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