# 🔒 PIXEL ART FIX PROTOCOL - Protect Good Assets

**Purpose:** Identify and replace ONLY pixelated images, protect already-smooth Style 32 assets.

---

## ✅ PROTECTED ASSETS (DO NOT TOUCH)

**These are LOCKED - already smooth Style 32:**

### **Main Characters:**
- ✅ `/references/main_characters/ana/master_reference_nobg.png` - **GOLD STANDARD**
- ✅ `/references/main_characters/ana/master_reference.png` - **GOLD STANDARD**

### **Test Assets:**
- ✅ `/references/BIOME_CROP_TEST_SHEET.png` - **SMOOTH QUALITY CONFIRMED**

### **Any asset USER confirms is smooth:**
- User will specify which assets are already good
- These remain untouched

---

## 🔴 IDENTIFY PIXELATED ASSETS (Need Regeneration)

**Process:**
1. User identifies which portraits/sprites are pixelated
2. Create list of files needing regeneration
3. Regenerate ONLY those files
4. Replace old pixelated versions

---

## 📋 REGENERATION CHECKLIST

**For EACH pixelated asset identified:**

### **Step 1: Verify Old File Exists**
```bash
ls -la references/npcs/[npc_name]/master_reference.png
```

### **Step 2: View Original (Note Details)**
- Character name
- Features (hair, clothes, piercings)
- Pose/angle

### **Step 3: Generate Smooth Replacement**
**Prompt Template:**
```
[Character Name] portrait. EXACT Style 32 matching Ana reference quality:
SMOOTH vector-style lines (NOT pixel art),
5px thick black outlines #000000,
anti-aliased curves,
high-resolution 256x256px rendering,
flat cel shading,
NO pixelation, NO stair-stepping, NO chunky pixels,
[Character specific features: hair color, outfit, etc.],
Film-quality polish, Cult of the Lamb aesthetic,
Transparent background.
```

### **Step 4: Verify Quality**
- [ ] Smooth lines (no stair-stepping)
- [ ] 5px black outlines
- [ ] Matches Ana's smoothness level
- [ ] High resolution
- [ ] Vibrant colors

### **Step 5: Replace Old File**
```bash
# Backup old (optional)
mv references/npcs/[npc]/master_reference.png references/npcs/[npc]/master_reference_OLD_PIXELATED.png

# Copy new smooth version
cp ~/.gemini/.../[new_smooth_file].png references/npcs/[npc]/master_reference.png
```

### **Step 6: Update Manifest**
```bash
python3 scripts/generate_asset_manifest.py
git add -A
git commit -m "Fixed pixelated [NPC name] portrait - replaced with smooth Style 32 version"
```

---

## 🎯 BATCH REPLACEMENT WORKFLOW

### **Phase 1: Identification**
**USER PROVIDES LIST of pixelated assets:**
```
Example:
- ivan_kovac: PIXELATED ❌
- kustos: PIXELATED ❌
- tehnik: PIXELATED ❌
- pek: SMOOTH ✅ (keep)
- sivilja: SMOOTH ✅ (keep)
```

### **Phase 2: Regeneration (Only Pixelated)**
For each PIXELATED asset:
1. View original
2. Generate smooth replacement
3. Verify quality
4. Replace file
5. Commit change

### **Phase 3: Confirmation**
```
Report to user:
"Regenerated [X] pixelated portraits:
- [NPC 1]: FIXED ✅
- [NPC 2]: FIXED ✅
- [NPC 3]: FIXED ✅

Protected [Y] already-smooth assets:
- Ana: PROTECTED ✅
- [Other smooth NPCs]: PROTECTED ✅

All pixelated images are now replaced with smooth Style 32 versions."
```

---

## 🚫 WHAT NOT TO DO

**NEVER:**
- ❌ Regenerate Ana's smooth reference (it's the gold standard)
- ❌ Regenerate test sheet (already smooth)
- ❌ Blindly regenerate everything without checking
- ❌ Replace smooth assets with new versions (keep originals)
- ❌ Generate without viewing original first

**ALWAYS:**
- ✅ Ask user which assets are pixelated
- ✅ Protect confirmed smooth assets
- ✅ Only regenerate confirmed pixelated ones
- ✅ Verify smoothness before replacing
- ✅ Keep backups of old files (optional)

---

## 📋 CURRENT STATUS

**Awaiting USER input:**
- Which NPCs are pixelated? (need regeneration)
- Which NPCs are already smooth? (protect)
- Which main characters need fixing? (Kai, Gronk?)

**Once USER provides list:**
- Execute batch regeneration ONLY for pixelated assets
- Protect all smooth assets
- Confirm completion

---

## 🎯 QUALITY STANDARD

**Every regenerated asset must match:**
- Ana's smoothness level (GOLD STANDARD)
- Test sheet quality (CONFIRMED SMOOTH)
- 5px outlines, no pixelation
- Film-quality polish

**If regenerated asset is still pixelated:**
- Auto-reroll (max 3 attempts)
- Report to user if can't achieve smoothness

---

**AWAITING USER INPUT: Please specify which NPCs/characters are pixelated and need fixing.**