diff --git a/client/tests/test_sprint30.gd b/client/tests/test_sprint30.gd
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ca78695ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/tests/test_sprint30.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,590 @@
+## Sprint 30 — QA acceptance tests
+##
+## Covers all 5 Sprint 30 client tickets:
+##   #718 — Persist CharacterVisualDescriptor on new game start
+##   #719 — Hair highlight: make swatch read-only (Option B — no compositor yet)
+##   #720 — Replace DirAccess scanning with manifest JSON for export builds
+##   #712 — BoneAttachment3D marker above Head bone for floating icons
+##   #674 — Star map insert module (test-first: scene must exist when implemented)
+##
+## Test convention:
+##   - Tests that should PASS immediately = regression guards on existing code
+##   - Tests prefixed [ACCEPTANCE] = will FAIL until the ticket is implemented
+##
+## Ticket refs: #718, #719, #720, #712, #674
+class_name TestSprint30
+extends GdUnitTestSuite
+
+
+func before_each() -> void:
+	# Reset GameState fields touched by #718 tests to avoid cross-test pollution.
+	GameState.character_visual_descriptor = null
+
+
+func after_each() -> void:
+	GameState.character_visual_descriptor = null
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# #718 — Persist CharacterVisualDescriptor
+# =============================================================================
+
+func test_game_state_has_character_visual_descriptor_field() -> void:
+	## GameState.character_visual_descriptor must exist and default to null.
+	## Confirms the field added in game_state.gd line 103 is present.
+	var gs := GameState.new()
+	auto_free(gs)
+	# The field is declared on the class — access it without error
+	var val: Variant = gs.get("character_visual_descriptor")
+	# Field should exist (not return null from missing property vs. null value)
+	assert_bool(gs.has_method("apply_snapshot")).override_failure_message(
+		"GameState must be a valid autoload class with apply_snapshot"
+	).is_true()
+	# The property itself must be gettable and null by default
+	assert_bool(val == null).override_failure_message(
+		"GameState.character_visual_descriptor must default to null"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_descriptor_to_dict_includes_all_required_fields() -> void:
+	## CharacterVisualDescriptor.to_dict() must include all wire-format fields.
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	auto_free(desc)
+	var d := desc.to_dict()
+	var required_keys := [
+		"body_type", "head_id", "hair_id", "hair_tint",
+		"facial_hair_id", "facial_hair_tint", "eyebrow_id", "eyebrow_tint",
+		"eye_color", "skin_tone", "clothing_slots", "clothing_tints",
+		"accessory_slots", "accessory_tints",
+	]
+	for key in required_keys:
+		assert_bool(d.has(key)).override_failure_message(
+			"to_dict() must include field '%s'" % key
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_descriptor_to_dict_body_type_is_wire_string() -> void:
+	## body_type in to_dict() must be a string (rmp_serde unit enum), not an int.
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	auto_free(desc)
+	desc.body_type = CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.AVERAGE_M
+	var d := desc.to_dict()
+	assert_str(d["body_type"]).override_failure_message(
+		"to_dict() body_type must be wire string 'AverageM'"
+	).is_equal("AverageM")
+
+
+func test_descriptor_round_trip_preserves_fields() -> void:
+	## from_dict(to_dict(desc)) must preserve all scalar fields.
+	var original := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	auto_free(original)
+	original.body_type = CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.THIN_F
+	original.head_id = "head_002"
+	original.hair_id = "bob"
+	original.hair_tint = Color(0.8, 0.4, 0.2)
+	original.skin_tone = 3
+
+	var wire := original.to_dict()
+	var restored := CharacterVisualDescriptor.from_dict(wire)
+	assert_bool(restored != null).override_failure_message(
+		"from_dict() must return a descriptor for valid wire data"
+	).is_true()
+	if restored == null:
+		return
+
+	assert_int(int(restored.body_type)).override_failure_message(
+		"body_type must survive round-trip"
+	).is_equal(int(CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.THIN_F))
+
+	assert_str(restored.head_id).override_failure_message(
+		"head_id must survive round-trip"
+	).is_equal("head_002")
+
+	assert_str(restored.hair_id).override_failure_message(
+		"hair_id must survive round-trip"
+	).is_equal("bob")
+
+	assert_int(restored.skin_tone).override_failure_message(
+		"skin_tone must survive round-trip"
+	).is_equal(3)
+
+
+func test_descriptor_from_dict_returns_null_when_missing_body_type() -> void:
+	## from_dict() must return null if body_type is absent (required field).
+	var d := {"head_id": "head_001"}  # missing body_type
+	var result := CharacterVisualDescriptor.from_dict(d)
+	assert_bool(result == null).override_failure_message(
+		"from_dict() must return null when body_type is missing"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_descriptor_color_encoding_is_float_array() -> void:
+	## Colors must encode as [r, g, b, a] float arrays for rmp_serde compatibility.
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	auto_free(desc)
+	desc.eye_color = Color(0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 1.0)
+	var d := desc.to_dict()
+	var encoded: Variant = d["eye_color"]
+	assert_bool(encoded is Array).override_failure_message(
+		"eye_color must encode as an Array [r, g, b, a]"
+	).is_true()
+	if not (encoded is Array):
+		return
+	assert_int((encoded as Array).size()).override_failure_message(
+		"eye_color array must have 4 elements"
+	).is_equal(4)
+	assert_float((encoded as Array)[0]).override_failure_message(
+		"eye_color[0] (r) must be approx 0.1"
+	).is_equal_approx(0.1, 0.001)
+
+
+func test_apply_snapshot_restores_character_visual_descriptor() -> void:
+	## #718: apply_snapshot() must restore character_visual_descriptor from
+	## the "character_visual_descriptor" key in ObserverSnapshot (save/load path).
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	desc.body_type = CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.MUSCULAR_F
+	desc.head_id = "head_003"
+	desc.hair_id = "dreads"
+	desc.skin_tone = 5
+	var snapshot := {
+		"character_visual_descriptor": desc.to_dict(),
+	}
+	GameState.apply_snapshot(snapshot)
+	var restored: Variant = GameState.character_visual_descriptor
+	assert_bool(restored != null).override_failure_message(
+		"apply_snapshot() must restore character_visual_descriptor from snapshot"
+	).is_true()
+	if restored != null and restored is CharacterVisualDescriptor:
+		var r := restored as CharacterVisualDescriptor
+		assert_int(int(r.body_type)).override_failure_message(
+			"restored body_type must match"
+		).is_equal(int(CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.MUSCULAR_F))
+		assert_str(r.head_id).override_failure_message(
+			"restored head_id must match"
+		).is_equal("head_003")
+		assert_int(r.skin_tone).override_failure_message(
+			"restored skin_tone must match"
+		).is_equal(5)
+
+
+func test_apply_snapshot_preserves_descriptor_when_field_absent() -> void:
+	## #718: If snapshot lacks "character_visual_descriptor", the existing field
+	## must not be overwritten (server only sends when descriptor changes).
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	desc.hair_id = "bob"
+	GameState.character_visual_descriptor = desc
+	# Snapshot with no character_visual_descriptor key
+	GameState.apply_snapshot({"tick": 1})
+	var after: Variant = GameState.character_visual_descriptor
+	assert_bool(after != null).override_failure_message(
+		"apply_snapshot() must NOT clear descriptor when field is absent"
+	).is_true()
+	if after is CharacterVisualDescriptor:
+		assert_str((after as CharacterVisualDescriptor).hair_id).override_failure_message(
+			"descriptor must be unchanged after snapshot with no character_visual_descriptor key"
+		).is_equal("bob")
+
+
+func test_protocol_encode_startup_includes_descriptor() -> void:
+	## #718: Protocol.encode_startup_message() must include "character_visual_descriptor"
+	## in the encoded payload when a descriptor is provided.
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	desc.body_type = CharacterVisualDescriptor.BodyType.THIN_M
+	desc.hair_id = "buzzed"
+	var bytes := Protocol.encode_startup_message(12345, "detective", desc)
+	assert_bool(bytes.size() > 0).override_failure_message(
+		"encode_startup_message() must produce non-empty bytes"
+	).is_true()
+	# Decode and verify the field is present (Messagepack.decode returns {status, value})
+	var raw = Messagepack.decode(bytes)
+	assert_bool(raw.status == null).override_failure_message(
+		"encode_startup_message() output must be valid msgpack"
+	).is_true()
+	if raw.status != null:
+		return
+	var msg: Dictionary = raw.value as Dictionary
+	assert_bool(msg.has("character_visual_descriptor")).override_failure_message(
+		"StartupMessage must include 'character_visual_descriptor' key when descriptor is provided"
+	).is_true()
+	if msg.has("character_visual_descriptor"):
+		assert_bool(msg["character_visual_descriptor"] is Dictionary).override_failure_message(
+			"character_visual_descriptor in StartupMessage must be a Dictionary"
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_protocol_encode_startup_omits_descriptor_when_null() -> void:
+	## #718: encode_startup_message() must still produce valid bytes when descriptor is null.
+	var bytes := Protocol.encode_startup_message(0, "detective", null)
+	assert_bool(bytes.size() > 0).override_failure_message(
+		"encode_startup_message() must produce valid bytes even with null descriptor"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_descriptor_has_no_hair_highlight_tint_field() -> void:
+	## CharacterVisualDescriptor must NOT have a hair_highlight_tint field.
+	## The highlight is always auto-derived from hair_tint (Option B of #719).
+	## to_dict() must not include it in the wire format.
+	var desc := CharacterVisualDescriptor.new()
+	auto_free(desc)
+	var d := desc.to_dict()
+	assert_bool(d.has("hair_highlight_tint")).override_failure_message(
+		"to_dict() must NOT include hair_highlight_tint — highlight is auto-derived"
+	).is_false()
+	assert_bool(desc.get("hair_highlight_tint") != null and typeof(desc.get("hair_highlight_tint")) != TYPE_NIL).override_failure_message(
+		"CharacterVisualDescriptor must not define a hair_highlight_tint property"
+	).is_false()
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# #719 — Hair highlight swatch (Option B: read-only, auto-derived)
+# =============================================================================
+
+func test_derive_hair_highlight_lightens_primary() -> void:
+	## _derive_hair_highlight() must return primary.lightened(0.3).
+	## Tests the derivation formula in character_creation.gd:1917.
+	var cc_scene_path := "res://scenes/character_creation.tscn"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(cc_scene_path):
+		push_warning("test_derive_hair_highlight_lightens_primary: scene not available in headless — skipping")
+		return
+	var packed := load(cc_scene_path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return
+	var cc := packed.instantiate() as CharacterCreation
+	if cc == null:
+		push_warning("test_derive_hair_highlight_lightens_primary: failed to instantiate — skipping")
+		return
+	auto_free(cc)
+
+	# CharacterCreation._derive_hair_highlight is a private method but testable via call()
+	var primary := Color(0.4, 0.3, 0.5)
+	var expected := primary.lightened(0.3)
+	var result: Variant = cc.call("_derive_hair_highlight", primary)
+	assert_bool(result is Color).override_failure_message(
+		"_derive_hair_highlight must return a Color"
+	).is_true()
+	if not (result is Color):
+		return
+	var r := result as Color
+	assert_float(r.r).override_failure_message("derived highlight.r incorrect").is_equal_approx(expected.r, 0.001)
+	assert_float(r.g).override_failure_message("derived highlight.g incorrect").is_equal_approx(expected.g, 0.001)
+	assert_float(r.b).override_failure_message("derived highlight.b incorrect").is_equal_approx(expected.b, 0.001)
+
+
+func test_hair_highlight_swatch_exists_in_ui() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #719] After fix, _hair_highlight_swatch must be non-null
+	## (a display node must be created in _build_hair_color_dock).
+	## WILL FAIL until #719 is implemented.
+	var cc_scene_path := "res://scenes/character_creation.tscn"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(cc_scene_path):
+		push_warning("test_hair_highlight_swatch_exists_in_ui: scene not available in headless — skipping")
+		return
+	var packed := load(cc_scene_path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return
+	var cc := packed.instantiate() as CharacterCreation
+	if cc == null:
+		return
+	auto_free(cc)
+	add_child(cc)
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+
+	# _hair_highlight_swatch must be set after _ready() builds the hair color dock
+	var swatch: Variant = cc.get("_hair_highlight_swatch")
+	assert_bool(swatch != null).override_failure_message(
+		"[#719] _hair_highlight_swatch must not be null — a display node must be created"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_hair_highlight_swatch_is_not_interactive() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #719] The highlight swatch must be non-interactive.
+	## Either mouse_filter = IGNORE, or the node is a ColorRect (not a Button with a callback).
+	## WILL FAIL until #719 is implemented.
+	var cc_scene_path := "res://scenes/character_creation.tscn"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(cc_scene_path):
+		push_warning("test_hair_highlight_swatch_is_not_interactive: scene not available — skipping")
+		return
+	var packed := load(cc_scene_path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return
+	var cc := packed.instantiate() as CharacterCreation
+	if cc == null:
+		return
+	auto_free(cc)
+	add_child(cc)
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+
+	var swatch: Variant = cc.get("_hair_highlight_swatch")
+	if swatch == null:
+		push_warning("test_hair_highlight_swatch_is_not_interactive: swatch not found — #719 not yet implemented")
+		return
+
+	# If swatch is a Control node, mouse_filter must be IGNORE (2)
+	if swatch is Control:
+		var ctrl := swatch as Control
+		assert_int(ctrl.mouse_filter).override_failure_message(
+			"[#719] hair highlight swatch must have mouse_filter=IGNORE (non-interactive)"
+		).is_equal(Control.MOUSE_FILTER_IGNORE)
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# #720 — Manifest JSON completeness (replaces DirAccess scanning)
+# =============================================================================
+
+func test_manifest_json_is_parseable() -> void:
+	## manifest.json must exist and parse as a Dictionary.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	assert_bool(ResourceLoader.exists(path) or FileAccess.file_exists(path)).override_failure_message(
+		"manifest.json must exist at res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	).is_true()
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_json_is_parseable: file not openable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	assert_bool(parsed is Dictionary).override_failure_message(
+		"manifest.json must parse as a JSON object (Dictionary)"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_manifest_hair_includes_all_asset_dirs() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] manifest.json "hair" array must include every .glb in
+	## assets/characters/hair/. Currently missing: balding, buzzed_female, dreads,
+	## long_dreads, mohawk, ponytail_f, simple_parted, slick_back.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 populates the manifest fully.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_hair_includes_all_asset_dirs: manifest not readable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	if not (parsed is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var manifest := parsed as Dictionary
+	var hair_list: Array = manifest.get("hair", [])
+
+	# All hair IDs confirmed from assets/characters/hair/*.glb scan (2026-04-04)
+	var expected_hair := [
+		"bald", "balding", "bob", "buns", "buzzed", "buzzed_female",
+		"dreads", "long", "long_dreads", "mohawk", "ponytail", "ponytail_f",
+		"simple_parted", "slick_back",
+	]
+	for hair_id in expected_hair:
+		assert_bool(hair_list.has(hair_id)).override_failure_message(
+			"[#720] manifest 'hair' must include '%s'" % hair_id
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_manifest_heads_are_populated() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] manifest.json "heads" must not be empty.
+	## heads/templates/ contains head_001..head_004 — all must be listed.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 populates the manifest.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_heads_are_populated: manifest not readable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	if not (parsed is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var manifest := parsed as Dictionary
+	var heads_list: Array = manifest.get("heads", [])
+
+	var expected_heads := ["head_001", "head_002", "head_003", "head_004"]
+	assert_bool(not heads_list.is_empty()).override_failure_message(
+		"[#720] manifest 'heads' must not be empty — 4 head templates exist"
+	).is_true()
+	for head_id in expected_heads:
+		assert_bool(heads_list.has(head_id)).override_failure_message(
+			"[#720] manifest 'heads' must include '%s'" % head_id
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_manifest_body_types_includes_all_11() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] manifest.json "body_types" must include all 11 types.
+	## Currently has 6; missing: thin_m, thin_f, heavy_m, heavy_f, child.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 updates the manifest.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_body_types_includes_all_11: manifest not readable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	if not (parsed is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var manifest := parsed as Dictionary
+	var bt_list: Array = manifest.get("body_types", [])
+
+	var expected_types := [
+		"thin_m", "thin_f", "average_m", "average_f",
+		"muscular_m", "muscular_f", "teen_m", "teen_f",
+		"heavy_m", "heavy_f", "child",
+	]
+	for bt in expected_types:
+		assert_bool(bt_list.has(bt)).override_failure_message(
+			"[#720] manifest 'body_types' must include '%s'" % bt
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_manifest_clothing_includes_all_items() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] manifest.json "clothing" must include all items in
+	## assets/characters/clothing/. Currently missing: boots_work, coveralls_basic,
+	## jacket_utility, pants_cargo, shirt_henley.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 populates the manifest.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_clothing_includes_all_items: manifest not readable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	if not (parsed is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var manifest := parsed as Dictionary
+	var clothing_data: Variant = manifest.get("clothing", {})
+	var clothing_keys: Array = []
+	if clothing_data is Dictionary:
+		clothing_keys = (clothing_data as Dictionary).keys()
+
+	# All clothing item IDs confirmed from assets/characters/clothing/ scan (2026-04-04)
+	var expected_items := [
+		"boots_work", "coveralls_basic", "jacket_utility", "pants_cargo",
+		"peasant_pants", "peasant_shoes", "peasant_tunic", "shirt_henley",
+	]
+	for item_id in expected_items:
+		assert_bool(clothing_keys.has(item_id)).override_failure_message(
+			"[#720] manifest 'clothing' must include '%s'" % item_id
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_manifest_eyebrows_are_populated() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] manifest.json "eyebrows" must list all eyebrow styles.
+	## assets/characters/eyebrows/ has: female, regular, teen, thick.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 populates the manifest.
+	var path := "res://assets/characters/manifest.json"
+	var file := FileAccess.open(path, FileAccess.READ)
+	if file == null:
+		push_warning("test_manifest_eyebrows_are_populated: manifest not readable — skipping")
+		return
+	var parsed: Variant = JSON.parse_string(file.get_as_text())
+	file.close()
+	if not (parsed is Dictionary):
+		return
+	var manifest := parsed as Dictionary
+	var eb_list: Array = manifest.get("eyebrows", [])
+
+	var expected_eyebrows := ["female", "regular", "teen", "thick"]
+	assert_bool(not eb_list.is_empty()).override_failure_message(
+		"[#720] manifest 'eyebrows' must not be empty"
+	).is_true()
+	for eb_id in expected_eyebrows:
+		assert_bool(eb_list.has(eb_id)).override_failure_message(
+			"[#720] manifest 'eyebrows' must include '%s'" % eb_id
+		).is_true()
+
+
+func test_dir_access_scan_functions_removed() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #720] After fix, _scan_subdirs and _scan_asset_ids must be
+	## removed from CharacterCreation. These functions fail in exported PCK builds.
+	## WILL FAIL until #720 removes the DirAccess fallbacks.
+	var cc_scene_path := "res://scenes/character_creation.tscn"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(cc_scene_path):
+		push_warning("test_dir_access_scan_functions_removed: scene not available — skipping")
+		return
+	var packed := load(cc_scene_path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return
+	var cc := packed.instantiate() as CharacterCreation
+	if cc == null:
+		return
+	auto_free(cc)
+
+	assert_bool(cc.has_method("_scan_subdirs")).override_failure_message(
+		"[#720] _scan_subdirs must be removed — use manifest JSON instead"
+	).is_false()
+	assert_bool(cc.has_method("_scan_asset_ids")).override_failure_message(
+		"[#720] _scan_asset_ids must be removed — use manifest JSON instead"
+	).is_false()
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# #712 — BoneAttachment3D overhead anchor in CharacterVisual
+# =============================================================================
+
+func test_character_visual_has_get_overhead_anchor() -> void:
+	## CharacterVisual must expose get_overhead_anchor() as part of its public API.
+	## This is a static assertion — no 3D assets required.
+	var cv := CharacterVisual.new()
+	auto_free(cv)
+	assert_bool(cv.has_method("get_overhead_anchor")).override_failure_message(
+		"CharacterVisual must have get_overhead_anchor() method (#712)"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_overhead_anchor_is_null_before_load() -> void:
+	## get_overhead_anchor() must return null before load_descriptor() is called.
+	## The anchor is created during skeleton load, not at construction.
+	var cv := CharacterVisual.new()
+	auto_free(cv)
+	var anchor: Variant = cv.get_overhead_anchor()
+	assert_bool(anchor == null).override_failure_message(
+		"get_overhead_anchor() must be null before load_descriptor() is called"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_overhead_anchor_offset_constant() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #712] If CharacterVisual exposes the overhead anchor offset
+	## as a constant or via get_overhead_anchor(), the offset must be Vector3(0, 0.3, 0).
+	## Verified via code inspection: _overhead_anchor.position = Vector3(0, 0.3, 0).
+	## This test loads a scene and verifies if assets are present.
+	var cv := CharacterVisual.new()
+	auto_free(cv)
+	add_child(cv)
+
+	# Without GLB assets available in headless, skeleton load is a no-op.
+	# Check that _overhead_attachment is also null before load (belt-and-suspenders).
+	var attachment: Variant = cv.get("_overhead_attachment")
+	assert_bool(attachment == null).override_failure_message(
+		"_overhead_attachment must be null before skeleton is loaded"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# #674 — Star map insert module (test-first)
+# =============================================================================
+
+func test_star_map_scene_exists() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #674] The star map scene must exist at the expected path.
+	## WILL FAIL until #674 is implemented.
+	var expected_path := "res://ui/star_map.tscn"
+	assert_bool(ResourceLoader.exists(expected_path)).override_failure_message(
+		"[#674] Star map scene must exist at res://ui/star_map.tscn"
+	).is_true()
+
+
+func test_star_map_is_accessible_from_insert_ui() -> void:
+	## [ACCEPTANCE #674] The star map module must be reachable from the insert UI.
+	## Verify via HUD or main scene that a star_map node/scene is connected.
+	## WILL FAIL until #674 wires the scene into the insert layer.
+	var hud_scene_path := "res://ui/hud.tscn"
+	if not ResourceLoader.exists(hud_scene_path):
+		push_warning("test_star_map_is_accessible_from_insert_ui: HUD scene not found — skipping")
+		return
+	var packed := load(hud_scene_path) as PackedScene
+	if packed == null:
+		return
+	var hud := packed.instantiate()
+	if hud == null:
+		return
+	auto_free(hud)
+	add_child(hud)
+	await get_tree().process_frame
+
+	# Star map must be reachable as a named node from the HUD or insert layer
+	var star_map := hud.get_node_or_null("StarMap")
+	assert_bool(star_map != null).override_failure_message(
+		"[#674] HUD must contain a StarMap node accessible from the insert UI"
+	).is_true()