Rewrite NPC plans around the Quaternius base

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ Semantic Versioning.
 ### Changed
 
 - Raised the character mesh budget from 16,000 to 24,000 triangles and glTF
-  vertices so the MakeHuman head, MPFB body, fused neck and clothing variants
-  can fit without heavy decimation. Gear and prop budgets are unchanged.
+  vertices so the Quaternius NPC base, the five-slot clothing variants and the
+  retargeted animation can fit without heavy decimation. Gear and prop budgets are unchanged.
 
 ## [0.9.8] — 2026-11-04
 

CREDITS.md

@@ -48,10 +48,20 @@ shipped derivative of CesiumMan or RiggedFigure must keep the attribution above.
 
 The standalone MakeHuman head prototype is derived from the MakeHuman / MPFB base
 mesh, **CC0** (`assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb`; source
-`tmp/npc-research/makehuman/base.obj` with its bundled
-`LICENSE.md`/`LICENSE.ASSETS.md`). It is cut, retopologised and re-weighted by
-project scripts; the exported character GLBs remain project assets. See ADR-0015
-and `docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`.
+<https://static.makehumancommunity.org/makehuman.html>, MakeHuman base mesh,
+CC0 1.0). It is cut, retopologised and re-weighted by project scripts; the exported
+character GLBs remain project assets. The development source files were removed
+from `tmp/` after the 2026-11-05 pivot to Quaternius. The head is retained as a
+tested fallback, not the active NPC base. See ADR-0017 and
+`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`.
+
+### Quaternius NPC base source
+
+The active NPC base migration uses **Quaternius Ultimate Modular Characters** and
+**Ultimate Modular Women** (CC0 1.0, <https://quaternius.com/>). The three
+researched GLBs are development inputs and are not shipped directly; the baked,
+retargeted character GLBs are project assets. See ADR-0017 and
+`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md` for the decision, source hashes and rollout status.
 
 The venue geometry is authored procedurally in `src/game/world_builder.gd` as a
 stylized reconstruction. The Joke Shop is a fictional stand-in for the real

MEMORY.md

@@ -10,14 +10,6 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
   the licence gate. Downloads live in `tmp/research/` (gitignored): DDG image search, street-view
   frames, neighbouring buildings — never committed, never shipped. Promotion into
   `docs/screens/refs/` always passes the sidecar licence + privacy gate and `CREDITS.md`.
-- **MakeHuman head accepted (2026-11-04, owner):** the basic human head is a pass.
-  `assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb` is the CC0 MakeHuman-derived head
-  (12,642 tris / 7,690 split verts). The automated vision gate still records REJECT on
-  the eye/lid region (globe depth, lid overlap, iris at three-quarter) as deferred
-  polish, not a blocker. The assembled path (`build_character(head="mh")`) adds a
-  skull-conforming hair cap derived from the closed head shell, hides the scalp under
-  that cap, and narrows the neck/shoulder body. Default head source stays `face` until
-  the owner reviews the hair/body and the 12-variant rollout starts.
 - **AI-assisted asset review loop (2026-11-04):** head/face shape decisions use a concept +
   judge loop — generate a target concept (`generate_textures.generate_image`, Seedream) and use
   `tools/describe_image.py` as the vision judge, iterating on the mesh until the judge's specific
@@ -25,43 +17,6 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
   (`_head_proto` oscillates between "decorated egg" and "spiky wedges" at ~3/5 on the coarse
   sphere). Review page: `docs/screens/head-review/README.md`; methodology note:
   `docs/3d-model-review.md` §AI-driven head rework.
-- **MakeHuman hair/body prototype (2026-11-04):** `npc_casual --head mh` is
-  14,753 tris / 12,822 raw / 12,823 seam-split verts / 14 bones / 9 materials,
-  `inspect` clean. All 12 variants were counted at 14,693–15,987 tris. Hair uses flat
-  shading normals because the old hair normal map caused dark tangent patches on the
-  new cap. Scalp faces fully covered by the hair cap are deleted (saves ~950 tris);
-  the accepted face geometry is untouched. The procedural body was narrowed at the
-  neck/shoulders (shoulder root z 1.345, chest 0.158, neck 0.060/0.054) and its skin
-  decimate dropped to 0.21. The local renders are in
-  `tmp/npc-parts/prototype_mh/renders/`.
-- **MPFB full-body prototype (2026-11-04):** the current body candidate is the local MPFB 2.0.18
-  pipeline at `tmp/npc-research/build_mpfb_npc.py` (dev-only; no `.mhclo` clothing installed).
-  It creates a macro-driven human, bakes targets, adds the `game_engine` rig, captures arm
-  points/weights, removes the rig, applies the helper MASK, scales to 1.81 m, retargets the A-pose
-  arms to the contract wrist, cuts the neck at 1.505, decimates, bisects the clothing boundaries,
-  paints the five slots, adds a short neck flare, project hands, rounded shoes and cuffs, the
-  accepted head and the 14-bone contract armature. Current output: **15,317 tris / 13,690 glTF
-  verts / 13,702 seam-split verts / 1.810 m / 14 bones / 10 materials**; `inspect` clean and feet
-  grounded. The torso is inflated radially by 12% through z 0.72–1.40 to loosen the shirt. The
-  neck is a radial cut of the decimated column bridged by a four-ring, 20-segment lathe (lower
-  rings painted cloth, reads as a crew neck); the ankles are hidden by a bevelled 0.11 m shoe
-  shell, an inset 0.111 × 0.286 m sole, a tongue and a 0.08 m pant cuff. Sleeve cuffs use the
-  `cloth` slot and the `accessory` slot is carried by the sole. A light smoothing pass on the
-  closed thigh/hip region softens the decimated silhouette. Earlier torus collar, cloth cylinder
-  collar, skin neck-blend sphere and destructive neck `smooth_vert` pass failed: the shells read as a
-  brace, shelf or donut, and vertex smoothing tore the open collar boundary into a dark hole. An
-  untucked shirt-hem band at the hips also failed: it read as a hanging white flap at the crotch.
-  Protruding flat sole plates read as skates/bricks and were replaced by an inset sole under a
-  rounded shell; laces were dropped for triangle budget. The neck skin rule needed a `z > 1.35`
-  guard: without it the `radius < 0.08` test painted skin at the crotch. Lowering the hem to
-  z 0.80 (unitard), tilting it up at the front (high-cut swimwear) and a 13% hem flare (peplum)
-  were all rejected; the remaining crotch V is the dark hollow under a body-painted shirt. A quick
-  open, flared solidified tube (0.150→0.196 m, z 1.05→0.80, 24 segments, ~288 tris) also failed:
-  it read as a hanging apron/tabard. The real fix is a shaped shirt shell with armholes and a
-  curved hem, not a tube. Remaining polish: crotch V, partly loosened shirt,
-  angular thigh facets. The prototype uses flat slot colours because the one-shot MPFB UV unwrap
-  does not match the per-slot NPC atlases. Renders:
-  `tmp/npc-parts/mpfb_proto/renders84/`; body-only: `body_only.glb`.
 - **Project agent skills (2026-11-03):** two tracked skills live in `.agents/skills/`:
   `gig-line-blender-asset-contract` and `gig-line-release-qa`. They are guidance only,
   add no runtime dependency and are referenced from `tools/README.md`. The third-party
@@ -97,11 +52,6 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
   (94 skills + shared `references/`), gitignored, kept out of Godot's scanner by
   `.agents/.gdignore`. Keep the pack flat when updating (`cp -a <pack>/.claude/skills/. ...`).
   Pi gates project `.agents/skills` behind project trust.
-- **NPC model sourcing (ADR-0015):** CC0 acceptable for shipped assets; CC-BY only with
-  attribution in `CREDITS.md`; no service assets with redistribution restrictions. The procedural
-  generator is the primary path. Quaternius and MakeHuman were evaluated as references only, not
-  shipped bases (Quaternius: 62-bone T-pose rig mismatch; MakeHuman: needs retopology + custom
-  rig + clothing).
 - **Gaussian splatting (unversioned):** offline/development-only until an ADR proves licence,
   privacy, Compatibility/Web cost and mesh collision. Accepted photo channels: team captures,
   permissioned user/volunteer photos, clearly licensed downloads; every set needs a
@@ -117,18 +67,18 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
 - **Character mesh cap (2026-11-05):** all characters use 24,000 tris / 24,000 glTF vertices
   (`CHAR_MAX_TRIS`/`CHAR_MAX_VERTS` in `tools/blender_assets.py`; `npc_pipeline.MAX_TRIANGLES`/
   `MAX_VERTICES`). The required 13 core bones stay, optional extra bones are allowed, and the
-  low-poly `npc_base` fallback remains the shipped fallback. The raise funds the MPFB body and a
-  seamless neck/shoulder junction. Measure the 24-NPC/Web budget after
+  low-poly `npc_base` fallback remains the shipped fallback. The raise funds the Quaternius base bake and
+  the 12-variant clothing detail. Measure the 24-NPC/Web budget after
   any geometry change; never silently lower the cap without a new decision.
-- **MPFB prototype neck (2026-11-05):** a boolean cylinder (r 0.102) cuts the body neck bore; a
-  smooth lathe covers it. The accepted head keeps a wide flat cut brim at 1.53, so the prototype
-  trims the head at 1.55 (discarding only the neck stub) and matches the lathe to the smaller
-  elliptical opening. This removes the square collar, dark notches and wide brim. Remaining: a
-  thin jaw crease and a hard shirt-shoulder point in three-quarter view. Do not re-add a torus,
-  flat disk, collar shell or destructive neck smoothing; those were rejected.
-- **MPFB prototype count (2026-11-05):** 19,747 tris / 16,851 glTF verts / 1.810 m / 14 bones /
-  10 materials; `inspect` clean. Body-only head/neck surgery lives in
-  `tmp/npc-research/build_mpfb_npc.py` (backups in `/tmp/build_mpfb_npc_94.py`).
+- **Quaternius is the NPC base (2026-11-05, owner):** ADR-0017 supersedes the generator-first
+  sourcing decision. The CC0 Quaternius Ultimate Modular character pack is the primary NPC mesh
+  and animation source. Stage 1 bakes a proportion-warped, 13-core-contract `npc_base` so
+  `NpcAvatar`, gear and animations keep working; the 62-joint/24-clip source rig is authoring
+  input, not a runtime dependency. If the warp fails the silhouette gate, Stage 2 needs a new ADR
+  for a 62-joint runtime, not a hybrid. The MakeHuman head and procedural `npc_base` remain
+  tested fallbacks until the Quaternius rollout ships. Quaternius source: CC0, attribution in
+  `CREDITS.md`; the three researched GLBs and licence notes are kept in
+  `tmp/npc-research/quaternius/`. MPFB/MakeHuman body work is closed; do not add new work there.
 - **Engine baseline:** Godot 4.7.2 stable (official editor `~/.local/bin/godot`). The system's
   `godot-runner` cannot load arbitrary project paths (compiled without path overrides); use the
   official editor binary.
@@ -167,27 +117,6 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
   out of a portrait frame (park the rest of the crowd away instead).
 - Blender: `bisect_plane` and thin bevels leave zero-area triangles (Godot "non-finite normal in
   LOD generation"); `_clean()` + a weld after bisect fixes them and the audit rejects them.
-- MakeHuman head/hair gotchas: the imported head is broad and flat, so a separate hair
-  ellipsoid floats or leaves a bald patch; derive the cap from the closed head shell and
-  boolean-cut the hairline. Do not reuse the skull's UVs with the old `hair_normal.png`
-  (dark tangent patches) — hair skips the normal map. Generate the cap before deleting
-  the hidden scalp, or the cap inherits the hole. The flatpak sandbox cannot read `/tmp`;
-  helper scripts must live under `$PWD`.
-- MakeHuman OBJ intake transform (`base.obj`): the source is Y-up, 16.946 units tall. To reach
-  the project Blender Z-up / metres / front -Y space: scale 0.10739, translate y +0.907 (ground
-  the feet), then rotate +90° around X (maps +Y→+Z up and +Z→−Y front). The full-res head carries
-  internal geometry (eyes/teeth/mouth shells) and is non-manifold; voxel-remesh and Catmull-Clark
-  subdivision both fragment it into shards. On the decimated head, weld first
-  (`remove_doubles` ~0.0002) then Laplacian `smooth_vert`; subdivision without the weld splits
-  along the GLB seam vertices.
-- MPFB gotchas: call `TargetService.bake_targets(body)` before any decimate (shape-key
-  modifier error); add the built-in rig and capture arm weights before applying the MASK
-  modifier, or `build_basemesh_position_info` divides by zero on an emptied bone group;
-  decimate before bisecting the clothing loops, or the decimator collapses the bisect
-  into a sawtooth. Clear custom split normals after joining (imported MPFB normals leave
-  flat-shaded thigh facets). Imported GLBs may include helper `Cube`/`Icosphere` meshes at
-  ±1.0, so select `npc_base` explicitly. Delete the MPFB hands by hand/finger vertex-group
-  weights, not only by `|x|`, or leftover fingers become pants-coloured fins.
 - Image models have per-model size floors/caps (Seedream needs 1920+; `GEN_SIZE=2048`, do not
   lower; gpt-5-image-mini caps lower). `generate_image` applies model-specific sizing; concept
   generation defaults to `--request-size 1536`.
@@ -269,9 +198,9 @@ canonical implemented-features list in `docs/development-status.md`.
 The playable build covers the three venues, tutorial/campaign/checkpoints, the 0.9.3–0.9.6
 polish/texture/integration passes and the Blender + realism asset pipeline (see `DONE.md` and
 `CHANGELOG.md`). The 12-character library (realistic face + four crowd variants) and the
-Comedy Store map rebuild are complete. **Priority (2026-11-04, owner):** 1) the **Blender NPC
-model overhaul** (head/face/hands, local part pipeline), 2) finish the MakeHuman character + the
-3D model and map improvements, 3) ship it all together in the **0.10.0 minor**. The 0.9.7/0.9.8
+Comedy Store map rebuild are complete. **Priority (2026-11-05, owner):** 1) the **Quaternius NPC
+base migration** (bake the CC0 Quaternius character to the runtime contract), 2) the 3D model and
+map improvements, 3) ship it all together in the **0.10.0 minor**. The 0.9.7/0.9.8
 character patches are published; `TODO.md` is the priority source. Test counts as of 2026-11-04:
 Godot 277/277, Python 167/167, `check_docs` OK.
 

PLAN.md

@@ -18,11 +18,13 @@ The game is about **judgment, communication, access verification, and proportion
 
 The active planning order is set in [`TODO.md`](TODO.md) and in `AGENTS.md`:
 
-1. **Character development (unversioned).** Expand the owned procedural character library with
-   crowd, age, build, hair and outfit variety. Keep the frozen bone/tint/gear contract; see
-   [ADR-0015](docs/adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md) and
-   [`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`](docs/npc-model-sourcing.md). Quaternius is a reference;
-   MakeHuman is deferred to a separate local pipeline.
+1. **Quaternius NPC base (unversioned).** Use the CC0 **Quaternius Ultimate Modular
+   Characters** as the primary NPC mesh and animation source. Bake a canonical Quaternius base
+   onto the runtime `npc_base` contract (13 core bones, five tint slots, 24,000/24,000) so the
+   existing gear, `NpcAvatar` and gameplay poses keep working. If the proportion warp fails the
+   silhouette gate, stop and decide on the 62-joint source rig in a new ADR. See
+   [ADR-0017](docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md) and
+   [`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`](docs/npc-model-sourcing.md). MakeHuman/MPFB body work is closed.
 2. **Local map development (unversioned).** Move beyond stylized venue reconstruction with
    licensed OpenStreetMap and 3D building data, downloaded reference imagery for photoreal
    facades, AI-assisted composition, and a Gaussian-splatting evaluation that stays in the
@@ -169,7 +171,7 @@ The action wheel prioritizes de-escalation: Stop, Look, Point, No, Ask, Inspect,
 
 The visual direction is readable stylized realism:
 
-- **Character direction:** 8 skinned NPC variants, 18 gear pieces and 20 street/venue props, with four crowd-variety variants prototyped. The generator-first expansion is the active character track ([ADR-0015](docs/adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md)); Quaternius is a reference and MakeHuman is deferred to a local pipeline.
+- **Character direction:** 12 skinned NPC variants, 18 gear pieces and 20 street/venue props. The active character track is the Quaternius base migration ([ADR-0017](docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)): use the CC0 Quaternius mesh/animation source, bake it to the runtime contract, and retire the bespoke procedural body work.
 - **Realism pass:** AI-assisted per-phase skyline panoramas, v2 surface tiles with normal maps, wet asphalt at night, a warm day haze, phase-specific sun/exposure/fog, a tight flashlight spot (no beam geometry), and denser foliage.
 - **Local map direction:** the venues are currently stylized reconstructions. The local-map track evaluates licensed OpenStreetMap/3D building data, licensed reference photography, AI-assisted composition and Gaussian splatting as a development tool; online data and splat rendering are not runtime dependencies.
 - **References and QA:** runtime UI art lives in `assets/images/ui/`; reference/art-direction sets live in `docs/screens/designs/` and `docs/screens/concepts/`; captures live in `docs/screenshots/`; realism runs live in `docs/screens/realism/`. `screen_designs.py compare/judge` and `tools/check_screenshots.sh` guard drift.
@@ -177,7 +179,7 @@ The visual direction is readable stylized realism:
 
 The active planning order — unversioned character and local-map development first, then the versioned 0.10.0 release-candidate hardening and later releases — is tracked in [`TODO.md`](TODO.md); this plan stays at the product/design level.
 
-Primary decisions: [ADR-0007](docs/adr/0007-locomotion-and-input-layers.md), [ADR-0008](docs/adr/0008-cone-focus-and-head-ring.md), [ADR-0009](docs/adr/0009-radial-action-menu.md), [ADR-0010](docs/adr/0010-procedural-npc-presentation.md), [ADR-0011](docs/adr/0011-aim-free-selection-and-precision-walk.md), [ADR-0012](docs/adr/0012-surface-materials-and-generated-props.md), [ADR-0013](docs/adr/0013-blender-authored-npc-characters.md), [ADR-0015](docs/adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md).
+Primary decisions: [ADR-0007](docs/adr/0007-locomotion-and-input-layers.md), [ADR-0008](docs/adr/0008-cone-focus-and-head-ring.md), [ADR-0009](docs/adr/0009-radial-action-menu.md), [ADR-0010](docs/adr/0010-procedural-npc-presentation.md), [ADR-0011](docs/adr/0011-aim-free-selection-and-precision-walk.md), [ADR-0012](docs/adr/0012-surface-materials-and-generated-props.md), [ADR-0013](docs/adr/0013-blender-authored-npc-characters.md), [ADR-0015](docs/adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md), [ADR-0017](docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md).
 
 ## Tech Stack
 

README.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ The central design goal is simple:
 The active planning order lives in [`TODO.md`](TODO.md) and [`AGENTS.md`](AGENTS.md):
 
 1. **3D model and local map re-evaluation** — score every shipped asset, then evaluate licensed OpenStreetMap/3D data, reference-derived photoreal facades, AI-assisted composition and a Gaussian-splatting development evaluation.
-2. **Character development** — crowd, age, build, hair and outfit variety on the owned procedural library, keeping the frozen NPC contract. Source evaluation and the licence decision are in [`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`](docs/npc-model-sourcing.md).
+2. **Quaternius NPC base** — use the CC0 Quaternius Ultimate Modular character as the primary mesh and animation source, baked to the existing runtime contract. Source evaluation and the licence decision are in [`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`](docs/npc-model-sourcing.md) and [ADR-0017](docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md).
 3. **Versioned release hardening** — the 0.10.0 release candidate and later semantic versions follow the unversioned development tracks.
 
 Versions are assigned only when a track's scope is accepted into a release. Every major, minor and patch version requires a changelog entry, a local release build and artifact verification before tagging.
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ Versions are assigned only when a track's scope is accepted into a release. Ever
 > texture/material refinement and integration checkpoint.
 >
 > **Current source: v0.9.8** — tagged from the same commit. The 0.10.0
-> development track remains gated on the NPC overhaul, MakeHuman/local-map work
+> development track remains gated on the Quaternius NPC rollout, local-map work
 > and release approvals.
 > Releases are built automatically when a `vX.Y.Z` tag is pushed
 > (see [`docs/RELEASING.md`](docs/RELEASING.md)); manual builds use
@@ -95,8 +95,9 @@ Every capture is rendered from the current build by [`tools/check_screenshots.sh
 
 ### 3D asset progress
 
-The character, gear and prop libraries are authored procedurally in Blender and audited before use;
-the sheets below track their visual progress.
+The current character library is Blender-authored and audited before use. The active character
+migration moves the NPC base to the CC0 Quaternius modular character; the sheets below show the
+current library and will be replaced after the 12 × 6 baseline review.
 
 | | |
 | --- | --- |
@@ -131,7 +132,7 @@ decisions are recorded as ADRs in [`docs/adr/`](docs/adr/).
 ## Tech Stack
 
 - **Engine:** Godot 4.7.2 · **Language:** GDScript
-- **NPCs:** Blender-authored skinned library (`assets/models/blender/`) with procedural fallbacks; lightweight FSMs on `NpcProfile`
+- **NPCs:** Blender-authored skinned library (`assets/models/blender/`) with procedural fallbacks; Quaternius CC0 base migration in progress; lightweight FSMs on `NpcProfile`
 - **World:** procedural `WorldBuilder` + generated prop models
 - **Art:** v2 skyline/surface textures in `assets/textures/ai/game_ready/v2/picks/`; UI/scene art in `assets/images/`
 - **Asset tooling:** `asset_pipeline.py`, `model_pipeline.py`, `npc_pipeline.py`, `blender_assets.py`, `scene_concepts.py`, `screen_designs.py`, `check_screenshots.sh`
@@ -190,8 +191,8 @@ v0.9.8 is the current source version: the character-development patch with the
 and save-migration/release hardening. It sits on the 0.9.6 integration
 checkpoint, 0.9.5 texture refinement, 0.9.4 NPC visual optimization, 0.9.3
 UI/accessibility polish, 0.9.2 Hollywood/Joke Shop maps and the 0.9.x engine
-baseline. The active priorities are the Blender NPC head/face/hand overhaul,
-MakeHuman body intake and the 3D model/map re-evaluation; the 0.10.0 release
+baseline. The active priorities are the Quaternius NPC base migration and the 3D
+model/map re-evaluation; the 0.10.0 release
 candidate follows those tracks. See
 [`docs/development-status.md`](docs/development-status.md) for the implemented list
 and [`TODO.md`](TODO.md) for the priority-ordered roadmap. Manual verification uses

TODO.md

@@ -3,281 +3,105 @@
 Work is grouped by theme. Each item should be small enough to complete and verify on its own;
 see `AGENTS.md` for the workflow and `MEMORY.md` for the decisions behind these plans.
 
-**Priority order (2026-11-04, owner):** 1) **Blender NPC model overhaul** — head, face and hands
-with a local part pipeline; 2) finish the MakeHuman character + the 3D model and map improvements;
-3) ship it together in the **0.10.0 minor**. The 0.9.7/0.9.8 character patches are published. See
-`AGENTS.md` §Priority and Versioning and §Local Blender skills.
+**Priority order (2026-11-05, owner):** 1) **Quaternius NPC base migration** — use the CC0
+Quaternius character as the mesh/animation source and bake it to the runtime contract; 2) the 3D
+model and local map improvements; 3) ship it together in the **0.10.0 minor**. The 0.9.7/0.9.8
+character patches are published. See `AGENTS.md` §Priority and Versioning and §Local Blender skills.
 
 The MIT Blender skill pack lives locally at `.agents/skills/blender-skills/` (gitignored). Every
 3D workstream below names the skills to load; they are guidance only, and the project contract,
 `blender_assets.py audit`/`fit`/`inspect` and the capture gates stay authoritative.
 
-## Blender NPC model overhaul (top priority)
+## Quaternius NPC base migration (top priority)
 
-Goal: replace the sphere-and-primitive face and hand construction with a local, part-based
-development pipeline that can build, inspect and compare the **head/face** and **hands** separately
-before assembling them into the shipped character. Prioritise face readability at portrait
-distance, then hand silhouette and gear contact. Preserve the `npc_base` contract, the 13 core-bone rig (optional extra bones allowed),
-five tint slots, 24,000/24,000 character cap, optional extra bones beyond the required 13, and the Compatibility/Web path.
+Goal: replace the generator-first NPC base with the CC0 **Quaternius Ultimate Modular
+Characters** as the primary mesh and animation source, while keeping one committed
+`npc_base` skinned mesh, the five tint slots and a runtime contract that Godot, gear
+and tests can consume. The detailed decision is [ADR-0017](docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md);
+it supersedes the generator-first sourcing decision in ADR-0015.
 
-*Skill route: `character-artist`, `retopology`, `sculpting`, `rigging`, `uv-workflow`,
-`texture-workflow`, `materials`, `lookdev`, `asset-optimization`, `qa-review`.*
+**Why:** the research pack already has a coherent low-poly human silhouette, 21 modular
+outfits and 24 animations. The current procedural body needs a separate head, hands, neck
+and shoe pipeline to look human; using Quaternius as the base removes that bespoke body work.
 
-**Current state:** `assets/models/npc/` contains the tracked frozen `npc_base.blend` and its
-gitignored `.blend1`; the 12 production characters are assembled procedurally by
-`tools/blender_assets.py` from `_shape_head_mesh`, `_face`, `_hair` and `_hands_and_shoes`.
-The MakeHuman head is now a second head source (`build_character(head="mh")`,
-`build --head mh`, `npc_parts.py assemble --head mh`) and all 12 variants assemble inside the
-24,000-triangle cap with it. The procedural body, hands and clothing remain unchanged. The
-MakeHuman body prototype and its temporary head/hand swap live under `tmp/npc-research/` and are
-not the shipped path. This overhaul supplies the reusable head/face and hand parts that both the
-procedural characters and the MakeHuman body can consume.
+**Default path (Stage 1):** retarget and proportion-warp the Quaternius mesh onto the
+existing 13-core contract, so `NpcAvatar`, gear attach points and the current animation
+composition keep working. The 62-joint Quaternius rig and its 24 clips are an authoring
+source, not a new runtime dependency.
 
-This workstream supersedes the face/head and hands items in §C until the prototypes are approved;
-the rest of §C remains the broad review checklist.
+**Stage 2 gate:** if the proportion warp cannot preserve the Quaternius silhouette and
+deformation at an acceptable level, stop the rollout and write a new ADR for adopting the
+62-joint rig at runtime. Do not ship a hybrid rig or silently change `NpcAvatar`.
 
-### 1. Baseline and acceptance
+**Exit:** one committed Quaternius-derived source GLB produces all 12 variants inside
+24,000 tris / 24,000 glTF vertices, with five slots, gear fit, Idle/Walk deformation,
+`audit`/`fit`/`inspect` clean, the 24-NPC budget measured, and an owner-approved 12 × 6
+baseline sheet.
 
-- [x] Inventory the real starting point: the frozen `assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend`, the 12
-      generated character GLBs/AO maps, the current `_face`/`_hands_and_shoes` builders and the
-      temporary MakeHuman head/hand swap. Recorded tris/verts, head subdivision, material slots,
-      UV layout and the exact locations of eye/mouth/finger geometry in
-      `docs/3d-model-review.md` §Baseline inventory.
-- [x] Define measurable acceptance: face front/three-quarter/profile at 1.5 m and 1.85 m; hands
-      open and gripping at 0.8 m; silhouette, eye/mouth readability, ear/nose/jaw planes, finger
-      separation and gear contact. Keep the 24,000/24,000 cap; optional extra bones are allowed, but the required 13 core bones and rest positions must not move.
-      Recorded in `docs/3d-model-review.md` §Overhaul acceptance criteria.
-- [x] Confirm the identity boundary: `npc_base.blend` is the frozen fallback and must not absorb
-      prototype detail unless a separate contract decision approves it.
-      Recorded in `docs/3d-model-review.md` §Baseline inventory and
-      `docs/blender-assets.md` §Frozen fallback boundary.
-- [x] Choose a local working-set layout: `tmp/npc-parts/<variant>/` (gitignored) for part `.blend`
-      and preview GLBs; only the assembled character GLBs, AO/maps, manifest and review sheets are
-      committed. Do not add a new committed `.blend` source tree without a docs/ADR decision.
-      Recorded in `docs/3d-model-review.md` §Working-set layout and
-      `docs/asset-tooling.md` §Recommended part-workflow.
+### 1. Intake and canonical base
 
-### 2. Local part pipeline
+- [ ] Keep the three researched CC0 GLBs (`Casual`, `Casual_Hoodie`, `Worker`) plus the
+      licence/mirror notes in `tmp/npc-research/quaternius/`; record the source URL,
+      licence, SHA-256 and download date in `docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`.
+- [ ] Inventory the four meshes, 62 joints, 24 clips and material names in each GLB; map
+      Quaternius materials to the five project slots (`skin`, `cloth`, `pants`, `accessory`,
+      `hair`).
+- [ ] Choose the initial outfit scope: build the three full GLBs first; only use the 21-part
+      modular builder if the three looks cannot cover the 12 roles.
+- [ ] Build a canonical `quaternius_base.glb`: one welded, triangulated, grounded 1.81 m
+      humanoid with front on Blender −Y, no animation, and a documented bone/part inventory.
 
-- [x] Add `tools/npc_parts.py` with a small, documented CLI:
-      `extract` (pull the current head/hands for comparison), `build --part head|face|hand_l|hand_r`,
-      `assemble --variant <name>`, `inspect`, `compare` and `sheet`. It reuses the existing
-      builder helpers (`blender_assets.py` `_face`/`_hands_and_shoes`/`_shape_head_mesh`); no
-      second face/hand implementation. Verified end-to-end: built `head`/`face`/`hand_l`/`hand_r`,
-      extracted `hand_l` from the shipped GLB, assembled `npc_casual` (contract inspect: no issues).
-- [x] Keep the part pipeline local-only and headless: flatpak Blender for authoring, stdlib/Pillow
-      for inspection and sheets. No Blender MCP dependency, no new runtime dependency, no CI
-      Blender step.
-- [x] Add tests for deterministic part assembly, contract output (mesh root, bones, slots, budgets)
-      and the non-Blender failure path. `tools/tests/test_npc_parts.py` covers the part-name set,
-      the clean Blender-required error path, sheet/compare error paths and a real-PNG sheet. The
-      assembled prototype passes `inspect` (npc_base, 14 bones, skinned, no issues).
-- [x] Consider optional Blender MCP for interactive part exploration and document setup/safety.
-      (`docs/asset-tooling.md#optional-interactive-blender-mcp` covers addon/client setup, Pi `pi mcp add`, flatpak networking,
-      viewport/`bpy` workflow and the rule that headless audit/fit remains authoritative; MCP is
-      not a build/CI/runtime dependency.)
-- [x] Document the commands, working-set paths and "part source is not a shipped asset" rule in
-      `docs/asset-tooling.md`, `docs/blender-assets.md` and
-      `.agents/skills/gig-line-blender-asset-contract/references/verification.md`.
+### 2. Contract bake and animation
 
-### 3. Head and face prototype
+- [ ] Author the 62-joint → 13-core joint map, including optional finger/face extras if
+      they survive within 24,000 vertices; record it in `docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`.
+- [ ] Bake the rest pose and proportion warp to the contract hip, knee, shoulder, elbow,
+      wrist and head positions. Measure the warp at every joint and record the silhouette
+      deltas; do not accept a distorted deltoid or shortened arm.
+- [ ] Skin the Quaternius mesh and verify Idle, Walk, seated and arm-down poses. The old
+      MPFB/arm-retarget warps are not a reference; judge the Quaternius result directly.
+- [ ] Retarget Idle and Walk from the 24 Quaternius clips to the contract rig; discard
+      combat, gun and sword clips. Verify looping, foot contact and frame rate in Godot.
+- [ ] Map the five slots, unwrap per slot, bake 256² AO/albedo/normal/ORM maps and check
+      texel density before any roster build.
 
-- [x] Build one `npc_casual` head/face prototype as a connected head shell plus intentional feature
-      geometry — not a sphere with floating facial balls. Use loop-based eye sockets/lids, a
-      readable nose bridge/tip/ala, a mouth with upper/lower lip volumes, ears with concha depth,
-      and brow/cheek/jaw planes that survive the 256² AO bake.
-      Outcome (AI-judged, 2026-11-04): the displacement shell oscillated egg/spiky at ~3/5; the
-      judge picked the **decimated MakeHuman head**. That head is now built as `_makehuman_head`
-      (`build_character(head="mh")`, `npc_parts.py build --part head_mh`): committed CC0 source
-      `assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb` + project sclera/iris/lids/brows/mouth;
-      assembled `npc_casual` passes `inspect` (14 bones, no issues). Remaining polish: weld the
-      eye/brow pieces into the head shell and add a skull-conforming hair cap (owner-gated rollout).
-- [x] Compare two or three subdivision/loop variants at 1.85 m front/three-quarter/profile and a
-      1.5 m portrait. Pick the variant that reads best before changing all 12 characters; keep the
-      rejected variants local.
-- [x] Rebuild a standalone MakeHuman-derived head from the researched CC0 base and save it to
-      `assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb`; record provenance/review in
-      `docs/makehuman-head-review.md` and the preview sheet. Final build: 12,642 tris /
-      7,690 split verts, bounds x −0.094..0.094, y −0.180..0.042, z 1.530..1.803. The owner
-      accepted the **basic human head** on 2026-11-04; the automated vision gate still records
-      the eye-region REJECT as deferred polish (globe depth, lid overlap, iris at three-quarter).
-      The assembled path now adds a skull-conforming hair cap, a hidden-scalp trim and a narrowed
-      neck/shoulder body. Assembled `npc_casual --head mh`: 14,753 tris / 12,822 raw / 12,823
-      seam-split verts / 14 bones / 9 materials, `inspect` clean.
-- [ ] Build true upper/lower eyelid masses that overlap the globe in front, three-quarter and
-      profile views (not a socket hole), then re-run the vision gate. Deferred: the owner accepted
-      the basic head, so this is polish, not a rollout blocker.
+### 3. Silhouette gate
 
-      Compared `head_proto` at seg 24 (670 verts), 48 (1,558 verts) and 64 (2,470 verts) at 1.85 m
-      and 1.5 m, front/three-quarter/profile. Vision-judged: **s48 wins** — s24 is too faceted
-      (nose/lips melt, jagged silhouette), s64 is visually identical to s48 at both distances
-      (extra ~900 verts wasted). Rejected variants stay in `tmp/npc-parts/`.
-- [-] Verify head weights stay on the Head bone, headgear clearance still passes `fit`, and the
-      face does not bake recessed creases into dark AO patches.
-      Weight check done: `npc_parts.py assemble --head-proto` passes `inspect` (npc_base, 14 bones,
-      skinned, no issues) and the head join is weighted 100% Head by construction
-      (`rigid=lambda p: "Head"`). Headgear clearance and the AO no-blotch check are pending the
-      §5 rollout (the `fit`/`bake_ao` tools read the committed assets; the ad-hoc AO bake on the
-      imported GLB came out black and is superseded by the proper `.blend`-source bake). Flag: the
-      prototype ears reach x ±0.162 vs the 0.1575 head-radius reference, so headgear may clip and
-      must be re-measured at rollout.
-- [-] Owner review of the assembled one-variant prototype (`npc_casual --head mh`) before the
-      12 shipped GLBs change. The basic human head is accepted (2026-11-04); the review now covers
-      the skull-conforming hair cap and the narrowed neck/shoulder body silhouette. Local renders:
-      `tmp/npc-parts/prototype_mh/renders/` (portrait front/three-quarter/profile + full body).
-      Rollout starts only after this review.
+- [ ] Render the base at 1.5 m and 1.85 m in front, three-quarter and profile; compare
+      against the Quaternius source and the current `npc_casual`. Use the vision judge for a
+      written verdict, but the owner decides.
+- [ ] Confirm gear attach points (head, hand, back, chest) and test cap, helmet, backpack,
+      shoulder bag, lanyard, clipboard and firefighter tank against the new shoulders/hips.
+- [ ] Go/no-go: if the warp fails the silhouette gate, stop and write the 62-joint runtime
+      ADR (Stage 2). Do not start the 12-variant rebuild.
 
-### 4. Hands and grip prototype
+### 4. Roster and rollout
 
-- [x] Build separate left/right hand parts with a connected palm, four multi-segment fingers, a
-      thumb, knuckles and rounded tips. Support an open palm and a relaxed grip; preserve the
-      current `HAND_ITEM_FORWARD` behaviour for phone/cup/clipboard/camera/flashlight/wand/radio.
-      `npc_parts.py build --part hand_l_proto|hand_r_proto` fuses the palm/fingers/thumb into one
-      mesh (`_hand_proto` in `blender_assets.py`, remove-doubles at 6 mm). Vision-judged at 0.8 m:
-      "keep the fused version" — reads as a thumb + four fingertips, no missing fingers or holes.
-      Explicit knuckles and deeper fingertip notches are deferred polish (P2); the acceptance bar
-      "reads as a hand, not a mitten" is met.
-- [x] Decide finger articulation explicitly: the current rig has no finger bones, so keep the
-      open/relaxed-palm approach unless an ADR approves optional finger bones and the
-      budget/weight path.
-      Decided 2026-11-04: keep the open palm + `HAND_ITEM_FORWARD` (no finger bones). Finger-curl
-      articulation stays out of scope; the contract already allows optional extra bones, so if the
-      owner later wants a grip rig it is an ADR + budget change, not a blocker. (Recorded in
-      `MEMORY.md`; re-confirmed here.)
-- [-] Verify all hand gear at 0.8 m (contact, clipping, direction) and capture open/grip hand
-      close-ups for the review sheet.
-      Open close-up captured (0.8 m). Gear contact is unchanged by construction: `_hand_proto`
-      reuses the same palm geometry and the same `HAND_ITEM_FORWARD`/Hand-proxy attach, so the
-      existing `fit` hand-gear clearances carry over. The grip close-up + gear-in-hand context
-      needs the §5 assembly (hand_proto swapped into the character), so it is verified there.
-- [ ] Roll the approved hands into all 12 variants only after the one-variant hand sheet passes.
+- [ ] Map the 12 roles to Quaternius outfits/parts, build them in asset-family batches,
+      and keep every variant inside the 24,000/24,000 cap.
+- [ ] Run `audit`, `fit`, `inspect`, `texels` and `npc_proportions.py report`; record the
+      12-variant table and the warp measurements.
+- [ ] Re-run the 24-NPC budget smoke and the Web/Compatibility capture; record frame time
+      before and after the base swap.
+- [ ] Capture the 12 × 6 baseline (`capture_npc_baseline.gd` → `npc_baseline.py sheet`) and
+      get owner approval before replacing the committed character GLBs.
+- [ ] Rebuild AO maps, manifest entries, credits and review docs; commit one asset family per
+      change and never run a no-op full-library rebuild.
 
-### 5. Assembly and rollout
+### 5. Retire the old character tracks
 
-**MakeHuman 12-variant rollout.** - [x] Make the head source selectable from the main builder:
-      `blender_assets.py build --head mh --only npc_casual,...` and
-      `npc_parts.py assemble --variant <name> --head mh --out <stem>`. The default stays `face`
-      until the hair/body review passes.
-- [x] Verify every variant assembles with the MakeHuman head inside the 16,000/16,000 cap
-      (pre-export triangle counts, `inspect` clean; `npc_casual` seam-split verts 12,823):
-      `npc_casual 14,753`, `npc_jacket 15,153`, `npc_coat 15,817`, `npc_vest 15,579`,
-      `npc_dress 15,215`, `npc_hoodie 15,837`, `npc_firefighter 15,987`, `npc_guard 15,729`,
-      `npc_crowd_a 14,947`, `npc_crowd_b 14,693`, `npc_crowd_c 15,433`, `npc_crowd_d 15,833`.
-- [x] Recover head budget without touching the accepted face: remove head faces fully covered by
-      the hair cap, keep boundary faces as a safety band, and trim the hidden neck plug to 12
-      segments. This saves ~950 tris on every variant.
-- [ ] Owner approves the hair cap and full-body silhouette on the local `npc_casual` prototype.
-      **Status (2026-11-04):** the current body candidate is the MPFB full-body prototype below,
-      not the narrowed procedural body; the 12-variant rebuild is blocked on that review.
-- [ ] Rebuild the 12 committed character GLBs with `--head mh`, in asset-family batches, then
-      regenerate their AO maps and manifest entries. Never run a no-op full-library rebuild.
-- [ ] Run `blender_assets.py audit`, `fit`, `inspect` and `texels`, plus
-      `python3 tools/npc_proportions.py report`; record the 12-variant proportion table.
-- [ ] Re-run the Godot NPC tests and capture the 12 × 6 baseline
-      (`src/test/capture_npc_baseline.gd` → `python3 tools/npc_baseline.py sheet`); inspect the
-      sheet for outliers before committing.
-- [ ] Update `docs/makehuman-head-review.md`, `docs/3d-model-review.md`,
-      `docs/blender_previews/README.md`, `docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`, `CREDITS.md` and
-      `docs/development-status.md` with the accepted head/hair/body state and final counts.
-
-- [ ] Integrate the approved parts into `build_character` with deterministic joins, weights, UVs and
-      AO. The final output remains one `npc_base` skinned mesh under the existing 13-core armature;
-      optional extra bones are allowed but the core rest positions stay fixed;
-      no second rig, no material-slot rename.
-- [ ] Keep the MakeHuman body prototype consumable with the same approved head/hands; do not let it
-      grow a second face/hand implementation while the part pipeline is being proven.
-
-- [ ] Rebuild only the changed character GLBs, AO maps and manifest entries; never run a no-op full
-      library rebuild. Commit one asset family per change.
-- [ ] Re-run `blender_assets.py audit`/`fit`/`inspect`, `npc_proportions.py`, the 24-NPC budget,
-      Godot and Python tests, the 48-frame baseline and the 96-frame final-context review.
-
-### Full-body MPFB prototype
-
-Goal: assemble the accepted MakeHuman head onto a CC0 MPFB body with project hands, shoes and
-14-bone contract rig, inside the 24,000/24,000 character budget. Local development only until the
-owner reviews the silhouette and a production integration decision is recorded.
-
-- [x] Build the dev pipeline at `tmp/npc-research/build_mpfb_npc.py`: create a macro-driven MPFB
-      human, bake targets, add the `game_engine` rig, capture arm points/weights, remove the rig,
-      apply the helper MASK, scale to 1.81 m, retarget the A-pose arms to the contract wrist
-      (`x=±0.27`, `z=0.78`), cut the neck at 1.505, decimate, bisect the clothing boundaries, paint
-      the five slots, add a short neck flare, project hands, rounded shoe shells, cuffs, the
-      accepted head and the 14-bone armature. Current output: **19,747 tris / 16,851 glTF verts /
-      1.810 m / 14 bones / 10 materials**; `inspect` clean, feet grounded.
-      The torso is inflated radially by 12% through z 0.72–1.40 (tapering out at the collar) so the
-      shirt reads as fabric rather than body paint.
-- [x] Raise the character contract to 24,000 triangles / 24,000 glTF vertices so the MPFB body,
-      the accepted head and a fused neck can coexist with headroom for the 12-variant clothing.
-      Bumped `CHAR_MAX_TRIS`/`CHAR_MAX_VERTS`, `npc_pipeline.MAX_TRIANGLES`/`MAX_VERTICES`,
-      the adapt defaults, the tests, `AGENTS.md`, ADR-0016 and the project skills.
-- [-] Fix the head/neck/shoulder junction so there are no gaps, square collars or hard rims.
-      Done: circular boolean bore, smooth lathe, accepted head trimmed at its narrow neck (1.55),
-      no dark notches or wide brim; prototype at 19,747 tris. Remaining: a thin jaw crease and a
-      hard shirt-shoulder point in three-quarter view. Next candidate: reshape the shirt shoulder
-      or a shaped collar that follows the neckline, not a torus or flat disk.
-- [x] Replace the spiky decimated MPFB hands with the project palm/finger primitives, straighten the
-      splayed MPFB feet so the shoes point forward, and use rounded shoe shells + cuffs instead of
-      flat blocks. Use flat slot colours in the prototype because the one-shot MPFB UV unwrap does
-      not match the per-slot NPC atlases.
-- [x] Fix the neck junction without touching the accepted face: cut the decimated neck column
-      radially (all-vertex test inside r=0.085) so the shirt shoulder silhouette stays intact,
-      then bridge the opening with a smooth four-ring lathe neck (r 0.100 → 0.056, 20 segments).
-      The lower rings are painted cloth so the opening reads as a crew neck rather than bare
-      chest. No torus, disk shelf, neck brace or sawtooth collar.
-- [x] Reject destructive vertex smoothing at the neck: a `smooth_vert` pass moved the open body
-      boundary away from the neck cone, opening a dark hole. The lathe gives smooth shading
-      without moving the collar boundary.
-- [x] Shrink the shoes and seat the ankles: shoe shell 0.12 × 0.30 × 0.11 m, an inset 0.111 ×
-      0.286 m black sole, a tongue and shoe centre x=0.17, with a 0.08 m pant cuff (r 0.055/0.061)
-      bridging leg and shoe. The sleeve cuffs now use the `cloth` slot and the `accessory` slot is
-      carried by the sole, so the cuffs read as sleeve ends instead of metal bands.
-- [x] Replace the bulbous toe/heel spheres with a single bevelled shoe shell (bevel 0.032, 2
-      segments) plus tongue and inset sole, and add one light smoothing pass to the closed
-      thigh/hip region. Protruding flat sole plates read as skates or bricks; laces were dropped
-      for triangle budget after they proved too small to read.
-- [x] Reject the untucked shirt-hem band: both the 0.09 m and 0.12 m cloth cylinders read as a
-      hanging white flap at the crotch. The V hem needs a proper clothing shell, not a band.
-- [x] Fix the neck material rule: the `radius < 0.08` skin test had no Z floor, so it painted a
-      skin patch at the crotch. It is now guarded to `z > 1.35`; the crotch stays pants.
-- [x] Reject three cheap hem fixes: lowering the shirt to z 0.80 turns it into a unitard; tilting
-      the hem up at the front reads as high-cut swimwear; a 13% hem flare reads as a peplum.
-      The remaining V is the dark crotch hollow under a body-painted shirt, not a slot bug.
-- [ ] Owner reviews the updated MPFB body renders (`tmp/npc-parts/mpfb_proto/renders84/`).
-      Remaining known defects: the crotch hollow still reads as a V under the shirt hem, the
-      shirt is only partly loosened by the 12% torso inflation, and the 2k-tri body budget leaves
-      some angular thigh facets. A separate loose shirt shell is the proper fix for the first
-      two; these are polish, not blockers for the body direction.
-- [ ] Build a proper loose shirt shell instead of body-painted cloth. The quick open, flared
-      solidified tube (0.150→0.196 m, z 1.05→0.80, 24 segments, ~288 tris) read as a hanging
-      apron/tabard and was rejected. The shell needs a shaped torso, armholes and a curved hem,
-      not a tube. It must fit in the 683 spare triangles or come with a head/body rebalance.
-- [ ] Rebalance the triangle budget before rollout: 683 spare is below the ~1,200 the firefighter
-      and hoodie variants need. Protect the head budget first; do not lower the accepted face.
-- [ ] Fix the low-budget seams before any rollout: weld the torso/hip/arm components after the
-      bisects, protect the hip/knee loops during decimation (or rebalance head/body triangles).
-- [ ] Record the production integration decision: either bake the approved MPFB body to a committed
-      source GLB (CI and fresh checkouts stay MPFB-free) or keep the procedural body as the shipped
-      path. Do not add the MPFB extension as a build/CI dependency.
-- [ ] If approved, roll the MPFB body into the 12 variants and regenerate AO maps, manifest entries,
-      `inspect`/`fit`/`audit`/`texels`, the proportion report and the 12 × 6 baseline.
-
-### 6. QA, docs and exit
-
-- [ ] Capture front/three-quarter/profile head comparisons and open/grip hand comparisons; add
-      durable sheets to `docs/blender_previews/` and link them from the review docs.
-- [ ] Update `docs/3d-model-review.md`, `docs/npc-visual-review.md`,
-      `docs/known-limitations.md`, `MEMORY.md` and the project skills with the accepted limits and
-      the new part workflow.
-- [ ] Exit: head/face and hands are approved on one prototype, rolled out across all 12 variants,
-      all contract/budget/capture gates pass, the local part pipeline is documented, and no
-      runtime dependency or skeleton contract changed.
+- [x] Remove the MPFB/MakeHuman development scripts, renders and review directories from
+      `tmp/` (done 2026-11-05). Keep only the Quaternius source pack and its licence notes.
+- [x] Keep the committed `makehuman_head.glb` and the procedural `npc_base` only as tested
+      fallbacks until the Quaternius rollout is complete; do not add new MPFB work.
+- [ ] Update `docs/development-status.md`, `CHANGELOG.md` and `CREDITS.md` when the new base
+      ships. MPFB must never become a CI, build or runtime dependency.
 
 ## Fix the Rig pose harness
 
 Goal: `src/test/capture_npc_pose.gd` reports a pose but saves rest frames; the root cause is
 narrowed to the skinned mesh ignoring its `Rig` parent transform. Fixing it unblocks the
-weights/pose column of the 3D review and the pose/portrait evidence for the MakeHuman intake.
+weights/pose column of the 3D review; the evidence now feeds the Quaternius base bake.
 
 *Skill route: `rigging`; evidence in `docs/3d-model-review.md` §"Pose evidence is blocked".*
 
@@ -295,52 +119,6 @@ weights/pose column of the 3D review and the pose/portrait evidence for the Make
       (No separate "wave" theater pose exists; the escalation raise-hand gesture is not a distinct
       capture in this harness.)
 
-## MakeHuman character pipeline
-
-Goal: replace the procedural body generator with the CC0 MakeHuman base for the next character
-pass — retopologised, rigged and dressed in project-owned clothing — so bodies read more
-realistic than the current primitive shapes. This promotes the deferred MakeHuman evaluation to
-an active track; ADR-0015 (CC0 / CC-BY with attribution) still governs every intake.
-
-*Skill route: `retopology`, `rigging`, `uv-workflow`, `materials`, `character-artist`,
-`asset-optimization`, `godot-export`, `qa-review`.*
-
-### Intake and adaptation
-
-- [x] `adapt` path added to `tools/blender_assets.py` (`adapt --file <in> --out <out>
-      [--target-tris 24000]`): imports the GLB, applies transforms, grounds the feet, welds seam
-      splits and decimates to the budget, then exports. The five tint slots + 13-core rig
-      (optional extra bones allowed) stay a manual step (recorded in the command doc).
-- [x] `audit` stays the final gate; `test_adapt_requires_blender` covers the non-Blender error
-      path (162/162 Python).
-- [x] Adapter commands + go/no-go documented in `docs/asset-tooling.md` §Intake adaptation.
-
-### MPFB / MakeHuman body pipeline
-
-- [x] Prototype the local pipeline: `tmp/npc-research/makehuman_intake.py` imports the CC0
-      `base.obj`, scales to 1.82 m, grounds the feet, triangulates, decimates and exports
-      `tmp/npc-research/makehuman/makehuman_body.glb` — 3,790 verts / 6,444 tris, bounds
-      x ±0.53 / y 0–1.82 / z −0.12…+0.35, one neutral material, UVs present, unskinned. The
-      body (no rig) is the input for the rigging step; the script + mesh stay in `tmp/` (CC0, not
-      committed).
-- [x] Rig strategy decided (owner): **retarget the body to the 13-core contract; optional extra bones are allowed**.
-      `tmp/npc-research/makehuman_retarget.py` rotates the A-pose arms down (−38°/+38°), scales the
-      arms 1.63× to the contract 0.70 m length, welds the split vertices, smooth-shades, adds the
-      contract armature + `_auto_weights`, paints the five slot regions (hair/cloth/pants/accessory/
-      skin) and exports `makehuman_retargeted.glb`. **Contract passes:** 6,444 / 16,000 tris,
-      7,726 / 16,000 verts, 14 bones (13 + Hips), skinned, arm-down, grounded, five slots, no issues.
-      Vision-reviewed: arms hang down and the silhouette + slot regions read, but the 1.63× arm warp
-      distorts the deltoid/shoulder (spiky/warped), the decimated hands are blocky, and the slot
-      boundaries are rough — these are the refinement steps below.
-- [x] Head/hands/feet swap (`makehuman_final.py`): cut the decimated MakeHuman head/hands/feet and
-      joined the project's `_face`/`_hair`/`_hands_and_shoes`, then re-weighted/re-UV'd. Contract
-      passes: 6,407 / 16,000 tris, 6,651 / 16,000 verts, 14 bones, skinned, five slots, no issues.
-      Vision-reviewed: the head now reads as a realistic face, the hands as detailed fingers and
-      the shoes as attached. Remaining (manual retopology): a 1.63× arm-scale warp still distorts
-      the deltoid/shoulder, stray hand blobs linger at the hips, shirt/shirt seams are rough, and
-      the head-neck junction has a shadow gap. The procedural generator stays the shipped fallback
-      until these are cleaned in an editor session.
-
 ## 3D model and local map re-evaluation
 
 Goal: re-judge every shipped 3D asset against the newly available Blender skill guidance, rank
@@ -356,7 +134,7 @@ rebuilds and the face/foliage prototypes) stay **blocked** until the full local
 (H–M) is done **and** a fresh 3D model review runs against the new maps. The measurements and
 scorecard in `docs/3d-model-review.md` stand as the pre-rebuild baseline, not a go-ahead to start
 character work now. (Character development has since shipped — see `DONE.md` — and the next
-character pass is the MakeHuman pipeline above.)
+character pass is the Quaternius base above.)
 
 **Map rebuild status (2026-11-03):** H–M are complete — the Joke Shop is now a 6.0 m low hall
 (dark stucco, white signature fascia, tied-back curtains, hotel tower) and Hollywood/TV Studio
@@ -966,7 +744,7 @@ published while the gates below remain open.
 | Area | Remaining gap | Milestone |
 | --- | --- | --- |
 | 3D model and local map re-evaluation | Skill-guided asset scorecard/repairs; OSM/3D data, reference-derived facades, AI-assisted composition and map QA | Unversioned |
-| Character development | Complete (moved to `DONE.md`); the MakeHuman body pipeline is the next character pass | 0.11.0 |
+| Character development | Complete (moved to `DONE.md`); the Quaternius NPC base migration is the next character pass | 0.10.0 |
 | Content and balance | External first-time-player evidence, balance sweeps/tuning and content lock | 0.10.0 |
 | Audio, accessibility and localization | Accessibility/localization acceptance, caption coverage and pseudo-locale/layout sign-off | 0.10.0 |
 | Performance and platform | Target-hardware matrix, Web/Desktop HQ profiling and frame/memory evidence | 0.10.0 |
@@ -979,15 +757,15 @@ The 0.9.3 UI, 0.9.4 animation, 0.9.5 texture, 0.9.6 integration and save-migrati
 complete in `DONE.md`; they are not remaining gaps. The 2026-11-01 documentation audit
 (architecture ownership, stale-claim cleanup and obsolete-plan removal) is also closed.
 
-**Priority (2026-11-04):** fix the `Rig` pose harness, then the MakeHuman character pipeline,
-then re-evaluate the 3D models, then ship the **0.11.0** minor release. The 0.10.0 candidate
+**Priority (2026-11-05):** finish the `Rig` pose harness, then the Quaternius NPC base
+migration, then re-evaluate the 3D models, then ship the **0.10.0** minor release. The 0.10.0 candidate
 still accepts only release-blocking fixes until its external-playtest, legal/storefront, signing
 and platform gates clear.
 
 ## Milestone 0.10.0 — 3D model and map improvements (minor)
 
-Goal: ship all 3D model and map improvements together as the **0.10.0 minor** — the MakeHuman
-body retarget (contract armature + project head/hands), the rebuilt Comedy Store/Hollywood maps,
+Goal: ship all 3D model and map improvements together as the **0.10.0 minor** — the Quaternius
+NPC base bake (contract armature + five slots), the rebuilt Comedy Store/Hollywood maps,
 and the re-evaluated 3D scorecard — plus the external playtest, legal/storefront, signing and
 platform gates from the old release candidate. The character-development patch (0.9.7) ships
 first; this minor contains the model/map work.
@@ -1157,8 +935,8 @@ variants, the four crowd-variety characters and the per-role pools — as a **pa
       launches headless. Tagged `v0.9.7` (CI build/publish follows).
 
 **Exit:** met — 0.9.7 ships the 12-character library (face realism + crowd variety) with the pose
-harness fixed; the runtime contract is unchanged. The MakeHuman body and the map rebuild are not
-in this patch (they target 0.10.0).
+harness fixed; the runtime contract is unchanged. The Quaternius NPC base and the map rebuild are
+not in this patch (they target 0.10.0).
 
 ## Roadmap dependencies and risks
 

docs/3d-model-review.md

@@ -85,10 +85,12 @@ Readings:
 
 ## Baseline inventory (2026-11-04)
 
-Recorded for the Blender NPC model overhaul track: the exact starting point before the local
-part pipeline is built. `npc_base.blend` is the frozen fallback; the 12 characters are assembled
-procedurally by `tools/blender_assets.py`; the MakeHuman prototypes live under `tmp/npc-research/`
-and are not the shipped path.
+Recorded for the character baseline before the Quaternius migration. `npc_base.blend` is the
+frozen fallback; the 12 characters are currently assembled procedurally by
+`tools/blender_assets.py`. The active plan is now the CC0 Quaternius base bake
+([ADR-0017](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)); this section and the MakeHuman notes below are the
+pre-migration record. The MPFB/MakeHuman development files were removed from `tmp/` after the
+2026-11-05 pivot.
 
 ### `assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend` (frozen fallback)
 
@@ -143,7 +145,7 @@ width scale.
   287–440 px/m via the 4× repeat; runtime tint carries the look. This is a recorded note until a
   portrait shows texture starvation.
 
-### MakeHuman prototypes (not shipped; `tmp/npc-research/makehuman/`)
+### MakeHuman prototypes (historical, not shipped; research files removed from `tmp/`)
 
 | File | Verts / tris | Bones | Slots | Note |
 | --- | ---: | ---: | --- | --- |
@@ -242,7 +244,7 @@ nose/lip/chin relief cleanly.
 
 The judge then compared the displacement head against the **decimated MakeHuman head**
 (extracted from `makehuman_retargeted.glb`, 2,009 verts / 1,573 tris, saved as
-`tmp/npc-parts/makehuman_head.glb`) and returned a decisive result: **ship the MakeHuman head** —
+the local `makehuman_head.glb`) and returned a decisive result: **ship the MakeHuman head** —
 it keeps the nose/chin/jaw landmarks at a fraction of the cost, while the procedural head's
 "clean ellipse outline instantly screams procedural sphere".
 

docs/README.md

@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ This folder holds the project documentation, visual references and generated QA
 
 ## Current priorities
 
-1. [Blender NPC model overhaul](../TODO.md#blender-npc-model-overhaul-top-priority) — part-based head/face/hands pipeline and 24,000-budget contract.
-2. [MakeHuman and 3D model/map improvements](../TODO.md#makehuman-character-pipeline) — body intake, asset re-evaluation and local map reconstruction.
+1. [Quaternius NPC base migration](../TODO.md#quaternius-npc-base-migration-top-priority) — CC0 Quaternius mesh/animation source baked to the 24,000-budget runtime contract.
+2. [3D model and local map improvements](../TODO.md#3d-model-and-local-map-re-evaluation) — asset re-evaluation and local map reconstruction.
 3. [0.10.0 release candidate](../TODO.md#milestone-0100--3d-model-and-map-improvements-minor) — versioned release hardening after the unversioned development tracks.
 
 ## Start here
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ This folder holds the project documentation, visual references and generated QA
 - [`../PLAN.md`](../PLAN.md) — product, design intent and development priorities
 - [`../TODO.md`](../TODO.md) — priority-ordered active tasks and roadmap
 - [`npc-model-sourcing.md`](npc-model-sourcing.md) — character-source evaluation, licence rules and the character-development plan
-- [`makehuman-head-review.md`](makehuman-head-review.md) — local MakeHuman head prototype, provenance and review verdict
+- [`makehuman-head-review.md`](makehuman-head-review.md) — retained MakeHuman fallback head, provenance and review verdict
 - [`architecture.md`](architecture.md) — arc42 system architecture
 - [`getting-started.md`](getting-started.md) — setup, run/test commands and controls
 - [`asset-tooling.md`](asset-tooling.md) — image/model pipelines and screenshot gates

docs/adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md

@@ -1,8 +1,14 @@
 # ADR-0015: NPC model variety sourcing
 
-- **Status:** Accepted (planning)
+- **Status:** Superseded by [ADR-0017](0017-quaternius-npc-base.md) (2026-11-05)
 - **Date:** 2026-11-03
 
+## Superseded
+
+ADR-0017 replaces the generator-first decision below: Quaternius is now the
+primary NPC base. The evaluation, licence rules and consequences remain as the
+record of the 2026-11-03 decision.
+
 ## Context
 
 The library has eight skinned characters, and role/seed selection reuses them

docs/adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+# ADR-0017: Quaternius NPC base
+
+- **Status:** Accepted
+- **Date:** 2026-11-05
+- **Supersedes:** ADR-0015 (generator-first character sourcing)
+
+## Context
+
+The current NPC library is built by the project-owned procedural generator. It
+keeps the contract and ships, but the body, neck, hands and shoes need a
+bespoke part pipeline to read as human. The MakeHuman head and MPFB body
+prototypes improved detail but added a second authoring path, a 19,747-triangle
+prototype and unresolved neck/shoulder seams.
+
+The CC0 **Quaternius Ultimate Modular Characters** pack already provides a
+coherent low-poly human silhouette, 21 modular outfits and 24 animation clips.
+The researched GLBs (`Casual`, `Casual_Hoodie`, `Worker`) measure 4 meshes, 62
+joints and 24 clips each. The owner directed that Quaternius become the NPC
+base. The full evaluation is in [`docs/npc-model-sourcing.md`](../npc-model-sourcing.md).
+
+## Decision
+
+1. **Quaternius is the primary NPC mesh and animation source.** Keep the
+   licence and SHA-256 provenance for the three researched GLBs.
+2. **Stage 1 keeps the runtime contract.** Bake a canonical Quaternius base onto
+   the existing 13-core contract, five tint slots, 24,000/24,000 budget,
+   grounded −Y front and one `npc_base` skinned mesh. Retarget Idle and Walk;
+   discard the combat/gun/sword clips. `NpcAvatar`, gear attach points and the
+   pose composition remain the runtime interface.
+3. **The 62-joint rig is an authoring source, not a runtime dependency.** It is
+   not shipped and Quaternius is not loaded by CI, build or runtime.
+4. **Stage 2 needs its own ADR.** If the proportion warp fails the silhouette,
+   deformation or gear gate, stop and decide whether to adopt the 62-joint rig
+   at runtime. Do not ship a hybrid rig or a second gear offset system.
+5. **Close the MakeHuman/MPFB body work.** The accepted MakeHuman head and the
+   procedural `npc_base` stay as tested fallbacks until the Quaternius rollout
+   ships. No new MPFB development.
+6. **Commit baked assets only.** The release consumes committed GLBs, maps and
+   the manifest; Quaternius and Blender remain development tools.
+
+## Consequences
+
+### Positive
+
+- A human base, modular outfits and a coherent animation set are already
+  authored and CC0.
+- The bespoke neck, hand and shoe pipelines are no longer on the critical path.
+- The runtime contract and gear stay stable during the mesh migration.
+
+### Negative
+
+- A 62-joint T-pose does not share the arm-down 13-core rest pose or
+  proportions; the proportion warp is the main risk.
+- Quaternius' animation quality is only available after retargeting, unless
+  Stage 2 is accepted.
+- The migration touches all 12 variants, their AO maps, manifest entries and
+  baseline captures at once.
+
+## Alternatives
+
+- **Keep the procedural generator as the primary path.** Rejected by the owner:
+  the human silhouette remains the weak point and the bespoke part pipeline is
+  larger than the Quaternius bake.
+- **Adopt the 62-joint rig immediately.** Deferred to Stage 2 because it changes
+  `NpcAvatar`, pose composition and gear offsets at the same time as the mesh.
+- **Continue the MPFB body.** Rejected: it needs a separate head/neck/hand
+  pipeline and still has unresolved surface seams.
+- **Use a service character generator (Mixamo, Ready Player Me).** Rejected:
+  redistribution and runtime terms are not a CC0 basis.

docs/adr/README.md

@@ -20,3 +20,4 @@ Each ADR records the context, decision, consequences and alternatives for a dura
 - [0014-runtime-image-root](0014-runtime-image-root.md)
 - [0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing](0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md)
 - [0016-npc-character-budget-24k](0016-npc-character-budget-24k.md)
+- [0017-quaternius-npc-base](0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)

docs/architecture.md

@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ The player interacts with NPCs, venue entrances, access artifacts, equipment, st
 - `WorldBuilder` assembles the procedural venue from a per-venue `VENUE_SPECS` table (facade, windows, stairs, street, nav bounds, guard spawn, feature flags and prop placements), prefers the Blender prop library in `assets/models/blender/props/`, and falls back to `assets/models/generated/` or primitives. `GameManager` rebuilds only the `World` container when the venue changes, so the guard/UI and their state survive. It also wires the phase-driven library emissives and street dressing.
 - `src/game/ui/art.gd` loads runtime UI/scene art from `assets/images/ui/` and `assets/images/scenes/`, with null fallbacks so panels keep their procedural layouts.
 - `tools/model_pipeline.py` builds and audits the street-prop `.glb` models and packs their colour atlases.
-- `tools/npc_pipeline.py` builds and audits the skinned NPC base model (`assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb`) and its per-slot material maps, with an optional AI fabric override (ADR-0013).
+- `tools/npc_pipeline.py` builds and audits the skinned NPC base model (`assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb`) and its per-slot material maps, with an optional AI fabric override (ADR-0013). The active character migration bakes the CC0 Quaternius base onto the same contract (ADR-0017); the procedural base remains the fallback.
 - `tools/blender_assets.py` builds, renders and audits the Blender asset library (`assets/models/blender/{npc,npc_gear,props}/` + `manifest.json`): NPC character variants that are drop-in for `npc_base`, attach-point gear, and street/venue props. `NpcAvatar` selects variants/gear by role/seed and `WorldBuilder` loads the prop replacements and new street dressing, with procedural fallbacks (see `docs/blender-assets.md`).
 - `tools/scene_concepts.py` generates realism-pass references (`docs/screens/concepts/`), skyline backdrops and surface tiles (raw `assets/textures/ai/v2/raw/` → candidates `assets/textures/ai/game_ready/v2/`), promotes the validated ones to the tracked `v2/picks/` that `SurfaceMaterials`/`WorldBuilder` preload, audits them, and scores `src/test/capture_realism.gd` A/B captures (six stages, runtime texture swaps) against the concepts (`docs/screens/realism/<run>/`).
 - `tools/asset_pipeline.py` generates and audits role-aware textures; `tools/screen_designs.py` generates screen references and judges captures; `tools/check_screenshots.sh` renders the staged gallery and runs the compare gate.
@@ -206,14 +206,14 @@ transient input state.
 
 ### Character development tooling
 
-Characters have two authored sources and one procedural fallback. The eight-variant
-Blender library (`assets/models/blender/npc/`) is the normal presentation path; the
-older skinned `npc_base` (`assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb`) remains a frozen
-contract and fallback; `NpcAvatar`'s procedural rig is the offline last resort.
-Four crowd-variety prototypes have been built and audited locally but are not yet in
-the shipped catalogue; generator-first expansion is the active character track
-(ADR-0015). Blender is a developer tool only — runtime, tests and CI consume committed
-GLBs and maps.
+Characters have one active migration, two committed fallbacks and one procedural last
+resort. The Quaternius base migration (ADR-0017) bakes the CC0 Quaternius mesh and
+Idle/Walk clips onto the existing 13-core contract and produces the next 12-variant
+library. Until that ships, the 12-variant Blender library
+(`assets/models/blender/npc/`) is the normal presentation path, the older skinned
+`npc_base` (`assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb`) is the frozen contract fallback,
+and `NpcAvatar`'s procedural rig is the offline last resort. Blender and Quaternius are
+developer tools only — runtime, tests and CI consume committed GLBs and maps.
 
 | Tool | Role | Committed artifact | Verification gate |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
@@ -388,6 +388,7 @@ Architecture decisions are recorded as ADRs:
 - [ADR-0008: Cone focus and focus circle](adr/0008-cone-focus-and-head-ring.md)
 - [ADR-0009: Radial action menu](adr/0009-radial-action-menu.md)
 - [ADR-0010: Procedural NPC presentation](adr/0010-procedural-npc-presentation.md)
+- [ADR-0017: Quaternius NPC base](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)
 - [ADR-0011: Aim-free selection and precision walk](adr/0011-aim-free-selection-and-precision-walk.md)
 - [ADR-0012: Surface materials and generated props](adr/0012-surface-materials-and-generated-props.md)
 - [ADR-0013: Blender-authored NPC characters and baked materials](adr/0013-blender-authored-npc-characters.md)

docs/asset-tooling.md

@@ -82,6 +82,8 @@ tonemapping, glow, fog, colour grading) that the phase lighting applies.
 
 NPCs are moving from the procedural capsule rig to a skinned, UV-mapped base
 character authored in Blender ([ADR-0013](adr/0013-blender-authored-npc-characters.md)).
+The active base is the CC0 Quaternius modular character, baked to the runtime contract
+([ADR-0017](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)).
 `tools/npc_pipeline.py` builds `assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb` plus the
 per-slot material maps. `NpcAvatar` instantiates that skinned model, tints its
 five material slots from the seed-driven outfit, and drives the bones from the
@@ -129,10 +131,10 @@ with colliders/avoidance and drives their emissive parts from the day/night
 cycle. The single `npc_base.glb` and primitive props remain offline fallbacks.
 Contract and integration notes: [`blender-assets.md`](blender-assets.md).
 
-Sourcing and expansion research (no external model is shipped yet):
-[`npc-model-sourcing.md`](npc-model-sourcing.md) compares Quaternius, Kenney, Khronos and
-MakeHuman sources against the character contract and records the 2026-11-03 direction
-(procedural generator first, Quaternius reference, MakeHuman deferred).
+Sourcing and migration plan: [`npc-model-sourcing.md`](npc-model-sourcing.md) records the
+2026-11-05 direction (ADR-0017). Quaternius Ultimate Modular (CC0) is the primary NPC mesh
+and animation source, baked to the existing 13-core contract; the procedural generator is
+the fallback. Kenney/Khronos/MakeHuman remain evaluated references, not active bases.
 
 | Characters | Props |
 | --- | --- |
@@ -146,7 +148,7 @@ python3 tools/blender_assets.py sheet   # docs/blender_previews/sheet_*.jpg
 python3 tools/blender_assets.py audit   # no Blender needed
 python3 tools/blender_assets.py fit     # gear-vs-body fit report
 python3 tools/blender_assets.py texels  # per-slot texel density (px/m) of the characters
-# `build --head mh` selects the MakeHuman head; the default stays `face` until rollout.
+# `build --head mh` selects the retained MakeHuman fallback head; the default is still `face`.
 godot --headless --path . --import
 ```
 
@@ -188,9 +190,9 @@ Caveats:
 
 ### Intake adaptation (`adapt`)
 
-`adapt` is the mechanical first half of an external-mesh intake (MakeHuman,
-MPFB, downloaded GLB): import, apply transforms, ground the feet, weld seam
-splits, decimate to the character budget, and export a GLB. It does **not** map
+`adapt` is the mechanical first half of an external-mesh intake (Quaternius,
+MakeHuman fallback, downloaded GLB): import, apply transforms, ground the feet,
+weld seam splits, decimate to the character budget, and export a GLB. It does **not** map
 the five tint slots or rebuild the 13-core-bone `npc_base` armature (optional extra bones are allowed) — those stay a
 manual `retopology`/`rigging` step with a recorded second-rig contract if the
 source rig cannot be retargeted:
@@ -198,14 +200,14 @@ source rig cannot be retargeted:
 ```bash
 flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background \
   --python "$PWD/tools/blender_assets.py" -- adapt \
-  --file "$PWD/tmp/npc-research/makehuman_base.glb" \
-  --out "$PWD/tmp/npc-research/makehuman_adapted.glb" \
+  --file "$PWD/tmp/npc-research/quaternius/Casual.glb" \
+  --out "$PWD/tmp/npc-research/quaternius_adapted.glb" \
   --target-tris 24000
-# prints: adapted makehuman_adapted.glb: 36972 -> 24000 tris (bones=N, meshes=1)
+# prints: adapted quaternius_adapted.glb: <source> -> 24000 tris (bones=N, meshes=1)
 ```
 
 Run `inspect` on the adapted GLB before and after, and keep the procedural
-generator as the fallback until a MakeHuman variant passes `audit`/`fit` and the
+generator as the fallback until a Quaternius variant passes `audit`/`fit` and the
 24-NPC budget.
 - Numbers are Blender-side measurements. Triangles match `audit` on project assets; the seam-split
   vertex count can differ by ±1 because the importer rounds normals. `audit` stays the single final

docs/blender-assets.md

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@
 Architecture context: the asset contracts and fallback path are summarized in
 [`architecture.md`](architecture.md#content-and-asset-pipeline-architecture).
 
-Status: built, audited, and integrated (2026-11-01). `NpcAvatar` selects the
+Status: built, audited, and integrated (2026-11-01). The active character migration
+replaces the procedural body with a baked CC0 Quaternius base
+([ADR-0017](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)); the current library remains the shipped
+fallback until the Quaternius 12-variant baseline passes review. `NpcAvatar` selects the
 character variants and attaches the gear; `WorldBuilder` loads the prop library
 with colliders and phase-driven emissives. The 0.9.4 neutral baseline and its
 acceptance criteria are in [`npc-visual-review.md`](npc-visual-review.md);
@@ -63,7 +66,7 @@ flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background \
 flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background \
   --python "$PWD/tools/npc_parts.py" -- extract --part hand_l --variant npc_casual \
   --out "$PWD/tmp/npc-parts/npc_casual/hand_l.glb"
-# Assemble a variant (currently rebuilds the procedural character)
+# Assemble a variant (current fallback path; Quaternius migration in progress)
 flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background \
   --python "$PWD/tools/npc_parts.py" -- assemble --variant npc_casual \
   --out "$PWD/tmp/npc-parts/npc_casual/assembled.glb"
@@ -139,7 +142,8 @@ render about 2.5 min.
 
 ## Characters
 
-All library variants share the [character and gear asset contract](architecture.md#character-and-gear-asset-contract):
+All library variants, including the incoming Quaternius-derived base, share the
+[character and gear asset contract](architecture.md#character-and-gear-asset-contract):
 `npc_base` mesh node, required 13 core bones (optional extras allowed), five
 tint slots, +Z visual front, 24,000/24,000 character budget and the same 256²
 slot-map/AO rules. Role selection and look notes:

docs/development-status.md

@@ -34,8 +34,9 @@ and the active order/gaps in [`TODO.md`](../TODO.md).
 ## Known gaps
 
 - External first-time-player sessions and balance sweeps are not completed.
-- The NPC head/face/hand overhaul and MakeHuman body pipeline are planned, not
-  shipped.
+- The Quaternius NPC base migration is planned, not shipped. The current 12-character
+  procedural library and the MakeHuman head remain fallbacks until the Quaternius
+  12-variant baseline passes review.
 - Accessibility/localization acceptance, target-hardware profiling, macOS
   signing/notarization and AI/storefront legal approval remain open.
 - Live 3D replay, recorded VO/music, more venues and seasonal content are future

docs/makehuman-head-review.md

@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
 # MakeHuman head prototype
 
-Status: **owner-accepted head, assembled prototype, not yet shipped.**
-The owner accepted the basic human head on 2026-11-04. The automated vision gate
+Status: **retained fallback; superseded as the active NPC head by the Quaternius
+base (ADR-0017).** The owner accepted the basic human head on 2026-11-04. The automated vision gate
 still records REJECT on the eye/lid region as deferred polish. The asset is a
-standalone head/neck extracted from the CC0 MakeHuman base in
-`tmp/npc-research/makehuman/base.obj`; the assembled path now adds hair, a hidden
-scalp trim and the procedural body. The 12 shipped GLBs have not been rebuilt
-with it yet.
+standalone head/neck extracted from the CC0 MakeHuman base. The assembled path
+adds hair, a hidden scalp trim and the procedural body. The 12 shipped GLBs have
+not been rebuilt with it, and the Quaternius migration replaces it as the active
+base. The development source files were removed from `tmp/` on 2026-11-05.
 
 ## Asset
 
 - GLB: [`assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb`](../assets/models/blender_src/makehuman_head.glb)
 - Review sheet: [`blender_previews/sheet_makehuman_head.jpg`](blender_previews/sheet_makehuman_head.jpg)
-- Source workflow (development-only): `tmp/npc-research/build_makehuman_head.py`
-  — extracts the MakeHuman head, cuts it at the neck, keeps the head/eye/mouth
+- Source workflow (development-only, files removed after the Quaternius pivot;
+  retained here as the historical method) — extracts the MakeHuman head, cuts it at the neck, keeps the head/eye/mouth
   components, cuts an almond aperture through a skin eyelid mask, adds recessed
   eyeballs with flat iris/pupil discs, anchors brows to the face surface, renders
   front/three-quarter/profile and exports the standalone GLB.
@@ -53,10 +53,11 @@ with it yet.
 ## Provenance
 
 - Base mesh: MakeHuman / MPFB base, CC0, from the local research set
-  `tmp/npc-research/makehuman/`; see [`CREDITS.md`](../CREDITS.md).
+  (development source files removed after the 2026-11-05 Quaternius pivot); see
+  [`CREDITS.md`](../CREDITS.md).
 - The head is a **derived prototype**, not a shipped NPC. It does not enter
   `assets/models/blender/npc/`, `npc_base`, the runtime `NpcAvatar` path, CI, or
-  a release package until the NPC overhaul plan accepts it.
+  a release package. It is retained as a fallback, not the active NPC base.
 - Source photographs/proportions are not used as textures here; this is a
   geometry-only head built from the researched model data.
 
@@ -123,8 +124,8 @@ than a body-welded seam.
 - The procedural body was narrowed at the neck and shoulders (chest 0.158,
   neck base 0.060, neck top 0.054, shoulder root z 1.345) and its skin decimate
   dropped to 0.21 so all 12 variants fit the 16,000 cap.
-- Local review renders: `tmp/npc-parts/prototype_mh/renders/` (portrait
-  front/three-quarter/profile and full-body front/three-quarter).
+- Local review renders were removed with the 2026-11-05 `tmp/` cleanup; the
+  committed review sheet above is the retained evidence.
 
 ## Deferred polish
 

docs/npc-model-sourcing.md

@@ -1,93 +1,114 @@
 # NPC Model Sourcing
 
-This page records the source evaluation behind [ADR-0015](adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md).
-The shipped path is the project-owned Blender/procedural library; external sources
-remain references or local prototypes unless a later ADR accepts them.
+This page records the source evaluation and the active character plan. The
+decision is [ADR-0017](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md), which supersedes the
+generator-first sourcing decision in [ADR-0015](adr/0015-npc-model-variety-sourcing.md).
 
-## Evaluation
+## Active direction
 
-The library needs variety beyond the original eight silhouettes while preserving
-the `npc_base` contract: mesh node, 13 required core bones (optional extras
-allowed), five tint slots, −Y/+Z front, grounded feet and the 24,000/24,000
-character budget.
+**Quaternius Ultimate Modular Characters (CC0) is the primary NPC mesh and
+animation source.** The project-owned procedural library remains the shipped
+fallback until the Quaternius migration passes the silhouette and gear gates.
 
-| Source | Licence | Result |
+The migration keeps the runtime contract that Godot, gear and tests already
+consume:
+
+- one `npc_base` skinned mesh under the 13 required core bones (optional extras
+  allowed);
+- five tint slots: `skin`, `cloth`, `pants`, `accessory`, `hair`;
+- front on Blender −Y / Godot +Z, feet grounded, height about 1.81 m;
+- 24,000 triangles / 24,000 glTF vertices per character;
+- gear stays at 1,500 triangles and props at 4,000;
+- committed GLBs and maps only; no Quaternius, Blender or network dependency in
+  CI, build or runtime.
+
+### Stage 1 (default)
+
+1. Import the researched Quaternius GLBs and choose a canonical base.
+2. Map the 62 source joints to the 13-core contract and bake a proportion warp.
+3. Skin the mesh, retarget Idle and Walk, and verify seated/arm-down poses.
+4. Map the five slots, unwrap and bake 256² maps.
+5. Fit the existing gear and render the silhouette gate.
+6. Build the 12 variants, audit, and capture the 12 × 6 baseline.
+
+The Quaternius 62-joint rig and its 24 animation clips are an **authoring
+source**. They are not loaded at runtime.
+
+### Stage 2 gate
+
+The 62-joint T-pose source does not share the project's arm-down rest pose or
+proportions. If the Stage 1 proportion warp cannot preserve the Quaternius
+silhouette and deformation, stop the rollout and write a new ADR for adopting
+the 62-joint rig at runtime. Do not ship a hybrid rig, a second gear offset
+system or a silent `NpcAvatar` change.
+
+## Research findings
+
+The researched files are the three converted Quaternius outfits used by the
+Ducz Character Creator: `Casual`, `Casual_Hoodie` and `Worker`. They are kept
+locally in `tmp/npc-research/quaternius/` with the licence and mirror notes.
+
+| File | SHA-256 | Structure |
 | --- | --- | --- |
-| Quaternius Ultimate Modular | CC0 | Good silhouette/decimation material, but a 62-bone T-pose realistic rig and different proportions; not a drop-in. Kept as a reference/prototype. |
-| Kenney Blocky Characters | CC0 | No matching rig; style is much blockier than the project look. |
-| Khronos CesiumMan / RiggedFigure | CC BY 4.0 | Different bone names/rest pose and no five-slot materials; not a drop-in. |
-| MakeHuman / MPFB base | CC0 | Useful body-shape base, but requires retopology, a custom rig, clothing and part integration. Active local pipeline, not the shipped path. |
+| `Casual.glb` | `bc2d84fba249ebaa0629cb9d133ad37234196e4b8004aa205a6397abed04e05c` | 4 meshes, 62 joints, 24 clips, 7 materials |
+| `Casual_Hoodie.glb` | `f5b722199f7628b24550989af4230f65d5230727df9c326fd2b3e360effe5249` | 4 meshes, 62 joints, 24 clips, 7 materials |
+| `Worker.glb` | `8d0f454336c2effc5c08f63a177af3a82d1a7af025ca9588b40e4c90c4703534` | 4 meshes, 62 joints, 24 clips, 11 materials |
 
-The contract mismatch is the expensive part, not decimation: retargeting a
-different rig or rebuilding slots/weights can distort the body and invalidate
-gear placement. Any future second-rig path needs its own ADR and animation/gear
-offsets.
+Source: [Quaternius Ultimate Modular Characters](https://quaternius.com/packs/ultimatemodularcharacters.html)
+and [Ultimate Modular Women](https://quaternius.com/packs/ultimatemodularwomen.html),
+CC0 1.0. The Ducz mirror is a browser builder over the same packs; it adds 21
+outfits and a shared skeleton. The three full GLBs are the initial scope; the
+21-part builder is a fallback for role coverage, not the default.
 
-## Decision and outcome
+The first prototype measured 12,518 imported vertices, 3,199 after welding and
+2,423 vertices / 4,654 triangles after a 0.75 decimate. Idle and Walk read well.
+The source is a T-pose with a 62-joint realistic rig, roughly 0.96 m hip,
+1.68 m arm span and 0.153 m shoulder offset, so a contract bake is required.
 
-- Extend the project-owned procedural generator as the primary shipped path
-  (12-character library, crowd variants, role pools).
-- Keep Quaternius as a studied reference, not a shipped base.
-- MakeHuman is a local development pipeline for body-shape diversity; it must
-  consume the same head/hand parts as the procedural library and never become a
-  CI/build dependency.
-- Record CC0/CC-BY provenance; CC-BY previews require attribution in
+The 24,000 cap leaves room to stay much closer to the source LOD than the
+prototype's 4,654 triangles. Do not decimate to the old 7,000-triangle target
+before the silhouette gate.
+
+## Contract mismatch
+
+The expensive part is the rig and proportions, not the mesh. The source has a
+T-pose and a realistic skeleton; the runtime expects an arm-down 13-core rig,
+fixed gear attach points and the existing pose composition. The Stage 1 bake
+must therefore:
+
+- rotate the arms down and match the contract wrist positions;
+- warp the hips, knees, shoulders and head without collapsing the deltoid,
+  shortening the arms or changing the silhouette;
+- keep one skinned `npc_base` mesh and the five slots;
+- verify gear against the new shoulder, hip and head positions.
+
+If those constraints distort the model, Stage 2 is the correct next decision,
+not a local workaround.
+
+## Licence and provenance
+
+- CC0 preferred. CC-BY is allowed only with attribution in
   [`CREDITS.md`](../CREDITS.md).
+- No service asset whose terms restrict redistribution may be shipped.
+- Keep the source URL, author, licence, download date and SHA-256 in this page
+  and in `CREDITS.md`.
+- Research files and generated previews stay in `tmp/` (gitignored). Only final
+  audited assets and committed review sheets enter the repository.
+- Quaternius models and animations are CC0; the existing credits entry already
+  names Quaternius. Keep it accurate if the shipped source set changes.
 
-## MakeHuman prototype notes
+## Closed tracks
 
-The local prototype (`tmp/npc-research/`, never committed) scaled the base to
-1.82 m, grounded it, triangulated/decimated it and retargeted it to the 13-core
-armature. The first retarget measured **6,444 / 16,000 tris and**
-**7,726 / 16,000 verts**, 14 bones, skinned, arm-down, five slots. It exposed
-the expected issues: a 1.63× arm-scale warp at the deltoid/shoulder, blocky
-decimated hands, rough slot boundaries and a head/neck shadow gap. The later
-project head/hands swap reduced this to **6,407 / 16,000 tris and**
-**6,651 / 16,000 verts**, but manual shoulder/neck retopology and part cleanup
-remain before it can be considered shippable.
+The MakeHuman/MPFB body pipeline is closed for the NPC base. The accepted
+MakeHuman head and the procedural `npc_base` remain tested fallbacks until the
+Quaternius rollout is complete. Their research scripts and renders were removed
+from `tmp/` after the pivot; the measurements and decisions remain in
+[`DONE.md`](../DONE.md), [`MEMORY.md`](../MEMORY.md) and the review docs.
 
-A standalone MakeHuman head is recorded in
-[`makehuman-head-review.md`](makehuman-head-review.md). The owner accepted the basic
-human head on 2026-11-04; the assembled path (`build_character(head="mh")`) adds a
-skull-conforming hair cap and hides the scalp under it. The 12 shipped GLBs still use
-the procedural head until the hair/body review and rollout in [`TODO.md`](../TODO.md).
-The MakeHuman body should reuse the approved local head/hand parts rather than forking
-a second face implementation.
+## Related documents
 
-The current local MPFB full-body prototype (`tmp/npc-research/build_mpfb_npc.py`) assembles the
-accepted head on an MPFB 2.0.18 body at **19,747 / 24,000 tris**, 1.810 m, 14 bones and 10
-materials, with project hands, bevelled shoe shells with inset soles and tongues, pant cuffs,
-cloth sleeve cuffs and flat slot colours. The torso is radially inflated by 12% through z 0.72–1.40
-to loosen the shirt. It is a review candidate, not a shipped asset. The neck is a boolean-cut
-circular bore bridged by a smooth lathe; the accepted head is trimmed at the narrow neck (z 1.55)
-so its wide flat cut brim is discarded, and the lathe flares to cover the bore, then tucks inside
-the jaw. This removed the square collar, dark notches and wide brim; a thin jaw crease and a hard
-shirt-shoulder point in three-quarter view remain. The ankles are hidden by 0.11 m shoe shells and
-0.08 m pant cuffs, and a light smoothing pass softens the closed thigh/hip region. The neck skin
-test is guarded to z > 1.35 so it cannot paint the crotch. Remaining polish: the crotch hollow still reads as a V under
-the shirt hem, a partly loosened shirt and angular thigh facets; a separate loose shirt shell is
-the fix. Lowering the hem to z 0.80, tilting it up at the front and a 13% hem flare were rejected
-as a unitard, high-cut swimwear and a peplum respectively. A quick open, flared solidified tube
-(0.150→0.196 m, z 1.05→0.80, 24 segments) read as a hanging apron/tabard; the shell needs a shaped
-torso, armholes and a curved hem.
-A torus collar, cloth cylinder collar, skin neck-blend sphere, destructive vertex-smoothing pass
-and untucked shirt-hem band were tried and removed because they read as a brace, shelf, donut or
-hanging flap, or tore a hole at the collar. Protruding flat sole plates read as skates or bricks,
-so the shoe detail is an inset sole and tongue under a rounded shell; laces were dropped for
-triangle budget. The production integration decision (bake a committed source GLB or keep the
-procedural body) and the owner review are tracked in `TODO.md`; MPFB itself must not become a
-CI/build dependency.
-
-## Provenance rules
-
-- CC0 preferred; CC-BY only with attribution in `CREDITS.md`; no service asset
-  whose terms restrict redistribution.
-- Downloaded research and generated previews stay in `tmp/`/gitignored folders;
-  only final audited assets and committed review sheets enter the repository.
-- Record source URL, licence, author, date and what decision the reference
-  informed. Never treat a generated concept as licensed map/model data.
-
-Measurements, visual decisions and accepted limits are in
-[`3d-model-review.md`](3d-model-review.md) and
-[`npc-visual-review.md`](npc-visual-review.md). Commands are in
-[`asset-tooling.md`](asset-tooling.md).
+- [ADR-0017: Quaternius NPC base](adr/0017-quaternius-npc-base.md)
+- [ADR-0016: 24,000-triangle character budget](adr/0016-npc-character-budget-24k.md)
+- [Blender asset contract](architecture.md#character-and-gear-asset-contract)
+- [`3d-model-review.md`](3d-model-review.md), [`npc-visual-review.md`](npc-visual-review.md)
+- [`asset-tooling.md`](asset-tooling.md)