Tracking: prepare and manage release_v4.8.1 branch

[FriendlyCM]

This issue is to coordinate the creation and tracking of the release_v4.8.1 branch from develop.

Branch Details

• Version: v4.8.1
• Branch to create: release_v4.8.1
• Base branch: develop

Tasks

• Create release_v4.8.1 branch from develop
• Push final PRs to release_v4.8.1 (e.g., version bump, changelog, fixes, features)
• Perform QA and testing on release_v4.8.1
• Merge release_v4.8.1 back to master when testing is complete
• Tag GreatVoyage-v4.8.1(Democritus) on master and release
• Merge master back to develop (if applicable)

Notes

• Once the release_v4.8.1 branch is created, it will act as the staging area for all final updates and fixes for this release.
• Any non-release-related changes should continue in develop.