ToolboxAid · ToolboxAid · Jun 28, 2026
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_branch-validation.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_branch-validation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_002 Branch Validation
+
+Generated: 2026-06-28
+
+| Check | Result | Evidence |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Project Instructions loaded | PASS | Version 2026.06.28.002 |
+| Repository source used | PASS | Repository files read from `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/` |
+| Cached memory discarded | PASS | Current repo state and files used as authority |
+| Branching policy loaded | PASS | `PROJECT_BRANCHING_POLICY.md` version 2026.06.28.002 |
+| Batch Governance Mode loaded | PASS | `addendums/batch_governance_mode.md` read before planning |
+| Start branch was synchronized main | PASS | `main...origin/main` returned `0 0` after fast-forward |
+| PR branch created | PASS | `PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery` |
+| Worktree before edits | PASS | Clean after branch creation |
+| Scope limited to governance reports | PASS | Report files only |
+
diff --git a/...reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_manual-validation-notes.md b/...reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_manual-validation-notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_002 Manual Validation Notes
+
+Generated: 2026-06-28
+
+Manual review focused on repository documentation and planning state.
+
+Reviewed active backlog and governance files:
+
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/team_backlog_sod_eod_standard.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/build_path_sync.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/status_model.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/team_assignments/team_ownership.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/TEAM_START_COMMANDS.md`
+
+Reviewed legacy roadmap/backlog candidates:
+
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/README.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_ENGINE.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_FEATURES.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_TOOLS.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_SAMPLES2TOOLS.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_STYLE.md`
+- `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_RECOVERY.md`
+
+Manual conclusion:
+
+`BACKLOG_MASTER.md` is the current active backlog, while archived roadmaps preserve older planning detail. The correct next step is a recovery/merge PR that imports still-relevant archived planning into the active backlog rather than creating a competing backlog file.
+
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,174 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_002 Product Backlog Discovery Report
+
+Generated: 2026-06-28
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+The repository currently has an authoritative active product backlog:
+
+`dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md`
+
+That file explicitly states that the backlog is the authoritative source for determining the next logical PRs. Active Project Instructions reinforce that decision through:
+
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/team_backlog_sod_eod_standard.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/build_path_sync.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/status_model.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/team_assignments/team_ownership.md`
+- `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/TEAM_START_COMMANDS.md`
+
+Before the governance reorganization, the backlog function existed mainly as roadmap documents under the old `docs_build/dev/roadmaps/` structure. Those files still exist under:
+
+`dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/`
+
+The old roadmaps were not deleted. They were archived. However, some detailed product and platform planning in those roadmaps has not been fully merged into the active `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`. No information appears physically lost from the repository, but some roadmap detail is no longer active backlog material unless Owner intentionally recovers it.
+
+Recommended strategy: keep `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` as the single active backlog and run a follow-up governance PR to merge still-relevant planning details from archived roadmaps, database planning files, and tool UAT documents into `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` or linked subordinate backlog sections. Do not create a competing `PROJECT_BACKLOG.md`.
+
+## Determinations
+
+1. Did a canonical backlog previously exist?
+   - Yes. Before the reorganization, roadmap-style canonical planning existed under `docs_build/dev/roadmaps/`, now archived under `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/`.
+
+2. What file(s) contained it?
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_ENGINE.md`
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_FEATURES.md`
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_TOOLS.md`
+   - `MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md`
+   - `POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md`
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_SAMPLES2TOOLS.md`
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_STYLE.md`
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_RECOVERY.md`
+   - Level 8 roadmap append/update files
+   - `phases.txt`
+
+3. Is it still present?
+   - Yes. The files are present in `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/`.
+
+4. Was it renamed?
+   - Not as a direct file rename. The active source-of-truth role was replaced by `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, while legacy roadmaps were archived.
+
+5. Was it split into multiple files?
+   - Yes. Current backlog governance is split across active backlog, team ownership, team assignment, status model, and Build Path sync documents.
+
+6. Was it accidentally abandoned during repository reorganization?
+   - Partially. The active backlog was preserved as `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, but some detailed roadmap content is only archived and not fully represented in the active backlog.
+
+7. What currently serves as the backlog?
+   - `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md`
+
+8. What information appears to have been lost, if any?
+   - No tracked files appear lost. Potentially stranded details include the old tool rebuild sequence, detailed MIDI Studio V2 remaining work, platform roadmap phases, and old engine/toolchain roadmap status details.
+
+## Candidate Backlog Documents
+
+| Path | Purpose | Current status | Recommendation |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/backlog/BACKLOG_MASTER.md` | Active team/product backlog and next-PR source of truth | Active SSoT | Keep |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/team_backlog_sod_eod_standard.md` | Defines backlog tracking fields, SOD/EOD update rules, and authority of backlog over reports | Active governance | Keep |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/build_path_sync.md` | Syncs Build Path and Game Journey tile status to backlog status | Active governance | Keep |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/addendums/status_model.md` | Defines status markers and tile overlay/status rules | Active governance | Keep |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/team_assignments/team_ownership.md` | Maps product areas to active teams | Active governance | Keep |
+| `dev/build/ProjectInstructions/TEAM_START_COMMANDS.md` | Tells teams to pull items from `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` | Active workflow | Keep, but avoid duplicating backlog content |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/README.md` | Former roadmap folder README that still calls the folder active | Archived but stale wording | Replace or archive-only note in future cleanup |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_ENGINE.md` | Former high-level engine/runtime/toolchain roadmap | Archived historical roadmap | Merge any still-relevant open items, then keep archived |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_FEATURES.md` | Former feature roadmap with System Health closeout and future enhancements | Archived historical roadmap | Merge desired future enhancements, then keep archived |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_TOOLS.md` | Former core tool rebuild sequence | Archived historical roadmap | Merge useful tool rebuild sequence into active backlog |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md` | Detailed MIDI Studio V2 work list | Archived product roadmap | Merge into Bravo MIDI backlog item if still desired |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md` | Platform phases for identity, projects, assets, manifests, publishing, community, marketplace | Archived planning roadmap | Merge strategic phases into active Owner/product backlog |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_SAMPLES2TOOLS.md` | Former Samples2Tools roadmap, mostly complete | Archived historical roadmap | Keep archived |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_STYLE.md` | Former style/theme roadmap | Archived historical roadmap | Keep archived unless Theme V2 backlog needs recovery |
+| `dev/archive/legacy-docs-build/roadmaps/MASTER_ROADMAP_RECOVERY.md` | Recovery lane closeout | Archived historical roadmap | Keep archived |
+| `dev/build/database/ddl/tool-planning.sql` | Database model for tool planning | Active database planning material | Keep as schema support, not backlog SSoT |
+| `dev/build/database/dml/tool-planning.sql` | Tool planning DML support | Active database planning material | Keep as data-layer support, not backlog SSoT |
+| `dev/build/database/seed/tool-planning.json` | Tool planning seed data | Active seed/reference material | Keep as data-layer support, not backlog SSoT |
+| `dev/build/tools/*/uat.md` | Per-tool UAT plans | Active tool reference material | Keep and link from backlog items where relevant |
+| `dev/build/operations/ROADMAP_GUARDRAILS.md` | Old roadmap guardrails using obsolete `docs_build/dev/roadmaps/` paths | Stale active-path wording | Replace with pointer to current backlog governance |
+| `dev/build/operations/ROADMAP_RULES.md` | Evidence-backed roadmap status rules | Stale roadmap-era governance | Merge useful rules into backlog governance |
+| `dev/build/operations/paths.md` | Old path constants for roadmap location | Stale path documentation | Archive or replace |
+
+## Product Areas Found
+
+| Product area | Documentation evidence |
+| --- | --- |
+| Objects | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/objects.sql`, `dev/build/database/seed/objects.json`, Objects tool pages/reports |
+| Sprites | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `dev/build/database/seed/guest/sprites.json`, Sprites tool pages/reports, legacy tool roadmaps |
+| Messages | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/messages.sql`, `dev/build/database/dml/messages.sql`, `dev/build/database/seed/messages.json` |
+| MIDI | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md`, MIDI tool page/reports |
+| Audio | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md`, `dev/build/database/seed/guest/audio.json`, Audio tool pages/reports |
+| Palette | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, palette database docs/seeds, Palette Manager UAT, legacy engine/tool roadmap references |
+| Tags | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/tags.sql`, `dev/build/database/dml/tags.sql`, `dev/build/database/seed/tags.json` |
+| Controls | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/controls.sql`, Controls reports/tool pages |
+| Worlds | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `dev/build/database/seed/guest/worlds.json`, Worlds pages/reports |
+| Rules | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` lists Alfa Rules; runtime/game-rule reports provide historical implementation evidence |
+| Journey | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `build_path_sync.md`, `status_model.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/game-journey.sql`, DML/seed files |
+| Game Hub | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `team_ownership.md`, `dev/build/database/ddl/game-workspace.sql`, DML/seed files |
+| Learning | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, `learn/` pages, `dev/build/database/seed/guest/learn.json` |
+| Publish | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, publish standards/contracts, `toolbox/publish/`, `learn/publish/`, `POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md` |
+| Marketplace | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, marketplace standards/contracts, `marketplace/`, `toolbox/marketplace/`, `POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md` |
+| Assets | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md`, asset DDL/seed docs, Asset Manager UAT, asset standards/contracts, asset reports |
+
+Additional areas found in active backlog or supporting docs:
+
+- Idea Board
+- Game Concept Notes
+- Creator Learning
+- Game Design
+- Game Configuration
+- Game Crew
+- Characters
+- Object Behaviors
+- Environment Settings
+- Level Layouts
+- Interface Layouts
+- Fonts
+- Languages
+- Input Mapping
+- Hitboxes
+- Events
+- Custom Extensions
+- Achievements
+- Saved Data
+- Game Testing
+- Debug
+- Performance
+- Build Game
+- Platform Settings
+- Game Migration
+- Community
+- Ratings
+- Cloud
+
+## Recommendation
+
+Use this authoritative backlog strategy:
+
+Merge existing planning documents into the current `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` model.
+
+Do not create a new `PROJECT_BACKLOG.md` because `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` is already named by active Project Instructions as the source of truth. A new competing backlog file would create another governance surface.
+
+Recommended follow-up PR:
+
+`PR_26180_OWNER_003-backlog-recovery-and-roadmap-merge`
+
+Suggested scope:
+
+1. Keep `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` as the active backlog SSoT.
+2. Audit archived roadmaps for still-relevant unchecked or in-progress items.
+3. Merge selected details from:
+   - `MASTER_ROADMAP_TOOLS.md`
+   - `MIDI_STUDIO_V2_ROADMAP.md`
+   - `POST_MIGRATION_PLATFORM_ROADMAP.md`
+   - relevant `MASTER_ROADMAP_ENGINE.md` open items
+4. Add links from active backlog items to per-tool UAT docs where useful.
+5. Mark stale active operations docs that still mention `docs_build/dev/roadmaps/` as superseded or archive-only.
+6. Preserve archived roadmaps as historical reference, not active backlog authority.
+
+## Scope Confirmation
+
+- Runtime files modified: No
+- UI files modified: No
+- API files modified: No
+- Database files modified: No
+- Implementation code modified: No
+- Governance report files only: Yes
+
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_requirement-checklist.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_requirement-checklist.md
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_002 Requirement Checklist
+
+Generated: 2026-06-28
+
+| Requirement | Status | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Read latest Project Instructions from repository | PASS | Version 2026.06.28.002 |
+| Report Project Instructions version | PASS | Included in report and final response |
+| Confirm repository source PASS | PASS | Repository Project Instructions used |
+| Confirm cached memory DISCARDED | PASS | Current repository state used |
+| Read PROJECT_BRANCHING_POLICY.md | PASS | Loaded before branch creation |
+| Read batch_governance_mode.md | PASS | Loaded before planning |
+| Discover authoritative product backlog before governance reorganization | PASS | Archived roadmaps and current backlog reviewed |
+| Search repository for backlog/planning/roadmap terms | PASS | `rg` searches run across repo governance, docs, reports, archive, and product docs |
+| Search product-area documents | PASS | Product area terms cross-checked against current and historical docs |
+| Determine whether canonical backlog existed | PASS | Old roadmaps and active `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` identified |
+| Determine current backlog source | PASS | `BACKLOG_MASTER.md` identified as active SSoT |
+| Identify lost information, if any | PASS | No tracked files lost; details may be stranded in archive |
+| Produce executive summary | PASS | Included in PR report |
+| Produce candidate backlog document review | PASS | Included in PR report |
+| Produce product areas found | PASS | Included in PR report |
+| Produce recommendation | PASS | Included in PR report |
+| No runtime files modified | PASS | Report files only |
+| No implementation changes | PASS | Report files only |
+| git diff --check | PASS | No whitespace errors |
+| npm run validate:canonical-structure | PASS | 0 blocking violations |
+| Repo-structured ZIP under dev/workspace/zips | PASS | `dev/workspace/zips/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_delta.zip` |
diff --git a/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_validation-report.md b/dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_validation-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+# PR_26180_OWNER_002 Validation Report
+
+Generated: 2026-06-28
+
+## Validation Commands
+
+| Command | Result | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| git fetch origin --prune | PASS | Remote state refreshed |
+| git pull --ff-only origin main | PASS | Local main fast-forwarded before branch creation |
+| git switch -c PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery | PASS | Branch created from synchronized main |
+| rg backlog/planning/roadmap terms | PASS | Candidate active and historical backlog surfaces found |
+| rg product-area terms | PASS | Product-area evidence gathered |
+| git diff --check | PASS | No whitespace errors |
+| npm run validate:canonical-structure | PASS | 0 blocking violations |
+
+## Implementation Impact
+
+- Runtime files changed: No
+- UI files changed: No
+- API files changed: No
+- Database files changed: No
+- Tool implementation files changed: No
+
+## Notes
+
+This PR is a governance review only. It does not change backlog content or status values.
diff --git a/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt b/dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
@@ -1,6 +1,16 @@
-dev/build/ProjectInstructions/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-add-delta-to-canonical-active-teams_report.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-add-delta-to-canonical-active-teams_validation-checklist.md
-dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-add-delta-to-canonical-active-teams_manual-validation-notes.md
-dev/reports/codex_changed_files.txt
-dev/reports/codex_review.diff
+# git status --short
+?? dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_branch-validation.md
+?? dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_manual-validation-notes.md
+?? dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_report.md
+?? dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_requirement-checklist.md
+?? dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_validation-report.md
+
+# git ls-files --others --exclude-standard
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_branch-validation.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_manual-validation-notes.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_report.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_requirement-checklist.md
+dev/reports/PR_26180_OWNER_002-product-backlog-discovery_validation-report.md
+
+# git diff --stat
+(no output)