diff --git a/internal/backoff/backoff.go b/internal/backoff/backoff.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..add9444
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/backoff/backoff.go
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+// Package backoff implements exponential backoff with jitter for retry logic.
+package backoff
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"math"
+	"math/rand/v2"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// Config holds the configuration for a Backoff instance.
+type Config struct {
+	// Initial is the starting upper bound for the backoff duration.
+	// Must be > 0.
+	Initial time.Duration `yaml:"initial"`
+	// Max is the absolute maximum upper bound for the backoff duration.
+	// Must be >= Initial.
+	Max time.Duration `yaml:"max"`
+	// RNG is an optional source of randomness.
+	// If nil, the global math/rand/v2 source is used.
+	RNG *rand.Rand `yaml:"-"`
+}
+
+// Validate checks that the configuration values are sensible.
+func (cfg Config) Validate() error {
+	if cfg.Initial <= 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid initial backoff: %v", cfg.Initial)
+	}
+	if cfg.Max < cfg.Initial {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid max duration: %v", cfg.Max)
+	}
+	// MaxInt64 will overflow when calculating jitter.
+	if cfg.Max == math.MaxInt64 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("max duration cannot be MaxInt64")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Backoff implements exponential backoff with full jitter.
+// It is NOT safe for concurrent use.
+type Backoff struct {
+	initial time.Duration
+	max     time.Duration
+	current time.Duration
+	rng     *rand.Rand
+}
+
+// New creates a new Backoff instance with the provided configuration.
+func New(cfg Config) (*Backoff, error) {
+	if err := cfg.Validate(); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid config: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	return &Backoff{
+		initial: cfg.Initial,
+		max:     cfg.Max,
+		current: cfg.Initial,
+		rng:     cfg.RNG,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Next returns the next backoff delay.
+func (b *Backoff) Next() time.Duration {
+	limit := b.current
+
+	// Update state for the next call.
+	if b.current >= b.max {
+		b.current = b.max
+	} else if b.current > b.max/2 {
+		// If doubling would exceed max, just clamp to max.
+		b.current = b.max
+	} else {
+		b.current *= 2
+	}
+
+	// Calculate jitter; return random in [0, limit].
+	// Int64N(n) returns values in [0, n).
+	// For [0, limit], we use limit + 1.
+	var jitter int64
+	if b.rng != nil {
+		jitter = b.rng.Int64N(int64(limit) + 1)
+	} else {
+		jitter = rand.Int64N(int64(limit) + 1)
+	}
+
+	return time.Duration(jitter)
+}
+
+// Reset resets the current backoff cap to the initial value.
+// This should be called after a successful operation to restart
+// the backoff sequence for future retries.
+func (b *Backoff) Reset() {
+	b.current = b.initial
+}
diff --git a/internal/backoff/backoff_test.go b/internal/backoff/backoff_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d84b64a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/backoff/backoff_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,196 @@
+package backoff
+
+import (
+	"math"
+	"math/rand/v2"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+)
+
+func TestConfigValidate(t *testing.T) {
+	var tests = []struct {
+		name        string
+		cfg         Config
+		shouldError bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:        "initial zero",
+			cfg:         Config{Initial: 0, Max: time.Second},
+			shouldError: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "initial negative",
+			cfg:         Config{Initial: -1, Max: time.Second},
+			shouldError: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "max less than initial",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Initial: time.Second,
+				Max:     500 * time.Millisecond,
+			},
+			shouldError: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "max equals maxint64",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Initial: time.Second,
+				Max:     math.MaxInt64,
+			},
+			shouldError: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "valid",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Initial: time.Second,
+				Max:     time.Second,
+			},
+			shouldError: false,
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := tt.cfg.Validate()
+			if tt.shouldError && err == nil {
+				t.Fatalf("expected error, got nil")
+			}
+			if !tt.shouldError && err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNewInvalidConfig(t *testing.T) {
+	_, err := New(Config{Initial: 0, Max: time.Second})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "invalid config") {
+		t.Fatalf("expected invalid config error, got %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestDistribution uses a fixed seed to check the logic flow and jitter.
+func TestDistribution(t *testing.T) {
+	// RNG with seed (1, 2)
+	rng := rand.New(rand.NewPCG(1, 2))
+
+	initial := 100 * time.Millisecond
+	maxDur := 400 * time.Millisecond
+
+	b, _ := New(Config{
+		Initial: initial,
+		Max:     maxDur,
+		RNG:     rng,
+	})
+
+	// Generate reference numbers using the same seed to predict outcomes.
+	refRng := rand.New(rand.NewPCG(1, 2))
+
+	expectedCaps := []time.Duration{
+		100 * time.Millisecond,
+		200 * time.Millisecond,
+		400 * time.Millisecond,
+		400 * time.Millisecond, // Clamped
+	}
+
+	for i, cap := range expectedCaps {
+		// Expect Next to pick rand(0, cap).
+		expected := time.Duration(refRng.Int64N(int64(cap) + 1))
+		got := b.Next()
+
+		if got != expected {
+			t.Errorf(
+				"step %d: expected %v, got %v (cap was %v)",
+				i, expected, got, cap,
+			)
+		}
+		if got > cap {
+			t.Errorf(
+				"step %d: got %v greater than cap %v",
+				i, got, cap,
+			)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// TestOverflowProtection ensures that large Max values do not cause overflow
+// during the doubling phase.
+func TestOverflowProtection(t *testing.T) {
+	// Use a Max that is near MaxInt64.
+	max := time.Duration(math.MaxInt64 - 1)
+	start := max / 4
+
+	b, err := New(Config{
+		Initial: start,
+		Max:     max,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("New failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// 1. Current = start.
+	// Next returns [0, start]. state becomes start*2 (max/2).
+	_ = b.Next()
+
+	// 2. Current = max/2.
+	// Next returns [0, max/2].
+	_ = b.Next()
+
+	// 3. Current = max.
+	// Next returns [0, max].
+	// Logic check: current >= max. state stays max.
+	val := b.Next()
+	if val < 0 {
+		t.Errorf("got negative duration %v, likely overflow", val)
+	}
+
+	// Verify clamp.
+	// No panic implies success.
+	for range 5 {
+		b.Next()
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDefaultRNG(t *testing.T) {
+	b, err := New(Config{
+		Initial: time.Millisecond,
+		Max:     10 * time.Millisecond,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("New failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	got := b.Next()
+	if got < 0 || got > time.Millisecond {
+		t.Errorf("out of bounds: %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestReset(t *testing.T) {
+	b, _ := New(Config{
+		Initial: 10 * time.Millisecond,
+		Max:     100 * time.Millisecond,
+	})
+
+	// Advance state
+	b.Next() // 10
+	b.Next() // 20
+	b.Next() // 40
+
+	b.Reset()
+
+	// Verify that the cap is reset by checking the bounds of the next
+	// call. If reset works, the next call is bounded by Initial (10ms).
+	for range 10 {
+		got := b.Next()
+		if got > 10*time.Millisecond {
+			t.Fatalf(
+				"call after Reset returned %v; expected <= 10ms",
+				got,
+			)
+		}
+		b.Reset()
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/filter/filter.go b/internal/filter/filter.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ecba55c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/filter/filter.go
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+// Package filter provides message filtering configuration.
+// It is used to restrict which messages are processed by the answer workers.
+//
+// NOTE: IMAP Search Limitations
+// IMAP SEARCH (RFC 3501 §6.4.4) uses case-insensitive substring matching for
+// text fields.
+// A filter like From: "alice@example.com" would match:
+//   - alice@example.com
+//   - malice@example.com
+//   - alice@example.com.evil.org
+//
+// For this reason, server-side IMAP filters should be considered
+// performance optimizations only, not security controls. Use the
+// [Filters.Senders] allowlist for exact sender matching.
+//
+// [RFC 3501 §6.4.4]:
+// https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3501#section-6.4.4
+package filter
+
+import "strings"
+
+// Filters holds message filtering configuration for IMAP searches
+// and sender verification.
+type Filters struct {
+	// Body contains keywords that must appear in the message body.
+	Body []string `yaml:"body"`
+	// From filters messages by the From header field.
+	From string `yaml:"from"`
+	// Senders is an allowlist of email addresses permitted to receive
+	// replies. If empty, all senders are allowed.
+	Senders []string `yaml:"allowed_senders"`
+	// Subject filters messages by the Subject header field.
+	Subject string `yaml:"subject"`
+	// To filters messages by the To header field.
+	To string `yaml:"to"`
+}
+
+// MatchSender checks if the sender is in the allowed list.
+// Returns true if the allowlist is empty (allow all) or if the sender matches.
+// Comparison is case-insensitive and ignores leading/trailing whitespace.
+func (f *Filters) MatchSender(sender string) bool {
+	if len(f.Senders) == 0 {
+		return true
+	}
+	sender = strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(sender))
+	for _, allowed := range f.Senders {
+		if strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(allowed)) == sender {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
diff --git a/internal/filter/filter_test.go b/internal/filter/filter_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..340ce76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/filter/filter_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+package filter
+
+import "testing"
+
+func TestMatchSender(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		senders []string
+		sender  string
+		want    bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:    "empty allowlist allows all",
+			senders: nil,
+			sender:  "anyone@example.com",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "exact match",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "allowed@example.com",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "case insensitive match",
+			senders: []string{"Allowed@Example.COM"},
+			sender:  "allowed@example.com",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "sender case insensitive",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "ALLOWED@EXAMPLE.COM",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "whitespace trimmed from sender",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "  allowed@example.com  ",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "whitespace trimmed from allowlist",
+			senders: []string{"  allowed@example.com  "},
+			sender:  "allowed@example.com",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "not in allowlist",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "blocked@example.com",
+			want:    false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "multiple allowed senders",
+			senders: []string{"one@example.com", "two@example.com", "three@example.com"},
+			sender:  "two@example.com",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "partial match not allowed",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "allowed@example",
+			want:    false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "empty sender with allowlist",
+			senders: []string{"allowed@example.com"},
+			sender:  "",
+			want:    false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "empty sender with empty allowlist",
+			senders: nil,
+			sender:  "",
+			want:    true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			f := &Filters{Senders: tt.senders}
+			if got := f.MatchSender(tt.sender); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"MatchSender(%q) = %v, want %v",
+					tt.sender, got, tt.want,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/imap/imap.go b/internal/imap/imap.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1cd6852
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/imap/imap.go
@@ -0,0 +1,264 @@
+// Package imap provides an IMAP client wrapper for monitoring and fetching
+// email messages. It handles connection management, IDLE support for push
+// notifications, and message operations like fetching and marking as seen.
+//
+// The client supports server-side filtering via [filter.Filters] to limit
+// which messages are returned by [Client.Unseen].
+package imap
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"log/slog"
+	"time"
+
+	"raven/internal/filter"
+
+	"github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2"
+	"github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2/imapclient"
+)
+
+// Config holds IMAP server connection parameters.
+type Config struct {
+	// Host is the IMAP server hostname.
+	Host string `yaml:"host"`
+	// Password is the authentication password or app-specific password.
+	Password string `yaml:"password"`
+	// Port is the IMAP server port (typically "993" for TLS).
+	Port string `yaml:"port"`
+	// User is the authentication username, usually an email address.
+	User string `yaml:"user"`
+}
+
+// Address returns the host:port string for dialing.
+func (c *Config) Address() string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s:%s", c.Host, c.Port)
+}
+
+// Validate checks that all required fields are present.
+func (c *Config) Validate() error {
+	if c.Host == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("missing host")
+	}
+	if c.Password == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("missing password")
+	}
+	if c.Port == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("missing port")
+	}
+	if c.User == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("missing user")
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Client wraps an IMAP client with connection management and filtering.
+type Client struct {
+	cfg     Config
+	filters filter.Filters
+	client  *imapclient.Client
+	log     *slog.Logger
+}
+
+// NewClient creates a new Client with the given configuration.
+// The client is not connected until [Client.Connect] is called.
+func NewClient(
+	cfg Config,
+	filters filter.Filters,
+	log *slog.Logger,
+) (*Client, error) {
+	if err := cfg.Validate(); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid config: %v", err)
+	}
+	return &Client{
+		cfg:     cfg,
+		filters: filters,
+		log:     log,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// Client returns the underlying imapclient.Client.
+// Returns nil if not connected.
+func (c *Client) Client() *imapclient.Client {
+	return c.client
+}
+
+// Connect establishes a TLS connection to the IMAP server,
+// authenticates, and selects the INBOX.
+func (c *Client) Connect(
+	ctx context.Context,
+	log *slog.Logger,
+	opts *imapclient.Options,
+) error {
+	c.log = log
+
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "connecting to IMAP server")
+	client, err := imapclient.DialTLS(c.cfg.Address(), opts)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("dial TLS: %w", err)
+	}
+	c.client = client
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "connected to IMAP server")
+
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "logging into to IMAP server")
+	if err := client.Login(c.cfg.User, c.cfg.Password).Wait(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("login: %w", err)
+	}
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "logged into IMAP server")
+
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "selecting INBOX")
+	if _, err := client.Select("INBOX", nil).Wait(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("select: %w", err)
+	}
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "selected INBOX")
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// CanIdle reports whether the server advertises IDLE capability (RFC 2177).
+func (c *Client) CanIdle() bool {
+	return c.client.Caps().Has(imap.CapIdle)
+}
+
+// Disconnect logs out from the server and closes the connection.
+// Safe to call on a nil or disconnected client.
+func (c *Client) Disconnect(ctx context.Context) {
+	if c.client == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	c.log.InfoContext(ctx, "logging out")
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 3*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	var done = make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- c.client.Logout().Wait()
+	}()
+	select {
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		c.log.InfoContext(
+			ctx,
+			"context closed",
+			slog.Any("reason", ctx.Err()),
+		)
+
+	case err := <-done:
+		if err != nil {
+			c.log.Warn(
+				"failed to logout from IMAP server",
+				slog.Any("error", err),
+			)
+		}
+	}
+
+	c.client.Close()
+	c.client = nil
+}
+
+// Fetch retrieves a message by UID. If peek is true, the message is
+// fetched without marking it as seen (using BODY.PEEK[]).
+func (c *Client) Fetch(uid imap.UID, peek bool) (
+	*imapclient.FetchMessageBuffer, error,
+) {
+	if c.client == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("client not connected")
+	}
+
+	opts := &imap.FetchOptions{Envelope: true, UID: true}
+	if peek {
+		opts.BodySection = []*imap.FetchItemBodySection{{Peek: true}}
+	}
+
+	res, err := c.client.Fetch(imap.UIDSetNum(uid), opts).Collect()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fetch: %w", err)
+	}
+	if len(res) == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("message not found")
+	}
+
+	return res[0], nil
+}
+
+// Idle starts an IDLE command (RFC 2177) to wait for server notifications.
+// The caller must call Close on the returned command to end IDLE mode.
+func (c *Client) Idle() (*imapclient.IdleCommand, error) {
+	return c.client.Idle()
+}
+
+// MarkSeen adds the \Seen flag to the message with the given UID.
+func (c *Client) MarkSeen(uid imap.UID) error {
+	if c.client == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("client not connected")
+	}
+
+	if _, err := c.client.Store(
+		imap.UIDSetNum(uid),
+		&imap.StoreFlags{
+			Op:     imap.StoreFlagsAdd,
+			Silent: true,
+			Flags:  []imap.Flag{imap.FlagSeen},
+		},
+		nil,
+	).Collect(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("collect: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Noop sends a NOOP command to refresh mailbox state.
+func (c *Client) Noop() error {
+	if c.client == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("client not connected")
+	}
+	return c.client.Noop().Wait()
+}
+
+// Unseen returns UIDs of messages matching the client's filters that
+// do not have the \Seen flag. Filters are applied server-side.
+func (c *Client) Unseen(ctx context.Context) ([]imap.UID, error) {
+	sc := &imap.SearchCriteria{
+		NotFlag: []imap.Flag{imap.FlagSeen},
+	}
+	if len(c.filters.Body) > 0 {
+		sc.Body = c.filters.Body
+	}
+	if c.filters.From != "" {
+		sc.Header = append(
+			sc.Header,
+			imap.SearchCriteriaHeaderField{
+				Key:   "From",
+				Value: c.filters.From,
+			},
+		)
+	}
+	if c.filters.Subject != "" {
+		sc.Header = append(
+			sc.Header,
+			imap.SearchCriteriaHeaderField{
+				Key:   "Subject",
+				Value: c.filters.Subject,
+			},
+		)
+	}
+	if c.filters.To != "" {
+		sc.Header = append(
+			sc.Header,
+			imap.SearchCriteriaHeaderField{
+				Key:   "To",
+				Value: c.filters.To,
+			},
+		)
+	}
+
+	res, err := c.client.UIDSearch(sc, nil).Wait()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("search: %v", err)
+	}
+	uids := res.AllUIDs()
+
+	return uids, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/imap/imap_test.go b/internal/imap/imap_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24e3c7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/imap/imap_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,224 @@
+package imap
+
+import (
+	"log/slog"
+	"testing"
+
+	"raven/internal/filter"
+)
+
+func TestConfigAddress(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		cfg  Config
+		want string
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "standard config",
+			cfg:  Config{Host: "imap.example.com", Port: "993"},
+			want: "imap.example.com:993",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty host",
+			cfg:  Config{Host: "", Port: "993"},
+			want: ":993",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty port",
+			cfg:  Config{Host: "imap.example.com", Port: ""},
+			want: "imap.example.com:",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := tt.cfg.Address(); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Address() = %q, want %q",
+					got, tt.want,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestConfigValidate(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		cfg     Config
+		wantErr string
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "valid config",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Host:     "imap.example.com",
+				Password: "secret",
+				Port:     "993",
+				User:     "user@example.com",
+			},
+			wantErr: "",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "missing host",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Password: "secret",
+				Port:     "993",
+				User:     "user@example.com",
+			},
+			wantErr: "missing host",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "missing password",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Host: "imap.example.com",
+				Port: "993",
+				User: "user@example.com",
+			},
+			wantErr: "missing password",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "missing port",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Host:     "imap.example.com",
+				Password: "secret",
+				User:     "user@example.com",
+			},
+			wantErr: "missing port",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "missing user",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Host:     "imap.example.com",
+				Password: "secret",
+				Port:     "993",
+			},
+			wantErr: "missing user",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := tt.cfg.Validate()
+			if tt.wantErr == "" {
+				if err != nil {
+					t.Errorf(
+						"Validate() unexpected error: %v",
+						err,
+					)
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			if err == nil {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Validate() expected error containing %q, got nil",
+					tt.wantErr,
+				)
+				return
+			}
+			if got := err.Error(); got != tt.wantErr {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Validate() error = %q, want %q",
+					got, tt.wantErr,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNewClient(t *testing.T) {
+	validCfg := Config{
+		Host:     "imap.example.com",
+		Password: "secret",
+		Port:     "993",
+		User:     "user@example.com",
+	}
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		cfg     Config
+		filters filter.Filters
+		wantErr bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:    "valid config",
+			cfg:     validCfg,
+			filters: filter.Filters{},
+			wantErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "valid config with filters",
+			cfg:  validCfg,
+			filters: filter.Filters{
+				Subject: "test",
+				To:      "recipient@example.com",
+				Body:    []string{"keyword"},
+			},
+			wantErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "invalid config",
+			cfg:     Config{Host: "imap.example.com"},
+			filters: filter.Filters{},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			client, err := NewClient(
+				tt.cfg, tt.filters, slog.Default(),
+			)
+			if tt.wantErr {
+				if err == nil {
+					t.Error(
+						"NewClient() expected error, got nil",
+					)
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"NewClient() unexpected error: %v", err,
+				)
+				return
+			}
+			if client == nil {
+				t.Error("NewClient() returned nil client")
+				return
+			}
+			// Verify client is not connected.
+			if client.Client() != nil {
+				t.Error(
+					"NewClient() client should not be connected",
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestClientNotConnected(t *testing.T) {
+	cfg := Config{
+		Host:     "imap.example.com",
+		Password: "secret",
+		Port:     "993",
+		User:     "user@example.com",
+	}
+	client, err := NewClient(cfg, filter.Filters{}, slog.Default())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("NewClient() unexpected error: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Run("Fetch without connection", func(t *testing.T) {
+		_, err := client.Fetch(1, true)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Error("Fetch() expected error when not connected")
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("MarkSeen without connection", func(t *testing.T) {
+		err := client.MarkSeen(1)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Error("MarkSeen() expected error when not connected")
+		}
+	})
+}
diff --git a/internal/intake/intake.go b/internal/intake/intake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9b5679
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/intake/intake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,398 @@
+// Package intake monitors an IMAP mailbox for new messages and dispatches
+// them to answer workers for processing. It supports two modes: IDLE for
+// servers with real-time push notifications, and poll for periodic checking.
+package intake
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"log/slog"
+	"slices"
+	"time"
+
+	"raven/internal/backoff"
+	"raven/internal/filter"
+	"raven/internal/imap"
+	"raven/internal/tracker"
+
+	goimap "github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2"
+	"github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2/imapclient"
+)
+
+// Config holds intake worker settings.
+type Config struct {
+	// Mode selects IDLE or poll-based message retrieval.
+	Mode Mode `yaml:"mode"`
+	// PollInterval is the duration between checks in poll mode.
+	// Ignored in IDLE mode. Examples: "5s", "1m", "24h".
+	PollInterval string `yaml:"poll_interval"`
+}
+
+// Validate checks that the configuration values are sensible.
+func (c *Config) Validate() error {
+	if !c.Mode.Valid() {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid mode")
+	}
+	d, err := time.ParseDuration(c.PollInterval)
+	if d == 0 || err != nil {
+
+		return fmt.Errorf(
+			"invalid poll_interval %q: %v",
+			c.PollInterval, err,
+		)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Mode represents the message retrieval strategy.
+type Mode string
+
+// Valid returns true if the mode is a recognized value.
+func (m Mode) Valid() bool {
+	return slices.Contains([]Mode{ModeIdle, ModePoll}, m)
+}
+
+// String returns the mode as a string.
+func (m Mode) String() string {
+	return string(m)
+}
+
+const (
+	// ModeIdle uses IMAP IDLE for real-time notifications.
+	ModeIdle Mode = "idle"
+	// ModePoll uses periodic polling at a configured interval.
+	ModePoll Mode = "poll"
+)
+
+// Worker monitors an IMAP mailbox and dispatches message UIDs to answer
+// workers. It maintains a persistent connection with automatic reconnection
+// and exponential backoff on errors.
+type Worker struct {
+	// backoff controls retry delays after connection failures.
+	backoff *backoff.Backoff
+	// cfg holds the worker configuration.
+	cfg Config
+	// ic is the IMAP client for mailbox operations.
+	ic *imap.Client
+	// interval is the parsed poll interval duration.
+	interval time.Duration
+	// log is the worker's logger with worker context.
+	log *slog.Logger
+	// tracker prevents duplicate processing across workers.
+	tracker *tracker.Tracker
+	// update signals new messages during IDLE.
+	update chan struct{}
+	// work sends fetched message UIDs to answer workers.
+	work chan<- goimap.UID
+}
+
+// NewWorker creates an intake Worker with the provided configuration.
+// The tracker coordinates with answer workers to prevent duplicate processing.
+// The work channel receives UIDs for messages that need responses.
+func NewWorker(
+	cfg Config,
+	filters filter.Filters,
+	imapConfig imap.Config,
+	log *slog.Logger,
+	tracker *tracker.Tracker,
+	work chan<- goimap.UID,
+) (*Worker, error) {
+	if err := cfg.Validate(); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid config: %v", err)
+	}
+	if tracker == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("missing tracker")
+	}
+	if work == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("missing work channel")
+	}
+
+	b, err := backoff.New(backoff.Config{
+		Initial: time.Second,
+		Max:     time.Minute,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create backoff: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	ic, err := imap.NewClient(imapConfig, filters, log)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create imap client: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	var w = &Worker{
+		backoff: b,
+		cfg:     cfg,
+		ic:      ic,
+		log:     log.With(slog.String("worker", "intake")),
+		tracker: tracker,
+		work:    work,
+	}
+	switch w.cfg.Mode {
+	case ModeIdle:
+		w.update = make(chan struct{}, 1)
+
+	case ModePoll:
+		d, err := time.ParseDuration(cfg.PollInterval)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf(
+				"parse poll interval: %v", err,
+			)
+		}
+		w.interval = d
+	}
+
+	return w, nil
+}
+
+// Run starts the intake worker. It connects to the IMAP server and monitors
+// for new messages using either IDLE or poll mode based on configuration.
+// Handles reconnection automatically with exponential backoff on errors.
+// Returns nil when the context is canceled.
+func (w *Worker) Run(ctx context.Context) error {
+	w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "running intake worker")
+	defer w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "intake worker terminating")
+	defer w.ic.Disconnect(ctx)
+
+	// For IDLE mode, set up handler to signal new messages.
+	var opts *imapclient.Options
+	if w.cfg.Mode == ModeIdle {
+		opts = &imapclient.Options{
+			UnilateralDataHandler: &imapclient.UnilateralDataHandler{
+				Mailbox: func(data *imapclient.UnilateralDataMailbox) {
+					if data.NumMessages != nil {
+						select {
+						case w.update <- struct{}{}:
+						default:
+						}
+					}
+				},
+			},
+		}
+	}
+	for {
+		// Context closed -- terminate.
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx,
+				"context closed",
+				slog.Any("reason", ctx.Err()),
+			)
+			return nil
+		}
+
+		// Attempt to connect.
+		if w.ic.Client() == nil {
+			if err := w.ic.Connect(
+				ctx, w.log, opts,
+			); err != nil {
+				// Failed to connect; backoff and try again.
+				w.log.ErrorContext(
+					ctx,
+					"failed to connect to IMAP server",
+					slog.Any("error", err),
+				)
+				wait := w.backoff.Next()
+				w.log.InfoContext(
+					ctx,
+					"retrying after backoff",
+					slog.Any("wait", wait),
+				)
+				// Wait for backoff, unless context closed.
+				select {
+				case <-ctx.Done():
+					continue
+				case <-time.After(wait):
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+
+			// Connected.
+			// For IDLE mode, verify server capability.
+			if w.cfg.Mode == ModeIdle && !w.ic.CanIdle() {
+				return fmt.Errorf(
+					"server lacks IDLE capability",
+				)
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Retrieve messages with the appropriate mode.
+		var err error
+		switch w.cfg.Mode {
+		case ModeIdle:
+			err = w.idle(ctx)
+		case ModePoll:
+			err = w.poll(ctx)
+		default:
+			return fmt.Errorf("unrecognized mode: %q", w.cfg.Mode)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			// Diagnose the error.
+			// Context canceled: loop, log, return.
+			if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+				continue
+			}
+			// Otherwise, error on intake or idle.
+			w.log.ErrorContext(
+				ctx,
+				"IMAP error",
+				slog.Any("error", err),
+			)
+			wait := w.backoff.Next()
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx,
+				"retrying after backoff",
+				slog.Any("wait", wait),
+			)
+			select {
+			case <-ctx.Done():
+				continue
+			case <-time.After(wait):
+			}
+			// Force reconnect on next loop.
+			w.ic.Disconnect(ctx)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// poll runs the polling loop, checking for new messages at the configured
+// interval. The interval could be 5 seconds or 24 hours depending on use case.
+// Attempts to reuse the established connection, but the caller handles
+// reconnection if the server closes an idle connection.
+func (w *Worker) poll(ctx context.Context) error {
+	for {
+		// Refresh mailbox state before searching.
+		if err := w.ic.Noop(); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("noop: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if err := w.intake(ctx); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("intake: %v", err)
+		}
+		// Connection is healthy. Reset backoff.
+		w.backoff.Reset()
+
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return fmt.Errorf("context closed: %v", ctx.Err())
+		case <-time.After(w.interval):
+			continue
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// idle runs the IDLE loop, using IMAP IDLE for real-time message notifications.
+// After each intake cycle, issues an IDLE command and waits for the server
+// to signal new messages. Handles IDLE termination and reconnection.
+func (w *Worker) idle(ctx context.Context) error {
+	for {
+		if err := w.intake(ctx); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("intake: %v", err)
+		}
+		// Connection is healthy. Reset backoff.
+		w.backoff.Reset()
+
+		// Issue the IDLE command.
+		w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "entering IDLE mode")
+		idleCmd, err := w.ic.Idle()
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("idle: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Monitor the IDLE command.
+		idleDone := make(chan error, 1)
+		go func() {
+			idleDone <- idleCmd.Wait()
+		}()
+
+		// Wait for: shutdown, connection death, or new message.
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			if err := idleCmd.Close(); err != nil {
+				w.log.WarnContext(
+					ctx,
+					"failed to close IDLE command",
+					slog.Any("error", err),
+				)
+			}
+			return fmt.Errorf("context closed: %v", ctx.Err())
+
+		case err := <-idleDone:
+			// Connection died or IDLE ended unexpectedly.
+			if err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("idle wait: %v", err)
+			}
+			// IDLE ended without error (server closed).
+			w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "IDLE ended; refreshing")
+			return nil
+
+		case <-w.update:
+			w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "IDLE: new message received")
+			if err := idleCmd.Close(); err != nil {
+				<-idleDone
+				return fmt.Errorf("idle close: %v", err)
+			}
+			<-idleDone
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// intake fetches unseen messages and sends their UIDs to the work channel.
+// Uses the tracker to skip messages already being processed by answer workers.
+// Returns early if the work queue is full, deferring remaining messages to
+// the next cycle.
+func (w *Worker) intake(ctx context.Context) error {
+	w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "fetching unseen messages")
+
+	uids, err := w.ic.Unseen(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("retrieve unseen messages: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(uids) == 0 {
+		w.log.InfoContext(ctx, "no new messages")
+		return nil
+	}
+	w.log.InfoContext(
+		ctx,
+		"found unseen messages",
+		slog.Int("count", len(uids)),
+	)
+
+	for _, uid := range uids {
+		if !w.tracker.TryAcquire(uid) {
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx,
+				"skipping message; already acquired",
+				slog.Any("uid", uid),
+			)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			w.tracker.Release(uid)
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx,
+				"context closed",
+				slog.Any("reason", ctx.Err()),
+			)
+			return nil
+
+		case w.work <- uid:
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx, "enqueued", slog.Any("uid", uid),
+			)
+
+		default:
+			// Queue full, release and defer to next cycle.
+			w.tracker.Release(uid)
+			w.log.InfoContext(
+				ctx, "work queue full, deferring remaining",
+			)
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/intake/intake_test.go b/internal/intake/intake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a06183
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/intake/intake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+package intake
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"raven/internal/filter"
+	"raven/internal/imap"
+	"raven/internal/tracker"
+
+	goimap "github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2"
+)
+
+func TestConfigValidate(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		cfg     Config
+		wantErr bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "valid idle mode",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModeIdle,
+				PollInterval: "30s",
+			},
+			wantErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "valid poll mode",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModePoll,
+				PollInterval: "5m",
+			},
+			wantErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "valid poll mode with long interval",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModePoll,
+				PollInterval: "24h",
+			},
+			wantErr: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "invalid mode",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         "invalid",
+				PollInterval: "30s",
+			},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty mode",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         "",
+				PollInterval: "30s",
+			},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "missing poll interval",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModeIdle,
+				PollInterval: "",
+			},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "invalid poll interval",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModePoll,
+				PollInterval: "invalid",
+			},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "zero poll interval",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         ModePoll,
+				PollInterval: "0s",
+			},
+			wantErr: true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			err := tt.cfg.Validate()
+			if (err != nil) != tt.wantErr {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Validate() error = %v, wantErr %v",
+					err, tt.wantErr,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestModeValid(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		mode Mode
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{ModeIdle, true},
+		{ModePoll, true},
+		{"idle", true},
+		{"poll", true},
+		{"", false},
+		{"invalid", false},
+		{"IDLE", false},
+		{"POLL", false},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(string(tt.mode), func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := tt.mode.Valid(); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Mode(%q).Valid() = %v, want %v",
+					tt.mode, got, tt.want,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestModeString(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		mode Mode
+		want string
+	}{
+		{ModeIdle, "idle"},
+		{ModePoll, "poll"},
+		{"custom", "custom"},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.want, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := tt.mode.String(); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"Mode.String() = %v, want %v",
+					got, tt.want,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNewWorkerValidation(t *testing.T) {
+	validConfig := Config{
+		Mode:         ModeIdle,
+		PollInterval: "30s",
+	}
+	validTracker := tracker.New()
+	validWork := make(chan goimap.UID, 1)
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		cfg     Config
+		tracker *tracker.Tracker
+		work    chan goimap.UID
+		wantErr string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:    "nil tracker",
+			cfg:     validConfig,
+			tracker: nil,
+			work:    validWork,
+			wantErr: "missing tracker",
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "nil work channel",
+			cfg:     validConfig,
+			tracker: validTracker,
+			work:    nil,
+			wantErr: "missing work channel",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "invalid config",
+			cfg: Config{
+				Mode:         "invalid",
+				PollInterval: "30s",
+			},
+			tracker: validTracker,
+			work:    validWork,
+			wantErr: "invalid config",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			_, err := NewWorker(
+				tt.cfg,
+				filter.Filters{},
+				imap.Config{},
+				nil, // log
+				tt.tracker,
+				tt.work,
+			)
+			if err == nil {
+				t.Fatal("NewWorker() expected error, got nil")
+			}
+			if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), tt.wantErr) {
+				t.Errorf(
+					"NewWorker() error = %q, want containing %q",
+					err.Error(), tt.wantErr,
+				)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/tracker/tracker.go b/internal/tracker/tracker.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..510cbad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/tracker/tracker.go
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+// Package tracker prevents duplicate processing of IMAP messages by
+// maintaining a transient set of active, in-flight UIDs.
+package tracker
+
+import (
+	"sync"
+
+	"github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2"
+)
+
+// Tracker ensures unique concurrent processing of messages.
+// This prevents race conditions where a message might be fetched
+// again before its initial processing completes.
+type Tracker struct {
+	mu  sync.Mutex
+	ids map[imap.UID]struct{}
+}
+
+// New returns a ready-to-use Tracker.
+func New() *Tracker {
+	return &Tracker{
+		ids: make(map[imap.UID]struct{}),
+	}
+}
+
+// TryAcquire attempts to claim exclusive processing rights for a UID.
+// It returns true only if the UID is not currently being tracked.
+func (t *Tracker) TryAcquire(uid imap.UID) bool {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+	if _, exists := t.ids[uid]; exists {
+		return false
+	}
+	t.ids[uid] = struct{}{}
+	return true
+}
+
+// Release relinquishes processing rights for a UID, allowing it to be acquired again.
+func (t *Tracker) Release(uid imap.UID) {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+	delete(t.ids, uid)
+}
diff --git a/internal/tracker/tracker_test.go b/internal/tracker/tracker_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf8abd7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/tracker/tracker_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+package tracker
+
+import (
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/emersion/go-imap/v2"
+)
+
+func TestNew(t *testing.T) {
+	tr := New()
+	if tr == nil {
+		t.Fatal("New() returned nil")
+	}
+	if tr.ids == nil {
+		t.Fatal("New() initialized with nil map")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
+	tr := New()
+	uid := imap.UID(123)
+
+	// 1. First acquire should succeed.
+	if !tr.TryAcquire(uid) {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"expected TryAcquire(%d) to return true, got false",
+			uid,
+		)
+	}
+
+	// 2. Second acquire on same UID should fail.
+	if tr.TryAcquire(uid) {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"expected TryAcquire(%d) to return false when already held, got true",
+			uid,
+		)
+	}
+
+	// 3. Different UID should succeed.
+	otherUID := imap.UID(456)
+	if !tr.TryAcquire(otherUID) {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"expected TryAcquire(%d) to return true, got false",
+			otherUID,
+		)
+	}
+
+	// 4. Release first UID.
+	tr.Release(uid)
+
+	// 5. First UID should be acquirable again.
+	if !tr.TryAcquire(uid) {
+		t.Fatalf(
+			"expected TryAcquire(%d) to return true after Release, got false",
+			uid,
+		)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestConcurrency(t *testing.T) {
+	tr := New()
+	uid := imap.UID(1)
+	routines := 16
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+
+	// Counter for successful acquisitions.
+	successCount := 0
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+
+	for range routines {
+		wg.Go(func() {
+			if tr.TryAcquire(uid) {
+				mu.Lock()
+				successCount++
+				mu.Unlock()
+			}
+		})
+	}
+	wg.Wait()
+
+	if successCount != 1 {
+		t.Errorf(
+			"expected exactly 1 successful acquisition for concurrent access to same UID, got %d",
+			successCount,
+		)
+	}
+
+	// Verify we can release safely after concurrent hammer.
+	tr.Release(uid)
+	if !tr.TryAcquire(uid) {
+		t.Error("failed to acquire UID after concurrent test release")
+	}
+}