diff --git a/artifacts/scripting/headers/sfall.h b/artifacts/scripting/headers/sfall.h
index a8aa6862..dec58d77 100644
--- a/artifacts/scripting/headers/sfall.h
+++ b/artifacts/scripting/headers/sfall.h
@@ -238,6 +238,12 @@
 #define ADD_PERK_MODE_PERK      (2)  // add to the player's perks
 #define ADD_PERK_MODE_REMOVE    (4)  // remove from the list of selectable perks (after added to the player)
 
+// instantly apply the item to dude_obj (w/o animation)
+#define use_item_on_dude(item)                          set_self(dude_obj);             \
+                                                        set_self(dude_obj);             \
+                                                        use_obj_on_obj(item, dude_obj); \
+                                                        set_self(0)
+
 // sfall_funcX macros
 #define add_global_timer_event(time, fixedParam)        sfall_func2("add_g_timer_event", time, fixedParam)
 #define add_iface_tag                                   sfall_func0("add_iface_tag")
diff --git a/sfall/Animations.cpp b/sfall/Animations.cpp
index 9a63d925..e8db4879 100644
--- a/sfall/Animations.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Animations.cpp
@@ -188,9 +188,9 @@ static DWORD __fastcall CheckSetSad(BYTE openFlag, DWORD valueMul) {
 	return result;
 }
 
-static const DWORD object_move_back0 = 0x417611;
-static const DWORD object_move_back1 = 0x417616;
 static void __declspec(naked) object_move_hack() {
+	static const DWORD object_move_back0 = 0x417611;
+	static const DWORD object_move_back1 = 0x417616;
 	__asm {
 		mov  ecx, ds:[ecx + 0x3C];         // openFlag
 		mov  edx, [esp + 0x4C - 0x20];     // valueMul
diff --git a/sfall/BarBoxes.cpp b/sfall/BarBoxes.cpp
index f3f33f2b..1716e558 100644
--- a/sfall/BarBoxes.cpp
+++ b/sfall/BarBoxes.cpp
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ static const DWORD bboxSlotAddr[] = {
 	0x4616F7, 0x46170F, 0x461736, 0x4616B1, 0x46151D, 0x4615B3
 };
 
-static const DWORD DisplayBoxesRet1 = 0x4615A8;
-static const DWORD DisplayBoxesRet2 = 0x4615BE;
 static void __declspec(naked) DisplayBoxesHack() {
+	static const DWORD DisplayBoxesRet1 = 0x4615A8;
+	static const DWORD DisplayBoxesRet2 = 0x4615BE;
 	__asm {
 		mov  edx, [boxText];
 		xor  ebx, ebx;
@@ -109,8 +109,8 @@ skip:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD SetIndexBoxRet   = 0x4612E8;
 static void __declspec(naked) BarBoxesIndexHack() {
+	static const DWORD SetIndexBoxRet = 0x4612E8;
 	__asm {
 		mov eax, ds:[0x4612E2]; // fontnum
 		mov ecx, setBoxIndex;   // start index
@@ -119,9 +119,9 @@ static void __declspec(naked) BarBoxesIndexHack() {
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD SizeLoopBoxRet = 0x461477;
-static const DWORD ExitLoopBoxRet = 0x461498;
 static void __declspec(naked) BarBoxesSizeHack() {
+	static const DWORD SizeLoopBoxRet = 0x461477;
+	static const DWORD ExitLoopBoxRet = 0x461498;
 	__asm {
 		cmp edx, sizeBox;
 		jz  exitLoop;
diff --git a/sfall/Books.cpp b/sfall/Books.cpp
index 387618d1..b0f163f3 100644
--- a/sfall/Books.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Books.cpp
@@ -42,8 +42,8 @@ static sBook* __fastcall FindBook(DWORD pid) {
 	return 0;
 }
 
-static const DWORD obj_use_book_hook_back = 0x49BA5A;
 static void __declspec(naked) obj_use_book_hook() {
+	static const DWORD obj_use_book_hook_back = 0x49BA5A;
 	__asm {
 		mov  edi, -1;
 		mov  ecx, eax;
diff --git a/sfall/BurstMods.cpp b/sfall/BurstMods.cpp
index cd30ee9d..21c43b1e 100644
--- a/sfall/BurstMods.cpp
+++ b/sfall/BurstMods.cpp
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ static long __fastcall ComputeSpray(DWORD* roundsLeftOut, DWORD* roundsRightOut,
 	return (result % compute_spray_target_div) ? ++roundsMainTarget : roundsMainTarget; // if remainder then round up
 }
 
-static const DWORD compute_spray_rounds_back = 0x42353A;
 static void __declspec(naked) compute_spray_rounds_distribution() {
+	static const DWORD compute_spray_rounds_back = 0x42353A;
 	__asm {
 		push ecx;
 		lea  ecx, [esp + 8 + 4];  // roundsLeft - out
diff --git a/sfall/Combat.cpp b/sfall/Combat.cpp
index 068ed8c8..7b10d096 100644
--- a/sfall/Combat.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Combat.cpp
@@ -85,9 +85,9 @@ static void _stdcall CombatBlocked() {
 	DisplayConsoleMessage(combatBlockedMessage);
 }
 
-static const DWORD BlockCombatHook1Ret1 = 0x45F6AF;
-static const DWORD BlockCombatHook1Ret2 = 0x45F6D7;
 static void __declspec(naked) intface_use_item_hook() {
+	static const DWORD BlockCombatHook1Ret1 = 0x45F6AF;
+	static const DWORD BlockCombatHook1Ret2 = 0x45F6D7;
 	__asm {
 		cmp  combatDisabled, 0;
 		jne  block;
@@ -162,9 +162,9 @@ static void __declspec(naked) ai_search_inven_weap_hook() {
 }
 
 // switch weapon mode from secondary to primary if there is not enough ammo to shoot
-static const DWORD ai_try_attack_search_ammo = 0x42AA1E;
-static const DWORD ai_try_attack_continue = 0x42A929;
 static void __declspec(naked) ai_try_attack_hook() {
+	static const DWORD ai_try_attack_search_ammo = 0x42AA1E;
+	static const DWORD ai_try_attack_continue = 0x42A929;
 	__asm {
 		mov  ebx, [esp + 0x364 - 0x38]; // hit mode
 		cmp  ebx, 3;                    // ATKTYPE_RWEAPON_SECONDARY
@@ -247,8 +247,8 @@ static void __declspec(naked) compute_damage_hack() {
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD KnockbackRetAddr = 0x4136E1;
 static void __declspec(naked) compute_dmg_damage_hack() {
+	static const DWORD KnockbackRetAddr = 0x4136E1;
 	__asm {
 		push ecx
 		push esi;               // Target
@@ -418,9 +418,9 @@ static int __fastcall AimedShotTest(DWORD pid) {
 	return 0;
 }
 
-static const DWORD aimedShotRet1 = 0x478EE4;
-static const DWORD aimedShotRet2 = 0x478EEA;
 static void __declspec(naked) item_w_called_shot_hook() {
+	static const DWORD aimedShotRet1 = 0x478EE4;
+	static const DWORD aimedShotRet2 = 0x478EEA;
 	__asm {
 		push edx;
 		mov  ecx, edx;       // item
diff --git a/sfall/Console.cpp b/sfall/Console.cpp
index eefa5df8..47d7b652 100644
--- a/sfall/Console.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Console.cpp
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ static void __stdcall ConsoleFilePrint(const char* msg) {
 	consoleFile << msg << std::endl;
 }
 
-static const DWORD ConsoleHookRet = 0x431871;
 static void __declspec(naked) ConsoleHook() {
+	static const DWORD ConsoleHookRet = 0x431871;
 	__asm {
 		pushadc;
 		push eax;
diff --git a/sfall/DebugEditor.cpp b/sfall/DebugEditor.cpp
index f2431e60..540f9b23 100644
--- a/sfall/DebugEditor.cpp
+++ b/sfall/DebugEditor.cpp
@@ -287,8 +287,8 @@ void RunDebugEditor() {
 	WSACleanup();
 }
 
-static const DWORD dbg_error_ret = 0x453FD8;
 static void __declspec(naked) dbg_error_hack() {
+	static const DWORD dbg_error_ret = 0x453FD8;
 	__asm {
 		cmp  ebx, 1;
 		je   hide;
diff --git a/sfall/Elevators.cpp b/sfall/Elevators.cpp
index 59979277..62cc34ac 100644
--- a/sfall/Elevators.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Elevators.cpp
@@ -164,19 +164,18 @@ void ElevatorsInit() {
 	//HookCall(0x43F2D2, UnknownHook2); // unused
 
 	SafeWrite8(0x43EF76, (BYTE)elevatorCount);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43EFA4, (DWORD)elevators);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43EFB9, (DWORD)elevators);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43F2FC, (DWORD)elevators);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43EFEA, (DWORD)&elevators[0].Tile1);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43F315, (DWORD)&elevators[0].Tile1);
+	const DWORD elevatorsAddr[] = {0x43EFA4, 0x43EFB9, 0x43F2FC};
+	SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)elevators, elevatorsAddr);
+	const DWORD elevatorsTileAddr[] = {0x43EFEA, 0x43F315};
+	SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)&elevators[0].Tile1, elevatorsTileAddr);
 	SafeWrite32(0x43F309, (DWORD)&elevators[0].Elevation1);
 
 	SafeWrite32(0x43F438, (DWORD)&elevatorsFrms[0].main);
 	SafeWrite32(0x43F475, (DWORD)&elevatorsFrms[0].buttons);
 
 	// _btncnt
-	SafeWrite32(0x43F65E, (DWORD)elevatorsBtnCount);
-	SafeWrite32(0x43F6BB, (DWORD)elevatorsBtnCount);
+	const DWORD elevsBtnCountAddr[] = {0x43F65E, 0x43F6BB};
+	SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)elevatorsBtnCount, elevsBtnCountAddr);
 	MakeCall(0x43F05D, GetNumButtonsHook1, 2);
 	MakeCall(0x43F184, GetNumButtonsHook2, 2);
 	MakeCall(0x43F1E4, GetNumButtonsHook3, 2);
diff --git a/sfall/HeroAppearance.cpp b/sfall/HeroAppearance.cpp
index 46ffd8cf..01762074 100644
--- a/sfall/HeroAppearance.cpp
+++ b/sfall/HeroAppearance.cpp
@@ -1510,8 +1510,8 @@ endFunc:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD op_obj_art_fid_Ret = 0x45C5D9;
 static void __declspec(naked) op_obj_art_fid_hack() {
+	static const DWORD op_obj_art_fid_Ret = 0x45C5D9;
 	__asm {
 		mov  esi, [edi + 0x20]; // artFid
 		mov  eax, [edi + 0x64]; // protoId
diff --git a/sfall/HookScripts.cpp b/sfall/HookScripts.cpp
index 8393fe3b..d9195721 100644
--- a/sfall/HookScripts.cpp
+++ b/sfall/HookScripts.cpp
@@ -552,8 +552,8 @@ end:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD RemoveObjHookRet = 0x477497;
 static void __declspec(naked) RemoveObjHook() {
+	static const DWORD RemoveObjHookRet = 0x477497;
 	__asm {
 		mov ecx, [esp + 8]; // call addr
 		HookBegin;
@@ -688,8 +688,8 @@ end:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD _obj_blocking_at = 0x48B84E;
 static void __declspec(naked) HexMBlockingHook() {
+	static const DWORD _obj_blocking_at = 0x48B84E;
 	__asm {
 		HookBeginArgs(4);
 		mov args[0], eax;
@@ -1055,10 +1055,10 @@ static int __fastcall InventoryMoveHook_Script(DWORD itemReplace, DWORD item, in
 	return result;
 }
 
-static const DWORD UseArmorHack_back = 0x4713AF; // normal operation (old 0x4713A9)
-static const DWORD UseArmorHack_skip = 0x471481; // skip code, prevent wearing armor
 // This hack is called when an armor is dropped into the armor slot at inventory screen
 static void __declspec(naked) UseArmorHack() {
+	static const DWORD UseArmorHack_back = 0x4713AF; // normal operation (old 0x4713A9)
+	static const DWORD UseArmorHack_skip = 0x471481; // skip code, prevent wearing armor
 	__asm {
 		mov  ecx, ds:[_i_worn];             // replacement item (override code)
 		mov  edx, [esp + 0x58 - 0x40];      // item
@@ -1165,9 +1165,9 @@ static int __fastcall DropIntoContainer(DWORD ptrCont, DWORD item, DWORD addrCal
 	return InventoryMoveHook_Script(ptrCont, item, type);
 }
 
-static const DWORD DropIntoContainer_back = 0x47649D; // normal operation
-static const DWORD DropIntoContainer_skip = 0x476503;
 static void __declspec(naked) DropIntoContainerHack() {
+	static const DWORD DropIntoContainer_back = 0x47649D; // normal operation
+	static const DWORD DropIntoContainer_skip = 0x476503;
 	__asm {
 		pushadc;
 		mov  ecx, ebp;                // contaner ptr
@@ -1185,17 +1185,17 @@ skipdrop:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD DropIntoContainerRet = 0x471481;
 static void __declspec(naked) DropIntoContainerHandSlotHack() {
+	static const DWORD DropIntoContainerRet = 0x471481;
 	__asm {
 		call drop_into_container_;
 		jmp  DropIntoContainerRet;
 	}
 }
 
-//static const DWORD DropAmmoIntoWeaponHack_back = 0x47658D; // proceed with reloading
-static const DWORD DropAmmoIntoWeaponHack_return = 0x476643;
 static void __declspec(naked) DropAmmoIntoWeaponHook() {
+	//static const DWORD DropAmmoIntoWeaponHack_back = 0x47658D; // proceed with reloading
+	static const DWORD DropAmmoIntoWeaponHack_return = 0x476643;
 	__asm {
 		pushadc;
 		mov  ecx, ebp;              // weapon ptr
diff --git a/sfall/Inventory.cpp b/sfall/Inventory.cpp
index 6af3781f..06c70cb3 100644
--- a/sfall/Inventory.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Inventory.cpp
@@ -182,9 +182,9 @@ static int __fastcall BarterAttemptTransaction(TGameObj* critter, TGameObj* tabl
 	return (sizeTable <= size) ? 1 : 0;
 }
 
-static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPCFail = 0x474C81;
-static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPCRet  = 0x474CA8;
 static __declspec(naked) void barter_attempt_transaction_hack_pc() {
+	static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPCFail = 0x474C81;
+	static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPCRet  = 0x474CA8;
 	__asm {
 		/* cmp  eax, edx */
 		jg   fail;    // if there's no available weight
@@ -201,9 +201,9 @@ fail:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPMFail = 0x474CD8;
-static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPMRet  = 0x474D01;
 static __declspec(naked) void barter_attempt_transaction_hack_pm() {
+	static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPMFail = 0x474CD8;
+	static const DWORD BarterAttemptTransactionPMRet  = 0x474D01;
 	__asm {
 		/* cmp  eax, edx */
 		jg   fail;    // if there's no available weight
@@ -261,8 +261,8 @@ static void __cdecl DisplaySizeStats(TGameObj* critter, const char* &message, DW
 	strcpy(InvenFmt, InvenFmt1);
 }
 
-static const DWORD DisplayStatsRet = 0x4725E5;
 static __declspec(naked) void display_stats_hack() {
+	static const DWORD DisplayStatsRet = 0x4725E5;
 	__asm {
 		mov  ecx, esp;
 		sub  ecx, 4;
@@ -311,8 +311,8 @@ static __declspec(naked) void inven_obj_examine_func_hook() {
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD ControlUpdateInfoRet = 0x44912A;
 static void __declspec(naked) gdControlUpdateInfo_hack() {
+	static const DWORD ControlUpdateInfoRet = 0x44912A;
 	__asm {
 		mov  ebx, eax;
 		push eax;               // critter
@@ -342,8 +342,8 @@ static int __fastcall SuperStimFix(TGameObj* item, TGameObj* target) {
 	return -1;
 }
 
-static const DWORD protinst_use_item_on_Ret = 0x49C5F4;
 static void __declspec(naked) protinst_use_item_on_hack() {
+	static const DWORD protinst_use_item_on_Ret = 0x49C5F4;
 	__asm {
 		push ecx;
 		mov  ecx, ebx;     // ecx - item
@@ -568,8 +568,8 @@ skip:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD DoMoveTimer_Ret = 0x476920;
 static void __declspec(naked) do_move_timer_hook() {
+	static const DWORD DoMoveTimer_Ret = 0x476920;
 	__asm {
 		cmp eax, 4;
 		jnz end;
@@ -608,8 +608,9 @@ static void __declspec(naked) do_move_timer_hack() {
 
 static int invenApCost, invenApCostDef;
 static char invenApQPReduction;
-static const DWORD inven_ap_cost_Ret = 0x46E812;
+
 static void __declspec(naked) inven_ap_cost_hack() {
+	static const DWORD inven_ap_cost_Ret = 0x46E812;
 	_asm {
 		mul byte ptr invenApQPReduction;
 		mov edx, invenApCost;
diff --git a/sfall/MainMenu.cpp b/sfall/MainMenu.cpp
index 6760c43b..534f4ee2 100644
--- a/sfall/MainMenu.cpp
+++ b/sfall/MainMenu.cpp
@@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ static DWORD MainMenuTextOffset;
 
 static long OverrideColour, OverrideColour2;
 
-static const DWORD MainMenuButtonYHookRet = 0x48184A;
 static void __declspec(naked) MainMenuButtonYHook() {
+	static const DWORD MainMenuButtonYHookRet = 0x48184A;
 	__asm {
 		xor edi, edi;
 		xor esi, esi;
@@ -62,8 +62,8 @@ override:
 	}
 }
 
-static const DWORD MainMenuTextRet = 0x4817B0;
 static void __declspec(naked) MainMenuTextHook() {
+	static const DWORD MainMenuTextRet = 0x4817B0;
 	__asm {
 		mov  esi, eax;                // winptr
 		mov  ebp, ecx;                // keep xpos
diff --git a/sfall/Perks.cpp b/sfall/Perks.cpp
index 5279fae7..aec15e9a 100644
--- a/sfall/Perks.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Perks.cpp
@@ -706,8 +706,8 @@ static void PerkSetup() {
 		// _perk_data
 		const DWORD perkDataAddr[] = {0x496669, 0x496837, 0x496BAD, 0x496C41, 0x496D25};
 		SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)Perks, perkDataAddr);
-		SafeWrite32(0x496696, (DWORD)&Perks[0].Desc);
-		SafeWrite32(0x496BD1, (DWORD)&Perks[0].Desc);
+		const DWORD perkDataDescAddr[] = {0x496696, 0x496BD1};
+		SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)&Perks[0].Desc, perkDataDescAddr);
 		SafeWrite32(0x496BF5, (DWORD)&Perks[0].Image);
 		SafeWrite32(0x496AD4, (DWORD)&Perks[0].Ranks);
 	}
@@ -916,10 +916,10 @@ static void TraitSetup() {
 	memcpy(Traits, (void*)_trait_data, sizeof(TraitStruct) * TRAIT_count);
 
 	// _trait_data
-	SafeWrite32(0x4B3A81, (DWORD)Traits);
-	SafeWrite32(0x4B3B80, (DWORD)Traits);
-	SafeWrite32(0x4B3AAE, (DWORD)&Traits[0].Desc);
-	SafeWrite32(0x4B3BA0, (DWORD)&Traits[0].Desc);
+	const DWORD traitDataAddr[] = {0x4B3A81, 0x4B3B80};
+	SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)Traits, traitDataAddr);
+	const DWORD traitDataDescAddr[] = {0x4B3AAE, 0x4B3BA0};
+	SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)&Traits[0].Desc, traitDataDescAddr);
 	SafeWrite32(0x4B3BC0, (DWORD)&Traits[0].Image);
 
 	char buf[512], num[5] = {'t'};
diff --git a/sfall/QuestList.cpp b/sfall/QuestList.cpp
index bbf408a5..6968738c 100644
--- a/sfall/QuestList.cpp
+++ b/sfall/QuestList.cpp
@@ -212,10 +212,10 @@ static long __fastcall QuestsPrint(const char* text, int width, DWORD* buf, BYTE
 	return EXITCODE_Normal;
 }
 
-static const DWORD PipStatus_NormalRet = 0x49818B;
-static const DWORD PipStatus_NextRet   = 0x498237;
-static const DWORD PipStatus_BreakRet  = 0x4982A4;
 static void __declspec(naked) PipStatus_hack_print() {
+	static const DWORD PipStatus_NormalRet = 0x49818B;
+	static const DWORD PipStatus_NextRet   = 0x498237;
+	static const DWORD PipStatus_BreakRet  = 0x4982A4;
 	__asm {
 		push ecx;
 		push ebx;
diff --git a/sfall/ScriptExtender.cpp b/sfall/ScriptExtender.cpp
index 93e86424..cee99cc2 100644
--- a/sfall/ScriptExtender.cpp
+++ b/sfall/ScriptExtender.cpp
@@ -1732,7 +1732,7 @@ void ScriptExtenderInit() {
 		0x4A3E1C, // script_chk_timed_events_
 		0x499AFA, 0x499CD7, 0x499E2B // TimedRest_
 	};
-	MakeCalls(TimedEventNextTime, queueNextTimeAddr);
+	HookCalls(TimedEventNextTime, queueNextTimeAddr);
 	HookCall(0x4A3E08, script_chk_timed_events_hook);
 
 	// this patch makes it possible to export variables from sfall global scripts
diff --git a/sfall/Skills.cpp b/sfall/Skills.cpp
index f92af62f..155ed9a4 100644
--- a/sfall/Skills.cpp
+++ b/sfall/Skills.cpp
@@ -342,8 +342,8 @@ void SkillsInit() {
 	HookCall(0x4AA574, skill_level_hook);
 	// change the lower limit for negative skill points
 	MakeCall(0x4AAA84, skill_dec_point_hack_limit);
-	SafeWrite8(0x4AA91B,  SKILL_MIN_LIMIT);
-	SafeWrite8(0x4AAA1A,  SKILL_MIN_LIMIT);
+	const DWORD skillMinLimitAddr[] = {0x4AA91B, 0x4AAA1A};
+	SafeWriteBatch<BYTE>(SKILL_MIN_LIMIT, skillMinLimitAddr);
 	SafeWrite32(0x4AAA23, SKILL_MIN_LIMIT);
 
 	MakeCall(0x4ABC62, skill_check_stealing_hack);  // PickpocketMod
diff --git a/sfall/SpeedPatch.cpp b/sfall/SpeedPatch.cpp
index c91141f8..ae440b4e 100644
--- a/sfall/SpeedPatch.cpp
+++ b/sfall/SpeedPatch.cpp
@@ -166,9 +166,7 @@ void SpeedPatchInit() {
 		int size = sizeof(offsets) / 4;
 		if (GetConfigInt("Speed", "AffectPlayback", 0) == 0) size -= 4;
 
-		for (int i = 0; i < size; i++) {
-			SafeWrite32(offsets[i], (DWORD)&sf_GetTickCount);
-		}
+		SafeWriteBatch<DWORD>((DWORD)&sf_GetTickCount, offsets);
 		SafeWrite32(0x4FDF58, (DWORD)&sf_GetLocalTime);
 		HookCall(0x4A433E, scripts_check_state_hook);