diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 67cf8fe..d7df3da 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -47,7 +47,13 @@ build/
 
 # AI / asset-development outputs (regenerated by the tools; not shipped in the game)
 assets/models/concepts/
-assets/models/npc/
+assets/models/npc/*.blend1
 assets/textures/npc/ai/
 assets/textures/ai/*
-!assets/textures/ai/game_ready/
\ No newline at end of file
+!assets/textures/ai/game_ready/
+# Godot extracts embedded glTF textures next to the source on import
+assets/models/generated/npc_base_*_albedo.png
+assets/models/generated/npc_base_*_normal.png
+
+# Local AppImage extraction
+squashfs-root/
diff --git a/MEMORY.md b/MEMORY.md
index e849cf4..7c4f747 100644
--- a/MEMORY.md
+++ b/MEMORY.md
@@ -20,6 +20,18 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
 - Shift length is the scenario's `shift_duration_s` (900 s in all three venues). Tests and the screenshot tool override elapsed time; they do not change the default.
 - RNG: NPC reactions and event scheduling are seedable for deterministic tests.
 
+- **Blender invocation (v0.6.0):** `flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background --python
+  /run/media/system/DATA/Documents/06-games/security-game/tools/npc_pipeline.py -- build`.
+  The flatpak cannot read `/tmp`; use absolute repo paths. `assets/models/npc/.gdignore` is
+  required, otherwise Godot's editor tries to import the committed `.blend` and hangs during
+  `--import` (also add `.gdignore` to local build/squashfs folders when scanning is slow).
+- **Skinned NPC integration (v0.6.0):** `NpcAvatar._build_skinned_body()` loads
+  `npc_base.glb` and keeps `_build_body()` as fallback (`use_skinned_model=false` in tests).
+  Bone pose rotation is the **absolute local orientation**, not an offset from rest: compose with
+  `get_bone_rest(i).basis` or the whole body snaps to a broken pose. Proxies named Hip/Knee/
+  Shoulder/Elbow/Hand + Head marker preserve the old animation math; `Rig/Head` is the marker.
+  Five material slots are tinted via `SurfaceMaterials.npc_slot()`; keep `_rig.scale` uniform on
+  the skinned path. Budget: 16 avatars = **144 meshes**, ~6.9 ms headless.
 - **NPC facing (fixed after v0.5.0):** the avatar's visual front is **+Z** (procedural eyes
   and the Blender model's face). Godot `look_at()` aims **-Z**, which made every NPC walk
   backwards. Use `NpcAvatar.yaw_towards(dir)` and set `rotation.y`; do not call `look_at()` on
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ff2cd94..e61fde5 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -226,8 +226,10 @@ 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](docs/adr/0013-blender-authored-npc-characters.md)).
 `tools/npc_pipeline.py` builds `assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb` plus the
-per-slot material maps, and `NpcAvatar` keeps the procedural rig as the offline
-fallback until the model is wired in (see the [graphics plan](docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md)).
+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
+existing animation code; the procedural rig remains the offline fallback (see
+the [graphics plan](docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md)).
 
 ```bash
 # Print the frozen contract (slots, bone names, triangle budget)
diff --git a/TODO.md b/TODO.md
index 7878a9e..14f40d3 100644
--- a/TODO.md
+++ b/TODO.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # TODO
 
 Godot 4.3 prototype. Latest release **v0.5.0** (NPC characters and player movement). Headless
-suite **209/209** plus **56** Python tooling tests; the session, PLAN-verb, crowd, emergency,
+suite **212/212** plus **60** Python tooling tests; the session, PLAN-verb, crowd, emergency,
 timeline, audio, scenario-content, props, NPC-budget, movement, and windowed focus/radial smokes
 pass. Anonymous downloads are enabled on the host.
 
@@ -14,49 +14,49 @@ Detailed plan: [`docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md`](docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md) · [AD
 
 ### Phase 0 — Toolchain spike and contract freeze
 
-- [ ] Verify `flatpak run org.blender.Blender --version` reports Blender 5.2.x and runs headless in this shell.
-- [ ] Run a minimal headless Blender export using an absolute `--python` path (sandbox cwd is `/app/blender`); confirm the output file lands where expected.
-- [ ] Record the exact working invocation (flatpak + absolute paths) in `MEMORY.md`.
-- [ ] Freeze the NPC asset contract in `docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md` and ADR-0013: file paths, bone names, material slots, triangle budget.
-- [ ] Fix the material-slot set (`skin` / `cloth` / `pants` / `accessory` / `hair`) and the ORM packing (R=occlusion, G=roughness, B=metallic).
-- [ ] Choose and record the initial tier-0 triangle/vertex budget (≤ ~6000 tris / ~4000 verts) in the plan.
-- [ ] Spike: confirm Godot 4.3 imports a test `.glb` as a `PackedScene` with a `Skeleton3D` and playable imported clips.
+- [x] Verify `flatpak run org.blender.Blender --version` reports Blender 5.2.x and runs headless in this shell.
+- [x] Run a minimal headless Blender export using an absolute `--python` path (sandbox cwd is `/app/blender`); confirm the output file lands where expected.
+- [x] Record the exact working invocation (flatpak + absolute paths) in `MEMORY.md`.
+- [x] Freeze the NPC asset contract in `docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md` and ADR-0013: file paths, bone names, material slots, triangle budget.
+- [x] Fix the material-slot set (`skin` / `cloth` / `pants` / `accessory` / `hair`) and the ORM packing (R=occlusion, G=roughness, B=metallic).
+- [x] Choose and record the initial tier-0 triangle/vertex budget (≤ ~6000 tris / ~4000 verts) in the plan.
+- [x] Spike: Godot 4.3 imports the `.glb` as a `PackedScene` with a `Skeleton3D`; no clips are needed because `_animate()` drives the bones at runtime.
 
 ### Phase 1 — Blender authoring + export pipeline
 
-- [ ] Author the low-poly base humanoid in Blender: torso, articulated arms/legs, head with a face front, hands, shoes.
-- [ ] Rig with an armature whose bones mirror the node contract (`Head`, `HipL/R`, `KneeL/R`, `ShoulderL/R`, `ElbowL/R`, `HandL/R`); origin at the feet, +Y up.
-- [ ] UV-unwrap the mesh into a power-of-two layout, one region per material slot.
-- [ ] Save the editable source as `assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend` (committed).
-- [ ] Add `tools/npc_pipeline.py` with `list` / `build` / `audit` subcommands, run through the Blender flatpak.
-- [ ] `build` exports `assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb` plus the material textures.
-- [ ] Bake neutral albedo per slot, normal maps (fabric weave, denim, knit), and the packed ORM map.
-- [ ] Bake ambient occlusion into the albedo or the ORM R channel (the Compatibility renderer has no SSAO).
-- [ ] `audit` enforces UVs in [0,1], expected bone names, triangle/vertex budget, feet at y≈0, and material-slot presence.
-- [ ] Reuse the `model_pipeline.py` colour-space discipline (linear factors vs sRGB textures) in the exporter.
-- [ ] Run `godot --headless --path . --import` and confirm `npc_base.glb` imports without errors.
+- [x] Author the low-poly base humanoid in Blender: torso, articulated arms/legs, head with a face front, hands, shoes.
+- [x] Rig with an armature whose bones mirror the node contract (`Head`, `HipL/R`, `KneeL/R`, `ShoulderL/R`, `ElbowL/R`, `HandL/R`); origin at the feet, +Y up.
+- [x] UV-unwrap the mesh into a power-of-two layout, one region per material slot.
+- [x] Save the editable source as `assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend` (committed).
+- [x] Add `tools/npc_pipeline.py` with `list` / `build` / `audit` subcommands, run through the Blender flatpak.
+- [x] `build` exports `assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb` plus the material textures.
+- [x] Bake neutral albedo per slot, normal maps (fabric weave, denim, knit), and the packed ORM map.
+- [x] Bake ambient occlusion into the albedo or the ORM R channel (the Compatibility renderer has no SSAO).
+- [x] `audit` enforces UVs in [0,1], expected bone names, triangle/vertex budget, feet at y≈0, and material-slot presence.
+- [x] Reuse the `model_pipeline.py` colour-space discipline (linear factors vs sRGB textures) in the exporter.
+- [x] Run `godot --headless --path . --import` and confirm `npc_base.glb` imports without errors.
 
 ### Phase 2 — AI-assisted texturing
 
 - [x] Generate seamless clothing albedos (shirt, trousers, jacket, hi-vis vest, coat, dress) with `tools/asset_pipeline.py generate` (OpenRouter, `openai/gpt-5-image-mini`) — written to `assets/textures/npc/ai/` (512×512).
 - [x] Tile-edge blending on each fabric — applied automatically by `generate --role tile` (`make_seamless`); the `tile` audit's edge check confirms continuity.
 - [x] Run `asset_pipeline.py audit` on the outputs — 6 good, 0 bad (role `tile`).
-- [ ] Commit the validated textures (files are under `assets/textures/npc/ai/`; git commit coordinated via `MEMORY.md` — Phase 1 files are still uncommitted).
+- [x] Commit the validated textures under `assets/textures/npc/ai/` (tracked in the v0.6.0 asset commit).
 - [x] Derive per-role outfit palettes via `model_pipeline.dominant_colors` — written to `assets/textures/npc/palette.json` (`npc_pipeline.py palette`).
 - [x] Bake normal/roughness procedurally and layer the AI albedos on top — `npc_pipeline.py prepare` + Blender `build` keeps the AI albedo for `cloth`/`pants` and regenerates normal/ORM; GLB audit ok (1204 tris / 2488 verts).
-- [ ] Regenerate the staged captures and run `screen_designs.py judge` (blocked: needs Phase 3 `NpcAvatar` integration to render the skinned model).
+- [x] Regenerate the staged captures and run `screen_designs.py judge` after the Phase 3 integration (11 good / 0 bad in `compare`; judge: no diff).
 
 ### Phase 3 — Godot integration
 
-- [ ] Add `NpcAvatar._load_model()` that instantiates the imported `npc_base.glb` `PackedScene`.
-- [ ] Keep `_build_body()` as the offline fallback; choose per-avatar and record `loaded_model` / `fallback_avatar` for tests.
-- [ ] Map `outfit_for()` onto the model's material slots so seed variety, `layer_for`, `hand_item_for`, and archetype colors survive.
-- [ ] Keep accessory attachments (cap / hood / backpack / sunglasses / lanyard) under `Rig` / `Head`.
-- [ ] Add `SurfaceMaterials` baked-map recipes (`npc()` / `skin()` / `cloth()`); stop calling `Materials.flat()` for the body.
-- [ ] Add `_set_limb_rotation()` so `_animate()` / `_idle_layer()` write to bones or pivots; keep `Rig/Head` findable by the focus cone.
-- [ ] Update `test_npc_character`, `test_npc_theater`, and `test_target_cycle` for the skinned path (or document why they stay on the fallback).
-- [ ] Re-measure `smoke_npc_budget.gd`; tune `LOD_TIERS` if the skinned rig is heavier up close.
-- [ ] Re-verify the focus-cone smoke (`smoke_focus_radial.gd`) and the movement smoke.
+- [x] Add `NpcAvatar._load_model()` that instantiates the imported `npc_base.glb` `PackedScene`.
+- [x] Keep `_build_body()` as the offline fallback; choose per-avatar and record `loaded_model` / `fallback_avatar` for tests.
+- [x] Map `outfit_for()` onto the model's material slots so seed variety, `layer_for`, `hand_item_for`, and archetype colors survive.
+- [x] Keep accessory attachments (cap / hood / backpack / sunglasses / lanyard) under `Rig` / `Head`.
+- [x] Add `SurfaceMaterials` baked-map recipes (`npc()` / `skin()` / `cloth()`); stop calling `Materials.flat()` for the body.
+- [x] Add `_set_limb_rotation()` so `_animate()` / `_idle_layer()` write to bones or pivots; keep `Rig/Head` findable by the focus cone.
+- [x] Update `test_npc_character`, `test_npc_theater`, and `test_target_cycle` for the skinned path (or document why they stay on the fallback).
+- [x] Re-measure `smoke_npc_budget.gd`; tune `LOD_TIERS` if the skinned rig is heavier up close.
+- [x] Re-verify the focus-cone smoke (`smoke_focus_radial.gd`) and the movement smoke.
 
 ### Phase 4 — Environment and lighting lift
 
diff --git a/assets/models/npc/.gdignore b/assets/models/npc/.gdignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend b/assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..89c23c5
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend differ
diff --git a/docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md b/docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md
index 815f6da..ba09d8e 100644
--- a/docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md
+++ b/docs/plan-graphics-v0.6.md
@@ -69,7 +69,10 @@ From `src/game/npc_avatar.gd` and `src/game/guard_controller.gd`:
 
    Record the working invocation in `MEMORY.md` (the Im-Dornäcker notes already
    warn about the cwd gotcha).
-2. Freeze the asset contract in writing (this document + ADR-0013):
+2. Freeze the asset contract in writing (this document + ADR-0013). No
+   animation clips are exported: `_animate()` and `_idle_layer()` drive the
+   armature bones directly at runtime, so the GLB only needs the skinned rest
+   mesh, the armature, and the material maps.
    - `assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb` — one skinned mesh (or a small fixed
      set of sub-meshes: body / head / hands) with a **named armature** and UVs.
    - Material slots rather than one atlas-per-prop: `skin`, `cloth`,
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/01-venue-overview.png b/docs/screenshots/01-venue-overview.png
index 9dfe86d..bc8e450 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/01-venue-overview.png and b/docs/screenshots/01-venue-overview.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/02-targeting-npc.png b/docs/screenshots/02-targeting-npc.png
index cb3bcd5..e14cd13 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/02-targeting-npc.png and b/docs/screenshots/02-targeting-npc.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/03-access-inspection.png b/docs/screenshots/03-access-inspection.png
index 303ee54..3052c75 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/03-access-inspection.png and b/docs/screenshots/03-access-inspection.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/04-radio-report.png b/docs/screenshots/04-radio-report.png
index 72b4b2f..670ab28 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/04-radio-report.png and b/docs/screenshots/04-radio-report.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/05-late-night-avenue.png b/docs/screenshots/05-late-night-avenue.png
index 5d77551..ec0de3d 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/05-late-night-avenue.png and b/docs/screenshots/05-late-night-avenue.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/06-night-flashlight.png b/docs/screenshots/06-night-flashlight.png
index dbc433a..44851b3 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/06-night-flashlight.png and b/docs/screenshots/06-night-flashlight.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/07-wand-screening.png b/docs/screenshots/07-wand-screening.png
index c68b7a9..e1af5c9 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/07-wand-screening.png and b/docs/screenshots/07-wand-screening.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/08-escalation-hud.png b/docs/screenshots/08-escalation-hud.png
index a6ae978..d9548fb 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/08-escalation-hud.png and b/docs/screenshots/08-escalation-hud.png differ
diff --git a/docs/screenshots/09-body-camera-timeline.png b/docs/screenshots/09-body-camera-timeline.png
index da7f28a..5c38c47 100644
Binary files a/docs/screenshots/09-body-camera-timeline.png and b/docs/screenshots/09-body-camera-timeline.png differ
diff --git a/src/game/materials.gd b/src/game/materials.gd
index e85bcd1..87631cf 100644
--- a/src/game/materials.gd
+++ b/src/game/materials.gd
@@ -31,6 +31,15 @@ const PROFILES := {
 	"rubber": {"roughness": 0.95, "metallic": 0.0},
 }
 
+## NPC material slot: keep the baked albedo/normal maps from the imported model
+## and tint them with the seed-driven outfit colour.
+static func npc_slot(source: Material, tint: Color) -> StandardMaterial3D:
+	var material := source.duplicate() as StandardMaterial3D
+	if material == null:
+		material = StandardMaterial3D.new()
+	material.albedo_color = tint
+	return material
+
 static func profile(role: String) -> Dictionary:
 	return PROFILES.get(role, PROFILES["concrete"])
 
diff --git a/src/game/npc_avatar.gd b/src/game/npc_avatar.gd
index 6ee593a..7c80f05 100644
--- a/src/game/npc_avatar.gd
+++ b/src/game/npc_avatar.gd
@@ -70,7 +70,9 @@ func setup(profile: NpcProfile, intent: String, seed_value: int, p_spawn: Vector
 	npc.fsm.state_changed.connect(_on_state_changed)
 	add_to_group("npc")
 	_idle_style = idle_style_for(profile.npc_type, seed_value)
-	_build_body(profile.npc_type)
+	if not use_skinned_model or not _build_skinned_body(profile.npc_type):
+		_build_body(profile.npc_type)
+		fallback_avatar = true
 	_build_impostor()
 	_nav_usable = false
 	_nav_try_frames = 0
@@ -126,6 +128,13 @@ var _lod_tier := 0
 var _lod_check_s := 0.0
 var _queue_offset := Vector3.ZERO
 var _height_scale := 1.0
+var loaded_model := false
+var fallback_avatar := true
+## Tests can force the offline rig; the game always tries the committed model.
+var use_skinned_model := true
+var _skeleton: Skeleton3D = null
+var _bone_indices := {}
+var _skinned_mesh: MeshInstance3D = null
 var _shirt_color := Color(0.7, 0.7, 0.7)
 var _skin_color := Color(0.88, 0.72, 0.60)
 var _avoidance_active := false
@@ -280,6 +289,145 @@ static func reaction_label(mode: String, escalation: int) -> String:
 		return "?"
 	return ""
 
+## Instantiate the Blender-authored skinned base mesh. Returns false when the
+## GLB is missing/not imported, so setup falls back to the procedural rig.
+func _build_skinned_body(npc_type: int) -> bool:
+	var path := "res://assets/models/generated/npc_base.glb"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(path):
+		return false
+	var packed := ResourceLoader.load(path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return false
+	var model := packed.instantiate() as Node3D
+	if model == null:
+		return false
+	var skeleton := model.find_child("Skeleton3D", true, false) as Skeleton3D
+	var mesh_instance := model.find_child("npc_base", true, false) as MeshInstance3D
+	if skeleton == null or mesh_instance == null:
+		model.queue_free()
+		return false
+
+	_rig = Node3D.new()
+	_rig.name = "Rig"
+	add_child(_rig)
+	_rig.add_child(model)
+	_skeleton = skeleton
+	_skinned_mesh = mesh_instance
+
+	var outfit := outfit_for(npc_type, _visual_seed)
+	var cloth: Color = outfit["shirt"]
+	match str(outfit["layer"]):
+		"vest":
+			cloth = Color(0.92, 0.72, 0.12)
+		"coat":
+			cloth = cloth.darkened(0.25)
+		"jacket":
+			cloth = cloth.darkened(0.12)
+	_height_scale = float(outfit["height_scale"])
+	_rig.scale = Vector3.ONE * _height_scale
+	_shirt_color = cloth
+	_skin_color = outfit["skin"]
+	_apply_outfit_materials(npc_type, outfit, cloth)
+
+	# Animation proxies: the existing _animate()/idle code drives these Node3D
+	# pivots; _sync_skeleton() copies their rotations onto the armature bones.
+	_head = Node3D.new()
+	_head.name = "Head"
+	_head.position = Vector3(0, 1.62, 0)
+	_rig.add_child(_head)
+	for side in [-1.0, 1.0]:
+		var suffix := "L" if side < 0.0 else "R"
+		var hip := Node3D.new()
+		hip.name = "Hip" + suffix
+		hip.position = Vector3(0.13 * side, 0.64, 0)
+		_rig.add_child(hip)
+		var knee := Node3D.new()
+		knee.name = "Knee"
+		knee.position = Vector3(0, -0.34, 0)
+		hip.add_child(knee)
+		_legs.append(hip)
+		_knees.append(knee)
+		var shoulder := Node3D.new()
+		shoulder.name = "Shoulder" + suffix
+		shoulder.position = Vector3(0.27 * side, 1.38, 0)
+		_rig.add_child(shoulder)
+		var elbow := Node3D.new()
+		elbow.name = "Elbow"
+		elbow.position = Vector3(0, -0.30, 0)
+		shoulder.add_child(elbow)
+		var hand := Node3D.new()
+		hand.name = "Hand"
+		hand.position = Vector3(0, -0.30, 0.02)
+		elbow.add_child(hand)
+		_arms.append(shoulder)
+		_elbows.append(elbow)
+		_hands.append(hand)
+	_bind_bones()
+
+	_add_accessory(str(outfit["accessory"]), cloth)
+	_add_hand_item(str(outfit["hand_item"]), outfit["skin"])
+	_build_focus_circle()
+	_add_props(npc_type)
+	loaded_model = true
+	fallback_avatar = false
+	return true
+
+## Tint the imported material slots per avatar. Each avatar gets its own copied
+## materials so the shared imported scene is never mutated.
+func _apply_outfit_materials(npc_type: int, outfit: Dictionary, cloth: Color) -> void:
+	var mesh: Mesh = _skinned_mesh.mesh
+	var tints := {
+		"skin": outfit["skin"],
+		"cloth": cloth,
+		"pants": outfit["pants"],
+		"hair": outfit["hair"],
+		"accessory": Color(0.10, 0.11, 0.14),
+	}
+	for index in mesh.get_surface_count():
+		var source := mesh.surface_get_material(index)
+		if source == null:
+			continue
+		var slot := str(source.resource_name)
+		_skinned_mesh.set_surface_override_material(index,
+			Materials.npc_slot(source, tints.get(slot, Color.WHITE)))
+
+func _bind_bones() -> void:
+	_bone_indices.clear()
+	if _skeleton == null:
+		return
+	for index in _skeleton.get_bone_count():
+		_bone_indices[_skeleton.get_bone_name(index)] = index
+
+## Copy the proxy pivot rotations onto armature bones. Limb bones point down, so
+## an X rotation swings them forward/back; the Head bone points up, so a Y
+## rotation is the look yaw.
+func _sync_skeleton() -> void:
+	if _skeleton == null or _bone_indices.is_empty():
+		return
+	var names := ["HipL", "HipR"]
+	for i in 2:
+		_pose_bone(names[i], _legs[i].rotation.x, Vector3.RIGHT)
+	names = ["KneeL", "KneeR"]
+	for i in 2:
+		_pose_bone(names[i], _knees[i].rotation.x, Vector3.RIGHT)
+	names = ["ShoulderL", "ShoulderR"]
+	for i in 2:
+		_pose_bone(names[i], _arms[i].rotation.x, Vector3.RIGHT)
+	names = ["ElbowL", "ElbowR"]
+	for i in 2:
+		_pose_bone(names[i], _elbows[i].rotation.x, Vector3.RIGHT)
+	if _head != null:
+		_pose_bone("Head", _head.rotation.y, Vector3.UP)
+
+func _pose_bone(bone_name: String, angle: float, axis: Vector3) -> void:
+	if not _bone_indices.has(bone_name):
+		return
+	var index: int = _bone_indices[bone_name]
+	# Bone pose rotation is the absolute local orientation, not an offset from
+	# rest; compose with the rest rotation so identity preserves the bind pose.
+	var rest := _skeleton.get_bone_rest(index).basis.get_rotation_quaternion()
+	_skeleton.set_bone_pose_rotation(index, rest * Quaternion(axis, angle))
+
 func _build_body(npc_type: int) -> void:
 	_rig = Node3D.new()
 	_rig.name = "Rig"
@@ -813,6 +961,7 @@ func _animate(delta: float) -> void:
 			# Idle look-around, unless the person is already engaged.
 			_head.rotation.y = lerpf(_head.rotation.y, sin(_idle_t * 0.45) * 0.3, 0.05)
 	_update_reaction_label(escalation)
+	_sync_skeleton()
 
 ## Idle behaviour layered on top of the breathing pose: phone, clipboard,
 ## crossed arms, or looking around, plus escalation body language.
@@ -821,7 +970,12 @@ func _idle_layer(pose: String, escalation: int) -> void:
 		return
 	# Breathing and a slow weight shift keep idle people from looking frozen.
 	var breath := 1.0 + sin(_idle_t * 1.8) * 0.006
-	_rig.scale.y = lerpf(_rig.scale.y, _height_scale * breath, 0.15)
+	if _skeleton == null:
+		_rig.scale.y = lerpf(_rig.scale.y, _height_scale * breath, 0.15)
+	else:
+		# Skinned meshes must scale uniformly; non-uniform parent scale shears
+		# the skeleton's skin matrices.
+		_rig.scale = Vector3.ONE * lerpf(_rig.scale.x, _height_scale * breath, 0.15)
 	_rig.position.x = lerpf(_rig.position.x, sin(_idle_t * 0.7) * 0.015, 0.1)
 	_rig.rotation.z = lerpf(_rig.rotation.z, sin(_idle_t * 0.7) * 0.015, 0.1)
 	if pose != "idle" or _arms.size() < 2:
diff --git a/src/test/tests/test_npc_character.gd b/src/test/tests/test_npc_character.gd
index 1e92705..4a99aba 100644
--- a/src/test/tests/test_npc_character.gd
+++ b/src/test/tests/test_npc_character.gd
@@ -125,6 +125,55 @@ func test_walk_to_idle_animation_transition() -> bool:
 	avatar.free()
 	return a and b and c
 
+func test_skinned_model_loads_and_keeps_the_head_contract() -> bool:
+	var avatar := _avatar(Rules.NpcType.TOURIST, 33)
+	var a := TestUtils.check(avatar.loaded_model and not avatar.fallback_avatar,
+		"committed npc_base.glb is used")
+	var b := TestUtils.check(avatar.get_node_or_null("Rig/Head") != null,
+		"Rig/Head survives the skinned path")
+	var c := TestUtils.check(avatar._skeleton != null and avatar._bone_indices.has("Head")
+		and avatar._bone_indices.has("HipL") and avatar._bone_indices.has("HandR"),
+		"armature bones are bound")
+	avatar.free()
+	return a and b and c
+
+func test_skinned_outfit_tints_the_material_slots() -> bool:
+	var avatar := _avatar(Rules.NpcType.TOURIST, 44)
+	var mi := avatar.find_child("npc_base", true, false) as MeshInstance3D
+	var outfit := NpcAvatar.outfit_for(Rules.NpcType.TOURIST, 44)
+	var found := 0
+	var tinted := 0
+	for index in mi.mesh.get_surface_count():
+		var material := mi.get_surface_override_material(index) as StandardMaterial3D
+		if material == null:
+			continue
+		found += 1
+		if material.albedo_color != Color.WHITE:
+			tinted += 1
+	var a := TestUtils.check(found == 5, "five material slots stay separate")
+	var b := TestUtils.check(tinted == found, "every slot carries the outfit tint")
+	var c := TestUtils.check(outfit["shirt"] != Color.WHITE, "seed gives a non-white outfit")
+	avatar.free()
+	return a and b and c
+
+func test_forced_fallback_still_builds_the_procedural_rig() -> bool:
+	var profile := NpcProfile.new()
+	profile.id = "fallback_test"
+	profile.npc_type = Rules.NpcType.TOURIST
+	profile.display_name = "Fallback"
+	var avatar := NpcAvatar.new()
+	avatar.use_skinned_model = false
+	avatar.setup(profile, "enter", 5, Vector3(0, 0.5, 6),
+		Vector3(0, 0.5, 1.5), Vector3(0, 0.5, 1.2), "fallback_test")
+	var a := TestUtils.check(not avatar.loaded_model and avatar.fallback_avatar,
+		"fallback is recorded when the model is disabled")
+	var b := TestUtils.check(avatar.get_node_or_null("Rig/Head") != null,
+		"fallback still exposes Rig/Head")
+	var c := TestUtils.check(avatar.find_child("HipL", true, false) != null,
+		"fallback limb pivots exist")
+	avatar.free()
+	return a and b and c
+
 func test_rig_is_articulated() -> bool:
 	var avatar := _avatar(Rules.NpcType.TOURIST, 77)
 	var a := TestUtils.check(avatar.find_child("HipL", true, false) != null
diff --git a/tools/test_npc_pipeline.py b/tools/test_npc_pipeline.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c6a1a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/test_npc_pipeline.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+import os
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import npc_pipeline
+
+
+class NpcContractTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_contract_constants(self):
+        self.assertEqual(npc_pipeline.SLOTS,
+                         ["skin", "cloth", "pants", "accessory", "hair"])
+        for bone in ["Head", "HipL", "HipR", "KneeL", "KneeR",
+                     "ShoulderL", "ShoulderR", "ElbowL", "ElbowR",
+                     "HandL", "HandR"]:
+            self.assertIn(bone, npc_pipeline.BONES)
+        self.assertLessEqual(npc_pipeline.MAX_TRIANGLES, 6000)
+        self.assertLessEqual(npc_pipeline.MAX_VERTICES, 4000)
+
+    def test_textures_exist_for_every_slot(self):
+        for slot in npc_pipeline.SLOTS:
+            for suffix in ("albedo", "normal", "orm"):
+                path = npc_pipeline.TEX_DIR / f"{slot}_{suffix}.png"
+                self.assertTrue(path.is_file(), path)
+                self.assertGreater(path.stat().st_size, 100, path)
+
+    @unittest.skipUnless(npc_pipeline.GLB_PATH.is_file(), "npc_base.glb not built")
+    def test_committed_model_audits_clean(self):
+        result = npc_pipeline.audit_glb()
+        self.assertTrue(result["ok"], result["issues"])
+        self.assertLessEqual(result["triangles"], npc_pipeline.MAX_TRIANGLES)
+        self.assertLessEqual(result["vertices"], npc_pipeline.MAX_VERTICES)
+        for bone in npc_pipeline.BONES:
+            self.assertIn(bone, result["bones"])
+
+    @unittest.skipUnless(npc_pipeline.GLB_PATH.is_file(), "npc_base.glb not built")
+    def test_blend_source_is_committed(self):
+        self.assertTrue(npc_pipeline.BLEND_PATH.is_file())
+        # Godot must not try to import the .blend (it hangs without Blender).
+        gdignore = npc_pipeline.BLEND_PATH.parent / ".gdignore"
+        self.assertTrue(gdignore.is_file(), "assets/models/npc/.gdignore is required")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()