diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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--- a/README.md
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@@ -1,16 +1,26 @@
 # Riverbraid-Manifest-Gold
-> **Status:** ROOT_AUDIT_VERIFIED (v1.5.0)
-> **Claim Boundary:** Declared Conditions Only[cite: 2]
 
-This repository is a verified node within the Riverbraid Constellation.
-It adheres to the Stationary State invariant and is audited against 
-the Riverbraid-Manifest-Gold authority gate.[cite: 1, 2]
+**Status:** ROOT_AUDIT_VERIFIED (v1.5.0)
+**Claim Boundary:** Declared Conditions Only
 
----
+## Role in Riverbraid
 
----
-## GitHub Pages Status
-Pages is intentionally disabled. Verification is based on repo health, not deployment.
+This repository is a verified node within the Riverbraid constellation. It supports manifest level inspection of declared Riverbraid conditions.
+
+Riverbraid-Core remains the normative source for protocol semantics. This repository does not redefine canonical Riverbraid protocol rules.
+
+## Public Verification Boundary
+
+GitHub Pages is intentionally disabled. Verification is based on repository health and declared repository evidence, not deployment.
+
+## Evidence Boundary
+
+This README is a documentation surface. It does not replace code, test vectors, registry entries, signatures, seals, or workflow evidence.
+
+## Non Claims
+
+This repository does not claim certification, production readiness, external audit, legal approval, complete AI safety, absolute security, or absence of defects.
 
 ## License
+
 MIT.