@garygentry/feature-forge 0.3.0 → 0.3.1

package/adapters/claude/scripts/validate-traceability.py

@@ -20,7 +20,12 @@ import re
 import sys
 from pathlib import Path
 
-REQ_PATTERN = re.compile(r"REQ-[A-Z]+-\d+")
+#: The category segment may contain digits after its first letter — `REQ-R1-01`,
+#: `REQ-R6-03`. The original `[A-Z]+` could not match those, so whole requirement
+#: families were invisible to this checker and reported as "all covered" while never
+#: having been looked at (context-efficiency: 12 of 29 requirements seen). The first
+#: character stays `[A-Z]` so a lowercase or digit-led token is still not an ID.
+REQ_PATTERN = re.compile(r"REQ-[A-Z][A-Z0-9]*-\d+")
 
 
 def extract_req_ids(text: str) -> set[str]:

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

@@ -15,10 +15,10 @@ You are the navigator for the feature-forge development pipeline. Your job is to
 
 Read and follow `references/shared-conventions.md` for configuration reading (feature name validation, config defaults, force mode).
 
-For pipeline architecture details, read `references/process-overview.md`.
-
 ### 2. Determine Context
 
+**Only if the user is asking how the pipeline works** — architecture, stage ordering, what a stage does, or "explain forge" — read `references/process-overview.md` for the details before answering. For routine status/dashboard rendering, do **not** read it.
+
 **If a feature name is provided** (e.g., `/feature-forge:forge auth`):
 - **First test whether the name is an epic:** if `{specsDir}/{name}/epic-manifest.json` exists, render the **Epic Dashboard** (see format below) and stop — do not treat it as a feature.
 - Otherwise, resolve the name via the **Feature Directory Resolution** block in `references/shared-conventions.md` (so a nested epic-member name finds its dashboard too). On a resolution failure (`not-found` / `ambiguous` at exit 1; `unsafe-name` or a path-containment escape at exit 2), surface it verbatim.
@@ -50,8 +50,6 @@ The feature name must be a single kebab-case token. If the user provides multipl
 
 ### 3. Pipeline Status Dashboard
 
-Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`.
-
 Display a clear, scannable status for the feature:
 
 ```
@@ -182,7 +180,13 @@ All of this is reconstructed **purely from disk** — the manifest plus each mem
 
 ### 4. Notes Management
 
-If the user says something like "note: switching to jose for JWT" or "remember: we decided X", update the `notes` field in `.pipeline-state.json`. This helps preserve context across session clears.
+If the user says something like "note: switching to jose for JWT" or "remember: we decided X", update the `notes` field by running `state-note` (below). This helps preserve context across session clears. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when the feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`.
+
+```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" state-note --feature "{feature}" --note "<what the user said>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 ### 5. Available Commands Reference
 
@@ -201,6 +205,8 @@ Commands:
 
 ### 6. Pipeline Lifecycle Commands
 
+> **Deliberate R4 exclusion.** The `pipelineStatus` writes below (`pause` / `resume` / `abandon`, and the member-pause under **Epic lifecycle**) stay hand-authored on purpose: the `state-*` verbs cover the seven stage and array touch points, and none of them writes `pipelineStatus`. These are the sanctioned exception to the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md` — everywhere else, state is written by a verb, never by hand. When authoring one of these `pipelineStatus` writes, conform to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json` — this is the one navigator path that still reads it.
+
 Support these sub-commands for pipeline lifecycle management:
 - `/feature-forge:forge pause {feature}` — Set `pipelineStatus` to `"paused"`. Do NOT modify `currentStage` or any stage statuses. The pipeline freezes exactly as-is. Show a confirmation.
 - `/feature-forge:forge resume {feature}` — Set `pipelineStatus` back to `"active"`. Calculate how long the feature was paused (from `updatedAt` to now). If paused for more than 24 hours, show a hint: "This feature was paused for {duration}. Session context may have been lost — consider re-running `/feature-forge:forge-{currentStage} {feature}` to rebuild context."

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge/references/pipeline-state-schema.json

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
     "currentStage": {
       "type": "string",
       "enum": ["forge-1-prd", "forge-2-tech", "forge-3-specs", "forge-4-backlog", "forge-5-loop", "forge-6-docs", "complete", "forge-verify-prd", "forge-verify-tech", "forge-verify-specs", "forge-verify-backlog", "forge-verify-impl", "forge-0-epic", "forge-verify-epic"],
-      "description": "Where the pipeline IS: the most recently started stage — its `stages[<currentStage>].status` is `in-progress` while that stage is being authored, then `complete` once its artifacts are committed. A stage skill sets this to its own id when it starts. This is deliberately NOT 'the next stage to run': the next stage is DERIVED, never stored — it is the first production stage whose `stages[].status` is not `complete` (see `next_stage()` in forge-session.py, surfaced as the navigator/doctor `nextStage`). Consumers that need 'what runs next' compute it from `stages[].status`, not from this field. `complete` here means the whole pipeline is done. (Legacy/absent value: tools fall back to the derived next stage for display only — `build_rows` in forge-session.py.)"
+      "description": "Where the pipeline IS: the most recently started stage — its `stages[<currentStage>].status` is `in-progress` while that stage is being authored, then `complete` once its artifacts are committed. A stage skill sets this to its own id when it starts. This is deliberately NOT 'the next stage to run': the next stage is DERIVED, never stored — it is the first production stage whose `stages[].status` is not `complete` (see `next_stage()` in forge-session.py, surfaced as the navigator/doctor `nextStage`). Consumers that need 'what runs next' compute it from `stages[].status`, not from this field. `complete` is a LEGACY enum value, retained so pre-0.14 state files still validate: no writer produces it (the `state-*` verbs are the only writers, and only `state-enter` touches this field, setting it to the stage being entered). A finished pipeline therefore records the last stage it started — `forge-6-docs` — and 'the whole pipeline is done' is DERIVED too: `next_stage()` returns null (surfaced as `nextStage: null` / `complete: true`). Never test this field against `complete` to decide whether a pipeline finished. (Legacy/absent value: tools fall back to the derived next stage for display only — `build_rows` in forge-session.py.)"
     },
     "notes": {
       "type": "string",

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge/references/shared-conventions.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ mkdir -p "<specsDir>"
 If the host is Claude (the `AskUserQuestion` tool is available), also ensure the Claude-framed variant:
 
 ```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 "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 [ -f "<specsDir>/CLAUDE.md" ] || cp "$R/references/templates/specs-hygiene/CLAUDE.md" "<specsDir>/CLAUDE.md"
 ```
 
@@ -183,7 +185,11 @@ If the helper is unavailable (a non-Claude host without the resolver), skip this
 
 ## Pipeline State Protocol
 
-Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`. Always update `updatedAt` when modifying pipeline state.
+Pipeline state is written by the `state-*` verbs of `scripts/forge-session.py` — never by hand. Each verb writes `{resolvedFeatureDir}/.pipeline-state.json` atomically, conforms to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json` by construction, and refreshes `updatedAt` for you, so no stage needs to read the schema in order to author state.
+
+**Epic members MUST pass `--epic`.** Every `state-*` verb takes an optional `--epic "{epic}"`, and it is **required** whenever the feature is an epic member (its resolved directory is `{specsDir}/{epic}/{feature}/`, i.e. its state carries an `epic` back-pointer) — append it to **every** `state-*` call in this file and in every skill body, exactly as the `state-ecr` calls already do. Omit it only for a standalone feature. Without it the verb resolves the bare name itself and, mirroring `epic-manifest.py resolve`, refuses with exit 2 whenever more than one directory carries a state file rather than guessing which feature to write — so a same-named standalone feature can never be mutated in a member's place.
+
+If a `state-*` verb exits 2, surface the plain `Error:` line from stderr verbatim, do **not** proceed to the next step of the surrounding protocol, and do **not** hand-author the JSON as a workaround. The stage remains resumable because the entry stamp is already on disk — re-run the verb once the cause is fixed.
 
 ### Staleness Detection (Read-Time)
 
@@ -214,7 +220,16 @@ Invoke this block at the **very start** of a pipeline entry point — `forge-1-p
    - **Create** → `git switch -c {branchPrefix}{label}` (or `git checkout -b` if `switch` is unavailable). If the branch already exists, `git switch {branchPrefix}{label}`.
    - **Stay** → proceed on the default branch; note that subsequent commits (and any `forge-5-loop` run) will land directly on `{defaultBranch}`.
 
-**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.
+**Record the branch.** After this block resolves, record the resulting branch name in the feature's top-level `branch` field by running `state-branch` (create/update it when the state file is first written for this stage). Emit the call **once the feature directory exists** — i.e. after Feature Directory Resolution and the Entry Stamp, **not** at this block: Branch Setup runs at the very start of the entry point, before any directory resolution, and a brand-new standalone feature may have no directory yet. Add `--epic "{epic}"` to the call when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol.
+
+```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" state-branch \
+  --feature "{feature}" --branch "<name>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
+Downstream stages and `forge-5-loop` read it to detect drift back onto the default branch.
 
 ## Branch Reconciliation
 
@@ -227,10 +242,19 @@ python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" reconcile-branch --feature "{feature}" --s
 ```
 
 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).
+- **`adopt-current`** — you are on a non-default topic branch where the state resolves, and the recorded `branch` differs (a stale/imposed value). Run `state-branch` (below) to 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.
 
+The `adopt-current` write, with the portable plugin-root prelude. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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" state-branch \
+  --feature "{feature}" --branch "{newBranch}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 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
@@ -240,14 +264,29 @@ When `gitCommitAfterStage` is true, follow this exact order to avoid state incon
 **Why two commits.** The stage's `.pipeline-state.json` is itself part of the staged commit, but the stage's `commitHash` cannot be known until *after* that commit is made. Recording it *inside* the same commit is a chicken-and-egg with no single-commit solution. Resolve it with a **deterministic two-commit sequence**, and **never** with `git commit --amend`: amending rewrites HEAD, so a hash captured before the amend points at an orphaned commit that is not in the final history (the exact defect this protocol exists to prevent).
 
 1. **Stage specific files only:** `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/` — never use `git add -A` or `git add .`
-2. **Commit 1 — artifacts + state, hash not yet known:** In `.pipeline-state.json`, set this stage's `status: "complete"` and `commitHash: null`, then `git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): <action>"`. This is the stage's **artifact commit**; its hash is the provenance hash callers rely on.
-3. **If Commit 1 succeeds — Commit 2 records the hash:** Capture the hash of Commit 1 (`git rev-parse HEAD`). Write it into this stage's `commitHash` in `.pipeline-state.json`, then commit only that one-line change: `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/.pipeline-state.json && git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): record stage commit hash"`. The stored `commitHash` now points at the artifact commit (Commit 1) — never at Commit 2, and never at an orphaned amend. The working tree is clean afterward, so the next stage's dirty-tree check passes.
-4. **If Commit 1 fails:** do NOT update pipeline state to complete. Report the error to the user and leave state as `in-progress` so the stage can be resumed. Common failure causes:
+2. **Commit 1 — artifacts + state, hash not yet known:** Run `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N …` (which sets this stage's `status: "complete"`, `completedAt`, `version`, `basedOnVersions`, `artifacts` and `commitHash: null`, and applies the downstream staleness cascade), then `git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): <action>"`. This is the stage's **artifact commit**; its hash is the provenance hash callers rely on.
+3. **If Commit 1 succeeds — Commit 2 records the hash:** Capture the hash of Commit 1 (`git rev-parse HEAD`) by running `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N --commit-hash $(git rev-parse HEAD)`, which writes it into this stage's `commitHash` and touches nothing else, then commit only that one-line change: `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/.pipeline-state.json && git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): record stage commit hash"`. The stored `commitHash` now points at the artifact commit (Commit 1) — never at Commit 2, and never at an orphaned amend. The working tree is clean afterward, so the next stage's dirty-tree check passes.
+4. **If Commit 1 fails:** do NOT update pipeline state to complete. Report the error to the user and leave state as `in-progress` so the stage can be resumed. Do that with `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N --resumable`, which records **only** `status` — no `completedAt`, no version bump, no `basedOnVersions`/`artifacts`, no `commitHash` reset, and no staleness cascade, so the stage stays resumable. (`--version` is still REQUIRED by argparse and must be passed even though `--resumable` does not write it; omitting it makes the recovery command exit 2 every time.) Common failure causes:
    - **Pre-commit hook failure:** Report the hook output. Never use `--no-verify` to bypass. Help the user fix the underlying issue.
    - **Merge conflicts:** Report conflicting files. Suggest resolution steps appropriate to the conflict.
-   - **Nothing to commit:** If all artifacts were already committed, this is fine — mark the stage `complete`, leave `commitHash` at its existing value (or `null` if there was never an artifact commit), and skip Commit 2. There is no new artifact commit to record.
+   - **Nothing to commit:** If all artifacts were already committed, this is fine — mark the stage `complete`, leave `commitHash` at its existing value (or `null` if there was never an artifact commit), and skip Commit 2. Pass `--preserve-commit-hash` on the Commit-1 `state-complete` call so the recorded hash is left alone instead of being reset to `null`. There is no new artifact commit to record.
 5. **Never** use `git add -A`, `--amend`, `--no-verify`, or `--force` flags
 
+The two `state-complete` calls, with the portable plugin-root prelude. Add `--epic "{epic}"` to each when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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 "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
+# Commit 1 — before `git commit`
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" state-complete \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --version {n} \
+  --based-on "<upstream>=<n>" --artifact "<file>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+# Commit 2 — after Commit 1 lands, so its hash exists
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" state-complete \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --version {n} \
+  --commit-hash "$(git rev-parse HEAD)" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 ## Stage-Entry Guard
 
 Invoke this block at the **start of an authoring stage** (`forge-1-prd`..`forge-4-backlog`), **after** Feature Directory Resolution and **before** any interview or (re-)authoring. It prevents a re-entered stage — an injected skill body or a re-invoked `Skill` — from blindly re-running the interview over an in-progress or already-complete draft. `{stage}` is the invoking skill's id (e.g. `forge-2-tech`).
@@ -263,16 +302,27 @@ Invoke this block at the **start of an authoring stage** (`forge-1-prd`..`forge-
 
 3. **Re-authoring** (`status: "complete"` or `"stale"`) — a finished draft exists. Warn via `AskUserQuestion` before overwriting: "A completed {stage} artifact already exists for '{feature}' (v{n}{, marked stale}). Continuing will create a new version. Proceed?" On confirm, proceed to the Entry Stamp and author a new version (the version increments at exit, per that stage's Update-Pipeline-State step).
 
-**Entry Stamp** (fresh, restart, and re-author paths — NOT the resume path). Before authoring, write to `{resolvedFeatureDir}/.pipeline-state.json` and update `updatedAt`:
-- `stages.{stage}.status` → `"in-progress"`
-- `stages.{stage}.startedAt` → current ISO-8601 UTC timestamp
-- top-level `currentStage` → `"{stage}"` (where the pipeline IS, per O1)
+**Entry Stamp** (fresh, restart, and re-author paths — NOT the resume path). Before authoring, record the entry stamp by running `state-enter` — one atomic write that sets `stages.{stage}.status` → `"in-progress"`, `stages.{stage}.startedAt` → current ISO-8601 UTC timestamp, top-level `currentStage` → `"{stage}"` (where the pipeline IS, per O1), and refreshes `updatedAt`. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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" state-enter \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 This write is **left uncommitted**: it is staged and committed as part of this stage's existing exit commit (Git Commit Protocol), so no extra commit is needed at entry. If the run is interrupted after the stamp but before the exit commit, the marker survives on disk (uncommitted) and the next entry classifies as **Interrupted** — which is exactly the intent.
 
 **Force Mode.** When `--force` is passed, skip the interactive gate: do not prompt for resume-vs-restart or the re-author warning. Treat entry as a fresh restart — apply the Entry Stamp and author. (`--force` already skips prerequisite checks; here it likewise bypasses the self-stage gate. Existing on-disk artifacts are still loaded per Force Mode.)
 
-**Incremental artifact tracking:** When a stage writes multiple files (e.g. forge-3-specs writing a suite of spec documents), update the `stages.{stage}.artifacts` array in `.pipeline-state.json` after writing each file — not just at stage completion. This is what makes the Interrupted inventory above precise about which files were successfully written.
+**Incremental artifact tracking:** When a stage writes multiple files (e.g. forge-3-specs writing a suite of spec documents), run `state-artifact --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --path <file>` after writing each file — not just at stage completion. This is what makes the Interrupted inventory above precise about which files were successfully written. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol.
+
+```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" state-artifact \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --path "<file>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 ## Stage-Completion Re-check
 

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge/references/stage-exit-protocol.md

@@ -182,10 +182,20 @@ concrete cache backend that `forge-2-tech` will design). Soliciting it here gues
 of the stage that owns the context, and the answer has nowhere durable to live.
 
 Instead, when you notice a decision that belongs downstream, **record it structurally** as
-a `deferredDecisions[]` entry on this feature's `.pipeline-state.json` (schema in
-`references/pipeline-state-schema.json`; same direct-edit path as `notes` /
-`epicChangeRequests[]`): `question` (phrased for the target stage), optional `rationale`
-and `targetStage`, `raisedBy` (this stage), `raisedAt` (ISO-8601 UTC), `status: "open"`.
+a `deferredDecisions[]` entry on this feature's `.pipeline-state.json` by running
+`state-decision` (`--rationale` and `--target-stage` are optional; the verb stamps
+`raisedAt` and `status: "open"` for you). Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an
+epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`:
+
+```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" state-decision \
+  --feature "{feature}" --question "<phrased for the target stage>" \
+  --rationale "<why it belongs downstream>" --target-stage "<owning stage>" \
+  --raised-by "{stage}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 This keeps the exit focused on *this* stage's next-step routing while carrying the open
 question forward for the owning stage to resolve (it flips `status` to `addressed` when it
 does). Prefer a `deferredDecisions[]` entry over stuffing the same thing into the free-text

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

@@ -231,7 +231,7 @@ so the navigator and resolver can see them before any stage runs. For each `feat
      standalone feature. **No per-feature `status` beyond the stage entry** — the member state
      holds derived stage progress only.
 
-For an example member state, read `references/edit-mode.md` (Member State Example section).
+For an example member state, read `references/edit-mode.md` (Member State Example section). This stub is written by hand rather than by a `state-*` verb — deliberately: no verb writes the `epic` back-pointer a brand-new member needs, so this is a sanctioned exception to the Pipeline State Protocol.
 
 The member subtree holds the **same** artifact set a standalone feature holds; only
 `.pipeline-state.json` exists at creation. No PRD/specs are authored here. The epic subtree is

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/references/pipeline-state-schema.json

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
     "currentStage": {
       "type": "string",
       "enum": ["forge-1-prd", "forge-2-tech", "forge-3-specs", "forge-4-backlog", "forge-5-loop", "forge-6-docs", "complete", "forge-verify-prd", "forge-verify-tech", "forge-verify-specs", "forge-verify-backlog", "forge-verify-impl", "forge-0-epic", "forge-verify-epic"],
-      "description": "Where the pipeline IS: the most recently started stage — its `stages[<currentStage>].status` is `in-progress` while that stage is being authored, then `complete` once its artifacts are committed. A stage skill sets this to its own id when it starts. This is deliberately NOT 'the next stage to run': the next stage is DERIVED, never stored — it is the first production stage whose `stages[].status` is not `complete` (see `next_stage()` in forge-session.py, surfaced as the navigator/doctor `nextStage`). Consumers that need 'what runs next' compute it from `stages[].status`, not from this field. `complete` here means the whole pipeline is done. (Legacy/absent value: tools fall back to the derived next stage for display only — `build_rows` in forge-session.py.)"
+      "description": "Where the pipeline IS: the most recently started stage — its `stages[<currentStage>].status` is `in-progress` while that stage is being authored, then `complete` once its artifacts are committed. A stage skill sets this to its own id when it starts. This is deliberately NOT 'the next stage to run': the next stage is DERIVED, never stored — it is the first production stage whose `stages[].status` is not `complete` (see `next_stage()` in forge-session.py, surfaced as the navigator/doctor `nextStage`). Consumers that need 'what runs next' compute it from `stages[].status`, not from this field. `complete` is a LEGACY enum value, retained so pre-0.14 state files still validate: no writer produces it (the `state-*` verbs are the only writers, and only `state-enter` touches this field, setting it to the stage being entered). A finished pipeline therefore records the last stage it started — `forge-6-docs` — and 'the whole pipeline is done' is DERIVED too: `next_stage()` returns null (surfaced as `nextStage: null` / `complete: true`). Never test this field against `complete` to decide whether a pipeline finished. (Legacy/absent value: tools fall back to the derived next stage for display only — `build_rows` in forge-session.py.)"
     },
     "notes": {
       "type": "string",

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/references/shared-conventions.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ mkdir -p "<specsDir>"
 If the host is Claude (the `AskUserQuestion` tool is available), also ensure the Claude-framed variant:
 
 ```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 "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
 [ -f "<specsDir>/CLAUDE.md" ] || cp "$R/references/templates/specs-hygiene/CLAUDE.md" "<specsDir>/CLAUDE.md"
 ```
 
@@ -183,7 +185,11 @@ If the helper is unavailable (a non-Claude host without the resolver), skip this
 
 ## Pipeline State Protocol
 
-Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`. Always update `updatedAt` when modifying pipeline state.
+Pipeline state is written by the `state-*` verbs of `scripts/forge-session.py` — never by hand. Each verb writes `{resolvedFeatureDir}/.pipeline-state.json` atomically, conforms to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json` by construction, and refreshes `updatedAt` for you, so no stage needs to read the schema in order to author state.
+
+**Epic members MUST pass `--epic`.** Every `state-*` verb takes an optional `--epic "{epic}"`, and it is **required** whenever the feature is an epic member (its resolved directory is `{specsDir}/{epic}/{feature}/`, i.e. its state carries an `epic` back-pointer) — append it to **every** `state-*` call in this file and in every skill body, exactly as the `state-ecr` calls already do. Omit it only for a standalone feature. Without it the verb resolves the bare name itself and, mirroring `epic-manifest.py resolve`, refuses with exit 2 whenever more than one directory carries a state file rather than guessing which feature to write — so a same-named standalone feature can never be mutated in a member's place.
+
+If a `state-*` verb exits 2, surface the plain `Error:` line from stderr verbatim, do **not** proceed to the next step of the surrounding protocol, and do **not** hand-author the JSON as a workaround. The stage remains resumable because the entry stamp is already on disk — re-run the verb once the cause is fixed.
 
 ### Staleness Detection (Read-Time)
 
@@ -214,7 +220,16 @@ Invoke this block at the **very start** of a pipeline entry point — `forge-1-p
    - **Create** → `git switch -c {branchPrefix}{label}` (or `git checkout -b` if `switch` is unavailable). If the branch already exists, `git switch {branchPrefix}{label}`.
    - **Stay** → proceed on the default branch; note that subsequent commits (and any `forge-5-loop` run) will land directly on `{defaultBranch}`.
 
-**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.
+**Record the branch.** After this block resolves, record the resulting branch name in the feature's top-level `branch` field by running `state-branch` (create/update it when the state file is first written for this stage). Emit the call **once the feature directory exists** — i.e. after Feature Directory Resolution and the Entry Stamp, **not** at this block: Branch Setup runs at the very start of the entry point, before any directory resolution, and a brand-new standalone feature may have no directory yet. Add `--epic "{epic}"` to the call when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol.
+
+```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" state-branch \
+  --feature "{feature}" --branch "<name>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
+Downstream stages and `forge-5-loop` read it to detect drift back onto the default branch.
 
 ## Branch Reconciliation
 
@@ -227,10 +242,19 @@ python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" reconcile-branch --feature "{feature}" --s
 ```
 
 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).
+- **`adopt-current`** — you are on a non-default topic branch where the state resolves, and the recorded `branch` differs (a stale/imposed value). Run `state-branch` (below) to 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.
 
+The `adopt-current` write, with the portable plugin-root prelude. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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" state-branch \
+  --feature "{feature}" --branch "{newBranch}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 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
@@ -240,14 +264,29 @@ When `gitCommitAfterStage` is true, follow this exact order to avoid state incon
 **Why two commits.** The stage's `.pipeline-state.json` is itself part of the staged commit, but the stage's `commitHash` cannot be known until *after* that commit is made. Recording it *inside* the same commit is a chicken-and-egg with no single-commit solution. Resolve it with a **deterministic two-commit sequence**, and **never** with `git commit --amend`: amending rewrites HEAD, so a hash captured before the amend points at an orphaned commit that is not in the final history (the exact defect this protocol exists to prevent).
 
 1. **Stage specific files only:** `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/` — never use `git add -A` or `git add .`
-2. **Commit 1 — artifacts + state, hash not yet known:** In `.pipeline-state.json`, set this stage's `status: "complete"` and `commitHash: null`, then `git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): <action>"`. This is the stage's **artifact commit**; its hash is the provenance hash callers rely on.
-3. **If Commit 1 succeeds — Commit 2 records the hash:** Capture the hash of Commit 1 (`git rev-parse HEAD`). Write it into this stage's `commitHash` in `.pipeline-state.json`, then commit only that one-line change: `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/.pipeline-state.json && git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): record stage commit hash"`. The stored `commitHash` now points at the artifact commit (Commit 1) — never at Commit 2, and never at an orphaned amend. The working tree is clean afterward, so the next stage's dirty-tree check passes.
-4. **If Commit 1 fails:** do NOT update pipeline state to complete. Report the error to the user and leave state as `in-progress` so the stage can be resumed. Common failure causes:
+2. **Commit 1 — artifacts + state, hash not yet known:** Run `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N …` (which sets this stage's `status: "complete"`, `completedAt`, `version`, `basedOnVersions`, `artifacts` and `commitHash: null`, and applies the downstream staleness cascade), then `git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): <action>"`. This is the stage's **artifact commit**; its hash is the provenance hash callers rely on.
+3. **If Commit 1 succeeds — Commit 2 records the hash:** Capture the hash of Commit 1 (`git rev-parse HEAD`) by running `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N --commit-hash $(git rev-parse HEAD)`, which writes it into this stage's `commitHash` and touches nothing else, then commit only that one-line change: `git add {specsDir}/{feature}/.pipeline-state.json && git commit -m "{commitPrefix}({feature}): record stage commit hash"`. The stored `commitHash` now points at the artifact commit (Commit 1) — never at Commit 2, and never at an orphaned amend. The working tree is clean afterward, so the next stage's dirty-tree check passes.
+4. **If Commit 1 fails:** do NOT update pipeline state to complete. Report the error to the user and leave state as `in-progress` so the stage can be resumed. Do that with `state-complete --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --version N --resumable`, which records **only** `status` — no `completedAt`, no version bump, no `basedOnVersions`/`artifacts`, no `commitHash` reset, and no staleness cascade, so the stage stays resumable. (`--version` is still REQUIRED by argparse and must be passed even though `--resumable` does not write it; omitting it makes the recovery command exit 2 every time.) Common failure causes:
    - **Pre-commit hook failure:** Report the hook output. Never use `--no-verify` to bypass. Help the user fix the underlying issue.
    - **Merge conflicts:** Report conflicting files. Suggest resolution steps appropriate to the conflict.
-   - **Nothing to commit:** If all artifacts were already committed, this is fine — mark the stage `complete`, leave `commitHash` at its existing value (or `null` if there was never an artifact commit), and skip Commit 2. There is no new artifact commit to record.
+   - **Nothing to commit:** If all artifacts were already committed, this is fine — mark the stage `complete`, leave `commitHash` at its existing value (or `null` if there was never an artifact commit), and skip Commit 2. Pass `--preserve-commit-hash` on the Commit-1 `state-complete` call so the recorded hash is left alone instead of being reset to `null`. There is no new artifact commit to record.
 5. **Never** use `git add -A`, `--amend`, `--no-verify`, or `--force` flags
 
+The two `state-complete` calls, with the portable plugin-root prelude. Add `--epic "{epic}"` to each when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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 "$R" ] || { echo "feature-forge: cannot locate plugin root" >&2; exit 1; }
+# Commit 1 — before `git commit`
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" state-complete \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --version {n} \
+  --based-on "<upstream>=<n>" --artifact "<file>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+# Commit 2 — after Commit 1 lands, so its hash exists
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" state-complete \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --version {n} \
+  --commit-hash "$(git rev-parse HEAD)" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 ## Stage-Entry Guard
 
 Invoke this block at the **start of an authoring stage** (`forge-1-prd`..`forge-4-backlog`), **after** Feature Directory Resolution and **before** any interview or (re-)authoring. It prevents a re-entered stage — an injected skill body or a re-invoked `Skill` — from blindly re-running the interview over an in-progress or already-complete draft. `{stage}` is the invoking skill's id (e.g. `forge-2-tech`).
@@ -263,16 +302,27 @@ Invoke this block at the **start of an authoring stage** (`forge-1-prd`..`forge-
 
 3. **Re-authoring** (`status: "complete"` or `"stale"`) — a finished draft exists. Warn via `AskUserQuestion` before overwriting: "A completed {stage} artifact already exists for '{feature}' (v{n}{, marked stale}). Continuing will create a new version. Proceed?" On confirm, proceed to the Entry Stamp and author a new version (the version increments at exit, per that stage's Update-Pipeline-State step).
 
-**Entry Stamp** (fresh, restart, and re-author paths — NOT the resume path). Before authoring, write to `{resolvedFeatureDir}/.pipeline-state.json` and update `updatedAt`:
-- `stages.{stage}.status` → `"in-progress"`
-- `stages.{stage}.startedAt` → current ISO-8601 UTC timestamp
-- top-level `currentStage` → `"{stage}"` (where the pipeline IS, per O1)
+**Entry Stamp** (fresh, restart, and re-author paths — NOT the resume path). Before authoring, record the entry stamp by running `state-enter` — one atomic write that sets `stages.{stage}.status` → `"in-progress"`, `stages.{stage}.startedAt` → current ISO-8601 UTC timestamp, top-level `currentStage` → `"{stage}"` (where the pipeline IS, per O1), and refreshes `updatedAt`. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol:
+
+```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" state-enter \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 This write is **left uncommitted**: it is staged and committed as part of this stage's existing exit commit (Git Commit Protocol), so no extra commit is needed at entry. If the run is interrupted after the stamp but before the exit commit, the marker survives on disk (uncommitted) and the next entry classifies as **Interrupted** — which is exactly the intent.
 
 **Force Mode.** When `--force` is passed, skip the interactive gate: do not prompt for resume-vs-restart or the re-author warning. Treat entry as a fresh restart — apply the Entry Stamp and author. (`--force` already skips prerequisite checks; here it likewise bypasses the self-stage gate. Existing on-disk artifacts are still loaded per Force Mode.)
 
-**Incremental artifact tracking:** When a stage writes multiple files (e.g. forge-3-specs writing a suite of spec documents), update the `stages.{stage}.artifacts` array in `.pipeline-state.json` after writing each file — not just at stage completion. This is what makes the Interrupted inventory above precise about which files were successfully written.
+**Incremental artifact tracking:** When a stage writes multiple files (e.g. forge-3-specs writing a suite of spec documents), run `state-artifact --feature {feature} --stage {stage} --path <file>` after writing each file — not just at stage completion. This is what makes the Interrupted inventory above precise about which files were successfully written. Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol.
+
+```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" state-artifact \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage "{stage}" --path "<file>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 ## Stage-Completion Re-check
 

package/adapters/claude/skills/forge-0-epic/references/stage-exit-protocol.md

@@ -182,10 +182,20 @@ concrete cache backend that `forge-2-tech` will design). Soliciting it here gues
 of the stage that owns the context, and the answer has nowhere durable to live.
 
 Instead, when you notice a decision that belongs downstream, **record it structurally** as
-a `deferredDecisions[]` entry on this feature's `.pipeline-state.json` (schema in
-`references/pipeline-state-schema.json`; same direct-edit path as `notes` /
-`epicChangeRequests[]`): `question` (phrased for the target stage), optional `rationale`
-and `targetStage`, `raisedBy` (this stage), `raisedAt` (ISO-8601 UTC), `status: "open"`.
+a `deferredDecisions[]` entry on this feature's `.pipeline-state.json` by running
+`state-decision` (`--rationale` and `--target-stage` are optional; the verb stamps
+`raisedAt` and `status: "open"` for you). Add `--epic "{epic}"` when this feature is an
+epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`:
+
+```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" state-decision \
+  --feature "{feature}" --question "<phrased for the target stage>" \
+  --rationale "<why it belongs downstream>" --target-stage "<owning stage>" \
+  --raised-by "{stage}" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 This keeps the exit focused on *this* stage's next-step routing while carrying the open
 question forward for the owning stage to resolve (it flips `status` to `addressed` when it
 does). Prefer a `deferredDecisions[]` entry over stuffing the same thing into the free-text

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

@@ -99,7 +99,16 @@ Before moving to Step 4, summarize your coverage as text, then use `AskUserQuest
 
 **Parking lot:** If the user raises a concern that belongs to a different pipeline stage, acknowledge it and note it in the pipeline state's `notes` field: "Good point — I've noted that for the [tech spec/implementation specs]. Let's continue with [current stage]."
 
-**Epic-level concern (backflow):** The parking lot above is for concerns about a *later stage of THIS feature*. If instead the interview reveals the **epic decomposition itself** is wrong — a **sibling feature must be added**, a **frozen boundary between features must move**, a feature must **split**, or a **dependency edge is wrong** — that is an *epic-level* concern and does **not** go in `notes`. It only applies when this feature is an epic member (its `.pipeline-state.json` has an `epic` back-pointer); for a standalone feature there is no epic to reconcile, so treat the concern as same-feature or out of scope. To record one, append an entry to the member state's `epicChangeRequests[]` array (same direct-edit path as `notes`; schema in `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`): `kind` (`add-feature`|`redep`|`move-boundary`|`split`), `target`, `rationale`, `raisedBy: "forge-1-prd"`, `raisedAt` (ISO-8601 UTC), `status: "open"`, and `blocksCurrent`. Set `blocksCurrent: true` when the change alters a contract (`exposes`/`consumes`) or dependency edge this feature relies on for its *next* stage (proceeding would build specs on a soon-to-change decomposition); `false` for a peer/downstream change this feature does not consume. When the change touches a contract/dep edge and the classification is genuinely ambiguous, confirm `blocksCurrent` with a single `AskUserQuestion`, defaulting to `true` (a false negative silently diverges two members' contracts). **Do not** edit `epic-manifest.json` here — recording is not applying; only `/feature-forge:forge-0-epic` edit mode mutates the epic. Then acknowledge without blocking: "That's an epic-level change — I've recorded it so `forge-0-epic` can reconcile it. [Blocking: We'll want to reconcile the epic before writing specs. | Non-blocking: We can finish this feature first and reconcile when convenient.]" and continue the interview.
+**Epic-level concern (backflow):** The parking lot above is for concerns about a *later stage of THIS feature*. If instead the interview reveals the **epic decomposition itself** is wrong — a **sibling feature must be added**, a **frozen boundary between features must move**, a feature must **split**, or a **dependency edge is wrong** — that is an *epic-level* concern and does **not** go in `notes`. It only applies when this feature is an epic member (its `.pipeline-state.json` has an `epic` back-pointer); for a standalone feature there is no epic to reconcile, so treat the concern as same-feature or out of scope. To record one, run `state-ecr` (fenced below) with `--kind` (`add-feature`|`redep`|`move-boundary`|`split`), `--target`, `--rationale`, `--raised-by forge-1-prd` and `--blocks-current` — it appends the entry to the member state's `epicChangeRequests[]` array, filling in `raisedAt` (ISO-8601 UTC) and `status: "open"` for you. Set `blocksCurrent: true` when the change alters a contract (`exposes`/`consumes`) or dependency edge this feature relies on for its *next* stage (proceeding would build specs on a soon-to-change decomposition); `false` for a peer/downstream change this feature does not consume. When the change touches a contract/dep edge and the classification is genuinely ambiguous, confirm `blocksCurrent` with a single `AskUserQuestion`, defaulting to `true` (a false negative silently diverges two members' contracts). **Do not** edit `epic-manifest.json` here — recording is not applying; only `/feature-forge:forge-0-epic` edit mode mutates the epic. Then acknowledge without blocking: "That's an epic-level change — I've recorded it so `forge-0-epic` can reconcile it. [Blocking: We'll want to reconcile the epic before writing specs. | Non-blocking: We can finish this feature first and reconcile when convenient.]" and continue the interview.
+
+```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" state-ecr \
+  --feature "{feature}" --epic "{epic}" --kind "<kind>" --target "<target>" \
+  --rationale "<why>" --raised-by forge-1-prd --blocks-current "<true|false>" \
+  --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
 
 ## Step 4: Write the PRD
 
@@ -124,18 +133,26 @@ Iterate until the user confirms the PRD is complete.
 
 Before writing state or running the stage exit, invoke the **Stage-Completion Re-check** block in `references/shared-conventions.md` with `{stage}` = `forge-1-prd` — a resumed mid-stage continuation must not overwrite a committed `PRD.md` or re-fire a finished exit.
 
-Write pipeline state conforming to `references/pipeline-state-schema.json`.
+Pipeline state is written by the `state-*` verbs — see the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`.
 
-1. Create or update `{resolvedFeatureDir}/.pipeline-state.json`:
-   - Set `currentStage` to `forge-2-tech`
-   - Set `stages.forge-1-prd.version` to 1 (or increment if revising)
-   - Record `artifacts`, `completedAt`
-   - Set `stages.forge-1-prd.basedOnVersions` to `{}` (no upstream dependencies)
-   - Check downstream stages (`forge-2-tech`, `forge-3-specs`, `forge-4-backlog`, `forge-5-loop`, `forge-6-docs`). If any have `basedOnVersions` referencing an older version of `forge-1-prd`, set their status to `stale`.
+1. Record completion by running `state-complete` (below) with `--version` 1 (or the incremented version if revising) and one `--artifact` per file this stage produced. It sets `status: "complete"`, `completedAt`, the version and `basedOnVersions` (`{}` here — no upstream dependencies), and applies the downstream staleness cascade deterministically, so no downstream status is set by hand.
 2. **Offer a note — don't force one.** As a statement (not a blocking question), let the user know they can jot anything worth preserving across sessions and you'll store it in the `notes` field. If they volunteer something, store it; otherwise proceed.
 3. If `gitCommitAfterStage` is true, follow the Git Commit Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`: stage files (including `{specsDir}/AGENTS.md` / `{specsDir}/CLAUDE.md` if the Specs Directory Hygiene step just wrote them), attempt commit with message `"{commitPrefix}({feature}): complete PRD v{n}"` (marking `stages.forge-1-prd.status` `complete` with `commitHash: null` in that commit), then record the artifact-commit hash via the protocol's two-commit follow-up (never `--amend`) only on success. If commit fails, leave status as `in-progress`.
 4. **Close with the Stage Exit Protocol** (single-sourced in `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list):
 
+The `state-complete` call for item 1 — and the `state-note` call only when the user volunteered a note in item 2 — with the portable plugin-root prelude. Add `--epic "{epic}"` to each call when this feature is an epic member — required, per the Pipeline State Protocol in `references/shared-conventions.md`:
+
+```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" state-complete \
+  --feature "{feature}" --stage forge-1-prd --version {n} \
+  --artifact PRD.md --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+# ONLY run the next call if the user volunteered a note in item 2 — otherwise stop here.
+python3 "$R/scripts/forge-session.py" state-note \
+  --feature "{feature}" --note "<what the user volunteered>" --specs-dir "{specsDir}"
+```
+
 **Close this stage with the Scripted Stage Exit** (contract: `references/stage-exit-protocol.md`; do not improvise a "Next steps" list). Run:
 
 ```bash