current.next = nil
-            end
-            current = next
-        elseif id == adjust_code then
-            local list = current.list
-            if adjust_tail then
-                adjust_tail.next = list
-                adjust_tail = slide_nodes(list)
-            else
-                adjust_head = list
-                adjust_tail = slide_nodes(list)
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == whatsit_code then
-            local subtype = current.subtype
-            if subtype == dir_code then
-                hpack_dir = checked_line_dir(stack,current) or hpack_dir
-            else
-                local get_dimensions = get_whatsit_dimensions[subtype]
-                if get_dimensions then
-                    local wd, ht, dp = get_dimensions(current)
-                    natural = natural + wd
-                    if ht > height then
-                        height = ht
-                    end
-                    if dp > depth then
-                        depth = dp
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == marginkern_code then
-            if cal_expand_ratio then
-                local glyph = current.glyph
-                local char_pw = current.subtype == leftmargin_code and left_pw or right_pw
-                font_stretch = font_stretch - current.width - char_pw(glyph)
-                font_shrink  = font_shrink  - current.width - char_pw(glyph)
-                expansion_index = expansion_index + 1
-                expansion_stack[expansion_index] = glyph
-            end
-            natural = natural + current.width
-            current = current.next
-        else
-            current = current.next
-        end
-        if not current and disc_level > 0 then
-            current = disc_stack[disc_level]
-            disc_level = disc_level - 1
-        end
-    end
-    if adjust_tail then
-        adjust_tail.next = nil -- todo
-    end
-    if pre_adjust_tail then
-        pre_adjust_tail.next = nil -- todo
-    end
-    if mode == "additional" then
-        width = width + natural
-    end
-
-    hlist.width  = width
-    hlist.height = height
-    hlist.depth  = depth
-
-    local delta  = width - natural
-    if delta == 0 then
-        hlist.glue_sign = 0
-        hlist.glue_order = 0
-        hlist.glue_set = 0
-    elseif delta > 0 then
-        -- natural width smaller than requested width
-        local order = (total_stretch[4] ~= 0 and 4 or total_stretch[3] ~= 0 and 3) or
-                      (total_stretch[2] ~= 0 and 2 or total_stretch[1] ~= 0 and 1) or 0
---         local correction = 0
-        if cal_expand_ratio and order == 0 and font_stretch > 0 then -- check sign of font_stretch
-            font_expand_ratio = delta/font_stretch
-
-            if font_expand_ratio > 1 then
-                font_expand_ratio = 1
-            end
-
-            local fontexps, lastfont
-            for i=1,expansion_index do
-                local g = expansion_stack[i]
-                local e
-                if g.id == glyph_code then
-                    local currentfont = g.font
-                    if currentfont ~= lastfont then
-                        fontexps = expansions[currentfont]
-                        lastfont = currentfont
-                    end
-                    local data = fontexps[g.char]
-                    if trace_expansion then
-                        setnodecolor(g,"hz:positive")
-                    end
-                    e = font_expand_ratio * data.glyphstretch / 1000
---                     correction = correction + (e / 1000) * g.width
-                else
-                    local kern = g.kern
-                    local stretch, shrink = kern_stretch_shrink(g,kern)
-                    e = font_expand_ratio * stretch / 1000
---                     correction = correction + (e / 1000) * kern
-                end
-                g.expansion_factor = e
-            end
-        end
---         delta = delta - correction
-        local tso = total_stretch[order]
-        if tso ~= 0 then
-            hlist.glue_sign  = 1
-            hlist.glue_order = order
-            hlist.glue_set   = delta/tso
-        else
-            hlist.glue_sign  = 0
-            hlist.glue_order = order
-            hlist.glue_set   = 0
-        end
-        if font_expand_ratio ~= 0 then
-            -- todo
-        elseif order == 0 then -- and hlist.list then
-            last_badness = calculate_badness(delta,total_stretch[0])
-            if last_badness > tex.hbadness then
-                if last_badness > 100 then
-                    diagnostics.underfull_hbox(hlist,line,last_badness)
-                else
-                    diagnostics.loose_hbox(hlist,line,last_badness)
-                end
-            end
-        end
-    else
-        -- natural width larger than requested width
-        local order = total_shrink[4] ~= 0 and 4 or total_shrink[3] ~= 0 and 3
-                   or total_shrink[2] ~= 0 and 2 or total_shrink[1] ~= 0 and 1 or 0
---         local correction = 0
-        if cal_expand_ratio and order == 0 and font_shrink > 0 then -- check sign of font_shrink
-            font_expand_ratio = delta/font_shrink
-
-            if font_expand_ratio < 1 then
-                font_expand_ratio = -1
-            end
-
-            local fontexps, lastfont
-            for i=1,expansion_index do
-                local g = expansion_stack[i]
-                local e
-                if g.id == glyph_code then
-                    local currentfont = g.font
-                    if currentfont ~= lastfont then
-                        fontexps = expansions[currentfont]
-                        lastfont = currentfont
-                    end
-                    local data = fontexps[g.char]
-                    if trace_expansion then
-                        setnodecolor(g,"hz:negative")
-                    end
-                    e = font_expand_ratio * data.glyphshrink / 1000
-                 -- local d = (e / 1000) * 1000
-                 -- local eps = g.width - (1 + d / 1000000) * g.width
-                 -- correction = correction + eps
-                 -- e = d
---                     correction = correction + (e / 1000) * g.width
-                else
-                    local kern = g.kern
-                    local stretch, shrink = kern_stretch_shrink(g,kern)
-                    e = font_expand_ratio * shrink / 1000
---                     correction = correction + (e / 1000) * kern
-                end
-                g.expansion_factor = e
-            end
-        end
---         delta = delta - correction
-        local tso = total_shrink[order]
-        if tso ~= 0 then
-            hlist.glue_sign  = 2
-            hlist.glue_order = order
-            hlist.glue_set   = -delta/tso
-        else
-            hlist.glue_sign  = 0
-            hlist.glue_order = order
-            hlist.glue_set   = 0
-        end
-        if font_expand_ratio ~= 0 then
-            -- todo
-        elseif tso < -delta and order == 0 then -- and hlist.list then
-            last_badness = 1000000
-            hlist.glue_set = 1
-            local fuzz = - delta - total_shrink[0]
-            local hfuzz = tex.hfuzz
-            if fuzz > hfuzz or tex.hbadness < 100 then
-                local overfullrule = tex.overfullrule
-                if fuzz > hfuzz and overfullrule > 0 then
-                    -- weird, is always called and no rules shows up
-                    slide_nodes(list).next = new_rule(overfullrule,nil,nil,hlist.dir)
-                end
-                diagnostics.overfull_hbox(hlist,line,-delta)
-            end
-        elseif order == 0 and hlist.list and last_badness > tex.hbadness then
-            diagnostics.bad_hbox(hlist,line,last_badness)
-        end
-    end
-    return hlist, last_badness
-end
-
-xpack_nodes = hpack -- comment this for old fashioned expansion
-
-local function common_message(hlist,line,str)
-    write_nl("")
-    if status.output_active then -- unset
-        write(str," has occurred while \\output is active")
-    end
-    local fileline = status.linenumber
-    if line > 0 then
-        write(str," in paragraph at lines ",fileline,"--",fileline+line-1)
-    elseif line < 0 then
-        write(str," in alignment at lines ",fileline,"--",fileline-line-1)
-    else
-        write(str," detected at line ",fileline)
-    end
-    write_nl("")
-    diagnostics.short_display(hlist.list,false)
-    write_nl("")
- -- diagnostics.start()
- -- show_box(hlist.list)
- -- diagnostics.stop()
-end
-
-function diagnostics.overfull_hbox(hlist,line,d)
-    common_message(hlist,line,format("Overfull \\hbox (%spt too wide)",number.toscaled(d)))
-end
-
-function diagnostics.bad_hbox(hlist,line,b)
-    common_message(hlist,line,format("Tight \\hbox (badness %i)",b))
-end
-
-function diagnostics.underfull_hbox(hlist,line,b)
-    common_message(hlist,line,format("Underfull \\hbox (badness %i)",b))
-end
-
-function diagnostics.loose_hbox(hlist,line,b)
-    common_message(hlist,line,format("Loose \\hbox (badness %i)",b))
-end
-
--- e = font_expand_ratio * data.glyphstretch / 1000
--- local stretch = data.stretch
--- if e >= stretch then
---     e = stretch
--- else
---     local step = 5
---     e = math.round(e/step) * step
--- end
-
--- local shrink = - data.shrink
--- if e <= shrink then
---     e = shrink
--- else
---     local step = 5
---     e = math.round(e/step) * step
--- end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua b/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
index 9fc35a048..2b35335c3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-mig.lua
@@ -6,15 +6,32 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-mig'] = {
     license   = "see context related readme files"
 }
 
+-- todo: insert_after
+
 local format = string.format
 
-local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
+local trace_migrations = false trackers.register("nodes.migrations", function(v) trace_migrations = v end)
 
-local remove_nodes  = nodes.remove
+local report_nodes = logs.reporter("nodes","migrations")
 
-local nodecodes     = nodes.nodecodes
+local attributes    = attributes
+local nodes         = nodes
 local tasks         = nodes.tasks
 
+local nuts          = nodes.nuts
+local tonut         = nuts.tonut
+
+local getnext       = nuts.getnext
+local getid         = nuts.getid
+local getlist       = nuts.getlist
+local getattr       = nuts.getattr
+
+local setfield      = nuts.setfield
+local setattr       = nuts.setattr
+
+local remove_nodes  = nuts.remove
+
+local nodecodes     = nodes.nodecodes
 local hlist_code    = nodecodes.hlist
 local vlist_code    = nodecodes.vlist
 local insert_code   = nodecodes.ins
@@ -22,10 +39,6 @@ local mark_code     = nodecodes.mark
 
 local a_migrated    = attributes.private("migrated")
 
-local trace_migrations = false trackers.register("nodes.migrations", function(v) trace_migrations = v end)
-
-local report_nodes = logs.reporter("nodes","migrations")
-
 local migrate_inserts, migrate_marks, inserts_too
 
 local t_inserts, t_marks, t_sweeps = 0, 0, 0
@@ -33,32 +46,42 @@ local t_inserts, t_marks, t_sweeps = 0, 0, 0
 local function locate(head,first,last,ni,nm)
     local current = head
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
-            current.list, first, last, ni, nm = locate(current.list,first,last,ni,nm)
-            current = current.next
+            local list = getlist(current)
+            if list then
+                list, first, last, ni, nm = locate(list,first,last,ni,nm)
+                setfield(current,"list",list)
+            end
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif migrate_inserts and id == insert_code then
             local insert
             head, current, insert = remove_nodes(head,current)
-            insert.next = nil
+            setfield(insert,"next",nil)
             if first then
-                insert.prev, last.next = last, insert
+                setfield(insert,"prev",last)
+                setfield(last,"next",insert)
             else
-                insert.prev, first = nil, insert
+                setfield(insert,"prev",nil)
+                first = insert
             end
-            last, ni = insert, ni + 1
+            last = insert
+            ni = ni + 1
         elseif migrate_marks and id == mark_code then
             local mark
             head, current, mark = remove_nodes(head,current)
-            mark.next = nil
+            setfield(mark,"next",nil)
             if first then
-                mark.prev, last.next = last, mark
+                setfield(mark,"prev",last)
+                setfield(last,"next",mark)
             else
-                mark.prev, first = nil, mark
+                setfield(mark,"prev",nil)
+                first = mark
             end
-            last, nm = mark, nm + 1
+            last = mark
+            nm = nm + 1
         else
-            current= current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     return head, first, last, ni, nm
@@ -70,39 +93,43 @@ function nodes.handlers.migrate(head,where)
         if trace_migrations then
             report_nodes("migration sweep %a",where)
         end
-        local current = head
+        local current = tonut(head)
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             -- inserts_too is a temp hack, we should only do them when it concerns
             -- newly placed (flushed) inserts
-            if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code or (inserts_too and id == insert_code) and not current[a_migrated] then
-                current[a_migrated] = 1
+            if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code or (inserts_too and id == insert_code) and not getattr(current,a_migrated) then
+                setattr(current,a_migrated,1)
                 t_sweeps = t_sweeps + 1
-                local h = current.list
+                local h = getlist(current)
                 local first, last, ni, nm
                 while h do
-                    local id = h.id
+                    local id = getid(h)
                     if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
                         h, first, last, ni, nm = locate(h,first,last,0,0)
                     end
-                    h = h.next
+                    h = getnext(h)
                 end
                 if first then
-                    t_inserts, t_marks = t_inserts + ni, t_marks + nm
+                    t_inserts = t_inserts + ni
+                    t_marks = t_marks + nm
                     if trace_migrations and (ni > 0 or nm > 0) then
                         report_nodes("sweep %a, container %a, %s inserts and %s marks migrated outwards during %a",
                             t_sweeps,nodecodes[id],ni,nm,where)
                     end
-                    -- inserts after head
-                    local n = current.next
+                    -- inserts after head, use insert_after
+                    local n = getnext(current)
                     if n then
-                        last.next, n.prev = n, last
+                        setfield(last,"next",n)
+                        setfield(n,"prev",last)
                     end
-                    current.next, first.prev = first, current
-                    done, current = true, last
+                    setfield(current,"next",first)
+                    setfield(first,"prev",current)
+                    done = true
+                    current = last
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(next)
         end
         return head, done
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua b/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
index aa6692d7b..2cc00601c 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-pro.lua
@@ -13,15 +13,15 @@ local trace_callbacks = false  trackers.register("nodes.callbacks", function(v)
 
 local report_nodes = logs.reporter("nodes","processors")
 
-local nodes, node = nodes, node
+local nodes = nodes
 
 local nodecodes     = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code    = nodecodes.glyph
 local tasks         = nodes.tasks
+local nuts          = nodes.nuts
 
-local free_node     = node.free
-local first_glyph   = node.first_glyph or node.first_character
-local has_attribute = node.has_attribute
+local first_glyph   = nodes.first_glyph
+local has_glyph     = nodes.has_glyph
 
 nodes.processors    = nodes.processors or { }
 local processors    = nodes.processors
@@ -31,43 +31,53 @@ local processors    = nodes.processors
 
 local actions = tasks.actions("processors")
 
-local n = 0
+do
 
-local function reconstruct(head) -- we probably have a better one
-    local t, n, h = { }, 0, head
-    while h do
+    local tonut   = nuts.tonut
+    local getid   = nuts.getid
+    local getchar = nuts.getchar
+    local getnext = nuts.getnext
+
+    local n = 0
+
+    local function reconstruct(head) -- we probably have a better one
+        local t, n, h = { }, 0, tonut(head)
+        while h do
+            n = n + 1
+            local id = getid(h)
+            if id == glyph_code then -- todo: disc etc
+                t[n] = utfchar(getchar(h))
+            else
+                t[n] = "[]"
+            end
+            h = getnext(h)
+        end
+        return concat(t)
+    end
+
+    local function tracer(what,state,head,groupcode,before,after,show)
+        if not groupcode then
+            groupcode = "unknown"
+        elseif groupcode == "" then
+            groupcode = "mvl"
+        end
         n = n + 1
-        local id = h.id
-        if id == glyph_code then -- todo: disc etc
-            t[n] = utfchar(h.char)
+        if show then
+            report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s, stream: %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after,reconstruct(head))
         else
-            t[n] = "[]"
+            report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after)
         end
-        h = h.next
     end
-    return concat(t)
-end
 
-local function tracer(what,state,head,groupcode,before,after,show)
-    if not groupcode then
-        groupcode = "unknown"
-    elseif groupcode == "" then
-        groupcode = "mvl"
-    end
-    n = n + 1
-    if show then
-        report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s, stream: %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after,reconstruct(head))
-    else
-        report_nodes("%s: location %a, state %a, group %a, # before %a, # after %s",what,n,state,groupcode,before,after)
-    end
-end
+    processors.tracer = tracer
 
-processors.tracer = tracer
+end
 
 processors.enabled = true -- this will become a proper state (like trackers)
 
 function processors.pre_linebreak_filter(head,groupcode) -- ,size,packtype,direction
-    local first, found = first_glyph(head) -- they really need to be glyphs
+ -- local first, found = first_glyph(head) -- they really need to be glyphs
+    local found = has_glyph(head)
     if found then
         if trace_callbacks then
             local before = nodes.count(head,true)
@@ -94,10 +104,8 @@ local enabled = true
 
 function processors.hpack_filter(head,groupcode,size,packtype,direction)
     if enabled then
-     -- if not head.next and head.id ~= glyph_code then -- happens often but not faster
-     --     return true
-     -- end
-        local first, found = first_glyph(head) -- they really need to be glyphs
+     -- local first, found = first_glyph(head) -- they really need to be glyphs
+        local found = has_glyph(head)
         if found then
             if trace_callbacks then
                 local before = nodes.count(head,true)
@@ -121,15 +129,36 @@ function processors.hpack_filter(head,groupcode,size,packtype,direction)
     return true
 end
 
-local hpack = node.hpack
+do
+
+    local setfield = nodes.setfield
+    local hpack    = nodes.hpack
+
+    function nodes.fasthpack(...) -- todo: pass explicit arguments
+        enabled = false
+        local hp, b = hpack(...)
+        setfield(hp,"prev",nil)
+        setfield(hp,"next",nil)
+        enabled = true
+        return hp, b
+    end
+
+end
+
+do
+
+    local setfield = nuts.setfield
+    local hpack    = nuts.hpack
+
+    function nuts.fasthpack(...) -- todo: pass explicit arguments
+        enabled = false
+        local hp, b = hpack(...)
+        setfield(hp,"prev",nil)
+        setfield(hp,"next",nil)
+        enabled = true
+        return hp, b
+    end
 
-function nodes.fasthpack(...) -- todo: pass explicit arguments
-    enabled = false
-    local hp, b = hpack(...)
-    hp.prev = nil
-    hp.next = nil
-    enabled = true
-    return hp, b
 end
 
 callbacks.register('pre_linebreak_filter', processors.pre_linebreak_filter, "all kind of horizontal manipulations (before par break)")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua b/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
index aa864fb1c..7cfbde849 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-ref.lua
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
 local allocate            = utilities.storage.allocate, utilities.storage.mark
 local mark                = utilities.storage.allocate, utilities.storage.mark
 
-
 local nodeinjections      = backends.nodeinjections
 local codeinjections      = backends.codeinjections
 
@@ -33,9 +32,6 @@ local colors              = attributes.colors
 local references          = structures.references
 local tasks               = nodes.tasks
 
-local hpack_list          = node.hpack
-local list_dimensions     = node.dimensions
-
 local trace_backend       = false  trackers.register("nodes.backend",      function(v) trace_backend      = v end)
 local trace_references    = false  trackers.register("nodes.references",   function(v) trace_references   = v end)
 local trace_destinations  = false  trackers.register("nodes.destinations", function(v) trace_destinations = v end)
@@ -44,6 +40,27 @@ local report_reference    = logs.reporter("backend","references")
 local report_destination  = logs.reporter("backend","destinations")
 local report_area         = logs.reporter("backend","areas")
 
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+
+local hpack_list          = nuts.hpack
+local list_dimensions     = nuts.dimensions
+local traverse            = nuts.traverse
+local find_node_tail      = nuts.tail
+
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
 local skipcodes           = nodes.skipcodes
 local whatcodes           = nodes.whatcodes
@@ -63,21 +80,18 @@ local dir_code            = whatcodes.dir
 
 local line_code           = listcodes.line
 
-local nodepool            = nodes.pool
-
+local new_rule            = nodepool.rule
 local new_kern            = nodepool.kern
 
-local traverse            = node.traverse
-local find_node_tail      = node.tail or node.slide
 local tosequence          = nodes.tosequence
 
 -- local function dimensions(parent,start,stop)
---     stop = stop and stop.next
+--     stop = stop and getnext(stop)
 --     if parent then
 --         if stop then
---             return list_dimensions(parent.glue_set,parent.glue_sign,parent.glue_order,start,stop)
+--             return list_dimensions(getfield(parent,"glue_set"),getfield(parent,"glue_sign"),getfield(parent,"glue_order"),start,stop)
 --         else
---             return list_dimensions(parent.glue_set,parent.glue_sign,parent.glue_order,start)
+--             return list_dimensions(getfield(parent,"glue_set"),getfield(parent,"glue_sign",getfield(parent,"glue_order"),start)
 --         end
 --     else
 --         if stop then
@@ -92,9 +106,9 @@ local tosequence          = nodes.tosequence
 
 local function dimensions(parent,start,stop)
     if parent then
-        return list_dimensions(parent.glue_set,parent.glue_sign,parent.glue_order,start,stop and stop.next)
+        return list_dimensions(getfield(parent,"glue_set"),getfield(parent,"glue_sign"),getfield(parent,"glue_order"),start,stop and getnext(stop))
     else
-        return list_dimensions(start,stop and stop.next)
+        return list_dimensions(start,stop and getnext(stop))
     end
 end
 
@@ -111,25 +125,25 @@ local function inject_range(head,first,last,reference,make,stack,parent,pardir,t
             if trace_backend then
                 report_area("head: %04i %s %s %s => w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
             end
-            result.next = first
-            first.prev = result
+            setfield(result,"next",first)
+            setfield(first,"prev",result)
             return result, last
         else
             if trace_backend then
                 report_area("middle: %04i %s %s => w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",tosequence(first,last,true),width,height,depth,resolved)
             end
-            local prev = first.prev
+            local prev = getprev(first)
             if prev then
-                result.next = first
-                result.prev = prev
-                prev.next = result
-                first.prev = result
+                setfield(result,"next",first)
+                setfield(result,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(prev,"next",result)
+                setfield(first,"prev",result)
             else
-                result.next = first
-                first.prev = result
+                setfield(result,"next",first)
+                setfield(first,"prev",result)
             end
-            if first == head.next then
-                head.next = result -- hm, weird
+            if first == getnext(head) then
+                setfield(head,"next",result) -- hm, weird
             end
             return head, last
         end
@@ -139,9 +153,9 @@ local function inject_range(head,first,last,reference,make,stack,parent,pardir,t
 end
 
 local function inject_list(id,current,reference,make,stack,pardir,txtdir)
-    local width, height, depth, correction = current.width, current.height, current.depth, 0
+    local width, height, depth, correction = getfield(current,"width"), getfield(current,"height"), getfield(current,"depth"), 0
     local moveright = false
-    local first = current.list
+    local first = getlist(current)
     if id == hlist_code then -- box_code line_code
         -- can be either an explicit hbox or a line and there is no way
         -- to recognize this; anyway only if ht/dp (then inline)
@@ -149,17 +163,17 @@ local function inject_list(id,current,reference,make,stack,pardir,txtdir)
         if first then
             if sr and sr[2] then
                 local last = find_node_tail(first)
-                if last.id == glue_code and last.subtype == rightskip_code then
-                    local prev = last.prev
-                    moveright = first.id == glue_code and first.subtype == leftskip_code
-                    if prev and prev.id == glue_code and prev.subtype == parfillskip_code then
-                        width = dimensions(current,first,prev.prev) -- maybe not current as we already take care of it
+                if getid(last) == glue_code and getsubtype(last) == rightskip_code then
+                    local prev = getprev(last)
+                    moveright = getid(first) == glue_code and getsubtype(first) == leftskip_code
+                    if prev and getid(prev) == glue_code and getsubtype(prev) == parfillskip_code then
+                        width = dimensions(current,first,getprev(prev)) -- maybe not current as we already take care of it
                     else
-                        if moveright and first.writable then
-                            width = width - first.spec.stretch*current.glue_set * current.glue_sign
+                        if moveright and getfield(first,"writable") then
+                            width = width - getfield(getfield(first,"spec"),"stretch") * getfield(current,"glue_set") * getfield(current,"glue_sign")
                         end
-                        if last.writable then
-                            width = width - last.spec.stretch*current.glue_set * current.glue_sign
+                        if getfield(last,"writable") then
+                            width = width - getfield(getfield(last,"spec"),"stretch") * getfield(current,"glue_set") * getfield(current,"glue_sign")
                         end
                     end
                 end
@@ -184,19 +198,21 @@ local function inject_list(id,current,reference,make,stack,pardir,txtdir)
             report_area("box: %04i %s %s: w=%p, h=%p, d=%p, c=%s",reference,pardir or "---",txtdir or "----",width,height,depth,resolved)
         end
         if not first then
-            current.list = result
+            setfield(current,"list",result)
         elseif moveright then -- brr no prevs done
             -- result after first
-            local n = first.next
-            result.next = n
-            first.next = result
-            result.prev = first
-            if n then n.prev = result end
+            local n = getnext(first)
+            setfield(result,"next",n)
+            setfield(first,"next",result)
+            setfield(result,"prev",first)
+            if n then
+                setfield(n,"prev",result)
+            end
         else
             -- first after result
-            result.next = first
-            first.prev = result
-            current.list = result
+            setfield(result,"next",first)
+            setfield(first,"prev",result)
+            setfield(current,"list",result)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -209,9 +225,9 @@ local function inject_areas(head,attribute,make,stack,done,skip,parent,pardir,tx
         pardir = pardir or "==="
         txtdir = txtdir or "==="
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                local r = current[attribute]
+                local r = getattr(current,attribute)
                 -- somehow reference is true so the following fails (second one not done) in
                 --    test \goto{test}[page(2)] test \gotobox{test}[page(2)]
                 -- so let's wait till this fails again
@@ -222,32 +238,33 @@ local function inject_areas(head,attribute,make,stack,done,skip,parent,pardir,tx
                 if r then
                     done[r] = (done[r] or 0) + 1
                 end
-                local list = current.list
+                local list = getlist(current)
                 if list then
-                    local _
-                    current.list, _, pardir, txtdir = inject_areas(list,attribute,make,stack,done,r or skip or 0,current,pardir,txtdir)
+                    local h, ok
+                    h, ok , pardir, txtdir = inject_areas(list,attribute,make,stack,done,r or skip or 0,current,pardir,txtdir)
+                    setfield(current,"list",h)
                 end
                 if r then
                     done[r] = done[r] - 1
                 end
             elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                local subtype = current.subtype
+                local subtype = getsubtype(current)
                 if subtype == localpar_code then
-                    pardir = current.dir
+                    pardir = getfield(current,"dir")
                 elseif subtype == dir_code then
-                    txtdir = current.dir
+                    txtdir = getfield(current,"dir")
                 end
-            elseif id == glue_code and current.subtype == leftskip_code then -- any glue at the left?
+            elseif id == glue_code and getsubtype(current) == leftskip_code then -- any glue at the left?
                 --
             else
-                local r = current[attribute]
+                local r = getattr(current,attribute)
                 if not r then
                     -- just go on, can be kerns
                 elseif not reference then
                     reference, first, last, firstdir = r, current, current, txtdir
                 elseif r == reference then
                     last = current
-                elseif (done[reference] or 0) == 0 then -- or id == glue_code and current.subtype == right_skip_code
+                elseif (done[reference] or 0) == 0 then -- or id == glue_code and getsubtype(current) == right_skip_code
                     if not skip or r > skip then -- maybe no > test
                         head, current = inject_range(head,first,last,reference,make,stack,parent,pardir,firstdir)
                         reference, first, last, firstdir = nil, nil, nil, nil
@@ -256,7 +273,7 @@ local function inject_areas(head,attribute,make,stack,done,skip,parent,pardir,tx
                     reference, first, last, firstdir = r, current, current, txtdir
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         if reference and (done[reference] or 0) == 0 then
             head = inject_range(head,first,last,reference,make,stack,parent,pardir,firstdir)
@@ -271,32 +288,32 @@ local function inject_area(head,attribute,make,stack,done,parent,pardir,txtdir)
         txtdir = txtdir or "==="
         local current = head
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                local r = current[attribute]
+                local r = getattr(current,attribute)
                 if r and not done[r] then
                     done[r] = true
                     inject_list(id,current,r,make,stack,pardir,txtdir)
                 end
-                local list = current.list
+                local list = getlist(current)
                 if list then
-                    current.list = inject_area(list,attribute,make,stack,done,current,pardir,txtdir)
+                    setfield(current,"list",inject_area(list,attribute,make,stack,done,current,pardir,txtdir))
                 end
             elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                local subtype = current.subtype
+                local subtype = getsubtype(current)
                 if subtype == localpar_code then
-                    pardir = current.dir
+                    pardir = getfield(current,"dir")
                 elseif subtype == dir_code then
-                    txtdir = current.dir
+                    txtdir = getfield(current,"dir")
                 end
             else
-                local r = current[attribute]
+                local r = getattr(current,attribute)
                 if r and not done[r] then
                     done[r] = true
                     head, current = inject_range(head,current,current,r,make,stack,parent,pardir,txtdir)
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     return head, true
@@ -304,12 +321,6 @@ end
 
 -- tracing
 
-local nodepool       = nodes.pool
-
-local new_rule       = nodepool.rule
-local new_kern       = nodepool.kern
-
-local set_attribute  = node.set_attribute
 local register_color = colors.register
 
 local a_color        = attributes.private('color')
@@ -346,15 +357,15 @@ local function colorize(width,height,depth,n,reference,what)
         height = 65536/2
         depth  = height
     end
-    local rule = new_rule(width,height,depth)
-    rule[a_colormodel] = 1 -- gray color model
-    rule[a_color] = u_color
-    rule[a_transparency] = u_transparency
+    local rule = new_rule(width,height,depth) -- todo: use tracer rule
+    setattr(rule,a_colormodel,1) -- gray color model
+    setattr(rule,a_color,u_color)
+    setattr(rule,a_transparency,u_transparency)
     if width < 0 then
         local kern = new_kern(width)
-        rule.width = -width
-        kern.next = rule
-        rule.prev = kern
+        setfield(rule,"width",-width)
+        setfield(kern,"next",rule)
+        setfield(rule,"prev",kern)
         return kern
     else
         return rule
@@ -363,9 +374,6 @@ end
 
 -- references:
 
-local nodepool        = nodes.pool
-local new_kern        = nodepool.kern
-
 local texsetattribute = tex.setattribute
 local texsetcount     = tex.setcount
 
@@ -410,22 +418,25 @@ local function makereference(width,height,depth,reference)
         end
         local annot = nodeinjections.reference(width,height,depth,set)
         if annot then
+annot = tonut(annot)
             nofreferences = nofreferences + 1
             local result, current
             if trace_references then
                 local step = 65536
                 result = hpack_list(colorize(width,height-step,depth-step,2,reference,"reference")) -- step subtracted so that we can see seperate links
-                result.width = 0
+                setfield(result,"width",0)
                 current = result
             end
             if current then
-                current.next = annot
+                setfield(current,"next",annot)
             else
                 result = annot
             end
             references.registerpage(n)
             result = hpack_list(result,0)
-            result.width, result.height, result.depth = 0, 0, 0
+            setfield(result,"width",0)
+            setfield(result,"height",0)
+            setfield(result,"depth",0)
             if cleanupreferences then stack[reference] = nil end
             return result, resolved
         elseif trace_references then
@@ -436,9 +447,19 @@ local function makereference(width,height,depth,reference)
     end
 end
 
+-- function nodes.references.handler(head)
+--     if topofstack > 0 then
+--         return inject_areas(head,attribute,makereference,stack,done)
+--     else
+--         return head, false
+--     end
+-- end
+
 function nodes.references.handler(head)
     if topofstack > 0 then
-        return inject_areas(head,attribute,makereference,stack,done)
+        head = tonut(head)
+        local head, done = inject_areas(head,attribute,makereference,stack,done)
+        return tonode(head), done
     else
         return head, false
     end
@@ -484,12 +505,12 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
             end
             for n=1,#name do
                 local rule = hpack_list(colorize(width,height,depth,3,reference,"destination"))
-                rule.width = 0
+                setfield(rule,"width",0)
                 if not result then
                     result, current = rule, rule
                 else
-                    current.next = rule
-                    rule.prev = current
+                    setfield(current,"next",rule)
+                    setfield(rule,"prev",current)
                     current = rule
                 end
                 width, height = width - step, height - step
@@ -499,12 +520,12 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
         for n=1,#name do
             local annot = nodeinjections.destination(width,height,depth,name[n],view)
             if annot then
-                -- probably duplicate
+annot = tonut(annot) -- obsolete soon
                 if not result then
                     result  = annot
                 else
-                    current.next = annot
-                    annot.prev = current
+                    setfield(current,"next",annot)
+                    setfield(annot,"prev",current)
                 end
                 current = find_node_tail(annot)
             end
@@ -512,7 +533,9 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
         if result then
             -- some internal error
             result = hpack_list(result,0)
-            result.width, result.height, result.depth = 0, 0, 0
+            setfield(result,"width",0)
+            setfield(result,"height",0)
+            setfield(result,"depth",0)
         end
         if cleanupdestinations then stack[reference] = nil end
         return result, resolved
@@ -521,14 +544,25 @@ local function makedestination(width,height,depth,reference)
     end
 end
 
+-- function nodes.destinations.handler(head)
+--     if topofstack > 0 then
+--         return inject_area(head,attribute,makedestination,stack,done) -- singular
+--     else
+--         return head, false
+--     end
+-- end
+
 function nodes.destinations.handler(head)
     if topofstack > 0 then
-        return inject_area(head,attribute,makedestination,stack,done) -- singular
+        head = tonut(head)
+        local head, done = inject_areas(head,attribute,makedestination,stack,done)
+        return tonode(head), done
     else
         return head, false
     end
 end
 
+
 -- will move
 
 function references.mark(reference,h,d,view)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
index ca9d67f91..709532d76 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-res.lua
@@ -18,13 +18,8 @@ local report_nodes = logs.reporter("nodes","housekeeping")
 
 local nodes, node = nodes, node
 
-local copy_node    = node.copy
-local free_node    = node.free
-local free_list    = node.flush_list
-local new_node     = node.new
-
 nodes.pool         = nodes.pool or { }
-local pool         = nodes.pool
+local nodepool     = nodes.pool
 
 local whatsitcodes = nodes.whatsitcodes
 local skipcodes    = nodes.skipcodes
@@ -35,400 +30,454 @@ local glyph_code   = nodecodes.glyph
 
 local allocate     = utilities.storage.allocate
 
-local texgetbox    = tex.getbox
 local texgetcount  = tex.getcount
 
 local reserved, nofreserved = { }, 0
 
-local function register_node(n)
-    nofreserved = nofreserved + 1
-    reserved[nofreserved] = n
-    return n
-end
+-- user nodes
 
-pool.register = register_node
+local userids = allocate()
+local lastid  = 0
 
-function pool.cleanup(nofboxes) -- todo
-    if nodes.tracers.steppers then -- to be resolved
-        nodes.tracers.steppers.reset() -- todo: make a registration subsystem
-    end
-    local nl, nr = 0, nofreserved
-    for i=1,nofreserved do
-        local ri = reserved[i]
-    --  if not (ri.id == glue_spec and not ri.is_writable) then
-            free_node(reserved[i])
-    --  end
+setmetatable(userids, {
+    __index = function(t,k)
+        if type(k) == "string" then
+            lastid = lastid + 1
+            rawset(userids,lastid,k)
+            rawset(userids,k,lastid)
+            return lastid
+        else
+            rawset(userids,k,k)
+            return k
+        end
+    end,
+    __call = function(t,k)
+        return t[k]
     end
-    if nofboxes then
-        for i=0,nofboxes do
-            local l = texgetbox(i)
-            if l then
-                free_node(l) -- also list ?
-                nl = nl + 1
-            end
+} )
+
+-- nuts overload
+
+local nuts      = nodes.nuts
+local nutpool   = { }
+nuts.pool       = nutpool
+
+local tonut     = nuts.tonut
+local tonode    = nuts.tonode
+
+local getbox    = nuts.getbox
+local getfield  = nuts.getfield
+local setfield  = nuts.setfield
+local getid     = nuts.getid
+
+local copy_nut  = nuts.copy
+local new_nut   = nuts.new
+local free_nut  = nuts.free
+
+-- at some point we could have a dual set (the overhead of tonut is not much larger than
+-- metatable associations at the lua/c end esp if we also take assignments into account
+
+-- table.setmetatableindex(nodepool,function(t,k,v)
+--  -- report_nodes("defining nodepool[%s] instance",k)
+--     local f = nutpool[k]
+--     local v = function(...)
+--         return tonode(f(...))
+--     end
+--     t[k] = v
+--     return v
+-- end)
+--
+-- -- we delay one step because that permits us a forward reference
+-- -- e.g. in pdfsetmatrix
+
+table.setmetatableindex(nodepool,function(t,k,v)
+ -- report_nodes("defining nodepool[%s] instance",k)
+    local v = function(...)
+        local f = nutpool[k]
+        local v = function(...)
+            return tonode(f(...))
         end
+        t[k] = v
+        return v(...)
     end
-    reserved = { }
-    nofreserved = 0
-    return nr, nl, nofboxes -- can be nil
+    t[k] = v
+    return v
+end)
+
+local function register_nut(n)
+    nofreserved = nofreserved + 1
+    reserved[nofreserved] = n
+    return n
 end
 
-function pool.usage()
-    local t = { }
-    for n, tag in gmatch(status.node_mem_usage,"(%d+) ([a-z_]+)") do
-        t[tag] = n
+local function register_node(n)
+    nofreserved = nofreserved + 1
+    if type(n) == "number" then -- isnut(n)
+        reserved[nofreserved] = n
+    else
+        reserved[nofreserved] = tonut(n)
     end
-    return t
+    return n
 end
 
-local disc              = register_node(new_node("disc"))
-local kern              = register_node(new_node("kern",kerncodes.userkern))
-local fontkern          = register_node(new_node("kern",kerncodes.fontkern))
-local penalty           = register_node(new_node("penalty"))
-local glue              = register_node(new_node("glue")) -- glue.spec = nil
-local glue_spec         = register_node(new_node("glue_spec"))
-local glyph             = register_node(new_node("glyph",0))
-local textdir           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.dir))
-local latelua           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.latelua))
-local special           = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.special))
-local user_n            = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) user_n.type = 100 -- 44
-local user_l            = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) user_l.type = 110 -- 44
-local user_s            = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) user_s.type = 115 -- 44
-local user_t            = register_node(new_node("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) user_t.type = 116 -- 44
-local left_margin_kern  = register_node(new_node("margin_kern",0))
-local right_margin_kern = register_node(new_node("margin_kern",1))
-local lineskip          = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.lineskip))
-local baselineskip      = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.baselineskip))
-local leftskip          = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.leftskip))
-local rightskip         = register_node(new_node("glue",skipcodes.rightskip))
-local temp              = register_node(new_node("temp",0))
-local noad              = register_node(new_node("noad"))
+nodepool.userids  = userids
+nodepool.register = register_node
+
+nutpool.userids   = userids
+nutpool.register  = register_node -- could be register_nut
+
+-- so far
+
+local disc              = register_nut(new_nut("disc"))
+local kern              = register_nut(new_nut("kern",kerncodes.userkern))
+local fontkern          = register_nut(new_nut("kern",kerncodes.fontkern))
+local penalty           = register_nut(new_nut("penalty"))
+local glue              = register_nut(new_nut("glue")) -- glue.spec = nil
+local glue_spec         = register_nut(new_nut("glue_spec"))
+local glyph             = register_nut(new_nut("glyph",0))
+local textdir           = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.dir))
+local latelua           = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.latelua))
+local special           = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.special))
+local user_n            = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) setfield(user_n,"type",100) -- 44
+local user_l            = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) setfield(user_l,"type",110) -- 44
+local user_s            = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) setfield(user_s,"type",115) -- 44
+local user_t            = register_nut(new_nut("whatsit",whatsitcodes.userdefined)) setfield(user_t,"type",116) -- 44
+local left_margin_kern  = register_nut(new_nut("margin_kern",0))
+local right_margin_kern = register_nut(new_nut("margin_kern",1))
+local lineskip          = register_nut(new_nut("glue",skipcodes.lineskip))
+local baselineskip      = register_nut(new_nut("glue",skipcodes.baselineskip))
+local leftskip          = register_nut(new_nut("glue",skipcodes.leftskip))
+local rightskip         = register_nut(new_nut("glue",skipcodes.rightskip))
+local temp              = register_nut(new_nut("temp",0))
+local noad              = register_nut(new_nut("noad"))
 
 -- the dir field needs to be set otherwise crash:
 
-local rule              = register_node(new_node("rule"))  rule .dir = "TLT"
-local hlist             = register_node(new_node("hlist")) hlist.dir = "TLT"
-local vlist             = register_node(new_node("vlist")) vlist.dir = "TLT"
-
-function pool.zeroglue(n)
-    local s = n.spec
-    return not writable or (
-                     s.width == 0
-         and       s.stretch == 0
-         and        s.shrink == 0
-         and s.stretch_order == 0
-         and  s.shrink_order == 0
-        )
-end
-
-function pool.glyph(fnt,chr)
-    local n = copy_node(glyph)
-    if fnt then n.font = fnt end
-    if chr then n.char = chr end
+local rule              = register_nut(new_nut("rule"))  setfield(rule, "dir","TLT")
+local hlist             = register_nut(new_nut("hlist")) setfield(hlist,"dir","TLT")
+local vlist             = register_nut(new_nut("vlist")) setfield(vlist,"dir","TLT")
+
+function nutpool.zeroglue(n)
+    local s = getfield(n,"spec")
+    return not writable or ( -- still valid? writable
+             getfield(s,"width") == 0
+         and getfield(s,"stretch") == 0
+         and getfield(s,"shrink") == 0
+         and getfield(s,"stretch_order") == 0
+         and getfield(s,"shrink_order") == 0
+    )
+end
+
+function nutpool.glyph(fnt,chr)
+    local n = copy_nut(glyph)
+    if fnt then setfield(n,"font",fnt) end
+    if chr then setfield(n,"char",chr) end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.penalty(p)
-    local n = copy_node(penalty)
-    n.penalty = p
+function nutpool.penalty(p)
+    local n = copy_nut(penalty)
+    setfield(n,"penalty",p)
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.kern(k)
-    local n = copy_node(kern)
-    n.kern = k
+function nutpool.kern(k)
+    local n = copy_nut(kern)
+    setfield(n,"kern",k)
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.fontkern(k)
-    local n = copy_node(fontkern)
-    n.kern = k
+function nutpool.fontkern(k)
+    local n = copy_nut(fontkern)
+    setfield(n,"kern",k)
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.gluespec(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
-    local s = copy_node(glue_spec)
-    if width         then s.width         = width         end
-    if stretch       then s.stretch       = stretch       end
-    if shrink        then s.shrink        = shrink        end
-    if stretch_order then s.stretch_order = stretch_order end
-    if shrink_order  then s.shrink_order  = shrink_order  end
+function nutpool.gluespec(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
+    local s = copy_nut(glue_spec)
+    if width         then setfield(s,"width",width)                 end
+    if stretch       then setfield(s,"stretch",stretch)             end
+    if shrink        then setfield(s,"shrink",shrink)               end
+    if stretch_order then setfield(s,"stretch_order",stretch_order) end
+    if shrink_order  then setfield(s,"shrink_order",shrink_order)   end
     return s
 end
 
 local function someskip(skip,width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
-    local n = copy_node(skip)
+    local n = copy_nut(skip)
     if not width then
         -- no spec
     elseif width == false or tonumber(width) then
-        local s = copy_node(glue_spec)
-        if width         then s.width         = width         end
-        if stretch       then s.stretch       = stretch       end
-        if shrink        then s.shrink        = shrink        end
-        if stretch_order then s.stretch_order = stretch_order end
-        if shrink_order  then s.shrink_order  = shrink_order  end
-        n.spec = s
+        local s = copy_nut(glue_spec)
+        if width         then setfield(s,"width",width)                 end
+        if stretch       then setfield(s,"stretch",stretch)             end
+        if shrink        then setfield(s,"shrink",shrink)               end
+        if stretch_order then setfield(s,"stretch_order",stretch_order) end
+        if shrink_order  then setfield(s,"shrink_order",shrink_order)   end
+        setfield(n,"spec",s)
     else
         -- shared
-        n.spec = copy_node(width)
+        setfield(n,"spec",copy_nut(width))
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.stretch(a,b)
-    local n = copy_node(glue)
-    local s = copy_node(glue_spec)
+function nutpool.stretch(a,b)
+    local n = copy_nut(glue)
+    local s = copy_nut(glue_spec)
     if b then
-        s.stretch       = a
-        s.stretch_order = b
+        setfield(s,"stretch",a)
+        setfield(s,"stretch_order",b)
     else
-        s.stretch       = 1
-        s.stretch_order = a or 1
+        setfield(s,"stretch",1)
+        setfield(s,"stretch_order",a or 1)
     end
-    n.spec = s
+    setfield(n,"spec",s)
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.shrink(a,b)
-    local n = copy_node(glue)
-    local s = copy_node(glue_spec)
+function nutpool.shrink(a,b)
+    local n = copy_nut(glue)
+    local s = copy_nut(glue_spec)
     if b then
-        s.shrink       = a
-        s.shrink_order = b
+        setfield(s,"shrink",a)
+        setfield(s,"shrink_order",b)
     else
-        s.shrink       = 1
-        s.shrink_order = a or 1
+        setfield(s,"shrink",1)
+        setfield(s,"shrink_order",a or 1)
     end
-    n.spec = s
+    setfield(n,"spec",s)
     return n
 end
 
-
-function pool.glue(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
+function nutpool.glue(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
     return someskip(glue,width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
 end
 
-function pool.leftskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
+function nutpool.leftskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
     return someskip(leftskip,width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
 end
 
-function pool.rightskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
+function nutpool.rightskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
     return someskip(rightskip,width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
 end
 
-function pool.lineskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
+function nutpool.lineskip(width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
     return someskip(lineskip,width,stretch,shrink,stretch_order,shrink_order)
 end
 
-function pool.baselineskip(width,stretch,shrink)
+function nutpool.baselineskip(width,stretch,shrink)
     return someskip(baselineskip,width,stretch,shrink)
 end
 
-function pool.disc()
-    return copy_node(disc)
+function nutpool.disc()
+    return copy_nut(disc)
 end
 
-function pool.textdir(dir)
-    local t = copy_node(textdir)
-    t.dir = dir
+function nutpool.textdir(dir)
+    local t = copy_nut(textdir)
+    setfield(t,"dir",dir)
     return t
 end
 
-function pool.rule(width,height,depth,dir) -- w/h/d == nil will let them adapt
-    local n = copy_node(rule)
-    if width  then n.width  = width  end
-    if height then n.height = height end
-    if depth  then n.depth  = depth  end
-    if dir    then n.dir    = dir    end
+function nutpool.rule(width,height,depth,dir) -- w/h/d == nil will let them adapt
+    local n = copy_nut(rule)
+    if width  then setfield(n,"width",width)   end
+    if height then setfield(n,"height",height) end
+    if depth  then setfield(n,"depth",depth)   end
+    if dir    then setfield(n,"dir",dir)       end
     return n
 end
 
-if node.has_field(latelua,'string') then
-    function pool.latelua(code)
-        local n = copy_node(latelua)
-        n.string = code
+-- if node.has_field(latelua,'string') then
+    function nutpool.latelua(code)
+        local n = copy_nut(latelua)
+        setfield(n,"string",code)
         return n
     end
-else
-    function pool.latelua(code)
-        local n = copy_node(latelua)
-        n.data = code
-        return n
-    end
-end
-
-function pool.leftmarginkern(glyph,width)
-    local n = copy_node(left_margin_kern)
+-- else
+--     function nutpool.latelua(code)
+--         local n = copy_nut(latelua)
+--         setfield(n,"data",code)
+--         return n
+--     end
+-- end
+
+function nutpool.leftmarginkern(glyph,width)
+    local n = copy_nut(left_margin_kern)
     if not glyph then
         report_nodes("invalid pointer to left margin glyph node")
-    elseif glyph.id ~= glyph_code then
+    elseif getid(glyph) ~= glyph_code then
         report_nodes("invalid node type %a for %s margin glyph node",nodecodes[glyph],"left")
     else
-        n.glyph = glyph
+        setfield(n,"glyph",glyph)
     end
     if width then
-        n.width = width
+        setfield(n,"width",width)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.rightmarginkern(glyph,width)
-    local n = copy_node(right_margin_kern)
+function nutpool.rightmarginkern(glyph,width)
+    local n = copy_nut(right_margin_kern)
     if not glyph then
         report_nodes("invalid pointer to right margin glyph node")
-    elseif glyph.id ~= glyph_code then
+    elseif getid(glyph) ~= glyph_code then
         report_nodes("invalid node type %a for %s margin glyph node",nodecodes[p],"right")
     else
-        n.glyph = glyph
+        setfield(n,"glyph",glyph)
     end
     if width then
-        n.width = width
+        setfield(n,"width",width)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.temp()
-    return copy_node(temp)
+function nutpool.temp()
+    return copy_nut(temp)
 end
 
-function pool.noad()
-    return copy_node(noad)
+function nutpool.noad()
+    return copy_nut(noad)
 end
 
-function pool.hlist(list,width,height,depth)
-    local n = copy_node(hlist)
+function nutpool.hlist(list,width,height,depth)
+    local n = copy_nut(hlist)
     if list then
-        n.list = list
+        setfield(n,"list",list)
     end
     if width then
-        n.width = width
+        setfield(n,"width",width)
     end
     if height then
-        n.height = height
+        setfield(n,"height",height)
     end
     if depth then
-        n.depth = depth
+        setfield(n,"depth",depth)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.vlist(list,width,height,depth)
-    local n = copy_node(vlist)
+function nutpool.vlist(list,width,height,depth)
+    local n = copy_nut(vlist)
     if list then
-        n.list = list
+        setfield(n,"list",list)
     end
     if width then
-        n.width = width
+        setfield(n,"width",width)
     end
     if height then
-        n.height = height
+        setfield(n,"height",height)
     end
     if depth then
-        n.depth = depth
+        setfield(n,"depth",depth)
     end
     return n
 end
 
---[[
-<p>At some point we ran into a problem that the glue specification
-of the zeropoint dimension was overwritten when adapting a glue spec
-node. This is a side effect of glue specs being shared. After a
-couple of hours tracing and debugging Taco and I came to the
-conclusion that it made no sense to complicate the spec allocator
-and settled on a writable flag. This all is a side effect of the
-fact that some glues use reserved memory slots (with the zeropoint
-glue being a noticeable one). So, next we wrap this into a function
-and hide it for the user. And yes, LuaTeX now gives a warning as
-well.</p>
-]]--
-
-function nodes.writable_spec(n) -- not pool
-    local spec = n.spec
-    if not spec then
-        spec = copy_node(glue_spec)
-        n.spec = spec
-    elseif not spec.writable then
-        spec = copy_node(spec)
-        n.spec = spec
-    end
-    return spec
-end
-
 -- local num = userids["my id"]
 -- local str = userids[num]
 
-local userids = allocate()  pool.userids = userids
-local lastid  = 0
-
-setmetatable(userids, {
-    __index = function(t,k)
-        if type(k) == "string" then
-            lastid = lastid + 1
-            rawset(userids,lastid,k)
-            rawset(userids,k,lastid)
-            return lastid
-        else
-            rawset(userids,k,k)
-            return k
-        end
-    end,
-    __call = function(t,k)
-        return t[k]
-    end
-} )
-
-function pool.usernumber(id,num)
-    local n = copy_node(user_n)
+function nutpool.usernumber(id,num)
+    local n = copy_nut(user_n)
     if num then
-        n.user_id, n.value = id, num
+        setfield(n,"user_id",id)
+        setfield(n,"value",num)
     elseif id then
-        n.value = id
+        setfield(n,"value",id)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.userlist(id,list)
-    local n = copy_node(user_l)
+function nutpool.userlist(id,list)
+    local n = copy_nut(user_l)
     if list then
-        n.user_id, n.value = id, list
+        setfield(n,"user_id",id)
+        setfield(n,"value",list)
     else
-        n.value = id
+        setfield(n,"value",id)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.userstring(id,str)
-    local n = copy_node(user_s)
+function nutpool.userstring(id,str)
+    local n = copy_nut(user_s)
     if str then
-        n.user_id, n.value = id, str
+        setfield(n,"user_id",id)
+        setfield(n,"value",str)
     else
-        n.value = id
+        setfield(n,"value",id)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.usertokens(id,tokens)
-    local n = copy_node(user_t)
+function nutpool.usertokens(id,tokens)
+    local n = copy_nut(user_t)
     if tokens then
-        n.user_id, n.value = id, tokens
+        setfield(n,"user_id",id)
+        setfield(n,"value",tokens)
     else
-        n.value = id
+        setfield(n,"value",id)
     end
     return n
 end
 
-function pool.special(str)
-    local n = copy_node(special)
-    n.data = str
+function nutpool.special(str)
+    local n = copy_nut(special)
+    setfield(n,"data",str)
     return n
 end
 
+-- housekeeping
+
+local function cleanup(nofboxes) -- todo
+    if nodes.tracers.steppers then -- to be resolved
+        nodes.tracers.steppers.reset() -- todo: make a registration subsystem
+    end
+    local nl, nr = 0, nofreserved
+    for i=1,nofreserved do
+        local ri = reserved[i]
+    --  if not (getid(ri) == glue_spec and not getfield(ri,"is_writable")) then
+            free_nut(reserved[i])
+    --  end
+    end
+    if nofboxes then
+        for i=0,nofboxes do
+            local l = getbox(i)
+            if l then
+                free_nut(l) -- also list ?
+                nl = nl + 1
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    reserved = { }
+    nofreserved = 0
+    return nr, nl, nofboxes -- can be nil
+end
+
+
+local function usage()
+    local t = { }
+    for n, tag in gmatch(status.node_mem_usage,"(%d+) ([a-z_]+)") do
+        t[tag] = n
+    end
+    return t
+end
+
+nutpool .cleanup = cleanup
+nodepool.cleanup = cleanup
+
+nutpool .usage   = usage
+nodepool.usage   = usage
+
+-- end
+
 statistics.register("cleaned up reserved nodes", function()
-    return format("%s nodes, %s lists of %s", pool.cleanup(texgetcount("c_syst_last_allocated_box")))
+    return format("%s nodes, %s lists of %s", cleanup(texgetcount("c_syst_last_allocated_box")))
 end) -- \topofboxstack
 
 statistics.register("node memory usage", function() -- comes after cleanup !
     return status.node_mem_usage
 end)
 
-lua.registerfinalizer(pool.cleanup, "cleanup reserved nodes")
+lua.registerfinalizer(cleanup, "cleanup reserved nodes")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua b/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
index 96d6bdf41..6f3bc9df9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-rul.lua
@@ -13,12 +13,28 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-rul'] = {
 
 local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
 
-local nodecodes  = nodes.nodecodes
-local tasks      = nodes.tasks
-
-local glyph_code = nodecodes.glyph
-local disc_code  = nodecodes.disc
-local rule_code  = nodecodes.rule
+local nuts         = nodes.nuts
+local tonode       = nuts.tonode
+local tonut        = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield     = nuts.getfield
+local setfield     = nuts.setfield
+local getnext      = nuts.getnext
+local getprev      = nuts.getprev
+local getid        = nuts.getid
+local getattr      = nuts.getattr
+local setattr      = nuts.setattr
+local getfont      = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype   = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar      = nuts.getchar
+local getlist      = nuts.getlist
+
+local nodecodes    = nodes.nodecodes
+local tasks        = nodes.tasks
+
+local glyph_code   = nodecodes.glyph
+local disc_code    = nodecodes.disc
+local rule_code    = nodecodes.rule
 
 function nodes.striprange(first,last) -- todo: dir
     if first and last then -- just to be sure
@@ -26,11 +42,11 @@ function nodes.striprange(first,last) -- todo: dir
             return first, last
         end
         while first and first ~= last do
-            local id = first.id
+            local id = getid(first)
             if id == glyph_code or id == disc_code then -- or id == rule_code
                 break
             else
-                first = first.next
+                first = getnext(first)
             end
         end
         if not first then
@@ -39,13 +55,13 @@ function nodes.striprange(first,last) -- todo: dir
             return first, last
         end
         while last and last ~= first do
-            local id = last.id
+            local id = getid(last)
             if id == glyph_code or id == disc_code then -- or id == rule_code
                 break
             else
-                local prev = last.prev -- luatex < 0.70 has italic correction kern not prev'd
+                local prev = getprev(last) -- luatex < 0.70 has italic correction kern not prev'd
                 if prev then
-                    last = last.prev
+                    last = prev
                 else
                     break
                 end
@@ -73,12 +89,12 @@ local a_color            = attributes.private('color')
 local a_transparency     = attributes.private('transparency')
 local a_colorspace       = attributes.private('colormodel')
 
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local striprange         = nodes.striprange
-local list_dimensions    = node.dimensions
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local list_dimensions    = nuts.dimensions
+local hpack_nodes        = nuts.hpack
 
-local hpack_nodes        = node.hpack
+local striprange         = nodes.striprange
 
 local fontdata           = fonts.hashes.identifiers
 local variables          = interfaces.variables
@@ -111,7 +127,7 @@ local dir_code           = whatcodes.dir
 
 local kerning_code       = kerncodes.kern
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local new_rule           = nodepool.rule
 local new_kern           = nodepool.kern
@@ -141,9 +157,9 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
         local f, l, a, d, i, class
         local continue, done, strip, level = false, false, true, -1
         while n do
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id == glyph_code or id == rule_code then
-                local aa = n[attribute]
+                local aa = getattr(n,attribute)
                 if aa then
                     if aa == a then
                         if not f then -- ?
@@ -172,13 +188,13 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
                     end
                     f, l, a = nil, nil, nil
                 end
---             elseif f and (id == disc_code or (id == kern_code and n.subtype == kerning_code)) then
+--             elseif f and (id == disc_code or (id == kern_code and getsubtype(n) == kerning_code)) then
 --                 l = n
             elseif id == disc_code then
                 if f then
                     l = n
                 end
-            elseif id == kern_code and n.subtype == kerning_code then
+            elseif id == kern_code and getsubtype(n) == kerning_code then
                 if f then
                     l = n
                 end
@@ -187,11 +203,11 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
                     head, done = flush(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip), true
                     f, l, a = nil, nil, nil
                 end
-                local list = n.list
+                local list = getlist(n)
                 if list then
-                    n.list = processwords(attribute,data,flush,list,n)
+                    setfield(n,"list",(processwords(attribute,data,flush,list,n))) -- watch ()
                 end
-            elseif checkdir and id == whatsit_code and n.subtype == dir_code then -- only changes in dir, we assume proper boundaries
+            elseif checkdir and id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(n) == dir_code then -- only changes in dir, we assume proper boundaries
                 if f and a then
                     l = n
                 end
@@ -203,8 +219,8 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
                  --     l = n
                     elseif id == glue_code then
                         -- catch \underbar{a} \underbar{a} (subtype test is needed)
-                        local subtype = n.subtype
-                        if n[attribute] and (subtype == userskip_code or subtype == spaceskip_code or subtype == xspaceskip_code) then
+                        local subtype = getsubtype(n)
+                        if getattr(n,attribute) and (subtype == userskip_code or subtype == spaceskip_code or subtype == xspaceskip_code) then
                             l = n
                         else
                             head, done = flush(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip), true
@@ -216,7 +232,7 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
                     f, l, a = nil, nil, nil
                 end
             end
-            n = n.next
+            n = getnext(n)
         end
         if f then
             head, done = flush(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip), true
@@ -227,7 +243,16 @@ local function processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdi
     end
 end
 
-nodes.processwords = processwords
+-- nodes.processwords = processwords
+
+nodes.processwords = function(attribute,data,flush,head,parent) -- we have hlistdir and local dir
+    head = tonut(head)
+    if parent then
+        parent = tonut(parent)
+    end
+    local head, done = processwords(attribute,data,flush,head,parent)
+    return tonode(head), done
+end
 
 --
 
@@ -246,7 +271,7 @@ end
 local a_viewerlayer = attributes.private("viewerlayer")
 
 local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but acceptable for this purpose
-    if f.id ~= glyph_code then
+    if getid(f) ~= glyph_code then
         -- saveguard ... we need to deal with rules and so (math)
         return head
     end
@@ -264,16 +289,16 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
     if not f then
         return head
     end
-    local w = list_dimensions(parent.glue_set,parent.glue_sign,parent.glue_order,f,l.next)
+    local w = list_dimensions(getfield(parent,"glue_set"),getfield(parent,"glue_sign"),getfield(parent,"glue_order"),f,getnext(l))
     local method, offset, continue, dy, order, max = d.method, d.offset, d.continue, d.dy, d.order, d.max
     local rulethickness, unit = d.rulethickness, d.unit
     local ma, ca, ta = d.ma, d.ca, d.ta
-    local colorspace   = ma > 0 and ma or f[a_colorspace] or 1
-    local color        = ca > 0 and ca or f[a_color]
-    local transparency = ta > 0 and ta or f[a_transparency]
+    local colorspace   = ma > 0 and ma or getattr(f,a_colorspace) or 1
+    local color        = ca > 0 and ca or getattr(f,a_color)
+    local transparency = ta > 0 and ta or getattr(f,a_transparency)
     local foreground = order == v_foreground
 
-    local e = dimenfactor(unit,f.font) -- what if no glyph node
+    local e = dimenfactor(unit,getfont(f)) -- what if no glyph node
 
     local rt = tonumber(rulethickness)
     if rt then
@@ -281,7 +306,7 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
     else
         local n, u = splitdimen(rulethickness)
         if n and u then -- we need to intercept ex and em and % and ...
-            rulethickness = n * dimenfactor(u,fontdata[f.font]) / 2
+            rulethickness = n * dimenfactor(u,fontdata[getfont(f)]) / 2
         else
             rulethickness = 1/5
         end
@@ -300,18 +325,18 @@ local function flush_ruled(head,f,l,d,level,parent,strip) -- not that fast but a
         local ht =  (offset+(i-1)*dy)*e + rulethickness - m
         local dp = -(offset+(i-1)*dy)*e + rulethickness + m
         local r = new_rule(w,ht,dp)
-        local v = f[a_viewerlayer]
+        local v = getattr(f,a_viewerlayer)
         -- quick hack
         if v then
-            r[a_viewerlayer] = v
+            setattr(r,a_viewerlayer,v)
         end
         --
         if color then
-            r[a_colorspace] = colorspace
-            r[a_color] = color
+            setattr(r,a_colorspace,colorspace)
+            setattr(r,a_color,color)
         end
         if transparency then
-            r[a_transparency] = transparency
+            setattr(r,a_transparency,transparency)
         end
         local k = new_kern(-w)
         if foreground then
@@ -365,21 +390,27 @@ local function flush_shifted(head,first,last,data,level,parent,strip) -- not tha
     if true then
         first, last = striprange(first,last)
     end
-    local prev, next = first.prev, last.next
-    first.prev, last.next = nil, nil
-    local width, height, depth = list_dimensions(parent.glue_set,parent.glue_sign,parent.glue_order,first,next)
+    local prev = getprev(first)
+    local next = getnext(last)
+    setfield(first,"prev",nil)
+    setfield(last,"next",nil)
+    local width, height, depth = list_dimensions(getfield(parent,"glue_set"),getfield(parent,"glue_sign"),getfield(parent,"glue_order"),first,next)
     local list = hpack_nodes(first,width,"exactly")
     if first == head then
         head = list
     end
     if prev then
-        prev.next, list.prev = list, prev
+       setfield(prev,"next",list)
+       setfield(list,"prev",prev)
     end
     if next then
-        next.prev, list.next = list, next
+        setfield(next,"prev",list)
+        setfield(list,"next",next)
     end
-    local raise = data.dy * dimenfactor(data.unit,fontdata[first.font])
-    list.shift, list.height, list.depth = raise, height, depth
+    local raise = data.dy * dimenfactor(data.unit,fontdata[getfont(first)])
+    setfield(list,"shift",raise)
+    setfield(list,"height",height)
+    setfield(list,"depth",depth)
     if trace_shifted then
         report_shifted("width %p, nodes %a, text %a",width,n_tostring(first,last),n_tosequence(first,last,true))
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua b/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
index 9617f7476..89c3e52f9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-tra.lua
@@ -34,9 +34,30 @@ nodes.handlers         = handlers
 local injections       = nodes.injections or { }
 nodes.injections       = injections
 
-local traverse_nodes   = node.traverse
-local traverse_by_id   = node.traverse_id
-local count_nodes      = nodes.count
+local nuts             = nodes.nuts
+local tonut            = nuts.tonut
+local tonode           = nuts.tonode
+
+local getfield         = nuts.getfield
+local getnext          = nuts.getnext
+local getprev          = nuts.getprev
+local getid            = nuts.getid
+local getchar          = nuts.getchar
+local getsubtype       = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist          = nuts.getlist
+
+local setattr          = nuts.setattr
+
+local flush_list       = nuts.flush_list
+local count_nodes      = nuts.count
+local used_nodes       = nuts.usedlist
+
+local traverse_by_id   = nuts.traverse_id
+local traverse_nodes   = nuts.traverse
+local d_tostring       = nuts.tostring
+
+local nutpool          = nuts.pool
+local new_rule         = nutpool.rule
 
 local nodecodes        = nodes.nodecodes
 local whatcodes        = nodes.whatcodes
@@ -56,9 +77,6 @@ local gluespec_code    = nodecodes.gluespec
 local localpar_code    = whatcodes.localpar
 local dir_code         = whatcodes.dir
 
-local nodepool         = nodes.pool
-local new_rule         = nodepool.rule
-
 local dimenfactors     = number.dimenfactors
 local formatters       = string.formatters
 
@@ -68,15 +86,16 @@ function nodes.showlist(head, message)
     if message then
         report_nodes(message)
     end
-    for n in traverse_nodes(head) do
-        report_nodes(tostring(n))
+    for n in traverse_nodes(tonut(head)) do
+        report_nodes(d_tostring(n))
     end
 end
 
 function nodes.handlers.checkglyphs(head,message)
+    local h = tonut(head)
     local t = { }
-    for g in traverse_by_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        t[#t+1] = formatters["%U:%s"](g.char,g.subtype)
+    for g in traverse_by_id(glyph_code,h) do
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["%U:%s"](getchar(g),getsubtype(g))
     end
     if #t > 0 then
         if message and message ~= "" then
@@ -90,12 +109,12 @@ end
 
 function nodes.handlers.checkforleaks(sparse)
     local l = { }
-    local q = node.usedlist()
-    for p in traverse(q) do
-        local s = table.serialize(nodes.astable(p,sparse),nodecodes[p.id])
+    local q = used_nodes()
+    for p in traverse_nodes(q) do
+        local s = table.serialize(nodes.astable(p,sparse),nodecodes[getid(p)])
         l[s] = (l[s] or 0) + 1
     end
-    node.flush_list(q)
+    flush_list(q)
     for k, v in next, l do
         report_nodes("%s * %s",v,k)
     end
@@ -105,39 +124,40 @@ local f_sequence = formatters["U+%04X:%s"]
 
 local function tosequence(start,stop,compact)
     if start then
+        start = tonut(start)
+        stop = stop and tonut(stop)
         local t = { }
         while start do
-            local id = start.id
+            local id = getid(start)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local c = start.char
+                local c = getchar(start)
                 if compact then
-                    if start.components then
-                        t[#t+1] = tosequence(start.components,nil,compact)
+                    local components = getfield(start,"components")
+                    if components then
+                        t[#t+1] = tosequence(components,nil,compact)
                     else
                         t[#t+1] = utfchar(c)
                     end
                 else
                     t[#t+1] = f_sequence(c,utfchar(c))
                 end
-            elseif id == whatsit_code and start.subtype == localpar_code or start.subtype == dir_code then
-                t[#t+1] = "[" .. start.dir .. "]"
             elseif id == rule_code then
                 if compact then
                     t[#t+1] = "|"
                 else
                     t[#t+1] = nodecodes[id]
                 end
+            elseif id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(start) == localpar_code or getsubtype(start) == dir_code then
+                t[#t+1] = "[" .. getfield(start,"dir") .. "]"
+            elseif compact then
+                t[#t+1] = "[]"
             else
-                if compact then
-                    t[#t+1] = "[]"
-                else
-                    t[#t+1] = nodecodes[id]
-                end
+                t[#t+1] = nodecodes[id]
             end
             if start == stop then
                 break
             else
-                start = start.next
+                start = getnext(start)
             end
         end
         if compact then
@@ -153,21 +173,23 @@ end
 nodes.tosequence = tosequence
 
 function nodes.report(t,done)
-    report_nodes("output %a, %changed %a, %s nodes",status.output_active,done,count_nodes(t))
+    report_nodes("output %a, %changed %a, %s nodes",status.output_active,done,count_nodes(tonut(t)))
 end
 
 function nodes.packlist(head)
     local t = { }
-    for n in traverse(head) do
-        t[#t+1] = tostring(n)
+    for n in traverse_nodes(tonut(head)) do
+        t[#t+1] = d_tostring(n)
     end
     return t
 end
 
 function nodes.idstostring(head,tail)
+    head = tonut(head)
+    tail = tail and tonut(tail)
     local t, last_id, last_n = { }, nil, 0
     for n in traverse_nodes(head,tail) do -- hm, does not stop at tail
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if not last_id then
             last_id, last_n = id, 1
         elseif last_id == id then
@@ -195,6 +217,8 @@ function nodes.idstostring(head,tail)
 end
 
 -- function nodes.xidstostring(head,tail) -- only for special tracing of backlinks
+--     head = tonut(head)
+--     tail = tonut(tail)
 --     local n = head
 --     while n.next do
 --         n = n.next
@@ -217,7 +241,7 @@ end
 --         if n == head then
 --             break
 --         end
---         n = n.prev
+--         n = getprev(n)
 --     end
 --     if not last_id then
 --         t[#t+1] = "no nodes"
@@ -230,51 +254,56 @@ end
 -- end
 
 local function showsimplelist(h,depth,n)
+    h = h and tonut(h)
     while h do
         report_nodes("% w%s",n,d_tostring(h))
         if not depth or n < depth then
-            local id = h.id
+            local id = getid(h)
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                showsimplelist(h.list,depth,n+1)
+                showsimplelist(getlist(h),depth,n+1)
             end
         end
-        h = h.next
+        h = getnext(h)
     end
 end
 
---~ \startluacode
---~ callback.register('buildpage_filter',function() nodes.show_simple_list(tex.lists.contrib_head) end)
---~ \stopluacode
---~ \vbox{b\footnote{n}a}
---~ \startluacode
---~ callback.register('buildpage_filter',nil)
---~ \stopluacode
+-- \startluacode
+-- callback.register('buildpage_filter',function() nodes.show_simple_list(tex.lists.contrib_head) end)
+-- \stopluacode
+-- \vbox{b\footnote{n}a}
+-- \startluacode
+-- callback.register('buildpage_filter',nil)
+-- \stopluacode
 
 nodes.showsimplelist = function(h,depth) showsimplelist(h,depth,0) end
 
 local function listtoutf(h,joiner,textonly,last)
-    local joiner = (joiner == true and utfchar(0x200C)) or joiner -- zwnj
     local w = { }
     while h do
-        local id = h.id
+        local id = getid(h)
         if id == glyph_code then -- always true
-            local c = h.char
+            local c = getchar(h)
             w[#w+1] = c >= 0 and utfchar(c) or formatters["<%i>"](c)
             if joiner then
                 w[#w+1] = joiner
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
-            local pre = h.pre
-            local pos = h.post
-            local rep = h.replace
+            local pre = getfield(h,"pre")
+            local pos = getfield(h,"post")
+            local rep = getfield(h,"replace")
             w[#w+1] = formatters["[%s|%s|%s]"] (
                 pre and listtoutf(pre,joiner,textonly) or "",
                 pos and listtoutf(pos,joiner,textonly) or "",
                 rep and listtoutf(rep,joiner,textonly) or ""
             )
         elseif textonly then
-            if id == glue_code and h.spec and h.spec.width > 0 then
-                w[#w+1] = " "
+            if id == glue_code then
+                local spec = getfield(h,"spec")
+                if spec and getfield(spec,"width") > 0 then
+                    w[#w+1] = " "
+                end
+            elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
+                w[#w+1] = "[]"
             end
         else
             w[#w+1] = "[-]"
@@ -282,24 +311,28 @@ local function listtoutf(h,joiner,textonly,last)
         if h == last then
             break
         else
-            h = h.next
+            h = getnext(h)
         end
     end
     return concat(w)
 end
 
-nodes.listtoutf = listtoutf
+function nodes.listtoutf(h,joiner,textonly,last)
+    local joiner = joiner == true and utfchar(0x200C) or joiner -- zwnj
+    return listtoutf(tonut(h),joiner,textonly,last and tonut(last))
+end
 
 local what = { [0] = "unknown", "line", "box", "indent", "row", "cell" }
 
 local function showboxes(n,symbol,depth)
-    depth, symbol = depth or 0, symbol or "."
-    for n in traverse_nodes(n) do
-        local id = n.id
+    depth  = depth  or 0
+    symbol = symbol or "."
+    for n in traverse_nodes(tonut(n)) do
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            local s = n.subtype
+            local s = getsubtype(n)
             report_nodes(rep(symbol,depth) .. what[s] or s)
-            showboxes(n.list,symbol,depth+1)
+            showboxes(getlist(n),symbol,depth+1)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -322,15 +355,8 @@ local stripper = lpeg.patterns.stripzeros
 
 local dimenfactors = number.dimenfactors
 
-local function numbertodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
-    if not d then
-        local str = formatters[fmt](0,unit)
-        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
-    end
-    local t = type(d)
-    if t == 'string' then
-        return d
-    end
+local function nodetodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
+    d = tonut(d) -- tricky: direct nuts are an issue
     if unit == true then
         unit = "pt"
         fmt  = "%0.5f%s"
@@ -342,27 +368,23 @@ local function numbertodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
             fmt = "%0.5f%s"
         end
     end
-    if t == "number" then
-        local str = formatters[fmt](d*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
-        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
-    end
-    local id = d.id
+    local id = getid(d)
     if id == kern_code then
-        local str = formatters[fmt](d.width*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        local str = formatters[fmt](getfield(d,"width")*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
         return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
     end
     if id == glue_code then
-        d = d.spec
+        d = getfield(d,"spec")
     end
-    if not d or not d.id == gluespec_code then
+    if not d or not getid(d) == gluespec_code then
         local str = formatters[fmt](0,unit)
         return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
     end
-    local width   = d.width
-    local plus    = d.stretch_order
-    local minus   = d.shrink_order
-    local stretch = d.stretch
-    local shrink  = d.shrink
+    local width   = getfield(d,"width")
+    local plus    = getfield(d,"stretch_order")
+    local minus   = getfield(d,"shrink_order")
+    local stretch = getfield(d,"stretch")
+    local shrink  = getfield(d,"shrink")
     if plus ~= 0 then
         plus = " plus " .. stretch/65536 .. fillcodes[plus]
     elseif stretch ~= 0 then
@@ -379,11 +401,39 @@ local function numbertodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
     else
         minus = ""
     end
-    local str = formatters[fmt](d.width*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+    local str = formatters[fmt](getfield(d,"width")*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
     return (strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str) .. plus .. minus
 end
 
+local function numbertodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip)
+    if not d then
+        local str = formatters[fmt](0,unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    end
+    local t = type(d)
+    if t == 'string' then
+        return d
+    elseif t == "number" then
+        if unit == true then
+            unit = "pt"
+            fmt  = "%0.5f%s"
+        else
+            unit = unit or 'pt'
+            if not fmt then
+                fmt = "%s%s"
+            elseif fmt == true then
+                fmt = "%0.5f%s"
+            end
+        end
+        local str = formatters[fmt](d*dimenfactors[unit],unit)
+        return strip and lpegmatch(stripper,str) or str
+    else
+        return nodetodimen(d,unit,fmt,strip) -- real node
+    end
+end
+
 number.todimen = numbertodimen
+nodes .todimen = nodetodimen
 
 function number.topoints      (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"pt",fmt) end
 function number.toinches      (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"in",fmt) end
@@ -398,6 +448,19 @@ function number.tociceros     (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"cc",fmt) end
 function number.tonewdidots   (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"nd",fmt) end
 function number.tonewciceros  (n,fmt) return numbertodimen(n,"nc",fmt) end
 
+function nodes.topoints      (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"pt",fmt) end
+function nodes.toinches      (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"in",fmt) end
+function nodes.tocentimeters (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"cm",fmt) end
+function nodes.tomillimeters (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"mm",fmt) end
+function nodes.toscaledpoints(n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"sp",fmt) end
+function nodes.toscaledpoints(n)     return          n .. "sp"      end
+function nodes.tobasepoints  (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"bp",fmt) end
+function nodes.topicas       (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n "pc",fmt) end
+function nodes.todidots      (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"dd",fmt) end
+function nodes.tociceros     (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"cc",fmt) end
+function nodes.tonewdidots   (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"nd",fmt) end
+function nodes.tonewciceros  (n,fmt) return nodetodimen(n,"nc",fmt) end
+
 -- stop redefinition
 
 local points = function(n)
@@ -443,8 +506,13 @@ number.basepoints = basepoints
 number.pts        = pts
 number.nopts      = nopts
 
-local colors   = { }
-tracers.colors = colors
+nodes.points     = function(n) return numbertodimen(n,"pt",true,true) end
+nodes.basepoints = function(n) return numbertodimen(n,"bp",true,true) end
+nodes.pts        = function(n) return numbertodimen(n,"pt",true)      end
+nodes.nopts      = function(n) return format("%.5f",n*ptfactor)       end
+
+local colors          = { }
+tracers.colors        = colors
 
 local unsetvalue      = attributes.unsetvalue
 
@@ -454,36 +522,34 @@ local m_color         = attributes.list[a_color] or { }
 
 function colors.set(n,c,s)
     local mc = m_color[c]
-    if not mc then
-        n[a_color] = unsetvalue
+    local nn = tonut(n)
+    if mc then
+        local mm = s or texgetattribute(a_colormodel)
+        setattr(nn,a_colormodel,mm <= 0 and mm or 1)
+        setattr(nn,a_color,mc)
     else
-        if not n[a_colormodel] then
-            n[a_colormodel] = s or 1
-        end
-        n[a_color] = mc
+        setattr(nn,a_color,unsetvalue)
     end
     return n
 end
 
 function colors.setlist(n,c,s)
-    local f = n
-    while n do
-        local mc = m_color[c]
-        if not mc then
-            n[a_color] = unsetvalue
-        else
-            if not n[a_colormodel] then
-                n[a_colormodel] = s or 1
-            end
-            n[a_color] = mc
-        end
-        n = n.next
+    local nn = tonut(n)
+    local mc = m_color[c] or unsetvalue
+    local mm = s or texgetattribute(a_colormodel)
+    if mm <= 0 then
+        mm = 1
+    end
+    while nn do
+        setattr(nn,a_colormodel,mm)
+        setattr(nn,a_color,mc)
+        nn = getnext(nn)
     end
-    return f
+    return n
 end
 
 function colors.reset(n)
-    n[a_color] = unsetvalue
+    setattr(tonut(n),a_color,unsetvalue)
     return n
 end
 
@@ -496,31 +562,22 @@ local a_transparency   = attributes.private('transparency')
 local m_transparency   = attributes.list[a_transparency] or { }
 
 function transparencies.set(n,t)
-    local mt = m_transparency[t]
-    if not mt then
-        n[a_transparency] = unsetvalue
-    else
-        n[a_transparency] = mt
-    end
+    setattr(tonut(n),a_transparency,m_transparency[t] or unsetvalue)
     return n
 end
 
 function transparencies.setlist(n,c,s)
-    local f = n
-    while n do
-        local mt = m_transparency[c]
-        if not mt then
-            n[a_transparency] = unsetvalue
-        else
-            n[a_transparency] = mt
-        end
-        n = n.next
+    local nn = tonut(n)
+    local mt = m_transparency[c] or unsetvalue
+    while nn do
+        setattr(nn,a_transparency,mt)
+        nn = getnext(nn)
     end
-    return f
+    return n
 end
 
 function transparencies.reset(n)
-    n[a_transparency] = unsetvalue
+    setattr(n,a_transparency,unsetvalue)
     return n
 end
 
@@ -537,52 +594,62 @@ end
 -- although tracers are used seldom
 
 local function setproperties(n,c,s)
+    local nn = tonut(n)
     local mm = texgetattribute(a_colormodel)
-    n[a_colormodel]   = mm > 0 and mm or 1
-    n[a_color]        = m_color[c]
-    n[a_transparency] = m_transparency[c]
+    setattr(nn,a_colormodel,mm > 0 and mm or 1)
+    setattr(nn,a_color,m_color[c])
+    setattr(nn,a_transparency,m_transparency[c])
     return n
 end
 
 tracers.setproperties = setproperties
 
-function tracers.setlistv(n,c,s)
-    local f = n
+function tracers.setlist(n,c,s)
+    local nn = tonut(n)
     local mc = m_color[c]
     local mt = m_transparency[c]
     local mm = texgetattribute(a_colormodel)
     if mm <= 0 then
         mm = 1
     end
-    while n do
-        n[a_colormodel]   = mm
-        n[a_color]        = mc
-        n[a_transparency] = mt
-        n = n.next
+    while nn do
+        setattr(nn,a_colormodel,mm)
+        setattr(nn,a_color,mc)
+        setattr(nn,a_transparency,mt)
+        nn = getnext(nn)
     end
-    return f
+    return n
 end
 
 function tracers.resetproperties(n)
-    n[a_color]        = unsetvalue
-    n[a_transparency] = unsetvalue
+    local nn = tonut(n)
+    setattr(nn,a_color,unsetvalue)
+    setattr(nn,a_transparency,unsetvalue)
     return n
 end
 
-function tracers.rule(w,h,d,c,s) -- so some day we can consider using literals (speedup)
-    return setproperties(new_rule(w,h,d),c,s)
-end
-
--- only nodes
+-- this one returns a nut
 
 local nodestracerpool = { }
+local nutstracerpool  = { }
 
 tracers.pool = {
     nodes = nodestracerpool,
+    nuts  = nutstracerpool,
 }
 
-function nodestracerpool.rule(w,h,d,c,s) -- so some day we can consider using literals (speedup)
+table.setmetatableindex(nodestracerpool,function(t,k,v)
+    local f = nutstracerpool[k]
+    local v = function(...)
+        return tonode(f(...))
+    end
+    t[k] = v
+    return v
+end)
+
+function nutstracerpool.rule(w,h,d,c,s) -- so some day we can consider using literals (speedup)
     return setproperties(new_rule(w,h,d),c,s)
 end
 
 tracers.rule = nodestracerpool.rule -- for a while
+
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-tst.lua b/tex/context/base/node-tst.lua
index bfe0051bd..7f5102d5f 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-tst.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-tst.lua
@@ -24,17 +24,26 @@ local rightskip_code             = skipcodes.rightskip
 local abovedisplayshortskip_code = skipcodes.abovedisplayshortskip
 local belowdisplayshortskip_code = skipcodes.belowdisplayshortskip
 
-local find_node_tail             = node.tail or node.slide
+local nuts                       = nodes.nuts
 
-function nodes.leftmarginwidth(n) -- todo: three values
+local getfield                   = nuts.getfield
+local getnext                    = nuts.getnext
+local getprev                    = nuts.getprev
+local getid                      = nuts.getid
+local getchar                    = nuts.getchar
+local getsubtype                 = nuts.getsubtype
+
+local find_node_tail             = nuts.tail
+
+function nuts.leftmarginwidth(n) -- todo: three values
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == glue_code then
-            return n.subtype == leftskip_code and n.spec.width or 0
+            return getsubtype(n) == leftskip_code and getfield(getfield(n,"spec"),"width") or 0
         elseif id == whatsit_code then
-            n = n.next
+            n = getnext(n)
         elseif id == hlist_code then
-            return n.width
+            return getfield(n,"width")
         else
             break
         end
@@ -42,15 +51,15 @@ function nodes.leftmarginwidth(n) -- todo: three values
     return 0
 end
 
-function nodes.rightmarginwidth(n)
+function nuts.rightmarginwidth(n)
     if n then
         n = find_node_tail(n)
         while n do
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id == glue_code then
-                return n.subtype == rightskip_code and n.spec.width or 0
+                return getsubtype(n) == rightskip_code and getfield(getfield(n,"spec"),"width") or 0
             elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                n = n.prev
+                n = getprev(n)
             else
                 break
             end
@@ -59,15 +68,15 @@ function nodes.rightmarginwidth(n)
     return false
 end
 
-function nodes.somespace(n,all)
+function nuts.somespace(n,all)
     if n then
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == glue_code then
-            return (all or (n.spec.width ~= 0)) and glue_code
+            return (all or (getfield(getfield(n,"spec"),"width") ~= 0)) and glue_code
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            return (all or (n.kern ~= 0)) and kern
+            return (all or (getfield(n,"kern") ~= 0)) and kern
         elseif id == glyph_code then
-            local category = chardata[n.char].category
+            local category = chardata[getchar(n)].category
          -- maybe more category checks are needed
             return (category == "zs") and glyph_code
         end
@@ -75,12 +84,12 @@ function nodes.somespace(n,all)
     return false
 end
 
-function nodes.somepenalty(n,value)
+function nuts.somepenalty(n,value)
     if n then
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == penalty_code then
             if value then
-                return n.penalty == value
+                return getfield(n,"penalty") == value
             else
                 return true
             end
@@ -89,32 +98,38 @@ function nodes.somepenalty(n,value)
     return false
 end
 
-function nodes.is_display_math(head)
-    local n = head.prev
+function nuts.is_display_math(head)
+    local n = getprev(head)
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == penalty_code then
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            if n.subtype == abovedisplayshortskip_code then
+            if getsubtype(n) == abovedisplayshortskip_code then
                 return true
             end
         else
             break
         end
-        n = n.prev
+        n = getprev(n)
     end
-    n = head.next
+    n = getnext(head)
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == penalty_code then
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            if n.subtype == belowdisplayshortskip_code then
+            if getsubtype(n) == belowdisplayshortskip_code then
                 return true
             end
         else
             break
         end
-        n = n.next
+        n = getnext(n)
     end
     return false
 end
+
+nodes.leftmarginwidth  = nodes.vianuts(nuts.leftmarginwidth)
+nodes.rightmarginwidth = nodes.vianuts(nuts.rightmarginwidth)
+nodes.somespace        = nodes.vianuts(nuts.somespace)
+nodes.somepenalty      = nodes.vianuts(nuts.somepenalty)
+nodes.is_display_math  = nodes.vianuts(nuts.is_display_math)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/node-typ.lua b/tex/context/base/node-typ.lua
index 4a2ef8d49..5a4dfe4be 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/node-typ.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/node-typ.lua
@@ -8,21 +8,27 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-typ'] = {
 
 -- code has been moved to blob-ini.lua
 
-local typesetters = nodes.typesetters or { }
-nodes.typesetters = typesetters
+local typesetters     = nodes.typesetters or { }
+nodes.typesetters     = typesetters
 
-local hpack_node_list = nodes.hpack
-local vpack_node_list = nodes.vpack
-local fast_hpack_list = nodes.fasthpack
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+local tonode          = nuts.tonode
+local tonut           = nuts.tonut
 
-local nodepool        = nodes.pool
+local setfield        = nuts.setfield
+
+local hpack_node_list = nuts.hpack
+local vpack_node_list = nuts.vpack
+local fast_hpack_list = nuts.fasthpack
+
+local nodepool        = nuts.pool
 local new_glyph       = nodepool.glyph
 local new_glue        = nodepool.glue
 
 local utfvalues       = utf.values
 
-local currentfont    = font.current
-local fontparameters = fonts.hashes.parameters
+local currentfont     = font.current
+local fontparameters  = fonts.hashes.parameters
 
 local function tonodes(str,fontid,spacing) -- quick and dirty
     local head, prev = nil, nil
@@ -53,8 +59,8 @@ local function tonodes(str,fontid,spacing) -- quick and dirty
         elseif not head then
             head = next
         else
-            prev.next = next
-            next.prev = prev
+            setfield(prev,"next",next)
+            setfield(next,"prev",prev)
         end
         prev = next
     end
@@ -77,17 +83,30 @@ end
 
 local tovpackfast = tovpack
 
-typesetters.tonodes     = tonodes
-typesetters.tohpack     = tohpack
-typesetters.tohpackfast = tohpackfast
-typesetters.tovpack     = tovpack
-typesetters.tovpackfast = tovpackfast
+local tnuts       = { }
+nuts.typesetters  = tnuts
+
+tnuts.tonodes     = tonodes
+tnuts.tohpack     = tohpack
+tnuts.tohpackfast = tohpackfast
+tnuts.tovpack     = tovpack
+tnuts.tovpackfast = tovpackfast
+
+tnuts.hpack       = tohpack     -- obsolete
+tnuts.fast_hpack  = tohpackfast -- obsolete
+tnuts.vpack       = tovpack     -- obsolete
+
+typesetters.tonodes     = function(...) local h, b = tonodes    (...) return tonode(h), b end
+typesetters.tohpack     = function(...) local h, b = tohpack    (...) return tonode(h), b end
+typesetters.tohpackfast = function(...) local h, b = tohpackfast(...) return tonode(h), b end
+typesetters.tovpack     = function(...) local h, b = tovpack    (...) return tonode(h), b end
+typesetters.tovpackfast = function(...) local h, b = tovpackfast(...) return tonode(h), b end
 
-typesetters.hpack       = tohpack
-typesetters.fast_hpack  = tohpackfast
-typesetters.vpack       = tovpack
+typesetters.hpack       = typesetters.tohpack     -- obsolete
+typesetters.fast_hpack  = typesetters.tofasthpack -- obsolete
+typesetters.vpack       = typesetters.tovpack     -- obsolete
 
 -- node.write(nodes.typestters.hpack("Hello World!"))
 -- node.write(nodes.typestters.hpack("Hello World!",1,100*1024*10))
 
-string.tonodes = tonodes -- quite convenient
+string.tonodes = function(...) return tonode(tonodes(...)) end  -- quite convenient
diff --git a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.lua b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.lua
index 329ea63b8..b9fa141fc 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/pack-rul.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/pack-rul.lua
@@ -21,15 +21,25 @@ local line_code       = nodes.listcodes.line
 
 local texsetdimen     = tex.setdimen
 local texsetcount     = tex.setcount
-local texgetbox       = tex.getbox
-local hpack           = nodes.hpack
-local free            = nodes.free
-local copy            = nodes.copy_list
-local traverse_id     = nodes.traverse_id
-local node_dimensions = nodes.dimensions
+
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+
+local getfield        = nuts.getfield
+local setfield        = nuts.setfield
+local getnext         = nuts.getnext
+local getprev         = nuts.getprev
+local getlist         = nuts.getlist
+local getsubtype      = nuts.getsubtype
+local getbox          = nuts.getbox
+
+local hpack           = nuts.hpack
+local free            = nuts.free
+local copy            = nuts.copy_list
+local traverse_id     = nuts.traverse_id
+local node_dimensions = nuts.dimensions
 
 function commands.doreshapeframedbox(n)
-    local box            = texgetbox(n)
+    local box            = getbox(n)
     local noflines       = 0
     local firstheight    = nil
     local lastdepth      = nil
@@ -38,27 +48,27 @@ function commands.doreshapeframedbox(n)
     local maxwidth       = 0
     local totalwidth     = 0
     local averagewidth   = 0
-    local boxwidth       = box.width
+    local boxwidth       = getfield(box,"width")
     if boxwidth ~= 0 then -- and h.subtype == vlist_code
-        local list = box.list
+        local list = getlist(box)
         if list then
             local function check(n,repack)
                 if not firstheight then
-                    firstheight = n.height
+                    firstheight = getfield(n,"height")
                 end
-                lastdepth = n.depth
+                lastdepth = getfield(n,"depth")
                 noflines = noflines + 1
-                local l = n.list
+                local l = getlist(n)
                 if l then
                     if repack then
-                        local subtype = n.subtype
+                        local subtype = getsubtype(n)
                         if subtype == box_code or subtype == line_code then
-                            lastlinelength = node_dimensions(l,n.dir) -- used to be: hpack(copy(l)).width
+                            lastlinelength = node_dimensions(l,getfield(n,"dir")) -- used to be: hpack(copy(l)).width
                         else
-                            lastlinelength = n.width
+                            lastlinelength = getfield(n,"width")
                         end
                     else
-                        lastlinelength = n.width
+                        lastlinelength = getfield(n,"width")
                     end
                     if lastlinelength > maxwidth then
                         maxwidth = lastlinelength
@@ -84,28 +94,27 @@ function commands.doreshapeframedbox(n)
             elseif maxwidth ~= 0 then
                 if hdone then
                     for h in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
-                        local l = h.list
+                        local l = getlist(h)
                         if l then
-                            local subtype = h.subtype
+                            local subtype = getsubtype(n)
                             if subtype == box_code or subtype == line_code then
-                                h.list = hpack(l,maxwidth,'exactly',h.dir)
-                                h.shift = 0 -- needed for display math
+                                l = hpack(l,maxwidth,'exactly',getfield(h,"dir")) -- multiple return values
+                                setfield(h,"list",l)
+                                setfield(h,"shift",0) -- needed for display math, so no width check possible
                             end
-                            h.width = maxwidth
+                            setfield(h,"width",maxwidth)
                         end
                     end
-                    box.width    = maxwidth -- moved
-                    averagewidth = noflines > 0 and totalwidth/noflines or 0
                 end
              -- if vdone then
              --     for v in traverse_id(vlist_code,list) do
-             --         local width = n.width
+             --         local width = getfield(n,"width")
              --         if width > maxwidth then
-             --             v.width = maxwidth
+             --             setfield(v,"width",maxwidth)
              --         end
              --     end
              -- end
-                box.width = maxwidth
+                setfield(box,"width",maxwidth)
                 averagewidth = noflines > 0 and totalwidth/noflines or 0
             end
         end
@@ -119,18 +128,18 @@ function commands.doreshapeframedbox(n)
 end
 
 function commands.doanalyzeframedbox(n)
-    local box         = texgetbox(n)
+    local box         = getbox(n)
     local noflines    = 0
     local firstheight = nil
     local lastdepth   = nil
-    if box.width ~= 0 then
-        local list = box.list
+    if getfield(box,"width") ~= 0 then
+        local list = getlist(box)
         if list then
             local function check(n)
                 if not firstheight then
-                    firstheight = n.height
+                    firstheight = getfield(n,"height")
                 end
-                lastdepth = n.depth
+                lastdepth = getfield(n,"depth")
                 noflines = noflines + 1
             end
             for h in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua b/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
index 7e8e9ad8a..66b7e4684 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-lin.lua
@@ -8,32 +8,36 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['page-lin'] = {
 
 -- experimental -> will become builders
 
-local trace_numbers = false  trackers.register("lines.numbers",  function(v) trace_numbers = v end)
-
-local report_lines = logs.reporter("lines")
+-- if there is demand for it, we can support multiple numbering streams
+-- and use more than one attibute
 
-local attributes, nodes, node, context = attributes, nodes, node, context
+local next, tonumber = next, tonumber
 
-nodes.lines       = nodes.lines or { }
-local lines       = nodes.lines
+local trace_numbers      = false  trackers.register("lines.numbers",  function(v) trace_numbers = v end)
 
-lines.data        = lines.data or { } -- start step tag
-local data        = lines.data
-local last        = #data
+local report_lines       = logs.reporter("lines")
 
-local texgetbox   = tex.getbox
+local attributes         = attributes
+local nodes              = nodes
+local context            = context
 
-lines.scratchbox  = lines.scratchbox or 0
+nodes.lines              = nodes.lines or { }
+local lines              = nodes.lines
 
-local leftmarginwidth = nodes.leftmarginwidth
+lines.data               = lines.data or { } -- start step tag
+local data               = lines.data
+local last               = #data
 
-storage.register("lines/data", lines.data, "nodes.lines.data")
+lines.scratchbox         = lines.scratchbox or 0
 
--- if there is demand for it, we can support multiple numbering streams
--- and use more than one attibute
+storage.register("lines/data", data, "nodes.lines.data")
 
 local variables          = interfaces.variables
 
+local v_next             = variables.next
+local v_page             = variables.page
+local v_no               = variables.no
+
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 
 local hlist_code         = nodecodes.hlist
@@ -49,12 +53,25 @@ local current_list       = { }
 local cross_references   = { }
 local chunksize          = 250 -- not used in boxed
 
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local traverse           = node.traverse
-local copy_node          = node.copy
-local hpack_node         = node.hpack
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getbox             = nuts.getbox
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local traverse           = nuts.traverse
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local hpack_node         = nuts.hpack
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local is_display_math    = nuts.is_display_math
+local leftmarginwidth    = nuts.leftmarginwidth
 
 -- cross referencing
 
@@ -67,16 +84,16 @@ end
 
 local function resolve(n,m) -- we can now check the 'line' flag (todo)
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == whatsit_code then -- why whatsit
-            local a = n[a_linereference]
+            local a = getattr(n,a_linereference)
             if a then
                 cross_references[a] = m
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            resolve(n.list,m)
+            resolve(getlist(n),m)
         end
-        n = n.next
+        n = getnext(n)
     end
 end
 
@@ -165,20 +182,20 @@ local function check_number(n,a,skip,sameline)
         if sameline then
             skipflag = 0
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("skipping broken line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("skipping broken line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or v_no)
             end
         elseif not skip and s % d.step == 0 then
             skipflag, d.start = 1, s + 1 -- (d.step or 1)
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("making number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("making number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or v_no)
             end
         else
             skipflag, d.start = 0, s + 1 -- (d.step or 1)
             if trace_numbers then
-                report_lines("skipping line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or "no")
+                report_lines("skipping line number %s for setup %a: %s (%s)",#current_list,a,s,d.continue or v_no)
             end
         end
-        context.makelinenumber(tag,skipflag,s,n.shift,n.width,leftmarginwidth(n.list),n.dir)
+        context.makelinenumber(tag,skipflag,s,getfield(n,"shift"),getfield(n,"width"),leftmarginwidth(getlist(n)),getfield(n,"dir"))
     end
 end
 
@@ -189,26 +206,26 @@ end
 local function identify(list)
     if list then
         for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do
-            if n[a_linenumber] then
+            if getattr(n,a_linenumber) then
                 return list
             end
         end
         local n = list
         while n do
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                local ok = identify(n.list)
+                local ok = identify(getlist(n))
                 if ok then
                     return ok
                 end
             end
-            n = n.next
+            n = getnext(n)
         end
     end
 end
 
 function boxed.stage_zero(n)
-    return identify(texgetbox(n).list)
+    return identify(getlist(getbox(n)))
 end
 
 -- reset ranges per page
@@ -217,39 +234,39 @@ end
 
 function boxed.stage_one(n,nested)
     current_list = { }
-    local box = texgetbox(n)
+    local box = getbox(n)
     if box then
-        local list = box.list
+        local list = getlist(box)
         if nested then
             list = identify(list)
         end
         local last_a, last_v, skip = nil, -1, false
         for n in traverse_id(hlist_code,list) do -- attr test here and quit as soon as zero found
-            if n.height == 0 and n.depth == 0 then
+            if getfield(n,"height") == 0 and getfield(n,"depth") == 0 then
                 -- skip funny hlists -- todo: check line subtype
             else
-                local list = n.list
-                local a = list[a_linenumber]
+                local list = getlist(n)
+                local a = getattr(list,a_linenumber)
                 if a and a > 0 then
                     if last_a ~= a then
                         local da = data[a]
                         local ma = da.method
-                        if ma == variables.next then
+                        if ma == v_next then
                             skip = true
-                        elseif ma == variables.page then
+                        elseif ma == v_page then
                             da.start = 1 -- eventually we will have a normal counter
                         end
                         last_a = a
                         if trace_numbers then
-                            report_lines("starting line number range %s: start %s, continue",a,da.start,da.continue or "no")
+                            report_lines("starting line number range %s: start %s, continue %s",a,da.start,da.continue or v_no)
                         end
                     end
-                    if n[a_displaymath] then
-                        if nodes.is_display_math(n) then
+                    if getattr(n,a_displaymath) then
+                        if is_display_math(n) then
                             check_number(n,a,skip)
                         end
                     else
-                        local v = list[a_verbatimline]
+                        local v = getattr(list,a_verbatimline)
                         if not v or v ~= last_v then
                             last_v = v
                             check_number(n,a,skip)
@@ -268,7 +285,7 @@ function boxed.stage_two(n,m)
     if #current_list > 0 then
         m = m or lines.scratchbox
         local t, tn = { }, 0
-        for l in traverse_id(hlist_code,texgetbox(m).list) do
+        for l in traverse_id(hlist_code,getlist(getbox(m))) do
             tn = tn + 1
             t[tn] = copy_node(l)
         end
@@ -276,7 +293,8 @@ function boxed.stage_two(n,m)
             local li = current_list[i]
             local n, m, ti = li[1], li[2], t[i]
             if ti then
-                ti.next, n.list = n.list, ti
+                setfield(ti,"next",getlist(n))
+                setfield(n,"list",ti)
                 resolve(n,m)
             else
                 report_lines("error in linenumbering (1)")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
index 7d13d9e4e..a7db58f82 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/page-mix.lua
@@ -15,46 +15,71 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ["page-mix"] = {
 
 local concat = table.concat
 
-local nodecodes        = nodes.nodecodes
-local gluecodes        = nodes.gluecodes
-local nodepool         = nodes.pool
-
-local hlist_code       = nodecodes.hlist
-local vlist_code       = nodecodes.vlist
-local kern_code        = nodecodes.kern
-local glue_code        = nodecodes.glue
-local penalty_code     = nodecodes.penalty
-local insert_code      = nodecodes.ins
-local mark_code        = nodecodes.mark
-
-local new_hlist        = nodepool.hlist
-local new_vlist        = nodepool.vlist
-local new_glue         = nodepool.glue
-
-local hpack            = node.hpack
-local vpack            = node.vpack
-local freenode         = node.free
-local concatnodes      = nodes.concat
-
-local texgetbox        = tex.getbox
-local texsetbox        = tex.setbox
-local texgetskip       = tex.getskip
-
-local points           = number.points
-
-local settings_to_hash = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
-
-local variables        = interfaces.variables
-local v_yes            = variables.yes
-local v_global         = variables["global"]
-local v_local          = variables["local"]
-local v_columns        = variables.columns
-
 local trace_state  = false  trackers.register("mixedcolumns.trace",  function(v) trace_state  = v end)
 local trace_detail = false  trackers.register("mixedcolumns.detail", function(v) trace_detail = v end)
 
 local report_state = logs.reporter("mixed columns")
 
+local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
+local gluecodes           = nodes.gluecodes
+
+local hlist_code          = nodecodes.hlist
+local vlist_code          = nodecodes.vlist
+local kern_code           = nodecodes.kern
+local glue_code           = nodecodes.glue
+local penalty_code        = nodecodes.penalty
+local insert_code         = nodecodes.ins
+local mark_code           = nodecodes.mark
+local rule_code           = nodecodes.rule
+
+local topskip_code        = gluecodes.topskip
+local lineskip_code       = gluecodes.lineskip
+local baselineskip_code   = gluecodes.baselineskip
+local userskip_code       = gluecodes.userskip
+
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local nodetostring        = nuts.tostring
+local listtoutf           = nodes.listtoutf
+
+local hpack               = nuts.hpack
+local vpack               = nuts.vpack
+local freenode            = nuts.free
+local concatnodes         = nuts.concat
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getbox              = nuts.getbox
+local setbox              = nuts.setbox
+local getskip             = nuts.getskip
+local getattribute        = nuts.getattribute
+
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
+
+local new_hlist           = nodepool.hlist
+local new_vlist           = nodepool.vlist
+local new_glue            = nodepool.glue
+
+local points              = number.points
+
+local settings_to_hash    = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
+
+local variables           = interfaces.variables
+local v_yes               = variables.yes
+local v_global            = variables["global"]
+local v_local             = variables["local"]
+local v_columns           = variables.columns
+local v_fixed             = variables.fixed
+local v_auto              = variables.auto
+local v_none              = variables.none
+local v_more              = variables.more
+local v_less              = variables.less
+
 pagebuilders              = pagebuilders or { }
 pagebuilders.mixedcolumns = pagebuilders.mixedcolumns or { }
 local mixedcolumns        = pagebuilders.mixedcolumns
@@ -77,13 +102,13 @@ local function collectinserts(result,nxt,nxtid)
     local inserts, currentskips, nextskips, inserttotal = { }, 0, 0, 0
     while nxt do
         if nxtid == insert_code then
-            inserttotal = inserttotal + nxt.height + nxt.depth
-            local s = nxt.subtype
+            inserttotal = inserttotal + getfield(nxt,"height") + getfield(nxt,"depth")
+            local s = getsubtype(nxt)
             local c = inserts[s]
             if not c then
                 c = { }
                 inserts[s] = c
-                local width = texgetskip(s).width
+                local width = getfield(getskip(s),"width")
                 if not result.inserts[s] then
                     currentskips = currentskips + width
                 end
@@ -100,9 +125,9 @@ local function collectinserts(result,nxt,nxtid)
         else
             break
         end
-        nxt = nxt.next
+        nxt = getnext(nxt)
         if nxt then
-            nxtid = nxt.id
+            nxtid = getid(nxt)
         else
             break
         end
@@ -128,30 +153,30 @@ end
 local function discardtopglue(current,discarded)
     local size = 0
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glue_code then
-            size = size + current.spec.width
+            size = size + getfield(getfield(current,"spec"),"width")
             discarded[#discarded+1] = current
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == penalty_code then
-            if current.penalty == forcedbreak then
+            if getfield(current,"penalty") == forcedbreak then
                 discarded[#discarded+1] = current
-                current = current.next
-                while current and current.id == glue_code do
-                    size = size + current.spec.width
+                current = getnext(current)
+                while current and getid(current) == glue_code do
+                    size = size + getfield(getfield(current,"spec"),"width")
                     discarded[#discarded+1] = current
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
             else
                 discarded[#discarded+1] = current
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         else
             break
         end
     end
     if current then
-        current.prev = nil
+        setfield(current,"prev",nil) -- prevent look back
     end
     return current, size
 end
@@ -162,13 +187,13 @@ local function stripbottomglue(results,discarded)
         local r = results[i]
         local t = r.tail
         while t and t ~= r.head do
-            local prev = t.prev
+            local prev = getprev(t)
             if not prev then
                 break
             end
-            local id = t.id
+            local id = getid(t)
             if id == penalty_code then
-                if t.penalty == forcedbreak then
+                if getfield(t,"penalty") == forcedbreak then
                     break
                 else
                     discarded[#discarded+1] = t
@@ -177,7 +202,7 @@ local function stripbottomglue(results,discarded)
                 end
             elseif id == glue_code then
                 discarded[#discarded+1] = t
-                local width = t.spec.width
+                local width = getfield(getfield(t,"spec"),"width")
                 if trace_state then
                     report_state("columns %s, discarded bottom glue %p",i,width)
                 end
@@ -201,20 +226,20 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
         report_state("fatal error, no box")
         return
     end
-    local list = texgetbox(box)
+    local list = getbox(box)
     if not list then
         report_state("fatal error, no list")
         return
     end
-    local head = list.head or specification.originalhead
+    local head = getlist(list) or specification.originalhead
     if not head then
         report_state("fatal error, no head")
         return
     end
     local discarded = { }
     local originalhead = head
-    local originalwidth = specification.originalwidth or list.width
-    local originalheight = specification.originalheight or list.height
+    local originalwidth = specification.originalwidth or getfield(list,"width")
+    local originalheight = specification.originalheight or getfield(list,"height")
     local current = head
     local skipped = 0
     local height = 0
@@ -277,20 +302,20 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
         local current = start
         -- first skip over glue and penalty
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == glue_code or id == penalty_code then
-                current = current.prev
+                current = getprev(current)
             else
                 break
             end
         end
         -- then skip over content
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == glue_code or id == penalty_code then
                 break
             else
-                current = current.prev
+                current = getprev(current)
             end
         end
         if not current then
@@ -324,7 +349,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
             if current == head then
                 result.tail = head
             else
-                result.tail = current.prev
+                result.tail = getprev(current)
             end
             result.height = height
             result.depth  = depth
@@ -344,6 +369,9 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
                 report_state("setting collector to column %s",column)
             end
             current, skipped = discardtopglue(current,discarded)
+            if trace_detail and skipped ~= 0 then
+                report_state("check > column 1, discarded %p",skipped)
+            end
             head = current
             return true, skipped
         end
@@ -387,7 +415,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
     head = current
 
     local function process_skip(current,nxt)
-        local advance = current.spec.width
+        local advance = getfield(getfield(current,"spec"),"width")
         if advance ~= 0 then
             local state, skipped = checked(advance,"glue")
             if trace_state then
@@ -411,7 +439,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
     end
 
     local function process_kern(current,nxt)
-        local advance = current.kern
+        local advance = getfield(current,"kern")
         if advance ~= 0 then
             local state, skipped = checked(advance,"kern")
             if trace_state then
@@ -434,7 +462,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
 
     local function process_rule(current,nxt)
         -- simple variant of h|vlist
-        local advance = current.height -- + current.depth
+        local advance = getfield(current,"height") -- + getfield(current,"depth")
         local state, skipped = checked(advance+currentskips,"rule")
         if trace_state then
             report_state("%-7s > column %s, state %a, rule, advance %p, height %p","line",column,state,advance,inserttotal,height)
@@ -451,7 +479,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
         else
             height = height + currentskips
         end
-        depth = current.depth
+        depth = getfield(current,"depth")
         skip  = 0
     end
 
@@ -462,12 +490,12 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
     -- [chapter] [penalty] [section] [penalty] [first line]
 
     local function process_penalty(current,nxt)
-        local penalty = current.penalty
+        local penalty = getfield(current,"penalty")
         if penalty == 0 then
             lastlocked  = nil
             lastcurrent = nil
         elseif penalty == forcedbreak then
-            local needed  = current[a_checkedbreak]
+            local needed  = getattribute(current,a_checkedbreak)
             local proceed = not needed or needed == 0
             if not proceed then
                 local available = target - height
@@ -515,12 +543,12 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
     end
 
     local function process_list(current,nxt)
-        local nxtid = nxt and nxt.id
+        local nxtid = nxt and getid(nxt)
         line = line + 1
         local inserts, currentskips, nextskips, inserttotal = nil, 0, 0, 0
-        local advance = current.height -- + current.depth
+        local advance = getfield(current,"height") -- + getfield(current,"depth")
         if trace_state then
-            report_state("%-7s > column %s, content: %s","line",column,listtoutf(current.list,true,true))
+            report_state("%-7s > column %s, content: %s","line",column,listtoutf(getlist(current),true,true))
         end
         if nxt and (nxtid == insert_code or nxtid == mark_code) then
             nxt, inserts, localskips, insertskips, inserttotal = collectinserts(result,nxt,nxtid)
@@ -541,7 +569,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
         else
             height = height + currentskips
         end
-        depth = current.depth
+        depth = getfield(current,"depth")
         skip  = 0
         if inserts then
             -- so we already collect them ... makes backtracking tricky ... alternatively
@@ -555,8 +583,8 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
 
     while current do
 
-        local id  = current.id
-        local nxt = current.next
+        local id  = getid(current)
+        local nxt = getnext(current)
 
         backtracked = false
 
@@ -629,7 +657,7 @@ local function setsplit(specification) -- a rather large function
     specification.overflow       = overflow
     specification.discarded      = discarded
 
-    texgetbox(specification.box).list = nil
+    setfield(getbox(specification.box),"list",nil)
 
     return specification
 end
@@ -641,12 +669,12 @@ function mixedcolumns.finalize(result)
             local r = results[i]
             local h = r.head
             if h then
-                h.prev = nil
+                setfield(h,"prev",nil)
                 local t = r.tail
                 if t then
-                    t.next = nil
+                    setfield(t,"next",nil)
                 else
-                    h.next = nil
+                    setfield(h,"next",nil)
                     r.tail = h
                 end
                 for c, list in next, r.inserts do
@@ -655,13 +683,13 @@ function mixedcolumns.finalize(result)
                         local l = list[i]
                         local h = new_hlist()
                         t[i] = h
-                        h.head = l.head
-                        h.height = l.height
-                        h.depth = l.depth
+                        setfield(h,"list",l.head)
+                        setfield(h,"height",l.height)
+                        setfield(h,"depth",l.depth)
                         l.head = nil
                     end
-                    t[1].prev  = nil -- needs checking
-                    t[#t].next = nil -- needs checking
+                    setfield(t[1],"prev",nil)  -- needs checking
+                    setfield(t[#t],"next",nil) -- needs checking
                     r.inserts[c] = t
                 end
             end
@@ -733,13 +761,13 @@ function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
         return new_glue(result.originalwidth)
     end
 
-    h.prev = nil -- move up
+    setfield(h,"prev",nil) -- move up
     local strutht    = result.strutht
     local strutdp    = result.strutdp
     local lineheight = strutht + strutdp
 
     local v = new_vlist()
-    v.head = h
+    setfield(v,"list",h)
 
  -- local v = vpack(h,"exactly",height)
 
@@ -761,14 +789,14 @@ function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
         dp = result.depth
     end
 
-    v.width  = wd
-    v.height = ht
-    v.depth  = dp
+    setfield(v,"width",wd)
+    setfield(v,"height",ht)
+    setfield(v,"depth",dp)
 
     if trace_state then
-        local id = h.id
+        local id = getid(h)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            report_state("flush, column %s, grid %a, width %p, height %p, depth %p, %s: %s",n,grid,wd,ht,dp,"top line",nodes.toutf(h.list))
+            report_state("flush, column %s, grid %a, width %p, height %p, depth %p, %s: %s",n,grid,wd,ht,dp,"top line",listtoutf(getlist(h)))
         else
             report_state("flush, column %s, grid %a, width %p, height %p, depth %p, %s: %s",n,grid,wd,ht,dp,"head node",nodecodes[id])
         end
@@ -777,8 +805,8 @@ function mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)
     for c, list in next, r.inserts do
         local l = concatnodes(list)
         local b = vpack(l) -- multiple arguments, todo: fastvpack
-     -- texsetbox("global",c,b)
-        texsetbox(c,b)
+     -- setbox("global",c,b)
+        setbox(c,b)
         r.inserts[c] = nil
     end
 
@@ -822,7 +850,7 @@ end
 
 function commands.mixgetsplit(n)
     if result then
-        context(mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n))
+        context(tonode(mixedcolumns.getsplit(result,n)))
     end
 end
 
@@ -834,13 +862,13 @@ end
 
 function commands.mixflushrest()
     if result then
-        context(mixedcolumns.getrest(result))
+        context(tonode(mixedcolumns.getrest(result)))
     end
 end
 
 function commands.mixflushlist()
     if result then
-        context(mixedcolumns.getlist(result))
+        context(tonode(mixedcolumns.getlist(result)))
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua b/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
index 681fc4c43..9050da6be 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrp-cjk.lua
@@ -14,15 +14,29 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['scrp-cjk'] = {
 -- sense either because otherwise a wanted space at the end of a
 -- line would have to be a hard coded ones.
 
-local utfchar = utf.char
-
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
-local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local copy_node          = nodes.copy
-local traverse_id        = nodes.traverse_id
-
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local utfchar = utf.getchar
+
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nodes.tonut
+local tonode             = nodes.tonode
+
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
 local new_kern           = nodepool.kern
 local new_penalty        = nodepool.penalty
@@ -88,20 +102,20 @@ end
 -- at font definition time and/or just assume a correct font
 
 local function trace_detail(current,what)
-    local prev = current.prev
-    local c_id = current.id
-    local p_id = prev and prev.id
+    local prev = getprev(current)
+    local c_id = getid(current)
+    local p_id = prev and getid(prev)
     if c_id == glyph_code then
-        local c_ch = current.char
+        local c_ch = getchar(current)
         if p_id == glyph_code then
-            local p_ch = p_id and prev.char
+            local p_ch = p_id and getchar(prev)
             report_details("[%C %a] [%s] [%C %a]",p_ch,hash[p_ch],what,c_ch,hash[c_ch])
         else
             report_details("[%s] [%C %a]",what,c_ch,hash[c_ch])
         end
     else
         if p_id == glyph_code then
-            local p_ch = p_id and prev.char
+            local p_ch = p_id and getchar(prev)
             report_details("[%C %a] [%s]",p_ch,hash[p_ch],what)
         else
             report_details("[%s]",what)
@@ -110,8 +124,8 @@ local function trace_detail(current,what)
 end
 
 local function trace_detail_between(p,n,what)
-    local p_ch = p.char
-    local n_ch = n.char
+    local p_ch = getchar(p)
+    local n_ch = getchar(n)
     report_details("[%C %a] [%s] [%C %a]",p_ch,hash[p_ch],what,n_ch,hash[n_ch])
 end
 
@@ -427,29 +441,29 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
     if first ~= last then
         local lastfont, previous, last = nil, "start", nil
         while true do
-            local upcoming, id = first.next, first.id
+            local upcoming, id = getnext(first), getid(first)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local a = first[a_scriptstatus]
+                local a = getattr(first,a_scriptstatus)
                 local current = numbertocategory[a]
                 local action = injectors[previous]
                 if action then
                     action = action[current]
                     if action then
-                        local font = first.font
+                        local font = getfont(first)
                         if font ~= lastfont then
                             lastfont = font
-                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[first[a_scriptinjection]])
+                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[getattr(first,a_scriptinjection)])
                         end
                         action(head,first)
                     end
                 end
                 previous = current
             else -- glue
-                local p, n = first.prev, upcoming
+                local p, n = getprev(first), upcoming
                 if p and n then
-                    local pid, nid = p.id, n.id
+                    local pid, nid = getid(p), getid(n)
                     if pid == glyph_code and nid == glyph_code then
-                        local pa, na = p[a_scriptstatus], n[a_scriptstatus]
+                        local pa, na = getattr(p,a_scriptstatus), getattr(n,a_scriptstatus)
                         local pcjk, ncjk = pa and numbertocategory[pa], na and numbertocategory[na]
                         if not pcjk                 or not ncjk
                             or pcjk == "korean"     or ncjk == "korean"
@@ -495,23 +509,24 @@ scripts.installmethod {
 }
 
 function scripts.decomposehangul(head)
+    local head = tonut(head)
     local done = false
     for current in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        local lead_consonant, medial_vowel, tail_consonant = decomposed(current.char)
+        local lead_consonant, medial_vowel, tail_consonant = decomposed(getchar(current))
         if lead_consonant then
-            current.char = lead_consonant
+            setfield(current,"char",lead_consonant)
             local m = copy_node(current)
-            m.char = medial_vowel
+            setfield(m,"char",medial_vowel)
             head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,m)
             if tail_consonant then
                 local t = copy_node(current)
-                t.char = tail_consonant
+                setfield(t,"char",tail_consonant)
                 head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,t)
             end
             done = true
         end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 -- nodes.tasks.prependaction("processors","normalizers","scripts.decomposehangul")
@@ -682,29 +697,29 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
     if first ~= last then
         local lastfont, previous, last = nil, "start", nil
         while true do
-            local upcoming, id = first.next, first.id
+            local upcoming, id = getnext(first), getid(first)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local a = first[a_scriptstatus]
+                local a = getattr(first,a_scriptstatus)
                 local current = numbertocategory[a]
                 local action = injectors[previous]
                 if action then
                     action = action[current]
                     if action then
-                        local font = first.font
+                        local font = getfont(first)
                         if font ~= lastfont then
                             lastfont = font
-                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[first[a_scriptinjection]])
+                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[getattr(first,a_scriptinjection)])
                         end
                         action(head,first)
                     end
                 end
                 previous = current
             else -- glue
-                local p, n = first.prev, upcoming
+                local p, n = getprev(first), upcoming
                 if p and n then
-                    local pid, nid = p.id, n.id
+                    local pid, nid = getid(p), getid(n)
                     if pid == glyph_code and nid == glyph_code then
-                        local pa, na = p[a_scriptstatus], n[a_scriptstatus]
+                        local pa, na = getattr(p,a_scriptstatus), getattr(n,a_scriptstatus)
                         local pcjk, ncjk = pa and numbertocategory[pa], na and numbertocategory[na]
                         if not pcjk                       or not ncjk
                             or pcjk == "korean"           or ncjk == "korean"
@@ -904,34 +919,32 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
     if first ~= last then
         local lastfont, previous, last = nil, "start", nil
         while true do
-            local upcoming, id = first.next, first.id
+            local upcoming, id = getnext(first), getid(first)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local a = first[a_scriptstatus]
+                local a = getattr(first,a_scriptstatus)
                 local current = numbertocategory[a]
                 local action = injectors[previous]
                 if action then
                     action = action[current]
                     if action then
-                        local font = first.font
+                        local font = getfont(first)
                         if font ~= lastfont then
                             lastfont = font
-                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[first[a_scriptinjection]])
+                            set_parameters(font,numbertodataset[getattr(first,a_scriptinjection)])
                         end
                         action(head,first)
                     end
                 end
                 previous = current
-
--- elseif id == math_code then
---     upcoming = end_of_math(current).next
---     previous = "start"
-
+         -- elseif id == math_code then
+         --     upcoming = getnext(end_of_math(current))
+         --     previous = "start"
             else -- glue
-                local p, n = first.prev, upcoming -- we should remember prev
+                local p, n = getprev(first), upcoming -- we should remember prev
                 if p and n then
-                    local pid, nid = p.id, n.id
+                    local pid, nid = getid(p), getid(n)
                     if pid == glyph_code and nid == glyph_code then
-                        local pa, na = p[a_scriptstatus], n[a_scriptstatus]
+                        local pa, na = getattr(p,a_scriptstatus), getattr(n,a_scriptstatus)
                         local pcjk, ncjk = pa and numbertocategory[pa], na and numbertocategory[na]
                         if not pcjk                       or not ncjk
                             or pcjk == "korean"           or ncjk == "korean"
@@ -940,17 +953,17 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
                             or pcjk == "half_width_close" or ncjk == "half_width_open" then -- extra compared to korean
                             previous = "start"
                         else -- if head ~= first then
-if id == glue_code and first.subtype == userskip_code then -- also scriptstatus check?
-    -- for the moment no distinction possible between space and userskip
-    local w = first.spec.width
-    local s = spacedata[p.font]
-    if w == s then -- could be option
-        if trace_details then
-            trace_detail_between(p,n,"space removed")
-        end
-                            remove_node(head,first,true)
-    end
-end
+                            if id == glue_code and getsubtype(first) == userskip_code then -- also scriptstatus check?
+                                -- for the moment no distinction possible between space and userskip
+                                local w = getfield(getfield(first,"spec"),"width")
+                                local s = spacedata[getfont(p)]
+                                if w == s then -- could be option
+                                    if trace_details then
+                                        trace_detail_between(p,n,"space removed")
+                                    end
+                                    remove_node(head,first,true)
+                                end
+                            end
                             previous = pcjk
                     --    else
                     --        previous = pcjk
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrp-eth.lua b/tex/context/base/scrp-eth.lua
index 597afa1b5..8ecbce522 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrp-eth.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrp-eth.lua
@@ -9,9 +9,17 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['scrp-eth'] = {
 -- at some point I will review the script code but for the moment we
 -- do it this way; so space settings like with cjk yet
 
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
 local new_penalty        = nodepool.penalty
@@ -37,13 +45,13 @@ local inter_character_stretch_factor = 1
 local inter_character_shrink_factor  = 1
 
 local function space_glue(current)
-    local data = numbertodataset[current[a_scriptinjection]]
+    local data = numbertodataset[getattr(current,a_scriptinjection)]
     if data then
         inter_character_space_factor   = data.inter_character_space_factor   or 1
         inter_character_stretch_factor = data.inter_character_stretch_factor or 1
         inter_character_shrink_factor  = data.inter_character_shrink_factor  or 1
     end
-    local font = current.font
+    local font = getfont(current)
     if lastfont ~= font then
         local pf = parameters[font]
         space    = pf.space
@@ -104,9 +112,9 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
         local injector = false
         local current = first
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local scriptstatus = current[a_scriptstatus]
+                local scriptstatus = getattr(current,a_scriptstatus)
                 local category = numbertocategory[scriptstatus]
                 if injector then
                     local action = injector[category]
@@ -121,7 +129,7 @@ local function process(head,first,last)
             if current == last then
                 break
             else
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         end
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua b/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
index 56422e622..a6bfe4cf9 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/scrp-ini.lua
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
 local trace_analyzing    = false  trackers.register("scripts.analyzing",        function(v) trace_analyzing   = v end)
 local trace_injections   = false  trackers.register("scripts.injections",       function(v) trace_injections  = v end)
 local trace_splitting    = false  trackers.register("scripts.splitting",        function(v) trace_splitting   = v end)
-local trace_splitdetail  = false  trackers.register("scripts.splitring.detail", function(v) trace_splitdetail = v end)
+local trace_splitdetail  = false  trackers.register("scripts.splitting.detail", function(v) trace_splitdetail = v end)
 
 local report_preprocessing = logs.reporter("scripts","preprocessing")
 local report_splitting     = logs.reporter("scripts","splitting")
@@ -22,9 +22,6 @@ local report_splitting     = logs.reporter("scripts","splitting")
 local utfbyte, utfsplit = utf.byte, utf.split
 local gmatch = string.gmatch
 
-local first_glyph       = node.first_glyph or node.first_character
-local traverse_id       = node.traverse_id
-
 local texsetattribute   = tex.setattribute
 
 local nodecodes         = nodes.nodecodes
@@ -48,9 +45,23 @@ local setmetatableindex = table.setmetatableindex
 local enableaction      = nodes.tasks.enableaction
 local disableaction     = nodes.tasks.disableaction
 
-local insert_node_after = node.insert_after
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+local tonut             = nuts.tonut
+local tonode            = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext           = nuts.getnext
+local getchar           = nuts.getchar
+local getfont           = nuts.getfont
+local getid             = nuts.getid
+local getattr           = nuts.getattr
+local setattr           = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_after = nuts.insert_after
+local first_glyph       = nuts.first_glyph
+local traverse_id       = nuts.traverse_id
+
+local nodepool          = nuts.pool
 
-local nodepool          = nodes.pool
 local new_glue          = nodepool.glue
 local new_rule          = nodepool.rule
 local new_penalty       = nodepool.penalty
@@ -400,7 +411,7 @@ scripts.numbertocategory = numbertocategory
 
 local function colorize(start,stop)
     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,start) do
-        local kind = numbertocategory[n[a_scriptstatus]]
+        local kind = numbertocategory[getattr(n,a_scriptstatus)]
         if kind then
             local ac = scriptcolors[kind]
             if ac then
@@ -432,16 +443,17 @@ end
 -- we can have a fonts.hashes.originals
 
 function scripts.injectors.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local start = first_glyph(head) -- we already have glyphs here (subtype 1)
     if not start then
-        return head, false
+        return tonode(head), false
     else
         local last_a, normal_process, lastfont, originals = nil, nil, nil, nil
         local done, first, last, ok = false, nil, nil, false
         while start do
-            local id = start.id
+            local id = getid(start)
             if id == glyph_code then
-                local a = start[a_scriptinjection]
+                local a = getattr(start,a_scriptinjection)
                 if a then
                     if a ~= last_a then
                         if first then
@@ -463,7 +475,7 @@ function scripts.injectors.handler(head)
                         normal_process = handler.injector
                     end
                     if normal_process then
-                        local f = start.font
+                        local f = getfont(start)
                         if f ~= lastfont then
                             originals = fontdata[f].resources
                             if resources then
@@ -473,13 +485,13 @@ function scripts.injectors.handler(head)
                             end
                             lastfont = f
                         end
-                        local c = start.char
+                        local c = getchar(start)
                         if originals then
                             c = originals[c] or c
                         end
                         local h = hash[c]
                         if h then
-                            start[a_scriptstatus] = categorytonumber[h]
+                            setattr(start,a_scriptstatus,categorytonumber[h])
                             if not first then
                                 first, last = start, start
                             else
@@ -540,7 +552,7 @@ function scripts.injectors.handler(head)
                     first, last = nil, nil
                 end
             end
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
         if ok then
             if trace_analyzing then
@@ -553,7 +565,7 @@ function scripts.injectors.handler(head)
             end
             done = true
         end
-        return head, done
+        return tonode(head), done
     end
 end
 
@@ -683,11 +695,11 @@ end)
 local categories = characters.categories or { }
 
 local function hit(root,head)
-    local current   = head.next
+    local current   = getnext(head)
     local lastrun   = false
     local lastfinal = false
-    while current and current.id == glyph_code do
-        local char = current.char
+    while current and getid(current) == glyph_code do
+        local char = getchar(current)
         local newroot = root[char]
         if newroot then
             local final = newroot.final
@@ -701,7 +713,7 @@ local function hit(root,head)
         else
             return lastrun, lastfinal
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if lastrun then
         return lastrun, lastfinal
@@ -710,12 +722,13 @@ end
 
 local tree, attr, proc
 
-function splitters.handler(head)
+function splitters.handler(head) -- todo: also first_glyph test
+    head = tonut(head)
     local current = head
     local done = false
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then
-            local a = current[a_scriptsplitting]
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code then
+            local a = getattr(current,a_scriptsplitting)
             if a then
                 if a ~= attr then
                     local handler = numbertohandler[a]
@@ -724,14 +737,14 @@ function splitters.handler(head)
                     proc = handler.splitter
                 end
                 if proc then
-                    local root = tree[current.char]
+                    local root = tree[getchar(current)]
                     if root then
                         -- we don't check for attributes in the hitter (yet)
                         local last, final = hit(root,current)
                         if last then
-                            local next = last.next
-                            if next and next.id == glyph_code then
-                                local nextchar = next.char
+                            local next = getnext(last)
+                            if next and getid(next) == glyph_code then
+                                local nextchar = getchar(next)
                                 if tree[nextchar] then
                                     if trace_splitdetail then
                                         if type(final) == "string" then
@@ -760,9 +773,9 @@ function splitters.handler(head)
                 end
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local function marker(head,current,font,color) -- could become: nodes.tracers.marker
@@ -792,8 +805,8 @@ end
 local last_a, last_f, last_s, last_q
 
 function splitters.insertafter(handler,head,first,last,detail)
-    local a = first[a_scriptsplitting]
-    local f = first.font
+    local a = getattr(first,a_scriptsplitting)
+    local f = getfont(first)
     if a ~= last_a or f ~= last_f then
         last_s = emwidths[f] * numbertodataset[a].inter_word_stretch_factor
         last_a = a
@@ -870,15 +883,15 @@ setmetatableindex(cache_nop,function(t,k) local v = { } t[k] = v return v end)
 -- playing nice
 
 function autofontfeature.handler(head)
-    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-     -- if n[a_scriptinjection] then
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+     -- if getattr(n,a_scriptinjection) then
      --     -- already tagged by script feature, maybe some day adapt
      -- else
-            local char = n.char
+            local char = getchar(n)
             local script = otfscripts[char]
             if script then
-                local dynamic = n[0] or 0
-                local font = n.font
+                local dynamic = getattr(n,0) or 0
+                local font = getfont(n)
                 if dynamic > 0 then
                     local slot = cache_yes[font]
                     local attr = slot[script]
@@ -904,7 +917,7 @@ function autofontfeature.handler(head)
                         end
                     end
                     if attr ~= 0 then
-                        n[0] = attr
+                        setattr(n,0,attr)
                         -- maybe set scriptinjection when associated
                     end
                 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
index 25cc6cd66..cf7d45172 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-ali.lua
@@ -15,8 +15,25 @@ local prependaction    = tasks.prependaction
 local disableaction    = tasks.disableaction
 local enableaction     = tasks.enableaction
 
-local slide_nodes      = node.slide
-local hpack_nodes      = node.hpack -- nodes.fasthpack not really faster here
+local nuts             = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool         = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode           = nuts.tonode
+local tonut            = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield         = nuts.getfield
+local setfield         = nuts.setfield
+local getnext          = nuts.getnext
+local getprev          = nuts.getprev
+local getid            = nuts.getid
+local getlist          = nuts.getlist
+local getattr          = nuts.getattr
+local setattr          = nuts.setattr
+local getsubtype       = nuts.getsubtype
+
+local slide_nodes      = nuts.slide
+local hpack_nodes      = nuts.hpack -- nodes.fasthpack not really faster here
+local linked_nodes     = nuts.linked
 
 local unsetvalue       = attributes.unsetvalue
 
@@ -27,8 +44,6 @@ local hlist_code       = nodecodes.hlist
 local vlist_code       = nodecodes.vlist
 local line_code        = listcodes.line
 
-local nodepool         = nodes.pool
-
 local new_stretch      = nodepool.stretch
 
 local a_realign        = attributes.private("realign")
@@ -56,10 +71,10 @@ local function handler(head,leftpage,realpageno)
     local current = head
     local done = false
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            if current.subtype == line_code then
-                local a = current[a_realign]
+            if getsubtype(current) == line_code then
+                local a = getattr(current,a_realign)
                 if not a or a == 0 then
                     -- skip
                 else
@@ -75,12 +90,12 @@ local function handler(head,leftpage,realpageno)
                             action = leftpage and 2 or 1
                         end
                         if action == 1 then
-                            current.list = hpack_nodes(current.list .. new_stretch(3),current.width,"exactly")
+                            setfield(current,"list",hpack_nodes(linked_nodes(getlist(current),new_stretch(3)),getfield(current,"width"),"exactly"))
                             if trace_realign then
                                 report_realign("flushing left, align %a, page %a, realpage %a",align,pageno,realpageno)
                             end
                         elseif action == 2 then
-                            current.list = hpack_nodes(new_stretch(3) .. current.list,current.width,"exactly")
+                            setfield(current,"list",hpack_nodes(linked_nodes(new_stretch(3),getlist(current)),getfield(current,"width"),"exactly"))
                             if trace_realign then
                                 report_realign("flushing right. align %a, page %a, realpage %a",align,pageno,realpageno)
                             end
@@ -90,14 +105,14 @@ local function handler(head,leftpage,realpageno)
                         done = true
                         nofrealigned = nofrealigned + 1
                     end
-                    current[a_realign] = unsetvalue
+                    setattr(current,a_realign,unsetvalue)
                 end
             end
-            handler(current.list,leftpage,realpageno)
+            handler(getlist(current),leftpage,realpageno)
         elseif id == vlist_code then
-            handler(current.list,leftpage,realpageno)
+            handler(getlist(current),leftpage,realpageno)
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return head, done
 end
@@ -105,7 +120,8 @@ end
 function alignments.handler(head)
     local leftpage = isleftpage(true,false)
     local realpageno = texgetcount("realpageno")
-    return handler(head,leftpage,realpageno)
+    local head, done = handler(tonut(head),leftpage,realpageno)
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enabled = false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
index db98b42a6..4122a64b6 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-chr.lua
@@ -22,14 +22,29 @@ report_characters = logs.reporter("typesetting","characters")
 
 local nodes, node = nodes, node
 
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local copy_node_list     = nodes.copy_list
-local traverse_id        = nodes.traverse_id
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local copy_node_list     = nuts.copy_list
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
 
 local tasks              = nodes.tasks
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local new_penalty        = nodepool.penalty
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
 
@@ -63,48 +78,47 @@ local c_zero   = byte('0')
 local c_period = byte('.')
 
 local function inject_quad_space(unicode,head,current,fraction)
-    local attr = current.attr
+    local attr = getfield(current,"attr")
     if fraction ~= 0 then
-        fraction = fraction * fontquads[current.font]
+        fraction = fraction * fontquads[getfont(current)]
     end
     local glue = new_glue(fraction)
---     glue.attr = copy_node_list(attr)
-    glue.attr = attr
-    current.attr = nil
-    glue[a_character] = unicode
+    setfield(glue,"attr",attr)
+    setfield(current,"attr",nil)
+    setattr(glue,a_character,unicode)
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,glue)
     return head, current
 end
 
 local function inject_char_space(unicode,head,current,parent)
-    local attr = current.attr
-    local font = current.font
+    local attr = getfield(current,"attr")
+    local font = getfont(current)
     local char = fontcharacters[font][parent]
     local glue = new_glue(char and char.width or fontparameters[font].space)
-    glue.attr = current.attr
-    current.attr = nil
-    glue[a_character] = unicode
+    setfield(glue,"attr",attr)
+    setfield(current,"attr",nil)
+    setattr(glue,a_character,unicode)
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,glue)
     return head, current
 end
 
 local function inject_nobreak_space(unicode,head,current,space,spacestretch,spaceshrink)
-    local attr = current.attr
+    local attr = getfield(current,"attr")
     local glue = new_glue(space,spacestretch,spaceshrink)
     local penalty = new_penalty(10000)
-    glue.attr = attr
-    current.attr = nil
-    glue[a_character] = unicode
+    setfield(glue,"attr",attr)
+    setfield(current,"attr",nil)
+    setattr(glue,a_character,unicode)
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,penalty)
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,glue)
     return head, current
 end
 
 local function nbsp(head,current)
-    local para = fontparameters[current.font]
-    if current[a_alignstate] == 1 then -- flushright
+    local para = fontparameters[getfont(current)]
+    if getattr(current,a_alignstate) == 1 then -- flushright
         head, current = inject_nobreak_space(0x00A0,head,current,para.space,0,0)
-        current.subtype = space_skip_code
+        setfield(current,"subtype",space_skip_code)
     else
         head, current = inject_nobreak_space(0x00A0,head,current,para.space,para.spacestretch,para.spaceshrink)
     end
@@ -121,7 +135,7 @@ end
 
 function characters.replacenbspaces(head)
     for current in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        if current.char == 0x00A0 then
+        if getchar(current) == 0x00A0 then
             local h = nbsp(head,current)
             if h then
                 head = remove_node(h,current,true)
@@ -147,21 +161,21 @@ local methods = {
     -- don't have the 'local' value.
 
     [0x00A0] = function(head,current) -- nbsp
-        local next = current.next
-        if next and next.id == glyph_code then
-            local char = next.char
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        if next and getid(next) == glyph_code then
+            local char = getchar(next)
             if char == 0x200C or char == 0x200D then -- nzwj zwj
-                next = next.next
-				if next and nbsphash[next.char] then
+                next = getnext(next)
+				if next and nbsphash[getchar(next)] then
                     return false
                 end
             elseif nbsphash[char] then
                 return false
             end
         end
-        local prev = current.prev
-        if prev and prev.id == glyph_code and nbsphash[prev.char] then
-            return false -- kannada
+        local prev = getprev(current)
+        if prev and getid(prev) == glyph_code and nbsphash[getchar(prev)] then
+            return false
         end
         return nbsp(head,current)
     end,
@@ -215,11 +229,11 @@ local methods = {
     end,
 
     [0x202F] = function(head,current) -- narrownobreakspace
-        return inject_nobreak_space(0x202F,head,current,fontquads[current.font]/8)
+        return inject_nobreak_space(0x202F,head,current,fontquads[getfont(current)]/8)
     end,
 
     [0x205F] = function(head,current) -- math thinspace
-        return inject_nobreak_space(0x205F,head,current,fontparameters[current.font].space/8)
+        return inject_nobreak_space(0x205F,head,current,fontparameters[getfont(current)].space/8)
     end,
 
  -- [0xFEFF] = function(head,current) -- zerowidthnobreakspace
@@ -228,14 +242,15 @@ local methods = {
 
 }
 
-function characters.handler(head)
+function characters.handler(head) -- todo: use traverse_id
+    head = tonut(head)
     local current = head
     local done = false
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local next = current.next
-            local char = current.char
+            local next = getnext(current)
+            local char = getchar(current)
             local method = methods[char]
             if method then
                 if trace_characters then
@@ -249,8 +264,8 @@ function characters.handler(head)
             end
             current = next
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
index 0035c4119..960180dc2 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/spac-ver.lua
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ local nodes, node, trackers, attributes, context, commands, tex =  nodes, node,
 local texlists    = tex.lists
 local texgetdimen = tex.getdimen
 local texnest     = tex.nest
-local texgetbox   = tex.getbox
 
 local variables   = interfaces.variables
 
@@ -63,23 +62,41 @@ local a_skiporder         = attributes.private('skiporder')
 local a_snapmethod        = attributes.private('snapmethod')
 local a_snapvbox          = attributes.private('snapvbox')
 
-local find_node_tail      = node.tail
-local free_node           = node.free
-local free_node_list      = node.flush_list
-local copy_node           = node.copy
-local traverse_nodes      = node.traverse
-local traverse_nodes_id   = node.traverse_id
-local insert_node_before  = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after   = node.insert_after
-local remove_node         = nodes.remove
-local count_nodes         = nodes.count
-local nodeidstostring     = nodes.idstostring
-local hpack_node          = node.hpack
-local vpack_node          = node.vpack
-local writable_spec       = nodes.writable_spec
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+local ntostring           = nuts.tostring
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getbox              = nuts.getbox
+
+local find_node_tail      = nuts.tail
+local free_node           = nuts.free
+local free_node_list      = nuts.flush_list
+local copy_node           = nuts.copy
+local traverse_nodes      = nuts.traverse
+local traverse_nodes_id   = nuts.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before  = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node         = nuts.remove
+local count_nodes         = nuts.count
+local hpack_node          = nuts.hpack
+local vpack_node          = nuts.vpack
+local writable_spec       = nuts.writable_spec
+local nodereference       = nuts.reference
+
 local listtoutf           = nodes.listtoutf
+local nodeidstostring     = nodes.idstostring
 
-local nodepool            = nodes.pool
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
 
 local new_penalty         = nodepool.penalty
 local new_kern            = nodepool.kern
@@ -179,28 +196,26 @@ end
 -- local rule_id  = nodecodes.rule
 -- local vlist_id = nodecodes.vlist
 -- function nodes.makevtop(n)
---     if n.id == vlist_id then
---         local list = n.list
---         local height = (list and list.id <= rule_id and list.height) or 0
---         n.depth = n.depth - height + n.height
---         n.height = height
+--     if getid(n) == vlist_id then
+--         local list = getlist(n)
+--         local height = (list and getid(list) <= rule_id and getfield(list,"height")) or 0
+--         setfield(n,"depth",getfield(n,"depth") - height + getfield(n,"height")
+--         setfield(n,"height",height
 --     end
 -- end
 
-local reference = nodes.reference
-
 local function validvbox(parentid,list)
     if parentid == hlist_code then
-        local id = list.id
+        local id = getid(list)
         if id == whatsit_code then -- check for initial par subtype
-            list = list.next
+            list = getnext(list)
             if not next then
                 return nil
             end
         end
         local done = nil
         for n in traverse_nodes(list) do
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
                 if done then
                     return nil
@@ -214,9 +229,9 @@ local function validvbox(parentid,list)
             end
         end
         if done then
-            local id = done.id
+            local id = getid(done)
             if id == hlist_code then
-                return validvbox(id,done.list)
+                return validvbox(id,getlist(done))
             end
         end
         return done -- only one vbox
@@ -226,19 +241,19 @@ end
 local function already_done(parentid,list,a_snapmethod) -- todo: done when only boxes and all snapped
     -- problem: any snapped vbox ends up in a line
     if list and parentid == hlist_code then
-        local id = list.id
+        local id = getid(list)
         if id == whatsit_code then -- check for initial par subtype
-            list = list.next
+            list = getnext(list)
             if not next then
                 return false
             end
         end
 --~ local i = 0
         for n in traverse_nodes(list) do
-            local id = n.id
---~ i = i + 1 print(i,nodecodes[id],n[a_snapmethod])
+            local id = getid(n)
+--~ i = i + 1 print(i,nodecodes[id],getattr(n,a_snapmethod))
             if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-                local a = n[a_snapmethod]
+                local a = getattr(n,a_snapmethod)
                 if not a then
                  -- return true -- not snapped at all
                 elseif a == 0 then
@@ -276,11 +291,11 @@ end
 -- check variables.none etc
 
 local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is default
-    local list = current.list
+    local list = getlist(current)
     local t = trace_vsnapping and { }
     if t then
         t[#t+1] = formatters["list content: %s"](listtoutf(list))
-        t[#t+1] = formatters["parent id: %s"](reference(current))
+        t[#t+1] = formatters["parent id: %s"](nodereference(current))
         t[#t+1] = formatters["snap method: %s"](method.name)
         t[#t+1] = formatters["specification: %s"](method.specification)
     end
@@ -312,7 +327,8 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
             t[#t+1] = formatters["auto: snapht %p snapdp %p"](snapht,snapdp)
         end
     end
-    local h, d = height or current.height, depth or current.depth
+    local h = height or getfield(current,"height")
+    local d = depth or getfield(current,"depth")
     local hr, dr, ch, cd = method.hfraction or 1, method.dfraction or 1, h, d
     local tlines, blines = method.tlines or 1, method.blines or 1
     local done, plusht, plusdp = false, snapht, snapdp
@@ -339,22 +355,22 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
 
     if method.first then
         local thebox = current
-        local id = thebox.id
+        local id = getid(thebox)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            thebox = validvbox(id,thebox.list)
-            id = thebox and thebox.id
+            thebox = validvbox(id,getlist(thebox))
+            id = thebox and getid(thebox)
         end
         if thebox and id == vlist_code then
-            local list = thebox.list
+            local list = getlist(thebox)
             local lh, ld
             for n in traverse_nodes_id(hlist_code,list) do
-                lh = n.height
-                ld = n.depth
+                lh = getfield(n,"height")
+                ld = getfield(n,"depth")
                 break
             end
             if lh then
-                local ht = thebox.height
-                local dp = thebox.depth
+                local ht = getfield(thebox,"height")
+                local dp = getfield(thebox,"depth")
                 if t then
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["first line: height %p depth %p"](lh,ld)
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["dimensions: height %p depth %p"](ht,dp)
@@ -362,9 +378,9 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
                 local delta = h - lh
                 ch, cd = lh, delta + d
                 h, d = ch, cd
-                local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
-                shifted.shift = delta
-                current.list = shifted
+                local shifted = hpack_node(getlist(current))
+                setfield(shifted,"shift",delta)
+                setfield(current,"list",shifted)
                 done = true
                 if t then
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["first: height %p depth %p shift %p"](ch,cd,delta)
@@ -377,20 +393,21 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
         end
     elseif method.last then
         local thebox = current
-        local id = thebox.id
+        local id = getid(thebox)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            thebox = validvbox(id,thebox.list)
-            id = thebox and thebox.id
+            thebox = validvbox(id,getlist(thebox))
+            id = thebox and getid(thebox)
         end
         if thebox and id == vlist_code then
-            local list, lh, ld = thebox.list
+            local list = getlist(thebox)
+            local lh, ld
             for n in traverse_nodes_id(hlist_code,list) do
-                lh = n.height
-                ld = n.depth
+                lh = getfield(n,"height")
+                ld = getfield(n,"depth")
             end
             if lh then
-                local ht = thebox.height
-                local dp = thebox.depth
+                local ht = getfield(thebox,"height")
+                local dp = getfield(thebox,"depth")
                 if t then
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["last line: height %p depth %p" ](lh,ld)
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["dimensions: height %p depth %p"](ht,dp)
@@ -398,9 +415,9 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
                 local delta = d - ld
                 cd, ch = ld, delta + h
                 h, d = ch, cd
-                local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
-                shifted.shift = delta
-                current.list = shifted
+                local shifted = hpack_node(getlist(current))
+                setfield(shifted,"shift",delta)
+                setfield(current,"list",shifted)
                 done = true
                 if t then
                     t[#t+1] = formatters["last: height %p depth %p shift %p"](ch,cd,delta)
@@ -461,25 +478,25 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
     if offset then
         -- we need to set the attr
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = formatters["before offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,current.width,current.height,current.depth)
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["before offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,getfield(current,"width"),getfield(current,"height"),getfield(current,"depth"))
         end
-        local shifted = hpack_node(current.list)
-        shifted.shift = offset
-        current.list = shifted
+        local shifted = hpack_node(getlist(current))
+        setfield(shifted,"shift",offset)
+        setfield(current,"list",shifted)
         if t then
-            t[#t+1] = formatters["after offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,current.width,current.height,current.depth)
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["after offset: %p (width %p height %p depth %p)"](offset,getfield(current,"width"),getfield(current,"height"),getfield(current,"depth"))
         end
-        shifted[a_snapmethod] = 0
-        current[a_snapmethod] = 0
+        setattr(shifted,a_snapmethod,0)
+        setattr(current,a_snapmethod,0)
     end
     if not height then
-        current.height = ch
+        setfield(current,"height",ch)
         if t then
             t[#t+1] = formatters["forced height: %p"](ch)
         end
     end
     if not depth then
-        current.depth = cd
+        setfield(current,"depth",cd)
         if t then
             t[#t+1] = formatters["forced depth: %p"](cd)
         end
@@ -493,17 +510,17 @@ local function snap_hlist(where,current,method,height,depth) -- method.strut is
         t[#t+1] = formatters["final depth: %p -> %p"](d,cd)
     end
     if t then
-        report_snapper("trace: %s type %s\n\t%\n\tt",where,nodecodes[current.id],t)
+        report_snapper("trace: %s type %s\n\t%\n\tt",where,nodecodes[getid(current)],t)
     end
     return h, d, ch, cd, lines
 end
 
 local function snap_topskip(current,method)
-    local spec = current.spec
-    local w = spec.width
+    local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
+    local w = getfield(spec,"width")
     local wd = w
-    if spec.writable then
-        spec.width = 0
+    if getfield(spec,"writable") then
+        setfield(spec,"width",0)
         wd = 0
     end
     return w, wd
@@ -664,18 +681,18 @@ local trace_list, tracing_info, before, after = { }, false, "", ""
 local function nodes_to_string(head)
     local current, t = head, { }
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         local ty = nodecodes[id]
         if id == penalty_code then
-            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%s"](ty,current.penalty)
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%s"](ty,getfield(current,"penalty"))
         elseif id == glue_code then -- or id == kern_code then -- to be tested
             t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%p"](ty,current)
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%p"](ty,current.kern)
+            t[#t+1] = formatters["%s:%p"](ty,getfield(current,"kern"))
         else
             t[#t+1] = ty
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return concat(t," + ")
 end
@@ -699,7 +716,7 @@ local function trace_info(message, where, what)
 end
 
 local function trace_node(what)
-    local nt = nodecodes[what.id]
+    local nt = nodecodes[getid(what)]
     local tl = trace_list[#trace_list]
     if tl and tl[1] == "node" then
         trace_list[#trace_list] = { "node", formatters["%s + %s"](tl[2],nt) }
@@ -709,8 +726,8 @@ local function trace_node(what)
 end
 
 local function trace_done(str,data)
-    if data.id == penalty_code then
-        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "penalty", formatters["%s | %s"](str,data.penalty) }
+    if getid(data) == penalty_code then
+        trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "penalty", formatters["%s | %s"](str,getfield(data,"penalty")) }
     else
         trace_list[#trace_list+1] = { "glue", formatters["%s | %p"](str,data) }
     end
@@ -753,17 +770,17 @@ local free_glue_node = free_node
 function vspacing.snapbox(n,how)
     local sv = snapmethods[how]
     if sv then
-        local box = texgetbox(n)
-        local list = box.list
+        local box = getbox(n)
+        local list = getlist(box)
         if list then
-            local s = list[a_snapmethod]
+            local s = getattr(list,a_snapmethod)
             if s == 0 then
                 if trace_vsnapping then
                 --  report_snapper("box list not snapped, already done")
                 end
             else
-                local ht = box.height
-                local dp = box.depth
+                local ht = getfield(box,"height")
+                local dp = getfield(box,"depth")
                 if false then -- todo: already_done
                     -- assume that the box is already snapped
                     if trace_vsnapping then
@@ -772,14 +789,14 @@ function vspacing.snapbox(n,how)
                     end
                 else
                     local h, d, ch, cd, lines = snap_hlist("box",box,sv,ht,dp)
-                    box.height= ch
-                    box.depth = cd
+                    setfield(box,"height",ch)
+                    setfield(box,"depth",cd)
                     if trace_vsnapping then
                         report_snapper("box list snapped from (%p,%p) to (%p,%p) using method %a (%s) for %a (%s lines): %s",
                             h,d,ch,cd,sv.name,sv.specification,"direct",lines,listtoutf(list))
                     end
-                    box[a_snapmethod] = 0 --
-                    list[a_snapmethod] = 0 -- yes or no
+                    setattr(box,a_snapmethod,0)  --
+                    setattr(list,a_snapmethod,0) -- yes or no
                 end
             end
         end
@@ -801,8 +818,10 @@ local w, h, d = 0, 0, 0
 ----- w, h, d = 100*65536, 65536, 65536
 
 local function forced_skip(head,current,width,where,trace)
-    if head == current and head.subtype == baselineskip_code then
-        width = width - head.spec.width
+    if head == current then
+        if getsubtype(head) == baselineskip_code then
+            width = width - getfield(getfield(head,"spec"),"width")
+        end
     end
     if width == 0 then
         -- do nothing
@@ -834,25 +853,25 @@ local special_penalty_max = 35000
 
 local function specialpenalty(start,penalty)
  -- nodes.showsimplelist(texlists.page_head,1)
-    local current = find_node_tail(texlists.page_head)
+    local current = find_node_tail(tonut(texlists.page_head)) -- no texlists.page_tail yet
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glue_code then
-            current = current.prev
+            current = getprev(current)
         elseif id == penalty_code then
-            local p = current.penalty
+            local p = getfield(current,"penalty")
             if p == penalty then
                 if trace_vspacing then
                     report_vspacing("overloading penalty %a",p)
                 end
                 return current
             elseif p >= 10000 then
-                current = current.prev
+                current = getprev(current)
             else
                 break
             end
         else
-            current = current.prev
+            current = getprev(current)
         end
     end
 end
@@ -875,12 +894,12 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
             head = insert_node_before(head,current,p)
         end
         if glue_data then
-            local spec = glue_data.spec
+            local spec = getfield(glue_data,"spec")
             if force_glue then
                 if trace then trace_done("flushed due to " .. why,glue_data) end
-                head = forced_skip(head,current,spec.width,"before",trace)
+                head = forced_skip(head,current,getfield(spec,"width"),"before",trace)
                 free_glue_node(glue_data)
-            elseif spec.writable then
+            elseif getfield(spec,"writable") then
                 if trace then trace_done("flushed due to " .. why,glue_data) end
                 head = insert_node_before(head,current,glue_data)
             else
@@ -900,12 +919,12 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
     end
     if trace then trace_info("start analyzing",where,what) end
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
             -- needs checking, why so many calls
             if snap then
-                local list = current.list
-                local s = current[a_snapmethod]
+                local list = getlist(current)
+                local s = getattr(current,a_snapmethod)
                 if not s then
                 --  if trace_vsnapping then
                 --      report_snapper("mvl list not snapped")
@@ -919,8 +938,8 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                     if sv then
                         -- check if already snapped
                         if list and already_done(id,list,a_snapmethod) then
-                            local ht = current.height
-                            local dp = current.depth
+                            local ht = getfield(current,"height")
+                            local dp = getfield(current,"depth")
                             -- assume that the box is already snapped
                             if trace_vsnapping then
                                 report_snapper("mvl list already snapped at (%p,%p): %s",ht,dp,listtoutf(list))
@@ -935,37 +954,37 @@ local function collapser(head,where,what,trace,snap,a_snapmethod) -- maybe also
                     elseif trace_vsnapping then
                         report_snapper("mvl %a not snapped due to unknown snap specification: %s",nodecodes[id],listtoutf(list))
                     end
-                    current[a_snapmethod] = 0
+                    setattr(current,a_snapmethod,0)
                 end
             else
                 --
             end
         --  tex.prevdepth = 0
             flush("list")
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == penalty_code then
-         -- natural_penalty = current.penalty
+         -- natural_penalty = getfield(current,"penalty")
          -- if trace then trace_done("removed penalty",current) end
          -- head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            if snap and trace_vsnapping and current.kern ~= 0 then
-                report_snapper("kern of %p kept",current.kern)
+            if snap and trace_vsnapping and getfield(current,"kern") ~= 0 then
+                report_snapper("kern of %p kept",getfield(current,"kern"))
             end
             flush("kern")
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            local subtype = current.subtype
+            local subtype = getsubtype(current)
             if subtype == userskip_code then
-                local sc = current[a_skipcategory]   -- has no default, no unset (yet)
-                local so = current[a_skiporder] or 1 -- has  1 default, no unset (yet)
-                local sp = current[a_skippenalty]    -- has no default, no unset (yet)
+                local sc = getattr(current,a_skipcategory)   -- has no default, no unset (yet)
+                local so = getattr(current,a_skiporder) or 1 -- has  1 default, no unset (yet)
+                local sp = getattr(current,a_skippenalty)    -- has no default, no unset (yet)
                 if sp and sc == penalty then
 
 if where == "page" and sp >= special_penalty_min and sp <= special_penalty_max then
     local previousspecial = specialpenalty(current,sp)
     if previousspecial then
-        previousspecial.penalty = 0
+        setfield(previousspecial,"penalty",0)
         sp = 0
     end
 end
@@ -983,37 +1002,37 @@ end
                         if trace then trace_done("flush",glue_data) end
                         head = insert_node_before(head,current,glue_data)
                         if trace then trace_natural("natural",current) end
-                        current = current.next
+                        current = getnext(current)
                     else
                         -- not look back across head
 -- todo: prev can be whatsit (latelua)
-                        local previous = current.prev
-                        if previous and previous.id == glue_code and previous.subtype == userskip_code then
-                            local ps = previous.spec
-                            if ps.writable then
-                                local cs = current.spec
-                                if cs.writable and ps.stretch_order == 0 and ps.shrink_order == 0 and cs.stretch_order == 0 and cs.shrink_order == 0 then
-                                    local pw, pp, pm = ps.width, ps.stretch, ps.shrink
-                                    local cw, cp, cm = cs.width, cs.stretch, cs.shrink
+                        local previous = getprev(current)
+                        if previous and getid(previous) == glue_code and getsubtype(previous) == userskip_code then
+                            local ps = getfield(previous,"spec")
+                            if getfield(ps,"writable") then
+                                local cs = getfield(current,"spec")
+                                if getfield(cs,"writable") and getfield(ps,"stretch_order") == 0 and getfield(ps,"shrink_order") == 0 and getfield(cs,"stretch_order") == 0 and getfield(cs,"shrink_order") == 0 then
+                                    local pw, pp, pm = getfield(ps,"width"), getfield(ps,"stretch"), getfield(ps,"shrink")
+                                    local cw, cp, cm = getfield(cs,"width"), getfield(cs,"stretch"), getfield(cs,"shrink")
                                  -- ps = writable_spec(previous) -- no writable needed here
                                  -- ps.width, ps.stretch, ps.shrink = pw + cw, pp + cp, pm + cm
-                                    previous.spec = new_gluespec(pw + cw, pp + cp, pm + cm) -- else topskip can disappear
+                                    setfield(previous,"spec",new_gluespec(pw + cw, pp + cp, pm + cm)) -- else topskip can disappear
                                     if trace then trace_natural("removed",current) end
                                     head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                                  -- current = previous
                                     if trace then trace_natural("collapsed",previous) end
-                                 -- current = current.next
+                                 -- current = getnext(current)
                                 else
                                     if trace then trace_natural("filler",current) end
-                                    current = current.next
+                                    current = getnext(current)
                                 end
                             else
                                 if trace then trace_natural("natural (no prev spec)",current) end
-                                current = current.next
+                                current = getnext(current)
                             end
                         else
                             if trace then trace_natural("natural (no prev)",current) end
-                            current = current.next
+                            current = getnext(current)
                         end
                     end
                     glue_order, glue_data = 0, nil
@@ -1046,12 +1065,12 @@ end
                 elseif glue_order == so then
                     -- is now exclusive, maybe support goback as combi, else why a set
                     if sc == largest then
-                        local cs, gs = current.spec, glue_data.spec
-                        local cw, gw = cs.width, gs.width
+                        local cs, gs = getfield(current,"spec"), getfield(glue_data,"spec")
+                        local cw, gw = getfield(cs,"width"), getfield(gs,"width")
                         if cw > gw then
                             if trace then trace_skip("largest",sc,so,sp,current) end
                             free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
-                            head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head, current)
+                            head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head,current)
                         else
                             if trace then trace_skip("remove smallest",sc,so,sp,current) end
                             head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
@@ -1059,7 +1078,7 @@ end
                     elseif sc == goback then
                         if trace then trace_skip("goback",sc,so,sp,current) end
                         free_glue_node(glue_data) -- also free spec
-                        head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head, current)
+                        head, current, glue_data = remove_node(head,current)
                     elseif sc == force then
                         -- last one counts, some day we can provide an accumulator and largest etc
                         -- but not now
@@ -1073,11 +1092,11 @@ end
                         head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                     elseif sc == add then
                         if trace then trace_skip("add",sc,so,sp,current) end
-                     -- local old, new = glue_data.spec, current.spec
-                        local old, new = writable_spec(glue_data), current.spec
-                        old.width   = old.width   + new.width
-                        old.stretch = old.stretch + new.stretch
-                        old.shrink  = old.shrink  + new.shrink
+                     -- local old, new = glue_data.spec, getfield(current,"spec")
+                        local old, new = writable_spec(glue_data), getfield(current,"spec")
+                        setfield(old,"width",getfield(old,"width") + getfield(new,"width"))
+                        setfield(old,"stretch",getfield(old,"stretch") + getfield(new,"stretch"))
+                        setfield(old,"shrink",getfield(old,"shrink") + getfield(new,"shrink"))
                         -- toto: order
                         head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                     else
@@ -1093,12 +1112,13 @@ end
                 end
             elseif subtype == lineskip_code then
                 if snap then
-                    local s = current[a_snapmethod]
+                    local s = getattr(current,a_snapmethod)
                     if s and s ~= 0 then
-                        current[a_snapmethod] = 0
-                        if current.spec.writable then
+                        setattr(current,a_snapmethod,0)
+                        local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
+                        if getfield(spec,"writable") then
                             local spec = writable_spec(current)
-                            spec.width = 0
+                            setfield(spec,"width",0)
                             if trace_vsnapping then
                                 report_snapper("lineskip set to zero")
                             end
@@ -1111,15 +1131,16 @@ end
                     if trace then trace_skip("lineskip",sc,so,sp,current) end
                     flush("lineskip")
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             elseif subtype == baselineskip_code then
                 if snap then
-                    local s = current[a_snapmethod]
+                    local s = getattr(current,a_snapmethod)
                     if s and s ~= 0 then
-                        current[a_snapmethod] = 0
-                        if current.spec.writable then
+                        setattr(current,a_snapmethod,0)
+                        local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
+                        if getfield(spec,"writable") then
                             local spec = writable_spec(current)
-                            spec.width = 0
+                            setfield(spec,"width",0)
                             if trace_vsnapping then
                                 report_snapper("baselineskip set to zero")
                             end
@@ -1132,17 +1153,17 @@ end
                     if trace then trace_skip("baselineskip",sc,so,sp,current) end
                     flush("baselineskip")
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             elseif subtype == parskip_code then
                 -- parskip always comes later
                 if ignore_whitespace then
                     if trace then trace_natural("ignored parskip",current) end
                     head, current = remove_node(head, current, true)
                 elseif glue_data then
-                    local ps = current.spec
-                    local gs = glue_data.spec
-                    if ps.writable and gs.writable and ps.width > gs.width then
-                        glue_data.spec = copy_node(ps)
+                    local ps = getfield(current,"spec")
+                    local gs = getfield(glue_data,"spec")
+                    if getfield(ps,"writable") and getfield(gs,"writable") and getfield(ps,"width") > getfield(gs,"width") then
+                        setfield(glue_data,"spec",copy_node(ps))
                         if trace then trace_natural("taking parskip",current) end
                     else
                         if trace then trace_natural("removed parskip",current) end
@@ -1154,9 +1175,9 @@ end
                 end
             elseif subtype == topskip_code or subtype == splittopskip_code then
                 if snap then
-                    local s = current[a_snapmethod]
+                    local s = getattr(current,a_snapmethod)
                     if s and s ~= 0 then
-                        current[a_snapmethod] = 0
+                        setattr(current,a_snapmethod,0)
                         local sv = snapmethods[s]
                         local w, cw = snap_topskip(current,sv)
                         if trace_vsnapping then
@@ -1170,46 +1191,46 @@ end
                     if trace then trace_skip("topskip",sc,so,sp,current) end
                     flush("topskip")
                 end
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             elseif subtype == abovedisplayskip_code then
                 --
                 if trace then trace_skip("above display skip (normal)",sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("above display skip (normal)")
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
                 --
             elseif subtype == belowdisplayskip_code then
                 --
                 if trace then trace_skip("below display skip (normal)",sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("below display skip (normal)")
-                current = current.next
-                --
+                current = getnext(current)
+               --
             elseif subtype == abovedisplayshortskip_code then
                 --
                 if trace then trace_skip("above display skip (short)",sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("above display skip (short)")
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
                 --
             elseif subtype == belowdisplayshortskip_code then
                 --
                 if trace then trace_skip("below display skip (short)",sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("below display skip (short)")
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
                 --
             else -- other glue
                 if snap and trace_vsnapping then
-                    local spec = current.spec
-                    if spec.writable and spec.width ~= 0 then
-                        report_snapper("glue %p of type %a kept",current.spec.width,skipcodes[subtype])
-                     -- spec.width = 0
+                    local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
+                    if getfield(spec,"writable") and getfield(spec,"width") ~= 0 then
+                        report_snapper("glue %p of type %a kept",getfield(spec,"width"),skipcodes[subtype])
+                     -- setfield(spec,"width",0)
                     end
                 end
-                if trace then trace_skip(formatter["glue of type %a"](subtype),sc,so,sp,current) end
+                if trace then trace_skip(formatters["glue of type %a"](subtype),sc,so,sp,current) end
                 flush("some glue")
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         else
-            flush("something else")
-            current = current.next
+            flush(formatters["node with id %a"](id))
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
     if trace then trace_info("stop analyzing",where,what) end
@@ -1230,7 +1251,8 @@ end
         if not tail then tail = find_node_tail(head) end
         if trace then trace_done("result",glue_data) end
         if force_glue then
-            head, tail = forced_skip(head,tail,glue_data.spec.width,"after",trace)
+            local spec = getfield(glue_data,"spec")
+            head, tail = forced_skip(head,tail,getfield(spec,"width"),"after",trace)
             free_glue_node(glue_data)
         else
             head, tail = insert_node_after(head,tail,glue_data)
@@ -1243,7 +1265,7 @@ texnest[texnest.ptr].prevdepth = 0 -- appending to the list bypasses tex's prevd
         end
         show_tracing(head)
         if oldhead ~= head then
-            trace_info("head has been changed from %a to %a",nodecodes[oldhead.id],nodecodes[head.id])
+            trace_info("head has been changed from %a to %a",nodecodes[getid(oldhead)],nodecodes[getid(head)])
         end
     end
     return head, true
@@ -1271,16 +1293,17 @@ end
 function vspacing.pagehandler(newhead,where)
     -- local newhead = texlists.contrib_head
     if newhead then
+        newhead = tonut(newhead)
         local newtail = find_node_tail(newhead) -- best pass that tail, known anyway
         local flush = false
         stackhack = true -- todo: only when grid snapping once enabled
         -- todo: fast check if head = tail
         for n in traverse_nodes(newhead) do -- we could just look for glue nodes
-            local id = n.id
+            local id = getid(n)
             if id ~= glue_code then
                 flush = true
-            elseif n.subtype == userskip_code then
-                if n[a_skipcategory] then
+            elseif getsubtype(n) == userskip_code then
+                if getattr(n,a_skipcategory) then
                     stackhack = true
                 else
                     flush = true
@@ -1292,35 +1315,36 @@ function vspacing.pagehandler(newhead,where)
         if flush then
             if stackhead then
                 if trace_collect_vspacing then report("appending %s nodes to stack (final): %s",newhead) end
-                stacktail.next = newhead
-                newhead.prev = stacktail
+                setfield(stacktail,"next",newhead)
+                setfield(newhead,"prev",stacktail)
                 newhead = stackhead
                 stackhead, stacktail = nil, nil
             end
             if stackhack then
                 stackhack = false
                 if trace_collect_vspacing then report("processing %s nodes: %s",newhead) end
-                 -- texlists.contrib_head = collapser(newhead,"page",where,trace_page_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod)
-                    newhead = collapser(newhead,"page",where,trace_page_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod)
+             -- texlists.contrib_head = collapser(newhead,"page",where,trace_page_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod)
+                newhead = collapser(newhead,"page",where,trace_page_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod)
             else
                 if trace_collect_vspacing then report("flushing %s nodes: %s",newhead) end
              -- texlists.contrib_head = newhead
             end
+            return tonode(newhead)
         else
             if stackhead then
                 if trace_collect_vspacing then report("appending %s nodes to stack (intermediate): %s",newhead) end
-                stacktail.next = newhead
-                newhead.prev = stacktail
+                setfield(stacktail,"next",newhead)
+                setfield(newhead,"prev",stacktail)
             else
                 if trace_collect_vspacing then report("storing %s nodes in stack (initial): %s",newhead) end
                 stackhead = newhead
             end
             stacktail = newtail
          -- texlists.contrib_head = nil
-            newhead = nil
+         -- newhead = nil
         end
     end
-    return newhead
+    return nil
 end
 
 local ignore = table.tohash {
@@ -1330,18 +1354,23 @@ local ignore = table.tohash {
 }
 
 function vspacing.vboxhandler(head,where)
-    if head and not ignore[where] and head.next then
-        head = collapser(head,"vbox",where,trace_vbox_vspacing,true,a_snapvbox) -- todo: local snapper
+    if head and not ignore[where] then
+        local h = tonut(head)
+        if getnext(h) then
+            h = collapser(h,"vbox",where,trace_vbox_vspacing,true,a_snapvbox) -- todo: local snapper
+            return tonode(h)
+        end
     end
     return head
 end
 
 function vspacing.collapsevbox(n) -- for boxes but using global a_snapmethod
-    local box = texgetbox(n)
+    local box = getbox(n)
     if box then
-        local list = box.list
+        local list = getlist(box)
         if list then
-            box.list = vpack_node(collapser(list,"snapper","vbox",trace_vbox_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod))
+            list = collapser(list,"snapper","vbox",trace_vbox_vspacing,true,a_snapmethod)
+            setfield(box,"list",vpack_node(list))
         end
     end
 end
@@ -1352,7 +1381,9 @@ end
 local outer = texnest[0]
 
 function vspacing.resetprevdepth()
-    outer.prevdepth = 0
+    if texlists.hold_head then
+        outer.prevdepth = 0
+    end
 end
 
 -- interface
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf b/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
index 7782770b4..357d89ed7 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-files.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf b/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
index e1fb8dcc7..3d1e83812 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
+++ b/tex/context/base/status-lua.pdf
diff --git a/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua b/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
index b3a6e8f35..258787d0a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/strc-mar.lua
@@ -19,14 +19,27 @@ local commands           = commands
 local allocate           = utilities.storage.allocate
 local setmetatableindex  = table.setmetatableindex
 
-local traversenodes      = nodes.traverse
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+local getbox             = nuts.getbox
+
+local traversenodes      = nuts.traverse
+
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
 local hlist_code         = nodecodes.hlist
 local vlist_code         = nodecodes.vlist
 
 local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
-local texgetbox          = tex.getbox
 
 local a_marks            = attributes.private("structure","marks")
 
@@ -106,9 +119,9 @@ end
 
 local function sweep(head,first,last)
     for n in traversenodes(head) do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local a = n[a_marks]
+            local a = getattr(n,a_marks)
             if not a then
                 -- next
             elseif first == 0 then
@@ -118,7 +131,7 @@ local function sweep(head,first,last)
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
             if boxes_too then
-                local a = n[a_marks]
+                local a = getattr(n,a_marks)
                 if not a then
                     -- next
                 elseif first == 0 then
@@ -127,7 +140,7 @@ local function sweep(head,first,last)
                     last = a
                 end
             end
-            local list = n.list
+            local list = getlist(n)
             if list then
                 first, last = sweep(list,first,last)
             end
@@ -143,9 +156,9 @@ setmetatableindex(classes, function(t,k) local s = settings_to_array(k) t[k] = s
 local lasts = { }
 
 function marks.synchronize(class,n,option)
-    local box = texgetbox(n)
+    local box = getbox(n)
     if box then
-        local first, last = sweep(box.list,0,0)
+        local first, last = sweep(getlist(box),0,0)
         if option == v_keep and first == 0 and last == 0 then
             if trace_marks_get or trace_marks_set then
                 report_marks("action %a, class %a, box %a","retain at synchronize",class,n)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/supp-box.lua b/tex/context/base/supp-box.lua
index 27078f46f..3c5a3383d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/supp-box.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/supp-box.lua
@@ -26,101 +26,118 @@ local glue_code    = nodecodes.glue
 local kern_code    = nodecodes.kern
 local glyph_code   = nodecodes.glyph
 
-local new_penalty  = nodes.pool.penalty
-local new_hlist    = nodes.pool.hlist
-local new_glue     = nodes.pool.glue
+local nuts         = nodes.nuts
+local tonut        = nuts.tonut
+local tonode       = nuts.tonode
 
-local free_node    = nodes.free
-local copy_list    = nodes.copy_list
-local copy_node    = nodes.copy
-local find_tail    = nodes.tail
+local getfield     = nuts.getfield
+local getnext      = nuts.getnext
+local getprev      = nuts.getprev
+local getid        = nuts.getid
+local getlist      = nuts.getlist
+local getattribute = nuts.getattribute
+local getbox       = nuts.getbox
+
+local setfield     = nuts.setfield
+local setbox       = nuts.setbox
+
+local free_node    = nuts.free
+local copy_list    = nuts.copy_list
+local copy_node    = nuts.copy
+local find_tail    = nuts.tail
+
+local listtoutf    = nodes.listtoutf
+
+local nodepool     = nuts.pool
+local new_penalty  = nodepool.penalty
+local new_hlist    = nodepool.hlist
+local new_glue     = nodepool.glue
 
-local texsetbox    = tex.setbox
-local texgetbox    = tex.getbox
 local texget       = tex.get
 
-local function hyphenatedlist(list)
-    while list do
-        local id, next, prev = list.id, list.next, list.prev
+local function hyphenatedlist(head)
+    local current = head and tonut(head)
+    while current do
+        local id   = getid(current)
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        local prev = getprev(current)
         if id == disc_code then
-            local hyphen = list.pre
+            local hyphen = getfield(current,"pre")
             if hyphen then
                 local penalty = new_penalty(-500)
-                hyphen.next, penalty.prev = penalty, hyphen
-                prev.next, next.prev = hyphen, penalty
-                penalty.next, hyphen.prev = next, prev
-                list.pre = nil
-                free_node(list)
+                -- insert_after etc
+                setfield(hyphen,"next",penalty)
+                setfield(penalty,"prev",hyphen)
+                setfield(prev,"next",hyphen)
+                setfield(next,"prev", penalty)
+                setfield(penalty,"next",next)
+                setfield(hyphen,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(current,"pre",nil)
+                free_node(current)
             end
         elseif id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
-            hyphenatedlist(list.list)
+            hyphenatedlist(getlist(current))
         end
-        list = next
+        current = next
     end
 end
 
 commands.hyphenatedlist = hyphenatedlist
 
 function commands.showhyphenatedinlist(list)
-    report_hyphenation("show: %s",nodes.listtoutf(list,false,true))
+    report_hyphenation("show: %s",listtoutf(tonut(list),false,true))
 end
 
 local function checkedlist(list)
     if type(list) == "number" then
-        return texgetbox(list).list
+        return getlist(getbox(tonut(list)))
     else
-        return list
+        return tonut(list)
     end
 end
 
-local function applytochars(list,what,nested)
-    local doaction = context[what or "ruledhbox"]
-    local noaction = context
-    local current  = checkedlist(list)
+local function applytochars(current,doaction,noaction,nested)
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if nested and (id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code) then
             context.beginhbox()
-            applytochars(current.list,what,nested)
+            applytochars(getlist(current),what,nested)
             context.endhbox()
         elseif id ~= glyph_code then
-            noaction(copy_node(current))
+            noaction(tonode(copy_node(current)))
         else
-            doaction(copy_node(current))
+            doaction(tonode(copy_node(current)))
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
 end
 
-local function applytowords(list,what,nested)
-    local doaction = context[what or "ruledhbox"]
-    local noaction = context
-    local current  = checkedlist(list)
+local function applytowords(current,doaction,noaction,nested)
     local start
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glue_code then
             if start then
-                doaction(copy_list(start,current))
+                doaction(tonode(copy_list(start,current)))
                 start = nil
             end
-            noaction(copy_node(current))
+            noaction(tonode(copy_node(current)))
         elseif nested and (id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code) then
             context.beginhbox()
-            applytowords(current.list,what,nested)
+            applytowords(getlist(current),what,nested)
             context.egroup()
         elseif not start then
             start = current
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if start then
-        doaction(copy_list(start))
+        doaction(tonode(copy_list(start)))
     end
 end
 
-commands.applytochars = applytochars
-commands.applytowords = applytowords
+commands.applytochars = function(list,what,nested) applytochars(checkedlist(list),context[what or "ruledhbox"],context,nested) end
+commands.applytowords = function(list,what,nested) applytowords(checkedlist(list),context[what or "ruledhbox"],context,nested) end
 
 local split_char = lpeg.Ct(lpeg.C(1)^0)
 local split_word = lpeg.tsplitat(lpeg.patterns.space)
@@ -176,36 +193,36 @@ end
 local a_vboxtohboxseparator = attributes.private("vboxtohboxseparator")
 
 function commands.vboxlisttohbox(original,target,inbetween)
-    local current = texgetbox(original).list
+    local current = getlist(getbox(original))
     local head = nil
     local tail = nil
     while current do
-        local id   = current.id
-        local next = current.next
+        local id   = getid(current)
+        local next = getnext(current)
         if id == hlist_code then
-            local list = current.list
+            local list = getlist(current)
             if head then
                 if inbetween > 0 then
                     local n = new_glue(0,0,inbetween)
-                    tail.next = n
-                    n.prev = tail
+                    setfield(tail,"next",n)
+                    setfield(n,"prev",tail)
                     tail = n
                 end
-                tail.next = list
-                list.prev = tail
+                setfield(tail,"next",list)
+                setfield(list,"prev",tail)
             else
                 head = list
             end
             tail = find_tail(list)
             -- remove last separator
-            if tail.id == hlist_code and tail[a_vboxtohboxseparator] == 1 then
+            if getid(tail) == hlist_code and getattribute(tail,a_vboxtohboxseparator) == 1 then
                 local temp = tail
-                local prev = tail.prev
+                local prev = getprev(tail)
                 if next then
-                    local list = tail.list
-                    prev.next = list
-                    list.prev = prev
-                    tail.list = nil
+                    local list = getlist(tail)
+                    setfield(prev,"next",list)
+                    setfield(list,"prev",prev)
+                    setfield(tail,"list",nil)
                     tail = find_tail(list)
                 else
                     tail = prev
@@ -213,21 +230,21 @@ function commands.vboxlisttohbox(original,target,inbetween)
                 free_node(temp)
             end
             -- done
-            tail.next = nil
-            current.list = nil
+            setfield(tail,"next",nil)
+            setfield(current,"list",nil)
         end
         current = next
     end
     local result = new_hlist()
-    result.list = head
-    texsetbox(target,result)
+    setfield(result,"list",head)
+    setbox(target,result)
 end
 
 function commands.hboxtovbox(original)
-    local b = texgetbox(original)
+    local b = getbox(original)
     local factor = texget("baselineskip").width / texget("hsize")
-    b.depth = 0
-    b.height = b.width * factor
+    setfield(b,"depth",0)
+    setfield(b,"height",getfield(b,"width") * factor)
 end
 
 function commands.boxtostring(n)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua b/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
index 488ef5b78..653eb6e08 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/tabl-xtb.lua
@@ -25,18 +25,21 @@ this mechamism will be improved so that it can replace its older cousin.
 
 -- todo: use linked list instead of r/c array
 
-local commands, context, tex, node = commands, context, tex, node
+local tonumber = tonumber
 
-local texgetcount = tex.getcount
-local texsetcount = tex.setcount
-local texgetbox   = tex.getbox
-local texgetdimen = tex.getdimen
-local texsetdimen = tex.setdimen
-local texget      = tex.get
+local commands                = commands
+local context                 = context
+local tex                     = tex
+
+local texgetcount             = tex.getcount
+local texsetcount             = tex.setcount
+local texgetdimen             = tex.getdimen
+local texsetdimen             = tex.setdimen
+local texget                  = tex.get
 
-local format      = string.format
-local concat      = table.concat
-local points      = number.points
+local format                  = string.format
+local concat                  = table.concat
+local points                  = number.points
 
 local context                 = context
 local context_beginvbox       = context.beginvbox
@@ -49,13 +52,23 @@ local variables               = interfaces.variables
 local setmetatableindex       = table.setmetatableindex
 local settings_to_hash        = utilities.parsers.settings_to_hash
 
-local copy_node_list          = node.copy_list
-local hpack_node_list         = node.hpack
-local vpack_node_list         = node.vpack
-local slide_node_list         = node.slide
-local flush_node_list         = node.flush_list
+local nuts                    = nodes.nuts -- here nuts gain hardly nothing
+local tonut                   = nuts.tonut
+local tonode                  = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext                 = nuts.getnext
+local getprev                 = nuts.getprev
+local getlist                 = nuts.getlist
+local getfield                = nuts.getfield
+local getbox                  = nuts.getbox
+
+local setfield                = nuts.setfield
 
-local nodepool                = nodes.pool
+local copy_node_list          = nuts.copy_list
+local hpack_node_list         = nuts.hpack
+local flush_node_list         = nuts.flush_list
+
+local nodepool                = nuts.pool
 
 local new_glue                = nodepool.glue
 local new_kern                = nodepool.kern
@@ -215,20 +228,20 @@ function xtables.set_reflow_width()
     while row[c].span do -- can also be previous row ones
         c = c + 1
     end
-    local tb = texgetbox("b_tabl_x")
+    local tb = getbox("b_tabl_x")
     local drc = row[c]
     --
     drc.list = true -- we don't need to keep the content around as we're in trial mode (no: copy_node_list(tb))
     --
-    local widths, width = data.widths, tb.width
+    local widths, width = data.widths, getfield(tb,"width")
     if width > widths[c] then
         widths[c] = width
     end
-    local heights, height = data.heights, tb.height
+    local heights, height = data.heights, getfield(tb,"height")
     if height > heights[r] then
         heights[r] = height
     end
-    local depths, depth = data.depths, tb.depth
+    local depths, depth = data.depths, getfield(tb,"depth")
     if depth > depths[r] then
         depths[r] = depth
     end
@@ -319,14 +332,14 @@ function xtables.set_reflow_height()
  -- while row[c].span do -- we could adapt drc.nx instead
  --     c = c + 1
  -- end
-    local tb = texgetbox("b_tabl_x")
+    local tb = getbox("b_tabl_x")
     local drc = row[c]
     if data.fixedrows[r] == 0 then --  and drc.dimensionstate < 2
-        local heights, height = data.heights, tb.height
+        local heights, height = data.heights, getfield(tb,"height")
         if height > heights[r] then
             heights[r] = height
         end
-        local depths, depth = data.depths, tb.depth
+        local depths, depth = data.depths, getfield(tb,"depth")
         if depth > depths[r] then
             depths[r] = depth
         end
@@ -373,7 +386,7 @@ function xtables.set_construct()
  -- end
     local drc = row[c]
     -- this will change as soon as in luatex we can reset a box list without freeing
-    drc.list = copy_node_list(texgetbox("b_tabl_x"))
+    drc.list = copy_node_list(getbox("b_tabl_x"))
  -- c = c + drc.nx - 1
  -- data.currentcolumn = c
 end
@@ -646,23 +659,23 @@ function xtables.construct()
             end
             local list = drc.list
             if list then
-                list.shift = list.height + list.depth
+                setfield(list,"shift",getfield(list,"height") + getfield(list,"depth"))
              -- list = hpack_node_list(list) -- is somehow needed
-             -- list.width = 0
-             -- list.height = 0
-             -- list.depth = 0
+             -- setfield(list,"width",0)
+             -- setfield(list,"height",0)
+             -- setfield(list,"depth",0)
                 -- faster:
                 local h = new_hlist()
-                h.list = list
+                setfield(h,"list",list)
                 list = h
                 --
                 if start then
-                    stop.next = list
-                    list.prev = stop
+                    setfield(stop,"next",list)
+                    setfield(list,"prev",stop)
                 else
                     start = list
                 end
-                stop = list -- one node anyway, so not needed: slide_node_list(list)
+                stop = list
             end
             local step = widths[c]
             if c < nofcolumns then
@@ -670,8 +683,8 @@ function xtables.construct()
             end
             local kern = new_kern(step)
             if stop then
-                stop.next = kern
-                kern.prev = stop
+                setfield(stop,"next",kern)
+                setfield(kern,"prev",stop)
             else -- can be first spanning next row (ny=...)
                 start = kern
             end
@@ -680,8 +693,8 @@ function xtables.construct()
         if start then
             if rightmargindistance > 0 then
                 local kern = new_kern(rightmargindistance)
-                stop.next = kern
-                kern.prev = stop
+                setfield(stop,"next",kern)
+                setfield(kern,"prev",stop)
              -- stop = kern
             end
             return start, heights[r] + depths[r], hasspan
@@ -721,7 +734,7 @@ function xtables.construct()
         texsetdimen("global","d_tabl_x_final_width",0)
     else
         texsetcount("global","c_tabl_x_state",1)
-        texsetdimen("global","d_tabl_x_final_width",body[1][1].width)
+        texsetdimen("global","d_tabl_x_final_width",getfield(body[1][1],"width"))
     end
 end
 
@@ -734,8 +747,8 @@ local function inject(row,copy,package)
     end
     if package then
         context_beginvbox()
-        context(list)
-        context(new_kern(row[2]))
+        context(tonode(list))
+        context(tonode(new_kern(row[2])))
         context_endvbox()
         context_nointerlineskip() -- figure out a better way
         if row[4] then
@@ -743,13 +756,13 @@ local function inject(row,copy,package)
         elseif row[3] then
             context_blank(row[3] .. "sp") -- why blank ?
         else
-            context(new_glue(0))
+            context(tonode(new_glue(0)))
         end
     else
-        context(list)
-        context(new_kern(row[2]))
+        context(tonode(list))
+        context(tonode(new_kern(row[2])))
         if row[3] then
-            context(new_glue(row[3]))
+            context(tonode(new_glue(row[3])))
         end
     end
 end
@@ -822,7 +835,7 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                         inject(head[i],repeatheader)
                     end
                     if rowdistance > 0 then
-                        context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                        context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
                     end
                     if not repeatheader then
                         results[head_mode] = { }
@@ -835,7 +848,7 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                         inject(more[i],true)
                     end
                     if rowdistance > 0 then
-                        context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                        context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
                     end
                 end
             elseif headsize > 0 and repeatheader then -- following chunk gets head
@@ -845,7 +858,7 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                         inject(head[i],true)
                     end
                     if rowdistance > 0 then
-                        context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                        context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
                     end
                 end
             else -- following chunk gets nothing
@@ -872,7 +885,7 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                     -- all is flushed and footer fits
                     if footsize > 0 then
                         if rowdistance > 0 then
-                            context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                            context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
                         end
                         for i=1,#foot do
                             inject(foot[i])
@@ -886,7 +899,7 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                     -- todo: try to flush a few more lines
                     if repeatfooter and footsize > 0 then
                         if rowdistance > 0 then
-                            context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                            context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
                         end
                         for i=1,#foot do
                             inject(foot[i],true)
@@ -938,13 +951,13 @@ function xtables.flush(directives) -- todo split by size / no inbetween then ..
                 inject(head[i])
             end
             if #head > 0 and rowdistance > 0 then
-                context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
             end
             for i=1,#body do
                 inject(body[i])
             end
             if #foot > 0 and rowdistance > 0 then
-                context(new_glue(rowdistance))
+                context(tonode(new_glue(rowdistance)))
             end
             for i=1,#foot do
                 inject(foot[i])
@@ -964,6 +977,24 @@ function xtables.cleanup()
             flush_node_list(r[1])
         end
     end
+
+    -- local rows = data.rows
+    -- for i=1,#rows do
+    --     local row = rows[i]
+    --     for i=1,#row do
+    --         local cell = row[i]
+    --         local list = cell.list
+    --         if list then
+    --             cell.width  = getfield(list,"width")
+    --             cell.height = getfield(list,"height")
+    --             cell.depth  = getfield(list,"depth")
+    --             cell.list   = true
+    --         end
+    --     end
+    -- end
+    -- data.result = nil
+    -- inspect(data)
+
     data = table.remove(stack)
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-jus.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-jus.lua
index 38220a752..d95e48816 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-jus.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-jus.lua
@@ -14,14 +14,29 @@ typesetters.checkers      = checkers
 local a_alignstate        = attributes.private("alignstate")
 local a_justification     = attributes.private("justification")
 
-local tracers             = nodes.tracers
-local tracedrule          = tracers.rule
-
-local new_rule            = nodes.pool.rule
-local new_hlist           = nodes.pool.hlist
-local new_glue            = nodes.pool.glue
-local new_kern            = nodes.pool.kern
-local get_list_dimensions = node.dimensions
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+local setlist             = nuts.setlist
+
+local traverse_id         = nuts.travers_id
+local get_list_dimensions = nuts.dimensions
+local linked_nodes        = nuts.linked
+local copy_node           = nuts.copy
+
+local tracedrule          = nodes.tracers.pool.nuts.rule
+
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
+
+local new_rule            = nodepool.rule
+local new_hlist           = nodepool.hlist
+local new_glue            = nodepool.glue
+local new_kern            = nodepool.kern
+
 local hlist_code          = nodes.nodecodes.hlist
 
 local texsetattribute     = tex.setattribute
@@ -59,34 +74,35 @@ trackers.register("visualizers.justification", function(v)
 end)
 
 function checkers.handler(head)
-    for current in node.traverse_id(hlist_code,head) do
-        if current[a_justification] == 1 then
-            current[a_justification] = 0
-            local width = current.width
+    for current in traverse_id(hlist_code,tonut(head)) do
+        if getattr(current,a_justification) == 1 then
+            setattr(current,a_justification,0)
+            local width = setfield(current,"width")
             if width > 0 then
-                local list = current.list
+                local list = getlist(current)
                 if list then
                     local naturalwidth, naturalheight, naturaldepth = get_list_dimensions(list)
                     local delta = naturalwidth - width
                     if naturalwidth == 0 or delta == 0 then
                         -- special box
                     elseif delta >= max_threshold then
-                        local rule = tracedrule(delta,naturalheight,naturaldepth,list.glue_set == 1 and "trace:dr"or "trace:db")
-                        current.list = list .. new_hlist(rule)
+                        local rule = tracedrule(delta,naturalheight,naturaldepth,getfield(list,"glue_set") == 1 and "trace:dr" or "trace:db")
+                        setfield(current,"list",linked_nodes(list,new_hlist(rule)))
                     elseif delta <= min_threshold then
-                        local alignstate = list[a_alignstate]
+                        local alignstate = getattr(list,a_alignstate)
                         if alignstate == 1 then
                             local rule = tracedrule(-delta,naturalheight,naturaldepth,"trace:dc")
-                            current.list = new_hlist(rule) .. list
+                            setfield(current,"list",linked_nodes(new_hlist(rule),list))
                         elseif alignstate == 2 then
-                            local rule = tracedrule(-delta/2,naturalheight,naturaldepth,"trace:dy")
-                            current.list = new_hlist(rule^1) .. list .. new_kern(delta/2) .. new_hlist(rule)
+                            local lrule = tracedrule(-delta/2,naturalheight,naturaldepth,"trace:dy")
+                            local rrule = copy_node(lrule)
+                            setfield(current,"list",linked_nodes(new_hlist(lrule),list,new_kern(delta/2),new_hlist(rrule)))
                         elseif alignstate == 3 then
                             local rule = tracedrule(-delta,naturalheight,naturaldepth,"trace:dm")
-                            current.list = list .. new_kern(delta) .. new_hlist(rule)
+                            setfield(current,"list",linked_nodes(list,new_kern(delta),new_hlist(rule)))
                         else
                             local rule = tracedrule(-delta,naturalheight,naturaldepth,"trace:dg")
-                            current.list = list .. new_kern(delta) .. new_hlist(rule)
+                            setfield(current,"list",linked_nodes(list,new_kern(delta),new_hlist(rule)))
                         end
                     end
                 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-par.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-par.lua
deleted file mode 100644
index 262a9cc33..000000000
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-par.lua
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,125 +0,0 @@
--- for the moment here:
-
-local utfchar = utf.char
-local concat = table.concat
-
-local nodecodes     = nodes.nodecodes
-local hlist_code    = nodecodes.hlist
-local vlist_code    = nodecodes.vlist
-local glyph_code    = nodecodes.glyph
-local kern_code     = nodecodes.kern
-local setnodecolor  = nodes.tracers.colors.set
-local parameters    = fonts.hashes.parameters
-local basepoints    = number.basepoints
-
--- definecolor[hz:positive] [r=0.6]
--- definecolor[hz:negative] [g=0.6]
--- definecolor[hz:zero]     [b=0.6]
-
--- scale = multiplier + ef/multiplier
-
-local trace_both    = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.expansion.both",    function(v) trace_verbose = false trace_both  = v end)
-local trace_verbose = false  trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.expansion.verbose", function(v) trace_verbose = v     trace_color = v end)
-
-local report_verbose = logs.reporter("fonts","expansion")
-
-local function colorize(n)
-    local size, font, ef, width, list, flush, length
-    if trace_verbose then
-        width  = 0
-        length = 0
-        list   = { }
-        flush  = function()
-            if length > 0 then
-                report_verbose("%0.3f : %10s  %10s  %s",ef/1000,basepoints(width),basepoints(width*ef/1000000),concat(list,"",1,length))
-                width  = 0
-                length = 0
-            end
-        end
-    else
-        length = 0
-    end
-    -- tricky: the built-in method creates dummy fonts and the last line normally has the
-    -- original font and that one then has ex.auto set
-    while n do
-        local id = n.id
-        if id == glyph_code then
-            local ne = n.expansion_factor
-            if ne == 0 then
-                if length > 0 then flush() end
-                setnodecolor(n,"hz:zero")
-            else
-                local f = n.font
-                if f ~= font then
-                    if length > 0 then
-                        flush()
-                    end
-                    local pf = parameters[f]
-                    local ex = pf.expansion
-                    if ex and ex.auto then
-                        size = pf.size
-                        font = f -- save lookups
-                    else
-                        size = false
-                    end
-                end
-                if size then
-                    if ne ~= ef then
-                        if length > 0 then
-                            flush()
-                        end
-                        ef = ne
-                    end
-                    if ef > 1 then
-                        setnodecolor(n,"hz:plus")
-                    elseif ef < 1 then
-                        setnodecolor(n,"hz:minus")
-                    else
-                        setnodecolor(n,"hz:zero")
-                    end
-                    if trace_verbose then
-                        length = length + 1
-                        list[length] = utfchar(n.char)
-                        width = width + n.width -- no kerning yet
-                    end
-                end
-            end
-        elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            if length > 0 then
-                flush()
-            end
-            colorize(n.list,flush)
-        else -- nothing to show on kerns
-            if length > 0 then
-                flush()
-            end
-        end
-        n = n.next
-    end
-    if length > 0 then
-        flush()
-    end
-end
-
-builders.paragraphs.expansion = builders.paragraphs.expansion or { }
-
-function builders.paragraphs.expansion.trace(head)
-    colorize(head,true)
-    return head
-end
-
-local tasks = nodes.tasks
-
-tasks.prependaction("shipouts","normalizers","builders.paragraphs.expansion.trace")
-tasks.disableaction("shipouts","builders.paragraphs.expansion.trace")
-
-local function set(v)
-    if v then
-        tasks.enableaction("shipouts","builders.paragraphs.expansion.trace")
-    else
-        tasks.disableaction("shipouts","builders.paragraphs.expansion.trace")
-    end
-end
-
-trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.expansion.verbose",set)
-trackers.register("builders.paragraphs.expansion.both",set)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/trac-vis.lua b/tex/context/base/trac-vis.lua
index dc8bcc5e7..420e9a00d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/trac-vis.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/trac-vis.lua
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ local formatters = string.formatters
 -- todo: inline concat (more efficient)
 
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
+local disc_code           = nodecodes.disc
 local kern_code           = nodecodes.kern
 local glyph_code          = nodecodes.glyph
 local hlist_code          = nodecodes.hlist
@@ -58,21 +59,41 @@ local rightskip_code      = gluecodes.rightskip
 
 local whatsitcodes        = nodes.whatsitcodes
 
-local hpack_nodes         = node.hpack
-local vpack_nodes         = node.vpack
-local fast_hpack_string   = nodes.typesetters.fast_hpack
-local copy_node           = node.copy
-local copy_list           = node.copy_list
-local free_node           = node.free
-local free_node_list      = node.flush_list
-local insert_node_before  = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after   = node.insert_after
-local fast_hpack          = nodes.fasthpack
-local traverse_nodes      = node.traverse
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+local getfont             = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+local getbox              = nuts.getbox
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getleader           = nuts.getleader
+
+local hpack_nodes         = nuts.hpack
+local vpack_nodes         = nuts.vpack
+local copy_node           = nuts.copy
+local copy_list           = nuts.copy_list
+local free_node           = nuts.free
+local free_node_list      = nuts.flush_list
+local insert_node_before  = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local traverse_nodes      = nuts.traverse
+local linked_nodes        = nuts.linked
+
+local fast_hpack          = nuts.fasthpack
+local fast_hpack_string   = nuts.typesetters.fast_hpack
 
 local texgetattribute     = tex.getattribute
 local texsetattribute     = tex.setattribute
-local texgetbox           = tex.getbox
+
 local unsetvalue          = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 local current_font        = font.current
@@ -81,7 +102,7 @@ local exheights           = fonts.hashes.exheights
 local emwidths            = fonts.hashes.emwidths
 local pt_factor           = number.dimenfactors.pt
 
-local nodepool            = nodes.pool
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
 local new_rule            = nodepool.rule
 local new_kern            = nodepool.kern
 local new_glue            = nodepool.glue
@@ -293,39 +314,39 @@ local c_white_d    = "trace:dw"
 
 local function sometext(str,layer,color,textcolor) -- we can just paste verbatim together .. no typesteting needed
     local text = fast_hpack_string(str,usedfont)
-    local size = text.width
+    local size = getfield(text,"width")
     local rule = new_rule(size,2*exheight,exheight/2)
     local kern = new_kern(-size)
     if color then
         setcolor(rule,color)
     end
     if textcolor then
-        setlistcolor(text.list,textcolor)
+        setlistcolor(getlist(text),textcolor)
     end
-    local info = rule .. kern .. text
+    local info = linked_nodes(rule,kern,text)
     setlisttransparency(info,c_zero)
     info = fast_hpack(info)
     if layer then
-        info[a_layer] = layer
+        setattr(info,a_layer,layer)
     end
-    local width = info.width
-    info.width = 0
-    info.height = 0
-    info.depth = 0
+    local width = getfield(info,"width")
+    setfield(info,"width",0)
+    setfield(info,"height",0)
+    setfield(info,"depth",0)
     return info, width
 end
 
 local f_cache = { }
 
 local function fontkern(head,current)
-    local kern = current.kern
+    local kern = getfield(current,"kern")
     local info = f_cache[kern]
     if info then
         -- print("hit fontkern")
     else
         local text = fast_hpack_string(formatters[" %0.3f"](kern*pt_factor),usedfont)
         local rule = new_rule(emwidth/10,6*exheight,2*exheight)
-        local list = text.list
+        local list = getlist(text)
         if kern > 0 then
             setlistcolor(list,c_positive_d)
         elseif kern < 0 then
@@ -335,13 +356,12 @@ local function fontkern(head,current)
         end
         setlisttransparency(list,c_text_d)
         settransparency(rule,c_text_d)
-        text.shift = -5 * exheight
-        info = rule .. text
-        info = fast_hpack(info)
-        info[a_layer] = l_fontkern
-        info.width = 0
-        info.height = 0
-        info.depth = 0
+        setfield(text,"shift",-5 * exheight)
+        info = fast_hpack(linked_nodes(rule,text))
+        setattr(info,a_layer,l_fontkern)
+        setfield(info,"width",0)
+        setfield(info,"height",0)
+        setfield(info,"depth",0)
         f_cache[kern] = info
     end
     head = insert_node_before(head,current,copy_list(info))
@@ -382,7 +402,7 @@ local tags = {
 }
 
 local function whatsit(head,current)
-    local what = current.subtype
+    local what = getsubtype(current)
     local info = w_cache[what]
     if info then
         -- print("hit whatsit")
@@ -390,7 +410,7 @@ local function whatsit(head,current)
         local tag = whatsitcodes[what]
         -- maybe different text colors per tag
         info = sometext(formatters["W:%s"](tag and tags[tag] or what),usedfont,nil,c_white)
-        info[a_layer] = l_whatsit
+        setattr(info,a_layer,l_whatsit)
         w_cache[what] = info
     end
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copy_list(info))
@@ -398,13 +418,13 @@ local function whatsit(head,current)
 end
 
 local function user(head,current)
-    local what = current.subtype
+    local what = getsubtype(current)
     local info = w_cache[what]
     if info then
         -- print("hit user")
     else
         info = sometext(formatters["U:%s"](what),usedfont)
-        info[a_layer] = l_user
+        setattr(info,a_layer,l_user)
         w_cache[what] = info
     end
     head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copy_list(info))
@@ -414,14 +434,14 @@ end
 local b_cache = { }
 
 local function ruledbox(head,current,vertical,layer,what,simple,previous)
-    local wd = current.width
+    local wd = getfield(current,"width")
     if wd ~= 0 then
-        local ht = current.height
-        local dp = current.depth
-        local next = current.next
-        local prev = previous -- current.prev ... prev can be wrong in math mode
-        current.next = nil
-        current.prev = nil
+        local ht = getfield(current,"height")
+        local dp = getfield(current,"depth")
+        local next = getnext(current)
+        local prev = previous -- getprev(current) ... prev can be wrong in math mode
+        setfield(current,"next",nil)
+        setfield(current,"prev",nil)
         local linewidth = emwidth/10
         local baseline, baseskip
         if dp ~= 0 and ht ~= 0 then
@@ -430,16 +450,16 @@ local function ruledbox(head,current,vertical,layer,what,simple,previous)
                 if not baseline then
                     -- due to an optimized leader color/transparency we need to set the glue node in order
                     -- to trigger this mechanism
-                    local leader = new_glue(2*linewidth) .. new_rule(6*linewidth,linewidth,0) .. new_glue(2*linewidth)
+                    local leader = linked_nodes(new_glue(2*linewidth),new_rule(6*linewidth,linewidth,0),new_glue(2*linewidth))
                  -- setlisttransparency(leader,c_text)
                     leader = fast_hpack(leader)
                  -- setlisttransparency(leader,c_text)
                     baseline = new_glue(0)
-                    baseline.leader = leader
-                    baseline.subtype = cleaders_code
-                    local spec = baseline.spec
-                    spec.stretch = 65536
-                    spec.stretch_order = 2
+                    setfield(baseline,"leader",leader)
+                    setfield(baseline,"subtype",cleaders_code)
+                    local spec = getfield(baseline,"spec")
+                    setfield(spec,"stretch",65536)
+                    setfield(spec,"stretch_order",2)
                     setlisttransparency(baseline,c_text)
                     b_cache.baseline = baseline
                 end
@@ -461,47 +481,49 @@ local function ruledbox(head,current,vertical,layer,what,simple,previous)
             this = b_cache[what]
             if not this then
                 local text = fast_hpack_string(what,usedfont)
-                this = new_kern(-text.width) .. text
+                this = linked_nodes(new_kern(-getfield(text,"width")),text)
                 setlisttransparency(this,c_text)
                 this = fast_hpack(this)
-                this.width = 0
-                this.height = 0
-                this.depth = 0
+                setfield(this,"width",0)
+                setfield(this,"height",0)
+                setfield(this,"depth",0)
                 b_cache[what] = this
             end
         end
         -- we need to trigger the right mode (else sometimes no whatits)
-        local info =
-            (this and copy_list(this) or nil) ..
-            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp) ..
-            new_rule(wd-2*linewidth,-dp+linewidth,dp) ..
-            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp) ..
-            new_kern(-wd+linewidth) ..
+        local info = linked_nodes(
+            this and copy_list(this) or nil,
+            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp),
+            new_rule(wd-2*linewidth,-dp+linewidth,dp),
+            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp),
+            new_kern(-wd+linewidth),
             new_rule(wd-2*linewidth,ht,-ht+linewidth)
+        )
         if baseskip then
-            info = info .. baseskip .. baseline
+            info = linked_nodes(info,baseskip,baseline)
         end
         setlisttransparency(info,c_text)
         info = fast_hpack(info)
-        info.width = 0
-        info.height = 0
-        info.depth = 0
-        info[a_layer] = layer
-        local info = current .. new_kern(-wd) .. info
+        setfield(info,"width",0)
+        setfield(info,"height",0)
+        setfield(info,"depth",0)
+        setattr(info,a_layer,layer)
+        local info = linked_nodes(current,new_kern(-wd),info)
         info = fast_hpack(info,wd)
         if vertical then
             info = vpack_nodes(info)
         end
         if next then
-            info.next = next
-            next.prev = info
+            setfield(info,"next",next)
+            setfield(next,"prev",info)
         end
         if prev then
-            if prev.id == gluespec_code then
-                -- weird, how can this happen, an inline glue-spec
+            if getid(prev) == gluespec_code then
+                report_visualize("ignoring invalid prev")
+                -- weird, how can this happen, an inline glue-spec, probably math
             else
-                info.prev = prev
-                prev.next = info
+                setfield(info,"prev",prev)
+                setfield(prev,"next",info)
             end
         end
         if head == current then
@@ -515,14 +537,14 @@ local function ruledbox(head,current,vertical,layer,what,simple,previous)
 end
 
 local function ruledglyph(head,current,previous)
-    local wd = current.width
+    local wd = getfield(current,"width")
     if wd ~= 0 then
-        local ht = current.height
-        local dp = current.depth
-        local next = current.next
+        local ht = getfield(current,"height")
+        local dp = getfield(current,"depth")
+        local next = getnext(current)
         local prev = previous
-        current.next = nil
-        current.prev = nil
+        setfield(current,"next",nil)
+        setfield(current,"prev",nil)
         local linewidth = emwidth/20
         local baseline
         if dp ~= 0 and ht ~= 0 then
@@ -530,31 +552,32 @@ local function ruledglyph(head,current,previous)
         end
         local doublelinewidth = 2*linewidth
         -- could be a pdf rule
-        local info =
-            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp) ..
-            new_rule(wd-doublelinewidth,-dp+linewidth,dp) ..
-            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp) ..
-            new_kern(-wd+linewidth) ..
-            new_rule(wd-doublelinewidth,ht,-ht+linewidth) ..
-            new_kern(-wd+doublelinewidth) ..
+        local info = linked_nodes(
+            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp),
+            new_rule(wd-doublelinewidth,-dp+linewidth,dp),
+            new_rule(linewidth,ht,dp),
+            new_kern(-wd+linewidth),
+            new_rule(wd-doublelinewidth,ht,-ht+linewidth),
+            new_kern(-wd+doublelinewidth),
             baseline
+        )
         setlistcolor(info,c_glyph)
         setlisttransparency(info,c_glyph_d)
         info = fast_hpack(info)
-        info.width = 0
-        info.height = 0
-        info.depth = 0
-        info[a_layer] = l_glyph
-        local info = current .. new_kern(-wd) .. info
+        setfield(info,"width",0)
+        setfield(info,"height",0)
+        setfield(info,"depth",0)
+        setattr(info,a_layer,l_glyph)
+        local info = linked_nodes(current,new_kern(-wd),info)
         info = fast_hpack(info)
-        info.width = wd
+        setfield(info,"width",wd)
         if next then
-            info.next = next
-            next.prev = info
+            setfield(info,"next",next)
+            setfield(next,"prev",info)
         end
         if prev then
-            info.prev = prev
-            prev.next = info
+            setfield(info,"prev",prev)
+            setfield(prev,"next",info)
         end
         if head == current then
             return info, info
@@ -599,9 +622,9 @@ local tags = {
 -- we sometimes pass previous as we can have issues in math (not watertight for all)
 
 local function ruledglue(head,current,vertical)
-    local spec = current.spec
-    local width = spec.width
-    local subtype = current.subtype
+    local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
+    local width = getfield(spec,"width")
+    local subtype = getsubtype(current)
     local amount = formatters["%s:%0.3f"](tags[subtype] or (vertical and "VS") or "HS",width*pt_factor)
     local info = g_cache[amount]
     if info then
@@ -629,13 +652,13 @@ local function ruledglue(head,current,vertical)
         info = vpack_nodes(info)
     end
     head, current = insert_node_before(head,current,info)
-    return head, current.next
+    return head, getnext(current)
 end
 
 local k_cache = { }
 
 local function ruledkern(head,current,vertical)
-    local kern = current.kern
+    local kern = getfield(current,"kern")
     local info = k_cache[kern]
     if info then
         -- print("kern hit")
@@ -655,13 +678,13 @@ local function ruledkern(head,current,vertical)
         info = vpack_nodes(info)
     end
     head, current = insert_node_before(head,current,info)
-    return head, current.next
+    return head, getnext(current)
 end
 
 local p_cache = { }
 
 local function ruledpenalty(head,current,vertical)
-    local penalty = current.penalty
+    local penalty = getfield(current,"penalty")
     local info = p_cache[penalty]
     if info then
         -- print("penalty hit")
@@ -681,7 +704,7 @@ local function ruledpenalty(head,current,vertical)
         info = vpack_nodes(info)
     end
     head, current = insert_node_before(head,current,info)
-    return head, current.next
+    return head, getnext(current)
 end
 
 local function visualize(head,vertical)
@@ -702,8 +725,8 @@ local function visualize(head,vertical)
     local attr           = unsetvalue
     local prev_trace_fontkern = nil
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
-        local a = current[a_visual] or unsetvalue
+        local id = getid(current)
+        local a = getattr(current,a_visual) or unsetvalue
         if a ~= attr then
             prev_trace_fontkern = trace_fontkern
             if a == unsetvalue then
@@ -736,30 +759,30 @@ local function visualize(head,vertical)
             attr = a
         end
         if trace_strut then
-            current[a_layer] = l_strut
+            setattr(current,a_layer,l_strut)
         elseif id == glyph_code then
             if trace_glyph then
                 head, current = ruledglyph(head,current,previous)
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
             if trace_glyph then
-                local pre = current.pre
+                local pre = getfield(current,"pre")
                 if pre then
-                    current.pre = ruledglyph(pre,pre)
+                    setfield(current,"pre",ruledglyph(pre,pre))
                 end
-                local post = current.post
+                local post = getfield(current,"post")
                 if post then
-                    current.post = ruledglyph(post,post)
+                    setfield(current,"post",ruledglyph(post,post))
                 end
-                local replace = current.replace
+                local replace = getfield(current,"replace")
                 if replace then
-                    current.replace = ruledglyph(replace,replace)
+                    setfield(current,"replace",ruledglyph(replace,replace))
                 end
             end
         elseif id == kern_code then
-            local subtype = current.subtype
+            local subtype = getsubtype(current)
             -- tricky ... we don't copy the trace attribute in node-inj (yet)
-            if subtype == font_kern_code or current[a_fontkern] then
+            if subtype == font_kern_code or getattr(current,a_fontkern) then
                 if trace_fontkern or prev_trace_fontkern then
                     head, current = fontkern(head,current)
                 end
@@ -769,9 +792,9 @@ local function visualize(head,vertical)
                 end
             end
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            local content = current.leader
+            local content = getleader(current)
             if content then
-                current.leader = visualize(content,false)
+                setfield(current,"leader",visualize(content,false))
             elseif trace_glue then
                 head, current = ruledglue(head,current,vertical)
             end
@@ -780,21 +803,21 @@ local function visualize(head,vertical)
                 head, current = ruledpenalty(head,current,vertical)
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
-            current.pre = visualize(current.pre)
-            current.post = visualize(current.post)
-            current.replace = visualize(current.replace)
+            setfield(current,"pre",visualize(getfield(current,"pre")))
+            setfield(current,"post",isualize(getfield(current,"post")))
+            setfield(current,"replace",visualize(getfield(current,"replace")))
         elseif id == hlist_code then
-            local content = current.list
+            local content = getlist(current)
             if content then
-                current.list = visualize(content,false)
+                setfield(current,"list",visualize(content,false))
             end
             if trace_hbox then
                 head, current = ruledbox(head,current,false,l_hbox,"H__",trace_simple,previous)
             end
         elseif id == vlist_code then
-            local content = current.list
+            local content = getlist(current)
             if content then
-                current.list = visualize(content,true)
+                setfield(current,"list",visualize(content,true))
             end
             if trace_vtop then
                 head, current = ruledbox(head,current,true,l_vtop,"_T_",trace_simple,previous)
@@ -811,7 +834,7 @@ local function visualize(head,vertical)
             end
         end
         previous = current
-        current  = current.next
+        current  = getnext(current)
     end
     return head
 end
@@ -840,25 +863,36 @@ local function cleanup()
  -- report_visualize("cache: %s fontkerns, %s skips, %s penalties, %s kerns, %s whatsits, %s boxes",nf,ng,np,nk,nw,nb)
 end
 
-function visualizers.handler(head)
+local function handler(head)
     if usedfont then
         starttiming(visualizers)
      -- local l = texgetattribute(a_layer)
      -- local v = texgetattribute(a_visual)
      -- texsetattribute(a_layer,unsetvalue)
      -- texsetattribute(a_visual,unsetvalue)
-        head = visualize(head)
+        head = visualize(tonut(head))
      -- texsetattribute(a_layer,l)
      -- texsetattribute(a_visual,v)
      -- -- cleanup()
         stoptiming(visualizers)
+        return tonode(head), true
+    else
+        return head, false
     end
-    return head, false
 end
 
+visualizers.handler = handler
+
 function visualizers.box(n)
-    local box = texgetbox(n)
-    box.list = visualizers.handler(box.list)
+    if usedfont then
+        starttiming(visualizers)
+        local box = getbox(n)
+        setfield(box,"list",visualize(getlist(box)))
+        stoptiming(visualizers)
+        return head, true
+    else
+        return head, false
+    end
 end
 
 local last = nil
@@ -872,9 +906,9 @@ local mark = {
 
 local function markfonts(list)
     for n in traverse_nodes(list) do
-        local id = n.id
+        local id = getid(n)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local font = n.font
+            local font = getfont(n)
             local okay = used[font]
             if not okay then
                 last = last + 1
@@ -883,14 +917,14 @@ local function markfonts(list)
             end
             setcolor(n,okay)
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            markfonts(n.list)
+            markfonts(getlist(n))
         end
     end
 end
 
 function visualizers.markfonts(list)
     last, used = 0, { }
-    markfonts(type(n) == "number" and texgetbox(n).list or n)
+    markfonts(type(n) == "number" and getlist(getbox(n)) or n)
 end
 
 function commands.markfonts(n)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
index bc9f66ee4..1cdda7c4b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-bld.lua
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['typo-bld'] = { -- was node-par
     license   = "see context related readme files"
 }
 
+-- no need for nuts in the one-line demo (that might move anyway)
+
 local insert, remove = table.insert, table.remove
 
 local builders, nodes, node = builders, nodes, node
@@ -36,8 +38,8 @@ local texlists           = tex.lists
 local nodepool           = nodes.pool
 local new_baselineskip   = nodepool.baselineskip
 local new_lineskip       = nodepool.lineskip
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local hpack_node         = node.hpack
+local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
+local hpack_node         = nodes.hpack
 
 local starttiming        = statistics.starttiming
 local stoptiming         = statistics.stoptiming
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-brk.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-brk.lua
index 3558efa8e..be11da9c3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-brk.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-brk.lua
@@ -20,19 +20,36 @@ local report_breakpoints = logs.reporter("typesetting","breakpoints")
 local nodes, node = nodes, node
 
 local settings_to_array  = utilities.parsers.settings_to_array
-local copy_node          = node.copy
-local copy_nodelist      = node.copy_list
-local free_node          = node.free
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove -- ! nodes
 
-local tonodes            = nodes.tonodes
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local copy_nodelist      = nuts.copy_list
+local free_node          = nuts.free
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+
+local tonodes            = nuts.tonodes
 
 local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local tasks              = nodes.tasks
 
 local v_reset            = interfaces.variables.reset
@@ -80,74 +97,82 @@ local function insert_break(head,start,before,after)
 end
 
 methods[1] = function(head,start)
-    if start.prev and start.next then
+    if getprev(start) and getnext(start) then
         insert_break(head,start,10000,0)
     end
     return head, start
 end
 
 methods[2] = function(head,start) -- ( => (-
-    if start.prev and start.next then
+    if getprev(start) and getnext(start) then
         local tmp
         head, start, tmp = remove_node(head,start)
         head, start = insert_node_before(head,start,new_disc())
-        start.attr = copy_nodelist(tmp.attr) -- todo: critical only
-        start.replace = tmp
-        local tmp, hyphen = copy_node(tmp), copy_node(tmp)
-        hyphen.char = languages.prehyphenchar(tmp.lang)
-        tmp.next, hyphen.prev = hyphen, tmp
-        start.post = tmp
+        setfield(start,"attr",copy_nodelist(getfield(tmp,"attr")))
+        setfield(start,"replace",tmp)
+        local tmp = copy_node(tmp)
+        local hyphen = copy_node(tmp)
+        setfield(hyphen,"char",languages.prehyphenchar(getfield(tmp,"lang")))
+        setfield(tmp,"next",hyphen)
+        setfield(hyphen,"prev",tmp)
+        setfield(start,"post",tmp)
         insert_break(head,start,10000,10000)
     end
     return head, start
 end
 
 methods[3] = function(head,start) -- ) => -)
-    if start.prev and start.next then
+    if getprev(start) and getnext(start) then
         local tmp
         head, start, tmp = remove_node(head,start)
         head, start = insert_node_before(head,start,new_disc())
-        start.attr = copy_nodelist(tmp.attr) -- todo: critical only
-        start.replace = tmp
-        local tmp, hyphen = copy_node(tmp), copy_node(tmp)
-        hyphen.char = languages.prehyphenchar(tmp.lang)
-        tmp.prev, hyphen.next = hyphen, tmp
-        start.pre = hyphen
+        setfield(start,"attr",copy_nodelist(getfield(tmp,"attr")))
+        setfield(start,"replace",tmp)
+        local tmp = copy_node(tmp)
+        local hyphen = copy_node(tmp)
+        setfield(hyphen,"char",languages.prehyphenchar(getfield(tmp,"lang")))
+        setfield(tmp,"prev",hyphen)
+        setfield(hyphen,"next",tmp)
+        setfield(start,"pre",hyphen)
         insert_break(head,start,10000,10000)
     end
     return head, start
 end
 
 methods[4] = function(head,start) -- - => - - -
-    if start.prev and start.next then
+    if getprev(start) and getnext(start) then
         local tmp
         head, start, tmp = remove_node(head,start)
         head, start = insert_node_before(head,start,new_disc())
-        start.attr = copy_nodelist(tmp.attr) -- todo: critical only
-        start.pre, start.post, start.replace = copy_node(tmp), copy_node(tmp), tmp
+        setfield(start,"attr",copy_nodelist(getfield(tmp,"attr")))
+        setfield(start,"pre",copy_node(tmp))
+        setfield(start,"post",copy_node(tmp))
+        setfield(start,"replace",tmp)
         insert_break(head,start,10000,10000)
     end
     return head, start
 end
 
 methods[5] = function(head,start,settings) -- x => p q r
-    if start.prev and start.next then
+    if getprev(start) and getnext(start) then
         local tmp
         head, start, tmp = remove_node(head,start)
         head, start = insert_node_before(head,start,new_disc())
-        local attr = tmp.attr
-        local font = tmp.font
-        start.attr = copy_nodelist(attr) -- todo: critical only
-        local left, right, middle = settings.left, settings.right, settings.middle
+        local attr = getfield(tmp,"attr")
+        local font = getfont(tmp)
+        local left = settings.left
+        local right = settings.right
+        local middle = settings.middle
         if left then
-            start.pre = tonodes(tostring(left),font,attr) -- was right
+            setfield(start,"pre",(tonodes(tostring(left),font,attr))) -- was right
         end
         if right then
-            start.post = tonodes(tostring(right),font,attr) -- was left
+            setfield(start,"post",(tonodes(tostring(right),font,attr))) -- was left
         end
         if middle then
-            start.replace = tonodes(tostring(middle),font,attr)
+            setfield(start,"replace",(tonodes(tostring(middle),font,attr)))
         end
+        setfield(start,"attr",copy_nodelist(attr)) -- todo: critical only
         free_node(tmp)
         insert_break(head,start,10000,10000)
     end
@@ -155,31 +180,32 @@ methods[5] = function(head,start,settings) -- x => p q r
 end
 
 function breakpoints.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local done, numbers = false, languages.numbers
     local start, n = head, 0
     while start do
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local attr = start[a_breakpoints]
+            local attr = getattr(start,a_breakpoints)
             if attr and attr > 0 then
-                start[a_breakpoints] = unsetvalue -- maybe test for subtype > 256 (faster)
+                setattr(start,a_breakpoints,unsetvalue) -- maybe test for subtype > 256 (faster)
                 -- look ahead and back n chars
                 local data = mapping[attr]
                 if data then
                     local map = data.characters
-                    local cmap = map[start.char]
+                    local cmap = map[getchar(start)]
                     if cmap then
-                        local lang = start.lang
+                        local lang = getfield(start,"lang")
                         -- we do a sanity check for language
                         local smap = lang and lang >= 0 and lang < 0x7FFF and (cmap[numbers[lang]] or cmap[""])
                         if smap then
                             if n >= smap.nleft then
                                 local m = smap.nright
-                                local next = start.next
+                                local next = getnext(start)
                                 while next do -- gamble on same attribute (not that important actually)
-                                    local id = next.id
+                                    local id = getid(next)
                                     if id == glyph_code then -- gamble on same attribute (not that important actually)
-                                        if map[next.char] then
+                                        if map[getchar(next)] then
                                             break
                                         elseif m == 1 then
                                             local method = methods[smap.type]
@@ -190,10 +216,10 @@ function breakpoints.handler(head)
                                             break
                                         else
                                             m = m - 1
-                                            next = next.next
+                                            next = getnext(next)
                                         end
-                                    elseif id == kern_code and next.subtype == kerning_code then
-                                        next = next.next
+                                    elseif id == kern_code and getsubtype(next) == kerning_code then
+                                        next = getnext(next)
                                         -- ignore intercharacter kerning, will go way
                                     else
                                         -- we can do clever and set n and jump ahead but ... not now
@@ -214,14 +240,14 @@ function breakpoints.handler(head)
             else
              -- n = n + 1 -- if we want single char handling (|-|) then we will use grouping and then we need this
             end
-        elseif id == kern_code and start.subtype == kerning_code then
+        elseif id == kern_code and getsubtype(start) == kerning_code then
             -- ignore intercharacter kerning, will go way
         else
             n = 0
         end
-        start = start.next
+        start = getnext(start)
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enabled = false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
index 0fc1a3093..78ed8700a 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-cap.lua
@@ -16,9 +16,23 @@ local report_casing = logs.reporter("typesetting","casing")
 
 local nodes, node = nodes, node
 
-local copy_node       = nodes.copy
-local end_of_math     = nodes.end_of_math
-
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+local tonode          = nuts.tonode
+local tonut           = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield        = nuts.getfield
+local setfield        = nuts.setfield
+local getnext         = nuts.getnext
+local getprev         = nuts.getprev
+local getid           = nuts.getid
+local getattr         = nuts.getattr
+local setattr         = nuts.setattr
+local getfont         = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype      = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar         = nuts.getchar
+
+local copy_node       = nuts.copy
+local end_of_math     = nuts.end_of_math
 
 local nodecodes       = nodes.nodecodes
 local skipcodes       = nodes.skipcodes
@@ -96,14 +110,14 @@ local lccodes = characters.lccodes
 -- true false true == mixed
 
 local function helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,codes,special,once,keepother)
-    local char = start.char
+    local char = getchar(start)
     local dc   = codes[char]
     if dc then
-        local fnt = start.font
+        local fnt = getfont(start)
         if keepother and dc == char then
             local lfa = lastfont[n]
             if lfa then
-                start.font = lfa
+                setfield(start,"font",lfa)
                 return start, true
             else
                 return start, false
@@ -112,10 +126,10 @@ local function helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,codes,special,once,keepother)
             if special then
                 local lfa = lastfont[n]
                 if lfa then
-                    local previd = start.prev.id
+                    local previd = getid(getprev(start))
                     if previd ~= glyph_code and previd ~= disc_code then
                         fnt = lfa
-                        start.font = lfa
+                        setfield(start,"font",lfa)
                     end
                 end
             end
@@ -137,18 +151,18 @@ local function helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,codes,special,once,keepother)
                         local chr = dc[i]
                         prev = start
                         if i == 1 then
-                            start.char = chr
+                            setfield(start,"char",chr)
                         else
                             local g = copy_node(original)
-                            g.char = chr
-                            local next = start.next
-                            g.prev = start
+                            setfield(g,"char",chr)
+                            local next = getnext(start)
+                            setfield(g,"prev",start)
                             if next then
-                                g.next = next
-                                start.next = g
-                                next.prev = g
+                                setfield(g,"next",next)
+                                setfield(start,"next",g)
+                                setfield(next,"prev",g)
                             end
-                            start = g 
+                            start = g
                         end
                     end
                     if once then
@@ -161,7 +175,7 @@ local function helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,codes,special,once,keepother)
                 end
                 return start, false
             elseif ifc[dc] then
-                start.char = dc
+                setfield(start,"char",dc)
                 if once then
                     lastfont[n] = false
                 end
@@ -203,29 +217,29 @@ local function word(start,attr,lastfont,n)
 end
 
 local function blockrest(start)
-    local n = start.next
+    local n = getnext(start)
     while n do
-        local id = n.id
-        if id == glyph_code or id == disc_node and n[a_cases] == attr then
-            n[a_cases] = unsetvalue
+        local id = getid(n)
+        if id == glyph_code or id == disc_node and getattr(n,a_cases) == attr then
+            setattr(n,a_cases,unsetvalue)
         else
          -- break -- we can have nested mess
         end
-        n = n.next
+        n = getnext(n)
     end
 end
 
 local function Word(start,attr,lastfont,n) -- looks quite complex
     lastfont[n] = false
-    local prev = start.prev
-    if prev and prev.id == kern_code and prev.subtype == kerning_code then
-        prev = prev.prev
+    local prev = getprev(start)
+    if prev and getid(prev) == kern_code and getsubtype(prev) == kerning_code then
+        prev = getprev(prev)
     end
     if not prev then
         blockrest(start)
         return helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,uccodes)
     end
-    local previd = prev.id
+    local previd = getid(prev)
     if previd ~= glyph_code and previd ~= disc_code then
         -- only the first character is treated
         blockrest(start)
@@ -239,14 +253,14 @@ end
 
 local function Words(start,attr,lastfont,n)
     lastfont[n] = false
-    local prev = start.prev
-    if prev and prev.id == kern_code and prev.subtype == kerning_code then
-        prev = prev.prev
+    local prev = getprev(start)
+    if prev and getid(prev) == kern_code and getsubtype(prev) == kerning_code then
+        prev = getprev(prev)
     end
     if not prev then
         return helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,uccodes)
     end
-    local previd = prev.id
+    local previd = getid(prev)
     if previd ~= glyph_code and previd ~= disc_code then
         return helper(start,attr,lastfont,n,uccodes)
     else
@@ -272,15 +286,15 @@ end
 
 local function random(start,attr,lastfont,n)
     lastfont[n] = false
-    local ch  = start.char
-    local tfm = fontchar[start.font]
+    local ch  = getchar(start)
+    local tfm = fontchar[getfont(start)]
     if lccodes[ch] then
         while true do
             local d = chardata[randomnumber(1,0xFFFF)]
             if d then
                 local uc = uccodes[d]
                 if uc and tfm[uc] then -- this also intercepts tables
-                    start.char = uc
+                    setfield(start,"char",uc)
                     return start, true
                 end
             end
@@ -291,7 +305,7 @@ local function random(start,attr,lastfont,n)
             if d then
                 local lc = lccodes[d]
                 if lc and tfm[lc] then -- this also intercepts tables
-                    start.char = lc
+                    setfield(start,"char",lc)
                     return start, true
                 end
             end
@@ -314,19 +328,20 @@ register(variables.cap,     variables.capital) -- clone
 register(variables.Cap,     variables.Capital) -- clone
 
 function cases.handler(head) -- not real fast but also not used on much data
+    head           = tonut(head)
     local lastfont = { }
     local lastattr = nil
     local done     = false
     local start    = head
     while start do -- while because start can jump ahead
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local attr = start[a_cases]
+            local attr = getattr(start,a_cases)
             if attr and attr > 0 then
                 if attr ~= lastattr then
                     lastattr = attr
                 end
-                start[a_cases] = unsetvalue
+                setattr(start,a_cases,unsetvalue)
                 local n, id, m = get(attr)
                 if lastfont[n] == nil then
                     lastfont[n] = id
@@ -345,27 +360,27 @@ function cases.handler(head) -- not real fast but also not used on much data
                 end
             end
         elseif id == disc_code then
-            local attr = start[a_cases]
+            local attr = getattr(start,a_cases)
             if attr and attr > 0 then
                 if attr ~= lastattr then
                     lastattr = attr
                 end
-                start[a_cases] = unsetvalue
+                setattr(start,a_cases,unsetvalue)
                 local n, id, m = get(attr)
                 if lastfont[n] == nil then
                     lastfont[n] = id
                 end
                 local action = actions[n] -- map back to low number
                 if action then
-                    local replace = start.replace
+                    local replace = getfield(start,"replace")
                     if replace then
                         action(replace,attr,lastfont,n)
                     end
-                    local pre = start.pre
+                    local pre = getfield(start,"pre")
                     if pre then
                         action(pre,attr,lastfont,n)
                     end
-                    local post = start.post
+                    local post = getfield(start,"post")
                     if post then
                         action(post,attr,lastfont,n)
                     end
@@ -375,10 +390,10 @@ function cases.handler(head) -- not real fast but also not used on much data
             start = end_of_math(start)
         end
         if start then -- why test
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enabled = false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-cln.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-cln.lua
index 2aa05b6d1..b7e337662 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-cln.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-cln.lua
@@ -28,7 +28,14 @@ local tasks           = nodes.tasks
 
 local texsetattribute = tex.setattribute
 
-local traverse_id     = node.traverse_id
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+local tonut           = nuts.tonut
+
+local setfield        = nuts.setfield
+local getchar         = nuts.getchar
+local getattr         = nuts.getattr
+
+local traverse_id     = nuts.traverse_id
 
 local unsetvalue      = attributes.unsetvalue
 
@@ -48,18 +55,18 @@ local resetter = { -- this will become an entry in char-def
 
 function cleaners.handler(head)
     local inline, done = false, false
-    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        local char = n.char
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,tonut(head)) do
+        local char = getchar(n)
         if resetter[char] then
             inline = false
         elseif not inline then
-            local a = n[a_cleaner]
+            local a = getattr(n,a_cleaner)
             if a == 1 then -- currently only one cleaner so no need to be fancy
                 local upper = uccodes[char]
                 if type(upper) == "table" then
                     -- some day, not much change that \SS ends up here
                 else
-                    n.char = upper
+                    setfield(n,"char",upper)
                     done = true
                     if trace_autocase then
                         report_autocase("")
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dha.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dha.lua
index d5ad66e7e..15e345ff8 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dha.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dha.lua
@@ -49,13 +49,30 @@ local trace_directions   = false  trackers.register("typesetters.directions.defa
 
 local report_directions  = logs.reporter("typesetting","text directions")
 
-
-local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local end_of_math        = nodes.end_of_math
-
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local nutstring          = nuts.tostring
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local end_of_math        = nuts.end_of_math
+
+
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local whatcodes          = nodes.whatcodes
@@ -108,7 +125,7 @@ end
 
 local function process(start)
 
-    local head     = start
+    local head     = tonut(start) -- we have a global head
 
     local current  = head
     local inserted = nil
@@ -180,31 +197,31 @@ local function process(start)
     end
 
     local function nextisright(current)
-        current = current.next
-        local id = current.id
+        current = getnext(current)
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local character = current.char
+            local character = getchar(current)
             local direction = chardirections[character]
             return direction == "r" or direction == "al" or direction == "an"
         end
     end
 
     local function previsright(current)
-        current = current.prev
-        local id = current.id
+        current = getprev(current)
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local char = current.char
+            local character = getchar(current)
             local direction = chardirections[character]
             return direction == "r" or direction == "al" or direction == "an"
         end
     end
 
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == math_code then
-            current = end_of_math(current.next).next
+            current = getnext(end_of_math(getnext(current)))
         else
-            local attr = current[a_directions]
+            local attr = getattr(current,a_directions)
             if attr and attr > 0 and attr ~= prevattr then
                 if not getglobal(a) then
                     lro, rlo = false, false
@@ -213,7 +230,7 @@ local function process(start)
             end
             if id == glyph_code then
                 if attr and attr > 0 then
-                    local character = current.char
+                    local character = getchar(current)
                     local direction = chardirections[character]
                     local reversed  = false
                     if rlo or override > 0 then
@@ -223,24 +240,24 @@ local function process(start)
                         end
                     elseif lro or override < 0 then
                         if direction == "r" or direction == "al" then
-                            current[a_state] = s_isol
+                            setattr(current,a_state,s_isol)
                             direction = "l"
                             reversed = true
                         end
                     end
                     if direction == "on" then
                         local mirror = charmirrors[character]
-                        if mirror and fontchar[current.font][mirror] then
+                        if mirror and fontchar[getfont(current)][mirror] then
                             local class = charclasses[character]
                             if class == "open" then
                                 if nextisright(current) then
                                     if autodir >= 0 then
                                         force_auto_right_before(direction)
                                     end
-                                    current.char = mirror
+                                    setfield(current,"char",mirror)
                                     done = true
                                 elseif autodir < 0 then
-                                    current.char = mirror
+                                    setfield(current,"char",mirror)
                                     done = true
                                 else
                                     mirror = false
@@ -251,14 +268,14 @@ local function process(start)
                                 local fencedir = fences[#fences]
                                 fences[#fences] = nil
                                 if fencedir < 0 then
-                                    current.char = mirror
+                                    setfield(current,"char",mirror)
                                     done = true
                                     force_auto_right_before(direction)
                                 else
                                     mirror = false
                                 end
                             elseif autodir < 0 then
-                                current.char = mirror
+                                setfield(current,"char",mirror)
                                 done = true
                             else
                                 mirror = false
@@ -336,9 +353,9 @@ local function process(start)
                     -- we do nothing
                 end
             elseif id == whatsit_code then
-                local subtype = current.subtype
+                local subtype = getsubtype(current)
                 if subtype == localpar_code then
-                    local dir = current.dir
+                    local dir = getfield(current,"dir")
                     if dir == 'TRT' then
                         autodir = -1
                     elseif dir == 'TLT' then
@@ -351,7 +368,7 @@ local function process(start)
                     if finish then
                         finish_auto_before()
                     end
-                    local dir = current.dir
+                    local dir = getfield(current,"dir")
                     if dir == "+TRT" then
                         finish, autodir = "TRT", -1
                     elseif dir == "-TRT" then
@@ -370,7 +387,7 @@ local function process(start)
             elseif finish then
                 finish_auto_before()
             end
-            local cn = current.next
+            local cn = getnext(current)
             if cn then
                 -- we're okay
             elseif finish then
@@ -390,7 +407,7 @@ local function process(start)
         end
     end
 
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 
 end
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
index ef05e62da..67849c6d4 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dig.lua
@@ -19,10 +19,24 @@ local report_digits = logs.reporter("typesetting","digits")
 
 local nodes, node = nodes, node
 
-local hpack_node         = node.hpack
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local hpack_node         = nuts.hpack
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
 
 local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
@@ -30,7 +44,7 @@ local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local tasks              = nodes.tasks
 
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
@@ -66,16 +80,20 @@ function nodes.aligned(head,start,stop,width,how)
     if how == "flushleft" or how == "middle" then
         head, stop = insert_node_after(head,stop,new_glue(0,65536,65536))
     end
-    local prv, nxt = start.prev, stop.next
-    start.prev, stop.next = nil, nil
+    local prv = getprev(start)
+    local nxt = getnext(stop)
+    setfield(start,"prev",nil)
+    setfield(stop,"next",nil)
     local packed = hpack_node(start,width,"exactly") -- no directional mess here, just lr
     if prv then
-        prv.next, packed.prev = packed, prv
+        setfield(prv,"next",packed)
+        setfield(packed,"prev",prv)
     end
     if nxt then
-        nxt.prev, packed.next = packed, nxt
+        setfield(nxt,"prev",packed)
+        setfield(packed,"next",nxt)
     end
-    if packed.prev then
+    if getprev(packed) then
         return head, packed
     else
         return packed, packed
@@ -83,12 +101,13 @@ function nodes.aligned(head,start,stop,width,how)
 end
 
 actions[1] = function(head,start,attr)
-    local font = start.font
-    local char = start.char
+    local font = getfont(start)
+    local char = getchar(start)
     local unic = chardata[font][char].tounicode
     local what = unic and tonumber(unic,16) or char
     if charbase[what].category == "nd" then
-        local oldwidth, newwidth = start.width, getdigitwidth(font)
+        local oldwidth = getfield(start,"width")
+        local newwidth = getdigitwidth(font)
         if newwidth ~= oldwidth then
             if trace_digits then
                 report_digits("digit trigger %a, instance %a, char %C, unicode %U, delta %s",
@@ -102,12 +121,13 @@ actions[1] = function(head,start,attr)
 end
 
 function digits.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local done, current, ok = false, head, false
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then
-            local attr = current[a_digits]
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code then
+            local attr = getattr(current,a_digits)
             if attr and attr > 0 then
-                current[a_digits] = unsetvalue
+                setattr(current,a_digits,unsetvalue)
                 local action = actions[attr%100] -- map back to low number
                 if action then
                     head, current, ok = action(head,current,attr)
@@ -117,9 +137,11 @@ function digits.handler(head)
                 end
             end
         end
-        current = current and current.next
+        if current then
+            current = getnext(current)
+        end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local m, enabled = 0, false -- a trick to make neighbouring ranges work
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dir.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dir.lua
index a04028452..fbca0f024 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dir.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dir.lua
@@ -40,21 +40,35 @@ local trace_directions     = false  trackers.register("typesetters.directions",
 local report_textdirections = logs.reporter("typesetting","text directions")
 local report_mathdirections = logs.reporter("typesetting","math directions")
 
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local nutstring          = nuts.tostring
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
 
+local hasbit             = number.hasbit
 
-
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local end_of_math        = nodes.end_of_math
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local end_of_math        = nuts.end_of_math
 
 local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
 local texsetcount        = tex.setcount
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local hasbit             = number.hasbit
-
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local whatcodes          = nodes.whatcodes
 local mathcodes          = nodes.mathcodes
@@ -76,7 +90,7 @@ local vlist_code         = nodecodes.vlist
 local localpar_code      = whatcodes.localpar
 local dir_code           = whatcodes.dir
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local new_textdir        = nodepool.textdir
 
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-drp.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-drp.lua
index 903140dae..b3f840ae1 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-drp.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-drp.lua
@@ -24,15 +24,31 @@ typesetters.initials    = initials or { }
 local nodes             = nodes
 local tasks             = nodes.tasks
 
-local hpack_nodes       = nodes.hpack
+local nuts              = nodes.nuts
+local tonut             = nuts.tonut
+local tonode            = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext           = nuts.getnext
+local getprev           = nuts.getprev
+local getchar           = nuts.getchar
+local getid             = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype        = nuts.getsubtype
+local getfield          = nuts.getfield
+local getattr           = nuts.getattr
+
+local setfield          = nuts.setfield
+local setattr           = nuts.setattr
+
+local hpack_nodes       = nuts.hpack
+
 local nodecodes         = nodes.nodecodes
 local whatsitcodes      = nodes.whatsitcodes
 
-local nodepool          = nodes.pool
+local nodepool          = nuts.pool
 local new_kern          = nodepool.kern
 
-local insert_before     = nodes.insert_before
-local insert_after      = nodes.insert_after
+local insert_before     = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_after      = nuts.insert_after
 
 local variables         = interfaces.variables
 local v_default         = variables.default
@@ -86,48 +102,48 @@ commands.setinitial = initials.set
 
 actions[v_default] = function(head,setting)
     local done = false
-    if head.id == whatsit_code and head.subtype == localpar_code then
+    if getid(head) == whatsit_code and getsubtype(head) == localpar_code then
         -- begin of par
-        local first = head.next
+        local first = getnext(head)
         -- parbox .. needs to be set at 0
-        if first and first.id == hlist_code then
-            first = first.next
+        if first and getid(first) == hlist_code then
+            first = getnext(first)
         end
         -- we need to skip over kerns and glues (signals)
-        while first and first.id ~= glyph_code do
-            first = first.next
+        while first and getid(first) ~= glyph_code do
+            first = getnext(first)
         end
-        if first and first.id == glyph_code then
-            local char = first.char
-            local prev = first.prev
-            local next = first.next
-         -- if prev.id == hlist_code then
+        if first and getid(first) == glyph_code then
+            local char = getchar(first)
+            local prev = getprev(first)
+            local next = getnext(first)
+         -- if getid(prev) == hlist_code then
          --     -- set the width to 0
          -- end
-            if next and next.id == kern_node then
-                next.kern = 0
+            if next and getid(next) == kern_node then
+                setfield(next,"kern",0)
             end
             if setting.font then
-                first.font = setting.font
+                setfield(first,"font",setting.font)
             end
             if setting.dynamic > 0 then
-                first[0] = setting.dynamic
+                setattr(first,0,setting.dynamic)
             end
             -- can be a helper
             local ma = setting.ma or 0
             local ca = setting.ca
             local ta = setting.ta
             if ca and ca > 0 then
-                first[a_colorspace] = ma == 0 and 1 or ma
-                first[a_color] = ca
+                setattr(first,a_colorspace,ma == 0 and 1 or ma)
+                setattr(first,a_color,ca)
             end
             if ta and ta > 0 then
-                first[a_transparency] = ta
+                setattr(first,a_transparency,ta)
             end
             --
-            local width     = first.width
-            local height    = first.height
-            local depth     = first.depth
+            local width     = getfield(first,"width")
+            local height    = getfield(first,"height")
+            local depth     = getfield(first,"depth")
             local distance  = setting.distance or 0
             local voffset   = setting.voffset or 0
             local hoffset   = setting.hoffset or 0
@@ -135,22 +151,22 @@ actions[v_default] = function(head,setting)
             local baseline  = texget("baselineskip").width
             local lines     = tonumber(setting.n) or 0
             --
-            first.xoffset   = - width  - hoffset - distance - parindent
-            first.yoffset   = - voffset -- no longer - height here 
+            setfield(first,"xoffset",- width  - hoffset - distance - parindent)
+            setfield(first,"yoffset",- voffset) -- no longer - height here
             -- We pack so that successive handling cannot touch the dropped cap. Packaging
             -- in a hlist is also needed because we cannot locally adapt e.g. parindent (not
             -- yet stored in with localpar).
-            first.prev = nil
-            first.next = nil
+            setfield(first,"prev",nil)
+            setfield(first,"next",nil)
             local h = hpack_nodes(first)
-            h.width = 0
-            h.height = 0
-            h.depth = 0
-            prev.next = h
-            next.prev = h
-            h.next = next
-            h.prev = prev
-
+            setfield(h,"width",0)
+            setfield(h,"height",0)
+            setfield(h,"depth",0)
+            setfield(prev,"next",h)
+            setfield(next,"prev",h)
+            setfield(h,"next",next)
+            setfield(h,"prev",prev)
+            first = h
             -- end of packaging
             if setting.location == v_margin then
                 -- okay
@@ -178,16 +194,17 @@ actions[v_default] = function(head,setting)
 end
 
 function initials.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local start = head
     local attr  = nil
     while start do
-        attr = start[a_initial]
+        attr = getattr(start,a_initial)
         if attr then
             break
-        elseif start.id == glyph then
+        elseif getid(start) == glyph then
             break
         else
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
     if attr then
@@ -201,8 +218,8 @@ function initials.handler(head)
                 report_initials("processing initials, alternative %a",alternative)
             end
             local head, done = action(head,settings)
-            return head, done
+            return tonode(head), done
         end
     end
-    return head, false
+    return tonode(head), false
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dua.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dua.lua
index ec85a3d9f..91a27a30e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dua.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dua.lua
@@ -66,11 +66,24 @@ local formatters = string.formatters
 local directiondata       = characters.directions
 local mirrordata          = characters.mirrors
 
-local remove_node         = nodes.remove
-local insert_node_after   = nodes.insert_after
-local insert_node_before  = nodes.insert_before
-
-local nodepool            = nodes.pool
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local nutstring           = nuts.tostring
+
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+
+local remove_node         = nuts.remove
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before  = nuts.insert_before
+
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
 local new_textdir         = nodepool.textdir
 
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
@@ -189,17 +202,17 @@ local function build_list(head) -- todo: store node pointer ... saves loop
     local size    = 0
     while current do
         size = size + 1
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local chr = current.char
+            local chr = getchar(current)
             local dir = directiondata[chr]
             list[size] = { char = chr, direction = dir, original = dir, level = 0 }
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == glue_code then
             list[size] = { char = 0x0020, direction = "ws", original = "ws", level = 0 }
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == whatsit_code and current.subtype == dir_code then
-            local dir = current.dir
+            current = getnext(current)
+        elseif id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(current) == dir_code then
+            local dir = getfield(current,"dir")
             if dir == "+TLT" then
                 list[size] = { char = 0x202A, direction = "lre", original = "lre", level = 0 }
             elseif dir == "+TRT" then
@@ -209,27 +222,27 @@ local function build_list(head) -- todo: store node pointer ... saves loop
             else
                 list[size] = { char = 0xFFFC, direction = "on", original = "on", level = 0, id = id } -- object replacement character
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == math_code then
             local skip = 0
-            current    = current.next
-            while current.id ~= math_code do
+            current    = getnext(current)
+            while getid(current) ~= math_code do
                 skip    = skip + 1
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
-            skip    = skip + 1
-            current = current.next
+            skip       = skip + 1
+            current    = getnext(current)
             list[size] = { char = 0xFFFC, direction = "on", original = "on", level = 0, skip = skip, id = id }
         else
             local skip = 0
             local last = id
-            current    = current.next
+            current    = getnext(current)
             while n do
-                local id = current.id
-                if id ~= glyph_code and id ~= glue_code and not (id == whatsit_code and current.subtype == dir_code) then
+                local id = getid(current)
+                if id ~= glyph_code and id ~= glue_code and not (id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(current) == dir_code) then
                     skip    = skip + 1
                     last    = id
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 else
                     break
                 end
@@ -289,8 +302,8 @@ local function find_run_limit_b_s_ws_on(list,start,limit)
 end
 
 local function get_baselevel(head,list,size) -- todo: skip if first is object (or pass head and test for local_par)
-    if head.id == whatsit_code and head.subtype == localpar_code then
-        if head.dir == "TRT" then
+    if getid(head) == whatsit_code and getsubtype(head) == localpar_code then
+        if getfield(head,"dir") == "TRT" then
             return 1, "TRT", true
         else
             return 0, "TLT", true
@@ -677,30 +690,30 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
             report_directions("fatal error, size mismatch")
             break
         end
-        local id       = current.id
+        local id       = getid(current)
         local entry    = list[index]
         local begindir = entry.begindir
         local enddir   = entry.enddir
         if id == glyph_code then
             local mirror = entry.mirror
             if mirror then
-                current.char = mirror
+                setfield(current,"char",mirror)
             end
             if trace_directions then
                 local direction = entry.direction
                 setcolor(current,direction,direction ~= entry.original,mirror)
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            current.dir = pardir -- is this really needed?
+            setfield(current,"dir",pardir) -- is this really needed?
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            if enddir and current.subtype == parfillskip_code then
+            if enddir and getsubtype(current) == parfillskip_code then
                 -- insert the last enddir before \parfillskip glue
                 head = insert_node_before(head,current,new_textdir(enddir))
                 enddir = false
                 done = true
             end
         elseif id == whatsit_code then
-            if begindir and current.subtype == localpar_code then
+            if begindir and getsubtype(current) == localpar_code then
                 -- local_par should always be the 1st node
                 head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,new_textdir(begindir))
                 begindir = nil
@@ -714,7 +727,7 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
         local skip = entry.skip
         if skip and skip > 0 then
             for i=1,skip do
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         end
         if enddir then
@@ -722,13 +735,13 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
             done = true
         end
         if not entry.remove then
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif remove_controls then
             -- X9
             head, current = remove_node(head,current,true)
             done = true
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         index = index + 1
     end
@@ -736,6 +749,7 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
 end
 
 local function process(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local list, size = build_list(head)
     local baselevel, pardir, dirfound = get_baselevel(head,list,size) -- we always have an inline dir node in context
     if not dirfound and trace_details then
@@ -752,7 +766,7 @@ local function process(head)
         report_directions("result : %s",show_done(list,size))
     end
     head, done = apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 directions.installhandler(interfaces.variables.one,process)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-dub.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-dub.lua
index 3ecfce364..4dc0f21fb 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-dub.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-dub.lua
@@ -54,11 +54,25 @@ local directiondata       = characters.directions
 local mirrordata          = characters.mirrors
 local textclassdata       = characters.textclasses
 
-local remove_node         = nodes.remove
-local insert_node_after   = nodes.insert_after
-local insert_node_before  = nodes.insert_before
-
-local nodepool            = nodes.pool
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local nutstring           = nuts.tostring
+
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getsubtype          = nuts.getsubtype
+local getlist             = nuts.getlist
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+
+local remove_node         = nuts.remove
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before  = nuts.insert_before
+
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
 local new_textdir         = nodepool.textdir
 
 local nodecodes           = nodes.nodecodes
@@ -242,17 +256,17 @@ local function build_list(head) -- todo: store node pointer ... saves loop
     local size    = 0
     while current do
         size = size + 1
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local chr = current.char
+            local chr = getchar(current)
             local dir = directiondata[chr]
             list[size] = { char = chr, direction = dir, original = dir, level = 0 }
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == glue_code then
             list[size] = { char = 0x0020, direction = "ws", original = "ws", level = 0 }
-            current = current.next
-        elseif id == whatsit_code and current.subtype == dir_code then
-            local dir = current.dir
+            current = getnext(current)
+        elseif id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(current) == dir_code then
+            local dir = getfield(current,"dir")
             if dir == "+TLT" then
                 list[size] = { char = 0x202A, direction = "lre", original = "lre", level = 0 }
             elseif dir == "+TRT" then
@@ -262,27 +276,27 @@ local function build_list(head) -- todo: store node pointer ... saves loop
             else
                 list[size] = { char = 0xFFFC, direction = "on", original = "on", level = 0, id = id } -- object replacement character
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif id == math_code then
             local skip = 0
-            current = current.next
-            while current.id ~= math_code do
+            current    = getnext(current)
+            while getid(current) ~= math_code do
                 skip    = skip + 1
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
             skip       = skip + 1
-            current    = current.next
+            current    = getnext(current)
             list[size] = { char = 0xFFFC, direction = "on", original = "on", level = 0, skip = skip, id = id }
         else
             local skip = 0
             local last = id
-            current    = current.next
+            current    = getnext(current)
             while n do
-                local id = current.id
-                if id ~= glyph_code and id ~= glue_code and not (id == whatsit_code and current.subtype == dir_code) then
+                local id = getid(current)
+                if id ~= glyph_code and id ~= glue_code and not (id == whatsit_code and getsubtype(current) == dir_code) then
                     skip    = skip + 1
                     last    = id
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 else
                     break
                 end
@@ -365,8 +379,8 @@ end
 -- the action
 
 local function get_baselevel(head,list,size) -- todo: skip if first is object (or pass head and test for local_par)
-	if head.id == whatsit_code and head.subtype == localpar_code then
-        if head.dir == "TRT" then
+    if getid(head) == whatsit_code and getsubtype(head) == localpar_code then
+        if getfield(head,"dir") == "TRT" then
             return 1, "TRT", true
         else
             return 0, "TLT", true
@@ -785,30 +799,30 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
             report_directions("fatal error, size mismatch")
             break
         end
-        local id       = current.id
+        local id       = getid(current)
         local entry    = list[index]
         local begindir = entry.begindir
         local enddir   = entry.enddir
         if id == glyph_code then
             local mirror = entry.mirror
             if mirror then
-                current.char = mirror
+                setfield(current,"char",mirror)
             end
             if trace_directions then
                 local direction = entry.direction
                 setcolor(current,direction,direction ~= entry.original,mirror)
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
-            current.dir = pardir -- is this really needed?
+            setfield(current,"dir",pardir) -- is this really needed?
         elseif id == glue_code then
-            if enddir and current.subtype == parfillskip_code then
+            if enddir and getsubtype(current) == parfillskip_code then
                 -- insert the last enddir before \parfillskip glue
                 head = insert_node_before(head,current,new_textdir(enddir))
                 enddir = false
                 done = true
             end
         elseif id == whatsit_code then
-            if begindir and current.subtype == localpar_code then
+            if begindir and getsubtype(current) == localpar_code then
                 -- local_par should always be the 1st node
                 head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,new_textdir(begindir))
                 begindir = nil
@@ -822,7 +836,7 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
         local skip = entry.skip
         if skip and skip > 0 then
             for i=1,skip do
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         end
         if enddir then
@@ -830,13 +844,13 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
             done = true
         end
         if not entry.remove then
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         elseif remove_controls then
             -- X9
             head, current = remove_node(head,current,true)
             done = true
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         index = index + 1
     end
@@ -844,8 +858,9 @@ local function apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
 end
 
 local function process(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     -- for the moment a whole paragraph property
-    local attr = head[a_directions]
+    local attr = getattr(head,a_directions)
     local analyze_fences = getfences(attr)
     --
     local list, size = build_list(head)
@@ -864,7 +879,7 @@ local function process(head)
         report_directions("result : %s",show_done(list,size))
     end
     head, done = apply_to_list(list,size,head,pardir)
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 directions.installhandler(interfaces.variables.two,process)
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-fln.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-fln.lua
index 4c97af450..7ce41cd81 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-fln.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-fln.lua
@@ -23,25 +23,38 @@ local firstlines         = typesetters.firstlines
 local nodes              = nodes
 local tasks              = nodes.tasks
 
-local getbox             = nodes.getbox
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local getbox             = nuts.getbox
+
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
 local disc_code          = nodecodes.disc
 local kern_code          = nodecodes.kern
 
-local traverse_id        = nodes.traverse_id
-local free_node_list     = nodes.flush_list
-local free_node          = nodes.flush_node
-local copy_node_list     = nodes.copy_list
-local insert_node_after  = nodes.insert_after
-local insert_node_before = nodes.insert_before
-local hpack_node_list    = nodes.hpack
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local free_node_list     = nuts.flush_list
+local free_node          = nuts.flush_node
+local copy_node_list     = nuts.copy_list
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local hpack_node_list    = nuts.hpack
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 local newpenalty         = nodepool.penalty
 local newkern            = nodepool.kern
-local tracerrule         = nodes.tracers.pool.nodes.rule
+local tracerrule         = nodes.tracers.pool.nuts.rule
 
 local actions            = { }
 firstlines.actions       = actions
@@ -92,9 +105,9 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
     local linebreaks = { }
     for g in traverse_id(glyph_code,temp) do
         if dynamic > 0 then
-            g[0] = dynamic
+            setattr(g,0,dynamic)
         end
-        g.font = font
+        setfield(g,"font",font)
     end
     local start = temp
     local list  = temp
@@ -108,7 +121,7 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
             hsize = hsize - hangindent
         end
         while start do
-            local id = start.id
+            local id = getid(start)
             if id == glyph_code then
                 n = n + 1
             elseif id == disc_code then
@@ -117,7 +130,7 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
                 -- this could be an option
             elseif n > 0 then
                 local pack = hpack_node_list(copy_node_list(list,start))
-                if pack.width > hsize then
+                if getfield(pack,"width") > hsize then
                     free_node_list(pack)
                     list = prev
                     break
@@ -128,7 +141,7 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
                     nofchars = n
                 end
             end
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
         if not linebreaks[i] then
             linebreaks[i] = n
@@ -139,18 +152,18 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
     for i=1,noflines do
         local linebreak = linebreaks[i]
         while start and n < nofchars do
-            local id = start.id
+            local id = getid(start)
             if id == glyph_code then -- or id == disc_code then
                 if dynamic > 0 then
-                    start[0] = dynamic
+                    setattr(start,0,dynamic)
                 end
-                start.font = font
+                setfield(start,"font",font)
                 if ca and ca > 0 then
-                    start[a_colorspace] = ma == 0 and 1 or ma
-                    start[a_color]      = ca
+                    setattr(start,a_colorspace,ma == 0 and 1 or ma)
+                    setattr(start,a_color,ca)
                 end
                 if ta and ta > 0 then
-                    start[a_transparency] = ta
+                    setattr(start,a_transparency,ta)
                 end
                 n = n + 1
             end
@@ -163,7 +176,7 @@ actions[v_line] = function(head,setting)
                 head, start = insert_node_after(head,start,newpenalty(-10000)) -- break
                 break
             end
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
     free_node_list(temp)
@@ -182,7 +195,7 @@ actions[v_word] = function(head,setting)
     local ca       = setting.ca
     local ta       = setting.ta
     while start do
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         -- todo: delete disc nodes
         if id == glyph_code then
             if not ok then
@@ -190,16 +203,16 @@ actions[v_word] = function(head,setting)
                 ok = true
             end
             if ca and ca > 0 then
-                start[a_colorspace] = ma == 0 and 1 or ma
-                start[a_color]      = ca
+                setattr(start,a_colorspace,ma == 0 and 1 or ma)
+                setattr(start,a_color,ca)
             end
             if ta and ta > 0 then
-                start[a_transparency] = ta
+                setattr(start,a_transparency,ta)
             end
             if dynamic > 0 then
-                start[0] = dynamic
+                setattr(start,0,dynamic)
             end
-            start.font = font
+            setfield(start,"font",font)
         elseif id == disc_code then
             -- continue
         elseif id == kern_code then -- todo: fontkern
@@ -210,7 +223,7 @@ actions[v_word] = function(head,setting)
                 break
             end
         end
-        start = start.next
+        start = getnext(start)
     end
     return head, true
 end
@@ -218,16 +231,17 @@ end
 actions[v_default] = actions[v_line]
 
 function firstlines.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local start = head
     local attr  = nil
     while start do
-        attr = start[a_firstline]
+        attr = getattr(start,a_firstline)
         if attr then
             break
-        elseif start.id == glyph then
+        elseif getid(start) == glyph_code then
             break
         else
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
     if attr then
@@ -240,17 +254,18 @@ function firstlines.handler(head)
             if trace_firstlines then
                 report_firstlines("processing firstlines, alternative %a",alternative)
             end
-            return action(head,settings)
+            local head, done = action(head,settings)
+            return tonode(head), done
         end
     end
-    return head, false
+    return tonode(head), false
 end
 
 -- goodie
 
 function commands.applytofirstcharacter(box,what)
     local tbox = getbox(box) -- assumes hlist
-    local list = tbox.list
+    local list = getlist(tbox)
     local done = nil
     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,list) do
         list = remove_node(list,n)
@@ -258,10 +273,10 @@ function commands.applytofirstcharacter(box,what)
         break
     end
     if done then
-        tbox.list = list
+        setfield(tbox,"list",list)
         local kind = type(what)
         if kind == "string" then
-            context[what](done)
+            context[what](tonode(done))
         elseif kind == "function" then
             what(done)
         else
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
index 452b623c8..997190675 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-itc.lua
@@ -24,17 +24,30 @@ local math_code           = nodecodes.math
 
 local tasks               = nodes.tasks
 
-local insert_node_after   = node.insert_after
-local delete_node         = nodes.delete
-local end_of_math         = node.end_of_math
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool            = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode              = nuts.tonode
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getfont             = nuts.getfont
+local getchar             = nuts.getchar
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local delete_node         = nuts.delete
+local end_of_math         = nuts.end_of_math
 
 local texgetattribute     = tex.getattribute
 local texsetattribute     = tex.setattribute
 local a_italics           = attributes.private("italics")
 local unsetvalue          = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local new_correction_kern = nodes.pool.fontkern
-local new_correction_glue = nodes.pool.glue
+local new_correction_kern = nodepool.fontkern
+local new_correction_glue = nodepool.glue
 
 local fonthashes          = fonts.hashes
 local fontdata            = fonthashes.identifiers
@@ -83,6 +96,7 @@ end
 -- todo: clear attribute
 
 function italics.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local done     = false
     local italic   = 0
     local lastfont = nil
@@ -92,10 +106,10 @@ function italics.handler(head)
     local current  = head
     local inserted = nil
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local font = current.font
-            local char = current.char
+            local font = getfont(current)
+            local char = getchar(current)
             local data = italicsdata[font]
             if font ~= lastfont then
                 if italic ~= 0 then
@@ -121,7 +135,7 @@ function italics.handler(head)
                 lastfont = font
             end
             if data then
-                local attr = forcedvariant or current[a_italics]
+                local attr = forcedvariant or getattr(current,a_italics)
                 if attr and attr > 0 then
                     local cd = data[char]
                     if not cd then
@@ -173,7 +187,7 @@ function italics.handler(head)
             italic = 0
             done = true
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     if italic ~= 0 and lastattr > 1 then -- more control is needed here
         if trace_italics then
@@ -182,7 +196,7 @@ function italics.handler(head)
         insert_node_after(head,previous,new_correction_kern(italic))
         done = true
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enable
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-krn.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-krn.lua
index 56f58bb73..a8ffe557b 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-krn.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-krn.lua
@@ -13,21 +13,36 @@ local utfchar = utf.char
 
 local nodes, node, fonts = nodes, node, fonts
 
-local find_node_tail     = node.tail or node.slide
-local free_node          = node.free
-local free_nodelist      = node.flush_list
-local copy_node          = node.copy
-local copy_nodelist      = node.copy_list
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local end_of_math        = node.end_of_math
+local tasks              = nodes.tasks
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local find_node_tail     = nuts.tail
+local free_node          = nuts.free
+local free_nodelist      = nuts.flush_list
+local copy_node          = nuts.copy
+local copy_nodelist      = nuts.copy_list
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local end_of_math        = nuts.end_of_math
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+local getfont            = nuts.getfont
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
 
 local texsetattribute    = tex.setattribute
 local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
-local tasks              = nodes.tasks
-
 local new_gluespec       = nodepool.gluespec
 local new_kern           = nodepool.kern
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
@@ -107,10 +122,10 @@ kerns.keeptogether = false -- just for fun (todo: control setting with key/value
 -- blue  : keep by goodie
 
 function kerns.keepligature(n) -- might become default
-    local f = n.font
-    local a = n[0] or 0
+    local f = getfont(n)
+    local a = getattr(n,0) or 0
     if trace_ligatures then
-        local c = n.char
+        local c = getchar(n)
         local d = fontdescriptions[f][c].name
         if a > 0 and contextsetups[a].keepligatures == v_auto then
             report("font %!font:name!, glyph %a, slot %X -> ligature %s, by %s feature %a",f,d,c,"kept","dynamic","keepligatures")
@@ -169,9 +184,9 @@ end
 local function kern_injector(fillup,kern)
     if fillup then
         local g = new_glue(kern)
-        local s = g.spec
-        s.stretch = kern
-        s.stretch_order = 1
+        local s = getfield(g,"spec")
+        setfield(s,"stretch",kern)
+        setfield(s,"stretch_order",1)
         return g
     else
         return new_kern(kern)
@@ -181,7 +196,7 @@ end
 local function spec_injector(fillup,width,stretch,shrink)
     if fillup then
         local s = new_gluespec(width,2*stretch,2*shrink)
-        s.stretch_order = 1
+        setfield(s,"stretch_order",1)
         return s
     else
         return new_gluespec(width,stretch,shrink)
@@ -197,9 +212,9 @@ local function do_process(head,force) -- todo: glue so that we can fully stretch
     local fillup = false
     while start do
         -- faster to test for attr first
-        local attr = force or start[a_kerns]
+        local attr = force or getattr(start,a_kerns)
         if attr and attr > 0 then
-            start[a_kerns] = unsetvalue
+            setattr(start,a_kerns,unsetvalue)
             local krn = mapping[attr]
             if krn == v_max then
                 krn = .25
@@ -208,10 +223,10 @@ local function do_process(head,force) -- todo: glue so that we can fully stretch
                 fillup = false
             end
             if krn and krn ~= 0 then
-                local id = start.id
-                if id == glyph_code then
-                    lastfont = start.font
-                    local c = start.components
+                local id = getid(start)
+                if id == glyph_code then -- we could use the subtype ligature
+                    lastfont = getfont(start)
+                    local c = getfield(start,"components")
                     if not c then
                         -- fine
                     elseif keepligature and keepligature(start) then
@@ -219,47 +234,47 @@ local function do_process(head,force) -- todo: glue so that we can fully stretch
                     else
                         c = do_process(c,attr)
                         local s = start
-                        local p, n = s.prev, s.next
+                        local p, n = getprev(s), getnext(s)
                         local tail = find_node_tail(c)
                         if p then
-                            p.next = c
-                            c.prev = p
+                            setfield(p,"next",c)
+                            setfield(c,"prev",p)
                         else
                             head = c
                         end
                         if n then
-                            n.prev = tail
+                            setfield(n,"prev",tail)
                         end
-                        tail.next = n
+                        setfield(tail,"next",n)
                         start = c
-                        s.components = nil
+                        setfield(s,"components",nil)
                         -- we now leak nodes !
-                     -- free_node(s)
+                    --  free_node(s)
                         done = true
                     end
-                    local prev = start.prev
+                    local prev = getprev(start)
                     if not prev then
                         -- skip
-                    elseif markdata[lastfont][start.char] then
+                    elseif markdata[lastfont][getchar(start)] then
                             -- skip
                     else
-                        local pid = prev.id
+                        local pid = getid(prev)
                         if not pid then
                             -- nothing
                         elseif pid == kern_code then
-                            if prev.subtype == kerning_code or prev[a_fontkern] then
-                                if keeptogether and prev.prev.id == glyph_code and keeptogether(prev.prev,start) then -- we could also pass start
+                            if getsubtype(prev) == kerning_code or getattr(prev,a_fontkern) then
+                                if keeptogether and getid(getprev(prev)) == glyph_code and keeptogether(getprev(prev),start) then -- we could also pass start
                                     -- keep 'm
                                 else
                                     -- not yet ok, as injected kerns can be overlays (from node-inj.lua)
-                                    prev.subtype = userkern_code
-                                    prev.kern = prev.kern + quaddata[lastfont]*krn -- here
+                                    setfield(prev,"subtype",userkern_code)
+                                    setfield(prev,"kern",getfield(prev,"kern") + quaddata[lastfont]*krn) -- here
                                     done = true
                                 end
                             end
                         elseif pid == glyph_code then
-                            if prev.font == lastfont then
-                                local prevchar, lastchar = prev.char, start.char
+                            if getfont(prev) == lastfont then
+                                local prevchar, lastchar = getchar(prev), getchar(start)
                                 if keeptogether and keeptogether(prev,start) then
                                     -- keep 'm
                                 else
@@ -278,102 +293,102 @@ local function do_process(head,force) -- todo: glue so that we can fully stretch
                             -- a bit too complicated, we can best not copy and just calculate
                             -- but we could have multiple glyphs involved so ...
                             local disc = prev -- disc
-                            local prv, nxt = disc.prev, disc.next
-                            if disc.subtype == discretionary_code then
+                            local prv, nxt = getprev(disc), getnext(disc)
+                            if getsubtype(disc) == discretionary_code then
                                 -- maybe we should forget about this variant as there is no glue
                                 -- possible
-                                local pre, post, replace = disc.pre, disc.post, disc.replace
-                                if pre and prv then -- must pair with start.prev
-                                    -- this one happens in most cases
+                                local pre, post, replace = getfield(disc,"pre"), getfield(disc,"post"), getfield(disc,"replace")
+                                if pre and prv then -- must pair with getprev(start)
                                     local before = copy_node(prv)
-                                    pre.prev = before
-                                    before.next = pre
-                                    before.prev = nil
+                                    setfield(pre,"prev",before)
+                                    setfield(before,"next",pre)
+                                    setfield(before,"prev",nil)
                                     pre = do_process(before,attr)
-                                    pre = pre.next
-                                    pre.prev = nil
-                                    disc.pre = pre
+                                    pre = getnext(pre)
+                                    setfield(pre,"prev",nil)
+                                    setfield(disc,"pre",pre)
                                     free_node(before)
                                 end
                                 if post and nxt then  -- must pair with start
                                     local after = copy_node(nxt)
                                     local tail = find_node_tail(post)
-                                    tail.next = after
-                                    after.prev = tail
-                                    after.next = nil
+                                    setfield(tail,"next",after)
+                                    setfield(after,"prev",tail)
+                                    setfield(after,"next",nil)
                                     post = do_process(post,attr)
-                                    tail.next = nil
-                                    disc.post = post
+                                    setfield(tail,"next",nil)
+                                    setfield(disc,"post",post)
                                     free_node(after)
                                 end
                                 if replace and prv and nxt then -- must pair with start and start.prev
                                     local before = copy_node(prv)
                                     local after = copy_node(nxt)
                                     local tail = find_node_tail(replace)
-                                    replace.prev = before
-                                    before.next = replace
-                                    before.prev = nil
-                                    tail.next = after
-                                    after.prev = tail
-                                    after.next = nil
+                                    setfield(replace,"prev",before)
+                                    setfield(before,"next",replace)
+                                    setfield(before,"prev",nil)
+                                    setfield(tail,"next",after)
+                                    setfield(after,"prev",tail)
+                                    setfield(after,"next",nil)
                                     replace = do_process(before,attr)
-                                    replace = replace.next
-                                    replace.prev = nil
-                                    after.prev.next = nil
-                                    disc.replace = replace
+                                    replace = getnext(replace)
+                                    setfield(replace,"prev",nil)
+                                    setfield(getfield(after,"prev"),"next",nil)
+                                    setfield(disc,"replace",replace)
                                     free_node(after)
                                     free_node(before)
-                                elseif prv and prv.id == glyph_code and prv.font == lastfont then
-                                    local prevchar, lastchar = prv.char, start.char
+                                elseif prv and getid(prv) == glyph_code and getfont(prv) == lastfont then
+                                    local prevchar, lastchar = getchar(prv), getchar(start)
                                     local kerns = chardata[lastfont][prevchar].kerns
                                     local kern = kerns and kerns[lastchar] or 0
                                     krn = kern + quaddata[lastfont]*krn -- here
-                                    disc.replace = kern_injector(false,krn) -- only kerns permitted, no glue
+                                    setfield(disc,"replace",kern_injector(false,krn)) -- only kerns permitted, no glue
                                 else
                                     krn = quaddata[lastfont]*krn -- here
-                                    disc.replace = kern_injector(false,krn) -- only kerns permitted, no glue
+                                    setfield(disc,"replace",kern_injector(false,krn)) -- only kerns permitted, no glue
                                 end
                             else
                                 -- this one happens in most cases: automatic (-), explicit (\-), regular (patterns)
-                                if prv and prv.id == glyph_code and prv.font == lastfont then
-                                    local prevchar, lastchar = prv.char, start.char
+                                if prv and getid(prv) == glyph_code and getfont(prv) == lastfont then
+                                    -- the normal case
+                                    local prevchar, lastchar = getchar(prv), getchar(start)
                                     local kerns = chardata[lastfont][prevchar].kerns
                                     local kern = kerns and kerns[lastchar] or 0
-                                    krn = kern + quaddata[lastfont]*krn -- here
+                                    krn = kern + quaddata[lastfont]*krn
                                 else
-                                    krn = quaddata[lastfont]*krn -- here
+                                    krn = quaddata[lastfont]*krn
                                 end
                                 insert_node_before(head,start,kern_injector(fillup,krn))
                             end
                         end
                     end
                 elseif id == glue_code then
-                    local subtype = start.subtype
+                    local subtype = getsubtype(start)
                     if subtype == userskip_code or subtype == xspaceskip_code or subtype == spaceskip_code then
-                        local s = start.spec
-                        local w = s.width
+                        local s = getfield(start,"spec")
+                        local w = getfield(s,"width")
                         if w > 0 then
-                            local width, stretch, shrink = w+gluefactor*w*krn, s.stretch, s.shrink
-                            start.spec = spec_injector(fillup,width,stretch*width/w,shrink*width/w)
+                            local width, stretch, shrink = w+gluefactor*w*krn, getfield(s,"stretch"), getfield(s,"shrink")
+                            setfield(start,"spec",spec_injector(fillup,width,stretch*width/w,shrink*width/w))
                             done = true
                         end
                     end
                 elseif id == kern_code then
-                 -- if start.subtype == kerning_code then -- handle with glyphs
-                 --     local sk = start.kern
+                 -- if getsubtype(start) == kerning_code then -- handle with glyphs
+                 --     local sk = getfield(start,"kern")
                  --     if sk > 0 then
-                 --         start.kern = sk*krn
+                 --         setfield(start,"kern",sk*krn)
                  --         done = true
                  --     end
                  -- end
                 elseif lastfont and (id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code) then -- todo: lookahead
-                    local p = start.prev
-                    if p and p.id ~= glue_code then
+                    local p = getprev(start)
+                    if p and getid(p) ~= glue_code then
                         insert_node_before(head,start,kern_injector(fillup,quaddata[lastfont]*krn))
                         done = true
                     end
-                    local n = start.next
-                    if n and n.id ~= glue_code then
+                    local n = getnext(start)
+                    if n and getid(n) ~= glue_code then
                         insert_node_after(head,start,kern_injector(fillup,quaddata[lastfont]*krn))
                         done = true
                     end
@@ -383,7 +398,7 @@ local function do_process(head,force) -- todo: glue so that we can fully stretch
             end
         end
         if start then
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
     return head, done
@@ -414,7 +429,8 @@ function kerns.set(factor)
 end
 
 function kerns.handler(head)
-    return do_process(head)  -- no direct map, because else fourth argument is tail == true
+    local head, done = do_process(tonut(head))  -- no direct map, because else fourth argument is tail == true
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 -- interface
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
index 85d5c85a8..a41a409dd 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-mar.lua
@@ -115,13 +115,31 @@ local v_first            = variables.first
 local v_text             = variables.text
 local v_column           = variables.column
 
-local copy_node_list     = node.copy_list
-local slide_nodes        = node.slide
-local hpack_nodes        = node.hpack -- nodes.fasthpack not really faster here
-local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
-local free_node_list     = node.flush_list
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
+
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+
+local copy_node_list     = nuts.copy_list
+local slide_nodes        = nuts.slide
+local hpack_nodes        = nuts.hpack -- nodes.fasthpack not really faster here
+local traverse_id        = nuts.traverse_id
+local free_node_list     = nuts.flush_list
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local linked_nodes       = nuts.linked
+
+local getfield           = nuts.getfield
+local setfield           = nuts.setfield
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+local getsubtype         = nuts.getsubtype
+local getbox             = nuts.getbox
+local getlist            = nuts.getlist
 
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local listcodes          = nodes.listcodes
@@ -144,7 +162,7 @@ local userdefined_code   = whatsitcodes.userdefined
 local dir_code           = whatsitcodes.dir
 local localpar_code      = whatsitcodes.localpar
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
 
 local new_kern           = nodepool.kern
 local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
@@ -155,13 +173,12 @@ local new_latelua        = nodepool.latelua
 
 local texgetcount        = tex.getcount
 local texgetdimen        = tex.getdimen
-local texgetbox          = tex.getbox
 local texget             = tex.get
 
 local points             = number.points
 
 local isleftpage         = layouts.status.isleftpage
-local registertogether   = builders.paragraphs.registertogether
+local registertogether   = builders.paragraphs.registertogether -- tonode
 
 local jobpositions       = job.positions
 local getposition        = jobpositions.position
@@ -170,7 +187,7 @@ local a_margindata       = attributes.private("margindata")
 
 local inline_mark        = nodepool.userids["margins.inline"]
 
-local margins            =  { }
+local margins            = { }
 typesetters.margins      = margins
 
 local locations          = { v_left, v_right, v_inner, v_outer } -- order might change
@@ -242,7 +259,7 @@ end
 
 function margins.save(t)
     setmetatable(t,defaults)
-    local content  = texgetbox(t.number)
+    local content  = getbox(t.number)
     local location = t.location
     local category = t.category
     local inline   = t.inline
@@ -310,11 +327,11 @@ function margins.save(t)
         -- nice is to make a special status table mechanism
         local leftmargindistance  = texgetdimen("naturalleftmargindistance")
         local rightmargindistance = texgetdimen("naturalrightmargindistance")
-        local strutbox        = texgetbox("strutbox")
-        t.strutdepth          = strutbox.depth
-        t.strutheight         = strutbox.height
-        t.leftskip            = texget("leftskip").width  -- we're not in forgetall
-        t.rightskip           = texget("rightskip").width -- we're not in forgetall
+        local strutbox        = getbox("strutbox")
+        t.strutdepth          = getfield(strutbox,"depth")
+        t.strutheight         = getfield(strutbox,"height")
+        t.leftskip            = getfield(texget("leftskip"),"width")  -- we're not in forgetall
+        t.rightskip           = getfield(texget("rightskip"),"width") -- we're not in forgetall
         t.leftmargindistance  = leftmargindistance -- todo:layoutstatus table
         t.rightmargindistance = rightmargindistance
         t.leftedgedistance    = texgetdimen("naturalleftedgedistance")
@@ -404,7 +421,7 @@ local function realign(current,candidate)
     -- we assume that list is a hbox, otherwise we had to take the whole current
     -- in order to get it right
 
-    current.width = 0
+    setfield(current,"width",0)
     local anchornode, move_x
 
     -- this mess is needed for alignments (combinations) so we use that
@@ -446,9 +463,9 @@ local function realign(current,candidate)
             report_margindata("realigned %a, location %a, margin %a",candidate.n,location,margin)
         end
     end
-
-    current.list = hpack_nodes(anchornode .. new_kern(-delta) .. current.list .. new_kern(delta))
-    current.width = 0
+    local list = hpack_nodes(linked_nodes(anchornode,new_kern(-delta),getlist(current),new_kern(delta)))
+    setfield(current,"list",list)
+    setfield(current,"width",0)
 end
 
 local function realigned(current,a)
@@ -490,7 +507,8 @@ local function markovershoot(current)
     v_anchors = v_anchors + 1
     cache[v_anchors] = stacked
     local anchor = new_latelua(format("typesetters.margins.ha(%s)",v_anchors)) -- todo: alleen als offset > line
-    current.list = hpack_nodes(anchor .. current.list)
+    local list = hpack_nodes(linked_nodes(anchor,getlist(current)))
+    setfield(current,"list",list)
 end
 
 local function getovershoot(location)
@@ -512,10 +530,10 @@ end
 
 local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     local box          = candidate.box
-    local width        = box.width
-    local height       = box.height
-    local depth        = box.depth
-    local shift        = box.shift
+    local width        = getfield(box,"width")
+    local height       = getfield(box,"height")
+    local depth        = getfield(box,"depth")
+    local shift        = getfield(box,"shift")
     local stack        = candidate.stack
     local location     = candidate.location
     local method       = candidate.method
@@ -524,7 +542,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     local baseline     = candidate.baseline
     local strutheight  = candidate.strutheight
     local strutdepth   = candidate.strutdepth
-    local psubtype     = parent.subtype
+    local psubtype     = getsubtype(parent)
     local offset       = stacked[location]
     local firstonstack = offset == false or offset == nil
     nofstatus          = nofstatus  + 1
@@ -546,7 +564,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
         end
     end
     candidate.width = width
-    candidate.hsize = parent.width -- we can also pass textwidth
+    candidate.hsize = getfield(parent,"width") -- we can also pass textwidth
     candidate.psubtype = psubtype
     if trace_margindata then
         report_margindata("processing, index %s, height %p, depth %p, parent %s",candidate.n,height,depth,listcodes[psubtype])
@@ -573,7 +591,7 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
     -- experimental.
     -- -- --
     if method == v_top then
-        local delta = height - parent.height
+        local delta = height - getfield(parent,"height")
         if trace_margindata then
             report_margindata("top aligned by %p",delta)
         end
@@ -616,22 +634,23 @@ local function inject(parent,head,candidate)
         shift = shift + delta
         offset = offset + delta
     end
-    box.shift = shift
-    box.width = 0
+    setfield(box,"shift",shift)
+    setfield(box,"width",0)
     if not head then
         head = box
-    elseif head.id == whatsit_code and head.subtype == localpar_code then
+    elseif getid(head) == whatsit_code and getsubtype(head) == localpar_code then
         -- experimental
-        if head.dir == "TRT" then
-            box.list = hpack_nodes(new_kern(candidate.hsize) .. box.list .. new_kern(-candidate.hsize))
+        if getfield(head,"dir") == "TRT" then
+            local list = hpack_nodes(linked_nodes(new_kern(candidate.hsize),getlist(box),new_kern(-candidate.hsize)))
+            setfield(box,"list",list)
         end
         insert_node_after(head,head,box)
     else
-        head.prev = box
-        box.next = head
+        setfield(head,"prev",box)
+        setfield(box,"next",head)
         head = box
     end
-    box[a_margindata] = nofstatus
+    setfield(box,a_margindata,nofstatus)
     if trace_margindata then
         report_margindata("injected, location %a, shift %p",location,shift)
     end
@@ -656,12 +675,12 @@ local function flushinline(parent,head)
     local current = head
     local done = false
     local continue = false
-    local room, don, con
+    local room, don, con, list
     while current and nofinlined > 0 do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == whatsit_code then
-            if current.subtype == userdefined_code and current.user_id == inline_mark then
-                local n = current.value
+            if getsubtype(current) == userdefined_code and getfield(current,"user_id") == inline_mark then
+                local n = getfield(current,"value")
                 local candidate = inlinestore[n]
                 if candidate then -- no vpack, as we want to realign
                     inlinestore[n] = nil
@@ -674,11 +693,12 @@ local function flushinline(parent,head)
             end
         elseif id == hlist_code or id == vlist_code then
             -- optional (but sometimes needed)
-            current.list, don, con = flushinline(current,current.list)
+            list, don, con = flushinline(current,getlist(current))
+            setfield(current,"list",list)
             continue = continue or con
             done = done or don
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return head, done, continue
 end
@@ -686,7 +706,7 @@ end
 local a_linenumber = attributes.private('linenumber')
 
 local function flushed(scope,parent) -- current is hlist
-    local head = parent.list
+    local head = getlist(parent)
     local done = false
     local continue = false
     local room, con, don
@@ -702,7 +722,7 @@ local function flushed(scope,parent) -- current is hlist
                     done = true
                     continue = continue or con
                     nofstored = nofstored - 1
-                    registertogether(parent,room)
+                    registertogether(tonode(parent),room) -- !! tonode
                 else
                     break
                 end
@@ -711,17 +731,18 @@ local function flushed(scope,parent) -- current is hlist
     end
     if nofinlined > 0 then
         if done then
-            parent.list = head
+            setfield(parent,"list",head)
         end
         head, don, con = flushinline(parent,head)
         continue = continue or con
         done = done or don
     end
     if done then
-        local a = head[a_linenumber] -- hack .. we need a more decent critical attribute inheritance mechanism
-        parent.list = hpack_nodes(head,parent.width,"exactly")
+        local a = getattr(head,a_linenumber) -- hack .. we need a more decent critical attribute inheritance mechanism
+        local l = hpack_nodes(head,getfield(parent,"width"),"exactly")
+        setfield(parent,"list",l)
         if a then
-            parent.list[a_linenumber] = a
+            setattr(l,a_linenumber,a)
         end
      -- resetstacked()
     end
@@ -736,14 +757,15 @@ local function handler(scope,head,group)
         if trace_margindata then
             report_margindata("flushing stage one, stored %s, scope %s, delayed %s, group %a",nofstored,scope,nofdelayed,group)
         end
+        head = tonut(head)
         local current = head
         local done = false
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
-            if (id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code) and not current[a_margindata] then
+            local id = getid(current)
+            if (id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code) and not getattr(current,a_margindata) then
                 local don, continue = flushed(scope,current)
                 if don then
-                    current[a_margindata] = 0 -- signal to prevent duplicate processing
+                    setattr(current,a_margindata,0) -- signal to prevent duplicate processing
                     if continue then
                         markovershoot(current)
                     end
@@ -753,12 +775,12 @@ local function handler(scope,head,group)
                     done = true
                 end
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
      -- if done then
         resetstacked() -- why doesn't done work ok here?
      -- end
-        return head, done
+        return tonode(head), done
     else
         return head, false
     end
@@ -811,11 +833,11 @@ local function finalhandler(head)
         local current = head
         local done = false
         while current do
-            local id = current.id
+            local id = getid(current)
             if id == hlist_code then
-                local a = current[a_margindata]
+                local a = getattr(current,a_margindata)
                 if not a or a == 0 then
-                    finalhandler(current.list)
+                    finalhandler(getlist(current))
                 elseif realigned(current,a) then
                     done = true
                     if nofdelayed == 0 then
@@ -823,9 +845,9 @@ local function finalhandler(head)
                     end
                 end
             elseif id == vlist_code then
-                finalhandler(current.list)
+                finalhandler(getlist(current))
             end
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
         return head, done
     else
@@ -838,7 +860,10 @@ function margins.finalhandler(head)
      -- if trace_margindata then
      --     report_margindata("flushing stage two, instore: %s, delayed: %s",nofstored,nofdelayed)
      -- end
-        return finalhandler(head)
+head = tonut(head)
+local head, done = finalhandler(head)
+head = tonode(head)
+        return head, done
     else
         return head, false
     end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
index 0dd75ddf9..148eac875 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-pag.lua
@@ -14,13 +14,23 @@ local glue_code           = nodecodes.glue
 local kern_code           = nodecodes.kern
 local penalty_code        = nodecodes.penalty
 
-local insert_node_after   = node.insert_after
-local new_penalty         = nodes.pool.penalty
-
 local unsetvalue          = attributes.unsetvalue
-
 local a_keeptogether      = attributes.private("keeptogether")
 
+local nuts                = nodes.nuts
+local tonut               = nuts.tonut
+
+local getfield            = nuts.getfield
+local setfield            = nuts.setfield
+local getnext             = nuts.getnext
+local getprev             = nuts.getprev
+local getid               = nuts.getid
+local getattr             = nuts.getattr
+local setattr             = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_after   = nuts.insert_after
+local new_penalty         = nuts.pool.penalty
+
 local trace_keeptogether  = false
 local report_keeptogether = logs.reporter("parbuilders","keeptogether")
 
@@ -37,7 +47,7 @@ function builders.paragraphs.registertogether(line,specification) -- might chang
     if not enabled then
         nodes.tasks.enableaction("finalizers","builders.paragraphs.keeptogether")
     end
-    local a = line[a_keeptogether]
+    local a = getattr(line,a_keeptogether)
     local c = a and cache[a]
     if c then
         local height = specification.height
@@ -64,7 +74,7 @@ function builders.paragraphs.registertogether(line,specification) -- might chang
         if not specification.slack then
             specification.slack = 0
         end
-        line[a_keeptogether] = last
+        setattr(line,a_keeptogether,last)
     end
     if trace_keeptogether then
         local a = a or last
@@ -88,24 +98,24 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
     if start then
         local specification = cache[a]
         if a then
-            local current = start.next
+            local current = getnext(start)
             local previous = start
-            local total = previous.depth
+            local total = getfield(previous,"depth")
             local slack = specification.slack
             local threshold = specification.depth - slack
             if trace_keeptogether then
                 report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p, slack %p","list",a,total,threshold,slack)
             end
             while current do
-                local id = current.id
+                local id = getid(current)
                 if id == vlist_code or id == hlist_code then
-                    total = total + current.height + current.depth
+                    total = total + getfield(current,"height") + getfield(current,"depth")
                     if trace_keeptogether then
                         report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p","list",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
-                        if previous.id == penalty_code then
-                            previous.penalty = 10000
+                        if getid(previous) == penalty_code then
+                            setfield(previous,"penalty",10000)
                         else
                             insert_node_after(head,previous,new_penalty(10000))
                         end
@@ -114,13 +124,13 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
                     end
                 elseif id == glue_code then
                     -- hm, breakpoint, maybe turn this into kern
-                    total = total + current.spec.width
+                    total = total + getfield(getfield(current,"spec"),"width")
                     if trace_keeptogether then
                         report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %p, threshold %p","glue",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
-                        if previous.id == penalty_code then
-                            previous.penalty = 10000
+                        if getid(previous) == penalty_code then
+                            setfield(previous,"penalty",10000)
                         else
                             insert_node_after(head,previous,new_penalty(10000))
                         end
@@ -128,13 +138,13 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
                         break
                     end
                 elseif id == kern_code then
-                    total = total + current.kern
+                    total = total + getfield(current,"kern")
                     if trace_keeptogether then
                         report_keeptogether("%s, index %s, total %s, threshold %s","kern",a,total,threshold)
                     end
                     if total <= threshold then
-                        if previous.id == penalty_code then
-                            previous.penalty = 10000
+                        if getid(previous) == penalty_code then
+                            setfield(previous,"penalty",10000)
                         else
                             insert_node_after(head,previous,new_penalty(10000))
                         end
@@ -143,16 +153,16 @@ local function keeptogether(start,a)
                     end
                 elseif id == penalty_code then
                     if total <= threshold then
-                        if previous.id == penalty_code then
-                            previous.penalty = 10000
+                        if getid(previous) == penalty_code then
+                            setfield(previous,"penalty",10000)
                         end
-                        current.penalty = 10000
+                        setfield(current,"penalty",10000)
                     else
                         break
                     end
                 end
                 previous = current
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         end
     end
@@ -162,18 +172,18 @@ end
 
 function builders.paragraphs.keeptogether(head)
     local done = false
-    local current = head
+    local current = tonut(head)
     while current do
-        if current.id == hlist_code then
-            local a = current[a_keeptogether]
+        if getid(current) == hlist_code then
+            local a = getattr(current,a_keeptogether)
             if a and a > 0 then
                 keeptogether(current,a)
-                current[a_keeptogether] = unsetvalue
+                setattr(current,a_keeptogether,unsetvalue)
                 cache[a] = nil
                 done = true
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     return head, done
 end
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
index 01868f490..95b801e2e 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-rep.lua
@@ -10,31 +10,44 @@ if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['typo-rep'] = {
 -- endure it by listening to a couple cd's by The Scene and The Lau
 -- on the squeezebox on my desk.
 
+local next, type, tonumber = next, type, tonumber
+
 local trace_stripping = false  trackers.register("nodes.stripping",  function(v) trace_stripping = v end)
                                trackers.register("fonts.stripping",  function(v) trace_stripping = v end)
 
 local report_stripping = logs.reporter("fonts","stripping")
 
-local nodes, node = nodes, node
+local nodes           = nodes
+local tasks           = nodes.tasks
+
+local nuts            = nodes.nuts
+local tonut           = nuts.tonut
+local tonode          = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext         = nuts.getnext
+local getchar         = nuts.getchar
+local getid           = nuts.getid
+local getattr         = nuts.getid
 
-local delete_node     = nodes.delete
-local replace_node    = nodes.replace
-local copy_node       = node.copy
+local setattr         = nuts.setattr
+
+local delete_node     = nuts.delete
+local replace_node    = nuts.replace
+local copy_node       = nuts.copy
+
+local nodecodes       = nodes.nodecodes
+local glyph_code      = nodecodes.glyph
 
 local chardata        = characters.data
 local collected       = false
-local a_stripping     = attributes.private("stripping")
 local fontdata        = fonts.hashes.identifiers
-local tasks           = nodes.tasks
 
+local a_stripping     = attributes.private("stripping")
 local texsetattribute = tex.setattribute
 local unsetvalue      = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 local v_reset         = interfaces.variables.reset
 
-local nodecodes       = nodes.nodecodes
-local glyph_code      = nodecodes.glyph
-
 -- todo: other namespace -> typesetters
 
 nodes.stripping  = nodes.stripping  or { } local stripping  = nodes.stripping
@@ -59,13 +72,13 @@ local function process(what,head,current,char)
         head, current = delete_node(head,current)
     elseif type(what) == "function" then
         head, current = what(head,current)
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
         if trace_stripping then
             report_stripping("processing %C in text",char)
         end
     elseif what then  -- assume node
         head, current = replace_node(head,current,copy_node(what))
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
         if trace_stripping then
             report_stripping("replacing %C in text",char)
         end
@@ -74,28 +87,29 @@ local function process(what,head,current,char)
 end
 
 function nodes.handlers.stripping(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local current, done = head, false
     while current do
-        if current.id == glyph_code then
+        if getid(current) == glyph_code then
             -- it's more efficient to keep track of what needs to be kept
-            local todo = current[a_stripping]
+            local todo = getattr(current,a_stripping)
             if todo == 1 then
-                local char = current.char
+                local char = getchar(current)
                 local what = glyphs[char]
                 if what then
                     head, current = process(what,head,current,char)
                     done = true
                 else -- handling of spacing etc has to be done elsewhere
-                    current = current.next
+                    current = getnext(current)
                 end
             else
-                current = current.next
+                current = getnext(current)
             end
         else
-            current = current.next
+            current = getnext(current)
         end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enabled = false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
index c3f50fe98..039f7c81d 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-spa.lua
@@ -15,10 +15,7 @@ local report_spacing = logs.reporter("typesetting","spacing")
 
 local nodes, fonts, node = nodes, fonts, node
 
-local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
-local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
-local remove_node        = nodes.remove
-local end_of_math        = node.end_of_math
+local tasks              = nodes.tasks
 
 local fonthashes         = fonts.hashes
 local fontdata           = fonthashes.identifiers
@@ -29,6 +26,27 @@ local unsetvalue         = attributes.unsetvalue
 
 local v_reset            = interfaces.variables.reset
 
+local nuts               = nodes.nuts
+local tonut              = nuts.tonut
+local tonode             = nuts.tonode
+
+local getnext            = nuts.getnext
+local getprev            = nuts.getprev
+local getchar            = nuts.getchar
+local getid              = nuts.getid
+local getattr            = nuts.getattr
+
+local setattr            = nuts.setattr
+
+local insert_node_before = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = nuts.insert_after
+local remove_node        = nuts.remove
+local end_of_math        = nuts.end_of_math
+
+local nodepool           = nuts.pool
+local new_penalty        = nodepool.penalty
+local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
+
 local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
 local math_code          = nodecodes.math
@@ -36,12 +54,6 @@ local math_code          = nodecodes.math
 local somespace          = nodes.somespace
 local somepenalty        = nodes.somepenalty
 
-local nodepool           = nodes.pool
-local tasks              = nodes.tasks
-
-local new_penalty        = nodepool.penalty
-local new_glue           = nodepool.glue
-
 typesetters              = typesetters or { }
 local typesetters        = typesetters
 
@@ -52,7 +64,6 @@ spacings.mapping         = spacings.mapping or { }
 spacings.numbers         = spacings.numbers or { }
 
 local a_spacings         = attributes.private("spacing")
-spacings.attribute       = a_spacings
 
 storage.register("typesetters/spacings/mapping", spacings.mapping, "typesetters.spacings.mapping")
 
@@ -67,29 +78,30 @@ end
 -- todo cache lastattr
 
 function spacings.handler(head)
+    head = tonut(head)
     local done = false
     local start = head
     -- head is always begin of par (whatsit), so we have at least two prev nodes
     -- penalty followed by glue
     while start do
-        local id = start.id
+        local id = getid(start)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local attr = start[a_spacings]
+            local attr = getattr(start,a_spacings)
             if attr and attr > 0 then
                 local data = mapping[attr]
                 if data then
-                    local char = start.char
+                    local char = getchar(start)
                     local map = data.characters[char]
-                    start[a_spacings] = unsetvalue -- needed?
+                    setattr(start,a_spacings,unsetvalue) -- needed?
                     if map then
                         local left = map.left
                         local right = map.right
                         local alternative = map.alternative
-                        local quad = quaddata[start.font]
-                        local prev = start.prev
+                        local quad = quaddata[getfont(start)]
+                        local prev = getprev(start)
                         if left and left ~= 0 and prev then
                             local ok = false
-                            local prevprev = prev.prev
+                            local prevprev = getprev(prev)
                             if alternative == 1 then
                                 local somespace = somespace(prev,true)
                                 if somespace then
@@ -120,10 +132,10 @@ function spacings.handler(head)
                                 done = true
                             end
                         end
-                        local next = start.next
+                        local next = getnext(start)
                         if right and right ~= 0 and next then
                             local ok = false
-                            local nextnext = next.next
+                            local nextnext = getnext(next)
                             if alternative == 1 then
                                 local somepenalty = somepenalty(next,10000)
                                 if somepenalty then
@@ -164,10 +176,10 @@ function spacings.handler(head)
             start = end_of_math(start) -- weird, can return nil .. no math end?
         end
         if start then
-            start = start.next
+            start = getnext(start)
         end
     end
-    return head, done
+    return tonode(head), done
 end
 
 local enabled = false
diff --git a/tex/context/base/typo-tal.lua b/tex/context/base/typo-tal.lua
index 63a66d037..e8c14e3e3 100644
--- a/tex/context/base/typo-tal.lua
+++ b/tex/context/base/typo-tal.lua
@@ -20,19 +20,34 @@ local fontcharacters       = fonts.hashes.characters
 local unicodes             = fonts.hashes.unicodes
 local categories           = characters.categories -- nd
 
-local insert_node_before   = nodes.insert_before
-local insert_node_after    = nodes.insert_after
-local traverse_list_by_id  = nodes.traverse_id
-local dimensions_of_list   = nodes.dimensions
-local first_glyph          = nodes.first_glyph
+local nuts                 = nodes.nuts
+local tonut                = nuts.tonut
+local tonode               = nuts.tonode
 
-local nodepool             = nodes.pool
+local getnext              = nuts.getnext
+local getprev              = nuts.getprev
+local getid                = nuts.getid
+local getfont              = nuts.getfont
+local getchar              = nuts.getchar
+local getattr              = nuts.getattr
+local getfield             = nuts.getfield
+
+local setattr              = nuts.setattr
+local setfield             = nuts.setfield
+
+local insert_node_before   = nuts.insert_before
+local insert_node_after    = nuts.insert_after
+local traverse_list_by_id  = nuts.traverse_id
+local dimensions_of_list   = nuts.dimensions
+local first_glyph          = nuts.first_glyph
+
+local nodepool             = nuts.pool
 local new_kern             = nodepool.kern
 local new_gluespec         = nodepool.gluespec
 
 local tracers              = nodes.tracers
 local setcolor             = tracers.colors.set
-local tracedrule           = tracers.pool.nodes.rule
+local tracedrule           = tracers.pool.nuts.rule
 
 local characteralign       = { }
 typesetters.characteralign = characteralign
@@ -69,10 +84,11 @@ local function traced_kern(w)
     return tracedrule(w,nil,nil,"darkgray")
 end
 
-function characteralign.handler(head,where)
+function characteralign.handler(originalhead,where)
     if not datasets then
-        return head, false
+        return originalhead, false
     end
+    local head = tonut(originalhead)
  -- local first = first_glyph(head) -- we could do that once
     local first
     for n in traverse_list_by_id(glyph_code,head) do
@@ -80,11 +96,11 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
         break
     end
     if not first then
-        return head, false
+        return originalhead, false
     end
-    local a = first[a_characteralign]
+    local a = getattr(first,a_characteralign)
     if not a or a == 0 then
-        return head, false
+        return originalhead, false
     end
     local column    = div(a,100)
     local row       = a % 100
@@ -100,10 +116,10 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
     local sign      = nil
     -- we can think of constraints
     while current do
-        local id = current.id
+        local id = getid(current)
         if id == glyph_code then
-            local char = current.char
-            local font = current.font
+            local char = getchar(current)
+            local font = getfont(current)
             local unicode = unicodes[font][char]
             if not unicode then
                 -- no unicode so forget about it
@@ -126,13 +142,13 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
                     if not b_start then
                         if sign then
                             b_start = sign
-                            local new = validsigns[sign.char]
-                            if char == new or not fontcharacters[sign.font][new] then
+                            local new = validsigns[getchar(sign)]
+                            if char == new or not fontcharacters[getfont(sign)][new] then
                                 if trace_split then
                                     setcolor(sign,"darkyellow")
                                 end
                             else
-                                sign.char = new
+                                setfield(sign,"char",new)
                                 if trace_split then
                                     setcolor(sign,"darkmagenta")
                                 end
@@ -158,14 +174,14 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
             end
         elseif (b_start or a_start) and id == glue_code then
             -- somewhat inefficient
-            local next = current.next
-            local prev = current.prev
-            if next and prev and next.id == glyph_code and prev.id == glyph_code then -- too much checking
-                local width = fontcharacters[b_start.font][separator or period].width
-             -- local spec = current.spec
+            local next = getnext(current)
+            local prev = getprev(current)
+            if next and prev and getid(next) == glyph_code and getid(prev) == glyph_code then -- too much checking
+                local width = fontcharacters[getfont(b_start)][separator or period].width
+             -- local spec = getfield(current,"spec")
              -- nodes.free(spec) -- hm, we leak but not that many specs
-                current.spec = new_gluespec(width)
-                current[a_character] = punctuationspace
+                setfield(current,"spec",new_gluespec(width))
+                setattr(current,a_character,punctuationspace)
                 if a_start then
                     a_stop = current
                 elseif b_start then
@@ -173,7 +189,7 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
                 end
             end
         end
-        current = current.next
+        current = getnext(current)
     end
     local entry = list[row]
     if entry then
@@ -207,7 +223,7 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
             if not c then
              -- print("[before]")
                 if dataset.hasseparator then
-                    local width = fontcharacters[b_stop.font][separator].width
+                    local width = fontcharacters[getfont(b_stop)][separator].width
                     insert_node_after(head,b_stop,new_kern(maxafter+width))
                 end
             elseif a_start then
@@ -229,7 +245,7 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
                 end
             else
              -- print("[after]")
-                local width = fontcharacters[b_stop.font][separator].width
+                local width = fontcharacters[getfont(b_stop)][separator].width
                 head = insert_node_before(head,a_start,new_kern(maxbefore+width))
             end
             if after < maxafter then
@@ -246,12 +262,12 @@ function characteralign.handler(head,where)
         end
     else
         entry = {
-            before = b_start and dimensions_of_list(b_start,b_stop.next) or 0,
-            after  = a_start and dimensions_of_list(a_start,a_stop.next) or 0,
+            before = b_start and dimensions_of_list(b_start,getnext(b_stop)) or 0,
+            after  = a_start and dimensions_of_list(a_start,getnext(a_stop)) or 0,
         }
         list[row] = entry
     end
-    return head, true
+    return tonode(head), true
 end
 
 function setcharacteralign(column,separator)
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-inj.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-inj.lua
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ae48150a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-inj.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,526 @@
+if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['node-inj'] = {
+    version   = 1.001,
+    comment   = "companion to node-ini.mkiv",
+    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
+    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
+    license   = "see context related readme files",
+}
+
+-- This is very experimental (this will change when we have luatex > .50 and
+-- a few pending thingies are available. Also, Idris needs to make a few more
+-- test fonts. Btw, future versions of luatex will have extended glyph properties
+-- that can be of help. Some optimizations can go away when we have faster machines.
+
+-- todo: make a special one for context
+
+local next = next
+local utfchar = utf.char
+
+local trace_injections = false  trackers.register("nodes.injections", function(v) trace_injections = v end)
+
+local report_injections = logs.reporter("nodes","injections")
+
+local attributes, nodes, node = attributes, nodes, node
+
+fonts                    = fonts
+local fontdata           = fonts.hashes.identifiers
+
+nodes.injections         = nodes.injections or { }
+local injections         = nodes.injections
+
+local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
+local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
+local kern_code          = nodecodes.kern
+local nodepool           = nodes.pool
+local newkern            = nodepool.kern
+
+local traverse_id        = node.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before = node.insert_before
+local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+
+local a_kernpair = attributes.private('kernpair')
+local a_ligacomp = attributes.private('ligacomp')
+local a_markbase = attributes.private('markbase')
+local a_markmark = attributes.private('markmark')
+local a_markdone = attributes.private('markdone')
+local a_cursbase = attributes.private('cursbase')
+local a_curscurs = attributes.private('curscurs')
+local a_cursdone = attributes.private('cursdone')
+
+-- This injector has been tested by Idris Samawi Hamid (several arabic fonts as well as
+-- the rather demanding Husayni font), Khaled Hosny (latin and arabic) and Kaj Eigner
+-- (arabic, hebrew and thai) and myself (whatever font I come across). I'm pretty sure
+-- that this code is not 100% okay but examples are needed to figure things out.
+
+function injections.installnewkern(nk)
+    newkern = nk or newkern
+end
+
+local cursives = { }
+local marks    = { }
+local kerns    = { }
+
+-- Currently we do gpos/kern in a bit inofficial way but when we have the extra fields in
+-- glyphnodes to manipulate ht/dp/wd explicitly I will provide an alternative; also, we
+-- can share tables.
+
+-- For the moment we pass the r2l key ... volt/arabtype tests .. idris: this needs
+-- checking with husayni (volt and fontforge).
+
+function injections.setcursive(start,nxt,factor,rlmode,exit,entry,tfmstart,tfmnext)
+    local dx, dy = factor*(exit[1]-entry[1]), factor*(exit[2]-entry[2])
+    local ws, wn = tfmstart.width, tfmnext.width
+    local bound = #cursives + 1
+    start[a_cursbase] = bound
+    nxt[a_curscurs] = bound
+    cursives[bound] = { rlmode, dx, dy, ws, wn }
+    return dx, dy, bound
+end
+
+function injections.setpair(current,factor,rlmode,r2lflag,spec,tfmchr)
+    local x, y, w, h = factor*spec[1], factor*spec[2], factor*spec[3], factor*spec[4]
+    -- dy = y - h
+    if x ~= 0 or w ~= 0 or y ~= 0 or h ~= 0 then
+        local bound = current[a_kernpair]
+        if bound then
+            local kb = kerns[bound]
+            -- inefficient but singles have less, but weird anyway, needs checking
+            kb[2], kb[3], kb[4], kb[5] = (kb[2] or 0) + x, (kb[3] or 0) + y, (kb[4] or 0)+ w, (kb[5] or 0) + h
+        else
+            bound = #kerns + 1
+            current[a_kernpair] = bound
+            kerns[bound] = { rlmode, x, y, w, h, r2lflag, tfmchr.width }
+        end
+        return x, y, w, h, bound
+    end
+    return x, y, w, h -- no bound
+end
+
+function injections.setkern(current,factor,rlmode,x,tfmchr)
+    local dx = factor*x
+    if dx ~= 0 then
+        local bound = #kerns + 1
+        current[a_kernpair] = bound
+        kerns[bound] = { rlmode, dx }
+        return dx, bound
+    else
+        return 0, 0
+    end
+end
+
+function injections.setmark(start,base,factor,rlmode,ba,ma,index,baseismark) -- ba=baseanchor, ma=markanchor
+    local dx, dy = factor*(ba[1]-ma[1]), factor*(ba[2]-ma[2])     -- the index argument is no longer used but when this
+    local bound = base[a_markbase]                    -- fails again we should pass it
+    local index = 1
+    if bound then
+        local mb = marks[bound]
+        if mb then
+         -- if not index then index = #mb + 1 end
+            index = #mb + 1
+            mb[index] = { dx, dy, rlmode }
+            start[a_markmark] = bound
+            start[a_markdone] = index
+            return dx, dy, bound
+        else
+            report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",base.char,bound)
+        end
+    end
+--     index = index or 1
+    index = index or 1
+    bound = #marks + 1
+    base[a_markbase] = bound
+    start[a_markmark] = bound
+    start[a_markdone] = index
+    marks[bound] = { [index] = { dx, dy, rlmode, baseismark } }
+    return dx, dy, bound
+end
+
+local function dir(n)
+    return (n and n<0 and "r-to-l") or (n and n>0 and "l-to-r") or "unset"
+end
+
+local function trace(head)
+    report_injections("begin run")
+    for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
+        if n.subtype < 256 then
+            local kp = n[a_kernpair]
+            local mb = n[a_markbase]
+            local mm = n[a_markmark]
+            local md = n[a_markdone]
+            local cb = n[a_cursbase]
+            local cc = n[a_curscurs]
+            local char = n.char
+            report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",n.font,char,char)
+            if kp then
+                local k = kerns[kp]
+                if k[3] then
+                    report_injections("  pairkern: dir %a, x %p, y %p, w %p, h %p",dir(k[1]),k[2],k[3],k[4],k[5])
+                else
+                    report_injections("  kern: dir %a, dx %p",dir(k[1]),k[2])
+                end
+            end
+            if mb then
+                report_injections("  markbase: bound %a",mb)
+            end
+            if mm then
+                local m = marks[mm]
+                if mb then
+                    local m = m[mb]
+                    if m then
+                        report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, index %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,md,m[1],m[2])
+                    else
+                        report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, missing index",mm)
+                    end
+                else
+                    m = m[1]
+                    report_injections("  markmark: bound %a, dx %p, dy %p",mm,m and m[1],m and m[2])
+                end
+            end
+            if cb then
+                report_injections("  cursbase: bound %a",cb)
+            end
+            if cc then
+                local c = cursives[cc]
+                report_injections("  curscurs: bound %a, dir %a, dx %p, dy %p",cc,dir(c[1]),c[2],c[3])
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    report_injections("end run")
+end
+
+-- todo: reuse tables (i.e. no collection), but will be extra fields anyway
+-- todo: check for attribute
+
+-- We can have a fast test on a font being processed, so we can check faster for marks etc
+-- but I'll make a context variant anyway.
+
+local function show_result(head)
+    local current = head
+    local skipping = false
+    while current do
+        local id = current.id
+        if id == glyph_code then
+            report_injections("char: %C, width %p, xoffset %p, yoffset %p",current.char,current.width,current.xoffset,current.yoffset)
+            skipping = false
+        elseif id == kern_code then
+            report_injections("kern: %p",current.kern)
+            skipping = false
+        elseif not skipping then
+            report_injections()
+            skipping = true
+        end
+        current = current.next
+    end
+end
+
+function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
+    local has_marks, has_cursives, has_kerns = next(marks), next(cursives), next(kerns)
+    if has_marks or has_cursives then
+        if trace_injections then
+            trace(head)
+        end
+        -- in the future variant we will not copy items but refs to tables
+        local done, ky, rl, valid, cx, wx, mk, nofvalid = false, { }, { }, { }, { }, { }, { }, 0
+        if has_kerns then -- move outside loop
+            local nf, tm = nil, nil
+            for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do -- only needed for relevant fonts
+                if n.subtype < 256 then
+                    nofvalid = nofvalid + 1
+                    valid[nofvalid] = n
+                    if n.font ~= nf then
+                        nf = n.font
+                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks
+                    end
+                    if tm then
+                        mk[n] = tm[n.char]
+                    end
+                    local k = n[a_kernpair]
+                    if k then
+                        local kk = kerns[k]
+                        if kk then
+                            local x, y, w, h = kk[2] or 0, kk[3] or 0, kk[4] or 0, kk[5] or 0
+                            local dy = y - h
+                            if dy ~= 0 then
+                                ky[n] = dy
+                            end
+                            if w ~= 0 or x ~= 0 then
+                                wx[n] = kk
+                            end
+                            rl[n] = kk[1] -- could move in test
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        else
+            local nf, tm = nil, nil
+            for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
+                if n.subtype < 256 then
+                    nofvalid = nofvalid + 1
+                    valid[nofvalid] = n
+                    if n.font ~= nf then
+                        nf = n.font
+                        tm = fontdata[nf].resources.marks
+                    end
+                    if tm then
+                        mk[n] = tm[n.char]
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        if nofvalid > 0 then
+            -- we can assume done == true because we have cursives and marks
+            local cx = { }
+            if has_kerns and next(ky) then
+                for n, k in next, ky do
+                    n.yoffset = k
+                end
+            end
+            -- todo: reuse t and use maxt
+            if has_cursives then
+                local p_cursbase, p = nil, nil
+                -- since we need valid[n+1] we can also use a "while true do"
+                local t, d, maxt = { }, { }, 0
+                for i=1,nofvalid do -- valid == glyphs
+                    local n = valid[i]
+                    if not mk[n] then
+                        local n_cursbase = n[a_cursbase]
+                        if p_cursbase then
+                            local n_curscurs = n[a_curscurs]
+                            if p_cursbase == n_curscurs then
+                                local c = cursives[n_curscurs]
+                                if c then
+                                    local rlmode, dx, dy, ws, wn = c[1], c[2], c[3], c[4], c[5]
+                                    if rlmode >= 0 then
+                                        dx = dx - ws
+                                    else
+                                        dx = dx + wn
+                                    end
+                                    if dx ~= 0 then
+                                        cx[n] = dx
+                                        rl[n] = rlmode
+                                    end
+                                --  if rlmode and rlmode < 0 then
+                                        dy = -dy
+                                --  end
+                                    maxt = maxt + 1
+                                    t[maxt] = p
+                                    d[maxt] = dy
+                                else
+                                    maxt = 0
+                                end
+                            end
+                        elseif maxt > 0 then
+                            local ny = n.yoffset
+                            for i=maxt,1,-1 do
+                                ny = ny + d[i]
+                                local ti = t[i]
+                                ti.yoffset = ti.yoffset + ny
+                            end
+                            maxt = 0
+                        end
+                        if not n_cursbase and maxt > 0 then
+                            local ny = n.yoffset
+                            for i=maxt,1,-1 do
+                                ny = ny + d[i]
+                                local ti = t[i]
+                                ti.yoffset = ny
+                            end
+                            maxt = 0
+                        end
+                        p_cursbase, p = n_cursbase, n
+                    end
+                end
+                if maxt > 0 then
+                    local ny = n.yoffset
+                    for i=maxt,1,-1 do
+                        ny = ny + d[i]
+                        local ti = t[i]
+                        ti.yoffset = ny
+                    end
+                    maxt = 0
+                end
+                if not keep then
+                    cursives = { }
+                end
+            end
+            if has_marks then
+                for i=1,nofvalid do
+                    local p = valid[i]
+                    local p_markbase = p[a_markbase]
+                    if p_markbase then
+                        local mrks = marks[p_markbase]
+                        local nofmarks = #mrks
+                        for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,p.next) do
+                            local n_markmark = n[a_markmark]
+                            if p_markbase == n_markmark then
+                                local index = n[a_markdone] or 1
+                                local d = mrks[index]
+                                if d then
+                                    local rlmode = d[3]
+                                    --
+                                    local k = wx[p]
+                                    if k then
+                                        local x = k[2]
+                                        local w = k[4]
+                                        if w then
+                                            if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
+                                                -- kern(x) glyph(p) kern(w-x) mark(n)
+                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1] - (w-x)
+                                            else
+                                                -- kern(w-x) glyph(p) kern(x) mark(n)
+                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1] - x
+                                            end
+                                        else
+                                            if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
+                                                -- okay for husayni
+                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1]
+                                            else
+                                                -- needs checking: is x ok here?
+                                                n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1] - x
+                                            end
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        if rlmode and rlmode >= 0 then
+                                            n.xoffset = p.xoffset - p.width + d[1]
+                                        else
+                                            n.xoffset = p.xoffset - d[1]
+                                        end
+                                        local w = n.width
+                                        if w ~= 0 then
+                                            insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
+                                            insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                    --                                    --
+                                    if mk[p] then
+                                        n.yoffset = p.yoffset + d[2]
+                                    else
+                                        n.yoffset = n.yoffset + p.yoffset + d[2]
+                                    end
+                                    --
+                                    if nofmarks == 1 then
+                                        break
+                                    else
+                                        nofmarks = nofmarks - 1
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            else
+                                -- KE: there can be <mark> <mkmk> <mark> sequences in ligatures
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+                if not keep then
+                    marks = { }
+                end
+            end
+            -- todo : combine
+            if next(wx) then
+                for n, k in next, wx do
+                 -- only w can be nil (kernclasses), can be sped up when w == nil
+                    local x = k[2]
+                    local w = k[4]
+                    if w then
+                        local rl = k[1] -- r2l = k[6]
+                        local wx = w - x
+                        if rl < 0 then	-- KE: don't use r2l here
+                            if wx ~= 0 then
+                                insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(wx)) -- type 0/2
+                            end
+                            if x ~= 0 then
+                                insert_node_after (head,n,newkern(x))  -- type 0/2
+                            end
+                        else
+                            if x ~= 0 then
+                                insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(x))  -- type 0/2
+                            end
+                            if wx ~= 0 then
+                                insert_node_after (head,n,newkern(wx)) -- type 0/2
+                            end
+                        end
+                    elseif x ~= 0 then
+                        -- this needs checking for rl < 0 but it is unlikely that a r2l script
+                        -- uses kernclasses between glyphs so we're probably safe (KE has a
+                        -- problematic font where marks interfere with rl < 0 in the previous
+                        -- case)
+                        insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(x)) -- a real font kern, type 0
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            if next(cx) then
+                for n, k in next, cx do
+                    if k ~= 0 then
+                        local rln = rl[n]
+                        if rln and rln < 0 then
+                            insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-k)) -- type 0/2
+                        else
+                            insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(k))  -- type 0/2
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            if not keep then
+                kerns = { }
+            end
+         -- if trace_injections then
+         --     show_result(head)
+         -- end
+            return head, true
+        elseif not keep then
+            kerns, cursives, marks = { }, { }, { }
+        end
+    elseif has_kerns then
+        if trace_injections then
+            trace(head)
+        end
+        for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
+            if n.subtype < 256 then
+                local k = n[a_kernpair]
+                if k then
+                    local kk = kerns[k]
+                    if kk then
+                        local rl, x, y, w = kk[1], kk[2] or 0, kk[3], kk[4]
+                        if y and y ~= 0 then
+                            n.yoffset = y -- todo: h ?
+                        end
+                        if w then
+                            -- copied from above
+                         -- local r2l = kk[6]
+                            local wx = w - x
+                            if rl < 0 then  -- KE: don't use r2l here
+                                if wx ~= 0 then
+                                    insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(wx))
+                                end
+                                if x ~= 0 then
+                                    insert_node_after (head,n,newkern(x))
+                                end
+                            else
+                                if x ~= 0 then
+                                    insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(x))
+                                end
+                                if wx ~= 0 then
+                                    insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(wx))
+                                end
+                            end
+                        else
+                            -- simple (e.g. kernclass kerns)
+                            if x ~= 0 then
+                                insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(x))
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        if not keep then
+            kerns = { }
+        end
+     -- if trace_injections then
+     --     show_result(head)
+     -- end
+        return head, true
+    else
+        -- no tracing needed
+    end
+    return head, false
+end
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
index 5255cd5d0..79755720a 100644
--- a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
+++ b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-merged.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 -- merged file : luatex-fonts-merged.lua
 -- parent file : luatex-fonts.lua
--- merge date  : 01/07/14 01:06:05
+-- merge date  : 01/07/14 14:00:03
 
 do -- begin closure to overcome local limits and interference
 
@@ -8903,26 +8903,12 @@ nodes.injections=nodes.injections or {}
 local injections=nodes.injections
 local nodecodes=nodes.nodecodes
 local glyph_code=nodecodes.glyph
-local disc_code=nodecodes.disc
 local kern_code=nodecodes.kern
-local nuts=nodes.nuts
-local nodepool=nuts.pool
+local nodepool=nodes.pool
 local newkern=nodepool.kern
-local tonode=nuts.tonode
-local tonut=nuts.tonut
-local getfield=nuts.getfield
-local getnext=nuts.getnext
-local getprev=nuts.getprev
-local getid=nuts.getid
-local getattr=nuts.getattr
-local getfont=nuts.getfont
-local getsubtype=nuts.getsubtype
-local getchar=nuts.getchar
-local setfield=nuts.setfield
-local setattr=nuts.setattr
-local traverse_id=nuts.traverse_id
-local insert_node_before=nuts.insert_before
-local insert_node_after=nuts.insert_after
+local traverse_id=node.traverse_id
+local insert_node_before=node.insert_before
+local insert_node_after=node.insert_after
 local a_kernpair=attributes.private('kernpair')
 local a_ligacomp=attributes.private('ligacomp')
 local a_markbase=attributes.private('markbase')
@@ -8941,21 +8927,21 @@ function injections.setcursive(start,nxt,factor,rlmode,exit,entry,tfmstart,tfmne
   local dx,dy=factor*(exit[1]-entry[1]),factor*(exit[2]-entry[2])
   local ws,wn=tfmstart.width,tfmnext.width
   local bound=#cursives+1
-  setattr(start,a_cursbase,bound)
-  setattr(nxt,a_curscurs,bound)
+  start[a_cursbase]=bound
+  nxt[a_curscurs]=bound
   cursives[bound]={ rlmode,dx,dy,ws,wn }
   return dx,dy,bound
 end
 function injections.setpair(current,factor,rlmode,r2lflag,spec,tfmchr)
   local x,y,w,h=factor*spec[1],factor*spec[2],factor*spec[3],factor*spec[4]
   if x~=0 or w~=0 or y~=0 or h~=0 then
-    local bound=getattr(current,a_kernpair)
+    local bound=current[a_kernpair]
     if bound then
       local kb=kerns[bound]
       kb[2],kb[3],kb[4],kb[5]=(kb[2] or 0)+x,(kb[3] or 0)+y,(kb[4] or 0)+w,(kb[5] or 0)+h
     else
       bound=#kerns+1
-      setattr(current,a_kernpair,bound)
+      current[a_kernpair]=bound
       kerns[bound]={ rlmode,x,y,w,h,r2lflag,tfmchr.width }
     end
     return x,y,w,h,bound
@@ -8966,7 +8952,7 @@ function injections.setkern(current,factor,rlmode,x,tfmchr)
   local dx=factor*x
   if dx~=0 then
     local bound=#kerns+1
-    setattr(current,a_kernpair,bound)
+    current[a_kernpair]=bound
     kerns[bound]={ rlmode,dx }
     return dx,bound
   else
@@ -8975,25 +8961,25 @@ function injections.setkern(current,factor,rlmode,x,tfmchr)
 end
 function injections.setmark(start,base,factor,rlmode,ba,ma,index,baseismark) 
   local dx,dy=factor*(ba[1]-ma[1]),factor*(ba[2]-ma[2])   
-  local bound=getattr(base,a_markbase)          
+  local bound=base[a_markbase]          
   local index=1
   if bound then
     local mb=marks[bound]
     if mb then
       index=#mb+1
       mb[index]={ dx,dy,rlmode }
-      setattr(start,a_markmark,bound)
-      setattr(start,a_markdone,index)
+      start[a_markmark]=bound
+      start[a_markdone]=index
       return dx,dy,bound
     else
-      report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",getchar(base),bound)
+      report_injections("possible problem, %U is base mark without data (id %a)",base.char,bound)
     end
   end
   index=index or 1
   bound=#marks+1
-  setattr(base,a_markbase,bound)
-  setattr(start,a_markmark,bound)
-  setattr(start,a_markdone,index)
+  base[a_markbase]=bound
+  start[a_markmark]=bound
+  start[a_markdone]=index
   marks[bound]={ [index]={ dx,dy,rlmode,baseismark } }
   return dx,dy,bound
 end
@@ -9003,15 +8989,15 @@ end
 local function trace(head)
   report_injections("begin run")
   for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-    if getsubtype(n)<256 then
-      local kp=getattr(n,a_kernpair)
-      local mb=getattr(n,a_markbase)
-      local mm=getattr(n,a_markmark)
-      local md=getattr(n,a_markdone)
-      local cb=getattr(n,a_cursbase)
-      local cc=getattr(n,a_curscurs)
-      local char=getchar(n)
-      report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",getfont(n),char,char)
+    if n.subtype<256 then
+      local kp=n[a_kernpair]
+      local mb=n[a_markbase]
+      local mm=n[a_markmark]
+      local md=n[a_markdone]
+      local cb=n[a_cursbase]
+      local cc=n[a_curscurs]
+      local char=n.char
+      report_injections("font %s, char %U, glyph %c",n.font,char,char)
       if kp then
         local k=kerns[kp]
         if k[3] then
@@ -9052,23 +9038,21 @@ local function show_result(head)
   local current=head
   local skipping=false
   while current do
-    local id=getid(current)
+    local id=current.id
     if id==glyph_code then
-      report_injections("char: %C, width %p, xoffset %p, yoffset %p",
-        getchar(current),getfield(current,"width"),getfield(current,"xoffset"),getfield(current,"yoffset"))
+      report_injections("char: %C, width %p, xoffset %p, yoffset %p",current.char,current.width,current.xoffset,current.yoffset)
       skipping=false
     elseif id==kern_code then
-      report_injections("kern: %p",getfield(current,"kern"))
+      report_injections("kern: %p",current.kern)
       skipping=false
     elseif not skipping then
       report_injections()
       skipping=true
     end
-    current=getnext(current)
+    current=current.next
   end
 end
 function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
-  head=tonut(head)
   local has_marks,has_cursives,has_kerns=next(marks),next(cursives),next(kerns)
   if has_marks or has_cursives then
     if trace_injections then
@@ -9078,18 +9062,17 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
     if has_kerns then 
       local nf,tm=nil,nil
       for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do 
-        if getsubtype(n)<256 then
+        if n.subtype<256 then
           nofvalid=nofvalid+1
           valid[nofvalid]=n
-          local f=getfont(n)
-          if f~=nf then
-            nf=f
-            tm=fontdata[nf].resources.marks 
+          if n.font~=nf then
+            nf=n.font
+            tm=fontdata[nf].resources.marks
           end
           if tm then
-            mk[n]=tm[getchar(n)]
+            mk[n]=tm[n.char]
           end
-          local k=getattr(n,a_kernpair)
+          local k=n[a_kernpair]
           if k then
             local kk=kerns[k]
             if kk then
@@ -9109,16 +9092,15 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
     else
       local nf,tm=nil,nil
       for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-        if getsubtype(n)<256 then
+        if n.subtype<256 then
           nofvalid=nofvalid+1
           valid[nofvalid]=n
-          local f=getfont(n)
-          if f~=nf then
-            nf=f
-            tm=fontdata[nf].resources.marks 
+          if n.font~=nf then
+            nf=n.font
+            tm=fontdata[nf].resources.marks
           end
           if tm then
-            mk[n]=tm[getchar(n)]
+            mk[n]=tm[n.char]
           end
         end
       end
@@ -9127,7 +9109,7 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
       local cx={}
       if has_kerns and next(ky) then
         for n,k in next,ky do
-          setfield(n,"yoffset",k)
+          n.yoffset=k
         end
       end
       if has_cursives then
@@ -9136,9 +9118,9 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
         for i=1,nofvalid do 
           local n=valid[i]
           if not mk[n] then
-            local n_cursbase=getattr(n,a_cursbase)
+            local n_cursbase=n[a_cursbase]
             if p_cursbase then
-              local n_curscurs=getattr(n,a_curscurs)
+              local n_curscurs=n[a_curscurs]
               if p_cursbase==n_curscurs then
                 local c=cursives[n_curscurs]
                 if c then
@@ -9161,20 +9143,20 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
                 end
               end
             elseif maxt>0 then
-              local ny=getfield(n,"yoffset")
+              local ny=n.yoffset
               for i=maxt,1,-1 do
                 ny=ny+d[i]
                 local ti=t[i]
-                setfield(ti,"yoffset",getfield(ti,"yoffset")+ny)
+                ti.yoffset=ti.yoffset+ny
               end
               maxt=0
             end
             if not n_cursbase and maxt>0 then
-              local ny=getfield(n,"yoffset")
+              local ny=n.yoffset
               for i=maxt,1,-1 do
                 ny=ny+d[i]
                 local ti=t[i]
-                setfield(ti,"yoffset",ny)
+                ti.yoffset=ny
               end
               maxt=0
             end
@@ -9182,11 +9164,11 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
           end
         end
         if maxt>0 then
-          local ny=getfield(n,"yoffset")
+          local ny=n.yoffset
           for i=maxt,1,-1 do
             ny=ny+d[i]
             local ti=t[i]
-            setfield(ti,"yoffset",ny)
+            ti.yoffset=ny
           end
           maxt=0
         end
@@ -9197,66 +9179,57 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
       if has_marks then
         for i=1,nofvalid do
           local p=valid[i]
-          local p_markbase=getattr(p,a_markbase)
+          local p_markbase=p[a_markbase]
           if p_markbase then
             local mrks=marks[p_markbase]
             local nofmarks=#mrks
-            for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,getnext(p)) do
-              local n_markmark=getattr(n,a_markmark)
+            for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,p.next) do
+              local n_markmark=n[a_markmark]
               if p_markbase==n_markmark then
-                local index=getattr(n,a_markdone) or 1
+                local index=n[a_markdone] or 1
                 local d=mrks[index]
                 if d then
                   local rlmode=d[3]
                   local k=wx[p]
-                  local px=getfield(p,"xoffset")
-                  local ox=0
                   if k then
                     local x=k[2]
                     local w=k[4]
                     if w then
                       if rlmode and rlmode>=0 then
-                        ox=px-getfield(p,"width")+d[1]-(w-x)
+                        n.xoffset=p.xoffset-p.width+d[1]-(w-x)
                       else
-                        ox=px-d[1]-x
+                        n.xoffset=p.xoffset-d[1]-x
                       end
                     else
                       if rlmode and rlmode>=0 then
-                        ox=px-getfield(p,"width")+d[1]
+                        n.xoffset=p.xoffset-p.width+d[1]
                       else
-                        ox=px-d[1]-x
+                        n.xoffset=p.xoffset-d[1]-x
                       end
                     end
                   else
-                    local wp=getfield(p,"width")
-                    local wn=getfield(n,"width") 
                     if rlmode and rlmode>=0 then
-                      ox=px-wp+d[1]
+                      n.xoffset=p.xoffset-p.width+d[1]
                     else
-                      ox=px-d[1]
+                      n.xoffset=p.xoffset-d[1]
                     end
-                    if wn~=0 then
-                      insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-wn/2))
-                      insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(-wn/2))
+                    local w=n.width
+                    if w~=0 then
+                      insert_node_before(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
+                      insert_node_after(head,n,newkern(-w/2))
                     end
                   end
-                  setfield(n,"xoffset",ox)
-                  local py=getfield(p,"yoffset")
-                  local oy=0
                   if mk[p] then
-                    oy=py+d[2]
+                    n.yoffset=p.yoffset+d[2]
                   else
-                    oy=getfield(n,"yoffset")+py+d[2]
+                    n.yoffset=n.yoffset+p.yoffset+d[2]
                   end
-                  setfield(n,"yoffset",oy)
                   if nofmarks==1 then
                     break
                   else
                     nofmarks=nofmarks-1
                   end
                 end
-              elseif not n_markmark then
-                break 
               else
               end
             end
@@ -9308,7 +9281,6 @@ function injections.handler(head,where,keep)
       if not keep then
         kerns={}
       end
-head=tonode(head)
       return head,true
     elseif not keep then
       kerns,cursives,marks={},{},{}
@@ -9318,14 +9290,14 @@ head=tonode(head)
       trace(head)
     end
     for n in traverse_id(glyph_code,head) do
-      if getsubtype(n)<256 then
-        local k=getattr(n,a_kernpair)
+      if n.subtype<256 then
+        local k=n[a_kernpair]
         if k then
           local kk=kerns[k]
           if kk then
             local rl,x,y,w=kk[1],kk[2] or 0,kk[3],kk[4]
             if y and y~=0 then
-              setfield(n,"yoffset",y) 
+              n.yoffset=y 
             end
             if w then
               local wx=w-x
@@ -9356,10 +9328,10 @@ head=tonode(head)
     if not keep then
       kerns={}
     end
-    return tonode(head),true
+    return head,true
   else
   end
-  return tonode(head),false
+  return head,false
 end
 
 end -- closure
@@ -9774,25 +9746,12 @@ registertracker("otf.positions","otf.marks,otf.kerns,otf.cursive")
 registertracker("otf.actions","otf.replacements,otf.positions")
 registertracker("otf.injections","nodes.injections")
 registertracker("*otf.sample","otf.steps,otf.actions,otf.analyzing")
-local nuts=nodes.nuts
-local tonode=nuts.tonode
-local tonut=nuts.tonut
-local getfield=nuts.getfield
-local getnext=nuts.getnext
-local getprev=nuts.getprev
-local getid=nuts.getid
-local getattr=nuts.getattr
-local getfont=nuts.getfont
-local getsubtype=nuts.getsubtype
-local getchar=nuts.getchar
-local setfield=nuts.setfield
-local setattr=nuts.setattr
-local insert_node_after=nuts.insert_after
-local delete_node=nuts.delete
-local copy_node=nuts.copy
-local find_node_tail=nuts.tail
-local flush_node_list=nuts.flush_list
-local end_of_math=nuts.end_of_math
+local insert_node_after=node.insert_after
+local delete_node=nodes.delete
+local copy_node=node.copy
+local find_node_tail=node.tail or node.slide
+local flush_node_list=node.flush_list
+local end_of_math=node.end_of_math
 local setmetatableindex=table.setmetatableindex
 local zwnj=0x200C
 local zwj=0x200D
@@ -9903,83 +9862,83 @@ local function pref(kind,lookupname)
   return formatters["feature %a, lookup %a"](kind,lookupname)
 end
 local function copy_glyph(g) 
-  local components=getfield(g,"components")
+  local components=g.components
   if components then
-    setfield(g,"components",nil)
+    g.components=nil
     local n=copy_node(g)
-    setfield(g,"components",components)
+    g.components=components
     return n
   else
     return copy_node(g)
   end
 end
 local function markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char)
-  if start==stop and getchar(start)==char then
+  if start==stop and start.char==char then
     return head,start
   else
-    local prev=getprev(start)
-    local next=getnext(stop)
-    setfield(start,"prev",nil)
-    setfield(stop,"next",nil)
+    local prev=start.prev
+    local next=stop.next
+    start.prev=nil
+    stop.next=nil
     local base=copy_glyph(start)
     if head==start then
       head=base
     end
-    setfield(base,"char",char)
-    setfield(base,"subtype",ligature_code)
-    setfield(base,"components",start)
+    base.char=char
+    base.subtype=ligature_code
+    base.components=start
     if prev then
-      setfield(prev,"next",base)
+      prev.next=base
     end
     if next then
-      setfield(next,"prev",base)
+      next.prev=base
     end
-    setfield(base,"next",next)
-    setfield(base,"prev",prev)
+    base.next=next
+    base.prev=prev
     return head,base
   end
 end
 local function getcomponentindex(start)
-  if getid(start)~=glyph_code then
+  if start.id~=glyph_code then
     return 0
-  elseif getsubtype(start)==ligature_code then
+  elseif start.subtype==ligature_code then
     local i=0
-    local components=getfield(start,"components")
+    local components=start.components
     while components do
       i=i+getcomponentindex(components)
-      components=getnext(components)
+      components=components.next
     end
     return i
-  elseif not marks[getchar(start)] then
+  elseif not marks[start.char] then
     return 1
   else
     return 0
   end
 end
 local function toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char,markflag,discfound) 
-  if start==stop and getchar(start)==char then
-    setfield(start,"char",char)
+  if start==stop and start.char==char then
+    start.char=char
     return head,start
   end
-  local prev=getprev(start)
-  local next=getnext(stop)
-  setfield(start,"prev",nil)
-  setfield(stop,"next",nil)
+  local prev=start.prev
+  local next=stop.next
+  start.prev=nil
+  stop.next=nil
   local base=copy_glyph(start)
   if start==head then
     head=base
   end
-  setfield(base,"char",char)
-  setfield(base,"subtype",ligature_code)
-  setfield(base,"components",start) 
+  base.char=char
+  base.subtype=ligature_code
+  base.components=start 
   if prev then
-    setfield(prev,"next",base)
+    prev.next=base
   end
   if next then
-    setfield(next,"prev",base)
+    next.prev=base
   end
-  setfield(base,"next",next)
-  setfield(base,"prev",prev)
+  base.next=next
+  base.prev=prev
   if not discfound then
     local deletemarks=markflag~="mark"
     local components=start
@@ -9988,42 +9947,42 @@ local function toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char,markflag,discfoun
     local head=base
     local current=base
     while start do
-      local char=getchar(start)
+      local char=start.char
       if not marks[char] then
         baseindex=baseindex+componentindex
         componentindex=getcomponentindex(start)
       elseif not deletemarks then 
-        setattr(start,a_ligacomp,baseindex+(getattr(start,a_ligacomp) or componentindex))
+        start[a_ligacomp]=baseindex+(start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
         if trace_marks then
-          logwarning("%s: keep mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),getattr(start,a_ligacomp))
+          logwarning("%s: keep mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
         end
         head,current=insert_node_after(head,current,copy_node(start)) 
       elseif trace_marks then
         logwarning("%s: delete mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char))
       end
-      start=getnext(start)
+      start=start.next
     end
-    local start=getnext(current)
-    while start and getid(start)==glyph_code do
-      local char=getchar(start)
+    local start=current.next
+    while start and start.id==glyph_code do
+      local char=start.char
       if marks[char] then
-        setattr(start,a_ligacomp,baseindex+(getattr(start,a_ligacomp) or componentindex))
+        start[a_ligacomp]=baseindex+(start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
         if trace_marks then
-          logwarning("%s: set mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),getattr(start,a_ligacomp))
+          logwarning("%s: set mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
         end
       else
         break
       end
-      start=getnext(start)
+      start=start.next
     end
   end
   return head,base
 end
 function handlers.gsub_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement)
   if trace_singles then
-    logprocess("%s: replacing %s by single %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),gref(replacement))
+    logprocess("%s: replacing %s by single %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(replacement))
   end
-  setfield(start,"char",replacement)
+  start.char=replacement
   return head,start,true
 end
 local function get_alternative_glyph(start,alternatives,value,trace_alternatives)
@@ -10049,7 +10008,7 @@ local function get_alternative_glyph(start,alternatives,value,trace_alternatives
         return false,trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"out of range")
       end
     elseif value==0 then
-      return getchar(start),trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"no change")
+      return start.char,trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"no change")
     elseif value<1 then
       return alternatives[1],trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, taking %a"](value,1)
     else
@@ -10060,25 +10019,25 @@ end
 local function multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,ignoremarks)
   local nofmultiples=#multiple
   if nofmultiples>0 then
-    setfield(start,"char",multiple[1])
+    start.char=multiple[1]
     if nofmultiples>1 then
-      local sn=getnext(start)
+      local sn=start.next
       for k=2,nofmultiples do
         local n=copy_node(start) 
-        setfield(n,"char",multiple[k])
-        setfield(n,"next",sn)
-        setfield(n,"prev",start)
+        n.char=multiple[k]
+        n.next=sn
+        n.prev=start
         if sn then
-          setfield(sn,"prev",n)
+          sn.prev=n
         end
-        setfield(start,"next",n)
+        start.next=n
         start=n
       end
     end
     return head,start,true
   else
     if trace_multiples then
-      logprocess("no multiple for %s",gref(getchar(start)))
+      logprocess("no multiple for %s",gref(start.char))
     end
     return head,start,false
   end
@@ -10088,34 +10047,34 @@ function handlers.gsub_alternate(head,start,kind,lookupname,alternative,sequence
   local choice,comment=get_alternative_glyph(start,alternative,value,trace_alternatives)
   if choice then
     if trace_alternatives then
-      logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),choice,gref(choice),comment)
+      logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
     end
-    setfield(start,"char",choice)
+    start.char=choice
   else
     if trace_alternatives then
-      logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),value,gref(getchar(start)),comment)
+      logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),value,gref(start.char),comment)
     end
   end
   return head,start,true
 end
 function handlers.gsub_multiple(head,start,kind,lookupname,multiple,sequence)
   if trace_multiples then
-    logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),gref(multiple))
+    logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(multiple))
   end
   return multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,sequence.flags[1])
 end
 function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
-  local s,stop,discfound=getnext(start),nil,false
-  local startchar=getchar(start)
+  local s,stop,discfound=start.next,nil,false
+  local startchar=start.char
   if marks[startchar] then
     while s do
-      local id=getid(s)
-      if id==glyph_code and getfont(s)==currentfont and getsubtype(s)<256 then
-        local lg=ligature[getchar(s)]
+      local id=s.id
+      if id==glyph_code and s.font==currentfont and s.subtype<256 then
+        local lg=ligature[s.char]
         if lg then
           stop=s
           ligature=lg
-          s=getnext(s)
+          s=s.next
         else
           break
         end
@@ -10127,9 +10086,9 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
       local lig=ligature.ligature
       if lig then
         if trace_ligatures then
-          local stopchar=getchar(stop)
+          local stopchar=stop.char
           head,start=markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
-          logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 1",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(getchar(start)))
+          logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 1",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
         else
           head,start=markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
         end
@@ -10140,18 +10099,18 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
   else
     local skipmark=sequence.flags[1]
     while s do
-      local id=getid(s)
-      if id==glyph_code and getsubtype(s)<256 then
-        if getfont(s)==currentfont then
-          local char=getchar(s)
+      local id=s.id
+      if id==glyph_code and s.subtype<256 then
+        if s.font==currentfont then
+          local char=s.char
           if skipmark and marks[char] then
-            s=getnext(s)
+            s=s.next
           else
             local lg=ligature[char]
             if lg then
               stop=s
               ligature=lg
-              s=getnext(s)
+              s=s.next
             else
               break
             end
@@ -10161,7 +10120,7 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
         end
       elseif id==disc_code then
         discfound=true
-        s=getnext(s)
+        s=s.next
       else
         break
       end
@@ -10170,35 +10129,36 @@ function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
     if lig then
       if stop then
         if trace_ligatures then
-          local stopchar=getchar(stop)
+          local stopchar=stop.char
           head,start=toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
-          logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 2",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(getchar(start)))
+          logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 2",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
         else
           head,start=toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
         end
+        return head,start,true
       else
-        setfield(start,"char",lig)
+        start.char=lig
         if trace_ligatures then
           logprocess("%s: replacing %s by (no real) ligature %s case 3",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(lig))
         end
+        return head,start,true
       end
-      return head,start,true
     else
     end
   end
   return head,start,false
 end
 function handlers.gpos_mark2base(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
-    local base=getprev(start) 
-    if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-      local basechar=getchar(base)
+    local base=start.prev 
+    if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+      local basechar=base.char
       if marks[basechar] then
         while true do
-          base=getprev(base)
-          if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-            basechar=getchar(base)
+          base=base.prev
+          if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+            basechar=base.char
             if not marks[basechar] then
               break
             end
@@ -10247,16 +10207,16 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2base(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence
   return head,start,false
 end
 function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
-    local base=getprev(start) 
-    if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-      local basechar=getchar(base)
+    local base=start.prev 
+    if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+      local basechar=base.char
       if marks[basechar] then
         while true do
-          base=getprev(base)
-          if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-            basechar=getchar(base)
+          base=base.prev
+          if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+            basechar=base.char
             if not marks[basechar] then
               break
             end
@@ -10268,7 +10228,7 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequ
           end
         end
       end
-      local index=getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
+      local index=start[a_ligacomp]
       local baseanchors=descriptions[basechar]
       if baseanchors then
         baseanchors=baseanchors.anchors
@@ -10313,22 +10273,22 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequ
   return head,start,false
 end
 function handlers.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
-    local base=getprev(start) 
-    local slc=getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
+    local base=start.prev 
+    local slc=start[a_ligacomp]
     if slc then 
       while base do
-        local blc=getattr(base,a_ligacomp)
+        local blc=base[a_ligacomp]
         if blc and blc~=slc then
-          base=getprev(base)
+          base=base.prev
         else
           break
         end
       end
     end
-    if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then 
-      local basechar=getchar(base)
+    if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then 
+      local basechar=base.char
       local baseanchors=descriptions[basechar]
       if baseanchors then
         baseanchors=baseanchors.anchors
@@ -10366,20 +10326,20 @@ function handlers.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence
   return head,start,false
 end
 function handlers.gpos_cursive(head,start,kind,lookupname,exitanchors,sequence) 
-  local alreadydone=cursonce and getattr(start,a_cursbase)
+  local alreadydone=cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
   if not alreadydone then
     local done=false
-    local startchar=getchar(start)
+    local startchar=start.char
     if marks[startchar] then
       if trace_cursive then
         logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
       end
     else
-      local nxt=getnext(start)
-      while not done and nxt and getid(nxt)==glyph_code and getfont(nxt)==currentfont and getsubtype(nxt)<256 do
-        local nextchar=getchar(nxt)
+      local nxt=start.next
+      while not done and nxt and nxt.id==glyph_code and nxt.font==currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
+        local nextchar=nxt.char
         if marks[nextchar] then
-          nxt=getnext(nxt)
+          nxt=nxt.next
         else
           local entryanchors=descriptions[nextchar]
           if entryanchors then
@@ -10413,13 +10373,13 @@ function handlers.gpos_cursive(head,start,kind,lookupname,exitanchors,sequence)
     return head,start,done
   else
     if trace_cursive and trace_details then
-      logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),alreadydone)
+      logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
     end
     return head,start,false
   end
 end
 function handlers.gpos_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
-  local startchar=getchar(start)
+  local startchar=start.char
   local dx,dy,w,h=setpair(start,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],kerns,characters[startchar])
   if trace_kerns then
     logprocess("%s: shifting single %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),dx,dy,w,h)
@@ -10427,33 +10387,33 @@ function handlers.gpos_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
   return head,start,false
 end
 function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
-  local snext=getnext(start)
+  local snext=start.next
   if not snext then
     return head,start,false
   else
     local prev,done=start,false
     local factor=tfmdata.parameters.factor
     local lookuptype=lookuptypes[lookupname]
-    while snext and getid(snext)==glyph_code and getfont(snext)==currentfont and getsubtype(snext)<256 do
-      local nextchar=getchar(snext)
+    while snext and snext.id==glyph_code and snext.font==currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
+      local nextchar=snext.char
       local krn=kerns[nextchar]
       if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
         prev=snext
-        snext=getnext(snext)
+        snext=snext.next
       else
         if not krn then
         elseif type(krn)=="table" then
           if lookuptype=="pair" then 
             local a,b=krn[2],krn[3]
             if a and #a>0 then
-              local startchar=getchar(start)
+              local startchar=start.char
               local x,y,w,h=setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
               if trace_kerns then
                 logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
               end
             end
             if b and #b>0 then
-              local startchar=getchar(start)
+              local startchar=start.char
               local x,y,w,h=setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
               if trace_kerns then
                 logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
@@ -10466,7 +10426,7 @@ function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
         elseif krn~=0 then
           local k=setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
           if trace_kerns then
-            logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
+            logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
           end
           done=true
         end
@@ -10501,13 +10461,13 @@ function chainmores.chainsub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,looku
   return head,start,false
 end
 function chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,replacements)
-  local char=getchar(start)
+  local char=start.char
   local replacement=replacements[char]
   if replacement then
     if trace_singles then
       logprocess("%s: single reverse replacement of %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),gref(replacement))
     end
-    setfield(start,"char",replacement)
+    start.char=replacement
     return head,start,true
   else
     return head,start,false
@@ -10520,8 +10480,8 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lo
     logwarning("todo: check if we need to loop over the replacements: %s",concat(subtables," "))
   end
   while current do
-    if getid(current)==glyph_code then
-      local currentchar=getchar(current)
+    if current.id==glyph_code then
+      local currentchar=current.char
       local lookupname=subtables[1] 
       local replacement=lookuphash[lookupname]
       if not replacement then
@@ -10538,21 +10498,21 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lo
           if trace_singles then
             logprocess("%s: replacing single %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(currentchar),gref(replacement))
           end
-          setfield(current,"char",replacement)
+          current.char=replacement
         end
       end
       return head,start,true
     elseif current==stop then
       break
     else
-      current=getnext(current)
+      current=current.next
     end
   end
   return head,start,false
 end
 chainmores.gsub_single=chainprocs.gsub_single
 function chainprocs.gsub_multiple(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-  local startchar=getchar(start)
+  local startchar=start.char
   local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
   local lookupname=subtables[1]
   local replacements=lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -10581,8 +10541,8 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
   local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
   local value=featurevalue==true and tfmdata.shared.features[kind] or featurevalue
   while current do
-    if getid(current)==glyph_code then 
-      local currentchar=getchar(current)
+    if current.id==glyph_code then 
+      local currentchar=current.char
       local lookupname=subtables[1]
       local alternatives=lookuphash[lookupname]
       if not alternatives then
@@ -10597,7 +10557,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
             if trace_alternatives then
               logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
             end
-            setfield(start,"char",choice)
+            start.char=choice
           else
             if trace_alternatives then
               logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),value,gref(char),comment)
@@ -10611,14 +10571,14 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
     elseif current==stop then
       break
     else
-      current=getnext(current)
+      current=current.next
     end
   end
   return head,start,false
 end
 chainmores.gsub_alternate=chainprocs.gsub_alternate
 function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex)
-  local startchar=getchar(start)
+  local startchar=start.char
   local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
   local lookupname=subtables[1]
   local ligatures=lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -10633,20 +10593,20 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
         logwarning("%s: no ligatures starting with %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
       end
     else
-      local s=getnext(start)
+      local s=start.next
       local discfound=false
       local last=stop
       local nofreplacements=0
       local skipmark=currentlookup.flags[1]
       while s do
-        local id=getid(s)
+        local id=s.id
         if id==disc_code then
-          s=getnext(s)
+          s=s.next
           discfound=true
         else
-          local schar=getchar(s)
+          local schar=s.char
           if skipmark and marks[schar] then 
-            s=getnext(s)
+            s=s.next
           else
             local lg=ligatures[schar]
             if lg then
@@ -10654,7 +10614,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
               if s==stop then
                 break
               else
-                s=getnext(s)
+                s=s.next
               end
             else
               break
@@ -10671,7 +10631,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
           if start==stop then
             logprocess("%s: replacing character %s by ligature %s case 3",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(l2))
           else
-            logprocess("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature %s case 4",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(getchar(stop)),gref(l2))
+            logprocess("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature %s case 4",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char),gref(l2))
           end
         end
         head,start=toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,l2,currentlookup.flags[1],discfound)
@@ -10680,7 +10640,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
         if start==stop then
           logwarning("%s: replacing character %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
         else
-          logwarning("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(getchar(stop)))
+          logwarning("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char))
         end
       end
     end
@@ -10689,7 +10649,7 @@ function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,
 end
 chainmores.gsub_ligature=chainprocs.gsub_ligature
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
     local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname=subtables[1]
@@ -10698,14 +10658,14 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
       markanchors=markanchors[markchar]
     end
     if markanchors then
-      local base=getprev(start) 
-      if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-        local basechar=getchar(base)
+      local base=start.prev 
+      if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+        local basechar=base.char
         if marks[basechar] then
           while true do
-            base=getprev(base)
-            if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-              basechar=getchar(base)
+            base=base.prev
+            if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+              basechar=base.char
               if not marks[basechar] then
                 break
               end
@@ -10752,7 +10712,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
   return head,start,false
 end
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
     local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname=subtables[1]
@@ -10761,14 +10721,14 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
       markanchors=markanchors[markchar]
     end
     if markanchors then
-      local base=getprev(start) 
-      if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-        local basechar=getchar(base)
+      local base=start.prev 
+      if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+        local basechar=base.char
         if marks[basechar] then
           while true do
-            base=getprev(base)
-            if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then
-              basechar=getchar(base)
+            base=base.prev
+            if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+              basechar=base.char
               if not marks[basechar] then
                 break
               end
@@ -10780,7 +10740,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
             end
           end
         end
-        local index=getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
+        local index=start[a_ligacomp]
         local baseanchors=descriptions[basechar].anchors
         if baseanchors then
           local baseanchors=baseanchors['baselig']
@@ -10819,7 +10779,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcon
   return head,start,false
 end
 function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-  local markchar=getchar(start)
+  local markchar=start.char
   if marks[markchar] then
       local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
       local lookupname=subtables[1]
@@ -10828,20 +10788,20 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
         markanchors=markanchors[markchar]
       end
       if markanchors then
-        local base=getprev(start) 
-        local slc=getattr(start,a_ligacomp)
+        local base=start.prev 
+        local slc=start[a_ligacomp]
         if slc then 
           while base do
-            local blc=getattr(base,a_ligacomp)
+            local blc=base[a_ligacomp]
             if blc and blc~=slc then
-              base=getprev(base)
+              base=base.prev
             else
               break
             end
           end
         end
-        if base and getid(base)==glyph_code and getfont(base)==currentfont and getsubtype(base)<256 then 
-          local basechar=getchar(base)
+        if base and base.id==glyph_code and base.font==currentfont and base.subtype<256 then 
+          local basechar=base.char
           local baseanchors=descriptions[basechar].anchors
           if baseanchors then
             baseanchors=baseanchors['basemark']
@@ -10877,9 +10837,9 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext
   return head,start,false
 end
 function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
-  local alreadydone=cursonce and getattr(start,a_cursbase)
+  local alreadydone=cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
   if not alreadydone then
-    local startchar=getchar(start)
+    local startchar=start.char
     local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname=subtables[1]
     local exitanchors=lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -10893,11 +10853,11 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,l
           logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
         end
       else
-        local nxt=getnext(start)
-        while not done and nxt and getid(nxt)==glyph_code and getfont(nxt)==currentfont and getsubtype(nxt)<256 do
-          local nextchar=getchar(nxt)
+        local nxt=start.next
+        while not done and nxt and nxt.id==glyph_code and nxt.font==currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
+          local nextchar=nxt.char
           if marks[nextchar] then
-            nxt=getnext(nxt)
+            nxt=nxt.next
           else
             local entryanchors=descriptions[nextchar]
             if entryanchors then
@@ -10931,7 +10891,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,l
       return head,start,done
     else
       if trace_cursive and trace_details then
-        logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(getchar(start)),alreadydone)
+        logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
       end
       return head,start,false
     end
@@ -10939,7 +10899,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,l
   return head,start,false
 end
 function chainprocs.gpos_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
-  local startchar=getchar(start)
+  local startchar=start.char
   local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
   local lookupname=subtables[1]
   local kerns=lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -10956,9 +10916,9 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lo
 end
 chainmores.gpos_single=chainprocs.gpos_single
 function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
-  local snext=getnext(start)
+  local snext=start.next
   if snext then
-    local startchar=getchar(start)
+    local startchar=start.char
     local subtables=currentlookup.subtables
     local lookupname=subtables[1]
     local kerns=lookuphash[lookupname]
@@ -10968,26 +10928,26 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
         local lookuptype=lookuptypes[lookupname]
         local prev,done=start,false
         local factor=tfmdata.parameters.factor
-        while snext and getid(snext)==glyph_code and getfont(snext)==currentfont and getsubtype(snext)<256 do
-          local nextchar=getchar(snext)
+        while snext and snext.id==glyph_code and snext.font==currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
+          local nextchar=snext.char
           local krn=kerns[nextchar]
           if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
             prev=snext
-            snext=getnext(snext)
+            snext=snext.next
           else
             if not krn then
             elseif type(krn)=="table" then
               if lookuptype=="pair" then
                 local a,b=krn[2],krn[3]
                 if a and #a>0 then
-                  local startchar=getchar(start)
+                  local startchar=start.char
                   local x,y,w,h=setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
                   if trace_kerns then
                     logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
                   end
                 end
                 if b and #b>0 then
-                  local startchar=getchar(start)
+                  local startchar=start.char
                   local x,y,w,h=setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
                   if trace_kerns then
                     logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
@@ -10999,7 +10959,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
                 if a and a~=0 then
                   local k=setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,a)
                   if trace_kerns then
-                    logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
+                    logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
                   end
                 end
                 if b and b~=0 then
@@ -11010,7 +10970,7 @@ function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,look
             elseif krn~=0 then
               local k=setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
               if trace_kerns then
-                logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(getchar(prev)),gref(nextchar))
+                logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
               end
               done=true
             end
@@ -11031,10 +10991,6 @@ local function show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
     logwarning("%s: skipping char %s, class %a, rule %a, lookuptype %a",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),class,ck[1],ck[2])
   end
 end
-local quit_on_no_replacement=true
-directives.register("otf.chain.quitonnoreplacement",function(value) 
-  quit_on_no_replacement=value
-end)
 local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,sequence,lookuphash)
   local flags=sequence.flags
   local done=false
@@ -11052,7 +11008,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
     local seq=ck[3]
     local s=#seq
     if s==1 then
-      match=getid(current)==glyph_code and getfont(current)==currentfont and getsubtype(current)<256 and seq[1][getchar(current)]
+      match=current.id==glyph_code and current.font==currentfont and current.subtype<256 and seq[1][current.char]
     else
       local f,l=ck[4],ck[5]
       if f==1 and f==l then
@@ -11060,13 +11016,13 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
         if f==l then
         else
           local n=f+1
-          last=getnext(last)
+          last=last.next
           while n<=l do
             if last then
-              local id=getid(last)
+              local id=last.id
               if id==glyph_code then
-                if getfont(last)==currentfont and getsubtype(last)<256 then
-                  local char=getchar(last)
+                if last.font==currentfont and last.subtype<256 then
+                  local char=last.char
                   local ccd=descriptions[char]
                   if ccd then
                     local class=ccd.class
@@ -11075,10 +11031,10 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                       if trace_skips then
                         show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
                       end
-                      last=getnext(last)
+                      last=last.next
                     elseif seq[n][char] then
                       if n<l then
-                        last=getnext(last)
+                        last=last.next
                       end
                       n=n+1
                     else
@@ -11094,7 +11050,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                   break
                 end
               elseif id==disc_code then
-                last=getnext(last)
+                last=last.next
               else
                 match=false
                 break
@@ -11107,15 +11063,15 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
         end
       end
       if match and f>1 then
-        local prev=getprev(start)
+        local prev=start.prev
         if prev then
           local n=f-1
           while n>=1 do
             if prev then
-              local id=getid(prev)
+              local id=prev.id
               if id==glyph_code then
-                if getfont(prev)==currentfont and getsubtype(prev)<256 then 
-                  local char=getchar(prev)
+                if prev.font==currentfont and prev.subtype<256 then 
+                  local char=prev.char
                   local ccd=descriptions[char]
                   if ccd then
                     local class=ccd.class
@@ -11145,7 +11101,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                 match=false
                 break
               end
-              prev=getprev(prev)
+              prev=prev.prev
             elseif seq[n][32] then 
               n=n -1
             else
@@ -11165,15 +11121,15 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
         end
       end
       if match and s>l then
-        local current=last and getnext(last)
+        local current=last and last.next
         if current then
           local n=l+1
           while n<=s do
             if current then
-              local id=getid(current)
+              local id=current.id
               if id==glyph_code then
-                if getfont(current)==currentfont and getsubtype(current)<256 then 
-                  local char=getchar(current)
+                if current.font==currentfont and current.subtype<256 then 
+                  local char=current.char
                   local ccd=descriptions[char]
                   if ccd then
                     local class=ccd.class
@@ -11203,7 +11159,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
                 match=false
                 break
               end
-              current=getnext(current)
+              current=current.next
             elseif seq[n][32] then
               n=n+1
             else
@@ -11226,7 +11182,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
     if match then
       if trace_contexts then
         local rule,lookuptype,f,l=ck[1],ck[2],ck[4],ck[5]
-        local char=getchar(start)
+        local char=start.char
         if ck[9] then
           logwarning("%s: rule %s matches at char %s for (%s,%s,%s) chars, lookuptype %a, %a => %a",
             cref(kind,chainname),rule,gref(char),f-1,l-f+1,s-l,lookuptype,ck[9],ck[10])
@@ -11260,12 +11216,12 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
           repeat
             if skipped then
               while true do
-                local char=getchar(start)
+                local char=start.char
                 local ccd=descriptions[char]
                 if ccd then
                   local class=ccd.class
                   if class==skipmark or class==skipligature or class==skipbase or (markclass and class=="mark" and not markclass[char]) then
-                    start=getnext(start)
+                    start=start.next
                   else
                     break
                   end
@@ -11295,7 +11251,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
               end
             end
             if start then
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             else
             end
           until i>nofchainlookups
@@ -11305,7 +11261,7 @@ local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,seq
         if replacements then
           head,start,done=chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,last,kind,chainname,ck,lookuphash,replacements) 
         else
-          done=quit_on_no_replacement 
+          done=true 
           if trace_contexts then
             logprocess("%s: skipping match",cref(kind,chainname))
           end
@@ -11422,7 +11378,6 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
   if not lookuphash then
     return head,false
   end
-  head=tonut(head)
   if trace_steps then
     checkstep(head)
   end
@@ -11455,10 +11410,10 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
       local handler=handlers[typ]
       local start=find_node_tail(head) 
       while start do
-        local id=getid(start)
+        local id=start.id
         if id==glyph_code then
-          if getfont(start)==font and getsubtype(start)<256 then
-            local a=getattr(start,0)
+          if start.font==font and start.subtype<256 then
+            local a=start[0]
             if a then
               a=a==attr
             else
@@ -11469,7 +11424,7 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                 local lookupname=subtables[i]
                 local lookupcache=lookuphash[lookupname]
                 if lookupcache then
-                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(start)]
+                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[start.char]
                   if lookupmatch then
                     head,start,success=handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
                     if success then
@@ -11480,15 +11435,15 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                   report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                 end
               end
-              if start then start=getprev(start) end
+              if start then start=start.prev end
             else
-              start=getprev(start)
+              start=start.prev
             end
           else
-            start=getprev(start)
+            start=start.prev
           end
         else
-          start=getprev(start)
+          start=start.prev
         end
       end
     else
@@ -11506,16 +11461,16 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
             local head=start
             local done=false
             while start do
-              local id=getid(start)
-              if id==glyph_code and getfont(start)==font and getsubtype(start)<256 then
-                local a=getattr(start,0)
+              local id=start.id
+              if id==glyph_code and start.font==font and start.subtype<256 then
+                local a=start[0]
                 if a then
-                  a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute)
+                  a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute)
                 else
-                  a=not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute
+                  a=not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute
                 end
                 if a then
-                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(start)]
+                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[start.char]
                   if lookupmatch then
                     local ok
                     head,start,ok=handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
@@ -11523,12 +11478,12 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                       done=true
                     end
                   end
-                  if start then start=getnext(start) end
+                  if start then start=start.next end
                 else
-                  start=getnext(start)
+                  start=start.next
                 end
               else
-                start=getnext(start)
+                start=start.next
               end
             end
             if done then
@@ -11537,18 +11492,18 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
             end
           end
           local function kerndisc(disc) 
-            local prev=getprev(disc)
-            local next=getnext(disc)
+            local prev=disc.prev
+            local next=disc.next
             if prev and next then
-              setfield(prev,"next",next)
-              local a=getattr(prev,0)
+              prev.next=next
+              local a=prev[0]
               if a then
-                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state)==attribute)
+                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state]==attribute)
               else
-                a=not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state)==attribute
+                a=not attribute or prev[a_state]==attribute
               end
               if a then
-                local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(prev)]
+                local lookupmatch=lookupcache[prev.char]
                 if lookupmatch then
                   local h,d,ok=handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
                   if ok then
@@ -11557,22 +11512,22 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                   end
                 end
               end
-              setfield(prev,"next",disc)
+              prev.next=disc
             end
             return next
           end
           while start do
-            local id=getid(start)
+            local id=start.id
             if id==glyph_code then
-              if getfont(start)==font and getsubtype(start)<256 then
-                local a=getattr(start,0)
+              if start.font==font and start.subtype<256 then
+                local a=start[0]
                 if a then
-                  a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute)
+                  a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute)
                 else
-                  a=not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute
+                  a=not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute
                 end
                 if a then
-                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(start)]
+                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[start.char]
                   if lookupmatch then
                     local ok
                     head,start,ok=handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
@@ -11580,38 +11535,38 @@ local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
                       success=true
                     end
                   end
-                  if start then start=getnext(start) end
+                  if start then start=start.next end
                 else
-                  start=getnext(start)
+                  start=start.next
                 end
               else
-                start=getnext(start)
+                start=start.next
               end
             elseif id==disc_code then
-              if getsubtype(start)==discretionary_code then
-                local pre=getfield(start,"pre")
+              if start.subtype==discretionary_code then
+                local pre=start.pre
                 if pre then
                   local new=subrun(pre)
-                  if new then setfield(start,"pre",new) end
+                  if new then start.pre=new end
                 end
-                local post=getfield(start,"post")
+                local post=start.post
                 if post then
                   local new=subrun(post)
-                  if new then setfield(start,"post",new) end
+                  if new then start.post=new end
                 end
-                local replace=getfield(start,"replace")
+                local replace=start.replace
                 if replace then
                   local new=subrun(replace)
-                  if new then setfield(start,"replace",new) end
+                  if new then start.replace=new end
                 end
 elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
   kerndisc(start)
               end
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             elseif id==whatsit_code then 
-              local subtype=getsubtype(start)
+              local subtype=start.subtype
               if subtype==dir_code then
-                local dir=getfield(start,"dir")
+                local dir=start.dir
                 if   dir=="+TRT" or dir=="+TLT" then
                   topstack=topstack+1
                   dirstack[topstack]=dir
@@ -11630,7 +11585,7 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                   report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
                 end
               elseif subtype==localpar_code then
-                local dir=getfield(start,"dir")
+                local dir=start.dir
                 if dir=="TRT" then
                   rlparmode=-1
                 elseif dir=="TLT" then
@@ -11643,11 +11598,11 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                   report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
                 end
               end
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             elseif id==math_code then
-              start=getnext(end_of_math(start))
+              start=end_of_math(start).next
             else
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             end
           end
         end
@@ -11656,20 +11611,20 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
           local head=start
           local done=false
           while start do
-            local id=getid(start)
-            if id==glyph_code and getfont(start)==font and getsubtype(start)<256 then
-              local a=getattr(start,0)
+            local id=start.id
+            if id==glyph_code and start.id==font and start.subtype<256 then
+              local a=start[0]
               if a then
-                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute)
+                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute)
               else
-                a=not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute
+                a=not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute
               end
               if a then
                 for i=1,ns do
                   local lookupname=subtables[i]
                   local lookupcache=lookuphash[lookupname]
                   if lookupcache then
-                    local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(start)]
+                    local lookupmatch=lookupcache[start.char]
                     if lookupmatch then
                       local ok
                       head,start,ok=handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
@@ -11684,12 +11639,12 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                     report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                   end
                 end
-                if start then start=getnext(start) end
+                if start then start=start.next end
               else
-                start=getnext(start)
+                start=start.next
               end
             else
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             end
           end
           if done then
@@ -11698,22 +11653,22 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
           end
         end
         local function kerndisc(disc) 
-          local prev=getprev(disc)
-          local next=getnext(disc)
+          local prev=disc.prev
+          local next=disc.next
           if prev and next then
-            setfield(prev,"next",next)
-            local a=getattr(prev,0)
+            prev.next=next
+            local a=prev[0]
             if a then
-              a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state)==attribute)
+              a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state]==attribute)
             else
-              a=not attribute or getattr(prev,a_state)==attribute
+              a=not attribute or prev[a_state]==attribute
             end
             if a then
               for i=1,ns do
                 local lookupname=subtables[i]
                 local lookupcache=lookuphash[lookupname]
                 if lookupcache then
-                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(prev)]
+                  local lookupmatch=lookupcache[prev.char]
                   if lookupmatch then
                     local h,d,ok=handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
                     if ok then
@@ -11726,26 +11681,26 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                 end
               end
             end
-            setfield(prev,"next",disc)
+            prev.next=disc
           end
           return next
         end
         while start do
-          local id=getid(start)
+          local id=start.id
           if id==glyph_code then
-            if getfont(start)==font and getsubtype(start)<256 then
-              local a=getattr(start,0)
+            if start.font==font and start.subtype<256 then
+              local a=start[0]
               if a then
-                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute)
+                a=(a==attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute)
               else
-                a=not attribute or getattr(start,a_state)==attribute
+                a=not attribute or start[a_state]==attribute
               end
               if a then
                 for i=1,ns do
                   local lookupname=subtables[i]
                   local lookupcache=lookuphash[lookupname]
                   if lookupcache then
-                    local lookupmatch=lookupcache[getchar(start)]
+                    local lookupmatch=lookupcache[start.char]
                     if lookupmatch then
                       local ok
                       head,start,ok=handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
@@ -11760,38 +11715,38 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                     report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
                   end
                 end
-                if start then start=getnext(start) end
+                if start then start=start.next end
               else
-                start=getnext(start)
+                start=start.next
               end
             else
-              start=getnext(start)
+              start=start.next
             end
           elseif id==disc_code then
-            if getsubtype(start)==discretionary_code then
-              local pre=getfield(start,"pre")
+            if start.subtype==discretionary_code then
+              local pre=start.pre
               if pre then
                 local new=subrun(pre)
-                if new then setfield(start,"pre",new) end
+                if new then start.pre=new end
               end
-              local post=getfield(start,"post")
+              local post=start.post
               if post then
                 local new=subrun(post)
-                if new then setfield(start,"post",new) end
+                if new then start.post=new end
               end
-              local replace=getfield(start,"replace")
+              local replace=start.replace
               if replace then
                 local new=subrun(replace)
-                if new then setfield(start,"replace",new) end
+                if new then start.replace=new end
               end
 elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
   kerndisc(start)
             end
-            start=getnext(start)
+            start=start.next
           elseif id==whatsit_code then
-            local subtype=getsubtype(start)
+            local subtype=start.subtype
             if subtype==dir_code then
-              local dir=getfield(start,"dir")
+              local dir=start.dir
               if   dir=="+TRT" or dir=="+TLT" then
                 topstack=topstack+1
                 dirstack[topstack]=dir
@@ -11810,7 +11765,7 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                 report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
               end
             elseif subtype==localpar_code then
-              local dir=getfield(start,"dir")
+              local dir=start.dir
               if dir=="TRT" then
                 rlparmode=-1
               elseif dir=="TLT" then
@@ -11823,11 +11778,11 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
                 report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
               end
             end
-            start=getnext(start)
+            start=start.next
           elseif id==math_code then
-            start=getnext(end_of_math(start))
+            start=end_of_math(start).next
           else
-            start=getnext(start)
+            start=start.next
           end
         end
       end
@@ -11839,7 +11794,6 @@ elseif typ=="gpos_single" or typ=="gpos_pair" then
       registerstep(head)
     end
   end
-  head=tonode(head)
   return head,done
 end
 local function generic(lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-otn.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-otn.lua
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c57be5f02
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts-otn.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,2848 @@
+if not modules then modules = { } end modules ['font-otn'] = {
+    version   = 1.001,
+    comment   = "companion to font-ini.mkiv",
+    author    = "Hans Hagen, PRAGMA-ADE, Hasselt NL",
+    copyright = "PRAGMA ADE / ConTeXt Development Team",
+    license   = "see context related readme files",
+}
+
+-- preprocessors = { "nodes" }
+
+-- this is still somewhat preliminary and it will get better in due time;
+-- much functionality could only be implemented thanks to the husayni font
+-- of Idris Samawi Hamid to who we dedicate this module.
+
+-- in retrospect it always looks easy but believe it or not, it took a lot
+-- of work to get proper open type support done: buggy fonts, fuzzy specs,
+-- special made testfonts, many skype sessions between taco, idris and me,
+-- torture tests etc etc ... unfortunately the code does not show how much
+-- time it took ...
+
+-- todo:
+--
+-- kerning is probably not yet ok for latin around dics nodes (interesting challenge)
+-- extension infrastructure (for usage out of context)
+-- sorting features according to vendors/renderers
+-- alternative loop quitters
+-- check cursive and r2l
+-- find out where ignore-mark-classes went
+-- default features (per language, script)
+-- handle positions (we need example fonts)
+-- handle gpos_single (we might want an extra width field in glyph nodes because adding kerns might interfere)
+-- mark (to mark) code is still not what it should be (too messy but we need some more extreem husayni tests)
+-- remove some optimizations (when I have a faster machine)
+--
+-- maybe redo the lot some way (more context specific)
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>This module is a bit more split up that I'd like but since we also want to test
+with plain <l n='tex'/> it has to be so. This module is part of <l n='context'/>
+and discussion about improvements and functionality mostly happens on the
+<l n='context'/> mailing list.</p>
+
+<p>The specification of OpenType is kind of vague. Apart from a lack of a proper
+free specifications there's also the problem that Microsoft and Adobe
+may have their own interpretation of how and in what order to apply features.
+In general the Microsoft website has more detailed specifications and is a
+better reference. There is also some information in the FontForge help files.</p>
+
+<p>Because there is so much possible, fonts might contain bugs and/or be made to
+work with certain rederers. These may evolve over time which may have the side
+effect that suddenly fonts behave differently.</p>
+
+<p>After a lot of experiments (mostly by Taco, me and Idris) we're now at yet another
+implementation. Of course all errors are mine and of course the code can be
+improved. There are quite some optimizations going on here and processing speed
+is currently acceptable. Not all functions are implemented yet, often because I
+lack the fonts for testing. Many scripts are not yet supported either, but I will
+look into them as soon as <l n='context'/> users ask for it.</p>
+
+<p>Because there are different interpretations possible, I will extend the code
+with more (configureable) variants. I can also add hooks for users so that they can
+write their own extensions.</p>
+
+<p>Glyphs are indexed not by unicode but in their own way. This is because there is no
+relationship with unicode at all, apart from the fact that a font might cover certain
+ranges of characters. One character can have multiple shapes. However, at the
+<l n='tex'/> end we use unicode so and all extra glyphs are mapped into a private
+space. This is needed because we need to access them and <l n='tex'/> has to include
+then in the output eventually.</p>
+
+<p>The raw table as it coms from <l n='fontforge'/> gets reorganized in to fit out needs.
+In <l n='context'/> that table is packed (similar tables are shared) and cached on disk
+so that successive runs can use the optimized table (after loading the table is
+unpacked). The flattening code used later is a prelude to an even more compact table
+format (and as such it keeps evolving).</p>
+
+<p>This module is sparsely documented because it is a moving target. The table format
+of the reader changes and we experiment a lot with different methods for supporting
+features.</p>
+
+<p>As with the <l n='afm'/> code, we may decide to store more information in the
+<l n='otf'/> table.</p>
+
+<p>Incrementing the version number will force a re-cache. We jump the number by one
+when there's a fix in the <l n='fontforge'/> library or <l n='lua'/> code that
+results in different tables.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+-- action                    handler     chainproc             chainmore              comment
+--
+-- gsub_single               ok          ok                    ok
+-- gsub_multiple             ok          ok                    not implemented yet
+-- gsub_alternate            ok          ok                    not implemented yet
+-- gsub_ligature             ok          ok                    ok
+-- gsub_context              ok          --
+-- gsub_contextchain         ok          --
+-- gsub_reversecontextchain  ok          --
+-- chainsub                  --          ok
+-- reversesub                --          ok
+-- gpos_mark2base            ok          ok
+-- gpos_mark2ligature        ok          ok
+-- gpos_mark2mark            ok          ok
+-- gpos_cursive              ok          untested
+-- gpos_single               ok          ok
+-- gpos_pair                 ok          ok
+-- gpos_context              ok          --
+-- gpos_contextchain         ok          --
+--
+-- todo: contextpos and contextsub and class stuff
+--
+-- actions:
+--
+-- handler   : actions triggered by lookup
+-- chainproc : actions triggered by contextual lookup
+-- chainmore : multiple substitutions triggered by contextual lookup (e.g. fij -> f + ij)
+--
+-- remark: the 'not implemented yet' variants will be done when we have fonts that use them
+-- remark: we need to check what to do with discretionaries
+
+-- We used to have independent hashes for lookups but as the tags are unique
+-- we now use only one hash. If needed we can have multiple again but in that
+-- case I will probably prefix (i.e. rename) the lookups in the cached font file.
+
+-- Todo: make plugin feature that operates on char/glyphnode arrays
+
+local concat, insert, remove = table.concat, table.insert, table.remove
+local gmatch, gsub, find, match, lower, strip = string.gmatch, string.gsub, string.find, string.match, string.lower, string.strip
+local type, next, tonumber, tostring = type, next, tonumber, tostring
+local lpegmatch = lpeg.match
+local random = math.random
+local formatters = string.formatters
+
+local logs, trackers, nodes, attributes = logs, trackers, nodes, attributes
+
+local registertracker = trackers.register
+
+local fonts = fonts
+local otf   = fonts.handlers.otf
+
+local trace_lookups      = false  registertracker("otf.lookups",      function(v) trace_lookups      = v end)
+local trace_singles      = false  registertracker("otf.singles",      function(v) trace_singles      = v end)
+local trace_multiples    = false  registertracker("otf.multiples",    function(v) trace_multiples    = v end)
+local trace_alternatives = false  registertracker("otf.alternatives", function(v) trace_alternatives = v end)
+local trace_ligatures    = false  registertracker("otf.ligatures",    function(v) trace_ligatures    = v end)
+local trace_contexts     = false  registertracker("otf.contexts",     function(v) trace_contexts     = v end)
+local trace_marks        = false  registertracker("otf.marks",        function(v) trace_marks        = v end)
+local trace_kerns        = false  registertracker("otf.kerns",        function(v) trace_kerns        = v end)
+local trace_cursive      = false  registertracker("otf.cursive",      function(v) trace_cursive      = v end)
+local trace_preparing    = false  registertracker("otf.preparing",    function(v) trace_preparing    = v end)
+local trace_bugs         = false  registertracker("otf.bugs",         function(v) trace_bugs         = v end)
+local trace_details      = false  registertracker("otf.details",      function(v) trace_details      = v end)
+local trace_applied      = false  registertracker("otf.applied",      function(v) trace_applied      = v end)
+local trace_steps        = false  registertracker("otf.steps",        function(v) trace_steps        = v end)
+local trace_skips        = false  registertracker("otf.skips",        function(v) trace_skips        = v end)
+local trace_directions   = false  registertracker("otf.directions",   function(v) trace_directions   = v end)
+
+local report_direct   = logs.reporter("fonts","otf direct")
+local report_subchain = logs.reporter("fonts","otf subchain")
+local report_chain    = logs.reporter("fonts","otf chain")
+local report_process  = logs.reporter("fonts","otf process")
+local report_prepare  = logs.reporter("fonts","otf prepare")
+local report_warning  = logs.reporter("fonts","otf warning")
+
+registertracker("otf.verbose_chain", function(v) otf.setcontextchain(v and "verbose") end)
+registertracker("otf.normal_chain",  function(v) otf.setcontextchain(v and "normal")  end)
+
+registertracker("otf.replacements", "otf.singles,otf.multiples,otf.alternatives,otf.ligatures")
+registertracker("otf.positions","otf.marks,otf.kerns,otf.cursive")
+registertracker("otf.actions","otf.replacements,otf.positions")
+registertracker("otf.injections","nodes.injections")
+
+registertracker("*otf.sample","otf.steps,otf.actions,otf.analyzing")
+
+local insert_node_after  = node.insert_after
+local delete_node        = nodes.delete
+local copy_node          = node.copy
+local find_node_tail     = node.tail or node.slide
+local flush_node_list    = node.flush_list
+local end_of_math        = node.end_of_math
+
+local setmetatableindex  = table.setmetatableindex
+
+local zwnj               = 0x200C
+local zwj                = 0x200D
+local wildcard           = "*"
+local default            = "dflt"
+
+local nodecodes          = nodes.nodecodes
+local whatcodes          = nodes.whatcodes
+local glyphcodes         = nodes.glyphcodes
+local disccodes          = nodes.disccodes
+
+local glyph_code         = nodecodes.glyph
+local glue_code          = nodecodes.glue
+local disc_code          = nodecodes.disc
+local whatsit_code       = nodecodes.whatsit
+local math_code          = nodecodes.math
+
+local dir_code           = whatcodes.dir
+local localpar_code      = whatcodes.localpar
+
+local discretionary_code = disccodes.discretionary
+
+local ligature_code      = glyphcodes.ligature
+
+local privateattribute   = attributes.private
+
+-- Something is messed up: we have two mark / ligature indices, one at the injection
+-- end and one here ... this is bases in KE's patches but there is something fishy
+-- there as I'm pretty sure that for husayni we need some connection (as it's much
+-- more complex than an average font) but I need proper examples of all cases, not
+-- of only some.
+
+local a_state            = privateattribute('state')
+local a_markbase         = privateattribute('markbase')
+local a_markmark         = privateattribute('markmark')
+local a_markdone         = privateattribute('markdone') -- assigned at the injection end
+local a_cursbase         = privateattribute('cursbase')
+local a_curscurs         = privateattribute('curscurs')
+local a_cursdone         = privateattribute('cursdone')
+local a_kernpair         = privateattribute('kernpair')
+local a_ligacomp         = privateattribute('ligacomp') -- assigned here (ideally it should be combined)
+
+local injections         = nodes.injections
+local setmark            = injections.setmark
+local setcursive         = injections.setcursive
+local setkern            = injections.setkern
+local setpair            = injections.setpair
+
+local markonce           = true
+local cursonce           = true
+local kernonce           = true
+
+local fonthashes         = fonts.hashes
+local fontdata           = fonthashes.identifiers
+
+local otffeatures        = fonts.constructors.newfeatures("otf")
+local registerotffeature = otffeatures.register
+
+local onetimemessage     = fonts.loggers.onetimemessage or function() end
+
+otf.defaultnodealternate = "none" -- first last
+
+-- we share some vars here, after all, we have no nested lookups and less code
+
+local tfmdata             = false
+local characters          = false
+local descriptions        = false
+local resources           = false
+local marks               = false
+local currentfont         = false
+local lookuptable         = false
+local anchorlookups       = false
+local lookuptypes         = false
+local handlers            = { }
+local rlmode              = 0
+local featurevalue        = false
+
+-- head is always a whatsit so we can safely assume that head is not changed
+
+-- we use this for special testing and documentation
+
+local checkstep       = (nodes and nodes.tracers and nodes.tracers.steppers.check)    or function() end
+local registerstep    = (nodes and nodes.tracers and nodes.tracers.steppers.register) or function() end
+local registermessage = (nodes and nodes.tracers and nodes.tracers.steppers.message)  or function() end
+
+local function logprocess(...)
+    if trace_steps then
+        registermessage(...)
+    end
+    report_direct(...)
+end
+
+local function logwarning(...)
+    report_direct(...)
+end
+
+local f_unicode = formatters["%U"]
+local f_uniname = formatters["%U (%s)"]
+local f_unilist = formatters["% t (% t)"]
+
+local function gref(n) -- currently the same as in font-otb
+    if type(n) == "number" then
+        local description = descriptions[n]
+        local name = description and description.name
+        if name then
+            return f_uniname(n,name)
+        else
+            return f_unicode(n)
+        end
+    elseif n then
+        local num, nam = { }, { }
+        for i=1,#n do
+            local ni = n[i]
+            if tonumber(ni) then -- later we will start at 2
+                local di = descriptions[ni]
+                num[i] = f_unicode(ni)
+                nam[i] = di and di.name or "-"
+            end
+        end
+        return f_unilist(num,nam)
+    else
+        return "<error in node mode tracing>"
+    end
+end
+
+local function cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index) -- not in the mood to alias f_
+    if index then
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a, index %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,index)
+    elseif lookupname then
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a, lookup %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname)
+    elseif chainlookupname then
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a, sub %a"](kind,chainname,chainlookupname)
+    elseif chainname then
+        return formatters["feature %a, chain %a"](kind,chainname)
+    else
+        return formatters["feature %a"](kind)
+    end
+end
+
+local function pref(kind,lookupname)
+    return formatters["feature %a, lookup %a"](kind,lookupname)
+end
+
+-- We can assume that languages that use marks are not hyphenated. We can also assume
+-- that at most one discretionary is present.
+
+-- We do need components in funny kerning mode but maybe I can better reconstruct then
+-- as we do have the font components info available; removing components makes the
+-- previous code much simpler. Also, later on copying and freeing becomes easier.
+-- However, for arabic we need to keep them around for the sake of mark placement
+-- and indices.
+
+local function copy_glyph(g) -- next and prev are untouched !
+    local components = g.components
+    if components then
+        g.components = nil
+        local n = copy_node(g)
+        g.components = components
+        return n
+    else
+        return copy_node(g)
+    end
+end
+
+-- start is a mark and we need to keep that one
+
+local function markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char)
+    if start == stop and start.char == char then
+        return head, start
+    else
+        local prev = start.prev
+        local next = stop.next
+        start.prev = nil
+        stop.next = nil
+        local base = copy_glyph(start)
+        if head == start then
+            head = base
+        end
+        base.char = char
+        base.subtype = ligature_code
+        base.components = start
+        if prev then
+            prev.next = base
+        end
+        if next then
+            next.prev = base
+        end
+        base.next = next
+        base.prev = prev
+        return head, base
+    end
+end
+
+-- The next code is somewhat complicated by the fact that some fonts can have ligatures made
+-- from ligatures that themselves have marks. This was identified by Kai in for instance
+-- arabtype:  KAF LAM SHADDA ALEF FATHA (0x0643 0x0644 0x0651 0x0627 0x064E). This becomes
+-- KAF LAM-ALEF with a SHADDA on the first and a FATHA op de second component. In a next
+-- iteration this becomes a KAF-LAM-ALEF with a SHADDA on the second and a FATHA on the
+-- third component.
+
+local function getcomponentindex(start)
+    if start.id ~= glyph_code then
+        return 0
+    elseif start.subtype == ligature_code then
+        local i = 0
+        local components = start.components
+        while components do
+            i = i + getcomponentindex(components)
+            components = components.next
+        end
+        return i
+    elseif not marks[start.char] then
+        return 1
+    else
+        return 0
+    end
+end
+
+-- eventually we will do positioning in an other way (needs addional w/h/d fields)
+
+local function toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,char,markflag,discfound) -- brr head
+    if start == stop and start.char == char then
+        start.char = char
+        return head, start
+    end
+    local prev = start.prev
+    local next = stop.next
+    start.prev = nil
+    stop.next = nil
+    local base = copy_glyph(start)
+    if start == head then
+        head = base
+    end
+    base.char = char
+    base.subtype = ligature_code
+    base.components = start -- start can have components
+    if prev then
+        prev.next = base
+    end
+    if next then
+        next.prev = base
+    end
+    base.next = next
+    base.prev = prev
+    if not discfound then
+        local deletemarks = markflag ~= "mark"
+        local components = start
+        local baseindex = 0
+        local componentindex = 0
+        local head = base
+        local current = base
+        -- first we loop over the glyphs in start .. stop
+        while start do
+            local char = start.char
+            if not marks[char] then
+                baseindex = baseindex + componentindex
+                componentindex = getcomponentindex(start)
+            elseif not deletemarks then -- quite fishy
+                start[a_ligacomp] = baseindex + (start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
+                if trace_marks then
+                    logwarning("%s: keep mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
+                end
+                head, current = insert_node_after(head,current,copy_node(start)) -- unlikely that mark has components
+            elseif trace_marks then
+                logwarning("%s: delete mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char))
+            end
+            start = start.next
+        end
+        -- we can have one accent as part of a lookup and another following
+     -- local start = components -- was wrong (component scanning was introduced when more complex ligs in devanagari was added)
+        local start = current.next
+        while start and start.id == glyph_code do
+            local char = start.char
+            if marks[char] then
+                start[a_ligacomp] = baseindex + (start[a_ligacomp] or componentindex)
+                if trace_marks then
+                    logwarning("%s: set mark %s, gets index %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(char),start[a_ligacomp])
+                end
+            else
+                break
+            end
+            start = start.next
+        end
+    end
+    return head, base
+end
+
+function handlers.gsub_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,replacement)
+    if trace_singles then
+        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by single %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(replacement))
+    end
+    start.char = replacement
+    return head, start, true
+end
+
+local function get_alternative_glyph(start,alternatives,value,trace_alternatives)
+    local n = #alternatives
+    if value == "random" then
+        local r = random(1,n)
+        return alternatives[r], trace_alternatives and formatters["value %a, taking %a"](value,r)
+    elseif value == "first" then
+        return alternatives[1], trace_alternatives and formatters["value %a, taking %a"](value,1)
+    elseif value == "last" then
+        return alternatives[n], trace_alternatives and formatters["value %a, taking %a"](value,n)
+    else
+        value = tonumber(value)
+        if type(value) ~= "number" then
+            return alternatives[1], trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %s, taking %a"](value,1)
+        elseif value > n then
+            local defaultalt = otf.defaultnodealternate
+            if defaultalt == "first" then
+                return alternatives[n], trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %s, taking %a"](value,1)
+            elseif defaultalt == "last" then
+                return alternatives[1], trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %s, taking %a"](value,n)
+            else
+                return false, trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"out of range")
+            end
+        elseif value == 0 then
+            return start.char, trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, %s"](value,"no change")
+        elseif value < 1 then
+            return alternatives[1], trace_alternatives and formatters["invalid value %a, taking %a"](value,1)
+        else
+            return alternatives[value], trace_alternatives and formatters["value %a, taking %a"](value,value)
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+local function multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,ignoremarks)
+    local nofmultiples = #multiple
+    if nofmultiples > 0 then
+        start.char = multiple[1]
+        if nofmultiples > 1 then
+            local sn = start.next
+            for k=2,nofmultiples do -- todo: use insert_node
+-- untested:
+--
+-- while ignoremarks and marks[sn.char] then
+--     local sn = sn.next
+-- end
+                local n = copy_node(start) -- ignore components
+                n.char = multiple[k]
+                n.next = sn
+                n.prev = start
+                if sn then
+                    sn.prev = n
+                end
+                start.next = n
+                start = n
+            end
+        end
+        return head, start, true
+    else
+        if trace_multiples then
+            logprocess("no multiple for %s",gref(start.char))
+        end
+        return head, start, false
+    end
+end
+
+function handlers.gsub_alternate(head,start,kind,lookupname,alternative,sequence)
+    local value = featurevalue == true and tfmdata.shared.features[kind] or featurevalue
+    local choice, comment = get_alternative_glyph(start,alternative,value,trace_alternatives)
+    if choice then
+        if trace_alternatives then
+            logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
+        end
+        start.char = choice
+    else
+        if trace_alternatives then
+            logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",pref(kind,lookupname),value,gref(start.char),comment)
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, true
+end
+
+function handlers.gsub_multiple(head,start,kind,lookupname,multiple,sequence)
+    if trace_multiples then
+        logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),gref(multiple))
+    end
+    return multiple_glyphs(head,start,multiple,sequence.flags[1])
+end
+
+function handlers.gsub_ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,ligature,sequence)
+    local s, stop, discfound = start.next, nil, false
+    local startchar = start.char
+    if marks[startchar] then
+        while s do
+            local id = s.id
+            if id == glyph_code and s.font == currentfont and s.subtype<256 then
+                local lg = ligature[s.char]
+                if lg then
+                    stop = s
+                    ligature = lg
+                    s = s.next
+                else
+                    break
+                end
+            else
+                break
+            end
+        end
+        if stop then
+            local lig = ligature.ligature
+            if lig then
+                if trace_ligatures then
+                    local stopchar = stop.char
+                    head, start = markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
+                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 1",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
+                else
+                    head, start = markstoligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig)
+                end
+                return head, start, true
+            else
+                -- ok, goto next lookup
+            end
+        end
+    else
+        local skipmark = sequence.flags[1]
+        while s do
+            local id = s.id
+            if id == glyph_code and s.subtype<256 then
+                if s.font == currentfont then
+                    local char = s.char
+                    if skipmark and marks[char] then
+                        s = s.next
+                    else
+                        local lg = ligature[char]
+                        if lg then
+                            stop = s
+                            ligature = lg
+                            s = s.next
+                        else
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                else
+                    break
+                end
+            elseif id == disc_code then
+                discfound = true
+                s = s.next
+            else
+                break
+            end
+        end
+        local lig = ligature.ligature
+        if lig then
+            if stop then
+                if trace_ligatures then
+                    local stopchar = stop.char
+                    head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
+                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s upto %s by ligature %s case 2",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(stopchar),gref(start.char))
+                else
+                    head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,lig,skipmark,discfound)
+                end
+                return head, start, true
+            else
+                -- weird but happens (in some arabic font)
+                start.char = lig
+                if trace_ligatures then
+                    logprocess("%s: replacing %s by (no real) ligature %s case 3",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(lig))
+                end
+                return head, start, true
+            end
+        else
+            -- weird but happens
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>We get hits on a mark, but we're not sure if the it has to be applied so
+we need to explicitly test for basechar, baselig and basemark entries.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+function handlers.gpos_mark2base(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [start=mark]
+        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+            local basechar = base.char
+            if marks[basechar] then
+                while true do
+                    base = base.prev
+                    if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                        basechar = base.char
+                        if not marks[basechar] then
+                            break
+                        end
+                    else
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s: no base for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+                        end
+                        return head, start, false
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar]
+            if baseanchors then
+                baseanchors = baseanchors.anchors
+            end
+            if baseanchors then
+                local baseanchors = baseanchors['basechar']
+                if baseanchors then
+                    local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                    for anchor,ba in next, baseanchors do
+                        if al[anchor] then
+                            local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                            if ma then
+                                local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma)
+                                if trace_marks then
+                                    logprocess("%s, anchor %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to basechar %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                        pref(kind,lookupname),anchor,bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),dx,dy)
+                                end
+                                return head, start, true
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                    if trace_bugs then
+                        logwarning("%s, no matching anchors for mark %s and base %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                    end
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+            --  logwarning("%s: char %s is missing in font",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(basechar))
+                onetimemessage(currentfont,basechar,"no base anchors",report_fonts)
+            end
+        elseif trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: prev node is no char",pref(kind,lookupname))
+        end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function handlers.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
+    -- check chainpos variant
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
+        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+            local basechar = base.char
+            if marks[basechar] then
+                while true do
+                    base = base.prev
+                    if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                        basechar = base.char
+                        if not marks[basechar] then
+                            break
+                        end
+                    else
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s: no base for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+                        end
+                        return head, start, false
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            local index = start[a_ligacomp]
+            local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar]
+            if baseanchors then
+                baseanchors = baseanchors.anchors
+                if baseanchors then
+                   local baseanchors = baseanchors['baselig']
+                   if baseanchors then
+                        local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                        for anchor, ba in next, baseanchors do
+                            if al[anchor] then
+                                local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                                if ma then
+                                    ba = ba[index]
+                                    if ba then
+                                        local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma) -- index
+                                        if trace_marks then
+                                            logprocess("%s, anchor %s, index %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to baselig %s at index %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                                pref(kind,lookupname),anchor,index,bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),index,dx,dy)
+                                        end
+                                        return head, start, true
+                                    else
+                                        if trace_bugs then
+                                            logwarning("%s: no matching anchors for mark %s and baselig %s with index %a",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar),index)
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s: no matching anchors for mark %s and baselig %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+            --  logwarning("%s: char %s is missing in font",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(basechar))
+                onetimemessage(currentfont,basechar,"no base anchors",report_fonts)
+            end
+        elseif trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: prev node is no char",pref(kind,lookupname))
+        end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function handlers.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,kind,lookupname,markanchors,sequence)
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+        local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
+        local slc = start[a_ligacomp]
+        if slc then -- a rather messy loop ... needs checking with husayni
+            while base do
+                local blc = base[a_ligacomp]
+                if blc and blc ~= slc then
+                    base = base.prev
+                else
+                    break
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then -- subtype test can go
+            local basechar = base.char
+            local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar]
+            if baseanchors then
+                baseanchors = baseanchors.anchors
+                if baseanchors then
+                    baseanchors = baseanchors['basemark']
+                    if baseanchors then
+                        local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                        for anchor,ba in next, baseanchors do
+                            if al[anchor] then
+                                local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                                if ma then
+                                    local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma,true)
+                                    if trace_marks then
+                                        logprocess("%s, anchor %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to basemark %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                            pref(kind,lookupname),anchor,bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),dx,dy)
+                                    end
+                                    return head, start, true
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s: no matching anchors for mark %s and basemark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+            --  logwarning("%s: char %s is missing in font",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(basechar))
+                onetimemessage(currentfont,basechar,"no base anchors",report_fonts)
+            end
+        elseif trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: prev node is no mark",pref(kind,lookupname))
+        end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function handlers.gpos_cursive(head,start,kind,lookupname,exitanchors,sequence) -- to be checked
+    local alreadydone = cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
+    if not alreadydone then
+        local done = false
+        local startchar = start.char
+        if marks[startchar] then
+            if trace_cursive then
+                logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
+            end
+        else
+            local nxt = start.next
+            while not done and nxt and nxt.id == glyph_code and nxt.font == currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
+                local nextchar = nxt.char
+                if marks[nextchar] then
+                    -- should not happen (maybe warning)
+                    nxt = nxt.next
+                else
+                    local entryanchors = descriptions[nextchar]
+                    if entryanchors then
+                        entryanchors = entryanchors.anchors
+                        if entryanchors then
+                            entryanchors = entryanchors['centry']
+                            if entryanchors then
+                                local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                                for anchor, entry in next, entryanchors do
+                                    if al[anchor] then
+                                        local exit = exitanchors[anchor]
+                                        if exit then
+                                            local dx, dy, bound = setcursive(start,nxt,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,exit,entry,characters[startchar],characters[nextchar])
+                                            if trace_cursive then
+                                                logprocess("%s: moving %s to %s cursive (%p,%p) using anchor %s and bound %s in rlmode %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),dx,dy,anchor,bound,rlmode)
+                                            end
+                                            done = true
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                    elseif trace_bugs then
+                    --  logwarning("%s: char %s is missing in font",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
+                        onetimemessage(currentfont,startchar,"no entry anchors",report_fonts)
+                    end
+                    break
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        return head, start, done
+    else
+        if trace_cursive and trace_details then
+            logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
+        end
+        return head, start, false
+    end
+end
+
+function handlers.gpos_single(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
+    local startchar = start.char
+    local dx, dy, w, h = setpair(start,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],kerns,characters[startchar])
+    if trace_kerns then
+        logprocess("%s: shifting single %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),dx,dy,w,h)
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function handlers.gpos_pair(head,start,kind,lookupname,kerns,sequence)
+    -- todo: kerns in disc nodes: pre, post, replace -> loop over disc too
+    -- todo: kerns in components of ligatures
+    local snext = start.next
+    if not snext then
+        return head, start, false
+    else
+        local prev, done = start, false
+        local factor = tfmdata.parameters.factor
+        local lookuptype = lookuptypes[lookupname]
+        while snext and snext.id == glyph_code and snext.font == currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
+            local nextchar = snext.char
+            local krn = kerns[nextchar]
+            if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
+                prev = snext
+                snext = snext.next
+            else
+                if not krn then
+                    -- skip
+                elseif type(krn) == "table" then
+                    if lookuptype == "pair" then -- probably not needed
+                        local a, b = krn[2], krn[3]
+                        if a and #a > 0 then
+                            local startchar = start.char
+                            local x, y, w, h = setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
+                            if trace_kerns then
+                                logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if b and #b > 0 then
+                            local startchar = start.char
+                            local x, y, w, h = setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
+                            if trace_kerns then
+                                logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
+                            end
+                        end
+                    else -- wrong ... position has different entries
+                        report_process("%s: check this out (old kern stuff)",pref(kind,lookupname))
+                     -- local a, b = krn[2], krn[6]
+                     -- if a and a ~= 0 then
+                     --     local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,a)
+                     --     if trace_kerns then
+                     --         logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                     --     end
+                     -- end
+                     -- if b and b ~= 0 then
+                     --     logwarning("%s: ignoring second kern xoff %s",pref(kind,lookupname),b*factor)
+                     -- end
+                    end
+                    done = true
+                elseif krn ~= 0 then
+                    local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
+                    if trace_kerns then
+                        logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",pref(kind,lookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                    end
+                    done = true
+                end
+                break
+            end
+        end
+        return head, start, done
+    end
+end
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>I will implement multiple chain replacements once I run into a font that uses
+it. It's not that complex to handle.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+local chainmores = { }
+local chainprocs = { }
+
+local function logprocess(...)
+    if trace_steps then
+        registermessage(...)
+    end
+    report_subchain(...)
+end
+
+local logwarning = report_subchain
+
+local function logprocess(...)
+    if trace_steps then
+        registermessage(...)
+    end
+    report_chain(...)
+end
+
+local logwarning = report_chain
+
+-- We could share functions but that would lead to extra function calls with many
+-- arguments, redundant tests and confusing messages.
+
+function chainprocs.chainsub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,lookuplist,chainlookupname)
+    logwarning("%s: a direct call to chainsub cannot happen",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname))
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function chainmores.chainsub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,lookuplist,chainlookupname,n)
+    logprocess("%s: a direct call to chainsub cannot happen",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname))
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+-- The reversesub is a special case, which is why we need to store the replacements
+-- in a bit weird way. There is no lookup and the replacement comes from the lookup
+-- itself. It is meant mostly for dealing with Urdu.
+
+function chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,replacements)
+    local char = start.char
+    local replacement = replacements[char]
+    if replacement then
+        if trace_singles then
+            logprocess("%s: single reverse replacement of %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),gref(replacement))
+        end
+        start.char = replacement
+        return head, start, true
+    else
+        return head, start, false
+    end
+end
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>This chain stuff is somewhat tricky since we can have a sequence of actions to be
+applied: single, alternate, multiple or ligature where ligature can be an invalid
+one in the sense that it will replace multiple by one but not neccessary one that
+looks like the combination (i.e. it is the counterpart of multiple then). For
+example, the following is valid:</p>
+
+<typing>
+<line>xxxabcdexxx [single a->A][multiple b->BCD][ligature cde->E] xxxABCDExxx</line>
+</typing>
+
+<p>Therefore we we don't really do the replacement here already unless we have the
+single lookup case. The efficiency of the replacements can be improved by deleting
+as less as needed but that would also make the code even more messy.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+-- local function delete_till_stop(head,start,stop,ignoremarks) -- keeps start
+--     local n = 1
+--     if start == stop then
+--         -- done
+--     elseif ignoremarks then
+--         repeat -- start x x m x x stop => start m
+--             local next = start.next
+--             if not marks[next.char] then
+--                 local components = next.components
+--                 if components then -- probably not needed
+--                     flush_node_list(components)
+--                 end
+--                 head = delete_node(head,next)
+--             end
+--             n = n + 1
+--         until next == stop
+--     else -- start x x x stop => start
+--         repeat
+--             local next = start.next
+--             local components = next.components
+--             if components then -- probably not needed
+--                 flush_node_list(components)
+--             end
+--             head = delete_node(head,next)
+--             n = n + 1
+--         until next == stop
+--     end
+--     return head, n
+-- end
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>Here we replace start by a single variant, First we delete the rest of the
+match.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+function chainprocs.gsub_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex)
+    -- todo: marks ?
+    local current = start
+    local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+    if #subtables > 1 then
+        logwarning("todo: check if we need to loop over the replacements: %s",concat(subtables," "))
+    end
+    while current do
+        if current.id == glyph_code then
+            local currentchar = current.char
+            local lookupname = subtables[1] -- only 1
+            local replacement = lookuphash[lookupname]
+            if not replacement then
+                if trace_bugs then
+                    logwarning("%s: no single hits",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex))
+                end
+            else
+                replacement = replacement[currentchar]
+                if not replacement or replacement == "" then
+                    if trace_bugs then
+                        logwarning("%s: no single for %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(currentchar))
+                    end
+                else
+                    if trace_singles then
+                        logprocess("%s: replacing single %s by %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(currentchar),gref(replacement))
+                    end
+                    current.char = replacement
+                end
+            end
+            return head, start, true
+        elseif current == stop then
+            break
+        else
+            current = current.next
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+chainmores.gsub_single = chainprocs.gsub_single
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>Here we replace start by a sequence of new glyphs. First we delete the rest of
+the match.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+function chainprocs.gsub_multiple(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+ -- local head, n = delete_till_stop(head,start,stop)
+    local startchar = start.char
+    local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+    local lookupname = subtables[1]
+    local replacements = lookuphash[lookupname]
+    if not replacements then
+        if trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: no multiple hits",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname))
+        end
+    else
+        replacements = replacements[startchar]
+        if not replacements or replacement == "" then
+            if trace_bugs then
+                logwarning("%s: no multiple for %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(startchar))
+            end
+        else
+            if trace_multiples then
+                logprocess("%s: replacing %s by multiple characters %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(replacements))
+            end
+            return multiple_glyphs(head,start,replacements,currentlookup.flags[1])
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+chainmores.gsub_multiple = chainprocs.gsub_multiple
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>Here we replace start by new glyph. First we delete the rest of the match.</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+-- char_1 mark_1 -> char_x mark_1 (ignore marks)
+-- char_1 mark_1 -> char_x
+
+-- to be checked: do we always have just one glyph?
+-- we can also have alternates for marks
+-- marks come last anyway
+-- are there cases where we need to delete the mark
+
+function chainprocs.gsub_alternate(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+    local current = start
+    local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+    local value  = featurevalue == true and tfmdata.shared.features[kind] or featurevalue
+    while current do
+        if current.id == glyph_code then -- is this check needed?
+            local currentchar = current.char
+            local lookupname = subtables[1]
+            local alternatives = lookuphash[lookupname]
+            if not alternatives then
+                if trace_bugs then
+                    logwarning("%s: no alternative hit",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname))
+                end
+            else
+                alternatives = alternatives[currentchar]
+                if alternatives then
+                    local choice, comment = get_alternative_glyph(current,alternatives,value,trace_alternatives)
+                    if choice then
+                        if trace_alternatives then
+                            logprocess("%s: replacing %s by alternative %a to %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(char),choice,gref(choice),comment)
+                        end
+                        start.char = choice
+                    else
+                        if trace_alternatives then
+                            logwarning("%s: no variant %a for %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),value,gref(char),comment)
+                        end
+                    end
+                elseif trace_bugs then
+                    logwarning("%s: no alternative for %s, %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(currentchar),comment)
+                end
+            end
+            return head, start, true
+        elseif current == stop then
+            break
+        else
+            current = current.next
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+chainmores.gsub_alternate = chainprocs.gsub_alternate
+
+--[[ldx--
+<p>When we replace ligatures we use a helper that handles the marks. I might change
+this function (move code inline and handle the marks by a separate function). We
+assume rather stupid ligatures (no complex disc nodes).</p>
+--ldx]]--
+
+function chainprocs.gsub_ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex)
+    local startchar = start.char
+    local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+    local lookupname = subtables[1]
+    local ligatures = lookuphash[lookupname]
+    if not ligatures then
+        if trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: no ligature hits",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex))
+        end
+    else
+        ligatures = ligatures[startchar]
+        if not ligatures then
+            if trace_bugs then
+                logwarning("%s: no ligatures starting with %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
+            end
+        else
+            local s = start.next
+            local discfound = false
+            local last = stop
+            local nofreplacements = 0
+            local skipmark = currentlookup.flags[1]
+            while s do
+                local id = s.id
+                if id == disc_code then
+                    s = s.next
+                    discfound = true
+                else
+                    local schar = s.char
+                    if skipmark and marks[schar] then -- marks
+                        s = s.next
+                    else
+                        local lg = ligatures[schar]
+                        if lg then
+                            ligatures, last, nofreplacements = lg, s, nofreplacements + 1
+                            if s == stop then
+                                break
+                            else
+                                s = s.next
+                            end
+                        else
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            local l2 = ligatures.ligature
+            if l2 then
+                if chainindex then
+                    stop = last
+                end
+                if trace_ligatures then
+                    if start == stop then
+                        logprocess("%s: replacing character %s by ligature %s case 3",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(l2))
+                    else
+                        logprocess("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature %s case 4",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char),gref(l2))
+                    end
+                end
+                head, start = toligature(kind,lookupname,head,start,stop,l2,currentlookup.flags[1],discfound)
+                return head, start, true, nofreplacements
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+                if start == stop then
+                    logwarning("%s: replacing character %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar))
+                else
+                    logwarning("%s: replacing character %s upto %s by ligature fails",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname,chainindex),gref(startchar),gref(stop.char))
+                end
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false, 0
+end
+
+chainmores.gsub_ligature = chainprocs.gsub_ligature
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_mark2base(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+        local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+        local lookupname = subtables[1]
+        local markanchors = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if markanchors then
+            markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
+        end
+        if markanchors then
+            local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [start=mark]
+            if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                local basechar = base.char
+                if marks[basechar] then
+                    while true do
+                        base = base.prev
+                        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                            basechar = base.char
+                            if not marks[basechar] then
+                                break
+                            end
+                        else
+                            if trace_bugs then
+                                logwarning("%s: no base for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+                            end
+                            return head, start, false
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+                local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar].anchors
+                if baseanchors then
+                    local baseanchors = baseanchors['basechar']
+                    if baseanchors then
+                        local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                        for anchor,ba in next, baseanchors do
+                            if al[anchor] then
+                                local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                                if ma then
+                                    local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma)
+                                    if trace_marks then
+                                        logprocess("%s, anchor %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to basechar %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                            cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),anchor,bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),dx,dy)
+                                    end
+                                    return head, start, true
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s, no matching anchors for mark %s and base %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+                logwarning("%s: prev node is no char",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname))
+            end
+        elseif trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: mark %s has no anchors",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+        end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_mark2ligature(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+        local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+        local lookupname = subtables[1]
+        local markanchors = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if markanchors then
+            markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
+        end
+        if markanchors then
+            local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [optional marks] [start=mark]
+            if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                local basechar = base.char
+                if marks[basechar] then
+                    while true do
+                        base = base.prev
+                        if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then
+                            basechar = base.char
+                            if not marks[basechar] then
+                                break
+                            end
+                        else
+                            if trace_bugs then
+                                logwarning("%s: no base for mark %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),markchar)
+                            end
+                            return head, start, false
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+                -- todo: like marks a ligatures hash
+                local index = start[a_ligacomp]
+                local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar].anchors
+                if baseanchors then
+                   local baseanchors = baseanchors['baselig']
+                   if baseanchors then
+                        local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                        for anchor,ba in next, baseanchors do
+                            if al[anchor] then
+                                local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                                if ma then
+                                    ba = ba[index]
+                                    if ba then
+                                        local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma) -- index
+                                        if trace_marks then
+                                            logprocess("%s, anchor %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to baselig %s at index %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                                cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),anchor,a or bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),index,dx,dy)
+                                        end
+                                        return head, start, true
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if trace_bugs then
+                            logwarning("%s: no matching anchors for mark %s and baselig %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+                logwarning("feature %s, lookup %s: prev node is no char",kind,lookupname)
+            end
+        elseif trace_bugs then
+            logwarning("%s: mark %s has no anchors",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+        end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_mark2mark(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+    local markchar = start.char
+    if marks[markchar] then
+     -- local alreadydone = markonce and start[a_markmark]
+     -- if not alreadydone then
+        --  local markanchors = descriptions[markchar].anchors markanchors = markanchors and markanchors.mark
+            local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+            local lookupname = subtables[1]
+            local markanchors = lookuphash[lookupname]
+            if markanchors then
+                markanchors = markanchors[markchar]
+            end
+            if markanchors then
+                local base = start.prev -- [glyph] [basemark] [start=mark]
+                local slc = start[a_ligacomp]
+                if slc then -- a rather messy loop ... needs checking with husayni
+                    while base do
+                        local blc = base[a_ligacomp]
+                        if blc and blc ~= slc then
+                            base = base.prev
+                        else
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+                if base and base.id == glyph_code and base.font == currentfont and base.subtype<256 then -- subtype test can go
+                    local basechar = base.char
+                    local baseanchors = descriptions[basechar].anchors
+                    if baseanchors then
+                        baseanchors = baseanchors['basemark']
+                        if baseanchors then
+                            local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                            for anchor,ba in next, baseanchors do
+                                if al[anchor] then
+                                    local ma = markanchors[anchor]
+                                    if ma then
+                                        local dx, dy, bound = setmark(start,base,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,ba,ma,true)
+                                        if trace_marks then
+                                            logprocess("%s, anchor %s, bound %s: anchoring mark %s to basemark %s => (%p,%p)",
+                                                cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),anchor,bound,gref(markchar),gref(basechar),dx,dy)
+                                        end
+                                        return head, start, true
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                            if trace_bugs then
+                                logwarning("%s: no matching anchors for mark %s and basemark %s",gref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar),gref(basechar))
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                elseif trace_bugs then
+                    logwarning("%s: prev node is no mark",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname))
+                end
+            elseif trace_bugs then
+                logwarning("%s: mark %s has no anchors",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname,lookupname),gref(markchar))
+            end
+     -- elseif trace_marks and trace_details then
+     --     logprocess("%s, mark %s is already bound (n=%s), ignoring mark2mark",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(markchar),alreadydone)
+     -- end
+    elseif trace_bugs then
+        logwarning("%s: mark %s is no mark",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(markchar))
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_cursive(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname)
+    local alreadydone = cursonce and start[a_cursbase]
+    if not alreadydone then
+        local startchar = start.char
+        local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+        local lookupname = subtables[1]
+        local exitanchors = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if exitanchors then
+            exitanchors = exitanchors[startchar]
+        end
+        if exitanchors then
+            local done = false
+            if marks[startchar] then
+                if trace_cursive then
+                    logprocess("%s: ignoring cursive for mark %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
+                end
+            else
+                local nxt = start.next
+                while not done and nxt and nxt.id == glyph_code and nxt.font == currentfont and nxt.subtype<256 do
+                    local nextchar = nxt.char
+                    if marks[nextchar] then
+                        -- should not happen (maybe warning)
+                        nxt = nxt.next
+                    else
+                        local entryanchors = descriptions[nextchar]
+                        if entryanchors then
+                            entryanchors = entryanchors.anchors
+                            if entryanchors then
+                                entryanchors = entryanchors['centry']
+                                if entryanchors then
+                                    local al = anchorlookups[lookupname]
+                                    for anchor, entry in next, entryanchors do
+                                        if al[anchor] then
+                                            local exit = exitanchors[anchor]
+                                            if exit then
+                                                local dx, dy, bound = setcursive(start,nxt,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,exit,entry,characters[startchar],characters[nextchar])
+                                                if trace_cursive then
+                                                    logprocess("%s: moving %s to %s cursive (%p,%p) using anchor %s and bound %s in rlmode %s",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),dx,dy,anchor,bound,rlmode)
+                                                end
+                                                done = true
+                                                break
+                                            end
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        elseif trace_bugs then
+                        --  logwarning("%s: char %s is missing in font",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(startchar))
+                            onetimemessage(currentfont,startchar,"no entry anchors",report_fonts)
+                        end
+                        break
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            return head, start, done
+        else
+            if trace_cursive and trace_details then
+                logprocess("%s, cursive %s is already done",pref(kind,lookupname),gref(start.char),alreadydone)
+            end
+            return head, start, false
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_single(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
+    -- untested .. needs checking for the new model
+    local startchar = start.char
+    local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+    local lookupname = subtables[1]
+    local kerns = lookuphash[lookupname]
+    if kerns then
+        kerns = kerns[startchar] -- needed ?
+        if kerns then
+            local dx, dy, w, h = setpair(start,tfmdata.parameters.factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],kerns,characters[startchar])
+            if trace_kerns then
+                logprocess("%s: shifting single %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),dx,dy,w,h)
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+chainmores.gpos_single = chainprocs.gpos_single -- okay?
+
+-- when machines become faster i will make a shared function
+
+function chainprocs.gpos_pair(head,start,stop,kind,chainname,currentcontext,lookuphash,currentlookup,chainlookupname,chainindex,sequence)
+    local snext = start.next
+    if snext then
+        local startchar = start.char
+        local subtables = currentlookup.subtables
+        local lookupname = subtables[1]
+        local kerns = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if kerns then
+            kerns = kerns[startchar]
+            if kerns then
+                local lookuptype = lookuptypes[lookupname]
+                local prev, done = start, false
+                local factor = tfmdata.parameters.factor
+                while snext and snext.id == glyph_code and snext.font == currentfont and snext.subtype<256 do
+                    local nextchar = snext.char
+                    local krn = kerns[nextchar]
+                    if not krn and marks[nextchar] then
+                        prev = snext
+                        snext = snext.next
+                    else
+                        if not krn then
+                            -- skip
+                        elseif type(krn) == "table" then
+                            if lookuptype == "pair" then
+                                local a, b = krn[2], krn[3]
+                                if a and #a > 0 then
+                                    local startchar = start.char
+                                    local x, y, w, h = setpair(start,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],a,characters[startchar])
+                                    if trace_kerns then
+                                        logprocess("%s: shifting first of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
+                                    end
+                                end
+                                if b and #b > 0 then
+                                    local startchar = start.char
+                                    local x, y, w, h = setpair(snext,factor,rlmode,sequence.flags[4],b,characters[nextchar])
+                                    if trace_kerns then
+                                        logprocess("%s: shifting second of pair %s and %s by (%p,%p) and correction (%p,%p)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),gref(startchar),gref(nextchar),x,y,w,h)
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            else
+                                report_process("%s: check this out (old kern stuff)",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname))
+                                local a, b = krn[2], krn[6]
+                                if a and a ~= 0 then
+                                    local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,a)
+                                    if trace_kerns then
+                                        logprocess("%s: inserting first kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                                    end
+                                end
+                                if b and b ~= 0 then
+                                    logwarning("%s: ignoring second kern xoff %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),b*factor)
+                                end
+                            end
+                            done = true
+                        elseif krn ~= 0 then
+                            local k = setkern(snext,factor,rlmode,krn)
+                            if trace_kerns then
+                                logprocess("%s: inserting kern %s between %s and %s",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),k,gref(prev.char),gref(nextchar))
+                            end
+                            done = true
+                        end
+                        break
+                    end
+                end
+                return head, start, done
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, false
+end
+
+chainmores.gpos_pair = chainprocs.gpos_pair -- okay?
+
+-- what pointer to return, spec says stop
+-- to be discussed ... is bidi changer a space?
+-- elseif char == zwnj and sequence[n][32] then -- brrr
+
+-- somehow l or f is global
+-- we don't need to pass the currentcontext, saves a bit
+-- make a slow variant then can be activated but with more tracing
+
+local function show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
+    if ck[9] then
+        logwarning("%s: skipping char %s, class %a, rule %a, lookuptype %a, %a => %a",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),class,ck[1],ck[2],ck[9],ck[10])
+    else
+        logwarning("%s: skipping char %s, class %a, rule %a, lookuptype %a",cref(kind,chainname),gref(char),class,ck[1],ck[2])
+    end
+end
+
+local function normal_handle_contextchain(head,start,kind,chainname,contexts,sequence,lookuphash)
+    --  local rule, lookuptype, sequence, f, l, lookups = ck[1], ck[2] ,ck[3], ck[4], ck[5], ck[6]
+    local flags        = sequence.flags
+    local done         = false
+    local skipmark     = flags[1]
+    local skipligature = flags[2]
+    local skipbase     = flags[3]
+    local someskip     = skipmark or skipligature or skipbase -- could be stored in flags for a fast test (hm, flags could be false !)
+    local markclass    = sequence.markclass                   -- todo, first we need a proper test
+    local skipped      = false
+    for k=1,#contexts do
+        local match   = true
+        local current = start
+        local last    = start
+        local ck      = contexts[k]
+        local seq     = ck[3]
+        local s       = #seq
+        -- f..l = mid string
+        if s == 1 then
+            -- never happens
+            match = current.id == glyph_code and current.font == currentfont and current.subtype<256 and seq[1][current.char]
+        else
+            -- maybe we need a better space check (maybe check for glue or category or combination)
+            -- we cannot optimize for n=2 because there can be disc nodes
+            local f, l = ck[4], ck[5]
+            -- current match
+            if f == 1 and f == l then -- current only
+                -- already a hit
+             -- match = true
+            else -- before/current/after | before/current | current/after
+                -- no need to test first hit (to be optimized)
+                if f == l then -- new, else last out of sync (f is > 1)
+                 -- match = true
+                else
+                    local n = f + 1
+                    last = last.next
+                    while n <= l do
+                        if last then
+                            local id = last.id
+                            if id == glyph_code then
+                                if last.font == currentfont and last.subtype<256 then
+                                    local char = last.char
+                                    local ccd = descriptions[char]
+                                    if ccd then
+                                        local class = ccd.class
+                                        if class == skipmark or class == skipligature or class == skipbase or (markclass and class == "mark" and not markclass[char]) then
+                                            skipped = true
+                                            if trace_skips then
+                                                show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
+                                            end
+                                            last = last.next
+                                        elseif seq[n][char] then
+                                            if n < l then
+                                                last = last.next
+                                            end
+                                            n = n + 1
+                                        else
+                                            match = false
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        match = false
+                                        break
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    match = false
+                                    break
+                                end
+                            elseif id == disc_code then
+                                last = last.next
+                            else
+                                match = false
+                                break
+                            end
+                        else
+                            match = false
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            -- before
+            if match and f > 1 then
+                local prev = start.prev
+                if prev then
+                    local n = f-1
+                    while n >= 1 do
+                        if prev then
+                            local id = prev.id
+                            if id == glyph_code then
+                                if prev.font == currentfont and prev.subtype<256 then -- normal char
+                                    local char = prev.char
+                                    local ccd = descriptions[char]
+                                    if ccd then
+                                        local class = ccd.class
+                                        if class == skipmark or class == skipligature or class == skipbase or (markclass and class == "mark" and not markclass[char]) then
+                                            skipped = true
+                                            if trace_skips then
+                                                show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
+                                            end
+                                        elseif seq[n][char] then
+                                            n = n -1
+                                        else
+                                            match = false
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        match = false
+                                        break
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    match = false
+                                    break
+                                end
+                            elseif id == disc_code then
+                                -- skip 'm
+                            elseif seq[n][32] then
+                                n = n -1
+                            else
+                                match = false
+                                break
+                            end
+                            prev = prev.prev
+                        elseif seq[n][32] then -- somewhat special, as zapfino can have many preceding spaces
+                            n = n -1
+                        else
+                            match = false
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                elseif f == 2 then
+                    match = seq[1][32]
+                else
+                    for n=f-1,1 do
+                        if not seq[n][32] then
+                            match = false
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+            -- after
+            if match and s > l then
+                local current = last and last.next
+                if current then
+                    -- removed optimization for s-l == 1, we have to deal with marks anyway
+                    local n = l + 1
+                    while n <= s do
+                        if current then
+                            local id = current.id
+                            if id == glyph_code then
+                                if current.font == currentfont and current.subtype<256 then -- normal char
+                                    local char = current.char
+                                    local ccd = descriptions[char]
+                                    if ccd then
+                                        local class = ccd.class
+                                        if class == skipmark or class == skipligature or class == skipbase or (markclass and class == "mark" and not markclass[char]) then
+                                            skipped = true
+                                            if trace_skips then
+                                                show_skip(kind,chainname,char,ck,class)
+                                            end
+                                        elseif seq[n][char] then
+                                            n = n + 1
+                                        else
+                                            match = false
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        match = false
+                                        break
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    match = false
+                                    break
+                                end
+                            elseif id == disc_code then
+                                -- skip 'm
+                            elseif seq[n][32] then -- brrr
+                                n = n + 1
+                            else
+                                match = false
+                                break
+                            end
+                            current = current.next
+                        elseif seq[n][32] then
+                            n = n + 1
+                        else
+                            match = false
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                elseif s-l == 1 then
+                    match = seq[s][32]
+                else
+                    for n=l+1,s do
+                        if not seq[n][32] then
+                            match = false
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        if match then
+            -- ck == currentcontext
+            if trace_contexts then
+                local rule, lookuptype, f, l = ck[1], ck[2], ck[4], ck[5]
+                local char = start.char
+                if ck[9] then
+                    logwarning("%s: rule %s matches at char %s for (%s,%s,%s) chars, lookuptype %a, %a => %a",
+                        cref(kind,chainname),rule,gref(char),f-1,l-f+1,s-l,lookuptype,ck[9],ck[10])
+                else
+                    logwarning("%s: rule %s matches at char %s for (%s,%s,%s) chars, lookuptype %a",
+                        cref(kind,chainname),rule,gref(char),f-1,l-f+1,s-l,lookuptype)
+                end
+            end
+            local chainlookups = ck[6]
+            if chainlookups then
+                local nofchainlookups = #chainlookups
+                -- we can speed this up if needed
+                if nofchainlookups == 1 then
+                    local chainlookupname = chainlookups[1]
+                    local chainlookup = lookuptable[chainlookupname]
+                    if chainlookup then
+                        local cp = chainprocs[chainlookup.type]
+                        if cp then
+                            local ok
+                            head, start, ok = cp(head,start,last,kind,chainname,ck,lookuphash,chainlookup,chainlookupname,nil,sequence)
+                            if ok then
+                                done = true
+                            end
+                        else
+                            logprocess("%s: %s is not yet supported",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),chainlookup.type)
+                        end
+                    else -- shouldn't happen
+                        logprocess("%s is not yet supported",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname))
+                    end
+                 else
+                    local i = 1
+                    repeat
+                        if skipped then
+                            while true do
+                                local char = start.char
+                                local ccd = descriptions[char]
+                                if ccd then
+                                    local class = ccd.class
+                                    if class == skipmark or class == skipligature or class == skipbase or (markclass and class == "mark" and not markclass[char]) then
+                                        start = start.next
+                                    else
+                                        break
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    break
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        local chainlookupname = chainlookups[i]
+                        local chainlookup = lookuptable[chainlookupname]
+                        if not chainlookup then
+                            -- okay, n matches, < n replacements
+                            i = i + 1
+                        else
+                            local cp = chainmores[chainlookup.type]
+                            if not cp then
+                                -- actually an error
+                                logprocess("%s: %s is not yet supported",cref(kind,chainname,chainlookupname),chainlookup.type)
+                                i = i + 1
+                            else
+                                local ok, n
+                                head, start, ok, n = cp(head,start,last,kind,chainname,ck,lookuphash,chainlookup,chainlookupname,i,sequence)
+                                -- messy since last can be changed !
+                                if ok then
+                                    done = true
+                                    -- skip next one(s) if ligature
+                                    i = i + (n or 1)
+                                else
+                                    i = i + 1
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if start then
+                            start = start.next
+                        else
+                            -- weird
+                        end
+                    until i > nofchainlookups
+                end
+            else
+                local replacements = ck[7]
+                if replacements then
+                    head, start, done = chainprocs.reversesub(head,start,last,kind,chainname,ck,lookuphash,replacements) -- sequence
+                else
+                    done = true -- can be meant to be skipped
+                    if trace_contexts then
+                        logprocess("%s: skipping match",cref(kind,chainname))
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return head, start, done
+end
+
+-- Because we want to keep this elsewhere (an because speed is less an issue) we
+-- pass the font id so that the verbose variant can access the relevant helper tables.
+
+local verbose_handle_contextchain = function(font,...)
+    logwarning("no verbose handler installed, reverting to 'normal'")
+    otf.setcontextchain()
+    return normal_handle_contextchain(...)
+end
+
+otf.chainhandlers = {
+    normal  = normal_handle_contextchain,
+    verbose = verbose_handle_contextchain,
+}
+
+function otf.setcontextchain(method)
+    if not method or method == "normal" or not otf.chainhandlers[method] then
+        if handlers.contextchain then -- no need for a message while making the format
+            logwarning("installing normal contextchain handler")
+        end
+        handlers.contextchain = normal_handle_contextchain
+    else
+        logwarning("installing contextchain handler %a",method)
+        local handler = otf.chainhandlers[method]
+        handlers.contextchain = function(...)
+            return handler(currentfont,...) -- hm, get rid of ...
+        end
+    end
+    handlers.gsub_context             = handlers.contextchain
+    handlers.gsub_contextchain        = handlers.contextchain
+    handlers.gsub_reversecontextchain = handlers.contextchain
+    handlers.gpos_contextchain        = handlers.contextchain
+    handlers.gpos_context             = handlers.contextchain
+end
+
+otf.setcontextchain()
+
+local missing = { } -- we only report once
+
+local function logprocess(...)
+    if trace_steps then
+        registermessage(...)
+    end
+    report_process(...)
+end
+
+local logwarning = report_process
+
+local function report_missing_cache(typ,lookup)
+    local f = missing[currentfont] if not f then f = { } missing[currentfont] = f end
+    local t = f[typ]               if not t then t = { } f[typ]               = t end
+    if not t[lookup] then
+        t[lookup] = true
+        logwarning("missing cache for lookup %a, type %a, font %a, name %a",lookup,typ,currentfont,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
+    end
+end
+
+local resolved = { } -- we only resolve a font,script,language pair once
+
+-- todo: pass all these 'locals' in a table
+
+local lookuphashes = { }
+
+setmetatableindex(lookuphashes, function(t,font)
+    local lookuphash = fontdata[font].resources.lookuphash
+    if not lookuphash or not next(lookuphash) then
+        lookuphash = false
+    end
+    t[font] = lookuphash
+    return lookuphash
+end)
+
+-- fonts.hashes.lookups = lookuphashes
+
+local autofeatures = fonts.analyzers.features -- was: constants
+
+local function initialize(sequence,script,language,enabled)
+    local features = sequence.features
+    if features then
+        for kind, scripts in next, features do
+            local valid = enabled[kind]
+            if valid then
+                local languages = scripts[script] or scripts[wildcard]
+                if languages and (languages[language] or languages[wildcard]) then
+                    return { valid, autofeatures[kind] or false, sequence.chain or 0, kind, sequence }
+                end
+            end
+        end
+    end
+    return false
+end
+
+function otf.dataset(tfmdata,font) -- generic variant, overloaded in context
+    local shared     = tfmdata.shared
+    local properties = tfmdata.properties
+    local language   = properties.language or "dflt"
+    local script     = properties.script   or "dflt"
+    local enabled    = shared.features
+    local res = resolved[font]
+    if not res then
+        res = { }
+        resolved[font] = res
+    end
+    local rs = res[script]
+    if not rs then
+        rs = { }
+        res[script] = rs
+    end
+    local rl = rs[language]
+    if not rl then
+        rl = {
+            -- indexed but we can also add specific data by key
+        }
+        rs[language] = rl
+        local sequences = tfmdata.resources.sequences
+--         setmetatableindex(rl, function(t,k)
+--             if type(k) == "number" then
+--                 local v = enabled and initialize(sequences[k],script,language,enabled)
+--                 t[k] = v
+--                 return v
+--             end
+--         end)
+for s=1,#sequences do
+    local v = enabled and initialize(sequences[s],script,language,enabled)
+    if v then
+        rl[#rl+1] = v
+    end
+end
+    end
+    return rl
+end
+
+-- elseif id == glue_code then
+--     if p[5] then -- chain
+--         local pc = pp[32]
+--         if pc then
+--             start, ok = start, false -- p[1](start,kind,p[2],pc,p[3],p[4])
+--             if ok then
+--                 done = true
+--             end
+--             if start then start = start.next end
+--         else
+--             start = start.next
+--         end
+--     else
+--         start = start.next
+--     end
+
+-- there will be a new direction parser (pre-parsed etc)
+
+-- less bytecode: 290 -> 254
+--
+-- attr = attr or false
+--
+-- local a = getattr(start,0)
+-- if (a == attr and (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute)) or (not attribute or getattr(start,a_state) == attribute) then
+--     -- the action
+-- end
+
+local function featuresprocessor(head,font,attr)
+
+    local lookuphash = lookuphashes[font] -- we can also check sequences here
+
+    if not lookuphash then
+        return head, false
+    end
+
+    if trace_steps then
+        checkstep(head)
+    end
+
+    tfmdata         = fontdata[font]
+    descriptions    = tfmdata.descriptions
+    characters      = tfmdata.characters
+    resources       = tfmdata.resources
+
+    marks           = resources.marks
+    anchorlookups   = resources.lookup_to_anchor
+    lookuptable     = resources.lookups
+    lookuptypes     = resources.lookuptypes
+
+    currentfont     = font
+    rlmode          = 0
+
+    local sequences = resources.sequences
+    local done      = false
+    local datasets  = otf.dataset(tfmdata,font,attr)
+
+    local dirstack  = { } -- could move outside function
+
+    -- We could work on sub start-stop ranges instead but I wonder if there is that
+    -- much speed gain (experiments showed that it made not much sense) and we need
+    -- to keep track of directions anyway. Also at some point I want to play with
+    -- font interactions and then we do need the full sweeps.
+
+    -- Keeping track of the headnode is needed for devanagari (I generalized it a bit
+    -- so that multiple cases are also covered.)
+
+    for s=1,#datasets do
+        local dataset = datasets[s]
+        featurevalue = dataset[1] -- todo: pass to function instead of using a global
+
+        local sequence  = dataset[5] -- sequences[s] -- also dataset[5]
+        local rlparmode = 0
+        local topstack  = 0
+        local success   = false
+        local attribute = dataset[2]
+        local chain     = dataset[3] -- sequence.chain or 0
+        local typ       = sequence.type
+        local subtables = sequence.subtables
+        if chain < 0 then
+            -- this is a limited case, no special treatments like 'init' etc
+            local handler = handlers[typ]
+            -- we need to get rid of this slide! probably no longer needed in latest luatex
+            local start = find_node_tail(head) -- slow (we can store tail because there's always a skip at the end): todo
+            while start do
+                local id = start.id
+                if id == glyph_code then
+                    if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
+                        local a = start[0]
+                        if a then
+                            a = a == attr
+                        else
+                            a = true
+                        end
+                        if a then
+                            for i=1,#subtables do
+                                local lookupname = subtables[i]
+                                local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                                if lookupcache then
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    if lookupmatch then
+                                        head, start, success = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
+                                        if success then
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
+                                end
+                            end
+                            if start then start = start.prev end
+                        else
+                            start = start.prev
+                        end
+                    else
+                        start = start.prev
+                    end
+                else
+                    start = start.prev
+                end
+            end
+        else
+            local handler = handlers[typ]
+            local ns = #subtables
+            local start = head -- local ?
+            rlmode = 0 -- to be checked ?
+            if ns == 1 then -- happens often
+                local lookupname = subtables[1]
+                local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                if not lookupcache then -- also check for empty cache
+                    report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
+                else
+
+                    local function subrun(start)
+                        -- mostly for gsub, gpos would demand a more clever approach
+                        local head = start
+                        local done = false
+                        while start do
+                            local id = start.id
+                            if id == glyph_code and start.font == font and start.subtype <256 then
+                                local a = start[0]
+                                if a then
+                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                else
+                                    a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                end
+                                if a then
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    if lookupmatch then
+                                        -- sequence kan weg
+                                        local ok
+                                        head, start, ok = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
+                                        if ok then
+                                            done = true
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                    if start then start = start.next end
+                                else
+                                    start = start.next
+                                end
+                            else
+                                start = start.next
+                            end
+                        end
+                        if done then
+                            success = true
+                            return head
+                        end
+                    end
+
+                    local function kerndisc(disc) -- we can assume that prev and next are glyphs
+                        local prev = disc.prev
+                        local next = disc.next
+                        if prev and next then
+                            prev.next = next
+                         -- next.prev = prev
+                            local a = prev[0]
+                            if a then
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute)
+                            else
+                                a = not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute
+                            end
+                            if a then
+                                local lookupmatch = lookupcache[prev.char]
+                                if lookupmatch then
+                                    -- sequence kan weg
+                                    local h, d, ok = handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
+                                    if ok then
+                                        done = true
+                                        success = true
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                            prev.next = disc
+                         -- next.prev = disc
+                        end
+                        return next
+                    end
+
+                    while start do
+                        local id = start.id
+                        if id == glyph_code then
+                            if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
+                                local a = start[0]
+                                if a then
+                                    a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                                else
+                                    a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                                end
+                                if a then
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                    if lookupmatch then
+                                        -- sequence kan weg
+                                        local ok
+                                        head, start, ok = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,1)
+                                        if ok then
+                                            success = true
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                    if start then start = start.next end
+                                else
+                                    start = start.next
+                                end
+                            else
+                                start = start.next
+                            end
+                        elseif id == disc_code then
+                            -- mostly for gsub
+                            if start.subtype == discretionary_code then
+                                local pre = start.pre
+                                if pre then
+                                    local new = subrun(pre)
+                                    if new then start.pre = new end
+                                end
+                                local post = start.post
+                                if post then
+                                    local new = subrun(post)
+                                    if new then start.post = new end
+                                end
+                                local replace = start.replace
+                                if replace then
+                                    local new = subrun(replace)
+                                    if new then start.replace = new end
+                                end
+elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
+    kerndisc(start)
+                            end
+                            start = start.next
+                        elseif id == whatsit_code then -- will be function
+                            local subtype = start.subtype
+                            if subtype == dir_code then
+                                local dir = start.dir
+                                if     dir == "+TRT" or dir == "+TLT" then
+                                    topstack = topstack + 1
+                                    dirstack[topstack] = dir
+                                elseif dir == "-TRT" or dir == "-TLT" then
+                                    topstack = topstack - 1
+                                end
+                                local newdir = dirstack[topstack]
+                                if newdir == "+TRT" then
+                                    rlmode = -1
+                                elseif newdir == "+TLT" then
+                                    rlmode = 1
+                                else
+                                    rlmode = rlparmode
+                                end
+                                if trace_directions then
+                                    report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
+                                end
+                            elseif subtype == localpar_code then
+                                local dir = start.dir
+                                if dir == "TRT" then
+                                    rlparmode = -1
+                                elseif dir == "TLT" then
+                                    rlparmode = 1
+                                else
+                                    rlparmode = 0
+                                end
+                                -- one might wonder if the par dir should be looked at, so we might as well drop the next line
+                                rlmode = rlparmode
+                                if trace_directions then
+                                    report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                                end
+                            end
+                            start = start.next
+                        elseif id == math_code then
+                            start = end_of_math(start).next
+                        else
+                            start = start.next
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            else
+
+                local function subrun(start)
+                    -- mostly for gsub, gpos would demand a more clever approach
+                    local head = start
+                    local done = false
+                    while start do
+                        local id = start.id
+                        if id == glyph_code and start.id == font and start.subtype <256 then
+                            local a = start[0]
+                            if a then
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                            else
+                                a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                            end
+                            if a then
+                                for i=1,ns do
+                                    local lookupname = subtables[i]
+                                    local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                                    if lookupcache then
+                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                        if lookupmatch then
+                                            -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
+                                            local ok
+                                            head, start, ok = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
+                                            if ok then
+                                                done = true
+                                                break
+                                            elseif not start then
+                                                -- don't ask why ... shouldn't happen
+                                                break
+                                            end
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
+                                    end
+                                end
+                                if start then start = start.next end
+                            else
+                                start = start.next
+                            end
+                        else
+                            start = start.next
+                        end
+                    end
+                    if done then
+                        success = true
+                        return head
+                    end
+                end
+
+                local function kerndisc(disc) -- we can assume that prev and next are glyphs
+                    local prev = disc.prev
+                    local next = disc.next
+                    if prev and next then
+                        prev.next = next
+                     -- next.prev = prev
+                        local a = prev[0]
+                        if a then
+                            a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute)
+                        else
+                            a = not attribute or prev[a_state] == attribute
+                        end
+                        if a then
+                            for i=1,ns do
+                                local lookupname = subtables[i]
+                                local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                                if lookupcache then
+                                    local lookupmatch = lookupcache[prev.char]
+                                    if lookupmatch then
+                                        -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
+                                        local h, d, ok = handler(head,prev,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
+                                        if ok then
+                                            done = true
+                                            break
+                                        end
+                                    end
+                                else
+                                    report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                        prev.next = disc
+                     -- next.prev = disc
+                    end
+                    return next
+                end
+
+                while start do
+                    local id = start.id
+                    if id == glyph_code then
+                        if start.font == font and start.subtype<256 then
+                            local a = start[0]
+                            if a then
+                                a = (a == attr) and (not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute)
+                            else
+                                a = not attribute or start[a_state] == attribute
+                            end
+                            if a then
+                                for i=1,ns do
+                                    local lookupname = subtables[i]
+                                    local lookupcache = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                                    if lookupcache then
+                                        local lookupmatch = lookupcache[start.char]
+                                        if lookupmatch then
+                                            -- we could move all code inline but that makes things even more unreadable
+                                            local ok
+                                            head, start, ok = handler(head,start,dataset[4],lookupname,lookupmatch,sequence,lookuphash,i)
+                                            if ok then
+                                                success = true
+                                                break
+                                            elseif not start then
+                                                -- don't ask why ... shouldn't happen
+                                                break
+                                            end
+                                        end
+                                    else
+                                        report_missing_cache(typ,lookupname)
+                                    end
+                                end
+                                if start then start = start.next end
+                            else
+                                start = start.next
+                            end
+                        else
+                            start = start.next
+                        end
+                    elseif id == disc_code then
+                        -- mostly for gsub
+                        if start.subtype == discretionary_code then
+                            local pre = start.pre
+                            if pre then
+                                local new = subrun(pre)
+                                if new then start.pre = new end
+                            end
+                            local post = start.post
+                            if post then
+                                local new = subrun(post)
+                                if new then start.post = new end
+                            end
+                            local replace = start.replace
+                            if replace then
+                                local new = subrun(replace)
+                                if new then start.replace = new end
+                            end
+elseif typ == "gpos_single" or typ == "gpos_pair" then
+    kerndisc(start)
+                        end
+                        start = start.next
+                    elseif id == whatsit_code then
+                        local subtype = start.subtype
+                        if subtype == dir_code then
+                            local dir = start.dir
+                            if     dir == "+TRT" or dir == "+TLT" then
+                                topstack = topstack + 1
+                                dirstack[topstack] = dir
+                            elseif dir == "-TRT" or dir == "-TLT" then
+                                topstack = topstack - 1
+                            end
+                            local newdir = dirstack[topstack]
+                            if newdir == "+TRT" then
+                                rlmode = -1
+                            elseif newdir == "+TLT" then
+                                rlmode = 1
+                            else
+                                rlmode = rlparmode
+                            end
+                            if trace_directions then
+                                report_process("directions after txtdir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a, # stack %a, new dir %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode,topstack,newdir)
+                            end
+                        elseif subtype == localpar_code then
+                            local dir = start.dir
+                            if dir == "TRT" then
+                                rlparmode = -1
+                            elseif dir == "TLT" then
+                                rlparmode = 1
+                            else
+                                rlparmode = 0
+                            end
+                            rlmode = rlparmode
+                            if trace_directions then
+                                report_process("directions after pardir %a: parmode %a, txtmode %a",dir,rlparmode,rlmode)
+                            end
+                        end
+                        start = start.next
+                    elseif id == math_code then
+                        start = end_of_math(start).next
+                    else
+                        start = start.next
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+        end
+        if success then
+            done = true
+        end
+        if trace_steps then -- ?
+            registerstep(head)
+        end
+    end
+    return head, done
+end
+
+local function generic(lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
+    local target = lookuphash[lookupname]
+    if target then
+        target[unicode] = lookupdata
+    else
+        lookuphash[lookupname] = { [unicode] = lookupdata }
+    end
+end
+
+local action = {
+
+    substitution = generic,
+    multiple     = generic,
+    alternate    = generic,
+    position     = generic,
+
+    ligature = function(lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
+        local target = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if not target then
+            target = { }
+            lookuphash[lookupname] = target
+        end
+        for i=1,#lookupdata do
+            local li = lookupdata[i]
+            local tu = target[li]
+            if not tu then
+                tu = { }
+                target[li] = tu
+            end
+            target = tu
+        end
+        target.ligature = unicode
+    end,
+
+    pair = function(lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
+        local target = lookuphash[lookupname]
+        if not target then
+            target = { }
+            lookuphash[lookupname] = target
+        end
+        local others = target[unicode]
+        local paired = lookupdata[1]
+        if others then
+            others[paired] = lookupdata
+        else
+            others = { [paired] = lookupdata }
+            target[unicode] = others
+        end
+    end,
+
+}
+
+local function prepare_lookups(tfmdata)
+
+    local rawdata          = tfmdata.shared.rawdata
+    local resources        = rawdata.resources
+    local lookuphash       = resources.lookuphash
+    local anchor_to_lookup = resources.anchor_to_lookup
+    local lookup_to_anchor = resources.lookup_to_anchor
+    local lookuptypes      = resources.lookuptypes
+    local characters       = tfmdata.characters
+    local descriptions     = tfmdata.descriptions
+
+    -- we cannot free the entries in the descriptions as sometimes we access
+    -- then directly (for instance anchors) ... selectively freeing does save
+    -- much memory as it's only a reference to a table and the slot in the
+    -- description hash is not freed anyway
+
+    for unicode, character in next, characters do -- we cannot loop over descriptions !
+
+        local description = descriptions[unicode]
+
+        if description then
+
+            local lookups = description.slookups
+            if lookups then
+                for lookupname, lookupdata in next, lookups do
+                    action[lookuptypes[lookupname]](lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
+                end
+            end
+
+            local lookups = description.mlookups
+            if lookups then
+                for lookupname, lookuplist in next, lookups do
+                    local lookuptype = lookuptypes[lookupname]
+                    for l=1,#lookuplist do
+                        local lookupdata = lookuplist[l]
+                        action[lookuptype](lookupdata,lookupname,unicode,lookuphash)
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+
+            local list = description.kerns
+            if list then
+                for lookup, krn in next, list do  -- ref to glyph, saves lookup
+                    local target = lookuphash[lookup]
+                    if target then
+                        target[unicode] = krn
+                    else
+                        lookuphash[lookup] = { [unicode] = krn }
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+
+            local list = description.anchors
+            if list then
+                for typ, anchors in next, list do -- types
+                    if typ == "mark" or typ == "cexit" then -- or entry?
+                        for name, anchor in next, anchors do
+                            local lookups = anchor_to_lookup[name]
+                            if lookups then
+                                for lookup, _ in next, lookups do
+                                    local target = lookuphash[lookup]
+                                    if target then
+                                        target[unicode] = anchors
+                                    else
+                                        lookuphash[lookup] = { [unicode] = anchors }
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+
+        end
+
+    end
+
+end
+
+local function split(replacement,original)
+    local result = { }
+    for i=1,#replacement do
+        result[original[i]] = replacement[i]
+    end
+    return result
+end
+
+local valid = {
+    coverage        = { chainsub = true, chainpos = true, contextsub = true },
+    reversecoverage = { reversesub = true },
+    glyphs          = { chainsub = true, chainpos = true },
+}
+
+local function prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
+    local rawdata    = tfmdata.shared.rawdata
+    local resources  = rawdata.resources
+    local lookuphash = resources.lookuphash
+    local lookups    = rawdata.lookups
+    if lookups then
+        for lookupname, lookupdata in next, rawdata.lookups do
+            local lookuptype = lookupdata.type
+            if lookuptype then
+                local rules = lookupdata.rules
+                if rules then
+                    local format = lookupdata.format
+                    local validformat = valid[format]
+                    if not validformat then
+                        report_prepare("unsupported format %a",format)
+                    elseif not validformat[lookuptype] then
+                        -- todo: dejavu-serif has one (but i need to see what use it has)
+                        report_prepare("unsupported format %a, lookuptype %a, lookupname %a",format,lookuptype,lookupname)
+                    else
+                        local contexts = lookuphash[lookupname]
+                        if not contexts then
+                            contexts = { }
+                            lookuphash[lookupname] = contexts
+                        end
+                        local t, nt = { }, 0
+                        for nofrules=1,#rules do
+                            local rule         = rules[nofrules]
+                            local current      = rule.current
+                            local before       = rule.before
+                            local after        = rule.after
+                            local replacements = rule.replacements
+                            local sequence     = { }
+                            local nofsequences = 0
+                            -- Eventually we can store start, stop and sequence in the cached file
+                            -- but then less sharing takes place so best not do that without a lot
+                            -- of profiling so let's forget about it.
+                            if before then
+                                for n=1,#before do
+                                    nofsequences = nofsequences + 1
+                                    sequence[nofsequences] = before[n]
+                                end
+                            end
+                            local start = nofsequences + 1
+                            for n=1,#current do
+                                nofsequences = nofsequences + 1
+                                sequence[nofsequences] = current[n]
+                            end
+                            local stop = nofsequences
+                            if after then
+                                for n=1,#after do
+                                    nofsequences = nofsequences + 1
+                                    sequence[nofsequences] = after[n]
+                                end
+                            end
+                            if sequence[1] then
+                                -- Replacements only happen with reverse lookups as they are single only. We
+                                -- could pack them into current (replacement value instead of true) and then
+                                -- use sequence[start] instead but it's somewhat ugly.
+                                nt = nt + 1
+                                t[nt] = { nofrules, lookuptype, sequence, start, stop, rule.lookups, replacements }
+                                for unic, _  in next, sequence[start] do
+                                    local cu = contexts[unic]
+                                    if not cu then
+                                        contexts[unic] = t
+                                    end
+                                end
+                            end
+                        end
+                    end
+                else
+                    -- no rules
+                end
+            else
+                report_prepare("missing lookuptype for lookupname %a",lookupname)
+            end
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+-- we can consider lookuphash == false (initialized but empty) vs lookuphash == table
+
+local function featuresinitializer(tfmdata,value)
+    if true then -- value then
+        -- beware we need to use the topmost properties table
+        local rawdata    = tfmdata.shared.rawdata
+        local properties = rawdata.properties
+        if not properties.initialized then
+            local starttime = trace_preparing and os.clock()
+            local resources = rawdata.resources
+            resources.lookuphash = resources.lookuphash or { }
+            prepare_contextchains(tfmdata)
+            prepare_lookups(tfmdata)
+            properties.initialized = true
+            if trace_preparing then
+                report_prepare("preparation time is %0.3f seconds for %a",os.clock()-starttime,tfmdata.properties.fullname)
+            end
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+registerotffeature {
+    name         = "features",
+    description  = "features",
+    default      = true,
+    initializers = {
+        position = 1,
+        node     = featuresinitializer,
+    },
+    processors   = {
+        node     = featuresprocessor,
+    }
+}
+
+-- This can be used for extra handlers, but should be used with care!
+
+otf.handlers = handlers
diff --git a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts.lua b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts.lua
index 7995be33e..5e5c9a4cf 100644
--- a/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts.lua
+++ b/tex/generic/context/luatex/luatex-fonts.lua
@@ -210,9 +210,9 @@ if non_generic_context.luatex_fonts.skip_loading ~= true then
         loadmodule('font-oti.lua')
         loadmodule('font-otf.lua')
         loadmodule('font-otb.lua')
-        loadmodule('node-inj.lua')         -- will be replaced (luatex >= .70)
+        loadmodule('luatex-fonts-inj.lua') -- will be replaced (luatex >= .80)
         loadmodule('font-ota.lua')
-        loadmodule('font-otn.lua')
+        loadmodule('luatex-fonts-otn.lua')
         loadmodule('font-otp.lua')         -- optional
         loadmodule('luatex-fonts-lua.lua')
         loadmodule('font-def.lua')