diff --git a/BaseClasses.py b/BaseClasses.py
index de3ad469..9f1b3706 100644
--- a/BaseClasses.py
+++ b/BaseClasses.py
@@ -1519,7 +1519,10 @@ class CollectionState(object):
         if not item:
             return
         changed = False
-        if item.name.startswith('Progressive '):
+        if item.name == "Sword and Shield":
+            self.prog_items["Fighter Sword", item.player] += 1
+            self.prog_items["Blue Shield", item.player] += 1
+        elif item.name.startswith('Progressive '):
             if 'Sword' in item.name:
                 if self.has('Golden Sword', item.player):
                     pass
@@ -2895,6 +2898,10 @@ class Item(object):
     def compass(self):
         return self.type == 'Compass'
 
+    @property
+    def event(self):
+        return self.type == 'Event'
+
     @property
     def dungeon(self):
         if not self.smallkey and not self.bigkey and not self.map and not self.compass:
diff --git a/CLI.py b/CLI.py
index 8711f649..889ca73d 100644
--- a/CLI.py
+++ b/CLI.py
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ def parse_cli(argv, no_defaults=False):
     parser.add_argument('--count', default=defval(int(settings["count"]) if settings["count"] != "" and settings["count"] is not None else 1), help="\n".join(fish.translate("cli", "help", "count")), type=int)
     parser.add_argument('--tries', default=defval(int(settings["tries"]) if settings["tries"] != "" and settings["tries"] is not None else 1), help="\n".join(fish.translate("cli", "help", "tries")), type=int)
     parser.add_argument('--customitemarray', default={}, help=argparse.SUPPRESS)
+    parser.add_argument('--skip_money_balance', action="store_true", help=argparse.SUPPRESS)
 
     # included for backwards compatibility
     parser.add_argument('--multi', default=defval(settings["multi"]), type=lambda value: min(max(int(value), 1), 255))
@@ -106,7 +107,14 @@ def parse_cli(argv, no_defaults=False):
     ret = parser.parse_args(argv)
 
     if ret.keysanity:
-        ret.mapshuffle, ret.compassshuffle, ret.keyshuffle, ret.bigkeyshuffle = ['wild'] * 4
+        if ret.mapshuffle == "none":
+            ret.mapshuffle = "wild"
+        if ret.compassshuffle == "none":
+            ret.compassshuffle = "wild"
+        if ret.keyshuffle == "none":
+            ret.keyshuffle = "wild"
+        if ret.bigkeyshuffle == "none":
+            ret.bigkeyshuffle = "wild"
 
     if ret.keydropshuffle:
         ret.dropshuffle = 'keys' if ret.dropshuffle == 'none' else ret.dropshuffle
@@ -178,7 +186,7 @@ def parse_cli(argv, no_defaults=False):
                          'decoupledoors', 'door_type_mode', 'bonk_drops',
                          'trap_door_mode', 'key_logic_algorithm',
                          'door_self_loops', 'any_enemy_logic', 'aga_randomness',
-                         'money_balance']:
+                         'money_balance', 'patches']:
                 value = getattr(defaults, name) if getattr(playerargs, name) is None else getattr(playerargs, name)
                 if player == 1:
                     setattr(ret, name, {1: value})
diff --git a/Fill.py b/Fill.py
index 2b920c9f..35c19d7d 100644
--- a/Fill.py
+++ b/Fill.py
@@ -252,6 +252,7 @@ def verify_spot_to_fill(location, item_to_place, max_exp_state, single_player_pl
                         or (world.algorithm == 'vanilla_fill' and item_to_place.is_near_dungeon_item(world)))) \
                         or valid_dungeon_placement(item_to_place, location, world):
                     return location
+
     if item_to_place.smallkey or item_to_place.bigkey or item_to_place.prize:
         location.item = None
         location.event = False
@@ -311,7 +312,9 @@ def valid_dungeon_placement(item, location, world):
             dungeon = check_dungeon
     if dungeon:
         layout = world.dungeon_layouts[location.player][dungeon.name]
-        if not is_dungeon_item(item, world) or item.player != location.player:
+        if item.event:
+            return True
+        elif not is_dungeon_item(item, world) or item.player != location.player:
             if item.prize and item.is_near_dungeon_item(world):
                 return item.dungeon_object == dungeon and layout.free_items > 0
             return layout.free_items > 0
diff --git a/ItemList.py b/ItemList.py
index 7ccead35..0d2ebebf 100644
--- a/ItemList.py
+++ b/ItemList.py
@@ -372,6 +372,13 @@ def generate_itempool(world, player):
         world.push_precollected(ItemFactory(item, player))
 
     if world.mode[player] == 'standard' and not world.state.has_blunt_weapon(player):
+        if world.customizer:
+            placements = world.customizer.get_placements()
+            if placements:
+                custom_uncle = placements.get(player, {}).get("Link's Uncle")
+                if custom_uncle:
+                    placed_items["Link's Uncle"] = custom_uncle
+
         if "Link's Uncle" not in placed_items:
             found_sword = False
             found_bow = False
@@ -1669,12 +1676,15 @@ def fill_specific_items(world):
                     item_to_place, event_flag = get_item_and_event_flag(item, world, player,
                                                                         dungeon_pool, prize_set, prize_pool)
                     if item_to_place:
-                        world.push_item(loc, item_to_place, False)
-                        loc.locked = True
-                        track_outside_keys(item_to_place, loc, world)
-                        track_dungeon_items(item_to_place, loc, world)
-                        loc.event = (event_flag or item_to_place.advancement
-                                     or item_to_place.bigkey or item_to_place.smallkey)
+                        if not loc.item:
+                            world.push_item(loc, item_to_place, False)
+                            loc.locked = True
+                            track_outside_keys(item_to_place, loc, world)
+                            track_dungeon_items(item_to_place, loc, world)
+                            loc.event = (event_flag or item_to_place.advancement
+                                         or item_to_place.bigkey or item_to_place.smallkey)
+                        elif loc.item != item_to_place:
+                            logging.getLogger('').warning("Failed to place item %s at location %s because it already contained %s", item_to_place, loc.name, loc.item)
                     else:
                         raise Exception(f'Did not find "{item}" in item pool to place at "{location}"')
         advanced_placements = world.customizer.get_advanced_placements()
@@ -1802,7 +1812,7 @@ def shuffle_event_items(world, player):
                 continue
             break
         else:
-            raise FillError(f'Unable to place followers: {", ".join(list(map(lambda d: d.hint_text, follower_locations)))}')
+            raise FillError(f'Unable to place followers: {", ".join(list(map(lambda f: f.name, pickup_items)))}')
 
 
 def get_item_and_event_flag(item, world, player, dungeon_pool, prize_set, prize_pool):
diff --git a/Items.py b/Items.py
index ec6a18b8..f9323e46 100644
--- a/Items.py
+++ b/Items.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ item_table = {'Bow': (True, False, None, 0x0B, 200, 'Bow!\nJoin the archer class
               'Master Sword': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x50, 100, 'Master Sword!\nEvil\'s bane!', 'and the master sword', 'sword-wielding kid', 'glow sword for sale', 'fungus for blue slasher', 'sword boy fights again', 'the Master Sword'),
               'Tempered Sword': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x02, 150, 'Tempered Sword!\nMore slashy!', 'the tempered sword', 'sword-wielding kid', 'flame sword for sale', 'fungus for red slasher', 'sword boy fights again', 'the Tempered Sword'),
               'Fighter Sword': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x49, 50, 'Fighter Sword!\nStarter level slashy!', 'the tiny sword', 'sword-wielding kid', 'tiny sword for sale', 'fungus for tiny slasher', 'sword boy fights again', 'the Fighter Sword'),
-              'Sword and Shield': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x00, 'Sword and Shield!\nUncle sword ahoy!', 'the sword and shield', 'sword and shield-wielding kid', 'training set for sale', 'fungus for training set', 'sword and shield boy fights again', 'the small sword and shield'),
+              'Sword and Shield': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x00, 50, 'Sword and Shield!\nUncle sword ahoy!', 'the sword and shield', 'sword and shield-wielding kid', 'training set for sale', 'fungus for training set', 'sword and shield boy fights again', 'the small sword and shield'),
               'Golden Sword': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x03, 200, 'Golden Sword!\nBest slashy!', 'and the butter sword', 'sword-wielding kid', 'butter for sale', 'cap churned to butter', 'sword boy fights again', 'the Golden Sword'),
               'Progressive Sword': (True, False, 'Sword', 0x5E, 150, 'Sword!\nA better sword for your time!', 'the unknown sword', 'sword-wielding kid', 'sword for sale', 'fungus for some slasher', 'sword boy fights again', 'a Sword'),
               'Progressive Glove': (True, False, None, 0x61, 150, 'Glove!\nLift more than you can now!', 'and the lift upgrade', 'body-building kid', 'some glove for sale', 'fungus for gloves', 'body-building boy lifts again', 'a Glove'),
diff --git a/Main.py b/Main.py
index f2c19eff..f19c75d9 100644
--- a/Main.py
+++ b/Main.py
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@ from Rom import (
     JsonRom,
     LocalRom,
     apply_rom_settings,
+    apply_rom_patches,
     get_hash_string,
     patch_race_rom,
     patch_rom,
@@ -335,7 +336,7 @@ def main(args, seed=None, fish=None):
     for player in range(1, world.players+1):
         if world.shopsanity[player]:
             customize_shops(world, player)
-    if args.algorithm in ['balanced', 'equitable']:
+    if not args.skip_money_balance and args.algorithm in ['balanced', 'equitable']:
         balance_money_progression(world)
     ensure_good_items(world, True)
 
@@ -364,6 +365,8 @@ def main(args, seed=None, fish=None):
                 rom_names.append((player, team, list(rom.name)))
                 world.spoiler.hashes[(player, team)] = get_hash_string(rom.hash)
 
+                if args.patches[player]:
+                    apply_rom_patches(rom, map(lambda arg: arg.strip(), args.patches[player].split(",")))
                 apply_rom_settings(rom, args.heartbeep[player], args.heartcolor[player], args.quickswap[player],
                                    args.fastmenu[player], args.disablemusic[player], args.sprite[player], args.triforce_gfx[player],
                                    args.ow_palettes[player], args.uw_palettes[player], args.reduce_flashing[player],
@@ -572,7 +575,7 @@ def init_world(args, fish):
     world.collection_rate = args.collection_rate.copy()
     world.colorizepots = args.colorizepots.copy()
     world.aga_randomness = args.aga_randomness.copy()
-    world.money_balance = args.money_balance.copy()
+    world.money_balance = {player: int(args.money_balance[player]) for player in range(1, world.players + 1)}
 
     # custom settings - these haven't been promoted to full settings yet
     in_progress_settings = ['force_enemy']
diff --git a/Rom.py b/Rom.py
index e3821adc..f4393283 100644
--- a/Rom.py
+++ b/Rom.py
@@ -994,7 +994,7 @@ def patch_rom(world, rom, player, team, is_mystery=False, rom_header=None):
     set_inverted_mode(world, player, rom, inverted_buffer)
 
     uncle_location = world.get_location('Link\'s Uncle', player)
-    if uncle_location.item is None or uncle_location.item.name not in ['Master Sword', 'Tempered Sword', 'Fighter Sword', 'Golden Sword', 'Progressive Sword']:
+    if uncle_location.item is None or uncle_location.item.name not in ['Master Sword', 'Tempered Sword', 'Fighter Sword', 'Golden Sword', 'Progressive Sword', 'Sword and Shield']:
         # disable sword sprite from uncle
         rom.write_bytes(0x6D263, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
         rom.write_bytes(0x6D26B, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
@@ -1779,14 +1779,15 @@ def patch_rom(world, rom, player, team, is_mystery=False, rom_header=None):
     rom.write_byte(0x180358, 0x01 if glitches_enabled else 0x00)
     rom.write_byte(0x18008B, 0x01 if glitches_enabled else 0x00)
 
-    # remove shield from uncle
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D253, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D25B, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D283, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D28B, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf7, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D2CB, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x02, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D2FB, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf7, 0xff, 0x02, 0x0E])
-    rom.write_bytes(0x6D313, [0x00, 0x00, 0xe4, 0xff, 0x08, 0x0E])
+    if uncle_location.item is None or uncle_location.item.name not in ['Sword and Shield']:
+        # remove shield from uncle
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D253, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D25B, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D283, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D28B, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf7, 0xff, 0x00, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D2CB, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf6, 0xff, 0x02, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D2FB, [0x00, 0x00, 0xf7, 0xff, 0x02, 0x0E])
+        rom.write_bytes(0x6D313, [0x00, 0x00, 0xe4, 0xff, 0x08, 0x0E])
 
     write_int16(rom, 0x180183, 0)  # Escape fill rupee bow
     # Uncle / Zelda / Mantle respawn refills (magic, bombs, arrows)
@@ -2074,6 +2075,49 @@ def hud_format_text(text):
         output += b'\x7f\x00'
     return output[:32]
 
+def read_bytes(f, count):
+    values = f.read(count)
+    if len(values) < count:
+        raise EOFError
+    return values
+
+def apply_rom_patches(rom, patches):
+    for patch in patches:
+        if not os.path.exists(f"patches/{patch}.ips"):
+            logging.getLogger('').warning("Patch %s not found -- skipping", patch)
+            continue
+
+        with open(f"patches/{patch}.ips", "rb") as f:
+            byte_changes = []
+            try:
+                header = read_bytes(f, 5)
+                if header != b"PATCH":
+                    logging.getLogger('').warning("Patch %s invalid -- skipping", patch)
+                    continue
+
+                while True:
+                    address = read_bytes(f, 3)
+                    if address == b"EOF":
+                        break
+
+                    address = int.from_bytes(address, byteorder="big")
+                    length = int.from_bytes(read_bytes(f, 2), byteorder="big")
+
+                    if length > 0:
+                        byte_changes.append((address, list(f.read(length))))
+                    else:
+                        length = int.from_bytes(read_bytes(f, 2), byteorder="big")
+                        value = read_bytes(f, 1)
+                        byte_changes.append((address, length * list(value)))
+
+                for address, values in byte_changes:
+                    rom.write_bytes(address, values)
+
+                logging.getLogger("").info("Patch %s applied successfully", patch)
+
+            except EOFError:
+                logging.getLogger('').warning("Patch %s invalid -- skipping", patch)
+                continue
 
 def apply_rom_settings(rom, beep, color, quickswap, fastmenu, disable_music, sprite, triforce_gfx,
                        ow_palettes, uw_palettes, reduce_flashing, shuffle_sfx,
diff --git a/patches/all_starting.ips b/patches/all_starting.ips
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d3333b8e
Binary files /dev/null and b/patches/all_starting.ips differ
diff --git a/patches/no_dungeon_item_popups.ips b/patches/no_dungeon_item_popups.ips
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b9865236
Binary files /dev/null and b/patches/no_dungeon_item_popups.ips differ
diff --git a/patches/no_escape_assist.ips b/patches/no_escape_assist.ips
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2dfd97c5
Binary files /dev/null and b/patches/no_escape_assist.ips differ
diff --git a/patches/pod_key_swap.ips b/patches/pod_key_swap.ips
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ee72cd70
Binary files /dev/null and b/patches/pod_key_swap.ips differ
diff --git a/resources/app/cli/args.json b/resources/app/cli/args.json
index d62965e6..a728cb10 100644
--- a/resources/app/cli/args.json
+++ b/resources/app/cli/args.json
@@ -754,6 +754,10 @@
     "type": "bool"
   },
   "money_balance": {},
+  "patches": {
+    "type": "str",
+    "help": "suppress"
+  },
   "settingsonload": {
     "choices": [
       "default",