From d723384888d8ead5b6cf16a3d34b24d62b8c6ec2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Eric Rakestraw <eric@rakestraw.us>
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 12:50:46 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Rewrite user and operator documentation for current CLI and
 config behavior

---
 README.md               |  14 +-
 docs/cli.md             | 180 ++++++++++++++---------
 docs/config.md          | 212 +++++++++++++++------------
 docs/operations.md      | 229 +++++++++++++++++++----------
 docs/troubleshooting.md | 310 +++++++++++++++++++++++-----------------
 5 files changed, 577 insertions(+), 368 deletions(-)

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4bcc0d9..ca1d5c6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,22 +1,22 @@
 # narratio
 
-Narratio is a Go orchestration application that turns D&D session audio into polished transcripts and generated session artifacts.
+Narratio is a stage-driven Go orchestrator for turning D&D session audio into polished transcripts and generated artifacts.
 
-It coordinates transcription, merge/polish/normalize/trim processing, artifact generation, publish-stage uploads, and resumable run state in one operator workflow.
+It runs a deterministic workflow across `prepare`, `transcribe`, `merge`, `polish`, `normalize`, `trim`, `analyze`, and `publish`, with manifest-driven resume and restore support.
 
 ```bash
 narratio run 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-This command requires discoverable `pipeline.yml` and `session.yml` files (or explicit `--config` and `--session` flags).
+This requires resolvable `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, and concrete `session.yml` (or explicit config flags).
 
 ## Documentation
 
-- [Configuration](docs/config.md)
 - [CLI Reference](docs/cli.md)
-- [Operations and Recovery](docs/operations.md)
+- [Configuration](docs/config.md)
+- [Operations](docs/operations.md)
 - [Troubleshooting](docs/troubleshooting.md)
+- [Internal Component Contracts](docs/internal/README.md)
 - [Development Guide](docs/policy/development.md)
 - [Architecture Principles](docs/policy/architecture.md)
-- [Internal Component Contracts](docs/internal/README.md)
-- [Config Examples](examples/)
+- [Maintained Examples](examples/)
diff --git a/docs/cli.md b/docs/cli.md
index 0fd907d..3efa400 100644
--- a/docs/cli.md
+++ b/docs/cli.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# CLI
+# CLI Reference
 
 ## Shortest Useful Command
 
@@ -6,18 +6,19 @@
 narratio run 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-This runs the full pipeline for the given session ID using default config discovery and campaign selection.
+This runs the canonical full pipeline for session `2026-04-04`.
 
 ## Command Overview
+
 Top-level commands:
 
-- `run <session_id>`: execute the pipeline.
+- `run <session_id>`: run full stage order.
 - `resume <session_id>`: continue from first non-succeeded stage.
-- `run-stage <stage> <session_id>`: execute exactly one stage.
-- `analyze <session_id>`: force-rerun analyze stage.
-- `publish <session_id>`: force-rerun publish stage.
-- `clean <session_id>|--all`: remove local workspace/spool state.
-- `session <subcommand>`: session-scoped helper commands.
+- `run-stage <stage> <session_id>`: run one stage.
+- `analyze <session_id>`: force-run analyze.
+- `publish <session_id>`: force-run publish.
+- `clean <session_id>` or `clean --all`: remove local work/spool state.
+- `session <subcommand>`: session helper commands.
 
 Session subcommands:
 
@@ -31,7 +32,8 @@ Session subcommands:
 - `session locks add <session_id> <source>`
 - `session locks remove <session_id> <source>`
 
-## Common Flags
+## Common Config Flags
+
 Most session-aware commands accept:
 
 - `--config <pipeline.yml>`
@@ -40,30 +42,41 @@ Most session-aware commands accept:
 - `--session <session.yml>`
 - `--previous-session-id <id>`
 
-`--campaign` and `--campaign-file` are mutually exclusive.
+Rules:
+
+- `--campaign` and `--campaign-file` are mutually exclusive.
+- `--session` is not used by `session init`.
+- `clean --all` cannot be combined with campaign/session selectors.
 
 ## Command Reference
 
 ### `run`
 
 ```bash
-narratio run <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common flags]
+narratio run <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Runs stages in canonical order and writes manifest state.
+Behavior:
+
+- evaluates full stage order;
+- skips already-succeeded stages unless `--force` is set;
+- writes session and run manifests.
 
 ### `resume`
 
 ```bash
-narratio resume <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common flags]
+narratio resume <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Starts at the first non-succeeded stage from the session manifest.
+Behavior:
+
+- when not forced, starts at first non-succeeded stage in manifest order;
+- with `--force`, reevaluates the selected stage list as runnable.
 
 ### `run-stage`
 
 ```bash
-narratio run-stage <stage> <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common flags]
+narratio run-stage <stage> <session_id> [--force] [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
 Valid stage names:
@@ -78,123 +91,161 @@ Valid stage names:
 - `publish`
 - `notify`
 
-`--artifacts` is accepted only for `analyze` and `publish`.
+Rules:
+
+- `--artifacts` is accepted only for `analyze` and `publish` stage targets.
 
 ### `analyze`
 
 ```bash
-narratio analyze <session_id> [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common flags]
+narratio analyze <session_id> [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Equivalent to `narratio run-stage analyze <session_id> --force`.
+Equivalent to:
+
+```bash
+narratio run-stage analyze <session_id> --force [...common config flags]
+```
 
 ### `publish`
 
 ```bash
-narratio publish <session_id> [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common flags]
+narratio publish <session_id> [--artifacts <name[,name...]>] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Equivalent to `narratio run-stage publish <session_id> --force`.
+Equivalent to:
+
+```bash
+narratio run-stage publish <session_id> --force [...common config flags]
+```
 
 ### `clean`
 
 ```bash
-narratio clean <session_id> [--dry-run] [--clear-cache] [...common flags]
+narratio clean <session_id> [--dry-run] [--clear-cache] [...common config flags]
 narratio clean --all [--dry-run] [--clear-cache] [--config <pipeline.yml>]
 ```
 
-- session mode deletes `{workspace.root}/work/{campaign}/{session_id}` and `{spool.root}/{campaign}/{session_id}`.
-- `--all` deletes all session work and spool children.
-- cache is preserved unless `--clear-cache` is passed.
+Behavior:
+
+- session mode removes:
+  - `{workspace.root}/work/{campaign}/{session_id}`
+  - `{spool.root}/{campaign}/{session_id}`
+- `--all` removes:
+  - `{workspace.root}/work/*`
+  - direct children under `{spool.root}`
+- cache remains unless `--clear-cache` is provided.
 
 ### `session plan`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session plan <session_id> [--force] [...common flags]
+narratio session plan <session_id> [--force] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Validates config and session inputs, prepares workdir layout, and prints stage run/skip decisions.
+Validates config, prepares local workdir layout, and prints run/skip decisions for each stage.
 
 ### `session validate`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session validate <session_id> [...common flags]
+narratio session validate <session_id> [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Read-only preflight checks for config, inputs, audio availability, previous-session requirements, publish outputs, and effective locks.
+Read-only preflight checks for config validity, required inputs, audio mode, previous-session requirements, publish outputs, and effective locks.
 
 ### `session status`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session status <session_id> [...common flags]
+narratio session status <session_id> [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Shows local manifest state, remote current state (when storage is configured), published-output availability, and effective locks.
+Prints local manifest state and, when storage is available, remote current-state and published-output status.
 
 ### `session init`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session init <session_id> --output ./session.yml
-narratio session init <session_id> --remote
-narratio session init <session_id> --remote --force
+narratio session init <session_id> --output ./session.yml [options]
+narratio session init <session_id> --remote [options]
 ```
 
-Flags:
+Required target selection:
 
-- `--output <path>` or `--remote` (exactly one is required)
+- exactly one of:
+  - `--output <path>`
+  - `--remote`
+
+Options:
+
+- `--config <pipeline.yml>`
+- `--campaign <id>` or `--campaign-file <campaign.yml>`
 - `--previous-session-id <id>`
-- `--date <date>`
-- `--title <title>`
+- `--date <YYYY-MM-DD>`
+- `--title <text>`
 - `--audio-dir <path>`
 - `--audio-s3-prefix <prefix>`
 - `--force`
-- common config/campaign flags
+
+Rules:
+
+- `--audio-dir` and `--audio-s3-prefix` are mutually exclusive.
+- if campaign `session_template_file` is configured, `session init` renders it;
+- generated session YAML must be concrete (no unresolved `{{ ... }}` placeholders).
 
 ### `session restore`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore <session_id> [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio] [...common flags]
+narratio session restore <session_id> [--dry-run] [--force] [--include-audio] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Restores durable local session files from committed remote current state.
+Behavior:
+
+- discovers committed remote current state;
+- plans local restores;
+- writes `reports/restore-latest.json` on execution;
+- blocks conflicting overwrites unless `--force` is set.
 
 Default restore scope:
 
 - `manifest.json`
 - `transcripts/**`
 - `artifacts/**`
-- `previous/**` when required by configured previous-session artifact inputs
+- `previous/**` when required by configured previous-session inputs
 
-`audio/**` is restored only when `--include-audio` is set.
+`audio/**` is included only with `--include-audio`.
 
 ### `session artifacts`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session artifacts <session_id> [--remote] [...common flags]
+narratio session artifacts <session_id> [--remote] [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-Lists built-in sources, configured artifact sources, previous-session sources, publish output rules, and lock status. With `--remote`, includes remote published-state markers.
+Lists effective built-in and configured artifact sources, publish rules, lock state, and optional remote published-state availability.
 
 ### `session locks`
 
 ```bash
-narratio session locks <session_id> [...common flags]
-narratio session locks add <session_id> <source> [--reason <text>] [--force] [...common flags]
-narratio session locks remove <session_id> <source> [...common flags]
+narratio session locks <session_id> [...common config flags]
+narratio session locks add <session_id> <source> [--reason <text>] [--force] [...common config flags]
+narratio session locks remove <session_id> <source> [...common config flags]
 ```
 
-- list mode prints effective locks from static `pipeline.publish.locks` and remote `{session_prefix}/locks.yml`.
-- add/remove mutate only the remote lock store.
-- static pipeline locks cannot be removed by lock commands.
+Behavior:
 
-## `--artifacts` Rules
+- list mode merges static `pipeline.publish.locks` with remote `{session_prefix}/locks.yml`;
+- add/remove mutate only remote locks;
+- static locks from pipeline config cannot be removed by CLI commands.
 
-- accepted on `run`, `resume`, `run-stage`, `analyze`, and `publish`.
-- on `run-stage`, only valid for `analyze` and `publish`.
-- filters configured analyze artifact execution.
-- filters configured `pipeline.publish.outputs` entries for `narratio.artifact.<key>` sources.
-- does not suppress built-in transcript/bounds publish outputs.
-- does not imply `--force` for `run`, `resume`, or `run-stage`.
+## `--artifacts` Selection Rules
+
+- accepted on `run`, `resume`, `run-stage`, `analyze`, and `publish`;
+- names must exist in `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts`;
+- empty entries are invalid;
+- repeated names are deduplicated.
+
+Effects:
+
+- filters analyze execution to selected configured artifacts;
+- filters publish rules that source `narratio.artifact.<name>`;
+- does not filter built-in transcript/bounds publish sources.
 
 ## Common Workflows
 
@@ -204,16 +255,16 @@ Run full pipeline:
 narratio run 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-Run only selected analyze artifacts:
+Dry-run restore plan:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run 2026-04-04 --artifacts session_recap,player_handout
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
 ```
 
-Force analyze only:
+Generate a concrete session file from template/default structure:
 
 ```bash
-narratio analyze 2026-04-04 --artifacts player_handout
+narratio session init 2026-04-04 --output ./session.yml --date 2026-04-04 --title "Session 12"
 ```
 
 Force publish only:
@@ -221,10 +272,3 @@ Force publish only:
 ```bash
 narratio publish 2026-04-04
 ```
-
-Restore preview then apply:
-
-```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04
-```
diff --git a/docs/config.md b/docs/config.md
index 4707a72..648dfaf 100644
--- a/docs/config.md
+++ b/docs/config.md
@@ -1,56 +1,56 @@
-# Configuration
+# Configuration Reference
 
-## Overview
-Narratio loads three YAML files:
+## Purpose
 
-- `pipeline.yml`: pipeline-level runtime settings.
-- `campaign.yml`: stable campaign identity and campaign-level input defaults.
-- `session.yml`: per-session metadata and input selection.
+Narratio resolves three YAML documents:
 
-Commands that load and validate all three files include:
+- `pipeline.yml`: pipeline/runtime settings
+- `campaign.yml`: campaign identity and stable input defaults
+- `session.yml`: session identity, metadata, and audio source selection
 
-- `narratio run`
-- `narratio resume`
-- `narratio run-stage`
-- `narratio analyze`
-- `narratio publish`
-- `narratio session plan`
-- `narratio session status`
-- `narratio session validate`
-- `narratio session restore`
-- `narratio session artifacts`
-- `narratio session locks`
-- `narratio clean <session_id>`
+## Discovery and Selection
 
-Validation behavior:
+### `pipeline.yml`
 
-- strict YAML decode is enabled (`KnownFields(true)`); unknown fields fail.
-- loaded `session.yml` files must be concrete YAML (no `{{ ... }}` placeholders).
-- defaults are applied for optional pipeline fields.
-- campaign/session identity mismatches fail load.
-
-## File Discovery
-Pipeline discovery order when `--config` is omitted:
+When `--config` is omitted, search order is:
 
 1. `/usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml`
 2. `/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml`
 
-Session discovery order when `--session` is omitted:
+### `campaign.yml`
+
+Selection rules:
+
+- if `--campaign-file` is set, use that path;
+- else if `--campaign <id>` is set, use `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{id}/campaign.yml`;
+- else use `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id}/campaign.yml`.
+
+### `session.yml`
+
+When `--session` is omitted, local search order is:
 
 1. `/usr/local/etc/narratio/session.yml`
 2. `/etc/narratio/session.yml`
 
-Campaign discovery when `--campaign-file` is omitted:
+If local session discovery fails and a `session_id` is known, Narratio attempts remote session loading from:
 
-- if `--campaign <id>` is set: `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{id}/campaign.yml`
-- otherwise: `{pipeline.campaigns.root}/{pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id}/campaign.yml`
+- `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`
 
-Remote `session.yml` fallback:
+using configured object storage.
 
-- if local session discovery fails and storage is configured, Narratio can load:
-  - `{root_prefix}/campaigns/{campaign}/sessions/{session_id}/session.yml`
+## Validation and Merge Rules
+
+- YAML decode is strict (`KnownFields(true)`): unknown fields fail load.
+- Session files must be concrete; unresolved `{{ ... }}` placeholders fail load.
+- Pipeline defaults are applied before validation.
+- Campaign and session identities must agree.
+- Stable files (`speakers_file`, `autocorrect_file`, `glossary_file`) resolve from session overrides when provided, otherwise from campaign defaults.
+- Exactly one audio mode must be configured in session input:
+  - local (`audio_dir` or `audio_files`), or
+  - S3 (`audio_s3.prefix`).
+
+## Minimal Working Configuration
 
-## Minimal Working Config
 `pipeline.yml`
 
 ```yaml
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ campaigns:
   root: /usr/local/share/narratio/campaigns
   default_campaign_id: sample-campaign
 whisperx:
-  transcribe_url: "https://transcription.example.com/transcribe"
+  transcribe_url: https://transcription.example.com/transcribe
 ```
 
 `campaign.yml`
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ inputs:
   glossary_file: ./glossary.yml
 ```
 
-`session.yml`
+`session.yml` (local audio)
 
 ```yaml
 session_id: 2026-05-03
@@ -79,8 +79,16 @@ inputs:
   audio_dir: ./audio
 ```
 
-## Publish Config
-Top-level publish settings live at `pipeline.publish`.
+## Secrets Handling
+
+- Do not place raw secrets in YAML.
+- Use env var names in config (for example `pipeline.audita.llm_api_key_env`).
+- Optionally load env files from `pipeline.secrets.env_dir`.
+- Commands that need storage/auth load filesystem secrets before constructing adapters.
+
+## Publish Configuration Summary
+
+Publish rules live under `pipeline.publish`.
 
 ```yaml
 publish:
@@ -95,26 +103,21 @@ publish:
       required: true
   locks:
     - source: narratio.artifact.session_recap
-      reason: Final recap was manually edited.
+      reason: manual post-publish edits
 ```
 
 Rules:
 
 - `outputs[].source` is required.
-- `outputs[].dest` is optional; when omitted, Narratio derives destination from the source.
+- `outputs[].dest` may be omitted when derivable from source.
 - `outputs[].required` defaults to `true`.
-- static `publish.locks` and remote `{session_prefix}/locks.yml` are merged; static locks win on duplicates.
-- locks prevent overwrite of top-level published destinations.
+- static locks (`pipeline.publish.locks`) merge with remote locks (`{session_prefix}/locks.yml`), with static locks taking precedence on duplicates.
 
-Supported publish source families:
-
-- built-ins: `narratio.transcript.base`, `narratio.transcript.polished`, `narratio.transcript.final`, `narratio.transcript.final_trimmed`, `narratio.bounds.session`
-- configured artifacts: `narratio.artifact.<artifact_key>`
-
-## Full Reference
+## Full Schema
 
 ### Pipeline
-| Path | Type | Required | Default |
+
+| Field | Type | Required | Default / Rule |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | `pipeline.workspace.root` | string | No | `/var/lib/narratio` |
 | `pipeline.workspace.cleanup_after_publish` | bool | No | `false` |
@@ -122,7 +125,7 @@ Supported publish source families:
 | `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.secrets.env_dir` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.storage.backend` | string | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.storage.s3.bucket` | string | Conditional | empty |
+| `pipeline.storage.s3.bucket` | string | Conditional | required for S3 session-audio and for publish upload when backend is `s3` |
 | `pipeline.storage.s3.root_prefix` | string | No | `dnd` |
 | `pipeline.storage.s3.region` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.storage.s3.endpoint` | string | No | empty |
@@ -135,21 +138,21 @@ Supported publish source families:
 | `pipeline.cache.s3_audio` | bool | No | `true` |
 | `pipeline.publish.enabled` | bool | No | `true` |
 | `pipeline.publish.upload_run` | bool | No | `true` |
-| `pipeline.publish.outputs[]` | list | No | one final-trimmed output rule |
-| `pipeline.publish.outputs[].source` | string | Yes (per rule) | none |
-| `pipeline.publish.outputs[].dest` | string | No | derived from source |
+| `pipeline.publish.outputs[]` | list | No | defaults to final trimmed transcript output |
+| `pipeline.publish.outputs[].source` | string | Yes (per rule) | must reference built-in or configured artifact source |
+| `pipeline.publish.outputs[].dest` | string | Conditional | derived if omitted and source supports derivation |
 | `pipeline.publish.outputs[].required` | bool | No | `true` |
 | `pipeline.publish.locks[]` | list | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.publish.locks[].source` | string | Yes (per lock) | none |
+| `pipeline.publish.locks[].source` | string | Yes (per lock) | must reference supported publish source |
 | `pipeline.publish.locks[].reason` | string | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.whisperx.transcribe_url` | string | Yes | none |
+| `pipeline.whisperx.transcribe_url` | string | Yes | valid URL |
 | `pipeline.whisperx.language` | string | No | `en` |
-| `pipeline.whisperx.timeout` | duration string | No | `30m` |
+| `pipeline.whisperx.timeout` | duration | No | `30m` |
 | `pipeline.whisperx.retries` | int | No | `3` |
-| `pipeline.whisperx.retry_delay` | duration string | No | `2s` |
+| `pipeline.whisperx.retry_delay` | duration | No | `2s` |
 | `pipeline.whisperx.concurrency` | int | No | `2` |
 | `pipeline.seriatim.binary` | string | No | `seriatim` |
-| `pipeline.seriatim.timeout` | duration string | No | `10m` |
+| `pipeline.seriatim.timeout` | duration | No | `10m` |
 | `pipeline.seriatim.output_schema` | string | No | `seriatim-intermediate` |
 | `pipeline.seriatim.coalesce_gap` | float | No | `3.0` |
 | `pipeline.seriatim.report` | bool | No | `true` |
@@ -158,7 +161,7 @@ Supported publish source families:
 | `pipeline.seriatim.env.backchannel_max_duration` | float | No | unset |
 | `pipeline.seriatim.env.filler_max_duration` | float | No | unset |
 | `pipeline.audita.binary` | string | No | `audita` |
-| `pipeline.audita.timeout` | duration string | No | `3h` |
+| `pipeline.audita.timeout` | duration | No | `3h` |
 | `pipeline.audita.llm_api_key_env` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.audita.modules[]` | list[string] | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.audita.base_url` | string | No | empty |
@@ -176,52 +179,85 @@ Supported publish source families:
 | `pipeline.normalize.output_schema` | string | No | `seriatim-intermediate` |
 | `pipeline.normalize.report` | bool | No | `true` |
 | `pipeline.trim.enabled` | bool | No | `false` |
-| `pipeline.trim.output_path` | string | Conditional | none |
-| `pipeline.trim.bounds.prompt_id` | string | Conditional | none |
+| `pipeline.trim.output_path` | string | Conditional | required when trim enabled |
+| `pipeline.trim.bounds.prompt_id` | string | Conditional | required when trim enabled |
 | `pipeline.trim.bounds.profile_id` | string | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.trim.bounds.transcript_input_name` | string | Conditional | none |
-| `pipeline.trim.bounds.output_path` | string | Conditional | none |
-| `pipeline.trim.bounds.timeout` | duration string | No | `10m` |
+| `pipeline.trim.bounds.transcript_input_name` | string | Conditional | required when trim enabled |
+| `pipeline.trim.bounds.output_path` | string | Conditional | required when trim enabled |
+| `pipeline.trim.bounds.timeout` | duration | No | `10m` |
 | `pipeline.trim.bounds.render_debug` | bool | No | `false` |
-| `pipeline.trim.bounds.render_output_path` | string | Conditional | none |
+| `pipeline.trim.bounds.render_output_path` | string | Conditional | required when `render_debug` is true |
 | `pipeline.trim.seriatim.report` | bool | No | `false` |
 | `pipeline.scriptorium.binary` | string | No | `scriptorium` |
 | `pipeline.scriptorium.config_path` | string | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.scriptorium.timeout` | duration string | No | `10m` |
+| `pipeline.scriptorium.timeout` | duration | No | `10m` |
 | `pipeline.scriptorium.render_debug` | bool | No | `false` |
 | `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts` | map | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.notification.backend` | string | No | empty |
 | `pipeline.notification.recipient` | string | No | empty |
-| `pipeline.notification.timeout` | duration string | No | `30s` |
+| `pipeline.notification.timeout` | duration | No | `30s` |
+
+### Scriptorium Artifact Entries
+
+For each `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts.<name>`:
+
+| Field | Type | Required | Rule |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `enabled` | bool | No | `false` if omitted |
+| `depends_on[]` | list[string] | No | must reference configured artifact keys; no self-reference; enabled graph must be acyclic |
+| `render_debug` | bool | No | per-artifact override |
+| `prompt_id` | string | Conditional | required when artifact is enabled |
+| `profile_id` | string | No | empty |
+| `output_path` | string | Conditional | required when enabled; also required when referenced by publish/output/input rules |
+| `timeout` | duration | No | artifact override |
+| `inputs` | map | No | input key names must be non-empty |
+| `vars` | map | No | values must be string or bool |
+
+For each artifact input `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts.<name>.inputs.<input_name>`:
+
+| Field | Type | Required | Rule |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `source` | string | Yes | built-in runtime source, `narratio.artifact.<name>`, or `narratio.previous_session.artifact.<name>` |
+| `artifact` | string | No | optional passthrough adapter field |
+| `path` | string | No | optional passthrough adapter field |
+| `required` | bool | No | optional input requirement |
 
 ### Campaign
-| Path | Type | Required |
-| --- | --- | --- |
-| `campaign_id` | string | Yes |
-| `session_template_file` | string | No |
-| `inputs.speakers_file` | string | Yes |
-| `inputs.autocorrect_file` | string | Yes |
-| `inputs.glossary_file` | string | Yes |
+
+| Field | Type | Required | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `campaign_id` | string | Yes | canonical campaign identity |
+| `session_template_file` | string | No | used by `session init` when set |
+| `inputs.speakers_file` | string | Yes | stable input default |
+| `inputs.autocorrect_file` | string | Yes | stable input default |
+| `inputs.glossary_file` | string | Yes | stable input default |
 
 ### Session
-| Path | Type | Required |
-| --- | --- | --- |
-| `session_id` | string | Yes |
-| `previous_session_id` | string | No |
-| `campaign` | string | No |
-| `date` | string | No |
-| `title` | string | No |
-| `inputs.speakers_file` | string | No |
-| `inputs.autocorrect_file` | string | No |
-| `inputs.glossary_file` | string | No |
-| `inputs.audio_dir` | string | Conditional |
-| `inputs.audio_files[]` | list[string] | Conditional |
-| `inputs.audio_s3.prefix` | string | Conditional |
+
+| Field | Type | Required in session file | Notes |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `session_id` | string | Yes | must match CLI session target when provided |
+| `previous_session_id` | string | No | must not equal `session_id` |
+| `campaign` | string | No | filled from `campaign_id` during resolve if omitted |
+| `date` | string | No | metadata |
+| `title` | string | No | metadata |
+| `inputs.speakers_file` | string | No | overrides campaign stable input |
+| `inputs.autocorrect_file` | string | No | overrides campaign stable input |
+| `inputs.glossary_file` | string | No | overrides campaign stable input |
+| `inputs.audio_dir` | string | Conditional | local audio mode |
+| `inputs.audio_files[]` | list[string] | Conditional | local audio mode |
+| `inputs.audio_s3.prefix` | string | Conditional | S3 audio mode |
+
+Audio rules:
+
+- configure local mode (`audio_dir` or `audio_files`) or S3 mode (`audio_s3.prefix`), not both.
 
 ## Maintained Examples
+
 - `examples/pipeline.minimal.yml`
 - `examples/pipeline.production.yml`
 - `examples/pipeline.full.annotated.yml`
 - `examples/campaigns/sample-campaign/campaign.yml`
 - `examples/session.local-audio.yml`
 - `examples/session.s3-audio.yml`
+- `examples/session.template.yml`
diff --git a/docs/operations.md b/docs/operations.md
index 4e1ce07..454d5ac 100644
--- a/docs/operations.md
+++ b/docs/operations.md
@@ -1,72 +1,156 @@
-# Operations
+# Operations Guide
 
-This guide covers the implemented operator lifecycle for Narratio.
+Operator workflow for running, recovering, and publishing Narratio sessions.
 
-For field-level settings, see [docs/config.md](./config.md). For syntax/flags, see [docs/cli.md](./cli.md).
+For command syntax, see [docs/cli.md](./cli.md). For field-level config, see [docs/config.md](./config.md).
 
-## Normal Workflow
+## Standard Session Workflow
 
-1. Ensure `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, and `session.yml` are available.
-2. Ensure session audio is available (local `audio_dir`/`audio_files` or S3 prefix).
-3. Run:
+1. Select pipeline/campaign/session config.
+2. Validate session readiness:
+
+```bash
+narratio session validate 2026-04-04
+```
+
+3. (Optional) inspect stage decisions:
+
+```bash
+narratio session plan 2026-04-04
+```
+
+4. Run the pipeline:
 
 ```bash
 narratio run 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-4. Inspect status:
+5. Check state:
 
 ```bash
 narratio session status 2026-04-04
 ```
 
+## Campaign and Session Selection
+
+Campaign selection priority:
+
+- `--campaign-file`
+- `--campaign`
+- `pipeline.campaigns.default_campaign_id`
+
+Session source priority:
+
+- `--session`
+- local default search paths
+- remote session object (S3) when local session file is not found and storage is configured
+
+## Session Initialization
+
+Use `session init` to generate a concrete session file for local or remote use.
+
+Local file:
+
+```bash
+narratio session init 2026-04-04 --output ./session.yml --date 2026-04-04 --title "Session 12"
+```
+
+Remote session object:
+
+```bash
+narratio session init 2026-04-04 --remote --force
+```
+
+If `campaign.yml` sets `session_template_file`, `session init` renders it. Template variables must resolve to concrete values.
+
+## Stage Execution and Resume Behavior
+
+Canonical stage order:
+
+1. `prepare`
+2. `transcribe`
+3. `merge`
+4. `polish`
+5. `normalize`
+6. `trim`
+7. `analyze`
+8. `publish`
+9. `notify`
+
+Execution rules:
+
+- succeeded stages are skipped unless `--force` is set;
+- `resume` starts at first non-succeeded stage;
+- force rerunning a succeeded upstream stage marks succeeded downstream stages as `stale`.
+
+Single-stage execution:
+
+```bash
+narratio run-stage normalize 2026-04-04 --force
+```
+
+## Artifact Selection
+
+`--artifacts` can be used on `run`, `resume`, `run-stage`, `analyze`, and `publish`.
+
+Selection behavior:
+
+- validates names against `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts`;
+- filters analyze execution to selected configured artifacts;
+- filters publish rules for `narratio.artifact.<name>` sources only;
+- does not suppress built-in transcript or bounds publish sources.
+
 ## Publish Workflow
 
-Publish is the stage that commits remote current state.
+Run publish only:
 
 ```bash
 narratio publish 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-Equivalent command:
+Equivalent:
 
 ```bash
 narratio run-stage publish 2026-04-04 --force
 ```
 
-Publish uploads:
+Publish commit model:
 
-- run history files under `{session_prefix}/runs/{run_id}/` (excluding `audio/`)
-- configured published outputs from `pipeline.publish.outputs`
-- `previous/**` cache files when present
-- `current/manifest.json`
-- `current/run_id.txt` last
+- uploads run files under `{session_prefix}/runs/{run_id}/`;
+- uploads configured published outputs;
+- uploads `previous/**` cache files when present;
+- writes `current/manifest.json`;
+- writes `current/run_id.txt` last.
 
-`current/run_id.txt` is the remote commit marker.
+`current/run_id.txt` is the remote current-state commit marker.
 
-## Published Outputs and Locks
+## Publish Locks
 
-Published output behavior:
+Lock sources:
 
-- outputs are source-based rules in `pipeline.publish.outputs`.
-- required missing unlocked sources fail publish.
-- optional missing unlocked sources are skipped.
-- selected artifacts (`--artifacts`) only filter configured `narratio.artifact.<key>` output rules.
-- built-in transcript and bounds output rules are not filtered by `--artifacts`.
+- static locks in `pipeline.publish.locks`
+- mutable remote locks in `{session_prefix}/locks.yml`
 
-Lock behavior:
+Effective lock rules:
 
-- static locks: `pipeline.publish.locks`.
-- mutable locks: `{session_prefix}/locks.yml`.
-- effective lock set is static + mutable; static wins on duplicate sources.
-- locked outputs are intentional skips and do not fail publish.
-- lock commands mutate only remote mutable locks.
+- static and remote locks are merged;
+- static locks win on source collisions;
+- locked outputs are intentional skips;
+- lock add/remove commands mutate only remote lock state.
+
+Examples:
+
+```bash
+narratio session locks 2026-04-04
+narratio session locks add 2026-04-04 narratio.artifact.session_recap --reason "manual edits" --force
+narratio session locks remove 2026-04-04 narratio.artifact.session_recap
+```
 
 ## Restore Workflow
 
-Use restore when local durable session state is missing/stale and committed remote current state is authoritative.
+Use restore when local durable session state is missing or stale and remote committed current state is authoritative.
 
-Preview:
+Dry run:
 
 ```bash
 narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
@@ -83,21 +167,22 @@ Default restore scope:
 - `manifest.json`
 - `transcripts/**`
 - `artifacts/**`
-- `previous/**` when required by configured previous-session artifact inputs
+- `previous/**` when needed by configured previous-session artifact inputs
 
 Optional:
 
-- add `--include-audio` to restore `audio/**`.
+- `--include-audio` to include `audio/**`
+- `--force` to overwrite local conflicts
 
-Restore reads committed current state only (`current/run_id.txt`, `current/manifest.json`).
+Restore writes an execution report at `reports/restore-latest.json`.
 
-## Workspace and State Layout
+## Local State Layout
 
 Session root:
 
-- `{workspace.root}/work/{campaign}/{session_id}/`
+- `{workspace.root}/work/{campaign}/{session_id}`
 
-Durable session state:
+Durable session paths:
 
 - `manifest.json`
 - `inputs/**`
@@ -110,61 +195,55 @@ Durable session state:
 - `config/**`
 - `runs/**`
 
-Run-local stage layout:
+Run-local layout:
 
-- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/outputs|logs|reports|config|scratch`
+- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/outputs`
+- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/logs`
+- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/reports`
+- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/config`
+- `runs/{run_id}/{stage}/scratch`
 
-Stages typically write run-local outputs first, then materialize canonical session outputs on success.
+Spool layout (runtime/transient):
 
-## Resume and Force Rules
+- `{spool.root}/{campaign}/{session_id}/{run_id}/...`
+- restore audio spool under `{spool.root}/{campaign}/{session_id}/restore/audio`
 
-- `run` and `run-stage` skip succeeded stages unless `--force` is set.
-- `resume` starts at the first non-succeeded stage.
-- force-rerunning an upstream succeeded stage marks downstream succeeded stages as `stale`.
-- `--force` does not bypass publish locks.
+Cache layout (durable S3 audio cache):
+
+- `{cache.root}/s3/{bucket}/...`
 
 ## Cleanup
 
-Automatic post-publish cleanup is considered only when publish executes successfully and commits current state.
-
-Config toggles:
-
-- `pipeline.spool.delete_audio_after_publish=true`
-- `pipeline.workspace.cleanup_after_publish=true`
-
-Manual cleanup:
+Session-scoped cleanup:
 
 ```bash
 narratio clean 2026-04-04
+```
+
+Global cleanup:
+
+```bash
 narratio clean --all
 ```
 
-Cache is preserved by default. Use `--clear-cache` to remove matching S3 audio cache entries.
-
-## Failure and Recovery
-
-After stage failure, Narratio keeps manifests and run-local files for inspection.
-
-Standard recovery flow:
-
-1. inspect status:
+Dry-run and cache variants:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session status 2026-04-04
+narratio clean 2026-04-04 --dry-run --clear-cache
+narratio clean --all --dry-run --clear-cache
 ```
 
-2. if needed, inspect restore plan:
+Rules:
 
-```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
-```
-
-3. fix root cause.
-4. continue with `resume`, or rerun a stage with `--force` then `resume`.
+- `clean` deletes work/spool session state;
+- cache is preserved unless `--clear-cache` is set;
+- automatic post-publish cleanup is gated by successful publish commit plus:
+  - `pipeline.spool.delete_audio_after_publish=true`
+  - `pipeline.workspace.cleanup_after_publish=true`
 
 ## Operational Caveats
 
-- local and S3 audio modes are mutually exclusive.
-- publish requires prerequisite stages through `analyze` to be `succeeded`.
-- restore requires configured object storage and committed current state.
-- `session status` and `session artifacts --remote` both report remote published-output availability when storage is configured.
+- Local and S3 audio modes are mutually exclusive.
+- Publish requires prerequisite stages through analyze to be succeeded.
+- Restore requires configured object storage and committed remote current state.
+- Storage-backed commands load filesystem secrets before object-store initialization.
diff --git a/docs/troubleshooting.md b/docs/troubleshooting.md
index ae7e0e0..f16bc78 100644
--- a/docs/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/troubleshooting.md
@@ -1,35 +1,58 @@
 # Troubleshooting
 
-## Purpose
-Canonical operator troubleshooting guide for recurring Narratio failures.
+Operational diagnosis guide for common Narratio failures.
 
-## Config discovery failure
+## Config file not found
 
 Symptom:
-- command fails because `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, or `session.yml` was not found.
 
-Likely cause:
-- missing files in discovery paths.
-- missing/incorrect campaign selection.
-- local file exists but was not passed explicitly.
+- command fails to resolve `pipeline.yml`, `campaign.yml`, or `session.yml`.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- missing files in default search paths;
+- wrong campaign selection;
+- omitted explicit flags.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
-ls -l /usr/local/etc/narratio/pipeline.yml /etc/narratio/pipeline.yml
-ls -l /usr/local/etc/narratio/session.yml /etc/narratio/session.yml
+narratio session plan 2026-04-04
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
+
 - pass explicit `--config`, `--campaign` or `--campaign-file`, and `--session`.
 
-## Templated session file rejected
+## Session template placeholders rejected
 
 Symptom:
-- load fails because `session.yml` must be concrete.
+
+- load error says session file must be concrete or contains `{{ ... }}` placeholders.
 
 Likely cause:
-- template placeholders (`{{ ... }}`) still present in loaded session config.
+
+- using template content as runtime session config.
+
+Diagnostics:
+
+```bash
+narratio session validate 2026-04-04 --session /path/session.yml
+```
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- generate concrete session YAML with `narratio session init`.
+
+## Strict decode or schema validation failure
+
+Symptom:
+
+- unknown field / invalid value error during config load.
+
+Likely cause:
+
+- stale field name, typo, invalid enum, or invalid duration/path format.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
@@ -38,82 +61,79 @@ narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /pa
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
-- generate concrete session YAML via `narratio session init`.
 
-## Strict decode or validation failure
+- align config with [docs/config.md](./config.md) and maintained files under `examples/`.
+
+## Audio mode conflict
 
 Symptom:
-- unknown field or invalid value error during config load.
+
+- validation fails on session audio configuration.
 
 Likely cause:
-- typo, stale field name, or invalid value.
-
-Diagnostics:
-
-```bash
-narratio session plan 2026-04-04 --config /path/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/campaign.yml --session /path/session.yml
-```
-
-Safe fix:
-- align config with [docs/config.md](./config.md) and maintained examples.
-
-## `--artifacts` selection failure
-
-Symptom:
-- command fails on unknown/invalid selected artifact key.
-
-Likely cause:
-- artifact key not defined in `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts`.
-- empty token in `--artifacts` input.
-
-Safe fix:
-- use only configured artifact keys.
-
-## `run-stage --artifacts` unsupported stage
-
-Symptom:
-- `run-stage` rejects `--artifacts` for the selected stage.
-
-Likely cause:
-- `--artifacts` used with a stage other than `analyze` or `publish`.
-
-Safe fix:
-- use `--artifacts` only with `run-stage analyze ...` or `run-stage publish ...`.
-
-## Previous-session input unavailable
-
-Symptom:
-- analyze fails on required previous-session artifact input.
-
-Likely cause:
-- `previous/**` cache not hydrated for this session.
+
+- configured both local and S3 session audio inputs.
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- use local mode (`audio_dir` or `audio_files`) or S3 mode (`audio_s3.prefix`), not both.
+
+## `--artifacts` selection error
+
+Symptom:
+
+- unknown artifact key or invalid `--artifacts` usage.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- key not defined in `pipeline.scriptorium.artifacts`;
+- empty list entry (for example trailing comma);
+- `run-stage` used with non-`analyze`/`publish` target.
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- provide only configured keys and use `--artifacts` with supported commands/stages.
+
+## Previous-session artifact input missing
+
+Symptom:
+
+- prepare/analyze fails due to missing required previous-session artifact cache input.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- missing `session.previous_session_id`;
+- previous artifact not restored/published for source session.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
+narratio session validate 2026-04-04
 narratio session status 2026-04-04
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
 
 ```bash
-narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --force
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04
 ```
 
-Or rehydrate from remote current state:
+or rerun prepare after correcting session config:
 
 ```bash
-narratio session restore 2026-04-04
+narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --force
 ```
 
 ## Session lock conflict (`.lock`)
 
 Symptom:
-- command fails with lock conflict.
 
-Likely cause:
-- another process is running for the same session.
-- stale lock file from interrupted command.
+- command fails acquiring session lock.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- another process is running for the same session;
+- stale lock left by interrupted process.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
@@ -123,16 +143,19 @@ ps aux | grep narratio
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
-- wait for active process; remove stale lock only if no process is active.
 
-## Restore current pointer/manifest missing
+- wait for active process completion;
+- remove stale lock only after confirming no live process owns it.
+
+## Restore conflict without `--force`
 
 Symptom:
-- restore fails reading remote current state.
+
+- restore fails with conflict count.
 
 Likely cause:
-- publish commit did not complete.
-- `current/run_id.txt` or `current/manifest.json` is missing.
+
+- local durable files differ from remote restore sources.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
@@ -141,83 +164,110 @@ narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
-- republish from a healthy local session state.
 
-## Restore conflict without `--force`
+- review conflicts;
+- rerun with `--force` only when remote state should overwrite local.
+
+## Restore current-state discovery failure
 
 Symptom:
-- restore reports conflict and exits.
 
-Likely cause:
-- local durable file differs from remote restore source.
+- restore cannot find current pointer or current manifest.
 
-Safe fix:
-- inspect with `--dry-run`.
-- rerun with `--force` only when remote should overwrite local.
+Likely causes:
 
-## Secrets or credentials failure
-
-Symptom:
-- startup fails loading secrets dir, or storage/tool auth fails at runtime.
-
-Likely cause:
-- invalid `pipeline.secrets.env_dir`.
-- missing credential env vars.
-
-Diagnostics:
-
-```bash
-ls -la /path/to/secrets_dir
-env | grep -E 'AUDITA|OBJECT_STORAGE|AWS|SCRIPTORIUM'
-```
-
-Safe fix:
-- fix path/permissions/env vars; keep secret values out of YAML.
-
-## S3 audio prepare failure
-
-Symptom:
-- prepare fails in S3 mode (list/download/no files/backend error).
-
-Likely cause:
-- bad `session.inputs.audio_s3.prefix`.
-- no `.flac` objects at prefix.
-- bad storage credentials/config.
-- mixed local+S3 audio config.
-
-Diagnostics:
-
-```bash
-narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --config /path/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/campaign.yml --session /path/session.yml
-```
-
-Safe fix:
-- configure exactly one audio mode and verify storage access.
-
-## Publish output or current-pointer failure
-
-Symptom:
-- publish fails on required output source missing, upload error, or commit-marker write failure.
-
-Likely cause:
-- required source file not produced.
-- storage upload failed before `current/run_id.txt` write.
+- no committed publish current state;
+- storage credentials or connectivity failure.
 
 Diagnostics:
 
 ```bash
 narratio session status 2026-04-04
-narratio run-stage publish 2026-04-04 --config /path/pipeline.yml --campaign-file /path/campaign.yml --session /path/session.yml
+narratio session restore 2026-04-04 --dry-run
 ```
 
 Safe fix:
-- rerun upstream stages to regenerate required outputs.
-- adjust `pipeline.publish.outputs` source/dest rules.
-- retry after storage issue is fixed.
 
-## Helpful Links
+- resolve storage/auth issue;
+- republish from healthy local state if current pointer is missing.
+
+## Publish output failure
+
+Symptom:
+
+- publish fails on missing required source, upload error, or commit write.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- required source file not produced;
+- lock/state expectations mismatch;
+- remote storage failure.
+
+Diagnostics:
+
+```bash
+narratio session artifacts 2026-04-04 --remote
+narratio session status 2026-04-04
+narratio run-stage publish 2026-04-04 --force
+```
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- regenerate missing sources by rerunning prerequisite stages;
+- correct publish source/destination rules;
+- retry after storage failure is resolved.
+
+## Secrets or storage credential failure
+
+Symptom:
+
+- object-store command fails at initialization/auth.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- invalid `pipeline.secrets.env_dir`;
+- missing credential environment variables;
+- invalid S3 endpoint/bucket settings.
+
+Diagnostics:
+
+```bash
+ls -la /path/to/secrets_dir
+env | grep -E 'OBJECT_STORAGE|AWS|AUDITA|SCRIPTORIUM'
+```
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- correct secret-file path and permissions;
+- provide required env vars;
+- keep secret values out of YAML.
+
+## S3 audio prepare failure
+
+Symptom:
+
+- prepare fails listing/downloading session S3 audio.
+
+Likely causes:
+
+- incorrect `session.inputs.audio_s3.prefix`;
+- no matching `.flac` objects;
+- storage connectivity or permissions failure.
+
+Diagnostics:
+
+```bash
+narratio run-stage prepare 2026-04-04 --force
+```
+
+Safe fix:
+
+- verify prefix contents and storage access;
+- keep session audio mode consistent.
+
+## References
 
-- [docs/config.md](./config.md)
 - [docs/cli.md](./cli.md)
+- [docs/config.md](./config.md)
 - [docs/operations.md](./operations.md)
 - [docs/internal/stage-publish.md](./internal/stage-publish.md)