realms-in-ruin-dev/Documentation/Archaeology/01-ExecutiveSummary.md

01 — Executive Summary

Status: Complete

• Scope: Phase 1 synthesis — evidence-grounded description of the project as it currently exists after static archaeology (Batches 1–4; Passes 0–10). No implementation, repair, or runtime testing.
• Inspection method: Cross-document synthesis of archaeology docs 00, 00A, 02–06, 08–15; read-only continuity MCP only.
• Evidence classifications used: Observed Implementation, Documented Intent, Observed Runtime Behavior, Inferred, Unknown.
• Tool or visibility limitations: CustomEvent Reliability flags unreadable via MCP; AnimGraph/transition DSL empty; montage notify trigger times require Manual Editor; no PIE executed in Phase 1.
• Last updated: 2026-07-16
• Current phase: Phase 1 — Static Architecture (complete)
• Last completed pass: Pass 11 (Batch 5 synthesis)
• Next pass expected to contribute: Phase 2A when explicitly authorized

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1. Purpose and scope

This document closes Phase 1 Static Architecture. It synthesizes recovered evidence into a coherent picture of:

• What exists, is connected, is active but unverified, is partial, is missing
• What is deprecated but still active, scaffolding only, or present but unreferenced
• What requires runtime verification vs what can be reconstructed or replaced in Phase 2

It does not authorize implementation, asset modification, or Phase 2 work.

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2. Methodology and evidence model

Classification	Meaning
Observed Implementation	Static graph, CDO, source, or config evidence
Documented Intent	Comments, interface stubs, orphan assets suggesting design
Observed Runtime Behavior	Project-supplied baseline brief only (not re-tested in Phase 1)
Inferred	Reasonable conclusion from static structure without direct proof
Unknown	Not resolvable with approved static tools

Implementation statuses and issue classifications follow Pass 11 authorization vocabulary (Active, Partial, Stub, Missing, Deprecated but Connected, Scaffolding Only, Authority Risk, Requires Runtime Inspection, etc.).

Rule: Presence ≠ reachability ≠ runtime correctness. Later exact evidence supersedes earlier preliminary statements.

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3. Project recovery and UE 5.8 migration status

Fact	Classification
Recovered and migrated from UE 5.4.4 → UE 5.8	Established baseline
UE 5.8 runtime parity vs known pre-migration baseline	Passed (project brief)
Known gameplay defects	Existing Baseline Defects, not established migration regressions
AdvancedSessions / AdvancedSteamSessions	Replaced with UE 5.8–compatible project plugins
Remaining NetUpdateFrequency warning	Outside Phase 1 scope

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4. Current architecture at a glance

flowchart TD
  MainMenu[MainMenu_GM_MainMenu] --> Sessions[PC_MainMenu_AdvancedSessions]
  Sessions -->|Host_listen| DevIsland[Dev_Island]
  MainMenu -->|NewGame| Test01[Test01]
  Test01 --> CharSelect[WBP_CharacterSelect]
  CharSelect --> Spawn[PC_SpawnActor_Possess]
  Spawn --> Player[BP_PlayerCharacterBase_children]
  Player -->|Legacy_Server_Ability| Montage[Multicast_PlayMontage]
  Montage --> AN[AN_Ability_plus_AN_AttackComplete]
  Player -->|ASC_on| PS[ARIRPlayerState]
  PS --> Overlay[WBP_Overlay_Health_Mana]
  Potions[EffectActor_pickups] -->|GE_only_path| PS
  Enemy[BP_Enemy_Skeleton] -->|ASC_on_self| EnemyASC[Enemy_ASC]
  Enemy -->|Combat| MissingAI[Chase_Attack_Damage_Missing]

Native player: ARIRBaseCharacter → ARIRPlayerCharacter → BP_PlayerCharacterBase → five Player_* children.
Player ASC / AttributeSet: on ARIRPlayerState.
Combat: legacy Blueprint abilities via Enhanced Input → Server_Ability_* → Multicast montage → AnimNotify UseAbility* — no connected Gameplay Ability grant/activation.

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5. What currently exists

• Playable hierarchy and shared ability input/RPC scaffolding
• Paladin / Amazonian / Cleric substantive ability graphs (varying completeness)
• Wizard / Gunslinger character assets (stubs / data-only)
• Player and enemy ASC + AttributeSet with replication
• Eight Gameplay Effect assets (four consumable, four orphan defaults)
• Project Gameplay Tags in INI (unused)
• Main menu, session create/find/join graphs, character select, Overlay HUD
• Four GE pickups + gold pickup path
• Enemy highlight (ITargetInterface) and empty combat EventGraphs
• AnimNotifies AN_Ability_001–004, AN_AttackComplete

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6. What is currently connected

Path	Status
IA → Server_Ability_* → child overrides (where present)	Connected
Multicast_PlayMontage → AnimNotifies → Authority UseAbility* / SetIsAttacking	Connected (notify-driven)
Char-select (server) → SpawnActor+Possess	Connected (SP/server path)
Host CreateAdvancedSession → OpenLevel Dev_Island ?listen	Connected (static)
FindSessions → WBP_GameSlot presentation	Connected (static)
ASC Overlay Health/Mana bar bindings	Connected (static)
EffectActor overlap → ApplyGameplayEffectSpecToSelf → Destroy	Connected (static)
Gold overlap → AddGold call	Connected caller; receiver unimplemented
Enemy GetASC via interface	Connected call path → nullptr on enemies

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7. What is known to work

Item	Evidence
Amazonian Ability 001 / melee	Observed Runtime Behavior (supplied baseline brief)
UE 5.8 parity vs pre-migration baseline	Project recovery brief
Enemy highlight on/off	Observed Implementation (native)

All other gameplay paths remain Active but Unverified or Requires Runtime Inspection until Phase 2 validation.

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8. What is partial

• Paladin Ability 002 (block presentation); Paladin 004 FX hole
• Cleric 001 (montage, dead notify), 002 (heal + FX hole), 004 (mana bypass + empty SpawnActor)
• Amazonian death (legacy health); whirlwind setter unconnected
• Sessions (no DestroySession; Join lacks explicit success travel; OSS INI Missing)
• Character select (server-only widget create; Gunslinger absent)
• Gold (SFX+destroy without score mutation)
• Dual HUD (Overlay connected; legacy UpdatePlayerHUD unimplemented)
• Enemy death ABP (Death state exists; IsDead forced false every Update)

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9. What is missing

• Project Gameplay Ability assets, grant, activation, costs/cooldowns, cues, MMCs
• Connected enemy target acquisition, chase, attack, outbound damage, inbound damage
• Behavior Tree / Blackboard / custom AIController / perception
• OnlineSubsystem / Steam project INI configuration
• DestroySession / EndSession paths
• Stamina Overlay widget and stamina pickups
• Gunslinger combat, AnimBP, GE, and select-UI entry
• Default attribute GE application (BP_PlayerState.DefaultAttributesGameplayEffect = None)
• Most Server_Ability_*_End bodies
• NavMeshBoundsVolume / RecastNavMesh in Test01 (secondary to missing MoveTo)

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10. Major static defects

Defect	Issue classification	Doc
Dual DEPRECATED vs ASC resources with no sync	Incomplete Refactor	05, 06
Enemy chase/attack/damage reception absent	Existing Baseline Defect / Implementation Missing	09
Enemy GetASC → PlayerState → nullptr	Incomplete Refactor	06, 09, 12
ABP_Skeleton forces IsDead false	Connected but Incomplete	09, 10
Cleric 004 mana Branch = literal true; SpawnActor Class empty	Existing Baseline Defect	05
Multicast montage completion pins unwired	Networking Risk / Incomplete Refactor	05, 10
EffectActor no authority; bReplicates=false	Authority Risk	12
AddGold / UpdatePlayerHUD unimplemented	Incomplete Refactor	11, 12, 03
OnlineSubsystem project INI absent	Configuration Gap	02, 11
Player ApplyDamage with no enemy health consumer	Existing Baseline Defect (enemy side)	05, 09

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11. Major authority / network risks

1. Gameplay on Multicast notify evaluation — hit windows require server montage notify evaluation; interrupt may skip AN_AttackComplete.
2. EffectActor pickups — no SwitchHasAuthority; non-replicating actors.
3. Character select — widget created only on Authority∧IsServer; remote clients may lack UI.
4. JoinSession — no explicit OnSuccess / ClientTravel in DSL.
5. CustomEvent Reliability — Unknown — Tool Limitation for all ability RPCs.
6. Gold — authority-gated pickup calling unimplemented AddGold (cosmetic-only result today).

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12. GAS migration state

Layer	Status
ASC ownership + actor-info init	Active (player PS; enemy self)
AttributeSet replication	Active
DefaultAttributes GE apply	Scaffolding Only / Present but Unreferenced
Consumable GEs	Partially Integrated (only confirmed GE apply path)
Gameplay Abilities	Scaffolding Only (URIRGameplayAbility); grant/activate Missing
Gameplay Tags	Present but Unreferenced
Gameplay Cues	Missing
Legacy↔ASC sync	Missing

Disposition: Stabilize canonical attributes/authority in Phase 2A before migrating abilities into GAS. Do not treat orphan default GEs or unconnected Wizard FX as final ability design.

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13. Playable-character status

Character	Combat status	Notes
Paladin	Broadest Implemented set after Cleric richness	001/003/004 Implemented; 002 Partial; no parent calls
Amazonian	001 Implemented + runtime-confirmed melee	002–004 Stub; whirlwind unconnected
Cleric	Richest event surface; highest duplication risk	003 Implemented; 001/002/004 Partial; vestigial AN_003
Wizard	Stub PrintString only	Unconnected NS/GE/projectile — Documented Intent only
Gunslinger	Data-only Stub	Absent from character select; no AnimBP/GE

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14. Enemy-system status

Concern	Status
Control	Stock AIController; AutoPossessAI=PlacedInWorld
Target / chase / attack	Implementation Missing
Damage reception / ApplyDamage bridge	Implementation Missing
Death	Connected but Incomplete (ABP forced false)
GAS GetASC	Existing Baseline Defect (nullptr)
Navmesh Test01	Missing (secondary)

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15. Frontend / session status

Concern	Status
GameDefaultMap	MainMenu — Active
Main menu path	PC_MainMenu + WBP_MainMenu — Active but Unverified
GI_Dungeoneer	Present but Unconnected
Host / Find	Partial / Active but Unverified
Join travel	Partial
DestroySession	Missing
OnlineSubsystem INI	Missing

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16. HUD / UI status

Path	Status
WBP_PlayerHUD (AHUD despite WBP_ prefix)	Overlay classes assigned
ASC Overlay Health/Mana	Active but Unverified
Stamina widget	Missing
Legacy Server_UpdateHUD → UpdatePlayerHUD	Present but Unconnected (receiver unimplemented)

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17. Pickup / currency status

Path	Status
Four EffectActor GE pickups	Active but Unverified / Authority Risk
Gold	Partial (AddGold unimplemented)
Stamina / other currency	Missing

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18. Runtime validation still required

Full bounded plan: 13-Unknowns-And-RuntimeQuestions.md.

Priority groups: attributes/HUD; ability authority/replication; AnimNotify execution; interruption/cleanup; player damage/death; enemy ASC; enemy damage/death; pickup authority; char-select networking; sessions; gold; respawn/HUD recreation.

Phase 1 did not execute any of these tests.

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19. Recommended Phase 2 reconstruction order

Evidence supports the default dependency order:

Phase 2A — Baseline framework stabilization

Field	Content
Objective	Canonical health/mana/stamina SoT; default attribute init; legacy↔ASC policy; shared death/damage; server-authoritative rules; reliable cleanup; validation harness
Dependencies	Phase 1 complete
Static evidence	Docs 05, 06, 08, 11, 12
Required runtime tests	Groups 1, 5, 12 (doc 13)
Exit criteria	Written SoT + authority + cleanup contracts approved; harness defined
Principal risk	Migrating abilities atop dual resources locks in divergence

Phase 2B — Shared player ability framework

Field	Content
Objective	Replace PrintString stubs; shared input→activation; cost/cooldown/targeting/cleanup contracts; remove gameplay dependence on cosmetic multicast evaluation
Dependencies	2A contracts
Static evidence	Docs 05, 07, 10
Required runtime tests	Groups 2–4
Exit criteria	Shared activation path proven in harness without per-character redesign
Principal risk	Preserving notify-timed hit windows while moving authority

Phase 2C — Character reconstruction

Order: Amazonian 001 → Paladin → Cleric → Wizard → Gunslinger.

Why this order	Evidence
Amazonian 001	Known-working behavioral reference (Observed Runtime Behavior)
Paladin	Largest Implemented legacy set to preserve
Cleric	Richest surface + known defects; reconstruct before migrate
Wizard	Stub + unconnected content; replace after framework
Gunslinger	Data-only + missing select UI; last

Field	Content
Dependencies	2A + 2B
Static evidence	Docs 05, 07, 08, 10
Required runtime tests	Per-slot ability tests; interruption
Exit criteria	Selected slots match preserved legacy behavior under harness
Principal risk	Over-inferring Wizard/Gunslinger from orphan assets

Phase 2D — Enemy baseline

Damage reception → health/death → target → chase → attack → anim callbacks → drops → enemy GAS compatibility.

| Dependencies | 2A damage/death contracts; navmesh when MoveTo added | | Static evidence | Doc 09 | | Required runtime tests | Groups 6–7 | | Exit criteria | Placed skeleton can take damage, die, and perform one attack loop | | Principal risk | Treating GetASC defect as root of chase/attack (it is independent) |

Phase 2E — Supporting systems

HUD consolidation; pickup authority/replication; gold; char-select networking; session join/travel/destroy; OnlineSubsystem config; stamina UI/collectibles.

| Dependencies | 2A SoT; preferably 2B+ partial 2C | | Static evidence | Docs 02, 11, 12 | | Required runtime tests | Groups 8–11 | | Exit criteria | SP Overlay+pickups+gold correct; listen-server select+join documented | | Principal risk | Claiming MP sessions work without OSS config + runtime |

Reconstruct before modernization: dual resources, death/damage, notify cleanup, Implemented/Partial abilities with clear intent, enemy damage reception.
Replace during modernization: pure stubs, PrintString bases, unconnected orphans (after design decision), dead unimplemented receivers where no behavior exists.

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20. Phase 1 completion statement

Phase 1 Static Architecture is complete. All authorized static archaeology passes (0–10) and synthesis (Pass 11) are finished. Remaining unknowns are explicitly runtime or Manual Editor items documented in doc 13. No Unreal assets, source, configuration, maps, plugins, or editor state were modified during Phase 1 archaeology.

Exact next action: Begin Phase 2A with a bounded runtime-baseline and shared resource-authority design pass. Do not begin per-character implementation until the canonical attribute, damage, death, authority, and cleanup contracts are approved.

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System-status table

System	Current status	Evidence confidence	Principal gap	Phase 2 disposition
Project startup	Active	High	Runtime map/session proof	Preserve; configure OSS in 2E
Main menu	Active but Unverified	High	PIE menu flows	Preserve behavior
Character selection	Partial	High	Server-only create; no Gunslinger	Reconstruct networking + selection
Pawn spawning and possession	Connected / Partial	High	Remote-client path	Reconstruct MP path
Sessions	Partial	High	Join travel; Destroy; OSS INI	Reconstruct + configure
Player base	Active	High	Dual resources; stub Ends	Reconstruct SoT then framework
Paladin	Implemented (mixed slots)	High	002 Partial; FX hole; notify authority	Preserve behavior, migrate
Amazonian	Implemented (001) + Stubs	High	002–004 stubs; whirlwind	Preserve 001; replace stubs
Cleric	Partial / Implemented mix	High	001/004 defects; duplication	Reconstruct then migrate
Wizard	Stub	High	No Server_Ability bodies	Replace with shared framework
Gunslinger	Stub / data-only	High	No combat; not selectable	Reconstruct select + replace
Animation callbacks	Active / Incomplete	High	Completion pins unwired	Replace cleanup contract
Player GAS ownership	Active	High	No GA grant/activate	Preserve ASC; build abilities later
Attributes	Partially Integrated	High	Defaults orphaned; dual sources	Reconstruct SoT (2A)
Gameplay Effects	Partially Integrated	High	Consumables only	Preserve consumables; wire defaults
Gameplay Abilities	Scaffolding Only / Missing	High	No GA assets	Replace stubs with GAS later
Gameplay Tags	Present but Unreferenced	High	Unused	Defer pending design
Gameplay Cues	Missing	High	No cues	Defer / add with abilities
Enemy control	Scaffolding Only	High	Empty graphs	Reconstruct (2D)
Enemy chase	Missing	High	No MoveTo/target	Reconstruct (2D)
Enemy attack	Missing	High	Stub + orphan montage	Reconstruct (2D)
Enemy damage reception	Missing	High	No ReceiveAnyDamage	Reconstruct first (2D)
Enemy death	Connected but Incomplete	High	IsDead forced false	Reconstruct (2D)
ASC Overlay	Active but Unverified	High	No stamina; PIE	Preserve; consolidate HUD
Legacy HUD	Present but Unconnected	High	UpdatePlayerHUD missing	Remove or implement after SoT
Pickups	Active but Unverified / Authority Risk	High	No authority gate	Reconstruct authority (2E)
Gold/currency	Partial	High	AddGold no-op	Reconstruct AddGold (2E)

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Top-risk register

Priority	Risk	Static consequence	Runtime consequence to verify	Dependency
P0	Dual health/mana (DEPRECATED vs ASC) unsynchronized	Combat and potions mutate different stores	Death vs Overlay/potion divergence	2A SoT
P0	Enemy damage reception / death missing	Player ApplyDamage has no health consumer	Hits appear to do nothing	2D after 2A
P0	Enemy chase/attack Implementation Missing	No PvE combat loop	Enemies idle forever	2D
P1	Gameplay depends on Multicast AnimNotify evaluation	Interrupt may skip AN_AttackComplete	Stuck CurrentlyAttacking; missed hits	2B cleanup
P1	EffectActor Authority Risk	Non-replicating; no authority switch	Double destroy / missed GE in MP	2E
P1	Enemy GetASC nullptr	Effects skip enemies; destroy still runs	Loot destroy without heal	2A/2D/2E
P1	Char-select server-only + Join Session Partial	Remote clients / join travel fragile	Clients stuck; join fails	2E
P1	OnlineSubsystem INI Missing	Sessions may use unknown defaults	Host/find/join silent failure	2E
P1	AddGold / UpdatePlayerHUD unimplemented	Callers connected; receivers dead	Gold/HUD no-ops	2E after 2A
P2	Cleric 004 mana bypass + empty SpawnActor	Ability defective	No projectile; free cast	2C Cleric
P2	Orphan default GEs; no Gunslinger GE	Spawn uses native Init only	Wrong class balances	2A
P2	Stamina scaffolding unused	Attribute/UI/pickup incomplete	Dead stamina surface	2A/2E
P3	WBP_PlayerHUD is AHUD; Amazon vs Amazonian naming	Maintainability / confusion	None functional	Defer polish
P3	Tags/cues unused; GI unwired; pause missing	Dead scaffolding	None until used	Defer

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Cross-document reconciliation notes (Pass 11)

Topic	Resolution
Stale “next pass = Pass 4/10” in docs 09/10	Superseded: Batch 4D complete; Pass 11 is synthesis close
Death/HUD labels differ slightly in 05 vs 08	Prefer 05 slot labels; Amazonian death = Partial (local AnyDamage); HUD “Active” on Amazonian = local call sites of shared legacy HUD
Implemented abilities vs no enemy damage sink	Player statuses unchanged; enemy reception is separate Existing Baseline Defect
Preliminary Batch 1 “sessions deferred”	Superseded by Pass 4 matrices in docs 11/02
Preliminary “pickups unknown”	Superseded by Pass 10 matrices in docs 12/06

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Evidence sources

Primary: 02–06, 08–12, 14. Ability detail: 05, 07, 08, 10. Runtime boundary: 13. Handoff: 15.