@garygentry/feature-forge 0.2.5 → 0.2.7

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/SKILL.md

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ checks but still load any on-disk artifacts.
 plugin path and the configured specs dir:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" <subcommand> ... --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
 ```
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ Resolve the epic subtree path `{specsDir}/{epic}/` and decide which branch to ru
    epic, confirm the epic name itself does not collide with any existing feature or epic:
 
    ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" check-name "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
    ```
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ For **each** proposed feature name, before accepting it into the set, enforce gl
 and name safety via the helper:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" check-name "{feature}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
 ```
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ For the *initial* creation write the skill writes the file directly — atomic g
 required for in-place mutation, which is the helper mutators' job. Creating the epic dir first creates `{specsDir}/`, so after writing the manifest invoke the **Specs Directory Hygiene** block in `references/shared-conventions.md` (idempotent; stage anything it writes with this stage's commit). Then validate:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" validate "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ now self-contained: manifest + EPIC.md + one subdirectory per member.
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit --feature "{epic}" --stage forge-0-epic --next-feature "{first-actionable-feature}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/references/edit-mode.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ question goes through `AskUserQuestion`.
 Before offering any edit, validate the existing manifest:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" validate "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ status is **not** `not-started`, warn the user. Read the **live** status (never
 completion in prose):
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" render-status "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/references/epic-manifest-subcommands.md

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ the write if it would introduce a cycle, dangling ref, duplicate, or schema viol
 flag surface (owned by 02 §7):
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 # Add a feature — seeds EMPTY exposes/consumes; contracts are populated below.
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" add-feature "{epic}" "{feature}" \

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-1-prd/SKILL.md

@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`.
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit --feature "{feature}" --stage forge-1-prd --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-2-tech/SKILL.md

@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`.
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit --feature "{feature}" --stage forge-2-tech --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-3-specs/SKILL.md

@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`.
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit --feature "{feature}" --stage forge-3-specs --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-4-backlog/SKILL.md

@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`. Foll
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit --feature "{feature}" --stage forge-4-backlog --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-5-loop/SKILL.md

@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ Read the resolved feature's `.pipeline-state.json`. **If it has no `epic` key, s
 1. Run `render-status "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json` via the helper:
 
    ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" \
   render-status "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ Verify the file exists on disk. If not, STOP and tell the user: "No backlog.json
 
 ### 1f. Branch Pre-flight (if using git)
 
-The runner commits each completed item straight onto the current branch, so guard against committing onto the default branch. Skip if not a git repo or `branchPerFeature` is false. Read the current branch (`git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD`) and default branch (`git symbolic-ref --quiet refs/remotes/origin/HEAD`, else `main`/`master`). If `.pipeline-state.json` records a `branch` that differs from the current one, warn via `AskUserQuestion` (offer **switch back** or **proceed here**). Otherwise, if the current branch **is** the default, strongly recommend via `AskUserQuestion` creating/switching to `{branchPrefix}{feature}` (`git switch -c`, then record it to the state `branch` field) before the loop commits — still allowing **proceed on `{defaultBranch}`**. Never hard-stop.
+The runner commits each item onto the current branch. Skip if not a git repo or `branchPerFeature` is false. Otherwise run the **Branch Reconciliation** block in `references/shared-conventions.md` (it runs `reconcile-branch` and, on `warn-drift` — you are on the default branch — strongly recommends creating `{branchPrefix}{feature}` via `AskUserQuestion` before the loop commits; on `adopt-current` it updates the recorded branch to the current one, never pushing you back to a stale/imposed branch). Never hard-stop.
 
 ## Step 2: Construct the Loop Command
 

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-6-docs/SKILL.md

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Check `.pipeline-state.json` for `stages.forge-verify-impl`. If it is **absent**
 If the resolved feature has an `epic` back-pointer in its `.pipeline-state.json`, run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" render-status "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-bootstrap/SKILL.md

@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ Every bash invocation begins with the byte-identical portable-root prelude, then
 helper. Pass `--specs-dir ./specs` (the default) so the gate allow-lists the specs directory.
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-bootstrap.py" check "<target-dir>" --json --specs-dir ./specs
 ```
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ when running under a Claude host (e.g. `AskUserQuestion` is available), else `"c
 `CLAUDE.md` only when `host == "claude"`.
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-bootstrap.py" scaffold "<target-dir>" --json --answers '<Answers JSON>'
 ```
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ python3 "$R/scripts/forge-bootstrap.py" scaffold "<target-dir>" --json --answers
 ### Step 5 — verify
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-bootstrap.py" verify "<target-dir>" --json --answers '<Answers JSON>'
 ```
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ and removes the sentinel before staging so it never enters history. Read
 leave the sentinel in-progress (resumable) — do **not** declare success.
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-bootstrap.py" commit "<target-dir>" --json --answers '<Answers JSON>' [--stage-only]
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-init/SKILL.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ description: Initialize feature-forge configuration in the current project. Use
 Run the initialization script to create `forge.config.json` with default settings:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 bash "$R/scripts/forge-init.sh"
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-verify/SKILL.md

@@ -9,7 +9,14 @@ argument-hint: '<feature-name> [stage: prd|tech|specs|backlog|impl] [--require-c
 
 Analyze feature artifacts for completeness, consistency, and quality. Produce structured, actionable findings designed for a fresh-context agent to apply.
 
-## Subagent Delegation
+## Which role are you? (read this first)
+
+This skill is loaded in two different roles. Determine yours before proceeding:
+
+- **You ARE the `forge-verifier` subagent** — you were dispatched via the Agent tool, you have read-only tools (Read, Glob, Grep, Bash) and **no** Agent/Task tool, and this skill is pre-loaded in your context. **SKIP "Subagent Delegation (parent orchestrator only)" and "Synthesize" below — those describe how a *parent* dispatches *you*, not work for you to do.** Do **not** dispatch anything, do **not** try to spawn a verifier. Go straight to **Prerequisites → Steps 1–6**, execute the checks yourself, and **return your findings as your response** (the parent writes the document to disk). Dispatching a subagent from here is the classic self-referential loop — never do it.
+- **You are the parent orchestrator** — a navigator (`/feature-forge:forge`), a stage skill's in-stage auto-verify, or a direct `/feature-forge:forge-verify` invocation, and you have the Agent tool. Use "Subagent Delegation" to dispatch the `forge-verifier` subagent, then "Synthesize" to assemble and write the document.
+
+## Subagent Delegation (parent orchestrator only)
 
 This skill is delegated to the `forge-verifier` subagent via the Agent tool. The verifier subagent has:
 - **Read-only tools** (Read, Glob, Grep, Bash) — it cannot accidentally modify specs
@@ -249,7 +256,7 @@ Do NOT mark as `findings-applied` — that happens after the fix pass.
 - For specs verification, also run the deterministic traceability validator to supplement agent-driven traceability checks. Include any uncovered requirements or orphaned references as findings:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/validate-traceability.py" {resolvedFeatureDir}/PRD.md {resolvedFeatureDir}/ --json
 ```

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-verify/references/verification-checklists.md

@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ findings to E01/E02/E03/E08. Then perform the judgment checks E04–E07 by readi
 manifest, EPIC.md, and completed members' specs.
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" validate "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```

package/adapters/codex/.feature-forge-bundle.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "feature-forge",
-  "version": "0.12.0",
+  "version": "0.12.2",
   "agent": "codex",
   "generatedBy": "python3 scripts/build-adapters.py"
 }

package/adapters/codex/agents/forge-verifier.toml

@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ You are the "second set of eyes." You receive artifacts (PRDs, tech specs, imple
 
 You have READ-ONLY access. You cannot and should not modify any files. Your output is returned as your response — the parent agent handles writing the findings document to disk.
 
+**You ARE the verifier — you never dispatch one.** You have no Agent/host's subagent mechanism. Your pre-loaded `forge-verify` skill contains a "Subagent Delegation (parent orchestrator only)" section describing how a *parent* dispatches a `forge-verifier` — that guidance is for the parent, not for you. Ignore it: do not attempt to delegate, spawn a subagent, or return a "verification is running / will surface shortly" placeholder. Execute the verification checks yourself and return the findings block. Delegating from here is a self-referential loop that produces no work and no findings artifact.
+
 ## How You Work
 
 1. Read the pipeline state file to understand what stage the feature is at

package/adapters/codex/references/portable-root.md

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ against the fenced block here, byte-for-byte.
 ## Canonical bootstrap prelude
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 ```
 
@@ -24,25 +24,34 @@ makes several calls, add the prelude once and reuse `$R` for each. A fresh block
 prelude (per-block re-resolution). Worked example:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" render-status "{epic}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
 ```
 
 ## Invariants (do NOT "fix" these)
 
-1. **Probes paths, not the env var.** The prelude's `for d in …` enumerates directory paths to
-   locate an executable `forge-root.sh`; it contains no plugin-root environment variable. That is what lets
-   a prelude occurrence satisfy the "zero residual var in canonical surfaces" rule while staying
-   portable.
+1. **First hint is the Claude plugin-root env var; the rest are paths.** The prelude's
+   `for d in …` list leads with the `CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT` env var (in default-empty `:-` form)
+   — the exact bundle dir Claude exports in every marketplace/plugin session — followed by the
+   directory-path candidates. The hint gives exact, glob-free resolution on any current/future
+   Claude layout (no version-skew window); when unset it expands to empty and is harmlessly
+   skipped, so other hosts fall through to the path candidates unchanged. This is the **one
+   sanctioned** appearance of that variable in canonical surfaces: spec-purity rule 3 allows it
+   by stripping the byte-pinned prelude before its residual-var scan (so a stray var anywhere
+   else — including the default-empty form — still fails), and `forge-agent-adapters-build`
+   translates it to `FEATURE_FORGE_ROOT` for non-Claude bundles (which `forge-root.sh` already
+   prefers). The exact literal is shown only in the fenced prelude above and audited in
+   `vendor-construct-inventory.md`.
 2. **First-discoverable-resolver-wins.** The `exec` inside the `$(…)` command substitution means
    the loop stops at the first directory holding an executable `forge-root.sh` and delegates ALL
    final root resolution to that script. The `for` list is a discovery order for `forge-root.sh`
    itself, not a fallback chain for the plugin root. Removing the `exec` to "keep looping" is a
    regression — once `exec`'d, the loop is replaced by the resolver process and never advances.
-3. **Prelude candidate set is an agent-neutral bootstrap subset.** The prelude's `for d` list
-   exists only to bootstrap-discover `forge-root.sh`; the authoritative multi-root probe lives in
-   `forge-root.sh` step 2. The list enumerates install roots across agents — the Claude
+3. **Prelude candidate set is an agent-neutral bootstrap subset (after the env hint).** The
+   prelude's `for d` list exists only to bootstrap-discover `forge-root.sh`; the authoritative
+   multi-root probe lives in `forge-root.sh` step 2. After the leading env-var hint (invariant 1),
+   the list enumerates install roots across agents — the Claude
    skill/plugin dirs — including the marketplace-cache layout
    `~/.claude/plugins/cache/<marketplace>/feature-forge/<version>/`, listed before the
    single-star plugins glob so a versioned cache install always beats the marketplace clone —

package/adapters/codex/references/shared-conventions.md

@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Extract these config values (use defaults if not present):
 Before any file I/O against a feature's artifacts, resolve its directory through the deterministic helper rather than hardcoding `{specsDir}/{feature}/`. This makes flat (`{specsDir}/{feature}/`) and nested (`{specsDir}/{epic}/{feature}/`) layouts both resolve from a bare feature name (REQ-DIR-03), with standalone features behaving exactly as today.
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 resolvedFeatureDir=$(python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" \
   resolve "<feature>" --specs-dir "<specsDir>")
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ In both failure cases, do not fall back to a guessed path.
 **On `not-found`, check other branches before stopping.** With `branchPerFeature`, the feature's directory (and its `.pipeline-state.json`) may exist only on its topic branch — invisible from the default branch of a fresh clone. Before concluding the pipeline does not exist, run the read-only cross-branch discovery:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" discover-feature "<feature>" --specs-dir "<specsDir>" --json
 ```
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ Whenever a stage creates the specs tree for the first time (the first PRD or epi
 Run this after creating the feature/epic directory, before the stage's git commit:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 mkdir -p "<specsDir>"
 [ -f "<specsDir>/AGENTS.md" ] || cp "$R/references/templates/specs-hygiene/AGENTS.md" "<specsDir>/AGENTS.md"
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ After resolving the feature directory, check the feature's `.pipeline-state.json
 To obtain the manifest contracts and the live completion status of each dependency in one deterministic call, run `render-status` and read the per-feature `status` and the `consumes`/`exposes` arrays rather than re-deriving them:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/epic-manifest.py" \
   render-status "<epic>" --specs-dir "<specsDir>" --json
@@ -194,6 +194,23 @@ Invoke this block at the **very start** of a pipeline entry point — `forge-1-p
 
 **Record the branch.** After this block resolves, write the resulting branch name to the feature's `.pipeline-state.json` top-level `branch` field (create/update it when the state file is first written for this stage). Downstream stages and `forge-5-loop` read it to detect drift back onto the default branch.
 
+## Branch Reconciliation
+
+The recorded `branch` is a **self-healing hint, not gospel.** A hosted environment (Claude.ai remote, cloud agents) can impose an arbitrary session branch (e.g. `claude/<slug>`) that Branch Setup silently records; the user may then move the work to the intended topic branch, leaving the recorded field stale. Every branch-aware mechanism (the `forge-5-loop` guard, `discover-feature`) keys off that field, so a stale value actively misleads — the loop would offer to switch you *back* to the imposed branch. Invoke this block from `forge-5-loop`'s pre-flight (and any stage that acts on the recorded branch) to reconcile deterministically. Skip if not a git repo or `branchPerFeature` is false.
+
+```bash
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+[ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" reconcile-branch --feature "{feature}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --json
+```
+
+Act on the emitted `action` (source of truth is where the state actually resolves, not the recorded field):
+- **`adopt-current`** — you are on a non-default topic branch where the state resolves, and the recorded `branch` differs (a stale/imposed value). Write `newBranch` into the state `branch` field with a **visible one-line note** ("recorded branch was `{stateBranch}`; work is on `{currentBranch}` — updating to match") — never silently, and **never push the user back** to the recorded branch (offer that only as a plain alternative).
+- **`warn-drift`** — you are on the **default** branch and the state records a topic branch. Via `AskUserQuestion`, strongly recommend creating/switching to `{branchPrefix}{feature}` (then record it), still allowing **proceed on the default branch**. Never hard-stop.
+- **`none`** / **`not-resolved`** — nothing to do; proceed.
+
+If the helper is unavailable (non-Claude host without the resolver), fall back to the manual check: current branch differs from recorded → adopt the current branch unless it is the default, in which case recommend creating `{branchPrefix}{feature}`.
+
 ## Git Commit Protocol
 
 When `gitCommitAfterStage` is true, follow this exact order to avoid state inconsistency.

package/adapters/codex/references/stage-exit-protocol.md

@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ placeholders the skill resolves before running the command, exactly as elsewhere
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash
-R="$(bash -c 'for d in "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
+R="$(bash -c 'for d in "${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}" "$HOME"/.claude/skills/feature-forge "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/cache/*/feature-forge/* "$HOME"/.claude/plugins/*/feature-forge "$HOME"/.agents/skills/feature-forge ./.agents/skills/feature-forge; do [ -x "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh" ] && exec "$d/scripts/forge-root.sh"; done')"
 [ -n "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" stage-exit {stage-exit-args} --specs-dir "{specsDir}" --host claude
 ```
@@ -85,12 +85,16 @@ navigator):
 
 1. **Clean-room verify (require-clean).** Dispatch the clean-room `forge-verifier`
    subagent from this session in require-clean mode — the same path the navigator uses
-   (`skills/forge-verify/SKILL.md`). It inherits none of this session's context, so no
-   `/clear` is needed and only a compact digest returns. **Clean-room unavailable** (no
-   `Agent` tool, `forge-verifier` not dispatchable, or a sentinel returned): do **not**
-   run inline — leave verify **pending** so the navigator catch-up fires on a later
-   Claude-host `/feature-forge:forge`, print the `verifyCommand` for the user to run,
-   and continue to the NEXT-STEPS block.
+   (`skills/forge-verify/SKILL.md`). Dispatch it **synchronously and await its digest
+   inline** — do **not** run it in the background or announce it as "still running";
+   the digest and any fix decision must land in this session. It inherits none of this
+   session's context, so no `/clear` is needed and only a compact digest returns.
+   **Clean-room unavailable** (no `Agent` tool, `forge-verifier` not dispatchable) **or
+   a non-answer returned** (the verifier returned a placeholder / "still running" /
+   delegation message instead of a findings block): do **not** run inline and do **not**
+   silently accept the non-answer as a pass — leave verify **pending** so the navigator
+   catch-up fires on a later Claude-host `/feature-forge:forge`, print the
+   `verifyCommand` for the user to run, and continue to the NEXT-STEPS block.
 2. **Verify passed / no findings** → the fresh verify state is recorded by the
    clean-room run; continue to the NEXT-STEPS block.
 3. **Verify found findings** →

package/adapters/codex/references/vendor-construct-inventory.md

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ vocabulary defined in `00-core-definitions.md` §8. No free-form values are perm
 | `argument-hint` (top-level frontmatter key) | 10 `skills/*/SKILL.md` (all skills **except** `forge-init`) | `relocated` | Claude-specific vendor key (constraint C-2). Moved verbatim to `metadata.argument-hint` per REQ-VND-01 (see `02-frontmatter-purity-and-inventory.md` §2). Value byte-identical; `description` untouched. |
 | `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}` — canonical invocations + prose | 23 occurrences across 9 canonical surfaces: `skills/forge-0-epic/SKILL.md` (12), `skills/forge/SKILL.md` (3), `skills/forge-5-loop/SKILL.md` (1), `skills/forge-6-docs/SKILL.md` (1), `skills/forge-init/SKILL.md` (1), `skills/forge-verify/SKILL.md` (1), `skills/forge-verify/references/verification-checklists.md` (1), `references/shared-conventions.md` (2), `agents/forge-verifier.md` (1) | `routed-through-resolver` | Claude-only env var. Routed through the byte-identical bootstrap prelude + `scripts/forge-root.sh` per REQ-RES-03. Mechanics owned by `03-portable-root-resolver.md`; recorded here for audit completeness. |
 | `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}` — sanctioned residual | 1 occurrence in `scripts/forge-root.sh` (env-fallback, REQ-RES-02 step 3) | `preserved-as-spec-allowed` | The single sanctioned residual: the resolver's documented Claude-compat fallback (REQ-RES-03 / REQ-RES-05). Exempt from the residual-var scan (`00-core-definitions.md` §6 `RESIDUAL_VAR_EXEMPT`). |
+| `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT:-}` — bootstrap-prelude first-hint (Chunk 2b) | 1 occurrence per prelude across every canonical stamp site (the byte-pinned `BOOTSTRAP_PRELUDE`) | `preserved-as-spec-allowed` | The prelude's first resolver candidate — exact, glob-free root resolution on any Claude layout; expands to empty and is skipped when unset. Rule 3 allows it by stripping the byte-pinned prelude before its scan (detection is by `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT` prefix, so the `:-}` default form is not an escape hatch elsewhere). `forge-agent-adapters-build` translates it to `${FEATURE_FORGE_ROOT:-}` in non-Claude bundles. |
 | `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}` — in `hooks/hooks.json` | 1 occurrence in `hooks/hooks.json` | `out-of-canon` | Non-canonical Claude artifact (REQ-VND-04). Not a canonical surface; exempt from the REQ-RES-03 scan. Left in place. |
 | `hooks/hooks.json` SessionStart wiring | 1 file (`hooks/hooks.json`) — Claude `SessionStart` → `bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/session-check.sh` | `out-of-canon` | Claude-specific plugin hook wiring (REQ-VND-04, decision D3). Preserved + documented so `forge-agent-adapters-build` treats it as a Claude artifact, not portable canon. |
 | (contingency) any other vendor invocation directive | none found in the audit | — | REQ-VND-02 contingency did not fire (see Notes). If one is later surfaced, add a row with `removed` or `out-of-canon` per `02-frontmatter-purity-and-inventory.md` §3. |