diff --git a/src/components/ChatViewer.tsx b/src/components/ChatViewer.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..da41a97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/ChatViewer.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,255 @@
+import { useMemo, useState, memo, useCallback } from "react";
+import { use$ } from "applesauce-react/hooks";
+import { from } from "rxjs";
+import { Virtuoso } from "react-virtuoso";
+import type {
+  ChatProtocol,
+  ProtocolIdentifier,
+  Conversation,
+} from "@/types/chat";
+import { NipC7Adapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter";
+import { Nip29Adapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter";
+import type { ChatProtocolAdapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/base-adapter";
+import type { Message } from "@/types/chat";
+import { UserName } from "./nostr/UserName";
+import { RichText } from "./nostr/RichText";
+import Timestamp from "./Timestamp";
+import { ReplyPreview } from "./chat/ReplyPreview";
+import { MembersDropdown } from "./chat/MembersDropdown";
+import { RelaysDropdown } from "./chat/RelaysDropdown";
+import { useGrimoire } from "@/core/state";
+import { Button } from "./ui/button";
+
+interface ChatViewerProps {
+  protocol: ChatProtocol;
+  identifier: ProtocolIdentifier;
+  customTitle?: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * MessageItem - Memoized message component for performance
+ */
+const MessageItem = memo(function MessageItem({
+  message,
+  adapter,
+  conversation,
+}: {
+  message: Message;
+  adapter: ChatProtocolAdapter;
+  conversation: Conversation;
+}) {
+  return (
+    <div className="group flex items-start hover:bg-muted/50">
+      <div className="">
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          <UserName pubkey={message.author} className="font-semibold text-sm" />
+          <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+            <Timestamp timestamp={message.timestamp} />
+          </span>
+        </div>
+        <div className="text-sm leading-relaxed">
+          {message.event ? (
+            <RichText event={message.event}>
+              {message.replyTo && (
+                <ReplyPreview
+                  replyToId={message.replyTo}
+                  adapter={adapter}
+                  conversation={conversation}
+                />
+              )}
+            </RichText>
+          ) : (
+            <span className="whitespace-pre-wrap">{message.content}</span>
+          )}
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+});
+
+/**
+ * ChatViewer - Main chat interface component
+ *
+ * Provides protocol-agnostic chat UI that works across all Nostr messaging protocols.
+ * Uses adapter pattern to handle protocol-specific logic while providing consistent UX.
+ */
+export function ChatViewer({
+  protocol,
+  identifier,
+  customTitle,
+}: ChatViewerProps) {
+  const { addWindow } = useGrimoire();
+
+  // Get the appropriate adapter for this protocol
+  const adapter = useMemo(() => getAdapter(protocol), [protocol]);
+
+  // Resolve conversation from identifier (async operation)
+  const conversation = use$(
+    () => from(adapter.resolveConversation(identifier)),
+    [adapter, identifier],
+  );
+
+  // Load messages for this conversation (reactive)
+  const messages = use$(
+    () => (conversation ? adapter.loadMessages(conversation) : undefined),
+    [adapter, conversation],
+  );
+
+  // Track reply context (which message is being replied to)
+  const [replyTo, setReplyTo] = useState<string | undefined>();
+
+  // Handle sending messages
+  const handleSend = async (content: string, replyToId?: string) => {
+    if (!conversation) return;
+    await adapter.sendMessage(conversation, content, replyToId);
+    setReplyTo(undefined); // Clear reply context after sending
+  };
+
+  // Handle NIP badge click
+  const handleNipClick = useCallback(() => {
+    if (conversation?.protocol === "nip-29") {
+      addWindow("nip", { number: 29 });
+    }
+  }, [conversation?.protocol, addWindow]);
+
+  if (!conversation) {
+    return (
+      <div className="flex h-full items-center justify-center text-muted-foreground">
+        Loading conversation...
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="flex h-full flex-col">
+      {/* Header with conversation info and controls */}
+      <div className="px-1 border-b w-full">
+        <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-3">
+          <div className="flex flex-1 min-w-0 items-center gap-2">
+            {conversation.metadata?.icon && (
+              <img
+                src={conversation.metadata.icon}
+                alt={conversation.title}
+                className="h-4 w-4 object-cover flex-shrink-0"
+              />
+            )}
+            <div className="flex-1 flex flex-row gap-2 items-baseline min-w-0">
+              <h2 className="truncate text-base font-semibold">
+                {customTitle || conversation.title}
+              </h2>
+              {conversation.metadata?.description && (
+                <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground line-clamp-1">
+                  {conversation.metadata.description}
+                </p>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground p-1">
+            <MembersDropdown participants={conversation.participants} />
+            <RelaysDropdown conversation={conversation} />
+            {conversation.type === "group" && (
+              <button
+                onClick={handleNipClick}
+                className="rounded bg-muted px-1.5 py-0.5 font-mono hover:bg-muted/80 transition-colors cursor-pointer"
+              >
+                {conversation.protocol.toUpperCase()}
+              </button>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Message timeline with virtualization */}
+      <div className="flex-1 overflow-hidden">
+        {messages && messages.length > 0 ? (
+          <Virtuoso
+            data={messages}
+            initialTopMostItemIndex={messages.length - 1}
+            followOutput="smooth"
+            itemContent={(_index, message) => (
+              <MessageItem
+                key={message.id}
+                message={message}
+                adapter={adapter}
+                conversation={conversation}
+              />
+            )}
+            style={{ height: "100%" }}
+          />
+        ) : (
+          <div className="flex h-full items-center justify-center text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+            No messages yet. Start the conversation!
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Message composer */}
+      <div className="">
+        {replyTo && (
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 rounded bg-muted px-2 py-1 text-xs">
+            <span>Replying to {replyTo.slice(0, 8)}...</span>
+            <button
+              onClick={() => setReplyTo(undefined)}
+              className="ml-auto text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground"
+            >
+              ✕
+            </button>
+          </div>
+        )}
+        <form
+          onSubmit={(e) => {
+            e.preventDefault();
+            const form = e.currentTarget;
+            const input = form.elements.namedItem(
+              "message",
+            ) as HTMLTextAreaElement;
+            if (input.value.trim()) {
+              handleSend(input.value, replyTo);
+              input.value = "";
+            }
+          }}
+          className="flex gap-2"
+        >
+          <textarea
+            name="message"
+            autoFocus
+            placeholder="Type a message..."
+            className="flex-1 resize-none bg-background px-2 py-1.5 text-sm"
+            rows={1}
+            onKeyDown={(e) => {
+              // Submit on Enter (without Shift)
+              if (e.key === "Enter" && !e.shiftKey) {
+                e.preventDefault();
+                e.currentTarget.form?.requestSubmit();
+              }
+            }}
+          />
+          <Button type="submit" variant="secondary">
+            Send
+          </Button>
+        </form>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+/**
+ * Get the appropriate adapter for a protocol
+ * TODO: Add other adapters as they're implemented
+ */
+function getAdapter(protocol: ChatProtocol): ChatProtocolAdapter {
+  switch (protocol) {
+    case "nip-c7":
+      return new NipC7Adapter();
+    case "nip-29":
+      return new Nip29Adapter();
+    // case "nip-17":
+    //   return new Nip17Adapter();
+    // case "nip-28":
+    //   return new Nip28Adapter();
+    // case "nip-53":
+    //   return new Nip53Adapter();
+    default:
+      throw new Error(`Unsupported protocol: ${protocol}`);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/components/DynamicWindowTitle.tsx b/src/components/DynamicWindowTitle.tsx
index 289fca6..db94934 100644
--- a/src/components/DynamicWindowTitle.tsx
+++ b/src/components/DynamicWindowTitle.tsx
@@ -26,6 +26,10 @@ import { getTagValues } from "@/lib/nostr-utils";
 import { getLiveHost } from "@/lib/live-activity";
 import type { NostrEvent } from "@/types/nostr";
 import { getZapSender } from "applesauce-common/helpers/zap";
+import { NipC7Adapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter";
+import { Nip29Adapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter";
+import type { ChatProtocol, ProtocolIdentifier } from "@/types/chat";
+import { useState, useEffect } from "react";
 
 export interface WindowTitleData {
   title: string | ReactElement;
@@ -546,6 +550,46 @@ function useDynamicTitle(window: WindowInstance): WindowTitleData {
     return `Relay Pool (${connectedCount}/${relayList.length})`;
   }, [appId, relays]);
 
+  // Chat viewer title - resolve conversation to get partner name
+  const [chatTitle, setChatTitle] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (appId !== "chat") {
+      setChatTitle(null);
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const protocol = props.protocol as ChatProtocol;
+    const identifier = props.identifier as ProtocolIdentifier;
+
+    // Get adapter and resolve conversation
+    const getAdapter = () => {
+      switch (protocol) {
+        case "nip-c7":
+          return new NipC7Adapter();
+        case "nip-29":
+          return new Nip29Adapter();
+        default:
+          return null;
+      }
+    };
+
+    const adapter = getAdapter();
+    if (!adapter) {
+      setChatTitle("Chat");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Resolve conversation asynchronously
+    adapter
+      .resolveConversation(identifier)
+      .then((conversation) => {
+        setChatTitle(conversation.title);
+      })
+      .catch(() => {
+        setChatTitle("Chat");
+      });
+  }, [appId, props]);
+
   // Generate final title data with icon and tooltip
   return useMemo(() => {
     let title: ReactElement | string;
@@ -619,6 +663,10 @@ function useDynamicTitle(window: WindowInstance): WindowTitleData {
       title = connTitle;
       icon = getCommandIcon("conn");
       tooltip = rawCommand;
+    } else if (chatTitle && appId === "chat") {
+      title = chatTitle;
+      icon = getCommandIcon("chat");
+      tooltip = rawCommand;
     } else {
       title = staticTitle || appId.toUpperCase();
       tooltip = rawCommand;
@@ -642,6 +690,7 @@ function useDynamicTitle(window: WindowInstance): WindowTitleData {
     kindsTitle,
     debugTitle,
     connTitle,
+    chatTitle,
     staticTitle,
   ]);
 }
diff --git a/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx b/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
index d0c535b..576d35e 100644
--- a/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/WindowRenderer.tsx
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ const DebugViewer = lazy(() =>
   import("./DebugViewer").then((m) => ({ default: m.DebugViewer })),
 );
 const ConnViewer = lazy(() => import("./ConnViewer"));
+const ChatViewer = lazy(() =>
+  import("./ChatViewer").then((m) => ({ default: m.ChatViewer })),
+);
 const SpellsViewer = lazy(() =>
   import("./SpellsViewer").then((m) => ({ default: m.SpellsViewer })),
 );
@@ -169,6 +172,15 @@ export function WindowRenderer({ window, onClose }: WindowRendererProps) {
       case "conn":
         content = <ConnViewer />;
         break;
+      case "chat":
+        content = (
+          <ChatViewer
+            protocol={window.props.protocol}
+            identifier={window.props.identifier}
+            customTitle={window.customTitle}
+          />
+        );
+        break;
       case "spells":
         content = <SpellsViewer />;
         break;
diff --git a/src/components/chat/MembersDropdown.tsx b/src/components/chat/MembersDropdown.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18f9ad4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/chat/MembersDropdown.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+import { Users2 } from "lucide-react";
+import { Virtuoso } from "react-virtuoso";
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger,
+} from "@/components/ui/dropdown-menu";
+import { UserName } from "@/components/nostr/UserName";
+import { Label } from "@/components/ui/label";
+import type { Participant } from "@/types/chat";
+
+interface MembersDropdownProps {
+  participants: Participant[];
+}
+
+/**
+ * MembersDropdown - Shows member count and list with roles
+ * Similar to relay indicators in ReqViewer
+ */
+export function MembersDropdown({ participants }: MembersDropdownProps) {
+  return (
+    <DropdownMenu>
+      <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+        <button className="flex items-center gap-1 text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground transition-colors">
+          <Users2 className="size-3" />
+          <span>{participants.length}</span>
+        </button>
+      </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+      <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-64">
+        <div className="px-2 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground">
+          Members ({participants.length})
+        </div>
+        <div style={{ height: "300px" }}>
+          <Virtuoso
+            data={participants}
+            itemContent={(_index, participant) => (
+              <div
+                key={participant.pubkey}
+                className="flex items-center justify-between gap-2 px-2 py-1.5 rounded hover:bg-muted/50 transition-colors"
+              >
+                <UserName
+                  pubkey={participant.pubkey}
+                  className="text-sm truncate flex-1 min-w-0"
+                />
+                {participant.role && participant.role !== "member" && (
+                  <Label size="sm" className="flex-shrink-0">
+                    {participant.role}
+                  </Label>
+                )}
+              </div>
+            )}
+            style={{ height: "100%" }}
+          />
+        </div>
+      </DropdownMenuContent>
+    </DropdownMenu>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/components/chat/RelaysDropdown.tsx b/src/components/chat/RelaysDropdown.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d83be45
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/chat/RelaysDropdown.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+import { Wifi } from "lucide-react";
+import {
+  DropdownMenu,
+  DropdownMenuContent,
+  DropdownMenuTrigger,
+} from "@/components/ui/dropdown-menu";
+import { RelayLink } from "@/components/nostr/RelayLink";
+import { useRelayState } from "@/hooks/useRelayState";
+import { getConnectionIcon, getAuthIcon } from "@/lib/relay-status-utils";
+import { normalizeRelayURL } from "@/lib/relay-url";
+import type { Conversation } from "@/types/chat";
+
+interface RelaysDropdownProps {
+  conversation: Conversation;
+}
+
+/**
+ * RelaysDropdown - Shows relay count and list with connection status
+ * Similar to relay indicators in ReqViewer
+ */
+export function RelaysDropdown({ conversation }: RelaysDropdownProps) {
+  const { relays: relayStates } = useRelayState();
+
+  // Get relays for this conversation
+  const relays: string[] = [];
+
+  // NIP-29: Single group relay
+  if (conversation.metadata?.relayUrl) {
+    relays.push(conversation.metadata.relayUrl);
+  }
+
+  // Normalize URLs for state lookup
+  const normalizedRelays = relays.map((url) => {
+    try {
+      return normalizeRelayURL(url);
+    } catch {
+      return url;
+    }
+  });
+
+  // Count connected relays
+  const connectedCount = normalizedRelays.filter((url) => {
+    const state = relayStates[url];
+    return state?.connectionState === "connected";
+  }).length;
+
+  if (relays.length === 0) {
+    return null; // Don't show if no relays
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <DropdownMenu>
+      <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
+        <button className="flex items-center gap-1 text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground transition-colors">
+          <Wifi className="size-3" />
+          <span>
+            {connectedCount}/{relays.length}
+          </span>
+        </button>
+      </DropdownMenuTrigger>
+      <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-64">
+        <div className="px-2 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground">
+          Relays ({relays.length})
+        </div>
+        <div className="space-y-1 p-1">
+          {relays.map((url) => {
+            const normalizedUrl = normalizedRelays[relays.indexOf(url)];
+            const state = relayStates[normalizedUrl];
+            const connIcon = getConnectionIcon(state);
+            const authIcon = getAuthIcon(state);
+
+            return (
+              <div
+                key={url}
+                className="flex items-center gap-2 px-2 py-1.5 rounded hover:bg-muted/50 transition-colors"
+              >
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-1 flex-shrink-0">
+                  {connIcon.icon}
+                  {authIcon.icon}
+                </div>
+                <RelayLink
+                  url={url}
+                  className="text-sm truncate flex-1 min-w-0"
+                />
+              </div>
+            );
+          })}
+        </div>
+      </DropdownMenuContent>
+    </DropdownMenu>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/components/chat/ReplyPreview.tsx b/src/components/chat/ReplyPreview.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e25001
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/chat/ReplyPreview.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+import { memo, useEffect } from "react";
+import { use$ } from "applesauce-react/hooks";
+import eventStore from "@/services/event-store";
+import { UserName } from "../nostr/UserName";
+import { RichText } from "../nostr/RichText";
+import type { ChatProtocolAdapter } from "@/lib/chat/adapters/base-adapter";
+import type { Conversation } from "@/types/chat";
+
+interface ReplyPreviewProps {
+  replyToId: string;
+  adapter: ChatProtocolAdapter;
+  conversation: Conversation;
+}
+
+/**
+ * ReplyPreview - Shows who is being replied to with truncated message content
+ * Automatically fetches missing events from protocol-specific relays
+ */
+export const ReplyPreview = memo(function ReplyPreview({
+  replyToId,
+  adapter,
+  conversation,
+}: ReplyPreviewProps) {
+  // Load the event being replied to (reactive - updates when event arrives)
+  const replyEvent = use$(() => eventStore.event(replyToId), [replyToId]);
+
+  // Fetch event from relays if not in store
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!replyEvent) {
+      adapter.loadReplyMessage(conversation, replyToId).catch((err) => {
+        console.error(
+          `[ReplyPreview] Failed to load reply ${replyToId.slice(0, 8)}:`,
+          err,
+        );
+      });
+    }
+  }, [replyEvent, adapter, conversation, replyToId]);
+
+  if (!replyEvent) {
+    return (
+      <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mb-0.5">
+        ↳ Replying to {replyToId.slice(0, 8)}...
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground flex items-baseline gap-1 mb-0.5 overflow-hidden">
+      <span className="flex-shrink-0">↳</span>
+      <UserName
+        pubkey={replyEvent.pubkey}
+        className="font-medium flex-shrink-0"
+      />
+      <div className="line-clamp-1 overflow-hidden flex-1 min-w-0">
+        <RichText event={replyEvent} />
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+});
diff --git a/src/components/ui/textarea.tsx b/src/components/ui/textarea.tsx
index 4d60fc3..592d73d 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/textarea.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/textarea.tsx
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ const Textarea = React.forwardRef<
   return (
     <textarea
       className={cn(
-        "flex min-h-[60px] w-full rounded-md border border-input bg-transparent px-3 py-2 text-base shadow-sm transition-colors placeholder:text-muted-foreground focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-1 focus-visible:ring-ring disabled:cursor-not-allowed disabled:opacity-50 md:text-sm",
+        "flex bg-transparent p-2 text-base transition-colors placeholder:text-muted-foreground focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-1 focus-visible:ring-ring disabled:cursor-not-allowed disabled:opacity-50 md:text-sm",
         className,
       )}
       ref={ref}
diff --git a/src/lib/chat-parser.test.ts b/src/lib/chat-parser.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13de2b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat-parser.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from "vitest";
+import { parseChatCommand } from "./chat-parser";
+
+describe("parseChatCommand", () => {
+  describe("NIP-29 relay groups", () => {
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group ID without protocol (single arg)", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["groups.0xchat.com'chachi"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+      expect(result.adapter.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group ID when split by shell-quote", () => {
+      // shell-quote splits on ' so "groups.0xchat.com'chachi" becomes ["groups.0xchat.com", "chachi"]
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["groups.0xchat.com", "chachi"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+      expect(result.adapter.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group ID with wss:// protocol (single arg)", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["wss://groups.0xchat.com'chachi"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group ID with wss:// when split by shell-quote", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["wss://groups.0xchat.com", "chachi"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group with different relay and group-id (single arg)", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier.value).toBe("bitcoin-dev");
+      expect(result.identifier.relays).toEqual(["wss://relay.example.com"]);
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group with different relay when split", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["relay.example.com", "bitcoin-dev"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier.value).toBe("bitcoin-dev");
+      expect(result.identifier.relays).toEqual(["wss://relay.example.com"]);
+    });
+
+    it("should parse NIP-29 group from nos.lol", () => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(["nos.lol'welcome"]);
+
+      expect(result.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(result.identifier.value).toBe("welcome");
+      expect(result.identifier.relays).toEqual(["wss://nos.lol"]);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe("error handling", () => {
+    it("should throw error when no identifier provided", () => {
+      expect(() => parseChatCommand([])).toThrow(
+        "Chat identifier required. Usage: chat <identifier>",
+      );
+    });
+
+    it("should throw error for unsupported identifier format", () => {
+      expect(() => parseChatCommand(["unsupported-format"])).toThrow(
+        /Unable to determine chat protocol/,
+      );
+    });
+
+    it("should throw error for npub (NIP-C7 disabled)", () => {
+      expect(() => parseChatCommand(["npub1xyz"])).toThrow(
+        /Unable to determine chat protocol/,
+      );
+    });
+
+    it("should throw error for note/nevent (NIP-28 not implemented)", () => {
+      expect(() => parseChatCommand(["note1xyz"])).toThrow(
+        /Unable to determine chat protocol/,
+      );
+    });
+
+    it("should throw error for naddr (NIP-53 not implemented)", () => {
+      expect(() => parseChatCommand(["naddr1xyz"])).toThrow(
+        /Unable to determine chat protocol/,
+      );
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/chat-parser.ts b/src/lib/chat-parser.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c558a61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat-parser.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+import type { ChatCommandResult } from "@/types/chat";
+// import { NipC7Adapter } from "./chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter";
+import { Nip29Adapter } from "./chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter";
+// Import other adapters as they're implemented
+// import { Nip17Adapter } from "./chat/adapters/nip-17-adapter";
+// import { Nip28Adapter } from "./chat/adapters/nip-28-adapter";
+// import { Nip53Adapter } from "./chat/adapters/nip-53-adapter";
+
+/**
+ * Parse a chat command identifier and auto-detect the protocol
+ *
+ * Tries each adapter's parseIdentifier() in priority order:
+ * 1. NIP-17 (encrypted DMs) - prioritized for privacy
+ * 2. NIP-28 (channels) - specific event format (kind 40)
+ * 3. NIP-29 (groups) - specific group ID format
+ * 4. NIP-53 (live chat) - specific addressable format (kind 30311)
+ * 5. NIP-C7 (simple chat) - fallback for generic pubkeys
+ *
+ * @param args - Command arguments (first arg is the identifier)
+ * @returns Parsed result with protocol and identifier
+ * @throws Error if no adapter can parse the identifier
+ */
+export function parseChatCommand(args: string[]): ChatCommandResult {
+  if (args.length === 0) {
+    throw new Error("Chat identifier required. Usage: chat <identifier>");
+  }
+
+  // Handle NIP-29 format that may be split by shell-quote
+  // If we have 2 args and they look like relay + group-id, join them with '
+  let identifier = args[0];
+  if (args.length === 2 && args[0].includes(".") && !args[0].includes("'")) {
+    // Looks like "relay.com" "group-id" split by shell-quote
+    // Rejoin with apostrophe for NIP-29 format
+    identifier = `${args[0]}'${args[1]}`;
+  }
+
+  // Try each adapter in priority order
+  const adapters = [
+    // new Nip17Adapter(),  // Phase 2
+    // new Nip28Adapter(),  // Phase 3
+    new Nip29Adapter(), // Phase 4 - Relay groups (currently only enabled)
+    // new Nip53Adapter(),  // Phase 5
+    // new NipC7Adapter(), // Phase 1 - Simple chat (disabled for now)
+  ];
+
+  for (const adapter of adapters) {
+    const parsed = adapter.parseIdentifier(identifier);
+    if (parsed) {
+      return {
+        protocol: adapter.protocol,
+        identifier: parsed,
+        adapter,
+      };
+    }
+  }
+
+  throw new Error(
+    `Unable to determine chat protocol from identifier: ${identifier}
+
+Currently supported format:
+  - relay.com'group-id (NIP-29 relay group, wss:// prefix optional)
+    Examples:
+      chat relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev
+      chat wss://relay.example.com'nostr-dev
+
+More formats coming soon:
+  - npub/nprofile/hex pubkey (NIP-C7/NIP-17 direct messages)
+  - note/nevent (NIP-28 public channels)
+  - naddr (NIP-53 live activity chat)`,
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/chat/adapters/base-adapter.ts b/src/lib/chat/adapters/base-adapter.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd4ddf0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat/adapters/base-adapter.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+import type { Observable } from "rxjs";
+import type {
+  Conversation,
+  Message,
+  ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ChatCapabilities,
+  ChatProtocol,
+  ConversationType,
+  LoadMessagesOptions,
+  CreateConversationParams,
+} from "@/types/chat";
+import type { NostrEvent } from "@/types/nostr";
+
+/**
+ * Abstract base class for all chat protocol adapters
+ *
+ * Each adapter implements protocol-specific logic for:
+ * - Identifier parsing and resolution
+ * - Message loading and sending
+ * - Conversation management
+ * - Protocol capabilities
+ */
+export abstract class ChatProtocolAdapter {
+  abstract readonly protocol: ChatProtocol;
+  abstract readonly type: ConversationType;
+
+  /**
+   * Parse an identifier string to determine if this adapter can handle it
+   * Returns null if the identifier doesn't match this protocol
+   */
+  abstract parseIdentifier(input: string): ProtocolIdentifier | null;
+
+  /**
+   * Resolve a protocol identifier into a full Conversation object
+   * May involve fetching metadata from relays
+   */
+  abstract resolveConversation(
+    identifier: ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ): Promise<Conversation>;
+
+  /**
+   * Load messages for a conversation
+   * Returns an Observable that emits message arrays as they arrive
+   */
+  abstract loadMessages(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    options?: LoadMessagesOptions,
+  ): Observable<Message[]>;
+
+  /**
+   * Load more historical messages (pagination)
+   */
+  abstract loadMoreMessages(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    before: number,
+  ): Promise<Message[]>;
+
+  /**
+   * Send a message to a conversation
+   * Returns when the message has been published
+   */
+  abstract sendMessage(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    content: string,
+    replyTo?: string,
+  ): Promise<void>;
+
+  /**
+   * Get the capabilities of this protocol
+   * Used to determine which UI features to show
+   */
+  abstract getCapabilities(): ChatCapabilities;
+
+  /**
+   * Load a replied-to message by ID
+   * First checks EventStore, then fetches from protocol-specific relays if needed
+   * Returns null if event cannot be loaded
+   */
+  abstract loadReplyMessage(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    eventId: string,
+  ): Promise<NostrEvent | null>;
+
+  /**
+   * Load list of all conversations for this protocol
+   * Optional - not all protocols support conversation lists
+   */
+  loadConversationList?(): Observable<Conversation[]>;
+
+  /**
+   * Create a new conversation
+   * Optional - not all protocols support creation
+   */
+  createConversation?(params: CreateConversationParams): Promise<Conversation>;
+
+  /**
+   * Join an existing conversation
+   * Optional - only for protocols with join semantics (groups)
+   */
+  joinConversation?(conversation: Conversation): Promise<void>;
+
+  /**
+   * Leave a conversation
+   * Optional - only for protocols with leave semantics (groups)
+   */
+  leaveConversation?(conversation: Conversation): Promise<void>;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.test.ts b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e86b9b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from "vitest";
+import { Nip29Adapter } from "./nip-29-adapter";
+
+describe("Nip29Adapter", () => {
+  const adapter = new Nip29Adapter();
+
+  describe("parseIdentifier", () => {
+    it("should parse group ID with relay domain (no protocol)", () => {
+      const result = adapter.parseIdentifier("groups.0xchat.com'chachi");
+      expect(result).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should parse group ID with wss:// protocol", () => {
+      const result = adapter.parseIdentifier("wss://groups.0xchat.com'chachi");
+      expect(result).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "chachi",
+        relays: ["wss://groups.0xchat.com"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should parse group ID with ws:// protocol", () => {
+      const result = adapter.parseIdentifier("ws://relay.example.com'test");
+      expect(result).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "test",
+        relays: ["ws://relay.example.com"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should parse various group-id formats", () => {
+      const result1 = adapter.parseIdentifier("relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev");
+      expect(result1?.value).toBe("bitcoin-dev");
+      expect(result1?.relays).toEqual(["wss://relay.example.com"]);
+
+      const result2 = adapter.parseIdentifier("nos.lol'welcome");
+      expect(result2?.value).toBe("welcome");
+      expect(result2?.relays).toEqual(["wss://nos.lol"]);
+
+      const result3 = adapter.parseIdentifier("relay.test.com'my_group_123");
+      expect(result3?.value).toBe("my_group_123");
+      expect(result3?.relays).toEqual(["wss://relay.test.com"]);
+    });
+
+    it("should handle relay URLs with ports", () => {
+      const result = adapter.parseIdentifier(
+        "relay.example.com:7777'testgroup",
+      );
+      expect(result).toEqual({
+        type: "group",
+        value: "testgroup",
+        relays: ["wss://relay.example.com:7777"],
+      });
+    });
+
+    it("should return null for invalid formats", () => {
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("just-a-string")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("no-apostrophe")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("'missing-relay")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("missing-groupid'")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("multiple'apostrophes'here")).toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it("should return null for non-NIP-29 identifiers", () => {
+      // These should not match NIP-29 format
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("npub1...")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("note1...")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("naddr1...")).toBeNull();
+      expect(adapter.parseIdentifier("alice@example.com")).toBeNull();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe("protocol properties", () => {
+    it("should have correct protocol and type", () => {
+      expect(adapter.protocol).toBe("nip-29");
+      expect(adapter.type).toBe("group");
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe("getCapabilities", () => {
+    it("should return correct capabilities", () => {
+      const capabilities = adapter.getCapabilities();
+
+      expect(capabilities.supportsEncryption).toBe(false);
+      expect(capabilities.supportsThreading).toBe(true);
+      expect(capabilities.supportsModeration).toBe(true);
+      expect(capabilities.supportsRoles).toBe(true);
+      expect(capabilities.supportsGroupManagement).toBe(true);
+      expect(capabilities.canCreateConversations).toBe(false);
+      expect(capabilities.requiresRelay).toBe(true);
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.ts b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3cd04c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-29-adapter.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,553 @@
+import { Observable } from "rxjs";
+import { map, first } from "rxjs/operators";
+import type { Filter } from "nostr-tools";
+import { ChatProtocolAdapter } from "./base-adapter";
+import type {
+  Conversation,
+  Message,
+  ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ChatCapabilities,
+  LoadMessagesOptions,
+} from "@/types/chat";
+import type { NostrEvent } from "@/types/nostr";
+import eventStore from "@/services/event-store";
+import pool from "@/services/relay-pool";
+import { publishEventToRelays } from "@/services/hub";
+import accountManager from "@/services/accounts";
+import { getTagValues } from "@/lib/nostr-utils";
+import { EventFactory } from "applesauce-core/event-factory";
+
+/**
+ * NIP-29 Adapter - Relay-Based Groups
+ *
+ * Features:
+ * - Relay-enforced group membership and moderation
+ * - Admin, moderator, and member roles
+ * - Single relay enforces all group rules
+ * - Group chat messages (kind 9)
+ *
+ * Group ID format: wss://relay.url'group-id
+ * Events use "h" tag with group-id
+ */
+export class Nip29Adapter extends ChatProtocolAdapter {
+  readonly protocol = "nip-29" as const;
+  readonly type = "group" as const;
+
+  /**
+   * Parse identifier - accepts group ID format: relay'group-id
+   * Examples:
+   *   - wss://relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev
+   *   - relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev (wss:// prefix is optional)
+   */
+  parseIdentifier(input: string): ProtocolIdentifier | null {
+    // NIP-29 format: [wss://]relay'group-id
+    const match = input.match(/^((?:wss?:\/\/)?[^']+)'([^']+)$/);
+    if (!match) return null;
+
+    let [, relayUrl] = match;
+    const groupId = match[2];
+
+    // Add wss:// prefix if not present
+    if (!relayUrl.startsWith("ws://") && !relayUrl.startsWith("wss://")) {
+      relayUrl = `wss://${relayUrl}`;
+    }
+
+    return {
+      type: "group",
+      value: groupId,
+      relays: [relayUrl],
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Resolve conversation from group identifier
+   */
+  async resolveConversation(
+    identifier: ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ): Promise<Conversation> {
+    const groupId = identifier.value;
+    const relayUrl = identifier.relays?.[0];
+
+    if (!relayUrl) {
+      throw new Error("NIP-29 groups require a relay URL");
+    }
+
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    if (!activePubkey) {
+      throw new Error("No active account");
+    }
+
+    console.log(
+      `[NIP-29] Fetching group metadata for ${groupId} from ${relayUrl}`,
+    );
+
+    // Fetch group metadata from the specific relay (kind 39000)
+    const metadataFilter: Filter = {
+      kinds: [39000],
+      "#d": [groupId],
+      limit: 1,
+    };
+
+    // Use pool.subscription to fetch from the relay
+    const metadataEvents: NostrEvent[] = [];
+    const metadataObs = pool.subscription([relayUrl], [metadataFilter], {
+      eventStore, // Automatically add to store
+    });
+
+    // Subscribe and wait for EOSE
+    await new Promise<void>((resolve, reject) => {
+      const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+        console.log("[NIP-29] Metadata fetch timeout");
+        resolve();
+      }, 5000);
+
+      const sub = metadataObs.subscribe({
+        next: (response) => {
+          if (typeof response === "string") {
+            // EOSE received
+            clearTimeout(timeout);
+            console.log(
+              `[NIP-29] Got ${metadataEvents.length} metadata events`,
+            );
+            sub.unsubscribe();
+            resolve();
+          } else {
+            // Event received
+            metadataEvents.push(response);
+          }
+        },
+        error: (err) => {
+          clearTimeout(timeout);
+          console.error("[NIP-29] Metadata fetch error:", err);
+          sub.unsubscribe();
+          reject(err);
+        },
+      });
+    });
+
+    const metadataEvent = metadataEvents[0];
+
+    // Debug: Log metadata event tags
+    if (metadataEvent) {
+      console.log(`[NIP-29] Metadata event tags:`, metadataEvent.tags);
+    }
+
+    // Extract group info from metadata event
+    const title = metadataEvent
+      ? getTagValues(metadataEvent, "name")[0] || groupId
+      : groupId;
+    const description = metadataEvent
+      ? getTagValues(metadataEvent, "about")[0]
+      : undefined;
+    const icon = metadataEvent
+      ? getTagValues(metadataEvent, "picture")[0]
+      : undefined;
+
+    console.log(`[NIP-29] Group title: ${title}`);
+
+    // Fetch admins (kind 39001) and members (kind 39002)
+    // Both use d tag (addressable events signed by relay)
+    const participantsFilter: Filter = {
+      kinds: [39001, 39002],
+      "#d": [groupId],
+      limit: 10, // Should be 1 of each kind, but allow for duplicates
+    };
+
+    const participantEvents: NostrEvent[] = [];
+    const participantsObs = pool.subscription(
+      [relayUrl],
+      [participantsFilter],
+      {
+        eventStore,
+      },
+    );
+
+    await new Promise<void>((resolve, reject) => {
+      const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+        console.log("[NIP-29] Participants fetch timeout");
+        resolve();
+      }, 5000);
+
+      const sub = participantsObs.subscribe({
+        next: (response) => {
+          if (typeof response === "string") {
+            // EOSE received
+            clearTimeout(timeout);
+            console.log(
+              `[NIP-29] Got ${participantEvents.length} participant events`,
+            );
+            sub.unsubscribe();
+            resolve();
+          } else {
+            // Event received
+            participantEvents.push(response);
+          }
+        },
+        error: (err) => {
+          clearTimeout(timeout);
+          console.error("[NIP-29] Participants fetch error:", err);
+          sub.unsubscribe();
+          reject(err);
+        },
+      });
+    });
+
+    // Helper to validate and normalize role names
+    const normalizeRole = (role: string | undefined): ParticipantRole => {
+      if (!role) return "member";
+      const lower = role.toLowerCase();
+      if (lower === "admin") return "admin";
+      if (lower === "moderator") return "moderator";
+      if (lower === "host") return "host";
+      // Default to member for unknown roles
+      return "member";
+    };
+
+    // Extract participants from both admins and members events
+    const participantsMap = new Map<string, Participant>();
+
+    // Process kind:39001 (admins with roles)
+    const adminEvents = participantEvents.filter((e) => e.kind === 39001);
+    for (const event of adminEvents) {
+      // Each p tag: ["p", "<pubkey>", "<role1>", "<role2>", ...]
+      for (const tag of event.tags) {
+        if (tag[0] === "p" && tag[1]) {
+          const pubkey = tag[1];
+          const roles = tag.slice(2).filter((r) => r); // Get all roles after pubkey
+          const primaryRole = normalizeRole(roles[0]); // Use first role as primary
+          participantsMap.set(pubkey, { pubkey, role: primaryRole });
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Process kind:39002 (members without roles)
+    const memberEvents = participantEvents.filter((e) => e.kind === 39002);
+    for (const event of memberEvents) {
+      // Each p tag: ["p", "<pubkey>"]
+      for (const tag of event.tags) {
+        if (tag[0] === "p" && tag[1]) {
+          const pubkey = tag[1];
+          // Only add if not already in map (admins take precedence)
+          if (!participantsMap.has(pubkey)) {
+            participantsMap.set(pubkey, { pubkey, role: "member" });
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    const participants = Array.from(participantsMap.values());
+
+    console.log(
+      `[NIP-29] Found ${participants.length} participants (${adminEvents.length} admin events, ${memberEvents.length} member events)`,
+    );
+    console.log(
+      `[NIP-29] Metadata - title: ${title}, icon: ${icon}, description: ${description}`,
+    );
+
+    return {
+      id: `nip-29:${relayUrl}'${groupId}`,
+      type: "group",
+      protocol: "nip-29",
+      title,
+      participants,
+      metadata: {
+        groupId,
+        relayUrl,
+        ...(description && { description }),
+        ...(icon && { icon }),
+      },
+      unreadCount: 0,
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load messages for a group
+   */
+  loadMessages(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    options?: LoadMessagesOptions,
+  ): Observable<Message[]> {
+    const groupId = conversation.metadata?.groupId;
+    const relayUrl = conversation.metadata?.relayUrl;
+
+    if (!groupId || !relayUrl) {
+      throw new Error("Group ID and relay URL required");
+    }
+
+    console.log(`[NIP-29] Loading messages for ${groupId} from ${relayUrl}`);
+
+    // Subscribe to group messages (kind 9)
+    const filter: Filter = {
+      kinds: [9],
+      "#h": [groupId],
+      limit: options?.limit || 200,
+    };
+
+    if (options?.before) {
+      filter.until = options.before;
+    }
+    if (options?.after) {
+      filter.since = options.after;
+    }
+
+    // Start a persistent subscription to the group relay
+    // This will feed new messages into the EventStore in real-time
+    pool
+      .subscription([relayUrl], [filter], {
+        eventStore, // Automatically add to store
+      })
+      .subscribe({
+        next: (response) => {
+          if (typeof response === "string") {
+            // EOSE received
+            console.log("[NIP-29] EOSE received for messages");
+          } else {
+            // Event received
+            console.log(
+              `[NIP-29] Received message: ${response.id.slice(0, 8)}...`,
+            );
+          }
+        },
+      });
+
+    // Return observable from EventStore which will update automatically
+    return eventStore.timeline(filter).pipe(
+      map((events) => {
+        console.log(`[NIP-29] Timeline has ${events.length} messages`);
+        return events
+          .map((event) => this.eventToMessage(event, conversation.id))
+          .sort((a, b) => a.timestamp - b.timestamp); // Oldest first for flex-col-reverse
+      }),
+    );
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load more historical messages (pagination)
+   */
+  async loadMoreMessages(
+    _conversation: Conversation,
+    _before: number,
+  ): Promise<Message[]> {
+    // For now, return empty - pagination to be implemented in Phase 6
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Send a message to the group
+   */
+  async sendMessage(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    content: string,
+    replyTo?: string,
+  ): Promise<void> {
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    const activeSigner = accountManager.active$.value?.signer;
+
+    if (!activePubkey || !activeSigner) {
+      throw new Error("No active account or signer");
+    }
+
+    const groupId = conversation.metadata?.groupId;
+    const relayUrl = conversation.metadata?.relayUrl;
+
+    if (!groupId || !relayUrl) {
+      throw new Error("Group ID and relay URL required");
+    }
+
+    // Create event factory and sign event
+    const factory = new EventFactory();
+    factory.setSigner(activeSigner);
+
+    const tags: string[][] = [["h", groupId]];
+
+    if (replyTo) {
+      // NIP-29 uses q-tag for replies (same as NIP-C7)
+      tags.push(["q", replyTo]);
+    }
+
+    // Use kind 9 for group chat messages
+    const draft = await factory.build({ kind: 9, content, tags });
+    const event = await factory.sign(draft);
+
+    // Publish only to the group relay
+    await publishEventToRelays(event, [conversation?.metadata?.relayUrl]);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get protocol capabilities
+   */
+  getCapabilities(): ChatCapabilities {
+    return {
+      supportsEncryption: false, // kind 9 messages are public
+      supportsThreading: true, // q-tag replies (NIP-C7 style)
+      supportsModeration: true, // kind 9005/9006 for delete/ban
+      supportsRoles: true, // admin, moderator, member
+      supportsGroupManagement: true, // join/leave via kind 9021
+      canCreateConversations: false, // Groups created by admins (kind 9007)
+      requiresRelay: true, // Single relay enforces rules
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load a replied-to message
+   * First checks EventStore, then fetches from group relay if needed
+   */
+  async loadReplyMessage(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    eventId: string,
+  ): Promise<NostrEvent | null> {
+    // First check EventStore - might already be loaded
+    const cachedEvent = await eventStore
+      .event(eventId)
+      .pipe(first())
+      .toPromise();
+    if (cachedEvent) {
+      return cachedEvent;
+    }
+
+    // Not in store, fetch from group relay
+    const relayUrl = conversation.metadata?.relayUrl;
+    if (!relayUrl) {
+      console.warn("[NIP-29] No relay URL for loading reply message");
+      return null;
+    }
+
+    console.log(
+      `[NIP-29] Fetching reply message ${eventId.slice(0, 8)}... from ${relayUrl}`,
+    );
+
+    const filter: Filter = {
+      ids: [eventId],
+      limit: 1,
+    };
+
+    const events: NostrEvent[] = [];
+    const obs = pool.subscription([relayUrl], [filter], { eventStore });
+
+    await new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
+      const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+        console.log(
+          `[NIP-29] Reply message fetch timeout for ${eventId.slice(0, 8)}...`,
+        );
+        resolve();
+      }, 3000);
+
+      const sub = obs.subscribe({
+        next: (response) => {
+          if (typeof response === "string") {
+            // EOSE received
+            clearTimeout(timeout);
+            sub.unsubscribe();
+            resolve();
+          } else {
+            // Event received
+            events.push(response);
+          }
+        },
+        error: (err) => {
+          clearTimeout(timeout);
+          console.error(`[NIP-29] Reply message fetch error:`, err);
+          sub.unsubscribe();
+          resolve();
+        },
+      });
+    });
+
+    return events[0] || null;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Join an existing group
+   */
+  async joinConversation(conversation: Conversation): Promise<void> {
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    const activeSigner = accountManager.active$.value?.signer;
+
+    if (!activePubkey || !activeSigner) {
+      throw new Error("No active account or signer");
+    }
+
+    const groupId = conversation.metadata?.groupId;
+    const relayUrl = conversation.metadata?.relayUrl;
+
+    if (!groupId || !relayUrl) {
+      throw new Error("Group ID and relay URL required");
+    }
+
+    // Create join request (kind 9021)
+    const factory = new EventFactory();
+    factory.setSigner(activeSigner);
+
+    const tags: string[][] = [
+      ["h", groupId],
+      ["relay", relayUrl],
+    ];
+
+    const draft = await factory.build({
+      kind: 9021,
+      content: "",
+      tags,
+    });
+    const event = await factory.sign(draft);
+    await publishEventToRelays(event, [relayUrl]);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Leave a group
+   */
+  async leaveConversation(conversation: Conversation): Promise<void> {
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    const activeSigner = accountManager.active$.value?.signer;
+
+    if (!activePubkey || !activeSigner) {
+      throw new Error("No active account or signer");
+    }
+
+    const groupId = conversation.metadata?.groupId;
+    const relayUrl = conversation.metadata?.relayUrl;
+
+    if (!groupId || !relayUrl) {
+      throw new Error("Group ID and relay URL required");
+    }
+
+    // Create leave request (kind 9022)
+    const factory = new EventFactory();
+    factory.setSigner(activeSigner);
+
+    const tags: string[][] = [
+      ["h", groupId],
+      ["relay", relayUrl],
+    ];
+
+    const draft = await factory.build({
+      kind: 9022,
+      content: "",
+      tags,
+    });
+    const event = await factory.sign(draft);
+    await publishEventToRelays(event, [relayUrl]);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Helper: Convert Nostr event to Message
+   */
+  private eventToMessage(event: NostrEvent, conversationId: string): Message {
+    // Look for reply q-tags (NIP-29 uses q-tags like NIP-C7)
+    const qTags = getTagValues(event, "q");
+    const replyTo = qTags[0]; // First q-tag is the reply target
+
+    return {
+      id: event.id,
+      conversationId,
+      author: event.pubkey,
+      content: event.content,
+      timestamp: event.created_at,
+      replyTo,
+      protocol: "nip-29",
+      metadata: {
+        encrypted: false, // kind 9 messages are always public
+      },
+      event,
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter.ts b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d5a9306
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/chat/adapters/nip-c7-adapter.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+import { Observable, firstValueFrom } from "rxjs";
+import { map, first } from "rxjs/operators";
+import { nip19 } from "nostr-tools";
+import type { Filter } from "nostr-tools";
+import { ChatProtocolAdapter } from "./base-adapter";
+import type {
+  Conversation,
+  Message,
+  ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ChatCapabilities,
+  LoadMessagesOptions,
+} from "@/types/chat";
+import type { NostrEvent } from "@/types/nostr";
+import eventStore from "@/services/event-store";
+import pool from "@/services/relay-pool";
+import { publishEvent } from "@/services/hub";
+import accountManager from "@/services/accounts";
+import { isNip05, resolveNip05 } from "@/lib/nip05";
+import { getDisplayName } from "@/lib/nostr-utils";
+import { getTagValues } from "@/lib/nostr-utils";
+import { isValidHexPubkey } from "@/lib/nostr-validation";
+import { getProfileContent } from "applesauce-core/helpers";
+import { EventFactory } from "applesauce-core/event-factory";
+
+/**
+ * NIP-C7 Adapter - Simple Chat (Kind 9)
+ *
+ * Features:
+ * - Direct messaging between users
+ * - Quote-based threading (q-tag)
+ * - No encryption
+ * - Uses outbox relays
+ */
+export class NipC7Adapter extends ChatProtocolAdapter {
+  readonly protocol = "nip-c7" as const;
+  readonly type = "dm" as const;
+
+  /**
+   * Parse identifier - accepts npub, nprofile, hex pubkey, or NIP-05
+   */
+  parseIdentifier(input: string): ProtocolIdentifier | null {
+    // Try bech32 decoding (npub/nprofile)
+    try {
+      const decoded = nip19.decode(input);
+      if (decoded.type === "npub") {
+        return {
+          type: "chat-partner",
+          value: decoded.data,
+        };
+      }
+      if (decoded.type === "nprofile") {
+        return {
+          type: "chat-partner",
+          value: decoded.data.pubkey,
+          relays: decoded.data.relays,
+        };
+      }
+    } catch {
+      // Not bech32, try other formats
+    }
+
+    // Try hex pubkey
+    if (isValidHexPubkey(input)) {
+      return {
+        type: "chat-partner",
+        value: input,
+      };
+    }
+
+    // Try NIP-05
+    if (isNip05(input)) {
+      return {
+        type: "chat-partner-nip05",
+        value: input,
+      };
+    }
+
+    return null;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Resolve conversation from identifier
+   */
+  async resolveConversation(
+    identifier: ProtocolIdentifier,
+  ): Promise<Conversation> {
+    let pubkey: string;
+
+    // Resolve NIP-05 if needed
+    if (identifier.type === "chat-partner-nip05") {
+      const resolved = await resolveNip05(identifier.value);
+      if (!resolved) {
+        throw new Error(`Failed to resolve NIP-05: ${identifier.value}`);
+      }
+      pubkey = resolved;
+    } else {
+      pubkey = identifier.value;
+    }
+
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    if (!activePubkey) {
+      throw new Error("No active account");
+    }
+
+    // Get display name for partner
+    const metadataEvent = await this.getMetadata(pubkey);
+    const metadata = metadataEvent
+      ? getProfileContent(metadataEvent)
+      : undefined;
+    const title = getDisplayName(pubkey, metadata);
+
+    return {
+      id: `nip-c7:${pubkey}`,
+      type: "dm",
+      protocol: "nip-c7",
+      title,
+      participants: [
+        { pubkey: activePubkey, role: "member" },
+        { pubkey, role: "member" },
+      ],
+      unreadCount: 0,
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load messages between active user and conversation partner
+   */
+  loadMessages(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    options?: LoadMessagesOptions,
+  ): Observable<Message[]> {
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    if (!activePubkey) {
+      throw new Error("No active account");
+    }
+
+    const partner = conversation.participants.find(
+      (p) => p.pubkey !== activePubkey,
+    );
+    if (!partner) {
+      throw new Error("No conversation partner found");
+    }
+
+    // Subscribe to kind 9 messages between users
+    const filter: Filter = {
+      kinds: [9],
+      authors: [activePubkey, partner.pubkey],
+      "#p": [activePubkey, partner.pubkey],
+      limit: options?.limit || 50,
+    };
+
+    if (options?.before) {
+      filter.until = options.before;
+    }
+    if (options?.after) {
+      filter.since = options.after;
+    }
+
+    return eventStore
+      .timeline(filter)
+      .pipe(
+        map((events) =>
+          events
+            .map((event) => this.eventToMessage(event, conversation.id))
+            .sort((a, b) => a.timestamp - b.timestamp),
+        ),
+      );
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load more historical messages (pagination)
+   */
+  async loadMoreMessages(
+    _conversation: Conversation,
+    _before: number,
+  ): Promise<Message[]> {
+    // For now, return empty - pagination to be implemented in Phase 6
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Send a message
+   */
+  async sendMessage(
+    conversation: Conversation,
+    content: string,
+    replyTo?: string,
+  ): Promise<void> {
+    const activePubkey = accountManager.active$.value?.pubkey;
+    const activeSigner = accountManager.active$.value?.signer;
+
+    if (!activePubkey || !activeSigner) {
+      throw new Error("No active account or signer");
+    }
+
+    const partner = conversation.participants.find(
+      (p) => p.pubkey !== activePubkey,
+    );
+    if (!partner) {
+      throw new Error("No conversation partner found");
+    }
+
+    // Create event factory and sign event
+    const factory = new EventFactory();
+    factory.setSigner(activeSigner);
+
+    const tags: string[][] = [["p", partner.pubkey]];
+    if (replyTo) {
+      tags.push(["q", replyTo]); // NIP-C7 quote tag for threading
+    }
+
+    const draft = await factory.build({ kind: 9, content, tags });
+    const event = await factory.sign(draft);
+    await publishEvent(event);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get protocol capabilities
+   */
+  getCapabilities(): ChatCapabilities {
+    return {
+      supportsEncryption: false,
+      supportsThreading: true, // q-tag quotes
+      supportsModeration: false,
+      supportsRoles: false,
+      supportsGroupManagement: false,
+      canCreateConversations: true,
+      requiresRelay: false,
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Load a replied-to message
+   * First checks EventStore, then fetches from relays if needed
+   */
+  async loadReplyMessage(
+    _conversation: Conversation,
+    eventId: string,
+  ): Promise<NostrEvent | null> {
+    // First check EventStore - might already be loaded
+    const cachedEvent = await eventStore
+      .event(eventId)
+      .pipe(first())
+      .toPromise();
+    if (cachedEvent) {
+      return cachedEvent;
+    }
+
+    // Not in store, fetch from relay pool
+    console.log(`[NIP-C7] Fetching reply message ${eventId.slice(0, 8)}...`);
+
+    const filter: Filter = {
+      ids: [eventId],
+      limit: 1,
+    };
+
+    const events: NostrEvent[] = [];
+    const obs = pool.subscription([], [filter], { eventStore }); // Empty relay list = use global pool
+
+    await new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
+      const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+        console.log(
+          `[NIP-C7] Reply message fetch timeout for ${eventId.slice(0, 8)}...`,
+        );
+        resolve();
+      }, 3000);
+
+      const sub = obs.subscribe({
+        next: (response) => {
+          if (typeof response === "string") {
+            // EOSE received
+            clearTimeout(timeout);
+            sub.unsubscribe();
+            resolve();
+          } else {
+            // Event received
+            events.push(response);
+          }
+        },
+        error: (err) => {
+          clearTimeout(timeout);
+          console.error(`[NIP-C7] Reply message fetch error:`, err);
+          sub.unsubscribe();
+          resolve();
+        },
+      });
+    });
+
+    return events[0] || null;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Helper: Convert Nostr event to Message
+   */
+  private eventToMessage(event: NostrEvent, conversationId: string): Message {
+    const quotedEventIds = getTagValues(event, "q");
+
+    return {
+      id: event.id,
+      conversationId,
+      author: event.pubkey,
+      content: event.content,
+      timestamp: event.created_at,
+      replyTo: quotedEventIds[0], // First q tag
+      protocol: "nip-c7",
+      event,
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Helper: Get user metadata
+   */
+  private async getMetadata(pubkey: string): Promise<NostrEvent | undefined> {
+    return firstValueFrom(eventStore.replaceable(0, pubkey), {
+      defaultValue: undefined,
+    });
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/services/hub.ts b/src/services/hub.ts
index 577457c..cb88765 100644
--- a/src/services/hub.ts
+++ b/src/services/hub.ts
@@ -55,3 +55,21 @@ export const hub = new ActionRunner(eventStore, factory, publishEvent);
 accountManager.active$.subscribe((account) => {
   factory.setSigner(account?.signer || undefined);
 });
+
+export async function publishEventToRelays(
+  event: NostrEvent,
+  relays: string[],
+): Promise<void> {
+  // If no relays, throw error
+  if (relays.length === 0) {
+    throw new Error(
+      "No relays found for publishing. Please configure relay list (kind 10002) or ensure event has relay hints.",
+    );
+  }
+
+  // Publish to relay pool
+  await pool.publish(relays, event);
+
+  // Add to EventStore for immediate local availability
+  eventStore.add(event);
+}
diff --git a/src/test/setup.ts b/src/test/setup.ts
index cc8847a..7a48ab3 100644
--- a/src/test/setup.ts
+++ b/src/test/setup.ts
@@ -10,3 +10,21 @@ import "fake-indexeddb/auto";
 // Polyfill WebSocket - required by nostr-tools relay code
 import { WebSocket } from "ws";
 globalThis.WebSocket = WebSocket as unknown as typeof globalThis.WebSocket;
+
+// Polyfill localStorage - required by state management and accounts
+const localStorageMock = (() => {
+  let store: Record<string, string> = {};
+  return {
+    getItem: (key: string) => store[key] || null,
+    setItem: (key: string, value: string) => {
+      store[key] = value.toString();
+    },
+    removeItem: (key: string) => {
+      delete store[key];
+    },
+    clear: () => {
+      store = {};
+    },
+  };
+})();
+globalThis.localStorage = localStorageMock as Storage;
diff --git a/src/types/app.ts b/src/types/app.ts
index 7ecd39c..4b88e97 100644
--- a/src/types/app.ts
+++ b/src/types/app.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ export type AppId =
   | "relay"
   | "debug"
   | "conn"
+  | "chat"
   | "spells"
   | "spellbooks"
   | "win";
diff --git a/src/types/chat.ts b/src/types/chat.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8f0354
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/types/chat.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+import type { NostrEvent } from "./nostr";
+
+/**
+ * Chat protocol identifier
+ */
+export type ChatProtocol = "nip-c7" | "nip-17" | "nip-28" | "nip-29" | "nip-53";
+
+/**
+ * Conversation type
+ */
+export type ConversationType = "dm" | "channel" | "group" | "live-chat";
+
+/**
+ * Participant role in a conversation
+ */
+export type ParticipantRole = "admin" | "moderator" | "member" | "host";
+
+/**
+ * Participant in a conversation
+ */
+export interface Participant {
+  pubkey: string;
+  role?: ParticipantRole;
+  permissions?: string[];
+}
+
+/**
+ * Protocol-specific conversation metadata
+ */
+export interface ConversationMetadata {
+  // NIP-28 channel
+  channelEvent?: NostrEvent; // kind 40 creation event
+
+  // NIP-29 group
+  groupId?: string; // host'group-id format
+  relayUrl?: string; // Relay enforcing group rules
+  description?: string; // Group description
+  icon?: string; // Group icon/picture URL
+
+  // NIP-53 live chat
+  activityAddress?: {
+    kind: number;
+    pubkey: string;
+    identifier: string;
+  };
+
+  // NIP-17 DM
+  encrypted?: boolean;
+  giftWrapped?: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generic conversation abstraction
+ * Works across all messaging protocols
+ */
+export interface Conversation {
+  id: string; // Protocol-specific identifier
+  type: ConversationType;
+  protocol: ChatProtocol;
+  title: string;
+  participants: Participant[];
+  metadata?: ConversationMetadata;
+  lastMessage?: Message;
+  unreadCount: number;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Message metadata (reactions, zaps, encryption status, etc.)
+ */
+export interface MessageMetadata {
+  encrypted?: boolean;
+  reactions?: NostrEvent[];
+  zaps?: NostrEvent[];
+  deleted?: boolean;
+  hidden?: boolean; // NIP-28 channel hide
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generic message abstraction
+ * Works across all messaging protocols
+ */
+export interface Message {
+  id: string;
+  conversationId: string;
+  author: string; // pubkey
+  content: string;
+  timestamp: number;
+  replyTo?: string; // Parent message ID
+  metadata?: MessageMetadata;
+  protocol: ChatProtocol;
+  event: NostrEvent; // Original Nostr event for verification
+}
+
+/**
+ * Protocol-specific identifier
+ * Returned by adapter parseIdentifier()
+ */
+export interface ProtocolIdentifier {
+  type: string; // e.g., 'dm-recipient', 'channel-event', 'group-id'
+  value: any; // Protocol-specific value
+  relays?: string[]; // Relay hints from bech32 encoding
+}
+
+/**
+ * Chat command parsing result
+ */
+export interface ChatCommandResult {
+  protocol: ChatProtocol;
+  identifier: ProtocolIdentifier;
+  adapter: any; // Will be ChatProtocolAdapter but avoiding circular dependency
+}
+
+/**
+ * Message loading options
+ */
+export interface LoadMessagesOptions {
+  limit?: number;
+  before?: number; // Unix timestamp
+  after?: number; // Unix timestamp
+}
+
+/**
+ * Conversation creation parameters
+ */
+export interface CreateConversationParams {
+  type: ConversationType;
+  title?: string;
+  participants: string[]; // pubkeys
+  metadata?: Record<string, any>;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Chat capabilities - what features a protocol supports
+ */
+export interface ChatCapabilities {
+  supportsEncryption: boolean;
+  supportsThreading: boolean;
+  supportsModeration: boolean;
+  supportsRoles: boolean;
+  supportsGroupManagement: boolean;
+  canCreateConversations: boolean;
+  requiresRelay: boolean;
+}
diff --git a/src/types/man.ts b/src/types/man.ts
index 758813f..877db14 100644
--- a/src/types/man.ts
+++ b/src/types/man.ts
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { parseOpenCommand } from "@/lib/open-parser";
 import { parseProfileCommand } from "@/lib/profile-parser";
 import { parseRelayCommand } from "@/lib/relay-parser";
 import { resolveNip05Batch } from "@/lib/nip05";
+import { parseChatCommand } from "@/lib/chat-parser";
 
 export interface ManPageEntry {
   name: string;
@@ -344,6 +345,35 @@ export const manPages: Record<string, ManPageEntry> = {
       return parsed;
     },
   },
+  chat: {
+    name: "chat",
+    section: "1",
+    synopsis: "chat <group-identifier>",
+    description:
+      "Join and participate in NIP-29 relay-based group chats. Groups are hosted on a single relay that enforces membership and moderation rules. Use the format 'relay'group-id' where relay is the WebSocket URL (wss:// prefix optional) and group-id is the group identifier.",
+    options: [
+      {
+        flag: "<group-identifier>",
+        description:
+          "NIP-29 group identifier in format: relay'group-id (wss:// prefix optional)",
+      },
+    ],
+    examples: [
+      "chat relay.example.com'bitcoin-dev        Join relay group (wss:// prefix optional)",
+      "chat wss://relay.example.com'nostr-dev    Join relay group with explicit protocol",
+      "chat nos.lol'welcome                      Join welcome group on nos.lol",
+    ],
+    seeAlso: ["profile", "open", "req"],
+    appId: "chat",
+    category: "Nostr",
+    argParser: async (args: string[]) => {
+      const result = parseChatCommand(args);
+      return {
+        protocol: result.protocol,
+        identifier: result.identifier,
+      };
+    },
+  },
   profile: {
     name: "profile",
     section: "1",