vault-sync: commit pending changes from Leonard session

2026-09-13 11:46:28 -07:00
parent 8b26efd3b7
commit 1255434c1a
25 changed files with 409 additions and 57 deletions
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+# Hermes Agent Masterclass — Tonbi Studio
+
+**Source:** [@tonbistudio tweet 2095877834409644064](https://x.com/tonbistudio/status/2095877834409644064)  
+**Captured:** 2026-09-13  
+**Topic:** Hermes configuration, workflow, optimization  
+**Tags:** #hermes #masterclass #workflow #skills #agents #configuration
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+Tonbi Studio's **Hermes Agent Masterclass** is a 10-part video course (5h 14m) taking Hermes from fresh install to hardened multi-agent team. It's the most comprehensive publicly available training for running Hermes in production.
+
+- **hermesatlas.com/masterclass** — video + transcript notes
+- **hermesbible.com** — unofficial docs companion
+- **hermesatlas.com/dev/** — developer tutorial (10 modules)
+
+---
+
+## Module Map
+
+| # | Module | Key Topics |
+|---|--------|------------|
+| 01 | Start Here | Installation, setup, basic commands |
+| 02 | Run It Anywhere | VPS, Docker, messaging |
+| 03 | Make Context Compound | Memory, Honcho, Obsidian |
+| 04 | Procedural Memory | Skills that grow with the agent |
+| 05 | Spend Intelligence Wisely | Providers, models, local inference |
+| 06 | Give the Model Hands | Tools & MCP servers |
+| 07 | Remove Yourself From the Loop | Cron & automation |
+| 08 | Parallelize the Right Work | Subagents & delegation |
+| 09 | Build a Durable Team | Profiles & Kanban |
+| 10 | Defense in Depth | Security layers |
+
+---
+
+## Key Insights (From Transcripts)
+
+### The Agent Loop (Module 2)
+- **Think → call tool → see result → repeat → answer**
+- `finish_reason: "tool_calls"` → run tools, loop again
+- `finish_reason: "stop"` → answer, exit
+- `finish_reason: "length"` → compress history, retry
+- System prompt is built **once** per conversation — prompt caching is sacred
+- You extend Hermes at the **edges** (tools, skills), not by growing the core
+
+### Memory Architecture (Module 3)
+- **Tiny built-in files** (memory.md, user.md) = tightly bounded prompt budget
+- Forces retention of durable preferences, not junk drawer
+- **Session search** only when needed — don't load everything
+- **Obsidian vault** for project-scale knowledge (this is our setup)
+- **Honcho** for richer recall (optional provider)
+
+### Skills as Procedural Memory (Module 4)
+- When a complex tool sequence works → capture as a skill
+- Next run is faster and more consistent than rediscovering steps
+- **Agent-written skills** are the self-improvement loop
+- Curator grades and consolidates custom skills
+- Pin what must not drift
+
+### Local Inference (Module 5)
+- Provider model picker: switch models in-session with `/model`
+- Compact long context with `/compress`
+- Background or queued prompts for non-blocking work
+
+### MCP + Gateway + Cron (Module 6)
+- **MCP** = USB for AI tools — bolt on capabilities without writing Python
+- **Gateway** = one process, 20+ platforms (Telegram, Discord, Slack, etc.)
+- **Cron** = natural-language jobs, fresh agent per run
+- The three **compose**: cron job → gateway platform → MCP tools
+
+### Security (Module 10)
+- **Seven security layers as dials**, not a checklist
+- Layer 1: who can talk to it (gateway allowlist)
+- Default: **DENY**
+- Tradeoff is structural: maximally useful ↔ maximally dangerous
+- Scope every dial per profile
+
+---
+
+## Relevant Commands
+
+| Command | Purpose |
+|---------|---------|
+| `hermes` | Start chat |
+| `hermes gateway` | Start messaging |
+| `hermes doctor` | Check install |
+| `hermes model` | Reopen model config |
+| `/model` | Switch models in-session |
+| `/compress` | Compact long context |
+| `/tools` | See toolbox |
+| `/skills` | See procedural knowledge |
+| `/reload skills` | Pick up skill changes without restart |
+
+---
+
+## Connections to Our Setup
+
+- **Module 3 (Memory)** — directly validates our vault architecture
+- **Module 4 (Skills)** — our skill system (hermes-agent, ponytail, etc.) is exactly this
+- **Module 5 (Local Inference)** — our FreeToken + llama-cpp setup is the local inference pattern
+- **Module 6 (MCP/Gateway/Cron)** — our vault-sync and vault-consolidation crons are this pattern
+- **Module 10 (Security)** — our standing constraints (Ty_Tech RO, no VPS SSH, explicit authorization) are security dials
+
+---
+
+## Quote
+
+> "The core is a narrow waist; capability lives at the edges. Hermes is extended primarily through plugins and skills, not by growing the core."