diff --git a/.github/GOVERNANCE.md b/.github/GOVERNANCE.md
index 677588d..96db3b8 100644
--- a/.github/GOVERNANCE.md
+++ b/.github/GOVERNANCE.md
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ release schedules, contributor access, and community standards.
 - ADR statuses: `proposed`, `accepted`, `deprecated`, `superseded`, `rejected`.
 - ADRs provide a historical record of why decisions were made and what alternatives
   were considered.
-- See `.machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml` for the machine-readable ADR index.
+- See `.machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml` for the machine-readable ADR index.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index c650acd..6fe4951 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ Copyright (c) Jonathan D.A. Jewell <j.d.a.jewell@open.ac.uk>
 ### As Applicable
 
 - [ ] `docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc` updated (if the phase, blockers or next action changed)
-- [ ] `.machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml` updated (if integrations changed)
-- [ ] `.machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml` updated (if architectural decisions changed)
+- [ ] `.machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml` updated (if integrations changed)
+- [ ] `.machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml` updated (if architectural decisions changed)
 - [ ] Documentation updated for user-facing changes
 - [ ] `TOPOLOGY.md` updated (if architecture changed)
 - [ ] `CHANGELOG` or release notes updated
diff --git a/.github/workflows/openssf-compliance.yml b/.github/workflows/openssf-compliance.yml
index e2e31aa..08577f7 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/openssf-compliance.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/openssf-compliance.yml
@@ -90,8 +90,8 @@ jobs:
           # Collect all required files that exist
           for f in SECURITY.md SECURITY.adoc .github/SECURITY.md LICENSE LICENSE.txt \
                    CONTRIBUTING.md CONTRIBUTING.adoc README.md README.adoc \
-                   docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc .machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml \
-                   .machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml CHANGELOG.md CHANGELOG.adoc; do
+                   docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc .machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml \
+                   .machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml CHANGELOG.md CHANGELOG.adoc; do
             [ -f "$f" ] && REQUIRED_FILES="$REQUIRED_FILES $f"
           done
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml b/.machine_readable/0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
index ac241d9..38ecf0c 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ description: |
 
 canonical_locations:
   state: "../docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc"
-  meta: "6a2/META.a2ml"
-  ecosystem: "6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml"
-  agentic: "6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml"
-  neurosym: "6a2/NEUROSYM.a2ml"
-  playbook: "6a2/PLAYBOOK.a2ml"
-  clade: "6a2/CLADE.a2ml"
-  anchors: "6a2/anchors/"
+  meta: "descriptiles/META.a2ml"
+  ecosystem: "descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml"
+  agentic: "descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml"
+  neurosym: "descriptiles/NEUROSYM.a2ml"
+  playbook: "descriptiles/PLAYBOOK.a2ml"
+  clade: "descriptiles/CLADE.a2ml"
+  anchors: "descriptiles/anchors/"
   policies: "policies/"
   ai_configs: "ai/"
   compliance: "compliance/"
diff --git a/.machine_readable/ai/AI.a2ml b/.machine_readable/ai/AI.a2ml
index d1dce13..3a3ba8e 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/ai/AI.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/ai/AI.a2ml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 ## Workflow
 1. Inspect `docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc` for the phase, blockers and next action.
-2. Respect any constraints listed inside `.machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml` when tooling changes are requested.
+2. Respect any constraints listed inside `.machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml` when tooling changes are requested.
 3. After finishing edits, update the thin journal (docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc) with your outcomes and commit with a concise, imperative message.
 
 ## Delivery Promises
diff --git a/.machine_readable/ai/README.adoc b/.machine_readable/ai/README.adoc
index 7d1f62e..4e08d29 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/ai/README.adoc
+++ b/.machine_readable/ai/README.adoc
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ Avoid scattering agent instruction files around the repo root.
 
 Recommended machine read order:
 
-* `.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml`
+* `.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml`
 * `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml`
 * `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml`
 * `.machine_readable/policies/SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT-APPROACH.a2ml`
 * `docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc`
-* `.machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml`
+* `.machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml`
diff --git a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/claude-md.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/claude-md.k9.ncl
index 652f795..122036a 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/claude-md.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/claude-md.k9.ncl
@@ -34,11 +34,11 @@ K9!
   # Inputs the projection reads (single source of truth).
   inputs = {
     descriptiles = [
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/CLADE.a2ml",
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml",
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/CLADE.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml",
       "anytype_chora.deed",   # lifecycle + maturity (state-v1-decision option B)
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
     ],
     estate_common = "hyperpolymath/manifesto@<pinned-sha>",  # DRAFT-unratified today
     target = "CLAUDE.md",
diff --git a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/extract.sh b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/extract.sh
index 54db602..bfdca14 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/extract.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/extract.sh
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # Determinism (no timestamps) is required so the k9 drift check can byte-compare.
 set -euo pipefail
 
-DIR6A2="${1:-.machine_readable/6a2}"
+DIR6A2="${1:-.machine_readable/descriptiles}"
 CLADE="$DIR6A2/CLADE.a2ml"
 ECO="$DIR6A2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml"
 AGENTIC="$DIR6A2/AGENTIC.a2ml"
diff --git a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/generate.sh b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/generate.sh
index 3caafa9..ac2a859 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/generate.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/generate.sh
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ ROOT="$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)"
 AP="$ROOT/.machine_readable/arrival-pack"
 TARGET="$ROOT/CLAUDE.md"
 
-bash "$AP/extract.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/6a2" > "$AP/claude-md-data.json"
+bash "$AP/extract.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/descriptiles" > "$AP/claude-md-data.json"
 nickel export --format raw "$AP/arrival-pack.ncl" > "$AP/.region.tmp"
 
 if [ -f "$TARGET" ] && grep -q 'ARRIVAL-PACK:BEGIN' "$TARGET"; then
diff --git a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/verify.sh b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/verify.sh
index 0763f00..1d90acf 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/verify.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/arrival-pack/verify.sh
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ TARGET="$ROOT/CLAUDE.md"
 
 [ -f "$TARGET" ] || { echo "DRIFT: CLAUDE.md missing — run \`just claude-md\`"; exit 1; }
 
-bash "$AP/extract.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/6a2" > "$AP/claude-md-data.json"
+bash "$AP/extract.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/descriptiles" > "$AP/claude-md-data.json"
 fresh="$(nickel export --format raw "$AP/arrival-pack.ncl")"
 committed="$(awk '/<!-- ARRIVAL-PACK:BEGIN/{f=1} f{print} /ARRIVAL-PACK:END/{f=0}' "$TARGET")"
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.k9.ncl
index 3239ad4..4a76324 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.k9.ncl
@@ -43,12 +43,12 @@ K9!
       ".machine_readable/contractiles/bust/Bustfile.a2ml",
     ],
     descriptiles = [
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/CLADE.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/CLADE.a2ml",
       "anytype_chora.deed",   # lifecycle + maturity
       "docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc",   # phase
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml",
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml",
-      ".machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml",
+      ".machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
     ],
     witness_map = ".machine_readable/coaptation/witness-map.ncl",
     grades = ".machine_readable/coaptation/grades.ncl",
diff --git a/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.sh b/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.sh
index d8fc2dc..d1d0bad 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/coaptation/coapt.sh
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ MODE="${1:---report}"
 
 # Kennel (sense) -> deterministic atomised inputs.
 bash "$CO/extract-clauses.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/contractiles" > "$CO/clauses.json"
-bash "$CO/extract-facts.sh"   "$ROOT/.machine_readable/6a2"           > "$CO/facts.json"
+bash "$CO/extract-facts.sh"   "$ROOT/.machine_readable/descriptiles"           > "$CO/facts.json"
 
 # Yard (compare, pure) -> receipt text.
 receipt="$(nickel export --format raw "$CO/coapt.ncl")"
diff --git a/.machine_readable/coaptation/extract-facts.sh b/.machine_readable/coaptation/extract-facts.sh
index c43d9e2..b20a24f 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/coaptation/extract-facts.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/coaptation/extract-facts.sh
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 #                   "provenance": { <family>: <hash> } }
 set -euo pipefail
 
-DIR6A2="${1:-.machine_readable/6a2}"
+DIR6A2="${1:-.machine_readable/descriptiles}"
 CLADE="$DIR6A2/CLADE.a2ml"
 ECO="$DIR6A2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml"
 AGENTIC="$DIR6A2/AGENTIC.a2ml"
diff --git a/.machine_readable/coaptation/verify.sh b/.machine_readable/coaptation/verify.sh
index c52474b..f749479 100755
--- a/.machine_readable/coaptation/verify.sh
+++ b/.machine_readable/coaptation/verify.sh
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ TARGET="$CO/receipts/latest.a2ml"
 [ -f "$TARGET" ] || { echo "DRIFT: coaptation receipt missing — run \`just coapt\`"; exit 1; }
 
 bash "$CO/extract-clauses.sh" "$ROOT/.machine_readable/contractiles" > "$CO/clauses.json"
-bash "$CO/extract-facts.sh"   "$ROOT/.machine_readable/6a2"           > "$CO/facts.json"
+bash "$CO/extract-facts.sh"   "$ROOT/.machine_readable/descriptiles"           > "$CO/facts.json"
 
 fresh="$(nickel export --format raw "$CO/coapt.ncl")"
 committed="$(cat "$TARGET")"
diff --git a/.machine_readable/coaptation/witness-map.ncl b/.machine_readable/coaptation/witness-map.ncl
index 7f200d5..4e872f8 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/coaptation/witness-map.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/coaptation/witness-map.ncl
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
   "must.anchors-directory" = {
     kind = "descriptile",
     witnesses = [ { fact = "anchor.authority", op = 'present } ],
-    note = "ANCHOR.a2ml was read from .machine_readable/6a2/anchors/",
+    note = "ANCHOR.a2ml was read from .machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/",
   },
 
   # --- TRUST: deliberately NO descriptile witness. ---
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/adjust/adjust.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/adjust/adjust.k9.ncl
index 513a6e3..4974ba7 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/adjust/adjust.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/adjust/adjust.k9.ncl
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       { kind = 'verisimdb, table = "contractile_executions",
         schema = "contractile_execution_v1",
         aux_tables = [ "adjust_drift_history" ] },
-      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true },
     ],
 
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             signature_required = true,
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/bust/bust.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/bust/bust.k9.ncl
index a29a6a8..4073727 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/bust/bust.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/bust/bust.k9.ncl
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       { kind = 'verisimdb, table = "contractile_executions",
         schema = "contractile_execution_v1",
         aux_tables = [ "bust_triggers_history" ] },
-      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true },
     ],
 
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             signature_required = true,
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/dust/dust.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/dust/dust.k9.ncl
index f19cdd4..6c51e54 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/dust/dust.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/dust/dust.k9.ncl
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       { kind = 'verisimdb, table = "contractile_executions",
         schema = "contractile_execution_v1",
         aux_tables = [ "dust_retirement_history" ] },
-      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+      { kind = 'drift_log, path = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true },
     ],
 
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             signature_required = true,
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/intend/intend.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/intend/intend.k9.ncl
index 0df05a6..dd579a5 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/intend/intend.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/intend/intend.k9.ncl
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ K9!
 #   (feedback_audit_tool_suppression_design.md — structural > markers).
 # * Sessional drift detection hooks (on_close, on_open).
 # * Ratification at session open; drift log at session close.
-# * Evidence sinks: VeriSimDB (queryable) + 6a2/DRIFT.a2ml (repo-local).
+# * Evidence sinks: VeriSimDB (queryable) + descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml (repo-local).
 # * Failure-mode defenses cross-referenced to the AI failure catalog.
 
 let base_k9 = import "../k9/template-hunt.k9.ncl" in
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
 
     # Evidence sinks — BOTH written, every execution.
     # VeriSimDB = queryable machine record (feedback_verisimdb_policy.md).
-    # 6a2/DRIFT.a2ml = repo-local append-only drift log (feedback_sessional_
+    # descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml = repo-local append-only drift log (feedback_sessional_
     # drift_detection.md + user_6a2_is_contractile_ought.md descriptive role).
     evidence_sinks = [
       {
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       },
       {
         kind        = 'drift_log,
-        path        = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+        path        = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true,
       },
     ],
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             # the AI is the holder of the line against enthusiasm drift.
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/Mustfile.a2ml b/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/Mustfile.a2ml
index 60413e3..a5996ba 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/Mustfile.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/Mustfile.a2ml
@@ -62,13 +62,13 @@ hooks fail if any check fails.
 - severity: critical
 
 ### six-directory-present
-- description: 6a2 directory exists with required files, and the thin journal exists
-- run: test -d .machine_readable/6a2 && test -f .machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml && test -f docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc && test -f .machine_readable/6a2/PLAYBOOK.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/6a2/NEUROSYM.a2ml
+- description: descriptiles directory exists with required files, and the thin journal exists
+- run: test -d .machine_readable/descriptiles && test -f .machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml && test -f docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc && test -f .machine_readable/descriptiles/PLAYBOOK.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml && test -f .machine_readable/descriptiles/NEUROSYM.a2ml
 - severity: critical
 
 ### anchors-directory
-- description: anchors directory exists in 6a2
-- run: test -d .machine_readable/6a2/anchors
+- description: anchors directory exists in descriptiles
+- run: test -d .machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors
 - severity: warning
 
 ### self-validating-structure
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/must.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/must.k9.ncl
index 1361ddd..38ba96d 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/must.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/must/must.k9.ncl
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       },
       {
         kind        = 'drift_log,
-        path        = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+        path        = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true,
       },
     ],
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             signature_required = true,
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/contractiles/trust/trust.k9.ncl b/.machine_readable/contractiles/trust/trust.k9.ncl
index c89fd29..7855e3c 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/contractiles/trust/trust.k9.ncl
+++ b/.machine_readable/contractiles/trust/trust.k9.ncl
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ K9!
 # * Plain-language translation — user never authors a Nickel schema for
 #   a cipher suite; AI does the spec work, user reviews in domain
 #   language ("TLS 1.3 with PQ key exchange, HSTS preload, 1yr").
-# * Evidence sinks: VeriSimDB (queryable) + 6a2/DRIFT.a2ml (repo-local).
+# * Evidence sinks: VeriSimDB (queryable) + descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml (repo-local).
 # * Failure-mode defenses cross-referenced — trust carries the most
 #   defenses of any verb because the threat surface is widest.
 
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
       },
       {
         kind        = 'drift_log,
-        path        = ".machine_readable/6a2/DRIFT.a2ml",
+        path        = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/DRIFT.a2ml",
         append_only = true,
       },
     ],
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ let base    = import "../_base.ncl" in
             signature_required = true,
           },
         ],
-        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/6a2/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
+        signed_record_destination = ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ratification-<session-id>.a2ml",
         must_precede_work = true,
       },
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
similarity index 83%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
index 666fac3..bbae667 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/6a2/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-# AI Manifest for 6a2 Directory
+# AI Manifest for descriptiles Directory
 
 ## Purpose
 
-This manifest declares the AI-assistant context for the 6a2 machine-readable metadata directory.
+This manifest declares the AI-assistant context for the descriptiles machine-readable metadata directory.
 
 ## Canonical Locations
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/CLADE.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/CLADE.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/CLADE.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/CLADE.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/NEUROSYM.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/NEUROSYM.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/NEUROSYM.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/NEUROSYM.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/PLAYBOOK.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/PLAYBOOK.a2ml
similarity index 97%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/PLAYBOOK.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/PLAYBOOK.a2ml
index 8bb8b22..dc8fd2f 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/6a2/PLAYBOOK.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/PLAYBOOK.a2ml
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ last-updated = "2026-04-11"
 # target = "container"  # container | binary | library | wasm
 
 [incident-response]
-# 1. Check .machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml for current status
+# 1. Check .machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml for current status
 # 2. Review recent commits and CI results
 # 3. Run `just validate` to check compliance
 # 4. Run `just security` to audit for vulnerabilities
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ enforcement-workflow = ".github/workflows/estate-rules.yml"
 
 # === Required directories ===
 # .github/             CONTRIBUTING.md, CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md, SECURITY.md, workflows/
-# .machine_readable/   AI manifests (0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml), 6a2/ checkpoints,
+# .machine_readable/   AI manifests (0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml), descriptiles/ checkpoints,
 #                      contractiles/, configs/, anchors/, policies/, scripts/, self-validating/
 # build/               contractile.just, guix.scm, Containerfile,
 #                      just/*.just (Justfile section imports)
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/README.adoc b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/README.adoc
similarity index 97%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/README.adoc
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/README.adoc
index e3aa9f7..06c7d14 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/6a2/README.adoc
+++ b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/README.adoc
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 // SPDX-License-Identifier: CC-BY-SA-4.0
 // Copyright (c) Jonathan D.A. Jewell <j.d.a.jewell@open.ac.uk>
-# A2ML 6a2 Directory
+# A2ML descriptiles Directory
 
 This directory contains the 6 core A2ML machine-readable metadata files for this repository.
 
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/anchors/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml
diff --git a/.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/README.adoc b/.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/README.adoc
similarity index 100%
rename from .machine_readable/6a2/anchors/README.adoc
rename to .machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/README.adoc
diff --git a/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml b/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml
index acd2f7b..851f125 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ machine-entrypoints = [
   ".machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml",
   ".machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml",
   ".machine_readable/policies/SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT-APPROACH.a2ml",
-  ".machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml",
+  ".machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml",
   ".machine_readable/ai/README.adoc",
   ".machine_readable/bot_directives/README.scm",
 ]
diff --git a/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml b/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml
index 56806c0..9056c77 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml
+++ b/.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ ownership_files = [
 ]
 
 machine_readable_required = [
-  ".machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
+  ".machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml",
   ".machine_readable/contractiles/",
   ".machine_readable/ai/",
   ".machine_readable/bot_directives/",
diff --git a/.machine_readable/root-allow.txt b/.machine_readable/root-allow.txt
index 4b6407e..2a9dc34 100644
--- a/.machine_readable/root-allow.txt
+++ b/.machine_readable/root-allow.txt
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ AUDIT.adoc
 EXPLAINME.adoc
 AFFIRMATION.adoc           # dated/signed honesty snapshot (README/EXPLAINME/AFFIRMATION trio)
 0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml         # thin pointer to .machine_readable/0.1-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml
-anytype_chora.deed         # DRAFT (Slice-2 prep): the canonical <repo>_chora.deed root home per the estate deed model. Carries the RULED-family translation (CLADE, AGENTIC/NEUROSYM/PLAYBOOK) of the 6a2 descriptiles; lint-clean against standards deed.abnf. Inert — the 6a2 a2ml stays authoritative until the migration wave + kyX land.
+anytype_chora.deed         # DRAFT (Slice-2 prep): the canonical <repo>_chora.deed root home per the estate deed model. Carries the RULED-family translation (CLADE, AGENTIC/NEUROSYM/PLAYBOOK) of the descriptiles; lint-clean against standards deed.abnf. Inert — the a2ml in descriptiles/ stays authoritative until the migration wave + kyX land.
 GOVERNANCE.adoc            # governance model (validator accepts root or docs/governance/)
 MAINTAINERS.adoc           # maintainer roster
 CONTRIBUTING.md            # REQUIRED AT ROOT by scorecard-enforcer/openssf-compliance/quality CI (test -f, no .github fallback). The fuller copy in .github/ is GitHub's auto-discovery convention; dedupe is an owner decision (would need those CI checks updated to accept .github/).
diff --git a/.pre-commit-config.yaml b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
index e31f5bf..bf6892f 100644
--- a/.pre-commit-config.yaml
+++ b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
@@ -59,4 +59,4 @@ repos:
         entry: bash .machine_readable/arrival-pack/verify.sh
         language: system
         pass_filenames: false
-        files: '^(\.machine_readable/6a2/.*|CLAUDE\.md)$'
+        files: '^(\.machine_readable/descriptiles/.*|CLAUDE\.md)$'
diff --git a/AFFIRMATION.adoc b/AFFIRMATION.adoc
index df145e5..6c81d27 100644
--- a/AFFIRMATION.adoc
+++ b/AFFIRMATION.adoc
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ file is a draft.
 | Claim | Status | Evidence
 | The repository is RSR-shaped and validates | affirmed-pending-run | `just validate` at the anchor SHA
 | The kernel's design is written down (pluggable L2 grades; L1 conversion; gates) | affirmed | `README.adoc`, `EXPLAINME.adoc`
-| anytype is the implementation; `systemet` is the theory it pins upstream | affirmed | `.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml`, `ECOSYSTEM.a2ml`
+| anytype is the implementation; `systemet` is the theory it pins upstream | affirmed | `.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml`, `ECOSYSTEM.a2ml`
 |===
 
 == What we do NOT claim
diff --git a/docs/RSR_OUTLINE.adoc b/docs/RSR_OUTLINE.adoc
index 2717c1a..684083f 100644
--- a/docs/RSR_OUTLINE.adoc
+++ b/docs/RSR_OUTLINE.adoc
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ project/
 * `Justfile`
 * `README.adoc`
 * `LICENSE` (MPL-2.0)
-* `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml`
+* `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml`
 * `.well-known/security.txt`
 * `.well-known/ai.txt`
 * `.well-known/humans.txt`
diff --git a/docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-TEMPLATE.adoc b/docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-TEMPLATE.adoc
index 8b8fb55..5f5f371 100644
--- a/docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-TEMPLATE.adoc
+++ b/docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-TEMPLATE.adoc
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ Evaluates the `{{REPO}}` repository against
 - Standard: `standards/component-readiness-grades/COMPONENT-READINESS-GRADES.md`
 - Template (criteria boilerplate): `rsr-template-repo/docs/governance/CRG-CRITERIA.adoc`
 - Self-declared grade (prior art):
-  * `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` → `grade = "<declared>"`
+  * `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` → `grade = "<declared>"`
   * `docs/READINESS.md` (if present) → per-component grades
   * Third-party badges (Glama, OpenSSF, etc.) if any — note date and scope
 - Audit date: {{CURRENT_DATE}}
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ Do *not* mark PRESENT without citing the path.
 | PRESENT / PARTIAL (count) / ABSENT
 | `.github/workflows/`
 
-| `.machine_readable/6a2/` canonical A2ML
+| `.machine_readable/descriptiles/` canonical A2ML
 | PRESENT (STATE, META, ECOSYSTEM, AGENTIC, NEUROSYM, PLAYBOOK) / ABSENT
 | Layout matches CLAUDE.md invariant
 
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ RSR compliance verdict: *met* / *partial* / *not met* — Grade D floor satisfie
 Cite *from authoritative source* (STATE.a2ml or CI log). Do not re-count by
 filesystem grep — grade the evidence that already exists.
 
-- `total-tests = N` (from `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` or CI).
+- `total-tests = N` (from `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` or CI).
 - Breakdown by suite: list each named suite and its count.
 - CI: `.github/workflows/<test-workflow>.yml` runs on push / tag / schedule.
 - Last green run: date + commit SHA.
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ them. Examples:
 == Related Files
 
 - `docs/READINESS.md` — per-component table. Note v1.0-vs-v2.0 schema alignment.
-- `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` — authoritative self-declared state.
+- `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` — authoritative self-declared state.
 - `docs/governance/CRG-LIFT-PLAN-{{CURRENT_DATE}}.adoc` — companion plan for
   D→C (and medium-term C→B) lifts.
 - `docs/governance/CRG-CRITERIA.adoc` — boilerplate criteria doc.
diff --git a/docs/practice/AI-CONVENTIONS.adoc b/docs/practice/AI-CONVENTIONS.adoc
index 2a7c0fb..2f3ff0f 100644
--- a/docs/practice/AI-CONVENTIONS.adoc
+++ b/docs/practice/AI-CONVENTIONS.adoc
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ Per-tool config files (.cursorrules, .clinerules, etc.) reference this document.
 
 1. Read `0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml` FIRST (mandatory gatekeeper).
 2. Read `docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc` for the current phase, blockers and next action. STATE v1 is archived at `.machine_readable/archive/state-v1.a2ml`; do not read it for current status.
-3. Read `.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml` for canonical authority boundaries.
+3. Read `.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml` for canonical authority boundaries.
 4. Read `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml` for maintenance/audit sequencing.
 5. Read `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml` for baseline controls.
 6. Read `.machine_readable/policies/SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT-APPROACH.a2ml` for execution order.
-7. Read `.machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml` for agent constraints.
+7. Read `.machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml` for agent constraints.
 
 ## License
 
@@ -79,10 +79,10 @@ Use `just` (Justfile) for all build, test, lint, and format tasks.
 ## References
 
 - `0-AI-MANIFEST.a2ml` -- universal AI entry point
-- `.machine_readable/6a2/AGENTIC.a2ml` -- agent permissions and constraints
+- `.machine_readable/descriptiles/AGENTIC.a2ml` -- agent permissions and constraints
 - `docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc` -- thin session journal: phase, blockers, last and next action
 - `.machine_readable/archive/state-v1.a2ml` -- archived STATE v1 (tombstoned; not current)
-- `.machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml` -- canonical authority and policy boundary
+- `.machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml` -- canonical authority and policy boundary
 - `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml` -- canonical axis sequencing and audit requirements
 - `.machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-CHECKLIST.a2ml` -- baseline maintenance checklist policy
 - `.machine_readable/policies/SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT-APPROACH.a2ml` -- axis execution approach policy
diff --git a/docs/status/READINESS.adoc b/docs/status/READINESS.adoc
index 7566e5a..6fca093 100644
--- a/docs/status/READINESS.adoc
+++ b/docs/status/READINESS.adoc
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ evidence doesn't support the claim.
 *Evidence gates (v2.0 is stricter than v1.0):*
 
 * *D*: RSR-compliant + per-capability tests + documented scope. Test matrix
-  must cite counts and live in `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` or CI.
+  must cite counts and live in `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` or CI.
 * *C*: All of D, plus active dogfooding in home context with *no known
   home-context failures over an evidence window*, plus *deep per-file and
   per-directory annotation* (purpose, boundaries, invariants,
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ Below B, any publication must be explicitly abstract or provisional.
 |===
 | Metric | Value | Source
 
-| Test count | _<N>_ | `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` or CI
+| Test count | _<N>_ | `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` or CI
 | Formal-verification posture | _<N `believe_me` / `sorry` / `Admitted` — irreducible only>_ | grep of proof dirs
 | Dangerous patterns (`assert_total`, `unsafeCoerce`, `Obj.magic`) | _<N>_ | grep 2026-06-28
 | Per-unit README coverage | _<M/N (percentage)>_ | filesystem scan of unit dirs
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ Real-world external feedback confirming value. Populate
 * `docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-<DATE>.adoc` — formal audit (populate from
   `rsr-template-repo/docs/governance/CRG-AUDIT-TEMPLATE.adoc`).
 * `docs/practice/DOGFOOD-LOG.adoc` — dated dogfood evidence (required for C).
-* `.machine_readable/6a2/STATE.a2ml` — authoritative state (canonical keys
+* `.machine_readable/descriptiles/STATE.a2ml` — authoritative state (canonical keys
   `[dogfooding-status]`, `[external-targets]`, `[issues-fed-back]`,
   `[field-signal]`).
 
diff --git a/machine-readable-design/canonical-directory-structure/README.adoc b/machine-readable-design/canonical-directory-structure/README.adoc
index 8ced07d..62bfc50 100644
--- a/machine-readable-design/canonical-directory-structure/README.adoc
+++ b/machine-readable-design/canonical-directory-structure/README.adoc
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ and customize them with your project-specific content.
 [tree]
 ----
 .machine_readable/
-├── 6a2/
+├── descriptiles/
 │   ├── anchors/
 │   ├── META.a2ml
 │   ├── ECOSYSTEM.a2ml
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ The following command-line runners process these files:
 | `adjust` | Adjustfile.a2ml | Drift tolerance + corrective actions
 | `bust` | Bustfile.a2ml | Rollback procedures
 | `dust` | Dustfile.a2ml | Cleanup/hygiene checks
-| `anchor` | anchors/ | Anchoring system (6a2)
+| `anchor` | anchors/ | Anchoring system (descriptiles)
 | `just` | Justfile | Task automation
 |===
 
diff --git a/scripts/validate-template.sh b/scripts/validate-template.sh
index 7d43d0a..7d9f01a 100755
--- a/scripts/validate-template.sh
+++ b/scripts/validate-template.sh
@@ -140,9 +140,9 @@ log_info "Phase 2: Machine-readable metadata (.machine_readable/)"
 echo ""
 
 check_file_exists "docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc" "Project journal"
-check_file_exists ".machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml" "Architecture decisions"
-check_file_exists ".machine_readable/6a2/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml" "Ecosystem position"
-check_file_exists ".machine_readable/6a2/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml" "Semantic boundary anchor"
+check_file_exists ".machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml" "Architecture decisions"
+check_file_exists ".machine_readable/descriptiles/ECOSYSTEM.a2ml" "Ecosystem position"
+check_file_exists ".machine_readable/descriptiles/anchors/ANCHOR.a2ml" "Semantic boundary anchor"
 check_file_exists ".machine_readable/policies/MAINTENANCE-AXES.a2ml" "Maintenance axes"
 
 #==============================================================================
diff --git a/tests/e2e/template_instantiation_test.sh b/tests/e2e/template_instantiation_test.sh
index 3db39c1..4518a6d 100755
--- a/tests/e2e/template_instantiation_test.sh
+++ b/tests/e2e/template_instantiation_test.sh
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ log_step "Verifying machine-readable metadata"
 
 METADATA_FILES=(
     "docs/status/JOURNAL.adoc"
-    ".machine_readable/6a2/META.a2ml"
+    ".machine_readable/descriptiles/META.a2ml"
 )
 
 for file in "${METADATA_FILES[@]}"; do