NEO-33: Freeze prototype SkillDef trio in CI and docs

content/README.md

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ Data-driven definitions (skills, items, recipes, quests) validated in CI with **
 | [`schemas/`](schemas/) | JSON Schema files (`*.schema.json`) |
 | [`skills/`](skills/) | Skill catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/skill-def.schema.json`](schemas/skill-def.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** for [E2.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md) / [E2.M2](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md) |
 
+**Prototype Slice 1 (NEO-33):** CI expects **exactly three** skill rows with ids **`salvage`**, **`refine`**, **`intrusion`** (gather + process + tech). Each row must declare **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** (non-empty); see [E2.M1 — Designer note: `allowedXpSourceKinds`](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md#designer-note-allowedxpsourcekinds-and-grant-call-sites) for what each kind means for grant wiring.
+
 Server load path and hot-reload policy are TBD; keep files versioned here as the source of truth.
 
 **Validate locally** (same as PR gate):

docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Content tooling **Slice 1** — schemas + CI; **Slice 4** — server parity hard
 
 ## CI (prototype)
 
-**Skill catalogs:** the repo **PR gate** workflow ([`.github/workflows/pr-gate.yml`](../../../.github/workflows/pr-gate.yml)) runs [`scripts/validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) on every push and pull request. It validates each object in `content/skills/*.json` under the top-level `skills` array against [`content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json) (Python **jsonschema**, Draft 2020-12). Extend the script when additional catalogs and schemas ship.
+**Skill catalogs:** the repo **PR gate** workflow ([`.github/workflows/pr-gate.yml`](../../../.github/workflows/pr-gate.yml)) runs [`scripts/validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) on every push and pull request. It validates each object in `content/skills/*.json` under the top-level `skills` array against [`content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json) (Python **jsonschema**, Draft 2020-12), rejects **duplicate `id`** across files, and (Slice 1 / [NEO-33](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-33)) enforces the **frozen prototype trio** ids plus **gather + tech + (process or make)** category coverage. Extend the script when additional catalogs and schemas ship.
 
 **Decomposition vocabulary:** the same workflow runs [`scripts/check_decomposition_language.py`](../../../scripts/check_decomposition_language.py) (stdlib only) over `docs/decomposition/**/*.md` to catch wording that treats **combat** as a leveled **`SkillDef`** line instead of **gig** progression (see script docstring for patterns). Adjust the script if a future doc needs a documented exception.
 

docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 | **Epic** | [Epic 2 — Skills and Progression Framework](../epics/epic_02_skills_and_progression.md) |
 | **Linear (Epic 2 project)** | [Epic 2 — Classless Skill and Progression Framework](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-2-classless-skill-and-progression-framework-5200f84bf8b6) |
 | **Stage target** | Prototype |
-| **Status** | Planned (see [dependency register](module_dependency_register.md)) |
+| **Status** | In Progress (see [dependency register](module_dependency_register.md)) |
 
 ## Linear backlog (Epic 2 Slice 1)
 
@@ -54,6 +54,28 @@ Central catalog for **non-combat** skill metadata: **stable IDs**, **categories*
 
 Add new enum values only with a **schema version** / migration note in [CT.M1](CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md) when CI enforces catalogs.
 
+### Designer note: allowedXpSourceKinds and grant call sites
+
+Every `SkillDef` row **must** include a **non-empty** `allowedXpSourceKinds` array (enforced by JSON Schema). Designers use it to agree with engineering **which systems may ever grant XP** to that skill:
+
+- **`activity`** — wire gather nodes, recipe completions, skill-based world objectives, and similar **primary-loop** payouts; set `XpGrantEvent.sourceKind` (or successor) to `activity` on those code paths.
+- **`mission_reward`** — wire **explicit** mission/contract hand-ins or scripted bonuses only; not a stand-in for combat encounter XP ([`docs/game-design/progression.md`](../../game-design/progression.md) — mission vs combat).
+- **`trainer`** / **`book_or_item`** — wire NPC teaching beats and consumable/one-shot grants respectively; do not use for combat kills.
+
+**Combat encounters award gig XP, not skill XP.** If a grant channel is missing from a skill’s list, [E2.M2](E2_M2_XpAwardAndLevelEngine.md) must reject the grant once implemented—keep catalogs honest so call sites do not drift.
+
+## Prototype Slice 1 freeze ([NEO-33](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-33))
+
+The **first shipped trio** under `content/skills/*.json` is **frozen** for downstream references (quests, recipes, E2.M2, E3) until a deliberate migration or follow-up issue expands the roster.
+
+| `SkillDef.id` | `category` | Role |
+|---------------|------------|------|
+| **`salvage`** | `gather` | Prototype Gather anchor |
+| **`refine`** | `process` | Prototype Process anchor (satisfies “Process or Make” for Slice 1) |
+| **`intrusion`** | `tech` | Prototype Tech anchor |
+
+**Rules:** Do **not** rename these `id` values to “fix” wording—change `displayName` only, or add a new `id` and migrate content. CI ([`scripts/validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py)) enforces **exactly** these three ids across all skill JSON files and **category coverage** (gather + tech + at least one of process/make). Relaxing or changing that gate belongs in a new Linear issue once the catalog intentionally grows.
+
 ## Responsibilities
 
 - Load and validate `SkillDef` from data; expose `SkillCategory` and `UnlockRequirement` for gating.

docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md

@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ Rows appear when work starts; default for unlisted modules is **Planned** / not
 | E1.M2 | Ready | **Slice 2 prototype slice closed:** follow + `CameraState` ([NEO-15](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-15)); zoom bands ([NEO-16](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-16)); occlusion ([NEO-17](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-17)); occluder pick-through ([NEO-20](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-20)); contracts + hardening ([NEO-18](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-18)). Client-local; no server use of camera pose. | [NEO-15](../../plans/NEO-15-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-16](../../plans/NEO-16-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-17](../../plans/NEO-17-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-18](../../plans/NEO-18-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-20](../../plans/NEO-20-implementation-plan.md); `client/scripts/isometric_follow_camera.gd`, `camera_state.gd`, `zoom_band_config.gd`, `occlusion_policy.gd`, `ground_pick.gd`; [E1_M2_IsometricCameraController.md](E1_M2_IsometricCameraController.md) |
 | E1.M3 | In Progress | **NEO-23 landed:** JSON v1 targeting read + select (`GET`/`POST …/target`, `Game/Targeting/`, [NEO-23](../../plans/NEO-23-implementation-plan.md)) — `PlayerTargetStateResponse` / soft lock / `reasonCode` denials; wire name differs from illustrative **`TargetState`** in module doc (called out in plan + README). **NEO-24 landed:** client tab-target + lock HUD synced to server ([NEO-24](../../plans/NEO-24-implementation-plan.md)) — `TargetSelectionClient` ([`client/scripts/target_selection_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/target_selection_client.gd)), Tab / Esc bindings, `TargetLockLabel` HUD, hybrid movement-triggered refresh via new `PositionAuthorityClient.authoritative_ack` signal (fires on every server-confirmed position, boot + `move-stream` 200) with a 250 ms cooldown; manual QA in [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-24.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-24.md). **NEO-25 landed:** versioned **`GET /game/world/interactables`** ([NEO-25](../../plans/NEO-25-implementation-plan.md)) — `InteractablesListResponse` / `InteractablesWorldApi` in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Interaction/`; Godot `interactables_catalog_client.gd` + `interactable_world_builder.gd` (fetch-driven props + glow); [server README — Interactable descriptors (NEO-25)](../../../server/README.md#interactable-descriptors-neo-25). **NEO-26 landed:** prototype **`SelectionEvent`** — **`TargetSelectionClient.selection_event`** ([NEO-26](../../plans/NEO-26-implementation-plan.md)) when **`lockedTargetId`** changes; optional **`log_selection_events`**. **NEO-27 landed:** Slice 3 telemetry hook sites documented — `selection_event` maps to product `target_changed` in `target_selection_client.gd`; server lock transition hook comments in `InMemoryPlayerTargetLockStore`; reserved `ability_cast_requested` / `ability_cast_denied` comments in `client/scripts/main.gd` (all TODO(E9.M1)); see [NEO-27](../../plans/NEO-27-implementation-plan.md) and [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-27.md`](../../manual-qa/NEO-27.md). **Follow-on / still open:** richer **`InteractableDescriptor`** consumers beyond list projection + existing `POST …/interact`; production telemetry ingest/catalog after E9.M1. **Precursor (E1.M1):** [NEO-9](../../plans/NEO-9-implementation-plan.md) `POST …/interact`. | Linear [NEO-24](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-24)–[NEO-27](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-27); [E1_M3_InteractionAndTargetingLayer.md](E1_M3_InteractionAndTargetingLayer.md); [E1M3 prototype backlog](../../plans/E1M3-prototype-backlog.md); [server README — Targeting](../../../server/README.md#targeting-neo-23), [Interactable descriptors (NEO-25)](../../../server/README.md#interactable-descriptors-neo-25), [Interaction](../../../server/README.md#interaction-neo-9) |
 | E1.M4 | In Progress | **NEO-29 landed:** prototype `HotbarLoadout` v1 server contract (`GET`/`POST /game/players/{id}/hotbar-loadout`) with stable deny reason codes, per-player scope, and persistence policy matching NEO-8/NS-17 (Postgres when configured, in-memory fallback otherwise). Client boot hydration is wired via `hotbar_loadout_client.gd` + `hotbar_state.gd` from `main.gd`; manual QA checklist created. **NEO-31 landed:** prototype **`POST /game/players/{id}/ability-cast`**, digit-key cast wiring from `main.gd`, `ability_cast_client.gd`, and `hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd` (target id from `lockedTargetId` in cached target state); GdUnit covers resolver + HTTP client; manual QA [NEO-31](../../manual-qa/NEO-31.md). **NEO-28 landed:** cast POST validates **lock + registry + range** (`invalid_target`, `out_of_range`); **`AbilityCastClient.cast_result_received`** + **`CastFeedbackLabel`** HUD line; manual QA [NEO-28](../../manual-qa/NEO-28.md). **NEO-30 landed:** Slice 3 cast funnel telemetry **hook-site comments** in [`AbilityCastApi.cs`](../../../server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/AbilityCastApi.cs) (`ability_cast_requested` on authoritative accept, `ability_cast_denied` + non-empty `reasonCode` on each JSON deny branch); client dev hooks unchanged; manual QA [NEO-30](../../manual-qa/NEO-30.md); plan [NEO-30](../../plans/NEO-30-implementation-plan.md). **NEO-32 landed:** `GET /game/players/{id}/cooldown-snapshot` + `on_cooldown` cast deny + prototype global cooldown commit; [`cooldown_snapshot_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd), [`cooldown_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd), **`CooldownSlotsLabel`** in [`main.gd`](../../../client/scripts/main.gd); manual QA [NEO-32](../../manual-qa/NEO-32.md); plan [NEO-32](../../plans/NEO-32-implementation-plan.md). | [NEO-29](../../plans/NEO-29-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-31](../../plans/NEO-31-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-28](../../plans/NEO-28-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-30](../../plans/NEO-30-implementation-plan.md), [NEO-32](../../plans/NEO-32-implementation-plan.md); [E1_M4_AbilityInputScaffold.md](E1_M4_AbilityInputScaffold.md); [E1M4 prototype backlog](../../plans/E1M4-prototype-backlog.md); `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/AbilityInput/`; [`client/scripts/hotbar_loadout_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_loadout_client.gd), [`client/scripts/hotbar_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_state.gd), [`client/scripts/ability_cast_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/ability_cast_client.gd), [`client/scripts/hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd`](../../../client/scripts/hotbar_cast_slot_resolver.gd), [`client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_snapshot_client.gd), [`client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd`](../../../client/scripts/cooldown_state.gd); [server README — Hotbar loadout](../../../server/README.md#hotbar-loadout-neo-29), [Ability cast (NEO-31)](../../../server/README.md#ability-cast-neo-31), [Cooldown snapshot (NEO-32)](../../../server/README.md#cooldown-snapshot-neo-32) |
-| E2.M1 | Planned | **Linear backlog (Todo):** [NEO-33](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-33) → [NEO-36](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-36) under [Epic 2 project](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-2-classless-skill-and-progression-framework-5200f84bf8b6); label **`E2.M1`**. `content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json`, `content/skills/prototype_skills.json`, and PR-gate `validate_content.py` already exist; **server registry, fail-fast boot load, and read HTTP + Bruno** are not implemented yet. | [E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md); [module_dependency_register.md](module_dependency_register.md) **E2.M1 note** |
+| E2.M1 | In Progress | **NEO-33 landed:** frozen prototype trio **`salvage`** / **`refine`** / **`intrusion`** in [`content/skills/prototype_skills.json`](../../../content/skills/prototype_skills.json); PR gate + [`validate_content.py`](../../../scripts/validate_content.py) enforce schema, duplicate `id`, exact trio ids, and category coverage; designer note on **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** in [E2_M1](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md) + [`content/README.md`](../../../content/README.md). **Follow-on:** server load ([NEO-34](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-34)), registry service ([NEO-35](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-35)), read HTTP + Bruno ([NEO-36](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-36)). | [NEO-33](../../plans/NEO-33-implementation-plan.md); [E2_M1](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md); [module_dependency_register.md](module_dependency_register.md) **E2.M1 note** |
 
 ---
 

docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md

@@ -27,12 +27,12 @@ Fleshed-out scope, contracts, and integration notes live in **per-module documen
 
 | Module ID | Module Name | Depends On | Contract Needed | Phase Required | Status |
 |---|---|---|---|---|---|
-| E2.M1 | SkillDefinitionRegistry | None | SkillDef, SkillCategory, UnlockRequirement, allowedXpSourceKinds | Prototype | Planned |
+| E2.M1 | SkillDefinitionRegistry | None | SkillDef, SkillCategory, UnlockRequirement, allowedXpSourceKinds | Prototype | In Progress |
 | E2.M2 | XpAwardAndLevelEngine | E2.M1 | XpGrantEvent, LevelCurve, LevelUpEvent | Prototype | Planned |
 | E2.M3 | MasteryAndPerkUnlocks | E2.M2 | MasteryTrack, PerkUnlockEvent, PerkState | Pre-production | Planned |
 | E2.M4 | ProgressionPacingControls | E2.M2, E9.M2 | XpModifierProfile, CatchUpRule, PacingPolicy | Pre-production | Planned |
 
-**E2.M1 note:** Epic 2 Slice 1 backlog in Linear ([Epic 2 — Classless Skill and Progression Framework](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-2-classless-skill-and-progression-framework-5200f84bf8b6)): [NEO-33](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-33) → [NEO-34](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-34) → [NEO-35](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-35) → [NEO-36](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-36); label **`E2.M1`**. See [E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md). Register stays **Planned** until implementation merges; update [documentation and implementation alignment](documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) when code lands.
+**E2.M1 note:** Epic 2 Slice 1 backlog in Linear ([Epic 2 — Classless Skill and Progression Framework](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-2-classless-skill-and-progression-framework-5200f84bf8b6)): [NEO-33](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-33) → [NEO-34](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-34) → [NEO-35](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-35) → [NEO-36](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-36); label **`E2.M1`**. See [E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md](E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md). **NEO-33** (content + CI + docs) moves the register row to **In Progress**; **NEO-34+** cover server registry and HTTP. Update [documentation and implementation alignment](documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) when slices land.
 
 ### Epic 3 — Crafting Economy
 

docs/game-design/skills.md

@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ Layout mirrors **[gigs.md](gigs.md) gig roster**: one **table per category**, **
 
 - **Production chain shape:** **Agreed**—(1) **Overlapping** paths: shared **inputs**, divergent **outputs** across **Process** / **Make**; (2) **Multi-stage** depth: **Gather → Process → Process → Make** (or longer), with **any** **Process** skill able to participate. Recipe UX and balance **open** (roster intro + **Process** subsection in [Skill roster](#skill-roster-draft-ideas-by-category)).
 - **Agreed Process boundaries:** **Salvage** vs **Quarry**; **Refine** vs **Synth-chem prep** (physical materials vs bio/chem); **Refine** vs **Fab tech** (base material grades vs physical electromechanical fab); **Fab tech** vs **Data scrub** (physical components vs **data/firmware** on salvage). Further merge/split ideas — **open** as the roster evolves.
-- **Next pass:** pick **prototype trio** (one Gather, one Process/Make, one Tech) for Epic 2/3 slices—written anchors for gather/craft legs: [gathering.md](gathering.md), [crafting.md](crafting.md); lock **`SkillDef` ids** in data with [E2.M1](../decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md) when Slice 1 freezes.
+- **Prototype trio (Slice 1 — frozen):** **`salvage`** (Gather), **`refine`** (Process), **`intrusion`** (Tech) — canonical in [`content/skills/prototype_skills.json`](../../content/skills/prototype_skills.json); roster policy and XP channels in [E2.M1](../decomposition/modules/E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md). Written anchors for gather/craft legs: [gathering.md](gathering.md), [crafting.md](crafting.md).
 
 ### XP, levels, curves
 

docs/plans/NEO-33-implementation-plan.md

@@ -34,10 +34,10 @@
 
 ## Acceptance criteria checklist
 
-- [ ] PR / CI fails on invalid catalog rows, schema mismatch, or **duplicate** skill `id` across `content/skills/*.json`.
+- [x] PR / CI fails on invalid catalog rows, schema mismatch, or **duplicate** skill `id` across `content/skills/*.json`.
-- [ ] Exactly **three** prototype skills with category coverage **gather** + **process** (or make) + **tech**; **`id`** values **salvage**, **refine**, **intrusion** recorded as **stable / frozen** in decomposition or authoring docs.
+- [x] Exactly **three** prototype skills with category coverage **gather** + **process** (or make) + **tech**; **`id`** values **salvage**, **refine**, **intrusion** recorded as **stable / frozen** in decomposition or authoring docs.
-- [ ] CT.M1 and E2.M1 doc pointers remain accurate relative to what ships in this story.
+- [x] CT.M1 and E2.M1 doc pointers remain accurate relative to what ships in this story.
-- [ ] Designer-facing note on `allowedXpSourceKinds` appears in **`content/README.md`** (brief) and **`E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md`** (detail).
+- [x] Designer-facing note on `allowedXpSourceKinds` appears in **`content/README.md`** (brief) and **`E2_M1_SkillDefinitionRegistry.md`** (detail).
 
 ## Technical approach
 
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@
 | `content/README.md` | Brief pointer to E2.M1 detail and freeze reminder for content authors. |
 | `docs/game-design/skills.md` | Point “prototype trio” at locked ids so design doc matches data. |
 | `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | Update E2.M1 / NEO-33 row to match shipped state after implementation. |
-| `scripts/validate_content.py` | Only if a concrete gap appears (clearer errors, optional Slice-1 count guard); default is leave as-is if CI already satisfies acceptance. |
+| `scripts/validate_content.py` | Shipped **NEO-33** Slice 1 gate: exact frozen ids + category coverage after schema + duplicate-id checks. |
 
 ## Tests
 
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@
 
 ## Open questions / risks
 
-- **Extra skill JSON files:** If someone adds another `content/skills/*.json` before process is agreed, total skill count could exceed three without failing today—mitigation is optional validation or team convention; note if we add a hard “exactly three ids” check.
+- **Catalog growth:** `validate_content.py` now requires **exactly** the three frozen ids; expanding the roster requires a follow-up issue to relax or replace this gate.
 - **None** otherwise at kickoff.
 
 ## Decisions
@@ -81,3 +81,8 @@
 |----------|------------|
 | Frozen ids **salvage**, **refine**, **intrusion** | User confirmation during kickoff. |
 | Designer note in **README + E2.M1** | User picked option **3**. |
+
+## Implementation notes (shipped)
+
+- **`scripts/validate_content.py`:** after schema validation, enforces `PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS` and category coverage (gather, tech, process or make).
+- **Docs:** E2.M1 designer note + freeze table; `content/README` pointer; `skills.md` frozen trio bullet; CT.M1 CI paragraph; alignment + dependency register **E2.M1** → **In Progress**.

scripts/validate_content.py

@@ -17,6 +17,31 @@ REPO_ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
 SKILL_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/skill-def.schema.json"
 SKILLS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/skills"
 
+# Slice 1 prototype lock (NEO-33): exact ids + category coverage after schema passes.
+PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS = frozenset({"salvage", "refine", "intrusion"})
+
+
+def _prototype_slice1_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str], id_to_category: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
+    """Return a human-readable error if Slice 1 contract fails, else None."""
+    ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
+    if ids != PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS:
+        return (
+            "error: prototype Slice 1 expects exactly skill ids "
+            f"{sorted(PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS)!r}, got {sorted(ids)!r}"
+        )
+    cats = set(id_to_category.values())
+    if "gather" not in cats or "tech" not in cats:
+        return (
+            "error: prototype Slice 1 requires at least one gather and one tech skill; "
+            f"categories seen: {sorted(cats)!r}"
+        )
+    if "process" not in cats and "make" not in cats:
+        return (
+            "error: prototype Slice 1 requires at least one process or make skill; "
+            f"categories seen: {sorted(cats)!r}"
+        )
+    return None
+
 
 def main() -> int:
     if not SKILL_SCHEMA.is_file():
@@ -36,6 +61,7 @@ def main() -> int:
         return 1
 
     seen_ids: dict[str, str] = {}
+    id_to_category: dict[str, str] = {}
     errors = 0
 
     for path in json_files:
@@ -50,12 +76,14 @@ def main() -> int:
                 print(f"error: {path.relative_to(REPO_ROOT)}: skills[{i}] must be an object", file=sys.stderr)
                 errors += 1
                 continue
+            row_schema_errors = 0
             for err in sorted(validator.iter_errors(row), key=lambda e: e.path):
                 loc = ".".join(str(p) for p in err.path) or "(root)"
                 print(
                     f"error: {path.relative_to(REPO_ROOT)} skills[{i}] {loc}: {err.message}",
                     file=sys.stderr,
                 )
+                row_schema_errors += 1
                 errors += 1
             sid = row.get("id")
             if isinstance(sid, str):
@@ -68,11 +96,20 @@ def main() -> int:
                     errors += 1
                 else:
                     seen_ids[sid] = str(path.relative_to(REPO_ROOT))
+                    if row_schema_errors == 0:
+                        cat = row.get("category")
+                        if isinstance(cat, str):
+                            id_to_category[sid] = cat
 
     if errors:
         print(f"content validation failed with {errors} error(s)", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
+    slice1_err = _prototype_slice1_gate(seen_ids, id_to_category)
+    if slice1_err:
+        print(slice1_err, file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+
     print(f"content OK: {len(json_files)} skill catalog file(s), {len(seen_ids)} unique skill id(s)")
     return 0