diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-source-v3.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-source-v3.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bbeecff
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-animation.gif b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-animation.gif
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8c1b38d
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-browser-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-browser-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85696a9
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-composite.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-composite.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5939c50
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-before-after.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-before-after.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb5fa76
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-browser-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-browser-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe70e68
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-browser-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-contact.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-contact.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf76df4
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-contact.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-debug-preview-battle-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-debug-preview-battle-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85696a9
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-debug-preview-battle-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-report.md b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65c3d84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Shu Spearman Sample v3
+
+- source: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-source-v3.png`
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- base partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 1829476
+- action partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 4242447
+- base frame border hits: 0
+- action frame border hits: 0
+- base empty frames: 0
+- action empty frames: 0
+- base bbox width range: 146..263
+- base bbox height range: 274..290
+- base bottom range: 303..303
+- action bbox width range: 146..276
+- action bbox height range: 280..295
+- action bottom range: 303..303
+- contact: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-contact.png`
+- animation: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-composite.png`
+- manual checks: run build and local browser verification after generation
+- note: battle composite is a scale review image; gameplay roster is unchanged during sample approval
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-scale-compare.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-scale-compare.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30b6164
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-scale-compare.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
index 7213d36..d74b258 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ This gate catches obvious sprite-art failures before user approval. It does not
 
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
-- Approved baseline units: 7
+- Approved baseline units: 8
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 84
+- Queued rework units: 83
 
 ## Checked Rules
 
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0f3748
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
index 85653c6..124f2b8 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Current Gate
 
-- Approved baseline units: 7
+- Approved baseline units: 8
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 84
+- Queued rework units: 83
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 - Current approval board: not generated until the next pending sample.
@@ -14,11 +14,10 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Next Unit Queue
 
-1. `unit-shu-spearman` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=82`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-spearman-spec.md`
-2. `unit-shu-archer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=140`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-archer-spec.md`
-3. `unit-shu-cavalry` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=144`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-cavalry-spec.md`
-4. `unit-shu-strategist` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=98`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-strategist-spec.md`
-5. `unit-shu-officer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=82`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-officer-spec.md`
+1. `unit-shu-archer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=140`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-archer-spec.md`
+2. `unit-shu-cavalry` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=144`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-cavalry-spec.md`
+3. `unit-shu-strategist` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=98`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-strategist-spec.md`
+4. `unit-shu-officer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=82`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-officer-spec.md`
 
 ## Commands Before Approval
 
@@ -45,6 +44,6 @@ pnpm build
 
 ## First Task After Current Approval
 
-- Start with `unit-shu-spearman`.
-- Use spec: `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-spearman-spec.md`.
+- Start with `unit-shu-archer`.
+- Use spec: `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-archer-spec.md`.
 - Generate source art, assemble sheets, produce contact/GIF/before-after/scale/battle screenshots, then rerun the gates.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png
index 80f8b10..cc7a9d3 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png
index d34b0a5..41d7e86 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png
index c5701de..7217276 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
index 000c35d..791d023 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
     "batch7-unique-officer": 19
   },
   "stage_counts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 7,
-    "queued-rework": 84
+    "approved-baseline": 8,
+    "queued-rework": 83
   },
   "rows": [
     {
@@ -2639,7 +2639,7 @@
     },
     {
       "batch": "batch2-shu",
-      "review_stage": "queued-rework",
+      "review_stage": "approved-baseline",
       "stem": "unit-shu-spearman",
       "base": {
         "key": "unit-shu-spearman",
@@ -2649,23 +2649,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 2000768,
-        "border_hits": 32,
-        "min_width": 194,
-        "max_width": 254,
-        "min_height": 279,
-        "max_height": 279,
-        "min_bottom": 281,
-        "max_bottom": 287,
+        "opaque_pixels": 1829476,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 146,
+        "max_width": 263,
+        "min_height": 274,
+        "max_height": 290,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 60,
-        "height_swing": 0,
-        "bottom_swing": 6,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.0,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 40.6,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 44.6,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 44.6,
-        "status": "border-hits=32"
+        "width_swing": 117,
+        "height_swing": 16,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 23.3,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 42.0,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 43.8,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 46.3,
+        "status": "ok"
       },
       "actions": {
         "key": "unit-shu-spearman-actions",
@@ -2675,23 +2675,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 4471927,
-        "border_hits": 82,
-        "min_width": 194,
-        "max_width": 263,
-        "min_height": 275,
-        "max_height": 279,
-        "min_bottom": 274,
-        "max_bottom": 289,
+        "opaque_pixels": 4242447,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 146,
+        "max_width": 276,
+        "min_height": 280,
+        "max_height": 295,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 69,
-        "height_swing": 4,
-        "bottom_swing": 15,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.0,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 42.0,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 43.9,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 44.6,
-        "status": "border-hits=82"
+        "width_swing": 130,
+        "height_swing": 15,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 23.3,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 44.1,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 44.7,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.1,
+        "status": "ok"
       }
     },
     {
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
index 3fb2687..b20d6d5 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 
 ## Review Stage Counts
 
-- approved-baseline: 7
-- queued-rework: 84
+- approved-baseline: 8
+- queued-rework: 83
 
 ## Batch Plan
 
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-officer` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=82 | 200..254 x 279..279 | 200..263 x 275..279 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 | w54 h0 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-officer-council` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=82 | 200..254 x 279..279 | 200..263 x 275..279 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 | w54 h0 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-officer-vanguard` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 208..258 x 282..288 | 208..267 x 275..290 | 33.2..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 | w50 h6 b6 |
-| batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-spearman` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=82 | 194..254 x 279..279 | 194..263 x 275..279 | 31.0..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 | w60 h0 b6 |
+| batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-spearman` | ok | ok | 146..263 x 274..290 | 146..276 x 280..295 | 23.3..42.0 x 43.8..46.3 | w117 h16 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-spearman-guard` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 202..258 x 282..288 | 202..267 x 275..290 | 32.3..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 | w56 h6 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-spearman-veteran` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 202..258 x 282..288 | 202..267 x 275..290 | 32.3..41.2 x 45.0..46.0 | w56 h6 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-strategist` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=98 | 243..246 x 280..281 | 220..255 x 275..281 | 38.8..39.3 x 44.7..44.9 | w3 h1 b6 |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
index b4b6217..eb2fad7 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
@@ -17,12 +17,12 @@
     "unit-rebel-archer",
     "unit-rebel-cavalry",
     "unit-shu-infantry",
+    "unit-shu-spearman",
     "unit-zhang-fei"
   ],
   "pendingApproval": [],
   "currentApprovalCandidate": {},
   "nextAfterApproval": [
-    "unit-shu-spearman",
     "unit-shu-archer",
     "unit-shu-cavalry",
     "unit-shu-strategist",
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-shu-spearman-v3-approval-packet.md b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-spearman-v3-approval-packet.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e52bff8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-spearman-v3-approval-packet.md
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+# Shu Spearman v3 Approval Packet
+
+This packet records the approved `unit-shu-spearman` Batch 2 Shu quality baseline.
+
+## Decision Target
+
+- Unit: `unit-shu-spearman`
+- Batch: Batch 2 Shu generic units
+- Status: approved by user
+- Review stage: `approved-baseline`
+- Review manifest: `unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
+- Art quality gate: `unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md`
+- Next unit after approval: `unit-shu-archer`
+- Commit/push/deploy: allowed after release gate verification
+
+## Visual Evidence
+
+- Approval board at review time: `unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png`
+- Source art: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-source-v3.png`
+- Contact sheet: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-contact.png`
+- Animation GIF: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-animation.gif`
+- v2/v3 comparison: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-before-after.png`
+- 50px/72px scale comparison: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-scale-compare.png`
+- Battle-scale map composite: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-composite.png`
+- Local browser title check: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-browser-check.png`
+- Local browser first battle check: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-battle-browser-check.png`
+- Local browser debug sprite preview: `handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3-debug-preview-battle-check.png`
+- Approved/pending deliverables board: `unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png`
+- Batch 2 inventory board: `unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png`
+- Review index: `unit-sprite-review-index.png`
+
+## Technical Evidence
+
+- Base sheet: `src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman.png`
+- Action sheet: `src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman-actions.png`
+- Base sheet size: `5008x1252`
+- Action sheet size: `11268x1252`
+- Base partial alpha: `0`
+- Action partial alpha: `0`
+- Base frame border hits: `0`
+- Action frame border hits: `0`
+- Base frame empty count: `0`
+- Action frame empty count: `0`
+- Base bbox range: `146..263 x 274..290`
+- Action bbox range: `146..276 x 280..295`
+- Base bottom range: `303..303`
+- Action bottom range: `303..303`
+- Audit status: `ok`
+
+## Completed Verification
+
+- `python scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py --source docs\handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-source-v3.png --stem unit-shu-spearman --work-dir tmp\handpaint-shu-spearman-v3 --output-prefix handpaint-batch2-shu-spearman-v3 --fit-width-scale 1.12 --min-frame-height 274`
+- `pnpm build`
+- Local browser app load passed at `http://127.0.0.1:4173/heros_web/?debug&debugSpritePreview=unit-shu-spearman&v=shu-spearman-v3-final`
+- Local browser first battle load passed at the same URL.
+- Local browser debug sprite preview passed at the same URL.
+- Local browser console errors: `0`
+- Technical alpha/border/bbox inspection passed
+- Build and browser verification passed locally.
+- Release gate passed after approval.
+
+## Quality Note
+
+This v3 candidate replaced v1 and v2 and is approved as the current Shu spearman baseline. v1 had strong spear identity but made the body feel slightly small at 50px; v2 improved stability but still had narrow front-facing silhouettes. v3 widens the front body block, keeps the spear class identity obvious, and better matches the approved Shu infantry v8 scale while preserving the 313px frame format.
+
+Approved because:
+
+- It reads clearly as a spear unit at the 50px battle size.
+- It feels close enough to the approved Liu Bei/Guan Yu/Zhang Fei/Rebel/Shu infantry v8 direction.
+- The spear line, green Shu armor, helmet, and foot-soldier silhouette read before the background.
+- The unit does not look ghostly, transparent, low-resolution, too thin, or like a placeholder.
+- The user accepted this as the quality bar for continuing Batch 2 spearmen and the next Shu generic unit.
+
+After approval completed:
+
+- `unit-shu-spearman` was moved from `pendingApproval` to `approvedBaseline` in `unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`.
+- Audit, review boards, release gate, and build were rerun.
+- Next unit: `unit-shu-archer`.
+
+Reject or request revision if:
+
+- The body still feels too small next to approved Shu infantry v8.
+- The spear tip or shaft feels cropped, detached, or too thin at 50px.
+- The style is not close enough to the approved first batch and Shu infantry v8 direction.
+- The 50px view is not readable enough for live battle play.
diff --git a/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py b/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
index 852f033..1b9a02f 100644
--- a/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
+++ b/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ REPORT_TITLE = "Shu Infantry Quality Restart Sample v3"
 SAMPLE_LABEL = "shu sample"
 COMPARE_STEMS = ["unit-liu-bei", "unit-guan-yu", "unit-zhang-fei", "unit-rebel", STEM]
 COMPARE_LABELS = ["liu-bei", "guan-yu", "zhang-fei", "rebel", "shu-infantry"]
+FIT_WIDTH_SCALE = 1.0
+MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT = 0
 FRAME = 313
 DIRECTIONS = ("south", "east", "north", "west")
 BASE_FRAMES_PER_DIRECTION = 16
@@ -186,7 +188,18 @@ def solidify_alpha(image: Image.Image) -> Image.Image:
     return Image.fromarray(arr, "RGBA")
 
 
+def grow_to_minimum_height(subject: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int) -> Image.Image:
+    if MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT <= 0 or subject.height >= MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT:
+        return subject
+    grow = min(max_width / subject.width, max_height / subject.height, MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT / subject.height)
+    if grow <= 1:
+        return subject
+    size = (max(1, round(subject.width * grow)), max(1, round(subject.height * grow)))
+    return trim_to_alpha(solidify_alpha(subject.resize(size, Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)))
+
+
 def fit_frame(source: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int, bottom: int = 304, x_offset: int = 0, allow_detached_effects = False) -> Image.Image:
+    max_width = int(round(max_width * FIT_WIDTH_SCALE))
     subject = crop_subject(source, allow_detached_effects)
     if subject.width <= 1 or subject.height <= 1:
         return Image.new("RGBA", (FRAME, FRAME), (0, 0, 0, 0))
@@ -194,9 +207,11 @@ def fit_frame(source: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int, bottom: int
     size = (max(1, round(subject.width * scale)), max(1, round(subject.height * scale)))
     subject = solidify_alpha(subject.resize(size, Image.Resampling.LANCZOS))
     subject = trim_to_alpha(subject)
+    subject = grow_to_minimum_height(subject, max_width, max_height)
     if not allow_detached_effects:
         subject = keep_largest_component(subject)
         subject = trim_to_alpha(subject)
+        subject = grow_to_minimum_height(subject, max_width, max_height)
     frame = Image.new("RGBA", (FRAME, FRAME), (0, 0, 0, 0))
     x = (FRAME - subject.width) // 2 + x_offset
     y = bottom - subject.height
@@ -517,6 +532,8 @@ def parse_args() -> argparse.Namespace:
     parser.add_argument("--sample-label", default=SAMPLE_LABEL)
     parser.add_argument("--compare-stems", default=",".join(COMPARE_STEMS))
     parser.add_argument("--compare-labels", default=",".join(COMPARE_LABELS))
+    parser.add_argument("--fit-width-scale", type=float, default=FIT_WIDTH_SCALE)
+    parser.add_argument("--min-frame-height", type=int, default=MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT)
     return parser.parse_args()
 
 
@@ -524,6 +541,7 @@ def configure(args: argparse.Namespace) -> None:
     global SOURCE, WORK_DIR, BATTLE_REFERENCE, STEM, OUTPUT_PREFIX
     global CONTACT_TITLE, BEFORE_TITLE, BEFORE_SCALE_LABEL, REPORT_TITLE, SAMPLE_LABEL
     global COMPARE_STEMS, COMPARE_LABELS
+    global FIT_WIDTH_SCALE, MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT
 
     SOURCE = project_path(args.source)
     WORK_DIR = project_path(args.work_dir)
@@ -537,6 +555,8 @@ def configure(args: argparse.Namespace) -> None:
     SAMPLE_LABEL = args.sample_label
     COMPARE_STEMS = split_csv(args.compare_stems)
     COMPARE_LABELS = split_csv(args.compare_labels)
+    FIT_WIDTH_SCALE = args.fit_width_scale
+    MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT = args.min_frame_height
     if len(COMPARE_STEMS) != len(COMPARE_LABELS):
         raise ValueError("--compare-stems and --compare-labels must have the same number of entries")
 
diff --git a/scripts/render-current-sprite-approval-board.py b/scripts/render-current-sprite-approval-board.py
index de7bb2c..70b9836 100644
--- a/scripts/render-current-sprite-approval-board.py
+++ b/scripts/render-current-sprite-approval-board.py
@@ -72,12 +72,12 @@ def write_text_block(draw: ImageDraw.ImageDraw, x: int, y: int, lines: list[str]
         draw.text((x, y + index * 21), line, fill=fill, font=small)
 
 
-def render_board() -> Path:
+def render_board() -> Path | None:
     manifest = load_json(MANIFEST_PATH)
     audit = load_json(AUDIT_PATH)
     pending = manifest.get("pendingApproval", [])
     if not pending:
-        raise ValueError("no pendingApproval unit to render")
+        return None
 
     stem = pending[0]
     candidates = manifest.get("currentApprovalCandidate", {})
@@ -151,6 +151,9 @@ def render_board() -> Path:
 
 def main() -> None:
     path = render_board()
+    if path is None:
+        print("Skipped current approval board: no pendingApproval unit to render")
+        return
     print(f"Wrote {path}")
 
 
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman-actions.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman-actions.png
index b4ab915..b7a3da2 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman-actions.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman-actions.png differ
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman.png
index 049185d..9ebaf39 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-spearman.png differ