🏠 GOTHIC HOUSE MASTER REFERENCE: Created definitive residential house standard. Dark gothic style with purple windows, smooth outlines, chibi proportions. Universal template for all 27 towns with biome adaptation guide.

references/houses/gothic_house/README.md

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+# GOTHIC HOUSE MASTER REFERENCE
+
+**File:** `gothic_house_reference.png`  
+**Type:** Residential Building Reference  
+**Style:** Dark Gothic Chibi
+
+---
+
+## **MASTER STANDARD FOR ALL HOUSES**
+
+This gothic house is the **DEFINITIVE REFERENCE** for all residential buildings in the game.
+
+---
+
+## **VISUAL DNA:**
+
+### **Core Elements:**
+- **Dark gray wood** `#2C2C3C`
+- **Thick 5px black outlines** (smooth, NOT pixel art)
+- **Purple glow windows** `#8B4789`
+- **Dark shingle roof** `#1A1A2E`
+- **Mystical atmosphere**
+- **Isometric 3/4 view**
+
+### **Style Requirements:**
+✅ Smooth anti-aliased lines (film-quality)  
+✅ Cel shading with depth  
+✅ Chibi proportions  
+✅ Transparent background  
+✅ 160x160px optimal size  
+
+---
+
+## **USE FOR:**
+
+1. **All Residential Houses** - Starter homes, NPC houses
+2. **Town Buildings** - Shops, services (with modifications)
+3. **Special Buildings** - Churches, museums (gothic style)
+4. **Biome Variations** - Keep same style, adapt colors/details
+
+---
+
+## **BIOME ADAPTATIONS:**
+
+### **Forest Biome:**
+- Add green moss on walls `#228B22`
+- Vines on corners
+- Keep dark gothic base
+
+### **Desert Biome:**
+- Lighter weathered wood `#4A4A5C`
+- Sand at base
+- Keep gothic structure
+
+### **Winter Biome:**
+- White snow on roof edges
+- Icicles hanging
+- Keep dark gothic aesthetic
+
+### **All Other Biomes:**
+- ALWAYS maintain gothic dark style
+- Only add biome-specific details
+- Never change core visual DNA
+
+---
+
+## **FORBIDDEN:**
+
+❌ Bright/warm colors for main structure  
+❌ Pixel art style  
+❌ Simple/flat designs  
+❌ Non-gothic aesthetics  
+
+---
+
+## **QUALITY CHECK:**
+
+Every house MUST:
+1. ✅ Match dark gray color palette
+2. ✅ Have thick smooth outlines
+3. ✅ Show purple window glow
+4. ✅ Maintain gothic atmosphere
+5. ✅ Use transparent PNG
+6. ✅ Match reference proportions
+
+---
+
+**Status:** MASTER REFERENCE - DO NOT MODIFY  
+**Created:** 2026-01-05  
+**Purpose:** Universal house standard for all 27 towns