@groeponline/pi-wishcraft 1.4.0 → 1.6.0

package/bash-mode/types.ts

@@ -64,6 +64,24 @@ export interface ShellSessionState {
   lastExitCode: number | null;
 }
 
+/**
+ * Common surface for the PTY-backed managed session; kept as a seam so the
+ * editor/actions wiring does not depend on PtyManagedShellSession internals.
+ * writeStdin is optional-callable via the seam (v2 exposes it).
+ */
+export interface ManagedShellSessionLike {
+  readonly state: ShellSessionState;
+  ensureReady(): Promise<void>;
+  runCommand(command: string): Promise<void>;
+  interrupt(): void;
+  dispose(): void;
+  writeStdin?(data: string): void;
+  /** Whether the session supports editor forward-mode (v2 PTY only). */
+  supportsForwardMode(): boolean;
+}
+
+export { createForwardState, handleForwardInput, type ForwardState, type ForwardDecision, type PtyAction } from "./forward.ts";
+
 export interface BashModeEditorOptions {
   keybindings: KeybindingsManager;
   isBashModeActive: () => boolean;
@@ -73,6 +91,15 @@ export interface BashModeEditorOptions {
   onEditorSubmit?: () => void;
   editorBoundaryShortcuts?: EditorBoundaryShortcuts;
   onInterrupt: () => void;
+  /** Forward raw input to a running shell (v2 PTY forward-mode, U4). */
+  onForwardInput?: (data: string) => void;
+  /**
+   * Enable forward-mode: while a command runs, printable input routes to
+   * the PTY stdin instead of the editor (AE1). v1 run-blocked behavior is
+   * the default until a session opts in. Evaluated per keystroke so the
+   * session kind (v1 vs v2) decides at input time.
+   */
+  forwardWhileRunning?: () => boolean;
   onNotify: (message: string, level?: "info" | "warning" | "error") => void;
   getHistoryEntries: (prefix: string) => string[];
   resolveGhostSuggestion: (

package/docs/bash-mode.md

@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@ While bash mode is active:
 
 The managed shell is persistent for the current pi session. Command output appears in a transcript below the editor, and shell cwd changes are reflected in the footer path and `shell_mode` segment.
 
+## Execution (v2)
+
+Commands run under a real PTY via `script(1)` (no native dependency), so programs that read stdin work: printable input typed while a command runs is forwarded to the process, and `ctrl+c` interrupts it. SGR color survives into the transcript when the terminal supports it; `NO_COLOR` renders plain text. When `script(1)` is missing, each command degrades to plain pipe execution with a one-time warning (no color, no interactive stdin).
+
 ## Shell ghost suggestions
 
 Bash mode is ghost-first. Successful per-project shell history is the primary source, while deterministic path and git continuations can still extend an existing command. Shell-native completion probes are disabled so `!command` predictions never spawn interactive shell completion subprocesses.

package/docs/configuration.md

@@ -190,6 +190,37 @@ Make `open_ports` probe a named SSH host instead of the laptop:
 
 See [Segments & theming](./segments.md) for the probe's best-effort behavior and requirements.
 
+## Bash Mode performance and workflow
+
+Bash Mode keeps a project-scoped command history, supports Bash/Zsh/Fish history recall, Git-aware completion, path completion, file drops, ghost suggestions, and safe `!`/`!!` commands. Ghost suggestions are coalesced during rapid typing and cancelled when the editor context changes, so completion never blocks command entry.
+
+Use `ctrl+shift+b` to toggle Bash Mode. `Escape` exits the mode, `Tab` accepts one completion token, `Right Arrow` accepts the full ghost suggestion, and the configured editor-boundary shortcuts jump to the start/end of the input. Commands are not submitted while another shell command is running.
+
+## Working indicator
+
+The agent's working indicator can use a compact animated frame style. Each style has a distinct visual grammar: `dots` is a quiet three-dot cadence, `pulse` is a centered heartbeat, `bar` is a travelling progress sweep, and `ascii` is a terminal-safe bracketed spinner. Accessibility settings can collapse all four to a static frame.
+
+The indicator is intentionally separate from the structural appearance motion: it describes immediate agent activity, while appearance motion describes Signal/deck transitions and ambient state. Choose one of the following depending on the desired feel:
+
+| Style | Character | Best for |
+|---|---|---|
+| `dots` | gentle sequential dots | unobtrusive everyday use |
+| `pulse` | expanding/contracting center | clear activity at a glance |
+| `bar` | travelling block across a track | high-information dashboards |
+| `ascii` | portable `[=]`, `[-]`, `[.]` frames | SSH, basic terminals, and logs |
+
+ Configure it under `wishcraft.workingIndicatorStyle`; supported values are `dots` (default), `pulse`, `bar`, and `ascii`. Motion accessibility settings still apply: reduced/off motion uses a static frame.
+
+```json
+{
+  "wishcraft": {
+    "workingIndicatorStyle": "pulse"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+The Skills route in the Deck and `/skills` manager share one catalog. Use `/skills doctor` to inspect frontmatter, descriptions, duplicate names, warnings, and usage; `/skills new [template]` creates a safe starter skill. Skill deletion is restricted to canonical skill roots.
+
 ## Appearance
 
 `powerline.appearance` is independent of the information layout (`powerline.preset`). The structural base paints Signal colors and motion. Layout presets (`default`, `minimal`, `compact`, `full`, `nerd`, `ascii`, `chef`) keep their segment lists until you change `preset`.
@@ -205,7 +236,20 @@ See [Segments & theming](./segments.md) for the probe's best-effort behavior and
 }
 ```
 
-Bases: `lanternwake`, `threadbound`, `scryglass`, `runebloom`, `moonwell`, `hexforge`, `vellum`, `wisp`, `starweave`, `crucible`. Apply from Deck → Appearance → Enter, `/wishcraft settings`, or `/signal hexforge` (a structural layout name also writes `appearance.base`). Optional mix keys: `palette`, `signalLayout`, `chrome`, `glyphs`, `deck`, `welcome`, `motion`.
+Bases: `lanternwake`, `threadbound`, `scryglass`, `runebloom`, `moonwell`, `hexforge`, `vellum`, `wisp`, `starweave`, `crucible`. They are deliberately different rather than aliases: each has its own palette, chrome geometry, Signal lane layout, glyph vocabulary, welcome treatment, and signature motion event. Apply from Deck → Appearance → Enter, `/wishcraft settings`, or `/signal hexforge` (a structural layout name also writes `appearance.base`). Optional mix keys: `palette`, `signalLayout`, `chrome`, `glyphs`, `deck`, `welcome`, `motion`.
+
+Quick personality guide:
+
+- `lanternwake`: warm ember glow and relay motion; welcoming and expressive.
+- `threadbound`: woven separators and linked transitions; structured and calm.
+- `scryglass`: cool observatory palette; sparse, analytical readout.
+- `runebloom`: ornamented glyphs and bloom transitions; mystical and decorative.
+- `moonwell`: blue night palette with slow tidal motion; quiet long sessions.
+- `hexforge`: hard-edged blocks and tool-centric motion; dense engineering mode.
+- `vellum`: restrained paper-like contrast; documentation and review work.
+- `wisp`: lightweight, airy signal; lowest visual weight while remaining animated.
+- `starweave`: constellation accents and travelling signal; exploratory sessions.
+- `crucible`: high-contrast heat and decisive transitions; incident/debug mode.
 
 Until `appearance` is set, Signal keeps the layout preset colors. If `preset` itself is a structural name and `appearance` is empty, that name is treated as the base.
 

package/docs/index.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # pi-wishcraft documentation
 
-The README is the public landing page (`banner.png` only). Everything below lives here.
+This package is a Pi.dev extension, not a standalone website. The README is the short installation and capability contract; the complete operator, configuration, and design references live here.
 
 ## Guides
 
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@ The README is the public landing page (`banner.png` only). Everything below live
 
 ## Design System & vNext Specifications
 
+These documents describe the terminal-native extension UI and are useful when contributing to or reviewing the package; they are not a web application specification.
+
+
 - [vNext Stacked PR Release Plan](./design/vnext-release-plan.md) — The comprehensive implementation roadmap covering PR0 through PR8.
 - [vNext Architecture & Overview](./design/vnext-overview.md) — Product vision, five pillars, and architectural boundaries.
 - [Semantic Tokens & Theme Contract](./design/theme-contract.md) — `WishcraftTokens` schema and backward compatibility mappings.

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@groeponline/pi-wishcraft",
-  "version": "1.4.0",
+  "version": "1.6.0",
   "description": "Operator cockpit for Pi: live powerline status, searchable skills, idea queue, sticky Bash, hooks, policy controls, and session UX.",
   "type": "module",
   "files": [

package/src/config/effective.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+/**
+ * Effective config resolver (U1, KTD4/5).
+ *
+ * Treats `SETTINGS_REGISTRY` as the single source of truth: every value the
+ * caller reads is a registered key, every unknown key is ignored, and every
+ * invalid value falls back to the registered default with a per-path error
+ * entry. The previous `parsePowerlineConfig` is a v1 consumer; new code reads
+ * through this resolver so powerline + skills + harness settings all live in
+ * one shape. Strangler: v1 still works until U11 cuts over.
+ */
+
+import {
+  getSettingDefinition,
+  SETTING_DEFAULTS,
+  SETTINGS_REGISTRY,
+  type SettingDefinition,
+  type SettingValue,
+} from "./settings-registry.ts";
+
+export type SettingPath = keyof typeof SETTING_DEFAULTS;
+
+export type SettingInput = Record<string, unknown>;
+
+export interface SettingError {
+  path: string;
+  message: string;
+  rawValue: unknown;
+}
+
+export interface EffectiveConfig {
+  values: Record<SettingPath, SettingValue>;
+  errors: SettingError[];
+}
+
+export const SETTING_PATHS: readonly SettingPath[] = Object.keys(
+  SETTING_DEFAULTS,
+) as SettingPath[];
+
+function coerceToggle(value: unknown): boolean | null {
+  if (typeof value === "boolean") return value;
+  if (value === "on" || value === "true" || value === 1) return true;
+  if (value === "off" || value === "false" || value === 0) return false;
+  return null;
+}
+
+function coerceNumber(value: unknown): number | null {
+  if (typeof value === "number" && Number.isFinite(value)) return value;
+  if (typeof value === "string") {
+    const trimmed = value.trim();
+    if (trimmed === "") return null;
+    // Full-string conversion: "1000ms" and friends must not silently
+    // coerce to a number; invalid values fall back to the default.
+    const parsed = Number(trimmed);
+    if (Number.isFinite(parsed)) return parsed;
+  }
+  return null;
+}
+
+function coerceText(value: unknown): string | null {
+  return typeof value === "string" ? value : null;
+}
+
+function coerceSelect(value: unknown, choices: readonly string[]): string | null {
+  if (typeof value !== "string") return null;
+  return choices.includes(value) ? value : null;
+}
+
+function coerce(definition: SettingDefinition, value: unknown): SettingValue | null {
+  if (definition.kind === "toggle") {
+    const coerced = coerceToggle(value);
+    return coerced;
+  }
+  if (definition.kind === "number") {
+    return coerceNumber(value);
+  }
+  if (definition.kind === "text") {
+    return coerceText(value);
+  }
+  return coerceSelect(value, definition.choices);
+}
+
+function defaultFor(definition: SettingDefinition): SettingValue | null {
+  if (definition.defaultValue !== undefined) return definition.defaultValue;
+  if (definition.kind === "toggle") return false;
+  if (definition.kind === "number") return 0;
+  if (definition.kind === "text") return "";
+  return "";
+}
+
+export function resolveEffectiveConfig(input: SettingInput = {}): EffectiveConfig {
+  const values = {} as Record<SettingPath, SettingValue>;
+  const errors: SettingError[] = [];
+
+  for (const path of SETTING_PATHS) {
+    const definition = getSettingDefinition(path);
+    if (!definition) continue;
+    const raw = input[path];
+    if (raw === undefined) {
+      const fallback = defaultFor(definition);
+      if (fallback !== null) values[path] = fallback;
+      continue;
+    }
+    const coerced = coerce(definition, raw);
+    if (coerced === null) {
+      const fallback = defaultFor(definition);
+      if (fallback !== null) values[path] = fallback;
+      errors.push({
+        path,
+        message: `Invalid value for ${path}; using default.`,
+        rawValue: raw,
+      });
+      continue;
+    }
+    values[path] = coerced;
+  }
+
+  return { values, errors };
+}
+
+export function knownSettings(): readonly SettingDefinition[] {
+  return SETTINGS_REGISTRY;
+}

package/src/config/settings-registry.ts

@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ export const SETTING_DEFAULTS = {
   "wishcraft.readHints": true,
   "wishcraft.hooksEnabled": true,
   "wishcraft.repairsEnabled": true,
+  "wishcraft.workingIndicatorStyle": "dots",
 } as const satisfies Record<string, SettingValue>;
 
 export const SETTING_GROUPS = [
@@ -80,6 +81,7 @@ export const SETTINGS_REGISTRY = [
   { id: "status.tps.label", path: "powerline.segmentLabels.tps", group: "status", label: "TPS label", kind: "text", hint: "empty = no label" },
   { id: "welcome.enabled", path: "powerline.welcome", group: "vibes", label: "Welcome overlay", kind: "toggle", defaultValue: SETTING_DEFAULTS["powerline.welcome"], hint: "on = overlay at startup, off = no welcome" },
   { id: "welcome.lanternMotion", path: "wishcraft.welcome.animateLantern", group: "vibes", label: "Animate wishcraft lantern", kind: "toggle", hint: "flicker on the lantern" },
+  { id: "vibes.indicatorStyle", path: "wishcraft.workingIndicatorStyle", group: "vibes", label: "Working indicator", kind: "select", choices: ["dots", "pulse", "bar", "ascii"], defaultValue: SETTING_DEFAULTS["wishcraft.workingIndicatorStyle"], hint: "frame style used while the agent is working" },
   { id: "skills.inline", path: "wishcraft.inlineSkills", group: "skills", label: "Inline expand /command and $skill", kind: "toggle", hint: "needs a restart to take effect", restartRequired: true },
   { id: "skills.readHints", path: "wishcraft.readHints", group: "skills", label: "Read hints", kind: "toggle", defaultValue: SETTING_DEFAULTS["wishcraft.readHints"], hint: "off = no continuation hint after partial reads" },
   { id: "harness.hooks", path: "wishcraft.hooksEnabled", group: "harness", label: "Hooks enabled", kind: "toggle", defaultValue: SETTING_DEFAULTS["wishcraft.hooksEnabled"], hint: "gate for configured preToolUse / postToolUse / sessionStart hooks" },

package/src/config/structural-presets.ts

@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ export const STRUCTURAL_PRESETS: Record<StructuralPresetName, StructuralPresetDe
     signal: {
       layout: "arc",
       separators: { left: "───", right: "───", subLeft: "◜", subRight: "◟" },
-      caps: { leftOpen: "◜", leftClose: "◝", rightOpen: "◞", rightClose: "◟" },
+      caps: { leftOpen: "", leftClose: "", rightOpen: "", rightClose: "" },
       animation: "lunar-breathe",
     },
     motion: motion("lunar-breathe"),

package/src/extension/commands/bash-mode-actions.ts

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {
   readGlobalShellHistory,
   readProjectHistory,
 } from "../../../bash-mode/history.ts";
-import { ManagedShellSession } from "../../../bash-mode/shell-session.ts";
+import { createShellSession } from "../../../bash-mode/session-factory.ts";
 import { requestStatusRender } from "../core/segment-context.ts";
 import type { RuntimeState } from "../core/types.ts";
 
@@ -34,17 +34,18 @@ export const getShellHistoryEntries = (
 
 export const ensureShellSession = async (
   rt: RuntimeState,
-): Promise<ManagedShellSession> => {
+): Promise<NonNullable<RuntimeState["shellSession"]>> => {
   if (!rt.shellSession) {
-    rt.shellSession = new ManagedShellSession(
-      getShellPath(),
-      rt.currentCtx?.cwd ?? process.cwd(),
-      rt.bashTranscript,
-      () => requestStatusRender(rt),
-      (command, cwd) =>
+    rt.shellSession = createShellSession({
+      shellPath: getShellPath(),
+      cwd: rt.currentCtx?.cwd ?? process.cwd(),
+      transcript: rt.bashTranscript,
+      prefer: "auto",
+      onStateChange: () => requestStatusRender(rt),
+      onCommandSuccess: (command, cwd) =>
         appendProjectHistory(rt.currentCtx?.cwd ?? process.cwd(), command, cwd),
-      rt.bashModeSettings.initScript,
-    );
+      initScript: rt.bashModeSettings.initScript,
+    });
   }
   await rt.shellSession.ensureReady();
   return rt.shellSession;

package/src/extension/commands/commands.ts

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import { showPowerlineClassicMenu } from "../ui/powerline-menu-view.ts";
 import { syncAppearanceForLayoutPreset } from "../settings/appearance-write.ts";
 import { openStashHistory } from "../shortcuts/shortcuts-router.ts";
 import { ensureShellSession, setBashModeActive } from "./bash-mode-actions.ts";
+import { openSkillStudio } from "../../studio/open.ts";
 import { setupCustomEditor } from "../ui/custom-editor.ts";
 import { getPromptHistoryState } from "../history/prompt-history.ts";
 import {
@@ -213,6 +214,13 @@ export function registerCommands(pi: ExtensionAPI, rt: RuntimeState): void {
     },
   });
 
+  pi.registerCommand("studio", {
+    description: "Open the Skill Studio fullscreen workspace",
+    handler: async (_args, ctx) => {
+      await openSkillStudio(rt, ctx);
+    },
+  });
+
   pi.registerCommand("bash-reset", {
     description: "Reset the managed bash session",
     handler: async (_args, ctx) => {

package/src/extension/core/state.ts

@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@ import { SETTING_DEFAULTS } from "../../config/settings-registry.ts";
 import { PRESETS } from "../../config/presets.ts";
 import { BashTranscriptStore } from "../../../bash-mode/transcript.ts";
 import { BashCompletionEngine } from "../../../bash-mode/completion.ts";
-import { ManagedShellSession } from "../../../bash-mode/shell-session.ts";
 import { PowerlineQueueStore } from "../../../queue/store.ts";
 import {
   SessionBranchCache,

package/src/extension/core/types.ts

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import type { ReadonlyFooterDataProvider } from "@earendil-works/pi-coding-agent
 import type { BashModeSettings } from "../../../bash-mode/types.ts";
 import type { BashTranscriptStore } from "../../../bash-mode/transcript.ts";
 import type { BashCompletionEngine } from "../../../bash-mode/completion.ts";
-import type { ManagedShellSession } from "../../../bash-mode/shell-session.ts";
+import type { ManagedShellSessionLike } from "../../../bash-mode/types.ts";
 import type { PowerlineQueueStore } from "../../../queue/store.ts";
 import type {
   SessionAssistantUsage,
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ export interface RuntimeState {
   bashModeActive: boolean;
   bashTranscript: BashTranscriptStore;
   bashCompletionEngine: BashCompletionEngine;
-  shellSession: ManagedShellSession | null;
+  shellSession: ManagedShellSessionLike | null;
   queueStore: PowerlineQueueStore;
   powerlineCompacting: boolean;
   deliverAfterRetrySettles: boolean;

package/src/extension/session/session-lifecycle.ts

@@ -349,6 +349,27 @@ export function registerSessionLifecycle(
     requestQueueRender(rt);
   });
 
+  // pi 0.84.0+ emits `session_compact_failed` (not `session_compact`) when
+  // auto-compaction or /compact fails or is aborted. Without this handler
+  // `powerlineCompacting` stays true and the bar keeps showing the compact
+  // rail forever, even though the agent is idle. Root cause of the stuck
+  // "COMPACTING" seen on 2026-08-27.
+  pi.on("session_compact_failed", async (event, ctx) => {
+    rt.powerlineCompacting = false;
+    rt.deliverAfterRetrySettles = false;
+    rt.currentCtx = ctx;
+    rt.coreContextUsageCache.reset();
+    requestImmediateStatusRender(rt, { deferDuringTyping: false });
+    dispatchSignalEvent(
+      rt,
+      config.appearance,
+      event.errorMessage ? "error" : "idle",
+      event.errorMessage ? "compact failed" : undefined,
+    );
+    finishFailedCompaction(rt, ctx, event.errorMessage ?? "Compaction cancelled");
+    requestQueueRender(rt);
+  });
+
   pi.on("agent_settled", async (_event, ctx) => {
     if (rt.powerlineCompacting) {
       finishFailedCompaction(rt, ctx, "Compaction did not complete");

package/src/extension/skills/skill-templates.ts

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  * Writes `~/.pi/agent/skills/<name>/SKILL.md` then opens $EDITOR.
  */
 
-import { existsSync, mkdirSync, writeFileSync } from "node:fs";
+import { existsSync, mkdirSync, renameSync, writeFileSync } from "node:fs";
 import { join } from "node:path";
 import type { SelectItem } from "@earendil-works/pi-tui";
 
@@ -177,15 +177,24 @@ export function writeSkillFromTemplate(
   name: string,
   template: SkillTemplateId,
   skillsRoot: string = getAgentPath("skills"),
+  options: { overwrite?: boolean } = {},
 ): { filePath: string } {
   const safe = sanitizeSkillName(name);
   const dir = join(skillsRoot, safe);
   const filePath = join(dir, "SKILL.md");
-  if (existsSync(filePath)) {
+  if (!options.overwrite && existsSync(filePath)) {
     throw new SkillNameError(`Skill already exists: ${safe}`);
   }
   mkdirSync(dir, { recursive: true });
-  writeFileSync(filePath, renderSkillTemplate(template, safe), "utf8");
+  if (options.overwrite && existsSync(filePath)) {
+    // Write the replacement next to the original and atomically rename it
+    // over SKILL.md; a failed write leaves the existing skill untouched.
+    const tmp = join(dir, `.SKILL.md.${process.pid}.tmp`);
+    writeFileSync(tmp, renderSkillTemplate(template, safe), "utf8");
+    renameSync(tmp, filePath);
+  } else {
+    writeFileSync(filePath, renderSkillTemplate(template, safe), "utf8");
+  }
   invalidateSkillCache();
   return { filePath };
 }

package/src/extension/ui/custom-editor.ts

@@ -132,6 +132,10 @@ export function setupCustomEditor(
         rt.shellSession?.interrupt();
         ctx.ui.notify("Sent interrupt to shell", "info");
       },
+      onForwardInput: (data) => {
+        rt.shellSession?.writeStdin?.(data);
+      },
+      forwardWhileRunning: () => rt.shellSession?.supportsForwardMode() ?? false,
       onNotify: (message, level = "info") => ctx.ui.notify(message, level),
       getHistoryEntries: (prefix) => getShellHistoryEntries(rt, prefix),
       resolveGhostSuggestion: async (text, signal) => {

package/src/extension/ui/status-line-renderers.ts

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import {
 import { config } from "../core/state.ts";
 import type { RuntimeState } from "../core/types.ts";
 import { prefersAsciiGlyphs } from "../../motion/index.ts";
-import { renderSignal } from "../../signal/render.ts";
+import { renderStatusLineV2 } from "../../render/v2-entry.ts";
 
 /**
  * Get cached responsive layout or compute fresh one.
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ export function getResponsiveLayout(
   const appearance = resolveAppearanceMix(
     effectiveAppearanceMix(config.appearance, config.preset),
   );
-  rt.lastLayoutResult = renderSignal(
+  rt.lastLayoutResult = renderStatusLineV2(
     segmentCtx,
     presetDef,
     rt.signal,
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ export function renderBashTranscriptLines(
 ): string[] {
   if (!rt.bashModeActive) return [];
 
-  const snapshot = rt.bashTranscript.getSnapshot();
+  const snapshot = rt.bashTranscript.recentCommands(4);
   if (snapshot.commands.length === 0) return [];
 
   const lines: string[] = [];
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ export function renderBashTranscriptLines(
     );
   }
 
-  const recentCommands = snapshot.commands.slice(-4);
+  const recentCommands = snapshot.commands;
   for (const command of recentCommands) {
     const promptGlyph =
       (rt.shellSession?.state.shellName ?? "shell") === "fish" ? ">" : "$";
@@ -211,9 +211,8 @@ export function renderBashTranscriptLines(
       ` ${theme.fg("accent", promptGlyph)} ${commandLine} ${theme.fg("dim", "(")}${status}${theme.fg("dim", ")")}`,
     );
 
-    const outputTail = command.output.slice(-6);
-    for (const outputLine of outputTail) {
-      lines.push(
+    // recentCommands already tails output to the store's outputTail (6).
+    for (const outputLine of command.output) {      lines.push(
         `   ${truncateToWidth(outputLine, Math.max(1, width - 3), "…")}`,
       );
     }

package/src/extension/welcome/welcome-integration.ts

@@ -4,13 +4,31 @@ import {
   discoverLoadedCounts,
   discoverWhatsNew,
   getRecentSessions,
+  normalizeWelcomeArt,
+  type WelcomeArtTheme,
 } from "../../welcome/index.ts";
 import { estimateInitialContextTokens } from "../../usage/context.ts";
-import { isRecord } from "../settings/settings-io.ts";
+import { isRecord, readSettings } from "../settings/settings-io.ts";
 import type { RuntimeState } from "../core/types.ts";
 import { getQueueContext } from "../queue/queue-context.ts";
 import { pickNextReviewIdea } from "../queue/idea-review.ts";
 
+interface WelcomeArtSettings {
+  art: WelcomeArtTheme;
+  animate: boolean;
+}
+
+/** Read `wishcraft.welcome.{art,animateLantern}` from settings.json. */
+function readWelcomeArtSettings(ctx: any): WelcomeArtSettings {
+  const settings = readSettings(ctx.cwd ?? process.cwd());
+  const wishcraft = isRecord(settings.wishcraft) ? settings.wishcraft : {};
+  const welcome = isRecord(wishcraft.welcome) ? wishcraft.welcome : {};
+  return {
+    art: normalizeWelcomeArt(welcome.art),
+    animate: welcome.animateLantern === true,
+  };
+}
+
 export function setupWelcomeHeader(rt: RuntimeState, ctx: any) {
   const modelName = ctx.model?.name || ctx.model?.id || "No model";
   const providerName = ctx.model?.provider || "Unknown";
@@ -37,6 +55,8 @@ export function setupWelcomeHeader(rt: RuntimeState, ctx: any) {
     whatsNew,
     nextIdeaText,
   );
+  const artSettings = readWelcomeArtSettings(ctx);
+  header.setArt(artSettings.art, artSettings.animate);
   rt.welcomeHeaderActive = true;
 
   ctx.ui.setHeader(() => {
@@ -115,6 +135,8 @@ export function setupWelcomeOverlay(rt: RuntimeState, ctx: any) {
             whatsNew,
             nextIdeaText,
           );
+          const artSettings = readWelcomeArtSettings(ctx);
+          welcome.setArt(artSettings.art, artSettings.animate);
 
           let countdown = 30;
           let dismissed = false;

package/src/motion/frames.ts

@@ -16,8 +16,10 @@ const GEOMETRY_FRAMES: Record<string, string[]> = {
   ember: ["◇", "◈", "◆", "◈"],
   orbit: ["◜", "◝", "◞", "◟"],
   bloom: ["·", "◇", "◈", "◆", "◈", "◇"],
-  heat: ["░", "▒", "▓", "█", "▓", "▒"],
-  liquid: ["·", "░", "▒", "▓", "█"],
+  // Density-pulse families (box-drawing, één glyphsysteem — shade-blokken
+  // zijn bewust weg: drie families door elkaar las als modder).
+  heat: ["─", "╌", "╾", "━", "╾", "╌"],
+  liquid: ["·", "╌", "╾", "━"],
   stitch: ["·", "╼", "◆", "╾"],
   refract: ["╭", "╮", "╯", "╰"],
   write: ["─", "──", "───", "────╾"],
@@ -73,12 +75,20 @@ export function sweepPosition(
   return direction === "reverse" ? width - 1 - step : step;
 }
 
-/** Trail glyph by distance from the travelling head. */
+/**
+ * Trail glyph by distance behind the travelling head. One family:
+ * box-drawing density fading back to the light track — no shade blocks.
+ */
 export function trailGlyph(distance: number, ascii = false): string {
-  if (ascii) return distance === 0 ? "*" : "-";
-  if (distance === 0) return "█";
-  if (distance === 1) return "▓";
-  if (distance === 2) return "▒";
-  if (distance === 3) return "░";
-  return "━";
+  if (ascii) {
+    if (distance === 0) return "*";
+    if (distance === 1) return "=";
+    if (distance === 2) return ">";
+    return "-";
+  }
+  if (distance === 0) return "●";
+  if (distance === 1) return "━";
+  if (distance === 2) return "╾";
+  if (distance === 3) return "╌";
+  return "─";
 }