Raise character limits and document optional Blender MCP

docs/3d-model-review.md

@@ -24,9 +24,10 @@ severity, explicit verdict) rather than an opinion pass:
 | Props, gear, foliage | `prop-artist`, `hard-surface`, `vegetation-artist` | Silhouette read, bevel/chamfer language, collision proxies, carded foliage |
 | Look and verdict | `lookdev`, `qa-review` | Day/night beauty captures, ship / ship-with-notes / no-ship verdict |
 
-Project contract and gates stay authoritative; see `AGENTS.md` §Local Blender skills. The skills
-assume Blender MCP, which this project does not use: everything below came from the headless
-`tools/blender_assets.py` / `tools/npc_pipeline.py` pipelines plus the Godot capture harnesses.
+Project contract and gates stay authoritative; see `AGENTS.md` §Local Blender skills. Blender MCP
+is optional interactive tooling (see [`blender-mcp.md`](blender-mcp.md)); this review's evidence
+came from the headless `tools/blender_assets.py` / `tools/npc_pipeline.py` pipelines plus the
+Godot capture harnesses, so it remains reproducible without MCP.
 
 ## What was captured and measured (2026-11-03)
 
@@ -63,14 +64,14 @@ with the runtime 4× fabric repeat).
 | `npc_crowd_b` | 4,734 / 4,353 | 1.809 / +0.000 | 7 | 107–118 | 434–439 | Contract pass; crowd prototype |
 | `npc_crowd_c` | 5,674 / 5,440 | 1.824 / +0.000 | 7 | 76–83 | 317 | Contract pass; crowd prototype |
 | `npc_crowd_d` | 5,814 / 5,300 | 1.856 / +0.000 | 7 | 92–106 | 377–381 | Contract pass; crowd prototype |
-| `npc_base` (fallback) | 1,204 / 2,488 | 1.836 / +0.000 | 5 | 70.1–72.9 | 4× on fabric | Contract pass; far below its 6,000/4,000 cap |
+| `npc_base` (fallback) | 1,204 / 2,488 | 1.836 / +0.000 | 5 | 70.1–72.9 | 4× on fabric | Contract pass; compact fallback under the 16,000/16,000 cap |
 
 Blender-side `inspect` counts can differ by ±1 vertex from the glTF accessor count in `audit`
 (normal-split rounding); both are recorded and neither changes a verdict.
 
 Readings:
 
-- Every character is inside 8,000/8,000 with the farthest at 5,474 tris (68% of budget) and 5,494
+- Every character is inside 16,000/16,000 with the farthest well below the new cap and 5,494
   verts (69%), so there is headroom for targeted topology detail without a cap change.
 - Surface area tracks clothing volume: the firefighter coat is the largest body (4.28 m²) and has
   the lowest authored density; `npc_casual` is the smallest (2.44 m²) and the highest.
@@ -254,7 +255,7 @@ owner review decides.
    brow ridge, a fuller lower lip and both eyelids (upper + lower); recessed creases (nasolabial,
    temple, chin cleft) were rejected because they bake as dark AO patches. Vision-reviewed: the new
    face reads cleaner and more realistic than the old (set-in eyes, brow break, lip volume, no
-   faceting); tris 4,482 → 5,038 (still under 8,000). The other seven variants keep the old face
+   faceting); tris 4,482 → 5,038 (still under 16,000). The other seven variants keep the old face
    until this prototype is approved.
 2. **No pose/weight evidence (unknown).** Idle, walk, sit, block and turn deformation has never been
    captured as a review set, so shoulder/hip/neck collapse is unmeasured. Cheap to add and it

docs/README.md

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ This folder holds the project documentation, visual references and generated QA
 - [`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
+- [`blender-mcp.md`](blender-mcp.md) — optional Blender MCP setup and safety
 - [`../tools/README.md`](../tools/README.md) — tool inventory, categories and test runner
 - [`gameplay.md`](gameplay.md) — controls, venues and escalation
 - [`joke-shop-map.md`](joke-shop-map.md) — Sunset Strip real-site mapping

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

@@ -70,3 +70,14 @@ measured. None was a drop-in; the full results are in
   polygon count, no rig in the base mesh and a separate authoring dependency.
 - **Use Mixamo or Ready Player Me.** Rejected: service terms are not a simple
   free/open-source redistribution basis for shipped meshes.
+
+## Amendment 2026-11-04
+
+- The character budget is raised to **16,000 triangles / 16,000 glTF vertices** per character.
+  The required 13 core bones remain; optional extra bones (fingers, face, toes) are allowed if
+  they do not move the core rest positions. The low-poly fallback remains the fallback, not a
+  second contract.
+- MakeHuman is now an active local development pipeline (body retarget plus project-owned
+  head/hands), while the procedural library remains the shipped path and CI fallback.
+- Blender MCP is optional interactive tooling only; it is not a build, CI, test or runtime
+  dependency. Setup is in [`docs/blender-mcp.md`](../blender-mcp.md).

docs/architecture.md

@@ -141,8 +141,8 @@ GLBs and maps.
 
 | Tool | Role | Committed artifact | Verification gate |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `tools/npc_pipeline.py` | Builds the skinned base avatar, five-slot material maps, palette and AI-fabric preparation (`prepare`/`palette`) | `npc_base.glb`, `assets/textures/npc/*_{albedo,normal,orm}.png`, `palette.json` | `audit_glb` against the frozen 6,000-triangle / 4,000-vertex base contract |
-| `tools/blender_assets.py` | Builds/renders the library: 8 characters, 18 gear pieces, 20 props, plus `manifest.json`; stdlib `audit`/`fit`/`sheet`/`list` | `assets/models/blender/{npc,npc_gear,props}/*.glb` | Library cap 8,000 tris / 8,000 verts per character, 1,500 per gear, 4,000 per prop; grounding, UV, degenerate-triangle, attach-fit and manifest coverage checks |
+| `tools/npc_pipeline.py` | Builds the skinned base avatar, five-slot material maps, palette and AI-fabric preparation (`prepare`/`palette`) | `npc_base.glb`, `assets/textures/npc/*_{albedo,normal,orm}.png`, `palette.json` | `audit_glb` against the 16,000-triangle / 16,000-vertex base contract (13 core bones required; extras allowed) |
+| `tools/blender_assets.py` | Builds/renders the library: 8 characters, 18 gear pieces, 20 props, plus `manifest.json`; stdlib `audit`/`fit`/`sheet`/`list` | `assets/models/blender/{npc,npc_gear,props}/*.glb` | Character cap 16,000 tris / 16,000 verts, 1,500 per gear, 4,000 per prop; grounding, UV, degenerate-triangle, attach-fit and manifest coverage checks |
 | `tools/bake_ao.py` | Bakes per-asset AO maps | `<asset>_ao.png` (256²) | Wired through `Materials.apply_ao()`/`SurfaceMaterials`; cloth/pants opt out (see below) |
 | `tools/npc_proportions.py` | Measures exported GLB rest pose (height, head, shoulders, hips, torso, limbs, feet) against the stylized guide | report / JSON in `docs/npc-proportion-audit.md` | All eight variants must stay inside the guide after a body change |
 | `tools/npc_baseline.py` | Assembles neutral-baseline sheets and before/after comparisons | `docs/blender_previews/sheet_npc_baseline*.jpg` | Human review against `docs/npc-visual-review.md` |

docs/asset-tooling.md

@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ Caveats:
 `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
-the five tint slots or rebuild the 13-bone `npc_base` armature — those stay a
+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:
 
@@ -198,8 +198,8 @@ 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" \
-  --target-tris 8000
-# prints: adapted makehuman_adapted.glb: 36972 -> 8000 tris (bones=N, meshes=1)
+  --target-tris 16000
+# prints: adapted makehuman_adapted.glb: 36972 -> 16000 tris (bones=N, meshes=1)
 ```
 
 Run `inspect` on the adapted GLB before and after, and keep the procedural
@@ -343,6 +343,14 @@ python3 tools/model_pipeline.py audit
 python3 tools/npc_pipeline.py audit
 ```
 
+### Optional interactive Blender MCP
+
+The headless pipeline above is authoritative. For local part exploration, an
+optional Blender MCP bridge can query the scene, run small `bpy` snippets and
+capture viewport screenshots. It is not a build, CI, test or runtime dependency;
+setup, safety and the part workflow are in
+[`blender-mcp.md`](blender-mcp.md).
+
 ## Realism pass: scene concepts, skylines and textures
 
 The skyline, surface tiles and phase lighting were rebuilt against AI concept frames. The

docs/blender-assets.md

@@ -35,6 +35,12 @@ captures in `docs/screenshots/`.
   doors, stair handrails and a dark sedan. Today's in-game props are primitive
   boxes, and the trees are cones.
 
+## Optional MCP
+
+Blender MCP can be used for interactive head/face/hand part exploration, but it
+is not required. The headless commands below remain the build and audit path;
+see [`blender-mcp.md`](blender-mcp.md) for installation, connection and safety.
+
 ## Running it
 
 ```bash
@@ -98,12 +104,12 @@ All eight use the `npc_base` contract, so each one can replace
   `Materials.npc_slot()` tints them the same way it tints `npc_base`. Cloth and
   pants repeat the weave 4× (`NPC_FABRIC_UV_SCALE`) and intentionally skip the
   per-character baked AO; skin, hair and fixed gear keep it.
-- budget ≤ **8,000 triangles and ≤ 8,000 glTF vertices** for the eight library
-  variants (vertex count after seam splits; `CHAR_MAX_TRIS`/`CHAR_MAX_VERTS` in
-  `tools/blender_assets.py`, raised from 6,000/5,000 on 2026-11-02). The frozen
-  `npc_base` fallback keeps its original 6,000/4,000 contract. The current range
-  is 4,482–5,474 triangles and 4,260–5,494 vertices, leaving room for the
-  remaining grip and clothing detail.
+- budget ≤ **16,000 triangles and ≤ 16,000 glTF vertices** per character (vertex count after
+  seam splits; `CHAR_MAX_TRIS`/`CHAR_MAX_VERTS` in `tools/blender_assets.py`). The 13 core bones
+  remain required; optional extra bones are allowed as long as the core rest positions and
+  `NpcAvatar` animation proxies are unchanged. The frozen low-poly `npc_base` fallback keeps its
+  compact geometry but is no longer capped at 6,000/4,000. The current range is 5,038–6,030
+  triangles and 4,756–5,902 vertices, leaving substantial head/hand headroom.
 
 Construction: the torso and limbs are one continuous Skin-modifier mesh,
 subdivided twice, decimated to 26 % with X symmetry, and cut at the waist, cuffs,
@@ -185,7 +191,7 @@ carry baked AO and the shared neutral material maps described above.
 
 - `python3 tools/blender_assets.py audit`: container, `POSITION`/`NORMAL`/
   `TEXCOORD_0`, UVs in [0, 1], no zero-area triangles (Godot warns about them
-  during LOD generation), budgets (library characters 8000/8000, base fallback 6000/4000, gear 1500, props 4000
+  during LOD generation), budgets (characters 16000/16000, gear 1500, props 4000
   triangles), grounding, and an editable `.blend`. For characters it also
   checks skinning, bones, slots, the `npc_base` mesh node and the height.
 - `tools/tests/test_blender_assets.py`: catalogue and contract consistency with

docs/blender-mcp.md

@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+# Optional Blender MCP
+
+Status: **optional interactive tooling, not a build dependency.** Blender MCP is
+useful for exploring a local part scene, moving the viewport and iterating on a
+head/hand mesh without a manual UI walkthrough. The authoritative asset
+pipeline remains the headless CLI plus `audit`/`fit`/`inspect`; CI, tests and
+release builds must continue to work with no Blender process and no MCP server.
+
+This project does not vend the third-party addon or pin a runtime MCP
+dependency. Install it outside the repository and keep generated scenes under
+`tmp/`.
+
+## What it adds
+
+With Blender MCP connected, an agent can:
+
+- query the current scene and object data;
+- run small `bpy` snippets through the MCP bridge;
+- capture a viewport screenshot for visual checks;
+- inspect or modify a local part scene before exporting a GLB.
+
+It does **not** replace:
+
+- `python3 tools/blender_assets.py audit/fit/inspect`;
+- `python3 tools/npc_proportions.py`;
+- the Godot capture and smoke gates;
+- the project's licence/provenance review.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Blender 5.2 LTS, installed as the `org.blender.Blender` flatpak (the project
+  standard).
+- An MCP-capable client.
+- The upstream [BlenderMCP addon](https://github.com/ahujasid/blender-mcp)
+  (`addon.py`) and its MCP server.
+- `uv`/`uvx` if you use the server's `uvx blender-mcp` launcher; a local install
+  of the server package is equally valid.
+
+Check the upstream README for the current package/addon version and any command
+changes before installing. Do not copy the addon into this repository.
+
+## Setup
+
+### 1. Install the Blender addon
+
+1. Download or clone the upstream BlenderMCP project.
+2. In Blender: **Edit → Preferences → Add-ons → Install from Disk**, select
+   `addon.py` from that checkout.
+3. Enable **Interface: Blender MCP**.
+4. Open the 3D View sidebar (N panel), find the **BlenderMCP** tab, and click
+   **Connect to MCP server**. The default server listens on
+   `localhost:9876`.
+
+The addon must be running inside the Blender process that has the scene open.
+Starting a second Blender instance does not connect the first one.
+
+### 2. Configure the MCP client
+
+For Pi, add the server at user scope so it is not committed into the project:
+
+```bash
+pi mcp add blender -- uvx blender-mcp
+pi mcp list
+```
+
+Then start/reload Pi and use `/mcp` to inspect the connection. Other clients
+use their normal MCP server configuration. A generic JSON example:
+
+```json
+{
+  "mcpServers": {
+    "blender": {
+      "command": "uvx",
+      "args": ["blender-mcp"]
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+For a client with a different config schema, use the equivalent server command
+and keep the server name `blender`. Restart/reload the client after adding it,
+then request the tool list and run a harmless `get_scene_info` before editing.
+
+### 3. Connect through the flatpak
+
+Start Blender through the project's normal flatpak command, open the local part
+scene, and connect from the sidebar. If the client cannot reach the addon:
+
+- confirm the addon panel says connected;
+- confirm the client is launching the MCP server, not just a shell;
+- check port `9876` is not occupied;
+- if the flatpak sandbox is blocking localhost networking, grant network
+  permission only for this interactive use, for example:
+  `flatpak override --user --share=network org.blender.Blender`
+  (review the permission change afterwards; do not add it to CI or build
+  scripts).
+- restart both the MCP client and Blender after changing the addon or config.
+
+## Recommended part-workflow
+
+1. Create a local scene, for example
+   `tmp/npc-parts/npc_casual/head.blend`, or open a copy of an exported part GLB.
+   Never save over the tracked `assets/models/npc/npc_base.blend`.
+2. Ask the MCP client for `get_scene_info`, then inspect the object/bone/mesh
+   names it reports.
+3. Use `execute_blender_code` for small, reversible edits. Prefer adding a new
+   object or modifier over deleting existing geometry; keep a backup copy.
+4. Use `get_viewport_screenshot` after camera/material changes to check the
+   head/face/hand before exporting.
+5. Export a **local** GLB under `tmp/npc-parts/`, not directly into
+   `assets/models/`.
+6. Run the normal gates on the exported file:
+
+   ```bash
+   flatpak run org.blender.Blender --background \
+     --python "$PWD/tools/blender_assets.py" -- \
+     inspect --file "$PWD/tmp/npc-parts/head.glb" --category npc --json
+   python3 tools/blender_assets.py audit
+   python3 tools/blender_assets.py fit
+   python3 tools/npc_proportions.py report
+   ```
+
+7. Only after the part is reviewed and the contract passes should it be
+   assembled into a character and rebuilt through the headless pipeline.
+
+## Safety and project rules
+
+- MCP is **not** part of `project.godot`, the build, CI, tests, release packages
+  or runtime.
+- Do not commit `.blend` part scenes, MCP configuration, API keys or generated
+  previews. The working set stays in `tmp/`.
+- Do not use MCP to bypass the contract, budgets, AO/UV rules or licence gate.
+- The 13 core bones must remain at their rest positions; extra optional bones
+  are allowed only if `NpcAvatar` and the audit/tests still pass.
+- Prefer scripted headless changes for reproducible work; MCP is for the
+  interactive exploration and review that is awkward in a one-shot script.
+- If MCP is unavailable, use the headless CLI and document the manual step; never
+  make the project depend on MCP being present.
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+| Symptom | Check |
+| --- | --- |
+| Client cannot find `blender` | MCP client config path/schema; restart client; confirm server command exists |
+| `Connection refused` | Addon **Connect to MCP server** pressed; Blender still running; port 9876 |
+| Tools return stale scene data | Refresh scene/object query after edits; restart the connection if needed |
+| Flatpak cannot reach localhost | Check flatpak network permission; grant only for interactive use |
+| Changes look wrong in export | Re-import the GLB with `inspect`; check transforms, scale, UVs and materials |
+| Contract audit fails | Fix the mesh/bones first; do not edit the audit expectations around a broken asset |

docs/development-status.md

@@ -62,7 +62,8 @@ Python tooling is 161/161 after the GLB `inspect` intake coverage.
 - Texture visual verification (0.9.5 work): the nine-stage realism run used `z-ai/glm-5.3-flash` once per shot; mean `after` scores were overall 1.8, lighting 2.3, materials 1.8, texture detail 1.2, backdrop 2.0 and characters 1.2, with a Pillow metric gap of 0.306. The judge remains an optional review aid, not a CI gate. The committed before/after close-up sheet is [`blender_previews/sheet_texture_refinement_0.9.5.jpg`](blender_previews/sheet_texture_refinement_0.9.5.jpg); it records that the paver/Walk of Fame and NPC fabric repairs are visible, while asphalt, limestone and skyline picks held without a replacement. `tools/check_screenshots.sh` passed 21 good / 0 bad and the screen-design judge passed 21/21 match with 0 review.
 - NPC visual optimization (0.9.4, complete 2026-11-02): all eight variants passed the portrait/readability, proportion, gear, foot/shoe, headgear and final-context gates. The library uses an 8,000-triangle / 8,000-glTF-vertex cap (up from 6,000/5,000; `npc_base` fallback remains 6,000/4,000); current characters measure 4,482–5,474 triangles and 4,260–5,494 vertices. The 48-frame baseline and 96-frame final-context review pass, the hand/gear offset and shoes are in, and the accepted stylized limits are documented in `npc-visual-review.md`.
 - NPC face-detail pass (0.9.4 work): ala wings and a smaller nose bridge/tip, one rounded mouth slot, and a darker ear concha; all eight rebuilt. The comparison is `sheet_npc_baseline_compare-face-detail.jpg`.
-- NPC face realism pass (2026-11-03/04): all eight variants now use the `seg=24/rings=16` head with a subtle brow ridge, a fuller lower lip and both eyelids (recessed creases were rejected because they bake as dark AO patches). Vision-reviewed as cleaner/more realistic than the 0.9.4 face; characters measure 5,038–5,900 tris / 4,756–5,902 verts (still under 8,000). `sheet_npc_baseline.jpg` was refreshed.
+- Character contract extension (2026-11-04): the character cap is **16,000 triangles / 16,000 glTF vertices** (library and base fallback); the 13 core bones remain required and optional extra bones are allowed. Blender MCP is documented as optional interactive tooling in [`blender-mcp.md`](blender-mcp.md), not a build/CI/runtime dependency. Blender/NPC audits still pass.
+- NPC face realism pass (2026-11-03/04): all eight variants now use the `seg=24/rings=16` head with a subtle brow ridge, a fuller lower lip and both eyelids (recessed creases were rejected because they bake as dark AO patches). Vision-reviewed as cleaner/more realistic than the 0.9.4 face; characters measure 5,038–5,900 tris / 4,756–5,902 verts (still under 16,000). `sheet_npc_baseline.jpg` was refreshed.
 - Crowd-variety roster (character development, 2026-11-04): four new variants — `npc_crowd_a` (slim/bun/sunglasses), `npc_crowd_b` (broad/bald/beard/shoulder bag), `npc_crowd_c` (coat/umbrella), `npc_crowd_d` (slim/hood/cup) — built with the realistic face and wired into `CHARACTER_POOLS` so the routine crowd roles (tourist, confused visitor, intoxicated) pick them by seed instead of cloning `npc_casual`. The 24-NPC smoke is now 152,464 tris / 168 meshes / 6.94 ms (under the 50 ms budget).
 - NPC headgear clearance (0.9.4 work): the 96-frame final-context review after the face-detail pass confirms the cap, firefighter helmet, hood and sunglasses clear the refined brow and eyes; no gear rebuild was needed.
 - NPC footwear pass (0.9.4 work): casual shoes gained rounded toe and heel caps; responder/firefighter boots gained matching toe/heel volumes while retaining the black rubber boot language. All eight rebuilt; comparison `sheet_npc_baseline_compare-shoes.jpg`.

docs/npc-model-sourcing.md

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ Any expansion must preserve the existing integration contract:
   `Hips`, `Spine`, `Neck` at the contract rest positions;
 - five tint slots (`skin`, `cloth`, `pants`, `accessory`, `hair`);
 - front on Blender −Y / Godot +Z, feet near the floor, 1.6–2.1 m height;
-- at most 8,000 triangles and 8,000 glTF vertices per character;
+- at most 16,000 triangles and 16,000 glTF vertices per character;
 - gear attach points at head, back, chest and hand.
 
 The existing `audit` command is the gate. A source that looks good in a preview
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ Every example fails the unmodified `audit` contract:
 | `npc_base` mesh node | no | no | no | no | no |
 | Required 13 bones | no (62 different names) | no rig | no (19 different names) | no (19 different names) | no rig |
 | Five tint slots | no | no | no | no | no |
-| ≤ 8,000 tris | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
-| ≤ 8,000 verts | no (10.5–13k) | yes | yes | yes | no (19k) |
+| ≤ 16,000 tris | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
+| ≤ 16,000 verts | yes (10.5–13k) | yes | yes | yes | no (19k) |
 | Feet on floor | yes | yes (2.7 m scale) | yes (−11 mm) | yes | no (needs scaling) |
 | Height 1.6–2.1 m | yes | no (2.7 m) | no (1.45 m) | no (1.48 m) | needs scale |
 | Skinned / UV mapped | yes / yes | no / yes | yes / yes | yes / no | no / no |
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ the A-pose arms down (−38°/+38°) and scales them **1.63×** to the contract
 arm, welds the split vertices, smooth-shades, adds the 13-bone contract armature
 with the project's distance-to-bone `_auto_weights`, paints the five slot regions,
 renames the mesh to `npc_base`, and exports `makehuman_retargeted.glb` — **6,444 /
-8,000 tris, 7,726 / 8,000 verts**, 14 bones, skinned, arm-down, grounded, five
+16,000 tris, 7,726 / 16,000 verts**, 14 bones, skinned, arm-down, grounded, five
 slots, no contract issues. The proportion warp (1.63× arms) is the same class of
 issue that blocked Quaternius; here it is accepted, but the vision review shows
 it distorts the deltoid/shoulder, the decimated hands are blocky, and the slot
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ are:
 - Weld duplicate seam vertices before decimating. Quaternius' 12k imported
   vertices are mostly UV/normal splits; the underlying surface is much smaller,
   but the glTF budget counts the splits after export.
-- Decimate to a target below 8,000 tris/verts, then re-unwrap only if the
+- Decimate to a target below 16,000 tris/verts, then re-unwrap only if the
   existing UVs cannot survive the material remap. The current library uses
   smart projection at 80° to keep islands large.
 - Map materials by semantic role, not by source name. A source "Purple" or

docs/npc-visual-review.md

@@ -71,9 +71,9 @@ The criteria below are for the stylized target, not photorealism. A change must
 pass every applicable item before a library rebuild is accepted.
 
 1. **Asset contract:** `npc_base` mesh node, the required bones, five tint slots,
-   front +Z, feet within 3 cm of y=0, 1.6–2.1 m height, at most 8,000 triangles
-   and 8,000 glTF vertices per library character. The frozen `npc_base` fallback
-   keeps 6,000 triangles / 4,000 vertices. Gear remains at most 1,500 triangles.
+   front +Z, feet within 3 cm of y=0, 1.6–2.1 m height, at most 16,000 triangles
+   and 16,000 glTF vertices per character. The required 13 core bones stay fixed;
+   optional extra bones are allowed. Gear remains at most 1,500 triangles.
 2. **Proportion and silhouette:** head, neck, shoulders, torso, hips, limbs and
    feet read as one body; front/three-quarter/profile silhouettes agree with the
    rest of the eight-character library; broad/slim/average build variation is
@@ -134,8 +134,8 @@ From `python3 tools/blender_assets.py fit` and the manifest:
 | `npc_firefighter` | 5,344 | 5,494 | 0.315 m | 0.255 m (skirt) | helmet width ratio 1.651; SCBA x −0.105, radial −0.076 |
 | `npc_guard` | 5,046 | 5,096 | 0.315 m | 0.194 m (hip) | cap width ratio 1.067 |
 
-`npc_coat` is widest at 5,474 triangles (2,526 below the 8,000 cap);
-`npc_firefighter` is closest on vertices at 5,494 (2,506 below the 8,000 cap).
+`npc_coat` is widest at 5,474 triangles (well below the 16,000 cap);
+`npc_firefighter` is closest on vertices at 5,494 (well below the 16,000 cap).
 The refit backpack measures 380 triangles / 406 vertices.
 
 ## Baseline findings, ranked