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+# Asset Manifest: Mission 3 - Ghost in the Machine
+
+**Mission ID:** m03_ghost_in_the_machine
+**Purpose:** Complete list of required visual, audio, and UI assets for implementation
+**Status:** Asset Planning (Pre-Stage 9)
+**Date Created:** 2025-12-27
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+This manifest documents all assets required to implement Mission 3. Assets are categorized by type and priority level.
+
+**Priority Levels:**
+- **CRITICAL:** Required for core gameplay, mission cannot function without these
+- **HIGH:** Required for full experience, substitutes acceptable temporarily
+- **MEDIUM:** Enhances experience, generic placeholders acceptable
+- **LOW:** Polish elements, can be added post-initial implementation
+
+---
+
+## 1. Character Portraits (NPC Dialogue)
+
+### Critical Priority
+
+**Victoria Sterling (Cipher)**
+- **Type:** Character portrait
+- **Expressions:** 5 variations
+  - `victoria_neutral.png` - Default professional demeanor
+  - `victoria_persuasive.png` - Sales pitch, confident smile
+  - `victoria_defensive.png` - Confrontation, rationalization
+  - `victoria_vulnerable.png` - Recruitment path, breaking point
+  - `victoria_defiant.png` - Arrest path, ideological conviction
+- **Specifications:** 512×512px, transparent background, consistent lighting
+- **Usage:** Ink dialogue scripts (m03_npc_victoria.ink)
+- **Reference:** Stage 2 character description (professional, mid-30s, business attire)
+
+**Agent 0x99 (Haxolottle - Handler)**
+- **Type:** Character portrait
+- **Expressions:** 3 variations
+  - `agent_0x99_professional.png` - Default handler demeanor
+  - `agent_0x99_concerned.png` - M2 revelation, emotional investment
+  - `agent_0x99_supportive.png` - Hint system, encouragement
+- **Specifications:** 512×512px, axolotl-themed design (quirky but professional)
+- **Usage:** Ink dialogue scripts (m03_phone_agent0x99.ink, m03_opening_briefing.ink, m03_closing_debrief.ink)
+- **Reference:** Established character from M1/M2 (if exists), or new design
+
+**James Park**
+- **Type:** Character portrait
+- **Expressions:** 3 variations
+  - `james_neutral.png` - Default ethical hacker appearance
+  - `james_guilty.png` - Diary discovery, internal conflict
+  - `james_desperate.png` - Optional confrontation, fear of consequences
+- **Specifications:** 512×512px, professional casual attire, family man aesthetic
+- **Usage:** Ink dialogue scripts (m03_james_choice.ink)
+- **Reference:** Stage 2 description (early 30s, OSCP/CEH certified, family photos visible)
+
+### High Priority
+
+**Security Guard (Night Patrol)**
+- **Type:** Character portrait
+- **Expressions:** 2 variations
+  - `guard_neutral.png` - Default patrol demeanor
+  - `guard_suspicious.png` - Player detected, confrontation
+- **Specifications:** 512×512px, security uniform, working-class aesthetic
+- **Usage:** Ink dialogue scripts (m03_npc_guard.ink)
+- **Reference:** Stage 2 description (50s, procedural adherence, bribeable)
+
+**Receptionist**
+- **Type:** Character portrait
+- **Expressions:** 1 variation
+  - `receptionist_friendly.png` - Helpful professional demeanor
+- **Specifications:** 512×512px, business professional attire
+- **Usage:** Ink dialogue scripts (m03_npc_receptionist.ink)
+- **Reference:** Stage 2 description (friendly, helpful, front desk professional)
+
+---
+
+## 2. Room Backgrounds/Tiles
+
+### Critical Priority
+
+**Reception Lobby** (`reception_lobby`)
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 8×6 GU (usable 6×4 GU with 1 GU padding)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Modern office reception
+  - Props: Reception desk, WhiteHat Security logo, certification display case
+  - Interactive: Company founding plaque (2010)
+- **Lighting:** Daytime: bright professional; Nighttime: single desk lamp
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 40-99
+
+**Conference Room** (`conference_room_01`)
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 10×8 GU (usable 8×6 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Professional conference room
+  - Props: Large conference table (seats 8), whiteboard, projector screen, windows
+- **Lighting:** Daytime: bright natural light
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 102-151
+
+**Main Hallway** (`main_hallway`)
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 12×4 GU (usable 10×2 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Corporate hallway corridor
+  - Props: Office doors, corporate carpeting, recessed lighting
+- **Lighting:** Daytime: bright; Nighttime: emergency lighting
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 154-195
+
+**Server Room** (`server_room`) - **INVESTIGATION HUB**
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 10×10 GU (usable 8×8 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Technical server room
+  - Props: Server racks (blinking LEDs - green/amber), 3 workstation areas, filing cabinet, wall-mounted safe, whiteboard with ROT13 message
+  - Interactive: VM terminal, CyberChef workstation, drop-site terminal
+- **Lighting:** Blue/green tech aesthetic with shadows (nighttime only)
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 198-309
+
+**Executive Wing Hallway** (`executive_wing_hallway`)
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 8×4 GU (usable 6×2 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Upscale hallway
+  - Props: Wood paneling, framed achievements, premium carpet
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 312-341
+
+**Executive Office** (`executive_office`) - Victoria's Workspace
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 10×8 GU (usable 8×6 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Executive office
+  - Props: Expensive desk, leather chair, floor-to-ceiling windows, corporate art, filing cabinet, wall safe (behind painting), executive computer
+- **Lighting:** Nighttime only (Victoria absent)
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 344-422
+
+**James's Office** (`james_office`)
+- **Type:** Room background
+- **Dimensions:** 8×6 GU (usable 6×4 GU)
+- **Assets Required:**
+  - Background image: Modest consultant office
+  - Props: Desk with dual monitors, OSCP/CEH certifications framed, family photos (prominent), neat workspace
+- **Lighting:** Nighttime only (James absent)
+- **Reference:** Stage 5 room_design.md lines 426-487
+
+---
+
+## 3. Interactive Object Sprites
+
+### Critical Priority
+
+**RFID Cloner Device**
+- **Type:** Item sprite + UI overlay
+- **Sprite:** Handheld device icon (inventory display)
+- **UI Overlay:** Proximity progress bar (10-second timer visualization)
+- **Usage:** Conference room minigame (Victoria RFID cloning)
+- **Reference:** Stage 0 challenge specification
+
+**VM Terminal Interface**
+- **Type:** UI screen overlay
+- **Components:**
+  - Terminal window with command input
+  - nmap output display
+  - netcat banner display
+  - Metasploit console (distcc exploit)
+- **Usage:** Server room VM challenges
+- **Reference:** Stage 7 m03_terminal_dropsite.ink
+
+**CyberChef Workstation Interface**
+- **Type:** UI screen overlay
+- **Components:**
+  - Encoding/decoding operation selector (ROT13, Hex, Base64)
+  - Input text area
+  - Output text area
+  - "Decode" button
+- **Usage:** Server room encoding challenges
+- **Reference:** Stage 7 m03_terminal_cyberchef.ink
+
+### High Priority
+
+**Lockpick Minigame UI**
+- **Type:** UI overlay (if custom for this mission)
+- **Usage:** Executive office door, filing cabinets
+- **Note:** May use existing game system
+
+**Safe PIN Entry Interface**
+- **Type:** UI overlay
+- **Components:** 4-digit PIN entry, keypad visual
+- **Usage:** Server room safe (PIN: 2010)
+
+**Whiteboard with ROT13 Message**
+- **Type:** Interactive sprite
+- **Content:** "ZRRG JVGU GUR NEPUVGRPG - CEVBEVGVMR VASENFGEHPGHER RKCYBVGF"
+- **Usage:** Server room examination
+
+**Computer Login Screen**
+- **Type:** UI overlay
+- **Usage:** Victoria's executive computer access
+
+**Operational Logs Document**
+- **Type:** Text document UI
+- **Content:** ProFTPD exploit sale details ($12,500 to GHOST)
+- **Usage:** M2 revelation trigger
+- **Spawn:** Event-triggered after distcc_exploit
+
+---
+
+## 4. LORE Fragment Documents
+
+### Medium Priority
+
+**LORE Fragment 1: "Zero Day: A Brief History"**
+- **Type:** Text document UI (readable in-game)
+- **Length:** ~178 words
+- **Content:** Victoria's founding philosophy, "monetize entropy" ideology
+- **Location:** Executive office filing cabinet
+- **Reference:** Stage 6 lore_fragments.md lines 15-100
+
+**LORE Fragment 2: "Q3 2024 Exploit Catalog"**
+- **Type:** Text document UI
+- **Length:** ~195 words
+- **Content:** PRIMARY EVIDENCE - $12,500 hospital exploit listing
+- **Location:** Server room safe (PIN 2010)
+- **Reference:** Stage 6 lore_fragments.md lines 103-211
+
+**LORE Fragment 3: "The Architect's Directive"**
+- **Type:** Text document UI (double-encoded)
+- **Length:** ~189 words
+- **Content:** PRIMARY EVIDENCE - Phase 2 attack plans
+- **Location:** Executive office desk (hidden USB drive)
+- **Encoding:** Base64 → ROT13 (two-layer decoding)
+- **Reference:** Stage 6 lore_fragments.md lines 214-368
+
+---
+
+## 5. UI Elements
+
+### Critical Priority
+
+**Objectives Tracker**
+- **Type:** UI widget (persistent)
+- **Data Source:** objectives.json
+- **Displays:** Current aim, active tasks, completion status
+- **Updates:** Real-time when tasks completed
+
+**Dialogue Box (Ink Integration)**
+- **Type:** UI overlay
+- **Components:**
+  - Speaker name display
+  - Character portrait (left side)
+  - Dialogue text area
+  - Choice buttons (hub pattern support)
+- **Tags Support:** #speaker, #display, #complete_task, #unlock_task
+
+### High Priority
+
+**Flag Submission Interface**
+- **Type:** Terminal UI overlay
+- **Components:**
+  - Flag input field
+  - Submit button
+  - Verification feedback (✓/✗)
+  - Narrative intel reveal (post-submission)
+- **Usage:** Drop-site terminal (4 VM flags)
+
+**Minimap/Room Navigation**
+- **Type:** UI widget
+- **Displays:** 7-room layout, current position, locked/unlocked status
+- **Accessibility:** Helps players navigate hub-and-spoke layout
+
+### Medium Priority
+
+**Stealth Detection Indicator**
+- **Type:** UI alert
+- **Components:**
+  - Guard proximity warning
+  - Line-of-sight cone visualization (optional)
+  - Detection meter
+- **Usage:** Night security guard patrol
+
+**Trust Level Indicator** (Optional)
+- **Type:** UI widget
+- **Variable:** `victoria_trust` (0-100)
+- **Unlocks:** Alternative paths at trust >= 40
+- **Display:** May be hidden/implicit
+
+---
+
+## 6. Sound Effects (SFX)
+
+### High Priority
+
+**Environment**
+- `server_room_hvac_loop.ogg` - HVAC hum ambiance (server room)
+- `office_ambiance_day.ogg` - Office background (daytime)
+- `office_ambiance_night.ogg` - Quiet nighttime ambiance
+- `footsteps_guard_patrol.ogg` - Guard walking SFX
+
+**Interactions**
+- `lockpick_success.ogg` - Lockpicking completion
+- `computer_login.ogg` - Successful computer access
+- `flag_submission_success.ogg` - VM flag accepted (✓)
+- `flag_submission_failure.ogg` - VM flag rejected (✗)
+- `safe_unlock.ogg` - PIN safe opening
+- `rfid_clone_progress.ogg` - RFID cloner active (10-second loop)
+- `rfid_clone_complete.ogg` - RFID cloning success
+
+**Dialogue**
+- `dialogue_advance.ogg` - Text advance click
+- `choice_select.ogg` - Dialogue choice selection
+
+### Medium Priority
+
+**Narrative Events**
+- `phone_ring.ogg` - Agent 0x99 event call trigger
+- `m2_revelation_sting.ogg` - Emotional music cue (hospital attack reveal)
+- `evidence_discovery.ogg` - Important document found
+
+**UI Feedback**
+- `objective_complete.ogg` - Task completion sound
+- `objective_unlock.ogg` - New task unlocked
+
+---
+
+## 7. Music/Ambiance Tracks
+
+### Medium Priority
+
+**Act 1 Theme** - "Undercover"
+- **Type:** Background music
+- **Mood:** Professional, slightly tense, corporate espionage
+- **Usage:** Daytime Victoria meeting, RFID cloning
+- **Duration:** 2-3 minute loop
+
+**Act 2 Theme** - "Investigation"
+- **Type:** Background music
+- **Mood:** Tense investigation, suspenseful
+- **Usage:** Nighttime infiltration, server room work
+- **Duration:** 4-5 minute loop
+
+**Act 3 Theme** - "Confrontation"
+- **Type:** Background music
+- **Mood:** Dramatic, morally complex
+- **Usage:** Victoria confrontation, James choice, debrief
+- **Duration:** 3-4 minute loop
+
+**M2 Revelation Cue**
+- **Type:** Music sting (non-looping)
+- **Mood:** Emotional impact, gravity of hospital deaths
+- **Usage:** distcc flag submission → Agent 0x99 revelation call
+- **Duration:** 15-30 seconds
+
+### Low Priority
+
+**Debrief Theme** - "Reflection"
+- **Type:** Background music
+- **Mood:** Reflective, consequences acknowledged
+- **Usage:** Closing debrief with Agent 0x99
+- **Duration:** 2-3 minute loop
+
+---
+
+## 8. Animation Assets (If Applicable)
+
+### Low Priority
+
+**Guard Patrol Animation**
+- **Type:** Sprite animation
+- **Frames:** Walking cycle (4-8 frames)
+- **Usage:** Night security guard movement
+
+**RFID Clone Progress Bar**
+- **Type:** UI animation
+- **Behavior:** Fill animation (0% → 100% over 10 seconds)
+
+**Server LED Blink**
+- **Type:** Environmental animation
+- **Behavior:** Random blinking green/amber LEDs on server racks
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Notes
+
+### Asset Pipeline
+1. **Critical assets** should be prioritized for Stage 9 initial implementation
+2. **High priority** assets should be completed before playtesting
+3. **Medium/Low priority** assets can use placeholders initially
+
+### Placeholder Strategy
+- **Character portraits:** Use colored shapes with text labels (e.g., "Victoria - Cipher")
+- **Room backgrounds:** Use simple colored backgrounds matching descriptions
+- **SFX:** Use royalty-free library sounds temporarily
+- **Music:** Silence or simple ambiance acceptable for initial build
+
+### File Naming Convention
+- Use lowercase with underscores: `character_expression.png`
+- Prefix by category: `sfx_`, `music_`, `ui_`, `room_`, `char_`
+- Include mission ID where relevant: `m03_victoria_neutral.png`
+
+### Estimated Asset Count
+- **Character Portraits:** 14 files (5 Victoria + 3 Agent 0x99 + 3 James + 2 Guard + 1 Receptionist)
+- **Room Backgrounds:** 7 files
+- **Interactive Objects:** ~15 UI overlays/sprites
+- **LORE Documents:** 3 text UIs
+- **UI Elements:** ~8 widgets
+- **Sound Effects:** ~15-20 files
+- **Music Tracks:** 4-5 files
+- **Total:** ~60-70 asset files
+
+---
+
+**Manifest Status:** DRAFT - Ready for art team review
+**Next Step:** Coordinate with art team for asset creation schedule
+**Integration:** Assets will be referenced in Stage 9 scenario assembly
+
+---
+
+**Created:** 2025-12-27
+**For:** Mission 3 - Ghost in the Machine
+**Stage 9 Preparation**