refactor(skills): convert advanced-elicitation.xml to native skill

.github/workflows/publish.yaml

@@ -37,22 +37,14 @@ permissions:
 
 jobs:
   publish:
-    if: github.repository == 'bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD' && (github.event_name != 'workflow_dispatch' || github.ref == 'refs/heads/main')
+    if: github.event_name != 'workflow_dispatch' || github.ref == 'refs/heads/main'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
-      - name: Generate GitHub App token
-        id: app-token
-        if: github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch' && inputs.channel == 'latest'
-        uses: actions/create-github-app-token@v2
-        with:
-          app-id: ${{ secrets.RELEASE_APP_ID }}
-          private-key: ${{ secrets.RELEASE_APP_PRIVATE_KEY }}
-
       - name: Checkout
         uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
           fetch-depth: 0
-          token: ${{ steps.app-token.outputs.token || secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
 
       - name: Setup Node
         uses: actions/setup-node@v4

.gitignore

@@ -20,10 +20,6 @@ build/*.txt
 # Environment variables
 .env
 
-# Python
-__pycache__/
-.pytest_cache/
-
 # System files
 .DS_Store
 Thumbs.db

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,42 +1,5 @@
 # Changelog
 
-## [6.1.0] - 2026-03-12
-
-### Highlights
-
-* Whiteport Design Studio (WDS) module enabled in the installer
-* Support @next installation channel (`npx bmad-method@next install`) — get the latest tip of main instead of waiting for the next stable published version
-* Everything now installs as a skill — all workflows, agents, and tasks converted to markdown with SKILL.md entrypoints (not yet optimized skills, but unified format)
-* An experimental preview of the new Quick Dev is available, which will become the main Phase 4 development tool
-* Edge Case Hunter added as a parallel code review layer in Phase 4, improving code quality by exhaustively tracing branching paths and boundary conditions (#1791)
-* Documentation now available in Chinese (zh-CN) with complete translation (#1822, #1795)
-
-### 💥 Breaking Changes
-
-* Convert entire BMAD method to skills-based architecture with unified skill manifests (#1834)
-* Convert all core workflows from YAML+instructions to single workflow.md format
-* Migrate all remaining platforms to native Agent Skills format (#1841)
-* Remove legacy YAML/XML workflow engine plumbing (#1864)
-
-### 🎁 Features
-
-* Add Pi coding agent as supported platform (#1854)
-* Add unified skill scanner decoupled from legacy collectors (#1859)
-* Add continuous delivery workflows for npm publishing with trusted OIDC publishing (#1872)
-
-### ♻️ Refactoring
-
-* Update terminology from "commands" to "skills" across all documentation (#1850)
-
-### 🐛 Bug Fixes
-
-* Fix code review removing mandatory minimum issue count that caused infinite review loops (#1913)
-* Fix silent loss of brainstorming ideas in PRD by adding reconciliation step (#1914)
-* Reduce npm tarball from 533 to 348 files (91% size reduction, 6.2 MB → 555 KB) via .npmignore (#1900)
-* Fix party-mode skill conversion review findings (#1919)
-
----
-
 ## [6.0.4]
 
 ### 🎁 Features

package-lock.json

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "bmad-method",
-  "version": "6.1.0",
+  "version": "6.0.4",
   "lockfileVersion": 3,
   "requires": true,
   "packages": {
     "": {
       "name": "bmad-method",
-      "version": "6.1.0",
+      "version": "6.0.4",
       "license": "MIT",
       "dependencies": {
         "@clack/core": "^1.0.0",

package.json

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "$schema": "https://json.schemastore.org/package.json",
   "name": "bmad-method",
-  "version": "6.1.0",
+  "version": "6.0.4",
   "description": "Breakthrough Method of Agile AI-driven Development",
   "keywords": [
     "agile",

src/bmm/agents/analyst.agent.yaml

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ agent:
 
   menu:
     - trigger: BP or fuzzy match on brainstorm-project
-      exec: "skill:bmad-brainstorming"
+      exec: "{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/brainstorming/workflow.md"
       data: "{project-root}/_bmad/bmm/data/project-context-template.md"
       description: "[BP] Brainstorm Project: Expert Guided Facilitation through a single or multiple techniques with a final report"
 

src/bmm/module-help.csv

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ bmm,anytime,Update Standards,US,,_bmad/bmm/agents/tech-writer/tech-writer.agent.
 bmm,anytime,Mermaid Generate,MG,,_bmad/bmm/agents/tech-writer/tech-writer.agent.yaml,,false,tech-writer,,"Create a Mermaid diagram based on user description. Will suggest diagram types if not specified.",planning_artifacts,"mermaid diagram",
 bmm,anytime,Validate Document,VD,,_bmad/bmm/agents/tech-writer/tech-writer.agent.yaml,,false,tech-writer,,"Review the specified document against documentation standards and best practices. Returns specific actionable improvement suggestions organized by priority.",planning_artifacts,"validation report",
 bmm,anytime,Explain Concept,EC,,_bmad/bmm/agents/tech-writer/tech-writer.agent.yaml,,false,tech-writer,,"Create clear technical explanations with examples and diagrams for complex concepts. Breaks down into digestible sections using task-oriented approach.",project_knowledge,"explanation",
-bmm,1-analysis,Brainstorm Project,BP,10,skill:bmad-brainstorming,bmad-brainstorming,false,analyst,data=_bmad/bmm/data/project-context-template.md,"Expert Guided Facilitation through a single or multiple techniques",planning_artifacts,"brainstorming session",
+bmm,1-analysis,Brainstorm Project,BP,10,_bmad/core/workflows/brainstorming/workflow.md,bmad-brainstorming,false,analyst,data=_bmad/bmm/data/project-context-template.md,"Expert Guided Facilitation through a single or multiple techniques",planning_artifacts,"brainstorming session",
 bmm,1-analysis,Market Research,MR,20,_bmad/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research/workflow-market-research.md,bmad-bmm-market-research,false,analyst,Create Mode,"Market analysis competitive landscape customer needs and trends","planning_artifacts|project-knowledge","research documents",
 bmm,1-analysis,Domain Research,DR,21,_bmad/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research/workflow-domain-research.md,bmad-bmm-domain-research,false,analyst,Create Mode,"Industry domain deep dive subject matter expertise and terminology","planning_artifacts|project_knowledge","research documents",
 bmm,1-analysis,Technical Research,TR,22,_bmad/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research/workflow-technical-research.md,bmad-bmm-technical-research,false,analyst,Create Mode,"Technical feasibility architecture options and implementation approaches","planning_artifacts|project_knowledge","research documents",

src/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/create-prd/steps-v/step-v-10-smart-validation.md

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ description: 'SMART Requirements Validation - Validate Functional Requirements m
 nextStepFile: './step-v-11-holistic-quality-validation.md'
 prdFile: '{prd_file_path}'
 validationReportPath: '{validation_report_path}'
+advancedElicitationTask: 'skill:bmad-advanced-elicitation'
 ---
 
 # Step 10: SMART Requirements Validation

src/bmm/workflows/3-solutioning/create-architecture/steps/step-02-context.md

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ This step will generate content and present choices:
 
 ## PROTOCOL INTEGRATION:
 
-- When 'A' selected: Invoke the `bmad-advanced-elicitation` skill
+- When 'A' selected: Read fully and follow: skill:bmad-advanced-elicitation
 - When 'P' selected: Read fully and follow: {project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/bmad-party-mode/workflow.md
 - PROTOCOLS always return to display this step's A/P/C menu after the A or P have completed
 - User accepts/rejects protocol changes before proceeding
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ Show the generated content and present choices:
 
 #### If 'A' (Advanced Elicitation):
 
-- Invoke the `bmad-advanced-elicitation` skill with the current context analysis
+- Read fully and follow: skill:bmad-advanced-elicitation with the current context analysis
 - Process the enhanced architectural insights that come back
 - Ask user: "Accept these enhancements to the project context analysis? (y/n)"
 - If yes: Update content with improvements, then return to A/P/C menu

src/bmm/workflows/bmad-quick-flow/quick-spec/workflow.md

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: quick-spec
 description: 'Very quick process to create implementation-ready quick specs for small changes or features. Use when the user says "create a quick spec" or "generate a quick tech spec"'
 main_config: '{project-root}/_bmad/bmm/config.yaml'
 
-# Checkpoint handler references
+# Checkpoint handler paths
 advanced_elicitation: 'skill:bmad-advanced-elicitation'
 party_mode_exec: '{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/bmad-party-mode/workflow.md'
 quick_dev_workflow: '{project-root}/_bmad/bmm/workflows/bmad-quick-flow/quick-dev/workflow.md'

src/core/module-help.csv

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs
-core,anytime,Brainstorming,BSP,,skill:bmad-brainstorming,bmad-brainstorming,false,analyst,,"Generate diverse ideas through interactive techniques. Use early in ideation phase or when stuck generating ideas.",{output_folder}/brainstorming/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md,,
+core,anytime,Brainstorming,BSP,,_bmad/core/workflows/brainstorming/workflow.md,bmad-brainstorming,false,analyst,,"Generate diverse ideas through interactive techniques. Use early in ideation phase or when stuck generating ideas.",{output_folder}/brainstorming/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md,,
 core,anytime,Party Mode,PM,,skill:bmad-party-mode,bmad-party-mode,false,party-mode facilitator,,"Orchestrate multi-agent discussions. Use when you need multiple agent perspectives or want agents to collaborate.",,
 core,anytime,bmad-help,BH,,skill:bmad-help,bmad-help,false,,,"Get unstuck by showing what workflow steps come next or answering BMad Method questions.",,
 core,anytime,Index Docs,ID,,skill:bmad-index-docs,bmad-index-docs,false,,,"Create lightweight index for quick LLM scanning. Use when LLM needs to understand available docs without loading everything.",,

src/core/tasks/bmad-advanced-elicitation/SKILL.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 name: bmad-advanced-elicitation
-description: 'Push the LLM to reconsider refine and improve its recent output.'
+description: 'Push the LLM to reconsider refine and improve its recent output. Use when the user asks for advanced elicitation.'
 ---
 
 Follow the instructions in [workflow.md](workflow.md).

src/core/tasks/bmad-advanced-elicitation/workflow.md

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 ---
 name: bmad-advanced-elicitation
-description: 'Push the LLM to reconsider refine and improve its recent output.'
+description: 'Push the LLM to reconsider refine and improve its recent output. Use when the user asks for advanced elicitation.'
 methods: './methods.csv'
 agent_party: '{project-root}/_bmad/_config/agent-manifest.csv'
 ---
 
 # Advanced Elicitation Workflow
 
-**Goal:** Push the LLM to reconsider, refine, and improve its recent output.
+**Goal:** Push the LLM to reconsider, refine, and improve its recent output. Use when the user asks for advanced elicitation.
 
 ---
 
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@ agent_party: '{project-root}/_bmad/_config/agent-manifest.csv'
 
 ---
 
-## INTEGRATION (When Invoked Indirectly)
+## INTEGRATION (When Called from Workflow)
 
-When invoked from another prompt or process:
+When called during template workflow processing:
 
 1. Receive or review the current section content that was just generated
 2. Apply elicitation methods iteratively to enhance that specific content

src/core/workflows/bmad-brainstorming/SKILL.md

@@ -1,6 +0,0 @@
----
-name: bmad-brainstorming
-description: 'Facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions using diverse creative techniques and ideation methods. Use when the user says help me brainstorm or help me ideate.'
----
-
-Follow the instructions in [workflow.md](workflow.md).

src/core/workflows/bmad-brainstorming/bmad-skill-manifest.yaml

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-type: skill

src/core/workflows/bmad-party-mode/workflow.md

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 ---
+name: bmad-party-mode
+description: 'Orchestrates group discussions between all installed BMAD agents, enabling natural multi-agent conversations. Use when user requests party mode.'
 ---
 
 # Party Mode Workflow

src/core/workflows/brainstorming/bmad-skill-manifest.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+canonicalId: bmad-brainstorming
+type: workflow
+description: "Facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions using diverse creative techniques and ideation methods"

src/core/workflows/brainstorming/workflow.md

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 ---
+name: brainstorming
+description: 'Facilitate interactive brainstorming sessions using diverse creative techniques and ideation methods. Use when the user says help me brainstorm or help me ideate.'
 context_file: '' # Optional context file path for project-specific guidance
 ---
 
@@ -40,8 +42,9 @@ Load config from `{project-root}/_bmad/core/config.yaml` and resolve:
 
 ### Paths
 
-- `template_path` = `./template.md`
+- `installed_path` = `{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/brainstorming`
-- `brain_techniques_path` = `./brain-methods.csv`
+- `template_path` = `{installed_path}/template.md`
+- `brain_techniques_path` = `{installed_path}/brain-methods.csv`
 - `brainstorming_session_output_file` = `{output_folder}/brainstorming/brainstorming-session-{{date}}-{{time}}.md` (evaluated once at workflow start)
 
 All steps MUST reference `{brainstorming_session_output_file}` instead of the full path pattern.

tools/cli/external-official-modules.yaml

@@ -42,12 +42,12 @@ modules:
     type: bmad-org
     npmPackage: bmad-method-test-architecture-enterprise
 
-  whiteport-design-studio:
+  # whiteport-design-system:
-    url: https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-method-wds-expansion
+  #   url: https://github.com/bmad-code-org/bmad-method-wds-expansion
-    module-definition: src/module.yaml
+  #   module-definition: src/module.yaml
-    code: wds
+  #   code: wds
-    name: "Whiteport Design Studio (For UX Professionals)"
+  #   name: "Whiteport UX Design System"
-    description: "Whiteport Design Studio (For UX Professionals)"
+  #   description: "UX design framework with Figma integration"
-    defaultSelected: false
+  #   defaultSelected: false
-    type: community
+  #   type: community
-    npmPackage: bmad-method-wds-expansion
+  #   npmPackage: bmad-method-wds-expansion

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js

@@ -349,6 +349,7 @@ class BaseIdeSetup {
       } else if (entry.isFile() && entry.name === 'workflow.md') {
         // Read workflow.md frontmatter to get name and standalone property
         try {
+          const yaml = require('yaml');
           const content = await fs.readFile(fullPath, 'utf8');
           const frontmatterMatch = content.match(/^---\r?\n([\s\S]*?)\r?\n---/);
           if (!frontmatterMatch) continue;

tools/cli/lib/agent/compiler.js

@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ function buildMenuXml(menuItems) {
     }
   }
 
-  xml += `    <item cmd="PM or fuzzy match on party-mode" exec="skill:bmad-party-mode">[PM] Start Party Mode</item>\n`;
+  xml += `    <item cmd="PM or fuzzy match on party-mode" exec="{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/bmad-party-mode/workflow.md">[PM] Start Party Mode</item>\n`;
   xml += `    <item cmd="DA or fuzzy match on exit, leave, goodbye or dismiss agent">[DA] Dismiss Agent</item>\n`;
 
   xml += '  </menu>\n';