Add Terraria Branding Training Arc as HIGH PRIORITY - strategic foundation decision

docs/core/tasks.md

@@ -30,6 +30,69 @@
 
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+### Terraria Branding Training Arc — Foundation for All Firefrost Visuals
+**Status:** HIGH PRIORITY — Strategic decision made Feb 14, 2026
+**Decided By:** The Eighth (with Michael's approval)
+**Timeline:** 12 weeks (self-paced)
+**Location:** To be deployed on TX1 or NC1
+
+**Strategic Rationale:**
+Foundation building BEFORE community expansion. Terraria serves as Michael's training ground for becoming Firefrost's brand designer. 2D sprite work maps directly to existing Cricut/Glowforge skills. Skills transfer to ALL future branding: Minecraft resource packs, Among Us skins, Discord emojis, website graphics, subscriber perks.
+
+**Phase 1: Infrastructure (Week 1)**
+- [ ] Deploy TShock Terraria server on Pterodactyl
+- [ ] Configure basic world (Fire district + Frost district spawn town)
+- [ ] Set up texture pack development environment (GIMP)
+- [ ] Document Cricut → GIMP workflow
+
+**Phase 2: Foundations (Week 1-2)**
+- [ ] First texture edit (single item or block)
+- [ ] Test texture pack installation and loading
+- [ ] Create version control workflow for assets
+- [ ] Document lessons learned
+
+**Phase 3: Starter Pack (Week 3-4)**
+- [ ] Create Firefrost Starter Pack (5-10 cohesive textures)
+- [ ] Define Fire vs Frost visual language (colors, shapes, aesthetics)
+- [ ] Test with small group for feedback
+- [ ] Iterate based on feedback
+
+**Phase 4: Consultant Pack (Week 5-6)**
+- [ ] Create The Five Consultants pet pack (Jack, Oscar, Butter, Jasmine, Noir)
+- [ ] Community feedback loop
+- [ ] Refine based on player reactions
+
+**Phase 5: Advanced Techniques (Month 2)**
+- [ ] Custom spawn town (Fire + Ice districts via TEdit)
+- [ ] Full UI overhaul
+- [ ] Custom NPC dialogue (Fire/Frost themed)
+- [ ] Economy system with Firefrost currencies
+
+**Phase 6: Master System (Month 3+)**
+- [ ] Complete visual identity guide
+- [ ] Skills transfer to Minecraft resource packs
+- [ ] Skills transfer to Among Us skins (when ready for Phase 2 expansion)
+- [ ] Template system for rapid asset creation
+
+**Dependencies:**
+- Pterodactyl TShock egg (verify available)
+- GIMP installation and learning
+- TEdit for world building
+- Time allocation (self-paced, low pressure)
+
+**Blocked By:** None — ready to start
+
+**Success Metrics:**
+- Michael comfortable creating textures independently
+- Firefrost visual identity defined and documented
+- Skills proven transferable to other games/platforms
+- Community positive feedback on custom assets
+
+**Among Us Deferred:** Weekly Discord events postponed until Month 4+ when branding skills are established and Meg is fully recovered. Allows Among Us launch with Fire/Frost skins Day 1 instead of vanilla experience.
+
+---
+
+
 ### Mailcow Email Server — Self-Hosted Email
 **Status:** Pre-sale answered ✅ — VPS purchase delayed (targeting 1st of month for billing consolidation)
 **Breezehost Response (Brandon E, Feb 12 9:06 AM):**