Reader Knows Rule: truncate outline at chapter N, character state from prev chapter

- book_chapter.yml PASS 0: Reader Knows Rule box, outline truncated at chapter_number_next,
  character state priority chain (RAG first, then prev-chapter traits, not final-book state)
- drafting.yml PASS 0: same rule applied, voice-only character profiles
- chapter_pass0_bible.yml (included by scifi/ya/romance/cozy genre templates): same fix
  All three reference {chapter_number_prev}, {chapter_number_next}, {chapter_ref_prev}
  which are now injected by OutlineSyncService.CreateChapterTaskAsync

Co-authored-by: Copilot <223556219+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>

steps/chapter_pass0_bible.yml

@@ -5,44 +5,88 @@ hint: |
   GENRE: {genre_name}  |  AUDIENCE: {genre_audience}
   PROSE STYLE GUIDE: {prose_style}
   TARGET CHAPTER LENGTH: ~{chapter_target_words} words
+  THIS CHAPTER: {chapter_number} ({chapter_ref})
 
   GENRE GUIDE: Your skills section contains exactly the guide for {genre_name}. Apply it fully.
 
-  CONTINUITY GUARDRAILS:
+  ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-    - Use ONLY the outline / character bible and the immediately previous chapter for continuity.
+  ║  THE READER KNOWS RULE — CRITICAL, NON-NEGOTIABLE               ║
-    - Ignore future chapters, editorial reviews, roundtables, polish drafts, and any non-chapter artifacts.
+  ║  You are the Scribe entering chapter {chapter_number}.           ║
-    - Never pull facts from a deliverable whose filename indicates a later chapter than {chapter_ref}.
+  ║  You may only use information the READER already knows —         ║
+  ║  i.e. what was established in chapters 1 through                 ║
+  ║  {chapter_number} (inclusive for setting; exclusive for          ║
+  ║  character arc — characters enter this chapter as they left      ║
+  ║  the PREVIOUS chapter, not as they end up at book's end).        ║
+  ║                                                                  ║
+  ║  FORBIDDEN sources (will ruin earlier chapters if used):         ║
+  ║    - Character sheet state written AFTER this chapter            ║
+  ║    - Outline entries for chapters AFTER {chapter_number}         ║
+  ║    - Any deliverable whose filename contains a chapter ref       ║
+  ║      later than {chapter_ref} (e.g. chapter-ch-08 when          ║
+  ║      writing ch-03)                                              ║
+  ║    - Editorial reviews, polish drafts, roundtable summaries      ║
+  ║      from ANY chapter (they reflect post-writing analysis)       ║
+  ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
 
-  ⚠️ CRITICAL: Your task name tells you EXACTLY which chapter to write.
+  STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE (chapters 1 through {chapter_number} ONLY):
-  Look at the CURRENT MESSAGE — write THAT chapter and ONLY that chapter.
+    Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file.
-  Do NOT write Chapter 1 unless the message explicitly says "Chapter 1".
+    ⚠️ READ ONLY the outline entries for chapters 1 through {chapter_number}.
+    STOP READING when you reach "Chapter {chapter_number_next}:" or any heading
+    that indicates a chapter number greater than {chapter_number}.
+    Do NOT read, record, or reason from any future chapter entry.
 
-  STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE / CHARACTER BIBLE:
+    From the portion you are allowed to read, extract and record:
-    Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file (it contains the Character Bible
-    if this is a fiction project, and the Chapter Outline for all projects).
-    Extract and record:
       - Protagonist: exact name, voice description, age (if fiction)
       - Love interest and supporting characters: exact names and roles (if fiction)
-      - World rules / constraints (if paranormal or speculative)
+      - World rules / constraints established so far (if paranormal or speculative)
-      - This chapter's summary, emotional beat, and closing hook from the outline
+      - THIS chapter's summary, emotional beat, and closing hook ONLY
     If no outline/bible is available, use the character names and project details
     from the task description above — be CONSISTENT throughout the book.
 
-  STEP 2 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+  STEP 2 — CHARACTER STATE (enter chapter {chapter_number} as they LEFT chapter {chapter_number_prev}):
-    Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter that comes BEFORE this one.
+    Character sheets show the FINAL state of each character (end of book).
-    If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 4.
+    You must NOT use that final state for early chapters.
 
-  STEP 3 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
+    Instead, use the following sources IN THIS PRIORITY ORDER:
+      1. A RAG asset called [character-state] (set at the end of the previous chapter)
+         — this is the most accurate record of where each character is RIGHT NOW.
+         Record as "LIVE CHARACTER STATE:" and use it to override any outline prediction.
+      2. The "PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE:" block if injected into this prompt.
+      3. The character's entry in the outline up to chapter {chapter_number_prev}.
+         Use only their established traits, history, and emotional state AS OF that point.
+         Ignore any arc resolution or growth that happens in later chapters.
+
+    LOCATION CONTINUITY CHECK (if [character-state] is present):
+      Does this chapter's outline place any character at a location inconsistent
+      with their Location field in [character-state]?
+        Example conflict: character-state says "Earth hospital" but outline opens on Mars.
+      If conflict found — FLAG before drafting:
+        "LOCATION CONFLICT: [char] is at [state-location] per last chapter but outline
+        places them at [outline-location]. Resolve: (a) open chapter in transit,
+        (b) adjust scene to actual location, or (c) write a time-skip bridge paragraph.
+        Do NOT silently teleport the character."
+
+    Also check RAG for [world-state] — current NPC attitudes and faction memory.
+    If present, record as "LIVE WORLD STATE:". Any NPC listed there who appears in
+    this chapter should behave according to their recorded attitude.
+
+  STEP 3 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+    Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter that comes BEFORE this one
+    (filename: chapter-{chapter_ref_prev} or similar).
+    If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 5.
+
+  STEP 4 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
     Copy the LAST 2–3 sentences of the previous chapter here, word for word.
     Label them: "PREVIOUS CHAPTER ENDED WITH: ..."
     Your new chapter MUST pick up from this exact moment.
 
-  STEP 4 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
+  STEP 5 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
     Write the exact drafting prompt for the next pass. That prompt must include:
       - CHAPTER: Exact chapter number and title (from the task message)
       - POV CHARACTER: Whose perspective are we in?
       - FIRST LINE: The exact opening sentence, continuing from the previous ending
-      - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end?
+      - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end OF THIS CHAPTER?
+        (Not the end of the book — only what changes in these pages.)
       - CHAPTER GOAL: What plot event MUST happen here?
       - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
       - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
@@ -50,16 +94,17 @@ hint: |
       - CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES (pre-extracted):
         {character_profiles}
         If this block is empty, fall back to searching PROJECT DELIVERABLES for a file
-        containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. PASS 1 must write every
+        containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. Use ONLY the voice/speech
-        character to their profile.
+        patterns — do NOT copy character arc outcomes or end-state descriptions.
+        PASS 1 must write every character to their profile.
 
-  STEP 5 — PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE (if available):
+  EDITORIAL OVERRIDES — apply these BEFORE writing any KEY BEATS:
-    If context contains a block starting with "PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE:",
+    {author_intent}
-    include it verbatim in the prompt under the heading:
+    ^ If this line is not blank, it is a BINDING creative directive from the editor.
-      "CHARACTER CONTINUITY: The previous chapter ended with these character states:
+      Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "AUTHOR'S INTENT: [text]"
-       {prev_character_state}"
+      PASS 1 must satisfy this intent completely.
-    These states override any outline prediction that conflicts with them — the character
+    {closing_hook}
-    is ALREADY in this emotional/physical state at the start of this chapter.
+    ^ If this line is not blank, use it as the CLOSING HOOK instead of any outline hook.
-    If no character state was provided, skip this block entirely.
+      Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "LOCKED CLOSING HOOK: [text]"
 
   Stop here. Output ONLY the draft prompt. Do NOT write chapter prose yet.

templates/book_chapter.yml

@@ -53,44 +53,86 @@ steps:
       GENRE: {genre_name}  |  AUDIENCE: {genre_audience}
       PROSE STYLE GUIDE: {prose_style}
       TARGET CHAPTER LENGTH: ~{chapter_target_words} words
+      THIS CHAPTER: {chapter_number} ({chapter_ref})
 
       GENRE GUIDE: Your skills section contains exactly the guide for {genre_name}. Apply it fully.
 
-      CONTINUITY GUARDRAILS:
+      ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-        - Use ONLY the outline / character bible and the immediately previous chapter for continuity.
+      ║  THE READER KNOWS RULE — CRITICAL, NON-NEGOTIABLE               ║
-        - Ignore future chapters, editorial reviews, roundtables, polish drafts, and any non-chapter artifacts.
+      ║  You are the Scribe entering chapter {chapter_number}.           ║
-        - Never pull facts from a deliverable whose filename indicates a later chapter than {chapter_ref}.
+      ║  You may only use information the READER already knows —         ║
+      ║  what was established in chapters 1 through {chapter_number}.    ║
+      ║  Characters enter this chapter as they left chapter              ║
+      ║  {chapter_number_prev}, not as they end up at book's end.        ║
+      ║                                                                  ║
+      ║  FORBIDDEN sources:                                              ║
+      ║    - Outline entries for chapters after {chapter_number}         ║
+      ║    - Character sheet state written after this chapter            ║
+      ║    - Any deliverable whose filename contains a chapter ref       ║
+      ║      later than {chapter_ref} (e.g. chapter-ch-08 when          ║
+      ║      writing ch-03)                                              ║
+      ║    - Editorial reviews, polish drafts, roundtable summaries      ║
+      ║      (they reflect post-writing analysis)                        ║
+      ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
 
-      ⚠️ CRITICAL: Your task name tells you EXACTLY which chapter to write.
+      STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE (chapters 1 through {chapter_number} ONLY):
-      Look at the CURRENT MESSAGE — write THAT chapter and ONLY that chapter.
+        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file.
-      Do NOT write Chapter 1 unless the message explicitly says "Chapter 1".
+        ⚠️ READ ONLY the outline entries for chapters 1 through {chapter_number}.
+        STOP READING when you reach "Chapter {chapter_number_next}:" or any heading
+        indicating a chapter number greater than {chapter_number}.
+        Do NOT read, record, or reason from any future chapter entry.
 
-      STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE / CHARACTER BIBLE:
+        From the permitted portion, extract and record:
-        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file (it contains the Character Bible
-        if this is a fiction project, and the Chapter Outline for all projects).
-        Extract and record:
           - Protagonist: exact name, voice description, age (if fiction)
           - Love interest and supporting characters: exact names and roles (if fiction)
-          - World rules / constraints (if paranormal or speculative)
+          - World rules / constraints established so far (if paranormal or speculative)
-          - This chapter's summary, emotional beat, and closing hook from the outline
+          - THIS chapter's summary, emotional beat, and closing hook ONLY
         If no outline/bible is available, use the character names and project details
         from the task description above — be CONSISTENT throughout the book.
 
-      STEP 2 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+      STEP 2 — CHARACTER STATE (enter chapter {chapter_number} as they LEFT chapter {chapter_number_prev}):
-        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter that comes BEFORE this one.
+        Character sheets show the FINAL state of each character (end of book).
-        If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 4.
+        Do NOT use that final state for early chapters.
 
-      STEP 3 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
+        Use sources in this priority order:
+          1. RAG asset [character-state] — the most accurate record of right now.
+             Record as "LIVE CHARACTER STATE:" and use it to override outline predictions.
+          2. "PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE:" block if present in this prompt.
+          3. The character's established traits from outline up to chapter {chapter_number_prev}.
+             Ignore arc resolution or growth that happens in later chapters.
+
+        LOCATION CONTINUITY CHECK (if [character-state] is present):
+          Does this chapter's outline place any character at a location inconsistent
+          with their Location field in [character-state]?
+          If conflict found — FLAG before drafting:
+            "LOCATION CONFLICT: [char] is at [state-location] per last chapter but outline
+            places them at [outline-location]. Resolve: (a) open chapter in transit,
+            (b) adjust scene to actual location, or (c) write a time-skip bridge paragraph.
+            Do NOT silently teleport the character."
+
+        Also note Active obligations, Open loops, or Known secrets from [character-state]
+        that should be honored or advanced in this chapter.
+
+        Also check RAG for [world-state] — current NPC attitudes and faction memory.
+        If present, record as "LIVE WORLD STATE:". NPCs listed there should behave
+        according to their recorded attitude.
+
+      STEP 3 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter before this one
+        (filename: chapter-{chapter_ref_prev} or similar).
+        If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 5.
+
+      STEP 4 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
         Copy the LAST 2–3 sentences of the previous chapter here, word for word.
         Label them: "PREVIOUS CHAPTER ENDED WITH: ..."
         Your new chapter MUST pick up from this exact moment.
 
-      STEP 4 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
+      STEP 5 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
         Write the exact drafting prompt for the next pass. That prompt must include:
           - CHAPTER: Exact chapter number and title (from the task message)
           - POV CHARACTER: Whose perspective are we in?
           - FIRST LINE: The exact opening sentence, continuing from the previous ending
-          - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end?
+          - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end OF THIS CHAPTER?
           - CHAPTER GOAL: What plot event MUST happen here?
           - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
           - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
@@ -98,41 +140,19 @@ steps:
           - CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES (pre-extracted):
             {character_profiles}
             If this block is empty, fall back to searching PROJECT DELIVERABLES for a file
-            containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. PASS 1 must write every
+            containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. Use ONLY the voice/speech
-            character to their profile.
+            patterns — do NOT copy arc outcomes or end-state descriptions.
+            PASS 1 must write every character to their profile.
 
       EDITORIAL OVERRIDES — apply these BEFORE writing any KEY BEATS:
         {author_intent}
-        ↑ If this line is not blank, it is a BINDING creative directive from the editor.
+        ^ If this line is not blank, it is a BINDING creative directive from the editor.
           Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "AUTHOR'S INTENT: [text]"
           PASS 1 must satisfy this intent completely.
         {closing_hook}
-        ↑ If this line is not blank, use it as the CLOSING HOOK instead of any outline hook.
+        ^ If this line is not blank, use it as the CLOSING HOOK instead of any outline hook.
           Include it verbatim in the draft prompt as: "LOCKED CLOSING HOOK: [text]"
 
-      STEP 5 — CHECK LIVE CHARACTER STATE (if available):
-        Look in your RAG context for an asset called [character-state].
-        If it exists — this is WHERE and WHO each character is RIGHT NOW.
-        It OVERRIDES any outline predictions about character state.
-        Record as "LIVE CHARACTER STATE:" for use in PASS 1.
-
-        LOCATION CONTINUITY CHECK (perform this if [character-state] is present):
-        Does this chapter's outline place any character at a location inconsistent
-        with their Location field in [character-state]?
-          Example conflict: character-state says "Earth hospital" but outline opens on Mars.
-        If conflict found — FLAG before drafting:
-          "LOCATION CONFLICT: [char] is at [state-location] per last chapter but outline
-          places them at [outline-location]. Resolve: (a) open chapter in transit,
-          (b) adjust scene to actual location, or (c) write a time-skip bridge paragraph.
-          Do NOT silently teleport the character."
-
-        Also note any Active obligations, Open loops, or Known secrets from [character-state]
-        that should be honored or advanced in this chapter.
-
-        Also check RAG for [world-state] — current NPC attitudes and faction memory.
-        If present, record as "LIVE WORLD STATE:". Any NPC listed there who appears in
-        this chapter should behave according to their recorded attitude.
-
       Stop here. Output ONLY the draft prompt. Do NOT write chapter prose yet.
 
   - type: think

templates/drafting.yml

@@ -49,65 +49,71 @@ steps:
       GENRE: {genre_name}  |  AUDIENCE: {genre_audience}
       PROSE STYLE GUIDE: {prose_style}
       TARGET CHAPTER LENGTH: ~{chapter_target_words} words
+      THIS CHAPTER: {chapter_number} ({chapter_ref})
 
       CONTINUITY GUARDRAILS:
         - Use ONLY the outline / character bible and the immediately previous chapter for continuity.
         - Ignore future chapters, editorial reviews, roundtables, polish drafts, and any non-chapter artifacts.
         - Never pull facts from a deliverable whose filename indicates a later chapter than {chapter_ref}.
 
-      ⚠️ CRITICAL: Your task name tells you EXACTLY which chapter to write.
+      ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-      Look at the CURRENT MESSAGE — write THAT chapter and ONLY that chapter.
+      ║  THE READER KNOWS RULE                                           ║
-      Do NOT write Chapter 1 unless the message explicitly says "Chapter 1".
+      ║  You may only use information established in chapters 1 through  ║
+      ║  {chapter_number}. Stop reading the outline at Chapter           ║
+      ║  {chapter_number_next}. Characters enter this chapter as they    ║
+      ║  left chapter {chapter_number_prev} -- not as they end at book   ║
+      ║  end.                                                            ║
+      ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
 
-      STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE / CHARACTER BIBLE:
+      STEP 1 — READ THE OUTLINE (chapters 1 through {chapter_number} ONLY):
         Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file.
+        STOP at "Chapter {chapter_number_next}:" -- do NOT read beyond.
         Extract and record:
           - protagonist and supporting cast names
-          - world rules / constraints
+          - world rules / constraints established SO FAR
           - this chapter's summary, emotional beat, and closing hook from the outline
-        If no outline/bible is available, use the character names and project details
-        from the task description above — be CONSISTENT throughout the book.
 
         CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES (pre-extracted):
         {character_profiles}
 
         If this block is empty, search PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the outline file containing
-        "## Voice Signatures" and copy those profiles here. PASS 1 must write every character
+        "## Voice Signatures" and copy ONLY the voice/speech patterns here. Do NOT copy
+        arc resolution or end-state descriptions. PASS 1 must write every character
         to their voice profile without exception.
 
-      STEP 2 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+      STEP 2 — CHARACTER STATE (as of chapter {chapter_number_prev}):
-        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter that comes BEFORE this one.
+        Priority order:
-        If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 4.
+          1. RAG asset [character-state] — overrides everything. Record as "LIVE CHARACTER STATE:".
+          2. Established traits from the outline up to chapter {chapter_number_prev} only.
+             Ignore outcomes that happen in later chapters.
 
-      STEP 3 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
+        LOCATION CONTINUITY CHECK (if [character-state] is present):
-        Copy the LAST 2–3 sentences of the previous chapter here, word for word.
-        Label them: "PREVIOUS CHAPTER ENDED WITH: ..."
-        Your new chapter MUST pick up from this exact moment.
-
-      STEP 4 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
-        Write the exact drafting prompt for the next pass. That prompt must include:
-          - CHAPTER: Exact chapter number and title
-          - POV CHARACTER: Whose perspective are we in?
-          - FIRST LINE: The exact opening sentence, continuing from the previous ending
-          - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end?
-          - CHAPTER GOAL: What plot event MUST happen here?
-          - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
-          - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
-          - Reminders about continuity, prose style, and target length
-
-      STEP 5 — CHECK LIVE CHARACTER STATE (if available):
-        Look in your RAG context for an asset called [character-state].
-        If it exists — this is WHERE and WHO each character is RIGHT NOW.
-        It OVERRIDES any outline predictions about character state.
-        Record as "LIVE CHARACTER STATE:" for use in PASS 1.
-
-        LOCATION CONTINUITY CHECK (perform this if [character-state] is present):
         Does this chapter's outline place any character at a location inconsistent
         with their Location field in [character-state]?
         If conflict found — FLAG before drafting:
           "LOCATION CONFLICT: [char] is at [state-location] per last chapter but outline
           places them at [outline-location]. Resolve by opening in transit or adjusting."
 
+      STEP 3 — FIND THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
+        Look at PROJECT DELIVERABLES for the chapter that comes BEFORE this one.
+        If no previous chapter exists (this IS Chapter 1), skip to STEP 5.
+
+      STEP 4 — QUOTE THE ENDING:
+        Copy the LAST 2–3 sentences of the previous chapter here, word for word.
+        Label them: "PREVIOUS CHAPTER ENDED WITH: ..."
+        Your new chapter MUST pick up from this exact moment.
+
+      STEP 5 — BUILD THE DRAFT PROMPT:
+        Write the exact drafting prompt for the next pass. That prompt must include:
+          - CHAPTER: Exact chapter number and title
+          - POV CHARACTER: Whose perspective are we in?
+          - FIRST LINE: The exact opening sentence, continuing from the previous ending
+          - EMOTIONAL ARC: What does the protagonist feel at start vs end OF THIS CHAPTER?
+          - CHAPTER GOAL: What plot event MUST happen here?
+          - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
+          - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
+          - Reminders about continuity, prose style, and target length
+
         Also note any Active obligations, Open loops, or Known secrets from [character-state]
         that should be honored or advanced in this chapter.
         Check RAG for [world-state] — current NPC attitudes and faction memory.