33 changed files with 5 additions and 2770 deletions
--- a/bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/Health
+++ b/bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/Health
@ -1,25 +0,0 @@
-meta {
-  name: GET health (contract template catalog boot NEO-145)
-  type: http
-  seq: 1
-}
-
-get {
-  url: {{baseUrl}}/health
-  body: none
-  auth: none
-}
-
-docs {
-  NEO-145 loads content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json at startup (fail-fast). No contract HTTP API in this story — use this request to confirm the host started after catalog validation.
-}
-
-tests {
-  test("status 200", function () {
-    expect(res.getStatus()).to.equal(200);
-  });
-
-  test("service identity", function () {
-    expect(res.getBody().service).to.equal("NeonSprawl.Server");
-  });
-}
--- a/bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/folder.bru
+++ b/bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/folder.bru
@ -1,3 +0,0 @@
-meta {
-  name: contract-catalog
-}
--- a/content/README.md
+++ b/content/README.md
@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ Data-driven definitions (skills, items, recipes, quests) validated in CI with **
 | [`reward-tables/`](reward-tables/) | Reward table catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/reward-table.schema.json`](schemas/reward-table.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, **`fixedGrants`** referencing frozen item ids for [E5.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md) |
 | [`quests/`](quests/) | Quest catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/quest-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-def.schema.json) (steps via [`quest-step-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-step-def.schema.json), objectives via [`quest-objective-def.schema.json`](schemas/quest-objective-def.schema.json)) — **stable `id`**, **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, optional **`factionGateRules`**, step/objective graph for [E7.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md) / [E7.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) |
 | [`factions/`](factions/) | Faction catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/faction-def.schema.json`](schemas/faction-def.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, standing band for [E7.M3](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) |
-| [`contracts/`](contracts/) | Contract template catalogs; each row matches [`schemas/contract-template.schema.json`](schemas/contract-template.schema.json) — **stable `id`**, **`zoneDifficultyBand`**, **`encounterTemplateId`**, **`minFactionStanding`**, **`completionRewardBundle`** for [E7.M4](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md) |
 | [`resource-nodes/`](resource-nodes/) | Resource node + yield catalogs; node rows match [`schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json`](schemas/resource-node-def.schema.json), yield rows match [`schemas/resource-yield-row.schema.json`](schemas/resource-yield-row.schema.json) — **stable `nodeDefId`**, **`gatherLens`**, **`maxGathers`** for [E3.M1](../docs/decomposition/modules/E3_M1_ResourceNodeAndGatherLoop.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.
@ -38,8 +37,6 @@ Data-driven definitions (skills, items, recipes, quests) validated in CI with **

 **Prototype E7 Slice 3 — factions + gated quest line (NEO-133):** CI expects **exactly two** faction ids aligned to [E7.M3 faction freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md#prototype-slice-3-freeze-e7m3-01) — **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`**, **`prototype_faction_rust_collective`**. Quest roster expands to **five** ids (four E7.M1 onboarding + **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`**). **`factionGateRules[].factionId`** and **`completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[].factionId`** must resolve to the frozen faction catalog; grid contract shape is frozen in CI. See [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md) and [NEO-133 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-133-implementation-plan.md).

-**Prototype E7 Slice 4 — contract templates (NEO-144):** CI expects **exactly one** contract template id **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`** aligned to [E7.M4 contract freeze](../docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md#prototype-slice-4-freeze-e7m4-01). **`encounterTemplateId`** must resolve to **`prototype_combat_pocket`**; **`minFactionStanding.factionId`** must resolve to the frozen faction catalog; **`completionRewardBundle`** item/skill cross-refs and **`mission_reward`** allowlist match E7.M2 rules; band **1** economy caps (item qty ≤ **10**, skill XP ≤ **25**, rep ≤ **10** per grant row) are enforced in CI. Issue/audit shape: [`contract-seed.schema.json`](schemas/contract-seed.schema.json) (no catalog file yet). See [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](../docs/plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md) and [NEO-144 plan](../docs/plans/NEO-144-implementation-plan.md).
-
 **Prototype Slice 4 (NEO-45):** CI expects **exactly one** `MasteryTrack` for **`salvage`** only (`refine` / `intrusion` have no mastery rows yet). Tier 1 @ skill level **2** is a **mutually exclusive** branch pick (`scrap_efficiency` vs `bulk_haul`) with **no** perks; tier 2 @ level **4** unlocks one perk per branch path. **Do not rename** `branchId` / `perkId` after ship—change `displayName` only. See [E2.M3 — Designer note](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md#designer-note-tiers-branches-and-level-gates) and [freeze table](../docs/decomposition/modules/E2_M3_MasteryAndPerkUnlocks.md#prototype-slice-4-freeze--salvage-flagship-neo-45).

 Server load path and hot-reload policy are TBD; keep files versioned here as the source of truth.
--- a/content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json
+++ b/content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json
@ -1,20 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "schemaVersion": 1,
-  "contractTemplates": [
-    {
-      "id": "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket",
-      "displayName": "Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)",
-      "zoneDifficultyBand": 1,
-      "objectiveKind": "encounter_clear",
-      "encounterTemplateId": "prototype_combat_pocket",
-      "minFactionStanding": {
-        "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
-        "minStanding": 0
-      },
-      "completionRewardBundle": {
-        "itemGrants": [{ "itemId": "scrap_metal_bulk", "quantity": 5 }],
-        "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 15 }]
-      }
-    }
-  ]
-}
--- a/content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json
+++ b/content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json
@ -1,31 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
-  "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/contract-seed.json",
-  "title": "ContractSeed",
-  "description": "Inputs for contract issuance (POST …/contracts/issue body or audit record). Validated when HTTP wiring lands (NEO-147+). See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md.",
-  "type": "object",
-  "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": ["playerId", "templateId", "seedBucket"],
-  "properties": {
-    "playerId": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "minLength": 1,
-      "description": "Target player id for deterministic contractInstanceId suffix."
-    },
-    "templateId": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
-      "description": "Contract template id from content/contracts; omit selection logic uses band + standing filters."
-    },
-    "seedBucket": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "minLength": 1,
-      "description": "Deterministic rotation bucket (date string or client counter) for audit and instance id hashing."
-    },
-    "zoneDifficultyBand": {
-      "type": "integer",
-      "minimum": 1,
-      "description": "Optional issue-time band override; prototype defaults to 1 when omitted."
-    }
-  }
-}
--- a/content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json
+++ b/content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json
@ -1,52 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
-  "$id": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/contract-template.json",
-  "title": "ContractTemplate",
-  "description": "Single contract template row for catalogs (e.g. content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json). Repeatable mission skeleton keyed by zone difficulty band. See docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md.",
-  "type": "object",
-  "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": [
-    "id",
-    "displayName",
-    "zoneDifficultyBand",
-    "objectiveKind",
-    "encounterTemplateId",
-    "minFactionStanding",
-    "completionRewardBundle"
-  ],
-  "properties": {
-    "id": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
-      "description": "Immutable template key for issuance APIs and telemetry."
-    },
-    "displayName": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "minLength": 1,
-      "description": "Player-facing label; safe to change without migrating instance data."
-    },
-    "zoneDifficultyBand": {
-      "type": "integer",
-      "minimum": 1,
-      "description": "Difficulty band used to filter eligible templates at issue time (E4.M1 live zone deferred in Slice 4 v1)."
-    },
-    "objectiveKind": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "enum": ["encounter_clear"],
-      "description": "Objective discriminator; Slice 4 v1 binds encounterTemplateId only."
-    },
-    "encounterTemplateId": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "pattern": "^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$",
-      "description": "Encounter template id from content/encounters (E5.M3)."
-    },
-    "minFactionStanding": {
-      "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/faction-gate-rule.json",
-      "description": "Minimum faction standing required to issue this template."
-    },
-    "completionRewardBundle": {
-      "$ref": "https://neon-sprawl.local/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.json",
-      "description": "Repeat completion payout delivered via RewardRouterOperations (E7.M2); separate idempotency from quest and first-time encounter loot."
-    }
-  }
-}
--- a/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md
@ -89,8 +89,6 @@ Provide a quest state machine and reward routing that ties gathering, crafting,
  - Generated contracts validate against economy and parity rules.
 - Telemetry hooks: `contract_issued`, `contract_complete`, reward anomalies.

-**Linear backlog:** [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md) — [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144) → [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154); client capstone **E7M4-11** [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154). Verify repeatable contract issue + payout in **Godot**, not Bruno-only.
-
 ## Risks and Mitigations

 - Risk: Quest scripting becomes engineering-heavy for solo dev.
@ -105,5 +103,4 @@ Provide a quest state machine and reward routing that ties gathering, crafting,
 - Prototype quest counts and integrated chain meet master plan minimums **in the Godot client** (Slice 1 capstone [NEO-123](../../manual-qa/NEO-123.md)), not Bruno-only.
 - Slice 2 quest **completion** rewards (items + skill XP) visible in Godot with idempotent delivery (capstone [NEO-132](../../manual-qa/NEO-132.md)), not Bruno-only.
 - Slice 3 faction rep + gated quest line visible in Godot (capstone [NEO-143](../../manual-qa/NEO-143.md)), not Bruno-only.
- Slice 4 repeatable contract issue + encounter-clear payout visible in Godot (capstone [NEO-154](../../manual-qa/NEO-154.md)), not Bruno-only.
 - Pre-production adds contracts (E7.M4) with validation beyond Slice 3.
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md
@ -63,8 +63,6 @@ Content tooling **Slice 1** — schemas + CI; **Slice 4** — server parity hard

 **Quest completion bundles ([NEO-124](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-124)):** optional **`completionRewardBundle`** on each quest row via [`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json) (`itemGrants` reuses [`reward-grant-row.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/reward-grant-row.schema.json); `skillXpGrants` via [`quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json)). E7 Slice 2 requires bundles on all four frozen quest ids with exact freeze-table contents; cross-checks **`itemGrants[].itemId`** and **`skillXpGrants[].skillId`**; each skill XP target must allow **`mission_reward`** in **`allowedXpSourceKinds`**.

-**Contract template catalogs ([NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144)):** the same script validates each row in `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json` against [`content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json) (`completionRewardBundle` via [`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/quest-reward-bundle.schema.json); `minFactionStanding` via [`faction-gate-rule.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json)), rejects **duplicate `id`** across files, cross-checks **`encounterTemplateId`** against encounter catalogs and bundle item/skill/faction refs against frozen catalogs, enforces the **frozen one-template** id set (`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`) with exact freeze-table contents (including empty **`reputationGrants`**), and enforces **band-1 economy caps** (item qty ≤ 10, skill XP ≤ 25, rep ≤ 10 per grant row). Issue/audit shape: [`contract-seed.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json) — minimal fixture smoke parse in CI (no catalog file yet). **Server startup ([NEO-145](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-145)):** the host mirrors the same gates via `ContractTemplateCatalogLoader` before listening (see [server README — Contract template catalog](../../../server/README.md#contract-template-catalog-contentcontracts-neo-145)).
-
 **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.

 ## Source anchors
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md
@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 | **Module ID** | E7.M4 |
 | **Epic** | [Epic 7 — Quest / Faction](../epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md) |
 | **Stage target** | Pre-production |
-| **Status** | In Progress — Slice 4 backlog [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md): **E7M4-01** [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144) → **E7M4-11** [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154). Upstream: E5.M3 **Ready**, E7.M3 **Ready**; E4.M1 zone graph deferred (content-only `zoneDifficultyBand` in Slice 4 v1). |
+| **Status** | Planned (see [dependency register](module_dependency_register.md)) |

 ## Purpose

@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Semi-procedural repeatable contracts from templates, keyed by zone difficulty ([

 ## Module dependencies

- **E4.M1** — ZoneGraphAndTravelRules (live zone read deferred; content band in Slice 4 v1).
+- **E4.M1** — ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.
 - **E5.M3** — EncounterAndRewardTables.
 - **E7.M3** — FactionReputationLedger.

@ -37,23 +37,7 @@ Semi-procedural repeatable contracts from templates, keyed by zone difficulty ([

 ## Related implementation slices

-Epic 7 **Slice 4** — `contract_issued`, `contract_complete`, reward anomalies. Backlog: [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md).
-
-## Prototype Slice 4 freeze (E7M4-01)
-
-**One** frozen template; objective **`encounter_clear`** on **`prototype_combat_pocket`**; repeat payout via **`completionRewardBundle`** (separate idempotency from quest + first-time encounter loot).
-
-| `ContractTemplate.id` | `zoneDifficultyBand` | `encounterTemplateId` | `minFactionStanding` | `completionRewardBundle` |
-|-----------------------|----------------------|------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|
-| **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`** | **1** | **`prototype_combat_pocket`** | **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** **0** | **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×5**; **`salvage`** **15** (`mission_reward`) |
-
-**Band policy (E7M4-07):** band **1** caps — max **10** per item grant, **25** skill XP per grant, **10** rep per grant.
-
-**Idempotency:** `{playerId}:contract_complete:{contractInstanceId}`. **Active cap:** one active contract per player (prototype).
-
-**CI (NEO-144):** `content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json` validated by `scripts/validate_content.py` — schema, single-template roster, freeze table, encounter/item/skill/faction cross-refs, band-1 economy caps. Schemas: [`contract-template.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json), [`contract-seed.schema.json`](../../../content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json).
-
-**Server load (NEO-145):** host fail-fast load of `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json` via `ContractTemplateCatalogLoader` + **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** — same E7M4 gates as CI at startup; [server README — Contract template catalog](../../../server/README.md#contract-template-catalog-contentcontracts-neo-145).
+Epic 7 **Slice 4** — `contract_issued`, `contract_complete`, reward anomalies.

 ## Source anchors

--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md
--- a/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md
+++ b/docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md
@ -116,9 +116,7 @@ Gameplay **content and curves** default to **boot load** with optional **dev-onl
 | E7.M3 | FactionReputationLedger | E7.M1, E7.M2 | FactionStanding, ReputationDelta, FactionGateRule | Pre-production | Ready |

 **E7.M3 note:** Epic 7 **Slice 3** backlog in Linear ([Epic 7 — Questing, Narrative, and Faction Reputation](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-7-questing-narrative-and-faction-reputation-a9416783ceee)): [NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133) → [NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143) **landed**; label **`E7.M3`**. See [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md](E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md). Upstream: E7.M1 **Ready**, E7.M2 **Ready**. Prototype spine: two frozen factions; operator chain grants **+15 Grid Operators**; **`prototype_quest_grid_contract`** gated at **minStanding 15**; rep grants via **`completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants`**; accept deny **`faction_gate_blocked`**. **E7M3-11 / NEO-143** client capstone landed — [`NEO-143` manual QA](../../manual-qa/NEO-143.md), [client README — End-to-end faction reputation loop (NEO-143)](../../../client/README.md#end-to-end-faction-reputation-loop-neo-143), plan [NEO-143](../../plans/NEO-143-implementation-plan.md). Epic 7 Slice 3 client capstone complete.
-| E7.M4 | ContractMissionGenerator | E4.M1, E5.M3, E7.M3 | ContractTemplate, ContractSeed, ContractOutcome | Pre-production | In Progress |
-
-**E7.M4 note:** Epic 7 **Slice 4** backlog in Linear ([Epic 7 — Questing, Narrative, and Faction Reputation](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/project/epic-7-questing-narrative-and-faction-reputation-a9416783ceee)): [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144) → [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154); label **`E7.M4`**. See [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](../../plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md), [E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md](E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md). **E7M4-01 / NEO-144** catalog + CI landed; **E7M4-02 / NEO-145** fail-fast server catalog load + **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** landed ([NEO-145 plan](../../plans/NEO-145-implementation-plan.md)). Upstream: E5.M3 **Ready**, E7.M3 **Ready**; E4.M1 live zone read deferred (content-only **`zoneDifficultyBand`** in Slice 4 v1). Prototype spine: one template **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`** → **`prototype_combat_pocket`** encounter clear → repeat **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×5** + salvage XP; economy band caps at issue. Client capstone **E7M4-11** [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154).
+| E7.M4 | ContractMissionGenerator | E4.M1, E5.M3, E7.M3 | ContractTemplate, ContractSeed, ContractOutcome | Pre-production | Planned |

 ### Epic 8 — Social / Guild

--- a/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md
+++ b/docs/plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md
@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ Working backlog for **Epic 7 — Slice 3** ([faction ledger](../decomposition/ep
 | 10 | **E7M3-10** | client | E7M3-07, E7M3-08 |
 | 11 | **E7M3-11** | client | E7M3-10 |

-**Downstream (separate modules):** [E7.M4](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md) contract generator — [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md) ([NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144)–[NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154)); [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) **`TravelRule`** faction gates; [E8.M2](../decomposition/modules/E8_M2_GuildCorpProgressionState.md) guild/corp rep coupling.
+**Downstream (separate modules):** [E7.M4](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md) contract generator; [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) **`TravelRule`** faction gates; [E8.M2](../decomposition/modules/E8_M2_GuildCorpProgressionState.md) guild/corp rep coupling.

 ---

--- a/docs/plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md
+++ b/docs/plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md
@ -1,382 +0,0 @@
-# E7.M4 — Pre-production story backlog (ContractMissionGenerator)
-
-Working backlog for **Epic 7 — Slice 4** ([contract generator](../decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md#slice-4---contract-generator-pre-production)). Decomposition and contracts: [E7.M4 — ContractMissionGenerator](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md).
-
-**Full-stack policy:** Epics deliver **playable game features**. Every **player-visible** story has a **`client`** Linear issue created in **this same decomposition pass** — not an undocumented follow-up. Reference: [E7M3 (paired server+client)](../plans/E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md), [E7M2 (reward capstone)](../plans/E7M2-prototype-backlog.md).
-
-**Labels (Linear):** every issue **`E7.M4`**; add **`server`** or **`client`** + **`Story`** as listed.
-
-**Precursor (do not re-scope):** [E7.M1](../decomposition/modules/E7_M1_QuestStateMachine.md) **Ready** — static quest catalog + accept/complete ([NEO-112](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-112)–[NEO-123](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-123)). [E7.M2](../decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md) **Ready** — idempotent **`completionRewardBundle`** delivery ([NEO-124](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-124)–[NEO-132](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-132)). [E7.M3](../decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) **Ready** — faction standing + quest gates ([NEO-133](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-133)–[NEO-143](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-143)). [E5.M3](../decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md) **Ready** — **`prototype_combat_pocket`** encounter clear ([NEO-100](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-100)–[NEO-111](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-111)). Slice 4 **adds repeatable contract instances**; does not migrate static quests or first-time encounter loot.
-
-**Upstream (must be landed):** E7.M1 quest state; E7.M2 **`RewardRouterOperations`** + **`IRewardDeliveryStore`**; E7.M3 **`IFactionStandingStore`**; E5.M3 encounter progress/completion. [quest_scope_and_party.md](../decomposition/modules/quest_scope_and_party.md) solo idempotency.
-
-**E4.M1 note (zone difficulty):** Epic 7 Slice 4 AC keys contracts by **zone difficulty band**. Full [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) zone graph is **not** a Slice 4 blocker — prototype uses **content-only `zoneDifficultyBand`** on templates and optional **`zoneDifficultyBand`** on issue POST until E4.M1 **`GET …/zone`** lands; replace stub input with live zone read when E4.M1 Slice 1 lands.
-
-**Prototype contract spine (frozen in E7M4-01):** **one** frozen **`ContractTemplate`** id; **one** encounter objective (**`prototype_combat_pocket`**); **one** scaled repeat payout bundle; issuance filtered by **zone difficulty band** + optional **faction standing** floor.
-
-**Linear issues (created):** attach `docs/plans/NEO-*-implementation-plan.md` on the story branch when work starts.
-
-| Slug | Layer | Linear |
-|------|-------|--------|
-| E7M4-01 | server | [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144) |
-| E7M4-02 | server | [NEO-145](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-145) |
-| E7M4-03 | server | [NEO-146](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-146) |
-| E7M4-04 | server | [NEO-147](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-147) |
-| E7M4-05 | server | [NEO-148](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-148) |
-| E7M4-06 | server | [NEO-149](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-149) |
-| E7M4-07 | server | [NEO-150](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-150) |
-| E7M4-08 | server | [NEO-151](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-151) |
-| E7M4-09 | server | [NEO-152](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-152) |
-| E7M4-10 | client | [NEO-153](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-153) |
-| E7M4-11 | client | [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154) |
-
-**Dependency graph in Linear:** E7M4-02 blocked by E7M4-01. E7M4-03 blocked by E7M4-02. E7M4-04 blocked by E7M4-03. E7M4-05 blocked by E7M4-02. E7M4-06 blocked by E7M4-04 and E7M4-05. E7M4-07 blocked by E7M4-04. E7M4-08 blocked by E7M4-06 and E7M4-07. E7M4-09 blocked by E7M4-04 and E7M4-08. E7M4-10 blocked by E7M4-08 and E7M4-09. E7M4-11 blocked by E7M4-10.
-
-**Board order:** estimates **1–11** matching slug order (E7M4-01 = 1 … E7M4-11 = 11). On the Epic 7 project board, sort by **Estimate** (ascending).
-
---
-
-## Story order (recommended)
-
-| Order | Slug | Layer | Depends on |
-|-------|------|-------|------------|
-| 1 | **E7M4-01** | server | E7.M2 bundle schemas; E5.M3 encounter freeze |
-| 2 | **E7M4-02** | server | E7M4-01 |
-| 3 | **E7M4-03** | server | E7M4-02 |
-| 4 | **E7M4-04** | server | E7M4-03 |
-| 5 | **E7M4-05** | server | E7M4-02 |
-| 6 | **E7M4-06** | server | E7M4-04, E7M4-05 |
-| 7 | **E7M4-07** | server | E7M4-04 |
-| 8 | **E7M4-08** | server | E7M4-06, E7M4-07 |
-| 9 | **E7M4-09** | server | E7M4-04, E7M4-08 |
-| 10 | **E7M4-10** | client | E7M4-08, E7M4-09 |
-| 11 | **E7M4-11** | client | E7M4-10 |
-
-**Downstream (separate modules):** [E4.M1](../decomposition/modules/E4_M1_ZoneGraphAndTravelRules.md) live zone id for issuance input; [E6.M4](../decomposition/modules/E6_M4_RewardParityEnforcer.md) full parity map; [E3.M5](../decomposition/modules/E3_M5_EconomyBalancePolicy.md) faucet/sink dashboards.
-
---
-
-## Kickoff decisions (decomposition defaults)
-
-| Topic | Decision | Rationale |
-|-------|----------|-----------|
-| Contract vs quest | **Separate `ContractInstance` state** — not new static `QuestDef` rows | Repeatable midgame jobs without polluting onboarding catalog |
-| Template count | **One** frozen template id | Readable Slice 4 capstone; generator API still general |
-| Objective kind (v1) | **`encounter_clear`** — bind to E5.M3 **`encounterId`** | Reuses combat pocket loop players already know |
-| Zone difficulty | **Content `zoneDifficultyBand` on template** + optional POST override until E4.M1 | Epic AC without blocking on travel graph |
-| Faction filter | **Optional `minFactionStanding` on template** — prototype **0** (open) | Standing-based template pick deferred to second template in follow-on |
-| Issuance cap | **One active contract per player** (prototype) | Avoid HUD/stack complexity in Slice 4 |
-| Seed / determinism | **`ContractSeed`**: `playerId` + `templateId` + `seedBucket` (date or client counter) → deterministic **`contractInstanceId`** suffix for audit | Supports daily rotation without full proc-gen |
-| Completion payout | **`completionRewardBundle`** on template — deliver via extended **`RewardRouterOperations`** | Reuse E7.M2 idempotency + inventory/XP/rep apply |
-| Idempotency key | **`{playerId}:contract_complete:{contractInstanceId}`** | Per-instance repeat grants; distinct from quest and encounter keys |
-| Encounter loot | **Unchanged** — first-time **`prototype_combat_pocket_clear`** idempotent per player | Contract payout is **additional** repeat incentive, not double first-clear |
-| Economy validation | **Prototype band caps** in content + issue-time lint (not full E6.M4) | Slice 4 AC: generated contracts validate against economy rules |
-| Party mode | **Solo only** | E8.M1 not landed |
-| HUD fidelity | Prototype labels / debug panels | NEO-122 / NEO-142 precedent |
-
-### Prototype contract template freeze (E7M4-01)
-
-| `ContractTemplate.id` | `zoneDifficultyBand` | `encounterTemplateId` | `minFactionStanding` | `completionRewardBundle` |
-|-----------------------|----------------------|------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|
-| **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`** | **1** | **`prototype_combat_pocket`** | **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** **0** | **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×5**; **`salvage`** **15** (`mission_reward`) |
-
-**Band policy (E7M4-07):** difficulty band **1** caps: max **10** per item grant row, max **25** skill XP per grant, max **10** rep per grant (enforced at issue + CI).
-
-**Issuance:** `POST …/contracts/issue` with optional **`zoneDifficultyBand`** (default **1** for prototype district). Server selects templates where `zoneDifficultyBand` matches and player standing ≥ `minFactionStanding`. Returns **`contractInstanceId`**, template summary, objective encounter id, status **`active`**.
-
-**Completion:** When **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** marks **`prototype_combat_pocket`** complete for a player with matching **active** contract instance → **`ContractCompletionOperations`** delivers bundle → status **`completed`** → record **`ContractOutcome`**.
-
---
-
-### E7M4-01 — ContractTemplate catalog + schemas + CI
-
-**Goal:** Lock contract content shape and CI validation before server load.
-
-**In scope**
-
- `content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`, `content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json` (issue request / audit shape).
- Reuse **`quest-reward-bundle`** / **`reputation-grant-row`** `$ref`s for **`completionRewardBundle`** on templates.
- `content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json` — one frozen template row per freeze table.
- `scripts/validate_content.py`: contract schema validation, encounter cross-ref, item/skill/faction cross-refs, band-cap lint, single-template allowlist.
- Designer note in [E7_M4](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md) + `content/README.md`.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Server loader, stores, operations, HTTP, Godot.
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [x] PR gate validates contract template JSON.
- [x] Exactly one prototype template id with encounter + bundle cross-refs.
- [x] Bundle exceeding band caps fails CI.
-
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-02 — Server contract template catalog load (fail-fast)
-
-**Goal:** Disk → host: startup load of `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json` with CI-parity validation.
-
-**In scope**
-
- Loader + registry types under `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/`.
- **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** + DI registration.
- Cross-check **`encounterTemplateId`** vs **`IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`** at startup.
- Unit tests (AAA) for happy path and broken encounter refs.
- `server/README.md` section.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Per-player instance store, generator, HTTP.
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [x] Host exits on invalid contract catalog or broken encounter refs at startup.
- [x] Registry resolves template metadata by id.
-
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-03 — Contract instance + outcome stores
-
-**Goal:** Durable per-player **`ContractInstance`** (active/completed) and **`ContractOutcome`** audit records.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`IContractInstanceStore`**, **`IContractOutcomeStore`** — in-memory implementations; optional Postgres migrations (NEO-116-style split).
- Instance row: `contractInstanceId`, `templateId`, `playerId`, `status` (`active` | `completed` | `expired`), `seedBucket`, `issuedAt`, optional `completedAt`.
- Outcome row: instance id, delivery idempotency key, grant snapshot summary.
- Unit tests: issue, complete, idempotent complete replay.
- `server/README.md` store sections.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Generator logic (E7M4-04), payout apply (E7M4-05).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] At most one **`active`** instance per player (prototype policy).
- [ ] Completed instances immutable; outcome append-only.
-
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-04 — `ContractGeneratorOperations.TryIssue`
-
-**Goal:** Issue a validated contract instance from **`ContractSeed`** + player context.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`ContractGeneratorOperations.TryIssue`** in `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/`.
- Inputs: `playerId`, optional `templateId`, `seedBucket`, `zoneDifficultyBand` (default 1).
- Template selection: match band + faction standing floor; fail **`no_eligible_template`** when none.
- Deny **`active_contract_exists`** when player already has active instance.
- Deterministic `contractInstanceId` from seed hash + player + template.
- Unit + integration tests (AAA): happy issue, deny paths, unknown template fail-closed.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- HTTP (E7M4-08), encounter completion wiring (E7M4-06).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Issue creates **`active`** instance with correct encounter binding.
- [ ] Second issue while active returns structured deny.
-
-**Client counterpart:** [NEO-153](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-153) (blocked by E7M4-08).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-05 — Extend `RewardRouterOperations` for contract completion bundles
-
-**Goal:** Contract completion payouts reuse E7.M2 delivery idempotency with contract-specific keys.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`RewardRouterOperations.TryDeliverContractCompletion`** — same grant kinds as quest completion (items, skill XP, rep) with key **`{playerId}:contract_complete:{contractInstanceId}`**.
- Extend **`IRewardDeliveryStore`** / **`RewardDeliveryEvent`** for contract source kind (`contract_completion`).
- Compensating rollback policy mirrors E7.M2 quest path.
- Integration tests: first delivery, idempotent replay, unknown item/faction deny.
- `server/README.md` reward router section.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Encounter trigger (E7M4-06), HTTP projections (E7M4-08).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] First-time contract complete applies bundle exactly once per instance id.
- [ ] Replay returns **`already_delivered`** without double grant.
-
-**Client counterpart:** [NEO-153](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-153).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-06 — `ContractCompletionOperations` + encounter wiring
-
-**Goal:** Encounter clear completes matching active contract and triggers payout.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`ContractCompletionOperations.TryCompleteOnEncounterClear`** — match **`encounterTemplateId`** on active instance.
- Wire from **`EncounterCompletionOperations`** / **`EncounterCombatWiring`** success path (after encounter completion commit, before or after encounter loot — document order: encounter loot first, contract payout second).
- Mark instance **`completed`**; record **`ContractOutcome`**; invoke **`TryDeliverContractCompletion`**.
- Integration tests: issue → encounter clear → contract completed + delivery; clear without contract unchanged; wrong encounter no-op.
- Bruno smoke: issue → encounter-progress clear → contract GET shows completed.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Godot HUD (E7M4-10).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Active contract completes when bound encounter clears.
- [ ] Encounter first-time loot idempotency unchanged (E5.M3).
-
-**Client counterpart:** [NEO-153](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-153), [NEO-154](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-154).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-07 — Economy validation lint at issue time
-
-**Goal:** Slice 4 AC — generated/issued contracts validate against prototype economy caps.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`ContractEconomyValidation.TryValidateTemplate`** — band caps from content policy (item qty, skill XP, rep per grant row).
- Call from **`TryIssue`** before instance persist; deny **`economy_cap_exceeded`** fail-closed.
- Cross-ref unknown item/skill/faction ids (registry lookups).
- Unit tests: at-cap pass, over-cap deny, unknown id deny.
- Document parity stub toward E6.M4 / E3.M5 in module doc (full map deferred).
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Full **`RewardParityMap`** (E6.M4); live ops dashboards (E9.M2).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Template at freeze caps issues successfully.
- [ ] Tampered catalog row over caps fails at startup (CI) and cannot issue if slipped through.
-
-**Client counterpart:** none (server policy).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-08 — Contract issue POST + per-player contract GET
-
-**Goal:** Client-readable contract issuance and state without local math.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`POST /game/players/{id}/contracts/issue`** — `ContractIssueApi` + DTOs.
- **`GET /game/players/{id}/contracts`** — active + recent completed instances with template summary, objective encounter id, **`completionRewardSummary`** when delivered.
- Integration tests + Bruno `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contracts/`.
- `server/README.md` sections.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Godot parse/HUD (E7M4-10).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] POST issue returns **`active`** instance JSON.
- [ ] GET lists active contract with encounter objective id.
- [ ] GET completed row includes delivery summary after encounter clear.
-
-**Client counterpart:** [NEO-153](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-153).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-09 — Contract telemetry hook sites (comment-only)
-
-**Goal:** Anchor future E9.M1 catalog events without ingest.
-
-**In scope**
-
- Comment-only **`contract_issued`** in **`ContractGeneratorOperations.TryIssue`** (successful issue).
- Comment-only **`contract_complete`** in **`ContractCompletionOperations`** (successful complete + delivery).
- Comment-only **`reward_anomaly`** stub at economy validation deny + delivery rollback paths.
- `server/README.md` hook list.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- E9.M1 ingest, dashboards.
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Hook sites documented in README; no behavior change beyond comments.
-
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-10 — Client contract issue + progress HUD (Godot)
-
-**Goal:** Player can issue and track an active contract in Godot without Bruno.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`contract_client.gd`**, **`ContractActiveLabel`**, **`ContractIssueFeedbackLabel`** (or extend quest HUD section).
- **`POST …/contracts/issue`** on agreed binding (e.g. **Shift+C**); **`GET …/contracts`** on boot + after encounter-complete refresh (reuse **`encounter_progress_client.gd`** signal or quest HUD controller pattern).
- Surface issue denies (`active_contract_exists`, `no_eligible_template`, `economy_cap_exceeded`) with readable copy.
- GdUnit parse tests; `client/README.md` section.
- `docs/manual-qa/NEO-153.md` component checklist.
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Final contract board UI; zone picker (E4.M1).
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Active contract visible with encounter objective id after issue.
- [ ] Completed contract shows reward summary line on HUD.
-
-**Server counterpart:** [NEO-150](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-150), [NEO-152](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-152).
-
---
-
-### E7M4-11 — Playable repeatable contract capstone (Godot)
-
-**Goal:** Prove Epic 7 Slice 4 acceptance **in Godot**: issue contract, clear combat pocket, receive repeat payout; economy validation holds.
-
-**In scope**
-
- **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-154.md`**: single-session capstone — extend [NEO-143](../manual-qa/NEO-143.md) or [NEO-111](../manual-qa/NEO-111.md) encounter path with **Shift+C** issue → clear pocket → contract reward **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×5** + salvage XP → re-issue after complete → second full loop.
- **`client/README.md`**: **End-to-end repeatable contract loop (NEO-154)** section; cross-links NEO-144–NEO-153 and E5.M3 encounter capstone.
- Module alignment on completion: [E7_M4](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md), [documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md](../decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md), [module_dependency_register.md](../decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md).
-
-**Out of scope**
-
- Multi-template rotation; E4.M1 zone travel; Bruno-only proof.
-
-**Acceptance criteria**
-
- [ ] Human completes **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-154.md`** with server + client.
- [ ] Epic 7 Slice 4 AC: issued contract validates economy caps; repeat completion idempotent per instance.
- [ ] Re-read [epic_07 Slice 4 AC](../decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md#slice-4---contract-generator-pre-production).
-
-**Client counterpart:** this story **is** the Slice 4 client capstone.
-
---
-
-## Decomposition complete checklist
-
- [x] Every player-visible AC has a **`client`** Linear issue (NEO-153, NEO-154)
- [x] No forbidden deferral language in backlog
- [x] Capstone client story exists (E7M4-11 / NEO-154)
- [x] Epic DoD updated for Godot verification (see epic_07 update)
- [x] [documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md](../decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) E7.M4 row updated (decomposition pass)
- [x] [module_dependency_register.md](../decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md) E7.M4 note updated
-
-## Related docs
-
- [epic_07_quest_faction.md](../decomposition/epics/epic_07_quest_faction.md)
- [E7M1-prototype-backlog.md](E7M1-prototype-backlog.md)
- [E7M2-prototype-backlog.md](E7M2-prototype-backlog.md)
- [E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md](E7M3-pre-production-backlog.md)
- [E5M3-prototype-backlog.md](E5M3-prototype-backlog.md)
- [quest_scope_and_party.md](../decomposition/modules/quest_scope_and_party.md)
- [neon_sprawl_vision.plan.md — Prototype Scope](../../neon_sprawl_vision.plan.md)
--- a/docs/plans/NEO-144-implementation-plan.md
+++ b/docs/plans/NEO-144-implementation-plan.md
@ -1,182 +0,0 @@
-# NEO-144 — E7M4-01: ContractTemplate catalog + schemas + CI
-
-**Linear:** [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144)  
-**Branch:** `NEO-144-e7m4-01-contracttemplate-catalog-schemas-ci`  
-**Backlog:** [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md) — **E7M4-01**  
-**Module:** [E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md)  
-**Pattern:** [NEO-133](NEO-133-implementation-plan.md) (faction/quest schemas + catalog + `validate_content.py`); [NEO-124](NEO-124-implementation-plan.md) (`completionRewardBundle` reuse)  
-**Precursors:** [E5.M3](../decomposition/modules/E5_M3_EncounterAndRewardTables.md) **`Ready`** — **`prototype_combat_pocket`**; [E7.M2](../decomposition/modules/E7_M2_RewardAndUnlockRouter.md) **`Ready`** — **`quest-reward-bundle`** / grant rows; [E7.M3](../decomposition/modules/E7_M3_FactionReputationLedger.md) **`Ready`** — faction catalog + rep grants  
-**Blocks:** [NEO-145](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-145) (server contract template catalog load)  
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only); playable loop is **NEO-154** (E7M4-11)
-
-## Goal
-
-Lock contract content shape and CI validation before server load (NEO-145+).
-
-## Kickoff clarifications
-
-Decisions are frozen in [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md — Kickoff decisions](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md#kickoff-decisions) and [E7_M4 — Prototype Slice 4 freeze](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md#prototype-slice-4-freeze-e7m4-01). No blocking `AskQuestion` items.
-
-| Topic | Question | Agent recommendation | Answer |
-|-------|----------|----------------------|--------|
-| — | — | — | **No blocking decisions** — freeze table, band caps, single-template roster, and `$ref` reuse are fully specified in backlog + module doc. |
-
-**Additional defaults (no kickoff question — settled by backlog / landed code):**
-
- **JSON naming:** camelCase (`encounterTemplateId`, `zoneDifficultyBand`, `minFactionStanding`, `completionRewardBundle`, `itemGrants`, `skillXpGrants`) — matches quest/faction catalogs.
- **`minFactionStanding` shape:** `$ref` [`faction-gate-rule.schema.json`](../../content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json) (`factionId` + `minStanding`) — prototype row **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** / **0** (open issuance).
- **`objectiveKind`:** required enum **`encounter_clear`** only in Slice 4 v1; pairs with **`encounterTemplateId`** (not quest-style objective graph).
- **Catalog envelope:** **`schemaVersion`: 1**, top-level **`contractTemplates`** array — mirrors quest/faction file layout.
- **Band caps in CI (E7M4-01):** implement **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND1_*`** constants + `_prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate` in `validate_content.py` now (band **1**: item qty ≤ **10**, skill XP ≤ **25**, rep ≤ **10** per grant row); E7M4-07 reuses same policy at server issue time.
- **Over-cap AC proof:** lint runs on live catalog (at-cap template passes); tampering any grant above cap fails `python scripts/validate_content.py` — no separate invalid fixture file (NEO-124 / NEO-133 precedent).
- **Server loader / stores / HTTP / Godot:** **Out of scope** (NEO-145+).
- **`dotnet test`:** **No server changes expected** — contract catalog is not loaded at startup until NEO-145.
-
-## Scope and out-of-scope
-
-**In scope (from Linear + [E7M4-01](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md#e7m4-01--contracttemplate-catalog--schemas--ci)):**
-
- `content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`, `content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json` (issue/audit request shape for NEO-147+; no catalog JSON file in this story).
- Reuse **`quest-reward-bundle`** / **`reputation-grant-row`** / **`reward-grant-row`** / **`quest-skill-xp-grant`** `$ref`s for **`completionRewardBundle`** on templates.
- `content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json` — one frozen template row per module freeze table.
- `scripts/validate_content.py`: contract schema validation; encounter / item / skill / faction cross-refs; single-template allowlist; template + bundle freeze gate; band-cap lint.
- Designer note + CI line in [E7_M4](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md); **`content/README.md`** E7 Slice 4 contracts paragraph; [CT.M1](../decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md) contract-catalog PR gate bullet.
-
-**Out of scope (from Linear + backlog):**
-
- Server loader, `IContractTemplateRegistry`, instance store, generator, HTTP, Godot (NEO-145–NEO-154).
- Live **`GET …/zone`** read (E4.M1); content-only **`zoneDifficultyBand`** on template + optional seed field.
- Full E6.M4 parity map; server **`ContractEconomyValidation`** at issue time (NEO-147 / E7M4-07).
-
-## Acceptance criteria checklist
-
- [x] PR gate validates contract template JSON.
- [x] Exactly one prototype template id with encounter + bundle cross-refs.
- [x] Bundle exceeding band caps fails CI.
-
-## Implementation reconciliation (shipped)
-
- **Schemas:** [`contract-template.schema.json`](../../content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json), [`contract-seed.schema.json`](../../content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json) — `$ref`s to `quest-reward-bundle`, `faction-gate-rule`, grant rows.
- **Catalog:** [`prototype_contract_templates.json`](../../content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json) — one frozen template per E7M4-01 freeze table.
- **CI:** `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_*` gates in [`validate_content.py`](../../scripts/validate_content.py) — roster, freeze (incl. empty **`reputationGrants`** via E7M3 bundle normalizer), cross-refs (all catalog rows), band caps keyed by **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`**; **`contract-seed`** schema smoke fixture; contract catalog wired into PR gate `main()`.
- **Review follow-up (2026-06-20):** freeze gate uses `_normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle`; cross-ref/band-cap gates iterate all loaded template rows; **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`** comment points to NEO-147 C# port.
- **Docs:** `content/README.md` E7 Slice 4 paragraph; E7_M4 CI line; CT.M1 contract-catalog bullet; E7M4-01 backlog checkboxes.
- **Server:** no changes (823 tests green — no contract loader until NEO-145).
- **Band-cap negative proof:** `_prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate` rejects `scrap_metal_bulk` ×11 locally (not committed).
-
-## Technical approach
-
-### 1. Prototype contract template freeze (E7M4-01)
-
-| `ContractTemplate.id` | `zoneDifficultyBand` | `objectiveKind` | `encounterTemplateId` | `minFactionStanding` | `completionRewardBundle` |
-|-------------------------|----------------------|-----------------|-------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|
-| **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`** | **1** | **`encounter_clear`** | **`prototype_combat_pocket`** | **`prototype_faction_grid_operators`** **0** | **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×5**; **`salvage`** **15** (`mission_reward`) |
-
-**Band 1 caps (CI + future E7M4-07):** max **10** per item grant quantity; max **25** skill XP per grant; max **10** rep per grant row.
-
-### 2. `contract-template.schema.json`
-
-Draft 2020-12 object; `additionalProperties: false`. Required:
-
- **`id`** — pattern `^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$`
- **`displayName`** — non-empty string
- **`zoneDifficultyBand`** — integer ≥ 1
- **`objectiveKind`** — enum **`encounter_clear`** (Slice 4 v1 only)
- **`encounterTemplateId`** — pattern `^[a-z][a-z0-9_]*$`
- **`minFactionStanding`** — `$ref` faction-gate-rule (prototype uses Grid Operators **0**)
- **`completionRewardBundle`** — `$ref` quest-reward-bundle
-
-### 3. `contract-seed.schema.json`
-
-Draft 2020-12 object for future **`POST …/contracts/issue`** body / audit (NEO-147+). Required: **`playerId`**, **`templateId`**, **`seedBucket`** (non-empty string — date bucket or client counter). Optional: **`zoneDifficultyBand`** (integer ≥ 1; prototype default **1** when omitted). No catalog file in E7M4-01 — schema-only so CI can `$ref` it from docs/tests later.
-
-### 4. Catalog — `content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json`
-
-```json
-{
-  "schemaVersion": 1,
-  "contractTemplates": [
-    {
-      "id": "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket",
-      "displayName": "Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)",
-      "zoneDifficultyBand": 1,
-      "objectiveKind": "encounter_clear",
-      "encounterTemplateId": "prototype_combat_pocket",
-      "minFactionStanding": {
-        "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
-        "minStanding": 0
-      },
-      "completionRewardBundle": {
-        "itemGrants": [{ "itemId": "scrap_metal_bulk", "quantity": 5 }],
-        "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 15 }]
-      }
-    }
-  ]
-}
-```
-
-### 5. `validate_content.py` gates
-
-Add **`CONTRACTS_DIR`**, schema paths, **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS`**, **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE`**, **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`** (band-keyed dict; supersedes early draft **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND1_*`** naming).
-
-1. **`_contract_template_validator()`** — registry with contract-template + quest-reward-bundle + nested grant `$ref`s (same pattern as `_quest_def_validator`).
-2. **`_validate_contract_catalogs`** — load `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json`; schema validate each row; reject duplicate **`id`**; require **`schemaVersion` 1**.
-3. **`_prototype_e7m4_template_roster_gate`** — exactly one id: **`prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`**.
-4. **`_prototype_e7m4_template_freeze_gate`** — row matches freeze table (band, objective kind, encounter id, min standing, bundle contents).
-5. **`_prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate`** — **`encounterTemplateId`** ∈ loaded encounter catalog; bundle **`itemId`** / **`skillId`** ∈ frozen item/skill catalogs; **`minFactionStanding.factionId`** ∈ faction catalog; skill XP targets list **`mission_reward`** in **`allowedXpSourceKinds`** (E7M2 rule).
-6. **`_prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate`** — for each template, compare **`zoneDifficultyBand`** to cap table; fail when any item qty, skill XP amount, or rep amount exceeds band limits (prototype band **1** only).
-
-Wire into **`main()`** after encounter + faction validation (cross-refs need encounter and faction maps) and before or after quest validation (order agnostic; prefer after faction, alongside quest bundle rules).
-
-Update module docstring at top of `validate_content.py` to list contract catalogs (NEO-144).
-
-### 6. Documentation
-
- **`content/README.md`:** add **`contracts/`** table row + **Prototype E7 Slice 4 — contracts (NEO-144)** paragraph (one template id, encounter cross-ref, repeat payout bundle, band-cap CI).
- **`E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md`:** add CI landed line under freeze section when complete (catalog + schemas + validate_content gates).
- **`CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md`:** bullet for contract template validation (schema, roster, freeze, cross-refs, band caps).
-
-### 7. Implementation order
-
-1. Schemas (`contract-template`, `contract-seed`).
-2. `prototype_contract_templates.json`.
-3. `validate_content.py` validator + gates + constants.
-4. Docs (`content/README.md`, E7_M4, CT.M1).
-5. Run `python3 scripts/validate_content.py` and `dotnet test` (expect green — no server catalog load yet).
-
-## Files to add
-
-| Path | Purpose |
-|------|---------|
-| `docs/plans/NEO-144-implementation-plan.md` | This plan. |
-| `content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json` | `ContractTemplate` row shape with `$ref`s to bundle + faction gate rule. |
-| `content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json` | Issue/audit request shape for NEO-147+ (schema-only in this story). |
-| `content/contracts/prototype_contract_templates.json` | One frozen template row per E7M4-01 freeze table. |
-
-## Files to modify
-
-| Path | Rationale |
-|------|-----------|
-| `scripts/validate_content.py` | Contract catalog load, schema registry, roster/freeze/cross-ref/band-cap gates; module docstring. |
-| `content/README.md` | Document `content/contracts/`, new schemas, Slice 4 prototype template + band-cap CI. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md` | CI/catalog landed note under freeze section. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md` | PR gate paragraph for contract templates. |
-
-## Tests
-
-| Layer | What |
-|-------|------|
-| CI | `python3 scripts/validate_content.py` — primary AC surface (schema, roster, freeze, cross-refs, band caps on live catalog). |
-| Manual negative | Edit template bundle to **`scrap_metal_bulk` ×11** (or **`salvage` 26**) locally → validator exits non-zero (documents over-cap AC without committed bad data). |
-| Server | **`dotnet test`** — regression only; no new `[Fact]` expected (no server contract loader until NEO-145). |
-
-Manual Godot QA: **none** (content-only; capstone is NEO-154).
-
-## Open questions / risks
-
-| Question / risk | Agent recommendation | Status |
-|-----------------|----------------------|--------|
-| **Band caps in E7M4-01 vs E7M4-07** | CI lint in E7M4-01; server **`TryIssue`** re-validates in E7M4-07 with shared cap constants ported to C#. **NEO-145 kickoff:** mirror **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`** keys in C# `ContractEconomyValidation`. | **adopted** |
-| **`contract-seed` without catalog JSON** | Schema-only in E7M4-01 per backlog; validated when HTTP DTOs land in NEO-147. | **adopted** |
-| **`minFactionStanding` optional on future templates** | Required on prototype row; schema requires field for v1 (single open template). Relax to optional when second template lands. | **adopted** |
-| **Rep grants on contract bundles** | Prototype bundle is item + skill XP only; band-cap gate still checks **`reputationGrants`** if present (forward-compatible). | **adopted** |
--- a/docs/plans/NEO-145-implementation-plan.md
+++ b/docs/plans/NEO-145-implementation-plan.md
@ -1,193 +0,0 @@
-# NEO-145 — E7M4-02: Server contract template catalog load (fail-fast)
-
-**Linear:** [NEO-145](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-145)  
-**Branch:** `NEO-145-e7m4-02-server-contract-template-catalog-load-fail-fast`  
-**Backlog:** [E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md) — **E7M4-02**  
-**Module:** [E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md](../decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md)  
-**Pattern:** [NEO-134-implementation-plan.md](NEO-134-implementation-plan.md) (faction catalog load + CI-parity gates); [NEO-113-implementation-plan.md](NEO-113-implementation-plan.md) (quest catalog cross-ref deps); [NEO-101-implementation-plan.md](NEO-101-implementation-plan.md) (encounter registry + DI)  
-**Precursor:** [NEO-144](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-144) **`Done`** — `contract-template` + `contract-seed` schemas, `prototype_contract_templates.json`, E7M4 CI gates (**merged to `main`**)  
-**Blocks:** [NEO-146](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-146) (contract instance + outcome stores)  
-**Client counterpart:** none (infrastructure-only); playable loop is **NEO-154** (E7M4-11)
-
-## Goal
-
-Fail-fast startup load of `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json` with **CI-parity** validation; cross-check **`encounterTemplateId`** and bundle refs against loaded catalogs. Host refuses to listen when contract content is missing, malformed, or fails prototype E7M4 gates. **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** resolves template metadata by id for E7M4-04+.
-
-## Kickoff clarifications
-
-**No blocking decisions needed.** Linear AC, [E7M4-02 backlog scope](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md#e7m4-02--server-contract-template-catalog-load-fail-fast), [E7M4 kickoff decisions table](E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md#kickoff-decisions-decomposition-defaults), NEO-144 shipped CI gates, and NEO-134/NEO-113 precedents settle:
-
-| Topic | Decision | Evidence |
-|-------|----------|----------|
-| CI parity scope | Full E7M4 gates on server (schema, roster, freeze, cross-ref, band caps) | Backlog “CI-parity validation”; NEO-134 full E7M3 gate precedent |
-| Registry in E7M4-02 | Ship **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** + DI now | Backlog in-scope list; unlike E5M3-02/03 split, E7M4-02 explicitly includes registry |
-| Runtime validation | In-process **C#** mirroring `scripts/validate_content.py` | NEO-51/134 precedent; no Python on server images |
-| Cross-ref deps | Encounter, item, skill, faction catalogs at load | Python `_prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate`; quest E7M2 `mission_reward` allowlist on skill XP |
-| Load order | After item, skill, faction, encounter, quest catalogs | All cross-ref sources resolved; contracts do not affect quest load |
-| Band caps | Port **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`** to C# in loader gates now | NEO-144 review + plan open question; E7M4-07 reuses same constants at issue time |
-| Bundle DTO reuse | Reuse **`QuestRewardBundleRow`**, **`FactionGateRuleRow`** from `Game/Quests/` | Same `$ref`s as quest catalog; avoids duplicate grant row types |
-| Instance store / generator / HTTP / Godot | **Out of scope** | Backlog E7M4-02; NEO-146+ |
-
-## Scope and out-of-scope
-
-**In scope (from Linear + backlog):**
-
- Loader + catalog types under `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/`.
- **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** + DI registration.
- Cross-check **`encounterTemplateId`** vs loaded encounter catalog; bundle item/skill/faction refs + **`mission_reward`** allowlist (CI parity).
- **`PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules`** — roster, freeze, cross-ref, band-cap gates synced to `scripts/validate_content.py` `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_*` + `_prototype_e7m4_*`.
- `ContentPathsOptions` + path resolution for `content/contracts/`.
- Unit tests (AAA) for loader happy path and failure modes (broken encounter ref, roster/freeze/band-cap); host boot resolves contract catalog.
- `server/README.md` contract catalog section.
-
-**Out of scope (from Linear + backlog):**
-
- Per-player **`ContractInstance`** store, generator, HTTP (**NEO-146**–**NEO-154**).
- Issue-time economy re-validation (**NEO-147** / E7M4-07) — band-cap **constants** land here; **`TryIssue`** enforcement is later.
- Godot client.
-
-## Acceptance criteria checklist
-
- [x] Host exits on invalid contract catalog or broken encounter refs at startup.
- [x] Registry resolves template metadata by id.
- [x] `dotnet test` covers loader gates.
-
-## Implementation reconciliation (shipped)
-
- **Contract catalog:** `Game/Contracts/` loader, catalog, `IContractTemplateRegistry`, `PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules` (roster, freeze, cross-ref, band caps synced to `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_*`), DI + `Program.cs` load order (after quest catalog).
- **Config:** `ContentPathsOptions` `ContractsDirectory` / `ContractTemplateSchemaPath`; `InMemoryWebApplicationFactory` pins repo `content/contracts`.
- **Tests:** `ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests`, `ContractTemplateRegistryTests`, host boot via `Host_ShouldResolveContractCatalogFromDi` (839 tests green).
- **Docs:** `server/README.md` contract catalog section; decomposition alignment (E7_M4, CT_M1, register tables).
- **Bruno:** `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/` health smoke (startup-only; no contract HTTP in E7M4-02).
-
-## Technical approach
-
-### 1. Contract DTOs and catalog (`Game/Contracts/`)
-
-| Type | Role |
-|------|------|
-| `ContractTemplateRow` | `Id`, `DisplayName`, `ZoneDifficultyBand`, `ObjectiveKind`, `EncounterTemplateId`, `MinFactionStanding` (`FactionGateRuleRow`), `CompletionRewardBundle` (`QuestRewardBundleRow`) |
-| `ContractTemplateCatalog` | Immutable `ById` map + directory metadata (mirror `FactionDefinitionCatalog`) |
-| `IContractTemplateRegistry` / `ContractTemplateRegistry` | `TryGetDefinition`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder` (mirror `IEncounterDefinitionRegistry`) |
-
-### 2. `ContractTemplateCatalogLoader`
-
-Mirror `FactionDefinitionCatalogLoader` + quest bundle parsing:
-
- Enumerate `*_contract_templates.json` under contracts directory; require `schemaVersion` 1 and top-level `contractTemplates` array.
- JSON Schema validate each row against `contract-template.schema.json` with nested `$ref`s (`quest-reward-bundle`, `faction-gate-rule`, grant row schemas — same registration pattern as quest loader).
- Reject duplicate template ids across files.
- Run `PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules` gates (below).
- Throw `InvalidOperationException` with sorted `error:` lines on failure.
-
-**Loader inputs** (from resolved singletons):
-
- `knownEncounterIds` — `EncounterDefinitionCatalog.ById.Keys`
- `knownItemIds` — `ItemDefinitionCatalog.ById.Keys` (or `PrototypeSlice1ItemCatalogRules.ExpectedItemIds` for parity with CI)
- `knownFactionIds` — `FactionDefinitionCatalog.ById.Keys`
- `skillDefsById` — `SkillDefinitionCatalog.ById` (for `mission_reward` allowlist)
-
-### 3. `PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules`
-
-Sync to `scripts/validate_content.py`:
-
-| Constant / helper | Python source |
-|-------------------|---------------|
-| `ExpectedTemplateIds` | `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS` |
-| `ExpectedTemplateFreeze` | `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE` |
-| `BandCapsByDifficultyBand` | `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS` |
-| `TryGetRosterGateError` | `_prototype_e7m4_template_roster_gate` |
-| `TryGetFreezeGateError` | `_prototype_e7m4_template_freeze_gate` |
-| `TryGetCrossRefError` | `_prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate` |
-| `TryGetBandCapGateError` | `_prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate` |
-
-Bundle normalization for freeze compare: mirror `_normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle` (item + skill XP + rep grants).
-
-Cross-ref gate iterates **all loaded catalog rows** (not roster-only), matching NEO-144 review fix.
-
-### 4. Path resolution and DI
-
- Add `ContractsDirectory`, `ContractTemplateSchemaPath` to `ContentPathsOptions`.
- `ContractCatalogPathResolution` — discover `content/contracts`, resolve `contract-template.schema.json` sibling under `content/schemas/`.
- `ContractCatalogServiceCollectionExtensions.AddContractTemplateCatalog` — singleton catalog + `IContractTemplateRegistry`.
- **`Program.cs`:** register contract catalog **after** `AddQuestDefinitionCatalog`; eager-resolve `ContractTemplateCatalog` at boot (after quest catalog).
- **`InMemoryWebApplicationFactory`:** pin repo `content/contracts` via `Content:ContractsDirectory`.
-
-### 5. Tests
-
-**Loader (`ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests`):**
-
- Happy path — repo `prototype_contract_templates.json` with real cross-ref catalogs.
- Missing contracts directory / schema.
- Duplicate template id.
- Wrong roster count or unknown id.
- Freeze table mismatch (display name, band, encounter, standing, bundle).
- Unknown `encounterTemplateId` (primary AC negative).
- Unknown bundle item/skill/faction ref; skill XP missing `mission_reward` allowlist.
- Band-cap violation (local temp fixture or inline JSON — do not commit bad catalog).
-
-**Registry (`ContractTemplateRegistryTests`):** `TryGetDefinition` hit/miss; id-order listing.
-
-**Host boot:** `Host_ShouldResolveContractCatalogFromDi` — factory starts; `IContractTemplateRegistry` resolves `prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket`.
-
-### 6. Docs
-
- **`server/README.md`** — new contract catalog paragraph (config keys, gates, load order after quests).
- Optional one-line E7_M4 module CI note when implementation lands.
-
-### 7. Implementation order
-
-1. DTOs, rules, path resolution, loader, catalog, registry, DI.
-2. `ContentPathsOptions`, `Program.cs` load order, `InMemoryWebApplicationFactory`.
-3. Tests (loader negatives → registry → host boot).
-4. `server/README.md`.
-5. Run `dotnet test`.
-
-## Files to add
-
-| Path | Purpose |
-|------|---------|
-| `docs/plans/NEO-145-implementation-plan.md` | This plan. |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRow.cs` | Load-time contract template row |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalog.cs` | In-memory catalog |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.cs` | Fail-fast disk load |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogPathResolution.cs` | Directory + schema path discovery |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogServiceCollectionExtensions.cs` | DI registration |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/IContractTemplateRegistry.cs` | Lookup contract |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistry.cs` | Registry adapter |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.cs` | CI-parity E7M4 gates + band caps |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests.cs` | Loader AAA tests |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistryTests.cs` | Registry AAA tests |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogTestPaths.cs` | Repo path discovery for tests |
-
-## Files to modify
-
-| Path | Rationale |
-|------|-----------|
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/ContentPathsOptions.cs` | Add `ContractsDirectory`, `ContractTemplateSchemaPath` |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server/Program.cs` | Register + eager-resolve contract catalog after quest catalog |
-| `server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/InMemoryWebApplicationFactory.cs` | Pin `Content:ContractsDirectory` for host boot tests |
-| `server/README.md` | Contract catalog section (config, gates, load order) |
-
-## Tests
-
-| Layer | What |
-|-------|------|
-| `ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests` | Happy path, missing paths, duplicate id, roster/freeze/cross-ref/band-cap gates; broken encounter ref (AC) |
-| `ContractTemplateRegistryTests` | Lookup by id, ordered listing |
-| Host boot | `Host_ShouldResolveContractCatalogFromDi` via `InMemoryWebApplicationFactory` |
-| CI | Existing `dotnet test` + `validate_content.py` (no Python changes expected) |
-
-Manual Godot QA: **none** (server infrastructure; capstone is NEO-154).
-
-## Open questions / risks
-
-| Question / risk | Agent recommendation | Status |
-|-----------------|----------------------|--------|
-| Band-cap constants drift vs Python | Keep `PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.BandCapsByDifficultyBand` name-aligned with `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`; add sync comment on both sides | `adopted` |
-| Shared bundle cross-ref logic with quests | Extract only if duplication is large; otherwise mirror quest item/skill checks in E7M4 rules with contract-specific error prefixes | `adopted` |
-| E7M4-07 issue-time validation | Loader gates suffice for E7M4-02 AC; port same `BandCapsByDifficultyBand` to `ContractEconomyValidation` in NEO-147 | `deferred` |
-
-## Client counterpart
-
-None for E7M4-02. Client contract HUD: **NEO-153** / capstone **NEO-154**.
--- a/docs/reviews/2026-06-20-NEO-144.md
+++ b/docs/reviews/2026-06-20-NEO-144.md
@ -1,64 +0,0 @@
-# Code review — NEO-144 (E7M4-01 contract catalog + schemas + CI)
-
-**Date:** 2026-06-20  
-**Scope:** Branch `NEO-144-e7m4-01-contracttemplate-catalog-schemas-ci` — commits `53122f9`…`2afd29e` (6 commits)  
-**Base:** `main`
-
-## Verdict
-
-**Approve with nits**
-
-## Summary
-
-NEO-144 delivers the E7M4-01 content slice: `contract-template` and `contract-seed` JSON Schemas, a single-row `prototype_contract_templates.json` catalog, and ~320 lines of CI gates in `validate_content.py` (schema validation, roster/freeze, encounter/item/skill/faction cross-refs, band-1 economy caps). The work mirrors established NEO-133/NEO-124 quest and faction patterns, stays infrastructure-only (no server loader), and updates decomposition docs, `content/README.md`, and CT.M1 consistently. Risk is low: no runtime behavior change until NEO-145; the primary surface is `python3 scripts/validate_content.py`, which passes locally along with 823 server tests.
-
-## Documentation checked
-
-| Document | Alignment |
-|----------|-----------|
-| `docs/plans/NEO-144-implementation-plan.md` | **Matches** — schemas, catalog, gates, docs, and out-of-scope boundaries (no server/Godot) are all shipped; AC checklist marked complete. |
-| `docs/plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md` (E7M4-01) | **Matches** — acceptance criteria satisfied; client counterpart correctly none. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md` | **Matches** — freeze table, band policy, and CI landed note present. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md` | **Matches** — contract-catalog PR gate paragraph added. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | **Matches** — E7.M4 row updated to In Progress with E7M4-01 catalog landed. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md` | **Matches** — E7.M4 status and NEO-144 spine note updated. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/client_server_authority.md` | **N/A** — content-only; no authority boundary change. |
-| Full-stack epic decomposition | **N/A** — infrastructure-only; plan explicitly defers playable loop to NEO-154. |
-
-Register/tracking tables were updated in this branch; no further alignment edits required for merge.
-
-## Blocking issues
-
-None.
-
-## Suggestions
-
-1. ~~**Freeze gate ignores `reputationGrants` today** — `_prototype_e7m4_template_freeze_gate` compares bundles via `_normalize_completion_bundle` (item + skill XP only), same as E7M2 quest bundles. Prototype row has no rep grants, so this is fine for E7M4-01. When rep grants land on contract templates (or a second template is added), extend normalization akin to `_normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle` and expand `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE` so silent rep drift cannot pass CI.~~ **Done.** Freeze table includes **`reputationGrants: []`**; freeze gate uses **`_normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle`**.
-
-2. ~~**`contract-seed.schema.json` is not exercised in CI** — intentional per plan (NEO-147+). When HTTP DTO wiring starts, add at least a schema parse/registry smoke check (or a tiny fixture) so `$ref` breakage is caught before server integration.~~ **Done.** **`_contract_seed_schema_smoke_gate`** validates a minimal fixture in **`validate_content.py`**.
-
-3. ~~**Port band-cap constants to C# in NEO-145/NEO-147** — `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS` in Python should stay name-aligned with the future server `ContractEconomyValidation` (plan already flags this); call it out in NEO-145 kickoff so drift does not reappear at issue time.~~ **Done.** Comment on **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`** + NEO-145 kickoff note in plan open questions.
-
-## Nits
-
- ~~Nit: The implementation plan §5 names `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND1_*` constants; shipped code uses `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS` keyed by band — the dict form is better for E7M4-07; consider a one-line reconciliation in the plan (cosmetic only; plan reconciliation section already describes shipped shape).~~ **Done.** Plan §5 updated to **`PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS`**.
-
- ~~Nit: `_prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate` iterates only `PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS`. Correct for the single-template roster; generalize to all catalog rows when the roster gate relaxes in a later story.~~ **Done.** Cross-ref and band-cap gates iterate all loaded catalog rows.
-
-## Verification
-
-Commands run during review (all green):
-
-```bash
-python3 scripts/validate_content.py
-dotnet test
-```
-
-Author should also confirm band-cap negative AC manually (plan documents this; not committed):
-
-```bash
-# Temporarily set scrap_metal_bulk quantity to 11 in prototype_contract_templates.json
-python3 scripts/validate_content.py   # expect non-zero exit
-```
-
-Optional before merge: skim PR diff for doc-only commits (`E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md`, epic alignment) — no functional concern, but keeps reviewer focus on the three implementation commits (`58d2c32`, `7ecc874`, `2afd29e`).
--- a/docs/reviews/2026-06-20-NEO-145.md
+++ b/docs/reviews/2026-06-20-NEO-145.md
@ -1,68 +0,0 @@
-# Code review — NEO-145 (E7M4-02 server contract template catalog load)
-
-**Date:** 2026-06-20  
-**Scope:** Branch `NEO-145-e7m4-02-server-contract-template-catalog-load-fail-fast` — commits `215493f`…`937412e` (3 commits)  
-**Base:** `main`
-
-## Verdict
-
-**Approve with nits**
-
-## Summary
-
-NEO-145 delivers fail-fast startup loading of `content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json` with CI-parity gates ported to C# (`PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules`), JSON Schema validation with quest/faction bundle `$ref`s, duplicate-id rejection, and cross-ref checks against encounter, faction, frozen prototype item/skill catalogs, and the E7M2 `mission_reward` allowlist. `IContractTemplateRegistry` + DI registration follow established faction/encounter patterns; `Program.cs` registers and eagerly resolves the catalog after the quest catalog. Tests cover loader happy/negative paths, registry lookups, and host boot via `InMemoryWebApplicationFactory`; `dotnet test` (839) and `validate_content.py` both pass. Risk is low: infrastructure-only, no player-facing HTTP yet; primary failure mode is startup exit with sorted `error:` lines — appropriate for this slice.
-
-## Documentation checked
-
-| Document | Alignment |
-|----------|-----------|
-| `docs/plans/NEO-145-implementation-plan.md` | **Matches** — AC checklist complete; reconciliation section reflects shipped loader, registry, DI, tests, README. |
-| `docs/plans/E7M4-pre-production-backlog.md` (E7M4-02) | **Matches** — loader, registry, cross-ref, tests, README in scope; instance store/HTTP/Godot correctly out of scope. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md` | ~~**Partially matches** — freeze table and CI (NEO-144) documented; no note that server fail-fast load landed (NEO-145). Plan marked this optional.~~ **Done.** Server load (NEO-145) paragraph added. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/CT_M1_ContentValidationPipeline.md` | ~~**Partially matches** — Purpose mentions server-side smoke loading; contract paragraph still NEO-144/CI-only — should add NEO-145 server mirror.~~ **Done.** NEO-145 server startup mirror sentence added. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | ~~**Partially matches** — E7.M4 row cites E7M4-01/NEO-144 only; should mention E7M4-02 server catalog load after merge.~~ **Done.** E7M4-02 / NEO-145 row extended. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/module_dependency_register.md` | ~~**Partially matches** — E7.M4 In Progress spine unchanged; acceptable until alignment pass, but register note could cite NEO-145.~~ **Done.** E7.M4 note cites NEO-145. |
-| `docs/decomposition/modules/client_server_authority.md` | **N/A** — read-only catalog load; no authority boundary change. |
-| Full-stack epic decomposition | **N/A** — infrastructure-only; client counterpart correctly none (NEO-154 capstone). |
-
-Register/tracking tables were **not** updated for NEO-145 in this branch — ~~**should fix** (non-blocking) per plan §6 optional module note and alignment doc pattern from NEO-144.~~ **Done.**
-
-## Blocking issues
-
-None.
-
-## Suggestions
-
-1. ~~**Update decomposition tracking for E7M4-02** — After merge, extend `documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` E7.M4 row and optionally `module_dependency_register.md` / `E7_M4_ContractMissionGenerator.md` with one line: server fail-fast catalog load + `IContractTemplateRegistry` (NEO-145). Mirrors NEO-144 alignment follow-up.~~ **Done.**
-
-2. ~~**CT_M1 server-load paragraph** — Add a sentence under the contract-catalog CI bullet that the host mirrors the same gates at startup via `ContractTemplateCatalogLoader` (NEO-145), matching faction/quest catalog precedent in that doc.~~ **Done.**
-
-3. ~~**Band-cap negative through full loader** — Plan §5 lists band-cap violation via loader; shipped coverage tests `TryGetBandCapGateError` in isolation only. Consider one temp-fixture test that writes qty **11** and asserts `ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.Load` throws (same pattern as freeze/roster negatives) so the loader→rules wiring is exercised end-to-end.~~ **Done.** `Load_ShouldThrow_WhenItemQuantityExceedsPrototypeBundleLimits` exercises loader→freeze gate (qty 11 fails freeze before band-cap on the single-template roster); `TryGetBandCapGateError_ShouldReturnError_WhenItemQuantityExceedsBandCap` covers band-cap rule directly.
-
-4. ~~**Missing schema path test** — Plan §5 lists missing schema; only missing **directory** is tested. A temp layout with contracts dir present but schema file removed would close the gap cheaply.~~ **Done.** `Load_ShouldThrow_WhenSchemaFileMissing` added.
-
-## Nits
-
- ~~Nit: `Load_ShouldThrow_WhenBundleItemIdUnknown` calls `TryGetCrossRefError` directly rather than `Load`; rename to `TryGetCrossRefError_ShouldReturnError_WhenBundleItemIdUnknown` (or route through the loader) for clarity.~~ **Done.**
-
- ~~Nit: Bruno folder `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/contract-catalog/` (health smoke) is a nice addition but not listed in the plan — harmless; optional one-line in plan reconciliation if you want doc parity.~~ **Done.** Plan reconciliation notes Bruno health smoke.
-
- Nit: `AddContractTemplateCatalog` re-binds `ContentPathsOptions` (same as faction/quest extensions) — fine; no action needed.
-
-## Verification
-
-Commands run during review (all green):
-
-```bash
-dotnet test NeonSprawl.sln
-python3 scripts/validate_content.py
-```
-
-Author should confirm fail-fast startup manually once (optional):
-
-```bash
-# Temporarily break encounterTemplateId in prototype_contract_templates.json
-dotnet run --project server/NeonSprawl.Server   # expect startup InvalidOperationException
-```
-
-Before merge: skim decomposition alignment suggestions above — functional code is merge-ready without them.
--- a/scripts/validate_content.py
+++ b/scripts/validate_content.py
@ -18,9 +18,6 @@ Validates:
  optional completionRewardBundle via quest-reward-bundle.schema.json (NEO-124);
  optional factionGateRules + reputationGrants (NEO-133)
 - faction catalogs: content/factions/*_factions.json rows vs content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json (NEO-133)
- contract template catalogs: content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json rows vs
-  content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json (NEO-144); completionRewardBundle via quest-reward-bundle.schema.json
- contract-seed schema smoke: content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json minimal fixture parse (NEO-144)
 """

 from __future__ import annotations
@ -54,8 +51,6 @@ QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/quest-skill-xp-grant.
 FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/faction-def.schema.json"
 FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/faction-gate-rule.schema.json"
 REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/reputation-grant-row.schema.json"
-CONTRACT_TEMPLATE_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json"
-CONTRACT_SEED_SCHEMA = REPO_ROOT / "content/schemas/contract-seed.schema.json"
 SKILLS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/skills"
 MASTERY_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/mastery"
 ITEMS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/items"
@ -67,7 +62,6 @@ REWARD_TABLES_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/reward-tables"
 ENCOUNTERS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/encounters"
 QUESTS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/quests"
 FACTIONS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/factions"
-CONTRACTS_DIR = REPO_ROOT / "content/contracts"

 # Slice 1 prototype lock (NEO-33): exact ids + category coverage after schema passes.
 PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS = frozenset({"salvage", "refine", "intrusion"})
@ -276,35 +270,6 @@ PROTOTYPE_E7M3_COMPLETION_BUNDLES: dict[str, dict] = {
    },
 }

-# Epic 7 Slice 4 prototype lock (NEO-144): one contract template + band-1 economy caps.
-# Keep in sync with E7.M4 freeze table, future NEO-145 server loader, and NEO-147
-# ContractEconomyValidation (port PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS keys to C# in E7M4-07).
-PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS = frozenset({"prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"})
-PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE: dict[str, dict] = {
-    "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket": {
-        "displayName": "Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)",
-        "zoneDifficultyBand": 1,
-        "objectiveKind": "encounter_clear",
-        "encounterTemplateId": "prototype_combat_pocket",
-        "minFactionStanding": {
-            "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
-            "minStanding": 0,
-        },
-        "completionRewardBundle": {
-            "itemGrants": [{"itemId": "scrap_metal_bulk", "quantity": 5}],
-            "skillXpGrants": [{"skillId": "salvage", "amount": 15}],
-            "reputationGrants": [],
-        },
-    },
-}
-PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS: dict[int, dict[str, int]] = {
-    1: {
-        "maxItemQuantity": 10,
-        "maxSkillXpAmount": 25,
-        "maxReputationAmount": 10,
-    },
-}
-

 def _normalize_completion_bundle(bundle: dict) -> dict:
    """Normalize grant rows for stable freeze-table comparison."""
@ -1046,43 +1011,6 @@ def _quest_def_validator() -> Draft202012Validator:
    return Draft202012Validator(def_schema, registry=registry)


-def _contract_template_validator() -> Draft202012Validator:
-    """Build a validator that resolves contract-template $ref to bundle and gate schemas."""
-    template_schema = json.loads(CONTRACT_TEMPLATE_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    bundle_schema = json.loads(QUEST_REWARD_BUNDLE_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    skill_xp_grant_schema = json.loads(QUEST_SKILL_XP_GRANT_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    grant_row_schema = json.loads(REWARD_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    faction_gate_rule_schema = json.loads(FACTION_GATE_RULE_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    reputation_grant_row_schema = json.loads(REPUTATION_GRANT_ROW_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    registry = Registry().with_resources(
-        [
-            (template_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(template_schema)),
-            (bundle_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(bundle_schema)),
-            (skill_xp_grant_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(skill_xp_grant_schema)),
-            (grant_row_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(grant_row_schema)),
-            (faction_gate_rule_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(faction_gate_rule_schema)),
-            (reputation_grant_row_schema["$id"], Resource.from_contents(reputation_grant_row_schema)),
-        ]
-    )
-    return Draft202012Validator(template_schema, registry=registry)
-
-
-def _contract_seed_schema_smoke_gate() -> str | None:
-    """Return a human-readable error if contract-seed.schema.json fails a minimal fixture parse, else None."""
-    seed_schema = json.loads(CONTRACT_SEED_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-    validator = Draft202012Validator(seed_schema)
-    fixture = {
-        "playerId": "prototype_player",
-        "templateId": "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket",
-        "seedBucket": "2026-06-20",
-    }
-    errors = sorted(validator.iter_errors(fixture), key=lambda err: err.path)
-    if errors:
-        loc = ".".join(str(part) for part in errors[0].path) or "(root)"
-        return f"error: contract-seed schema smoke fixture {loc}: {errors[0].message}"
-    return None
-
-
 def _validate_faction_catalogs(
    *,
    faction_files: list[Path],
@ -1215,55 +1143,6 @@ def _validate_quest_catalogs(
    return errors, seen_ids, id_to_row


-def _validate_contract_catalogs(
-    *,
-    contract_files: list[Path],
-    contract_validator: Draft202012Validator,
-) -> tuple[int, dict[str, str], dict[str, dict]]:
-    """Validate contract template JSON files. Returns (error_count, seen_ids, id_to_row)."""
-    errors = 0
-    seen_ids: dict[str, str] = {}
-    id_to_row: dict[str, dict] = {}
-
-    for path in contract_files:
-        rel = str(path.relative_to(REPO_ROOT))
-        data = json.loads(path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
-        schema_version = data.get("schemaVersion")
-        if schema_version != 1:
-            print(f"error: {rel}: expected schemaVersion 1, got {schema_version!r}", file=sys.stderr)
-            errors += 1
-            continue
-
-        contract_templates = data.get("contractTemplates")
-        if not isinstance(contract_templates, list):
-            print(f"error: {rel}: expected top-level 'contractTemplates' array", file=sys.stderr)
-            errors += 1
-            continue
-
-        for i, row in enumerate(contract_templates):
-            if not isinstance(row, dict):
-                print(f"error: {rel}: contractTemplates[{i}] must be an object", file=sys.stderr)
-                errors += 1
-                continue
-            row_schema_errors = 0
-            for err in sorted(contract_validator.iter_errors(row), key=lambda e: e.path):
-                loc = ".".join(str(p) for p in err.path) or "(root)"
-                print(f"error: {rel} contractTemplates[{i}] {loc}: {err.message}", file=sys.stderr)
-                row_schema_errors += 1
-                errors += 1
-            tid = row.get("id")
-            if isinstance(tid, str) and row_schema_errors == 0:
-                prev = seen_ids.get(tid)
-                if prev:
-                    print(f"error: duplicate contract template id {tid!r} in {prev} and {rel}", file=sys.stderr)
-                    errors += 1
-                else:
-                    seen_ids[tid] = rel
-                    id_to_row[tid] = row
-
-    return errors, seen_ids, id_to_row
-
-
 def _prototype_e7m3_quest_roster_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
    """Return a human-readable error if E7M3 five-quest roster fails, else None."""
    ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
@ -1631,179 +1510,6 @@ def _prototype_e7m3_grid_contract_shape_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str
    return None


-def _prototype_e7m4_template_roster_gate(seen_ids: dict[str, str]) -> str | None:
-    """Return a human-readable error if E7M4 template roster fails, else None."""
-    ids = frozenset(seen_ids.keys())
-    if ids != PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS:
-        return (
-            "error: prototype E7M4 expects exactly contract template ids "
-            f"{sorted(PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS)!r}, got {sorted(ids)!r}"
-        )
-    return None
-
-
-def _prototype_e7m4_template_freeze_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
-    """Return a human-readable error if template rows diverge from E7M4 freeze table, else None."""
-    for tid, expected in PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE.items():
-        row = id_to_row.get(tid)
-        if not isinstance(row, dict):
-            return f"error: missing contract template {tid!r}"
-        for field in (
-            "displayName",
-            "zoneDifficultyBand",
-            "objectiveKind",
-            "encounterTemplateId",
-        ):
-            if row.get(field) != expected[field]:
-                return (
-                    f"error: contract template {tid!r} {field} must be "
-                    f"{expected[field]!r}, got {row.get(field)!r}"
-                )
-        min_standing = row.get("minFactionStanding")
-        if min_standing != expected["minFactionStanding"]:
-            return (
-                f"error: contract template {tid!r} minFactionStanding must be "
-                f"{expected['minFactionStanding']!r}, got {min_standing!r}"
-            )
-        bundle = row.get("completionRewardBundle")
-        if not isinstance(bundle, dict):
-            return f"error: contract template {tid!r} must include completionRewardBundle object"
-        actual_bundle = _normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle(bundle)
-        expected_bundle = _normalize_e7m3_completion_bundle(expected["completionRewardBundle"])
-        if actual_bundle != expected_bundle:
-            return (
-                f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle must match E7M4 freeze table "
-                f"(expected {expected_bundle!r}, got {actual_bundle!r})"
-            )
-    return None
-
-
-def _prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate(
-    id_to_row: dict[str, dict],
-    encounter_seen_ids: dict[str, str],
-    faction_seen_ids: dict[str, str],
-    skill_id_to_allowed_kinds: dict[str, list[str]],
-) -> str | None:
-    """Return a human-readable error if contract template refs fail cross-checks, else None."""
-    for tid in sorted(id_to_row.keys()):
-        row = id_to_row.get(tid)
-        if not isinstance(row, dict):
-            continue
-        encounter_id = row.get("encounterTemplateId")
-        if isinstance(encounter_id, str) and encounter_id not in encounter_seen_ids:
-            return (
-                f"error: contract template {tid!r} encounterTemplateId {encounter_id!r} "
-                "is not in the loaded encounter catalog"
-            )
-        min_standing = row.get("minFactionStanding")
-        if isinstance(min_standing, dict):
-            faction_id = min_standing.get("factionId")
-            if isinstance(faction_id, str) and faction_id not in faction_seen_ids:
-                return (
-                    f"error: contract template {tid!r} minFactionStanding.factionId "
-                    f"{faction_id!r} is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog"
-                )
-        bundle = row.get("completionRewardBundle")
-        if not isinstance(bundle, dict):
-            continue
-        item_grants = bundle.get("itemGrants")
-        if isinstance(item_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(item_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                item_id = grant.get("itemId")
-                if isinstance(item_id, str) and item_id not in PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_ITEM_IDS:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.itemGrants[{gi}]: "
-                        f"itemId {item_id!r} is not in the frozen prototype item catalog"
-                    )
-        skill_xp_grants = bundle.get("skillXpGrants")
-        if isinstance(skill_xp_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(skill_xp_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                skill_id = grant.get("skillId")
-                if isinstance(skill_id, str) and skill_id not in PROTOTYPE_SLICE1_SKILL_IDS:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}]: "
-                        f"skillId {skill_id!r} is not in the frozen prototype skill catalog"
-                    )
-                allowed_kinds = skill_id_to_allowed_kinds.get(skill_id, [])
-                if PROTOTYPE_E7M2_MISSION_REWARD_SOURCE_KIND not in allowed_kinds:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}]: "
-                        f"skillId {skill_id!r} must allow sourceKind "
-                        f"{PROTOTYPE_E7M2_MISSION_REWARD_SOURCE_KIND!r} in allowedXpSourceKinds "
-                        f"(got {allowed_kinds!r})"
-                    )
-        reputation_grants = bundle.get("reputationGrants")
-        if isinstance(reputation_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(reputation_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                faction_id = grant.get("factionId")
-                if isinstance(faction_id, str) and faction_id not in faction_seen_ids:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[{gi}]: "
-                        f"factionId {faction_id!r} is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog"
-                    )
-    return None
-
-
-def _prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate(id_to_row: dict[str, dict]) -> str | None:
-    """Return a human-readable error if a template bundle exceeds band caps, else None."""
-    for tid in sorted(id_to_row.keys()):
-        row = id_to_row.get(tid)
-        if not isinstance(row, dict):
-            continue
-        band = row.get("zoneDifficultyBand")
-        if not isinstance(band, int):
-            continue
-        caps = PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS.get(band)
-        if caps is None:
-            return (
-                f"error: contract template {tid!r} zoneDifficultyBand {band} has no "
-                "prototype economy cap policy"
-            )
-        bundle = row.get("completionRewardBundle")
-        if not isinstance(bundle, dict):
-            continue
-        item_grants = bundle.get("itemGrants")
-        if isinstance(item_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(item_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                quantity = grant.get("quantity")
-                if isinstance(quantity, int) and quantity > caps["maxItemQuantity"]:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.itemGrants[{gi}] "
-                        f"quantity {quantity} exceeds band {band} cap {caps['maxItemQuantity']}"
-                    )
-        skill_xp_grants = bundle.get("skillXpGrants")
-        if isinstance(skill_xp_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(skill_xp_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                amount = grant.get("amount")
-                if isinstance(amount, int) and amount > caps["maxSkillXpAmount"]:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}] "
-                        f"amount {amount} exceeds band {band} cap {caps['maxSkillXpAmount']}"
-                    )
-        reputation_grants = bundle.get("reputationGrants")
-        if isinstance(reputation_grants, list):
-            for gi, grant in enumerate(reputation_grants):
-                if not isinstance(grant, dict):
-                    continue
-                amount = grant.get("amount")
-                if isinstance(amount, int) and abs(amount) > caps["maxReputationAmount"]:
-                    return (
-                        f"error: contract template {tid!r} completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[{gi}] "
-                        f"amount {amount} exceeds band {band} rep cap {caps['maxReputationAmount']}"
-                    )
-    return None
-
-
 def _prototype_slice4_gate(track_skill_ids: list[str]) -> str | None:
    """Return a human-readable error if Slice 4 contract fails, else None."""
    if len(track_skill_ids) != 1:
@ -2185,7 +1891,6 @@ def main() -> int:
    encounter_schema = json.loads(ENCOUNTER_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
    encounter_validator = Draft202012Validator(encounter_schema)
    quest_validator = _quest_def_validator()
-    contract_validator = _contract_template_validator()
    faction_schema = json.loads(FACTION_DEF_SCHEMA.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
    faction_validator = Draft202012Validator(faction_schema)

@ -2298,15 +2003,6 @@ def main() -> int:
        print(f"error: no *_factions.json files under {FACTIONS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
        return 1

-    if not CONTRACTS_DIR.is_dir():
-        print(f"error: missing directory {CONTRACTS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    contract_files = sorted(CONTRACTS_DIR.glob("*_contract_templates.json"))
-    if not contract_files:
-        print(f"error: no *_contract_templates.json files under {CONTRACTS_DIR}", file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
    seen_ids: dict[str, str] = {}
    id_to_category: dict[str, str] = {}
    skill_id_to_allowed_kinds: dict[str, list[str]] = {}
@ -2601,44 +2297,6 @@ def main() -> int:
        print(e7m3_faction_band_err, file=sys.stderr)
        return 1

-    contract_errors, contract_seen_ids, contract_id_to_row = _validate_contract_catalogs(
-        contract_files=contract_files,
-        contract_validator=contract_validator,
-    )
-    if contract_errors:
-        print(f"content validation failed with {contract_errors} error(s)", file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    contract_seed_smoke_err = _contract_seed_schema_smoke_gate()
-    if contract_seed_smoke_err:
-        print(contract_seed_smoke_err, file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    e7m4_template_roster_err = _prototype_e7m4_template_roster_gate(contract_seen_ids)
-    if e7m4_template_roster_err:
-        print(e7m4_template_roster_err, file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    e7m4_template_freeze_err = _prototype_e7m4_template_freeze_gate(contract_id_to_row)
-    if e7m4_template_freeze_err:
-        print(e7m4_template_freeze_err, file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    e7m4_cross_ref_err = _prototype_e7m4_cross_ref_gate(
-        contract_id_to_row,
-        encounter_seen_ids,
-        faction_seen_ids,
-        skill_id_to_allowed_kinds,
-    )
-    if e7m4_cross_ref_err:
-        print(e7m4_cross_ref_err, file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
-    e7m4_band_cap_err = _prototype_e7m4_band_cap_gate(contract_id_to_row)
-    if e7m4_band_cap_err:
-        print(e7m4_band_cap_err, file=sys.stderr)
-        return 1
-
    quest_errors, quest_seen_ids, quest_id_to_row = _validate_quest_catalogs(
        quest_files=quest_files,
        quest_validator=quest_validator,
@ -2717,7 +2375,6 @@ def main() -> int:
        f"{len(reward_table_files)} reward table catalog file(s), "
        f"{len(encounter_files)} encounter catalog file(s), "
        f"{len(faction_files)} faction catalog file(s), "
-        f"{len(contract_files)} contract template catalog file(s), "
        f"{len(quest_files)} quest catalog file(s), "
        f"{len(seen_ids)} unique skill id(s), "
        f"{len(item_seen_ids)} unique item id(s), "
@ -2728,7 +2385,6 @@ def main() -> int:
        f"{len(reward_table_seen_ids)} unique reward table id(s), "
        f"{len(encounter_seen_ids)} unique encounter id(s), "
        f"{len(faction_seen_ids)} unique faction id(s), "
-        f"{len(contract_seen_ids)} unique contract template id(s), "
        f"{len(quest_seen_ids)} unique quest id(s), "
        f"{len(track_skill_ids)} mastery track(s)"
    )
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogTestPaths.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogTestPaths.cs
@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Contracts;
-
-internal static class ContractCatalogTestPaths
-{
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.TryDiscoverContractsDirectory(AppContext.BaseDirectory)
-        ?? throw new InvalidOperationException(
-            "Could not discover repo content/contracts from AppContext.BaseDirectory; run tests from the neon-sprawl clone.");
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoContractTemplateSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveContractTemplateSchemaPath(
-            DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory(),
-            configuredSchemaPath: null,
-            contentRootPath: string.Empty);
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoRewardGrantRowSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory());
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory());
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory());
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoFactionGateRuleSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory());
-
-    internal static string DiscoverRepoReputationGrantRowSchemaPath() =>
-        ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory());
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests.cs
@ -1,306 +0,0 @@
-using System.Collections.Frozen;
-using System.Text;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging.Abstractions;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Factions;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Quests;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Skills;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Skills;
-using Xunit;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Contracts;
-
-public class ContractTemplateCatalogLoaderTests
-{
-    private static readonly FrozenSet<string> KnownEncounterIds = PrototypeE5M3EncounterCatalogRules.ExpectedEncounterIds;
-
-    private static readonly FrozenSet<string> KnownFactionIds = PrototypeE7M3FactionCatalogRules.ExpectedFactionIds;
-
-    private static readonly IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SkillDefRow> RepoSkillDefs = LoadRepoSkillDefs();
-
-    private const string ValidPrototypeCatalogJson =
-        """
-        {
-          "schemaVersion": 1,
-          "contractTemplates": [
-            {
-              "id": "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket",
-              "displayName": "Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)",
-              "zoneDifficultyBand": 1,
-              "objectiveKind": "encounter_clear",
-              "encounterTemplateId": "prototype_combat_pocket",
-              "minFactionStanding": {
-                "factionId": "prototype_faction_grid_operators",
-                "minStanding": 0
-              },
-              "completionRewardBundle": {
-                "itemGrants": [{ "itemId": "scrap_metal_bulk", "quantity": 5 }],
-                "skillXpGrants": [{ "skillId": "salvage", "amount": 15 }]
-              }
-            }
-          ]
-        }
-        """;
-
-    private static IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SkillDefRow> LoadRepoSkillDefs()
-    {
-        var catalog = SkillDefinitionCatalogLoader.Load(
-            SkillCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoSkillsDirectory(),
-            SkillCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoSkillDefSchemaPath(),
-            NullLogger.Instance);
-        return catalog.ById;
-    }
-
-    private static ContractTemplateCatalog LoadCatalog(
-        string contractsDir,
-        string contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-        IReadOnlySet<string>? knownEncounterIds = null,
-        IReadOnlySet<string>? knownFactionIds = null,
-        IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SkillDefRow>? skillDefsById = null)
-    {
-        return ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.Load(
-            contractsDir,
-            contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-            ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(),
-            ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(),
-            ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(),
-            ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(),
-            ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(),
-            knownEncounterIds ?? KnownEncounterIds,
-            knownFactionIds ?? KnownFactionIds,
-            skillDefsById ?? RepoSkillDefs,
-            NullLogger.Instance);
-    }
-
-    private static (string Root, string ContractsDir, string SchemaPath) CreateTempContentLayout()
-    {
-        var root = Directory.CreateTempSubdirectory("neon-sprawl-contractcat-");
-        var contractsDir = Path.Combine(root.FullName, "content", "contracts");
-        var schemaDir = Path.Combine(root.FullName, "content", "schemas");
-        Directory.CreateDirectory(contractsDir);
-        Directory.CreateDirectory(schemaDir);
-        var schemaPath = Path.Combine(schemaDir, "contract-template.schema.json");
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoContractTemplateSchemaPath(), schemaPath, overwrite: true);
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "reward-grant-row.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "quest-reward-bundle.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "faction-gate-rule.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
-        File.Copy(ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(), Path.Combine(schemaDir, "reputation-grant-row.schema.json"), overwrite: true);
-        return (root.FullName, contractsDir, schemaPath);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldSucceed_WhenCatalogMatchesRepoPrototypeFile()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var contractsDir = ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoContractsDirectory();
-        var schemaPath = ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoContractTemplateSchemaPath();
-        // Act
-        var catalog = LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.Equal(PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateIds.Count, catalog.DistinctTemplateCount);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldSucceed_WhenCatalogMatchesPrototypeContract()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var catalog = LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.Equal(1, catalog.DistinctTemplateCount);
-        Assert.Equal(1, catalog.CatalogJsonFileCount);
-        Assert.True(catalog.ById.TryGetValue("prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket", out var row));
-        Assert.NotNull(row);
-        Assert.Equal("Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)", row!.DisplayName);
-        Assert.Equal(1, row.ZoneDifficultyBand);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenContractTemplatesIsNotArray()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(
-            Path.Combine(contractsDir, "bad_contract_templates.json"),
-            """{"schemaVersion": 1, "contractTemplates": "nope"}""",
-            Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("bad_contract_templates.json", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-        Assert.Contains("expected top-level 'contractTemplates' array", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenDuplicateIdAcrossFiles()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "a_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "b_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("duplicate contract template id", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenRosterGateFails()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        const string emptyCatalog = """{"schemaVersion": 1, "contractTemplates": []}""";
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), emptyCatalog, Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("prototype E7M4 expects exactly contract template ids", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenFreezeTableDiverges()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        var badDisplay = ValidPrototypeCatalogJson.Replace("Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)", "Wrong Name", StringComparison.Ordinal);
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), badDisplay, Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("displayName must be", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenEncounterTemplateIdUnknown()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        var emptyEncounters = FrozenSet<string>.Empty;
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath, knownEncounterIds: emptyEncounters));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("encounterTemplateId 'prototype_combat_pocket'", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-        Assert.Contains("is not in the loaded encounter catalog", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void TryGetCrossRefError_ShouldReturnError_WhenBundleItemIdUnknown()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var prototype = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var badItemRow = prototype with
-        {
-            CompletionRewardBundle = new QuestRewardBundleRow(
-                [new RewardGrantRow("not_a_real_item", 5)],
-                prototype.CompletionRewardBundle.SkillXpGrants,
-                prototype.CompletionRewardBundle.ReputationGrants),
-        };
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [badItemRow.Id] = badItemRow,
-        };
-        // Act
-        var error = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetCrossRefError(
-            rows,
-            KnownEncounterIds,
-            KnownFactionIds,
-            RepoSkillDefs);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.NotNull(error);
-        Assert.Contains("itemId 'not_a_real_item'", error, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenSkillXpMissingMissionRewardAllowlist()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        var salvageNoMission = new Dictionary<string, SkillDefRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            ["salvage"] = new("salvage", "gather", "Salvage", ["activity"]),
-            ["refine"] = RepoSkillDefs["refine"],
-            ["intrusion"] = RepoSkillDefs["intrusion"],
-        };
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath, skillDefsById: salvageNoMission));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("must allow sourceKind 'mission_reward' in allowedXpSourceKinds", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenItemQuantityExceedsPrototypeBundleLimits()
-    {
-        // Arrange — qty 11 fails freeze before band-cap gate (same CI tamper path as validate_content.py)
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        var overCap = ValidPrototypeCatalogJson.Replace("\"quantity\": 5", "\"quantity\": 11", StringComparison.Ordinal);
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), overCap, Encoding.UTF8);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("completionRewardBundle must match E7M4 freeze table", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenSchemaFileMissing()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var (_, contractsDir, schemaPath) = CreateTempContentLayout();
-        File.WriteAllText(Path.Combine(contractsDir, "prototype_contract_templates.json"), ValidPrototypeCatalogJson, Encoding.UTF8);
-        File.Delete(schemaPath);
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(contractsDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("missing schema file", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-        Assert.Contains(schemaPath, ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void TryGetBandCapGateError_ShouldReturnError_WhenItemQuantityExceedsBandCap()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var prototype = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var overCapRow = prototype with
-        {
-            CompletionRewardBundle = new QuestRewardBundleRow(
-                [new RewardGrantRow("scrap_metal_bulk", 11)],
-                prototype.CompletionRewardBundle.SkillXpGrants,
-                prototype.CompletionRewardBundle.ReputationGrants),
-        };
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [overCapRow.Id] = overCapRow,
-        };
-        // Act
-        var error = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetBandCapGateError(rows);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.NotNull(error);
-        Assert.Contains("quantity 11 exceeds band 1 cap 10", error, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void Load_ShouldThrow_WhenMissingContractsDirectory()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var missingDir = Path.Combine(Path.GetTempPath(), "neon-sprawl-missing-contracts-" + Guid.NewGuid().ToString("N"));
-        var schemaPath = ContractCatalogTestPaths.DiscoverRepoContractTemplateSchemaPath();
-        // Act
-        var ex = Record.Exception(() => LoadCatalog(missingDir, schemaPath));
-        // Assert
-        var ioe = Assert.IsType<InvalidOperationException>(ex);
-        Assert.Contains("missing directory", ioe.Message, StringComparison.Ordinal);
-    }
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistryTests.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistryTests.cs
@ -1,113 +0,0 @@
-using System.Collections.Frozen;
-using System.Text;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging.Abstractions;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Factions;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Skills;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Tests;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Skills;
-using Xunit;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Tests.Game.Contracts;
-
-public class ContractTemplateRegistryTests
-{
-    private static ContractTemplateRegistry CreateRegistryFromRows(IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> byId)
-    {
-        var catalog = new ContractTemplateCatalog("/tmp/catalog", byId, catalogJsonFileCount: 1);
-        return new ContractTemplateRegistry(catalog);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void TryGetDefinition_ShouldReturnTrue_WhenIdExists()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var expected = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [expected.Id] = expected,
-        };
-        var registry = CreateRegistryFromRows(rows);
-        // Act
-        var found = registry.TryGetDefinition("prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket", out var def);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.True(found);
-        Assert.NotNull(def);
-        Assert.Equal("Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)", def!.DisplayName);
-        Assert.Equal("prototype_combat_pocket", def.EncounterTemplateId);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void TryGetDefinition_ShouldReturnFalse_WhenTemplateIdIsNull()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var expected = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [expected.Id] = expected,
-        };
-        var registry = CreateRegistryFromRows(rows);
-        // Act
-        var found = registry.TryGetDefinition(null, out var def);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.False(found);
-        Assert.Null(def);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void TryGetDefinition_ShouldReturnFalse_WhenIdUnknown()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var expected = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [expected.Id] = expected,
-        };
-        var registry = CreateRegistryFromRows(rows);
-        // Act
-        var found = registry.TryGetDefinition("not_a_real_template", out var def);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.False(found);
-        Assert.Null(def);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public void GetDefinitionsInIdOrder_ShouldListAllRowsOrderedById_WhenMultipleTemplates()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        var prototype = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.ExpectedTemplateFreeze["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"];
-        var other = prototype with { Id = "zzz_other_template" };
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            [other.Id] = other,
-            [prototype.Id] = prototype,
-        };
-        var registry = CreateRegistryFromRows(rows);
-        // Act
-        var list = registry.GetDefinitionsInIdOrder();
-        // Assert
-        Assert.Equal(2, list.Count);
-        Assert.Equal("prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket", list[0].Id);
-        Assert.Equal("zzz_other_template", list[1].Id);
-    }
-
-    [Fact]
-    public async Task Host_ShouldResolveContractCatalogFromDi_WhenStartupSucceeds()
-    {
-        // Arrange
-        await using var factory = new InMemoryWebApplicationFactory();
-        using var client = factory.CreateClient();
-        _ = await client.GetAsync("/health");
-        // Act
-        var registry = factory.Services.GetRequiredService<IContractTemplateRegistry>();
-        var found = registry.TryGetDefinition("prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket", out var template);
-        // Assert
-        Assert.True(found);
-        Assert.NotNull(template);
-        Assert.Equal("Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)", template!.DisplayName);
-        Assert.Equal("encounter_clear", template.ObjectiveKind);
-        Assert.Equal("prototype_combat_pocket", template.EncounterTemplateId);
-    }
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/InMemoryWebApplicationFactory.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server.Tests/InMemoryWebApplicationFactory.cs
@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
 using Microsoft.Extensions.Time.Testing;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.AbilityInput;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Combat;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Crafting;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Factions;
@ -67,9 +66,6 @@ public sealed class InMemoryWebApplicationFactory : WebApplicationFactory<Progra
        var factionsDir = FactionCatalogPathResolution.TryDiscoverFactionsDirectory(AppContext.BaseDirectory)
            ?? throw new InvalidOperationException(
                "Could not discover repo content/factions from AppContext.BaseDirectory; run tests from the neon-sprawl clone.");
-        var contractsDir = ContractCatalogPathResolution.TryDiscoverContractsDirectory(AppContext.BaseDirectory)
-            ?? throw new InvalidOperationException(
-                "Could not discover repo content/contracts from AppContext.BaseDirectory; run tests from the neon-sprawl clone.");
        builder.UseSetting("Content:SkillsDirectory", skillsDir);
        builder.UseSetting("Content:MasteryDirectory", masteryDir);
        builder.UseSetting("Content:ItemsDirectory", itemsDir);
@ -81,7 +77,6 @@ public sealed class InMemoryWebApplicationFactory : WebApplicationFactory<Progra
        builder.UseSetting("Content:EncountersDirectory", encountersDir);
        builder.UseSetting("Content:FactionsDirectory", factionsDir);
        builder.UseSetting("Content:QuestsDirectory", questsDir);
-        builder.UseSetting("Content:ContractsDirectory", contractsDir);
        builder.UseSetting("Game:EnableMasteryFixtureApi", "true");
        builder.UseSetting("Game:EnableQuestFixtureApi", "true");
        builder.UseSetting("Game:EnableResourceNodeFixtureApi", "true");
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogPathResolution.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogPathResolution.cs
@ -1,80 +0,0 @@
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>Resolves contract catalog paths for local dev, tests, and container layouts (NEO-145).</summary>
-public static class ContractCatalogPathResolution
-{
-    /// <summary>Walks <paramref name="startDirectory"/> and parents for an existing <c>content/contracts</c> directory.</summary>
-    public static string? TryDiscoverContractsDirectory(string startDirectory)
-    {
-        for (var dir = new DirectoryInfo(startDirectory); dir is not null; dir = dir.Parent)
-        {
-            var candidate = Path.Combine(dir.FullName, "content", "contracts");
-            if (Directory.Exists(candidate))
-                return Path.GetFullPath(candidate);
-        }
-
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Resolves the contracts catalog directory.
-    /// Empty <paramref name="configuredContractsDirectory"/> triggers discovery from <see cref="AppContext.BaseDirectory"/>.
-    /// </summary>
-    public static string ResolveContractsDirectory(string? configuredContractsDirectory, string contentRootPath)
-    {
-        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(configuredContractsDirectory))
-        {
-            var discovered = TryDiscoverContractsDirectory(AppContext.BaseDirectory);
-            if (discovered is not null)
-                return discovered;
-
-            throw new InvalidOperationException(
-                "Content:ContractsDirectory is not set and auto-discovery failed (no ancestor of AppContext.BaseDirectory contains 'content/contracts'). " +
-                "Set Content:ContractsDirectory in configuration or environment (e.g. Content__ContractsDirectory).");
-        }
-
-        var trimmed = configuredContractsDirectory.Trim();
-        if (Path.IsPathRooted(trimmed))
-            return Path.GetFullPath(trimmed);
-
-        return Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contentRootPath, trimmed));
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a single contract template row (Draft 2020-12).</summary>
-    public static string ResolveContractTemplateSchemaPath(
-        string contractsDirectory,
-        string? configuredSchemaPath,
-        string contentRootPath)
-    {
-        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(configuredSchemaPath))
-        {
-            var trimmed = configuredSchemaPath.Trim();
-            if (Path.IsPathRooted(trimmed))
-                return Path.GetFullPath(trimmed);
-
-            return Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contentRootPath, trimmed));
-        }
-
-        return Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "contract-template.schema.json"));
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a reward grant row (shared by quest bundles and contract templates).</summary>
-    public static string ResolveRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(string contractsDirectory) =>
-        Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "reward-grant-row.schema.json"));
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a quest skill XP grant row.</summary>
-    public static string ResolveQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(string contractsDirectory) =>
-        Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json"));
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a completion reward bundle.</summary>
-    public static string ResolveQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(string contractsDirectory) =>
-        Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "quest-reward-bundle.schema.json"));
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a faction gate rule row.</summary>
-    public static string ResolveFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(string contractsDirectory) =>
-        Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "faction-gate-rule.schema.json"));
-
-    /// <summary>Resolves JSON Schema path for a reputation grant row.</summary>
-    public static string ResolveReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(string contractsDirectory) =>
-        Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(contractsDirectory, "..", "schemas", "reputation-grant-row.schema.json"));
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogServiceCollectionExtensions.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractCatalogServiceCollectionExtensions.cs
@ -1,64 +0,0 @@
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Factions;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Skills;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>DI registration for the fail-fast contract template catalog (NEO-145).</summary>
-public static class ContractCatalogServiceCollectionExtensions
-{
-    /// <summary>Binds <see cref="ContentPathsOptions"/> and registers <see cref="ContractTemplateCatalog"/> and <see cref="IContractTemplateRegistry"/> as singletons.</summary>
-    public static IServiceCollection AddContractTemplateCatalog(this IServiceCollection services, IConfiguration configuration)
-    {
-        services.AddOptions<ContentPathsOptions>()
-            .Bind(configuration.GetSection(ContentPathsOptions.SectionName));
-
-        services.AddSingleton<ContractTemplateCatalog>(sp =>
-        {
-            var hostEnv = sp.GetRequiredService<IHostEnvironment>();
-            var opts = sp.GetRequiredService<IOptions<ContentPathsOptions>>().Value;
-            var encounterCatalog = sp.GetRequiredService<EncounterDefinitionCatalog>();
-            var skillCatalog = sp.GetRequiredService<SkillDefinitionCatalog>();
-            var factionCatalog = sp.GetRequiredService<FactionDefinitionCatalog>();
-            var logger = sp.GetRequiredService<ILoggerFactory>()
-                .CreateLogger("NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts.ContractCatalog");
-
-            var contractsDir = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveContractsDirectory(
-                opts.ContractsDirectory,
-                hostEnv.ContentRootPath);
-            var contractTemplateSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveContractTemplateSchemaPath(
-                contractsDir,
-                opts.ContractTemplateSchemaPath,
-                hostEnv.ContentRootPath);
-            var rewardGrantRowSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveRewardGrantRowSchemaPath(contractsDir);
-            var questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveQuestSkillXpGrantSchemaPath(contractsDir);
-            var questRewardBundleSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveQuestRewardBundleSchemaPath(contractsDir);
-            var factionGateRuleSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveFactionGateRuleSchemaPath(contractsDir);
-            var reputationGrantRowSchemaPath = ContractCatalogPathResolution.ResolveReputationGrantRowSchemaPath(contractsDir);
-
-            var knownEncounterIds = encounterCatalog.ById.Keys.ToHashSet(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-            var knownFactionIds = factionCatalog.ById.Keys.ToHashSet(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-
-            return ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.Load(
-                contractsDir,
-                contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-                rewardGrantRowSchemaPath,
-                questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath,
-                questRewardBundleSchemaPath,
-                factionGateRuleSchemaPath,
-                reputationGrantRowSchemaPath,
-                knownEncounterIds,
-                knownFactionIds,
-                skillCatalog.ById,
-                logger);
-        });
-
-        services.AddSingleton<IContractTemplateRegistry>(sp =>
-            new ContractTemplateRegistry(sp.GetRequiredService<ContractTemplateCatalog>()));
-
-        return services;
-    }
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalog.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalog.cs
@ -1,21 +0,0 @@
-using System.Collections.ObjectModel;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>In-memory contract template catalog loaded at startup (NEO-145). Game code should prefer <see cref="IContractTemplateRegistry"/> for lookups.</summary>
-public sealed class ContractTemplateCatalog(
-    string contractsDirectory,
-    IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> byId,
-    int catalogJsonFileCount)
-{
-    /// <summary>Absolute path to the directory that was enumerated for <c>*_contract_templates.json</c> catalogs.</summary>
-    public string ContractsDirectory { get; } = contractsDirectory;
-
-    public IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> ById { get; } =
-        new ReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(byId, StringComparer.Ordinal));
-
-    public int DistinctTemplateCount => ById.Count;
-
-    /// <summary>Number of <c>*_contract_templates.json</c> files under <see cref="ContractsDirectory"/>.</summary>
-    public int CatalogJsonFileCount { get; } = catalogJsonFileCount;
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateCatalogLoader.cs
@ -1,353 +0,0 @@
-using System.Text;
-using System.Text.Json;
-using System.Text.Json.Nodes;
-using Json.Schema;
-using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Quests;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Skills;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>Loads and validates <c>content/contracts/*_contract_templates.json</c> using the same rules as <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> (NEO-145).</summary>
-public static class ContractTemplateCatalogLoader
-{
-    private static JsonSchema? _contractTemplateSchema;
-
-    /// <summary>Loads catalogs from disk or throws <see cref="InvalidOperationException"/> with actionable messages.</summary>
-    public static ContractTemplateCatalog Load(
-        string contractsDirectory,
-        string contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-        string rewardGrantRowSchemaPath,
-        string questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath,
-        string questRewardBundleSchemaPath,
-        string factionGateRuleSchemaPath,
-        string reputationGrantRowSchemaPath,
-        IReadOnlySet<string> knownEncounterIds,
-        IReadOnlySet<string> knownFactionIds,
-        IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SkillDefRow> skillDefsById,
-        ILogger logger)
-    {
-        contractsDirectory = Path.GetFullPath(contractsDirectory);
-        contractTemplateSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(contractTemplateSchemaPath);
-        rewardGrantRowSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(rewardGrantRowSchemaPath);
-        questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath);
-        questRewardBundleSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(questRewardBundleSchemaPath);
-        factionGateRuleSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(factionGateRuleSchemaPath);
-        reputationGrantRowSchemaPath = Path.GetFullPath(reputationGrantRowSchemaPath);
-
-        var errors = new List<string>();
-
-        if (!File.Exists(contractTemplateSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {contractTemplateSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!File.Exists(rewardGrantRowSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {rewardGrantRowSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!File.Exists(questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!File.Exists(questRewardBundleSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {questRewardBundleSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!File.Exists(factionGateRuleSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {factionGateRuleSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!File.Exists(reputationGrantRowSchemaPath))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing schema file {reputationGrantRowSchemaPath}");
-
-        if (!Directory.Exists(contractsDirectory))
-            errors.Add($"error: missing directory {contractsDirectory}");
-
-        if (errors.Count > 0)
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-
-        var jsonFiles = Directory.GetFiles(contractsDirectory, "*_contract_templates.json", SearchOption.TopDirectoryOnly)
-            .OrderBy(p => p, StringComparer.Ordinal)
-            .ToArray();
-        if (jsonFiles.Length == 0)
-            errors.Add($"error: no *_contract_templates.json files under {contractsDirectory}");
-
-        if (errors.Count > 0)
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-
-        EnsureContractSchemasLoaded(
-            contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-            rewardGrantRowSchemaPath,
-            questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath,
-            questRewardBundleSchemaPath,
-            factionGateRuleSchemaPath,
-            reputationGrantRowSchemaPath);
-        var templateSchema = _contractTemplateSchema!;
-
-        var evalOptions = new EvaluationOptions { OutputFormat = OutputFormat.List };
-
-        var templateIdToSourceFile = new Dictionary<string, string>(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-        var rows = new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-
-        foreach (var path in jsonFiles)
-        {
-            JsonNode? root;
-            try
-            {
-                root = JsonNode.Parse(File.ReadAllText(path));
-            }
-            catch (JsonException ex)
-            {
-                errors.Add($"error: {path}: invalid JSON: {ex.Message}");
-                continue;
-            }
-
-            if (root is not JsonObject rootObj)
-            {
-                errors.Add($"error: {path}: expected JSON object at root");
-                continue;
-            }
-
-            var schemaVersionNode = rootObj["schemaVersion"];
-            if (schemaVersionNode is not JsonValue schemaVersionValue ||
-                !schemaVersionValue.TryGetValue<int>(out var schemaVersion) ||
-                schemaVersion != 1)
-            {
-                var got = schemaVersionNode?.ToJsonString() ?? "null";
-                errors.Add($"error: {path}: expected schemaVersion 1, got {got}");
-                continue;
-            }
-
-            var templatesNode = rootObj["contractTemplates"];
-            if (templatesNode is not JsonArray templatesArray)
-            {
-                errors.Add($"error: {path}: expected top-level 'contractTemplates' array");
-                continue;
-            }
-
-            for (var i = 0; i < templatesArray.Count; i++)
-            {
-                var item = templatesArray[i];
-                if (item is not JsonObject rowObj)
-                {
-                    errors.Add($"error: {path}: contractTemplates[{i}] must be an object");
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                var eval = templateSchema.Evaluate(rowObj, evalOptions);
-                var schemaMsgs = CollectSchemaMessages(eval, path, i).OrderBy(m => m, StringComparer.Ordinal).ToList();
-                if (!eval.IsValid)
-                {
-                    if (schemaMsgs.Count == 0)
-                        schemaMsgs.Add($"error: {path} contractTemplates[{i}] (root): schema validation failed");
-
-                    errors.AddRange(schemaMsgs);
-                }
-
-                var tid = (rowObj["id"] as JsonValue)?.GetValue<string>();
-                if (tid is not null && eval.IsValid)
-                {
-                    if (templateIdToSourceFile.TryGetValue(tid, out var prevPath))
-                    {
-                        errors.Add($"error: duplicate contract template id '{tid}' in {prevPath} and {path}");
-                        continue;
-                    }
-
-                    templateIdToSourceFile[tid] = path;
-                    rows[tid] = ParseRow(rowObj);
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        ThrowIfAny(errors);
-
-        var roster = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetRosterGateError(templateIdToSourceFile);
-        if (roster is not null)
-        {
-            errors.Add(roster);
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-        }
-
-        var freeze = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetFreezeGateError(rows);
-        if (freeze is not null)
-        {
-            errors.Add(freeze);
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-        }
-
-        var crossRef = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetCrossRefError(
-            rows,
-            knownEncounterIds,
-            knownFactionIds,
-            skillDefsById);
-        if (crossRef is not null)
-        {
-            errors.Add(crossRef);
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-        }
-
-        var bandCap = PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.TryGetBandCapGateError(rows);
-        if (bandCap is not null)
-        {
-            errors.Add(bandCap);
-            ThrowIfAny(errors);
-        }
-
-        if (logger.IsEnabled(LogLevel.Information))
-        {
-            logger.LogInformation(
-                "Loaded contract template catalog from {ContractsDirectory}: {TemplateCount} template(s) across {CatalogFileCount} JSON catalog file(s).",
-                contractsDirectory,
-                rows.Count,
-                jsonFiles.Length);
-        }
-
-        return new ContractTemplateCatalog(contractsDirectory, rows, jsonFiles.Length);
-    }
-
-    private static ContractTemplateRow ParseRow(JsonObject rowObj)
-    {
-        var id = (rowObj["id"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-        var displayName = (rowObj["displayName"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-        var zoneDifficultyBand = (rowObj["zoneDifficultyBand"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<int>();
-        var objectiveKind = (rowObj["objectiveKind"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-        var encounterTemplateId = (rowObj["encounterTemplateId"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-        var minStandingObj = rowObj["minFactionStanding"] as JsonObject;
-        var factionId = (minStandingObj!["factionId"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-        var minStanding = (minStandingObj["minStanding"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<int>();
-        var completionRewardBundle = ParseCompletionRewardBundle(rowObj["completionRewardBundle"] as JsonObject)!;
-        return new ContractTemplateRow(
-            id,
-            displayName,
-            zoneDifficultyBand,
-            objectiveKind,
-            encounterTemplateId,
-            new FactionGateRuleRow(factionId, minStanding),
-            completionRewardBundle);
-    }
-
-    private static QuestRewardBundleRow? ParseCompletionRewardBundle(JsonObject? bundleObj)
-    {
-        if (bundleObj is null)
-            return null;
-
-        var itemGrants = ParseItemGrantRows(bundleObj["itemGrants"] as JsonArray);
-        var skillXpGrants = ParseSkillXpGrantRows(bundleObj["skillXpGrants"] as JsonArray);
-        var reputationGrants = ParseReputationGrantRows(bundleObj["reputationGrants"] as JsonArray);
-        return new QuestRewardBundleRow(itemGrants, skillXpGrants, reputationGrants);
-    }
-
-    private static List<ReputationGrantRow> ParseReputationGrantRows(JsonArray? array)
-    {
-        if (array is null || array.Count == 0)
-            return [];
-
-        var rows = new List<ReputationGrantRow>(array.Count);
-        foreach (var node in array)
-        {
-            if (node is not JsonObject grantObj)
-                continue;
-
-            var factionId = (grantObj["factionId"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-            var amount = (grantObj["amount"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<int>();
-            rows.Add(new ReputationGrantRow(factionId, amount));
-        }
-
-        return rows;
-    }
-
-    private static List<RewardGrantRow> ParseItemGrantRows(JsonArray? array)
-    {
-        if (array is null || array.Count == 0)
-            return [];
-
-        var rows = new List<RewardGrantRow>(array.Count);
-        foreach (var node in array)
-        {
-            if (node is not JsonObject grantObj)
-                continue;
-
-            var itemId = (grantObj["itemId"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-            var quantity = (grantObj["quantity"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<int>();
-            rows.Add(new RewardGrantRow(itemId, quantity));
-        }
-
-        return rows;
-    }
-
-    private static List<QuestSkillXpGrantRow> ParseSkillXpGrantRows(JsonArray? array)
-    {
-        if (array is null || array.Count == 0)
-            return [];
-
-        var rows = new List<QuestSkillXpGrantRow>(array.Count);
-        foreach (var node in array)
-        {
-            if (node is not JsonObject grantObj)
-                continue;
-
-            var skillId = (grantObj["skillId"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<string>();
-            var amount = (grantObj["amount"] as JsonValue)!.GetValue<int>();
-            rows.Add(new QuestSkillXpGrantRow(skillId, amount));
-        }
-
-        return rows;
-    }
-
-    private static List<string> CollectSchemaMessages(EvaluationResults eval, string filePath, int index)
-    {
-        var sink = new List<string>();
-        AppendSchemaMessages(eval, filePath, index, sink);
-        return sink;
-    }
-
-    private static void AppendSchemaMessages(EvaluationResults r, string filePath, int index, List<string> sink)
-    {
-        if (r.HasDetails)
-        {
-            foreach (var d in r.Details!)
-                AppendSchemaMessages(d, filePath, index, sink);
-        }
-
-        if (!r.HasErrors)
-            return;
-
-        foreach (var kv in r.Errors!)
-        {
-            var loc = r.InstanceLocation?.ToString();
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(loc) || loc == "#")
-                loc = "(root)";
-
-            sink.Add($"error: {filePath} contractTemplates[{index}] {loc}: {kv.Key} — {kv.Value}");
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Registers bundle + gate schemas in <see cref="SchemaRegistry.Global"/> once per process (NEO-145).</summary>
-    private static void EnsureContractSchemasLoaded(
-        string contractTemplateSchemaPath,
-        string rewardGrantRowSchemaPath,
-        string questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath,
-        string questRewardBundleSchemaPath,
-        string factionGateRuleSchemaPath,
-        string reputationGrantRowSchemaPath)
-    {
-        if (_contractTemplateSchema is not null)
-            return;
-
-        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(factionGateRuleSchemaPath);
-        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(reputationGrantRowSchemaPath);
-        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(rewardGrantRowSchemaPath);
-        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(questSkillXpGrantSchemaPath);
-        CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(questRewardBundleSchemaPath);
-        _contractTemplateSchema = CatalogSchemaRegistry.GetOrRegisterFromFile(contractTemplateSchemaPath);
-    }
-
-    private static void ThrowIfAny(List<string> errors)
-    {
-        if (errors.Count == 0)
-            return;
-
-        var sb = new StringBuilder();
-        sb.AppendLine("Contract template catalog validation failed:");
-        foreach (var e in errors.OrderBy(x => x, StringComparer.Ordinal))
-            sb.AppendLine(e);
-
-        throw new InvalidOperationException(sb.ToString().TrimEnd());
-    }
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistry.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRegistry.cs
@ -1,37 +0,0 @@
-using System.Diagnostics.CodeAnalysis;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>Adapter over <see cref="ContractTemplateCatalog"/> (NEO-145).</summary>
-public sealed class ContractTemplateRegistry(ContractTemplateCatalog catalog) : IContractTemplateRegistry
-{
-    /// <inheritdoc />
-    public bool TryGetDefinition(string? templateId, [NotNullWhen(true)] out ContractTemplateRow? definition)
-    {
-        if (templateId is null)
-        {
-            definition = null;
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        if (catalog.ById.TryGetValue(templateId, out var row))
-        {
-            definition = row;
-            return true;
-        }
-
-        definition = null;
-        return false;
-    }
-
-    /// <inheritdoc />
-    public IReadOnlyList<ContractTemplateRow> GetDefinitionsInIdOrder()
-    {
-        var ids = catalog.ById.Keys.OrderBy(k => k, StringComparer.Ordinal).ToArray();
-        var list = new List<ContractTemplateRow>(ids.Length);
-        foreach (var id in ids)
-            list.Add(catalog.ById[id]);
-
-        return list;
-    }
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRow.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/ContractTemplateRow.cs
@ -1,13 +0,0 @@
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Quests;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>Load-time contract template row (NEO-145).</summary>
-public sealed record ContractTemplateRow(
-    string Id,
-    string DisplayName,
-    int ZoneDifficultyBand,
-    string ObjectiveKind,
-    string EncounterTemplateId,
-    FactionGateRuleRow MinFactionStanding,
-    QuestRewardBundleRow CompletionRewardBundle);
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/IContractTemplateRegistry.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/IContractTemplateRegistry.cs
@ -1,15 +0,0 @@
-using System.Diagnostics.CodeAnalysis;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Read-only access to validated <see cref="ContractTemplateRow"/> entries loaded at startup (<see cref="ContractTemplateCatalog"/>).
-/// </summary>
-public interface IContractTemplateRegistry
-{
-    /// <summary>Attempts to resolve a contract template by stable <c>id</c>. Unknown ids and <c>null</c> return <c>false</c> without throwing.</summary>
-    bool TryGetDefinition(string? templateId, [NotNullWhen(true)] out ContractTemplateRow? definition);
-
-    /// <summary>Every loaded definition, ordered by <see cref="ContractTemplateRow.Id"/> (ordinal).</summary>
-    IReadOnlyList<ContractTemplateRow> GetDefinitionsInIdOrder();
-}
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Contracts/PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules.cs
@ -1,305 +0,0 @@
-using System.Collections.Frozen;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Items;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Quests;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Skills;
-
-namespace NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Prototype E7M4 contract template catalog gates (NEO-145), mirrored from
-/// <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M4_*</c> and <c>_prototype_e7m4_*</c> gate functions.
-/// </summary>
-public static class PrototypeE7M4ContractCatalogRules
-{
-    /// <summary>Keep in sync with <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_IDS</c>.</summary>
-    public static readonly FrozenSet<string> ExpectedTemplateIds = FrozenSet.ToFrozenSet(
-        ["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"],
-        StringComparer.Ordinal);
-
-    /// <summary>Keep in sync with <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M4_BAND_CAPS</c>; NEO-147 ports to issue-time validation.</summary>
-    public static readonly FrozenDictionary<int, BandCapPolicy> BandCapsByDifficultyBand =
-        new Dictionary<int, BandCapPolicy>
-        {
-            [1] = new BandCapPolicy(MaxItemQuantity: 10, MaxSkillXpAmount: 25, MaxReputationAmount: 10),
-        }.ToFrozenDictionary();
-
-    /// <summary>Keep in sync with <c>scripts/validate_content.py</c> <c>PROTOTYPE_E7M4_TEMPLATE_FREEZE</c>.</summary>
-    public static readonly FrozenDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> ExpectedTemplateFreeze =
-        new Dictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow>(StringComparer.Ordinal)
-        {
-            ["prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket"] = new(
-                "prototype_contract_clear_combat_pocket",
-                "Clear Combat Pocket (Repeat)",
-                1,
-                "encounter_clear",
-                "prototype_combat_pocket",
-                new FactionGateRuleRow("prototype_faction_grid_operators", 0),
-                new QuestRewardBundleRow(
-                    [new RewardGrantRow("scrap_metal_bulk", 5)],
-                    [new QuestSkillXpGrantRow("salvage", 15)],
-                    [])),
-        }.ToFrozenDictionary(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-
-    /// <summary>Returns a human-readable error if the prototype template roster fails, otherwise <see langword="null"/>.</summary>
-    public static string? TryGetRosterGateError(IReadOnlyDictionary<string, string> templateIdToSourceFile)
-    {
-        var ids = templateIdToSourceFile.Keys.ToFrozenSet(StringComparer.Ordinal);
-        if (!ids.SetEquals(ExpectedTemplateIds))
-        {
-            return
-                "error: prototype E7M4 expects exactly contract template ids " +
-                $"[{string.Join(", ", ExpectedTemplateIds.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal).Select(s => "'" + s + "'"))}], " +
-                $"got [{string.Join(", ", ids.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal).Select(s => "'" + s + "'"))}]";
-        }
-
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Returns a human-readable error if template rows diverge from the E7M4 freeze table, otherwise <see langword="null"/>.</summary>
-    public static string? TryGetFreezeGateError(IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> rowsById)
-    {
-        foreach (var (tid, expected) in ExpectedTemplateFreeze)
-        {
-            if (!rowsById.TryGetValue(tid, out var actual))
-                return $"error: missing contract template '{tid}'";
-
-            if (actual.DisplayName != expected.DisplayName)
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' displayName must be '{expected.DisplayName}', got '{actual.DisplayName}'";
-            }
-
-            if (actual.ZoneDifficultyBand != expected.ZoneDifficultyBand)
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' zoneDifficultyBand must be {expected.ZoneDifficultyBand}, got {actual.ZoneDifficultyBand}";
-            }
-
-            if (actual.ObjectiveKind != expected.ObjectiveKind)
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' objectiveKind must be '{expected.ObjectiveKind}', got '{actual.ObjectiveKind}'";
-            }
-
-            if (actual.EncounterTemplateId != expected.EncounterTemplateId)
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' encounterTemplateId must be '{expected.EncounterTemplateId}', got '{actual.EncounterTemplateId}'";
-            }
-
-            if (actual.MinFactionStanding.FactionId != expected.MinFactionStanding.FactionId ||
-                actual.MinFactionStanding.MinStanding != expected.MinFactionStanding.MinStanding)
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' minFactionStanding must be {{ factionId: '{expected.MinFactionStanding.FactionId}', minStanding: {expected.MinFactionStanding.MinStanding} }}, " +
-                    $"got {{ factionId: '{actual.MinFactionStanding.FactionId}', minStanding: {actual.MinFactionStanding.MinStanding} }}";
-            }
-
-            var actualBundle = NormalizeBundle(actual.CompletionRewardBundle);
-            var expectedBundle = NormalizeBundle(expected.CompletionRewardBundle);
-            if (!BundlesEqual(actualBundle, expectedBundle))
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle must match E7M4 freeze table " +
-                    $"(expected {FormatBundle(expectedBundle)}, got {FormatBundle(actualBundle)})";
-            }
-        }
-
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Returns a human-readable error when cross-refs fail, otherwise <see langword="null"/>.</summary>
-    public static string? TryGetCrossRefError(
-        IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> rowsById,
-        IReadOnlySet<string> knownEncounterIds,
-        IReadOnlySet<string> knownFactionIds,
-        IReadOnlyDictionary<string, SkillDefRow> skillDefsById)
-    {
-        foreach (var tid in rowsById.Keys.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal))
-        {
-            var row = rowsById[tid];
-            if (!knownEncounterIds.Contains(row.EncounterTemplateId))
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' encounterTemplateId '{row.EncounterTemplateId}' " +
-                    "is not in the loaded encounter catalog";
-            }
-
-            if (!knownFactionIds.Contains(row.MinFactionStanding.FactionId))
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' minFactionStanding.factionId " +
-                    $"'{row.MinFactionStanding.FactionId}' is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog";
-            }
-
-            var bundle = row.CompletionRewardBundle;
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.ItemGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.ItemGrants[gi];
-                if (!PrototypeSlice1ItemCatalogRules.ExpectedItemIds.Contains(grant.ItemId))
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.itemGrants[{gi}]: itemId " +
-                        $"'{grant.ItemId}' is not in the frozen prototype item catalog";
-                }
-            }
-
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.SkillXpGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.SkillXpGrants[gi];
-                if (!PrototypeSlice1SkillCatalogRules.ExpectedSkillIds.Contains(grant.SkillId))
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}]: skillId " +
-                        $"'{grant.SkillId}' is not in the frozen prototype skill catalog";
-                }
-
-                skillDefsById.TryGetValue(grant.SkillId, out var skill);
-                var allowedKinds = skill?.AllowedXpSourceKinds ?? [];
-                if (!allowedKinds.Contains(PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.MissionRewardSourceKind, StringComparer.Ordinal))
-                {
-                    var kindsDisplay = allowedKinds.Count == 0
-                        ? "[]"
-                        : $"[{string.Join(", ", allowedKinds.Select(k => $"'{k}'"))}]";
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}]: skillId " +
-                        $"'{grant.SkillId}' must allow sourceKind '{PrototypeE7M2QuestCatalogRules.MissionRewardSourceKind}' " +
-                        $"in allowedXpSourceKinds (got {kindsDisplay})";
-                }
-            }
-
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.ReputationGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.ReputationGrants[gi];
-                if (!knownFactionIds.Contains(grant.FactionId))
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[{gi}]: factionId " +
-                        $"'{grant.FactionId}' is not in the frozen prototype faction catalog";
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>Returns a human-readable error if a template bundle exceeds band caps, otherwise <see langword="null"/>.</summary>
-    public static string? TryGetBandCapGateError(IReadOnlyDictionary<string, ContractTemplateRow> rowsById)
-    {
-        foreach (var tid in rowsById.Keys.Order(StringComparer.Ordinal))
-        {
-            var row = rowsById[tid];
-            if (!BandCapsByDifficultyBand.TryGetValue(row.ZoneDifficultyBand, out var caps))
-            {
-                return
-                    $"error: contract template '{tid}' zoneDifficultyBand {row.ZoneDifficultyBand} has no " +
-                    "prototype economy cap policy";
-            }
-
-            var bundle = row.CompletionRewardBundle;
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.ItemGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.ItemGrants[gi];
-                if (grant.Quantity > caps.MaxItemQuantity)
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.itemGrants[{gi}] " +
-                        $"quantity {grant.Quantity} exceeds band {row.ZoneDifficultyBand} cap {caps.MaxItemQuantity}";
-                }
-            }
-
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.SkillXpGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.SkillXpGrants[gi];
-                if (grant.Amount > caps.MaxSkillXpAmount)
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.skillXpGrants[{gi}] " +
-                        $"amount {grant.Amount} exceeds band {row.ZoneDifficultyBand} cap {caps.MaxSkillXpAmount}";
-                }
-            }
-
-            for (var gi = 0; gi < bundle.ReputationGrants.Count; gi++)
-            {
-                var grant = bundle.ReputationGrants[gi];
-                if (Math.Abs(grant.Amount) > caps.MaxReputationAmount)
-                {
-                    return
-                        $"error: contract template '{tid}' completionRewardBundle.reputationGrants[{gi}] " +
-                        $"amount {grant.Amount} exceeds band {row.ZoneDifficultyBand} rep cap {caps.MaxReputationAmount}";
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        return null;
-    }
-
-    private static NormalizedBundle NormalizeBundle(QuestRewardBundleRow bundle) =>
-        new(
-            [.. bundle.ItemGrants.OrderBy(g => g.ItemId, StringComparer.Ordinal).ThenBy(g => g.Quantity)],
-            [.. bundle.SkillXpGrants.OrderBy(g => g.SkillId, StringComparer.Ordinal).ThenBy(g => g.Amount)],
-            [.. bundle.ReputationGrants.OrderBy(g => g.FactionId, StringComparer.Ordinal).ThenBy(g => g.Amount)]);
-
-    private static bool BundlesEqual(NormalizedBundle left, NormalizedBundle right)
-    {
-        if (left.ItemGrants.Length != right.ItemGrants.Length ||
-            left.SkillXpGrants.Length != right.SkillXpGrants.Length ||
-            left.ReputationGrants.Length != right.ReputationGrants.Length)
-        {
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        for (var i = 0; i < left.ItemGrants.Length; i++)
-        {
-            if (left.ItemGrants[i].ItemId != right.ItemGrants[i].ItemId ||
-                left.ItemGrants[i].Quantity != right.ItemGrants[i].Quantity)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-        }
-
-        for (var i = 0; i < left.SkillXpGrants.Length; i++)
-        {
-            if (left.SkillXpGrants[i].SkillId != right.SkillXpGrants[i].SkillId ||
-                left.SkillXpGrants[i].Amount != right.SkillXpGrants[i].Amount)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-        }
-
-        for (var i = 0; i < left.ReputationGrants.Length; i++)
-        {
-            if (left.ReputationGrants[i].FactionId != right.ReputationGrants[i].FactionId ||
-                left.ReputationGrants[i].Amount != right.ReputationGrants[i].Amount)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
-        }
-
-        return true;
-    }
-
-    private static string FormatBundle(NormalizedBundle bundle)
-    {
-        var itemGrants = string.Join(
-            ", ",
-            bundle.ItemGrants.Select(g => $"{{ itemId: '{g.ItemId}', quantity: {g.Quantity} }}"));
-        var skillXpGrants = string.Join(
-            ", ",
-            bundle.SkillXpGrants.Select(g => $"{{ skillId: '{g.SkillId}', amount: {g.Amount} }}"));
-        var reputationGrants = string.Join(
-            ", ",
-            bundle.ReputationGrants.Select(g => $"{{ factionId: '{g.FactionId}', amount: {g.Amount} }}"));
-        return
-            $"{{ itemGrants: [{itemGrants}], skillXpGrants: [{skillXpGrants}], reputationGrants: [{reputationGrants}] }}";
-    }
-
-    private sealed record NormalizedBundle(
-        RewardGrantRow[] ItemGrants,
-        QuestSkillXpGrantRow[] SkillXpGrants,
-        ReputationGrantRow[] ReputationGrants);
-}
-
-/// <summary>Prototype economy caps keyed by zone difficulty band (NEO-145).</summary>
-public sealed record BandCapPolicy(int MaxItemQuantity, int MaxSkillXpAmount, int MaxReputationAmount);
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/ContentPathsOptions.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Skills/ContentPathsOptions.cs
@ -166,16 +166,4 @@ public sealed class ContentPathsOptions
    /// When unset, resolved as <c>{parent of factions directory}/schemas/faction-def.schema.json</c>.
    /// </summary>
    public string? FactionDefSchemaPath { get; set; }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to <see cref="Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting.IHostEnvironment.ContentRootPath"/>.
-    /// When unset, the host walks ancestors of <see cref="AppContext.BaseDirectory"/> for a <c>content/contracts</c> directory.
-    /// </summary>
-    public string? ContractsDirectory { get; set; }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Optional override for <c>contract-template.schema.json</c>.
-    /// When unset, resolved as <c>{parent of contracts directory}/schemas/contract-template.schema.json</c>.
-    /// </summary>
-    public string? ContractTemplateSchemaPath { get; set; }
 }
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Program.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Program.cs
@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.AbilityInput;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Combat;
-using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Contracts;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Crafting;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Encounters;
 using NeonSprawl.Server.Game.Factions;
@ -33,7 +32,6 @@ builder.Services.AddAbilityDefinitionCatalog(builder.Configuration);
 builder.Services.AddNpcBehaviorDefinitionCatalog(builder.Configuration);
 builder.Services.AddEncounterAndRewardCatalogs(builder.Configuration);
 builder.Services.AddQuestDefinitionCatalog(builder.Configuration);
-builder.Services.AddContractTemplateCatalog(builder.Configuration);
 builder.Services.AddPlayerQuestStateStore(builder.Configuration);
 builder.Services.AddRewardDeliveryStore();
 builder.Services.AddFactionStandingStores(builder.Configuration);
@ -53,7 +51,6 @@ _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<NpcBehaviorDefinitionCatalog>();
 _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<RewardTableDefinitionCatalog>();
 _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<EncounterDefinitionCatalog>();
 _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<QuestDefinitionCatalog>();
-_ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<ContractTemplateCatalog>();
 _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<MasteryCatalog>();
 _ = app.Services.GetRequiredService<ISkillLevelCurve>();

--- a/server/README.md
+++ b/server/README.md
@ -254,21 +254,6 @@ Bundle-related schemas (**`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`**, **`quest-skill-xp

 On success, **Information** logs include the resolved quests directory path, distinct quest count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `TryNormalizeKnown`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-114). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`QuestDefinitionCatalog`** in new game code. **`TryGetDefinition`** is case-sensitive on catalog keys; HTTP and game callers validating wire ids should use **`TryNormalizeKnown`** (trim + lowercase + fail-closed lookup), same as encounter/ability routes.

-## Contract template catalog (`content/contracts`, NEO-145)
-
-On startup the host loads every **`*_contract_templates.json`** under the contracts directory **after** the item, recipe, encounter, skill, faction, and quest catalogs, validates each row against **`content/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`** (with **`quest-reward-bundle.schema.json`**, **`quest-skill-xp-grant.schema.json`**, **`reward-grant-row.schema.json`**, **`faction-gate-rule.schema.json`**, and **`reputation-grant-row.schema.json`** for nested `$ref`s), requires **`schemaVersion` 1** per file, rejects **duplicate template `id`** values across files, cross-checks **`encounterTemplateId`** against the loaded encounter catalog and bundle item/skill/faction refs against frozen prototype catalogs, enforces the **prototype E7M4** one-template roster and freeze table (including empty **`reputationGrants`**), and enforces **band-1 economy caps** (item qty ≤ **10**, skill XP ≤ **25**, rep ≤ **10** per grant row — same rules as **`scripts/validate_content.py`**). If anything is missing or invalid, the process **exits during startup** with an actionable error—there is no silent fallback.
-
-| Config | Meaning |
-|--------|---------|
-| **`Content:ContractsDirectory`** | Optional. Absolute path, or path relative to the server **content root**. When unset, walks **ancestors of `AppContext.BaseDirectory`** until it finds **`content/contracts`**. |
-| **`Content:ContractTemplateSchemaPath`** | Optional override for **`contract-template.schema.json`**. When unset, **`{parent of contracts directory}/schemas/contract-template.schema.json`**. |
-
-Bundle- and gate-related schemas resolve as siblings under **`{parent of contracts directory}/schemas/`** only — there are no separate **`Content:*`** override keys yet; custom layouts must keep those files next to the contract template schema (NEO-145).
-
-**Docker / CI:** include **`content/contracts`**, upstream catalogs (**`content/encounters`**, **`content/skills`**, **`content/factions`**, **`content/items`**), and contract/bundle/faction schemas in the mounted **`content/`** tree; set **`Content__ContractsDirectory`** when layout differs.
-
-On success, **Information** logs include the resolved contracts directory path, distinct template count, and catalog file count. Game code should use **`IContractTemplateRegistry`** for lookups (`TryGetDefinition`, `GetDefinitionsInIdOrder`; NEO-145). The catalog singleton remains for fail-fast startup only; do not inject **`ContractTemplateCatalog`** in new game code.
-
 ## Quest definitions (NEO-115)

 **`GET /game/world/quest-definitions`** returns a versioned JSON body (`schemaVersion` **1**, **`quests`**) backed by **`IQuestDefinitionRegistry`** — the same prototype rows loaded at startup (no second source of truth). Each row includes **`id`**, **`displayName`**, **`prerequisiteQuestIds`**, optional **`factionGateRules`** (`factionId`, `minStanding` — omitted when the quest has no gates), and nested **`steps`** (`id`, `displayName`, **`objectives`** with flat objective fields per kind — unused keys omitted). Plan: [NEO-115 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-115-implementation-plan.md); gate projection: [NEO-140 implementation plan](../../docs/plans/NEO-140-implementation-plan.md); Bruno: `bruno/neon-sprawl-server/quest-definitions/`.