diff --git a/public/css/welcome.css b/public/css/welcome.css
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ed860bd1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/public/css/welcome.css
@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+#chat .mes[type="assistant_message"] .mes_button {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 5px;
+    padding: 10px;
+    width: 100%;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel:has(.showMoreChats) {
+    padding-bottom: 5px;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel.recentHidden .welcomeRecent,
+.welcomePanel.recentHidden .recentChatsTitle,
+.welcomePanel.recentHidden .hideRecentChats,
+.welcomePanel:not(.recentHidden) .showRecentChats {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+body.bubblechat .welcomePanel {
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    background-color: var(--SmartThemeBotMesBlurTintColor);
+    border: 1px solid var(--SmartThemeBorderColor);
+    margin-bottom: 5px;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeHeader {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: flex-end;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .recentChatsTitle {
+    flex-grow: 1;
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 1.15);
+    font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeHeaderTitle {
+    margin: 0;
+    flex-grow: 1;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 10px;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeHeaderVersionDisplay {
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 1.3);
+    font-weight: 600;
+    flex-grow: 1;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeHeaderLogo {
+    width: 30px;
+    height: 30px;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeShortcuts {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    gap: 5px;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .welcomeShortcuts .welcomeShortcutsSeparator {
+    margin: 0 2px;
+    color: var(--SmartThemeBorderColor);
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 1.1);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    width: 100%;
+    gap: 2px;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .welcomePanelLoader {
+    display: flex;
+    justify-content: center;
+    align-items: center;
+    flex: 1;
+    width: 100%;
+    height: 100%;
+    position: absolute;
+}
+
+.welcomePanel .recentChatList .noRecentChat {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    justify-content: center;
+    align-items: baseline;
+    gap: 5px;
+    padding: 10px;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    align-items: center;
+    padding: 5px 10px;
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    gap: 10px;
+    border: 1px solid var(--SmartThemeBorderColor);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .avatar {
+    flex: 0;
+    align-self: center;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat:hover {
+    background-color: var(--white30a);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .recentChatInfo {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    flex-wrap: nowrap;
+    flex-grow: 1;
+    overflow: hidden;
+    justify-content: center;
+    align-self: flex-start;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatNameContainer {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    align-items: baseline;
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 1);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatNameContainer .chatName {
+    white-space: nowrap;
+    text-overflow: ellipsis;
+    overflow: hidden;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatMessageContainer {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    gap: 5px;
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 0.85);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatMessageContainer .chatMessage {
+    display: -webkit-box;
+    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
+    -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
+    line-clamp: 2;
+    overflow: hidden;
+}
+
+body.big-avatars .welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatMessageContainer .chatMessage {
+    -webkit-line-clamp: 4;
+    line-clamp: 4;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatStats {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    justify-content: flex-end;
+    align-items: baseline;
+    align-self: flex-start;
+    gap: 5px;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatStats .counterBlock {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: row;
+    align-items: baseline;
+    gap: 5px;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat .chatStats .counterBlock::after {
+    content: "|";
+    color: var(--SmartThemeBorderColor);
+    font-size: calc(var(--mainFontSize) * 0.95);
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .recentChat.hidden {
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .showMoreChats {
+    align-self: center;
+}
+
+.welcomeRecent .recentChatList .showMoreChats.rotated {
+    transform: rotate(180deg);
+}
+
+@media screen and (max-width: 1000px) {
+    .welcomePanel .welcomeShortcuts a span {
+        display: none;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/public/index.html b/public/index.html
index c8a8f8b74..0f8da8b13 100644
--- a/public/index.html
+++ b/public/index.html
@@ -5362,6 +5362,9 @@
                                                 <option id="import_tags" data-i18n="Import Tags">
                                                     Import Tags
                                                 </option>
+                                                <option id="set_as_assistant" data-i18n="Set / Unset as Welcome Page Assistant">
+                                                    Set / Unset as Welcome Page Assistant
+                                                </option>
                                                 <!--<option id="dupe_button">
                                                         Duplicate
                                                     </option>
@@ -6383,6 +6386,9 @@
                     <div class="wide100p character_name_block">
                         <span class="ch_name"></span>
                         <small class="ch_additional_info ch_add_placeholder">+++</small>
+                        <small class="ch_assistant" title="This character will be used as a welcome page assistant." data-i18n="[title]This character will be used as a welcome page assistant.">
+                            <i class="fa-solid fa-sm fa-user-graduate"></i>
+                        </small>
                         <small class="ch_additional_info character_version"></small>
                         <small class="ch_additional_info ch_avatar_url"></small>
                     </div>
diff --git a/public/script.js b/public/script.js
index e41741984..2f80c5d53 100644
--- a/public/script.js
+++ b/public/script.js
@@ -282,6 +282,7 @@ import { deriveTemplatesFromChatTemplate } from './scripts/chat-templates.js';
 import { getContext } from './scripts/st-context.js';
 import { extractReasoningFromData, initReasoning, parseReasoningInSwipes, PromptReasoning, ReasoningHandler, removeReasoningFromString, updateReasoningUI } from './scripts/reasoning.js';
 import { accountStorage } from './scripts/util/AccountStorage.js';
+import { initWelcomeScreen, openPermanentAssistantChat, openPermanentAssistantCard, getPermanentAssistantAvatar } from './scripts/welcome-screen.js';
 
 // API OBJECT FOR EXTERNAL WIRING
 globalThis.SillyTavern = {
@@ -529,6 +530,7 @@ export const event_types = {
     CONNECTION_PROFILE_UPDATED: 'connection_profile_updated',
     TOOL_CALLS_PERFORMED: 'tool_calls_performed',
     TOOL_CALLS_RENDERED: 'tool_calls_rendered',
+    CHARACTER_MANAGEMENT_DROPDOWN: 'charManagementDropdown',
 };
 
 export const eventSource = new EventEmitter([event_types.APP_READY]);
@@ -563,7 +565,7 @@ let chat_create_date = '';
 let firstRun = false;
 let settingsReady = false;
 let currentVersion = '0.0.0';
-let displayVersion = 'SillyTavern';
+export let displayVersion = 'SillyTavern';
 
 let generatedPromptCache = '';
 let generation_started = new Date();
@@ -636,6 +638,7 @@ export const system_message_types = {
     MACROS: 'macros',
     WELCOME_PROMPT: 'welcome_prompt',
     ASSISTANT_NOTE: 'assistant_note',
+    ASSISTANT_MESSAGE: 'assistant_message',
 };
 
 /**
@@ -737,6 +740,7 @@ async function getSystemMessages() {
             force_avatar: system_avatar,
             is_user: false,
             is_system: true,
+            uses_system_ui: true,
             mes: await renderTemplateAsync('welcomePrompt'),
             extra: {
                 isSmallSys: true,
@@ -983,8 +987,6 @@ async function firstLoadInit() {
     ToolManager.initToolSlashCommands();
     await initPresetManager();
     await getSystemMessages();
-    sendSystemMessage(system_message_types.WELCOME);
-    sendSystemMessage(system_message_types.WELCOME_PROMPT);
     await getSettings();
     initKeyboard();
     initDynamicStyles();
@@ -1009,6 +1011,7 @@ async function firstLoadInit() {
     initSettingsSearch();
     initBulkEdit();
     initReasoning();
+    initWelcomeScreen();
     await initScrapers();
     initCustomSelectedSamplers();
     addDebugFunctions();
@@ -1472,6 +1475,11 @@ function getCharacterBlock(item, id) {
     template.toggleClass('is_fav', item.fav || item.fav == 'true');
     template.find('.ch_fav').val(item.fav);
 
+    const isAssistant = item.avatar === getPermanentAssistantAvatar();
+    if (!isAssistant) {
+        template.find('.ch_assistant').remove();
+    }
+
     const description = item.data?.creator_notes || '';
     if (description) {
         template.find('.ch_description').text(description);
@@ -2040,7 +2048,7 @@ export async function sendTextareaMessage() {
     }
 
     if (textareaText && !selected_group && this_chid === undefined && name2 !== neutralCharacterName) {
-        await newAssistantChat();
+        await newAssistantChat({ temporary: false });
     }
 
     Generate(generateType);
@@ -2291,6 +2299,7 @@ function getMessageFromTemplate({
     timestamp,
     tokenCount,
     extra,
+    type,
 }) {
     const mes = messageTemplate.clone();
     mes.attr({
@@ -2302,6 +2311,7 @@ function getMessageFromTemplate({
         'bookmark_link': bookmarkLink,
         'force_avatar': !!forceAvatar,
         'timestamp': timestamp,
+        ...(type ? { type } : {}),
     });
     mes.find('.avatar img').attr('src', avatarImg);
     mes.find('.ch_name .name_text').text(characterName);
@@ -2513,6 +2523,7 @@ export function addOneMessage(mes, { type = 'normal', insertAfter = null, scroll
         timestamp: timestamp,
         extra: mes.extra,
         tokenCount: mes.extra?.token_count ?? 0,
+        type: mes.extra?.type ?? '',
         ...formatGenerationTimer(mes.gen_started, mes.gen_finished, mes.extra?.token_count, mes.extra?.reasoning_duration, mes.extra?.time_to_first_token),
     };
 
@@ -2882,7 +2893,14 @@ export async function processCommands(message) {
     return true;
 }
 
-export function sendSystemMessage(type, text, extra = {}) {
+/**
+ * Gets a system message by type.
+ * @param {string} type Type of system message
+ * @param {string} [text] Text to be sent
+ * @param {object} [extra] Additional data to be added to the message
+ * @returns {object} System message object
+ */
+export function getSystemMessageByType(type, text, extra = {}) {
     const systemMessage = system_messages[type];
 
     if (!systemMessage) {
@@ -2905,7 +2923,17 @@ export function sendSystemMessage(type, text, extra = {}) {
 
     newMessage.extra = Object.assign(newMessage.extra, extra);
     newMessage.extra.type = type;
+    return newMessage;
+}
 
+/**
+ * Sends a system message to the chat.
+ * @param {string} type Type of system message
+ * @param {string} [text] Text to be sent
+ * @param {object} [extra] Additional data to be added to the message
+ */
+export function sendSystemMessage(type, text, extra = {}) {
+    const newMessage = getSystemMessageByType(type, text, extra);
     chat.push(newMessage);
     addOneMessage(newMessage);
     is_send_press = false;
@@ -10112,8 +10140,17 @@ async function removeCharacterFromUI() {
     saveSettingsDebounced();
 }
 
-async function newAssistantChat() {
+/**
+ * Creates a new assistant chat.
+ * @param {object} params - Parameters for the new assistant chat
+ * @param {boolean} [params.temporary=false] I need a temporary secretary
+ * @returns {Promise<void>} - A promise that resolves when the new assistant chat is created
+ */
+export async function newAssistantChat({ temporary = false } = {}) {
     await clearChat();
+    if (!temporary) {
+        return openPermanentAssistantChat();
+    }
     chat.splice(0, chat.length);
     chat_metadata = {};
     setCharacterName(neutralCharacterName);
@@ -10426,7 +10463,7 @@ jQuery(async function () {
                     if (chatId) {
                         return reject('Not in a temporary chat');
                     }
-                    await newAssistantChat();
+                    await newAssistantChat({ temporary: true });
                     return resolve('');
                 };
                 eventSource.once(event_types.CHAT_CHANGED, eventCallback);
@@ -11093,6 +11130,9 @@ jQuery(async function () {
         });
 
         if (id == 'option_select_chat') {
+            if (this_chid === undefined && !is_send_press) {
+                await openPermanentAssistantCard();
+            }
             if ((selected_group && !is_group_generating) || (this_chid !== undefined && !is_send_press) || fromSlashCommand) {
                 await displayPastChats();
                 //this is just to avoid the shadow for past chat view when using /delchat
@@ -11123,7 +11163,7 @@ jQuery(async function () {
                 await doNewChat({ deleteCurrentChat: deleteCurrentChat });
             }
             if (!selected_group && this_chid === undefined && !is_send_press) {
-                await newAssistantChat();
+                await newAssistantChat({ temporary: true });
             }
         }
 
@@ -11176,9 +11216,6 @@ jQuery(async function () {
                 selected_button = 'characters';
                 $('#rm_button_selected_ch').children('h2').text('');
                 select_rm_characters();
-                sendSystemMessage(system_message_types.WELCOME);
-                sendSystemMessage(system_message_types.WELCOME_PROMPT);
-                await getClientVersion();
                 await eventSource.emit(event_types.CHAT_CHANGED, getCurrentChatId());
             } else {
                 toastr.info('Please stop the message generation first.');
@@ -12108,7 +12145,7 @@ jQuery(async function () {
                 );
                 break;*/
             default:
-                await eventSource.emit('charManagementDropdown', target);
+                await eventSource.emit(event_types.CHARACTER_MANAGEMENT_DROPDOWN, target);
         }
         $('#char-management-dropdown').prop('selectedIndex', 0);
     });
diff --git a/public/scripts/chats.js b/public/scripts/chats.js
index 51b272b50..9cb753223 100644
--- a/public/scripts/chats.js
+++ b/public/scripts/chats.js
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ import {
     neutralCharacterName,
     updateChatMetadata,
     system_message_types,
+    getSystemMessageByType,
+    printMessages,
+    clearChat,
 } from '../script.js';
 import { selected_group } from './group-chats.js';
 import { power_user } from './power-user.js';
@@ -37,6 +40,7 @@ import {
     saveBase64AsFile,
     extractTextFromOffice,
     download,
+    getFileText,
 } from './utils.js';
 import { extension_settings, renderExtensionTemplateAsync, saveMetadataDebounced } from './extensions.js';
 import { POPUP_RESULT, POPUP_TYPE, Popup, callGenericPopup } from './popup.js';
@@ -1497,6 +1501,35 @@ jQuery(function () {
         download(chatToSave.map((m) => JSON.stringify(m)).join('\n'), `Assistant - ${humanizedDateTime()}.jsonl`, 'application/json');
     });
 
+    $(document).on('click', '.assistant_note_import', async function () {
+        const importFile = async () => {
+            const file = fileInput.files[0];
+            if (!file) {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            try {
+                const text = await getFileText(file);
+                const lines = text.split('\n').filter(line => line.trim() !== '');
+                const messages = lines.map(line => JSON.parse(line));
+                const metadata = messages.shift()?.chat_metadata || {};
+                messages.unshift(getSystemMessageByType(system_message_types.ASSISTANT_NOTE));
+                await clearChat();
+                chat.splice(0, chat.length, ...messages);
+                updateChatMetadata(metadata, true);
+                await printMessages();
+            } catch (error) {
+                console.error('Error importing assistant chat:', error);
+                toastr.error(t`It's either corrupted or not a valid JSONL file.`, t`Failed to import chat`);
+            }
+        };
+        const fileInput = document.createElement('input');
+        fileInput.type = 'file';
+        fileInput.accept = '.jsonl';
+        fileInput.addEventListener('change', importFile);
+        fileInput.click();
+    });
+
     // Do not change. #attachFile is added by extension.
     $(document).on('click', '#attachFile', function () {
         $('#file_form_input').trigger('click');
diff --git a/public/scripts/extensions/gallery/index.js b/public/scripts/extensions/gallery/index.js
index 3e0375b04..5ad8044da 100644
--- a/public/scripts/extensions/gallery/index.js
+++ b/public/scripts/extensions/gallery/index.js
@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@ async function listGalleryCommand(args) {
         delete context.extensionSettings.gallery.folders[avatar];
         context.saveSettingsDebounced();
     });
-    eventSource.on('charManagementDropdown', (selectedOptionId) => {
+    eventSource.on(event_types.CHARACTER_MANAGEMENT_DROPDOWN, (selectedOptionId) => {
         if (selectedOptionId === 'show_char_gallery') {
             showCharGallery();
         }
diff --git a/public/scripts/personas.js b/public/scripts/personas.js
index 1aeefa0b9..dca41078e 100644
--- a/public/scripts/personas.js
+++ b/public/scripts/personas.js
@@ -1970,7 +1970,7 @@ export async function initPersonas() {
 
     $('#char_connections_button').on('click', showCharConnections);
 
-    eventSource.on('charManagementDropdown', (target) => {
+    eventSource.on(event_types.CHARACTER_MANAGEMENT_DROPDOWN, (target) => {
         if (target === 'convert_to_persona') {
             convertCharacterToPersona();
         }
diff --git a/public/scripts/templates/assistantNote.html b/public/scripts/templates/assistantNote.html
index 7b2580743..2d2551e13 100644
--- a/public/scripts/templates/assistantNote.html
+++ b/public/scripts/templates/assistantNote.html
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
 <div data-type="assistant_note">
-    <div>
+    <div class="assistant_note_title">
         <b data-i18n="Note:">Note:</b> <span data-i18n="this chat is temporary and will be deleted as soon as you leave it.">this chat is temporary and will be deleted as soon as you leave it.</span>
-        <span data-i18n="Click the button to save it as a file.">Click the button to save it as a file.</span>
     </div>
-    <div class="assistant_note_export menu_button menu_button_icon" data-i18n="[title]Export as JSONL" title="Export as JSONL">
+    <button class="assistant_note_import menu_button menu_button_icon margin0" data-i18n="[title]Import from JSONL" title="Import from JSONL">
+        <i class="fa-solid fa-file-import"></i>
+        <span data-i18n="Load">Load</span>
+    </button>
+    <button class="assistant_note_export menu_button menu_button_icon margin0" data-i18n="[title]Export as JSONL" title="Export as JSONL">
         <i class="fa-solid fa-file-export"></i>
-    </div>
+        <span data-i18n="Save">Save</span>
+    </button>
 </div>
diff --git a/public/scripts/templates/welcomePanel.html b/public/scripts/templates/welcomePanel.html
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..69931c4c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/public/scripts/templates/welcomePanel.html
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+<div class="welcomePanel">
+    <div class="welcomeHeaderTitle">
+        <img src="img/logo.png" alt="SillyTavern Logo" class="welcomeHeaderLogo">
+        <span class="welcomeHeaderVersionDisplay">{{version}}</span>
+        <div class="mes_button showRecentChats" title="Show recent chats" data-i18n="[title]Show recent chats">
+            <i class="fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-down fa-fw fa-lg"></i>
+        </div>
+        <div class="mes_button hideRecentChats" title="Hide recent chats" data-i18n="[title]Hide recent chats">
+            <i class="fa-solid fa-circle-xmark fa-fw fa-lg"></i>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    <div class="welcomeHeader">
+        <div class="recentChatsTitle" data-i18n="Recent Chats">
+            Recent Chats
+        </div>
+        <div class="welcomeShortcuts">
+            <a class="menu_button menu_button_icon" target="_blank" href="https://docs.sillytavern.app/">
+                <i class="fa-solid fa-question-circle"></i>
+                <span data-i18n="Docs">Docs</span>
+            </a>
+            <a class="menu_button menu_button_icon" target="_blank" href="https://github.com/SillyTavern/SillyTavern">
+                <i class="fa-brands fa-github"></i>
+                <span data-i18n="GitHub">GitHub</span>
+            </a>
+            <a class="menu_button menu_button_icon" target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/sillytavern">
+                <i class="fa-brands fa-discord"></i>
+                <span data-i18n="Discord">Discord</span>
+            </a>
+            <span class="welcomeShortcutsSeparator">&vert;</span>
+            <button class="openTemporaryChat menu_button menu_button_icon">
+                <i class="fa-solid fa-comment-dots"></i>
+                <span data-i18n="Temporary Chat">Temporary Chat</span>
+            </button>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+    <div class="welcomeRecent">
+        <div class="recentChatList">
+        {{#if empty}}
+            <div class="noRecentChat">
+                <i class="fa-solid fa-comment-dots"></i>
+                <span data-i18n="No recent chats">No recent chats</span>
+            </div>
+        {{/if}}
+        {{#each chats}}
+            {{#with this}}
+            <div class="recentChat {{#if hidden}}hidden{{/if}} {{#if is_group}}group{{/if}}" data-file="{{chat_name}}" data-avatar="{{avatar}}" data-group="{{group}}">
+                <div class="avatar" title="[Character] {{char_name}}&#10;File: {{avatar}}">
+                    <img src="{{char_thumbnail}}" alt="{{char_name}}">
+                </div>
+                <div class="recentChatInfo">
+                    <div class="chatNameContainer">
+                        <div class="chatName" title="{{file_name}}">
+                            <strong class="characterName">{{char_name}}</strong>
+                            <span>&ndash;</span>
+                            <span>{{chat_name}}</span>
+                        </div>
+                        <small class="chatDate" title="{{date_long}}">{{date_short}}</small>
+                    </div>
+                    <div class="chatMessageContainer">
+                        <div class="chatMessage" title="{{mes}}">
+                            {{mes}}
+                        </div>
+                        <div class="chatStats">
+                            <div class="counterBlock">
+                                <i class="fa-solid fa-comment fa-xs"></i>
+                                <small>{{chat_items}}</small>
+                            </div>
+                            <small class="fileSize">{{file_size}}</small>
+                        </div>
+                    </div>
+                </div>
+            </div>
+            {{/with}}
+        {{/each}}
+        {{#if more}}
+            <button class="menu_button menu_button_icon showMoreChats">
+                <small class="fa-solid fa-chevron-down fa-fw fa-1x"></small>
+            </button>
+        {{/if}}
+        </div>
+    </div>
+</div>
diff --git a/public/scripts/templates/welcomePrompt.html b/public/scripts/templates/welcomePrompt.html
index db9c96600..d29f5ab91 100644
--- a/public/scripts/templates/welcomePrompt.html
+++ b/public/scripts/templates/welcomePrompt.html
@@ -1,3 +1,14 @@
-<strong data-i18n="If you're connected to an API, try asking me something!">
-    If you're connected to an API, try asking me something!
-</strong>
+<div class="flex-container">
+    <button class="menu_button menu_button_icon drawer-opener inline-flex" data-target="sys-settings-button">
+        <i class="fa-solid fa-plug"></i>
+        <span data-i18n="API Connections">API Connections</span>
+    </button>
+    <button class="menu_button menu_button_icon drawer-opener inline-flex" data-target="rightNavHolder">
+        <i class="fa-solid fa-address-card"></i>
+        <span data-i18n="Character Management">Character Management</span>
+    </button>
+    <button class="menu_button menu_button_icon drawer-opener inline-flex" data-target="extensions-settings-button">
+        <i class="fa-solid fa-cubes"></i>
+        <span data-i18n="Extensions">Extensions</span>
+    </button>
+</div>
diff --git a/public/scripts/welcome-screen.js b/public/scripts/welcome-screen.js
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ee98bc2fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/public/scripts/welcome-screen.js
@@ -0,0 +1,413 @@
+import {
+    addOneMessage,
+    characters,
+    chat,
+    displayVersion,
+    doNewChat,
+    event_types,
+    eventSource,
+    getCharacters,
+    getCurrentChatId,
+    getRequestHeaders,
+    getSystemMessageByType,
+    getThumbnailUrl,
+    is_send_press,
+    neutralCharacterName,
+    newAssistantChat,
+    openCharacterChat,
+    printCharactersDebounced,
+    selectCharacterById,
+    system_avatar,
+    system_message_types,
+    this_chid,
+} from '../script.js';
+import { getGroupAvatar, groups, is_group_generating, openGroupById, openGroupChat } from './group-chats.js';
+import { t } from './i18n.js';
+import { renderTemplateAsync } from './templates.js';
+import { accountStorage } from './util/AccountStorage.js';
+import { sortMoments, timestampToMoment } from './utils.js';
+
+const assistantAvatarKey = 'assistant';
+const defaultAssistantAvatar = 'default_Assistant.png';
+
+const DEFAULT_DISPLAYED = 3;
+const MAX_DISPLAYED = 15;
+
+export function getPermanentAssistantAvatar() {
+    const assistantAvatar = accountStorage.getItem(assistantAvatarKey);
+    if (assistantAvatar === null) {
+        return defaultAssistantAvatar;
+    }
+
+    const character = characters.find(x => x.avatar === assistantAvatar);
+    if (character === undefined) {
+        accountStorage.removeItem(assistantAvatarKey);
+        return defaultAssistantAvatar;
+    }
+
+    return assistantAvatar;
+}
+
+export async function openWelcomeScreen() {
+    const currentChatId = getCurrentChatId();
+    if (currentChatId !== undefined || chat.length > 0) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    await sendWelcomePanel();
+    sendAssistantMessage();
+    sendWelcomePrompt();
+}
+
+function sendAssistantMessage() {
+    const currentAssistantAvatar = getPermanentAssistantAvatar();
+    const character = characters.find(x => x.avatar === currentAssistantAvatar);
+    const name = character ? character.name : neutralCharacterName;
+    const avatar = character ? getThumbnailUrl('avatar', character.avatar) : system_avatar;
+
+    const message = {
+        name: name,
+        force_avatar: avatar,
+        mes: t`If you're connected to an API, try asking me something!` + '\n***\n' + t`**Hint:** Set any character as your welcome page assistant from their "More..." menu.`,
+        is_system: false,
+        is_user: false,
+        extra: {
+            type: system_message_types.ASSISTANT_MESSAGE,
+        },
+    };
+
+    chat.push(message);
+    addOneMessage(message, { scroll: false });
+}
+
+function sendWelcomePrompt() {
+    const message = getSystemMessageByType(system_message_types.WELCOME_PROMPT);
+    chat.push(message);
+    addOneMessage(message, { scroll: false });
+}
+
+async function sendWelcomePanel() {
+    try {
+        const chatElement = document.getElementById('chat');
+        const sendTextArea = document.getElementById('send_textarea');
+        if (!chatElement) {
+            console.error('Chat element not found');
+            return;
+        }
+        const chats = await getRecentChats();
+        const templateData = {
+            chats,
+            empty: !chats.length,
+            version: displayVersion,
+            more: chats.some(chat => chat.hidden),
+        };
+        const template = await renderTemplateAsync('welcomePanel', templateData);
+        const fragment = document.createRange().createContextualFragment(template);
+        fragment.querySelectorAll('.welcomePanel').forEach((root) => {
+            const recentHiddenClass = 'recentHidden';
+            const recentHiddenKey = 'WelcomePage_RecentChatsHidden';
+            if (accountStorage.getItem(recentHiddenKey) === 'true') {
+                root.classList.add(recentHiddenClass);
+            }
+            root.querySelectorAll('.showRecentChats').forEach((button) => {
+                button.addEventListener('click', () => {
+                    root.classList.remove(recentHiddenClass);
+                    accountStorage.setItem(recentHiddenKey, 'false');
+                });
+            });
+            root.querySelectorAll('.hideRecentChats').forEach((button) => {
+                button.addEventListener('click', () => {
+                    root.classList.add(recentHiddenClass);
+                    accountStorage.setItem(recentHiddenKey, 'true');
+                });
+            });
+        });
+        fragment.querySelectorAll('.recentChat').forEach((item) => {
+            item.addEventListener('click', () => {
+                const avatarId = item.getAttribute('data-avatar');
+                const groupId = item.getAttribute('data-group');
+                const fileName = item.getAttribute('data-file');
+                if (avatarId && fileName) {
+                    void openRecentCharacterChat(avatarId, fileName);
+                }
+                if (groupId && fileName) {
+                    void openRecentGroupChat(groupId, fileName);
+                }
+            });
+        });
+        const hiddenChats = fragment.querySelectorAll('.recentChat.hidden');
+        fragment.querySelectorAll('button.showMoreChats').forEach((button) => {
+            const showRecentChatsTitle = t`Show more recent chats`;
+            const hideRecentChatsTitle = t`Show less recent chats`;
+
+            button.setAttribute('title', showRecentChatsTitle);
+            button.addEventListener('click', () => {
+                const rotate = button.classList.contains('rotated');
+                hiddenChats.forEach((chatItem) => {
+                    chatItem.classList.toggle('hidden', rotate);
+                });
+                button.classList.toggle('rotated', !rotate);
+                button.setAttribute('title', rotate ? showRecentChatsTitle : hideRecentChatsTitle);
+            });
+        });
+        fragment.querySelectorAll('button.openTemporaryChat').forEach((button) => {
+            button.addEventListener('click', async () => {
+                await newAssistantChat({ temporary: true });
+                if (sendTextArea instanceof HTMLTextAreaElement) {
+                    sendTextArea.focus();
+                }
+            });
+        });
+        fragment.querySelectorAll('.recentChat.group').forEach((groupChat) => {
+            const groupId = groupChat.getAttribute('data-group');
+            const group = groups.find(x => x.id === groupId);
+            if (group) {
+                const avatar = groupChat.querySelector('.avatar');
+                if (!avatar) {
+                    return;
+                }
+                const groupAvatar = getGroupAvatar(group);
+                $(avatar).replaceWith(groupAvatar);
+            }
+        });
+        chatElement.append(fragment.firstChild);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Welcome screen error:', error);
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Opens a recent character chat.
+ * @param {string} avatarId Avatar file name
+ * @param {string} fileName Chat file name
+ */
+async function openRecentCharacterChat(avatarId, fileName) {
+    const characterId = characters.findIndex(x => x.avatar === avatarId);
+    if (characterId === -1) {
+        console.error(`Character not found for avatar ID: ${avatarId}`);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+        await selectCharacterById(characterId);
+        const currentChatId = getCurrentChatId();
+        if (currentChatId === fileName) {
+            console.debug(`Chat ${fileName} is already open.`);
+            return;
+        }
+        await openCharacterChat(fileName);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Error opening recent chat:', error);
+        toastr.error(t`Failed to open recent chat. See console for details.`);
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Opens a recent group chat.
+ * @param {string} groupId Group ID
+ * @param {string} fileName Chat file name
+ */
+async function openRecentGroupChat(groupId, fileName) {
+    const group = groups.find(x => x.id === groupId);
+    if (!group) {
+        console.error(`Group not found for ID: ${groupId}`);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+        await openGroupById(groupId);
+        const currentChatId = getCurrentChatId();
+        if (currentChatId === fileName) {
+            console.debug(`Chat ${fileName} is already open.`);
+            return;
+        }
+        await openGroupChat(groupId, fileName);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Error opening recent group chat:', error);
+        toastr.error(t`Failed to open recent group chat. See console for details.`);
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Gets the list of recent chats from the server.
+ * @returns {Promise<RecentChat[]>} List of recent chats
+ *
+ * @typedef {object} RecentChat
+ * @property {string} file_name Name of the chat file
+ * @property {string} chat_name Name of the chat (without extension)
+ * @property {string} file_size Size of the chat file
+ * @property {number} chat_items Number of items in the chat
+ * @property {string} mes Last message content
+ * @property {string} last_mes Timestamp of the last message
+ * @property {string} avatar Avatar URL
+ * @property {string} char_thumbnail Thumbnail URL
+ * @property {string} char_name Character or group name
+ * @property {string} date_short Date in short format
+ * @property {string} date_long Date in long format
+ * @property {string} group Group ID (if applicable)
+ * @property {boolean} is_group Indicates if the chat is a group chat
+ * @property {boolean} hidden Chat will be hidden by default
+ */
+async function getRecentChats() {
+    const response = await fetch('/api/chats/recent', {
+        method: 'POST',
+        headers: getRequestHeaders(),
+        body: JSON.stringify({ max: MAX_DISPLAYED }),
+    });
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+        console.warn('Failed to fetch recent character chats');
+        return [];
+    }
+
+    /** @type {RecentChat[]} */
+    const data = await response.json();
+
+    data.sort((a, b) => sortMoments(timestampToMoment(a.last_mes), timestampToMoment(b.last_mes)))
+        .map(chat => ({ chat, character: characters.find(x => x.avatar === chat.avatar), group: groups.find(x => x.id === chat.group) }))
+        .filter(t => t.character || t.group)
+        .forEach(({ chat, character, group }, index) => {
+            const chatTimestamp = timestampToMoment(chat.last_mes);
+            chat.char_name = character?.name || group?.name || '';
+            chat.date_short = chatTimestamp.format('l');
+            chat.date_long = chatTimestamp.format('LL LT');
+            chat.chat_name = chat.file_name.replace('.jsonl', '');
+            chat.char_thumbnail = character ? getThumbnailUrl('avatar', character.avatar) : system_avatar;
+            chat.is_group = !!group;
+            chat.hidden = index >= DEFAULT_DISPLAYED;
+            chat.avatar = chat.avatar || '';
+            chat.group = chat.group || '';
+        });
+
+    return data;
+}
+
+export async function openPermanentAssistantChat({ tryCreate = true, created = false } = {}) {
+    const avatar = getPermanentAssistantAvatar();
+    const characterId = characters.findIndex(x => x.avatar === avatar);
+    if (characterId === -1) {
+        if (!tryCreate) {
+            console.error(`Character not found for avatar ID: ${avatar}. Cannot create.`);
+            return;
+        }
+
+        try {
+            console.log(`Character not found for avatar ID: ${avatar}. Creating new assistant.`);
+            await createPermanentAssistant();
+            return openPermanentAssistantChat({ tryCreate: false, created: true });
+        }
+        catch (error) {
+            console.error('Error creating permanent assistant:', error);
+            toastr.error(t`Failed to create ${neutralCharacterName}. See console for details.`);
+            return;
+        }
+    }
+
+    try {
+        await selectCharacterById(characterId);
+        if (!created) {
+            await doNewChat({ deleteCurrentChat: false });
+        }
+        console.log(`Opened permanent assistant chat for ${neutralCharacterName}.`, getCurrentChatId());
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Error opening permanent assistant chat:', error);
+        toastr.error(t`Failed to open permanent assistant chat. See console for details.`);
+    }
+}
+
+async function createPermanentAssistant() {
+    if (is_group_generating || is_send_press) {
+        throw new Error(t`Cannot create while generating.`);
+    }
+
+    const formData = new FormData();
+    formData.append('ch_name', neutralCharacterName);
+    formData.append('file_name', defaultAssistantAvatar.replace('.png', ''));
+    formData.append('creator_notes', t`Automatically created character. Feel free to edit.`);
+
+    try {
+        const avatarResponse = await fetch(system_avatar);
+        const avatarBlob = await avatarResponse.blob();
+        formData.append('avatar', avatarBlob, defaultAssistantAvatar);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.warn('Error fetching system avatar. Fallback image will be used.', error);
+    }
+
+    const headers = getRequestHeaders();
+    delete headers['Content-Type'];
+
+    const fetchResult = await fetch('/api/characters/create', {
+        method: 'POST',
+        headers: headers,
+        body: formData,
+        cache: 'no-cache',
+    });
+
+    if (!fetchResult.ok) {
+        throw new Error(t`Creation request did not succeed.`);
+    }
+
+    await getCharacters();
+}
+
+export async function openPermanentAssistantCard() {
+    const avatar = getPermanentAssistantAvatar();
+    const characterId = characters.findIndex(x => x.avatar === avatar);
+    if (characterId === -1) {
+        toastr.info(t`Assistant not found. Try sending a chat message.`);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    await selectCharacterById(characterId);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Assigns a character as the assistant.
+ * @param {string?} characterId Character ID
+ */
+export function assignCharacterAsAssistant(characterId) {
+    if (characterId === undefined) {
+        return;
+    }
+    /** @type {import('./char-data.js').v1CharData} */
+    const character = characters[characterId];
+    if (!character) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    const currentAssistantAvatar = getPermanentAssistantAvatar();
+    if (currentAssistantAvatar === character.avatar) {
+        if (character.avatar === defaultAssistantAvatar) {
+            toastr.info(t`${character.name} is a system assistant. Choose another character.`);
+            return;
+        }
+
+        toastr.info(t`${character.name} is no longer your assistant.`);
+        accountStorage.removeItem(assistantAvatarKey);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    accountStorage.setItem(assistantAvatarKey, character.avatar);
+    printCharactersDebounced();
+    toastr.success(t`Set ${character.name} as your assistant.`);
+}
+
+export function initWelcomeScreen() {
+    const events = [event_types.CHAT_CHANGED, event_types.APP_READY];
+    for (const event of events) {
+        eventSource.makeFirst(event, openWelcomeScreen);
+    }
+
+    eventSource.on(event_types.CHARACTER_MANAGEMENT_DROPDOWN, (target) => {
+        if (target !== 'set_as_assistant') {
+            return;
+        }
+        assignCharacterAsAssistant(this_chid);
+    });
+
+    eventSource.on(event_types.CHARACTER_RENAMED, (oldAvatar, newAvatar) => {
+        if (oldAvatar === getPermanentAssistantAvatar()) {
+            accountStorage.setItem(assistantAvatarKey, newAvatar);
+        }
+    });
+}
diff --git a/public/style.css b/public/style.css
index 8e8ec8b7a..eb5cd8d89 100644
--- a/public/style.css
+++ b/public/style.css
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 @import url(css/accounts.css);
 @import url(css/tags.css);
 @import url(css/scrollable-button.css);
+@import url(css/welcome.css);
 
 :root {
     --doc-height: 100%;
@@ -6060,12 +6061,12 @@ body:not(.movingUI) .drawer-content.maximized {
     flex-wrap: nowrap;
     justify-content: space-between;
     align-items: center;
-    gap: 10px;
-    padding: 0 2px;
+    gap: 5px;
 }
 
-.mes_text div[data-type="assistant_note"]:has(.assistant_note_export)>div:not(.assistant_note_export) {
+.mes_text div[data-type="assistant_note"]:has(.assistant_note_export) > div {
     flex: 1;
+    text-align: left;
 }
 
 .oneline-dropdown label {
diff --git a/src/endpoints/characters.js b/src/endpoints/characters.js
index a4a307546..d72971b5f 100644
--- a/src/endpoints/characters.js
+++ b/src/endpoints/characters.js
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import path from 'node:path';
 import fs from 'node:fs';
 import { promises as fsPromises } from 'node:fs';
-import readline from 'node:readline';
 import { Buffer } from 'node:buffer';
 
 import express from 'express';
@@ -22,6 +21,7 @@ import { readWorldInfoFile } from './worldinfo.js';
 import { invalidateThumbnail } from './thumbnails.js';
 import { importRisuSprites } from './sprites.js';
 import { getUserDirectories } from '../users.js';
+import { getChatInfo } from './chats.js';
 const defaultAvatarPath = './public/img/ai4.png';
 
 // With 100 MB limit it would take roughly 3000 characters to reach this limit
@@ -577,10 +577,10 @@ function charaFormatData(data, directories) {
     _.set(char, 'mes_example', data.mes_example || '');
 
     // Old ST extension fields (for backward compatibility, will be deprecated)
-    _.set(char, 'creatorcomment', data.creator_notes);
+    _.set(char, 'creatorcomment', data.creator_notes || '');
     _.set(char, 'avatar', 'none');
     _.set(char, 'chat', data.ch_name + ' - ' + humanizedISO8601DateTime());
-    _.set(char, 'talkativeness', data.talkativeness);
+    _.set(char, 'talkativeness', data.talkativeness || 0.5);
     _.set(char, 'fav', data.fav == 'true');
     _.set(char, 'tags', typeof data.tags == 'string' ? (data.tags.split(',').map(x => x.trim()).filter(x => x)) : data.tags || []);
 
@@ -604,7 +604,7 @@ function charaFormatData(data, directories) {
     _.set(char, 'data.alternate_greetings', getAlternateGreetings(data));
 
     // ST extension fields to V2 object
-    _.set(char, 'data.extensions.talkativeness', data.talkativeness);
+    _.set(char, 'data.extensions.talkativeness', data.talkativeness || 0.5);
     _.set(char, 'data.extensions.fav', data.fav == 'true');
     _.set(char, 'data.extensions.world', data.world || '');
 
@@ -943,7 +943,7 @@ router.post('/create', async function (request, response) {
         request.body.ch_name = sanitize(request.body.ch_name);
 
         const char = JSON.stringify(charaFormatData(request.body, request.user.directories));
-        const internalName = getPngName(request.body.ch_name, request.user.directories);
+        const internalName = request.body.file_name || getPngName(request.body.ch_name, request.user.directories);
         const avatarName = `${internalName}.png`;
         const chatsPath = path.join(request.user.directories.chats, internalName);
 
@@ -1228,7 +1228,6 @@ router.post('/chats', validateAvatarUrlMiddleware, async function (request, resp
         if (!request.body) return response.sendStatus(400);
 
         const characterDirectory = (request.body.avatar_url).replace('.png', '');
-
         const chatsDirectory = path.join(request.user.directories.chats, characterDirectory);
 
         if (!fs.existsSync(chatsDirectory)) {
@@ -1248,54 +1247,11 @@ router.post('/chats', validateAvatarUrlMiddleware, async function (request, resp
         }
 
         const jsonFilesPromise = jsonFiles.map((file) => {
-            return new Promise(async (res) => {
-                const pathToFile = path.join(request.user.directories.chats, characterDirectory, file);
-                const fileStream = fs.createReadStream(pathToFile);
-                const stats = fs.statSync(pathToFile);
-                const fileSizeInKB = `${(stats.size / 1024).toFixed(2)}kb`;
-
-                if (stats.size === 0) {
-                    console.warn(`Found an empty chat file: ${pathToFile}`);
-                    res({});
-                    return;
-                }
-
-                const rl = readline.createInterface({
-                    input: fileStream,
-                    crlfDelay: Infinity,
-                });
-
-                let lastLine;
-                let itemCounter = 0;
-                rl.on('line', (line) => {
-                    itemCounter++;
-                    lastLine = line;
-                });
-                rl.on('close', () => {
-                    rl.close();
-
-                    if (lastLine) {
-                        const jsonData = tryParse(lastLine);
-                        if (jsonData && (jsonData.name || jsonData.character_name)) {
-                            const chatData = {};
-
-                            chatData['file_name'] = file;
-                            chatData['file_size'] = fileSizeInKB;
-                            chatData['chat_items'] = itemCounter - 1;
-                            chatData['mes'] = jsonData['mes'] || '[The chat is empty]';
-                            chatData['last_mes'] = jsonData['send_date'] || Date.now();
-
-                            res(chatData);
-                        } else {
-                            console.warn('Found an invalid or corrupted chat file:', pathToFile);
-                            res({});
-                        }
-                    }
-                });
-            });
+            const pathToFile = path.join(request.user.directories.chats, characterDirectory, file);
+            return getChatInfo(pathToFile);
         });
 
-        const chatData = await Promise.all(jsonFilesPromise);
+        const chatData = (await Promise.allSettled(jsonFilesPromise)).filter(x => x.status === 'fulfilled').map(x => x.value);
         const validFiles = chatData.filter(i => i.file_name);
 
         return response.send(validFiles);
diff --git a/src/endpoints/chats.js b/src/endpoints/chats.js
index 08309a170..63e3ebbcd 100644
--- a/src/endpoints/chats.js
+++ b/src/endpoints/chats.js
@@ -351,6 +351,69 @@ async function checkChatIntegrity(filePath, integritySlug) {
     return chatIntegrity === integritySlug;
 }
 
+/**
+ * @typedef {Object} ChatInfo
+ * @property {string} [file_name] - The name of the chat file
+ * @property {string} [file_size] - The size of the chat file
+ * @property {number} [chat_items] - The number of chat items in the file
+ * @property {string} [mes] - The last message in the chat
+ * @property {number} [last_mes] - The timestamp of the last message
+ */
+
+/**
+ * Reads the information from a chat file.
+ * @param {string} pathToFile
+ * @param {object} additionalData
+ * @returns {Promise<ChatInfo>}
+ */
+export async function getChatInfo(pathToFile, additionalData = {}, isGroup = false) {
+    return new Promise(async (res) => {
+        const fileStream = fs.createReadStream(pathToFile);
+        const stats = await fs.promises.stat(pathToFile);
+        const fileSizeInKB = `${(stats.size / 1024).toFixed(2)}kb`;
+
+        if (stats.size === 0) {
+            console.warn(`Found an empty chat file: ${pathToFile}`);
+            res({});
+            return;
+        }
+
+        const rl = readline.createInterface({
+            input: fileStream,
+            crlfDelay: Infinity,
+        });
+
+        let lastLine;
+        let itemCounter = 0;
+        rl.on('line', (line) => {
+            itemCounter++;
+            lastLine = line;
+        });
+        rl.on('close', () => {
+            rl.close();
+
+            if (lastLine) {
+                const jsonData = tryParse(lastLine);
+                if (jsonData && (jsonData.name || jsonData.character_name)) {
+                    const chatData = {};
+
+                    chatData['file_name'] = path.parse(pathToFile).base;
+                    chatData['file_size'] = fileSizeInKB;
+                    chatData['chat_items'] = isGroup ? itemCounter : (itemCounter - 1);
+                    chatData['mes'] = jsonData['mes'] || '[The chat is empty]';
+                    chatData['last_mes'] = jsonData['send_date'] || stats.mtimeMs;
+                    Object.assign(chatData, additionalData);
+
+                    res(chatData);
+                } else {
+                    console.warn('Found an invalid or corrupted chat file:', pathToFile);
+                    res({});
+                }
+            }
+        });
+    });
+}
+
 export const router = express.Router();
 
 router.post('/save', validateAvatarUrlMiddleware, async function (request, response) {
@@ -809,3 +872,79 @@ router.post('/search', validateAvatarUrlMiddleware, function (request, response)
         return response.status(500).json({ error: 'Search failed' });
     }
 });
+
+router.post('/recent', async function (request, response) {
+    try {
+        /** @type {{pngFile?: string, groupId?: string, filePath: string, mtime: number}[]} */
+        const allChatFiles = [];
+
+        const getCharacterChatFiles = async () => {
+            const pngDirents = await fs.promises.readdir(request.user.directories.characters, { withFileTypes: true });
+            const pngFiles = pngDirents.filter(e => e.isFile() && path.extname(e.name) === '.png').map(e => e.name);
+
+            for (const pngFile of pngFiles) {
+                const chatsDirectory = pngFile.replace('.png', '');
+                const pathToChats = path.join(request.user.directories.chats, chatsDirectory);
+                if (!fs.existsSync(pathToChats)) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                const pathStats = await fs.promises.stat(pathToChats);
+                if (pathStats.isDirectory()) {
+                    const chatFiles = await fs.promises.readdir(pathToChats);
+                    const jsonlFiles = chatFiles.filter(file => path.extname(file) === '.jsonl');
+
+                    for (const file of jsonlFiles) {
+                        const filePath = path.join(pathToChats, file);
+                        const stats = await fs.promises.stat(filePath);
+                        allChatFiles.push({ pngFile, filePath, mtime: stats.mtimeMs });
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        };
+
+        const getGroupChatFiles = async () => {
+            const groupDirents = await fs.promises.readdir(request.user.directories.groups, { withFileTypes: true });
+            const groups = groupDirents.filter(e => e.isFile() && path.extname(e.name) === '.json').map(e => e.name);
+
+            for (const group of groups) {
+                try {
+                    const groupPath = path.join(request.user.directories.groups, group);
+                    const groupContents = await fs.promises.readFile(groupPath, 'utf8');
+                    const groupData = JSON.parse(groupContents);
+
+                    if (Array.isArray(groupData.chats)) {
+                        for (const chat of groupData.chats) {
+                            const filePath = path.join(request.user.directories.groupChats, `${chat}.jsonl`);
+                            if (!fs.existsSync(filePath)) {
+                                continue;
+                            }
+                            const stats = await fs.promises.stat(filePath);
+                            allChatFiles.push({ groupId: groupData.id, filePath, mtime: stats.mtimeMs });
+                        }
+                    }
+                } catch (error) {
+                    // Skip group files that can't be read or parsed
+                    continue;
+                }
+            }
+        };
+
+        await Promise.allSettled([getCharacterChatFiles(), getGroupChatFiles()]);
+
+        const max = parseInt(request.body.max ?? Number.MAX_SAFE_INTEGER);
+        const recentChats = allChatFiles.sort((a, b) => b.mtime - a.mtime).slice(0, max);
+        const jsonFilesPromise = recentChats.map((file) => {
+            return file.groupId
+                ? getChatInfo(file.filePath, { group: file.groupId }, true)
+                : getChatInfo(file.filePath, { avatar: file.pngFile }, false);
+        });
+
+        const chatData = (await Promise.allSettled(jsonFilesPromise)).filter(x => x.status === 'fulfilled').map(x => x.value);
+        const validFiles = chatData.filter(i => i.file_name);
+
+        return response.send(validFiles);
+    } catch (error) {
+        console.error(error);
+        return response.sendStatus(500);
+    }
+});