diff --git a/server/src/commands/admin/saveconfig.js b/server/src/commands/admin/saveconfig.js
index f13bdee..bc01270 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/admin/saveconfig.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/admin/saveconfig.js
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ export async function run({ core, server, socket }) {
   // attempt save, notify of failure
   if (!core.configManager.save()) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Failed to save config, check logs.',
     }, socket);
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/changenick.js b/server/src/commands/core/changenick.js
index a081a1e..e520aba 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/changenick.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/changenick.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ export async function run({
 }) {
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, 6)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are changing nicknames too fast. Wait a moment before trying again.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ export async function run({
   const newNick = payload.nick.trim();
   if (!UAC.verifyNickname(newNick)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Nickname must consist of up to 24 letters, numbers, and underscores',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ export async function run({
     server.police.frisk(socket.address, 4);
 
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are not the admin, liar!',
     }, socket);
   }
 
   if (newNick == previousNick) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You already have that name',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ export async function run({
   if (userExists.length > 0) {
     // That nickname is already in that channel
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Nickname taken',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ export function nickCheck({
     // If there is no nickname target parameter
     if (input[1] === undefined) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: 'Refer to `/help nick` for instructions on how to use this command.',
       }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/chat.js b/server/src/commands/core/chat.js
index 2c3d6e3..f8998a5 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/chat.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/chat.js
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export async function run({
   const score = text.length / 83 / 4;
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, score)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are sending too much text. Wait a moment and try again.\nPress the up arrow key to restore your last message.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ export async function run({
   const outgoingPayload = {
     cmd: 'chat',
     nick: socket.nick, /* @legacy */
+    uType: socket.uType, /* @legacy */
     userid: socket.userid,
     channel: socket.channel,
     text,
@@ -111,7 +112,7 @@ export function finalCmdCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
   }
 
   server.reply({
-    cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+    cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
     text: `Unknown command: ${payload.text}`,
   }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/emote.js b/server/src/commands/core/emote.js
index b21d7b6..1939e6f 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/emote.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/emote.js
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
   const score = text.length / 83 / 4;
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, score)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are sending too much text. Wait a moment and try again.\nPress the up arrow key to restore your last message.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ export function emoteCheck({
     // If there is no emote target parameter
     if (input[1] === undefined) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: 'Refer to `/help emote` for instructions on how to use this command.',
       }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/help.js b/server/src/commands/core/help.js
index 56069c5..faebd14 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/help.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/help.js
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ export async function run({
   // check for spam
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, 2)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are sending too much text. Wait a moment and try again.\nPress the up arrow key to restore your last message.',
     }, socket);
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/invite.js b/server/src/commands/core/invite.js
index 7136892..14fcb74 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/invite.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/invite.js
@@ -2,6 +2,17 @@
   Description: Generates a semi-unique channel name then broadcasts it to each client
 */
 
+import {
+  findUser,
+} from '../utility/_Channels';
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from '../utility/_Constants';
+import {
+  legacyInviteOut,
+  legacyInviteReply,
+} from '../utility/_LegacyFunctions';
+
 // module support functions
 /**
   * Returns the channel that should be invited to.
@@ -22,34 +33,35 @@ export async function run({
   // check for spam
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, 2)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'You are sending invites too fast. Wait a moment before trying again.',
+      id: Errors.Invite.RATELIMIT,
     }, socket);
   }
 
   // verify user input
-  if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number' || typeof payload.channel !== 'string') {
-    return true;
-  }
+  // if this is a legacy client add missing params to payload
+  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    if (typeof socket.channel === 'undefined' || typeof payload.nick !== 'string') {
+      return true;
+    }
 
-  // why would you invite yourself?
-  if (payload.userid === socket.userid) {
+    payload.channel = socket.channel; // eslint-disable-line no-param-reassign
+  } else if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number' || typeof payload.channel !== 'string') {
     return true;
   }
 
   // @todo Verify this socket is part of payload.channel - multichannel patch
   // find target user
-  let targetClient = server.findSockets({ channel: payload.channel, userid: payload.userid });
-
-  if (targetClient.length === 0) {
+  const targetUser = findUser(server, payload);
+  if (!targetUser) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
+      id: Errors.Global.UNKNOWN_USER,
     }, socket);
   }
 
-  [targetClient] = targetClient;
-
   // generate common channel
   const channel = getChannel(payload.to);
 
@@ -58,15 +70,23 @@ export async function run({
     cmd: 'invite',
     channel: socket.channel,
     from: socket.userid,
-    to: payload.userid,
+    to: targetUser.userid,
     inviteChannel: channel,
   };
 
   // send invite notice to target client
-  server.reply(outgoingPayload, targetClient);
+  if (targetUser.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    server.reply(legacyInviteOut(outgoingPayload, socket.nick), targetUser);
+  } else {
+    server.reply(outgoingPayload, targetUser);
+  }
 
   // send invite notice to this client
-  server.reply(outgoingPayload, socket);
+  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    server.reply(legacyInviteReply(outgoingPayload, targetUser.nick), socket);
+  } else {
+    server.reply(outgoingPayload, socket);
+  }
 
   // stats are fun
   core.stats.increment('invites-sent');
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/join.js b/server/src/commands/core/join.js
index 3ee6722..037eb6c 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/join.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/join.js
@@ -1,139 +1,118 @@
 /* eslint no-param-reassign: 0 */
 
 /*
-  Description: Initial entry point, applies `channel` and `nick` to the calling socket
+  Description: Adds requested channel into the calling clients "subscribed channels"
 */
 
-import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
-
-// module support functions
-const crypto = require('crypto');
-
-const hash = (password) => {
-  const sha = crypto.createHash('sha256');
-  sha.update(password);
-  return sha.digest('base64').substr(0, 6);
-};
-
-// exposed "login" function to allow hooks to verify user join events
-// returns object containing user info or string if error
-export function parseNickname(core, data) {
-  const userInfo = {
-    nick: data.nick,
-    uType: 'user', /* @legacy */
-    trip: null,
-    level: UAC.levels.default,
-  };
-
-  if (!UAC.verifyNickname(userInfo.nick)) {
-    // return error as string
-    // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-    return 'Nickname must consist of up to 24 letters, numbers, and underscores';
-  }
-
-  const password = data.pass || false;
-
-  if (hash(password + core.config.tripSalt) === core.config.adminTrip) {
-    userInfo.uType = 'admin'; /* @legacy */
-    userInfo.trip = 'Admin';
-    userInfo.level = UAC.levels.admin;
-  } else if (userInfo.nick.toLowerCase() === core.config.adminName.toLowerCase()) {
-    // they've got the main-admin name while not being an admin
-    // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-    return 'You are not the admin, liar!';
-  } else if (password) {
-    userInfo.trip = hash(password + core.config.tripSalt);
-  }
-
-  // @todo disallow moderator impersonation
-  // for (const mod of core.config.mods) {
-  core.config.mods.forEach((mod) => {
-    if (userInfo.trip === mod.trip) {
-      userInfo.uType = 'mod'; /* @legacy */
-      userInfo.level = UAC.levels.moderator;
-    }
-  });
-
-  return userInfo;
-}
+// import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
+import {
+  canJoinChannel,
+} from '../utility/_Channels';
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from '../utility/_Constants';
+import {
+  upgradeLegacyJoin,
+  legacyLevelToLabel,
+} from '../utility/_LegacyFunctions';
+import {
+  verifyNickname,
+  getUserPerms,
+} from '../utility/_UAC';
 
 // module main
 export async function run({
   core, server, socket, payload,
-}) {
-  // check for spam
+}) { // check for spam
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, 3)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'You are joining channels too fast. Wait a moment and try again.',
+      id: Errors.Join.RATELIMIT,
+    }, socket);
+  }
+
+  // `join` is the legacy entry point, check if it needs to be upgraded
+  if (typeof socket.hcProtocol === 'undefined') {
+    payload = upgradeLegacyJoin(server, socket, payload);
+  }
+
+  // store payload values
+  const { channel, nick, pass } = payload;
+
+  // check if a client is able to join target channel
+  const mayJoin = canJoinChannel(channel, socket);
+  if (mayJoin !== true) {
+    return server.reply({
+      cmd: 'warn',
+      text: 'You may not join that channel.',
+      id: mayJoin,
     }, socket);
   }
 
   // calling socket already in a channel
-  // @todo Multichannel update
+  // @todo multichannel update, will remove
   if (typeof socket.channel !== 'undefined') {
     return server.reply({
       cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove this
       text: 'Joining more than one channel is not currently supported',
+      id: Errors.Join.ALREADY_JOINED,
     }, socket);
   }
+  // end todo
 
-  // check user input
-  if (typeof payload.channel !== 'string' || typeof payload.nick !== 'string') {
-    return true;
-  }
-
-  const channel = payload.channel.trim();
-  if (!channel) {
-    // must join a non-blank channel
-    return true;
-  }
-
-  const userInfo = this.parseNickname(core, payload);
-  if (typeof userInfo === 'string') {
+  // validates the user input for `nick`
+  const validName = verifyNickname(nick, socket);
+  if (validName !== true) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-      text: userInfo,
+      cmd: 'warn',
+      text: 'Nickname must consist of up to 24 letters, numbers, and underscores',
+      id: Errors.Join.INVALID_NICK,
     }, socket);
   }
 
+  // get trip and level
+  const { trip, level } = getUserPerms(pass, core.config, channel);
+  // store the user values
+  const userInfo = {
+    nick,
+    trip,
+    uType: legacyLevelToLabel(level),
+    hash: socket.hash,
+    level,
+    userid: socket.userid,
+    channel,
+  };
+
+  // prevent admin impersonation
+  if (nick.toLowerCase() === core.config.adminName.toLowerCase()) {
+    if (userInfo.trip !== 'Admin') {
+      userInfo.nick = `Fake${userInfo.nick}`;
+    }
+  }
+
   // check if the nickname already exists in the channel
   const userExists = server.findSockets({
-    channel: payload.channel,
+    channel,
     nick: (targetNick) => targetNick.toLowerCase() === userInfo.nick.toLowerCase(),
   });
 
   if (userExists.length > 0) {
     // that nickname is already in that channel
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'Nickname taken',
+      id: Errors.Join.NAME_TAKEN,
     }, socket);
   }
 
-  // populate final userinfo fields
-  // @todo this could be move into parseNickname, changing the function name to match
-  userInfo.hash = server.getSocketHash(socket);
-  userInfo.userid = socket.userid;
-
-  // @todo place this within it's own function allowing import
   // prepare to notify channel peers
-  const newPeerList = server.findSockets({ channel: payload.channel });
+  const newPeerList = server.findSockets({ channel });
   const nicks = []; /* @legacy */
   const users = [];
+  const joinAnnouncement = { ...{ cmd: 'onlineAdd' }, ...userInfo };
 
-  const joinAnnouncement = {
-    cmd: 'onlineAdd',
-    nick: userInfo.nick,
-    trip: userInfo.trip || 'null',
-    utype: userInfo.uType, /* @legacy */
-    hash: userInfo.hash,
-    level: userInfo.level,
-    userid: userInfo.userid,
-    channel: payload.channel,
-  };
-
-  // send join announcement and prep online set
+  // send join announcement and prep online set reply
   for (let i = 0, l = newPeerList.length; i < l; i += 1) {
     server.reply(joinAnnouncement, newPeerList[i]);
     nicks.push(newPeerList[i].nick); /* @legacy */
@@ -141,34 +120,26 @@ export async function run({
     users.push({
       nick: newPeerList[i].nick,
       trip: newPeerList[i].trip,
-      utype: newPeerList[i].uType, /* @legacy */
+      uType: newPeerList[i].uType, /* @legacy */
       hash: newPeerList[i].hash,
       level: newPeerList[i].level,
       userid: newPeerList[i].userid,
-      channel: payload.channel,
+      channel,
       isme: false,
     });
   }
 
   // store user info
-  socket.uType = userInfo.uType; /* @legacy */
   socket.nick = userInfo.nick;
   socket.trip = userInfo.trip;
-  socket.channel = payload.channel; /* @legacy */
-  socket.hash = userInfo.hash;
   socket.level = userInfo.level;
+  socket.uType = userInfo.uType; /* @legacy */
+  socket.channel = channel; /* @legacy */
+  // @todo multi-channel patch
+  // socket.channels.push(channel);
 
-  nicks.push(socket.nick); /* @legacy */
-  users.push({
-    nick: socket.nick,
-    trip: socket.trip,
-    utype: socket.uType,
-    hash: socket.hash,
-    level: socket.level,
-    userid: socket.userid,
-    channel: payload.channel,
-    isme: true,
-  });
+  nicks.push(userInfo.nick); /* @legacy */
+  users.push({ ...{ isme: true }, ...userInfo });
 
   // reply with channel peer list
   server.reply({
@@ -186,7 +157,7 @@ export async function run({
 export const requiredData = []; // ['channel', 'nick'];
 export const info = {
   name: 'join',
-  description: 'Place calling socket into target channel with target nick & broadcast event to channel',
+  description: 'Join the target channel using the supplied nick and password',
   usage: `
     API: { cmd: 'join', nick: '<your nickname>', pass: '<optional password>', channel: '<target channel>' }`,
 };
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/move.js b/server/src/commands/core/move.js
index e27445c..a0ff8e1 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/move.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/move.js
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
   // check for spam
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, 6)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are changing channels too fast. Wait a moment before trying again.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
 
   if (payload.channel === '') {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Cannot move to an empty channel.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ export function moveCheck({
     // If there is no channel target parameter
     if (input[1] === undefined) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: 'Refer to `/help move` for instructions on how to use this command.',
       }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/session.js b/server/src/commands/core/session.js
index 4a4c9b4..1012400 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/session.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/session.js
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket }) {
   socket.sessionID = createSessionID();
   socket.hcProtocol = 2;
   socket.userid = Math.floor(Math.random() * 9999999999999);
+  socket.hash = server.getSocketHash(socket);
 
   // dispatch info
   server.reply({
diff --git a/server/src/commands/core/whisper.js b/server/src/commands/core/whisper.js
index 5ed7d8f..fe9ead6 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/core/whisper.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/core/whisper.js
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
   const score = text.length / 83 / 4;
   if (server.police.frisk(socket.address, score)) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'You are sending too much text. Wait a moment and try again.\nPress the up arrow key to restore your last message.',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
 
   if (targetClient.length === 0) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Could not find user in channel',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ export function whisperCheck({
     // If there is no nickname target parameter
     if (input[1] === undefined) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: 'Refer to `/help whisper` for instructions on how to use this command.',
       }, socket);
 
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ export function whisperCheck({
   if (payload.text.startsWith('/r ')) {
     if (typeof socket.whisperReply === 'undefined') {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: 'Cannot reply to nobody',
       }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/internal/legacylayer.js b/server/src/commands/internal/legacylayer.js
deleted file mode 100644
index f4775b0..0000000
--- a/server/src/commands/internal/legacylayer.js
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,166 +0,0 @@
-/* eslint no-param-reassign: 0 */
-
-/*
-  Description: This module adjusts outgoing data, making it compatible with legacy clients
-  Dear god this module is horrifying
-*/
-
-// import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
-
-// module main
-export async function run({ server, socket }) {
-  return server.police.frisk(socket.address, 20);
-}
-
-// module hook functions
-export function initHooks(server) {
-  server.registerHook('in', 'join', this.joinCheck.bind(this), 10);
-  server.registerHook('in', 'invite', this.inviteInCheck.bind(this), 10);
-  server.registerHook('out', 'invite', this.inviteOutCheck.bind(this), 10);
-  server.registerHook('in', 'ban', this.banCheck.bind(this), 10);
-  server.registerHook('in', 'dumb', this.dumbCheck.bind(this), 10);
-  server.registerHook('in', 'kick', this.kickCheck.bind(this), 10);
-}
-
-// hook incoming join events, if session was not invoked, default proto to 1
-export function joinCheck({ socket, payload }) {
-  if (typeof socket.hcProtocol === 'undefined') {
-    socket.hcProtocol = 1;
-
-    const nickArray = payload.nick.split('#', 2);
-    payload.nick = nickArray[0].trim();
-    if (nickArray[1] && typeof payload.pass === 'undefined') {
-      payload.pass = nickArray[1]; // eslint-disable-line prefer-destructuring
-    }
-
-    // dunno how this happened on the legacy version
-    if (typeof payload.password !== 'undefined') {
-      payload.pass = payload.password;
-    }
-
-    if (typeof socket.userid === 'undefined') {
-      socket.userid = Math.floor(Math.random() * 9999999999999);
-    }
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-// if legacy client sent an invite, downgrade request
-export function inviteInCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
-  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
-    let targetClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, nick: payload.nick });
-
-    if (targetClient.length === 0) {
-      server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn',
-        text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
-      }, socket);
-
-      return false;
-    }
-
-    [targetClient] = targetClient;
-
-    payload.userid = targetClient.userid;
-    payload.channel = socket.channel;
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-//
-export function inviteOutCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
-  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
-    payload.cmd = 'info';
-    if (socket.userid === payload.from) {
-      let toClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, userid: payload.from });
-      [toClient] = toClient;
-      payload.type = 'invite';
-      payload.from = toClient.nick;
-      payload.text = `You invited ${toClient.nick} to ?${payload.inviteChannel}`;
-    } else if (socket.userid === payload.to) {
-      let fromClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, userid: payload.from });
-      [fromClient] = fromClient;
-      payload.type = 'invite';
-      payload.from = fromClient.nick;
-      payload.text = `${fromClient.nick} invited you to ?${payload.inviteChannel}`;
-    }
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-export function banCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
-  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
-    let targetClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, nick: payload.nick });
-
-    if (targetClient.length === 0) {
-      server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn',
-        text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
-      }, socket);
-
-      return false;
-    }
-
-    [targetClient] = targetClient;
-
-    payload.userid = targetClient.userid;
-    payload.channel = socket.channel;
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-export function dumbCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
-  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
-    let targetClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, nick: payload.nick });
-
-    if (targetClient.length === 0) {
-      server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn',
-        text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
-      }, socket);
-
-      return false;
-    }
-
-    [targetClient] = targetClient;
-
-    payload.userid = targetClient.userid;
-    payload.channel = socket.channel;
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-export function kickCheck({ server, socket, payload }) {
-  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
-    if (typeof payload.nick !== 'number') {
-      if (typeof payload.nick !== 'object' && !Array.isArray(payload.nick)) {
-        return true;
-      }
-    }
-
-    const targetClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, nick: payload.nick });
-
-    if (targetClient.length === 0) {
-      return false;
-    }
-
-    payload.userid = [];
-    for (let i = 0, j = targetClient.length; i < j; i += 1) {
-      payload.userid.push(targetClient[i].userid);
-    }
-
-    payload.channel = socket.channel;
-  }
-
-  return payload;
-}
-
-export const info = {
-  name: 'legacylayer',
-  description: 'This module adjusts outgoing data, making it compatible with legacy clients',
-};
diff --git a/server/src/commands/internal/socketreply.js b/server/src/commands/internal/socketreply.js
index 4221a76..9c7ddc8 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/internal/socketreply.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/internal/socketreply.js
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
 
   // send warning to target socket
   server.reply({
-    cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+    cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
     text: payload.text,
   }, socket);
 
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/ban.js b/server/src/commands/mod/ban.js
index ff601e8..8d6721d 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/ban.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/ban.js
@@ -4,6 +4,12 @@
 */
 
 import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from '../utility/_Constants';
+import {
+  findUser,
+} from '../utility/_Channels';
 
 // module main
 export async function run({
@@ -15,33 +21,38 @@ export async function run({
   }
 
   // check user input
-  if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
+  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    if (typeof payload.nick !== 'string') {
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    payload.channel = socket.channel; // eslint-disable-line no-param-reassign
+  } else if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
     return true;
   }
 
   // find target user
-  let badClient = server.findSockets({ channel: socket.channel, userid: payload.userid });
-
-  if (badClient.length === 0) {
+  const targetUser = findUser(server, payload);
+  if (!targetUser) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-      text: 'Could not find user in channel',
+      cmd: 'warn',
+      text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
+      id: Errors.Global.UNKNOWN_USER,
     }, socket);
   }
-
-  [badClient] = badClient;
-  const targetNick = badClient.nick;
+  const targetNick = targetUser.nick;
 
   // i guess banning mods or admins isn't the best idea?
-  if (badClient.level >= socket.level) {
+  if (targetUser.level >= socket.level) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'Cannot ban other users of the same level, how rude',
+      id: Errors.Global.PERMISSION,
     }, socket);
   }
 
   // commit arrest record
-  server.police.arrest(badClient.address, badClient.hash);
+  server.police.arrest(targetUser.address, targetUser.hash);
 
   console.log(`${socket.nick} [${socket.trip}] banned ${targetNick} in ${socket.channel}`);
 
@@ -49,20 +60,20 @@ export async function run({
   server.broadcast({
     cmd: 'info',
     text: `Banned ${targetNick}`,
-    user: UAC.getUserDetails(badClient),
+    user: UAC.getUserDetails(targetUser),
   }, { channel: socket.channel, level: (level) => level < UAC.levels.moderator });
 
   // notify mods
   server.broadcast({
     cmd: 'info',
-    text: `${socket.nick}#${socket.trip} banned ${targetNick} in ${payload.channel}, userhash: ${badClient.hash}`,
+    text: `${socket.nick}#${socket.trip} banned ${targetNick} in ${payload.channel}, userhash: ${targetUser.hash}`,
     channel: payload.channel,
-    user: UAC.getUserDetails(badClient),
+    user: UAC.getUserDetails(targetUser),
     banner: UAC.getUserDetails(socket),
   }, { level: UAC.isModerator });
 
   // force connection closed
-  badClient.terminate();
+  targetUser.terminate();
 
   // stats are fun
   core.stats.increment('users-banned');
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/dumb.js b/server/src/commands/mod/dumb.js
index 3f8723f..a10d1cb 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/dumb.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/dumb.js
@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@
  */
 
 import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from '../utility/_Constants';
+import {
+  findUser,
+} from '../utility/_Channels';
 
 // module constructor
 export function init(core) {
@@ -25,32 +31,37 @@ export async function run({
   }
 
   // check user input
-  if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
+  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    if (typeof payload.nick !== 'string') {
+      return true;
+    }
+
+    payload.channel = socket.channel;
+  } else if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
     return true;
   }
 
   // find target user
-  let badClient = server.findSockets({ channel: payload.channel, userid: payload.userid });
-
-  if (badClient.length === 0) {
+  const targetUser = findUser(server, payload);
+  if (!targetUser) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-      text: 'Could not find user in channel',
+      cmd: 'warn',
+      text: 'Could not find user in that channel',
+      id: Errors.Global.UNKNOWN_USER,
     }, socket);
   }
 
-  [badClient] = badClient;
-
   // likely dont need this, muting mods and admins is fine
-  if (badClient.level >= socket.level) {
+  if (targetUser.level >= socket.level) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn',
       text: 'This trick wont work on users of the same level',
+      id: Errors.Global.PERMISSION,
     }, socket);
   }
 
   // store hash in mute list
-  const record = core.muzzledHashes[badClient.hash] = {
+  const record = core.muzzledHashes[targetUser.hash] = {
     dumb: true,
   };
 
@@ -62,7 +73,7 @@ export async function run({
   // notify mods
   server.broadcast({
     cmd: 'info',
-    text: `${socket.nick}#${socket.trip} muzzled ${badClient.nick} in ${payload.channel}, userhash: ${badClient.hash}`,
+    text: `${socket.nick}#${socket.trip} muzzled ${targetUser.nick} in ${payload.channel}, userhash: ${targetUser.hash}`,
   }, { level: UAC.isModerator });
 
   return true;
@@ -129,7 +140,7 @@ export function inviteCheck({ core, socket, payload }) {
     /* const nickValid = Invite.checkNickname(payload.nick);
     if (nickValid !== null) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
         text: nickValid,
       }, socket);
       return false;
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/kick.js b/server/src/commands/mod/kick.js
index 0c73e2a..3f93cd6 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/kick.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/kick.js
@@ -5,6 +5,12 @@
 */
 
 import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from '../utility/_Constants';
+import {
+  findUsers,
+} from '../utility/_Channels';
 
 // module main
 export async function run({
@@ -16,27 +22,28 @@ export async function run({
   }
 
   // check user input
-  if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
+  if (socket.hcProtocol === 1) {
+    if (typeof payload.nick !== 'string') {
+      if (typeof payload.nick !== 'object' && !Array.isArray(payload.nick)) {
+        return true;
+      }
+    }
+
+    payload.channel = socket.channel; // eslint-disable-line no-param-reassign
+  } else if (typeof payload.userid !== 'number') {
     // @todo create multi-ban ui
     if (typeof payload.userid !== 'object' && !Array.isArray(payload.userid)) {
       return true;
     }
   }
 
-  let destChannel;
-  if (typeof payload.to === 'string' && !!payload.to.trim()) {
-    destChannel = payload.to;
-  } else {
-    destChannel = Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 8);
-  }
-
   // find target user(s)
-  const badClients = server.findSockets({ channel: payload.channel, userid: payload.userid });
-
+  const badClients = findUsers(server, payload);
   if (badClients.length === 0) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
-      text: 'Could not find user(s) in channel',
+      cmd: 'warn',
+      text: 'Could not find user(s) in that channel',
+      id: Errors.Global.UNKNOWN_USER,
     }, socket);
   }
 
@@ -45,8 +52,9 @@ export async function run({
   for (let i = 0, j = badClients.length; i < j; i += 1) {
     if (badClients[i].level >= socket.level) {
       server.reply({
-        cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+        cmd: 'warn',
         text: 'Cannot kick other users with the same level, how rude',
+        id: Errors.Global.PERMISSION,
       }, socket);
     } else {
       kicked.push(badClients[i]);
@@ -57,6 +65,13 @@ export async function run({
     return true;
   }
 
+  let destChannel;
+  if (typeof payload.to === 'string' && !!payload.to.trim()) {
+    destChannel = payload.to;
+  } else {
+    destChannel = Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 8);
+  }
+
   // Announce the kicked clients arrival in destChannel and that they were kicked
   // Before they arrive, so they don't see they got moved
   for (let i = 0; i < kicked.length; i += 1) {
@@ -64,12 +79,17 @@ export async function run({
       cmd: 'onlineAdd',
       nick: kicked[i].nick,
       trip: kicked[i].trip || 'null',
+      uType: 'user',
       hash: kicked[i].hash,
+      level: UAC.levels.default,
+      userid: kicked[i].userid,
+      channel: destChannel,
     }, { channel: destChannel });
   }
 
   // Move all kicked clients to the new channel
   for (let i = 0; i < kicked.length; i += 1) {
+    // @todo multi-channel update
     kicked[i].channel = destChannel;
 
     server.broadcast({
@@ -84,6 +104,7 @@ export async function run({
   for (let i = 0, j = kicked.length; i < j; i += 1) {
     server.broadcast({
       cmd: 'onlineRemove',
+      userid: kicked[i].userid,
       nick: kicked[i].nick,
     }, { channel: socket.channel });
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/moveuser.js b/server/src/commands/mod/moveuser.js
index 331dcae..7c248b6 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/moveuser.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/moveuser.js
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 /*
   Description: Removes the target socket from the current channel and forces a join event in another
+  @deprecated This module will be removed or replaced
 */
 
 import * as UAC from '../utility/UAC/_info';
@@ -25,7 +26,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
 
   if (badClients.length === 0) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Could not find user in channel',
     }, socket);
   }
@@ -34,7 +35,7 @@ export async function run({ server, socket, payload }) {
 
   if (badClient.level >= socket.level) {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: 'Cannot move other users of the same level, how rude',
     }, socket);
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/speak.js b/server/src/commands/mod/speak.js
index 19774cc..35dcde3 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/speak.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/speak.js
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ export async function run({
   // check user input
   if (typeof payload.ip !== 'string' && typeof payload.hash !== 'string') {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: "hash:'targethash' or ip:'1.2.3.4' is required",
     }, socket);
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/mod/unban.js b/server/src/commands/mod/unban.js
index 0c5cb50..e8dc042 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/mod/unban.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/mod/unban.js
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ export async function run({
   // check user input
   if (typeof payload.ip !== 'string' && typeof payload.hash !== 'string') {
     return server.reply({
-      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Remove english and change to numeric id
+      cmd: 'warn', // @todo Add numeric error code as `id`
       text: "hash:'targethash' or ip:'1.2.3.4' is required",
     }, socket);
   }
diff --git a/server/src/commands/utility/UAC/_info.js b/server/src/commands/utility/UAC/_info.js
index 7981afc..a43f0e6 100644
--- a/server/src/commands/utility/UAC/_info.js
+++ b/server/src/commands/utility/UAC/_info.js
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+// NOTE: this has been moved into /utility/ as _UAC.js
 /**
   * User Account Control information containing level constants
   * and simple helper functions related to users
diff --git a/server/src/commands/utility/_Channels.js b/server/src/commands/utility/_Channels.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..15ba3f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/commands/utility/_Channels.js
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+import {
+  Errors,
+} from './_Constants';
+
+/**
+  * Checks if a client can join `channel`, returns numeric error code or true if
+  * able to join
+  * @public
+  * @param {string} channel Target channel
+  * @param {object} socket Target client to evaluate
+  * @return {boolean||error id}
+  */
+// eslint-disable-next-line no-unused-vars
+export function canJoinChannel(channel, socket) {
+  if (typeof channel !== 'string') return Errors.Channel.INVALID_NAME;
+  if (channel === '') return Errors.Channel.INVALID_NAME;
+  if (channel.length > 120) return Errors.Channel.INVALID_LENGTH;
+
+  return true;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns an object containing info about the specified channel,
+  * including if it is owned, mods, permissions
+  * @public
+  * @param {string} config Server config object
+  * @param {string} channel Target channel
+  * @return {object}
+  */
+export function getChannelSettings(config, channel) {
+  if (typeof config.channels !== 'undefined') {
+    if (typeof config.channels[channel] !== 'undefined') {
+      return config.channels[channel];
+    }
+  }
+
+  return {
+    owned: false,
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns an object containing info about the specified channel,
+  * including if it is owned, mods, permissions
+  * @public
+  * @param {MainServer} server Main server reference
+  * @param {object} payload Object containing `userid` or `nick`
+  * @param {number} limit Optional return limit
+  * @return {array}
+  */
+export function findUsers(server, payload, limit = 0) {
+  let targetClients;
+
+  if (typeof payload.userid !== 'undefined') {
+    targetClients = server.findSockets({
+      channel: payload.channel,
+      userid: payload.userid,
+    });
+  } else if (typeof payload.nick !== 'undefined') {
+    targetClients = server.findSockets({
+      channel: payload.channel,
+      nick: payload.nick,
+    });
+  } else {
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  if (limit !== 0 && targetClients.length > limit) {
+    return targetClients.splice(0, limit);
+  }
+
+  return targetClients;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Overload for `findUsers` when only 1 user is expected
+  * @public
+  * @param {MainServer} server Main server reference
+  * @param {object} payload Object containing `userid` or `nick`
+  * @param {number} limit Optional return limit
+  * @return {boolean||object}
+  */
+export function findUser(server, payload) {
+  return findUsers(server, payload, 1)[0] || false;
+}
diff --git a/server/src/commands/utility/_Constants.js b/server/src/commands/utility/_Constants.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f18aa1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/commands/utility/_Constants.js
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+/* Base error ranges */
+const GlobalErrors = 10;
+const JoinErrors = 20;
+const ChannelErrors = 30;
+const InviteErrors = 40;
+
+/**
+  * Holds the numeric id values for each error type
+  * @typedef {object} Errors
+  */
+exports.Errors = {
+  Global: {
+    RATELIMIT: GlobalErrors + 1,
+    UNKNOWN_USER: GlobalErrors + 2,
+    PERMISSION: GlobalErrors + 3,
+  },
+
+  Join: {
+    RATELIMIT: JoinErrors + 1,
+    INVALID_NICK: JoinErrors + 2,
+    ALREADY_JOINED: JoinErrors + 3,
+    NAME_TAKEN: JoinErrors + 4,
+  },
+
+  Channel: {
+    INVALID_NAME: ChannelErrors + 1,
+    INVALID_LENGTH: ChannelErrors + 2,
+  },
+
+  Invite: {
+    RATELIMIT: InviteErrors + 1,
+    INVALID_LENGTH: InviteErrors + 2,
+  },
+};
diff --git a/server/src/commands/utility/_LegacyFunctions.js b/server/src/commands/utility/_LegacyFunctions.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a55987f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/commands/utility/_LegacyFunctions.js
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+/* eslint no-param-reassign: 0 */
+
+import {
+  isAdmin,
+  isModerator,
+} from './_UAC';
+
+/**
+  * Marks the socket as using the legacy protocol and
+  * applies the missing `pass` property to the payload
+  * @param {MainServer} server Main server reference
+  * @param {WebSocket} socket Target client socket
+  * @param {object} payload The original `join` payload
+  * @returns {object}
+  */
+export function upgradeLegacyJoin(server, socket, payload) {
+  const newPayload = payload;
+
+  // `join` is the legacy entry point, so apply protocol version
+  socket.hcProtocol = 1;
+
+  // this would have been applied in the `session` module, apply it now
+  socket.hash = server.getSocketHash(socket);
+
+  // pull the password from the nick
+  const nickArray = payload.nick.split('#', 2);
+  newPayload.nick = nickArray[0].trim();
+  if (nickArray[1] && typeof payload.pass === 'undefined') {
+    newPayload.pass = nickArray[1]; // eslint-disable-line prefer-destructuring
+  }
+
+  // dunno how this happened on the legacy version
+  if (typeof payload.password !== 'undefined') {
+    newPayload.pass = payload.password;
+  }
+
+  // apply the missing `userid` prop
+  if (typeof socket.userid === 'undefined') {
+    socket.userid = Math.floor(Math.random() * 9999999999999);
+  }
+
+  return newPayload;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Return the correct `uType` label for the specific level
+  * @param {number} level Numeric level to find the label for
+  */
+export function legacyLevelToLabel(level) {
+  if (isAdmin(level)) return 'admin';
+  if (isModerator(level)) return 'mod';
+
+  return 'user';
+}
+
+/**
+  * Alter the outgoing payload to an `info` cmd and add/change missing props
+  * @param {object} payload Numeric level to find the label for
+  * @param {string} nick Numeric level to find the label for
+  * @return {object}
+  */
+export function legacyInviteOut(payload, nick) {
+  return {
+    ...payload,
+    ...{
+      cmd: 'info',
+      type: 'invite',
+      from: nick,
+      text: `${nick} invited you to ?${payload.inviteChannel}`,
+    },
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+  * Alter the outgoing payload to an `info` cmd and add/change missing props
+  * @param {object} payload Numeric level to find the label for
+  * @param {string} nick Numeric level to find the label for
+  * @return {object}
+  */
+export function legacyInviteReply(payload, nick) {
+  return {
+    ...payload,
+    ...{
+      cmd: 'info',
+      type: 'invite',
+      from: '',
+      text: `You invited ${nick} to ?${payload.inviteChannel}`,
+    },
+  };
+}
diff --git a/server/src/commands/utility/_UAC.js b/server/src/commands/utility/_UAC.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aee98d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/commands/utility/_UAC.js
@@ -0,0 +1,186 @@
+/**
+  * User Account Control information containing level constants
+  * and simple helper functions related to users
+  * @property {Object} levels - Defines labels for default permission ranges
+  * @author MinusGix ( https://github.com/MinusGix )
+  * @version v1.0.0
+  * @license WTFPL ( http://www.wtfpl.net/txt/copying/ )
+  */
+
+import {
+  getChannelSettings,
+} from './_Channels';
+
+const crypto = require('crypto');
+
+/**
+  * Object defining labels for default permission ranges
+  * @typedef {Object} levels
+  * @property {number} admin Global administrator range
+  * @property {number} moderator Global moderator range
+  * @property {number} channelOwner Local administrator range
+  * @property {number} channelModerator Local moderator range
+  * @property {number} channelTrusted Local (non-public) channel trusted
+  * @property {number} trustedUser Public channel trusted
+  * @property {number} default Default user level
+  */
+export const levels = {
+  admin: 9999999,
+  moderator: 999999,
+
+  channelOwner: 99999,
+  channelModerator: 9999,
+  channelTrusted: 8999,
+
+  trustedUser: 500,
+  default: 100,
+};
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than the global admin level
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isAdmin(level) {
+  return level >= levels.admin;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than the global moderator level
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isModerator(level) {
+  return level >= levels.moderator;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than the channel owner level
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isChannelOwner(level) {
+  return level >= levels.channelOwner;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than the channel moderator level
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isChannelModerator(level) {
+  return level >= levels.channelModerator;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than the channel trust level
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isChannelTrusted(level) {
+  return level >= levels.channelTrusted;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if target level is equal or greater than a trusted user
+  * @public
+  * @param {number} level Level to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function isTrustedUser(level) {
+  return level >= levels.trustedUser;
+}
+
+/**
+  * Return an object containing public information about the socket
+  * @public
+  * @param {WebSocket} socket Target client
+  * @return {Object}
+  */
+export function getUserDetails(socket) {
+  return {
+    uType: socket.uType,
+    nick: socket.nick,
+    trip: socket.trip || 'null',
+    hash: socket.hash,
+    level: socket.level,
+    userid: socket.userid,
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+  * Returns true if the nickname is valid
+  * @public
+  * @param {string} nick Nickname to verify
+  * @return {boolean}
+  */
+export function verifyNickname(nick) {
+  if (typeof nick === 'undefined') return false;
+
+  return /^[a-zA-Z0-9_]{1,24}$/.test(nick);
+}
+
+/**
+  * Hashes a user's password, returning a trip code
+  * or a blank string
+  * @public
+  * @param {string} pass User's password
+  * @param {string} config Server config object
+  * @param {string} channel Channel-level permissions check
+  * @return {string}
+  */
+export function getUserPerms(pass, config, channel) {
+  if (!pass) {
+    return {
+      trip: '',
+      level: levels.default,
+    };
+  }
+
+  const sha = crypto.createHash('sha256');
+  sha.update(pass + config.tripSalt);
+  const trip = sha.digest('base64').substr(0, 6);
+
+  // check if user is global admin
+  if (trip === config.adminTrip) {
+    return {
+      trip: 'Admin',
+      level: levels.admin,
+    };
+  }
+
+  // check if user is global mod
+  config.mods.forEach((mod) => { // eslint-disable-line consistent-return
+    if (trip === mod.trip) {
+      return {
+        trip,
+        level: levels.moderator,
+      };
+    }
+  });
+
+  const channelSettings = getChannelSettings(config, channel);
+  if (channelSettings.owned) {
+    // check if user is channel owner
+    // @todo channel ownership patch
+
+    // check if user is channel mod
+    // @todo channel ownership patch
+
+    // check if user is channel trusted
+    // @todo channel ownership patch
+  }
+
+  // check if user is global trusted
+  // @todo channel ownership patch
+
+  return {
+    trip,
+    level: levels.default,
+  };
+}