diff --git a/lib/substantive_fixer.py b/lib/substantive_fixer.py
index ebdf6a3..4772944 100644
--- a/lib/substantive_fixer.py
+++ b/lib/substantive_fixer.py
@@ -645,6 +645,10 @@ async def verdict_deadlock_reaper_cycle(conn) -> int:
             return 0
 
     # Two stuck-verdict shapes: leo:rc+domain:approve, leo:skipped+domain:rc.
+    # Branch allowlist scopes the reaper to disposable pipeline-managed branches.
+    # extract/, reweave/, fix/ are content the pipeline created and can recreate;
+    # agent branches (theseus/, vida/, epimetheus/, etc.) are WIP feature work
+    # and must not be reaped — owners review their own PRs on their own cadence.
     rows = conn.execute(
         """SELECT number, branch, eval_issues, leo_verdict, domain_verdict,
                   last_attempt, fix_attempts
@@ -653,6 +657,7 @@ async def verdict_deadlock_reaper_cycle(conn) -> int:
            AND tier0_pass = 1
            AND last_attempt IS NOT NULL
            AND last_attempt < datetime('now', ? || ' hours')
+           AND (branch LIKE 'extract/%' OR branch LIKE 'reweave/%' OR branch LIKE 'fix/%')
            AND (
                (leo_verdict = 'request_changes' AND domain_verdict = 'approve')
                OR (leo_verdict = 'skipped' AND domain_verdict = 'request_changes')