# 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

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## 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)

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## 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 |

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## 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

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## 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 |

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## 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

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## 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."