@zalom/plastic 1.0.0-alpha.6 → 1.0.0-alpha.8

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@zalom/plastic",
-  "version": "1.0.0-alpha.6",
+  "version": "1.0.0-alpha.8",
   "description": "Intent-driven idea development system for AI coding agents",
   "type": "module",
   "bin": {

package/scripts/doctor.rb

@@ -681,6 +681,49 @@ def check_project_stores
       )
     end
 
+    # project_yml_exists
+    project_yml_path = File.join(PLASTIC_HOME, "projects", slug, "project.yml")
+    project_yml_data = nil
+
+    if File.exist?(project_yml_path)
+      checks << check(
+        category: "project_stores", name: "project_yml_exists", status: "pass",
+        message: "project.yml exists for project '#{slug}'"
+      )
+      project_yml_data = load_yaml_safe(project_yml_path)
+    else
+      checks << check(
+        category: "project_stores", name: "project_yml_exists", status: "warn",
+        message: "project.yml missing for project '#{slug}'",
+        fixable: true, fix_hint: "Create project.yml from template — see plastic:creating-project"
+      )
+    end
+
+    # governing_docs_exist
+    if project_yml_data.is_a?(Hash) && project_yml_data["governing_docs"].is_a?(Array) && !project_yml_data["governing_docs"].empty?
+      project_path = project_info.is_a?(Hash) ? project_info["path"] : nil
+
+      if project_path
+        missing_docs = project_yml_data["governing_docs"].reject do |doc_path|
+          File.exist?(File.join(project_path, doc_path))
+        end
+
+        if missing_docs.empty?
+          checks << check(
+            category: "project_stores", name: "governing_docs_exist", status: "pass",
+            message: "All governing docs exist for project '#{slug}'"
+          )
+        else
+          checks << check(
+            category: "project_stores", name: "governing_docs_exist", status: "warn",
+            message: "#{missing_docs.size} governing doc(s) missing for project '#{slug}'",
+            details: missing_docs,
+            fixable: false
+          )
+        end
+      end
+    end
+
     # cross_references — if project has `parent` field, check global store intent tags
     parent_id = project_info.is_a?(Hash) ? project_info["parent"] : nil
     next unless parent_id

package/scripts/hook-session-start

@@ -172,7 +172,14 @@ exit 0 if all_active.empty? && stale.empty? && all_future.empty? && active_depre
 parts = []
 
 if current_project
-  parts << "PLASTIC — Global store | Project: #{current_project["slug"]} (#{current_project["path"]})\n"
+  slug = current_project["slug"]
+  banner = "Project: #{slug} | Store: ~/.plastic/projects/#{slug}/store/"
+  if project_active.any? && project_active.first =~ /\[([^\]]+)\].*store\/([\w-]+)\//
+    intent_name, dir_name = $1, $2
+    intent_id = dir_name.split("--").first
+    banner += "\nActive: [#{intent_id} — #{intent_name}] | Artifacts → store/#{dir_name}/"
+  end
+  parts << banner + "\n"
 else
   parts << "PLASTIC — Global store loaded from ~/.plastic/\n"
 end

package/scripts/lib/bridge.rb

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # encoding: UTF-8
 
 require "json"
+require "yaml"
 require "fileutils"
 require "tempfile"
 
@@ -136,4 +137,37 @@ module Bridge
 
     nil # no gate violation
   end
+
+  PROJECT_CONFIG_DEFAULTS = {
+    "governing_docs" => ["AGENTS.md"],
+    "release" => {
+      "on_complete" => "commit",
+    },
+  }.freeze
+
+  def self.read_project_config(slug)
+    path = File.join(Dir.home, ".plastic", "projects", slug, "project.yml")
+    config = if File.exist?(path)
+               YAML.safe_load(File.read(path)) || {}
+             else
+               {}
+             end
+
+    deep_merge(PROJECT_CONFIG_DEFAULTS, config)
+  rescue => e
+    $stderr.puts "Warning: failed to read project config for #{slug}: #{e.message}"
+    PROJECT_CONFIG_DEFAULTS.dup
+  end
+
+  def self.deep_merge(base, overlay)
+    result = base.dup
+    overlay.each do |key, value|
+      if value.is_a?(Hash) && result[key].is_a?(Hash)
+        result[key] = deep_merge(result[key], value)
+      else
+        result[key] = value
+      end
+    end
+    result
+  end
 end

package/skills/_active-intent-gate.md

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+## Active Intent Gate
+
+Before proceeding, resolve the active intent:
+
+1. **Detect store:**
+   - Read `~/.plastic/projects.yml`
+   - Match CWD against registered project paths
+   - If match → project store at `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/store/`
+   - If no match → global store at `~/.plastic/store/`
+
+2. **Find active intent:**
+   - Read `INDEX.md` from the detected store
+   - Look under `## Active` for intent entries
+   - If exactly one active intent → use it
+   - If multiple active intents → ask user which one
+   - If no active intent → refuse: "No active intent. Create one first with /plastic:creating-intent"
+
+3. **Resolve paths:**
+   - Intent directory: `{store}/store/{id}--{slug}/`
+   - Spec: `{intent_dir}/spec.md`
+   - Plan: `{intent_dir}/plan.md`
+   - Checklist: `{intent_dir}/checklist.md`
+   - Resources: `{intent_dir}/resources/`
+   - Outcome: `{intent_dir}/outcome.md`
+
+All lifecycle artifacts MUST be written to the intent directory. Never write to `docs/superpowers/specs/`, `docs/superpowers/plans/`, or any other external path.

package/skills/auto/SKILL.md

@@ -111,12 +111,26 @@ During initial project creation, all decisions are non-destructive by definition
 1. Verify all checklist items are checked
 2. Write `outcome.md` with detailed results
 3. Write `## Outcome` summary in the intent file (1-2 sentences)
-4. Review `## Insights` for observations that should spawn future intents. If any:
+4. **Release (if configured)**
+   1. Detect project — match CWD against paths in `~/.plastic/projects.yml` to find the project slug. If no match, skip to step 5 (default commit-only behavior).
+   2. Read `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/project.yml`. If the file doesn't exist or has no `release` key, skip to step 5.
+   3. Based on `release.on_complete`:
+      - `commit` — git add + commit (same as default, proceed to step 5)
+      - `commit_and_push` — git add + commit + push
+      - `manual` — skip auto-commit, notify user: "Release configured as manual — commit when ready."
+   4. If `release.verify` is set, run the verify command (e.g. `bundle exec rake test`):
+      - **Exit 0 (green):** proceed to sub-step 5
+      - **Non-zero (red):** check `release.on_red`:
+        - `fix_and_retry` — attempt to fix the failure, re-run verify (max 2 retries)
+        - `stop` — write `savepoint.md` with current state, notify user: "Verify failed — savepoint written.", **STOP**
+        - `manual` — notify user: "Verify failed: [summary]. Resolve manually."
+   5. If `release.on_green` has items, invoke `plastic:releasing` to handle them (tag, changelog, publish, etc.). Do NOT duplicate release logic — delegate entirely.
+5. Review `## Insights` for observations that should spawn future intents. If any:
    - Create them (using `plastic:creating-intent` conventions)
    - Update `chain` in the current intent's frontmatter
-5. Move intent from `## Active` to `## Completed` in INDEX.md (with today's date)
-6. Auto-commit: `cd <store-root> && git add . && git commit -m "feat: deliver intent <ID> — <name>"`
-7. Notify user: "Intent [ID] — [name] delivered. [1-2 sentence summary]. See outcome.md for details."
+6. Move intent from `## Active` to `## Completed` in INDEX.md (with today's date)
+7. Auto-commit: `cd <store-root> && git add . && git commit -m "feat: deliver intent <ID> — <name>"`
+8. Notify user: "Intent [ID] — [name] delivered. [1-2 sentence summary]. See outcome.md for details."
 
 ## Error Handling
 

package/skills/brainstorming/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+---
+name: plastic:brainstorming
+description: "Explore intent requirements and design before implementation. Produces spec.md in the active intent directory."
+---
+
+# Brainstorming Ideas Into Designs
+
+Help turn ideas into fully formed designs and specs through natural collaborative dialogue.
+
+Announce: "I'm using the brainstorming skill to explore the design for intent {id} — {name}."
+
+Start by understanding the current project context, then ask questions one at a time to refine the idea. Once you understand what you're building, present the design and get user approval.
+
+<HARD-GATE>
+Do NOT invoke any implementation skill, write any code, scaffold any project, or take any implementation action until you have presented a design and the user has approved it. This applies to EVERY project regardless of perceived simplicity.
+</HARD-GATE>
+
+## Active Intent Gate
+
+Before proceeding, resolve the active intent:
+
+1. **Detect store:** Read `~/.plastic/projects.yml`, match CWD against registered project paths. If match → project store at `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/store/`. If no match → global store at `~/.plastic/store/`.
+2. **Find active intent:** Read `INDEX.md` from the detected store. Look under `## Active`. If exactly one → use it. If multiple → ask which. If none → refuse: "No active intent. Create one first with /plastic:creating-intent"
+3. **Resolve intent directory:** `{store}/store/{id}--{slug}/`
+
+All artifacts go to the intent directory. Never write to external paths.
+
+## Anti-Pattern: "This Is Too Simple To Need A Design"
+
+Every project goes through this process. A todo list, a single-function utility, a config change — all of them. "Simple" projects are where unexamined assumptions cause the most wasted work. The design can be short (a few sentences for truly simple projects), but you MUST present it and get approval.
+
+## Checklist
+
+You MUST create a task for each of these items and complete them in order:
+
+1. **Explore project context** — check files, docs, recent commits, read active intent
+2. **Ask clarifying questions** — one at a time, understand purpose/constraints/success criteria
+3. **Propose 2-3 approaches** — with trade-offs and your recommendation
+4. **Present design** — in sections scaled to their complexity, get user approval after each section
+5. **Write spec** — save to `{intent_dir}/spec.md` and commit to store repo
+6. **Spec self-review** — placeholder scan, consistency, scope, ambiguity
+7. **User reviews written spec** — ask user to review before proceeding
+8. **Transition to planning** — invoke `plastic:writing-plans`
+
+## Process Flow
+
+```dot
+digraph brainstorming {
+    "Explore project context" [shape=box];
+    "Ask clarifying questions" [shape=box];
+    "Propose 2-3 approaches" [shape=box];
+    "Present design sections" [shape=box];
+    "User approves design?" [shape=diamond];
+    "Write spec" [shape=box];
+    "Spec self-review\n(fix inline)" [shape=box];
+    "User reviews spec?" [shape=diamond];
+    "Invoke plastic:writing-plans" [shape=doublecircle];
+
+    "Explore project context" -> "Ask clarifying questions";
+    "Ask clarifying questions" -> "Propose 2-3 approaches";
+    "Propose 2-3 approaches" -> "Present design sections";
+    "Present design sections" -> "User approves design?";
+    "User approves design?" -> "Present design sections" [label="no, revise"];
+    "User approves design?" -> "Write spec" [label="yes"];
+    "Write spec" -> "Spec self-review\n(fix inline)";
+    "Spec self-review\n(fix inline)" -> "User reviews spec?";
+    "User reviews spec?" -> "Write spec" [label="changes requested"];
+    "User reviews spec?" -> "Invoke plastic:writing-plans" [label="approved"];
+}
+```
+
+**The terminal state is invoking `plastic:writing-plans`.** Do NOT invoke any other implementation skill. The ONLY skill you invoke after brainstorming is `plastic:writing-plans`.
+
+## The Process
+
+**Understanding the idea:**
+- Check out the current project state first (files, docs, recent commits)
+- Before asking detailed questions, assess scope: if the request describes multiple independent subsystems (e.g., "build a platform with chat, file storage, billing, and analytics"), flag this immediately. Don't spend questions refining details of a project that needs to be decomposed first.
+- If the project is too large for a single spec, help the user decompose into sub-projects: what are the independent pieces, how do they relate, what order should they be built? Then brainstorm the first sub-project through the normal design flow. Each sub-project gets its own spec → plan → implementation cycle.
+- For appropriately-scoped projects, ask questions one at a time to refine the idea
+- Prefer multiple choice questions when possible, but open-ended is fine too
+- Only one question per message - if a topic needs more exploration, break it into multiple questions
+- Focus on understanding: purpose, constraints, success criteria
+
+**Exploring approaches:**
+- Propose 2-3 different approaches with trade-offs
+- Present options conversationally with your recommendation and reasoning
+- Lead with your recommended option and explain why
+
+**Presenting the design:**
+- Once you believe you understand what you're building, present the design
+- Scale each section to its complexity: a few sentences if straightforward, up to 200-300 words if nuanced
+- Ask after each section whether it looks right so far
+- Cover: architecture, components, data flow, error handling, testing
+- Be ready to go back and clarify if something doesn't make sense
+
+**Design for isolation and clarity:**
+- Break the system into smaller units that each have one clear purpose, communicate through well-defined interfaces, and can be understood and tested independently
+- For each unit, you should be able to answer: what does it do, how do you use it, and what does it depend on?
+- Can someone understand what a unit does without reading its internals? Can you change the internals without breaking consumers? If not, the boundaries need work.
+- Smaller, well-bounded units are also easier for you to work with - you reason better about code you can hold in context at once, and your edits are more reliable when files are focused. When a file grows large, that's often a signal that it's doing too much.
+
+**Working in existing codebases:**
+- Explore the current structure before proposing changes. Follow existing patterns.
+- Where existing code has problems that affect the work (e.g., a file that's grown too large, unclear boundaries, tangled responsibilities), include targeted improvements as part of the design - the way a good developer improves code they're working in.
+- Don't propose unrelated refactoring. Stay focused on what serves the current goal.
+
+## After the Design
+**Documentation:**
+- Write the validated design (spec) to `{intent_dir}/spec.md`
+- Use elements-of-style:writing-clearly-and-concisely skill if available
+- Commit to the store repo:
+  ```
+  cd {store_root} && git add . && git commit -m "docs: spec for intent {id} — {name}"
+  ```
+
+**Spec Self-Review:**
+After writing the spec document, look at it with fresh eyes:
+1. **Placeholder scan:** Any "TBD", "TODO", incomplete sections, or vague requirements? Fix them.
+2. **Internal consistency:** Do any sections contradict each other? Does the architecture match the feature descriptions?
+3. **Scope check:** Is this focused enough for a single implementation plan, or does it need decomposition?
+4. **Ambiguity check:** Could any requirement be interpreted two different ways? If so, pick one and make it explicit.
+
+Fix any issues inline. No need to re-review — just fix and move on.
+
+**User Review Gate:**
+After the spec review loop passes, ask the user to review the written spec before proceeding:
+> "Spec written and committed to `{intent_dir}/spec.md`. Please review it and let me know if you want to make any changes before we start writing out the implementation plan."
+
+Wait for the user's response. If they request changes, make them and re-run the spec review loop. Only proceed once the user approves.
+
+**Implementation:**
+- Invoke `plastic:writing-plans` to create the implementation plan
+- Do NOT invoke any other skill. `plastic:writing-plans` is the next step.
+
+## Key Principles
+
+- **One question at a time** - Don't overwhelm with multiple questions
+- **Multiple choice preferred** - Easier to answer than open-ended when possible
+- **YAGNI ruthlessly** - Remove unnecessary features from all designs
+- **Explore alternatives** - Always propose 2-3 approaches before settling
+- **Incremental validation** - Present design, get approval before moving on
+- **Be flexible** - Go back and clarify when something doesn't make sense

package/skills/releasing/SKILL.md

@@ -6,25 +6,62 @@ description: Use when merging a feature branch to main and tagging a release, bu
 # Releasing
 
 Merge, bump, tag, push. Annotated tags with changelogs. Semantic versioning.
+Project configuration drives the workflow — no hardcoded assumptions.
 
 ## Checklist
 
-- [ ] All tests pass
+- [ ] Read project config
+- [ ] All tests pass (or verification skipped per config)
 - [ ] Merge feature branch to main
-- [ ] Bump version in plugin.json and marketplace.json
+- [ ] Bump version in configured version files
 - [ ] Commit version bump
 - [ ] Create annotated tag
 - [ ] Push to remote with tags
+- [ ] Run post-push actions (GitHub release, npm publish, etc.)
+- [ ] Complete active intent
 
 ## Workflow
 
+### 0. Read Project Config
+
+Before anything else, determine which project we are releasing and load its config.
+
+1. Read `~/.plastic/projects.yml` — find the project whose `path` matches the current working directory.
+2. Extract the project slug (the key under `projects:`).
+3. Read `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/project.yml` — this contains the `release:` section.
+
+Expected `release:` keys in project.yml:
+
+```yaml
+release:
+  verify: "bin/rails test"              # command to run before release
+  version_file: package.json            # single file containing the version
+  version_files:                        # multiple files (overrides version_file)
+    - package.json
+    - .claude-plugin/plugin.json
+  tag_format: "v{{version}}"            # tag naming pattern ({{version}} is replaced)
+  on_green:                             # actions to run after push succeeds
+    - github_release
+    - npm_publish
+  on_complete: commit_and_push          # what to do with the version bump commit
+  on_red: stop                          # what to do if verification fails
+```
+
+**Fallback:** If no project.yml exists or it has no `release:` section, fall back to asking the user for each step — verify command, version files, tag format, and post-push actions.
+
 ### 1. Verify Tests Pass
 
+Run the verification command from `release.verify` in project.yml:
+
 ```bash
-ruby test/read_config_test.rb && ruby test/config_template_test.rb
+# Example: release.verify = "ruby -Itest test/*_test.rb"
+<verify-command-from-config>
 ```
 
-All tests must pass before release. Do not proceed if any fail.
+- If `release.verify` is present: run it. All checks must pass before proceeding.
+- If `release.verify` is absent or empty: skip verification. Log that no verify command is configured.
+- If `release.on_red` is `stop`: abort the release on failure.
+- If `release.on_red` is `fix_and_retry`: ask the user to fix and re-run.
 
 ### 2. Determine Version Bump
 
@@ -47,18 +84,26 @@ Always `--no-ff` to preserve branch history in the merge commit.
 
 ### 4. Bump Version
 
-Update ALL THREE files — they must stay in sync:
-- `package.json` → `"version": "X.Y.Z"`
-- `.claude-plugin/plugin.json` → `"version": "X.Y.Z"`
-- `.claude-plugin/marketplace.json` → `"version": "X.Y.Z"`
+Determine which files to update from project.yml:
+
+- If `release.version_files` is set: update ALL listed files (they must stay in sync).
+- Else if `release.version_file` is set: update that single file.
+- Else: ask the user which files contain the version.
+
+Update the version string in each file, then commit:
 
 ```bash
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/plugin.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json
+git add <version-files>
 git commit -m "chore: bump version to X.Y.Z — [one-line summary]"
 ```
 
 ### 5. Create Annotated Tag
 
+Read `release.tag_format` from project.yml to determine the tag name:
+
+- If set (e.g. `"v{{version}}"`): replace `{{version}}` with the new version string.
+- If not set: default to `vX.Y.Z`.
+
 Generate the changelog from commits since the last tag:
 
 ```bash
@@ -68,7 +113,7 @@ git log $(git describe --tags --abbrev=0)..HEAD --oneline --no-merges | grep -E
 Create the tag with a multi-line message:
 
 ```bash
-git tag -a vX.Y.Z -m "vX.Y.Z — [release name]
+git tag -a <tag-name> -m "<tag-name> — [release name]
 
 - [changelog bullet points from feat/fix/refactor commits]"
 ```
@@ -79,16 +124,42 @@ git tag -a vX.Y.Z -m "vX.Y.Z — [release name]
 git push origin main --tags
 ```
 
-### 7. GitHub Release
+### 7. Post-Push Actions
+
+Read `release.on_green` from project.yml. This is a list of actions to run after a successful push. Execute each in order:
 
-Create a GitHub release from the tag. Use `--generate-notes` to auto-generate changelog from commits since the previous tag:
+#### `github_release`
+
+Create a GitHub release from the tag:
 
 ```bash
-gh release create vX.Y.Z --title "vX.Y.Z — [release name]" --generate-notes --notes-start-tag <previous-tag>
+gh release create <tag-name> --title "<tag-name> — [release name]" --generate-notes --notes-start-tag <previous-tag>
 ```
 
 For the first release (no previous tag), write notes manually with `--notes "..."` instead.
 
+#### `npm_publish`
+
+Publish the package to npm:
+
+```bash
+# For pre-release versions (0.x.y, or version contains -alpha/-beta/-rc):
+npm publish --access public --tag alpha
+
+# For stable versions (>= 1.0.0, no pre-release suffix):
+npm publish --access public
+```
+
+#### Other values
+
+If `on_green` contains an action not listed above, log it:
+
+```
+[releasing] Action "<action>" is configured but not yet implemented. Skipping.
+```
+
+If `on_green` is empty or absent: skip post-push actions entirely.
+
 ### 8. Complete Active Intent
 
 A release IS a delivery. The active intent that drove this work must be completed as part of the release process. This is NOT optional.
@@ -100,17 +171,17 @@ A release IS a delivery. The active intent that drove this work must be complete
    c. Update `## Insights` with final observations
    d. Move from `## Active` to `## Completed` in INDEX.md (with today's date)
    e. Update clusters to show `_(completed)_`
-3. Auto-commit: `cd ~/.plastic && git add . && git commit -m "feat: complete intent <ID> — delivered in v<X.Y.Z>"`
+3. Auto-commit: `cd ~/.plastic && git add . && git commit -m "feat: complete intent <ID> — delivered in <tag-name>"`
 
 **If no active intent exists for this release**, that itself is a problem — work happened outside the intent system. Log it and move on, but flag it.
 
 ## Conventions
 
 - **Annotated tags only** — `git tag -a`, never lightweight tags
-- **Tag format** — `vX.Y.Z` (lowercase v prefix)
-- **Tag message** — first line: `vX.Y.Z — [short name]`, then blank line, then bullet changelog
+- **Tag format** — driven by `release.tag_format` in project.yml (default: `vX.Y.Z`)
+- **Tag message** — first line: `<tag> — [short name]`, then blank line, then bullet changelog
 - **Commit prefixes** — `feat:`, `fix:`, `refactor:`, `chore:`, `docs:` (conventional commits)
-- **Version files** — package.json, plugin.json, and marketplace.json always match
+- **Version files** — driven by project.yml; all listed files must always match
 - **Branch cleanup** — delete merged feature branches: `git branch -d <branch>`
 
 ## Retroactive Tagging

package/skills/research/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+---
+name: plastic:research
+description: "Research a topic for the active intent. Agent decides shallow vs deep based on scope. Produces reports in the intent's resources/ directory."
+---
+
+# Research
+
+Investigate a topic related to the active intent. Choose the right depth, produce a cited report.
+
+**Announce at start:** "I'm researching [topic] for intent {id} — {name}."
+
+## Active Intent Gate
+
+Before proceeding, resolve the active intent:
+
+1. **Detect store:** Read `~/.plastic/projects.yml`, match CWD against registered project paths. If match → project store at `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/store/`. If no match → global store at `~/.plastic/store/`.
+2. **Find active intent:** Read `INDEX.md` from the detected store. Look under `## Active`. If exactly one → use it. If multiple → ask which. If none → refuse: "No active intent. Create one first with /plastic:creating-intent"
+3. **Resolve intent directory:** `{store}/store/{id}--{slug}/`
+
+## Depth Decision
+
+Before starting research, assess the question against these criteria:
+
+### Shallow Research
+Use when:
+- The question is narrow and factual (e.g., "what's the API for X?", "does library Y support Z?")
+- A single source or quick search is sufficient
+- The answer is likely well-documented
+- Time budget: minutes, not hours
+
+**Method:** Direct web search + codebase exploration + single-pass synthesis.
+
+### Deep Research
+Use when:
+- The question needs multiple sources and cross-verification
+- It's a landscape survey, competitive analysis, or architectural decision
+- The user explicitly asks for thorough/exhaustive/comprehensive research
+- Conflicting information exists and needs adversarial verification
+- Time budget: significant, user expects depth
+
+**Method:** Delegate to the native agent's deep research capability.
+- On Claude Code: invoke the `deep-research` skill via `Skill` tool
+- On other agents: use the agent's equivalent (see intent 7 for cross-agent mapping)
+- If no native deep research exists: fan out multiple web searches manually, cross-reference, synthesize
+
+### Decision Heuristic
+
+Ask yourself:
+1. Can I answer this with 1-2 searches? → **Shallow**
+2. Do I need to compare 3+ sources? → **Deep**
+3. Is the user asking for a survey or landscape view? → **Deep**
+4. Am I fact-checking a specific claim? → **Shallow**
+5. Could wrong information here cause architectural mistakes? → **Deep**
+
+Announce your choice: "This needs [shallow/deep] research because [reason]."
+
+## Output
+
+### File Location
+`{intent_dir}/resources/{type}--{topic}.md`
+
+Create the resources/ directory if it doesn't exist.
+
+### Naming Convention
+- `{type}` — one of: `deep-research`, `competitive-analysis`, `technical-spike`, `reference`, `landscape-survey`
+- `{topic}` — kebab-case description of the research subject
+
+Examples:
+- `deep-research--installer-patterns.md`
+- `technical-spike--sqlite-vec-performance.md`
+- `reference--claude-code-hooks-api.md`
+- `landscape-survey--ai-agent-ecosystem.md`
+
+### Report Structure
+
+```markdown
+# {Type}: {Topic}
+
+**Intent:** {id} — {name}
+**Depth:** shallow | deep
+**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD
+
+## Summary
+[2-3 sentence executive summary]
+
+## Findings
+
+### [Finding 1 title]
+[Details with inline citations where applicable]
+
+### [Finding 2 title]
+...
+
+## Sources
+- [Source 1 title](url) — what was learned from this source
+- [Source 2 title](url) — ...
+
+## Relevance to Intent
+[How these findings affect the active intent's decisions or design]
+```
+
+## After Research
+
+1. Commit to store repo:
+   ```
+   cd {store_root} && git add . && git commit -m "research: {type} — {topic} (intent {id})"
+   ```
+
+2. Log in intent's `## Insights`:
+   ```
+   - Research: {type} — {topic}. Key finding: [one sentence]. See resources/{filename}.
+   ```
+
+3. Research does NOT chain to any other skill. It's a side quest — the user decides what to do with the findings.

package/skills/writing-plans/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+---
+name: plastic:writing-plans
+description: "Write implementation plans from a spec. Produces plan.md, checklist.md, and actions/ in the active intent directory."
+---
+
+# Writing Plans
+
+## Overview
+
+Write comprehensive implementation plans assuming the engineer has zero context for our codebase and questionable taste. Document everything they need to know: which files to touch for each task, code, testing, docs they might need to check, how to test it. Give them the whole plan as bite-sized tasks. DRY. YAGNI. TDD. Frequent commits.
+
+Assume they are a skilled developer, but know almost nothing about our toolset or problem domain. Assume they don't know good test design very well.
+
+**Announce at start:** "I'm using the writing-plans skill to plan intent {id} — {name}."
+
+## Active Intent Gate
+
+Before proceeding, resolve the active intent:
+
+1. **Detect store:** Read `~/.plastic/projects.yml`, match CWD against registered project paths. If match → project store at `~/.plastic/projects/{slug}/store/`. If no match → global store at `~/.plastic/store/`.
+2. **Find active intent:** Read `INDEX.md` from the detected store. Look under `## Active`. If exactly one → use it. If multiple → ask which. If none → refuse: "No active intent. Create one first with /plastic:creating-intent"
+3. **Resolve intent directory:** `{store}/store/{id}--{slug}/`
+4. **Read spec:** Load `{intent_dir}/spec.md`. If no spec exists → refuse: "No spec found. Run /plastic:brainstorming first."
+
+All artifacts go to the intent directory. Never write to external paths.
+
+## Scope Check
+
+If the spec covers multiple independent subsystems, it should have been broken into sub-project specs during brainstorming. If it wasn't, suggest breaking this into separate plans — one per subsystem. Each plan should produce working, testable software on its own.
+
+## File Structure
+
+Before defining tasks, map out which files will be created or modified and what each one is responsible for. This is where decomposition decisions get locked in.
+
+- Design units with clear boundaries and well-defined interfaces. Each file should have one clear responsibility.
+- You reason best about code you can hold in context at once, and your edits are more reliable when files are focused. Prefer smaller, focused files over large ones that do too much.
+- Files that change together should live together. Split by responsibility, not by technical layer.
+- In existing codebases, follow established patterns. If the codebase uses large files, don't unilaterally restructure - but if a file you're modifying has grown unwieldy, including a split in the plan is reasonable.
+
+This structure informs the task decomposition. Each task should produce self-contained changes that make sense independently.
+
+## Bite-Sized Task Granularity
+
+**Each step is one action (2-5 minutes):**
+- "Write the failing test" - step
+- "Run it to make sure it fails" - step
+- "Implement the minimal code to make the test pass" - step
+- "Run the tests and make sure they pass" - step
+- "Commit" - step
+
+## Plan Document Header
+
+**Every plan MUST start with this header:**
+
+```markdown
+# [Feature Name] Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** Use `plastic:executing-plan` to implement this plan task-by-task.
+
+**Goal:** [One sentence describing what this builds]
+
+**Architecture:** [2-3 sentences about approach]
+
+**Tech Stack:** [Key technologies/libraries]
+
+**Intent:** {id} — {name}
+
+---
+```
+
+## Task Structure
+
+````markdown
+### Task N: [Component Name]
+
+**Files:**
+- Create: `exact/path/to/file.rb`
+- Modify: `exact/path/to/existing.rb:123-145`
+- Test: `test/exact/path/to/test.rb`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write the failing test**
+
+```ruby
+def test_specific_behavior
+  result = function(input)
+  assert_equal expected, result
+end
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run test to verify it fails**
+
+Run: `ruby -Itest test/path/test.rb --name test_specific_behavior`
+Expected: FAIL with "undefined method"
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Write minimal implementation**
+
+```ruby
+def function(input)
+  expected
+end
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run test to verify it passes**
+
+Run: `ruby -Itest test/path/test.rb --name test_specific_behavior`
+Expected: PASS
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add test/path/test.rb lib/path/file.rb
+git commit -m "feat: add specific feature"
+```
+````
+
+## No Placeholders
+
+Every step must contain the actual content an engineer needs. These are **plan failures** — never write them:
+- "TBD", "TODO", "implement later", "fill in details"
+- "Add appropriate error handling" / "add validation" / "handle edge cases"
+- "Write tests for the above" (without actual test code)
+- "Similar to Task N" (repeat the code — the engineer may be reading tasks out of order)
+- Steps that describe what to do without showing how (code blocks required for code steps)
+- References to types, functions, or methods not defined in any task
+
+## Remember
+- Exact file paths always
+- Complete code in every step — if a step changes code, show the code
+- Exact commands with expected output
+- DRY, YAGNI, TDD, frequent commits
+
+## Self-Review
+
+After writing the complete plan, look at the spec with fresh eyes and check the plan against it. This is a checklist you run yourself — not a subagent dispatch.
+
+**1. Spec coverage:** Skim each section/requirement in the spec. Can you point to a task that implements it? List any gaps.
+
+**2. Placeholder scan:** Search your plan for red flags — any of the patterns from the "No Placeholders" section above. Fix them.
+
+**3. Type consistency:** Do the types, method signatures, and property names you used in later tasks match what you defined in earlier tasks? A function called `clear_layers` in Task 3 but `clear_full_layers` in Task 7 is a bug.
+
+If you find issues, fix them inline. No need to re-review — just fix and move on. If you find a spec requirement with no task, add the task.
+
+## Plastic Artifacts
+
+After writing `plan.md`, create two additional artifacts in the intent directory:
+
+### checklist.md
+
+Execution registry with one checkbox per task. Format:
+
+```markdown
+# Checklist — Intent {id}: {name}
+
+- [ ] Task 1: {task title}
+- [ ] Task 2: {task title}
+- [ ] Task 3: {task title}
+...
+```
+
+### actions/ACTION_N.md
+
+One file per task. Each action is self-contained — a subagent can execute it without reading the plan.
+
+```markdown
+# Action {N}: {task title}
+
+{Full task text copied from plan.md — all steps, all code, all commands. Nothing omitted.}
+```
+
+Create the `actions/` directory inside the intent directory: `{intent_dir}/actions/`
+
+## Git Commit
+
+After writing all artifacts (plan.md, checklist.md, actions/), commit to the store:
+
+```bash
+cd {store_root} && git add . && git commit -m "docs: plan for intent {id} — {name}"
+```
+
+## Execution Handoff
+
+Plan complete. Invoke `plastic:executing-plan` to begin execution.

package/templates/agents.md

@@ -41,6 +41,22 @@ Active/Future/Completed placement is managed in INDEX.md, not in frontmatter.
 4. Set frontmatter: `id`, `intent`, `sources` (array — link to governing intent), `chain` (starts empty), `created`, `author`, `tags`
 5. Add `[[global:ID]]` backlink in `## Links`
 
+## Lifecycle Skills
+
+Plastic has its own lifecycle skills. When a Plastic skill exists for the current phase, use it instead of any external skill (superpowers, superpowers-ruby, etc.).
+
+| Phase | Skill | Produces |
+|-------|-------|----------|
+| What | `plastic:creating-intent` | Intent file |
+| Why | `plastic:brainstorming` | `spec.md` |
+| Why | `plastic:research` | `resources/*.md` |
+| Why | `plastic:brainstorming-grill-me` | Deep interrogation |
+| How | `plastic:writing-plans` | `plan.md`, `checklist.md`, `actions/` |
+| Exec | `plastic:executing-plan` | Code + `outcome.md` |
+| Done | `plastic:intent-curator` | Lifecycle transition |
+
+**Artifact convention:** ALL lifecycle artifacts go to the active intent directory (`store/{id}--{slug}/`). Never write specs to `docs/superpowers/specs/` or plans to `docs/superpowers/plans/`.
+
 ## When You're Done
 
 When this project satisfies the governing intent's goal, report back. The orchestrator will complete the strategic intent.

package/templates/project.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+governing_docs:
+  - AGENTS.md
+
+release:
+  on_complete: commit