<critical>This workflow creates or updates the next user story from epics/PRD and architecture context, saving to the configured stories directory and optionally invoking Story Context.</critical>
<action>Resolve variables from config_source: story_dir (dev_story_location), output_folder, user_name, communication_language. If story_dir missing and {{non_interactive}} == false → ASK user to provide a stories directory and update variable. If {{non_interactive}} == true and missing, HALT with a clear message.</action>
<action>Create {{story_dir}} if it does not exist</action>
<action>Resolve installed component paths from workflow.yaml: template, instructions, validation</action>
<step n="2" goal="Discover and load source documents">
<action>If {{tech_spec_file}} empty: derive from {{tech_spec_glob_template}} with {{epic_num}} and search {{tech_spec_search_dir}} recursively. If multiple, pick most recent by modified time.</action>
<action>Build a prioritized document set for this epic:
1) tech_spec_file (epic-scoped)
2) epics_file (acceptance criteria and breakdown)
3) prd_file (business requirements and constraints)
<step n="4" goal="Extract requirements and derive story statement">
<action>From tech_spec_file (preferred) or epics_file: extract epic {{epic_num}} title/summary, acceptance criteria for the next story, and any component references. If not present, fall back to PRD sections mapping to this epic/story.</action>
<action>From architecture and architecture docs: extract constraints, patterns, component boundaries, and testing guidance relevant to the extracted ACs. ONLY capture information that directly informs implementation of this story.</action>
<action>Derive a clear user story statement (role, action, benefit) grounded strictly in the above sources. If ambiguous and {{non_interactive}} == false → ASK user to clarify. If {{non_interactive}} == true → generate the best grounded statement WITHOUT inventing domain facts.</action>
<step n="5" goal="Project structure alignment and lessons learned">
<action>If a previous story exists, scan its "Dev Agent Record" for completion notes and known deviations; summarize any carry-overs relevant to this story.</action>
<action>If unified-project-structure.md present: align expected file paths, module names, and component locations; note any potential conflicts.</action>
<step n="6" goal="Assemble acceptance criteria and tasks">
<action>Assemble acceptance criteria list from tech_spec or epics. If gaps exist, derive minimal, testable criteria from PRD verbatim phrasing (NO invention).</action>
<action>Create tasks/subtasks directly mapped to ACs. Include explicit testing subtasks per testing-strategy and existing tests framework. Cite architecture/source documents for any technical mandates.</action>
<step n="7" goal="Create or update story document">
<action>Resolve output path: {default_output_file} using current {{epic_num}} and {{story_num}}. If targeting an existing story for update, use its path.</action>
<action>Initialize from template.md if creating a new file; otherwise load existing file for edit.</action>
<action>Compute a concise story_title from epic/story context; if missing, synthesize from PRD feature name and epic number.</action>
**⚠️ Important:** The following workflows are context-intensive. It's recommended to clear context and restart the SM agent before running the next command.
