Record the NPC vertex-cap constraint

MEMORY.md

@@ -6,6 +6,14 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
 
 - The visual-alignment path/loader/panel/HUD work and the realism lighting pass are complete and
   recorded in `DONE.md`; remaining visual items are the realism follow-ups in `TODO.md`.
+- **Character vertex cap (2026-11-02):** the current **5,000 glTF vertices per character** limit is
+  now the binding realism constraint, not a design rule. `npc_firefighter` is at **4,948** after
+  the hand pass, leaving no room for better eyelids, nose/lip/ear shaping, hand grips or clothing
+  seams. The cap needs to be raised for the next realism pass; proposed **6,000 vertices** (and
+  revisit the 6,000-triangle cap in the same change). Update `CHAR_MAX_VERTS`/`CHAR_MAX_TRIS`, the
+  contract tests, `blender_assets.py audit`, `docs/npc-visual-review.md`, and re-run the 24-NPC and
+  Web/Compatibility budgets before accepting the new limit. Do not treat 5,000 as a hard product
+  constraint.
 - `PLAN.md` is a compact product/design document, not an implementation log. Historical control
   and v0.3.0 specs were folded into its Presentation and Controls section; put new step-by-step
   work in `TODO.md`, not the plan.
@@ -93,8 +101,9 @@ Session memory for durable decisions, state, and gotchas. Keep concise, remove o
 - **NPC hand pass (0.9.4, 2026-11-02):** palm radius 0.046 at z .742, scale (.80,.62,.88);
   fingers are `tube` paths from z .758 to .681–.694 with tip spheres, thumb is a bent tube. The
   optional hand capture is `capture_npc_baseline.gd -- --view=hand` (8 frames, baseline stays 48).
-  `npc_firefighter` is now at 4,948 verts (52 below the 5,000 cap); do not add hand/face geometry
+  `npc_firefighter` is now at 4,948 verts (52 below the current 5,000 cap); the cap is provisional
-  without replacing something. Grip offsets remain open.
+  and needs raising for further realism (see the character-vertex-cap decision above). Grip
+  offsets remain open.
 - **UI flow smoke (2026-11-02):** `smoke_ui_flows.gd` boots the real scene and
   exercises inspection allow/deny, normal vs emergency radio, Help filtering,
   wand allow/deny and review return-to-menu. Keep this smoke in the 0.9.6

TODO.md

@@ -82,6 +82,11 @@ and equipment fit.
 
 ### Body proportions and silhouette
 
+- [ ] Evaluate raising the per-character glTF vertex cap from 5,000 (and revisit the 6,000-triangle
+      cap) because `npc_firefighter` is at 4,948 verts after the hand pass. If accepted, update
+      `CHAR_MAX_VERTS`/`CHAR_MAX_TRIS`, the contract tests, `blender_assets.py audit`,
+      `docs/npc-visual-review.md`, and re-run the 24-NPC and Web/Compatibility budgets.
+
 - [x] Audit all variants against a shared human proportion guide (head height, shoulder width,
       torso length, hip width, limb length, foot length) and correct the worst outliers.
       (`tools/npc_proportions.py` + `docs/npc-proportion-audit.md`: all eight pass; no skeleton or