diff --git a/docs/modding.md b/docs/modding.md
index 73c8d853..8687c7a2 100644
--- a/docs/modding.md
+++ b/docs/modding.md
@@ -272,12 +272,19 @@ mod.hooks:wrap("map.occupancy_allowed", function(next, game, ctx)
 end)
 ```
 
-With no wrapper, the hook allocates no context and vanilla behavior is byte-for-
-byte unchanged. A throwing wrapper is isolated by the normal hook bus. A nil,
+With no wrapper, the hook allocates no context and vanilla behavior is
+unchanged. A throwing wrapper is isolated by the normal hook bus. A nil,
 string, number, table, or other malformed final answer fails closed. Disabling
 or uninstalling the permitting mod therefore restores vanilla ejection without
 changing the S.S. Anne story flag or restoring the ship.
 
+Normal hook-chain ownership applies: a wrapper that does not call `next`
+intentionally owns the final answer and does not run lower-priority wrappers.
+Permission wrappers must call `next` as shown above to compose. A noncompliant
+wrapper that returns false without calling `next` safely denies occupancy and
+can suppress downstream permission by this standard rule. A malformed answer
+also fails closed and cannot force occupancy.
+
 ## Party ordering
 
 Companion UIs and alternate party screens can call
diff --git a/docs/rfcs/0013-map-occupancy-and-active-block.md b/docs/rfcs/0013-map-occupancy-and-active-block.md
index 1066ddc3..cfb796db 100644
--- a/docs/rfcs/0013-map-occupancy-and-active-block.md
+++ b/docs/rfcs/0013-map-occupancy-and-active-block.md
@@ -56,6 +56,12 @@ true when either downstream or its own narrow rule permits occupancy. The hook
 does not replace `MapScripts` registration, merging, or dispatch, and does not
 change the departure flag or reconstruct the ship.
 
+As with every wrapper hook, a callback that does not call `next` intentionally
+owns the final answer and does not run lower-priority callbacks. Permission
+wrappers must call downstream to compose. A false, non-forwarding wrapper
+safely denies occupancy and can suppress downstream permission by this normal
+rule. A malformed final result also fails closed and cannot permit occupancy.
+
 The call is guarded by `Runtime.wantsHook`, so an empty chain allocates no
 context and follows the prior branch exactly.
 
@@ -108,7 +114,8 @@ The parity gate must prove:
 - one permission wrapper can allow occupancy without removing the ship-erasure
   work or any map handler;
 - multiple cooperative wrappers preserve downstream permission;
-- absent, throwing, nil, false, and malformed hook answers fail closed;
+- absent, throwing, nil, false, malformed, and non-forwarding hook answers fail
+  closed according to the normal wrapper-chain rule;
 - Red, Blue, and Yellow contexts keep their version identity separate;
 - disabling or removing the owner restores vanilla behavior without a save
   migration;
diff --git a/src/world/WorldAPI.lua b/src/world/WorldAPI.lua
index a7abd4f3..e204d635 100644
--- a/src/world/WorldAPI.lua
+++ b/src/world/WorldAPI.lua
@@ -136,12 +136,18 @@ function WorldAPI:activeBlockAt(mapId, bx, by)
     return nil, "invalid block coordinates"
   end
   local def = map.def
-  if not def or type(def.width) ~= "number" or type(def.height) ~= "number"
-      or bx < 0 or by < 0 or bx >= def.width or by >= def.height then
+  if not def or not validBlockCoordinate(def.width) or def.width <= 0
+      or not validBlockCoordinate(def.height) or def.height <= 0 then
+    return nil, "block unavailable"
+  end
+  if bx < 0 or by < 0 or bx >= def.width or by >= def.height then
     return nil, "block coordinates out of bounds"
   end
-  local blockId = map:blockAt(bx, by)
-  if not validBlockCoordinate(blockId) or blockId < 0 then
+  if type(def.blocks) ~= "table" or type(map.blockAt) ~= "function" then
+    return nil, "block unavailable"
+  end
+  local ok, blockId = pcall(map.blockAt, map, bx, by)
+  if not ok or not validBlockCoordinate(blockId) or blockId < 0 then
     return nil, "block unavailable"
   end
   return blockId