Before this workflow, follow the once-per-session update preflight.

Verify (look at it, don't just read it)

Registry-first artifact boundary

When .styleseed/project.json and .styleseed/artifacts/index.json exist, resolve the requested artifact ID first, then read only .styleseed/bundles/<artifact-id>.md and .styleseed/manifests/<artifact-id>.json. Never fall back to the global legacy bundle for a registry project. Legacy projects may use .styleseed/effective-rules.md only when no registry exists.

If either registry file exists, require a complete, valid registry. Read the selected artifact's bundle and manifest above and check with ss-resolve --artifact <artifact-id> --check. An incomplete or invalid registry is an error, not permission to read a legacy bundle or restart setup. Verify each affected artifact against its own required renders and validation contract.