diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3deec82..80c35a9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,3 +1,26 @@
 # crimson_leaf_research
 
-Crimson Leaf Research - Elite Intelligence Arbitrage Agency
\ No newline at end of file
+## STATUS: RETIRED (Sprint 84i -- May 2026)
+
+Crimson Leaf Research (CLR) has been retired. Rationale:
+- No active templates deployed or executing in 6+ months
+- No pipeline work: no tasks claimed, no deliverables produced
+- The research mandate (market intelligence, competitive analysis) is
+  handled by CLM (campaign_review + web search) and the CL strategic_review
+  boardroom loop -- no dedicated intelligence agency is needed at this stage
+- Running a dormant company imposes operational overhead and confusion
+
+The Gitea repo is preserved for archival. The CLR strategic_log and skills
+library remain accessible if needed. No data has been deleted.
+
+If CLR is reactivated in a future sprint, the company.yml, agents, and
+skills directories are intact and usable as a starting point.
+
+## Original Purpose (Historical)
+
+Crimson Leaf Research - Elite Intelligence Arbitrage Agency
+
+Intended to provide market intelligence: genre demand data, comp title analysis,
+reader trend research, competitive landscape reports. The mandate was sound but
+the execution capacity was never provisioned. CLM now handles the relevant
+feedback loops through campaign_review and strategic dispatch to CL holding.
diff --git a/tools/manifest.json b/tools/manifest.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..75fcb77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/manifest.json
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+{
+  "tools": [
+    {
+      "type": "Tool_WebSearcher",
+      "image": "ghcr.io/mazakthedwarf/tool.websearcher:latest",
+      "count": 2,
+      "env": {
+        "TOOL_NODE_NAME": "tool-websearcher",
+        "TOOL_HEARTBEAT_SECONDS": "30"
+      }
+    },
+    {
+      "type": "Tool_StorySummary",
+      "image": "ghcr.io/mazakthedwarf/tool.storysummary:latest",
+      "count": 1,
+      "env": {
+        "TOOL_NODE_NAME": "tool-storysummary",
+        "TOOL_HEARTBEAT_SECONDS": "30"
+      }
+    }
+  ]
+}