chore: release v0.7.0 (2026.4.3) (#4812)

168 merged PRs, 223 commits, 46 resolved issues, 40+ contributors.

Highlights: pluggable memory providers, credential pools, Camofox browser,
inline diff previews, API server session continuity, ACP MCP registration,
gateway hardening, secret exfiltration blocking.

.dockerignore

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# Git
+.git
+.gitignore
+.gitmodules
+
+# Dependencies
+node_modules
+
+# CI/CD
+.github
+
+# Environment files
+.env
+
+*.md

.env.example

@@ -7,18 +7,19 @@
 # OpenRouter provides access to many models through one API
 # All LLM calls go through OpenRouter - no direct provider keys needed
 # Get your key at: https://openrouter.ai/keys
-OPENROUTER_API_KEY=
+# OPENROUTER_API_KEY=
 
-# Default model to use (OpenRouter format: provider/model)
-# Examples: anthropic/claude-opus-4.6, openai/gpt-4o, google/gemini-3-flash-preview, zhipuai/glm-4-plus
-LLM_MODEL=anthropic/claude-opus-4.6
+# Default model is configured in ~/.hermes/config.yaml (model.default).
+# Use 'hermes model' or 'hermes setup' to change it.
+# LLM_MODEL is no longer read from .env — this line is kept for reference only.
+# LLM_MODEL=anthropic/claude-opus-4.6
 
 # =============================================================================
 # LLM PROVIDER (z.ai / GLM)
 # =============================================================================
 # z.ai provides access to ZhipuAI GLM models (GLM-4-Plus, etc.)
 # Get your key at: https://z.ai or https://open.bigmodel.cn
-GLM_API_KEY=
+# GLM_API_KEY=
 # GLM_BASE_URL=https://api.z.ai/api/paas/v4  # Override default base URL
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ GLM_API_KEY=
 # Get your key at: https://platform.kimi.ai (Kimi Code console)
 # Keys prefixed sk-kimi- use the Kimi Code API (api.kimi.com) by default.
 # Legacy keys from platform.moonshot.ai need KIMI_BASE_URL override below.
-KIMI_API_KEY=
+# KIMI_API_KEY=
 # KIMI_BASE_URL=https://api.kimi.com/coding/v1  # Default for sk-kimi- keys
 # KIMI_BASE_URL=https://api.moonshot.ai/v1      # For legacy Moonshot keys
 # KIMI_BASE_URL=https://api.moonshot.cn/v1       # For Moonshot China keys
@@ -38,11 +39,11 @@ KIMI_API_KEY=
 # =============================================================================
 # MiniMax provides access to MiniMax models (global endpoint)
 # Get your key at: https://www.minimax.io
-MINIMAX_API_KEY=
+# MINIMAX_API_KEY=
 # MINIMAX_BASE_URL=https://api.minimax.io/v1  # Override default base URL
 
 # MiniMax China endpoint (for users in mainland China)
-MINIMAX_CN_API_KEY=
+# MINIMAX_CN_API_KEY=
 # MINIMAX_CN_BASE_URL=https://api.minimaxi.com/v1  # Override default base URL
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ MINIMAX_CN_API_KEY=
 # =============================================================================
 # OpenCode Zen provides curated, tested models (GPT, Claude, Gemini, MiniMax, GLM, Kimi)
 # Pay-as-you-go pricing. Get your key at: https://opencode.ai/auth
-OPENCODE_ZEN_API_KEY=
+# OPENCODE_ZEN_API_KEY=
 # OPENCODE_ZEN_BASE_URL=https://opencode.ai/zen/v1  # Override default base URL
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -58,34 +59,47 @@ OPENCODE_ZEN_API_KEY=
 # =============================================================================
 # OpenCode Go provides access to open models (GLM-5, Kimi K2.5, MiniMax M2.5)
 # $10/month subscription. Get your key at: https://opencode.ai/auth
-OPENCODE_GO_API_KEY=
+# OPENCODE_GO_API_KEY=
+
+# =============================================================================
+# LLM PROVIDER (Hugging Face Inference Providers)
+# =============================================================================
+# Hugging Face routes to 20+ open models via unified OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
+# Free tier included ($0.10/month), no markup on provider rates.
+# Get your token at: https://huggingface.co/settings/tokens
+# Required permission: "Make calls to Inference Providers"
+# HF_TOKEN=
 # OPENCODE_GO_BASE_URL=https://opencode.ai/zen/go/v1  # Override default base URL
 
 # =============================================================================
 # TOOL API KEYS
 # =============================================================================
 
+# Exa API Key - AI-native web search and contents
+# Get at: https://exa.ai
+# EXA_API_KEY=
+
 # Parallel API Key - AI-native web search and extract
 # Get at: https://parallel.ai
-PARALLEL_API_KEY=
+# PARALLEL_API_KEY=
 
 # Firecrawl API Key - Web search, extract, and crawl
 # Get at: https://firecrawl.dev/
-FIRECRAWL_API_KEY=
+# FIRECRAWL_API_KEY=
 
 
 # FAL.ai API Key - Image generation
 # Get at: https://fal.ai/
-FAL_KEY=
+# FAL_KEY=
 
 # Honcho - Cross-session AI-native user modeling (optional)
 # Builds a persistent understanding of the user across sessions and tools.
 # Get at: https://app.honcho.dev
 # Also requires ~/.honcho/config.json with enabled=true (see README).
-HONCHO_API_KEY=
+# HONCHO_API_KEY=
 
 # =============================================================================
-# TERMINAL TOOL CONFIGURATION (mini-swe-agent backend)
+# TERMINAL TOOL CONFIGURATION
 # =============================================================================
 # Backend type: "local", "singularity", "docker", "modal", or "ssh"
 # Terminal backend is configured in ~/.hermes/config.yaml (terminal.backend).
@@ -168,10 +182,10 @@ TERMINAL_LIFETIME_SECONDS=300
 
 # Browserbase API Key - Cloud browser execution
 # Get at: https://browserbase.com/
-BROWSERBASE_API_KEY=
+# BROWSERBASE_API_KEY=
 
 # Browserbase Project ID - From your Browserbase dashboard
-BROWSERBASE_PROJECT_ID=
+# BROWSERBASE_PROJECT_ID=
 
 # Enable residential proxies for better CAPTCHA solving (default: true)
 # Routes traffic through residential IPs, significantly improves success rate
@@ -203,7 +217,7 @@ BROWSER_INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT=120
 # Uses OpenAI's API directly (not via OpenRouter).
 # Named VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY to avoid interference with OpenRouter.
 # Get at: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
-VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY=
+# VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY=
 
 # =============================================================================
 # SLACK INTEGRATION
@@ -218,6 +232,21 @@ VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY=
 # Slack allowed users (comma-separated Slack user IDs)
 # SLACK_ALLOWED_USERS=
 
+# =============================================================================
+# TELEGRAM INTEGRATION
+# =============================================================================
+# Telegram Bot Token - From @BotFather (https://t.me/BotFather)
+# TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=
+# TELEGRAM_ALLOWED_USERS=                  # Comma-separated user IDs
+# TELEGRAM_HOME_CHANNEL=                   # Default chat for cron delivery
+# TELEGRAM_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME=              # Display name for home channel
+
+# Webhook mode (optional — for cloud deployments like Fly.io/Railway)
+# Default is long polling. Setting TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_URL switches to webhook mode.
+# TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_URL=https://my-app.fly.dev/telegram
+# TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_PORT=8443
+# TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_SECRET=                 # Recommended for production
+
 # WhatsApp (built-in Baileys bridge — run `hermes whatsapp` to pair)
 # WHATSAPP_ENABLED=false
 # WHATSAPP_ALLOWED_USERS=15551234567
@@ -274,11 +303,11 @@ IMAGE_TOOLS_DEBUG=false
 
 # Tinker API Key - RL training service
 # Get at: https://tinker-console.thinkingmachines.ai/keys
-TINKER_API_KEY=
+# TINKER_API_KEY=
 
 # Weights & Biases API Key - Experiment tracking and metrics
 # Get at: https://wandb.ai/authorize
-WANDB_API_KEY=
+# WANDB_API_KEY=
 
 # RL API Server URL (default: http://localhost:8080)
 # Change if running the rl-server on a different host/port

.envrc

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+use flake

.github/workflows/deploy-site.yml

@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ on:
     paths:
       - 'website/**'
       - 'landingpage/**'
+      - 'skills/**'
+      - 'optional-skills/**'
       - '.github/workflows/deploy-site.yml'
   workflow_dispatch:
 
@@ -19,6 +21,8 @@ concurrency:
 
 jobs:
   build-and-deploy:
+    # Only run on the upstream repository, not on forks
+    if: github.repository == 'NousResearch/hermes-agent'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     environment:
       name: github-pages
@@ -32,6 +36,16 @@ jobs:
           cache: npm
           cache-dependency-path: website/package-lock.json
 
+      - uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.11'
+
+      - name: Install PyYAML for skill extraction
+        run: pip install pyyaml
+
+      - name: Extract skill metadata for dashboard
+        run: python3 website/scripts/extract-skills.py
+
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: npm ci
         working-directory: website

.github/workflows/docker-publish.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+name: Docker Build and Publish
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [main]
+  release:
+    types: [published]
+
+concurrency:
+  group: docker-${{ github.ref }}
+  cancel-in-progress: true
+
+jobs:
+  build-and-push:
+    # Only run on the upstream repository, not on forks
+    if: github.repository == 'NousResearch/hermes-agent'
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    timeout-minutes: 30
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          submodules: recursive
+
+      - name: Set up Docker Buildx
+        uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v3
+
+      - name: Build image
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        with:
+          context: .
+          file: Dockerfile
+          load: true
+          tags: nousresearch/hermes-agent:test
+          cache-from: type=gha
+          cache-to: type=gha,mode=max
+
+      - name: Test image starts
+        run: |
+          docker run --rm \
+            -v /tmp/hermes-test:/opt/data \
+            --entrypoint /opt/hermes/docker/entrypoint.sh \
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:test --help
+
+      - name: Log in to Docker Hub
+        if: github.event_name == 'push' && github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' || github.event_name == 'release'
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
+        with:
+          username: ${{ secrets.DOCKERHUB_USERNAME }}
+          password: ${{ secrets.DOCKERHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Push image (main branch)
+        if: github.event_name == 'push' && github.ref == 'refs/heads/main'
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        with:
+          context: .
+          file: Dockerfile
+          push: true
+          tags: |
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:latest
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:${{ github.sha }}
+          cache-from: type=gha
+          cache-to: type=gha,mode=max
+
+      - name: Push image (release)
+        if: github.event_name == 'release'
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        with:
+          context: .
+          file: Dockerfile
+          push: true
+          tags: |
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:latest
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}
+            nousresearch/hermes-agent:${{ github.sha }}
+          cache-from: type=gha
+          cache-to: type=gha,mode=max

.github/workflows/docs-site-checks.yml

@@ -27,8 +27,11 @@ jobs:
         with:
           python-version: '3.11'
 
-      - name: Install ascii-guard
-        run: python -m pip install ascii-guard
+      - name: Install Python dependencies
+        run: python -m pip install ascii-guard pyyaml
+
+      - name: Extract skill metadata for dashboard
+        run: python3 website/scripts/extract-skills.py
 
       - name: Lint docs diagrams
         run: npm run lint:diagrams

.github/workflows/nix.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+name: Nix
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+  pull_request:
+    paths:
+      - 'flake.nix'
+      - 'flake.lock'
+      - 'nix/**'
+      - 'pyproject.toml'
+      - 'uv.lock'
+      - 'hermes_cli/**'
+      - 'run_agent.py'
+      - 'acp_adapter/**'
+
+concurrency:
+  group: nix-${{ github.ref }}
+  cancel-in-progress: true
+
+jobs:
+  nix:
+    strategy:
+      matrix:
+        os: [ubuntu-latest, macos-latest]
+    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    timeout-minutes: 30
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: DeterminateSystems/nix-installer-action@main
+      - uses: DeterminateSystems/magic-nix-cache-action@main
+      - name: Check flake
+        if: runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: nix flake check --print-build-logs
+      - name: Build package
+        if: runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: nix build --print-build-logs
+      - name: Evaluate flake (macOS)
+        if: runner.os == 'macOS'
+        run: nix flake show --json > /dev/null

.github/workflows/supply-chain-audit.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+name: Supply Chain Audit
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    types: [opened, synchronize, reopened]
+
+permissions:
+  pull-requests: write
+  contents: read
+
+jobs:
+  scan:
+    name: Scan PR for supply chain risks
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+
+      - name: Scan diff for suspicious patterns
+        id: scan
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+
+          BASE="${{ github.event.pull_request.base.sha }}"
+          HEAD="${{ github.event.pull_request.head.sha }}"
+
+          # Get the full diff (added lines only)
+          DIFF=$(git diff "$BASE".."$HEAD" -- . ':!uv.lock' ':!*.lock' ':!package-lock.json' ':!yarn.lock' || true)
+
+          FINDINGS=""
+          CRITICAL=false
+
+          # --- .pth files (auto-execute on Python startup) ---
+          PTH_FILES=$(git diff --name-only "$BASE".."$HEAD" | grep '\.pth$' || true)
+          if [ -n "$PTH_FILES" ]; then
+            CRITICAL=true
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### 🚨 CRITICAL: .pth file added or modified
+          Python \`.pth\` files in \`site-packages/\` execute automatically when the interpreter starts — no import required. This is the exact mechanism used in the [litellm supply chain attack](https://github.com/BerriAI/litellm/issues/24512).
+
+          **Files:**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${PTH_FILES}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- base64 + exec/eval combo (the litellm attack pattern) ---
+          B64_EXEC_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -iE 'base64\.(b64decode|decodebytes|urlsafe_b64decode)' | grep -iE 'exec\(|eval\(' | head -10 || true)
+          if [ -n "$B64_EXEC_HITS" ]; then
+            CRITICAL=true
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### 🚨 CRITICAL: base64 decode + exec/eval combo
+          This is the exact pattern used in the [litellm supply chain attack](https://github.com/BerriAI/litellm/issues/24512) — base64-decoded strings passed to exec/eval to hide credential-stealing payloads.
+
+          **Matches:**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${B64_EXEC_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- base64 decode/encode (alone — legitimate uses exist) ---
+          B64_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -iE 'base64\.(b64decode|b64encode|decodebytes|encodebytes|urlsafe_b64decode)|atob\(|btoa\(|Buffer\.from\(.*base64' | head -20 || true)
+          if [ -n "$B64_HITS" ]; then
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### ⚠️ WARNING: base64 encoding/decoding detected
+          Base64 has legitimate uses (images, JWT, etc.) but is also commonly used to obfuscate malicious payloads. Verify the usage is appropriate.
+
+          **Matches (first 20):**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${B64_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- exec/eval with string arguments ---
+          EXEC_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -E '(exec|eval)\s*\(' | grep -v '^\+\s*#' | grep -v 'test_\|mock\|assert\|# ' | head -20 || true)
+          if [ -n "$EXEC_HITS" ]; then
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### ⚠️ WARNING: exec() or eval() usage
+          Dynamic code execution can hide malicious behavior, especially when combined with base64 or network fetches.
+
+          **Matches (first 20):**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${EXEC_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- subprocess with encoded/obfuscated commands ---
+          PROC_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -E 'subprocess\.(Popen|call|run)\s*\(' | grep -iE 'base64|decode|encode|\\x|chr\(' | head -10 || true)
+          if [ -n "$PROC_HITS" ]; then
+            CRITICAL=true
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### 🚨 CRITICAL: subprocess with encoded/obfuscated command
+          Subprocess calls with encoded arguments are a strong indicator of payload execution.
+
+          **Matches:**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${PROC_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- Network calls to non-standard domains ---
+          EXFIL_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -iE 'requests\.(post|put)\(|httpx\.(post|put)\(|urllib\.request\.urlopen' | grep -v '^\+\s*#' | grep -v 'test_\|mock\|assert' | head -10 || true)
+          if [ -n "$EXFIL_HITS" ]; then
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### ⚠️ WARNING: Outbound network calls (POST/PUT)
+          Outbound POST/PUT requests in new code could be data exfiltration. Verify the destination URLs are legitimate.
+
+          **Matches (first 10):**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${EXFIL_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- setup.py / setup.cfg install hooks ---
+          SETUP_HITS=$(git diff --name-only "$BASE".."$HEAD" | grep -E '(setup\.py|setup\.cfg|__init__\.pth|sitecustomize\.py|usercustomize\.py)$' || true)
+          if [ -n "$SETUP_HITS" ]; then
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### ⚠️ WARNING: Install hook files modified
+          These files can execute code during package installation or interpreter startup.
+
+          **Files:**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${SETUP_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- Compile/marshal/pickle (code object injection) ---
+          MARSHAL_HITS=$(echo "$DIFF" | grep -n '^\+' | grep -iE 'marshal\.loads|pickle\.loads|compile\(' | grep -v '^\+\s*#' | grep -v 'test_\|re\.compile\|ast\.compile' | head -10 || true)
+          if [ -n "$MARSHAL_HITS" ]; then
+            FINDINGS="${FINDINGS}
+          ### ⚠️ WARNING: marshal/pickle/compile usage
+          These can deserialize or construct executable code objects.
+
+          **Matches:**
+          \`\`\`
+          ${MARSHAL_HITS}
+          \`\`\`
+          "
+          fi
+
+          # --- Output results ---
+          if [ -n "$FINDINGS" ]; then
+            echo "found=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            if [ "$CRITICAL" = true ]; then
+              echo "critical=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            else
+              echo "critical=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            fi
+            # Write findings to a file (multiline env vars are fragile)
+            echo "$FINDINGS" > /tmp/findings.md
+          else
+            echo "found=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            echo "critical=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          fi
+
+      - name: Post warning comment
+        if: steps.scan.outputs.found == 'true'
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          SEVERITY="⚠️ Supply Chain Risk Detected"
+          if [ "${{ steps.scan.outputs.critical }}" = "true" ]; then
+            SEVERITY="🚨 CRITICAL Supply Chain Risk Detected"
+          fi
+
+          BODY="## ${SEVERITY}
+
+          This PR contains patterns commonly associated with supply chain attacks. This does **not** mean the PR is malicious — but these patterns require careful human review before merging.
+
+          $(cat /tmp/findings.md)
+
+          ---
+          *Automated scan triggered by [supply-chain-audit](/.github/workflows/supply-chain-audit.yml). If this is a false positive, a maintainer can approve after manual review.*"
+
+          gh pr comment "${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}" --body "$BODY"
+
+      - name: Fail on critical findings
+        if: steps.scan.outputs.critical == 'true'
+        run: |
+          echo "::error::CRITICAL supply chain risk patterns detected in this PR. See the PR comment for details."
+          exit 1

.github/workflows/tests.yml

@@ -34,9 +34,37 @@ jobs:
       - name: Run tests
         run: |
           source .venv/bin/activate
-          python -m pytest tests/ -q --ignore=tests/integration --tb=short -n auto
+          python -m pytest tests/ -q --ignore=tests/integration --ignore=tests/e2e --tb=short -n auto
         env:
           # Ensure tests don't accidentally call real APIs
           OPENROUTER_API_KEY: ""
           OPENAI_API_KEY: ""
           NOUS_API_KEY: ""
+
+  e2e:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    timeout-minutes: 10
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Install uv
+        uses: astral-sh/setup-uv@v5
+
+      - name: Set up Python 3.11
+        run: uv python install 3.11
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          uv venv .venv --python 3.11
+          source .venv/bin/activate
+          uv pip install -e ".[all,dev]"
+
+      - name: Run e2e tests
+        run: |
+          source .venv/bin/activate
+          python -m pytest tests/e2e/ -v --tb=short
+        env:
+          OPENROUTER_API_KEY: ""
+          OPENAI_API_KEY: ""
+          NOUS_API_KEY: ""

.gitignore

@@ -53,3 +53,8 @@ environments/benchmarks/evals/
 
 # Release script temp files
 .release_notes.md
+mini-swe-agent/
+
+# Nix
+.direnv/
+result

.gitmodules

@@ -1,6 +1,3 @@
-[submodule "mini-swe-agent"]
-	path = mini-swe-agent
-	url = https://github.com/SWE-agent/mini-swe-agent
 [submodule "tinker-atropos"]
 	path = tinker-atropos
 	url = https://github.com/nousresearch/tinker-atropos

AGENTS.md

@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ hermes-agent/
 │   ├── tools_config.py   # `hermes tools` — enable/disable tools per platform
 │   ├── skills_hub.py     # `/skills` slash command (search, browse, install)
 │   ├── models.py         # Model catalog, provider model lists
+│   ├── model_switch.py   # Shared /model switch pipeline (CLI + gateway)
 │   └── auth.py           # Provider credential resolution
 ├── tools/                # Tool implementations (one file per tool)
 │   ├── registry.py       # Central tool registry (schemas, handlers, dispatch)
@@ -172,6 +173,7 @@ if canonical == "mycommand":
 - `args_hint` — argument placeholder shown in help (e.g. `"<prompt>"`, `"[name]"`)
 - `cli_only` — only available in the interactive CLI
 - `gateway_only` — only available in messaging platforms
+- `gateway_config_gate` — config dotpath (e.g. `"display.tool_progress_command"`); when set on a `cli_only` command, the command becomes available in the gateway if the config value is truthy. `GATEWAY_KNOWN_COMMANDS` always includes config-gated commands so the gateway can dispatch them; help/menus only show them when the gate is open.
 
 **Adding an alias** requires only adding it to the `aliases` tuple on the existing `CommandDef`. No other file changes needed — dispatch, help text, Telegram menu, Slack mapping, and autocomplete all update automatically.
 
@@ -208,6 +210,10 @@ registry.register(
 
 The registry handles schema collection, dispatch, availability checking, and error wrapping. All handlers MUST return a JSON string.
 
+**Path references in tool schemas**: If the schema description mentions file paths (e.g. default output directories), use `display_hermes_home()` to make them profile-aware. The schema is generated at import time, which is after `_apply_profile_override()` sets `HERMES_HOME`.
+
+**State files**: If a tool stores persistent state (caches, logs, checkpoints), use `get_hermes_home()` for the base directory — never `Path.home() / ".hermes"`. This ensures each profile gets its own state.
+
 **Agent-level tools** (todo, memory): intercepted by `run_agent.py` before `handle_function_call()`. See `todo_tool.py` for the pattern.
 
 ---
@@ -356,8 +362,69 @@ in config.yaml (or `HERMES_BACKGROUND_NOTIFICATIONS` env var):
 
 ---
 
+## Profiles: Multi-Instance Support
+
+Hermes supports **profiles** — multiple fully isolated instances, each with its own
+`HERMES_HOME` directory (config, API keys, memory, sessions, skills, gateway, etc.).
+
+The core mechanism: `_apply_profile_override()` in `hermes_cli/main.py` sets
+`HERMES_HOME` before any module imports. All 119+ references to `get_hermes_home()`
+automatically scope to the active profile.
+
+### Rules for profile-safe code
+
+1. **Use `get_hermes_home()` for all HERMES_HOME paths.** Import from `hermes_constants`.
+   NEVER hardcode `~/.hermes` or `Path.home() / ".hermes"` in code that reads/writes state.
+   ```python
+   # GOOD
+   from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+   config_path = get_hermes_home() / "config.yaml"
+
+   # BAD — breaks profiles
+   config_path = Path.home() / ".hermes" / "config.yaml"
+   ```
+
+2. **Use `display_hermes_home()` for user-facing messages.** Import from `hermes_constants`.
+   This returns `~/.hermes` for default or `~/.hermes/profiles/<name>` for profiles.
+   ```python
+   # GOOD
+   from hermes_constants import display_hermes_home
+   print(f"Config saved to {display_hermes_home()}/config.yaml")
+
+   # BAD — shows wrong path for profiles
+   print("Config saved to ~/.hermes/config.yaml")
+   ```
+
+3. **Module-level constants are fine** — they cache `get_hermes_home()` at import time,
+   which is AFTER `_apply_profile_override()` sets the env var. Just use `get_hermes_home()`,
+   not `Path.home() / ".hermes"`.
+
+4. **Tests that mock `Path.home()` must also set `HERMES_HOME`** — since code now uses
+   `get_hermes_home()` (reads env var), not `Path.home() / ".hermes"`:
+   ```python
+   with patch.object(Path, "home", return_value=tmp_path), \
+        patch.dict(os.environ, {"HERMES_HOME": str(tmp_path / ".hermes")}):
+       ...
+   ```
+
+5. **Gateway platform adapters should use token locks** — if the adapter connects with
+   a unique credential (bot token, API key), call `acquire_scoped_lock()` from
+   `gateway.status` in the `connect()`/`start()` method and `release_scoped_lock()` in
+   `disconnect()`/`stop()`. This prevents two profiles from using the same credential.
+   See `gateway/platforms/telegram.py` for the canonical pattern.
+
+6. **Profile operations are HOME-anchored, not HERMES_HOME-anchored** — `_get_profiles_root()`
+   returns `Path.home() / ".hermes" / "profiles"`, NOT `get_hermes_home() / "profiles"`.
+   This is intentional — it lets `hermes -p coder profile list` see all profiles regardless
+   of which one is active.
+
 ## Known Pitfalls
 
+### DO NOT hardcode `~/.hermes` paths
+Use `get_hermes_home()` from `hermes_constants` for code paths. Use `display_hermes_home()`
+for user-facing print/log messages. Hardcoding `~/.hermes` breaks profiles — each profile
+has its own `HERMES_HOME` directory. This was the source of 5 bugs fixed in PR #3575.
+
 ### DO NOT use `simple_term_menu` for interactive menus
 Rendering bugs in tmux/iTerm2 — ghosting on scroll. Use `curses` (stdlib) instead. See `hermes_cli/tools_config.py` for the pattern.
 
@@ -373,6 +440,19 @@ Tool schema descriptions must not mention tools from other toolsets by name (e.g
 ### Tests must not write to `~/.hermes/`
 The `_isolate_hermes_home` autouse fixture in `tests/conftest.py` redirects `HERMES_HOME` to a temp dir. Never hardcode `~/.hermes/` paths in tests.
 
+**Profile tests**: When testing profile features, also mock `Path.home()` so that
+`_get_profiles_root()` and `_get_default_hermes_home()` resolve within the temp dir.
+Use the pattern from `tests/hermes_cli/test_profiles.py`:
+```python
+@pytest.fixture
+def profile_env(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    home = tmp_path / ".hermes"
+    home.mkdir()
+    monkeypatch.setattr(Path, "home", lambda: tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setenv("HERMES_HOME", str(home))
+    return home
+```
+
 ---
 
 ## Testing

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -72,8 +72,9 @@ export VIRTUAL_ENV="$(pwd)/venv"
 
 # Install with all extras (messaging, cron, CLI menus, dev tools)
 uv pip install -e ".[all,dev]"
-uv pip install -e "./mini-swe-agent"
-uv pip install -e "./tinker-atropos"
+
+# Optional: RL training submodule
+# git submodule update --init tinker-atropos && uv pip install -e "./tinker-atropos"
 
 # Optional: browser tools
 npm install

Dockerfile

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+FROM debian:13.4
+
+# Install system dependencies in one layer, clear APT cache
+RUN apt-get update && \
+    apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+        build-essential nodejs npm python3 python3-pip ripgrep ffmpeg gcc python3-dev libffi-dev && \
+    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+
+COPY . /opt/hermes
+WORKDIR /opt/hermes
+
+# Install Python and Node dependencies in one layer, no cache
+RUN pip install --no-cache-dir -e ".[all]" --break-system-packages && \
+    npm install --prefer-offline --no-audit && \
+    npx playwright install --with-deps chromium --only-shell && \
+    cd /opt/hermes/scripts/whatsapp-bridge && \
+    npm install --prefer-offline --no-audit && \
+    npm cache clean --force
+
+WORKDIR /opt/hermes
+RUN chmod +x /opt/hermes/docker/entrypoint.sh
+
+ENV HERMES_HOME=/opt/data
+VOLUME [ "/opt/data" ]
+ENTRYPOINT [ "/opt/hermes/docker/entrypoint.sh" ]

MANIFEST.in

@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+graft skills
+graft optional-skills
+global-exclude __pycache__
+global-exclude *.py[cod]

README.md

@@ -144,16 +144,14 @@ Quick start for contributors:
 ```bash
 git clone https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent.git
 cd hermes-agent
-git submodule update --init mini-swe-agent   # required terminal backend
 curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
 uv venv venv --python 3.11
 source venv/bin/activate
 uv pip install -e ".[all,dev]"
-uv pip install -e "./mini-swe-agent"
 python -m pytest tests/ -q
 ```
 
-> **RL Training (optional):** To work on the RL/Tinker-Atropos integration, also run:
+> **RL Training (optional):** To work on the RL/Tinker-Atropos integration:
 > ```bash
 > git submodule update --init tinker-atropos
 > uv pip install -e "./tinker-atropos"

RELEASE_v0.4.0.md

@@ -2,58 +2,122 @@
 
 **Release Date:** March 23, 2026
 
-> The biggest release yet — 300 merged PRs in one week. Streaming output, native browser tools, Skills Hub, plugin system, 7 new messaging platforms, MCP server management, @ context references, prompt caching, API server, and a sweeping reliability overhaul across every subsystem.
+> The platform expansion release — OpenAI-compatible API server, 6 new messaging adapters, 4 new inference providers, MCP server management with OAuth 2.1, @ context references, gateway prompt caching, streaming enabled by default, and a sweeping reliability pass with 200+ bug fixes.
 
 ---
 
 ## ✨ Highlights
 
-- **Streaming CLI output** — Real-time token streaming enabled by default in CLI mode with proper tool progress spinners during streaming ([#2251](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2251), [#2340](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2340), [#2161](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2161))
-- **Native browser tools** — Full Browserbase-powered browser automation: navigate, click, type, screenshot, scrape — plus an interactive `/browser` CLI command ([#2270](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2270), [#2273](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2273))
-- **Skills Hub** — Discover, install, and manage skills from curated community taps with `/skills` commands ([#2235](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2235))
-- **Plugin system** — TUI extension hooks for building custom CLIs on top of Hermes, plus `hermes plugins install/remove/list` commands and slash command registration for plugins ([#2333](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2333), [#2337](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2337), [#2359](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2359))
-- **7 new messaging platforms** — Signal, DingTalk, SMS (Twilio), Mattermost, Matrix, WhatsApp bridge, and Webhook adapters join Telegram and Discord ([#2206](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2206), [#1685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1685), [#1688](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1688), [#1683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1683), [#2168](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2168), [#2166](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2166))
-- **@ context references** — Claude Code-style `@file` and `@url` context injection with tab completions ([#2343](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2343), [#2482](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2482))
-- **OpenAI-compatible API server** — Expose Hermes as an API endpoint with `/api/jobs` for cron management ([#1756](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1756), [#2450](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2450))
+- **OpenAI-compatible API server** — Expose Hermes as an `/v1/chat/completions` endpoint with a new `/api/jobs` REST API for cron job management, hardened with input limits, field whitelists, SQLite-backed response persistence, and CORS origin protection ([#1756](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1756), [#2450](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2450), [#2456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2456), [#2451](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2451), [#2472](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2472))
+
+- **6 new messaging platform adapters** — Signal, DingTalk, SMS (Twilio), Mattermost, Matrix, and Webhook adapters join Telegram, Discord, and WhatsApp. Gateway auto-reconnects failed platforms with exponential backoff ([#2206](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2206), [#1685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1685), [#1688](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1688), [#1683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1683), [#2166](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2166), [#2584](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2584))
+
+- **@ context references** — Claude Code-style `@file` and `@url` context injection with tab completions in the CLI ([#2343](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2343), [#2482](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2482))
+
+- **4 new inference providers** — GitHub Copilot (OAuth + token validation), Alibaba Cloud / DashScope, Kilo Code, and OpenCode Zen/Go ([#1924](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1924), [#1879](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1879) by @mchzimm, [#1673](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1673), [#1666](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1666), [#1650](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1650))
+
+- **MCP server management CLI** — `hermes mcp` commands for installing, configuring, and authenticating MCP servers with full OAuth 2.1 PKCE flow ([#2465](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2465))
+
+- **Gateway prompt caching** — Cache AIAgent instances per session, preserving Anthropic prompt cache across turns for dramatic cost reduction on long conversations ([#2282](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2282), [#2284](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2284), [#2361](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2361))
+
+- **Context compression overhaul** — Structured summaries with iterative updates, token-budget tail protection, configurable summary endpoint, and fallback model support ([#2323](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2323), [#1727](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1727), [#2224](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2224))
+
+- **Streaming enabled by default** — CLI streaming on by default with proper spinner/tool progress display during streaming mode, plus extensive linebreak and concatenation fixes ([#2340](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2340), [#2161](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2161), [#2258](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2258))
+
+---
+
+## 🖥️ CLI & User Experience
+
+### New Commands & Interactions
+- **@ context completions** — Tab-completable `@file`/`@url` references that inject file content or web pages into the conversation ([#2482](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2482), [#2343](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2343))
+- **`/statusbar`** — Toggle a persistent config bar showing model + provider info in the prompt ([#2240](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2240), [#1917](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1917))
+- **`/queue`** — Queue prompts for the agent without interrupting the current run ([#2191](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2191), [#2469](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2469))
+- **`/permission`** — Switch approval mode dynamically during a session ([#2207](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2207))
+- **`/browser`** — Interactive browser sessions from the CLI ([#2273](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2273), [#1814](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1814))
+- **`/cost`** — Live pricing and usage tracking in gateway mode ([#2180](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2180))
+- **`/approve` and `/deny`** — Replaced bare text approval in gateway with explicit commands ([#2002](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2002))
+
+### Streaming & Display
+- Streaming enabled by default in CLI ([#2340](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2340))
+- Show spinners and tool progress during streaming mode ([#2161](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2161))
+- Show reasoning/thinking blocks when `show_reasoning` enabled ([#2118](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2118))
+- Context pressure warnings for CLI and gateway ([#2159](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2159))
+- Fix: streaming chunks concatenated without whitespace ([#2258](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2258))
+- Fix: iteration boundary linebreak prevents stream concatenation ([#2413](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2413))
+- Fix: defer streaming linebreak to prevent blank line stacking ([#2473](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2473))
+- Fix: suppress spinner animation in non-TTY environments ([#2216](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2216))
+- Fix: display provider and endpoint in API error messages ([#2266](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2266))
+- Fix: resolve garbled ANSI escape codes in status printouts ([#2448](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2448))
+- Fix: update gold ANSI color to true-color format ([#2246](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2246))
+- Fix: normalize toolset labels and use skin colors in banner ([#1912](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1912))
+
+### CLI Polish
+- Fix: prevent 'Press ENTER to continue...' on exit ([#2555](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2555))
+- Fix: flush stdout during agent loop to prevent macOS display freeze ([#1654](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1654))
+- Fix: show human-readable error when `hermes setup` hits permissions error ([#2196](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2196))
+- Fix: `/stop` command crash + UnboundLocalError in streaming media delivery ([#2463](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2463))
+- Fix: allow custom/local endpoints without API key ([#2556](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2556))
+- Fix: Kitty keyboard protocol Shift+Enter for Ghostty/WezTerm (attempted + reverted due to prompt_toolkit crash) ([#2345](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2345), [#2349](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2349))
+
+### Configuration
+- **`${ENV_VAR}` substitution** in config.yaml ([#2684](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2684))
+- **Real-time config reload** — config.yaml changes apply without restart ([#2210](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2210))
+- **`custom_models.yaml`** for user-managed model additions ([#2214](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2214))
+- **Priority-based context file selection** + CLAUDE.md support ([#2301](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2301))
+- **Merge nested YAML sections** instead of replacing on config update ([#2213](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2213))
+- Fix: config.yaml provider key overrides env var silently ([#2272](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2272))
+- Fix: log warning instead of silently swallowing config.yaml errors ([#2683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2683))
+- Fix: disabled toolsets re-enable themselves after `hermes tools` ([#2268](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2268))
+- Fix: platform default toolsets silently override tool deselection ([#2624](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2624))
+- Fix: honor bare YAML `approvals.mode: off` ([#2620](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2620))
+- Fix: `hermes update` use `.[all]` extras with fallback ([#1728](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1728))
+- Fix: `hermes update` prompt before resetting working tree on stash conflicts ([#2390](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2390))
+- Fix: use git pull --rebase in update/install to avoid divergent branch error ([#2274](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2274))
+- Fix: add zprofile fallback and create zshrc on fresh macOS installs ([#2320](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2320))
+- Fix: remove `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` env var to avoid collisions ([#1675](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1675))
+- Fix: don't ask IMAP password if already in keyring or env ([#2212](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2212))
+- Fix: OpenCode Zen/Go show OpenRouter models instead of their own ([#2277](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2277))
 
 ---
 
 ## 🏗️ Core Agent & Architecture
 
-### Provider & Model Support
-- **GitHub Copilot provider** — Full OAuth auth, API routing, token validation, and documentation. Copilot context now correctly resolves to 400k ([#1924](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1924), [#1896](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1896), [#1879](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1879) by @mchzimm, [#2507](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2507))
-- **Claude Code OAuth provider** — Anthropic-native API mode with dynamic version detection for OAuth user-agent ([#2199](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2199), [#1663](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1663), [#1670](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1670))
-- **Alibaba Cloud / DashScope provider** — Full integration with DashScope v1 runtime mode, model dot preservation, and 401 auth fixes ([#1673](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1673), [#2332](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2332), [#2459](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2459))
-- **Kilo Code provider** — Added as first-class inference provider ([#1666](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1666))
-- **OpenCode Zen and OpenCode Go providers** — New provider backends with custom endpoint support ([#1650](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1650), [#2393](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2393) by @0xbyt4)
-- **Multi-provider architecture** — Automatic fallback, OpenRouter routing backend, Mistral native tool calling, Google Gemini integration ([#2090](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2090), [#2100](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2100), [#2098](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2098), [#2094](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2094), [#2092](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2092))
-- **Eager fallback to backup model** on rate-limit errors ([#1730](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1730))
+### New Providers
+- **GitHub Copilot** — Full OAuth auth, API routing, token validation, and 400k context. ([#1924](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1924), [#1896](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1896), [#1879](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1879) by @mchzimm, [#2507](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2507))
+- **Alibaba Cloud / DashScope** — Full integration with DashScope v1 runtime, model dot preservation, and 401 auth fixes ([#1673](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1673), [#2332](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2332), [#2459](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2459))
+- **Kilo Code** — First-class inference provider ([#1666](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1666))
+- **OpenCode Zen and OpenCode Go** — New provider backends ([#1650](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1650), [#2393](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2393) by @0xbyt4)
+- **NeuTTS** — Local TTS provider backend with built-in setup flow, replacing the old optional skill ([#1657](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1657), [#1664](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1664))
+
+### Provider Improvements
+- **Eager fallback** to backup model on rate-limit errors ([#1730](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1730))
 - **Endpoint metadata** for custom model context and pricing; query local servers for actual context window size ([#1906](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1906), [#2091](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2091) by @dusterbloom)
 - **Context length detection overhaul** — models.dev integration, provider-aware resolution, fuzzy matching for custom endpoints, `/v1/props` for llama.cpp ([#2158](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2158), [#2051](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2051), [#2403](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2403))
 - **Model catalog updates** — gpt-5.4-mini, gpt-5.4-nano, healer-alpha, haiku-4.5, minimax-m2.7, claude 4.6 at 1M context ([#1913](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1913), [#1915](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1915), [#1900](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1900), [#2155](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2155), [#2474](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2474))
-- **Custom endpoint improvements** — config.yaml `model.base_url` support, custom endpoints use responses API via `api_mode` override, allow custom/local endpoints without API key, fail fast when explicit provider has no key ([#2330](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2330), [#1651](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1651), [#2556](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2556), [#2445](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2445), [#1994](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1994), [#1998](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1998))
+- **Custom endpoint improvements** — `model.base_url` in config.yaml, `api_mode` override for responses API, allow endpoints without API key, fail fast on missing keys ([#2330](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2330), [#1651](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1651), [#2556](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2556), [#2445](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2445), [#1994](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1994), [#1998](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1998))
 - Inject model and provider into system prompt ([#1929](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1929))
+- Tie `api_mode` to provider config instead of env var ([#1656](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1656))
 - Fix: prevent Anthropic token leaking to third-party `anthropic_messages` providers ([#2389](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2389))
 - Fix: prevent Anthropic fallback from inheriting non-Anthropic `base_url` ([#2388](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2388))
 - Fix: `auxiliary_is_nous` flag never resets — leaked Nous tags to other providers ([#1713](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1713))
 - Fix: Anthropic `tool_choice 'none'` still allowed tool calls ([#1714](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1714))
 - Fix: Mistral parser nested JSON fallback extraction ([#2335](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2335))
-- Fix: MiniMax 401 auth error resolved by defaulting to `anthropic_messages` ([#2103](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2103))
+- Fix: MiniMax 401 auth resolved by defaulting to `anthropic_messages` ([#2103](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2103))
 - Fix: case-insensitive model family matching ([#2350](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2350))
 - Fix: ignore placeholder provider keys in activation checks ([#2358](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2358))
-- Fix: Copilot models response decoding and provider bootstrap error logging ([#2202](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2202))
 - Fix: Preserve Ollama model:tag colons in context length detection ([#2149](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2149))
+- Fix: recognize Claude Code OAuth credentials in startup gate ([#1663](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1663))
+- Fix: detect Claude Code version dynamically for OAuth user-agent ([#1670](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1670))
+- Fix: OAuth flag stale after refresh/fallback ([#1890](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1890))
+- Fix: auxiliary client skips expired Codex JWT ([#2397](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2397))
 
-### Agent Loop & Conversation
-- **Streaming output** — CLI streaming with proper linebreak handling, iteration boundary prevention, and blank line stacking fixes ([#2251](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2251), [#2340](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2340), [#2258](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2258), [#2413](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2413), [#2473](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2473))
-- **Context compression overhaul** — Structured summaries, iterative updates, token-budget tail protection, fallback model support ([#2323](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2323), [#2128](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2128), [#2224](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2224), [#1727](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1727))
-- **Context pressure warnings** for CLI and gateway ([#2159](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2159))
-- **Prompt caching for gateway** — Cache AIAgent per session, keep assistant turns, fix session restore ([#2282](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2282), [#2284](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2284), [#2361](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2361))
-- **Show reasoning/thinking blocks** when `show_reasoning` is enabled ([#2118](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2118))
-- **Subagent delegation** for parallel task execution with thread safety ([#2119](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2119), [#1672](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1672), [#1778](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1778))
+### Agent Loop
+- **Gateway prompt caching** — Cache AIAgent per session, keep assistant turns, fix session restore ([#2282](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2282), [#2284](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2284), [#2361](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2361))
+- **Context compression overhaul** — Structured summaries, iterative updates, token-budget tail protection, configurable `summary_base_url` ([#2323](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2323), [#1727](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1727), [#2224](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2224))
 - **Pre-call sanitization and post-call tool guardrails** ([#1732](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1732))
 - **Auto-recover** from provider-rejected `tool_choice` by retrying without ([#2174](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2174))
-- **Rate limit handling** with exponential backoff retry ([#2071](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2071))
+- **Background memory/skill review** replaces inline nudges ([#2235](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2235))
+- **SOUL.md as primary agent identity** instead of hardcoded default ([#1922](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1922))
 - Fix: prevent silent tool result loss during context compression ([#1993](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1993))
 - Fix: handle empty/null function arguments in tool call recovery ([#2163](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2163))
 - Fix: handle API refusal responses gracefully instead of crashing ([#2156](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2156))
@@ -64,24 +128,19 @@
 - Fix: `compression_attempts` resets each iteration — allowed unlimited compressions ([#1723](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1723))
 - Fix: `length_continue_retries` never resets — later truncations got fewer retries ([#1717](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1717))
 - Fix: compressor summary role violated consecutive-role constraint ([#1720](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1720), [#1743](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1743))
+- Fix: remove hardcoded `gemini-3-flash-preview` as default summary model ([#2464](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2464))
 - Fix: correctly handle empty tool results ([#2201](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2201))
-- Fix: crash on None entry in `tool_calls` list during Anthropic conversion ([#2209](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2209) by @0xbyt4, [#2316](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2316))
+- Fix: crash on None entry in `tool_calls` list ([#2209](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2209) by @0xbyt4, [#2316](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2316))
 - Fix: per-thread persistent event loops in worker threads ([#2214](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2214) by @jquesnelle)
 - Fix: prevent 'event loop already running' when async tools run in parallel ([#2207](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2207))
-- Fix: strip ANSI escape codes from terminal output before sending to model ([#2115](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2115), [#2585](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2585))
+- Fix: strip ANSI at the source — clean terminal output before it reaches the model ([#2115](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2115))
 - Fix: skip top-level `cache_control` on role:tool for OpenRouter ([#2391](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2391))
 - Fix: delegate tool — save parent tool names before child construction mutates global ([#2083](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2083) by @ygd58, [#1894](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1894))
 - Fix: only strip last assistant message if empty string ([#2326](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2326))
 
 ### Session & Memory
-- **Honcho long-term memory backend** integration ([#2276](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2276))
-- **Per-session SQLite persistence** for gateway ([#2134](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2134))
-- **`--resume` flag** for CLI session persistence across restarts + `/resume` and `/sessions` commands ([#2135](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2135), [#2143](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2143))
 - **Session search** and management slash commands ([#2198](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2198))
 - **Auto session titles** and `.hermes.md` project config ([#1712](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1712))
-- **Background memory/skill review** replaces inline nudges ([#2235](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2235))
-- **SOUL.md** as primary agent identity instead of hardcoded default ([#1922](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1922), [#1927](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1927))
-- **Priority-based context file selection** + CLAUDE.md support ([#2301](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2301))
 - Fix: concurrent memory writes silently drop entries — added file locking ([#1726](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1726))
 - Fix: search all sources by default in `session_search` ([#1892](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1892))
 - Fix: handle hyphenated FTS5 queries and preserve quoted literals ([#1776](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1776))
@@ -91,58 +150,59 @@
 - Fix: reset token counters on new session for accurate usage display ([#2101](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2101) by @InB4DevOps)
 - Fix: prevent stale memory overwrites by flush agent ([#2687](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2687))
 - Fix: remove synthetic error message injection, fix session resume after repeated failures ([#2303](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2303))
+- Fix: quiet mode with `--resume` now passes conversation_history ([#2357](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2357))
+- Fix: unify resume logic in batch mode ([#2331](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2331))
+
+### Honcho Memory
+- Honcho config fixes and @ context reference integration ([#2343](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2343))
+- Self-hosted / Docker configuration documentation ([#2475](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2475))
 
 ---
 
 ## 📱 Messaging Platforms (Gateway)
 
 ### New Platform Adapters
-- **Signal Messenger** adapter ([#2206](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2206)) with attachment handling fix ([#2400](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2400)), group message filtering ([#2297](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2297)), and Note to Self echo-back protection ([#2156](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2156))
-- **DingTalk** adapter with gateway wiring and setup docs ([#1685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1685), [#1690](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1690), [#1692](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1692))
-- **SMS (Twilio)** adapter ([#1688](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1688))
-- **Mattermost and Matrix** adapters with @-mention-only filter for Mattermost channels ([#1683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1683), [#2443](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2443))
-- **WhatsApp bridge** adapter ([#2168](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2168))
-- **Webhook** platform adapter for external event triggers ([#2166](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2166))
-- **OpenAI-compatible API server** platform adapter with `/api/jobs` cron management endpoints ([#1756](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1756), [#2450](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2450), [#2456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2456))
+- **Signal Messenger** — Full adapter with attachment handling, group message filtering, and Note to Self echo-back protection ([#2206](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2206), [#2400](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2400), [#2297](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2297), [#2156](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2156))
+- **DingTalk** — Adapter with gateway wiring and setup docs ([#1685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1685), [#1690](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1690), [#1692](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1692))
+- **SMS (Twilio)** ([#1688](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1688))
+- **Mattermost** — With @-mention-only channel filter ([#1683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1683), [#2443](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2443))
+- **Matrix** — With vision support and image caching ([#1683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1683), [#2520](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2520))
+- **Webhook** — Platform adapter for external event triggers ([#2166](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2166))
+- **OpenAI-compatible API server** — `/v1/chat/completions` endpoint with `/api/jobs` cron management ([#1756](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1756), [#2450](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2450), [#2456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2456))
 
-### Telegram
-- Auto-detect HTML tags and use `parse_mode=HTML` in `send_message` ([#1709](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1709))
-- Telegram group vision support + thread-based sessions ([#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2153))
+### Telegram Improvements
 - MarkdownV2 support — strikethrough, spoiler, blockquotes, escape parentheses/braces/backslashes/backticks ([#2199](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2199), [#2200](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2200) by @llbn, [#2386](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2386))
+- Auto-detect HTML tags and use `parse_mode=HTML` ([#1709](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1709))
+- Telegram group vision support + thread-based sessions ([#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2153))
 - Auto-reconnect polling after network interruption ([#2517](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2517))
 - Aggregate split text messages before dispatching ([#1674](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1674))
 - Fix: streaming config bridge, not-modified, flood control ([#1782](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1782), [#1783](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1783))
 - Fix: edited_message event crashes ([#2074](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2074))
 - Fix: retry 409 polling conflicts before giving up ([#2312](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2312))
-- Fix: Telegram topic delivery via `platform:chat_id:thread_id` format ([#2455](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2455))
+- Fix: topic delivery via `platform:chat_id:thread_id` format ([#2455](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2455))
 
-### Discord
+### Discord Improvements
 - Document caching and text-file injection ([#2503](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2503))
 - Persistent typing indicator for DMs ([#2468](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2468))
-- Discord DM vision support — inline images + attachment analysis ([#2186](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2186))
+- Discord DM vision — inline images + attachment analysis ([#2186](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2186))
 - Persist thread participation across gateway restarts ([#1661](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1661))
-- Fix: prevent gateway crash on non-ASCII guild names ([#2302](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2302))
-- Fix: handle thread permission errors gracefully ([#2073](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2073))
-- Fix: properly route slash event handling in threads ([#2460](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2460))
-- Fix: remove bugged followup messages + remove `/ask` command ([#1836](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1836))
-- Fix: handle graceful reconnection on WebSocket errors ([#2127](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2127))
-- Fix: voice channel TTS not working when streaming enabled ([#2322](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2322))
+- Fix: gateway crash on non-ASCII guild names ([#2302](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2302))
+- Fix: thread permission errors ([#2073](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2073))
+- Fix: slash event routing in threads ([#2460](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2460))
+- Fix: remove bugged followup messages + `/ask` command ([#1836](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1836))
+- Fix: graceful WebSocket reconnection ([#2127](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2127))
+- Fix: voice channel TTS when streaming enabled ([#2322](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2322))
 
-### Other Platforms
-- WhatsApp: outbound `send_message` routing ([#1769](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1769) by @sai-samarth), LID format self-chat support ([#1667](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1667)), `reply_prefix` config bridging fix ([#1923](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1923)), restart on bridge child exit ([#2334](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2334)), image/bridge improvements ([#2181](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2181))
-- Matrix: duplicate messages and image caching for vision support ([#2520](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2520)), correct `reply_to_message_id` parameter ([#1895](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1895)), bare media types fix ([#1736](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1736))
+### WhatsApp & Other Adapters
+- WhatsApp: outbound `send_message` routing ([#1769](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1769) by @sai-samarth), LID format self-chat ([#1667](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1667)), `reply_prefix` config fix ([#1923](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1923)), restart on bridge child exit ([#2334](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2334)), image/bridge improvements ([#2181](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2181))
+- Matrix: correct `reply_to_message_id` parameter ([#1895](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1895)), bare media types fix ([#1736](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1736))
 - Mattermost: MIME types for media attachments ([#2329](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2329))
 
 ### Gateway Core
-- **Multi-platform gateway** support (Discord + Telegram + all adapters) ([#2125](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2125))
 - **Auto-reconnect** failed platforms with exponential backoff ([#2584](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2584))
 - **Notify users when session auto-resets** ([#2519](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2519))
-- **`/queue` command** to queue prompts without interrupting ([#2191](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2191))
-- **Inject reply-to message context** for out-of-session replies ([#1662](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1662))
-- **Replace bare text approval** with `/approve` and `/deny` commands ([#2002](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2002))
-- **Support ignoring unauthorized gateway DMs** ([#1919](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1919))
-- **Configurable approvals** in gateway + `/cost` command with live pricing ([#2180](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2180))
-- Fix: prevent duplicate session-key collision in multi-platform gateway ([#2171](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2171))
+- **Reply-to message context** for out-of-session replies ([#1662](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1662))
+- **Ignore unauthorized DMs** config option ([#1919](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1919))
 - Fix: `/reset` in thread-mode resets global session instead of thread ([#2254](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2254))
 - Fix: deliver MEDIA: files after streaming responses ([#2382](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2382))
 - Fix: cap interrupt recursion depth to prevent resource exhaustion ([#1659](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1659))
@@ -157,111 +217,53 @@
 - Fix: prevent systemd restart storm on gateway connection failure ([#2327](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2327))
 - Fix: include resolved node path in systemd unit ([#1767](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1767) by @sai-samarth)
 - Fix: send error details to user in gateway outer exception handler ([#1966](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1966))
-- Fix: improve gateway error handling for 429 usage limits and 500 context overflow ([#1839](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1839))
+- Fix: improve error handling for 429 usage limits and 500 context overflow ([#1839](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1839))
 - Fix: add all missing platform allowlist env vars to startup warning check ([#2628](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2628))
-- Fix: show startup banner with all env vars when `verbose_logging=true` ([#2298](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2298))
-- Fix: webhook platform config loading from config.yaml ([#2328](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2328))
-- Fix: media-group aggregation on rapid successive photo messages ([#2160](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2160))
 - Fix: media delivery fails for file paths containing spaces ([#2621](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2621))
+- Fix: duplicate session-key collision in multi-platform gateway ([#2171](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2171))
 - Fix: Matrix and Mattermost never report as connected ([#1711](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1711))
 - Fix: PII redaction config never read — missing yaml import ([#1701](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1701))
 - Fix: NameError on skill slash commands ([#1697](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1697))
 - Fix: persist watcher metadata in checkpoint for crash recovery ([#1706](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1706))
-- Fix: pass `message_thread_id` in `send_image_file`, `send_document`, `send_video` ([#2339](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2339))
-
----
-
-## 🖥️ CLI & User Experience
-
-### Interactive CLI
-- **@ context completions** — Claude Code-style `@file`/`@url` references with tab completion ([#2482](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2482), [#2343](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2343))
-- **Persistent config bar** in prompt with model + provider info + `/statusbar` toggle ([#2240](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2240), [#1917](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1917))
-- **`/permission` command** for dynamic approval mode switching ([#2207](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2207))
-- **`/browser` command** for interactive browser sessions ([#2273](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2273))
-- **`/tools` disable/enable/list** slash commands with session reset ([#1652](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1652))
-- **`/model` command** for runtime model switching with live API probe for custom endpoints ([#2110](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2110), [#1645](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1645), [#2078](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2078))
-- **Real-time config reload** — config.yaml changes apply without restart ([#2210](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2210))
-- **Kitty keyboard protocol** Shift+Enter handling for Ghostty/WezTerm (reverted due to prompt_toolkit crash) ([#2345](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2345), [#2349](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2349))
-- Fix: prevent 'Press ENTER to continue...' on exit ([#2555](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2555))
-- Fix: flush stdout during agent loop to prevent macOS display freeze ([#1654](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1654))
-- Fix: show human-readable error when `hermes setup` hits permissions error ([#2196](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2196))
-- Fix: `/stop` command crash + UnboundLocalError in streaming media delivery ([#2463](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2463))
-- Fix: resolve garbled ANSI escape codes in status printouts ([#2448](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2448))
-- Fix: normalize toolset labels and use skin colors in banner ([#1912](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1912))
-- Fix: update gold ANSI color to true-color format ([#2246](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2246))
-- Fix: suppress spinner animation in non-TTY environments ([#2216](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2216))
-- Fix: display provider and endpoint in API error messages ([#2266](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2266))
-
-### Setup & Configuration
-- **YAML-based config** with backward-compatible env var fallback ([#2172](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2172))
-- **`${ENV_VAR}` substitution** in config.yaml ([#2684](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2684))
-- **`custom_models.yaml`** for user-managed model additions ([#2214](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2214))
-- **Merge nested YAML sections** instead of replacing ([#2213](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2213))
-- Fix: log warning instead of silently swallowing config.yaml errors ([#2683](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2683))
-- Fix: config.yaml provider key overrides env var silently ([#2272](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2272))
-- Fix: `hermes update` use `.[all]` extras with fallback ([#1728](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1728))
-- Fix: `hermes update` prompt before resetting working tree on stash conflicts ([#2390](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2390))
-- Fix: add zprofile fallback and create zshrc on fresh macOS installs ([#2320](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2320))
-- Fix: use git pull --rebase in update/install to avoid divergent branch error ([#2274](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2274))
-- Fix: disabled toolsets re-enable themselves after `hermes tools` ([#2268](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2268))
-- Fix: platform default toolsets silently override tool deselection ([#2624](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2624))
-- Fix: honor bare YAML `approvals.mode: off` ([#2620](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2620))
-- Fix: remove `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` env var to avoid collisions ([#1675](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1675))
-- Fix: don't ask IMAP password if already in keyring or env ([#2212](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2212))
-- Fix: prevent `/model` crash when provider list is empty ([#2209](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2209))
-- Fix: OpenCode Zen/Go show OpenRouter models instead of their own ([#2277](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2277))
+- Fix: pass `message_thread_id` in send_image_file, send_document, send_video ([#2339](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2339))
+- Fix: media-group aggregation on rapid successive photo messages ([#2160](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2160))
 
 ---
 
 ## 🔧 Tool System
 
-### Browser Tools
-- **Native Hermes browser tools** — navigate, click, type, screenshot, scrape via Browserbase ([#2270](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2270))
-- Fix: race condition in session creation orphans cloud sessions ([#1721](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1721))
-- Fix: browser handlers TypeError on unexpected LLM params ([#1735](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1735))
-- Fix: add `/browser` to COMMAND_REGISTRY for help + autocomplete ([#1814](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1814))
-
-### MCP (Model Context Protocol)
+### MCP Enhancements
 - **MCP server management CLI** + OAuth 2.1 PKCE auth ([#2465](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2465))
-- **Interactive MCP tool configuration** in `hermes tools` ([#1694](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1694))
 - **Expose MCP servers as standalone toolsets** ([#1907](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1907))
-- **Optional FastMCP skill** ([#2113](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2113))
+- **Interactive MCP tool configuration** in `hermes tools` ([#1694](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1694))
 - Fix: MCP-OAuth port mismatch, path traversal, and shared handler state ([#2552](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2552))
 - Fix: preserve MCP tool registrations across session resets ([#2124](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2124))
 - Fix: concurrent file access crash + duplicate MCP registration ([#2154](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2154))
 - Fix: normalise MCP schemas + expand session list columns ([#2102](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2102))
 - Fix: `tool_choice` `mcp_` prefix handling ([#1775](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1775))
 
-### Web Tools
-- **Configurable web backend** — Firecrawl/BeautifulSoup/Playwright ([#2256](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2256))
-- **Parallel** as alternative web search/extract backend ([#1696](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1696))
+### Web Tool Backends
 - **Tavily** as web search/extract/crawl backend ([#1731](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1731))
+- **Parallel** as alternative web search/extract backend ([#1696](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1696))
+- **Configurable web backend** — Firecrawl/BeautifulSoup/Playwright selection ([#2256](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2256))
 - Fix: whitespace-only env vars bypass web backend detection ([#2341](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2341))
 
-### Other Tools
-- **Vision analysis tool** for image understanding with configurable timeout ([#2182](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2182), [#2480](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2480))
-- **Code execution tool** for containerized Python/Node/Bash execution ([#2299](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2299))
-- **TTS tool** using OpenAI API with `base_url` support ([#2118](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2118), [#2064](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2064) by @hanai)
-- **STT (speech-to-text) tool** using Whisper API ([#2072](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2072))
-- **IMAP email** reading and sending tools ([#2173](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2173))
-- **RL training data generation tool** ([#2225](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2225))
+### New Tools
+- **IMAP email** reading and sending ([#2173](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2173))
+- **STT (speech-to-text)** tool using Whisper API ([#2072](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2072))
 - **Route-aware pricing estimates** ([#1695](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1695))
-- Fix: chunk long messages in `send_message_tool` before platform dispatch ([#1646](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1646))
+
+### Tool Improvements
+- TTS: `base_url` support for OpenAI TTS provider ([#2064](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2064) by @hanai)
+- Vision: configurable timeout, tilde expansion in file paths, DM vision with multi-image and base64 fallback ([#2480](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2480), [#2585](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2585), [#2211](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2211))
+- Browser: race condition fix in session creation ([#1721](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1721)), TypeError on unexpected LLM params ([#1735](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1735))
+- File tools: strip ANSI escape codes from write_file and patch content ([#2532](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2532)), include pagination args in repeated search key ([#1824](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1824) by @cutepawss), improve fuzzy matching accuracy + position calculation refactor ([#2096](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2096), [#1681](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1681))
+- Code execution: resource leak and double socket close fix ([#2381](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2381))
+- Delegate: thread safety for concurrent subagent delegation ([#1672](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1672)), preserve parent agent's tool list after delegation ([#1778](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1778))
 - Fix: make concurrent tool batching path-aware for file mutations ([#1914](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1914))
-- Fix: tool result truncation on large outputs ([#2088](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2088))
-- Fix: concurrent file writes safely with atomic operations ([#2086](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2086))
-- Fix: improve fuzzy matching accuracy for file search + position calculation refactor ([#2096](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2096), [#1681](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1681))
-- Fix: `search_files` wrong line numbers for multi-line matches ([#2069](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2069))
-- Fix: include pagination args in repeated search key ([#1824](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1824) by @cutepawss)
-- Fix: strip ANSI escape codes from write_file and patch content ([#2532](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2532))
-- Fix: expand tilde (~) in vision_analyze local file paths ([#2585](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2585))
-- Fix: resource leak and double socket close in `code_execution_tool` ([#2381](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2381))
-- Fix: resolve vision analysis race condition and path handling ([#2191](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2191))
-- Fix: DM vision — handle multiple images and base64 fallback ([#2211](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2211))
-- Fix: `model_supports_images` for custom `base_url` providers returns wrong value ([#2278](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2278))
-- Fix: add missing 'messaging' toolset — couldn't enable/disable `send_message` ([#1718](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1718))
+- Fix: chunk long messages in `send_message_tool` before platform dispatch ([#1646](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1646))
+- Fix: add missing 'messaging' toolset ([#1718](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1718))
 - Fix: prevent unavailable tool names from leaking into model schemas ([#2072](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2072))
-- Fix: disabled toolsets re-enable themselves after `hermes tools` ([#2268](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2268))
 - Fix: pass visited set by reference to prevent diamond dependency duplication ([#2311](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2311))
 - Fix: Daytona sandbox lookup migrated from `find_one` to `get/list` ([#2063](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2063) by @rovle)
 
@@ -269,9 +271,8 @@
 
 ## 🧩 Skills Ecosystem
 
-### Skills System
-- **Skills Hub** — discover, install, and manage skills from curated taps ([#2235](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2235))
-- **Agent-created persistent skills** with caution-level findings allowed, dangerous skills ask instead of block ([#2116](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2116), [#1840](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1840), [#2446](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2446))
+### Skills System Improvements
+- **Agent-created skills** — Caution-level findings allowed, dangerous skills ask instead of block ([#1840](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1840), [#2446](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2446))
 - **`--yes` flag** to bypass confirmation in `/skills install` and uninstall ([#1647](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1647))
 - **Disabled skills respected** across banner, system prompt, and slash commands ([#1897](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1897))
 - Fix: skills custom_tools import crash + sandbox file_tools integration ([#2239](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2239))
@@ -282,54 +283,62 @@
 - Fix: agent-created skills keep working after session reset ([#2121](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2121))
 
 ### New Skills
-- **OCR-and-documents** — PDF/DOCX/XLS/PPTX/image OCR with optional GPU ([#2236](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2236))
+- **OCR-and-documents** — PDF/DOCX/XLS/PPTX/image OCR with optional GPU ([#2236](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2236), [#2461](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2461))
 - **Huggingface-hub** bundled skill ([#1921](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1921))
-- **Sherlock OSINT** username search skill ([#1671](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1671))
-- **Inference.sh** skill (terminal-based) ([#1686](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1686))
-- **Meme-generation** — real image generator with Pillow ([#2344](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2344))
+- **Sherlock OSINT** username search ([#1671](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1671))
+- **Meme-generation** — Image generator with Pillow ([#2344](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2344))
 - **Bioinformatics** gateway skill — index to 400+ bio skills ([#2387](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2387))
+- **Inference.sh** skill (terminal-based) ([#1686](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1686))
 - **Base blockchain** optional skill ([#1643](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1643))
 - **3D-model-viewer** optional skill ([#2226](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2226))
+- **FastMCP** optional skill ([#2113](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2113))
 - **Hermes-agent-setup** skill ([#1905](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1905))
 
 ---
 
+## 🔌 Plugin System Enhancements
+
+- **TUI extension hooks** — Build custom CLIs on top of Hermes ([#2333](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2333))
+- **`hermes plugins install/remove/list`** commands ([#2337](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2337))
+- **Slash command registration** for plugins ([#2359](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2359))
+- **`session:end` lifecycle event** hook ([#1725](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1725))
+- Fix: require opt-in for project plugin discovery ([#2215](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2215))
+
+---
+
 ## 🔒 Security & Reliability
 
-### Security Hardening
-- **SSRF protection** for vision_tools and web_tools (hardened) ([#2679](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2679))
+### Security
+- **SSRF protection** for vision_tools and web_tools ([#2679](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2679))
 - **Shell injection prevention** in `_expand_path` via `~user` path suffix ([#2685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2685))
 - **Block untrusted browser-origin** API server access ([#2451](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2451))
 - **Block sandbox backend creds** from subprocess env ([#1658](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1658))
 - **Block @ references** from reading secrets outside workspace ([#2601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2601) by @Gutslabs)
-- **Require opt-in** for project plugin discovery ([#2215](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2215))
 - **Malicious code pattern pre-exec scanner** for terminal_tool ([#2245](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2245))
 - **Harden terminal safety** and sandbox file writes ([#1653](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1653))
-- **PKCE verifier leak** fix, OAuth refresh Content-Type fix ([#1775](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1775))
+- **PKCE verifier leak** fix + OAuth refresh Content-Type ([#1775](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1775))
 - **Eliminate SQL string formatting** in `execute()` calls ([#2061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2061) by @dusterbloom)
 - **Harden jobs API** — input limits, field whitelist, startup check ([#2456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2456))
-- Fix: OAuth flag stale after refresh/fallback ([#1890](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1890))
-- Fix: auxiliary client skips expired Codex JWT ([#2397](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2397))
 
 ### Reliability
-- **Concurrent tool safety** — path-aware file mutation batching, thread locks on SessionDB methods, file locking for memory writes ([#1914](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1914), [#1704](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1704), [#1726](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1726))
-- **Error recovery** — handle OpenRouter errors gracefully, guard print() calls against OSError ([#2112](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2112), [#1668](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1668))
-- **Redacting formatter** — safely handle non-string inputs, NameError fix when verbose_logging=True ([#2392](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2392), [#1700](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1700))
-- **ACP** — preserve session provider when switching models, persist sessions to disk, preserve leading whitespace in streaming chunks ([#2380](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2380), [#2071](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2071), [#2192](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2192))
-- **API server** — persist ResponseStore to SQLite across restarts ([#2472](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2472))
-- Fix: `fetch_nous_models` called with positional args — always TypeError ([#1699](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1699))
-- Fix: `make_is_write_denied` robust to Path objects ([#1678](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1678))
-- Fix: resolve merge conflict markers in cli.py breaking hermes startup ([#2347](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2347))
+- Thread locks on 4 SessionDB methods ([#1704](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1704))
+- File locking for concurrent memory writes ([#1726](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1726))
+- Handle OpenRouter errors gracefully ([#2112](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2112))
+- Guard print() calls against OSError ([#1668](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1668))
+- Safely handle non-string inputs in redacting formatter ([#2392](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2392), [#1700](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1700))
+- ACP: preserve session provider on model switch, persist sessions to disk ([#2380](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2380), [#2071](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2071))
+- API server: persist ResponseStore to SQLite across restarts ([#2472](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2472))
+- Fix: `fetch_nous_models` always TypeError from positional args ([#1699](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1699))
+- Fix: resolve merge conflict markers in cli.py breaking startup ([#2347](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2347))
 - Fix: `minisweagent_path.py` missing from wheel ([#2098](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2098) by @JiwaniZakir)
 
 ### Cron System
-- **Cron job scheduling** for gateway ([#2140](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2140))
 - **`[SILENT]` response** — cron agents can suppress delivery ([#1833](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1833))
 - **Scale missed-job grace window** with schedule frequency ([#2449](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2449))
 - **Recover recent one-shot jobs** ([#1918](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1918))
-- Fix: normalize `repeat<=0` to None — cron jobs deleted after first run when LLM passes -1 ([#2612](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2612) by @Mibayy)
+- Fix: normalize `repeat<=0` to None — jobs deleted after first run when LLM passes -1 ([#2612](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2612) by @Mibayy)
 - Fix: Matrix added to scheduler delivery platform_map ([#2167](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2167) by @buntingszn)
-- Fix: naive ISO timestamps stored without timezone — jobs fire at wrong time ([#1729](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1729))
+- Fix: naive ISO timestamps without timezone — jobs fire at wrong time ([#1729](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1729))
 - Fix: `get_due_jobs` reads `jobs.json` twice — race condition ([#1716](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1716))
 - Fix: silent jobs return empty response for delivery skip ([#2442](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2442))
 - Fix: stop injecting cron outputs into gateway session history ([#2313](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2313))
@@ -337,60 +346,29 @@
 
 ---
 
-## 🐛 Notable Bug Fixes
-
-- Fix: show full command in dangerous command approval prompt ([#1649](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1649))
-- Fix: Telegram streaming message length overflow ([#1783](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1783))
-- Fix: prevent `/model` crash when provider list is empty ([#2209](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2209))
-- Fix: batch of 5 small contributor fixes — PortAudio, SafeWriter, IMAP, thread lock, prefill ([#2466](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2466))
-- Fix: `dingtalk-stream` added to optional dependencies ([#2452](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2452))
-- Fix: remove hardcoded `gemini-3-flash-preview` as default summary model ([#2464](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2464))
-- Fix: remove post-compression file-read history injection ([#2226](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2226))
-- Fix: truncated `AUXILIARY_WEB_EXTRACT_API_KEY` env var name ([#2309](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2309))
-- Fix: update validator does not stop ([#2204](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2204), [#2067](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2067))
-- Fix: log disk warning check failures at debug level ([#2394](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2394))
-- Fix: quiet mode with `--resume` now passes conversation_history ([#2357](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2357))
-- Fix: unify resume logic in batch mode for consistent `--resume` behavior ([#2331](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2331))
-- Fix: prevent unavailable tool names from leaking into model schemas ([#2072](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2072))
-- Fix: remove `_is_special_key` hack and fix `/skills` path completion ([#2271](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2271))
-- Fix: use home-relative state paths if XDG dirs don't exist ([#2325](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2325))
-- Fix: inject model identity for Alibaba Coding Plan ([#2314](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2314))
-- Fix: OpenClaw migration warns when API keys are skipped ([#1655](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1655))
-- Fix: email `send_typing` metadata + ☤ Hermes staff symbol ([#1665](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1665))
-- Fix: replace production `print()` calls with logger in rl_training_tool ([#2462](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2462))
-- Fix: restore opencode-go provider config corrupted by secret redaction ([#2393](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2393) by @0xbyt4)
-
----
-
 ## 🧪 Testing
 
 - Resolve all consistently failing tests ([#2488](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2488))
 - Replace `FakePath` with `monkeypatch` for Python 3.12 compat ([#2444](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2444))
 - Align Hermes setup and full-suite expectations ([#1710](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1710))
-- Add tests for API server jobs API hardening ([#2456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2456))
 
 ---
 
 ## 📚 Documentation
 
-- Comprehensive documentation update for recent features ([#1693](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1693), [#2183](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2183))
-- Alibaba Cloud and DingTalk setup guide ([#1687](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1687), [#1692](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1692))
-- SOUL.md as primary agent identity documentation ([#1927](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1927))
+- Comprehensive docs update for recent features ([#1693](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1693), [#2183](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2183))
+- Alibaba Cloud and DingTalk setup guides ([#1687](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1687), [#1692](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1692))
 - Detailed skills documentation ([#2244](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2244))
-- Honcho self-hosted / Docker configuration section ([#2475](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2475))
-- Context length detection references in FAQ and quickstart ([#2179](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2179))
-- Fix documentation inconsistencies across reference and user guides ([#1995](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1995))
+- Honcho self-hosted / Docker configuration ([#2475](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2475))
+- Context length detection FAQ and quickstart references ([#2179](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2179))
+- Fix docs inconsistencies across reference and user guides ([#1995](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1995))
 - Fix MCP install commands — use uv, not bare pip ([#1909](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1909))
-- Fix MDX build error in api-server.md ([#1787](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1787))
 - Replace ASCII diagrams with Mermaid/lists ([#2402](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2402))
-- Add missing gateway commands and correct examples ([#2329](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2329))
-- Clarify self-hosted Firecrawl setup ([#1669](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1669))
-- NeuTTS provider documentation ([#1903](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1903))
 - Gemini OAuth provider implementation plan ([#2467](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2467))
 - Discord Server Members Intent marked as required ([#2330](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2330))
-- Align venv path to match installer (venv/ not .venv/) ([#2114](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2114))
+- Fix MDX build error in api-server.md ([#1787](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1787))
+- Align venv path to match installer ([#2114](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2114))
 - New skills added to hub index ([#2281](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2281))
-- OCR-and-documents skill — split, merge, search examples ([#2461](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2461))
 
 ---
 
@@ -400,15 +378,15 @@
 - **@teknium1** (Teknium) — 280 PRs
 
 ### Community Contributors
-- **@mchzimm** (to_the_max) — GitHub Copilot provider integration across Hermes ([#1879](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1879))
-- **@jquesnelle** (Jeffrey Quesnelle) — Per-thread persistent event loops in worker threads ([#2214](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2214))
-- **@llbn** (lbn) — Telegram MarkdownV2 support: strikethrough, spoiler, blockquotes, and escape fixes ([#2199](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2199), [#2200](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2200))
+- **@mchzimm** (to_the_max) — GitHub Copilot provider integration ([#1879](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1879))
+- **@jquesnelle** (Jeffrey Quesnelle) — Per-thread persistent event loops fix ([#2214](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2214))
+- **@llbn** (lbn) — Telegram MarkdownV2 strikethrough, spoiler, blockquotes, and escape fixes ([#2199](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2199), [#2200](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2200))
 - **@dusterbloom** — SQL injection prevention + local server context window querying ([#2061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2061), [#2091](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2091))
 - **@0xbyt4** — Anthropic tool_calls None guard + OpenCode-Go provider config fix ([#2209](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2209), [#2393](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2393))
-- **@sai-samarth** (Saisamarth) — WhatsApp send_message routing + systemd node path fix ([#1769](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1769), [#1767](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1767))
-- **@Gutslabs** (Guts) — Block @ references from reading secrets outside workspace ([#2601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2601))
-- **@Mibayy** (Mibay) — Cron job repeat normalization fix ([#2612](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2612))
-- **@ten-jampa** (Tenzin Jampa) — Gateway /title command session fix ([#2379](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2379))
+- **@sai-samarth** (Saisamarth) — WhatsApp send_message routing + systemd node path ([#1769](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1769), [#1767](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1767))
+- **@Gutslabs** (Guts) — Block @ references from reading secrets ([#2601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2601))
+- **@Mibayy** (Mibay) — Cron job repeat normalization ([#2612](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2612))
+- **@ten-jampa** (Tenzin Jampa) — Gateway /title command fix ([#2379](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2379))
 - **@cutepawss** (lila) — File tools search pagination fix ([#1824](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/1824))
 - **@hanai** (Hanai) — OpenAI TTS base_url support ([#2064](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2064))
 - **@rovle** (Lovre Pešut) — Daytona sandbox API migration ([#2063](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2063))

RELEASE_v0.5.0.md

@@ -0,0 +1,348 @@
+# Hermes Agent v0.5.0 (v2026.3.28)
+
+**Release Date:** March 28, 2026
+
+> The hardening release — Hugging Face provider, /model command overhaul, Telegram Private Chat Topics, native Modal SDK, plugin lifecycle hooks, tool-use enforcement for GPT models, Nix flake, 50+ security and reliability fixes, and a comprehensive supply chain audit.
+
+---
+
+## ✨ Highlights
+
+- **Nous Portal now supports 400+ models** — The Nous Research inference portal has expanded dramatically, giving Hermes Agent users access to over 400 models through a single provider endpoint
+
+- **Hugging Face as a first-class inference provider** — Full integration with HF Inference API including curated agentic model picker that maps to OpenRouter analogues, live `/models` endpoint probe, and setup wizard flow ([#3419](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3419), [#3440](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3440))
+
+- **Telegram Private Chat Topics** — Project-based conversations with functional skill binding per topic, enabling isolated workflows within a single Telegram chat ([#3163](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3163))
+
+- **Native Modal SDK backend** — Replaced swe-rex dependency with native Modal SDK (`Sandbox.create.aio` + `exec.aio`), eliminating tunnels and simplifying the Modal terminal backend ([#3538](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3538))
+
+- **Plugin lifecycle hooks activated** — `pre_llm_call`, `post_llm_call`, `on_session_start`, and `on_session_end` hooks now fire in the agent loop and CLI/gateway, completing the plugin hook system ([#3542](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3542))
+
+- **Improved OpenAI Model Reliability** — Added `GPT_TOOL_USE_GUIDANCE` to prevent GPT models from describing intended actions instead of making tool calls, plus automatic stripping of stale budget warnings from conversation history that caused models to avoid tools across turns ([#3528](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3528))
+
+- **Nix flake** — Full uv2nix build, NixOS module with persistent container mode, auto-generated config keys from Python source, and suffix PATHs for agent-friendliness ([#20](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/20), [#3274](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3274), [#3061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3061)) by @alt-glitch
+
+- **Supply chain hardening** — Removed compromised `litellm` dependency, pinned all dependency version ranges, regenerated `uv.lock` with hashes, added CI workflow scanning PRs for supply chain attack patterns, and bumped deps to fix CVEs ([#2796](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2796), [#2810](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2810), [#2812](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2812), [#2816](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2816), [#3073](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3073))
+
+- **Anthropic output limits fix** — Replaced hardcoded 16K `max_tokens` with per-model native output limits (128K for Opus 4.6, 64K for Sonnet 4.6), fixing "Response truncated" and thinking-budget exhaustion on direct Anthropic API ([#3426](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3426), [#3444](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3444))
+
+---
+
+## 🏗️ Core Agent & Architecture
+
+### New Provider: Hugging Face
+- First-class Hugging Face Inference API integration with auth, setup wizard, and model picker ([#3419](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3419))
+- Curated model list mapping OpenRouter agentic defaults to HF equivalents — providers with 8+ curated models skip live `/models` probe for speed ([#3440](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3440))
+- Added glm-5-turbo to Z.AI provider model list ([#3095](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3095))
+
+### Provider & Model Improvements
+- `/model` command overhaul — extracted shared `switch_model()` pipeline for CLI and gateway, custom endpoint support, provider-aware routing ([#2795](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2795), [#2799](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2799))
+- Removed `/model` slash command from CLI and gateway in favor of `hermes model` subcommand ([#3080](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3080))
+- Preserve `custom` provider instead of silently remapping to `openrouter` ([#2792](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2792))
+- Read root-level `provider` and `base_url` from config.yaml into model config ([#3112](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3112))
+- Align Nous Portal model slugs with OpenRouter naming ([#3253](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3253))
+- Fix Alibaba provider default endpoint and model list ([#3484](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3484))
+- Allow MiniMax users to override `/v1` → `/anthropic` auto-correction ([#3553](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3553))
+- Migrate OAuth token refresh to `platform.claude.com` with fallback ([#3246](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3246))
+
+### Agent Loop & Conversation
+- **Improved OpenAI model reliability** — `GPT_TOOL_USE_GUIDANCE` prevents GPT models from describing actions instead of calling tools + automatic budget warning stripping from history ([#3528](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3528))
+- **Surface lifecycle events** — All retry, fallback, and compression events now surface to the user as formatted messages ([#3153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3153))
+- **Anthropic output limits** — Per-model native output limits instead of hardcoded 16K `max_tokens` ([#3426](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3426))
+- **Thinking-budget exhaustion detection** — Skip useless continuation retries when model uses all output tokens on reasoning ([#3444](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3444))
+- Always prefer streaming for API calls to prevent hung subagents ([#3120](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3120))
+- Restore safe non-streaming fallback after stream failures ([#3020](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3020))
+- Give subagents independent iteration budgets ([#3004](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3004))
+- Update `api_key` in `_try_activate_fallback` for subagent auth ([#3103](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3103))
+- Graceful return on max retries instead of crashing thread ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Count compression restarts toward retry limit ([#3070](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3070))
+- Include tool tokens in preflight estimate, guard context probe persistence ([#3164](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3164))
+- Update context compressor limits after fallback activation ([#3305](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3305))
+- Validate empty user messages to prevent Anthropic API 400 errors ([#3322](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3322))
+- GLM reasoning-only and max-length handling ([#3010](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3010))
+- Increase API timeout default from 900s to 1800s for slow-thinking models ([#3431](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3431))
+- Send `max_tokens` for Claude/OpenRouter + retry SSE connection errors ([#3497](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3497))
+- Prevent AsyncOpenAI/httpx cross-loop deadlock in gateway mode ([#2701](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2701)) by @ctlst
+
+### Streaming & Reasoning
+- **Persist reasoning across gateway session turns** with new schema v6 columns (`reasoning`, `reasoning_details`, `codex_reasoning_items`) ([#2974](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2974))
+- Detect and kill stale SSE connections ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Fix stale stream detector race causing spurious `RemoteProtocolError` ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Skip duplicate callback for `<think>`-extracted reasoning during streaming ([#3116](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3116))
+- Preserve reasoning fields in `rewrite_transcript` ([#3311](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3311))
+- Preserve Gemini thought signatures in streamed tool calls ([#2997](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2997))
+- Ensure first delta is fired during reasoning updates ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+### Session & Memory
+- **Session search recent sessions mode** — Omit query to browse recent sessions with titles, previews, and timestamps ([#2533](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2533))
+- **Session config surfacing** on `/new`, `/reset`, and auto-reset ([#3321](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3321))
+- **Third-party session isolation** — `--source` flag for isolating sessions by origin ([#3255](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3255))
+- Add `/resume` CLI handler, session log truncation guard, `reopen_session` API ([#3315](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3315))
+- Clear compressor summary and turn counter on `/clear` and `/new` ([#3102](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3102))
+- Surface silent SessionDB failures that cause session data loss ([#2999](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2999))
+- Session search fallback preview on summarization failure ([#3478](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3478))
+- Prevent stale memory overwrites by flush agent ([#2687](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2687))
+
+### Context Compression
+- Replace dead `summary_target_tokens` with ratio-based scaling ([#2554](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2554))
+- Expose `compression.target_ratio`, `protect_last_n`, and `threshold` in `DEFAULT_CONFIG` ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Restore sane defaults and cap summary at 12K tokens ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Preserve transcript on `/compress` and hygiene compression ([#3556](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3556))
+- Update context pressure warnings and token estimates after compaction ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+### Architecture & Dependencies
+- **Remove mini-swe-agent dependency** — Inline Docker and Modal backends directly ([#2804](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2804))
+- **Replace swe-rex with native Modal SDK** for Modal backend ([#3538](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3538))
+- **Plugin lifecycle hooks** — `pre_llm_call`, `post_llm_call`, `on_session_start`, `on_session_end` now fire in the agent loop ([#3542](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3542))
+- Fix plugin toolsets invisible in `hermes tools` and standalone processes ([#3457](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3457))
+- Consolidate `get_hermes_home()` and `parse_reasoning_effort()` ([#3062](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3062))
+- Remove unused Hermes-native PKCE OAuth flow ([#3107](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3107))
+- Remove ~100 unused imports across 55 files ([#3016](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3016))
+- Fix 154 f-strings, simplify getattr/URL patterns, remove dead code ([#3119](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3119))
+
+---
+
+## 📱 Messaging Platforms (Gateway)
+
+### Telegram
+- **Private Chat Topics** — Project-based conversations with functional skill binding per topic, enabling isolated workflows within a single Telegram chat ([#3163](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3163))
+- **Auto-discover fallback IPs via DNS-over-HTTPS** when `api.telegram.org` is unreachable ([#3376](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3376))
+- **Configurable reply threading mode** ([#2907](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2907))
+- Fall back to no `thread_id` on "Message thread not found" BadRequest ([#3390](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3390))
+- Self-reschedule reconnect when `start_polling` fails after 502 ([#3268](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3268))
+
+### Discord
+- Stop phantom typing indicator after agent turn completes ([#3003](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3003))
+
+### Slack
+- Send tool call progress messages to correct Slack thread ([#3063](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3063))
+- Scope progress thread fallback to Slack only ([#3488](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3488))
+
+### WhatsApp
+- Download documents, audio, and video media from messages ([#2978](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2978))
+
+### Matrix
+- Add missing Matrix entry in `PLATFORMS` dict ([#3473](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3473))
+- Harden e2ee access-token handling ([#3562](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3562))
+- Add backoff for `SyncError` in sync loop ([#3280](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3280))
+
+### Signal
+- Track SSE keepalive comments as connection activity ([#3316](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3316))
+
+### Email
+- Prevent unbounded growth of `_seen_uids` in EmailAdapter ([#3490](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3490))
+
+### Gateway Core
+- **Config-gated `/verbose` command** for messaging platforms — toggle tool output verbosity from chat ([#3262](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3262))
+- **Background review notifications** delivered to user chat ([#3293](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3293))
+- **Retry transient send failures** and notify user on exhaustion ([#3288](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3288))
+- Recover from hung agents — `/stop` hard-kills session lock ([#3104](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3104))
+- Thread-safe `SessionStore` — protect `_entries` with `threading.Lock` ([#3052](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3052))
+- Fix gateway token double-counting with cached agents — use absolute set instead of increment ([#3306](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3306), [#3317](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3317))
+- Fingerprint full auth token in agent cache signature ([#3247](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3247))
+- Silence background agent terminal output ([#3297](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3297))
+- Include per-platform `ALLOW_ALL` and `SIGNAL_GROUP` in startup allowlist check ([#3313](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3313))
+- Include user-local bin paths in systemd unit PATH ([#3527](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3527))
+- Track background task references in `GatewayRunner` ([#3254](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3254))
+- Add request timeouts to HA, Email, Mattermost, SMS adapters ([#3258](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3258))
+- Add media download retry to Mattermost, Slack, and base cache ([#3323](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3323))
+- Detect virtualenv path instead of hardcoding `venv/` ([#2797](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2797))
+- Use `TERMINAL_CWD` for context file discovery, not process cwd ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Stop loading hermes repo AGENTS.md into gateway sessions (~10k wasted tokens) ([#2891](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2891))
+
+---
+
+## 🖥️ CLI & User Experience
+
+### Interactive CLI
+- **Configurable busy input mode** + fix `/queue` always working ([#3298](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3298))
+- **Preserve user input on multiline paste** ([#3065](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3065))
+- **Tool generation callback** — streaming "preparing terminal…" updates during tool argument generation ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Show tool progress for substantive tools, not just "preparing" ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Buffer reasoning preview chunks and fix duplicate display ([#3013](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3013))
+- Prevent reasoning box from rendering 3x during tool-calling loops ([#3405](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3405))
+- Eliminate "Event loop is closed" / "Press ENTER to continue" during idle — three-layer fix with `neuter_async_httpx_del()`, custom exception handler, and stale client cleanup ([#3398](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3398))
+- Fix status bar shows 26K instead of 260K for token counts with trailing zeros ([#3024](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3024))
+- Fix status bar duplicates and degrades during long sessions ([#3291](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3291))
+- Refresh TUI before background task output to prevent status bar overlap ([#3048](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3048))
+- Suppress KawaiiSpinner animation under `patch_stdout` ([#2994](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2994))
+- Skip KawaiiSpinner when TUI handles tool progress ([#2973](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2973))
+- Guard `isatty()` against closed streams via `_is_tty` property ([#3056](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3056))
+- Ensure single closure of streaming boxes during tool generation ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Cap context pressure percentage at 100% in display ([#3480](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3480))
+- Clean up HTML error messages in CLI display ([#3069](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3069))
+- Show HTTP status code and 400 body in API error output ([#3096](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3096))
+- Extract useful info from HTML error pages, dump debug on max retries ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Prevent TypeError on startup when `base_url` is None ([#3068](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3068))
+- Prevent update crash in non-TTY environments ([#3094](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3094))
+- Handle EOFError in sessions delete/prune confirmation prompts ([#3101](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3101))
+- Catch KeyboardInterrupt during `flush_memories` on exit and in exit cleanup handlers ([#3025](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3025), [#3257](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3257))
+- Guard `.strip()` against None values from YAML config ([#3552](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3552))
+- Guard `config.get()` against YAML null values to prevent AttributeError ([#3377](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3377))
+- Store asyncio task references to prevent GC mid-execution ([#3267](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3267))
+
+### Setup & Configuration
+- Use explicit key mapping for returning-user menu dispatch instead of positional index ([#3083](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3083))
+- Use `sys.executable` for pip in update commands to fix PEP 668 ([#3099](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3099))
+- Harden `hermes update` against diverged history, non-main branches, and gateway edge cases ([#3492](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3492))
+- OpenClaw migration overwrites defaults and setup wizard skips imported sections — fixed ([#3282](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3282))
+- Stop recursive AGENTS.md walk, load top-level only ([#3110](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3110))
+- Add macOS Homebrew paths to browser and terminal PATH resolution ([#2713](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2713))
+- YAML boolean handling for `tool_progress` config ([#3300](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3300))
+- Reset default SOUL.md to baseline identity text ([#3159](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3159))
+- Reject relative cwd paths for container terminal backends ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Add explicit `hermes-api-server` toolset for API server platform ([#3304](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3304))
+- Reorder setup wizard providers — OpenRouter first ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Tool System
+
+### API Server
+- **Idempotency-Key support**, body size limit, and OpenAI error envelope ([#2903](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2903))
+- Allow Idempotency-Key in CORS headers ([#3530](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3530))
+- Cancel orphaned agent + true interrupt on SSE disconnect ([#3427](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3427))
+- Fix streaming breaks when agent makes tool calls ([#2985](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2985))
+
+### Terminal & File Operations
+- Handle addition-only hunks in V4A patch parser ([#3325](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3325))
+- Exponential backoff for persistent shell polling ([#2996](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2996))
+- Add timeout to subprocess calls in `context_references` ([#3469](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3469))
+
+### Browser & Vision
+- Handle 402 insufficient credits error in vision tool ([#2802](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2802))
+- Fix `browser_vision` ignores `auxiliary.vision.timeout` config ([#2901](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2901))
+- Make browser command timeout configurable via config.yaml ([#2801](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2801))
+
+### MCP
+- MCP toolset resolution for runtime and config ([#3252](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3252))
+- Add MCP tool name collision protection ([#3077](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3077))
+
+### Auxiliary LLM
+- Guard aux LLM calls against None content + reasoning fallback + retry ([#3449](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3449))
+- Catch ImportError from `build_anthropic_client` in vision auto-detection ([#3312](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3312))
+
+### Other Tools
+- Add request timeouts to `send_message_tool` HTTP calls ([#3162](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3162)) by @memosr
+- Auto-repair `jobs.json` with invalid control characters ([#3537](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3537))
+- Enable fine-grained tool streaming for Claude/OpenRouter ([#3497](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3497))
+
+---
+
+## 🧩 Skills Ecosystem
+
+### Skills System
+- **Env var passthrough** for skills and user config — skills can declare environment variables to pass through ([#2807](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2807))
+- Cache skills prompt with shared `skill_utils` module for faster TTFT ([#3421](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3421))
+- Avoid redundant file re-read for skill conditions ([#2992](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2992))
+- Use Git Trees API to prevent silent subdirectory loss during install ([#2995](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2995))
+- Fix skills-sh install for deeply nested repo structures ([#2980](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2980))
+- Handle null metadata in skill frontmatter ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Preserve trust for skills-sh identifiers + reduce resolution churn ([#3251](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3251))
+- Agent-created skills were incorrectly treated as untrusted community content — fixed ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+### New Skills
+- **G0DM0D3 godmode jailbreaking skill** + docs ([#3157](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3157))
+- **Docker management skill** added to optional-skills ([#3060](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3060))
+- **OpenClaw migration v2** — 17 new modules, terminal recap for migrating from OpenClaw to Hermes ([#2906](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2906))
+
+---
+
+## 🔒 Security & Reliability
+
+### Security Hardening
+- **SSRF protection** added to `browser_navigate` ([#3058](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3058))
+- **SSRF protection** added to `vision_tools` and `web_tools` (hardened) ([#2679](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2679))
+- **Restrict subagent toolsets** to parent's enabled set ([#3269](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3269))
+- **Prevent zip-slip path traversal** in self-update ([#3250](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3250))
+- **Prevent shell injection** in `_expand_path` via `~user` path suffix ([#2685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2685))
+- **Normalize input** before dangerous command detection ([#3260](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3260))
+- Make tirith block verdicts approvable instead of hard-blocking ([#3428](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3428))
+- Remove compromised `litellm`/`typer`/`platformdirs` from deps ([#2796](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2796))
+- Pin all dependency version ranges ([#2810](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2810))
+- Regenerate `uv.lock` with hashes, use lockfile in setup ([#2812](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2812))
+- Bump dependencies to fix CVEs + regenerate `uv.lock` ([#3073](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3073))
+- Supply chain audit CI workflow for PR scanning ([#2816](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2816))
+
+### Reliability
+- **SQLite WAL write-lock contention** causing 15-20s TUI freeze — fixed ([#3385](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3385))
+- **SQLite concurrency hardening** + session transcript integrity ([#3249](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3249))
+- Prevent recurring cron job re-fire on gateway crash/restart loop ([#3396](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3396))
+- Mark cron session as ended after job completes ([#2998](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2998))
+
+---
+
+## ⚡ Performance
+
+- **TTFT startup optimizations** — salvaged easy-win startup improvements ([#3395](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3395))
+- Cache skills prompt with shared `skill_utils` module ([#3421](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3421))
+- Avoid redundant file re-read for skill conditions in prompt builder ([#2992](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2992))
+
+---
+
+## 🐛 Notable Bug Fixes
+
+- Fix gateway token double-counting with cached agents ([#3306](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3306), [#3317](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3317))
+- Fix "Event loop is closed" / "Press ENTER to continue" during idle sessions ([#3398](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3398))
+- Fix reasoning box rendering 3x during tool-calling loops ([#3405](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3405))
+- Fix status bar shows 26K instead of 260K for token counts ([#3024](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3024))
+- Fix `/queue` always working regardless of config ([#3298](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3298))
+- Fix phantom Discord typing indicator after agent turn ([#3003](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3003))
+- Fix Slack progress messages appearing in wrong thread ([#3063](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3063))
+- Fix WhatsApp media downloads (documents, audio, video) ([#2978](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2978))
+- Fix Telegram "Message thread not found" killing progress messages ([#3390](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3390))
+- Fix OpenClaw migration overwriting defaults ([#3282](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3282))
+- Fix returning-user setup menu dispatching wrong section ([#3083](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3083))
+- Fix `hermes update` PEP 668 "externally-managed-environment" error ([#3099](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3099))
+- Fix subagents hitting `max_iterations` prematurely via shared budget ([#3004](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3004))
+- Fix YAML boolean handling for `tool_progress` config ([#3300](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3300))
+- Fix `config.get()` crashes on YAML null values ([#3377](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3377))
+- Fix `.strip()` crash on None values from YAML config ([#3552](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3552))
+- Fix hung agents on gateway — `/stop` now hard-kills session lock ([#3104](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3104))
+- Fix `_custom` provider silently remapped to `openrouter` ([#2792](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2792))
+- Fix Matrix missing from `PLATFORMS` dict ([#3473](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3473))
+- Fix Email adapter unbounded `_seen_uids` growth ([#3490](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3490))
+
+---
+
+## 🧪 Testing
+
+- Pin `agent-client-protocol` < 0.9 to handle breaking upstream release ([#3320](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3320))
+- Catch anthropic ImportError in vision auto-detection tests ([#3312](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3312))
+- Update retry-exhaust test for new graceful return behavior ([#3320](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3320))
+- Add regression tests for null metadata frontmatter ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+---
+
+## 📚 Documentation
+
+- Update all docs for `/model` command overhaul and custom provider support ([#2800](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2800))
+- Fix stale and incorrect documentation across 18 files ([#2805](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2805))
+- Document 9 previously undocumented features ([#2814](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2814))
+- Add missing skills, CLI commands, and messaging env vars to docs ([#2809](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2809))
+- Fix api-server response storage documentation — SQLite, not in-memory ([#2819](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2819))
+- Quote pip install extras to fix zsh glob errors ([#2815](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2815))
+- Unify hooks documentation — add plugin hooks to hooks page, add `session:end` event ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Clarify two-mode behavior in `session_search` schema description ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+- Fix Discord Public Bot setting for Discord-provided invite link ([#3519](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3519)) by @mehmoodosman
+- Revise v0.4.0 changelog — fix feature attribution, reorder sections ([untagged commit](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent))
+
+---
+
+## 👥 Contributors
+
+### Core
+- **@teknium1** — 157 PRs covering the full scope of this release
+
+### Community Contributors
+- **@alt-glitch** (Siddharth Balyan) — 2 PRs: Nix flake with uv2nix build, NixOS module, and persistent container mode ([#20](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/20)); auto-generated config keys and suffix PATHs for Nix builds ([#3061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3061), [#3274](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3274))
+- **@ctlst** — 1 PR: Prevent AsyncOpenAI/httpx cross-loop deadlock in gateway mode ([#2701](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/2701))
+- **@memosr** (memosr.eth) — 1 PR: Add request timeouts to `send_message_tool` HTTP calls ([#3162](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3162))
+- **@mehmoodosman** (Osman Mehmood) — 1 PR: Fix Discord docs for Public Bot setting ([#3519](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3519))
+
+### All Contributors
+@alt-glitch, @ctlst, @mehmoodosman, @memosr, @teknium1
+
+---
+
+**Full Changelog**: [v2026.3.23...v2026.3.28](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/compare/v2026.3.23...v2026.3.28)

RELEASE_v0.6.0.md

@@ -0,0 +1,249 @@
+# Hermes Agent v0.6.0 (v2026.3.30)
+
+**Release Date:** March 30, 2026
+
+> The multi-instance release — Profiles for running isolated agent instances, MCP server mode, Docker container, fallback provider chains, two new messaging platforms (Feishu/Lark and WeCom), Telegram webhook mode, Slack multi-workspace OAuth, 95 PRs and 16 resolved issues in 2 days.
+
+---
+
+## ✨ Highlights
+
+- **Profiles — Multi-Instance Hermes** — Run multiple isolated Hermes instances from the same installation. Each profile gets its own config, memory, sessions, skills, and gateway service. Create with `hermes profile create`, switch with `hermes -p <name>`, export/import for sharing. Full token-lock isolation prevents two profiles from using the same bot credential. ([#3681](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3681))
+
+- **MCP Server Mode** — Expose Hermes conversations and sessions to any MCP-compatible client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, etc.) via `hermes mcp serve`. Browse conversations, read messages, search across sessions, and manage attachments — all through the Model Context Protocol. Supports both stdio and Streamable HTTP transports. ([#3795](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3795))
+
+- **Docker Container** — Official Dockerfile for running Hermes Agent in a container. Supports both CLI and gateway modes with volume-mounted config. ([#3668](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3668), closes [#850](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/850))
+
+- **Ordered Fallback Provider Chain** — Configure multiple inference providers with automatic failover. When your primary provider returns errors or is unreachable, Hermes automatically tries the next provider in the chain. Configure via `fallback_providers` in config.yaml. ([#3813](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3813), closes [#1734](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1734))
+
+- **Feishu/Lark Platform Support** — Full gateway adapter for Feishu (飞书) and Lark with event subscriptions, message cards, group chat, image/file attachments, and interactive card callbacks. ([#3799](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3799), [#3817](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3817), closes [#1788](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1788))
+
+- **WeCom (Enterprise WeChat) Platform Support** — New gateway adapter for WeCom (企业微信) with text/image/voice messages, group chats, and callback verification. ([#3847](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3847))
+
+- **Slack Multi-Workspace OAuth** — Connect a single Hermes gateway to multiple Slack workspaces via OAuth token file. Each workspace gets its own bot token, resolved dynamically per incoming event. ([#3903](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3903))
+
+- **Telegram Webhook Mode & Group Controls** — Run the Telegram adapter in webhook mode as an alternative to polling — faster response times and better for production deployments behind a reverse proxy. New group mention gating controls when the bot responds: always, only when @mentioned, or via regex triggers. ([#3880](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3880), [#3870](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3870))
+
+- **Exa Search Backend** — Add Exa as an alternative web search and content extraction backend alongside Firecrawl and DuckDuckGo. Set `EXA_API_KEY` and configure as preferred backend. ([#3648](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3648))
+
+- **Skills & Credentials on Remote Backends** — Mount skill directories and credential files into Modal and Docker containers, so remote terminal sessions have access to the same skills and secrets as local execution. ([#3890](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3890), [#3671](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3671), closes [#3665](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3665), [#3433](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3433))
+
+---
+
+## 🏗️ Core Agent & Architecture
+
+### Provider & Model Support
+- **Ordered fallback provider chain** — automatic failover across multiple configured providers ([#3813](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3813))
+- **Fix api_mode on provider switch** — switching providers via `hermes model` now correctly clears stale `api_mode` instead of hardcoding `chat_completions`, fixing 404s for providers with Anthropic-compatible endpoints ([#3726](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3726), [#3857](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3857), closes [#3685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3685))
+- **Stop silent OpenRouter fallback** — when no provider is configured, Hermes now raises a clear error instead of silently routing to OpenRouter ([#3807](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3807), [#3862](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3862))
+- **Gemini 3.1 preview models** — added to OpenRouter and Nous Portal catalogs ([#3803](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3803), closes [#3753](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3753))
+- **Gemini direct API context length** — full context length resolution for direct Google AI endpoints ([#3876](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3876))
+- **gpt-5.4-mini** added to Codex fallback catalog ([#3855](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3855))
+- **Curated model lists preferred** over live API probe when the probe returns fewer models ([#3856](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3856), [#3867](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3867))
+- **User-friendly 429 rate limit messages** with Retry-After countdown ([#3809](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3809))
+- **Auxiliary client placeholder key** for local servers without auth requirements ([#3842](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3842))
+- **INFO-level logging** for auxiliary provider resolution ([#3866](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3866))
+
+### Agent Loop & Conversation
+- **Subagent status reporting** — reports `completed` status when summary exists instead of generic failure ([#3829](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3829))
+- **Session log file updated during compression** — prevents stale file references after context compression ([#3835](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3835))
+- **Omit empty tools param** — sends no `tools` parameter when empty instead of `None`, fixing compatibility with strict providers ([#3820](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3820))
+
+### Profiles & Multi-Instance
+- **Profiles system** — `hermes profile create/list/switch/delete/export/import/rename`. Each profile gets isolated HERMES_HOME, gateway service, CLI wrapper. Token locks prevent credential collisions. Tab completion for profile names. ([#3681](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3681))
+- **Profile-aware display paths** — all user-facing `~/.hermes` paths replaced with `display_hermes_home()` to show the correct profile directory ([#3623](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3623))
+- **Lazy display_hermes_home imports** — prevents `ImportError` during `hermes update` when modules cache stale bytecode ([#3776](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3776))
+- **HERMES_HOME for protected paths** — `.env` write-deny path now respects HERMES_HOME instead of hardcoded `~/.hermes` ([#3840](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3840))
+
+---
+
+## 📱 Messaging Platforms (Gateway)
+
+### New Platforms
+- **Feishu/Lark** — Full adapter with event subscriptions, message cards, group chat, image/file attachments, interactive card callbacks ([#3799](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3799), [#3817](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3817))
+- **WeCom (Enterprise WeChat)** — Text/image/voice messages, group chats, callback verification ([#3847](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3847))
+
+### Telegram
+- **Webhook mode** — run as webhook endpoint instead of polling for production deployments ([#3880](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3880))
+- **Group mention gating & regex triggers** — configurable bot response behavior in groups: always, @mention-only, or regex-matched ([#3870](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3870))
+- **Gracefully handle deleted reply targets** — no more crashes when the message being replied to was deleted ([#3858](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3858), closes [#3229](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3229))
+
+### Discord
+- **Message processing reactions** — adds a reaction emoji while processing and removes it when done, giving visual feedback in channels ([#3871](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3871))
+- **DISCORD_IGNORE_NO_MENTION** — skip messages that @mention other users/bots but not Hermes ([#3640](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3640))
+- **Clean up deferred "thinking..."** — properly removes the "thinking..." indicator after slash commands complete ([#3674](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3674), closes [#3595](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3595))
+
+### Slack
+- **Multi-workspace OAuth** — connect to multiple Slack workspaces from a single gateway via OAuth token file ([#3903](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3903))
+
+### WhatsApp
+- **Persistent aiohttp session** — reuse HTTP sessions across requests instead of creating new ones per message ([#3818](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3818))
+- **LID↔phone alias resolution** — correctly match Linked ID and phone number formats in allowlists ([#3830](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3830))
+- **Skip reply prefix in bot mode** — cleaner message formatting when running as a WhatsApp bot ([#3931](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3931))
+
+### Matrix
+- **Native voice messages via MSC3245** — send voice messages as proper Matrix voice events instead of file attachments ([#3877](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3877))
+
+### Mattermost
+- **Configurable mention behavior** — respond to messages without requiring @mention ([#3664](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3664))
+
+### Signal
+- **URL-encode phone numbers** and correct attachment RPC parameter — fixes delivery failures with certain phone number formats ([#3670](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3670)) — @kshitijk4poor
+
+### Email
+- **Close SMTP/IMAP connections on failure** — prevents connection leaks during error scenarios ([#3804](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3804))
+
+### Gateway Core
+- **Atomic config writes** — use atomic file writes for config.yaml to prevent data loss during crashes ([#3800](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3800))
+- **Home channel env overrides** — apply environment variable overrides for home channels consistently ([#3796](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3796), [#3808](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3808))
+- **Replace print() with logger** — BasePlatformAdapter now uses proper logging instead of print statements ([#3669](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3669))
+- **Cron delivery labels** — resolve human-friendly delivery labels via channel directory ([#3860](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3860), closes [#1945](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1945))
+- **Cron [SILENT] tightening** — prevent agents from prefixing reports with [SILENT] to suppress delivery ([#3901](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3901))
+- **Background task media delivery** and vision download timeout fixes ([#3919](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3919))
+- **Boot-md hook** — example built-in hook to run a BOOT.md file on gateway startup ([#3733](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3733))
+
+---
+
+## 🖥️ CLI & User Experience
+
+### Interactive CLI
+- **Configurable tool preview length** — show full file paths by default instead of truncating at 40 chars ([#3841](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3841))
+- **Tool token context display** — `hermes tools` checklist now shows estimated token cost per toolset ([#3805](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3805))
+- **/bg spinner TUI fix** — route background task spinner through the TUI widget to prevent status bar collision ([#3643](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3643))
+- **Prevent status bar wrapping** into duplicate rows ([#3883](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3883)) — @kshitijk4poor
+- **Handle closed stdout ValueError** in safe print paths — fixes crashes when stdout is closed during gateway thread shutdown ([#3843](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3843), closes [#3534](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3534))
+- **Remove input() from /tools disable** — eliminates freeze in terminal when disabling tools ([#3918](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3918))
+- **TTY guard for interactive CLI commands** — prevent CPU spin when launched without a terminal ([#3933](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3933))
+- **Argparse entrypoint** — use argparse in the top-level launcher for cleaner error handling ([#3874](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3874))
+- **Lazy-initialized tools show yellow** in banner instead of red, reducing false alarm about "missing" tools ([#3822](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3822))
+- **Honcho tools shown in banner** when configured ([#3810](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3810))
+
+### Setup & Configuration
+- **Auto-install matrix-nio** during `hermes setup` when Matrix is selected ([#3802](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3802), [#3873](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3873))
+- **Session export stdout support** — export sessions to stdout with `-` for piping ([#3641](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3641), closes [#3609](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3609))
+- **Configurable approval timeouts** — set how long dangerous command approval prompts wait before auto-denying ([#3886](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3886), closes [#3765](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3765))
+- **Clear __pycache__ during update** — prevents stale bytecode ImportError after `hermes update` ([#3819](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3819))
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Tool System
+
+### MCP
+- **MCP Server Mode** — `hermes mcp serve` exposes conversations, sessions, and attachments to MCP clients via stdio or Streamable HTTP ([#3795](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3795))
+- **Dynamic tool discovery** — respond to `notifications/tools/list_changed` events to pick up new tools from MCP servers without reconnecting ([#3812](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3812))
+- **Non-deprecated HTTP transport** — switched from `sse_client` to `streamable_http_client` ([#3646](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3646))
+
+### Web Tools
+- **Exa search backend** — alternative to Firecrawl and DuckDuckGo for web search and extraction ([#3648](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3648))
+
+### Browser
+- **Guard against None LLM responses** in browser snapshot and vision tools ([#3642](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3642))
+
+### Terminal & Remote Backends
+- **Mount skill directories** into Modal and Docker containers ([#3890](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3890))
+- **Mount credential files** into remote backends with mtime+size caching ([#3671](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3671))
+- **Preserve partial output** when commands time out instead of losing everything ([#3868](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3868))
+- **Stop marking persisted env vars as missing** on remote backends ([#3650](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3650))
+
+### Audio
+- **.aac format support** in transcription tool ([#3865](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3865), closes [#1963](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1963))
+- **Audio download retry** — retry logic for `cache_audio_from_url` matching the existing image download pattern ([#3401](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3401)) — @binhnt92
+
+### Vision
+- **Reject non-image files** and enforce website-only policy for vision analysis ([#3845](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3845))
+
+### Tool Schema
+- **Ensure name field** always present in tool definitions, fixing `KeyError: 'name'` crashes ([#3811](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3811), closes [#3729](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3729))
+
+### ACP (Editor Integration)
+- **Complete session management surface** for VS Code/Zed/JetBrains clients — proper task lifecycle, cancel support, session persistence ([#3675](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3675))
+
+---
+
+## 🧩 Skills & Plugins
+
+### Skills System
+- **External skill directories** — configure additional skill directories via `skills.external_dirs` in config.yaml ([#3678](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3678))
+- **Category path traversal blocked** — prevents `../` attacks in skill category names ([#3844](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3844))
+- **parallel-cli moved to optional-skills** — reduces default skill footprint ([#3673](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3673)) — @kshitijk4poor
+
+### New Skills
+- **memento-flashcards** — spaced repetition flashcard system ([#3827](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3827))
+- **songwriting-and-ai-music** — songwriting craft and AI music generation prompts ([#3834](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3834))
+- **SiYuan Note** — integration with SiYuan note-taking app ([#3742](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3742))
+- **Scrapling** — web scraping skill using Scrapling library ([#3742](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3742))
+- **one-three-one-rule** — communication framework skill ([#3797](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3797))
+
+### Plugin System
+- **Plugin enable/disable commands** — `hermes plugins enable/disable <name>` for managing plugin state without removing them ([#3747](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3747))
+- **Plugin message injection** — plugins can now inject messages into the conversation stream on behalf of the user via `ctx.inject_message()` ([#3778](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3778)) — @winglian
+- **Honcho self-hosted support** — allow local Honcho instances without requiring an API key ([#3644](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3644))
+
+---
+
+## 🔒 Security & Reliability
+
+### Security Hardening
+- **Hardened dangerous command detection** — expanded pattern matching for risky shell commands and added file tool path guards for sensitive locations (`/etc/`, `/boot/`, docker.sock) ([#3872](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3872))
+- **Sensitive path write checks** in approval system — catch writes to system config files through file tools, not just terminal ([#3859](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3859))
+- **Secret redaction expansion** — now covers ElevenLabs, Tavily, and Exa API keys ([#3920](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3920))
+- **Vision file rejection** — reject non-image files passed to vision analysis to prevent information disclosure ([#3845](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3845))
+- **Category path traversal blocking** — prevent directory traversal in skill category names ([#3844](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3844))
+
+### Reliability
+- **Atomic config.yaml writes** — prevent data loss during gateway crashes ([#3800](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3800))
+- **Clear __pycache__ on update** — prevent stale bytecode from causing ImportError after updates ([#3819](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3819))
+- **Lazy imports for update safety** — prevent ImportError chains during `hermes update` when modules reference new functions ([#3776](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3776))
+- **Restore terminalbench2 from patch corruption** — recovered file damaged by patch tool's secret redaction ([#3801](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3801))
+- **Terminal timeout preserves partial output** — no more lost command output on timeout ([#3868](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3868))
+
+---
+
+## 🐛 Notable Bug Fixes
+
+- **OpenClaw migration model config overwrite** — migration no longer overwrites model config dict with a string ([#3924](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3924)) — @0xbyt4
+- **OpenClaw migration expanded** — covers full data footprint including sessions, cron, memory ([#3869](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3869))
+- **Telegram deleted reply targets** — gracefully handle replies to deleted messages instead of crashing ([#3858](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3858))
+- **Discord "thinking..." persistence** — properly cleans up deferred response indicators ([#3674](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3674))
+- **WhatsApp LID↔phone aliases** — fixes allowlist matching failures with Linked ID format ([#3830](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3830))
+- **Signal URL-encoded phone numbers** — fixes delivery failures with certain formats ([#3670](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3670))
+- **Email connection leaks** — properly close SMTP/IMAP connections on error ([#3804](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3804))
+- **_safe_print ValueError** — no more gateway thread crashes on closed stdout ([#3843](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3843))
+- **Tool schema KeyError 'name'** — ensure name field always present in tool definitions ([#3811](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3811))
+- **api_mode stale on provider switch** — correctly clear when switching providers via `hermes model` ([#3857](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3857))
+
+---
+
+## 🧪 Testing
+
+- Resolved 10+ CI failures across hooks, tiktoken, plugins, and skill tests ([#3848](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3848), [#3721](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3721), [#3936](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3936))
+
+---
+
+## 📚 Documentation
+
+- **Comprehensive OpenClaw migration guide** — step-by-step guide for migrating from OpenClaw/Claw3D to Hermes Agent ([#3864](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3864), [#3900](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3900))
+- **Credential file passthrough docs** — document how to forward credential files and env vars to remote backends ([#3677](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3677))
+- **DuckDuckGo requirements clarified** — note runtime dependency on duckduckgo-search package ([#3680](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3680))
+- **Skills catalog updated** — added red-teaming category and optional skills listing ([#3745](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3745))
+- **Feishu docs MDX fix** — escape angle-bracket URLs that break Docusaurus build ([#3902](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3902))
+
+---
+
+## 👥 Contributors
+
+### Core
+- **@teknium1** — 90 PRs across all subsystems
+
+### Community Contributors
+- **@kshitijk4poor** — 3 PRs: Signal phone number fix ([#3670](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3670)), parallel-cli to optional-skills ([#3673](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3673)), status bar wrapping fix ([#3883](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3883))
+- **@winglian** — 1 PR: Plugin message injection interface ([#3778](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3778))
+- **@binhnt92** — 1 PR: Audio download retry logic ([#3401](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3401))
+- **@0xbyt4** — 1 PR: OpenClaw migration model config fix ([#3924](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3924))
+
+### Issues Resolved from Community
+@Material-Scientist ([#850](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/850)), @hanxu98121 ([#1734](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1734)), @penwyp ([#1788](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1788)), @dan-and ([#1945](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1945)), @AdrianScott ([#1963](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/1963)), @clawdbot47 ([#3229](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3229)), @alanfwilliams ([#3404](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3404)), @kentimsit ([#3433](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3433)), @hayka-pacha ([#3534](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3534)), @primmer ([#3595](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3595)), @dagelf ([#3609](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3609)), @HenkDz ([#3685](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3685)), @tmdgusya ([#3729](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3729)), @TypQxQ ([#3753](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3753)), @acsezen ([#3765](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3765))
+
+---
+
+**Full Changelog**: [v2026.3.28...v2026.3.30](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/compare/v2026.3.28...v2026.3.30)

RELEASE_v0.7.0.md

@@ -0,0 +1,290 @@
+# Hermes Agent v0.7.0 (v2026.4.3)
+
+**Release Date:** April 3, 2026
+
+> The resilience release — pluggable memory providers, credential pool rotation, Camofox anti-detection browser, inline diff previews, gateway hardening across race conditions and approval routing, and deep security fixes across 168 PRs and 46 resolved issues.
+
+---
+
+## ✨ Highlights
+
+- **Pluggable Memory Provider Interface** — Memory is now an extensible plugin system. Third-party memory backends (Honcho, vector stores, custom DBs) implement a simple provider ABC and register via the plugin system. Built-in memory is the default provider. Honcho integration restored to full parity as the reference plugin with profile-scoped host/peer resolution. ([#4623](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4623), [#4616](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4616), [#4355](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4355))
+
+- **Same-Provider Credential Pools** — Configure multiple API keys for the same provider with automatic rotation. Thread-safe `least_used` strategy distributes load across keys, and 401 failures trigger automatic rotation to the next credential. Set up via the setup wizard or `credential_pool` config. ([#4188](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4188), [#4300](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4300), [#4361](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4361))
+
+- **Camofox Anti-Detection Browser Backend** — New local browser backend using Camoufox for stealth browsing. Persistent sessions with VNC URL discovery for visual debugging, configurable SSRF bypass for local backends, auto-install via `hermes tools`. ([#4008](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4008), [#4419](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4419), [#4292](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4292))
+
+- **Inline Diff Previews** — File write and patch operations now show inline diffs in the tool activity feed, giving you visual confirmation of what changed before the agent moves on. ([#4411](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4411), [#4423](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4423))
+
+- **API Server Session Continuity & Tool Streaming** — The API server (Open WebUI integration) now streams tool progress events in real-time and supports `X-Hermes-Session-Id` headers for persistent sessions across requests. Sessions persist to the shared SessionDB. ([#4092](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4092), [#4478](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4478), [#4802](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4802))
+
+- **ACP: Client-Provided MCP Servers** — Editor integrations (VS Code, Zed, JetBrains) can now register their own MCP servers, which Hermes picks up as additional agent tools. Your editor's MCP ecosystem flows directly into the agent. ([#4705](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4705))
+
+- **Gateway Hardening** — Major stability pass across race conditions, photo media delivery, flood control, stuck sessions, approval routing, and compression death spirals. The gateway is substantially more reliable in production. ([#4727](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4727), [#4750](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4750), [#4798](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4798), [#4557](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4557))
+
+- **Security: Secret Exfiltration Blocking** — Browser URLs and LLM responses are now scanned for secret patterns, blocking exfiltration attempts via URL encoding, base64, or prompt injection. Credential directory protections expanded to `.docker`, `.azure`, `.config/gh`. Execute_code sandbox output is redacted. ([#4483](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4483), [#4360](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4360), [#4305](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4305), [#4327](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4327))
+
+---
+
+## 🏗️ Core Agent & Architecture
+
+### Provider & Model Support
+- **Same-provider credential pools** — configure multiple API keys with automatic `least_used` rotation and 401 failover ([#4188](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4188), [#4300](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4300))
+- **Credential pool preserved through smart routing** — pool state survives fallback provider switches and defers eager fallback on 429 ([#4361](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4361))
+- **Per-turn primary runtime restoration** — after fallback provider use, the agent automatically restores the primary provider on the next turn with transport recovery ([#4624](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4624))
+- **`developer` role for GPT-5 and Codex models** — uses OpenAI's recommended system message role for newer models ([#4498](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4498))
+- **Google model operational guidance** — Gemini and Gemma models get provider-specific prompting guidance ([#4641](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4641))
+- **Anthropic long-context tier 429 handling** — automatically reduces context to 200k when hitting tier limits ([#4747](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4747))
+- **URL-based auth for third-party Anthropic endpoints** + CI test fixes ([#4148](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4148))
+- **Bearer auth for MiniMax Anthropic endpoints** ([#4028](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4028))
+- **Fireworks context length detection** ([#4158](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4158))
+- **Standard DashScope international endpoint** for Alibaba provider ([#4133](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4133), closes [#3912](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3912))
+- **Custom providers context_length** honored in hygiene compression ([#4085](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4085))
+- **Non-sk-ant keys** treated as regular API keys, not OAuth tokens ([#4093](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4093))
+- **Claude-sonnet-4.6** added to OpenRouter and Nous model lists ([#4157](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4157))
+- **Qwen 3.6 Plus Preview** added to model lists ([#4376](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4376))
+- **MiniMax M2.7** added to hermes model picker and OpenCode ([#4208](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4208))
+- **Auto-detect models from server probe** in custom endpoint setup ([#4218](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4218))
+- **Config.yaml single source of truth** for endpoint URLs — no more env var vs config.yaml conflicts ([#4165](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4165))
+- **Setup wizard no longer overwrites** custom endpoint config ([#4180](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4180), closes [#4172](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4172))
+- **Unified setup wizard provider selection** with `hermes model` — single code path for both flows ([#4200](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4200))
+- **Root-level provider config** no longer overrides `model.provider` ([#4329](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4329))
+- **Rate-limit pairing rejection messages** to prevent spam ([#4081](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4081))
+
+### Agent Loop & Conversation
+- **Preserve Anthropic thinking block signatures** across tool-use turns ([#4626](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4626))
+- **Classify think-only empty responses** before retrying — prevents infinite retry loops on models that produce thinking blocks without content ([#4645](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4645))
+- **Prevent compression death spiral** from API disconnects — stops the loop where compression triggers, fails, compresses again ([#4750](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4750), closes [#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2153))
+- **Persist compressed context** to gateway session after mid-run compression ([#4095](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4095))
+- **Context-exceeded error messages** now include actionable guidance ([#4155](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4155), closes [#4061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4061))
+- **Strip orphaned think/reasoning tags** from user-facing responses ([#4311](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4311), closes [#4285](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4285))
+- **Harden Codex responses preflight** and stream error handling ([#4313](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4313))
+- **Deterministic call_id fallbacks** instead of random UUIDs for prompt cache consistency ([#3991](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3991))
+- **Context pressure warning spam** prevented after compression ([#4012](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4012))
+- **AsyncOpenAI created lazily** in trajectory compressor to avoid closed event loop errors ([#4013](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4013))
+
+### Memory & Sessions
+- **Pluggable memory provider interface** — ABC-based plugin system for custom memory backends with profile isolation ([#4623](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4623))
+- **Honcho full integration parity** restored as reference memory provider plugin ([#4355](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4355)) — @erosika
+- **Honcho profile-scoped** host and peer resolution ([#4616](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4616))
+- **Memory flush state persisted** to prevent redundant re-flushes on gateway restart ([#4481](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4481))
+- **Memory provider tools** routed through sequential execution path ([#4803](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4803))
+- **Honcho config** written to instance-local path for profile isolation ([#4037](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4037))
+- **API server sessions** persist to shared SessionDB ([#4802](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4802))
+- **Token usage persisted** for non-CLI sessions ([#4627](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4627))
+- **Quote dotted terms in FTS5 queries** — fixes session search for terms containing dots ([#4549](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4549))
+
+---
+
+## 📱 Messaging Platforms (Gateway)
+
+### Gateway Core
+- **Race condition fixes** — photo media loss, flood control, stuck sessions, and STT config issues resolved in one hardening pass ([#4727](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4727))
+- **Approval routing through running-agent guard** — `/approve` and `/deny` now route correctly when the agent is blocked waiting for approval instead of being swallowed as interrupts ([#4798](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4798), [#4557](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4557), closes [#4542](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4542))
+- **Resume agent after /approve** — tool result is no longer lost when executing blocked commands ([#4418](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4418))
+- **DM thread sessions seeded** with parent transcript to preserve context ([#4559](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4559))
+- **Skill-aware slash commands** — gateway dynamically registers installed skills as slash commands with paginated `/commands` list and Telegram 100-command cap ([#3934](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3934), [#4005](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4005), [#4006](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4006), [#4010](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4010), [#4023](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4023))
+- **Per-platform disabled skills** respected in Telegram menu and gateway dispatch ([#4799](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4799))
+- **Remove user-facing compression warnings** — cleaner message flow ([#4139](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4139))
+- **`-v/-q` flags wired to stderr logging** for gateway service ([#4474](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4474))
+- **HERMES_HOME remapped** to target user in system service unit ([#4456](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4456))
+- **Honor default for invalid bool-like config values** ([#4029](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4029))
+- **setsid instead of systemd-run** for `/update` command to avoid systemd permission issues ([#4104](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4104), closes [#4017](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4017))
+- **'Initializing agent...'** shown on first message for better UX ([#4086](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4086))
+- **Allow running gateway service as root** for LXC/container environments ([#4732](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4732))
+
+### Telegram
+- **32-char limit on command names** with collision avoidance ([#4211](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4211))
+- **Priority order enforced** in menu — core > plugins > skills ([#4023](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4023))
+- **Capped at 50 commands** — API rejects above ~60 ([#4006](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4006))
+- **Skip empty/whitespace text** to prevent 400 errors ([#4388](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4388))
+- **E2E gateway tests** added ([#4497](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4497)) — @pefontana
+
+### Discord
+- **Button-based approval UI** — register `/approve` and `/deny` slash commands with interactive button prompts ([#4800](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4800))
+- **Configurable reactions** — `discord.reactions` config option to disable message processing reactions ([#4199](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4199))
+- **Skip reactions and auto-threading** for unauthorized users ([#4387](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4387))
+
+### Slack
+- **Reply in thread** — `slack.reply_in_thread` config option for threaded responses ([#4643](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4643), closes [#2662](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2662))
+
+### WhatsApp
+- **Enforce require_mention in group chats** ([#4730](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4730))
+
+### Webhook
+- **Platform support fixes** — skip home channel prompt, disable tool progress for webhook adapters ([#4660](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4660))
+
+### Matrix
+- **E2EE decryption hardening** — request missing keys, auto-trust devices, retry buffered events ([#4083](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4083))
+
+---
+
+## 🖥️ CLI & User Experience
+
+### New Slash Commands
+- **`/yolo`** — toggle dangerous command approvals on/off for the session ([#3990](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3990))
+- **`/btw`** — ephemeral side questions that don't affect the main conversation context ([#4161](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4161))
+- **`/profile`** — show active profile info without leaving the chat session ([#4027](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4027))
+
+### Interactive CLI
+- **Inline diff previews** for write and patch operations in the tool activity feed ([#4411](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4411), [#4423](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4423))
+- **TUI pinned to bottom** on startup — no more large blank spaces between response and input ([#4412](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4412), [#4359](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4359), closes [#4398](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4398), [#4421](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4421))
+- **`/history` and `/resume`** now surface recent sessions directly instead of requiring search ([#4728](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4728))
+- **Cache tokens shown** in `/insights` overview so total adds up ([#4428](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4428))
+- **`--max-turns` CLI flag** for `hermes chat` to limit agent iterations ([#4314](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4314))
+- **Detect dragged file paths** instead of treating them as slash commands ([#4533](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4533)) — @rolme
+- **Allow empty strings and falsy values** in `config set` ([#4310](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4310), closes [#4277](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4277))
+- **Voice mode in WSL** when PulseAudio bridge is configured ([#4317](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4317))
+- **Respect `NO_COLOR` env var** and `TERM=dumb` for accessibility ([#4079](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4079), closes [#4066](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4066)) — @SHL0MS
+- **Correct shell reload instruction** for macOS/zsh users ([#4025](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4025))
+- **Zero exit code** on successful quiet mode queries ([#4613](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4613), closes [#4601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4601)) — @devorun
+- **on_session_end hook fires** on interrupted exits ([#4159](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4159))
+- **Profile list display** reads `model.default` key correctly ([#4160](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4160))
+- **Browser and TTS** shown in reconfigure menu ([#4041](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4041))
+- **Web backend priority** detection simplified ([#4036](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4036))
+
+### Setup & Configuration
+- **Allowed_users preserved** during setup and quiet unconfigured provider warnings ([#4551](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4551)) — @kshitijk4poor
+- **Save API key to model config** for custom endpoints ([#4202](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4202), closes [#4182](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4182))
+- **Claude Code credentials gated** behind explicit Hermes config in wizard trigger ([#4210](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4210))
+- **Atomic writes in save_config_value** to prevent config loss on interrupt ([#4298](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4298), [#4320](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4320))
+- **Scopes field written** to Claude Code credentials on token refresh ([#4126](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4126))
+
+### Update System
+- **Fork detection and upstream sync** in `hermes update` ([#4744](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4744))
+- **Preserve working optional extras** when one extra fails during update ([#4550](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4550))
+- **Handle conflicted git index** during hermes update ([#4735](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4735))
+- **Avoid launchd restart race** on macOS ([#4736](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4736))
+- **Missing subprocess.run() timeouts** added to doctor and status commands ([#4009](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4009))
+
+---
+
+## 🔧 Tool System
+
+### Browser
+- **Camofox anti-detection browser backend** — local stealth browsing with auto-install via `hermes tools` ([#4008](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4008))
+- **Persistent Camofox sessions** with VNC URL discovery for visual debugging ([#4419](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4419))
+- **Skip SSRF check for local backends** (Camofox, headless Chromium) ([#4292](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4292))
+- **Configurable SSRF check** via `browser.allow_private_urls` ([#4198](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4198)) — @nils010485
+- **CAMOFOX_PORT=9377** added to Docker commands ([#4340](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4340))
+
+### File Operations
+- **Inline diff previews** on write and patch actions ([#4411](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4411), [#4423](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4423))
+- **Stale file detection** on write and patch — warns when file was modified externally since last read ([#4345](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4345))
+- **Staleness timestamp refreshed** after writes ([#4390](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4390))
+- **Size guard, dedup, and device blocking** on read_file ([#4315](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4315))
+
+### MCP
+- **Stability fix pack** — reload timeout, shutdown cleanup, event loop handler, OAuth non-blocking ([#4757](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4757), closes [#4462](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4462), [#2537](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2537))
+
+### ACP (Editor Integration)
+- **Client-provided MCP servers** registered as agent tools — editors pass their MCP servers to Hermes ([#4705](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4705))
+
+### Skills System
+- **Size limits for agent writes** and **fuzzy matching for skill patch** — prevents oversized skill writes and improves edit reliability ([#4414](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4414))
+- **Validate hub bundle paths** before install — blocks path traversal in skill bundles ([#3986](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3986))
+- **Unified hermes-agent and hermes-agent-setup** into single skill ([#4332](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4332))
+- **Skill metadata type check** in extract_skill_conditions ([#4479](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4479))
+
+### New/Updated Skills
+- **research-paper-writing** — full end-to-end research pipeline (replaced ml-paper-writing) ([#4654](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4654)) — @SHL0MS
+- **ascii-video** — text readability techniques and external layout oracle ([#4054](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4054)) — @SHL0MS
+- **youtube-transcript** updated for youtube-transcript-api v1.x ([#4455](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4455)) — @el-analista
+- **Skills browse and search page** added to documentation site ([#4500](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4500)) — @IAvecilla
+
+---
+
+## 🔒 Security & Reliability
+
+### Security Hardening
+- **Block secret exfiltration** via browser URLs and LLM responses — scans for secret patterns in URL encoding, base64, and prompt injection vectors ([#4483](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4483))
+- **Redact secrets from execute_code sandbox output** ([#4360](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4360))
+- **Protect `.docker`, `.azure`, `.config/gh` credential directories** from read/write via file tools and terminal ([#4305](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4305), [#4327](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4327)) — @memosr
+- **GitHub OAuth token patterns** added to redaction + snapshot redact flag ([#4295](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4295))
+- **Reject private and loopback IPs** in Telegram DoH fallback ([#4129](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4129))
+- **Reject path traversal** in credential file registration ([#4316](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4316))
+- **Validate tar archive member paths** on profile import — blocks zip-slip attacks ([#4318](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4318))
+- **Exclude auth.json and .env** from profile exports ([#4475](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4475))
+
+### Reliability
+- **Prevent compression death spiral** from API disconnects ([#4750](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4750), closes [#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2153))
+- **Handle `is_closed` as method** in OpenAI SDK — prevents false positive client closure detection ([#4416](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4416), closes [#4377](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4377))
+- **Exclude matrix from [all] extras** — python-olm is upstream-broken, prevents install failures ([#4615](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4615), closes [#4178](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4178))
+- **OpenCode model routing** repaired ([#4508](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4508))
+- **Docker container image** optimized ([#4034](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4034)) — @bcross
+
+### Windows & Cross-Platform
+- **Voice mode in WSL** with PulseAudio bridge ([#4317](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4317))
+- **Homebrew packaging** preparation ([#4099](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4099))
+- **CI fork conditionals** to prevent workflow failures on forks ([#4107](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4107))
+
+---
+
+## 🐛 Notable Bug Fixes
+
+- **Gateway approval blocked agent thread** — approval now blocks the agent thread like CLI does, preventing tool result loss ([#4557](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4557), closes [#4542](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4542))
+- **Compression death spiral** from API disconnects — detected and halted instead of looping ([#4750](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4750), closes [#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2153))
+- **Anthropic thinking blocks lost** across tool-use turns ([#4626](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4626))
+- **Profile model config ignored** with `-p` flag — model.model now promoted to model.default correctly ([#4160](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4160), closes [#4486](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4486))
+- **CLI blank space** between response and input area ([#4412](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4412), [#4359](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4359), closes [#4398](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4398))
+- **Dragged file paths** treated as slash commands instead of file references ([#4533](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4533)) — @rolme
+- **Orphaned `</think>` tags** leaking into user-facing responses ([#4311](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4311), closes [#4285](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4285))
+- **OpenAI SDK `is_closed`** is a method not property — false positive client closure ([#4416](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4416), closes [#4377](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4377))
+- **MCP OAuth server** could block Hermes startup instead of degrading gracefully ([#4757](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4757), closes [#4462](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4462))
+- **MCP event loop closed** on shutdown with HTTP servers ([#4757](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4757), closes [#2537](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2537))
+- **Alibaba provider** hardcoded to wrong endpoint ([#4133](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4133), closes [#3912](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3912))
+- **Slack reply_in_thread** missing config option ([#4643](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4643), closes [#2662](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2662))
+- **Quiet mode exit code** — successful `-q` queries no longer exit nonzero ([#4613](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4613), closes [#4601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4601))
+- **Mobile sidebar** shows only close button due to backdrop-filter issue in docs site ([#4207](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4207)) — @xsmyile
+- **Config restore reverted** by stale-branch squash merge — `_config_version` fixed ([#4440](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4440))
+
+---
+
+## 🧪 Testing
+
+- **Telegram gateway E2E tests** — full integration test suite for the Telegram adapter ([#4497](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4497)) — @pefontana
+- **11 real test failures fixed** plus sys.modules cascade poisoner resolved ([#4570](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4570))
+- **7 CI failures resolved** across hooks, plugins, and skill tests ([#3936](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/3936))
+- **Codex 401 refresh tests** updated for CI compatibility ([#4166](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4166))
+- **Stale OPENAI_BASE_URL test** fixed ([#4217](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4217))
+
+---
+
+## 📚 Documentation
+
+- **Comprehensive documentation audit** — 9 HIGH and 20+ MEDIUM gaps fixed across 21 files ([#4087](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4087))
+- **Site navigation restructured** — features and platforms promoted to top-level ([#4116](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4116))
+- **Tool progress streaming** documented for API server and Open WebUI ([#4138](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4138))
+- **Telegram webhook mode** documentation ([#4089](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4089))
+- **Local LLM provider guides** — comprehensive setup guides with context length warnings ([#4294](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4294))
+- **WhatsApp allowlist behavior** clarified with `WHATSAPP_ALLOW_ALL_USERS` documentation ([#4293](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4293))
+- **Slack configuration options** — new config section in Slack docs ([#4644](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4644))
+- **Terminal backends section** expanded + docs build fixes ([#4016](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4016))
+- **Adding-providers guide** updated for unified setup flow ([#4201](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4201))
+- **ACP Zed config** fixed ([#4743](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4743))
+- **Community FAQ** entries for common workflows and troubleshooting ([#4797](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4797))
+- **Skills browse and search page** on docs site ([#4500](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4500)) — @IAvecilla
+
+---
+
+## 👥 Contributors
+
+### Core
+- **@teknium1** — 135 commits across all subsystems
+
+### Top Community Contributors
+- **@kshitijk4poor** — 13 commits: preserve allowed_users during setup ([#4551](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4551)), and various fixes
+- **@erosika** — 12 commits: Honcho full integration parity restored as memory provider plugin ([#4355](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4355))
+- **@pefontana** — 9 commits: Telegram gateway E2E test suite ([#4497](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4497))
+- **@bcross** — 5 commits: Docker container image optimization ([#4034](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4034))
+- **@SHL0MS** — 4 commits: NO_COLOR/TERM=dumb support ([#4079](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4079)), ascii-video skill updates ([#4054](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4054)), research-paper-writing skill ([#4654](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/pull/4654))
+
+### All Contributors
+@0xbyt4, @arasovic, @Bartok9, @bcross, @binhnt92, @camden-lowrance, @curtitoo, @Dakota, @Dave Tist, @Dean Kerr, @devorun, @dieutx, @Dilee, @el-analista, @erosika, @Gutslabs, @IAvecilla, @Jack, @Johannnnn506, @kshitijk4poor, @Laura Batalha, @Leegenux, @Lume, @MacroAnarchy, @maymuneth, @memosr, @NexVeridian, @Nick, @nils010485, @pefontana, @Penov, @rolme, @SHL0MS, @txchen, @xsmyile
+
+### Issues Resolved from Community
+@acsezen ([#2537](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2537)), @arasovic ([#4285](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4285)), @camden-lowrance ([#4462](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4462)), @devorun ([#4601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4601)), @eloklam ([#4486](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4486)), @HenkDz ([#3719](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/3719)), @hypotyposis ([#2153](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2153)), @kazamak ([#4178](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4178)), @lstep ([#4366](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4366)), @Mark-Lok ([#4542](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4542)), @NoJster ([#4421](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4421)), @patp ([#2662](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/2662)), @pr0n ([#4601](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4601)), @saulmc ([#4377](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4377)), @SHL0MS ([#4060](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4060), [#4061](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4061), [#4066](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4066), [#4172](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4172), [#4277](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4277)), @Z-Mackintosh ([#4398](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/issues/4398))
+
+---
+
+**Full Changelog**: [v2026.3.30...v2026.4.3](https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/compare/v2026.3.30...v2026.4.3)

acp_adapter/entry.py

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import logging
 import os
 import sys
 from pathlib import Path
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
 
 
 def _setup_logging() -> None:
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ def _load_env() -> None:
     """Load .env from HERMES_HOME (default ``~/.hermes``)."""
     from hermes_cli.env_loader import load_hermes_dotenv
 
-    hermes_home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+    hermes_home = get_hermes_home()
     loaded = load_hermes_dotenv(hermes_home=hermes_home)
     if loaded:
         for env_file in loaded:
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ def main() -> None:
 
     agent = HermesACPAgent()
     try:
-        asyncio.run(acp.run_agent(agent))
+        asyncio.run(acp.run_agent(agent, use_unstable_protocol=True))
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
         logger.info("Shutting down (KeyboardInterrupt)")
     except Exception:

acp_adapter/events.py

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ thread while the event loop lives on the main thread).
 import asyncio
 import json
 import logging
-from collections import defaultdict, deque
+from collections import deque
 from typing import Any, Callable, Deque, Dict
 
 import acp

acp_adapter/permissions.py

@@ -5,14 +5,11 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import asyncio
 import logging
 from concurrent.futures import TimeoutError as FutureTimeout
-from typing import Any, Callable, Optional
+from typing import Callable
 
 from acp.schema import (
     AllowedOutcome,
-    DeniedOutcome,
     PermissionOption,
-    RequestPermissionRequest,
-    SelectedPermissionOutcome,
 )
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)

acp_adapter/server.py

@@ -22,9 +22,15 @@ from acp.schema import (
     InitializeResponse,
     ListSessionsResponse,
     LoadSessionResponse,
+    McpServerHttp,
+    McpServerSse,
+    McpServerStdio,
     NewSessionResponse,
     PromptResponse,
     ResumeSessionResponse,
+    SetSessionConfigOptionResponse,
+    SetSessionModelResponse,
+    SetSessionModeResponse,
     ResourceContentBlock,
     SessionCapabilities,
     SessionForkCapabilities,
@@ -90,15 +96,83 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
         self._conn = conn
         logger.info("ACP client connected")
 
+    async def _register_session_mcp_servers(
+        self,
+        state: SessionState,
+        mcp_servers: list[McpServerStdio | McpServerHttp | McpServerSse] | None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Register ACP-provided MCP servers and refresh the agent tool surface."""
+        if not mcp_servers:
+            return
+
+        try:
+            from tools.mcp_tool import register_mcp_servers
+
+            config_map: dict[str, dict] = {}
+            for server in mcp_servers:
+                name = server.name
+                if isinstance(server, McpServerStdio):
+                    config = {
+                        "command": server.command,
+                        "args": list(server.args),
+                        "env": {item.name: item.value for item in server.env},
+                    }
+                else:
+                    config = {
+                        "url": server.url,
+                        "headers": {item.name: item.value for item in server.headers},
+                    }
+                config_map[name] = config
+
+            await asyncio.to_thread(register_mcp_servers, config_map)
+        except Exception:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Session %s: failed to register ACP MCP servers",
+                state.session_id,
+                exc_info=True,
+            )
+            return
+
+        try:
+            from model_tools import get_tool_definitions
+
+            enabled_toolsets = getattr(state.agent, "enabled_toolsets", None) or ["hermes-acp"]
+            disabled_toolsets = getattr(state.agent, "disabled_toolsets", None)
+            state.agent.tools = get_tool_definitions(
+                enabled_toolsets=enabled_toolsets,
+                disabled_toolsets=disabled_toolsets,
+                quiet_mode=True,
+            )
+            state.agent.valid_tool_names = {
+                tool["function"]["name"] for tool in state.agent.tools or []
+            }
+            invalidate = getattr(state.agent, "_invalidate_system_prompt", None)
+            if callable(invalidate):
+                invalidate()
+            logger.info(
+                "Session %s: refreshed tool surface after ACP MCP registration (%d tools)",
+                state.session_id,
+                len(state.agent.tools or []),
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Session %s: failed to refresh tool surface after ACP MCP registration",
+                state.session_id,
+                exc_info=True,
+            )
+
     # ---- ACP lifecycle ------------------------------------------------------
 
     async def initialize(
         self,
-        protocol_version: int,
+        protocol_version: int | None = None,
         client_capabilities: ClientCapabilities | None = None,
         client_info: Implementation | None = None,
         **kwargs: Any,
     ) -> InitializeResponse:
+        resolved_protocol_version = (
+            protocol_version if isinstance(protocol_version, int) else acp.PROTOCOL_VERSION
+        )
         provider = detect_provider()
         auth_methods = None
         if provider:
@@ -111,7 +185,11 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
             ]
 
         client_name = client_info.name if client_info else "unknown"
-        logger.info("Initialize from %s (protocol v%s)", client_name, protocol_version)
+        logger.info(
+            "Initialize from %s (protocol v%s)",
+            client_name,
+            resolved_protocol_version,
+        )
 
         return InitializeResponse(
             protocol_version=acp.PROTOCOL_VERSION,
@@ -139,6 +217,7 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
         **kwargs: Any,
     ) -> NewSessionResponse:
         state = self.session_manager.create_session(cwd=cwd)
+        await self._register_session_mcp_servers(state, mcp_servers)
         logger.info("New session %s (cwd=%s)", state.session_id, cwd)
         return NewSessionResponse(session_id=state.session_id)
 
@@ -153,6 +232,7 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
         if state is None:
             logger.warning("load_session: session %s not found", session_id)
             return None
+        await self._register_session_mcp_servers(state, mcp_servers)
         logger.info("Loaded session %s", session_id)
         return LoadSessionResponse()
 
@@ -167,6 +247,7 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
         if state is None:
             logger.warning("resume_session: session %s not found, creating new", session_id)
             state = self.session_manager.create_session(cwd=cwd)
+        await self._register_session_mcp_servers(state, mcp_servers)
         logger.info("Resumed session %s", state.session_id)
         return ResumeSessionResponse()
 
@@ -190,6 +271,8 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
     ) -> ForkSessionResponse:
         state = self.session_manager.fork_session(session_id, cwd=cwd)
         new_id = state.session_id if state else ""
+        if state is not None:
+            await self._register_session_mcp_servers(state, mcp_servers)
         logger.info("Forked session %s -> %s", session_id, new_id)
         return ForkSessionResponse(session_id=new_id)
 
@@ -471,7 +554,7 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
 
     async def set_session_model(
         self, model_id: str, session_id: str, **kwargs: Any
-    ):
+    ) -> SetSessionModelResponse | None:
         """Switch the model for a session (called by ACP protocol)."""
         state = self.session_manager.get_session(session_id)
         if state:
@@ -489,4 +572,37 @@ class HermesACPAgent(acp.Agent):
             )
             self.session_manager.save_session(session_id)
             logger.info("Session %s: model switched to %s", session_id, model_id)
+            return SetSessionModelResponse()
+        logger.warning("Session %s: model switch requested for missing session", session_id)
         return None
+
+    async def set_session_mode(
+        self, mode_id: str, session_id: str, **kwargs: Any
+    ) -> SetSessionModeResponse | None:
+        """Persist the editor-requested mode so ACP clients do not fail on mode switches."""
+        state = self.session_manager.get_session(session_id)
+        if state is None:
+            logger.warning("Session %s: mode switch requested for missing session", session_id)
+            return None
+        setattr(state, "mode", mode_id)
+        self.session_manager.save_session(session_id)
+        logger.info("Session %s: mode switched to %s", session_id, mode_id)
+        return SetSessionModeResponse()
+
+    async def set_config_option(
+        self, config_id: str, session_id: str, value: str, **kwargs: Any
+    ) -> SetSessionConfigOptionResponse | None:
+        """Accept ACP config option updates even when Hermes has no typed ACP config surface yet."""
+        state = self.session_manager.get_session(session_id)
+        if state is None:
+            logger.warning("Session %s: config update requested for missing session", session_id)
+            return None
+
+        options = getattr(state, "config_options", None)
+        if not isinstance(options, dict):
+            options = {}
+        options[str(config_id)] = value
+        setattr(state, "config_options", options)
+        self.session_manager.save_session(session_id)
+        logger.info("Session %s: config option %s updated", session_id, config_id)
+        return SetSessionConfigOptionResponse(config_options=[])

acp_adapter/session.py

@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ history.
 """
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+
 import copy
 import json
 import logging
@@ -251,7 +253,7 @@ class SessionManager:
             import os
             from pathlib import Path
             from hermes_state import SessionDB
-            hermes_home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+            hermes_home = get_hermes_home()
             self._db_instance = SessionDB(db_path=hermes_home / "state.db")
             return self._db_instance
         except Exception:
@@ -424,7 +426,7 @@ class SessionManager:
 
         config = load_config()
         model_cfg = config.get("model")
-        default_model = "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6"
+        default_model = ""
         config_provider = None
         if isinstance(model_cfg, dict):
             default_model = str(model_cfg.get("default") or default_model)

agent/anthropic_adapter.py

@@ -10,10 +10,13 @@ Auth supports:
   - Claude Code credentials (~/.claude.json or ~/.claude/.credentials.json) → Bearer auth
 """
 
+import copy
 import json
 import logging
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
+
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
 from types import SimpleNamespace
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
 
@@ -33,6 +36,54 @@ ADAPTIVE_EFFORT_MAP = {
     "minimal": "low",
 }
 
+# ── Max output token limits per Anthropic model ───────────────────────
+# Source: Anthropic docs + Cline model catalog.  Anthropic's API requires
+# max_tokens as a mandatory field.  Previously we hardcoded 16384, which
+# starves thinking-enabled models (thinking tokens count toward the limit).
+_ANTHROPIC_OUTPUT_LIMITS = {
+    # Claude 4.6
+    "claude-opus-4-6":   128_000,
+    "claude-sonnet-4-6":  64_000,
+    # Claude 4.5
+    "claude-opus-4-5":    64_000,
+    "claude-sonnet-4-5":  64_000,
+    "claude-haiku-4-5":   64_000,
+    # Claude 4
+    "claude-opus-4":      32_000,
+    "claude-sonnet-4":    64_000,
+    # Claude 3.7
+    "claude-3-7-sonnet": 128_000,
+    # Claude 3.5
+    "claude-3-5-sonnet":   8_192,
+    "claude-3-5-haiku":    8_192,
+    # Claude 3
+    "claude-3-opus":       4_096,
+    "claude-3-sonnet":     4_096,
+    "claude-3-haiku":      4_096,
+}
+
+# For any model not in the table, assume the highest current limit.
+# Future Anthropic models are unlikely to have *less* output capacity.
+_ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OUTPUT_LIMIT = 128_000
+
+
+def _get_anthropic_max_output(model: str) -> int:
+    """Look up the max output token limit for an Anthropic model.
+
+    Uses substring matching against _ANTHROPIC_OUTPUT_LIMITS so date-stamped
+    model IDs (claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929) and variant suffixes (:1m, :fast)
+    resolve correctly.  Longest-prefix match wins to avoid e.g. "claude-3-5"
+    matching before "claude-3-5-sonnet".
+    """
+    m = model.lower()
+    best_key = ""
+    best_val = _ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_OUTPUT_LIMIT
+    for key, val in _ANTHROPIC_OUTPUT_LIMITS.items():
+        if key in m and len(key) > len(best_key):
+            best_key = key
+            best_val = val
+    return best_val
+
 
 def _supports_adaptive_thinking(model: str) -> bool:
     """Return True for Claude 4.6 models that support adaptive thinking."""
@@ -57,6 +108,7 @@ _OAUTH_ONLY_BETAS = [
 # The version must stay reasonably current — Anthropic rejects OAuth requests
 # when the spoofed user-agent version is too far behind the actual release.
 _CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION_FALLBACK = "2.1.74"
+_claude_code_version_cache: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 def _detect_claude_code_version() -> str:
@@ -84,11 +136,18 @@ def _detect_claude_code_version() -> str:
     return _CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION_FALLBACK
 
 
-_CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION = _detect_claude_code_version()
 _CLAUDE_CODE_SYSTEM_PREFIX = "You are Claude Code, Anthropic's official CLI for Claude."
 _MCP_TOOL_PREFIX = "mcp_"
 
 
+def _get_claude_code_version() -> str:
+    """Lazily detect the installed Claude Code version when OAuth headers need it."""
+    global _claude_code_version_cache
+    if _claude_code_version_cache is None:
+        _claude_code_version_cache = _detect_claude_code_version()
+    return _claude_code_version_cache
+
+
 def _is_oauth_token(key: str) -> bool:
     """Check if the key is an OAuth/setup token (not a regular Console API key).
 
@@ -104,6 +163,36 @@ def _is_oauth_token(key: str) -> bool:
     return True
 
 
+def _is_third_party_anthropic_endpoint(base_url: str | None) -> bool:
+    """Return True for non-Anthropic endpoints using the Anthropic Messages API.
+
+    Third-party proxies (Azure AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock, self-hosted) authenticate
+    with their own API keys via x-api-key, not Anthropic OAuth tokens. OAuth
+    detection should be skipped for these endpoints.
+    """
+    if not base_url:
+        return False  # No base_url = direct Anthropic API
+    normalized = base_url.rstrip("/").lower()
+    if "anthropic.com" in normalized:
+        return False  # Direct Anthropic API — OAuth applies
+    return True  # Any other endpoint is a third-party proxy
+
+
+def _requires_bearer_auth(base_url: str | None) -> bool:
+    """Return True for Anthropic-compatible providers that require Bearer auth.
+
+    Some third-party /anthropic endpoints implement Anthropic's Messages API but
+    require Authorization: Bearer instead of Anthropic's native x-api-key header.
+    MiniMax's global and China Anthropic-compatible endpoints follow this pattern.
+    """
+    if not base_url:
+        return False
+    normalized = base_url.rstrip("/").lower()
+    return normalized.startswith("https://api.minimax.io/anthropic") or normalized.startswith(
+        "https://api.minimaxi.com/anthropic"
+    )
+
+
 def build_anthropic_client(api_key: str, base_url: str = None):
     """Create an Anthropic client, auto-detecting setup-tokens vs API keys.
 
@@ -122,7 +211,25 @@ def build_anthropic_client(api_key: str, base_url: str = None):
     if base_url:
         kwargs["base_url"] = base_url
 
-    if _is_oauth_token(api_key):
+    if _requires_bearer_auth(base_url):
+        # Some Anthropic-compatible providers (e.g. MiniMax) expect the API key in
+        # Authorization: Bearer even for regular API keys. Route those endpoints
+        # through auth_token so the SDK sends Bearer auth instead of x-api-key.
+        # Check this before OAuth token shape detection because MiniMax secrets do
+        # not use Anthropic's sk-ant-api prefix and would otherwise be misread as
+        # Anthropic OAuth/setup tokens.
+        kwargs["auth_token"] = api_key
+        if _COMMON_BETAS:
+            kwargs["default_headers"] = {"anthropic-beta": ",".join(_COMMON_BETAS)}
+    elif _is_third_party_anthropic_endpoint(base_url):
+        # Third-party proxies (Azure AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock, etc.) use their
+        # own API keys with x-api-key auth. Skip OAuth detection — their keys
+        # don't follow Anthropic's sk-ant-* prefix convention and would be
+        # misclassified as OAuth tokens.
+        kwargs["api_key"] = api_key
+        if _COMMON_BETAS:
+            kwargs["default_headers"] = {"anthropic-beta": ",".join(_COMMON_BETAS)}
+    elif _is_oauth_token(api_key):
         # OAuth access token / setup-token → Bearer auth + Claude Code identity.
         # Anthropic routes OAuth requests based on user-agent and headers;
         # without Claude Code's fingerprint, requests get intermittent 500s.
@@ -130,7 +237,7 @@ def build_anthropic_client(api_key: str, base_url: str = None):
         kwargs["auth_token"] = api_key
         kwargs["default_headers"] = {
             "anthropic-beta": ",".join(all_betas),
-            "user-agent": f"claude-cli/{_CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION} (external, cli)",
+            "user-agent": f"claude-cli/{_get_claude_code_version()} (external, cli)",
             "x-app": "cli",
         }
     else:
@@ -201,64 +308,105 @@ def is_claude_code_token_valid(creds: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
     return now_ms < (expires_at - 60_000)
 
 
-def _refresh_oauth_token(creds: Dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[str]:
-    """Attempt to refresh an expired Claude Code OAuth token.
-
-    Uses the same token endpoint and client_id as Claude Code / OpenCode.
-    Only works for credentials that have a refresh token (from claude /login
-    or claude setup-token with OAuth flow).
-
-    Returns the new access token, or None if refresh fails.
-    """
+def refresh_anthropic_oauth_pure(refresh_token: str, *, use_json: bool = False) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Refresh an Anthropic OAuth token without mutating local credential files."""
+    import time
     import urllib.parse
     import urllib.request
 
+    if not refresh_token:
+        raise ValueError("refresh_token is required")
+
+    client_id = "9d1c250a-e61b-44d9-88ed-5944d1962f5e"
+    if use_json:
+        data = json.dumps({
+            "grant_type": "refresh_token",
+            "refresh_token": refresh_token,
+            "client_id": client_id,
+        }).encode()
+        content_type = "application/json"
+    else:
+        data = urllib.parse.urlencode({
+            "grant_type": "refresh_token",
+            "refresh_token": refresh_token,
+            "client_id": client_id,
+        }).encode()
+        content_type = "application/x-www-form-urlencoded"
+
+    token_endpoints = [
+        "https://platform.claude.com/v1/oauth/token",
+        "https://console.anthropic.com/v1/oauth/token",
+    ]
+    last_error = None
+    for endpoint in token_endpoints:
+        req = urllib.request.Request(
+            endpoint,
+            data=data,
+            headers={
+                "Content-Type": content_type,
+                "User-Agent": f"claude-cli/{_get_claude_code_version()} (external, cli)",
+            },
+            method="POST",
+        )
+        try:
+            with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=10) as resp:
+                result = json.loads(resp.read().decode())
+        except Exception as exc:
+            last_error = exc
+            logger.debug("Anthropic token refresh failed at %s: %s", endpoint, exc)
+            continue
+
+        access_token = result.get("access_token", "")
+        if not access_token:
+            raise ValueError("Anthropic refresh response was missing access_token")
+        next_refresh = result.get("refresh_token", refresh_token)
+        expires_in = result.get("expires_in", 3600)
+        return {
+            "access_token": access_token,
+            "refresh_token": next_refresh,
+            "expires_at_ms": int(time.time() * 1000) + (expires_in * 1000),
+        }
+
+    if last_error is not None:
+        raise last_error
+    raise ValueError("Anthropic token refresh failed")
+
+
+def _refresh_oauth_token(creds: Dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Attempt to refresh an expired Claude Code OAuth token."""
     refresh_token = creds.get("refreshToken", "")
     if not refresh_token:
         logger.debug("No refresh token available — cannot refresh")
         return None
 
-    # Client ID used by Claude Code's OAuth flow
-    CLIENT_ID = "9d1c250a-e61b-44d9-88ed-5944d1962f5e"
-
-    data = urllib.parse.urlencode({
-        "grant_type": "refresh_token",
-        "refresh_token": refresh_token,
-        "client_id": CLIENT_ID,
-    }).encode()
-
-    req = urllib.request.Request(
-        "https://console.anthropic.com/v1/oauth/token",
-        data=data,
-        headers={
-            "Content-Type": "application/x-www-form-urlencoded",
-            "User-Agent": f"claude-cli/{_CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION} (external, cli)",
-        },
-        method="POST",
-    )
-
     try:
-        with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=10) as resp:
-            result = json.loads(resp.read().decode())
-            new_access = result.get("access_token", "")
-            new_refresh = result.get("refresh_token", refresh_token)
-            expires_in = result.get("expires_in", 3600)  # seconds
-
-            if new_access:
-                import time
-                new_expires_ms = int(time.time() * 1000) + (expires_in * 1000)
-                # Write refreshed credentials back to ~/.claude/.credentials.json
-                _write_claude_code_credentials(new_access, new_refresh, new_expires_ms)
-                logger.debug("Successfully refreshed Claude Code OAuth token")
-                return new_access
+        refreshed = refresh_anthropic_oauth_pure(refresh_token, use_json=False)
+        _write_claude_code_credentials(
+            refreshed["access_token"],
+            refreshed["refresh_token"],
+            refreshed["expires_at_ms"],
+        )
+        logger.debug("Successfully refreshed Claude Code OAuth token")
+        return refreshed["access_token"]
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Failed to refresh Claude Code token: %s", e)
-
-    return None
+        return None
 
 
-def _write_claude_code_credentials(access_token: str, refresh_token: str, expires_at_ms: int) -> None:
-    """Write refreshed credentials back to ~/.claude/.credentials.json."""
+def _write_claude_code_credentials(
+    access_token: str,
+    refresh_token: str,
+    expires_at_ms: int,
+    *,
+    scopes: Optional[list] = None,
+) -> None:
+    """Write refreshed credentials back to ~/.claude/.credentials.json.
+
+    The optional *scopes* list (e.g. ``["user:inference", "user:profile", ...]``)
+    is persisted so that Claude Code's own auth check recognises the credential
+    as valid.  Claude Code >=2.1.81 gates on the presence of ``"user:inference"``
+    in the stored scopes before it will use the token.
+    """
     cred_path = Path.home() / ".claude" / ".credentials.json"
     try:
         # Read existing file to preserve other fields
@@ -266,11 +414,19 @@ def _write_claude_code_credentials(access_token: str, refresh_token: str, expire
         if cred_path.exists():
             existing = json.loads(cred_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
 
-        existing["claudeAiOauth"] = {
+        oauth_data: Dict[str, Any] = {
             "accessToken": access_token,
             "refreshToken": refresh_token,
             "expiresAt": expires_at_ms,
         }
+        if scopes is not None:
+            oauth_data["scopes"] = scopes
+        elif "claudeAiOauth" in existing and "scopes" in existing["claudeAiOauth"]:
+            # Preserve previously-stored scopes when the refresh response
+            # does not include a scope field.
+            oauth_data["scopes"] = existing["claudeAiOauth"]["scopes"]
+
+        existing["claudeAiOauth"] = oauth_data
 
         cred_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
         cred_path.write_text(json.dumps(existing, indent=2), encoding="utf-8")
@@ -376,24 +532,12 @@ def resolve_anthropic_token() -> Optional[str]:
             return preferred
         return cc_token
 
-    # 3. Hermes-managed OAuth credentials (~/.hermes/.anthropic_oauth.json)
-    hermes_creds = read_hermes_oauth_credentials()
-    if hermes_creds:
-        if is_claude_code_token_valid(hermes_creds):
-            logger.debug("Using Hermes-managed OAuth credentials")
-            return hermes_creds["accessToken"]
-        # Expired — try refresh
-        logger.debug("Hermes OAuth token expired — attempting refresh")
-        refreshed = refresh_hermes_oauth_token()
-        if refreshed:
-            return refreshed
-
-    # 4. Claude Code credential file
+    # 3. Claude Code credential file
     resolved_claude_token = _resolve_claude_code_token_from_credentials(creds)
     if resolved_claude_token:
         return resolved_claude_token
 
-    # 5. Regular API key, or a legacy OAuth token saved in ANTHROPIC_API_KEY.
+    # 4. Regular API key, or a legacy OAuth token saved in ANTHROPIC_API_KEY.
     # This remains as a compatibility fallback for pre-migration Hermes configs.
     api_key = os.getenv("ANTHROPIC_API_KEY", "").strip()
     if api_key:
@@ -450,7 +594,7 @@ _OAUTH_CLIENT_ID = "9d1c250a-e61b-44d9-88ed-5944d1962f5e"
 _OAUTH_TOKEN_URL = "https://console.anthropic.com/v1/oauth/token"
 _OAUTH_REDIRECT_URI = "https://console.anthropic.com/oauth/code/callback"
 _OAUTH_SCOPES = "org:create_api_key user:profile user:inference"
-_HERMES_OAUTH_FILE = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", str(Path.home() / ".hermes"))) / ".anthropic_oauth.json"
+_HERMES_OAUTH_FILE = get_hermes_home() / ".anthropic_oauth.json"
 
 
 def _generate_pkce() -> tuple:
@@ -466,20 +610,13 @@ def _generate_pkce() -> tuple:
     return verifier, challenge
 
 
-def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
-    """Run Hermes-native OAuth PKCE flow for Claude Pro/Max subscription.
-
-    Opens a browser to claude.ai for authorization, prompts for the code,
-    exchanges it for tokens, and stores them in ~/.hermes/.anthropic_oauth.json.
-
-    Returns the access token on success, None on failure.
-    """
+def run_hermes_oauth_login_pure() -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Run Hermes-native OAuth PKCE flow and return credential state."""
     import time
     import webbrowser
 
     verifier, challenge = _generate_pkce()
 
-    # Build authorization URL
     params = {
         "code": "true",
         "client_id": _OAUTH_CLIENT_ID,
@@ -491,6 +628,7 @@ def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
         "state": verifier,
     }
     from urllib.parse import urlencode
+
     auth_url = f"https://claude.ai/oauth/authorize?{urlencode(params)}"
 
     print()
@@ -504,7 +642,6 @@ def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
     print(f"  {auth_url}")
     print()
 
-    # Try to open browser automatically (works on desktop, silently fails on headless/SSH)
     try:
         webbrowser.open(auth_url)
         print("  (Browser opened automatically)")
@@ -523,14 +660,13 @@ def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
         print("No code entered.")
         return None
 
-    # Split code#state format
     splits = auth_code.split("#")
     code = splits[0]
     state = splits[1] if len(splits) > 1 else ""
 
-    # Exchange code for tokens
     try:
         import urllib.request
+
         exchange_data = json.dumps({
             "grant_type": "authorization_code",
             "client_id": _OAUTH_CLIENT_ID,
@@ -545,7 +681,7 @@ def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
             data=exchange_data,
             headers={
                 "Content-Type": "application/json",
-                "User-Agent": f"claude-cli/{_CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION} (external, cli)",
+                "User-Agent": f"claude-cli/{_get_claude_code_version()} (external, cli)",
             },
             method="POST",
         )
@@ -564,11 +700,31 @@ def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
         print("No access token in response.")
         return None
 
-    # Store credentials
     expires_at_ms = int(time.time() * 1000) + (expires_in * 1000)
-    _save_hermes_oauth_credentials(access_token, refresh_token, expires_at_ms)
+    return {
+        "access_token": access_token,
+        "refresh_token": refresh_token,
+        "expires_at_ms": expires_at_ms,
+    }
 
-    # Also write to Claude Code's credential file for backward compat
+
+def run_hermes_oauth_login() -> Optional[str]:
+    """Run Hermes-native OAuth PKCE flow for Claude Pro/Max subscription.
+
+    Opens a browser to claude.ai for authorization, prompts for the code,
+    exchanges it for tokens, and stores them in ~/.hermes/.anthropic_oauth.json.
+
+    Returns the access token on success, None on failure.
+    """
+    result = run_hermes_oauth_login_pure()
+    if not result:
+        return None
+
+    access_token = result["access_token"]
+    refresh_token = result["refresh_token"]
+    expires_at_ms = result["expires_at_ms"]
+
+    _save_hermes_oauth_credentials(access_token, refresh_token, expires_at_ms)
     _write_claude_code_credentials(access_token, refresh_token, expires_at_ms)
 
     print("Authentication successful!")
@@ -607,44 +763,27 @@ def refresh_hermes_oauth_token() -> Optional[str]:
 
     Returns the new access token, or None if refresh fails.
     """
-    import time
-    import urllib.request
-
     creds = read_hermes_oauth_credentials()
     if not creds or not creds.get("refreshToken"):
         return None
 
     try:
-        data = json.dumps({
-            "grant_type": "refresh_token",
-            "refresh_token": creds["refreshToken"],
-            "client_id": _OAUTH_CLIENT_ID,
-        }).encode()
-
-        req = urllib.request.Request(
-            _OAUTH_TOKEN_URL,
-            data=data,
-            headers={
-                "Content-Type": "application/json",
-                "User-Agent": f"claude-cli/{_CLAUDE_CODE_VERSION} (external, cli)",
-            },
-            method="POST",
+        refreshed = refresh_anthropic_oauth_pure(
+            creds["refreshToken"],
+            use_json=True,
         )
-
-        with urllib.request.urlopen(req, timeout=10) as resp:
-            result = json.loads(resp.read().decode())
-
-        new_access = result.get("access_token", "")
-        new_refresh = result.get("refresh_token", creds["refreshToken"])
-        expires_in = result.get("expires_in", 3600)
-
-        if new_access:
-            new_expires_ms = int(time.time() * 1000) + (expires_in * 1000)
-            _save_hermes_oauth_credentials(new_access, new_refresh, new_expires_ms)
-            # Also update Claude Code's credential file
-            _write_claude_code_credentials(new_access, new_refresh, new_expires_ms)
-            logger.debug("Successfully refreshed Hermes OAuth token")
-            return new_access
+        _save_hermes_oauth_credentials(
+            refreshed["access_token"],
+            refreshed["refresh_token"],
+            refreshed["expires_at_ms"],
+        )
+        _write_claude_code_credentials(
+            refreshed["access_token"],
+            refreshed["refresh_token"],
+            refreshed["expires_at_ms"],
+        )
+        logger.debug("Successfully refreshed Hermes OAuth token")
+        return refreshed["access_token"]
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Failed to refresh Hermes OAuth token: %s", e)
 
@@ -811,6 +950,69 @@ def _convert_content_part_to_anthropic(part: Any) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
     return block
 
 
+def _to_plain_data(value: Any, *, _depth: int = 0, _path: Optional[set] = None) -> Any:
+    """Recursively convert SDK objects to plain Python data structures.
+
+    Guards against circular references (``_path`` tracks ``id()`` of objects
+    on the *current* recursion path) and runaway depth (capped at 20 levels).
+    Uses path-based tracking so shared (but non-cyclic) objects referenced by
+    multiple siblings are converted correctly rather than being stringified.
+    """
+    _MAX_DEPTH = 20
+    if _depth > _MAX_DEPTH:
+        return str(value)
+
+    if _path is None:
+        _path = set()
+
+    obj_id = id(value)
+    if obj_id in _path:
+        return str(value)
+
+    if hasattr(value, "model_dump"):
+        _path.add(obj_id)
+        result = _to_plain_data(value.model_dump(), _depth=_depth + 1, _path=_path)
+        _path.discard(obj_id)
+        return result
+    if isinstance(value, dict):
+        _path.add(obj_id)
+        result = {k: _to_plain_data(v, _depth=_depth + 1, _path=_path) for k, v in value.items()}
+        _path.discard(obj_id)
+        return result
+    if isinstance(value, (list, tuple)):
+        _path.add(obj_id)
+        result = [_to_plain_data(v, _depth=_depth + 1, _path=_path) for v in value]
+        _path.discard(obj_id)
+        return result
+    if hasattr(value, "__dict__"):
+        _path.add(obj_id)
+        result = {
+            k: _to_plain_data(v, _depth=_depth + 1, _path=_path)
+            for k, v in vars(value).items()
+            if not k.startswith("_")
+        }
+        _path.discard(obj_id)
+        return result
+    return value
+
+
+def _extract_preserved_thinking_blocks(message: Dict[str, Any]) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Return Anthropic thinking blocks previously preserved on the message."""
+    raw_details = message.get("reasoning_details")
+    if not isinstance(raw_details, list):
+        return []
+
+    preserved: List[Dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for detail in raw_details:
+        if not isinstance(detail, dict):
+            continue
+        block_type = str(detail.get("type", "") or "").strip().lower()
+        if block_type not in {"thinking", "redacted_thinking"}:
+            continue
+        preserved.append(copy.deepcopy(detail))
+    return preserved
+
+
 def _convert_content_to_anthropic(content: Any) -> Any:
     """Convert OpenAI-style multimodal content arrays to Anthropic blocks."""
     if not isinstance(content, list):
@@ -857,7 +1059,7 @@ def convert_messages_to_anthropic(
             continue
 
         if role == "assistant":
-            blocks = []
+            blocks = _extract_preserved_thinking_blocks(m)
             if content:
                 if isinstance(content, list):
                     converted_content = _convert_content_to_anthropic(content)
@@ -912,14 +1114,21 @@ def convert_messages_to_anthropic(
                 result.append({"role": "user", "content": [tool_result]})
             continue
 
-        # Regular user message
+        # Regular user message — validate non-empty content (Anthropic rejects empty)
         if isinstance(content, list):
             converted_blocks = _convert_content_to_anthropic(content)
-            result.append({
-                "role": "user",
-                "content": converted_blocks or [{"type": "text", "text": ""}],
-            })
+            # Check if all text blocks are empty
+            if not converted_blocks or all(
+                b.get("text", "").strip() == ""
+                for b in converted_blocks
+                if isinstance(b, dict) and b.get("type") == "text"
+            ):
+                converted_blocks = [{"type": "text", "text": "(empty message)"}]
+            result.append({"role": "user", "content": converted_blocks})
         else:
+            # Validate string content is non-empty
+            if not content or (isinstance(content, str) and not content.strip()):
+                content = "(empty message)"
             result.append({"role": "user", "content": content})
 
     # Strip orphaned tool_use blocks (no matching tool_result follows)
@@ -1009,9 +1218,15 @@ def build_anthropic_kwargs(
     tool_choice: Optional[str] = None,
     is_oauth: bool = False,
     preserve_dots: bool = False,
+    context_length: Optional[int] = None,
 ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """Build kwargs for anthropic.messages.create().
 
+    When *max_tokens* is None, the model's native output limit is used
+    (e.g. 128K for Opus 4.6, 64K for Sonnet 4.6).  If *context_length*
+    is provided, the effective limit is clamped so it doesn't exceed
+    the context window.
+
     When *is_oauth* is True, applies Claude Code compatibility transforms:
     system prompt prefix, tool name prefixing, and prompt sanitization.
 
@@ -1022,7 +1237,12 @@ def build_anthropic_kwargs(
     anthropic_tools = convert_tools_to_anthropic(tools) if tools else []
 
     model = normalize_model_name(model, preserve_dots=preserve_dots)
-    effective_max_tokens = max_tokens or 16384
+    effective_max_tokens = max_tokens or _get_anthropic_max_output(model)
+
+    # Clamp to context window if the user set a lower context_length
+    # (e.g. custom endpoint with limited capacity).
+    if context_length and effective_max_tokens > context_length:
+        effective_max_tokens = max(context_length - 1, 1)
 
     # ── OAuth: Claude Code identity ──────────────────────────────────
     if is_oauth:
@@ -1123,6 +1343,7 @@ def normalize_anthropic_response(
     """
     text_parts = []
     reasoning_parts = []
+    reasoning_details = []
     tool_calls = []
 
     for block in response.content:
@@ -1130,6 +1351,9 @@ def normalize_anthropic_response(
             text_parts.append(block.text)
         elif block.type == "thinking":
             reasoning_parts.append(block.thinking)
+            block_dict = _to_plain_data(block)
+            if isinstance(block_dict, dict):
+                reasoning_details.append(block_dict)
         elif block.type == "tool_use":
             name = block.name
             if strip_tool_prefix and name.startswith(_MCP_TOOL_PREFIX):
@@ -1160,7 +1384,7 @@ def normalize_anthropic_response(
             tool_calls=tool_calls or None,
             reasoning="\n\n".join(reasoning_parts) if reasoning_parts else None,
             reasoning_content=None,
-            reasoning_details=None,
+            reasoning_details=reasoning_details or None,
         ),
         finish_reason,
-    )
+    )

agent/auxiliary_client.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ the best available backend without duplicating fallback logic.
 Resolution order for text tasks (auto mode):
   1. OpenRouter  (OPENROUTER_API_KEY)
   2. Nous Portal (~/.hermes/auth.json active provider)
-  3. Custom endpoint (OPENAI_BASE_URL + OPENAI_API_KEY)
+  3. Custom endpoint (config.yaml model.base_url + OPENAI_API_KEY)
   4. Codex OAuth (Responses API via chatgpt.com with gpt-5.3-codex,
      wrapped to look like a chat.completions client)
   5. Native Anthropic
@@ -41,12 +41,13 @@ import logging
 import os
 import threading
 import time
-from pathlib import Path
+from pathlib import Path  # noqa: F401 — used by test mocks
 from types import SimpleNamespace
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
 
 from openai import OpenAI
 
+from agent.credential_pool import load_pool
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
 from hermes_constants import OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
 
@@ -82,7 +83,7 @@ auxiliary_is_nous: bool = False
 
 # Default auxiliary models per provider
 _OPENROUTER_MODEL = "google/gemini-3-flash-preview"
-_NOUS_MODEL = "gemini-3-flash"
+_NOUS_MODEL = "google/gemini-3-flash-preview"
 _NOUS_DEFAULT_BASE_URL = "https://inference-api.nousresearch.com/v1"
 _ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_BASE_URL = "https://api.anthropic.com"
 _AUTH_JSON_PATH = get_hermes_home() / "auth.json"
@@ -96,6 +97,45 @@ _CODEX_AUX_MODEL = "gpt-5.2-codex"
 _CODEX_AUX_BASE_URL = "https://chatgpt.com/backend-api/codex"
 
 
+def _select_pool_entry(provider: str) -> Tuple[bool, Optional[Any]]:
+    """Return (pool_exists_for_provider, selected_entry)."""
+    try:
+        pool = load_pool(provider)
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug("Auxiliary client: could not load pool for %s: %s", provider, exc)
+        return False, None
+    if not pool or not pool.has_credentials():
+        return False, None
+    try:
+        return True, pool.select()
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug("Auxiliary client: could not select pool entry for %s: %s", provider, exc)
+        return True, None
+
+
+def _pool_runtime_api_key(entry: Any) -> str:
+    if entry is None:
+        return ""
+    # Use the PooledCredential.runtime_api_key property which handles
+    # provider-specific fallback (e.g. agent_key for nous).
+    key = getattr(entry, "runtime_api_key", None) or getattr(entry, "access_token", "")
+    return str(key or "").strip()
+
+
+def _pool_runtime_base_url(entry: Any, fallback: str = "") -> str:
+    if entry is None:
+        return str(fallback or "").strip().rstrip("/")
+    # runtime_base_url handles provider-specific logic (e.g. nous prefers inference_base_url).
+    # Fall back through inference_base_url and base_url for non-PooledCredential entries.
+    url = (
+        getattr(entry, "runtime_base_url", None)
+        or getattr(entry, "inference_base_url", None)
+        or getattr(entry, "base_url", None)
+        or fallback
+    )
+    return str(url or "").strip().rstrip("/")
+
+
 # ── Codex Responses → chat.completions adapter ─────────────────────────────
 # All auxiliary consumers call client.chat.completions.create(**kwargs) and
 # read response.choices[0].message.content. This adapter translates those
@@ -439,6 +479,22 @@ def _read_nous_auth() -> Optional[dict]:
     Returns the provider state dict if Nous is active with tokens,
     otherwise None.
     """
+    pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry("nous")
+    if pool_present:
+        if entry is None:
+            return None
+        return {
+            "access_token": getattr(entry, "access_token", ""),
+            "refresh_token": getattr(entry, "refresh_token", None),
+            "agent_key": getattr(entry, "agent_key", None),
+            "inference_base_url": _pool_runtime_base_url(entry, _NOUS_DEFAULT_BASE_URL),
+            "portal_base_url": getattr(entry, "portal_base_url", None),
+            "client_id": getattr(entry, "client_id", None),
+            "scope": getattr(entry, "scope", None),
+            "token_type": getattr(entry, "token_type", "Bearer"),
+            "source": "pool",
+        }
+
     try:
         if not _AUTH_JSON_PATH.is_file():
             return None
@@ -467,6 +523,11 @@ def _nous_base_url() -> str:
 
 def _read_codex_access_token() -> Optional[str]:
     """Read a valid, non-expired Codex OAuth access token from Hermes auth store."""
+    pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry("openai-codex")
+    if pool_present:
+        token = _pool_runtime_api_key(entry)
+        return token or None
+
     try:
         from hermes_cli.auth import _read_codex_tokens
         data = _read_codex_tokens()
@@ -513,6 +574,24 @@ def _resolve_api_key_provider() -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[str]]:
         if provider_id == "anthropic":
             return _try_anthropic()
 
+        pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry(provider_id)
+        if pool_present:
+            api_key = _pool_runtime_api_key(entry)
+            if not api_key:
+                continue
+
+            base_url = _pool_runtime_base_url(entry, pconfig.inference_base_url) or pconfig.inference_base_url
+            model = _API_KEY_PROVIDER_AUX_MODELS.get(provider_id, "default")
+            logger.debug("Auxiliary text client: %s (%s) via pool", pconfig.name, model)
+            extra = {}
+            if "api.kimi.com" in base_url.lower():
+                extra["default_headers"] = {"User-Agent": "KimiCLI/1.0"}
+            elif "api.githubcopilot.com" in base_url.lower():
+                from hermes_cli.models import copilot_default_headers
+
+                extra["default_headers"] = copilot_default_headers()
+            return OpenAI(api_key=api_key, base_url=base_url, **extra), model
+
         creds = resolve_api_key_provider_credentials(provider_id)
         api_key = str(creds.get("api_key", "")).strip()
         if not api_key:
@@ -562,6 +641,16 @@ def _get_auxiliary_env_override(task: str, suffix: str) -> Optional[str]:
 
 
 def _try_openrouter() -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[str]]:
+    pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry("openrouter")
+    if pool_present:
+        or_key = _pool_runtime_api_key(entry)
+        if not or_key:
+            return None, None
+        base_url = _pool_runtime_base_url(entry, OPENROUTER_BASE_URL) or OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
+        logger.debug("Auxiliary client: OpenRouter via pool")
+        return OpenAI(api_key=or_key, base_url=base_url,
+                       default_headers=_OR_HEADERS), _OPENROUTER_MODEL
+
     or_key = os.getenv("OPENROUTER_API_KEY")
     if not or_key:
         return None, None
@@ -577,22 +666,22 @@ def _try_nous() -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[str]]:
     global auxiliary_is_nous
     auxiliary_is_nous = True
     logger.debug("Auxiliary client: Nous Portal")
+    model = "gemini-3-flash" if nous.get("source") == "pool" else _NOUS_MODEL
     return (
-        OpenAI(api_key=_nous_api_key(nous), base_url=_nous_base_url()),
-        _NOUS_MODEL,
+        OpenAI(
+            api_key=_nous_api_key(nous),
+            base_url=str(nous.get("inference_base_url") or _nous_base_url()).rstrip("/"),
+        ),
+        model,
     )
 
 
 def _read_main_model() -> str:
-    """Read the user's configured main model from config/env.
+    """Read the user's configured main model from config.yaml.
 
-    Falls back through HERMES_MODEL → LLM_MODEL → config.yaml model.default
-    so the auxiliary client can use the same model as the main agent when no
-    dedicated auxiliary model is available.
+    config.yaml model.default is the single source of truth for the active
+    model. Environment variables are no longer consulted.
     """
-    from_env = os.getenv("OPENAI_MODEL") or os.getenv("HERMES_MODEL") or os.getenv("LLM_MODEL")
-    if from_env:
-        return from_env.strip()
     try:
         from hermes_cli.config import load_config
         cfg = load_config()
@@ -627,8 +716,6 @@ def _resolve_custom_runtime() -> Tuple[Optional[str], Optional[str]]:
     custom_key = runtime.get("api_key")
     if not isinstance(custom_base, str) or not custom_base.strip():
         return None, None
-    if not isinstance(custom_key, str) or not custom_key.strip():
-        return None, None
 
     custom_base = custom_base.strip().rstrip("/")
     if "openrouter.ai" in custom_base.lower():
@@ -636,6 +723,13 @@ def _resolve_custom_runtime() -> Tuple[Optional[str], Optional[str]]:
         # configured. Treat that as "no custom endpoint" for auxiliary routing.
         return None, None
 
+    # Local servers (Ollama, llama.cpp, vLLM, LM Studio) don't require auth.
+    # Use a placeholder key — the OpenAI SDK requires a non-empty string but
+    # local servers ignore the Authorization header.  Same fix as cli.py
+    # _ensure_runtime_credentials() (PR #2556).
+    if not isinstance(custom_key, str) or not custom_key.strip():
+        custom_key = "no-key-required"
+
     return custom_base, custom_key.strip()
 
 
@@ -654,11 +748,19 @@ def _try_custom_endpoint() -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[str]]:
 
 
 def _try_codex() -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str]]:
-    codex_token = _read_codex_access_token()
-    if not codex_token:
-        return None, None
+    pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry("openai-codex")
+    if pool_present:
+        codex_token = _pool_runtime_api_key(entry)
+        if not codex_token:
+            return None, None
+        base_url = _pool_runtime_base_url(entry, _CODEX_AUX_BASE_URL) or _CODEX_AUX_BASE_URL
+    else:
+        codex_token = _read_codex_access_token()
+        if not codex_token:
+            return None, None
+        base_url = _CODEX_AUX_BASE_URL
     logger.debug("Auxiliary client: Codex OAuth (%s via Responses API)", _CODEX_AUX_MODEL)
-    real_client = OpenAI(api_key=codex_token, base_url=_CODEX_AUX_BASE_URL)
+    real_client = OpenAI(api_key=codex_token, base_url=base_url)
     return CodexAuxiliaryClient(real_client, _CODEX_AUX_MODEL), _CODEX_AUX_MODEL
 
 
@@ -668,14 +770,21 @@ def _try_anthropic() -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str]]:
     except ImportError:
         return None, None
 
-    token = resolve_anthropic_token()
+    pool_present, entry = _select_pool_entry("anthropic")
+    if pool_present:
+        if entry is None:
+            return None, None
+        token = _pool_runtime_api_key(entry)
+    else:
+        entry = None
+        token = resolve_anthropic_token()
     if not token:
         return None, None
 
     # Allow base URL override from config.yaml model.base_url, but only
     # when the configured provider is anthropic — otherwise a non-Anthropic
     # base_url (e.g. Codex endpoint) would leak into Anthropic requests.
-    base_url = _ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_BASE_URL
+    base_url = _pool_runtime_base_url(entry, _ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_BASE_URL) if pool_present else _ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_BASE_URL
     try:
         from hermes_cli.config import load_config
         cfg = load_config()
@@ -693,7 +802,13 @@ def _try_anthropic() -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str]]:
     is_oauth = _is_oauth_token(token)
     model = _API_KEY_PROVIDER_AUX_MODELS.get("anthropic", "claude-haiku-4-5-20251001")
     logger.debug("Auxiliary client: Anthropic native (%s) at %s (oauth=%s)", model, base_url, is_oauth)
-    real_client = build_anthropic_client(token, base_url)
+    try:
+        real_client = build_anthropic_client(token, base_url)
+    except ImportError:
+        # The anthropic_adapter module imports fine but the SDK itself is
+        # missing — build_anthropic_client raises ImportError at call time
+        # when _anthropic_sdk is None.  Treat as unavailable.
+        return None, None
     return AnthropicAuxiliaryClient(real_client, model, token, base_url, is_oauth=is_oauth), model
 
 
@@ -731,16 +846,37 @@ def _resolve_forced_provider(forced: str) -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[st
     return None, None
 
 
+_AUTO_PROVIDER_LABELS = {
+    "_try_openrouter": "openrouter",
+    "_try_nous": "nous",
+    "_try_custom_endpoint": "local/custom",
+    "_try_codex": "openai-codex",
+    "_resolve_api_key_provider": "api-key",
+}
+
+
 def _resolve_auto() -> Tuple[Optional[OpenAI], Optional[str]]:
     """Full auto-detection chain: OpenRouter → Nous → custom → Codex → API-key → None."""
     global auxiliary_is_nous
     auxiliary_is_nous = False  # Reset — _try_nous() will set True if it wins
+    tried = []
     for try_fn in (_try_openrouter, _try_nous, _try_custom_endpoint,
                    _try_codex, _resolve_api_key_provider):
+        fn_name = getattr(try_fn, "__name__", "unknown")
+        label = _AUTO_PROVIDER_LABELS.get(fn_name, fn_name)
         client, model = try_fn()
         if client is not None:
+            if tried:
+                logger.info("Auxiliary auto-detect: using %s (%s) — skipped: %s",
+                            label, model or "default", ", ".join(tried))
+            else:
+                logger.info("Auxiliary auto-detect: using %s (%s)", label, model or "default")
             return client, model
-    logger.debug("Auxiliary client: none available")
+        tried.append(label)
+    logger.warning("Auxiliary auto-detect: no provider available (tried: %s). "
+                   "Compression, summarization, and memory flush will not work. "
+                   "Set OPENROUTER_API_KEY or configure a local model in config.yaml.",
+                   ", ".join(tried))
     return None, None
 
 
@@ -891,11 +1027,12 @@ def resolve_provider_client(
             custom_key = (
                 (explicit_api_key or "").strip()
                 or os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY", "").strip()
+                or "no-key-required"  # local servers don't need auth
             )
-            if not custom_base or not custom_key:
+            if not custom_base:
                 logger.warning(
                     "resolve_provider_client: explicit custom endpoint requested "
-                    "but no API key was found (set explicit_api_key or OPENAI_API_KEY)"
+                    "but base_url is empty"
                 )
                 return None, None
             final_model = model or _read_main_model() or "gpt-4o-mini"
@@ -941,9 +1078,9 @@ def resolve_provider_client(
             tried_sources = list(pconfig.api_key_env_vars)
             if provider == "copilot":
                 tried_sources.append("gh auth token")
-            logger.warning("resolve_provider_client: provider %s has no API "
-                           "key configured (tried: %s)",
-                           provider, ", ".join(tried_sources))
+            logger.debug("resolve_provider_client: provider %s has no API "
+                         "key configured (tried: %s)",
+                         provider, ", ".join(tried_sources))
             return None, None
 
         base_url = str(creds.get("base_url", "")).strip().rstrip("/") or pconfig.inference_base_url
@@ -1131,7 +1268,13 @@ def resolve_vision_provider_client(
         return "custom", client, final_model
 
     if requested == "auto":
-        for candidate in get_available_vision_backends():
+        ordered = list(_VISION_AUTO_PROVIDER_ORDER)
+        preferred = _preferred_main_vision_provider()
+        if preferred in ordered:
+            ordered.remove(preferred)
+            ordered.insert(0, preferred)
+
+        for candidate in ordered:
             sync_client, default_model = _resolve_strict_vision_backend(candidate)
             if sync_client is not None:
                 return _finalize(candidate, sync_client, default_model)
@@ -1204,6 +1347,39 @@ _client_cache: Dict[tuple, tuple] = {}
 _client_cache_lock = threading.Lock()
 
 
+def neuter_async_httpx_del() -> None:
+    """Monkey-patch ``AsyncHttpxClientWrapper.__del__`` to be a no-op.
+
+    The OpenAI SDK's ``AsyncHttpxClientWrapper.__del__`` schedules
+    ``self.aclose()`` via ``asyncio.get_running_loop().create_task()``.
+    When an ``AsyncOpenAI`` client is garbage-collected while
+    prompt_toolkit's event loop is running (the common CLI idle state),
+    the ``aclose()`` task runs on prompt_toolkit's loop but the
+    underlying TCP transport is bound to a *different* loop (the worker
+    thread's loop that the client was originally created on).  If that
+    loop is closed or its thread is dead, the transport's
+    ``self._loop.call_soon()`` raises ``RuntimeError("Event loop is
+    closed")``, which prompt_toolkit surfaces as "Unhandled exception
+    in event loop ... Press ENTER to continue...".
+
+    Neutering ``__del__`` is safe because:
+    - Cached clients are explicitly cleaned via ``_force_close_async_httpx``
+      on stale-loop detection and ``shutdown_cached_clients`` on exit.
+    - Uncached clients' TCP connections are cleaned up by the OS when the
+      process exits.
+    - The OpenAI SDK itself marks this as a TODO (``# TODO(someday):
+      support non asyncio runtimes here``).
+
+    Call this once at CLI startup, before any ``AsyncOpenAI`` clients are
+    created.
+    """
+    try:
+        from openai._base_client import AsyncHttpxClientWrapper
+        AsyncHttpxClientWrapper.__del__ = lambda self: None  # type: ignore[assignment]
+    except (ImportError, AttributeError):
+        pass  # Graceful degradation if the SDK changes its internals
+
+
 def _force_close_async_httpx(client: Any) -> None:
     """Mark the httpx AsyncClient inside an AsyncOpenAI client as closed.
 
@@ -1251,6 +1427,25 @@ def shutdown_cached_clients() -> None:
         _client_cache.clear()
 
 
+def cleanup_stale_async_clients() -> None:
+    """Force-close cached async clients whose event loop is closed.
+
+    Call this after each agent turn to proactively clean up stale clients
+    before GC can trigger ``AsyncHttpxClientWrapper.__del__`` on them.
+    This is defense-in-depth — the primary fix is ``neuter_async_httpx_del``
+    which disables ``__del__`` entirely.
+    """
+    with _client_cache_lock:
+        stale_keys = []
+        for key, entry in _client_cache.items():
+            client, _default, cached_loop = entry
+            if cached_loop is not None and cached_loop.is_closed():
+                _force_close_async_httpx(client)
+                stale_keys.append(key)
+        for key in stale_keys:
+            del _client_cache[key]
+
+
 def _get_cached_client(
     provider: str,
     model: str = None,
@@ -1258,13 +1453,33 @@ def _get_cached_client(
     base_url: str = None,
     api_key: str = None,
 ) -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str]]:
-    """Get or create a cached client for the given provider."""
-    cache_key = (provider, async_mode, base_url or "", api_key or "")
+    """Get or create a cached client for the given provider.
+
+    Async clients (AsyncOpenAI) use httpx.AsyncClient internally, which
+    binds to the event loop that was current when the client was created.
+    Using such a client on a *different* loop causes deadlocks or
+    RuntimeError.  To prevent cross-loop issues (especially in gateway
+    mode where _run_async() may spawn fresh loops in worker threads), the
+    cache key for async clients includes the current event loop's identity
+    so each loop gets its own client instance.
+    """
+    # Include loop identity for async clients to prevent cross-loop reuse.
+    # httpx.AsyncClient (inside AsyncOpenAI) is bound to the loop where it
+    # was created — reusing it on a different loop causes deadlocks (#2681).
+    loop_id = 0
+    current_loop = None
+    if async_mode:
+        try:
+            import asyncio as _aio
+            current_loop = _aio.get_event_loop()
+            loop_id = id(current_loop)
+        except RuntimeError:
+            pass
+    cache_key = (provider, async_mode, base_url or "", api_key or "", loop_id)
     with _client_cache_lock:
         if cache_key in _client_cache:
             cached_client, cached_default, cached_loop = _client_cache[cache_key]
             if async_mode:
-                # Async clients are bound to the event loop that created them.
                 # A cached async client whose loop has been closed will raise
                 # "Event loop is closed" when httpx tries to clean up its
                 # transport.  Discard the stale client and create a fresh one.
@@ -1286,13 +1501,7 @@ def _get_cached_client(
     if client is not None:
         # For async clients, remember which loop they were created on so we
         # can detect stale entries later.
-        bound_loop = None
-        if async_mode:
-            try:
-                import asyncio as _aio
-                bound_loop = _aio.get_event_loop()
-            except RuntimeError:
-                pass
+        bound_loop = current_loop
         with _client_cache_lock:
             if cache_key not in _client_cache:
                 _client_cache[cache_key] = (client, default_model, bound_loop)
@@ -1380,6 +1589,29 @@ def _resolve_task_provider_model(
     return "auto", resolved_model, None, None
 
 
+_DEFAULT_AUX_TIMEOUT = 30.0
+
+
+def _get_task_timeout(task: str, default: float = _DEFAULT_AUX_TIMEOUT) -> float:
+    """Read timeout from auxiliary.{task}.timeout in config, falling back to *default*."""
+    if not task:
+        return default
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+        config = load_config()
+    except ImportError:
+        return default
+    aux = config.get("auxiliary", {}) if isinstance(config, dict) else {}
+    task_config = aux.get(task, {}) if isinstance(aux, dict) else {}
+    raw = task_config.get("timeout")
+    if raw is not None:
+        try:
+            return float(raw)
+        except (ValueError, TypeError):
+            pass
+    return default
+
+
 def _build_call_kwargs(
     provider: str,
     model: str,
@@ -1437,7 +1669,7 @@ def call_llm(
     temperature: float = None,
     max_tokens: int = None,
     tools: list = None,
-    timeout: float = 30.0,
+    timeout: float = None,
     extra_body: dict = None,
 ) -> Any:
     """Centralized synchronous LLM call.
@@ -1455,7 +1687,7 @@ def call_llm(
         temperature: Sampling temperature (None = provider default).
         max_tokens: Max output tokens (handles max_tokens vs max_completion_tokens).
         tools: Tool definitions (for function calling).
-        timeout: Request timeout in seconds.
+        timeout: Request timeout in seconds (None = read from auxiliary.{task}.timeout config).
         extra_body: Additional request body fields.
 
     Returns:
@@ -1511,8 +1743,8 @@ def call_llm(
                 )
             # For auto/custom, fall back to OpenRouter
             if not resolved_base_url:
-                logger.warning("Provider %s unavailable, falling back to openrouter",
-                               resolved_provider)
+                logger.info("Auxiliary %s: provider %s unavailable, falling back to openrouter",
+                            task or "call", resolved_provider)
                 client, final_model = _get_cached_client(
                     "openrouter", resolved_model or _OPENROUTER_MODEL)
         if client is None:
@@ -1520,10 +1752,19 @@ def call_llm(
                 f"No LLM provider configured for task={task} provider={resolved_provider}. "
                 f"Run: hermes setup")
 
+    effective_timeout = timeout if timeout is not None else _get_task_timeout(task)
+
+    # Log what we're about to do — makes auxiliary operations visible
+    _base_info = str(getattr(client, "base_url", resolved_base_url) or "")
+    if task:
+        logger.info("Auxiliary %s: using %s (%s)%s",
+                     task, resolved_provider or "auto", final_model or "default",
+                     f" at {_base_info}" if _base_info and "openrouter" not in _base_info else "")
+
     kwargs = _build_call_kwargs(
         resolved_provider, final_model, messages,
         temperature=temperature, max_tokens=max_tokens,
-        tools=tools, timeout=timeout, extra_body=extra_body,
+        tools=tools, timeout=effective_timeout, extra_body=extra_body,
         base_url=resolved_base_url)
 
     # Handle max_tokens vs max_completion_tokens retry
@@ -1538,6 +1779,62 @@ def call_llm(
         raise
 
 
+def extract_content_or_reasoning(response) -> str:
+    """Extract content from an LLM response, falling back to reasoning fields.
+
+    Mirrors the main agent loop's behavior when a reasoning model (DeepSeek-R1,
+    Qwen-QwQ, etc.) returns ``content=None`` with reasoning in structured fields.
+
+    Resolution order:
+      1. ``message.content`` — strip inline think/reasoning blocks, check for
+         remaining non-whitespace text.
+      2. ``message.reasoning`` / ``message.reasoning_content`` — direct
+         structured reasoning fields (DeepSeek, Moonshot, Novita, etc.).
+      3. ``message.reasoning_details`` — OpenRouter unified array format.
+
+    Returns the best available text, or ``""`` if nothing found.
+    """
+    import re
+
+    msg = response.choices[0].message
+    content = (msg.content or "").strip()
+
+    if content:
+        # Strip inline think/reasoning blocks (mirrors _strip_think_blocks)
+        cleaned = re.sub(
+            r"<(?:think|thinking|reasoning|REASONING_SCRATCHPAD)>"
+            r".*?"
+            r"</(?:think|thinking|reasoning|REASONING_SCRATCHPAD)>",
+            "", content, flags=re.DOTALL | re.IGNORECASE,
+        ).strip()
+        if cleaned:
+            return cleaned
+
+    # Content is empty or reasoning-only — try structured reasoning fields
+    reasoning_parts: list[str] = []
+    for field in ("reasoning", "reasoning_content"):
+        val = getattr(msg, field, None)
+        if val and isinstance(val, str) and val.strip() and val not in reasoning_parts:
+            reasoning_parts.append(val.strip())
+
+    details = getattr(msg, "reasoning_details", None)
+    if details and isinstance(details, list):
+        for detail in details:
+            if isinstance(detail, dict):
+                summary = (
+                    detail.get("summary")
+                    or detail.get("content")
+                    or detail.get("text")
+                )
+                if summary and summary not in reasoning_parts:
+                    reasoning_parts.append(summary.strip() if isinstance(summary, str) else str(summary))
+
+    if reasoning_parts:
+        return "\n\n".join(reasoning_parts)
+
+    return ""
+
+
 async def async_call_llm(
     task: str = None,
     *,
@@ -1549,7 +1846,7 @@ async def async_call_llm(
     temperature: float = None,
     max_tokens: int = None,
     tools: list = None,
-    timeout: float = 30.0,
+    timeout: float = None,
     extra_body: dict = None,
 ) -> Any:
     """Centralized asynchronous LLM call.
@@ -1610,10 +1907,12 @@ async def async_call_llm(
                 f"No LLM provider configured for task={task} provider={resolved_provider}. "
                 f"Run: hermes setup")
 
+    effective_timeout = timeout if timeout is not None else _get_task_timeout(task)
+
     kwargs = _build_call_kwargs(
         resolved_provider, final_model, messages,
         temperature=temperature, max_tokens=max_tokens,
-        tools=tools, timeout=timeout, extra_body=extra_body,
+        tools=tools, timeout=effective_timeout, extra_body=extra_body,
         base_url=resolved_base_url)
 
     try:

agent/builtin_memory_provider.py

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+"""BuiltinMemoryProvider — wraps MEMORY.md / USER.md as a MemoryProvider.
+
+Always registered as the first provider. Cannot be disabled or removed.
+This is the existing Hermes memory system exposed through the provider
+interface for compatibility with the MemoryManager.
+
+The actual storage logic lives in tools/memory_tool.py (MemoryStore).
+This provider is a thin adapter that delegates to MemoryStore and
+exposes the memory tool schema.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import logging
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
+
+from agent.memory_provider import MemoryProvider
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+class BuiltinMemoryProvider(MemoryProvider):
+    """Built-in file-backed memory (MEMORY.md + USER.md).
+
+    Always active, never disabled by other providers. The `memory` tool
+    is handled by run_agent.py's agent-level tool interception (not through
+    the normal registry), so get_tool_schemas() returns an empty list —
+    the memory tool is already wired separately.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        memory_store=None,
+        memory_enabled: bool = False,
+        user_profile_enabled: bool = False,
+    ):
+        self._store = memory_store
+        self._memory_enabled = memory_enabled
+        self._user_profile_enabled = user_profile_enabled
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        return "builtin"
+
+    def is_available(self) -> bool:
+        """Built-in memory is always available."""
+        return True
+
+    def initialize(self, session_id: str, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Load memory from disk if not already loaded."""
+        if self._store is not None:
+            self._store.load_from_disk()
+
+    def system_prompt_block(self) -> str:
+        """Return MEMORY.md and USER.md content for the system prompt.
+
+        Uses the frozen snapshot captured at load time. This ensures the
+        system prompt stays stable throughout a session (preserving the
+        prompt cache), even though the live entries may change via tool calls.
+        """
+        if not self._store:
+            return ""
+
+        parts = []
+        if self._memory_enabled:
+            mem_block = self._store.format_for_system_prompt("memory")
+            if mem_block:
+                parts.append(mem_block)
+        if self._user_profile_enabled:
+            user_block = self._store.format_for_system_prompt("user")
+            if user_block:
+                parts.append(user_block)
+
+        return "\n\n".join(parts)
+
+    def prefetch(self, query: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> str:
+        """Built-in memory doesn't do query-based recall — it's injected via system_prompt_block."""
+        return ""
+
+    def sync_turn(self, user_content: str, assistant_content: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> None:
+        """Built-in memory doesn't auto-sync turns — writes happen via the memory tool."""
+
+    def get_tool_schemas(self) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Return empty list.
+
+        The `memory` tool is an agent-level intercepted tool, handled
+        specially in run_agent.py before normal tool dispatch. It's not
+        part of the standard tool registry. We don't duplicate it here.
+        """
+        return []
+
+    def handle_tool_call(self, tool_name: str, args: Dict[str, Any], **kwargs) -> str:
+        """Not used — the memory tool is intercepted in run_agent.py."""
+        return json.dumps({"error": "Built-in memory tool is handled by the agent loop"})
+
+    def shutdown(self) -> None:
+        """No cleanup needed — files are saved on every write."""
+
+    # -- Property access for backward compatibility --------------------------
+
+    @property
+    def store(self):
+        """Access the underlying MemoryStore for legacy code paths."""
+        return self._store
+
+    @property
+    def memory_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        return self._memory_enabled
+
+    @property
+    def user_profile_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        return self._user_profile_enabled

agent/context_compressor.py

@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ Improvements over v1:
 """
 
 import logging
-import os
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
 
 from agent.auxiliary_client import call_llm
@@ -35,14 +34,12 @@ SUMMARY_PREFIX = (
 )
 LEGACY_SUMMARY_PREFIX = "[CONTEXT SUMMARY]:"
 
-# Minimum / maximum tokens for the summary output
+# Minimum tokens for the summary output
 _MIN_SUMMARY_TOKENS = 2000
-_MAX_SUMMARY_TOKENS = 8000
 # Proportion of compressed content to allocate for summary
 _SUMMARY_RATIO = 0.20
-
-# Token budget for tail protection (keep most-recent context)
-_DEFAULT_TAIL_TOKEN_BUDGET = 20_000
+# Absolute ceiling for summary tokens (even on very large context windows)
+_SUMMARY_TOKENS_CEILING = 12_000
 
 # Placeholder used when pruning old tool results
 _PRUNED_TOOL_PLACEHOLDER = "[Old tool output cleared to save context space]"
@@ -67,8 +64,8 @@ class ContextCompressor:
         model: str,
         threshold_percent: float = 0.50,
         protect_first_n: int = 3,
-        protect_last_n: int = 4,
-        summary_target_tokens: int = 2500,
+        protect_last_n: int = 20,
+        summary_target_ratio: float = 0.20,
         quiet_mode: bool = False,
         summary_model_override: str = None,
         base_url: str = "",
@@ -83,7 +80,7 @@ class ContextCompressor:
         self.threshold_percent = threshold_percent
         self.protect_first_n = protect_first_n
         self.protect_last_n = protect_last_n
-        self.summary_target_tokens = summary_target_tokens
+        self.summary_target_ratio = max(0.10, min(summary_target_ratio, 0.80))
         self.quiet_mode = quiet_mode
 
         self.context_length = get_model_context_length(
@@ -94,12 +91,22 @@ class ContextCompressor:
         self.threshold_tokens = int(self.context_length * threshold_percent)
         self.compression_count = 0
 
+        # Derive token budgets: ratio is relative to the threshold, not total context
+        target_tokens = int(self.threshold_tokens * self.summary_target_ratio)
+        self.tail_token_budget = target_tokens
+        self.max_summary_tokens = min(
+            int(self.context_length * 0.05), _SUMMARY_TOKENS_CEILING,
+        )
+
         if not quiet_mode:
             logger.info(
                 "Context compressor initialized: model=%s context_length=%d "
-                "threshold=%d (%.0f%%) provider=%s base_url=%s",
+                "threshold=%d (%.0f%%) target_ratio=%.0f%% tail_budget=%d "
+                "provider=%s base_url=%s",
                 model, self.context_length, self.threshold_tokens,
-                threshold_percent * 100, provider or "none", base_url or "none",
+                threshold_percent * 100, self.summary_target_ratio * 100,
+                self.tail_token_budget,
+                provider or "none", base_url or "none",
             )
         self._context_probed = False  # True after a step-down from context error
 
@@ -134,7 +141,7 @@ class ContextCompressor:
             "last_prompt_tokens": self.last_prompt_tokens,
             "threshold_tokens": self.threshold_tokens,
             "context_length": self.context_length,
-            "usage_percent": (self.last_prompt_tokens / self.context_length * 100) if self.context_length else 0,
+            "usage_percent": min(100, (self.last_prompt_tokens / self.context_length * 100)) if self.context_length else 0,
             "compression_count": self.compression_count,
         }
 
@@ -179,10 +186,15 @@ class ContextCompressor:
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     def _compute_summary_budget(self, turns_to_summarize: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> int:
-        """Scale summary token budget with the amount of content being compressed."""
+        """Scale summary token budget with the amount of content being compressed.
+
+        The maximum scales with the model's context window (5% of context,
+        capped at ``_SUMMARY_TOKENS_CEILING``) so large-context models get
+        richer summaries instead of being hard-capped at 8K tokens.
+        """
         content_tokens = estimate_messages_tokens_rough(turns_to_summarize)
         budget = int(content_tokens * _SUMMARY_RATIO)
-        return max(_MIN_SUMMARY_TOKENS, min(budget, _MAX_SUMMARY_TOKENS))
+        return max(_MIN_SUMMARY_TOKENS, min(budget, self.max_summary_tokens))
 
     def _serialize_for_summary(self, turns: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> str:
         """Serialize conversation turns into labeled text for the summarizer.
@@ -335,7 +347,7 @@ Write only the summary body. Do not include any preamble or prefix."""
                 "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": prompt}],
                 "temperature": 0.3,
                 "max_tokens": summary_budget * 2,
-                "timeout": 45.0,
+                # timeout resolved from auxiliary.compression.timeout config by call_llm
             }
             if self.summary_model:
                 call_kwargs["model"] = self.summary_model
@@ -477,14 +489,20 @@ Write only the summary body. Do not include any preamble or prefix."""
 
     def _find_tail_cut_by_tokens(
         self, messages: List[Dict[str, Any]], head_end: int,
-        token_budget: int = _DEFAULT_TAIL_TOKEN_BUDGET,
+        token_budget: int | None = None,
     ) -> int:
         """Walk backward from the end of messages, accumulating tokens until
         the budget is reached. Returns the index where the tail starts.
 
+        ``token_budget`` defaults to ``self.tail_token_budget`` which is
+        derived from ``summary_target_ratio * context_length``, so it
+        scales automatically with the model's context window.
+
         Never cuts inside a tool_call/result group. Falls back to the old
         ``protect_last_n`` if the budget would protect fewer messages.
         """
+        if token_budget is None:
+            token_budget = self.tail_token_budget
         n = len(messages)
         min_tail = self.protect_last_n
         accumulated = 0

agent/context_references.py

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ REFERENCE_PATTERN = re.compile(
     r"(?<![\w/])@(?:(?P<simple>diff|staged)\b|(?P<kind>file|folder|git|url):(?P<value>\S+))"
 )
 TRAILING_PUNCTUATION = ",.;!?"
-_SENSITIVE_HOME_DIRS = (".ssh", ".aws", ".gnupg", ".kube")
+_SENSITIVE_HOME_DIRS = (".ssh", ".aws", ".gnupg", ".kube", ".docker", ".azure", ".config/gh")
 _SENSITIVE_HERMES_DIRS = (Path("skills") / ".hub",)
 _SENSITIVE_HOME_FILES = (
     Path(".ssh") / "authorized_keys",
@@ -286,12 +286,16 @@ def _expand_git_reference(
     args: list[str],
     label: str,
 ) -> tuple[str | None, str | None]:
-    result = subprocess.run(
-        ["git", *args],
-        cwd=cwd,
-        capture_output=True,
-        text=True,
-    )
+    try:
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", *args],
+            cwd=cwd,
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            timeout=30,
+        )
+    except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+        return f"{ref.raw}: git command timed out (30s)", None
     if result.returncode != 0:
         stderr = (result.stderr or "").strip() or "git command failed"
         return f"{ref.raw}: {stderr}", None
@@ -449,9 +453,12 @@ def _rg_files(path: Path, cwd: Path, limit: int) -> list[Path] | None:
             cwd=cwd,
             capture_output=True,
             text=True,
+            timeout=10,
         )
     except FileNotFoundError:
         return None
+    except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+        return None
     if result.returncode != 0:
         return None
     files = [Path(line.strip()) for line in result.stdout.splitlines() if line.strip()]

agent/credential_pool.py

@@ -0,0 +1,848 @@
+"""Persistent multi-credential pool for same-provider failover."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import logging
+import random
+import threading
+import time
+import uuid
+import os
+from dataclasses import dataclass, fields, replace
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set, Tuple
+
+from hermes_constants import OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
+import hermes_cli.auth as auth_mod
+from hermes_cli.auth import (
+    ACCESS_TOKEN_REFRESH_SKEW_SECONDS,
+    CODEX_ACCESS_TOKEN_REFRESH_SKEW_SECONDS,
+    DEFAULT_AGENT_KEY_MIN_TTL_SECONDS,
+    PROVIDER_REGISTRY,
+    _agent_key_is_usable,
+    _codex_access_token_is_expiring,
+    _decode_jwt_claims,
+    _is_expiring,
+    _load_auth_store,
+    _load_provider_state,
+    read_credential_pool,
+    write_credential_pool,
+)
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+def _load_config_safe() -> Optional[dict]:
+    """Load config.yaml, returning None on any error."""
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+
+        return load_config()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+# --- Status and type constants ---
+
+STATUS_OK = "ok"
+STATUS_EXHAUSTED = "exhausted"
+
+AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH = "oauth"
+AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY = "api_key"
+
+SOURCE_MANUAL = "manual"
+
+STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST = "fill_first"
+STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN = "round_robin"
+STRATEGY_RANDOM = "random"
+STRATEGY_LEAST_USED = "least_used"
+SUPPORTED_POOL_STRATEGIES = {
+    STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST,
+    STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN,
+    STRATEGY_RANDOM,
+    STRATEGY_LEAST_USED,
+}
+
+# Cooldown before retrying an exhausted credential.
+# 429 (rate-limited) cools down faster since quotas reset frequently.
+# 402 (billing/quota) and other codes use a longer default.
+EXHAUSTED_TTL_429_SECONDS = 60 * 60          # 1 hour
+EXHAUSTED_TTL_DEFAULT_SECONDS = 24 * 60 * 60 # 24 hours
+
+# Pool key prefix for custom OpenAI-compatible endpoints.
+# Custom endpoints all share provider='custom' but are keyed by their
+# custom_providers name: 'custom:<normalized_name>'.
+CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX = "custom:"
+
+
+# Fields that are only round-tripped through JSON — never used for logic as attributes.
+_EXTRA_KEYS = frozenset({
+    "token_type", "scope", "client_id", "portal_base_url", "obtained_at",
+    "expires_in", "agent_key_id", "agent_key_expires_in", "agent_key_reused",
+    "agent_key_obtained_at", "tls",
+})
+
+
+@dataclass
+class PooledCredential:
+    provider: str
+    id: str
+    label: str
+    auth_type: str
+    priority: int
+    source: str
+    access_token: str
+    refresh_token: Optional[str] = None
+    last_status: Optional[str] = None
+    last_status_at: Optional[float] = None
+    last_error_code: Optional[int] = None
+    base_url: Optional[str] = None
+    expires_at: Optional[str] = None
+    expires_at_ms: Optional[int] = None
+    last_refresh: Optional[str] = None
+    inference_base_url: Optional[str] = None
+    agent_key: Optional[str] = None
+    agent_key_expires_at: Optional[str] = None
+    request_count: int = 0
+    extra: Dict[str, Any] = None  # type: ignore[assignment]
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        if self.extra is None:
+            self.extra = {}
+
+    def __getattr__(self, name: str):
+        if name in _EXTRA_KEYS:
+            return self.extra.get(name)
+        raise AttributeError(f"'{type(self).__name__}' object has no attribute {name!r}")
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_dict(cls, provider: str, payload: Dict[str, Any]) -> "PooledCredential":
+        field_names = {f.name for f in fields(cls) if f.name != "provider"}
+        data = {k: payload.get(k) for k in field_names if k in payload}
+        extra = {k: payload[k] for k in _EXTRA_KEYS if k in payload and payload[k] is not None}
+        data["extra"] = extra
+        data.setdefault("id", uuid.uuid4().hex[:6])
+        data.setdefault("label", payload.get("source", provider))
+        data.setdefault("auth_type", AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY)
+        data.setdefault("priority", 0)
+        data.setdefault("source", SOURCE_MANUAL)
+        data.setdefault("access_token", "")
+        return cls(provider=provider, **data)
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        _ALWAYS_EMIT = {"last_status", "last_status_at", "last_error_code"}
+        result: Dict[str, Any] = {}
+        for field_def in fields(self):
+            if field_def.name in ("provider", "extra"):
+                continue
+            value = getattr(self, field_def.name)
+            if value is not None or field_def.name in _ALWAYS_EMIT:
+                result[field_def.name] = value
+        for k, v in self.extra.items():
+            if v is not None:
+                result[k] = v
+        return result
+
+    @property
+    def runtime_api_key(self) -> str:
+        if self.provider == "nous":
+            return str(self.agent_key or self.access_token or "")
+        return str(self.access_token or "")
+
+    @property
+    def runtime_base_url(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        if self.provider == "nous":
+            return self.inference_base_url or self.base_url
+        return self.base_url
+
+
+def label_from_token(token: str, fallback: str) -> str:
+    claims = _decode_jwt_claims(token)
+    for key in ("email", "preferred_username", "upn"):
+        value = claims.get(key)
+        if isinstance(value, str) and value.strip():
+            return value.strip()
+    return fallback
+
+
+def _next_priority(entries: List[PooledCredential]) -> int:
+    return max((entry.priority for entry in entries), default=-1) + 1
+
+
+def _is_manual_source(source: str) -> bool:
+    normalized = (source or "").strip().lower()
+    return normalized == SOURCE_MANUAL or normalized.startswith(f"{SOURCE_MANUAL}:")
+
+
+def _exhausted_ttl(error_code: Optional[int]) -> int:
+    """Return cooldown seconds based on the HTTP status that caused exhaustion."""
+    if error_code == 429:
+        return EXHAUSTED_TTL_429_SECONDS
+    return EXHAUSTED_TTL_DEFAULT_SECONDS
+
+
+def _normalize_custom_pool_name(name: str) -> str:
+    """Normalize a custom provider name for use as a pool key suffix."""
+    return name.strip().lower().replace(" ", "-")
+
+
+def _iter_custom_providers(config: Optional[dict] = None):
+    """Yield (normalized_name, entry_dict) for each valid custom_providers entry."""
+    if config is None:
+        config = _load_config_safe()
+    if config is None:
+        return
+    custom_providers = config.get("custom_providers")
+    if not isinstance(custom_providers, list):
+        return
+    for entry in custom_providers:
+        if not isinstance(entry, dict):
+            continue
+        name = entry.get("name")
+        if not isinstance(name, str):
+            continue
+        yield _normalize_custom_pool_name(name), entry
+
+
+def get_custom_provider_pool_key(base_url: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Look up the custom_providers list in config.yaml and return 'custom:<name>' for a matching base_url.
+
+    Returns None if no match is found.
+    """
+    if not base_url:
+        return None
+    normalized_url = base_url.strip().rstrip("/")
+    for norm_name, entry in _iter_custom_providers():
+        entry_url = str(entry.get("base_url") or "").strip().rstrip("/")
+        if entry_url and entry_url == normalized_url:
+            return f"{CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX}{norm_name}"
+    return None
+
+
+def list_custom_pool_providers() -> List[str]:
+    """Return all 'custom:*' pool keys that have entries in auth.json."""
+    pool_data = read_credential_pool(None)
+    return sorted(
+        key for key in pool_data
+        if key.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX)
+        and isinstance(pool_data.get(key), list)
+        and pool_data[key]
+    )
+
+
+def _get_custom_provider_config(pool_key: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Return the custom_providers config entry matching a pool key like 'custom:together.ai'."""
+    if not pool_key.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        return None
+    suffix = pool_key[len(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):]
+    for norm_name, entry in _iter_custom_providers():
+        if norm_name == suffix:
+            return entry
+    return None
+
+
+def get_pool_strategy(provider: str) -> str:
+    """Return the configured selection strategy for a provider."""
+    config = _load_config_safe()
+    if config is None:
+        return STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST
+
+    strategies = config.get("credential_pool_strategies")
+    if not isinstance(strategies, dict):
+        return STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST
+
+    strategy = str(strategies.get(provider, "") or "").strip().lower()
+    if strategy in SUPPORTED_POOL_STRATEGIES:
+        return strategy
+    return STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST
+
+
+class CredentialPool:
+    def __init__(self, provider: str, entries: List[PooledCredential]):
+        self.provider = provider
+        self._entries = sorted(entries, key=lambda entry: entry.priority)
+        self._current_id: Optional[str] = None
+        self._strategy = get_pool_strategy(provider)
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    def has_credentials(self) -> bool:
+        return bool(self._entries)
+
+    def has_available(self) -> bool:
+        """True if at least one entry is not currently in exhaustion cooldown."""
+        return bool(self._available_entries())
+
+    def entries(self) -> List[PooledCredential]:
+        return list(self._entries)
+
+    def current(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        if not self._current_id:
+            return None
+        return next((entry for entry in self._entries if entry.id == self._current_id), None)
+
+    def _replace_entry(self, old: PooledCredential, new: PooledCredential) -> None:
+        """Swap an entry in-place by id, preserving sort order."""
+        for idx, entry in enumerate(self._entries):
+            if entry.id == old.id:
+                self._entries[idx] = new
+                return
+
+    def _persist(self) -> None:
+        write_credential_pool(
+            self.provider,
+            [entry.to_dict() for entry in self._entries],
+        )
+
+    def _mark_exhausted(self, entry: PooledCredential, status_code: Optional[int]) -> PooledCredential:
+        updated = replace(
+            entry,
+            last_status=STATUS_EXHAUSTED,
+            last_status_at=time.time(),
+            last_error_code=status_code,
+        )
+        self._replace_entry(entry, updated)
+        self._persist()
+        return updated
+
+    def _refresh_entry(self, entry: PooledCredential, *, force: bool) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        if entry.auth_type != AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH or not entry.refresh_token:
+            if force:
+                self._mark_exhausted(entry, None)
+            return None
+
+        try:
+            if self.provider == "anthropic":
+                from agent.anthropic_adapter import refresh_anthropic_oauth_pure
+
+                refreshed = refresh_anthropic_oauth_pure(
+                    entry.refresh_token,
+                    use_json=entry.source.endswith("hermes_pkce"),
+                )
+                updated = replace(
+                    entry,
+                    access_token=refreshed["access_token"],
+                    refresh_token=refreshed["refresh_token"],
+                    expires_at_ms=refreshed["expires_at_ms"],
+                )
+            elif self.provider == "openai-codex":
+                refreshed = auth_mod.refresh_codex_oauth_pure(
+                    entry.access_token,
+                    entry.refresh_token,
+                )
+                updated = replace(
+                    entry,
+                    access_token=refreshed["access_token"],
+                    refresh_token=refreshed["refresh_token"],
+                    last_refresh=refreshed.get("last_refresh"),
+                )
+            elif self.provider == "nous":
+                nous_state = {
+                    "access_token": entry.access_token,
+                    "refresh_token": entry.refresh_token,
+                    "client_id": entry.client_id,
+                    "portal_base_url": entry.portal_base_url,
+                    "inference_base_url": entry.inference_base_url,
+                    "token_type": entry.token_type,
+                    "scope": entry.scope,
+                    "obtained_at": entry.obtained_at,
+                    "expires_at": entry.expires_at,
+                    "agent_key": entry.agent_key,
+                    "agent_key_expires_at": entry.agent_key_expires_at,
+                    "tls": entry.tls,
+                }
+                refreshed = auth_mod.refresh_nous_oauth_from_state(
+                    nous_state,
+                    min_key_ttl_seconds=DEFAULT_AGENT_KEY_MIN_TTL_SECONDS,
+                    force_refresh=force,
+                    force_mint=force,
+                )
+                # Apply returned fields: dataclass fields via replace, extras via dict update
+                field_updates = {}
+                extra_updates = dict(entry.extra)
+                _field_names = {f.name for f in fields(entry)}
+                for k, v in refreshed.items():
+                    if k in _field_names:
+                        field_updates[k] = v
+                    elif k in _EXTRA_KEYS:
+                        extra_updates[k] = v
+                updated = replace(entry, extra=extra_updates, **field_updates)
+            else:
+                return entry
+        except Exception as exc:
+            logger.debug("Credential refresh failed for %s/%s: %s", self.provider, entry.id, exc)
+            self._mark_exhausted(entry, None)
+            return None
+
+        updated = replace(updated, last_status=STATUS_OK, last_status_at=None, last_error_code=None)
+        self._replace_entry(entry, updated)
+        self._persist()
+        return updated
+
+    def _entry_needs_refresh(self, entry: PooledCredential) -> bool:
+        if entry.auth_type != AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH:
+            return False
+        if self.provider == "anthropic":
+            if entry.expires_at_ms is None:
+                return False
+            return int(entry.expires_at_ms) <= int(time.time() * 1000) + 120_000
+        if self.provider == "openai-codex":
+            return _codex_access_token_is_expiring(
+                entry.access_token,
+                CODEX_ACCESS_TOKEN_REFRESH_SKEW_SECONDS,
+            )
+        if self.provider == "nous":
+            # Nous refresh/mint can require network access and should happen when
+            # runtime credentials are actually resolved, not merely when the pool
+            # is enumerated for listing, migration, or selection.
+            return False
+        return False
+
+    def mark_used(self, entry_id: Optional[str] = None) -> None:
+        """Increment request_count for tracking. Used by least_used strategy."""
+        target_id = entry_id or self._current_id
+        if not target_id:
+            return
+        with self._lock:
+            for idx, entry in enumerate(self._entries):
+                if entry.id == target_id:
+                    self._entries[idx] = replace(entry, request_count=entry.request_count + 1)
+                    return
+
+    def select(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._select_unlocked()
+
+    def _available_entries(self, *, clear_expired: bool = False, refresh: bool = False) -> List[PooledCredential]:
+        """Return entries not currently in exhaustion cooldown.
+
+        When *clear_expired* is True, entries whose cooldown has elapsed are
+        reset to STATUS_OK and persisted.  When *refresh* is True, entries
+        that need a token refresh are refreshed (skipped on failure).
+        """
+        now = time.time()
+        cleared_any = False
+        available: List[PooledCredential] = []
+        for entry in self._entries:
+            if entry.last_status == STATUS_EXHAUSTED:
+                ttl = _exhausted_ttl(entry.last_error_code)
+                if entry.last_status_at and now - entry.last_status_at < ttl:
+                    continue
+                if clear_expired:
+                    cleared = replace(entry, last_status=STATUS_OK, last_status_at=None, last_error_code=None)
+                    self._replace_entry(entry, cleared)
+                    entry = cleared
+                    cleared_any = True
+            if refresh and self._entry_needs_refresh(entry):
+                refreshed = self._refresh_entry(entry, force=False)
+                if refreshed is None:
+                    continue
+                entry = refreshed
+            available.append(entry)
+        if cleared_any:
+            self._persist()
+        return available
+
+    def _select_unlocked(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        available = self._available_entries(clear_expired=True, refresh=True)
+        if not available:
+            self._current_id = None
+            return None
+
+        if self._strategy == STRATEGY_RANDOM:
+            entry = random.choice(available)
+            self._current_id = entry.id
+            return entry
+
+        if self._strategy == STRATEGY_LEAST_USED and len(available) > 1:
+            entry = min(available, key=lambda e: e.request_count)
+            self._current_id = entry.id
+            return entry
+
+        if self._strategy == STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN and len(available) > 1:
+            entry = available[0]
+            rotated = [candidate for candidate in self._entries if candidate.id != entry.id]
+            rotated.append(replace(entry, priority=len(self._entries) - 1))
+            self._entries = [replace(candidate, priority=idx) for idx, candidate in enumerate(rotated)]
+            self._persist()
+            self._current_id = entry.id
+            return self.current() or entry
+
+        entry = available[0]
+        self._current_id = entry.id
+        return entry
+
+    def peek(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        current = self.current()
+        if current is not None:
+            return current
+        available = self._available_entries()
+        return available[0] if available else None
+
+    def mark_exhausted_and_rotate(self, *, status_code: Optional[int]) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        with self._lock:
+            entry = self.current() or self._select_unlocked()
+            if entry is None:
+                return None
+            self._mark_exhausted(entry, status_code)
+            self._current_id = None
+            return self._select_unlocked()
+
+    def try_refresh_current(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        with self._lock:
+            return self._try_refresh_current_unlocked()
+
+    def _try_refresh_current_unlocked(self) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        entry = self.current()
+        if entry is None:
+            return None
+        refreshed = self._refresh_entry(entry, force=True)
+        if refreshed is not None:
+            self._current_id = refreshed.id
+        return refreshed
+
+    def reset_statuses(self) -> int:
+        count = 0
+        new_entries = []
+        for entry in self._entries:
+            if entry.last_status or entry.last_status_at or entry.last_error_code:
+                new_entries.append(replace(entry, last_status=None, last_status_at=None, last_error_code=None))
+                count += 1
+            else:
+                new_entries.append(entry)
+        if count:
+            self._entries = new_entries
+            self._persist()
+        return count
+
+    def remove_index(self, index: int) -> Optional[PooledCredential]:
+        if index < 1 or index > len(self._entries):
+            return None
+        removed = self._entries.pop(index - 1)
+        self._entries = [
+            replace(entry, priority=new_priority)
+            for new_priority, entry in enumerate(self._entries)
+        ]
+        self._persist()
+        if self._current_id == removed.id:
+            self._current_id = None
+        return removed
+
+    def add_entry(self, entry: PooledCredential) -> PooledCredential:
+        entry = replace(entry, priority=_next_priority(self._entries))
+        self._entries.append(entry)
+        self._persist()
+        return entry
+
+
+def _upsert_entry(entries: List[PooledCredential], provider: str, source: str, payload: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+    existing_idx = None
+    for idx, entry in enumerate(entries):
+        if entry.source == source:
+            existing_idx = idx
+            break
+
+    if existing_idx is None:
+        payload.setdefault("id", uuid.uuid4().hex[:6])
+        payload.setdefault("priority", _next_priority(entries))
+        payload.setdefault("label", payload.get("label") or source)
+        entries.append(PooledCredential.from_dict(provider, payload))
+        return True
+
+    existing = entries[existing_idx]
+    field_updates = {}
+    extra_updates = {}
+    _field_names = {f.name for f in fields(existing)}
+    for key, value in payload.items():
+        if key in {"id", "priority"} or value is None:
+            continue
+        if key == "label" and existing.label:
+            continue
+        if key in _field_names:
+            if getattr(existing, key) != value:
+                field_updates[key] = value
+        elif key in _EXTRA_KEYS:
+            if existing.extra.get(key) != value:
+                extra_updates[key] = value
+    if field_updates or extra_updates:
+        if extra_updates:
+            field_updates["extra"] = {**existing.extra, **extra_updates}
+        entries[existing_idx] = replace(existing, **field_updates)
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def _normalize_pool_priorities(provider: str, entries: List[PooledCredential]) -> bool:
+    if provider != "anthropic":
+        return False
+
+    source_rank = {
+        "env:ANTHROPIC_TOKEN": 0,
+        "env:CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN": 1,
+        "hermes_pkce": 2,
+        "claude_code": 3,
+        "env:ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": 4,
+    }
+    manual_entries = sorted(
+        (entry for entry in entries if _is_manual_source(entry.source)),
+        key=lambda entry: entry.priority,
+    )
+    seeded_entries = sorted(
+        (entry for entry in entries if not _is_manual_source(entry.source)),
+        key=lambda entry: (
+            source_rank.get(entry.source, len(source_rank)),
+            entry.priority,
+            entry.label,
+        ),
+    )
+
+    ordered = [*manual_entries, *seeded_entries]
+    id_to_idx = {entry.id: idx for idx, entry in enumerate(entries)}
+    changed = False
+    for new_priority, entry in enumerate(ordered):
+        if entry.priority != new_priority:
+            entries[id_to_idx[entry.id]] = replace(entry, priority=new_priority)
+            changed = True
+    return changed
+
+
+def _seed_from_singletons(provider: str, entries: List[PooledCredential]) -> Tuple[bool, Set[str]]:
+    changed = False
+    active_sources: Set[str] = set()
+    auth_store = _load_auth_store()
+
+    if provider == "anthropic":
+        from agent.anthropic_adapter import read_claude_code_credentials, read_hermes_oauth_credentials
+
+        for source_name, creds in (
+            ("hermes_pkce", read_hermes_oauth_credentials()),
+            ("claude_code", read_claude_code_credentials()),
+        ):
+            if creds and creds.get("accessToken"):
+                active_sources.add(source_name)
+                changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                    entries,
+                    provider,
+                    source_name,
+                    {
+                        "source": source_name,
+                        "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+                        "access_token": creds.get("accessToken", ""),
+                        "refresh_token": creds.get("refreshToken"),
+                        "expires_at_ms": creds.get("expiresAt"),
+                        "label": label_from_token(creds.get("accessToken", ""), source_name),
+                    },
+                )
+
+    elif provider == "nous":
+        state = _load_provider_state(auth_store, "nous")
+        if state:
+            active_sources.add("device_code")
+            changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                entries,
+                provider,
+                "device_code",
+                {
+                    "source": "device_code",
+                    "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+                    "access_token": state.get("access_token", ""),
+                    "refresh_token": state.get("refresh_token"),
+                    "expires_at": state.get("expires_at"),
+                    "token_type": state.get("token_type"),
+                    "scope": state.get("scope"),
+                    "client_id": state.get("client_id"),
+                    "portal_base_url": state.get("portal_base_url"),
+                    "inference_base_url": state.get("inference_base_url"),
+                    "agent_key": state.get("agent_key"),
+                    "agent_key_expires_at": state.get("agent_key_expires_at"),
+                    "tls": state.get("tls") if isinstance(state.get("tls"), dict) else None,
+                    "label": label_from_token(state.get("access_token", ""), "device_code"),
+                },
+            )
+
+    elif provider == "openai-codex":
+        state = _load_provider_state(auth_store, "openai-codex")
+        tokens = state.get("tokens") if isinstance(state, dict) else None
+        if isinstance(tokens, dict) and tokens.get("access_token"):
+            active_sources.add("device_code")
+            changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                entries,
+                provider,
+                "device_code",
+                {
+                    "source": "device_code",
+                    "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+                    "access_token": tokens.get("access_token", ""),
+                    "refresh_token": tokens.get("refresh_token"),
+                    "base_url": "https://chatgpt.com/backend-api/codex",
+                    "last_refresh": state.get("last_refresh"),
+                    "label": label_from_token(tokens.get("access_token", ""), "device_code"),
+                },
+            )
+
+    return changed, active_sources
+
+
+def _seed_from_env(provider: str, entries: List[PooledCredential]) -> Tuple[bool, Set[str]]:
+    changed = False
+    active_sources: Set[str] = set()
+    if provider == "openrouter":
+        token = os.getenv("OPENROUTER_API_KEY", "").strip()
+        if token:
+            source = "env:OPENROUTER_API_KEY"
+            active_sources.add(source)
+            changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                entries,
+                provider,
+                source,
+                {
+                    "source": source,
+                    "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY,
+                    "access_token": token,
+                    "base_url": OPENROUTER_BASE_URL,
+                    "label": "OPENROUTER_API_KEY",
+                },
+            )
+        return changed, active_sources
+
+    pconfig = PROVIDER_REGISTRY.get(provider)
+    if not pconfig or pconfig.auth_type != AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY:
+        return changed, active_sources
+
+    env_url = ""
+    if pconfig.base_url_env_var:
+        env_url = os.getenv(pconfig.base_url_env_var, "").strip().rstrip("/")
+
+    env_vars = list(pconfig.api_key_env_vars)
+    if provider == "anthropic":
+        env_vars = [
+            "ANTHROPIC_TOKEN",
+            "CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN",
+            "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY",
+        ]
+
+    for env_var in env_vars:
+        token = os.getenv(env_var, "").strip()
+        if not token:
+            continue
+        source = f"env:{env_var}"
+        active_sources.add(source)
+        auth_type = AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH if provider == "anthropic" and not token.startswith("sk-ant-api") else AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY
+        base_url = env_url or pconfig.inference_base_url
+        changed |= _upsert_entry(
+            entries,
+            provider,
+            source,
+            {
+                "source": source,
+                "auth_type": auth_type,
+                "access_token": token,
+                "base_url": base_url,
+                "label": env_var,
+            },
+        )
+    return changed, active_sources
+
+
+def _prune_stale_seeded_entries(entries: List[PooledCredential], active_sources: Set[str]) -> bool:
+    retained = [
+        entry
+        for entry in entries
+        if _is_manual_source(entry.source)
+        or entry.source in active_sources
+        or not (
+            entry.source.startswith("env:")
+            or entry.source in {"claude_code", "hermes_pkce"}
+        )
+    ]
+    if len(retained) == len(entries):
+        return False
+    entries[:] = retained
+    return True
+
+
+def _seed_custom_pool(pool_key: str, entries: List[PooledCredential]) -> Tuple[bool, Set[str]]:
+    """Seed a custom endpoint pool from custom_providers config and model config."""
+    changed = False
+    active_sources: Set[str] = set()
+
+    # Seed from the custom_providers config entry's api_key field
+    cp_config = _get_custom_provider_config(pool_key)
+    if cp_config:
+        api_key = str(cp_config.get("api_key") or "").strip()
+        base_url = str(cp_config.get("base_url") or "").strip().rstrip("/")
+        name = str(cp_config.get("name") or "").strip()
+        if api_key:
+            source = f"config:{name}"
+            active_sources.add(source)
+            changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                entries,
+                pool_key,
+                source,
+                {
+                    "source": source,
+                    "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY,
+                    "access_token": api_key,
+                    "base_url": base_url,
+                    "label": name or source,
+                },
+            )
+
+    # Seed from model.api_key if model.provider=='custom' and model.base_url matches
+    try:
+        config = _load_config_safe()
+        model_cfg = config.get("model") if config else None
+        if isinstance(model_cfg, dict):
+            model_provider = str(model_cfg.get("provider") or "").strip().lower()
+            model_base_url = str(model_cfg.get("base_url") or "").strip().rstrip("/")
+            model_api_key = ""
+            for k in ("api_key", "api"):
+                v = model_cfg.get(k)
+                if isinstance(v, str) and v.strip():
+                    model_api_key = v.strip()
+                    break
+            if model_provider == "custom" and model_base_url and model_api_key:
+                # Check if this model's base_url matches our custom provider
+                matched_key = get_custom_provider_pool_key(model_base_url)
+                if matched_key == pool_key:
+                    source = "model_config"
+                    active_sources.add(source)
+                    changed |= _upsert_entry(
+                        entries,
+                        pool_key,
+                        source,
+                        {
+                            "source": source,
+                            "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY,
+                            "access_token": model_api_key,
+                            "base_url": model_base_url,
+                            "label": "model_config",
+                        },
+                    )
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    return changed, active_sources
+
+
+def load_pool(provider: str) -> CredentialPool:
+    provider = (provider or "").strip().lower()
+    raw_entries = read_credential_pool(provider)
+    entries = [PooledCredential.from_dict(provider, payload) for payload in raw_entries]
+
+    if provider.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        # Custom endpoint pool — seed from custom_providers config and model config
+        custom_changed, custom_sources = _seed_custom_pool(provider, entries)
+        changed = custom_changed
+        changed |= _prune_stale_seeded_entries(entries, custom_sources)
+    else:
+        singleton_changed, singleton_sources = _seed_from_singletons(provider, entries)
+        env_changed, env_sources = _seed_from_env(provider, entries)
+        changed = singleton_changed or env_changed
+        changed |= _prune_stale_seeded_entries(entries, singleton_sources | env_sources)
+        changed |= _normalize_pool_priorities(provider, entries)
+
+    if changed:
+        write_credential_pool(
+            provider,
+            [entry.to_dict() for entry in sorted(entries, key=lambda item: item.priority)],
+        )
+    return CredentialPool(provider, entries)

agent/display.py

@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ import os
 import sys
 import threading
 import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from difflib import unified_diff
+from pathlib import Path
 
 # ANSI escape codes for coloring tool failure indicators
 _RED = "\033[31m"
@@ -17,6 +20,39 @@ _RESET = "\033[0m"
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+_ANSI_RESET = "\033[0m"
+_ANSI_DIM = "\033[38;2;150;150;150m"
+_ANSI_FILE = "\033[38;2;180;160;255m"
+_ANSI_HUNK = "\033[38;2;120;120;140m"
+_ANSI_MINUS = "\033[38;2;255;255;255;48;2;120;20;20m"
+_ANSI_PLUS = "\033[38;2;255;255;255;48;2;20;90;20m"
+_MAX_INLINE_DIFF_FILES = 6
+_MAX_INLINE_DIFF_LINES = 80
+
+
+@dataclass
+class LocalEditSnapshot:
+    """Pre-tool filesystem snapshot used to render diffs locally after writes."""
+    paths: list[Path] = field(default_factory=list)
+    before: dict[str, str | None] = field(default_factory=dict)
+
+# =========================================================================
+# Configurable tool preview length (0 = no limit)
+# Set once at startup by CLI or gateway from display.tool_preview_length config.
+# =========================================================================
+_tool_preview_max_len: int = 0  # 0 = unlimited
+
+
+def set_tool_preview_max_len(n: int) -> None:
+    """Set the global max length for tool call previews. 0 = no limit."""
+    global _tool_preview_max_len
+    _tool_preview_max_len = max(int(n), 0) if n else 0
+
+
+def get_tool_preview_max_len() -> int:
+    """Return the configured max preview length (0 = unlimited)."""
+    return _tool_preview_max_len
+
 
 # =========================================================================
 # Skin-aware helpers (lazy import to avoid circular deps)
@@ -94,8 +130,14 @@ def _oneline(text: str) -> str:
     return " ".join(text.split())
 
 
-def build_tool_preview(tool_name: str, args: dict, max_len: int = 40) -> str | None:
-    """Build a short preview of a tool call's primary argument for display."""
+def build_tool_preview(tool_name: str, args: dict, max_len: int | None = None) -> str | None:
+    """Build a short preview of a tool call's primary argument for display.
+
+    *max_len* controls truncation.  ``None`` (default) defers to the global
+    ``_tool_preview_max_len`` set via config; ``0`` means unlimited.
+    """
+    if max_len is None:
+        max_len = _tool_preview_max_len
     if not args:
         return None
     primary_args = {
@@ -190,11 +232,305 @@ def build_tool_preview(tool_name: str, args: dict, max_len: int = 40) -> str | N
     preview = _oneline(str(value))
     if not preview:
         return None
-    if len(preview) > max_len:
+    if max_len > 0 and len(preview) > max_len:
         preview = preview[:max_len - 3] + "..."
     return preview
 
 
+# =========================================================================
+# Inline diff previews for write actions
+# =========================================================================
+
+def _resolved_path(path: str) -> Path:
+    """Resolve a possibly-relative filesystem path against the current cwd."""
+    candidate = Path(os.path.expanduser(path))
+    if candidate.is_absolute():
+        return candidate
+    return Path.cwd() / candidate
+
+
+def _snapshot_text(path: Path) -> str | None:
+    """Return UTF-8 file content, or None for missing/unreadable files."""
+    try:
+        return path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    except (FileNotFoundError, IsADirectoryError, UnicodeDecodeError, OSError):
+        return None
+
+
+def _display_diff_path(path: Path) -> str:
+    """Prefer cwd-relative paths in diffs when available."""
+    try:
+        return str(path.resolve().relative_to(Path.cwd().resolve()))
+    except Exception:
+        return str(path)
+
+
+def _resolve_skill_manage_paths(args: dict) -> list[Path]:
+    """Resolve skill_manage write targets to filesystem paths."""
+    action = args.get("action")
+    name = args.get("name")
+    if not action or not name:
+        return []
+
+    from tools.skill_manager_tool import _find_skill, _resolve_skill_dir
+
+    if action == "create":
+        skill_dir = _resolve_skill_dir(name, args.get("category"))
+        return [skill_dir / "SKILL.md"]
+
+    existing = _find_skill(name)
+    if not existing:
+        return []
+
+    skill_dir = Path(existing["path"])
+    if action in {"edit", "patch"}:
+        file_path = args.get("file_path")
+        return [skill_dir / file_path] if file_path else [skill_dir / "SKILL.md"]
+    if action in {"write_file", "remove_file"}:
+        file_path = args.get("file_path")
+        return [skill_dir / file_path] if file_path else []
+    if action == "delete":
+        files = [path for path in sorted(skill_dir.rglob("*")) if path.is_file()]
+        return files
+    return []
+
+
+def _resolve_local_edit_paths(tool_name: str, function_args: dict | None) -> list[Path]:
+    """Resolve local filesystem targets for write-capable tools."""
+    if not isinstance(function_args, dict):
+        return []
+
+    if tool_name == "write_file":
+        path = function_args.get("path")
+        return [_resolved_path(path)] if path else []
+
+    if tool_name == "patch":
+        path = function_args.get("path")
+        return [_resolved_path(path)] if path else []
+
+    if tool_name == "skill_manage":
+        return _resolve_skill_manage_paths(function_args)
+
+    return []
+
+
+def capture_local_edit_snapshot(tool_name: str, function_args: dict | None) -> LocalEditSnapshot | None:
+    """Capture before-state for local write previews."""
+    paths = _resolve_local_edit_paths(tool_name, function_args)
+    if not paths:
+        return None
+
+    snapshot = LocalEditSnapshot(paths=paths)
+    for path in paths:
+        snapshot.before[str(path)] = _snapshot_text(path)
+    return snapshot
+
+
+def _result_succeeded(result: str | None) -> bool:
+    """Conservatively detect whether a tool result represents success."""
+    if not result:
+        return False
+    try:
+        data = json.loads(result)
+    except (json.JSONDecodeError, TypeError):
+        return False
+    if not isinstance(data, dict):
+        return False
+    if data.get("error"):
+        return False
+    if "success" in data:
+        return bool(data.get("success"))
+    return True
+
+
+def _diff_from_snapshot(snapshot: LocalEditSnapshot | None) -> str | None:
+    """Generate unified diff text from a stored before-state and current files."""
+    if not snapshot:
+        return None
+
+    chunks: list[str] = []
+    for path in snapshot.paths:
+        before = snapshot.before.get(str(path))
+        after = _snapshot_text(path)
+        if before == after:
+            continue
+
+        display_path = _display_diff_path(path)
+        diff = "".join(
+            unified_diff(
+                [] if before is None else before.splitlines(keepends=True),
+                [] if after is None else after.splitlines(keepends=True),
+                fromfile=f"a/{display_path}",
+                tofile=f"b/{display_path}",
+            )
+        )
+        if diff:
+            chunks.append(diff)
+
+    if not chunks:
+        return None
+    return "".join(chunk if chunk.endswith("\n") else chunk + "\n" for chunk in chunks)
+
+
+def extract_edit_diff(
+    tool_name: str,
+    result: str | None,
+    *,
+    function_args: dict | None = None,
+    snapshot: LocalEditSnapshot | None = None,
+) -> str | None:
+    """Extract a unified diff from a file-edit tool result."""
+    if tool_name == "patch" and result:
+        try:
+            data = json.loads(result)
+        except (json.JSONDecodeError, TypeError):
+            data = None
+        if isinstance(data, dict):
+            diff = data.get("diff")
+            if isinstance(diff, str) and diff.strip():
+                return diff
+
+    if tool_name not in {"write_file", "patch", "skill_manage"}:
+        return None
+    if not _result_succeeded(result):
+        return None
+    return _diff_from_snapshot(snapshot)
+
+
+def _emit_inline_diff(diff_text: str, print_fn) -> bool:
+    """Emit rendered diff text through the CLI's prompt_toolkit-safe printer."""
+    if print_fn is None or not diff_text:
+        return False
+    try:
+        print_fn("  ┊ review diff")
+        for line in diff_text.rstrip("\n").splitlines():
+            print_fn(line)
+        return True
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def _render_inline_unified_diff(diff: str) -> list[str]:
+    """Render unified diff lines in Hermes' inline transcript style."""
+    rendered: list[str] = []
+    from_file = None
+    to_file = None
+
+    for raw_line in diff.splitlines():
+        if raw_line.startswith("--- "):
+            from_file = raw_line[4:].strip()
+            continue
+        if raw_line.startswith("+++ "):
+            to_file = raw_line[4:].strip()
+            if from_file or to_file:
+                rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_FILE}{from_file or 'a/?'} → {to_file or 'b/?'}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+            continue
+        if raw_line.startswith("@@"):
+            rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_HUNK}{raw_line}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+            continue
+        if raw_line.startswith("-"):
+            rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_MINUS}{raw_line}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+            continue
+        if raw_line.startswith("+"):
+            rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_PLUS}{raw_line}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+            continue
+        if raw_line.startswith(" "):
+            rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_DIM}{raw_line}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+            continue
+        if raw_line:
+            rendered.append(raw_line)
+
+    return rendered
+
+
+def _split_unified_diff_sections(diff: str) -> list[str]:
+    """Split a unified diff into per-file sections."""
+    sections: list[list[str]] = []
+    current: list[str] = []
+
+    for line in diff.splitlines():
+        if line.startswith("--- ") and current:
+            sections.append(current)
+            current = [line]
+            continue
+        current.append(line)
+
+    if current:
+        sections.append(current)
+
+    return ["\n".join(section) for section in sections if section]
+
+
+def _summarize_rendered_diff_sections(
+    diff: str,
+    *,
+    max_files: int = _MAX_INLINE_DIFF_FILES,
+    max_lines: int = _MAX_INLINE_DIFF_LINES,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Render diff sections while capping file count and total line count."""
+    sections = _split_unified_diff_sections(diff)
+    rendered: list[str] = []
+    omitted_files = 0
+    omitted_lines = 0
+
+    for idx, section in enumerate(sections):
+        if idx >= max_files:
+            omitted_files += 1
+            omitted_lines += len(_render_inline_unified_diff(section))
+            continue
+
+        section_lines = _render_inline_unified_diff(section)
+        remaining_budget = max_lines - len(rendered)
+        if remaining_budget <= 0:
+            omitted_lines += len(section_lines)
+            omitted_files += 1
+            continue
+
+        if len(section_lines) <= remaining_budget:
+            rendered.extend(section_lines)
+            continue
+
+        rendered.extend(section_lines[:remaining_budget])
+        omitted_lines += len(section_lines) - remaining_budget
+        omitted_files += 1 + max(0, len(sections) - idx - 1)
+        for leftover in sections[idx + 1:]:
+            omitted_lines += len(_render_inline_unified_diff(leftover))
+        break
+
+    if omitted_files or omitted_lines:
+        summary = f"… omitted {omitted_lines} diff line(s)"
+        if omitted_files:
+            summary += f" across {omitted_files} additional file(s)/section(s)"
+        rendered.append(f"{_ANSI_HUNK}{summary}{_ANSI_RESET}")
+
+    return rendered
+
+
+def render_edit_diff_with_delta(
+    tool_name: str,
+    result: str | None,
+    *,
+    function_args: dict | None = None,
+    snapshot: LocalEditSnapshot | None = None,
+    print_fn=None,
+) -> bool:
+    """Render an edit diff inline without taking over the terminal UI."""
+    diff = extract_edit_diff(
+        tool_name,
+        result,
+        function_args=function_args,
+        snapshot=snapshot,
+    )
+    if not diff:
+        return False
+    try:
+        rendered_lines = _summarize_rendered_diff_sections(diff)
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug("Could not render inline diff: %s", exc)
+        return False
+    return _emit_inline_diff("\n".join(rendered_lines), print_fn)
+
+
 # =========================================================================
 # KawaiiSpinner
 # =========================================================================
@@ -231,7 +567,7 @@ class KawaiiSpinner:
         "analyzing", "computing", "synthesizing", "formulating", "brainstorming",
     ]
 
-    def __init__(self, message: str = "", spinner_type: str = 'dots'):
+    def __init__(self, message: str = "", spinner_type: str = 'dots', print_fn=None):
         self.message = message
         self.spinner_frames = self.SPINNERS.get(spinner_type, self.SPINNERS['dots'])
         self.running = False
@@ -239,13 +575,26 @@ class KawaiiSpinner:
         self.frame_idx = 0
         self.start_time = None
         self.last_line_len = 0
-        self._last_flush_time = 0.0  # Rate-limit flushes for patch_stdout compat
+        # Optional callable to route all output through (e.g. a no-op for silent
+        # background agents).  When set, bypasses self._out entirely so that
+        # agents with _print_fn overridden remain fully silent.
+        self._print_fn = print_fn
         # Capture stdout NOW, before any redirect_stdout(devnull) from
         # child agents can replace sys.stdout with a black hole.
         self._out = sys.stdout
 
     def _write(self, text: str, end: str = '\n', flush: bool = False):
-        """Write to the stdout captured at spinner creation time."""
+        """Write to the stdout captured at spinner creation time.
+
+        If a print_fn was supplied at construction, all output is routed through
+        it instead — allowing callers to silence the spinner with a no-op lambda.
+        """
+        if self._print_fn is not None:
+            try:
+                self._print_fn(text)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            return
         try:
             self._out.write(text + end)
             if flush:
@@ -253,16 +602,50 @@ class KawaiiSpinner:
         except (ValueError, OSError):
             pass
 
+    @property
+    def _is_tty(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if output is a real terminal, safe against closed streams."""
+        try:
+            return hasattr(self._out, 'isatty') and self._out.isatty()
+        except (ValueError, OSError):
+            return False
+
+    def _is_patch_stdout_proxy(self) -> bool:
+        """Return True when stdout is prompt_toolkit's StdoutProxy.
+
+        patch_stdout wraps sys.stdout in a StdoutProxy that queues writes and
+        injects newlines around each flush().  The \\r overwrite never lands on
+        the correct line — each spinner frame ends up on its own line.
+
+        The CLI already drives a TUI widget (_spinner_text) for spinner display,
+        so KawaiiSpinner's \\r-based animation is redundant under StdoutProxy.
+        """
+        try:
+            from prompt_toolkit.patch_stdout import StdoutProxy
+            return isinstance(self._out, StdoutProxy)
+        except ImportError:
+            return False
+
     def _animate(self):
         # When stdout is not a real terminal (e.g. Docker, systemd, pipe),
         # skip the animation entirely — it creates massive log bloat.
         # Just log the start once and let stop() log the completion.
-        if not hasattr(self._out, 'isatty') or not self._out.isatty():
+        if not self._is_tty:
             self._write(f"  [tool] {self.message}", flush=True)
             while self.running:
                 time.sleep(0.5)
             return
 
+        # When running inside prompt_toolkit's patch_stdout context the CLI
+        # renders spinner state via a dedicated TUI widget (_spinner_text).
+        # Driving a \r-based animation here too causes visual overdraw: the
+        # StdoutProxy injects newlines around each flush, so every frame lands
+        # on a new line and overwrites the status bar.
+        if self._is_patch_stdout_proxy():
+            while self.running:
+                time.sleep(0.1)
+            return
+
         # Cache skin wings at start (avoid per-frame imports)
         skin = _get_skin()
         wings = skin.get_spinner_wings() if skin else []
@@ -279,18 +662,7 @@ class KawaiiSpinner:
             else:
                 line = f"  {frame} {self.message} ({elapsed:.1f}s)"
             pad = max(self.last_line_len - len(line), 0)
-            # Rate-limit flush() calls to avoid spinner spam under
-            # prompt_toolkit's patch_stdout.  Each flush() pushes a queue
-            # item that may trigger a separate run_in_terminal() call; if
-            # items are processed one-at-a-time the \r overwrite is lost
-            # and every frame appears on its own line.  By flushing at
-            # most every 0.4s we guarantee multiple \r-frames are batched
-            # into a single write, so the terminal collapses them correctly.
-            now = time.time()
-            should_flush = (now - self._last_flush_time) >= 0.4
-            self._write(f"\r{line}{' ' * pad}", end='', flush=should_flush)
-            if should_flush:
-                self._last_flush_time = now
+            self._write(f"\r{line}{' ' * pad}", end='', flush=True)
             self.last_line_len = len(line)
             self.frame_idx += 1
             time.sleep(0.12)
@@ -329,7 +701,7 @@ class KawaiiSpinner:
         if self.thread:
             self.thread.join(timeout=0.5)
 
-        is_tty = hasattr(self._out, 'isatty') and self._out.isatty()
+        is_tty = self._is_tty
         if is_tty:
             # Clear the spinner line with spaces instead of \033[K to avoid
             # garbled escape codes when prompt_toolkit's patch_stdout is active.
@@ -448,10 +820,14 @@ def get_cute_tool_message(
 
     def _trunc(s, n=40):
         s = str(s)
+        if _tool_preview_max_len == 0:
+            return s  # no limit
         return (s[:n-3] + "...") if len(s) > n else s
 
     def _path(p, n=35):
         p = str(p)
+        if _tool_preview_max_len == 0:
+            return p  # no limit
         return ("..." + p[-(n-3):]) if len(p) > n else p
 
     def _wrap(line: str) -> str:
@@ -657,35 +1033,25 @@ def format_context_pressure(
     The bar and percentage show progress toward the compaction threshold,
     NOT the raw context window.  100% = compaction fires.
 
-    Uses ANSI colors:
-      - cyan at ~60% to compaction = informational
-      - bold yellow at ~85% to compaction = warning
-
     Args:
         compaction_progress: How close to compaction (0.0–1.0, 1.0 = fires).
         threshold_tokens: Compaction threshold in tokens.
         threshold_percent: Compaction threshold as a fraction of context window.
         compression_enabled: Whether auto-compression is active.
     """
-    pct_int = int(compaction_progress * 100)
+    pct_int = min(int(compaction_progress * 100), 100)
     filled = min(int(compaction_progress * _BAR_WIDTH), _BAR_WIDTH)
     bar = _BAR_FILLED * filled + _BAR_EMPTY * (_BAR_WIDTH - filled)
 
     threshold_k = f"{threshold_tokens // 1000}k" if threshold_tokens >= 1000 else str(threshold_tokens)
     threshold_pct_int = int(threshold_percent * 100)
 
-    # Tier styling
-    if compaction_progress >= 0.85:
-        color = f"{_BOLD}{_YELLOW}"
-        icon = "⚠"
-        if compression_enabled:
-            hint = "compaction imminent"
-        else:
-            hint = "no auto-compaction"
+    color = f"{_BOLD}{_YELLOW}"
+    icon = "⚠"
+    if compression_enabled:
+        hint = "compaction approaching"
     else:
-        color = _CYAN
-        icon = "◐"
-        hint = "approaching compaction"
+        hint = "no auto-compaction"
 
     return (
         f"  {color}{icon} context {bar} {pct_int}% to compaction{_ANSI_RESET}"
@@ -703,20 +1069,16 @@ def format_context_pressure_gateway(
     No ANSI — just Unicode and plain text suitable for Telegram/Discord/etc.
     The percentage shows progress toward the compaction threshold.
     """
-    pct_int = int(compaction_progress * 100)
+    pct_int = min(int(compaction_progress * 100), 100)
     filled = min(int(compaction_progress * _BAR_WIDTH), _BAR_WIDTH)
     bar = _BAR_FILLED * filled + _BAR_EMPTY * (_BAR_WIDTH - filled)
 
     threshold_pct_int = int(threshold_percent * 100)
 
-    if compaction_progress >= 0.85:
-        icon = "⚠️"
-        if compression_enabled:
-            hint = f"Context compaction is imminent (threshold: {threshold_pct_int}% of window)."
-        else:
-            hint = "Auto-compaction is disabled — context may be truncated."
+    icon = "⚠️"
+    if compression_enabled:
+        hint = f"Context compaction approaching (threshold: {threshold_pct_int}% of window)."
     else:
-        icon = "ℹ️"
-        hint = f"Compaction threshold is at {threshold_pct_int}% of context window."
+        hint = "Auto-compaction is disabled — context may be truncated."
 
     return f"{icon} Context: {bar} {pct_int}% to compaction\n{hint}"

agent/insights.py

@@ -644,6 +644,9 @@ class InsightsEngine:
         lines.append(f"  Sessions:          {o['total_sessions']:<12}  Messages:        {o['total_messages']:,}")
         lines.append(f"  Tool calls:        {o['total_tool_calls']:<12,}  User messages:   {o['user_messages']:,}")
         lines.append(f"  Input tokens:      {o['total_input_tokens']:<12,}  Output tokens:   {o['total_output_tokens']:,}")
+        cache_total = o.get("total_cache_read_tokens", 0) + o.get("total_cache_write_tokens", 0)
+        if cache_total > 0:
+            lines.append(f"  Cache read:        {o['total_cache_read_tokens']:<12,}  Cache write:     {o['total_cache_write_tokens']:,}")
         cost_str = f"${o['estimated_cost']:.2f}"
         if o.get("models_without_pricing"):
             cost_str += " *"
@@ -666,7 +669,7 @@ class InsightsEngine:
                     cost_cell = "     N/A"
                 lines.append(f"  {model_name:<30} {m['sessions']:>8} {m['total_tokens']:>12,} {cost_cell}")
             if o.get("models_without_pricing"):
-                lines.append(f"  * Cost N/A for custom/self-hosted models")
+                lines.append("  * Cost N/A for custom/self-hosted models")
             lines.append("")
 
         # Platform breakdown
@@ -746,7 +749,11 @@ class InsightsEngine:
 
         # Overview
         lines.append(f"**Sessions:** {o['total_sessions']} | **Messages:** {o['total_messages']:,} | **Tool calls:** {o['total_tool_calls']:,}")
-        lines.append(f"**Tokens:** {o['total_tokens']:,} (in: {o['total_input_tokens']:,} / out: {o['total_output_tokens']:,})")
+        cache_total = o.get("total_cache_read_tokens", 0) + o.get("total_cache_write_tokens", 0)
+        if cache_total > 0:
+            lines.append(f"**Tokens:** {o['total_tokens']:,} (in: {o['total_input_tokens']:,} / out: {o['total_output_tokens']:,} / cache: {cache_total:,})")
+        else:
+            lines.append(f"**Tokens:** {o['total_tokens']:,} (in: {o['total_input_tokens']:,} / out: {o['total_output_tokens']:,})")
         cost_note = ""
         if o.get("models_without_pricing"):
             cost_note = " _(excludes custom/self-hosted models)_"

agent/memory_manager.py

@@ -0,0 +1,335 @@
+"""MemoryManager — orchestrates the built-in memory provider plus at most
+ONE external plugin memory provider.
+
+Single integration point in run_agent.py. Replaces scattered per-backend
+code with one manager that delegates to registered providers.
+
+The BuiltinMemoryProvider is always registered first and cannot be removed.
+Only ONE external (non-builtin) provider is allowed at a time — attempting
+to register a second external provider is rejected with a warning.  This
+prevents tool schema bloat and conflicting memory backends.
+
+Usage in run_agent.py:
+    self._memory_manager = MemoryManager()
+    self._memory_manager.add_provider(BuiltinMemoryProvider(...))
+    # Only ONE of these:
+    self._memory_manager.add_provider(plugin_provider)
+
+    # System prompt
+    prompt_parts.append(self._memory_manager.build_system_prompt())
+
+    # Pre-turn
+    context = self._memory_manager.prefetch_all(user_message)
+
+    # Post-turn
+    self._memory_manager.sync_all(user_msg, assistant_response)
+    self._memory_manager.queue_prefetch_all(user_msg)
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import logging
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
+
+from agent.memory_provider import MemoryProvider
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+class MemoryManager:
+    """Orchestrates the built-in provider plus at most one external provider.
+
+    The builtin provider is always first. Only one non-builtin (external)
+    provider is allowed.  Failures in one provider never block the other.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self) -> None:
+        self._providers: List[MemoryProvider] = []
+        self._tool_to_provider: Dict[str, MemoryProvider] = {}
+        self._has_external: bool = False  # True once a non-builtin provider is added
+
+    # -- Registration --------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def add_provider(self, provider: MemoryProvider) -> None:
+        """Register a memory provider.
+
+        Built-in provider (name ``"builtin"``) is always accepted.
+        Only **one** external (non-builtin) provider is allowed — a second
+        attempt is rejected with a warning.
+        """
+        is_builtin = provider.name == "builtin"
+
+        if not is_builtin:
+            if self._has_external:
+                existing = next(
+                    (p.name for p in self._providers if p.name != "builtin"), "unknown"
+                )
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Rejected memory provider '%s' — external provider '%s' is "
+                    "already registered. Only one external memory provider is "
+                    "allowed at a time. Configure which one via memory.provider "
+                    "in config.yaml.",
+                    provider.name, existing,
+                )
+                return
+            self._has_external = True
+
+        self._providers.append(provider)
+
+        # Index tool names → provider for routing
+        for schema in provider.get_tool_schemas():
+            tool_name = schema.get("name", "")
+            if tool_name and tool_name not in self._tool_to_provider:
+                self._tool_to_provider[tool_name] = provider
+            elif tool_name in self._tool_to_provider:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory tool name conflict: '%s' already registered by %s, "
+                    "ignoring from %s",
+                    tool_name,
+                    self._tool_to_provider[tool_name].name,
+                    provider.name,
+                )
+
+        logger.info(
+            "Memory provider '%s' registered (%d tools)",
+            provider.name,
+            len(provider.get_tool_schemas()),
+        )
+
+    @property
+    def providers(self) -> List[MemoryProvider]:
+        """All registered providers in order."""
+        return list(self._providers)
+
+    @property
+    def provider_names(self) -> List[str]:
+        """Names of all registered providers."""
+        return [p.name for p in self._providers]
+
+    def get_provider(self, name: str) -> Optional[MemoryProvider]:
+        """Get a provider by name, or None if not registered."""
+        for p in self._providers:
+            if p.name == name:
+                return p
+        return None
+
+    # -- System prompt -------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def build_system_prompt(self) -> str:
+        """Collect system prompt blocks from all providers.
+
+        Returns combined text, or empty string if no providers contribute.
+        Each non-empty block is labeled with the provider name.
+        """
+        blocks = []
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                block = provider.system_prompt_block()
+                if block and block.strip():
+                    blocks.append(block)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' system_prompt_block() failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+        return "\n\n".join(blocks)
+
+    # -- Prefetch / recall ---------------------------------------------------
+
+    def prefetch_all(self, query: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> str:
+        """Collect prefetch context from all providers.
+
+        Returns merged context text labeled by provider. Empty providers
+        are skipped. Failures in one provider don't block others.
+        """
+        parts = []
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                result = provider.prefetch(query, session_id=session_id)
+                if result and result.strip():
+                    parts.append(result)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' prefetch failed (non-fatal): %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+        return "\n\n".join(parts)
+
+    def queue_prefetch_all(self, query: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> None:
+        """Queue background prefetch on all providers for the next turn."""
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.queue_prefetch(query, session_id=session_id)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' queue_prefetch failed (non-fatal): %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    # -- Sync ----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def sync_all(self, user_content: str, assistant_content: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> None:
+        """Sync a completed turn to all providers."""
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.sync_turn(user_content, assistant_content, session_id=session_id)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' sync_turn failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    # -- Tools ---------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def get_all_tool_schemas(self) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Collect tool schemas from all providers."""
+        schemas = []
+        seen = set()
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                for schema in provider.get_tool_schemas():
+                    name = schema.get("name", "")
+                    if name and name not in seen:
+                        schemas.append(schema)
+                        seen.add(name)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' get_tool_schemas() failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+        return schemas
+
+    def get_all_tool_names(self) -> set:
+        """Return set of all tool names across all providers."""
+        return set(self._tool_to_provider.keys())
+
+    def has_tool(self, tool_name: str) -> bool:
+        """Check if any provider handles this tool."""
+        return tool_name in self._tool_to_provider
+
+    def handle_tool_call(
+        self, tool_name: str, args: Dict[str, Any], **kwargs
+    ) -> str:
+        """Route a tool call to the correct provider.
+
+        Returns JSON string result. Raises ValueError if no provider
+        handles the tool.
+        """
+        provider = self._tool_to_provider.get(tool_name)
+        if provider is None:
+            return json.dumps({"error": f"No memory provider handles tool '{tool_name}'"})
+        try:
+            return provider.handle_tool_call(tool_name, args, **kwargs)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(
+                "Memory provider '%s' handle_tool_call(%s) failed: %s",
+                provider.name, tool_name, e,
+            )
+            return json.dumps({"error": f"Memory tool '{tool_name}' failed: {e}"})
+
+    # -- Lifecycle hooks -----------------------------------------------------
+
+    def on_turn_start(self, turn_number: int, message: str, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Notify all providers of a new turn.
+
+        kwargs may include: remaining_tokens, model, platform, tool_count.
+        """
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.on_turn_start(turn_number, message, **kwargs)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' on_turn_start failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    def on_session_end(self, messages: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> None:
+        """Notify all providers of session end."""
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.on_session_end(messages)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' on_session_end failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    def on_pre_compress(self, messages: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> str:
+        """Notify all providers before context compression.
+
+        Returns combined text from providers to include in the compression
+        summary prompt. Empty string if no provider contributes.
+        """
+        parts = []
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                result = provider.on_pre_compress(messages)
+                if result and result.strip():
+                    parts.append(result)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' on_pre_compress failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+        return "\n\n".join(parts)
+
+    def on_memory_write(self, action: str, target: str, content: str) -> None:
+        """Notify external providers when the built-in memory tool writes.
+
+        Skips the builtin provider itself (it's the source of the write).
+        """
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            if provider.name == "builtin":
+                continue
+            try:
+                provider.on_memory_write(action, target, content)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' on_memory_write failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    def on_delegation(self, task: str, result: str, *,
+                      child_session_id: str = "", **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Notify all providers that a subagent completed."""
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.on_delegation(
+                    task, result, child_session_id=child_session_id, **kwargs
+                )
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' on_delegation failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    def shutdown_all(self) -> None:
+        """Shut down all providers (reverse order for clean teardown)."""
+        for provider in reversed(self._providers):
+            try:
+                provider.shutdown()
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' shutdown failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )
+
+    def initialize_all(self, session_id: str, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Initialize all providers.
+
+        Automatically injects ``hermes_home`` into *kwargs* so that every
+        provider can resolve profile-scoped storage paths without importing
+        ``get_hermes_home()`` themselves.
+        """
+        if "hermes_home" not in kwargs:
+            from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+            kwargs["hermes_home"] = str(get_hermes_home())
+        for provider in self._providers:
+            try:
+                provider.initialize(session_id=session_id, **kwargs)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Memory provider '%s' initialize failed: %s",
+                    provider.name, e,
+                )

agent/memory_provider.py

@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+"""Abstract base class for pluggable memory providers.
+
+Memory providers give the agent persistent recall across sessions. One
+external provider is active at a time alongside the always-on built-in
+memory (MEMORY.md / USER.md). The MemoryManager enforces this limit.
+
+Built-in memory is always active as the first provider and cannot be removed.
+External providers (Honcho, Hindsight, Mem0, etc.) are additive — they never
+disable the built-in store. Only one external provider runs at a time to
+prevent tool schema bloat and conflicting memory backends.
+
+Registration:
+  1. Built-in: BuiltinMemoryProvider — always present, not removable.
+  2. Plugins: Ship in plugins/memory/<name>/, activated by memory.provider config.
+
+Lifecycle (called by MemoryManager, wired in run_agent.py):
+  initialize()          — connect, create resources, warm up
+  system_prompt_block()  — static text for the system prompt
+  prefetch(query)        — background recall before each turn
+  sync_turn(user, asst)  — async write after each turn
+  get_tool_schemas()     — tool schemas to expose to the model
+  handle_tool_call()     — dispatch a tool call
+  shutdown()             — clean exit
+
+Optional hooks (override to opt in):
+  on_turn_start(turn, message, **kwargs) — per-turn tick with runtime context
+  on_session_end(messages)               — end-of-session extraction
+  on_pre_compress(messages) -> str       — extract before context compression
+  on_memory_write(action, target, content) — mirror built-in memory writes
+  on_delegation(task, result, **kwargs)  — parent-side observation of subagent work
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import logging
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+class MemoryProvider(ABC):
+    """Abstract base class for memory providers."""
+
+    @property
+    @abstractmethod
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        """Short identifier for this provider (e.g. 'builtin', 'honcho', 'hindsight')."""
+
+    # -- Core lifecycle (implement these) ------------------------------------
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def is_available(self) -> bool:
+        """Return True if this provider is configured, has credentials, and is ready.
+
+        Called during agent init to decide whether to activate the provider.
+        Should not make network calls — just check config and installed deps.
+        """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def initialize(self, session_id: str, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Initialize for a session.
+
+        Called once at agent startup. May create resources (banks, tables),
+        establish connections, start background threads, etc.
+
+        kwargs always include:
+          - hermes_home (str): The active HERMES_HOME directory path. Use this
+            for profile-scoped storage instead of hardcoding ``~/.hermes``.
+          - platform (str): "cli", "telegram", "discord", "cron", etc.
+
+        kwargs may also include:
+          - agent_context (str): "primary", "subagent", "cron", or "flush".
+            Providers should skip writes for non-primary contexts (cron system
+            prompts would corrupt user representations).
+          - agent_identity (str): Profile name (e.g. "coder"). Use for
+            per-profile provider identity scoping.
+          - agent_workspace (str): Shared workspace name (e.g. "hermes").
+          - parent_session_id (str): For subagents, the parent's session_id.
+          - user_id (str): Platform user identifier (gateway sessions).
+        """
+
+    def system_prompt_block(self) -> str:
+        """Return text to include in the system prompt.
+
+        Called during system prompt assembly. Return empty string to skip.
+        This is for STATIC provider info (instructions, status). Prefetched
+        recall context is injected separately via prefetch().
+        """
+        return ""
+
+    def prefetch(self, query: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> str:
+        """Recall relevant context for the upcoming turn.
+
+        Called before each API call. Return formatted text to inject as
+        context, or empty string if nothing relevant. Implementations
+        should be fast — use background threads for the actual recall
+        and return cached results here.
+
+        session_id is provided for providers serving concurrent sessions
+        (gateway group chats, cached agents). Providers that don't need
+        per-session scoping can ignore it.
+        """
+        return ""
+
+    def queue_prefetch(self, query: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> None:
+        """Queue a background recall for the NEXT turn.
+
+        Called after each turn completes. The result will be consumed
+        by prefetch() on the next turn. Default is no-op — providers
+        that do background prefetching should override this.
+        """
+
+    def sync_turn(self, user_content: str, assistant_content: str, *, session_id: str = "") -> None:
+        """Persist a completed turn to the backend.
+
+        Called after each turn. Should be non-blocking — queue for
+        background processing if the backend has latency.
+        """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def get_tool_schemas(self) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Return tool schemas this provider exposes.
+
+        Each schema follows the OpenAI function calling format:
+        {"name": "...", "description": "...", "parameters": {...}}
+
+        Return empty list if this provider has no tools (context-only).
+        """
+
+    def handle_tool_call(self, tool_name: str, args: Dict[str, Any], **kwargs) -> str:
+        """Handle a tool call for one of this provider's tools.
+
+        Must return a JSON string (the tool result).
+        Only called for tool names returned by get_tool_schemas().
+        """
+        raise NotImplementedError(f"Provider {self.name} does not handle tool {tool_name}")
+
+    def shutdown(self) -> None:
+        """Clean shutdown — flush queues, close connections."""
+
+    # -- Optional hooks (override to opt in) ---------------------------------
+
+    def on_turn_start(self, turn_number: int, message: str, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Called at the start of each turn with the user message.
+
+        Use for turn-counting, scope management, periodic maintenance.
+
+        kwargs may include: remaining_tokens, model, platform, tool_count.
+        Providers use what they need; extras are ignored.
+        """
+
+    def on_session_end(self, messages: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> None:
+        """Called when a session ends (explicit exit or timeout).
+
+        Use for end-of-session fact extraction, summarization, etc.
+        messages is the full conversation history.
+
+        NOT called after every turn — only at actual session boundaries
+        (CLI exit, /reset, gateway session expiry).
+        """
+
+    def on_pre_compress(self, messages: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> str:
+        """Called before context compression discards old messages.
+
+        Use to extract insights from messages about to be compressed.
+        messages is the list that will be summarized/discarded.
+
+        Return text to include in the compression summary prompt so the
+        compressor preserves provider-extracted insights. Return empty
+        string for no contribution (backwards-compatible default).
+        """
+        return ""
+
+    def on_delegation(self, task: str, result: str, *,
+                      child_session_id: str = "", **kwargs) -> None:
+        """Called on the PARENT agent when a subagent completes.
+
+        The parent's memory provider gets the task+result pair as an
+        observation of what was delegated and what came back. The subagent
+        itself has no provider session (skip_memory=True).
+
+        task: the delegation prompt
+        result: the subagent's final response
+        child_session_id: the subagent's session_id
+        """
+
+    def get_config_schema(self) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Return config fields this provider needs for setup.
+
+        Used by 'hermes memory setup' to walk the user through configuration.
+        Each field is a dict with:
+          key:         config key name (e.g. 'api_key', 'mode')
+          description: human-readable description
+          secret:      True if this should go to .env (default: False)
+          required:    True if required (default: False)
+          default:     default value (optional)
+          choices:     list of valid values (optional)
+          url:         URL where user can get this credential (optional)
+          env_var:     explicit env var name for secrets (default: auto-generated)
+
+        Return empty list if no config needed (e.g. local-only providers).
+        """
+        return []
+
+    def save_config(self, values: Dict[str, Any], hermes_home: str) -> None:
+        """Write non-secret config to the provider's native location.
+
+        Called by 'hermes memory setup' after collecting user inputs.
+        ``values`` contains only non-secret fields (secrets go to .env).
+        ``hermes_home`` is the active HERMES_HOME directory path.
+
+        Providers with native config files (JSON, YAML) should override
+        this to write to their expected location. Providers that use only
+        env vars can leave the default (no-op).
+
+        All new memory provider plugins MUST implement either:
+        - save_config() for native config file formats, OR
+        - use only env vars (in which case get_config_schema() fields
+          should all have ``env_var`` set and this method stays no-op).
+        """
+
+    def on_memory_write(self, action: str, target: str, content: str) -> None:
+        """Called when the built-in memory tool writes an entry.
+
+        action: 'add', 'replace', or 'remove'
+        target: 'memory' or 'user'
+        content: the entry content
+
+        Use to mirror built-in memory writes to your backend.
+        """

agent/model_metadata.py

@@ -113,6 +113,15 @@ DEFAULT_CONTEXT_LENGTHS = {
     "glm": 202752,
     # Kimi
     "kimi": 262144,
+    # Hugging Face Inference Providers — model IDs use org/name format
+    "Qwen/Qwen3.5-397B-A17B": 131072,
+    "Qwen/Qwen3.5-35B-A3B": 131072,
+    "deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-V3.2": 65536,
+    "moonshotai/Kimi-K2.5": 262144,
+    "moonshotai/Kimi-K2-Thinking": 262144,
+    "MiniMaxAI/MiniMax-M2.5": 204800,
+    "XiaomiMiMo/MiMo-V2-Flash": 32768,
+    "zai-org/GLM-5": 202752,
 }
 
 _CONTEXT_LENGTH_KEYS = (
@@ -162,10 +171,12 @@ _URL_TO_PROVIDER: Dict[str, str] = {
     "dashscope.aliyuncs.com": "alibaba",
     "dashscope-intl.aliyuncs.com": "alibaba",
     "openrouter.ai": "openrouter",
+    "generativelanguage.googleapis.com": "google",
     "inference-api.nousresearch.com": "nous",
     "api.deepseek.com": "deepseek",
     "api.githubcopilot.com": "copilot",
     "models.github.ai": "copilot",
+    "api.fireworks.ai": "fireworks",
 }
 
 
@@ -895,3 +906,26 @@ def estimate_messages_tokens_rough(messages: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> int:
     """Rough token estimate for a message list (pre-flight only)."""
     total_chars = sum(len(str(msg)) for msg in messages)
     return total_chars // 4
+
+
+def estimate_request_tokens_rough(
+    messages: List[Dict[str, Any]],
+    *,
+    system_prompt: str = "",
+    tools: Optional[List[Dict[str, Any]]] = None,
+) -> int:
+    """Rough token estimate for a full chat-completions request.
+
+    Includes the major payload buckets Hermes sends to providers:
+    system prompt, conversation messages, and tool schemas.  With 50+
+    tools enabled, schemas alone can add 20-30K tokens — a significant
+    blind spot when only counting messages.
+    """
+    total_chars = 0
+    if system_prompt:
+        total_chars += len(system_prompt)
+    if messages:
+        total_chars += sum(len(str(msg)) for msg in messages)
+    if tools:
+        total_chars += len(str(tools))
+    return total_chars // 4

agent/models_dev.py

@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ import time
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
 
+from utils import atomic_json_write
+
 import requests
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -41,6 +43,7 @@ PROVIDER_TO_MODELS_DEV: Dict[str, str] = {
     "opencode-zen": "opencode",
     "opencode-go": "opencode-go",
     "kilocode": "kilo",
+    "fireworks": "fireworks-ai",
 }
 
 
@@ -64,12 +67,10 @@ def _load_disk_cache() -> Dict[str, Any]:
 
 
 def _save_disk_cache(data: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
-    """Save models.dev data to disk cache."""
+    """Save models.dev data to disk cache atomically."""
     try:
         cache_path = _get_cache_path()
-        cache_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-        with open(cache_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            json.dump(data, f, separators=(",", ":"))
+        atomic_json_write(cache_path, data, indent=None, separators=(",", ":"))
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Failed to save models.dev disk cache: %s", e)
 

agent/prompt_builder.py

@@ -4,12 +4,28 @@ All functions are stateless. AIAgent._build_system_prompt() calls these to
 assemble pieces, then combines them with memory and ephemeral prompts.
 """
 
+import json
 import logging
 import os
 import re
+import threading
+from collections import OrderedDict
 from pathlib import Path
+
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
 from typing import Optional
 
+from agent.skill_utils import (
+    extract_skill_conditions,
+    extract_skill_description,
+    get_all_skills_dirs,
+    get_disabled_skill_names,
+    iter_skill_index_files,
+    parse_frontmatter,
+    skill_matches_platform,
+)
+from utils import atomic_json_write
+
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -154,6 +170,54 @@ SKILLS_GUIDANCE = (
     "Skills that aren't maintained become liabilities."
 )
 
+TOOL_USE_ENFORCEMENT_GUIDANCE = (
+    "# Tool-use enforcement\n"
+    "You MUST use your tools to take action — do not describe what you would do "
+    "or plan to do without actually doing it. When you say you will perform an "
+    "action (e.g. 'I will run the tests', 'Let me check the file', 'I will create "
+    "the project'), you MUST immediately make the corresponding tool call in the same "
+    "response. Never end your turn with a promise of future action — execute it now.\n"
+    "Keep working until the task is actually complete. Do not stop with a summary of "
+    "what you plan to do next time. If you have tools available that can accomplish "
+    "the task, use them instead of telling the user what you would do.\n"
+    "Every response should either (a) contain tool calls that make progress, or "
+    "(b) deliver a final result to the user. Responses that only describe intentions "
+    "without acting are not acceptable."
+)
+
+# Model name substrings that trigger tool-use enforcement guidance.
+# Add new patterns here when a model family needs explicit steering.
+TOOL_USE_ENFORCEMENT_MODELS = ("gpt", "codex", "gemini", "gemma")
+
+# Gemini/Gemma-specific operational guidance, adapted from OpenCode's gemini.txt.
+# Injected alongside TOOL_USE_ENFORCEMENT_GUIDANCE when the model is Gemini or Gemma.
+GOOGLE_MODEL_OPERATIONAL_GUIDANCE = (
+    "# Google model operational directives\n"
+    "Follow these operational rules strictly:\n"
+    "- **Absolute paths:** Always construct and use absolute file paths for all "
+    "file system operations. Combine the project root with relative paths.\n"
+    "- **Verify first:** Use read_file/search_files to check file contents and "
+    "project structure before making changes. Never guess at file contents.\n"
+    "- **Dependency checks:** Never assume a library is available. Check "
+    "package.json, requirements.txt, Cargo.toml, etc. before importing.\n"
+    "- **Conciseness:** Keep explanatory text brief — a few sentences, not "
+    "paragraphs. Focus on actions and results over narration.\n"
+    "- **Parallel tool calls:** When you need to perform multiple independent "
+    "operations (e.g. reading several files), make all the tool calls in a "
+    "single response rather than sequentially.\n"
+    "- **Non-interactive commands:** Use flags like -y, --yes, --non-interactive "
+    "to prevent CLI tools from hanging on prompts.\n"
+    "- **Keep going:** Work autonomously until the task is fully resolved. "
+    "Don't stop with a plan — execute it.\n"
+)
+
+# Model name substrings that should use the 'developer' role instead of
+# 'system' for the system prompt.  OpenAI's newer models (GPT-5, Codex)
+# give stronger instruction-following weight to the 'developer' role.
+# The swap happens at the API boundary in _build_api_kwargs() so internal
+# message representation stays consistent ("system" everywhere).
+DEVELOPER_ROLE_MODELS = ("gpt-5", "codex")
+
 PLATFORM_HINTS = {
     "whatsapp": (
         "You are on a text messaging communication platform, WhatsApp. "
@@ -228,6 +292,111 @@ CONTEXT_TRUNCATE_HEAD_RATIO = 0.7
 CONTEXT_TRUNCATE_TAIL_RATIO = 0.2
 
 
+# =========================================================================
+# Skills prompt cache
+# =========================================================================
+
+_SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_MAX = 8
+_SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE: OrderedDict[tuple, str] = OrderedDict()
+_SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_LOCK = threading.Lock()
+_SKILLS_SNAPSHOT_VERSION = 1
+
+
+def _skills_prompt_snapshot_path() -> Path:
+    return get_hermes_home() / ".skills_prompt_snapshot.json"
+
+
+def clear_skills_system_prompt_cache(*, clear_snapshot: bool = False) -> None:
+    """Drop the in-process skills prompt cache (and optionally the disk snapshot)."""
+    with _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_LOCK:
+        _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE.clear()
+    if clear_snapshot:
+        try:
+            _skills_prompt_snapshot_path().unlink(missing_ok=True)
+        except OSError as e:
+            logger.debug("Could not remove skills prompt snapshot: %s", e)
+
+
+def _build_skills_manifest(skills_dir: Path) -> dict[str, list[int]]:
+    """Build an mtime/size manifest of all SKILL.md and DESCRIPTION.md files."""
+    manifest: dict[str, list[int]] = {}
+    for filename in ("SKILL.md", "DESCRIPTION.md"):
+        for path in iter_skill_index_files(skills_dir, filename):
+            try:
+                st = path.stat()
+            except OSError:
+                continue
+            manifest[str(path.relative_to(skills_dir))] = [st.st_mtime_ns, st.st_size]
+    return manifest
+
+
+def _load_skills_snapshot(skills_dir: Path) -> Optional[dict]:
+    """Load the disk snapshot if it exists and its manifest still matches."""
+    snapshot_path = _skills_prompt_snapshot_path()
+    if not snapshot_path.exists():
+        return None
+    try:
+        snapshot = json.loads(snapshot_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+    if not isinstance(snapshot, dict):
+        return None
+    if snapshot.get("version") != _SKILLS_SNAPSHOT_VERSION:
+        return None
+    if snapshot.get("manifest") != _build_skills_manifest(skills_dir):
+        return None
+    return snapshot
+
+
+def _write_skills_snapshot(
+    skills_dir: Path,
+    manifest: dict[str, list[int]],
+    skill_entries: list[dict],
+    category_descriptions: dict[str, str],
+) -> None:
+    """Persist skill metadata to disk for fast cold-start reuse."""
+    payload = {
+        "version": _SKILLS_SNAPSHOT_VERSION,
+        "manifest": manifest,
+        "skills": skill_entries,
+        "category_descriptions": category_descriptions,
+    }
+    try:
+        atomic_json_write(_skills_prompt_snapshot_path(), payload)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.debug("Could not write skills prompt snapshot: %s", e)
+
+
+def _build_snapshot_entry(
+    skill_file: Path,
+    skills_dir: Path,
+    frontmatter: dict,
+    description: str,
+) -> dict:
+    """Build a serialisable metadata dict for one skill."""
+    rel_path = skill_file.relative_to(skills_dir)
+    parts = rel_path.parts
+    if len(parts) >= 2:
+        skill_name = parts[-2]
+        category = "/".join(parts[:-2]) if len(parts) > 2 else parts[0]
+    else:
+        category = "general"
+        skill_name = skill_file.parent.name
+
+    platforms = frontmatter.get("platforms") or []
+    if isinstance(platforms, str):
+        platforms = [platforms]
+
+    return {
+        "skill_name": skill_name,
+        "category": category,
+        "frontmatter_name": str(frontmatter.get("name", skill_name)),
+        "description": description,
+        "platforms": [str(p).strip() for p in platforms if str(p).strip()],
+        "conditions": extract_skill_conditions(frontmatter),
+    }
+
+
 # =========================================================================
 # Skills index
 # =========================================================================
@@ -239,22 +408,13 @@ def _parse_skill_file(skill_file: Path) -> tuple[bool, dict, str]:
     (True, {}, "") to err on the side of showing the skill.
     """
     try:
-        from tools.skills_tool import _parse_frontmatter, skill_matches_platform
-
         raw = skill_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")[:2000]
-        frontmatter, _ = _parse_frontmatter(raw)
+        frontmatter, _ = parse_frontmatter(raw)
 
         if not skill_matches_platform(frontmatter):
-            return False, {}, ""
+            return False, frontmatter, ""
 
-        desc = ""
-        raw_desc = frontmatter.get("description", "")
-        if raw_desc:
-            desc = str(raw_desc).strip().strip("'\"")
-            if len(desc) > 60:
-                desc = desc[:57] + "..."
-
-        return True, frontmatter, desc
+        return True, frontmatter, extract_skill_description(frontmatter)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Failed to parse skill file %s: %s", skill_file, e)
         return True, {}, ""
@@ -263,16 +423,9 @@ def _parse_skill_file(skill_file: Path) -> tuple[bool, dict, str]:
 def _read_skill_conditions(skill_file: Path) -> dict:
     """Extract conditional activation fields from SKILL.md frontmatter."""
     try:
-        from tools.skills_tool import _parse_frontmatter
         raw = skill_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")[:2000]
-        frontmatter, _ = _parse_frontmatter(raw)
-        hermes = frontmatter.get("metadata", {}).get("hermes", {})
-        return {
-            "fallback_for_toolsets": hermes.get("fallback_for_toolsets", []),
-            "requires_toolsets": hermes.get("requires_toolsets", []),
-            "fallback_for_tools": hermes.get("fallback_for_tools", []),
-            "requires_tools": hermes.get("requires_tools", []),
-        }
+        frontmatter, _ = parse_frontmatter(raw)
+        return extract_skill_conditions(frontmatter)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Failed to read skill conditions from %s: %s", skill_file, e)
         return {}
@@ -315,102 +468,285 @@ def build_skills_system_prompt(
 ) -> str:
     """Build a compact skill index for the system prompt.
 
-    Scans ~/.hermes/skills/ for SKILL.md files grouped by category.
-    Includes per-skill descriptions from frontmatter so the model can
-    match skills by meaning, not just name.
-    Filters out skills incompatible with the current OS platform.
-    """
-    hermes_home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
-    skills_dir = hermes_home / "skills"
+    Two-layer cache:
+      1. In-process LRU dict keyed by (skills_dir, tools, toolsets)
+      2. Disk snapshot (``.skills_prompt_snapshot.json``) validated by
+         mtime/size manifest — survives process restarts
 
-    if not skills_dir.exists():
+    Falls back to a full filesystem scan when both layers miss.
+
+    External skill directories (``skills.external_dirs`` in config.yaml) are
+    scanned alongside the local ``~/.hermes/skills/`` directory.  External dirs
+    are read-only — they appear in the index but new skills are always created
+    in the local dir.  Local skills take precedence when names collide.
+    """
+    hermes_home = get_hermes_home()
+    skills_dir = hermes_home / "skills"
+    external_dirs = get_all_skills_dirs()[1:]  # skip local (index 0)
+
+    if not skills_dir.exists() and not external_dirs:
         return ""
 
-    # Collect skills with descriptions, grouped by category.
-    # Each entry: (skill_name, description)
-    # Supports sub-categories: skills/mlops/training/axolotl/SKILL.md
-    # -> category "mlops/training", skill "axolotl"
-    # Load disabled skill names once for the entire scan
-    try:
-        from tools.skills_tool import _get_disabled_skill_names
-        disabled = _get_disabled_skill_names()
-    except Exception:
-        disabled = set()
+    # ── Layer 1: in-process LRU cache ─────────────────────────────────
+    # Include the resolved platform so per-platform disabled-skill lists
+    # produce distinct cache entries (gateway serves multiple platforms).
+    _platform_hint = (
+        os.environ.get("HERMES_PLATFORM")
+        or os.environ.get("HERMES_SESSION_PLATFORM")
+        or ""
+    )
+    cache_key = (
+        str(skills_dir.resolve()),
+        tuple(str(d) for d in external_dirs),
+        tuple(sorted(str(t) for t in (available_tools or set()))),
+        tuple(sorted(str(ts) for ts in (available_toolsets or set()))),
+        _platform_hint,
+    )
+    with _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_LOCK:
+        cached = _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE.get(cache_key)
+        if cached is not None:
+            _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE.move_to_end(cache_key)
+            return cached
+
+    disabled = get_disabled_skill_names()
+
+    # ── Layer 2: disk snapshot ────────────────────────────────────────
+    snapshot = _load_skills_snapshot(skills_dir)
 
     skills_by_category: dict[str, list[tuple[str, str]]] = {}
-    for skill_file in skills_dir.rglob("SKILL.md"):
-        is_compatible, frontmatter, desc = _parse_skill_file(skill_file)
-        if not is_compatible:
-            continue
-        rel_path = skill_file.relative_to(skills_dir)
-        parts = rel_path.parts
-        if len(parts) >= 2:
-            skill_name = parts[-2]
-            category = "/".join(parts[:-2]) if len(parts) > 2 else parts[0]
-        else:
-            category = "general"
-            skill_name = skill_file.parent.name
-        # Respect user's disabled skills config
-        fm_name = frontmatter.get("name", skill_name)
-        if fm_name in disabled or skill_name in disabled:
-            continue
-        # Skip skills whose conditional activation rules exclude them
-        conditions = _read_skill_conditions(skill_file)
-        if not _skill_should_show(conditions, available_tools, available_toolsets):
-            continue
-        skills_by_category.setdefault(category, []).append((skill_name, desc))
+    category_descriptions: dict[str, str] = {}
 
-    if not skills_by_category:
-        return ""
+    if snapshot is not None:
+        # Fast path: use pre-parsed metadata from disk
+        for entry in snapshot.get("skills", []):
+            if not isinstance(entry, dict):
+                continue
+            skill_name = entry.get("skill_name") or ""
+            category = entry.get("category") or "general"
+            frontmatter_name = entry.get("frontmatter_name") or skill_name
+            platforms = entry.get("platforms") or []
+            if not skill_matches_platform({"platforms": platforms}):
+                continue
+            if frontmatter_name in disabled or skill_name in disabled:
+                continue
+            if not _skill_should_show(
+                entry.get("conditions") or {},
+                available_tools,
+                available_toolsets,
+            ):
+                continue
+            skills_by_category.setdefault(category, []).append(
+                (skill_name, entry.get("description", ""))
+            )
+        category_descriptions = {
+            str(k): str(v)
+            for k, v in (snapshot.get("category_descriptions") or {}).items()
+        }
+    else:
+        # Cold path: full filesystem scan + write snapshot for next time
+        skill_entries: list[dict] = []
+        for skill_file in iter_skill_index_files(skills_dir, "SKILL.md"):
+            is_compatible, frontmatter, desc = _parse_skill_file(skill_file)
+            entry = _build_snapshot_entry(skill_file, skills_dir, frontmatter, desc)
+            skill_entries.append(entry)
+            if not is_compatible:
+                continue
+            skill_name = entry["skill_name"]
+            if entry["frontmatter_name"] in disabled or skill_name in disabled:
+                continue
+            if not _skill_should_show(
+                extract_skill_conditions(frontmatter),
+                available_tools,
+                available_toolsets,
+            ):
+                continue
+            skills_by_category.setdefault(entry["category"], []).append(
+                (skill_name, entry["description"])
+            )
 
-    # Read category-level descriptions from DESCRIPTION.md
-    # Checks both the exact category path and parent directories
-    category_descriptions = {}
-    for category in skills_by_category:
-        cat_path = Path(category)
-        desc_file = skills_dir / cat_path / "DESCRIPTION.md"
-        if desc_file.exists():
+        # Read category-level DESCRIPTION.md files
+        for desc_file in iter_skill_index_files(skills_dir, "DESCRIPTION.md"):
             try:
                 content = desc_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
-                match = re.search(r"^---\s*\n.*?description:\s*(.+?)\s*\n.*?^---", content, re.MULTILINE | re.DOTALL)
-                if match:
-                    category_descriptions[category] = match.group(1).strip()
+                fm, _ = parse_frontmatter(content)
+                cat_desc = fm.get("description")
+                if not cat_desc:
+                    continue
+                rel = desc_file.relative_to(skills_dir)
+                cat = "/".join(rel.parts[:-1]) if len(rel.parts) > 1 else "general"
+                category_descriptions[cat] = str(cat_desc).strip().strip("'\"")
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Could not read skill description %s: %s", desc_file, e)
 
-    index_lines = []
-    for category in sorted(skills_by_category.keys()):
-        cat_desc = category_descriptions.get(category, "")
-        if cat_desc:
-            index_lines.append(f"  {category}: {cat_desc}")
-        else:
-            index_lines.append(f"  {category}:")
-        # Deduplicate and sort skills within each category
-        seen = set()
-        for name, desc in sorted(skills_by_category[category], key=lambda x: x[0]):
-            if name in seen:
-                continue
-            seen.add(name)
-            if desc:
-                index_lines.append(f"    - {name}: {desc}")
-            else:
-                index_lines.append(f"    - {name}")
+        _write_skills_snapshot(
+            skills_dir,
+            _build_skills_manifest(skills_dir),
+            skill_entries,
+            category_descriptions,
+        )
 
-    return (
-        "## Skills (mandatory)\n"
-        "Before replying, scan the skills below. If one clearly matches your task, "
-        "load it with skill_view(name) and follow its instructions. "
-        "If a skill has issues, fix it with skill_manage(action='patch').\n"
-        "After difficult/iterative tasks, offer to save as a skill. "
-        "If a skill you loaded was missing steps, had wrong commands, or needed "
-        "pitfalls you discovered, update it before finishing.\n"
-        "\n"
-        "<available_skills>\n"
-        + "\n".join(index_lines) + "\n"
-        "</available_skills>\n"
-        "\n"
-        "If none match, proceed normally without loading a skill."
+    # ── External skill directories ─────────────────────────────────────
+    # Scan external dirs directly (no snapshot caching — they're read-only
+    # and typically small).  Local skills already in skills_by_category take
+    # precedence: we track seen names and skip duplicates from external dirs.
+    seen_skill_names: set[str] = set()
+    for cat_skills in skills_by_category.values():
+        for name, _desc in cat_skills:
+            seen_skill_names.add(name)
+
+    for ext_dir in external_dirs:
+        if not ext_dir.exists():
+            continue
+        for skill_file in iter_skill_index_files(ext_dir, "SKILL.md"):
+            try:
+                is_compatible, frontmatter, desc = _parse_skill_file(skill_file)
+                if not is_compatible:
+                    continue
+                entry = _build_snapshot_entry(skill_file, ext_dir, frontmatter, desc)
+                skill_name = entry["skill_name"]
+                if skill_name in seen_skill_names:
+                    continue
+                if entry["frontmatter_name"] in disabled or skill_name in disabled:
+                    continue
+                if not _skill_should_show(
+                    extract_skill_conditions(frontmatter),
+                    available_tools,
+                    available_toolsets,
+                ):
+                    continue
+                seen_skill_names.add(skill_name)
+                skills_by_category.setdefault(entry["category"], []).append(
+                    (skill_name, entry["description"])
+                )
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("Error reading external skill %s: %s", skill_file, e)
+
+        # External category descriptions
+        for desc_file in iter_skill_index_files(ext_dir, "DESCRIPTION.md"):
+            try:
+                content = desc_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+                fm, _ = parse_frontmatter(content)
+                cat_desc = fm.get("description")
+                if not cat_desc:
+                    continue
+                rel = desc_file.relative_to(ext_dir)
+                cat = "/".join(rel.parts[:-1]) if len(rel.parts) > 1 else "general"
+                category_descriptions.setdefault(cat, str(cat_desc).strip().strip("'\""))
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("Could not read external skill description %s: %s", desc_file, e)
+
+    if not skills_by_category:
+        result = ""
+    else:
+        index_lines = []
+        for category in sorted(skills_by_category.keys()):
+            cat_desc = category_descriptions.get(category, "")
+            if cat_desc:
+                index_lines.append(f"  {category}: {cat_desc}")
+            else:
+                index_lines.append(f"  {category}:")
+            # Deduplicate and sort skills within each category
+            seen = set()
+            for name, desc in sorted(skills_by_category[category], key=lambda x: x[0]):
+                if name in seen:
+                    continue
+                seen.add(name)
+                if desc:
+                    index_lines.append(f"    - {name}: {desc}")
+                else:
+                    index_lines.append(f"    - {name}")
+
+        result = (
+            "## Skills (mandatory)\n"
+            "Before replying, scan the skills below. If one clearly matches your task, "
+            "load it with skill_view(name) and follow its instructions. "
+            "If a skill has issues, fix it with skill_manage(action='patch').\n"
+            "After difficult/iterative tasks, offer to save as a skill. "
+            "If a skill you loaded was missing steps, had wrong commands, or needed "
+            "pitfalls you discovered, update it before finishing.\n"
+            "\n"
+            "<available_skills>\n"
+            + "\n".join(index_lines) + "\n"
+            "</available_skills>\n"
+            "\n"
+            "If none match, proceed normally without loading a skill."
+        )
+
+    # ── Store in LRU cache ────────────────────────────────────────────
+    with _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_LOCK:
+        _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE[cache_key] = result
+        _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE.move_to_end(cache_key)
+        while len(_SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE) > _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE_MAX:
+            _SKILLS_PROMPT_CACHE.popitem(last=False)
+
+    return result
+
+
+def build_nous_subscription_prompt(valid_tool_names: "set[str] | None" = None) -> str:
+    """Build a compact Nous subscription capability block for the system prompt."""
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.nous_subscription import get_nous_subscription_features
+        from tools.tool_backend_helpers import managed_nous_tools_enabled
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug("Failed to import Nous subscription helper: %s", exc)
+        return ""
+
+    if not managed_nous_tools_enabled():
+        return ""
+
+    valid_names = set(valid_tool_names or set())
+    relevant_tool_names = {
+        "web_search",
+        "web_extract",
+        "browser_navigate",
+        "browser_snapshot",
+        "browser_click",
+        "browser_type",
+        "browser_scroll",
+        "browser_console",
+        "browser_close",
+        "browser_press",
+        "browser_get_images",
+        "browser_vision",
+        "image_generate",
+        "text_to_speech",
+        "terminal",
+        "process",
+        "execute_code",
+    }
+
+    if valid_names and not (valid_names & relevant_tool_names):
+        return ""
+
+    features = get_nous_subscription_features()
+
+    def _status_line(feature) -> str:
+        if feature.managed_by_nous:
+            return f"- {feature.label}: active via Nous subscription"
+        if feature.active:
+            current = feature.current_provider or "configured provider"
+            return f"- {feature.label}: currently using {current}"
+        if feature.included_by_default and features.nous_auth_present:
+            return f"- {feature.label}: included with Nous subscription, not currently selected"
+        if feature.key == "modal" and features.nous_auth_present:
+            return f"- {feature.label}: optional via Nous subscription"
+        return f"- {feature.label}: not currently available"
+
+    lines = [
+        "# Nous Subscription",
+        "Nous subscription includes managed web tools (Firecrawl), image generation (FAL), OpenAI TTS, and browser automation (Browserbase) by default. Modal execution is optional.",
+        "Current capability status:",
+    ]
+    lines.extend(_status_line(feature) for feature in features.items())
+    lines.extend(
+        [
+            "When a Nous-managed feature is active, do not ask the user for Firecrawl, FAL, OpenAI TTS, or Browserbase API keys.",
+            "If the user is not subscribed and asks for a capability that Nous subscription would unlock or simplify, suggest Nous subscription as one option alongside direct setup or local alternatives.",
+            "Do not mention subscription unless the user asks about it or it directly solves the current missing capability.",
+            "Useful commands: hermes setup, hermes setup tools, hermes setup terminal, hermes status.",
+        ]
     )
+    return "\n".join(lines)
 
 
 # =========================================================================
@@ -442,7 +778,7 @@ def load_soul_md() -> Optional[str]:
     except Exception as e:
         logger.debug("Could not ensure HERMES_HOME before loading SOUL.md: %s", e)
 
-    soul_path = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes")) / "SOUL.md"
+    soul_path = get_hermes_home() / "SOUL.md"
     if not soul_path.exists():
         return None
     try:
@@ -481,39 +817,19 @@ def _load_hermes_md(cwd_path: Path) -> str:
 
 
 def _load_agents_md(cwd_path: Path) -> str:
-    """AGENTS.md — hierarchical, recursive directory walk."""
-    top_level_agents = None
+    """AGENTS.md — top-level only (no recursive walk)."""
     for name in ["AGENTS.md", "agents.md"]:
         candidate = cwd_path / name
         if candidate.exists():
-            top_level_agents = candidate
-            break
-
-    if not top_level_agents:
-        return ""
-
-    agents_files = []
-    for root, dirs, files in os.walk(cwd_path):
-        dirs[:] = [d for d in dirs if not d.startswith('.') and d not in ('node_modules', '__pycache__', 'venv', '.venv')]
-        for f in files:
-            if f.lower() == "agents.md":
-                agents_files.append(Path(root) / f)
-    agents_files.sort(key=lambda p: len(p.parts))
-
-    total_content = ""
-    for agents_path in agents_files:
-        try:
-            content = agents_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
-            if content:
-                rel_path = agents_path.relative_to(cwd_path)
-                content = _scan_context_content(content, str(rel_path))
-                total_content += f"## {rel_path}\n\n{content}\n\n"
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.debug("Could not read %s: %s", agents_path, e)
-
-    if not total_content:
-        return ""
-    return _truncate_content(total_content, "AGENTS.md")
+            try:
+                content = candidate.read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
+                if content:
+                    content = _scan_context_content(content, name)
+                    result = f"## {name}\n\n{content}"
+                    return _truncate_content(result, "AGENTS.md")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("Could not read %s: %s", candidate, e)
+    return ""
 
 
 def _load_claude_md(cwd_path: Path) -> str:
@@ -567,7 +883,7 @@ def build_context_files_prompt(cwd: Optional[str] = None, skip_soul: bool = Fals
 
     Priority (first found wins — only ONE project context type is loaded):
       1. .hermes.md / HERMES.md  (walk to git root)
-      2. AGENTS.md / agents.md   (recursive directory walk)
+      2. AGENTS.md / agents.md   (cwd only)
       3. CLAUDE.md / claude.md   (cwd only)
       4. .cursorrules / .cursor/rules/*.mdc  (cwd only)
 

agent/redact.py

@@ -13,11 +13,19 @@ import re
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+# Snapshot at import time so runtime env mutations (e.g. LLM-generated
+# `export HERMES_REDACT_SECRETS=false`) cannot disable redaction mid-session.
+_REDACT_ENABLED = os.getenv("HERMES_REDACT_SECRETS", "").lower() not in ("0", "false", "no", "off")
+
 # Known API key prefixes -- match the prefix + contiguous token chars
 _PREFIX_PATTERNS = [
     r"sk-[A-Za-z0-9_-]{10,}",           # OpenAI / OpenRouter / Anthropic (sk-ant-*)
     r"ghp_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # GitHub PAT (classic)
     r"github_pat_[A-Za-z0-9_]{10,}",    # GitHub PAT (fine-grained)
+    r"gho_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # GitHub OAuth access token
+    r"ghu_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # GitHub user-to-server token
+    r"ghs_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # GitHub server-to-server token
+    r"ghr_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # GitHub refresh token
     r"xox[baprs]-[A-Za-z0-9-]{10,}",    # Slack tokens
     r"AIza[A-Za-z0-9_-]{30,}",          # Google API keys
     r"pplx-[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",           # Perplexity
@@ -37,6 +45,9 @@ _PREFIX_PATTERNS = [
     r"dop_v1_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",         # DigitalOcean PAT
     r"doo_v1_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",         # DigitalOcean OAuth
     r"am_[A-Za-z0-9_-]{10,}",           # AgentMail API key
+    r"sk_[A-Za-z0-9_]{10,}",            # ElevenLabs TTS key (sk_ underscore, not sk- dash)
+    r"tvly-[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",           # Tavily search API key
+    r"exa_[A-Za-z0-9]{10,}",            # Exa search API key
 ]
 
 # ENV assignment patterns: KEY=value where KEY contains a secret-like name
@@ -106,7 +117,7 @@ def redact_sensitive_text(text: str) -> str:
         text = str(text)
     if not text:
         return text
-    if os.getenv("HERMES_REDACT_SECRETS", "").lower() in ("0", "false", "no", "off"):
+    if not _REDACT_ENABLED:
         return text
 
     # Known prefixes (sk-, ghp_, etc.)

agent/skill_commands.py

@@ -128,7 +128,11 @@ def _build_skill_message(
                         supporting.append(rel)
 
     if supporting and skill_dir:
-        skill_view_target = str(skill_dir.relative_to(SKILLS_DIR))
+        try:
+            skill_view_target = str(skill_dir.relative_to(SKILLS_DIR))
+        except ValueError:
+            # Skill is from an external dir — use the skill name instead
+            skill_view_target = skill_dir.name
         parts.append("")
         parts.append("[This skill has supporting files you can load with the skill_view tool:]")
         for sf in supporting:
@@ -158,38 +162,49 @@ def scan_skill_commands() -> Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]]:
     _skill_commands = {}
     try:
         from tools.skills_tool import SKILLS_DIR, _parse_frontmatter, skill_matches_platform, _get_disabled_skill_names
-        if not SKILLS_DIR.exists():
-            return _skill_commands
+        from agent.skill_utils import get_external_skills_dirs
         disabled = _get_disabled_skill_names()
-        for skill_md in SKILLS_DIR.rglob("SKILL.md"):
-            if any(part in ('.git', '.github', '.hub') for part in skill_md.parts):
-                continue
-            try:
-                content = skill_md.read_text(encoding='utf-8')
-                frontmatter, body = _parse_frontmatter(content)
-                # Skip skills incompatible with the current OS platform
-                if not skill_matches_platform(frontmatter):
+        seen_names: set = set()
+
+        # Scan local dir first, then external dirs
+        dirs_to_scan = []
+        if SKILLS_DIR.exists():
+            dirs_to_scan.append(SKILLS_DIR)
+        dirs_to_scan.extend(get_external_skills_dirs())
+
+        for scan_dir in dirs_to_scan:
+            for skill_md in scan_dir.rglob("SKILL.md"):
+                if any(part in ('.git', '.github', '.hub') for part in skill_md.parts):
                     continue
-                name = frontmatter.get('name', skill_md.parent.name)
-                # Respect user's disabled skills config
-                if name in disabled:
+                try:
+                    content = skill_md.read_text(encoding='utf-8')
+                    frontmatter, body = _parse_frontmatter(content)
+                    # Skip skills incompatible with the current OS platform
+                    if not skill_matches_platform(frontmatter):
+                        continue
+                    name = frontmatter.get('name', skill_md.parent.name)
+                    if name in seen_names:
+                        continue
+                    # Respect user's disabled skills config
+                    if name in disabled:
+                        continue
+                    description = frontmatter.get('description', '')
+                    if not description:
+                        for line in body.strip().split('\n'):
+                            line = line.strip()
+                            if line and not line.startswith('#'):
+                                description = line[:80]
+                                break
+                    seen_names.add(name)
+                    cmd_name = name.lower().replace(' ', '-').replace('_', '-')
+                    _skill_commands[f"/{cmd_name}"] = {
+                        "name": name,
+                        "description": description or f"Invoke the {name} skill",
+                        "skill_md_path": str(skill_md),
+                        "skill_dir": str(skill_md.parent),
+                    }
+                except Exception:
                     continue
-                description = frontmatter.get('description', '')
-                if not description:
-                    for line in body.strip().split('\n'):
-                        line = line.strip()
-                        if line and not line.startswith('#'):
-                            description = line[:80]
-                            break
-                cmd_name = name.lower().replace(' ', '-').replace('_', '-')
-                _skill_commands[f"/{cmd_name}"] = {
-                    "name": name,
-                    "description": description or f"Invoke the {name} skill",
-                    "skill_md_path": str(skill_md),
-                    "skill_dir": str(skill_md.parent),
-                }
-            except Exception:
-                continue
     except Exception:
         pass
     return _skill_commands

agent/skill_utils.py

@@ -0,0 +1,285 @@
+"""Lightweight skill metadata utilities shared by prompt_builder and skills_tool.
+
+This module intentionally avoids importing the tool registry, CLI config, or any
+heavy dependency chain.  It is safe to import at module level without triggering
+tool registration or provider resolution.
+"""
+
+import logging
+import os
+import re
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set, Tuple
+
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+# ── Platform mapping ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+PLATFORM_MAP = {
+    "macos": "darwin",
+    "linux": "linux",
+    "windows": "win32",
+}
+
+EXCLUDED_SKILL_DIRS = frozenset((".git", ".github", ".hub"))
+
+# ── Lazy YAML loader ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+_yaml_load_fn = None
+
+
+def yaml_load(content: str):
+    """Parse YAML with lazy import and CSafeLoader preference."""
+    global _yaml_load_fn
+    if _yaml_load_fn is None:
+        import yaml
+
+        loader = getattr(yaml, "CSafeLoader", None) or yaml.SafeLoader
+
+        def _load(value: str):
+            return yaml.load(value, Loader=loader)
+
+        _yaml_load_fn = _load
+    return _yaml_load_fn(content)
+
+
+# ── Frontmatter parsing ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def parse_frontmatter(content: str) -> Tuple[Dict[str, Any], str]:
+    """Parse YAML frontmatter from a markdown string.
+
+    Uses yaml with CSafeLoader for full YAML support (nested metadata, lists)
+    with a fallback to simple key:value splitting for robustness.
+
+    Returns:
+        (frontmatter_dict, remaining_body)
+    """
+    frontmatter: Dict[str, Any] = {}
+    body = content
+
+    if not content.startswith("---"):
+        return frontmatter, body
+
+    end_match = re.search(r"\n---\s*\n", content[3:])
+    if not end_match:
+        return frontmatter, body
+
+    yaml_content = content[3 : end_match.start() + 3]
+    body = content[end_match.end() + 3 :]
+
+    try:
+        parsed = yaml_load(yaml_content)
+        if isinstance(parsed, dict):
+            frontmatter = parsed
+    except Exception:
+        # Fallback: simple key:value parsing for malformed YAML
+        for line in yaml_content.strip().split("\n"):
+            if ":" not in line:
+                continue
+            key, value = line.split(":", 1)
+            frontmatter[key.strip()] = value.strip()
+
+    return frontmatter, body
+
+
+# ── Platform matching ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def skill_matches_platform(frontmatter: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+    """Return True when the skill is compatible with the current OS.
+
+    Skills declare platform requirements via a top-level ``platforms`` list
+    in their YAML frontmatter::
+
+        platforms: [macos]          # macOS only
+        platforms: [macos, linux]   # macOS and Linux
+
+    If the field is absent or empty the skill is compatible with **all**
+    platforms (backward-compatible default).
+    """
+    platforms = frontmatter.get("platforms")
+    if not platforms:
+        return True
+    if not isinstance(platforms, list):
+        platforms = [platforms]
+    current = sys.platform
+    for platform in platforms:
+        normalized = str(platform).lower().strip()
+        mapped = PLATFORM_MAP.get(normalized, normalized)
+        if current.startswith(mapped):
+            return True
+    return False
+
+
+# ── Disabled skills ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def get_disabled_skill_names(platform: str | None = None) -> Set[str]:
+    """Read disabled skill names from config.yaml.
+
+    Args:
+        platform: Explicit platform name (e.g. ``"telegram"``).  When
+            *None*, resolves from ``HERMES_PLATFORM`` or
+            ``HERMES_SESSION_PLATFORM`` env vars.  Falls back to the
+            global disabled list when no platform is determined.
+
+    Reads the config file directly (no CLI config imports) to stay
+    lightweight.
+    """
+    config_path = get_hermes_home() / "config.yaml"
+    if not config_path.exists():
+        return set()
+    try:
+        parsed = yaml_load(config_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.debug("Could not read skill config %s: %s", config_path, e)
+        return set()
+    if not isinstance(parsed, dict):
+        return set()
+
+    skills_cfg = parsed.get("skills")
+    if not isinstance(skills_cfg, dict):
+        return set()
+
+    resolved_platform = (
+        platform
+        or os.getenv("HERMES_PLATFORM")
+        or os.getenv("HERMES_SESSION_PLATFORM")
+    )
+    if resolved_platform:
+        platform_disabled = (skills_cfg.get("platform_disabled") or {}).get(
+            resolved_platform
+        )
+        if platform_disabled is not None:
+            return _normalize_string_set(platform_disabled)
+    return _normalize_string_set(skills_cfg.get("disabled"))
+
+
+def _normalize_string_set(values) -> Set[str]:
+    if values is None:
+        return set()
+    if isinstance(values, str):
+        values = [values]
+    return {str(v).strip() for v in values if str(v).strip()}
+
+
+# ── External skills directories ──────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def get_external_skills_dirs() -> List[Path]:
+    """Read ``skills.external_dirs`` from config.yaml and return validated paths.
+
+    Each entry is expanded (``~`` and ``${VAR}``) and resolved to an absolute
+    path.  Only directories that actually exist are returned.  Duplicates and
+    paths that resolve to the local ``~/.hermes/skills/`` are silently skipped.
+    """
+    config_path = get_hermes_home() / "config.yaml"
+    if not config_path.exists():
+        return []
+    try:
+        parsed = yaml_load(config_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    except Exception:
+        return []
+    if not isinstance(parsed, dict):
+        return []
+
+    skills_cfg = parsed.get("skills")
+    if not isinstance(skills_cfg, dict):
+        return []
+
+    raw_dirs = skills_cfg.get("external_dirs")
+    if not raw_dirs:
+        return []
+    if isinstance(raw_dirs, str):
+        raw_dirs = [raw_dirs]
+    if not isinstance(raw_dirs, list):
+        return []
+
+    local_skills = (get_hermes_home() / "skills").resolve()
+    seen: Set[Path] = set()
+    result: List[Path] = []
+
+    for entry in raw_dirs:
+        entry = str(entry).strip()
+        if not entry:
+            continue
+        # Expand ~ and environment variables
+        expanded = os.path.expanduser(os.path.expandvars(entry))
+        p = Path(expanded).resolve()
+        if p == local_skills:
+            continue
+        if p in seen:
+            continue
+        if p.is_dir():
+            seen.add(p)
+            result.append(p)
+        else:
+            logger.debug("External skills dir does not exist, skipping: %s", p)
+
+    return result
+
+
+def get_all_skills_dirs() -> List[Path]:
+    """Return all skill directories: local ``~/.hermes/skills/`` first, then external.
+
+    The local dir is always first (and always included even if it doesn't exist
+    yet — callers handle that).  External dirs follow in config order.
+    """
+    dirs = [get_hermes_home() / "skills"]
+    dirs.extend(get_external_skills_dirs())
+    return dirs
+
+
+# ── Condition extraction ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def extract_skill_conditions(frontmatter: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, List]:
+    """Extract conditional activation fields from parsed frontmatter."""
+    metadata = frontmatter.get("metadata")
+    # Handle cases where metadata is not a dict (e.g., a string from malformed YAML)
+    if not isinstance(metadata, dict):
+        metadata = {}
+    hermes = metadata.get("hermes") or {}
+    if not isinstance(hermes, dict):
+        hermes = {}
+    return {
+        "fallback_for_toolsets": hermes.get("fallback_for_toolsets", []),
+        "requires_toolsets": hermes.get("requires_toolsets", []),
+        "fallback_for_tools": hermes.get("fallback_for_tools", []),
+        "requires_tools": hermes.get("requires_tools", []),
+    }
+
+
+# ── Description extraction ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def extract_skill_description(frontmatter: Dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+    """Extract a truncated description from parsed frontmatter."""
+    raw_desc = frontmatter.get("description", "")
+    if not raw_desc:
+        return ""
+    desc = str(raw_desc).strip().strip("'\"")
+    if len(desc) > 60:
+        return desc[:57] + "..."
+    return desc
+
+
+# ── File iteration ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def iter_skill_index_files(skills_dir: Path, filename: str):
+    """Walk skills_dir yielding sorted paths matching *filename*.
+
+    Excludes ``.git``, ``.github``, ``.hub`` directories.
+    """
+    matches = []
+    for root, dirs, files in os.walk(skills_dir):
+        dirs[:] = [d for d in dirs if d not in EXCLUDED_SKILL_DIRS]
+        if filename in files:
+            matches.append(Path(root) / filename)
+    for path in sorted(matches, key=lambda p: str(p.relative_to(skills_dir))):
+        yield path

agent/smart_model_routing.py

@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ import os
 import re
 from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
 
+from utils import is_truthy_value
+
 _COMPLEX_KEYWORDS = {
     "debug",
     "debugging",
@@ -47,13 +49,7 @@ _URL_RE = re.compile(r"https?://|www\.", re.IGNORECASE)
 
 
 def _coerce_bool(value: Any, default: bool = False) -> bool:
-    if value is None:
-        return default
-    if isinstance(value, bool):
-        return value
-    if isinstance(value, str):
-        return value.strip().lower() in {"1", "true", "yes", "on"}
-    return bool(value)
+    return is_truthy_value(value, default=default)
 
 
 def _coerce_int(value: Any, default: int) -> int:
@@ -127,6 +123,7 @@ def resolve_turn_route(user_message: str, routing_config: Optional[Dict[str, Any
                 "api_mode": primary.get("api_mode"),
                 "command": primary.get("command"),
                 "args": list(primary.get("args") or []),
+                "credential_pool": primary.get("credential_pool"),
             },
             "label": None,
             "signature": (
@@ -162,6 +159,7 @@ def resolve_turn_route(user_message: str, routing_config: Optional[Dict[str, Any
                 "api_mode": primary.get("api_mode"),
                 "command": primary.get("command"),
                 "args": list(primary.get("args") or []),
+                "credential_pool": primary.get("credential_pool"),
             },
             "label": None,
             "signature": (

agent/title_generator.py

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ _TITLE_PROMPT = (
 )
 
 
-def generate_title(user_message: str, assistant_response: str, timeout: float = 15.0) -> Optional[str]:
+def generate_title(user_message: str, assistant_response: str, timeout: float = 30.0) -> Optional[str]:
     """Generate a session title from the first exchange.
 
     Uses the auxiliary LLM client (cheapest/fastest available model).

agent/usage_pricing.py

@@ -649,7 +649,8 @@ def format_token_count_compact(value: int) -> str:
                 text = f"{scaled:.1f}"
             else:
                 text = f"{scaled:.0f}"
-            text = text.rstrip("0").rstrip(".")
+            if "." in text:
+                text = text.rstrip("0").rstrip(".")
             return f"{sign}{text}{suffix}"
 
     return f"{value:,}"

cli-config.yaml.example

@@ -7,17 +7,33 @@
 # =============================================================================
 model:
   # Default model to use (can be overridden with --model flag)
+  # Both "default" and "model" work as the key name here.
   default: "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6"
   
   # Inference provider selection:
-  #   "auto"       - Use Nous Portal if logged in, otherwise OpenRouter/env vars (default)
-  #   "nous-api"   - Use Nous Portal via API key (requires: NOUS_API_KEY)
-  #   "openrouter" - Always use OpenRouter API key from OPENROUTER_API_KEY
-  #   "nous"       - Always use Nous Portal (requires: hermes login)
-  #   "zai"        - Use z.ai / ZhipuAI GLM models (requires: GLM_API_KEY)
-  #   "kimi-coding"- Use Kimi / Moonshot AI models (requires: KIMI_API_KEY)
-  #   "minimax"    - Use MiniMax global endpoint (requires: MINIMAX_API_KEY)
-  #   "minimax-cn" - Use MiniMax China endpoint (requires: MINIMAX_CN_API_KEY)
+  #   "auto"         - Auto-detect from credentials (default)
+  #   "openrouter"   - OpenRouter (requires: OPENROUTER_API_KEY or OPENAI_API_KEY)
+  #   "nous"         - Nous Portal OAuth (requires: hermes login)
+  #   "nous-api"     - Nous Portal API key (requires: NOUS_API_KEY)
+  #   "anthropic"    - Direct Anthropic API (requires: ANTHROPIC_API_KEY)
+  #   "openai-codex" - OpenAI Codex (requires: hermes login --provider openai-codex)
+  #   "copilot"      - GitHub Copilot / GitHub Models (requires: GITHUB_TOKEN)
+  #   "zai"          - z.ai / ZhipuAI GLM (requires: GLM_API_KEY)
+  #   "kimi-coding"  - Kimi / Moonshot AI (requires: KIMI_API_KEY)
+  #   "minimax"      - MiniMax global (requires: MINIMAX_API_KEY)
+  #   "minimax-cn"   - MiniMax China (requires: MINIMAX_CN_API_KEY)
+  #   "huggingface"  - Hugging Face Inference (requires: HF_TOKEN)
+  #   "kilocode"     - KiloCode gateway (requires: KILOCODE_API_KEY)
+  #   "ai-gateway"   - Vercel AI Gateway (requires: AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY)
+  #
+  # Local servers (LM Studio, Ollama, vLLM, llama.cpp):
+  #   "custom"       - Any OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Set base_url below.
+  #   Aliases: "lmstudio", "ollama", "vllm", "llamacpp" all map to "custom".
+  #   Example for LM Studio:
+  #     provider: "lmstudio"
+  #     base_url: "http://localhost:1234/v1"
+  #   No API key needed — local servers typically ignore auth.
+  #
   # Can also be overridden with --provider flag or HERMES_INFERENCE_PROVIDER env var.
   provider: "auto"
   
@@ -232,19 +248,34 @@ browser:
 # 1. Tracks actual token usage from API responses (not estimates)
 # 2. When prompt_tokens >= threshold% of model's context_length, triggers compression
 # 3. Protects first 3 turns (system prompt, initial request, first response)
-# 4. Protects last 4 turns (recent context is most relevant)
+# 4. Protects last N turns (default 20 messages = ~10 full turns of recent context)
 # 5. Summarizes middle turns using a fast/cheap model
 # 6. Inserts summary as a user message, continues conversation seamlessly
 #
+# Post-compression tail budget is target_ratio × threshold × context_length:
+#   200K context, threshold 0.50, ratio 0.20 → 20K tokens of recent tail preserved
+#   1M   context, threshold 0.50, ratio 0.20 → 100K tokens of recent tail preserved
+#
 compression:
   # Enable automatic context compression (default: true)
   # Set to false if you prefer to manage context manually or want errors on overflow
   enabled: true
   
-  # Trigger compression at this % of model's context limit (default: 0.85 = 85%)
+  # Trigger compression at this % of model's context limit (default: 0.50 = 50%)
   # Lower values = more aggressive compression, higher values = compress later
-  threshold: 0.85
+  threshold: 0.50
   
+  # Fraction of the threshold to preserve as recent tail (default: 0.20 = 20%)
+  # e.g. 20% of 50% threshold = 10% of total context kept as recent messages.
+  # Summary output is separately capped at 12K tokens (Gemini output limit).
+  # Range: 0.10 - 0.80
+  target_ratio: 0.20
+
+  # Number of most-recent messages to always preserve (default: 20 ≈ 10 full turns)
+  # Higher values keep more recent conversation intact at the cost of more aggressive
+  # compression of older turns.
+  protect_last_n: 20
+
   # Model to use for generating summaries (fast/cheap recommended)
   # This model compresses the middle turns into a concise summary.
   # IMPORTANT: it receives the full middle section of the conversation, so it
@@ -293,6 +324,9 @@ compression:
 #   vision:
 #     provider: "auto"
 #     model: ""              # e.g. "google/gemini-2.5-flash", "openai/gpt-4o"
+#     timeout: 30            # LLM API call timeout (seconds)
+#     download_timeout: 30   # Image HTTP download timeout (seconds)
+#                            # Increase for slow connections or self-hosted image servers
 #
 #   # Web page scraping / summarization + browser page text extraction
 #   web_extract:
@@ -386,6 +420,15 @@ skills:
   # Set to 0 to disable.
   creation_nudge_interval: 15
 
+  # External skill directories — share skills across tools/agents without
+  # copying them into ~/.hermes/skills/.  Each path is expanded (~ and ${VAR})
+  # and resolved to an absolute path.  External dirs are read-only: skill
+  # creation always writes to ~/.hermes/skills/.  Local skills take precedence
+  # when names collide.
+  # external_dirs:
+  #   - ~/.agents/skills
+  #   - /home/shared/team-skills
+
 # =============================================================================
 # Agent Behavior
 # =============================================================================
@@ -673,6 +716,12 @@ display:
   # Toggle at runtime with /verbose in the CLI
   tool_progress: all
 
+  # What Enter does when Hermes is already busy in the CLI.
+  #   interrupt: Interrupt the current run and redirect Hermes (default)
+  #   queue:     Queue your message for the next turn
+  # Ctrl+C always interrupts regardless of this setting.
+  busy_input_mode: interrupt
+
   # Background process notifications (gateway/messaging only).
   # Controls how chatty the process watcher is when you use
   # terminal(background=true, check_interval=...) from Telegram/Discord/etc.

cron/jobs.py

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import re
 import uuid
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from pathlib import Path
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
 from typing import Optional, Dict, List, Any
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -30,7 +31,7 @@ except ImportError:
 # Configuration
 # =============================================================================
 
-HERMES_DIR = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+HERMES_DIR = get_hermes_home()
 CRON_DIR = HERMES_DIR / "cron"
 JOBS_FILE = CRON_DIR / "jobs.json"
 OUTPUT_DIR = CRON_DIR / "output"
@@ -326,7 +327,20 @@ def load_jobs() -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
         with open(JOBS_FILE, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
             data = json.load(f)
             return data.get("jobs", [])
-    except (json.JSONDecodeError, IOError):
+    except json.JSONDecodeError:
+        # Retry with strict=False to handle bare control chars in string values
+        try:
+            with open(JOBS_FILE, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                data = json.loads(f.read(), strict=False)
+                jobs = data.get("jobs", [])
+                if jobs:
+                    # Auto-repair: rewrite with proper escaping
+                    save_jobs(jobs)
+                    logger.warning("Auto-repaired jobs.json (had invalid control characters)")
+                return jobs
+        except Exception:
+            return []
+    except IOError:
         return []
 
 
@@ -597,6 +611,34 @@ def mark_job_run(job_id: str, success: bool, error: Optional[str] = None):
     save_jobs(jobs)
 
 
+def advance_next_run(job_id: str) -> bool:
+    """Preemptively advance next_run_at for a recurring job before execution.
+
+    Call this BEFORE run_job() so that if the process crashes mid-execution,
+    the job won't re-fire on the next gateway restart.  This converts the
+    scheduler from at-least-once to at-most-once for recurring jobs — missing
+    one run is far better than firing dozens of times in a crash loop.
+
+    One-shot jobs are left unchanged so they can still retry on restart.
+
+    Returns True if next_run_at was advanced, False otherwise.
+    """
+    jobs = load_jobs()
+    for job in jobs:
+        if job["id"] == job_id:
+            kind = job.get("schedule", {}).get("kind")
+            if kind not in ("cron", "interval"):
+                return False
+            now = _hermes_now().isoformat()
+            new_next = compute_next_run(job["schedule"], now)
+            if new_next and new_next != job.get("next_run_at"):
+                job["next_run_at"] = new_next
+                save_jobs(jobs)
+                return True
+            return False
+    return False
+
+
 def get_due_jobs() -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
     """Get all jobs that are due to run now.
 

cron/scheduler.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ runs at a time if multiple processes overlap.
 """
 
 import asyncio
+import concurrent.futures
 import json
 import logging
 import os
@@ -24,8 +25,9 @@ except ImportError:
         import msvcrt
     except ImportError:
         msvcrt = None
-from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+from hermes_cli.config import load_config
 from typing import Optional
 
 from hermes_time import now as _hermes_now
@@ -35,7 +37,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 # Add parent directory to path for imports
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent))
 
-from cron.jobs import get_due_jobs, mark_job_run, save_job_output
+from cron.jobs import get_due_jobs, mark_job_run, save_job_output, advance_next_run
 
 # Sentinel: when a cron agent has nothing new to report, it can start its
 # response with this marker to suppress delivery.  Output is still saved
@@ -43,7 +45,7 @@ from cron.jobs import get_due_jobs, mark_job_run, save_job_output
 SILENT_MARKER = "[SILENT]"
 
 # Resolve Hermes home directory (respects HERMES_HOME override)
-_hermes_home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+_hermes_home = get_hermes_home()
 
 # File-based lock prevents concurrent ticks from gateway + daemon + systemd timer
 _LOCK_DIR = _hermes_home / "cron"
@@ -86,6 +88,22 @@ def _resolve_delivery_target(job: dict) -> Optional[dict]:
             chat_id, thread_id = rest.split(":", 1)
         else:
             chat_id, thread_id = rest, None
+
+        # Resolve human-friendly labels like "Alice (dm)" to real IDs.
+        # send_message(action="list") shows labels with display suffixes
+        # that aren't valid platform IDs (e.g. WhatsApp JIDs).
+        try:
+            from gateway.channel_directory import resolve_channel_name
+            target = chat_id
+            # Strip display suffix like " (dm)" or " (group)"
+            if target.endswith(")") and " (" in target:
+                target = target.rsplit(" (", 1)[0].strip()
+            resolved = resolve_channel_name(platform_name.lower(), target)
+            if resolved:
+                chat_id = resolved
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         return {
             "platform": platform_name,
             "chat_id": chat_id,
@@ -145,6 +163,8 @@ def _deliver_result(job: dict, content: str) -> None:
         "mattermost": Platform.MATTERMOST,
         "homeassistant": Platform.HOMEASSISTANT,
         "dingtalk": Platform.DINGTALK,
+        "feishu": Platform.FEISHU,
+        "wecom": Platform.WECOM,
         "email": Platform.EMAIL,
         "sms": Platform.SMS,
     }
@@ -164,18 +184,29 @@ def _deliver_result(job: dict, content: str) -> None:
         logger.warning("Job '%s': platform '%s' not configured/enabled", job["id"], platform_name)
         return
 
-    # Wrap the content so the user knows this is a cron delivery and that
-    # the interactive agent has no visibility into it.
-    task_name = job.get("name", job["id"])
-    wrapped = (
-        f"Cronjob Response: {task_name}\n"
-        f"-------------\n\n"
-        f"{content}\n\n"
-        f"Note: The agent cannot see this message, and therefore cannot respond to it."
-    )
+    # Optionally wrap the content with a header/footer so the user knows this
+    # is a cron delivery.  Wrapping is on by default; set cron.wrap_response: false
+    # in config.yaml for clean output.
+    wrap_response = True
+    try:
+        user_cfg = load_config()
+        wrap_response = user_cfg.get("cron", {}).get("wrap_response", True)
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    if wrap_response:
+        task_name = job.get("name", job["id"])
+        delivery_content = (
+            f"Cronjob Response: {task_name}\n"
+            f"-------------\n\n"
+            f"{content}\n\n"
+            f"Note: The agent cannot see this message, and therefore cannot respond to it."
+        )
+    else:
+        delivery_content = content
 
     # Run the async send in a fresh event loop (safe from any thread)
-    coro = _send_to_platform(platform, pconfig, chat_id, wrapped, thread_id=thread_id)
+    coro = _send_to_platform(platform, pconfig, chat_id, delivery_content, thread_id=thread_id)
     try:
         result = asyncio.run(coro)
     except RuntimeError:
@@ -186,7 +217,7 @@ def _deliver_result(job: dict, content: str) -> None:
         coro.close()
         import concurrent.futures
         with concurrent.futures.ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=1) as pool:
-            future = pool.submit(asyncio.run, _send_to_platform(platform, pconfig, chat_id, wrapped, thread_id=thread_id))
+            future = pool.submit(asyncio.run, _send_to_platform(platform, pconfig, chat_id, delivery_content, thread_id=thread_id))
             result = future.result(timeout=30)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error("Job '%s': delivery to %s:%s failed: %s", job["id"], platform_name, chat_id, e)
@@ -206,11 +237,12 @@ def _build_job_prompt(job: dict) -> str:
     # Always prepend [SILENT] guidance so the cron agent can suppress
     # delivery when it has nothing new or noteworthy to report.
     silent_hint = (
-        "[SYSTEM: If you have nothing new or noteworthy to report, respond "
-        "with exactly \"[SILENT]\" (optionally followed by a brief internal "
-        "note). This suppresses delivery to the user while still saving "
-        "output locally. Only use [SILENT] when there are genuinely no "
-        "changes worth reporting.]\n\n"
+        "[SYSTEM: If you have a meaningful status report or findings, "
+        "send them — that is the whole point of this job. Only respond "
+        "with exactly \"[SILENT]\" (nothing else) when there is genuinely "
+        "nothing new to report. [SILENT] suppresses delivery to the user. "
+        "Never combine [SILENT] with content — either report your "
+        "findings normally, or say [SILENT] and nothing more.]\n\n"
     )
     prompt = silent_hint + prompt
     if skills is None:
@@ -280,6 +312,7 @@ def run_job(job: dict) -> tuple[bool, str, str, Optional[str]]:
     job_name = job["name"]
     prompt = _build_job_prompt(job)
     origin = _resolve_origin(job)
+    _cron_session_id = f"cron_{job_id}_{_hermes_now().strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}"
 
     logger.info("Running job '%s' (ID: %s)", job_name, job_id)
     logger.info("Prompt: %s", prompt[:100])
@@ -307,7 +340,7 @@ def run_job(job: dict) -> tuple[bool, str, str, Optional[str]]:
             if delivery_target.get("thread_id") is not None:
                 os.environ["HERMES_CRON_AUTO_DELIVER_THREAD_ID"] = str(delivery_target["thread_id"])
 
-        model = job.get("model") or os.getenv("HERMES_MODEL") or "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6"
+        model = job.get("model") or os.getenv("HERMES_MODEL") or ""
 
         # Load config.yaml for model, reasoning, prefill, toolsets, provider routing
         _cfg = {}
@@ -327,16 +360,11 @@ def run_job(job: dict) -> tuple[bool, str, str, Optional[str]]:
             logger.warning("Job '%s': failed to load config.yaml, using defaults: %s", job_id, e)
 
         # Reasoning config from env or config.yaml
-        reasoning_config = None
+        from hermes_constants import parse_reasoning_effort
         effort = os.getenv("HERMES_REASONING_EFFORT", "")
         if not effort:
             effort = str(_cfg.get("agent", {}).get("reasoning_effort", "")).strip()
-        if effort and effort.lower() != "none":
-            valid = ("xhigh", "high", "medium", "low", "minimal")
-            if effort.lower() in valid:
-                reasoning_config = {"enabled": True, "effort": effort.lower()}
-        elif effort.lower() == "none":
-            reasoning_config = {"enabled": False}
+        reasoning_config = parse_reasoning_effort(effort)
 
         # Prefill messages from env or config.yaml
         prefill_messages = None
@@ -410,13 +438,36 @@ def run_job(job: dict) -> tuple[bool, str, str, Optional[str]]:
             provider_sort=pr.get("sort"),
             disabled_toolsets=["cronjob", "messaging", "clarify"],
             quiet_mode=True,
+            skip_memory=True,  # Cron system prompts would corrupt user representations
             platform="cron",
-            session_id=f"cron_{job_id}_{_hermes_now().strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}",
+            session_id=_cron_session_id,
             session_db=_session_db,
         )
         
-        result = agent.run_conversation(prompt)
-        
+        # Run the agent with a timeout so a hung API call or tool doesn't
+        # block the cron ticker thread indefinitely.  Default 10 minutes;
+        # override via env var.  Uses a separate thread because
+        # run_conversation is synchronous.
+        _cron_timeout = float(os.getenv("HERMES_CRON_TIMEOUT", 600))
+        _cron_pool = concurrent.futures.ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=1)
+        _cron_future = _cron_pool.submit(agent.run_conversation, prompt)
+        try:
+            result = _cron_future.result(timeout=_cron_timeout)
+        except concurrent.futures.TimeoutError:
+            logger.error(
+                "Job '%s' timed out after %.0fs — interrupting agent",
+                job_name, _cron_timeout,
+            )
+            if hasattr(agent, "interrupt"):
+                agent.interrupt("Cron job timed out")
+            _cron_pool.shutdown(wait=False, cancel_futures=True)
+            raise TimeoutError(
+                f"Cron job '{job_name}' timed out after "
+                f"{int(_cron_timeout // 60)} minutes"
+            )
+        finally:
+            _cron_pool.shutdown(wait=False)
+
         final_response = result.get("final_response", "") or ""
         # Use a separate variable for log display; keep final_response clean
         # for delivery logic (empty response = no delivery).
@@ -476,9 +527,13 @@ def run_job(job: dict) -> tuple[bool, str, str, Optional[str]]:
         ):
             os.environ.pop(key, None)
         if _session_db:
+            try:
+                _session_db.end_session(_cron_session_id, "cron_complete")
+            except (Exception, KeyboardInterrupt) as e:
+                logger.debug("Job '%s': failed to end session: %s", job_id, e)
             try:
                 _session_db.close()
-            except Exception as e:
+            except (Exception, KeyboardInterrupt) as e:
                 logger.debug("Job '%s': failed to close SQLite session store: %s", job_id, e)
 
 
@@ -524,6 +579,12 @@ def tick(verbose: bool = True) -> int:
         executed = 0
         for job in due_jobs:
             try:
+                # For recurring jobs (cron/interval), advance next_run_at to the
+                # next future occurrence BEFORE execution.  This way, if the
+                # process crashes mid-run, the job won't re-fire on restart.
+                # One-shot jobs are left alone so they can retry on restart.
+                advance_next_run(job["id"])
+
                 success, output, final_response, error = run_job(job)
 
                 output_file = save_job_output(job["id"], output)

docker/SOUL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# Hermes Agent Persona
+
+<!--
+This file defines the agent's personality and tone.
+The agent will embody whatever you write here.
+Edit this to customize how Hermes communicates with you.
+
+Examples:
+  - "You are a warm, playful assistant who uses kaomoji occasionally."
+  - "You are a concise technical expert. No fluff, just facts."
+  - "You speak like a friendly coworker who happens to know everything."
+
+This file is loaded fresh each message -- no restart needed.
+Delete the contents (or this file) to use the default personality.
+-->

docker/entrypoint.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Docker entrypoint: bootstrap config files into the mounted volume, then run hermes.
+set -e
+
+HERMES_HOME="/opt/data"
+INSTALL_DIR="/opt/hermes"
+
+# Create essential directory structure.  Cache and platform directories
+# (cache/images, cache/audio, platforms/whatsapp, etc.) are created on
+# demand by the application — don't pre-create them here so new installs
+# get the consolidated layout from get_hermes_dir().
+mkdir -p "$HERMES_HOME"/{cron,sessions,logs,hooks,memories,skills}
+
+# .env
+if [ ! -f "$HERMES_HOME/.env" ]; then
+    cp "$INSTALL_DIR/.env.example" "$HERMES_HOME/.env"
+fi
+
+# config.yaml
+if [ ! -f "$HERMES_HOME/config.yaml" ]; then
+    cp "$INSTALL_DIR/cli-config.yaml.example" "$HERMES_HOME/config.yaml"
+fi
+
+# SOUL.md
+if [ ! -f "$HERMES_HOME/SOUL.md" ]; then
+    cp "$INSTALL_DIR/docker/SOUL.md" "$HERMES_HOME/SOUL.md"
+fi
+
+# Sync bundled skills (manifest-based so user edits are preserved)
+if [ -d "$INSTALL_DIR/skills" ]; then
+    python3 "$INSTALL_DIR/tools/skills_sync.py"
+fi
+
+exec hermes "$@"

docs/acp-setup.md

@@ -76,14 +76,13 @@ Open Zed settings (`Cmd+,` on macOS or `Ctrl+,` on Linux) and add to your
 
 ```json
 {
-  "acp": {
-    "agents": [
-      {
-        "name": "hermes-agent",
-        "registry_dir": "/path/to/hermes-agent/acp_registry"
-      }
-    ]
-  }
+  "agent_servers": {
+    "hermes-agent": {
+      "type": "custom",
+      "command": "hermes",
+      "args": ["acp"],
+    },
+  },
 }
 ```
 

environments/README.md

@@ -101,21 +101,11 @@ Available methods:
 
 ### Patches (`patches.py`)
 
-**Problem**: Some hermes-agent tools use `asyncio.run()` internally (e.g., mini-swe-agent's Modal backend via SWE-ReX). This crashes when called from inside Atropos's event loop because `asyncio.run()` cannot be nested.
+**Problem**: Some hermes-agent tools use `asyncio.run()` internally (e.g., the Modal backend). This crashes when called from inside Atropos's event loop because `asyncio.run()` cannot be nested.
 
-**Solution**: `patches.py` monkey-patches `SwerexModalEnvironment` to use a dedicated background thread (`_AsyncWorker`) with its own event loop. The calling code sees the same sync interface, but internally the async work happens on a separate thread that doesn't conflict with Atropos's loop.
+**Solution**: `ModalEnvironment` uses a dedicated `_AsyncWorker` background thread with its own event loop. The calling code sees a sync interface, but internally all async Modal SDK calls happen on the worker thread so they don't conflict with Atropos's loop. This is built directly into `tools/environments/modal.py` — no monkey-patching required.
 
-What gets patched:
-- `SwerexModalEnvironment.__init__` -- creates Modal deployment on a background thread
-- `SwerexModalEnvironment.execute` -- runs commands on the same background thread
-- `SwerexModalEnvironment.stop` -- stops deployment on the background thread
-
-The patches are:
-- **Idempotent** -- calling `apply_patches()` multiple times is safe
-- **Transparent** -- same interface and behavior, only the internal async execution changes
-- **Universal** -- works identically in normal CLI use (no running event loop)
-
-Applied automatically at import time by `hermes_base_env.py`.
+`patches.py` is now a no-op (kept for backward compatibility with imports).
 
 ### Tool Call Parsers (`tool_call_parsers/`)
 

environments/agent_loop.py

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set
 from model_tools import handle_function_call
 
 # Thread pool for running sync tool calls that internally use asyncio.run()
-# (e.g., mini-swe-agent's modal/docker/daytona backends). Running them in a separate
+# (e.g., the Modal/Docker/Daytona terminal backends). Running them in a separate
 # thread gives them a clean event loop so they don't deadlock inside Atropos's loop.
 # Size must be large enough for concurrent eval tasks (e.g., 89 TB2 tasks all
 # making tool calls). Too small = thread pool starvation, tasks queue for minutes.

environments/benchmarks/terminalbench_2/terminalbench2_env.py

@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ class TerminalBench2EvalEnv(HermesAgentBaseEnv):
 
             # Agent settings -- TB2 tasks are complex, need many turns
             max_agent_turns=60,
-            max_token_length=***
+            max_token_length=16000,
             agent_temperature=0.6,
             system_prompt=None,
 
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ class TerminalBench2EvalEnv(HermesAgentBaseEnv):
             steps_per_eval=1,
             total_steps=1,
 
-            tokenizer_name="NousRe...1-8B",
+            tokenizer_name="NousResearch/Hermes-3-Llama-3.1-8B",
             use_wandb=True,
             wandb_name="terminal-bench-2",
             ensure_scores_are_not_same=False,  # Binary rewards may all be 0 or 1
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ class TerminalBench2EvalEnv(HermesAgentBaseEnv):
                 base_url="https://openrouter.ai/api/v1",
                 model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4",
                 server_type="openai",
-                api_key=os.get...EY", ""),
+                api_key=os.getenv("OPENROUTER_API_KEY", ""),
                 health_check=False,
             )
         ]
@@ -513,3 +513,446 @@ class TerminalBench2EvalEnv(HermesAgentBaseEnv):
                 reward = 0.0
             else:
                 # Run tests in a thread so the blocking ctx.terminal() calls
+                # don't freeze the entire event loop (which would stall all
+                # other tasks, tqdm updates, and timeout timers).
+                ctx = ToolContext(task_id)
+                try:
+                    loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+                    reward = await loop.run_in_executor(
+                        None,  # default thread pool
+                        self._run_tests, eval_item, ctx, task_name,
+                    )
+                except Exception as e:
+                    logger.error("Task %s: test verification failed: %s", task_name, e)
+                    reward = 0.0
+                finally:
+                    ctx.cleanup()
+
+            passed = reward == 1.0
+            status = "PASS" if passed else "FAIL"
+            elapsed = time.time() - task_start
+            tqdm.write(f"  [{status}] {task_name} (turns={result.turns_used}, {elapsed:.0f}s)")
+            logger.info(
+                "Task %s: reward=%.1f, turns=%d, finished=%s",
+                task_name, reward, result.turns_used, result.finished_naturally,
+            )
+
+            out = {
+                "passed": passed,
+                "reward": reward,
+                "task_name": task_name,
+                "category": category,
+                "turns_used": result.turns_used,
+                "finished_naturally": result.finished_naturally,
+                "messages": result.messages,
+            }
+            self._save_result(out)
+            return out
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            elapsed = time.time() - task_start
+            logger.error("Task %s: rollout failed: %s", task_name, e, exc_info=True)
+            tqdm.write(f"  [ERROR] {task_name}: {e} ({elapsed:.0f}s)")
+            out = {
+                "passed": False, "reward": 0.0,
+                "task_name": task_name, "category": category,
+                "error": str(e),
+            }
+            self._save_result(out)
+            return out
+
+        finally:
+            # --- Cleanup: clear overrides, sandbox, and temp files ---
+            clear_task_env_overrides(task_id)
+            try:
+                cleanup_vm(task_id)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("VM cleanup for %s: %s", task_id[:8], e)
+            if task_dir and task_dir.exists():
+                shutil.rmtree(task_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+
+    def _run_tests(
+        self, item: Dict[str, Any], ctx: ToolContext, task_name: str
+    ) -> float:
+        """
+        Upload and execute the test suite in the agent's sandbox, then
+        download the verifier output locally to read the reward.
+
+        Follows Harbor's verification pattern:
+        1. Upload tests/ directory into the sandbox
+        2. Execute test.sh inside the sandbox
+        3. Download /logs/verifier/ directory to a local temp dir
+        4. Read reward.txt locally with native Python I/O
+
+        Downloading locally avoids issues with the file_read tool on
+        the Modal VM and matches how Harbor handles verification.
+
+        TB2 test scripts (test.sh) typically:
+        1. Install pytest via uv/pip
+        2. Run pytest against the test files in /tests/
+        3. Write results to /logs/verifier/reward.txt
+
+        Args:
+            item: The TB2 task dict (contains tests_tar, test_sh)
+            ctx: ToolContext scoped to this task's sandbox
+            task_name: For logging
+
+        Returns:
+            1.0 if tests pass, 0.0 otherwise
+        """
+        tests_tar = item.get("tests_tar", "")
+        test_sh = item.get("test_sh", "")
+
+        if not test_sh:
+            logger.warning("Task %s: no test_sh content, reward=0", task_name)
+            return 0.0
+
+        # Create required directories in the sandbox
+        ctx.terminal("mkdir -p /tests /logs/verifier")
+
+        # Upload test files into the sandbox (binary-safe via base64)
+        if tests_tar:
+            tests_temp = Path(tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix=f"tb2-tests-{task_name}-"))
+            try:
+                _extract_base64_tar(tests_tar, tests_temp)
+                ctx.upload_dir(str(tests_temp), "/tests")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("Task %s: failed to upload test files: %s", task_name, e)
+            finally:
+                shutil.rmtree(tests_temp, ignore_errors=True)
+
+        # Write the test runner script (test.sh)
+        ctx.write_file("/tests/test.sh", test_sh)
+        ctx.terminal("chmod +x /tests/test.sh")
+
+        # Execute the test suite
+        logger.info(
+            "Task %s: running test suite (timeout=%ds)",
+            task_name, self.config.test_timeout,
+        )
+        test_result = ctx.terminal(
+            "bash /tests/test.sh",
+            timeout=self.config.test_timeout,
+        )
+
+        exit_code = test_result.get("exit_code", -1)
+        output = test_result.get("output", "")
+
+        # Download the verifier output directory locally, then read reward.txt
+        # with native Python I/O. This avoids issues with file_read on the
+        # Modal VM and matches Harbor's verification pattern.
+        reward = 0.0
+        local_verifier_dir = Path(tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix=f"tb2-verifier-{task_name}-"))
+        try:
+            ctx.download_dir("/logs/verifier", str(local_verifier_dir))
+
+            reward_file = local_verifier_dir / "reward.txt"
+            if reward_file.exists() and reward_file.stat().st_size > 0:
+                content = reward_file.read_text().strip()
+                if content == "1":
+                    reward = 1.0
+                elif content == "0":
+                    reward = 0.0
+                else:
+                    # Unexpected content -- try parsing as float
+                    try:
+                        reward = float(content)
+                    except (ValueError, TypeError):
+                        logger.warning(
+                            "Task %s: reward.txt content unexpected (%r), "
+                            "falling back to exit_code=%d",
+                            task_name, content, exit_code,
+                        )
+                        reward = 1.0 if exit_code == 0 else 0.0
+            else:
+                # reward.txt not written -- fall back to exit code
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Task %s: reward.txt not found after download, "
+                    "falling back to exit_code=%d",
+                    task_name, exit_code,
+                )
+                reward = 1.0 if exit_code == 0 else 0.0
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Task %s: failed to download verifier dir: %s, "
+                "falling back to exit_code=%d",
+                task_name, e, exit_code,
+            )
+            reward = 1.0 if exit_code == 0 else 0.0
+        finally:
+            shutil.rmtree(local_verifier_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+
+        # Log test output for debugging failures
+        if reward == 0.0:
+            output_preview = output[-500:] if output else "(no output)"
+            logger.info(
+                "Task %s: FAIL (exit_code=%d)\n%s",
+                task_name, exit_code, output_preview,
+            )
+
+        return reward
+
+    # =========================================================================
+    # Evaluate -- main entry point for the eval subcommand
+    # =========================================================================
+
+    async def _eval_with_timeout(self, item: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict:
+        """
+        Wrap rollout_and_score_eval with a per-task wall-clock timeout.
+
+        If the task exceeds task_timeout seconds, it's automatically scored
+        as FAIL. This prevents any single task from hanging indefinitely.
+        """
+        task_name = item.get("task_name", "unknown")
+        category = item.get("category", "unknown")
+        try:
+            return await asyncio.wait_for(
+                self.rollout_and_score_eval(item),
+                timeout=self.config.task_timeout,
+            )
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            from tqdm import tqdm
+            elapsed = self.config.task_timeout
+            tqdm.write(f"  [TIMEOUT] {task_name} (exceeded {elapsed}s wall-clock limit)")
+            logger.error("Task %s: wall-clock timeout after %ds", task_name, elapsed)
+            out = {
+                "passed": False, "reward": 0.0,
+                "task_name": task_name, "category": category,
+                "error": f"timeout ({elapsed}s)",
+            }
+            self._save_result(out)
+            return out
+
+    async def evaluate(self, *args, **kwargs) -> None:
+        """
+        Run Terminal-Bench 2.0 evaluation over all tasks.
+
+        This is the main entry point when invoked via:
+            python environments/terminalbench2_env.py evaluate
+
+        Runs all tasks through rollout_and_score_eval() via asyncio.gather()
+        (same pattern as GPQA and other Atropos eval envs). Each task is
+        wrapped with a wall-clock timeout so hung tasks auto-fail.
+
+        Suppresses noisy Modal/terminal output (HERMES_QUIET) so the tqdm
+        bar stays visible.
+        """
+        start_time = time.time()
+
+        # Route all logging through tqdm.write() so the progress bar stays
+        # pinned at the bottom while log lines scroll above it.
+        from tqdm import tqdm
+
+        class _TqdmHandler(logging.Handler):
+            def emit(self, record):
+                try:
+                    tqdm.write(self.format(record))
+                except Exception:
+                    self.handleError(record)
+
+        handler = _TqdmHandler()
+        handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter(
+            "%(asctime)s [%(name)s] %(levelname)s: %(message)s",
+            datefmt="%H:%M:%S",
+        ))
+        root = logging.getLogger()
+        root.handlers = [handler]  # Replace any existing handlers
+        root.setLevel(logging.INFO)
+
+        # Silence noisy third-party loggers that flood the output
+        logging.getLogger("httpx").setLevel(logging.WARNING)      # Every HTTP request
+        logging.getLogger("openai").setLevel(logging.WARNING)     # OpenAI client retries
+        logging.getLogger("rex-deploy").setLevel(logging.WARNING) # Swerex deployment
+        logging.getLogger("rex_image_builder").setLevel(logging.WARNING)  # Image builds
+
+        print(f"\n{'='*60}")
+        print("Starting Terminal-Bench 2.0 Evaluation")
+        print(f"{'='*60}")
+        print(f"  Dataset: {self.config.dataset_name}")
+        print(f"  Total tasks: {len(self.all_eval_items)}")
+        print(f"  Max agent turns: {self.config.max_agent_turns}")
+        print(f"  Task timeout: {self.config.task_timeout}s")
+        print(f"  Terminal backend: {self.config.terminal_backend}")
+        print(f"  Tool thread pool: {self.config.tool_pool_size}")
+        print(f"  Terminal timeout: {self.config.terminal_timeout}s/cmd")
+        print(f"  Terminal lifetime: {self.config.terminal_lifetime}s (auto: task_timeout + 120)")
+        print(f"  Max concurrent tasks: {self.config.max_concurrent_tasks}")
+        print(f"{'='*60}\n")
+
+        # Semaphore to limit concurrent Modal sandbox creations.
+        # Without this, all 86 tasks fire simultaneously, each creating a Modal
+        # sandbox via asyncio.run() inside a thread pool worker. Modal's blocking
+        # calls (App.lookup, etc.) deadlock when too many are created at once.
+        semaphore = asyncio.Semaphore(self.config.max_concurrent_tasks)
+
+        async def _eval_with_semaphore(item):
+            async with semaphore:
+                return await self._eval_with_timeout(item)
+
+        # Fire all tasks with wall-clock timeout, track live accuracy on the bar
+        total_tasks = len(self.all_eval_items)
+        eval_tasks = [
+            asyncio.ensure_future(_eval_with_semaphore(item))
+            for item in self.all_eval_items
+        ]
+
+        results = []
+        passed_count = 0
+        pbar = tqdm(total=total_tasks, desc="Evaluating TB2", dynamic_ncols=True)
+        try:
+            for coro in asyncio.as_completed(eval_tasks):
+                result = await coro
+                results.append(result)
+                if result and result.get("passed"):
+                    passed_count += 1
+                done = len(results)
+                pct = (passed_count / done * 100) if done else 0
+                pbar.set_postfix_str(f"pass={passed_count}/{done} ({pct:.1f}%)")
+                pbar.update(1)
+        except (KeyboardInterrupt, asyncio.CancelledError):
+            pbar.close()
+            print(f"\n\nInterrupted! Cleaning up {len(eval_tasks)} tasks...")
+            # Cancel all pending tasks
+            for task in eval_tasks:
+                task.cancel()
+            # Let cancellations propagate (finally blocks run cleanup_vm)
+            await asyncio.gather(*eval_tasks, return_exceptions=True)
+            # Belt-and-suspenders: clean up any remaining sandboxes
+            from tools.terminal_tool import cleanup_all_environments
+            cleanup_all_environments()
+            print("All sandboxes cleaned up.")
+            return
+        finally:
+            pbar.close()
+
+        end_time = time.time()
+
+        # Filter out None results (shouldn't happen, but be safe)
+        valid_results = [r for r in results if r is not None]
+
+        if not valid_results:
+            print("Warning: No valid evaluation results obtained")
+            return
+
+        # ---- Compute metrics ----
+        total = len(valid_results)
+        passed = sum(1 for r in valid_results if r.get("passed"))
+        overall_pass_rate = passed / total if total > 0 else 0.0
+
+        # Per-category breakdown
+        cat_results: Dict[str, List[Dict]] = defaultdict(list)
+        for r in valid_results:
+            cat_results[r.get("category", "unknown")].append(r)
+
+        # Build metrics dict
+        eval_metrics = {
+            "eval/pass_rate": overall_pass_rate,
+            "eval/total_tasks": total,
+            "eval/passed_tasks": passed,
+            "eval/evaluation_time_seconds": end_time - start_time,
+        }
+
+        # Per-category metrics
+        for category, cat_items in sorted(cat_results.items()):
+            cat_passed = sum(1 for r in cat_items if r.get("passed"))
+            cat_total = len(cat_items)
+            cat_pass_rate = cat_passed / cat_total if cat_total > 0 else 0.0
+            cat_key = category.replace(" ", "_").replace("-", "_").lower()
+            eval_metrics[f"eval/pass_rate_{cat_key}"] = cat_pass_rate
+
+        # Store metrics for wandb_log
+        self.eval_metrics = [(k, v) for k, v in eval_metrics.items()]
+
+        # ---- Print summary ----
+        print(f"\n{'='*60}")
+        print("Terminal-Bench 2.0 Evaluation Results")
+        print(f"{'='*60}")
+        print(f"Overall Pass Rate: {overall_pass_rate:.4f} ({passed}/{total})")
+        print(f"Evaluation Time: {end_time - start_time:.1f} seconds")
+
+        print("\nCategory Breakdown:")
+        for category, cat_items in sorted(cat_results.items()):
+            cat_passed = sum(1 for r in cat_items if r.get("passed"))
+            cat_total = len(cat_items)
+            cat_rate = cat_passed / cat_total if cat_total > 0 else 0.0
+            print(f"  {category}: {cat_rate:.1%} ({cat_passed}/{cat_total})")
+
+        # Print individual task results
+        print("\nTask Results:")
+        for r in sorted(valid_results, key=lambda x: x.get("task_name", "")):
+            status = "PASS" if r.get("passed") else "FAIL"
+            turns = r.get("turns_used", "?")
+            error = r.get("error", "")
+            extra = f" (error: {error})" if error else ""
+            print(f"  [{status}] {r['task_name']} (turns={turns}){extra}")
+
+        print(f"{'='*60}\n")
+
+        # Build sample records for evaluate_log (includes full conversations)
+        samples = [
+            {
+                "task_name": r.get("task_name"),
+                "category": r.get("category"),
+                "passed": r.get("passed"),
+                "reward": r.get("reward"),
+                "turns_used": r.get("turns_used"),
+                "error": r.get("error"),
+                "messages": r.get("messages"),
+            }
+            for r in valid_results
+        ]
+
+        # Log evaluation results
+        try:
+            await self.evaluate_log(
+                metrics=eval_metrics,
+                samples=samples,
+                start_time=start_time,
+                end_time=end_time,
+                generation_parameters={
+                    "temperature": self.config.agent_temperature,
+                    "max_tokens": self.config.max_token_length,
+                    "max_agent_turns": self.config.max_agent_turns,
+                    "terminal_backend": self.config.terminal_backend,
+                },
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Error logging evaluation results: {e}")
+
+        # Close streaming file
+        if hasattr(self, "_streaming_file") and not self._streaming_file.closed:
+            self._streaming_file.close()
+            print(f"  Live results saved to: {self._streaming_path}")
+
+        # Kill all remaining sandboxes. Timed-out tasks leave orphaned thread
+        # pool workers still executing commands -- cleanup_all stops them.
+        from tools.terminal_tool import cleanup_all_environments
+        print("\nCleaning up all sandboxes...")
+        cleanup_all_environments()
+
+        # Shut down the tool thread pool so orphaned workers from timed-out
+        # tasks are killed immediately instead of retrying against dead
+        # sandboxes and spamming the console with TimeoutError warnings.
+        from environments.agent_loop import _tool_executor
+        _tool_executor.shutdown(wait=False, cancel_futures=True)
+        print("Done.")
+
+    # =========================================================================
+    # Wandb logging
+    # =========================================================================
+
+    async def wandb_log(self, wandb_metrics: Optional[Dict] = None):
+        """Log TB2-specific metrics to wandb."""
+        if wandb_metrics is None:
+            wandb_metrics = {}
+
+        # Add stored eval metrics
+        for metric_name, metric_value in self.eval_metrics:
+            wandb_metrics[metric_name] = metric_value
+        self.eval_metrics = []
+
+        await super().wandb_log(wandb_metrics)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    TerminalBench2EvalEnv.cli()

environments/patches.py

@@ -2,203 +2,34 @@
 Monkey patches for making hermes-agent tools work inside async frameworks (Atropos).
 
 Problem:
-    Some tools use asyncio.run() internally (e.g., mini-swe-agent's Modal backend,
+    Some tools use asyncio.run() internally (e.g., Modal backend via SWE-ReX,
     web_extract). This crashes when called from inside Atropos's event loop because
     asyncio.run() can't be nested.
 
 Solution:
-    Replace the problematic methods with versions that use a dedicated background
-    thread with its own event loop. The calling code sees the same sync interface --
-    call a function, get a result -- but internally the async work happens on a
-    separate thread that doesn't conflict with Atropos's loop.
+    The Modal environment (tools/environments/modal.py) now uses a dedicated
+    _AsyncWorker thread internally, making it safe for both CLI and Atropos use.
+    No monkey-patching is required.
 
-    These patches are safe for normal CLI use too: when there's no running event
-    loop, the behavior is identical (the background thread approach works regardless).
-
-What gets patched:
-    - SwerexModalEnvironment.__init__ -- creates Modal deployment on a background thread
-    - SwerexModalEnvironment.execute -- runs commands on the same background thread
-    - SwerexModalEnvironment.stop -- stops deployment on the background thread
+    This module is kept for backward compatibility. apply_patches() is a no-op.
 
 Usage:
     Call apply_patches() once at import time (done automatically by hermes_base_env.py).
-    This is idempotent -- calling it multiple times is safe.
+    This is idempotent and safe to call multiple times.
 """
 
-import asyncio
 import logging
-import threading
-from typing import Any
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 _patches_applied = False
 
 
-class _AsyncWorker:
-    """
-    A dedicated background thread with its own event loop.
-
-    Allows sync code to submit async coroutines and block for results,
-    even when called from inside another running event loop. Used to
-    bridge sync tool interfaces with async backends (Modal, SWE-ReX).
-    """
-
-    def __init__(self):
-        self._loop: asyncio.AbstractEventLoop = None
-        self._thread: threading.Thread = None
-        self._started = threading.Event()
-
-    def start(self):
-        """Start the background event loop thread."""
-        self._thread = threading.Thread(target=self._run_loop, daemon=True)
-        self._thread.start()
-        self._started.wait(timeout=30)
-
-    def _run_loop(self):
-        """Background thread entry point -- runs the event loop forever."""
-        self._loop = asyncio.new_event_loop()
-        asyncio.set_event_loop(self._loop)
-        self._started.set()
-        self._loop.run_forever()
-
-    def run_coroutine(self, coro, timeout=600):
-        """
-        Submit a coroutine to the background loop and block until it completes.
-
-        Safe to call from any thread, including threads that already have
-        a running event loop.
-        """
-        if self._loop is None or self._loop.is_closed():
-            raise RuntimeError("AsyncWorker loop is not running")
-        future = asyncio.run_coroutine_threadsafe(coro, self._loop)
-        return future.result(timeout=timeout)
-
-    def stop(self):
-        """Stop the background event loop and join the thread."""
-        if self._loop and self._loop.is_running():
-            self._loop.call_soon_threadsafe(self._loop.stop)
-        if self._thread:
-            self._thread.join(timeout=10)
-
-
-def _patch_swerex_modal():
-    """
-    Monkey patch SwerexModalEnvironment to use a background thread event loop
-    instead of asyncio.run(). This makes it safe to call from inside Atropos's
-    async event loop.
-
-    The patched methods have the exact same interface and behavior -- the only
-    difference is HOW the async work is executed internally.
-    """
-    try:
-        from minisweagent.environments.extra.swerex_modal import (
-            SwerexModalEnvironment,
-            SwerexModalEnvironmentConfig,
-        )
-        from swerex.deployment.modal import ModalDeployment
-        from swerex.runtime.abstract import Command as RexCommand
-    except ImportError:
-        # mini-swe-agent or swe-rex not installed -- nothing to patch
-        logger.debug("mini-swe-agent Modal backend not available, skipping patch")
-        return
-
-    # Save original methods so we can refer to config handling
-    _original_init = SwerexModalEnvironment.__init__
-
-    def _patched_init(self, **kwargs):
-        """Patched __init__: creates Modal deployment on a background thread."""
-        self.config = SwerexModalEnvironmentConfig(**kwargs)
-
-        # Start a dedicated event loop thread for all Modal async operations
-        self._worker = _AsyncWorker()
-        self._worker.start()
-
-        # Pre-build a modal.Image with pip fix for Modal's legacy image builder.
-        # Modal requires `python -m pip` to work during image build, but some
-        # task images (e.g., TBLite's broken-python) have intentionally broken pip.
-        # Fix: remove stale pip dist-info and reinstall via ensurepip before Modal
-        # tries to use it. This is a no-op for images where pip already works.
-        import modal as _modal
-        image_spec = self.config.image
-        if isinstance(image_spec, str):
-            image_spec = _modal.Image.from_registry(
-                image_spec,
-                setup_dockerfile_commands=[
-                    "RUN rm -rf /usr/local/lib/python*/site-packages/pip* 2>/dev/null; "
-                    "python -m ensurepip --upgrade --default-pip 2>/dev/null || true",
-                ],
-            )
-
-        # Create AND start the deployment entirely on the worker's loop/thread
-        # so all gRPC channels and async state are bound to that loop
-        async def _create_and_start():
-            deployment = ModalDeployment(
-                image=image_spec,
-                startup_timeout=self.config.startup_timeout,
-                runtime_timeout=self.config.runtime_timeout,
-                deployment_timeout=self.config.deployment_timeout,
-                install_pipx=self.config.install_pipx,
-                modal_sandbox_kwargs=self.config.modal_sandbox_kwargs,
-            )
-            await deployment.start()
-            return deployment
-
-        self.deployment = self._worker.run_coroutine(_create_and_start())
-
-    def _patched_execute(self, command: str, cwd: str = "", *, timeout: int | None = None) -> dict[str, Any]:
-        """Patched execute: runs commands on the background thread's loop."""
-        async def _do_execute():
-            return await self.deployment.runtime.execute(
-                RexCommand(
-                    command=command,
-                    shell=True,
-                    check=False,
-                    cwd=cwd or self.config.cwd,
-                    timeout=timeout or self.config.timeout,
-                    merge_output_streams=True,
-                    env=self.config.env if self.config.env else None,
-                )
-            )
-
-        output = self._worker.run_coroutine(_do_execute())
-        return {
-            "output": output.stdout,
-            "returncode": output.exit_code,
-        }
-
-    def _patched_stop(self):
-        """Patched stop: stops deployment on the background thread, then stops the thread."""
-        try:
-            self._worker.run_coroutine(
-                asyncio.wait_for(self.deployment.stop(), timeout=10),
-                timeout=15,
-            )
-        except Exception:
-            pass
-        finally:
-            self._worker.stop()
-
-    # Apply the patches
-    SwerexModalEnvironment.__init__ = _patched_init
-    SwerexModalEnvironment.execute = _patched_execute
-    SwerexModalEnvironment.stop = _patched_stop
-
-    logger.debug("Patched SwerexModalEnvironment for async-safe operation")
-
-
 def apply_patches():
-    """
-    Apply all monkey patches needed for Atropos compatibility.
-
-    Safe to call multiple times -- patches are only applied once.
-    Safe for normal CLI use -- patched code works identically when
-    there is no running event loop.
-    """
+    """Apply all monkey patches needed for Atropos compatibility."""
     global _patches_applied
     if _patches_applied:
         return
 
-    _patch_swerex_modal()
-
+    logger.debug("apply_patches() called; no patches needed (async safety is built-in)")
     _patches_applied = True

flake.lock

@@ -0,0 +1,181 @@
+{
+  "nodes": {
+    "flake-parts": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs-lib": [
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ]
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1772408722,
+        "narHash": "sha256-rHuJtdcOjK7rAHpHphUb1iCvgkU3GpfvicLMwwnfMT0=",
+        "owner": "hercules-ci",
+        "repo": "flake-parts",
+        "rev": "f20dc5d9b8027381c474144ecabc9034d6a839a3",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "hercules-ci",
+        "repo": "flake-parts",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "nixpkgs": {
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1751274312,
+        "narHash": "sha256-/bVBlRpECLVzjV19t5KMdMFWSwKLtb5RyXdjz3LJT+g=",
+        "owner": "NixOS",
+        "repo": "nixpkgs",
+        "rev": "50ab793786d9de88ee30ec4e4c24fb4236fc2674",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "NixOS",
+        "ref": "nixos-24.11",
+        "repo": "nixpkgs",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "pyproject-build-systems": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ],
+        "pyproject-nix": "pyproject-nix",
+        "uv2nix": "uv2nix"
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1772555609,
+        "narHash": "sha256-3BA3HnUvJSbHJAlJj6XSy0Jmu7RyP2gyB/0fL7XuEDo=",
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "build-system-pkgs",
+        "rev": "c37f66a953535c394244888598947679af231863",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "build-system-pkgs",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "pyproject-nix": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "pyproject-build-systems",
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ]
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1769936401,
+        "narHash": "sha256-kwCOegKLZJM9v/e/7cqwg1p/YjjTAukKPqmxKnAZRgA=",
+        "owner": "nix-community",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "rev": "b0d513eeeebed6d45b4f2e874f9afba2021f7812",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "nix-community",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "pyproject-nix_2": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ]
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1772865871,
+        "narHash": "sha256-/ZTSg97aouL0SlPHaokA4r3iuH9QzHVuWPACD2CUCFY=",
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "rev": "e537db02e72d553cea470976b9733581bcf5b3ed",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "pyproject-nix_3": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "uv2nix",
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ]
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1771518446,
+        "narHash": "sha256-nFJSfD89vWTu92KyuJWDoTQJuoDuddkJV3TlOl1cOic=",
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "rev": "eb204c6b3335698dec6c7fc1da0ebc3c6df05937",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "pyproject.nix",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "root": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "flake-parts": "flake-parts",
+        "nixpkgs": "nixpkgs",
+        "pyproject-build-systems": "pyproject-build-systems",
+        "pyproject-nix": "pyproject-nix_2",
+        "uv2nix": "uv2nix_2"
+      }
+    },
+    "uv2nix": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "pyproject-build-systems",
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ],
+        "pyproject-nix": [
+          "pyproject-build-systems",
+          "pyproject-nix"
+        ]
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1770770348,
+        "narHash": "sha256-A2GzkmzdYvdgmMEu5yxW+xhossP+txrYb7RuzRaqhlg=",
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "uv2nix",
+        "rev": "5d1b2cb4fe3158043fbafbbe2e46238abbc954b0",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "uv2nix",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    },
+    "uv2nix_2": {
+      "inputs": {
+        "nixpkgs": [
+          "nixpkgs"
+        ],
+        "pyproject-nix": "pyproject-nix_3"
+      },
+      "locked": {
+        "lastModified": 1773039484,
+        "narHash": "sha256-+boo33KYkJDw9KItpeEXXv8+65f7hHv/earxpcyzQ0I=",
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "uv2nix",
+        "rev": "b68be7cfeacbed9a3fa38a2b5adc0cfb81d9bb1f",
+        "type": "github"
+      },
+      "original": {
+        "owner": "pyproject-nix",
+        "repo": "uv2nix",
+        "type": "github"
+      }
+    }
+  },
+  "root": "root",
+  "version": 7
+}

flake.nix

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+{
+  description = "Hermes Agent - AI agent framework by Nous Research";
+
+  inputs = {
+    nixpkgs.url = "github:NixOS/nixpkgs/nixos-24.11";
+    flake-parts = {
+      url = "github:hercules-ci/flake-parts";
+      inputs.nixpkgs-lib.follows = "nixpkgs";
+    };
+    pyproject-nix = {
+      url = "github:pyproject-nix/pyproject.nix";
+      inputs.nixpkgs.follows = "nixpkgs";
+    };
+    uv2nix = {
+      url = "github:pyproject-nix/uv2nix";
+      inputs.nixpkgs.follows = "nixpkgs";
+    };
+    pyproject-build-systems = {
+      url = "github:pyproject-nix/build-system-pkgs";
+      inputs.nixpkgs.follows = "nixpkgs";
+    };
+  };
+
+  outputs = inputs:
+    inputs.flake-parts.lib.mkFlake { inherit inputs; } {
+      systems = [ "x86_64-linux" "aarch64-linux" "aarch64-darwin" ];
+
+      imports = [
+        ./nix/packages.nix
+        ./nix/nixosModules.nix
+        ./nix/checks.nix
+        ./nix/devShell.nix
+      ];
+    };
+}

gateway/builtin_hooks/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+"""Built-in gateway hooks that are always registered."""

gateway/builtin_hooks/boot_md.py

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+"""Built-in boot-md hook — run ~/.hermes/BOOT.md on gateway startup.
+
+This hook is always registered. It silently skips if no BOOT.md exists.
+To activate, create ``~/.hermes/BOOT.md`` with instructions for the
+agent to execute on every gateway restart.
+
+Example BOOT.md::
+
+    # Startup Checklist
+
+    1. Check if any cron jobs failed overnight
+    2. Send a status update to Discord #general
+    3. If there are errors in /opt/app/deploy.log, summarize them
+
+The agent runs in a background thread so it doesn't block gateway
+startup. If nothing needs attention, it replies with [SILENT] to
+suppress delivery.
+"""
+
+import logging
+import os
+import threading
+from pathlib import Path
+
+logger = logging.getLogger("hooks.boot-md")
+
+HERMES_HOME = Path(os.environ.get("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+BOOT_FILE = HERMES_HOME / "BOOT.md"
+
+
+def _build_boot_prompt(content: str) -> str:
+    """Wrap BOOT.md content in a system-level instruction."""
+    return (
+        "You are running a startup boot checklist. Follow the BOOT.md "
+        "instructions below exactly.\n\n"
+        "---\n"
+        f"{content}\n"
+        "---\n\n"
+        "Execute each instruction. If you need to send a message to a "
+        "platform, use the send_message tool.\n"
+        "If nothing needs attention and there is nothing to report, "
+        "reply with ONLY: [SILENT]"
+    )
+
+
+def _run_boot_agent(content: str) -> None:
+    """Spawn a one-shot agent session to execute the boot instructions."""
+    try:
+        from run_agent import AIAgent
+
+        prompt = _build_boot_prompt(content)
+        agent = AIAgent(
+            quiet_mode=True,
+            skip_context_files=True,
+            skip_memory=True,
+            max_iterations=20,
+        )
+        result = agent.run_conversation(prompt)
+        response = result.get("final_response", "")
+        if response and "[SILENT]" not in response:
+            logger.info("boot-md completed: %s", response[:200])
+        else:
+            logger.info("boot-md completed (nothing to report)")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error("boot-md agent failed: %s", e)
+
+
+async def handle(event_type: str, context: dict) -> None:
+    """Gateway startup handler — run BOOT.md if it exists."""
+    if not BOOT_FILE.exists():
+        return
+
+    content = BOOT_FILE.read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
+    if not content:
+        return
+
+    logger.info("Running BOOT.md (%d chars)", len(content))
+
+    # Run in a background thread so we don't block gateway startup.
+    thread = threading.Thread(
+        target=_run_boot_agent,
+        args=(content,),
+        name="boot-md",
+        daemon=True,
+    )
+    thread.start()

gateway/channel_directory.py

@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ action="list" and for resolving human-friendly channel names to numeric IDs.
 import json
 import logging
 from datetime import datetime
-from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ def _build_discord(adapter) -> List[Dict[str, str]]:
         return channels
 
     try:
-        import discord as _discord
+        import discord as _discord  # noqa: F401 — SDK presence check
     except ImportError:
         return channels
 
@@ -119,7 +118,6 @@ def _build_slack(adapter) -> List[Dict[str, str]]:
         return _build_from_sessions("slack")
 
     try:
-        import asyncio
         from tools.send_message_tool import _send_slack  # noqa: F401
         # Use the Slack Web API directly if available
     except Exception:

gateway/config.py

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
 from enum import Enum
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
+from utils import is_truthy_value
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -25,11 +26,14 @@ def _coerce_bool(value: Any, default: bool = True) -> bool:
     """Coerce bool-ish config values, preserving a caller-provided default."""
     if value is None:
         return default
-    if isinstance(value, bool):
-        return value
     if isinstance(value, str):
-        return value.strip().lower() in ("true", "1", "yes", "on")
-    return bool(value)
+        lowered = value.strip().lower()
+        if lowered in ("true", "1", "yes", "on"):
+            return True
+        if lowered in ("false", "0", "no", "off"):
+            return False
+        return default
+    return is_truthy_value(value, default=default)
 
 
 def _normalize_unauthorized_dm_behavior(value: Any, default: str = "pair") -> str:
@@ -57,6 +61,8 @@ class Platform(Enum):
     DINGTALK = "dingtalk"
     API_SERVER = "api_server"
     WEBHOOK = "webhook"
+    FEISHU = "feishu"
+    WECOM = "wecom"
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -138,6 +144,12 @@ class PlatformConfig:
     api_key: Optional[str] = None  # API key if different from token
     home_channel: Optional[HomeChannel] = None
     
+    # Reply threading mode (Telegram/Slack)
+    # - "off": Never thread replies to original message
+    # - "first": Only first chunk threads to user's message (default)
+    # - "all": All chunks in multi-part replies thread to user's message
+    reply_to_mode: str = "first"
+    
     # Platform-specific settings
     extra: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
     
@@ -145,6 +157,7 @@ class PlatformConfig:
         result = {
             "enabled": self.enabled,
             "extra": self.extra,
+            "reply_to_mode": self.reply_to_mode,
         }
         if self.token:
             result["token"] = self.token
@@ -165,6 +178,7 @@ class PlatformConfig:
             token=data.get("token"),
             api_key=data.get("api_key"),
             home_channel=home_channel,
+            reply_to_mode=data.get("reply_to_mode", "first"),
             extra=data.get("extra", {}),
         )
 
@@ -266,6 +280,12 @@ class GatewayConfig:
             # Webhook uses enabled flag only (secrets are per-route)
             elif platform == Platform.WEBHOOK:
                 connected.append(platform)
+            # Feishu uses extra dict for app credentials
+            elif platform == Platform.FEISHU and config.extra.get("app_id"):
+                connected.append(platform)
+            # WeCom uses extra dict for bot credentials
+            elif platform == Platform.WECOM and config.extra.get("bot_id"):
+                connected.append(platform)
         return connected
     
     def get_home_channel(self, platform: Platform) -> Optional[HomeChannel]:
@@ -499,6 +519,10 @@ def load_gateway_config() -> GatewayConfig:
                     )
                 if "reply_prefix" in platform_cfg:
                     bridged["reply_prefix"] = platform_cfg["reply_prefix"]
+                if "require_mention" in platform_cfg:
+                    bridged["require_mention"] = platform_cfg["require_mention"]
+                if "mention_patterns" in platform_cfg:
+                    bridged["mention_patterns"] = platform_cfg["mention_patterns"]
                 if not bridged:
                     continue
                 plat_data = platforms_data.setdefault(plat.value, {})
@@ -523,6 +547,34 @@ def load_gateway_config() -> GatewayConfig:
                     os.environ["DISCORD_FREE_RESPONSE_CHANNELS"] = str(frc)
                 if "auto_thread" in discord_cfg and not os.getenv("DISCORD_AUTO_THREAD"):
                     os.environ["DISCORD_AUTO_THREAD"] = str(discord_cfg["auto_thread"]).lower()
+                if "reactions" in discord_cfg and not os.getenv("DISCORD_REACTIONS"):
+                    os.environ["DISCORD_REACTIONS"] = str(discord_cfg["reactions"]).lower()
+
+            # Telegram settings → env vars (env vars take precedence)
+            telegram_cfg = yaml_cfg.get("telegram", {})
+            if isinstance(telegram_cfg, dict):
+                if "require_mention" in telegram_cfg and not os.getenv("TELEGRAM_REQUIRE_MENTION"):
+                    os.environ["TELEGRAM_REQUIRE_MENTION"] = str(telegram_cfg["require_mention"]).lower()
+                if "mention_patterns" in telegram_cfg and not os.getenv("TELEGRAM_MENTION_PATTERNS"):
+                    import json as _json
+                    os.environ["TELEGRAM_MENTION_PATTERNS"] = _json.dumps(telegram_cfg["mention_patterns"])
+                frc = telegram_cfg.get("free_response_chats")
+                if frc is not None and not os.getenv("TELEGRAM_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS"):
+                    if isinstance(frc, list):
+                        frc = ",".join(str(v) for v in frc)
+                    os.environ["TELEGRAM_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS"] = str(frc)
+
+            whatsapp_cfg = yaml_cfg.get("whatsapp", {})
+            if isinstance(whatsapp_cfg, dict):
+                if "require_mention" in whatsapp_cfg and not os.getenv("WHATSAPP_REQUIRE_MENTION"):
+                    os.environ["WHATSAPP_REQUIRE_MENTION"] = str(whatsapp_cfg["require_mention"]).lower()
+                if "mention_patterns" in whatsapp_cfg and not os.getenv("WHATSAPP_MENTION_PATTERNS"):
+                    os.environ["WHATSAPP_MENTION_PATTERNS"] = json.dumps(whatsapp_cfg["mention_patterns"])
+                frc = whatsapp_cfg.get("free_response_chats")
+                if frc is not None and not os.getenv("WHATSAPP_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS"):
+                    if isinstance(frc, list):
+                        frc = ",".join(str(v) for v in frc)
+                    os.environ["WHATSAPP_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS"] = str(frc)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.warning(
             "Failed to process config.yaml — falling back to .env / gateway.json values. "
@@ -586,6 +638,21 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
         config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM].enabled = True
         config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM].token = telegram_token
     
+    # Reply threading mode for Telegram (off/first/all)
+    telegram_reply_mode = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_REPLY_TO_MODE", "").lower()
+    if telegram_reply_mode in ("off", "first", "all"):
+        if Platform.TELEGRAM not in config.platforms:
+            config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM] = PlatformConfig()
+        config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM].reply_to_mode = telegram_reply_mode
+    
+    telegram_fallback_ips = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_FALLBACK_IPS", "")
+    if telegram_fallback_ips:
+        if Platform.TELEGRAM not in config.platforms:
+            config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM] = PlatformConfig()
+        config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM].extra["fallback_ips"] = [
+            ip.strip() for ip in telegram_fallback_ips.split(",") if ip.strip()
+        ]
+
     telegram_home = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_HOME_CHANNEL")
     if telegram_home and Platform.TELEGRAM in config.platforms:
         config.platforms[Platform.TELEGRAM].home_channel = HomeChannel(
@@ -624,14 +691,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             config.platforms[Platform.SLACK] = PlatformConfig()
         config.platforms[Platform.SLACK].enabled = True
         config.platforms[Platform.SLACK].token = slack_token
-        # Home channel
-        slack_home = os.getenv("SLACK_HOME_CHANNEL")
-        if slack_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.SLACK].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.SLACK,
-                chat_id=slack_home,
-                name=os.getenv("SLACK_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", ""),
-            )
+    slack_home = os.getenv("SLACK_HOME_CHANNEL")
+    if slack_home and Platform.SLACK in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.SLACK].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.SLACK,
+            chat_id=slack_home,
+            name=os.getenv("SLACK_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", ""),
+        )
     
     # Signal
     signal_url = os.getenv("SIGNAL_HTTP_URL")
@@ -645,13 +711,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             "account": signal_account,
             "ignore_stories": os.getenv("SIGNAL_IGNORE_STORIES", "true").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes"),
         })
-        signal_home = os.getenv("SIGNAL_HOME_CHANNEL")
-        if signal_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.SIGNAL].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.SIGNAL,
-                chat_id=signal_home,
-                name=os.getenv("SIGNAL_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
-            )
+    signal_home = os.getenv("SIGNAL_HOME_CHANNEL")
+    if signal_home and Platform.SIGNAL in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.SIGNAL].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.SIGNAL,
+            chat_id=signal_home,
+            name=os.getenv("SIGNAL_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
+        )
 
     # Mattermost
     mattermost_token = os.getenv("MATTERMOST_TOKEN")
@@ -664,13 +730,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
         config.platforms[Platform.MATTERMOST].enabled = True
         config.platforms[Platform.MATTERMOST].token = mattermost_token
         config.platforms[Platform.MATTERMOST].extra["url"] = mattermost_url
-        mattermost_home = os.getenv("MATTERMOST_HOME_CHANNEL")
-        if mattermost_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.MATTERMOST].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.MATTERMOST,
-                chat_id=mattermost_home,
-                name=os.getenv("MATTERMOST_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
-            )
+    mattermost_home = os.getenv("MATTERMOST_HOME_CHANNEL")
+    if mattermost_home and Platform.MATTERMOST in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.MATTERMOST].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.MATTERMOST,
+            chat_id=mattermost_home,
+            name=os.getenv("MATTERMOST_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
+        )
 
     # Matrix
     matrix_token = os.getenv("MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN")
@@ -692,13 +758,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             config.platforms[Platform.MATRIX].extra["password"] = matrix_password
         matrix_e2ee = os.getenv("MATRIX_ENCRYPTION", "").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes")
         config.platforms[Platform.MATRIX].extra["encryption"] = matrix_e2ee
-        matrix_home = os.getenv("MATRIX_HOME_ROOM")
-        if matrix_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.MATRIX].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.MATRIX,
-                chat_id=matrix_home,
-                name=os.getenv("MATRIX_HOME_ROOM_NAME", "Home"),
-            )
+    matrix_home = os.getenv("MATRIX_HOME_ROOM")
+    if matrix_home and Platform.MATRIX in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.MATRIX].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.MATRIX,
+            chat_id=matrix_home,
+            name=os.getenv("MATRIX_HOME_ROOM_NAME", "Home"),
+        )
 
     # Home Assistant
     hass_token = os.getenv("HASS_TOKEN")
@@ -725,13 +791,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             "imap_host": email_imap,
             "smtp_host": email_smtp,
         })
-        email_home = os.getenv("EMAIL_HOME_ADDRESS")
-        if email_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.EMAIL].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.EMAIL,
-                chat_id=email_home,
-                name=os.getenv("EMAIL_HOME_ADDRESS_NAME", "Home"),
-            )
+    email_home = os.getenv("EMAIL_HOME_ADDRESS")
+    if email_home and Platform.EMAIL in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.EMAIL].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.EMAIL,
+            chat_id=email_home,
+            name=os.getenv("EMAIL_HOME_ADDRESS_NAME", "Home"),
+        )
 
     # SMS (Twilio)
     twilio_sid = os.getenv("TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID")
@@ -740,13 +806,13 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             config.platforms[Platform.SMS] = PlatformConfig()
         config.platforms[Platform.SMS].enabled = True
         config.platforms[Platform.SMS].api_key = os.getenv("TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN", "")
-        sms_home = os.getenv("SMS_HOME_CHANNEL")
-        if sms_home:
-            config.platforms[Platform.SMS].home_channel = HomeChannel(
-                platform=Platform.SMS,
-                chat_id=sms_home,
-                name=os.getenv("SMS_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
-            )
+    sms_home = os.getenv("SMS_HOME_CHANNEL")
+    if sms_home and Platform.SMS in config.platforms:
+        config.platforms[Platform.SMS].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+            platform=Platform.SMS,
+            chat_id=sms_home,
+            name=os.getenv("SMS_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
+        )
 
     # API Server
     api_server_enabled = os.getenv("API_SERVER_ENABLED", "").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes")
@@ -788,6 +854,55 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
         if webhook_secret:
             config.platforms[Platform.WEBHOOK].extra["secret"] = webhook_secret
 
+    # Feishu / Lark
+    feishu_app_id = os.getenv("FEISHU_APP_ID")
+    feishu_app_secret = os.getenv("FEISHU_APP_SECRET")
+    if feishu_app_id and feishu_app_secret:
+        if Platform.FEISHU not in config.platforms:
+            config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU] = PlatformConfig()
+        config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU].enabled = True
+        config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU].extra.update({
+            "app_id": feishu_app_id,
+            "app_secret": feishu_app_secret,
+            "domain": os.getenv("FEISHU_DOMAIN", "feishu"),
+            "connection_mode": os.getenv("FEISHU_CONNECTION_MODE", "websocket"),
+        })
+        feishu_encrypt_key = os.getenv("FEISHU_ENCRYPT_KEY", "")
+        if feishu_encrypt_key:
+            config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU].extra["encrypt_key"] = feishu_encrypt_key
+        feishu_verification_token = os.getenv("FEISHU_VERIFICATION_TOKEN", "")
+        if feishu_verification_token:
+            config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU].extra["verification_token"] = feishu_verification_token
+        feishu_home = os.getenv("FEISHU_HOME_CHANNEL")
+        if feishu_home:
+            config.platforms[Platform.FEISHU].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+                platform=Platform.FEISHU,
+                chat_id=feishu_home,
+                name=os.getenv("FEISHU_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
+            )
+
+    # WeCom (Enterprise WeChat)
+    wecom_bot_id = os.getenv("WECOM_BOT_ID")
+    wecom_secret = os.getenv("WECOM_SECRET")
+    if wecom_bot_id and wecom_secret:
+        if Platform.WECOM not in config.platforms:
+            config.platforms[Platform.WECOM] = PlatformConfig()
+        config.platforms[Platform.WECOM].enabled = True
+        config.platforms[Platform.WECOM].extra.update({
+            "bot_id": wecom_bot_id,
+            "secret": wecom_secret,
+        })
+        wecom_ws_url = os.getenv("WECOM_WEBSOCKET_URL", "")
+        if wecom_ws_url:
+            config.platforms[Platform.WECOM].extra["websocket_url"] = wecom_ws_url
+        wecom_home = os.getenv("WECOM_HOME_CHANNEL")
+        if wecom_home:
+            config.platforms[Platform.WECOM].home_channel = HomeChannel(
+                platform=Platform.WECOM,
+                chat_id=wecom_home,
+                name=os.getenv("WECOM_HOME_CHANNEL_NAME", "Home"),
+            )
+
     # Session settings
     idle_minutes = os.getenv("SESSION_IDLE_MINUTES")
     if idle_minutes:
@@ -802,5 +917,3 @@ def _apply_env_overrides(config: GatewayConfig) -> None:
             config.default_reset_policy.at_hour = int(reset_hour)
         except ValueError:
             pass
-
-

gateway/delivery.py

@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ from pathlib import Path
 from datetime import datetime
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any, Union
-from enum import Enum
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
 
@@ -71,12 +70,15 @@ class DeliveryTarget:
         if target == "local":
             return cls(platform=Platform.LOCAL)
         
-        # Check for platform:chat_id format
+        # Check for platform:chat_id or platform:chat_id:thread_id format
         if ":" in target:
-            platform_str, chat_id = target.split(":", 1)
+            parts = target.split(":", 2)
+            platform_str = parts[0]
+            chat_id = parts[1] if len(parts) > 1 else None
+            thread_id = parts[2] if len(parts) > 2 else None
             try:
                 platform = Platform(platform_str)
-                return cls(platform=platform, chat_id=chat_id, is_explicit=True)
+                return cls(platform=platform, chat_id=chat_id, thread_id=thread_id, is_explicit=True)
             except ValueError:
                 # Unknown platform, treat as local
                 return cls(platform=Platform.LOCAL)
@@ -95,6 +97,8 @@ class DeliveryTarget:
             return "origin"
         if self.platform == Platform.LOCAL:
             return "local"
+        if self.chat_id and self.thread_id:
+            return f"{self.platform.value}:{self.chat_id}:{self.thread_id}"
         if self.chat_id:
             return f"{self.platform.value}:{self.chat_id}"
         return self.platform.value

gateway/hooks.py

@@ -21,8 +21,6 @@ Errors in hooks are caught and logged but never block the main pipeline.
 
 import asyncio
 import importlib.util
-import os
-from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Any, Callable, Dict, List, Optional
 
 import yaml
@@ -53,14 +51,33 @@ class HookRegistry:
         """Return metadata about all loaded hooks."""
         return list(self._loaded_hooks)
 
+    def _register_builtin_hooks(self) -> None:
+        """Register built-in hooks that are always active."""
+        try:
+            from gateway.builtin_hooks.boot_md import handle as boot_md_handle
+
+            self._handlers.setdefault("gateway:startup", []).append(boot_md_handle)
+            self._loaded_hooks.append({
+                "name": "boot-md",
+                "description": "Run ~/.hermes/BOOT.md on gateway startup",
+                "events": ["gateway:startup"],
+                "path": "(builtin)",
+            })
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[hooks] Could not load built-in boot-md hook: {e}", flush=True)
+
     def discover_and_load(self) -> None:
         """
         Scan the hooks directory for hook directories and load their handlers.
 
+        Also registers built-in hooks that are always active.
+
         Each hook directory must contain:
           - HOOK.yaml with at least 'name' and 'events' keys
           - handler.py with a top-level 'handle' function (sync or async)
         """
+        self._register_builtin_hooks()
+
         if not HOOKS_DIR.exists():
             return
 

gateway/mirror.py

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ the full SessionStore machinery.
 import json
 import logging
 from datetime import datetime
-from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Optional
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home

gateway/pairing.py

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ import time
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Optional
 
-from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_dir
 
 
 # Unambiguous alphabet -- excludes 0/O, 1/I to prevent confusion
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ LOCKOUT_SECONDS = 3600              # Lockout duration after too many failures
 MAX_PENDING_PER_PLATFORM = 3        # Max pending codes per platform
 MAX_FAILED_ATTEMPTS = 5             # Failed approvals before lockout
 
-PAIRING_DIR = get_hermes_home() / "pairing"
+PAIRING_DIR = get_hermes_dir("platforms/pairing", "pairing")
 
 
 def _secure_write(path: Path, data: str) -> None:

gateway/platforms/api_server.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 OpenAI-compatible API server platform adapter.
 
 Exposes an HTTP server with endpoints:
-- POST /v1/chat/completions        — OpenAI Chat Completions format (stateless)
+- POST /v1/chat/completions        — OpenAI Chat Completions format (stateless; opt-in session continuity via X-Hermes-Session-Id header)
 - POST /v1/responses               — OpenAI Responses API format (stateful via previous_response_id)
 - GET  /v1/responses/{response_id} — Retrieve a stored response
 - DELETE /v1/responses/{response_id} — Delete a stored response
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 DEFAULT_HOST = "127.0.0.1"
 DEFAULT_PORT = 8642
 MAX_STORED_RESPONSES = 100
+MAX_REQUEST_BYTES = 1_000_000  # 1 MB default limit for POST bodies
 
 
 def check_api_server_requirements() -> bool:
@@ -165,7 +166,7 @@ class ResponseStore:
 
 _CORS_HEADERS = {
     "Access-Control-Allow-Methods": "GET, POST, DELETE, OPTIONS",
-    "Access-Control-Allow-Headers": "Authorization, Content-Type",
+    "Access-Control-Allow-Headers": "Authorization, Content-Type, Idempotency-Key",
 }
 
 
@@ -194,6 +195,90 @@ else:
     cors_middleware = None  # type: ignore[assignment]
 
 
+def _openai_error(message: str, err_type: str = "invalid_request_error", param: str = None, code: str = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """OpenAI-style error envelope."""
+    return {
+        "error": {
+            "message": message,
+            "type": err_type,
+            "param": param,
+            "code": code,
+        }
+    }
+
+
+if AIOHTTP_AVAILABLE:
+    @web.middleware
+    async def body_limit_middleware(request, handler):
+        """Reject overly large request bodies early based on Content-Length."""
+        if request.method in ("POST", "PUT", "PATCH"):
+            cl = request.headers.get("Content-Length")
+            if cl is not None:
+                try:
+                    if int(cl) > MAX_REQUEST_BYTES:
+                        return web.json_response(_openai_error("Request body too large.", code="body_too_large"), status=413)
+                except ValueError:
+                    return web.json_response(_openai_error("Invalid Content-Length header.", code="invalid_content_length"), status=400)
+        return await handler(request)
+else:
+    body_limit_middleware = None  # type: ignore[assignment]
+
+_SECURITY_HEADERS = {
+    "X-Content-Type-Options": "nosniff",
+    "Referrer-Policy": "no-referrer",
+}
+
+
+if AIOHTTP_AVAILABLE:
+    @web.middleware
+    async def security_headers_middleware(request, handler):
+        """Add security headers to all responses (including errors)."""
+        response = await handler(request)
+        for k, v in _SECURITY_HEADERS.items():
+            response.headers.setdefault(k, v)
+        return response
+else:
+    security_headers_middleware = None  # type: ignore[assignment]
+
+
+class _IdempotencyCache:
+    """In-memory idempotency cache with TTL and basic LRU semantics."""
+    def __init__(self, max_items: int = 1000, ttl_seconds: int = 300):
+        from collections import OrderedDict
+        self._store = OrderedDict()
+        self._ttl = ttl_seconds
+        self._max = max_items
+
+    def _purge(self):
+        import time as _t
+        now = _t.time()
+        expired = [k for k, v in self._store.items() if now - v["ts"] > self._ttl]
+        for k in expired:
+            self._store.pop(k, None)
+        while len(self._store) > self._max:
+            self._store.popitem(last=False)
+
+    async def get_or_set(self, key: str, fingerprint: str, compute_coro):
+        self._purge()
+        item = self._store.get(key)
+        if item and item["fp"] == fingerprint:
+            return item["resp"]
+        resp = await compute_coro()
+        import time as _t
+        self._store[key] = {"resp": resp, "fp": fingerprint, "ts": _t.time()}
+        self._purge()
+        return resp
+
+
+_idem_cache = _IdempotencyCache()
+
+
+def _make_request_fingerprint(body: Dict[str, Any], keys: List[str]) -> str:
+    from hashlib import sha256
+    subset = {k: body.get(k) for k in keys}
+    return sha256(repr(subset).encode("utf-8")).hexdigest()
+
+
 class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     """
     OpenAI-compatible HTTP API server adapter.
@@ -215,6 +300,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._runner: Optional["web.AppRunner"] = None
         self._site: Optional["web.TCPSite"] = None
         self._response_store = ResponseStore()
+        self._session_db: Optional[Any] = None  # Lazy-init SessionDB for session continuity
 
     @staticmethod
     def _parse_cors_origins(value: Any) -> tuple[str, ...]:
@@ -239,6 +325,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if "*" in self._cors_origins:
             headers = dict(_CORS_HEADERS)
             headers["Access-Control-Allow-Origin"] = "*"
+            headers["Access-Control-Max-Age"] = "600"
             return headers
 
         if origin not in self._cors_origins:
@@ -247,6 +334,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         headers = dict(_CORS_HEADERS)
         headers["Access-Control-Allow-Origin"] = origin
         headers["Vary"] = "Origin"
+        headers["Access-Control-Max-Age"] = "600"
         return headers
 
     def _origin_allowed(self, origin: str) -> bool:
@@ -284,6 +372,24 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             status=401,
         )
 
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Session DB helper
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _ensure_session_db(self):
+        """Lazily initialise and return the shared SessionDB instance.
+
+        Sessions are persisted to ``state.db`` so that ``hermes sessions list``
+        shows API-server conversations alongside CLI and gateway ones.
+        """
+        if self._session_db is None:
+            try:
+                from hermes_state import SessionDB
+                self._session_db = SessionDB()
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("SessionDB unavailable for API server: %s", e)
+        return self._session_db
+
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
     # Agent creation helper
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -293,19 +399,26 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         ephemeral_system_prompt: Optional[str] = None,
         session_id: Optional[str] = None,
         stream_delta_callback=None,
+        tool_progress_callback=None,
     ) -> Any:
         """
         Create an AIAgent instance using the gateway's runtime config.
 
         Uses _resolve_runtime_agent_kwargs() to pick up model, api_key,
-        base_url, etc. from config.yaml / env vars.
+        base_url, etc. from config.yaml / env vars.  Toolsets are resolved
+        from config.yaml platform_toolsets.api_server (same as all other
+        gateway platforms), falling back to the hermes-api-server default.
         """
         from run_agent import AIAgent
-        from gateway.run import _resolve_runtime_agent_kwargs, _resolve_gateway_model
+        from gateway.run import _resolve_runtime_agent_kwargs, _resolve_gateway_model, _load_gateway_config
+        from hermes_cli.tools_config import _get_platform_tools
 
         runtime_kwargs = _resolve_runtime_agent_kwargs()
         model = _resolve_gateway_model()
 
+        user_config = _load_gateway_config()
+        enabled_toolsets = sorted(_get_platform_tools(user_config, "api_server"))
+
         max_iterations = int(os.getenv("HERMES_MAX_ITERATIONS", "90"))
 
         agent = AIAgent(
@@ -315,9 +428,12 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             quiet_mode=True,
             verbose_logging=False,
             ephemeral_system_prompt=ephemeral_system_prompt or None,
+            enabled_toolsets=enabled_toolsets,
             session_id=session_id,
             platform="api_server",
             stream_delta_callback=stream_delta_callback,
+            tool_progress_callback=tool_progress_callback,
+            session_db=self._ensure_session_db(),
         )
         return agent
 
@@ -360,10 +476,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         try:
             body = await request.json()
         except (json.JSONDecodeError, Exception):
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": "Invalid JSON in request body", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=400,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error("Invalid JSON in request body"), status=400)
 
         messages = body.get("messages")
         if not messages or not isinstance(messages, list):
@@ -403,7 +516,22 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 status=400,
             )
 
-        session_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+        # Allow caller to continue an existing session by passing X-Hermes-Session-Id.
+        # When provided, history is loaded from state.db instead of from the request body.
+        provided_session_id = request.headers.get("X-Hermes-Session-Id", "").strip()
+        if provided_session_id:
+            session_id = provided_session_id
+            try:
+                db = self._ensure_session_db()
+                if db is not None:
+                    history = db.get_messages_as_conversation(session_id)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("Failed to load session history for %s: %s", session_id, e)
+                history = []
+        else:
+            session_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
+            # history already set from request body above
+
         completion_id = f"chatcmpl-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:29]}"
         model_name = body.get("model", "hermes-agent")
         created = int(time.time())
@@ -413,35 +541,72 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             _stream_q: _q.Queue = _q.Queue()
 
             def _on_delta(delta):
-                _stream_q.put(delta)
+                # Filter out None — the agent fires stream_delta_callback(None)
+                # to signal the CLI display to close its response box before
+                # tool execution, but the SSE writer uses None as end-of-stream
+                # sentinel.  Forwarding it would prematurely close the HTTP
+                # response, causing Open WebUI (and similar frontends) to miss
+                # the final answer after tool calls.  The SSE loop detects
+                # completion via agent_task.done() instead.
+                if delta is not None:
+                    _stream_q.put(delta)
 
-            # Start agent in background
+            def _on_tool_progress(name, preview, args):
+                """Inject tool progress into the SSE stream for Open WebUI."""
+                if name.startswith("_"):
+                    return  # Skip internal events (_thinking)
+                from agent.display import get_tool_emoji
+                emoji = get_tool_emoji(name)
+                label = preview or name
+                _stream_q.put(f"\n`{emoji} {label}`\n")
+
+            # Start agent in background.  agent_ref is a mutable container
+            # so the SSE writer can interrupt the agent on client disconnect.
+            agent_ref = [None]
             agent_task = asyncio.ensure_future(self._run_agent(
                 user_message=user_message,
                 conversation_history=history,
                 ephemeral_system_prompt=system_prompt,
                 session_id=session_id,
                 stream_delta_callback=_on_delta,
+                tool_progress_callback=_on_tool_progress,
+                agent_ref=agent_ref,
             ))
 
             return await self._write_sse_chat_completion(
-                request, completion_id, model_name, created, _stream_q, agent_task
+                request, completion_id, model_name, created, _stream_q,
+                agent_task, agent_ref, session_id=session_id,
             )
 
-        # Non-streaming: run the agent and return full response
-        try:
-            result, usage = await self._run_agent(
+        # Non-streaming: run the agent (with optional Idempotency-Key)
+        async def _compute_completion():
+            return await self._run_agent(
                 user_message=user_message,
                 conversation_history=history,
                 ephemeral_system_prompt=system_prompt,
                 session_id=session_id,
             )
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.error("Error running agent for chat completions: %s", e, exc_info=True)
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": f"Internal server error: {e}", "type": "server_error"}},
-                status=500,
-            )
+
+        idempotency_key = request.headers.get("Idempotency-Key")
+        if idempotency_key:
+            fp = _make_request_fingerprint(body, keys=["model", "messages", "tools", "tool_choice", "stream"])
+            try:
+                result, usage = await _idem_cache.get_or_set(idempotency_key, fp, _compute_completion)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error("Error running agent for chat completions: %s", e, exc_info=True)
+                return web.json_response(
+                    _openai_error(f"Internal server error: {e}", err_type="server_error"),
+                    status=500,
+                )
+        else:
+            try:
+                result, usage = await _compute_completion()
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error("Error running agent for chat completions: %s", e, exc_info=True)
+                return web.json_response(
+                    _openai_error(f"Internal server error: {e}", err_type="server_error"),
+                    status=500,
+                )
 
         final_response = result.get("final_response", "")
         if not final_response:
@@ -469,84 +634,113 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             },
         }
 
-        return web.json_response(response_data)
+        return web.json_response(response_data, headers={"X-Hermes-Session-Id": session_id})
 
     async def _write_sse_chat_completion(
         self, request: "web.Request", completion_id: str, model: str,
-        created: int, stream_q, agent_task,
+        created: int, stream_q, agent_task, agent_ref=None, session_id: str = None,
     ) -> "web.StreamResponse":
-        """Write real streaming SSE from agent's stream_delta_callback queue."""
+        """Write real streaming SSE from agent's stream_delta_callback queue.
+
+        If the client disconnects mid-stream (network drop, browser tab close),
+        the agent is interrupted via ``agent.interrupt()`` so it stops making
+        LLM API calls, and the asyncio task wrapper is cancelled.
+        """
         import queue as _q
 
-        response = web.StreamResponse(
-            status=200,
-            headers={"Content-Type": "text/event-stream", "Cache-Control": "no-cache"},
-        )
+        sse_headers = {"Content-Type": "text/event-stream", "Cache-Control": "no-cache"}
+        # CORS middleware can't inject headers into StreamResponse after
+        # prepare() flushes them, so resolve CORS headers up front.
+        origin = request.headers.get("Origin", "")
+        cors = self._cors_headers_for_origin(origin) if origin else None
+        if cors:
+            sse_headers.update(cors)
+        if session_id:
+            sse_headers["X-Hermes-Session-Id"] = session_id
+        response = web.StreamResponse(status=200, headers=sse_headers)
         await response.prepare(request)
 
-        # Role chunk
-        role_chunk = {
-            "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
-            "created": created, "model": model,
-            "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"role": "assistant"}, "finish_reason": None}],
-        }
-        await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(role_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
-
-        # Stream content chunks as they arrive from the agent
-        loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
-        while True:
-            try:
-                delta = await loop.run_in_executor(None, lambda: stream_q.get(timeout=0.5))
-            except _q.Empty:
-                if agent_task.done():
-                    # Drain any remaining items
-                    while True:
-                        try:
-                            delta = stream_q.get_nowait()
-                            if delta is None:
-                                break
-                            content_chunk = {
-                                "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
-                                "created": created, "model": model,
-                                "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"content": delta}, "finish_reason": None}],
-                            }
-                            await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(content_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
-                        except _q.Empty:
-                            break
-                    break
-                continue
-
-            if delta is None:  # End of stream sentinel
-                break
-
-            content_chunk = {
+        try:
+            # Role chunk
+            role_chunk = {
                 "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
                 "created": created, "model": model,
-                "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"content": delta}, "finish_reason": None}],
+                "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"role": "assistant"}, "finish_reason": None}],
             }
-            await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(content_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
+            await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(role_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
 
-        # Get usage from completed agent
-        usage = {"input_tokens": 0, "output_tokens": 0, "total_tokens": 0}
-        try:
-            result, agent_usage = await agent_task
-            usage = agent_usage or usage
-        except Exception:
-            pass
+            # Stream content chunks as they arrive from the agent
+            loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
+            while True:
+                try:
+                    delta = await loop.run_in_executor(None, lambda: stream_q.get(timeout=0.5))
+                except _q.Empty:
+                    if agent_task.done():
+                        # Drain any remaining items
+                        while True:
+                            try:
+                                delta = stream_q.get_nowait()
+                                if delta is None:
+                                    break
+                                content_chunk = {
+                                    "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
+                                    "created": created, "model": model,
+                                    "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"content": delta}, "finish_reason": None}],
+                                }
+                                await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(content_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
+                            except _q.Empty:
+                                break
+                        break
+                    continue
 
-        # Finish chunk
-        finish_chunk = {
-            "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
-            "created": created, "model": model,
-            "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {}, "finish_reason": "stop"}],
-            "usage": {
-                "prompt_tokens": usage.get("input_tokens", 0),
-                "completion_tokens": usage.get("output_tokens", 0),
-                "total_tokens": usage.get("total_tokens", 0),
-            },
-        }
-        await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(finish_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
-        await response.write(b"data: [DONE]\n\n")
+                if delta is None:  # End of stream sentinel
+                    break
+
+                content_chunk = {
+                    "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
+                    "created": created, "model": model,
+                    "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {"content": delta}, "finish_reason": None}],
+                }
+                await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(content_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
+
+            # Get usage from completed agent
+            usage = {"input_tokens": 0, "output_tokens": 0, "total_tokens": 0}
+            try:
+                result, agent_usage = await agent_task
+                usage = agent_usage or usage
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+            # Finish chunk
+            finish_chunk = {
+                "id": completion_id, "object": "chat.completion.chunk",
+                "created": created, "model": model,
+                "choices": [{"index": 0, "delta": {}, "finish_reason": "stop"}],
+                "usage": {
+                    "prompt_tokens": usage.get("input_tokens", 0),
+                    "completion_tokens": usage.get("output_tokens", 0),
+                    "total_tokens": usage.get("total_tokens", 0),
+                },
+            }
+            await response.write(f"data: {json.dumps(finish_chunk)}\n\n".encode())
+            await response.write(b"data: [DONE]\n\n")
+        except (ConnectionResetError, ConnectionAbortedError, BrokenPipeError, OSError):
+            # Client disconnected mid-stream.  Interrupt the agent so it
+            # stops making LLM API calls at the next loop iteration, then
+            # cancel the asyncio task wrapper.
+            agent = agent_ref[0] if agent_ref else None
+            if agent is not None:
+                try:
+                    agent.interrupt("SSE client disconnected")
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+            if not agent_task.done():
+                agent_task.cancel()
+                try:
+                    await agent_task
+                except (asyncio.CancelledError, Exception):
+                    pass
+            logger.info("SSE client disconnected; interrupted agent task %s", completion_id)
 
         return response
 
@@ -567,10 +761,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         raw_input = body.get("input")
         if raw_input is None:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": "Missing 'input' field", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=400,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error("Missing 'input' field"), status=400)
 
         instructions = body.get("instructions")
         previous_response_id = body.get("previous_response_id")
@@ -579,10 +770,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         # conversation and previous_response_id are mutually exclusive
         if conversation and previous_response_id:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": "Cannot use both 'conversation' and 'previous_response_id'", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=400,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error("Cannot use both 'conversation' and 'previous_response_id'"), status=400)
 
         # Resolve conversation name to latest response_id
         if conversation:
@@ -613,20 +801,14 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         content = "\n".join(text_parts)
                     input_messages.append({"role": role, "content": content})
         else:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": "'input' must be a string or array", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=400,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error("'input' must be a string or array"), status=400)
 
         # Reconstruct conversation history from previous_response_id
         conversation_history: List[Dict[str, str]] = []
         if previous_response_id:
             stored = self._response_store.get(previous_response_id)
             if stored is None:
-                return web.json_response(
-                    {"error": {"message": f"Previous response not found: {previous_response_id}", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                    status=404,
-                )
+                return web.json_response(_openai_error(f"Previous response not found: {previous_response_id}"), status=404)
             conversation_history = list(stored.get("conversation_history", []))
             # If no instructions provided, carry forward from previous
             if instructions is None:
@@ -639,30 +821,46 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         # Last input message is the user_message
         user_message = input_messages[-1].get("content", "") if input_messages else ""
         if not user_message:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": "No user message found in input", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=400,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error("No user message found in input"), status=400)
 
         # Truncation support
         if body.get("truncation") == "auto" and len(conversation_history) > 100:
             conversation_history = conversation_history[-100:]
 
-        # Run the agent
+        # Run the agent (with Idempotency-Key support)
         session_id = str(uuid.uuid4())
-        try:
-            result, usage = await self._run_agent(
+
+        async def _compute_response():
+            return await self._run_agent(
                 user_message=user_message,
                 conversation_history=conversation_history,
                 ephemeral_system_prompt=instructions,
                 session_id=session_id,
             )
-        except Exception as e:
-            logger.error("Error running agent for responses: %s", e, exc_info=True)
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": f"Internal server error: {e}", "type": "server_error"}},
-                status=500,
+
+        idempotency_key = request.headers.get("Idempotency-Key")
+        if idempotency_key:
+            fp = _make_request_fingerprint(
+                body,
+                keys=["input", "instructions", "previous_response_id", "conversation", "model", "tools"],
             )
+            try:
+                result, usage = await _idem_cache.get_or_set(idempotency_key, fp, _compute_response)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error("Error running agent for responses: %s", e, exc_info=True)
+                return web.json_response(
+                    _openai_error(f"Internal server error: {e}", err_type="server_error"),
+                    status=500,
+                )
+        else:
+            try:
+                result, usage = await _compute_response()
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error("Error running agent for responses: %s", e, exc_info=True)
+                return web.json_response(
+                    _openai_error(f"Internal server error: {e}", err_type="server_error"),
+                    status=500,
+                )
 
         final_response = result.get("final_response", "")
         if not final_response:
@@ -726,10 +924,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         response_id = request.match_info["response_id"]
         stored = self._response_store.get(response_id)
         if stored is None:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": f"Response not found: {response_id}", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=404,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error(f"Response not found: {response_id}"), status=404)
 
         return web.json_response(stored["response"])
 
@@ -742,10 +937,7 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         response_id = request.match_info["response_id"]
         deleted = self._response_store.delete(response_id)
         if not deleted:
-            return web.json_response(
-                {"error": {"message": f"Response not found: {response_id}", "type": "invalid_request_error"}},
-                status=404,
-            )
+            return web.json_response(_openai_error(f"Response not found: {response_id}"), status=404)
 
         return web.json_response({
             "id": response_id,
@@ -1051,12 +1243,19 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         ephemeral_system_prompt: Optional[str] = None,
         session_id: Optional[str] = None,
         stream_delta_callback=None,
+        tool_progress_callback=None,
+        agent_ref: Optional[list] = None,
     ) -> tuple:
         """
         Create an agent and run a conversation in a thread executor.
 
         Returns ``(result_dict, usage_dict)`` where *usage_dict* contains
         ``input_tokens``, ``output_tokens`` and ``total_tokens``.
+
+        If *agent_ref* is a one-element list, the AIAgent instance is stored
+        at ``agent_ref[0]`` before ``run_conversation`` begins.  This allows
+        callers (e.g. the SSE writer) to call ``agent.interrupt()`` from
+        another thread to stop in-progress LLM calls.
         """
         loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
 
@@ -1065,7 +1264,10 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 ephemeral_system_prompt=ephemeral_system_prompt,
                 session_id=session_id,
                 stream_delta_callback=stream_delta_callback,
+                tool_progress_callback=tool_progress_callback,
             )
+            if agent_ref is not None:
+                agent_ref[0] = agent
             result = agent.run_conversation(
                 user_message=user_message,
                 conversation_history=conversation_history,
@@ -1090,9 +1292,11 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return False
 
         try:
-            self._app = web.Application(middlewares=[cors_middleware])
+            mws = [mw for mw in (cors_middleware, body_limit_middleware, security_headers_middleware) if mw is not None]
+            self._app = web.Application(middlewares=mws)
             self._app["api_server_adapter"] = self
             self._app.router.add_get("/health", self._handle_health)
+            self._app.router.add_get("/v1/health", self._handle_health)
             self._app.router.add_get("/v1/models", self._handle_models)
             self._app.router.add_post("/v1/chat/completions", self._handle_chat_completions)
             self._app.router.add_post("/v1/responses", self._handle_responses)
@@ -1108,6 +1312,17 @@ class APIServerAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             self._app.router.add_post("/api/jobs/{job_id}/resume", self._handle_resume_job)
             self._app.router.add_post("/api/jobs/{job_id}/run", self._handle_run_job)
 
+            # Port conflict detection — fail fast if port is already in use
+            import socket as _socket
+            try:
+                with _socket.socket(_socket.AF_INET, _socket.SOCK_STREAM) as _s:
+                    _s.settimeout(1)
+                    _s.connect(('127.0.0.1', self._port))
+                logger.error('[%s] Port %d already in use. Set a different port in config.yaml: platforms.api_server.port', self.name, self._port)
+                return False
+            except (ConnectionRefusedError, OSError):
+                pass  # port is free
+
             self._runner = web.AppRunner(self._app)
             await self._runner.setup()
             self._site = web.TCPSite(self._runner, self._host, self._port)

gateway/platforms/base.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ and implement the required methods.
 import asyncio
 import logging
 import os
+import random
 import re
 import uuid
 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@ sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2]))
 from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
 from gateway.session import SessionSource, build_session_key
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_dir
 
 
 GATEWAY_SECRET_CAPTURE_UNSUPPORTED_MESSAGE = (
@@ -43,8 +45,8 @@ GATEWAY_SECRET_CAPTURE_UNSUPPORTED_MESSAGE = (
 # (e.g. Telegram file URLs expire after ~1 hour).
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-# Default location: {HERMES_HOME}/image_cache/
-IMAGE_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_home() / "image_cache"
+# Default location: {HERMES_HOME}/cache/images/ (legacy: image_cache/)
+IMAGE_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_dir("cache/images", "image_cache")
 
 
 def get_image_cache_dir() -> Path:
@@ -71,31 +73,51 @@ def cache_image_from_bytes(data: bytes, ext: str = ".jpg") -> str:
     return str(filepath)
 
 
-async def cache_image_from_url(url: str, ext: str = ".jpg") -> str:
+async def cache_image_from_url(url: str, ext: str = ".jpg", retries: int = 2) -> str:
     """
     Download an image from a URL and save it to the local cache.
 
-    Uses httpx for async download with a reasonable timeout.
+    Retries on transient failures (timeouts, 429, 5xx) with exponential
+    backoff so a single slow CDN response doesn't lose the media.
 
     Args:
         url: The HTTP/HTTPS URL to download from.
         ext: File extension including the dot (e.g. ".jpg", ".png").
+        retries: Number of retry attempts on transient failures.
 
     Returns:
         Absolute path to the cached image file as a string.
     """
+    import asyncio
     import httpx
+    import logging as _logging
+    _log = _logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+    last_exc = None
     async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0, follow_redirects=True) as client:
-        response = await client.get(
-            url,
-            headers={
-                "User-Agent": "Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; HermesAgent/1.0)",
-                "Accept": "image/*,*/*;q=0.8",
-            },
-        )
-        response.raise_for_status()
-        return cache_image_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+        for attempt in range(retries + 1):
+            try:
+                response = await client.get(
+                    url,
+                    headers={
+                        "User-Agent": "Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; HermesAgent/1.0)",
+                        "Accept": "image/*,*/*;q=0.8",
+                    },
+                )
+                response.raise_for_status()
+                return cache_image_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+            except (httpx.TimeoutException, httpx.HTTPStatusError) as exc:
+                last_exc = exc
+                if isinstance(exc, httpx.HTTPStatusError) and exc.response.status_code < 429:
+                    raise
+                if attempt < retries:
+                    wait = 1.5 * (attempt + 1)
+                    _log.debug("Media cache retry %d/%d for %s (%.1fs): %s",
+                               attempt + 1, retries, url[:80], wait, exc)
+                    await asyncio.sleep(wait)
+                    continue
+                raise
+    raise last_exc
 
 
 def cleanup_image_cache(max_age_hours: int = 24) -> int:
@@ -126,7 +148,7 @@ def cleanup_image_cache(max_age_hours: int = 24) -> int:
 # here so the STT tool (OpenAI Whisper) can transcribe them from local files.
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-AUDIO_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_home() / "audio_cache"
+AUDIO_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_dir("cache/audio", "audio_cache")
 
 
 def get_audio_cache_dir() -> Path:
@@ -153,29 +175,51 @@ def cache_audio_from_bytes(data: bytes, ext: str = ".ogg") -> str:
     return str(filepath)
 
 
-async def cache_audio_from_url(url: str, ext: str = ".ogg") -> str:
+async def cache_audio_from_url(url: str, ext: str = ".ogg", retries: int = 2) -> str:
     """
     Download an audio file from a URL and save it to the local cache.
 
+    Retries on transient failures (timeouts, 429, 5xx) with exponential
+    backoff so a single slow CDN response doesn't lose the media.
+
     Args:
         url: The HTTP/HTTPS URL to download from.
         ext: File extension including the dot (e.g. ".ogg", ".mp3").
+        retries: Number of retry attempts on transient failures.
 
     Returns:
         Absolute path to the cached audio file as a string.
     """
+    import asyncio
     import httpx
+    import logging as _logging
+    _log = _logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
+    last_exc = None
     async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0, follow_redirects=True) as client:
-        response = await client.get(
-            url,
-            headers={
-                "User-Agent": "Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; HermesAgent/1.0)",
-                "Accept": "audio/*,*/*;q=0.8",
-            },
-        )
-        response.raise_for_status()
-        return cache_audio_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+        for attempt in range(retries + 1):
+            try:
+                response = await client.get(
+                    url,
+                    headers={
+                        "User-Agent": "Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; HermesAgent/1.0)",
+                        "Accept": "audio/*,*/*;q=0.8",
+                    },
+                )
+                response.raise_for_status()
+                return cache_audio_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+            except (httpx.TimeoutException, httpx.HTTPStatusError) as exc:
+                last_exc = exc
+                if isinstance(exc, httpx.HTTPStatusError) and exc.response.status_code < 429:
+                    raise
+                if attempt < retries:
+                    wait = 1.5 * (attempt + 1)
+                    _log.debug("Audio cache retry %d/%d for %s (%.1fs): %s",
+                               attempt + 1, retries, url[:80], wait, exc)
+                    await asyncio.sleep(wait)
+                    continue
+                raise
+    raise last_exc
 
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -185,7 +229,7 @@ async def cache_audio_from_url(url: str, ext: str = ".ogg") -> str:
 # here so the agent can reference them by local file path.
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-DOCUMENT_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_home() / "document_cache"
+DOCUMENT_CACHE_DIR = get_hermes_dir("cache/documents", "document_cache")
 
 SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES = {
     ".pdf": "application/pdf",
@@ -296,6 +340,9 @@ class MessageEvent:
     reply_to_message_id: Optional[str] = None
     reply_to_text: Optional[str] = None  # Text of the replied-to message (for context injection)
     
+    # Auto-loaded skill for topic/channel bindings (e.g., Telegram DM Topics)
+    auto_skill: Optional[str] = None
+    
     # Timestamps
     timestamp: datetime = field(default_factory=datetime.now)
     
@@ -309,7 +356,10 @@ class MessageEvent:
             return None
         # Split on space and get first word, strip the /
         parts = self.text.split(maxsplit=1)
-        return parts[0][1:].lower() if parts else None
+        raw = parts[0][1:].lower() if parts else None
+        if raw and "@" in raw:
+            raw = raw.split("@", 1)[0]
+        return raw
     
     def get_command_args(self) -> str:
         """Get the arguments after a command."""
@@ -326,6 +376,24 @@ class SendResult:
     message_id: Optional[str] = None
     error: Optional[str] = None
     raw_response: Any = None
+    retryable: bool = False  # True for transient errors (network, timeout) — base will retry automatically
+
+
+# Error substrings that indicate a transient network failure worth retrying
+_RETRYABLE_ERROR_PATTERNS = (
+    "connecterror",
+    "connectionerror",
+    "connectionreset",
+    "connectionrefused",
+    "timeout",
+    "timed out",
+    "network",
+    "broken pipe",
+    "remotedisconnected",
+    "eoferror",
+    "readtimeout",
+    "writetimeout",
+)
 
 
 # Type for message handlers
@@ -819,7 +887,122 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                 await asyncio.sleep(interval)
         except asyncio.CancelledError:
             pass  # Normal cancellation when handler completes
+        finally:
+            # Ensure the underlying platform typing loop is stopped.
+            # _keep_typing may have called send_typing() after an outer
+            # stop_typing() cleared the task dict, recreating the loop.
+            # Cancelling _keep_typing alone won't clean that up.
+            if hasattr(self, "stop_typing"):
+                try:
+                    await self.stop_typing(chat_id)
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
     
+    # ── Processing lifecycle hooks ──────────────────────────────────────────
+    # Subclasses override these to react to message processing events
+    # (e.g. Discord adds 👀/✅/❌ reactions).
+
+    async def on_processing_start(self, event: MessageEvent) -> None:
+        """Hook called when background processing begins."""
+
+    async def on_processing_complete(self, event: MessageEvent, success: bool) -> None:
+        """Hook called when background processing completes."""
+
+    async def _run_processing_hook(self, hook_name: str, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any) -> None:
+        """Run a lifecycle hook without letting failures break message flow."""
+        hook = getattr(self, hook_name, None)
+        if not callable(hook):
+            return
+        try:
+            await hook(*args, **kwargs)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("[%s] %s hook failed: %s", self.name, hook_name, e)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _is_retryable_error(error: Optional[str]) -> bool:
+        """Return True if the error string looks like a transient network failure."""
+        if not error:
+            return False
+        lowered = error.lower()
+        return any(pat in lowered for pat in _RETRYABLE_ERROR_PATTERNS)
+
+    async def _send_with_retry(
+        self,
+        chat_id: str,
+        content: str,
+        reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
+        metadata: Any = None,
+        max_retries: int = 2,
+        base_delay: float = 2.0,
+    ) -> "SendResult":
+        """
+        Send a message with automatic retry for transient network errors.
+
+        On permanent failures (e.g. formatting / permission errors) falls back
+        to a plain-text version before giving up. If all attempts fail due to
+        network errors, sends the user a brief delivery-failure notice so they
+        know to retry rather than waiting indefinitely.
+        """
+
+        result = await self.send(
+            chat_id=chat_id,
+            content=content,
+            reply_to=reply_to,
+            metadata=metadata,
+        )
+
+        if result.success:
+            return result
+
+        error_str = result.error or ""
+        is_network = result.retryable or self._is_retryable_error(error_str)
+
+        if is_network:
+            # Retry with exponential backoff for transient errors
+            for attempt in range(1, max_retries + 1):
+                delay = base_delay * (2 ** (attempt - 1)) + random.uniform(0, 1)
+                logger.warning(
+                    "[%s] Send failed (attempt %d/%d, retrying in %.1fs): %s",
+                    self.name, attempt, max_retries, delay, error_str,
+                )
+                await asyncio.sleep(delay)
+                result = await self.send(
+                    chat_id=chat_id,
+                    content=content,
+                    reply_to=reply_to,
+                    metadata=metadata,
+                )
+                if result.success:
+                    logger.info("[%s] Send succeeded on retry %d", self.name, attempt)
+                    return result
+                error_str = result.error or ""
+                if not (result.retryable or self._is_retryable_error(error_str)):
+                    break  # error switched to non-transient — fall through to plain-text fallback
+            else:
+                # All retries exhausted (loop completed without break) — notify user
+                logger.error("[%s] Failed to deliver response after %d retries: %s", self.name, max_retries, error_str)
+                notice = (
+                    "\u26a0\ufe0f Message delivery failed after multiple attempts. "
+                    "Please try again \u2014 your request was processed but the response could not be sent."
+                )
+                try:
+                    await self.send(chat_id=chat_id, content=notice, reply_to=reply_to, metadata=metadata)
+                except Exception as notify_err:
+                    logger.debug("[%s] Could not send delivery-failure notice: %s", self.name, notify_err)
+                return result
+
+        # Non-network / post-retry formatting failure: try plain text as fallback
+        logger.warning("[%s] Send failed: %s — trying plain-text fallback", self.name, error_str)
+        fallback_result = await self.send(
+            chat_id=chat_id,
+            content=f"(Response formatting failed, plain text:)\n\n{content[:3500]}",
+            reply_to=reply_to,
+            metadata=metadata,
+        )
+        if not fallback_result.success:
+            logger.error("[%s] Fallback send also failed: %s", self.name, fallback_result.error)
+        return fallback_result
+
     async def handle_message(self, event: MessageEvent) -> None:
         """
         Process an incoming message.
@@ -842,7 +1025,7 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
             # simultaneous messages. Queue them without interrupting the active run,
             # then process them immediately after the current task finishes.
             if event.message_type == MessageType.PHOTO:
-                print(f"[{self.name}] 🖼️ Queuing photo follow-up for session {session_key} without interrupt")
+                logger.debug("[%s] Queuing photo follow-up for session %s without interrupt", self.name, session_key)
                 existing = self._pending_messages.get(session_key)
                 if existing and existing.message_type == MessageType.PHOTO:
                     existing.media_urls.extend(event.media_urls)
@@ -857,12 +1040,19 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                 return  # Don't interrupt now - will run after current task completes
 
             # Default behavior for non-photo follow-ups: interrupt the running agent
-            print(f"[{self.name}] ⚡ New message while session {session_key} is active - triggering interrupt")
+            logger.debug("[%s] New message while session %s is active — triggering interrupt", self.name, session_key)
             self._pending_messages[session_key] = event
             # Signal the interrupt (the processing task checks this)
             self._active_sessions[session_key].set()
             return  # Don't process now - will be handled after current task finishes
         
+        # Mark session as active BEFORE spawning background task to close
+        # the race window where a second message arriving before the task
+        # starts would also pass the _active_sessions check and spawn a
+        # duplicate task.  (grammY sequentialize / aiogram EventIsolation
+        # pattern — set the guard synchronously, not inside the task.)
+        self._active_sessions[session_key] = asyncio.Event()
+
         # Spawn background task to process this message
         task = asyncio.create_task(self._process_message_background(event, session_key))
         try:
@@ -897,8 +1087,22 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
 
     async def _process_message_background(self, event: MessageEvent, session_key: str) -> None:
         """Background task that actually processes the message."""
-        # Create interrupt event for this session
-        interrupt_event = asyncio.Event()
+        # Track delivery outcomes for the processing-complete hook
+        delivery_attempted = False
+        delivery_succeeded = False
+
+        def _record_delivery(result):
+            nonlocal delivery_attempted, delivery_succeeded
+            if result is None:
+                return
+            delivery_attempted = True
+            if getattr(result, "success", False):
+                delivery_succeeded = True
+
+        # Reuse the interrupt event set by handle_message() (which marks
+        # the session active before spawning this task to prevent races).
+        # Fall back to a new Event only if the entry was removed externally.
+        interrupt_event = self._active_sessions.get(session_key) or asyncio.Event()
         self._active_sessions[session_key] = interrupt_event
         
         # Start continuous typing indicator (refreshes every 2 seconds)
@@ -906,12 +1110,17 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
         typing_task = asyncio.create_task(self._keep_typing(event.source.chat_id, metadata=_thread_metadata))
         
         try:
+            await self._run_processing_hook("on_processing_start", event)
+
             # Call the handler (this can take a while with tool calls)
             response = await self._message_handler(event)
             
-            # Send response if any
+            # Send response if any.  A None/empty response is normal when
+            # streaming already delivered the text (already_sent=True) or
+            # when the message was queued behind an active agent.  Log at
+            # DEBUG to avoid noisy warnings for expected behavior.
             if not response:
-                logger.warning("[%s] Handler returned empty/None response for %s", self.name, event.source.chat_id)
+                logger.debug("[%s] Handler returned empty/None response for %s", self.name, event.source.chat_id)
             if response:
                 # Extract MEDIA:<path> tags (from TTS tool) before other processing
                 media_files, response = self.extract_media(response)
@@ -969,25 +1178,13 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                 # Send the text portion
                 if text_content:
                     logger.info("[%s] Sending response (%d chars) to %s", self.name, len(text_content), event.source.chat_id)
-                    result = await self.send(
+                    result = await self._send_with_retry(
                         chat_id=event.source.chat_id,
                         content=text_content,
                         reply_to=event.message_id,
                         metadata=_thread_metadata,
                     )
-
-                    # Log send failures (don't raise - user already saw tool progress)
-                    if not result.success:
-                        print(f"[{self.name}] Failed to send response: {result.error}")
-                        # Try sending without markdown as fallback
-                        fallback_result = await self.send(
-                            chat_id=event.source.chat_id,
-                            content=f"(Response formatting failed, plain text:)\n\n{text_content[:3500]}",
-                            reply_to=event.message_id,
-                            metadata=_thread_metadata,
-                        )
-                        if not fallback_result.success:
-                            print(f"[{self.name}] Fallback send also failed: {fallback_result.error}")
+                    _record_delivery(result)
 
                 # Human-like pacing delay between text and media
                 human_delay = self._get_human_delay()
@@ -1056,9 +1253,9 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                             )
 
                         if not media_result.success:
-                            print(f"[{self.name}] Failed to send media ({ext}): {media_result.error}")
+                            logger.warning("[%s] Failed to send media (%s): %s", self.name, ext, media_result.error)
                     except Exception as media_err:
-                        print(f"[{self.name}] Error sending media: {media_err}")
+                        logger.warning("[%s] Error sending media: %s", self.name, media_err)
 
                 # Send auto-detected local files as native attachments
                 for file_path in local_files:
@@ -1087,10 +1284,14 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                     except Exception as file_err:
                         logger.error("[%s] Error sending local file %s: %s", self.name, file_path, file_err)
 
+            # Determine overall success for the processing hook
+            processing_ok = delivery_succeeded if delivery_attempted else not bool(response)
+            await self._run_processing_hook("on_processing_complete", event, processing_ok)
+
             # Check if there's a pending message that was queued during our processing
             if session_key in self._pending_messages:
                 pending_event = self._pending_messages.pop(session_key)
-                print(f"[{self.name}] 📨 Processing queued message from interrupt")
+                logger.debug("[%s] Processing queued message from interrupt", self.name)
                 # Clean up current session before processing pending
                 if session_key in self._active_sessions:
                     del self._active_sessions[session_key]
@@ -1103,10 +1304,12 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                 await self._process_message_background(pending_event, session_key)
                 return  # Already cleaned up
                 
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            await self._run_processing_hook("on_processing_complete", event, False)
+            raise
         except Exception as e:
-            print(f"[{self.name}] Error handling message: {e}")
-            import traceback
-            traceback.print_exc()
+            await self._run_processing_hook("on_processing_complete", event, False)
+            logger.error("[%s] Error handling message: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
             # Send the error to the user so they aren't left with radio silence
             try:
                 error_type = type(e).__name__
@@ -1130,6 +1333,13 @@ class BasePlatformAdapter(ABC):
                 await typing_task
             except asyncio.CancelledError:
                 pass
+            # Also cancel any platform-level persistent typing tasks (e.g. Discord)
+            # that may have been recreated by _keep_typing after the last stop_typing()
+            try:
+                if hasattr(self, "stop_typing"):
+                    await self.stop_typing(event.source.chat_id)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
             # Clean up session tracking
             if session_key in self._active_sessions:
                 del self._active_sessions[session_key]

gateway/platforms/discord.py

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import threading
 import time
 from collections import defaultdict
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Callable, Dict, List, Optional, Any
+from typing import Callable, Dict, Optional, Any
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -408,7 +408,7 @@ class VoiceReceiver:
 class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     """
     Discord bot adapter.
-    
+
     Handles:
     - Receiving messages from servers and DMs
     - Sending responses with Discord markdown
@@ -418,10 +418,10 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     - Auto-threading for long conversations
     - Reaction-based feedback
     """
-    
+
     # Discord message limits
     MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH = 2000
-    
+
     # Auto-disconnect from voice channel after this many seconds of inactivity
     VOICE_TIMEOUT = 300
 
@@ -446,9 +446,10 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         # Persistent typing indicator loops per channel (DMs don't reliably
         # show the standard typing gateway event for bots)
         self._typing_tasks: Dict[str, asyncio.Task] = {}
+        self._bot_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
         # Cap to prevent unbounded growth (Discord threads get archived).
         self._MAX_TRACKED_THREADS = 500
-    
+
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
         """Connect to Discord and start receiving events."""
         if not DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
@@ -479,12 +480,23 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     logger.warning("Opus codec found at %s but failed to load", opus_path)
             if not discord.opus.is_loaded():
                 logger.warning("Opus codec not found — voice channel playback disabled")
-        
+
         if not self.config.token:
             logger.error("[%s] No bot token configured", self.name)
             return False
-        
+
         try:
+            # Acquire scoped lock to prevent duplicate bot token usage
+            from gateway.status import acquire_scoped_lock
+            self._token_lock_identity = self.config.token
+            acquired, existing = acquire_scoped_lock('discord-bot-token', self._token_lock_identity, metadata={'platform': 'discord'})
+            if not acquired:
+                owner_pid = existing.get('pid') if isinstance(existing, dict) else None
+                message = f'Discord bot token already in use' + (f' (PID {owner_pid})' if owner_pid else '') + '. Stop the other gateway first.'
+                logger.error('[%s] %s', self.name, message)
+                self._set_fatal_error('discord_token_lock', message, retryable=False)
+                return False
+
             # Set up intents -- members intent needed for username-to-ID resolution
             intents = Intents.default()
             intents.message_content = True
@@ -492,13 +504,13 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             intents.guild_messages = True
             intents.members = True
             intents.voice_states = True
-            
+
             # Create bot
             self._client = commands.Bot(
                 command_prefix="!",  # Not really used, we handle raw messages
                 intents=intents,
             )
-            
+
             # Parse allowed user entries (may contain usernames or IDs)
             allowed_env = os.getenv("DISCORD_ALLOWED_USERS", "")
             if allowed_env:
@@ -506,17 +518,17 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     _clean_discord_id(uid) for uid in allowed_env.split(",")
                     if uid.strip()
                 }
-            
+
             adapter_self = self  # capture for closure
-            
+
             # Register event handlers
             @self._client.event
             async def on_ready():
                 logger.info("[%s] Connected as %s", adapter_self.name, adapter_self._client.user)
-                
+
                 # Resolve any usernames in the allowed list to numeric IDs
                 await adapter_self._resolve_allowed_usernames()
-                
+
                 # Sync slash commands with Discord
                 try:
                     synced = await adapter_self._client.tree.sync()
@@ -524,18 +536,22 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
                     logger.warning("[%s] Slash command sync failed: %s", adapter_self.name, e, exc_info=True)
                 adapter_self._ready_event.set()
-            
+
             @self._client.event
             async def on_message(message: DiscordMessage):
                 # Always ignore our own messages
                 if message.author == self._client.user:
                     return
-                
+
                 # Ignore Discord system messages (thread renames, pins, member joins, etc.)
                 # Allow both default and reply types — replies have a distinct MessageType.
                 if message.type not in (discord.MessageType.default, discord.MessageType.reply):
                     return
-                
+
+                # Check if the message author is in the allowed user list
+                if not self._is_allowed_user(str(message.author.id)):
+                    return
+
                 # Bot message filtering (DISCORD_ALLOW_BOTS):
                 #   "none"     — ignore all other bots (default)
                 #   "mentions" — accept bot messages only when they @mention us
@@ -548,7 +564,23 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         if not self._client.user or self._client.user not in message.mentions:
                             return
                     # "all" falls through to handle_message
-                
+
+                # If the message @mentions other users but NOT the bot, the
+                # sender is talking to someone else — stay silent.  Only
+                # applies in server channels; in DMs the user is always
+                # talking to the bot (mentions are just references).
+                # Controlled by DISCORD_IGNORE_NO_MENTION (default: true).
+                _ignore_no_mention = os.getenv(
+                    "DISCORD_IGNORE_NO_MENTION", "true"
+                ).lower() in ("true", "1", "yes")
+                if _ignore_no_mention and message.mentions and not isinstance(message.channel, discord.DMChannel):
+                    _bot_mentioned = (
+                        self._client.user is not None
+                        and self._client.user in message.mentions
+                    )
+                    if not _bot_mentioned:
+                        return  # Talking to someone else, don't interrupt
+
                 await self._handle_message(message)
 
             @self._client.event
@@ -586,23 +618,23 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
             # Register slash commands
             self._register_slash_commands()
-            
+
             # Start the bot in background
-            asyncio.create_task(self._client.start(self.config.token))
-            
+            self._bot_task = asyncio.create_task(self._client.start(self.config.token))
+
             # Wait for ready
             await asyncio.wait_for(self._ready_event.wait(), timeout=30)
-            
+
             self._running = True
             return True
-            
+
         except asyncio.TimeoutError:
             logger.error("[%s] Timeout waiting for connection to Discord", self.name, exc_info=True)
             return False
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
             logger.error("[%s] Failed to connect to Discord: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
             return False
-    
+
     async def disconnect(self) -> None:
         """Disconnect from Discord."""
         # Clean up all active voice connections before closing the client
@@ -621,8 +653,61 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._running = False
         self._client = None
         self._ready_event.clear()
+
+        # Release the token lock
+        try:
+            from gateway.status import release_scoped_lock
+            if getattr(self, '_token_lock_identity', None):
+                release_scoped_lock('discord-bot-token', self._token_lock_identity)
+                self._token_lock_identity = None
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         logger.info("[%s] Disconnected", self.name)
-    
+
+    async def _add_reaction(self, message: Any, emoji: str) -> bool:
+        """Add an emoji reaction to a Discord message."""
+        if not message or not hasattr(message, "add_reaction"):
+            return False
+        try:
+            await message.add_reaction(emoji)
+            return True
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.debug("[%s] add_reaction failed (%s): %s", self.name, emoji, e)
+            return False
+
+    async def _remove_reaction(self, message: Any, emoji: str) -> bool:
+        """Remove the bot's own emoji reaction from a Discord message."""
+        if not message or not hasattr(message, "remove_reaction") or not self._client or not self._client.user:
+            return False
+        try:
+            await message.remove_reaction(emoji, self._client.user)
+            return True
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.debug("[%s] remove_reaction failed (%s): %s", self.name, emoji, e)
+            return False
+
+    def _reactions_enabled(self) -> bool:
+        """Check if message reactions are enabled via config/env."""
+        return os.getenv("DISCORD_REACTIONS", "true").lower() not in ("false", "0", "no")
+
+    async def on_processing_start(self, event: MessageEvent) -> None:
+        """Add an in-progress reaction for normal Discord message events."""
+        if not self._reactions_enabled():
+            return
+        message = event.raw_message
+        if hasattr(message, "add_reaction"):
+            await self._add_reaction(message, "👀")
+
+    async def on_processing_complete(self, event: MessageEvent, success: bool) -> None:
+        """Swap the in-progress reaction for a final success/failure reaction."""
+        if not self._reactions_enabled():
+            return
+        message = event.raw_message
+        if hasattr(message, "add_reaction"):
+            await self._remove_reaction(message, "👀")
+            await self._add_reaction(message, "✅" if success else "❌")
+
     async def send(
         self,
         chat_id: str,
@@ -639,24 +724,24 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             channel = self._client.get_channel(int(chat_id))
             if not channel:
                 channel = await self._client.fetch_channel(int(chat_id))
-            
+
             if not channel:
                 return SendResult(success=False, error=f"Channel {chat_id} not found")
-            
+
             # Format and split message if needed
             formatted = self.format_message(content)
             chunks = self.truncate_message(formatted, self.MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH)
-            
+
             message_ids = []
             reference = None
-            
+
             if reply_to:
                 try:
                     ref_msg = await channel.fetch_message(int(reply_to))
                     reference = ref_msg
                 except Exception as e:
                     logger.debug("Could not fetch reply-to message: %s", e)
-            
+
             for i, chunk in enumerate(chunks):
                 chunk_reference = reference if i == 0 else None
                 try:
@@ -683,13 +768,13 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     else:
                         raise
                 message_ids.append(str(msg.id))
-            
+
             return SendResult(
                 success=True,
                 message_id=message_ids[0] if message_ids else None,
                 raw_response={"message_ids": message_ids}
             )
-            
+
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
             logger.error("[%s] Failed to send Discord message: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
             return SendResult(success=False, error=str(e))
@@ -1161,25 +1246,25 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Send an image natively as a Discord file attachment."""
         if not self._client:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
-        
+
         try:
             import aiohttp
-            
+
             channel = self._client.get_channel(int(chat_id))
             if not channel:
                 channel = await self._client.fetch_channel(int(chat_id))
             if not channel:
                 return SendResult(success=False, error=f"Channel {chat_id} not found")
-            
+
             # Download the image and send as a Discord file attachment
             # (Discord renders attachments inline, unlike plain URLs)
             async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
                 async with session.get(image_url, timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)) as resp:
                     if resp.status != 200:
                         raise Exception(f"Failed to download image: HTTP {resp.status}")
-                    
+
                     image_data = await resp.read()
-                    
+
                     # Determine filename from URL or content type
                     content_type = resp.headers.get("content-type", "image/png")
                     ext = "png"
@@ -1189,16 +1274,16 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         ext = "gif"
                     elif "webp" in content_type:
                         ext = "webp"
-                    
+
                     import io
                     file = discord.File(io.BytesIO(image_data), filename=f"image.{ext}")
-                    
+
                     msg = await channel.send(
                         content=caption if caption else None,
                         file=file,
                     )
                     return SendResult(success=True, message_id=str(msg.id))
-        
+
         except ImportError:
             logger.warning(
                 "[%s] aiohttp not installed, falling back to URL. Run: pip install aiohttp",
@@ -1249,7 +1334,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
             logger.error("[%s] Failed to send document, falling back to base adapter: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
             return await super().send_document(chat_id, file_path, caption, file_name, reply_to, metadata=metadata)
-    
+
     async def send_typing(self, chat_id: str, metadata=None) -> None:
         """Start a persistent typing indicator for a channel.
 
@@ -1293,20 +1378,20 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 await task
             except (asyncio.CancelledError, Exception):
                 pass
-    
+
     async def get_chat_info(self, chat_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """Get information about a Discord channel."""
         if not self._client:
             return {"name": "Unknown", "type": "dm"}
-        
+
         try:
             channel = self._client.get_channel(int(chat_id))
             if not channel:
                 channel = await self._client.fetch_channel(int(chat_id))
-            
+
             if not channel:
                 return {"name": str(chat_id), "type": "dm"}
-            
+
             # Determine channel type
             if isinstance(channel, discord.DMChannel):
                 chat_type = "dm"
@@ -1322,7 +1407,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             else:
                 chat_type = "channel"
                 name = getattr(channel, "name", str(chat_id))
-            
+
             return {
                 "name": name,
                 "type": chat_type,
@@ -1332,7 +1417,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
             logger.error("[%s] Failed to get chat info for %s: %s", self.name, chat_id, e, exc_info=True)
             return {"name": str(chat_id), "type": "dm", "error": str(e)}
-    
+
     async def _resolve_allowed_usernames(self) -> None:
         """
         Resolve non-numeric entries in DISCORD_ALLOWED_USERS to Discord user IDs.
@@ -1400,7 +1485,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     def format_message(self, content: str) -> str:
         """
         Format message for Discord.
-        
+
         Discord uses its own markdown variant.
         """
         # Discord markdown is fairly standard, no special escaping needed
@@ -1412,15 +1497,23 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         command_text: str,
         followup_msg: str | None = None,
     ) -> None:
-        """Common handler for simple slash commands that dispatch a command string."""
+        """Common handler for simple slash commands that dispatch a command string.
+
+        Defers the interaction (shows "thinking..."), dispatches the command,
+        then cleans up the deferred response.  If *followup_msg* is provided
+        the "thinking..." indicator is replaced with that text; otherwise it
+        is deleted so the channel isn't cluttered.
+        """
         await interaction.response.defer(ephemeral=True)
         event = self._build_slash_event(interaction, command_text)
         await self.handle_message(event)
-        if followup_msg:
-            try:
-                await interaction.followup.send(followup_msg, ephemeral=True)
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.debug("Discord followup failed: %s", e)
+        try:
+            if followup_msg:
+                await interaction.edit_original_response(content=followup_msg)
+            else:
+                await interaction.delete_original_response()
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.debug("Discord interaction cleanup failed: %s", e)
 
     def _register_slash_commands(self) -> None:
         """Register Discord slash commands on the command tree."""
@@ -1445,9 +1538,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         @tree.command(name="reasoning", description="Show or change reasoning effort")
         @discord.app_commands.describe(effort="Reasoning effort: xhigh, high, medium, low, minimal, or none.")
         async def slash_reasoning(interaction: discord.Interaction, effort: str = ""):
-            await interaction.response.defer(ephemeral=True)
-            event = self._build_slash_event(interaction, f"/reasoning {effort}".strip())
-            await self.handle_message(event)
+            await self._run_simple_slash(interaction, f"/reasoning {effort}".strip())
 
         @tree.command(name="personality", description="Set a personality")
         @discord.app_commands.describe(name="Personality name. Leave empty to list available.")
@@ -1520,14 +1611,22 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             discord.app_commands.Choice(name="status — show current mode", value="status"),
         ])
         async def slash_voice(interaction: discord.Interaction, mode: str = ""):
-            await interaction.response.defer(ephemeral=True)
-            event = self._build_slash_event(interaction, f"/voice {mode}".strip())
-            await self.handle_message(event)
+            await self._run_simple_slash(interaction, f"/voice {mode}".strip())
 
         @tree.command(name="update", description="Update Hermes Agent to the latest version")
         async def slash_update(interaction: discord.Interaction):
             await self._run_simple_slash(interaction, "/update", "Update initiated~")
 
+        @tree.command(name="approve", description="Approve a pending dangerous command")
+        @discord.app_commands.describe(scope="Optional: 'all', 'session', 'always', 'all session', 'all always'")
+        async def slash_approve(interaction: discord.Interaction, scope: str = ""):
+            await self._run_simple_slash(interaction, f"/approve {scope}".strip())
+
+        @tree.command(name="deny", description="Deny a pending dangerous command")
+        @discord.app_commands.describe(scope="Optional: 'all' to deny all pending commands")
+        async def slash_deny(interaction: discord.Interaction, scope: str = ""):
+            await self._run_simple_slash(interaction, f"/deny {scope}".strip())
+
         @tree.command(name="thread", description="Create a new thread and start a Hermes session in it")
         @discord.app_commands.describe(
             name="Thread name",
@@ -1562,7 +1661,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             chat_name = interaction.channel.name
             if hasattr(interaction.channel, "guild") and interaction.channel.guild:
                 chat_name = f"{interaction.channel.guild.name} / #{chat_name}"
-        
+
         # Get channel topic (if available)
         chat_topic = getattr(interaction.channel, "topic", None)
 
@@ -1771,33 +1870,41 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return None
 
     async def send_exec_approval(
-        self, chat_id: str, command: str, approval_id: str
+        self, chat_id: str, command: str, session_key: str,
+        description: str = "dangerous command",
+        metadata: Optional[dict] = None,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """
         Send a button-based exec approval prompt for a dangerous command.
 
-        Returns SendResult. The approval is resolved when a user clicks a button.
+        The buttons call ``resolve_gateway_approval()`` to unblock the waiting
+        agent thread — this replaces the text-based ``/approve`` flow on Discord.
         """
         if not self._client or not DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
 
         try:
-            channel = self._client.get_channel(int(chat_id))
+            # Resolve channel — use thread_id from metadata if present
+            target_id = chat_id
+            if metadata and metadata.get("thread_id"):
+                target_id = metadata["thread_id"]
+
+            channel = self._client.get_channel(int(target_id))
             if not channel:
-                channel = await self._client.fetch_channel(int(chat_id))
+                channel = await self._client.fetch_channel(int(target_id))
 
             # Discord embed description limit is 4096; show full command up to that
             max_desc = 4088
             cmd_display = command if len(command) <= max_desc else command[: max_desc - 3] + "..."
             embed = discord.Embed(
-                title="Command Approval Required",
+                title="⚠️ Command Approval Required",
                 description=f"```\n{cmd_display}\n```",
                 color=discord.Color.orange(),
             )
-            embed.set_footer(text=f"Approval ID: {approval_id}")
+            embed.add_field(name="Reason", value=description, inline=False)
 
             view = ExecApprovalView(
-                approval_id=approval_id,
+                session_key=session_key,
                 allowed_user_ids=self._allowed_user_ids,
             )
 
@@ -1966,7 +2073,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         if doc_ext in SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES:
                             msg_type = MessageType.DOCUMENT
                     break
-        
+
         # When auto-threading kicked in, route responses to the new thread
         effective_channel = auto_threaded_channel or message.channel
 
@@ -1985,7 +2092,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         # Get channel topic (if available - TextChannels have topics, DMs/threads don't)
         chat_topic = getattr(message.channel, "topic", None)
-        
+
         # Build source
         source = self.build_source(
             chat_id=str(effective_channel.id),
@@ -1996,7 +2103,7 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             thread_id=thread_id,
             chat_topic=chat_topic,
         )
-        
+
         # Build media URLs -- download image attachments to local cache so the
         # vision tool can access them reliably (Discord CDN URLs can expire).
         media_urls = []
@@ -2090,11 +2197,16 @@ class DiscordAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                                 "[Discord] Failed to cache document %s: %s",
                                 att.filename, e, exc_info=True,
                             )
-        
+
         event_text = message.content
         if pending_text_injection:
             event_text = f"{pending_text_injection}\n\n{event_text}" if event_text else pending_text_injection
 
+        # Defense-in-depth: prevent empty user messages from entering session
+        # (can happen when user sends @mention-only with no other text)
+        if not event_text or not event_text.strip():
+            event_text = "(The user sent a message with no text content)"
+
         event = MessageEvent(
             text=event_text,
             message_type=msg_type,
@@ -2125,13 +2237,15 @@ if DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
         """
         Interactive button view for exec approval of dangerous commands.
 
-        Shows three buttons: Allow Once (green), Always Allow (blue), Deny (red).
-        Only users in the allowed list can click. The view times out after 5 minutes.
+        Shows four buttons: Allow Once, Allow Session, Always Allow, Deny.
+        Clicking a button calls ``resolve_gateway_approval()`` to unblock the
+        waiting agent thread — the same mechanism as the text ``/approve`` flow.
+        Only users in the allowed list can click.  Times out after 5 minutes.
         """
 
-        def __init__(self, approval_id: str, allowed_user_ids: set):
+        def __init__(self, session_key: str, allowed_user_ids: set):
             super().__init__(timeout=300)  # 5-minute timeout
-            self.approval_id = approval_id
+            self.session_key = session_key
             self.allowed_user_ids = allowed_user_ids
             self.resolved = False
 
@@ -2142,9 +2256,10 @@ if DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
             return str(interaction.user.id) in self.allowed_user_ids
 
         async def _resolve(
-            self, interaction: discord.Interaction, action: str, color: discord.Color
+            self, interaction: discord.Interaction, choice: str,
+            color: discord.Color, label: str,
         ):
-            """Resolve the approval and update the message."""
+            """Resolve the approval via the gateway approval queue and update the embed."""
             if self.resolved:
                 await interaction.response.send_message(
                     "This approval has already been resolved~", ephemeral=True
@@ -2163,7 +2278,7 @@ if DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
             embed = interaction.message.embeds[0] if interaction.message.embeds else None
             if embed:
                 embed.color = color
-                embed.set_footer(text=f"{action} by {interaction.user.display_name}")
+                embed.set_footer(text=f"{label} by {interaction.user.display_name}")
 
             # Disable all buttons
             for child in self.children:
@@ -2171,33 +2286,40 @@ if DISCORD_AVAILABLE:
 
             await interaction.response.edit_message(embed=embed, view=self)
 
-            # Store the approval decision
+            # Unblock the waiting agent thread via the gateway approval queue
             try:
-                from tools.approval import approve_permanent
-                if action == "allow_once":
-                    pass  # One-time approval handled by gateway
-                elif action == "allow_always":
-                    approve_permanent(self.approval_id)
-            except ImportError:
-                pass
+                from tools.approval import resolve_gateway_approval
+                count = resolve_gateway_approval(self.session_key, choice)
+                logger.info(
+                    "Discord button resolved %d approval(s) for session %s (choice=%s, user=%s)",
+                    count, self.session_key, choice, interaction.user.display_name,
+                )
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.error("Failed to resolve gateway approval from button: %s", exc)
 
         @discord.ui.button(label="Allow Once", style=discord.ButtonStyle.green)
         async def allow_once(
             self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button
         ):
-            await self._resolve(interaction, "allow_once", discord.Color.green())
+            await self._resolve(interaction, "once", discord.Color.green(), "Approved once")
+
+        @discord.ui.button(label="Allow Session", style=discord.ButtonStyle.grey)
+        async def allow_session(
+            self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button
+        ):
+            await self._resolve(interaction, "session", discord.Color.blue(), "Approved for session")
 
         @discord.ui.button(label="Always Allow", style=discord.ButtonStyle.blurple)
         async def allow_always(
             self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button
         ):
-            await self._resolve(interaction, "allow_always", discord.Color.blue())
+            await self._resolve(interaction, "always", discord.Color.purple(), "Approved permanently")
 
         @discord.ui.button(label="Deny", style=discord.ButtonStyle.red)
         async def deny(
             self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button
         ):
-            await self._resolve(interaction, "deny", discord.Color.red())
+            await self._resolve(interaction, "deny", discord.Color.red(), "Denied")
 
         async def on_timeout(self):
             """Handle view timeout -- disable buttons and mark as expired."""

gateway/platforms/email.py

@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ import re
 import smtplib
 import ssl
 import uuid
-from datetime import datetime
 from email.header import decode_header
 from email.mime.multipart import MIMEMultipart
 from email.mime.text import MIMEText
@@ -44,6 +43,20 @@ from gateway.platforms.base import (
 from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+# Automated sender patterns — emails from these are silently ignored
+_NOREPLY_PATTERNS = (
+    "noreply", "no-reply", "no_reply", "donotreply", "do-not-reply",
+    "mailer-daemon", "postmaster", "bounce", "notifications@",
+    "automated@", "auto-confirm", "auto-reply", "automailer",
+)
+
+# RFC headers that indicate bulk/automated mail
+_AUTOMATED_HEADERS = {
+    "Auto-Submitted": lambda v: v.lower() != "no",
+    "Precedence": lambda v: v.lower() in ("bulk", "list", "junk"),
+    "X-Auto-Response-Suppress": lambda v: bool(v),
+    "List-Unsubscribe": lambda v: bool(v),
+}
 
 # Gmail-safe max length per email body
 MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH = 50_000
@@ -51,7 +64,17 @@ MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH = 50_000
 # Supported image extensions for inline detection
 _IMAGE_EXTS = {".jpg", ".jpeg", ".png", ".gif", ".webp"}
 
-
+def _is_automated_sender(address: str, headers: dict) -> bool:
+    """Return True if this email is from an automated/noreply source."""
+    addr = address.lower()
+    if any(pattern in addr for pattern in _NOREPLY_PATTERNS):
+        return True
+    for header, check in _AUTOMATED_HEADERS.items():
+        value = headers.get(header, "")
+        if value and check(value):
+            return True
+    return False
+    
 def check_email_requirements() -> bool:
     """Check if email platform dependencies are available."""
     addr = os.getenv("EMAIL_ADDRESS")
@@ -214,6 +237,7 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         # Track message IDs we've already processed to avoid duplicates
         self._seen_uids: set = set()
+        self._seen_uids_max: int = 2000   # cap to prevent unbounded memory growth
         self._poll_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
 
         # Map chat_id (sender email) -> last subject + message-id for threading
@@ -221,11 +245,31 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         logger.info("[Email] Adapter initialized for %s", self._address)
 
+    def _trim_seen_uids(self) -> None:
+        """Keep only the most recent UIDs to prevent unbounded memory growth.
+
+        IMAP UIDs are monotonically increasing integers. When the set grows
+        beyond the cap, we keep only the highest half — old UIDs are safe to
+        drop because new messages always have higher UIDs and IMAP's UNSEEN
+        flag prevents re-delivery regardless.
+        """
+        if len(self._seen_uids) <= self._seen_uids_max:
+            return
+        try:
+            # UIDs are bytes like b'1234' — sort numerically and keep top half
+            sorted_uids = sorted(self._seen_uids, key=lambda u: int(u))
+            keep = self._seen_uids_max // 2
+            self._seen_uids = set(sorted_uids[-keep:])
+            logger.debug("[Email] Trimmed seen UIDs to %d entries", len(self._seen_uids))
+        except (ValueError, TypeError):
+            # Fallback: just clear old entries if sort fails
+            self._seen_uids = set(list(self._seen_uids)[-self._seen_uids_max // 2:])
+
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
         """Connect to the IMAP server and start polling for new messages."""
         try:
             # Test IMAP connection
-            imap = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL(self._imap_host, self._imap_port)
+            imap = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL(self._imap_host, self._imap_port, timeout=30)
             imap.login(self._address, self._password)
             # Mark all existing messages as seen so we only process new ones
             imap.select("INBOX")
@@ -233,6 +277,8 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             if status == "OK" and data and data[0]:
                 for uid in data[0].split():
                     self._seen_uids.add(uid)
+            # Keep only the most recent UIDs to prevent unbounded growth
+            self._trim_seen_uids()
             imap.logout()
             logger.info("[Email] IMAP connection test passed. %d existing messages skipped.", len(self._seen_uids))
         except Exception as e:
@@ -241,7 +287,7 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         try:
             # Test SMTP connection
-            smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port)
+            smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port, timeout=30)
             smtp.starttls(context=ssl.create_default_context())
             smtp.login(self._address, self._password)
             smtp.quit()
@@ -290,53 +336,64 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Fetch new (unseen) messages from IMAP. Runs in executor thread."""
         results = []
         try:
-            imap = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL(self._imap_host, self._imap_port)
-            imap.login(self._address, self._password)
-            imap.select("INBOX")
+            imap = imaplib.IMAP4_SSL(self._imap_host, self._imap_port, timeout=30)
+            try:
+                imap.login(self._address, self._password)
+                imap.select("INBOX")
 
-            status, data = imap.uid("search", None, "UNSEEN")
-            if status != "OK" or not data or not data[0]:
-                imap.logout()
-                return results
+                status, data = imap.uid("search", None, "UNSEEN")
+                if status != "OK" or not data or not data[0]:
+                    return results
 
-            for uid in data[0].split():
-                if uid in self._seen_uids:
-                    continue
-                self._seen_uids.add(uid)
+                for uid in data[0].split():
+                    if uid in self._seen_uids:
+                        continue
+                    self._seen_uids.add(uid)
+                    # Trim periodically to prevent unbounded memory growth
+                    if len(self._seen_uids) > self._seen_uids_max:
+                        self._trim_seen_uids()
 
-                status, msg_data = imap.uid("fetch", uid, "(RFC822)")
-                if status != "OK":
-                    continue
+                    status, msg_data = imap.uid("fetch", uid, "(RFC822)")
+                    if status != "OK":
+                        continue
 
-                raw_email = msg_data[0][1]
-                msg = email_lib.message_from_bytes(raw_email)
+                    raw_email = msg_data[0][1]
+                    msg = email_lib.message_from_bytes(raw_email)
 
-                sender_raw = msg.get("From", "")
-                sender_addr = _extract_email_address(sender_raw)
-                sender_name = _decode_header_value(sender_raw)
-                # Remove email from name if present
-                if "<" in sender_name:
-                    sender_name = sender_name.split("<")[0].strip().strip('"')
+                    sender_raw = msg.get("From", "")
+                    sender_addr = _extract_email_address(sender_raw)
+                    sender_name = _decode_header_value(sender_raw)
+                    # Remove email from name if present
+                    if "<" in sender_name:
+                        sender_name = sender_name.split("<")[0].strip().strip('"')
 
-                subject = _decode_header_value(msg.get("Subject", "(no subject)"))
-                message_id = msg.get("Message-ID", "")
-                in_reply_to = msg.get("In-Reply-To", "")
-                body = _extract_text_body(msg)
-                attachments = _extract_attachments(msg, skip_attachments=self._skip_attachments)
+                    subject = _decode_header_value(msg.get("Subject", "(no subject)"))
+                    message_id = msg.get("Message-ID", "")
+                    in_reply_to = msg.get("In-Reply-To", "")
+                    # Skip automated/noreply senders before any processing
+                    msg_headers = dict(msg.items())
+                    if _is_automated_sender(sender_addr, msg_headers):
+                        logger.debug("[Email] Skipping automated sender: %s", sender_addr)
+                        continue
+                    body = _extract_text_body(msg)
+                    attachments = _extract_attachments(msg, skip_attachments=self._skip_attachments)
 
-                results.append({
-                    "uid": uid,
-                    "sender_addr": sender_addr,
-                    "sender_name": sender_name,
-                    "subject": subject,
-                    "message_id": message_id,
-                    "in_reply_to": in_reply_to,
-                    "body": body,
-                    "attachments": attachments,
-                    "date": msg.get("Date", ""),
-                })
-
-            imap.logout()
+                    results.append({
+                        "uid": uid,
+                        "sender_addr": sender_addr,
+                        "sender_name": sender_name,
+                        "subject": subject,
+                        "message_id": message_id,
+                        "in_reply_to": in_reply_to,
+                        "body": body,
+                        "attachments": attachments,
+                        "date": msg.get("Date", ""),
+                    })
+            finally:
+                try:
+                    imap.logout()
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error("[Email] IMAP fetch error: %s", e)
         return results
@@ -349,6 +406,11 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if sender_addr == self._address.lower():
             return
 
+        # Never reply to automated senders
+        if _is_automated_sender(sender_addr, {}):
+            logger.debug("[Email] Dropping automated sender at dispatch: %s", sender_addr)
+            return
+
         subject = msg_data["subject"]
         body = msg_data["body"].strip()
         attachments = msg_data["attachments"]
@@ -443,18 +505,22 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         msg.attach(MIMEText(body, "plain", "utf-8"))
 
-        smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port)
-        smtp.starttls(context=ssl.create_default_context())
-        smtp.login(self._address, self._password)
-        smtp.send_message(msg)
-        smtp.quit()
+        smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port, timeout=30)
+        try:
+            smtp.starttls(context=ssl.create_default_context())
+            smtp.login(self._address, self._password)
+            smtp.send_message(msg)
+        finally:
+            try:
+                smtp.quit()
+            except Exception:
+                smtp.close()
 
         logger.info("[Email] Sent reply to %s (subject: %s)", to_addr, subject)
         return msg_id
 
     async def send_typing(self, chat_id: str, metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None) -> None:
         """Email has no typing indicator — no-op."""
-        pass
 
     async def send_image(
         self,
@@ -531,11 +597,16 @@ class EmailAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             part.add_header("Content-Disposition", f"attachment; filename={fname}")
             msg.attach(part)
 
-        smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port)
-        smtp.starttls(context=ssl.create_default_context())
-        smtp.login(self._address, self._password)
-        smtp.send_message(msg)
-        smtp.quit()
+        smtp = smtplib.SMTP(self._smtp_host, self._smtp_port, timeout=30)
+        try:
+            smtp.starttls(context=ssl.create_default_context())
+            smtp.login(self._address, self._password)
+            smtp.send_message(msg)
+        finally:
+            try:
+                smtp.quit()
+            except Exception:
+                smtp.close()
 
         return msg_id
 

gateway/platforms/homeassistant.py

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import os
 import time
 import uuid
 from datetime import datetime
-from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Set
 
 try:
     import aiohttp
@@ -114,7 +114,9 @@ class HomeAssistantAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 return False
 
             # Dedicated REST session for send() calls
-            self._rest_session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
+            self._rest_session = aiohttp.ClientSession(
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
+            )
 
             # Warn if no event filters are configured
             if not self._watch_domains and not self._watch_entities and not self._watch_all:
@@ -140,8 +142,10 @@ class HomeAssistantAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         ws_url = self._hass_url.replace("http://", "ws://").replace("https://", "wss://")
         ws_url = f"{ws_url}/api/websocket"
 
-        self._session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
-        self._ws = await self._session.ws_connect(ws_url, heartbeat=30)
+        self._session = aiohttp.ClientSession(
+            timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
+        )
+        self._ws = await self._session.ws_connect(ws_url, heartbeat=30, timeout=30)
 
         # Step 1: Receive auth_required
         msg = await self._ws.receive_json()
@@ -435,7 +439,6 @@ class HomeAssistantAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
     async def send_typing(self, chat_id: str, metadata=None) -> None:
         """No typing indicator for Home Assistant."""
-        pass
 
     async def get_chat_info(self, chat_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """Return basic info about the HA event channel."""

gateway/platforms/matrix.py

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ Environment variables:
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import asyncio
+import io
 import json
 import logging
 import mimetypes
@@ -24,7 +25,7 @@ import os
 import re
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Set
 
 from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
 from gateway.platforms.base import (
@@ -41,11 +42,21 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH = 4000
 
 # Store directory for E2EE keys and sync state.
-_STORE_DIR = Path.home() / ".hermes" / "matrix" / "store"
+# Uses get_hermes_home() so each profile gets its own Matrix store.
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_dir as _get_hermes_dir
+_STORE_DIR = _get_hermes_dir("platforms/matrix/store", "matrix/store")
 
 # Grace period: ignore messages older than this many seconds before startup.
 _STARTUP_GRACE_SECONDS = 5
 
+# E2EE key export file for persistence across restarts.
+_KEY_EXPORT_FILE = _STORE_DIR / "exported_keys.txt"
+_KEY_EXPORT_PASSPHRASE = "hermes-matrix-e2ee-keys"
+
+# Pending undecrypted events: cap and TTL for retry buffer.
+_MAX_PENDING_EVENTS = 100
+_PENDING_EVENT_TTL = 300  # seconds — stop retrying after 5 min
+
 
 def check_matrix_requirements() -> bool:
     """Return True if the Matrix adapter can be used."""
@@ -108,6 +119,10 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._processed_events: deque = deque(maxlen=1000)
         self._processed_events_set: set = set()
 
+        # Buffer for undecrypted events pending key receipt.
+        # Each entry: (room, event, timestamp)
+        self._pending_megolm: list = []
+
     def _is_duplicate_event(self, event_id) -> bool:
         """Return True if this event was already processed. Tracks the ID otherwise."""
         if not event_id:
@@ -162,22 +177,49 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         # Authenticate.
         if self._access_token:
             client.access_token = self._access_token
-            # Resolve user_id if not set.
-            if not self._user_id:
-                resp = await client.whoami()
-                if isinstance(resp, nio.WhoamiResponse):
-                    self._user_id = resp.user_id
-                    client.user_id = resp.user_id
-                    logger.info("Matrix: authenticated as %s", self._user_id)
-                else:
-                    logger.error(
-                        "Matrix: whoami failed — check MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN and MATRIX_HOMESERVER"
+
+            # With access-token auth, always resolve whoami so we validate the
+            # token and learn the device_id. The device_id matters for E2EE:
+            # without it, matrix-nio can send plain messages but may fail to
+            # decrypt inbound encrypted events or encrypt outbound room sends.
+            resp = await client.whoami()
+            if isinstance(resp, nio.WhoamiResponse):
+                resolved_user_id = getattr(resp, "user_id", "") or self._user_id
+                resolved_device_id = getattr(resp, "device_id", "")
+                if resolved_user_id:
+                    self._user_id = resolved_user_id
+
+                # restore_login() is the matrix-nio path that binds the access
+                # token to a specific device and loads the crypto store.
+                if resolved_device_id and hasattr(client, "restore_login"):
+                    client.restore_login(
+                        self._user_id or resolved_user_id,
+                        resolved_device_id,
+                        self._access_token,
                     )
-                    await client.close()
-                    return False
+                else:
+                    if self._user_id:
+                        client.user_id = self._user_id
+                    if resolved_device_id:
+                        client.device_id = resolved_device_id
+                    client.access_token = self._access_token
+                    if self._encryption:
+                        logger.warning(
+                            "Matrix: access-token login did not restore E2EE state; "
+                            "encrypted rooms may fail until a device_id is available"
+                        )
+
+                logger.info(
+                    "Matrix: using access token for %s%s",
+                    self._user_id or "(unknown user)",
+                    f" (device {resolved_device_id})" if resolved_device_id else "",
+                )
             else:
-                client.user_id = self._user_id
-                logger.info("Matrix: using access token for %s", self._user_id)
+                logger.error(
+                    "Matrix: whoami failed — check MATRIX_ACCESS_TOKEN and MATRIX_HOMESERVER"
+                )
+                await client.close()
+                return False
         elif self._password and self._user_id:
             resp = await client.login(
                 self._password,
@@ -195,7 +237,7 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return False
 
         # If E2EE is enabled, load the crypto store.
-        if self._encryption and hasattr(client, "olm"):
+        if self._encryption and getattr(client, "olm", None):
             try:
                 if client.should_upload_keys:
                     await client.keys_upload()
@@ -203,6 +245,21 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             except Exception as exc:
                 logger.warning("Matrix: crypto init issue: %s", exc)
 
+            # Import previously exported Megolm keys (survives restarts).
+            if _KEY_EXPORT_FILE.exists():
+                try:
+                    await client.import_keys(
+                        str(_KEY_EXPORT_FILE), _KEY_EXPORT_PASSPHRASE,
+                    )
+                    logger.info("Matrix: imported Megolm keys from backup")
+                except Exception as exc:
+                    logger.debug("Matrix: could not import keys: %s", exc)
+        elif self._encryption:
+            logger.warning(
+                "Matrix: E2EE requested but crypto store is not loaded; "
+                "encrypted rooms may fail"
+            )
+
         # Register event callbacks.
         client.add_event_callback(self._on_room_message, nio.RoomMessageText)
         client.add_event_callback(self._on_room_message_media, nio.RoomMessageImage)
@@ -231,6 +288,7 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             )
             # Build DM room cache from m.direct account data.
             await self._refresh_dm_cache()
+            await self._run_e2ee_maintenance()
         else:
             logger.warning("Matrix: initial sync returned %s", type(resp).__name__)
 
@@ -250,6 +308,18 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             except (asyncio.CancelledError, Exception):
                 pass
 
+        # Export Megolm keys before closing so the next restart can decrypt
+        # events that used sessions from this run.
+        if self._client and self._encryption and getattr(self._client, "olm", None):
+            try:
+                _STORE_DIR.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+                await self._client.export_keys(
+                    str(_KEY_EXPORT_FILE), _KEY_EXPORT_PASSPHRASE,
+                )
+                logger.info("Matrix: exported Megolm keys for next restart")
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.debug("Matrix: could not export keys on disconnect: %s", exc)
+
         if self._client:
             await self._client.close()
             self._client = None
@@ -302,13 +372,48 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     relates_to["m.in_reply_to"] = {"event_id": reply_to}
                 msg_content["m.relates_to"] = relates_to
 
-            resp = await self._client.room_send(
-                chat_id,
-                "m.room.message",
-                msg_content,
-            )
+            async def _room_send_once(*, ignore_unverified_devices: bool = False):
+                return await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    self._client.room_send(
+                        chat_id,
+                        "m.room.message",
+                        msg_content,
+                        ignore_unverified_devices=ignore_unverified_devices,
+                    ),
+                    timeout=45,
+                )
+
+            try:
+                resp = await _room_send_once(ignore_unverified_devices=False)
+            except Exception as exc:
+                retryable = isinstance(exc, asyncio.TimeoutError)
+                olm_unverified = getattr(nio, "OlmUnverifiedDeviceError", None)
+                send_retry = getattr(nio, "SendRetryError", None)
+                if isinstance(olm_unverified, type) and isinstance(exc, olm_unverified):
+                    retryable = True
+                if isinstance(send_retry, type) and isinstance(exc, send_retry):
+                    retryable = True
+
+                if not retryable:
+                    logger.error("Matrix: failed to send to %s: %s", chat_id, exc)
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=str(exc))
+
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Matrix: initial encrypted send to %s failed (%s); "
+                    "retrying after E2EE maintenance with ignored unverified devices",
+                    chat_id,
+                    exc,
+                )
+                await self._run_e2ee_maintenance()
+                try:
+                    resp = await _room_send_once(ignore_unverified_devices=True)
+                except Exception as retry_exc:
+                    logger.error("Matrix: failed to send to %s after retry: %s", chat_id, retry_exc)
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=str(retry_exc))
+
             if isinstance(resp, nio.RoomSendResponse):
                 last_event_id = resp.event_id
+                logger.info("Matrix: sent event %s to %s", last_event_id, chat_id)
             else:
                 err = getattr(resp, "message", str(resp))
                 logger.error("Matrix: failed to send to %s: %s", chat_id, err)
@@ -443,8 +548,11 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
         metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
     ) -> SendResult:
-        """Upload an audio file as a voice message."""
-        return await self._send_local_file(chat_id, audio_path, "m.audio", caption, reply_to, metadata=metadata)
+        """Upload an audio file as a voice message (MSC3245 native voice)."""
+        return await self._send_local_file(
+            chat_id, audio_path, "m.audio", caption, reply_to, 
+            metadata=metadata, is_voice=True
+        )
 
     async def send_video(
         self,
@@ -477,13 +585,16 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         caption: Optional[str] = None,
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
         metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
+        is_voice: bool = False,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Upload bytes to Matrix and send as a media message."""
         import nio
 
         # Upload to homeserver.
-        resp = await self._client.upload(
-            data,
+        # nio expects a DataProvider (callable) or file-like object, not raw bytes.
+        # nio.upload() returns a tuple (UploadResponse|UploadError, Optional[Dict])
+        resp, maybe_encryption_info = await self._client.upload(
+            io.BytesIO(data),
             content_type=content_type,
             filename=filename,
         )
@@ -505,6 +616,10 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             },
         }
 
+        # Add MSC3245 voice flag for native voice messages.
+        if is_voice:
+            msg_content["org.matrix.msc3245.voice"] = {}
+
         if reply_to:
             msg_content["m.relates_to"] = {
                 "m.in_reply_to": {"event_id": reply_to}
@@ -532,6 +647,7 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
         file_name: Optional[str] = None,
         metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
+        is_voice: bool = False,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Read a local file and upload it."""
         p = Path(file_path)
@@ -544,7 +660,7 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         ct = mimetypes.guess_type(fname)[0] or "application/octet-stream"
         data = p.read_bytes()
 
-        return await self._upload_and_send(room_id, data, fname, ct, msgtype, caption, reply_to, metadata)
+        return await self._upload_and_send(room_id, data, fname, ct, msgtype, caption, reply_to, metadata, is_voice)
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
     # Sync loop
@@ -552,9 +668,23 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
     async def _sync_loop(self) -> None:
         """Continuously sync with the homeserver."""
+        import nio
+
         while not self._closing:
             try:
-                await self._client.sync(timeout=30000)
+                resp = await self._client.sync(timeout=30000)
+                if isinstance(resp, nio.SyncError):
+                    if self._closing:
+                        return
+                    logger.warning(
+                        "Matrix: sync returned %s: %s — retrying in 5s",
+                        type(resp).__name__,
+                        getattr(resp, "message", resp),
+                    )
+                    await asyncio.sleep(5)
+                    continue
+
+                await self._run_e2ee_maintenance()
             except asyncio.CancelledError:
                 return
             except Exception as exc:
@@ -563,6 +693,148 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 logger.warning("Matrix: sync error: %s — retrying in 5s", exc)
                 await asyncio.sleep(5)
 
+    async def _run_e2ee_maintenance(self) -> None:
+        """Run matrix-nio E2EE housekeeping between syncs.
+
+        Hermes uses a custom sync loop instead of matrix-nio's sync_forever(),
+        so we need to explicitly drive the key management work that sync_forever()
+        normally handles for encrypted rooms.
+
+        Also auto-trusts all devices (so senders share session keys with us)
+        and retries decryption for any buffered MegolmEvents.
+        """
+        client = self._client
+        if not client or not self._encryption or not getattr(client, "olm", None):
+            return
+
+        did_query_keys = client.should_query_keys
+
+        tasks = [asyncio.create_task(client.send_to_device_messages())]
+
+        if client.should_upload_keys:
+            tasks.append(asyncio.create_task(client.keys_upload()))
+
+        if did_query_keys:
+            tasks.append(asyncio.create_task(client.keys_query()))
+
+        if client.should_claim_keys:
+            users = client.get_users_for_key_claiming()
+            if users:
+                tasks.append(asyncio.create_task(client.keys_claim(users)))
+
+        for task in asyncio.as_completed(tasks):
+            try:
+                await task
+            except asyncio.CancelledError:
+                raise
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.warning("Matrix: E2EE maintenance task failed: %s", exc)
+
+        # After key queries, auto-trust all devices so senders share keys with
+        # us.  For a bot this is the right default — we want to decrypt
+        # everything, not enforce manual verification.
+        if did_query_keys:
+            self._auto_trust_devices()
+
+        # Retry any buffered undecrypted events now that new keys may have
+        # arrived (from key requests, key queries, or to-device forwarding).
+        if self._pending_megolm:
+            await self._retry_pending_decryptions()
+
+    def _auto_trust_devices(self) -> None:
+        """Trust/verify all unverified devices we know about.
+
+        When other clients see our device as verified, they proactively share
+        Megolm session keys with us.  Without this, many clients will refuse
+        to include an unverified device in key distributions.
+        """
+        client = self._client
+        if not client:
+            return
+
+        device_store = getattr(client, "device_store", None)
+        if not device_store:
+            return
+
+        own_device = getattr(client, "device_id", None)
+        trusted_count = 0
+
+        try:
+            # DeviceStore.__iter__ yields OlmDevice objects directly.
+            for device in device_store:
+                if getattr(device, "device_id", None) == own_device:
+                    continue
+                if not getattr(device, "verified", False):
+                    client.verify_device(device)
+                    trusted_count += 1
+        except Exception as exc:
+            logger.debug("Matrix: auto-trust error: %s", exc)
+
+        if trusted_count:
+            logger.info("Matrix: auto-trusted %d new device(s)", trusted_count)
+
+    async def _retry_pending_decryptions(self) -> None:
+        """Retry decrypting buffered MegolmEvents after new keys arrive."""
+        import nio
+
+        client = self._client
+        if not client or not self._pending_megolm:
+            return
+
+        now = time.time()
+        still_pending: list = []
+
+        for room, event, ts in self._pending_megolm:
+            # Drop events that have aged past the TTL.
+            if now - ts > _PENDING_EVENT_TTL:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Matrix: dropping expired pending event %s (age %.0fs)",
+                    getattr(event, "event_id", "?"), now - ts,
+                )
+                continue
+
+            try:
+                decrypted = client.decrypt_event(event)
+            except Exception:
+                # Still missing the key — keep in buffer.
+                still_pending.append((room, event, ts))
+                continue
+
+            if isinstance(decrypted, nio.MegolmEvent):
+                # decrypt_event returned the same undecryptable event.
+                still_pending.append((room, event, ts))
+                continue
+
+            logger.info(
+                "Matrix: decrypted buffered event %s (%s)",
+                getattr(event, "event_id", "?"),
+                type(decrypted).__name__,
+            )
+
+            # Route to the appropriate handler based on decrypted type.
+            try:
+                if isinstance(decrypted, nio.RoomMessageText):
+                    await self._on_room_message(room, decrypted)
+                elif isinstance(
+                    decrypted,
+                    (nio.RoomMessageImage, nio.RoomMessageAudio,
+                     nio.RoomMessageVideo, nio.RoomMessageFile),
+                ):
+                    await self._on_room_message_media(room, decrypted)
+                else:
+                    logger.debug(
+                        "Matrix: decrypted event %s has unhandled type %s",
+                        getattr(event, "event_id", "?"),
+                        type(decrypted).__name__,
+                    )
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Matrix: error processing decrypted event %s: %s",
+                    getattr(event, "event_id", "?"), exc,
+                )
+
+        self._pending_megolm = still_pending
+
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
     # Event callbacks
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -584,13 +856,29 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if event_ts and event_ts < self._startup_ts - _STARTUP_GRACE_SECONDS:
             return
 
-        # Handle decrypted MegolmEvents — extract the inner event.
+        # Handle undecryptable MegolmEvents: request the missing session key
+        # and buffer the event for retry once the key arrives.
         if isinstance(event, nio.MegolmEvent):
-            # Failed to decrypt.
             logger.warning(
-                "Matrix: could not decrypt event %s in %s",
+                "Matrix: could not decrypt event %s in %s — requesting key",
                 event.event_id, room.room_id,
             )
+
+            # Ask other devices in the room to forward the session key.
+            try:
+                resp = await self._client.request_room_key(event)
+                if hasattr(resp, "event_id") or not isinstance(resp, Exception):
+                    logger.debug(
+                        "Matrix: room key request sent for session %s",
+                        getattr(event, "session_id", "?"),
+                    )
+            except Exception as exc:
+                logger.debug("Matrix: room key request failed: %s", exc)
+
+            # Buffer for retry on next maintenance cycle.
+            self._pending_megolm.append((room, event, time.time()))
+            if len(self._pending_megolm) > _MAX_PENDING_EVENTS:
+                self._pending_megolm = self._pending_megolm[-_MAX_PENDING_EVENTS:]
             return
 
         # Skip edits (m.replace relation).
@@ -693,11 +981,19 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         event_mimetype = (content_info.get("info") or {}).get("mimetype", "")
         media_type = "application/octet-stream"
         msg_type = MessageType.DOCUMENT
+        is_voice_message = False
+        
         if isinstance(event, nio.RoomMessageImage):
             msg_type = MessageType.PHOTO
             media_type = event_mimetype or "image/png"
         elif isinstance(event, nio.RoomMessageAudio):
-            msg_type = MessageType.AUDIO
+            # Check for MSC3245 voice flag: org.matrix.msc3245.voice: {}
+            source_content = getattr(event, "source", {}).get("content", {})
+            if source_content.get("org.matrix.msc3245.voice") is not None:
+                is_voice_message = True
+                msg_type = MessageType.VOICE
+            else:
+                msg_type = MessageType.AUDIO
             media_type = event_mimetype or "audio/ogg"
         elif isinstance(event, nio.RoomMessageVideo):
             msg_type = MessageType.VIDEO
@@ -735,6 +1031,31 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if relates_to.get("rel_type") == "m.thread":
             thread_id = relates_to.get("event_id")
 
+        # For voice messages, cache audio locally for transcription tools.
+        # Use the authenticated nio client to download (Matrix requires auth for media).
+        media_urls = [http_url] if http_url else None
+        media_types = [media_type] if http_url else None
+        
+        if is_voice_message and url and url.startswith("mxc://"):
+            try:
+                import nio
+                from gateway.platforms.base import cache_audio_from_bytes
+                
+                resp = await self._client.download(mxc=url)
+                if isinstance(resp, nio.MemoryDownloadResponse):
+                    # Extract extension from mimetype or default to .ogg
+                    ext = ".ogg"
+                    if media_type and "/" in media_type:
+                        subtype = media_type.split("/")[1]
+                        ext = f".{subtype}" if subtype else ".ogg"
+                    local_path = cache_audio_from_bytes(resp.body, ext)
+                    media_urls = [local_path]
+                    logger.debug("Matrix: cached voice message to %s", local_path)
+                else:
+                    logger.warning("Matrix: failed to download voice: %s", getattr(resp, "message", resp))
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("Matrix: failed to cache voice message, using HTTP URL: %s", e)
+
         source = self.build_source(
             chat_id=room.room_id,
             chat_type=chat_type,
@@ -743,8 +1064,9 @@ class MatrixAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             thread_id=thread_id,
         )
 
-        # Use cached local path for images, HTTP URL for other media types
-        media_urls = [cached_path] if cached_path else ([http_url] if http_url else None)
+        # Use cached local path for images (voice messages already handled above).
+        if cached_path:
+            media_urls = [cached_path]
         media_types = [media_type] if media_urls else None
 
         msg_event = MessageEvent(

gateway/platforms/mattermost.py

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import os
 import re
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
 
 from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
 from gateway.platforms.base import (
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         import aiohttp
         url = f"{self._base_url}/api/v4/{path.lstrip('/')}"
         try:
-            async with self._session.get(url, headers=self._headers()) as resp:
+            async with self._session.get(url, headers=self._headers(), timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)) as resp:
                 if resp.status >= 400:
                     body = await resp.text()
                     logger.error("MM API GET %s → %s: %s", path, resp.status, body[:200])
@@ -134,7 +134,8 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         url = f"{self._base_url}/api/v4/{path.lstrip('/')}"
         try:
             async with self._session.post(
-                url, headers=self._headers(), json=payload
+                url, headers=self._headers(), json=payload,
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
             ) as resp:
                 if resp.status >= 400:
                     body = await resp.text()
@@ -180,7 +181,7 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             content_type=content_type,
         )
         headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {self._token}"}
-        async with self._session.post(url, headers=headers, data=form) as resp:
+        async with self._session.post(url, headers=headers, data=form, timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=60)) as resp:
             if resp.status >= 400:
                 body = await resp.text()
                 logger.error("MM file upload → %s: %s", resp.status, body[:200])
@@ -201,7 +202,9 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             logger.error("Mattermost: URL or token not configured")
             return False
 
-        self._session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
+        self._session = aiohttp.ClientSession(
+            timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
+        )
         self._closing = False
 
         # Verify credentials and fetch bot identity.
@@ -404,18 +407,38 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         kind: str = "file",
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Download a URL and upload it as a file attachment."""
+        import asyncio
         import aiohttp
-        try:
-            async with self._session.get(url, timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)) as resp:
-                if resp.status >= 400:
-                    # Fall back to sending the URL as text.
-                    return await self.send(chat_id, f"{caption or ''}\n{url}".strip(), reply_to)
-                file_data = await resp.read()
-                ct = resp.content_type or "application/octet-stream"
-                # Derive filename from URL.
-                fname = url.rsplit("/", 1)[-1].split("?")[0] or f"{kind}.png"
-        except Exception as exc:
-            logger.warning("Mattermost: failed to download %s: %s", url, exc)
+
+        last_exc = None
+        file_data = None
+        ct = "application/octet-stream"
+        fname = url.rsplit("/", 1)[-1].split("?")[0] or f"{kind}.png"
+
+        for attempt in range(3):
+            try:
+                async with self._session.get(url, timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)) as resp:
+                    if resp.status >= 500 or resp.status == 429:
+                        if attempt < 2:
+                            logger.debug("Mattermost download retry %d/2 for %s (status %d)",
+                                         attempt + 1, url[:80], resp.status)
+                            await asyncio.sleep(1.5 * (attempt + 1))
+                            continue
+                    if resp.status >= 400:
+                        return await self.send(chat_id, f"{caption or ''}\n{url}".strip(), reply_to)
+                    file_data = await resp.read()
+                    ct = resp.content_type or "application/octet-stream"
+                    break
+            except (aiohttp.ClientError, asyncio.TimeoutError) as exc:
+                last_exc = exc
+                if attempt < 2:
+                    await asyncio.sleep(1.5 * (attempt + 1))
+                    continue
+                logger.warning("Mattermost: failed to download %s after %d attempts: %s", url, attempt + 1, exc)
+                return await self.send(chat_id, f"{caption or ''}\n{url}".strip(), reply_to)
+
+        if file_data is None:
+            logger.warning("Mattermost: download returned no data for %s", url)
             return await self.send(chat_id, f"{caption or ''}\n{url}".strip(), reply_to)
 
         file_id = await self._upload_file(chat_id, file_data, fname, ct)
@@ -580,9 +603,19 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         # For DMs, user_id is sufficient.  For channels, check for @mention.
         message_text = post.get("message", "")
 
-        # Mention-only mode: skip channel messages that don't @mention the bot.
-        # DMs (type "D") are always processed.
+        # Mention-gating for non-DM channels.
+        # Config (env vars):
+        #   MATTERMOST_REQUIRE_MENTION: Require @mention in channels (default: true)
+        #   MATTERMOST_FREE_RESPONSE_CHANNELS: Channel IDs where bot responds without mention
         if channel_type_raw != "D":
+            require_mention = os.getenv(
+                "MATTERMOST_REQUIRE_MENTION", "true"
+            ).lower() not in ("false", "0", "no")
+
+            free_channels_raw = os.getenv("MATTERMOST_FREE_RESPONSE_CHANNELS", "")
+            free_channels = {ch.strip() for ch in free_channels_raw.split(",") if ch.strip()}
+            is_free_channel = channel_id in free_channels
+
             mention_patterns = [
                 f"@{self._bot_username}",
                 f"@{self._bot_user_id}",
@@ -591,13 +624,21 @@ class MattermostAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 pattern.lower() in message_text.lower()
                 for pattern in mention_patterns
             )
-            if not has_mention:
+
+            if require_mention and not is_free_channel and not has_mention:
                 logger.debug(
                     "Mattermost: skipping non-DM message without @mention (channel=%s)",
                     channel_id,
                 )
                 return
 
+            # Strip @mention from the message text so the agent sees clean input.
+            if has_mention:
+                for pattern in mention_patterns:
+                    message_text = re.sub(
+                        re.escape(pattern), "", message_text, flags=re.IGNORECASE
+                    ).strip()
+
         # Resolve sender info.
         sender_id = post.get("user_id", "")
         sender_name = data.get("sender_name", "").lstrip("@") or sender_id

gateway/platforms/signal.py

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import time
 from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
-from urllib.parse import unquote
+from urllib.parse import quote, unquote
 
 import httpx
 
@@ -184,6 +184,8 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._recent_sent_timestamps: set = set()
         self._max_recent_timestamps = 50
 
+        self._phone_lock_identity: Optional[str] = None
+
         logger.info("Signal adapter initialized: url=%s account=%s groups=%s",
                      self.http_url, _redact_phone(self.account),
                      "enabled" if self.group_allow_from else "disabled")
@@ -198,6 +200,29 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             logger.error("Signal: SIGNAL_HTTP_URL and SIGNAL_ACCOUNT are required")
             return False
 
+        # Acquire scoped lock to prevent duplicate Signal listeners for the same phone
+        try:
+            from gateway.status import acquire_scoped_lock
+
+            self._phone_lock_identity = self.account
+            acquired, existing = acquire_scoped_lock(
+                "signal-phone",
+                self._phone_lock_identity,
+                metadata={"platform": self.platform.value},
+            )
+            if not acquired:
+                owner_pid = existing.get("pid") if isinstance(existing, dict) else None
+                message = (
+                    "Another local Hermes gateway is already using this Signal account"
+                    + (f" (PID {owner_pid})." if owner_pid else ".")
+                    + " Stop the other gateway before starting a second Signal listener."
+                )
+                logger.error("Signal: %s", message)
+                self._set_fatal_error("signal_phone_lock", message, retryable=False)
+                return False
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("Signal: Could not acquire phone lock (non-fatal): %s", e)
+
         self.client = httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0)
 
         # Health check — verify signal-cli daemon is reachable
@@ -245,6 +270,14 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             await self.client.aclose()
             self.client = None
 
+        if self._phone_lock_identity:
+            try:
+                from gateway.status import release_scoped_lock
+                release_scoped_lock("signal-phone", self._phone_lock_identity)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("Signal: Error releasing phone lock: %s", e, exc_info=True)
+            self._phone_lock_identity = None
+
         logger.info("Signal: disconnected")
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -253,7 +286,7 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
     async def _sse_listener(self) -> None:
         """Listen for SSE events from signal-cli daemon."""
-        url = f"{self.http_url}/api/v1/events?account={self.account}"
+        url = f"{self.http_url}/api/v1/events?account={quote(self.account, safe='')}"
         backoff = SSE_RETRY_DELAY_INITIAL
 
         while self._running:
@@ -279,6 +312,12 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                             line = line.strip()
                             if not line:
                                 continue
+                            # SSE keepalive comments (":") prove the connection
+                            # is alive — update activity so the health monitor
+                            # doesn't report false idle warnings.
+                            if line.startswith(":"):
+                                self._last_sse_activity = time.time()
+                                continue
                             # Parse SSE data lines
                             if line.startswith("data:"):
                                 data_str = line[5:].strip()
@@ -344,7 +383,9 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Force SSE reconnection by closing the current response."""
         if self._sse_response and not self._sse_response.is_stream_consumed:
             try:
-                asyncio.create_task(self._sse_response.aclose())
+                task = asyncio.create_task(self._sse_response.aclose())
+                self._background_tasks.add(task)
+                task.add_done_callback(self._background_tasks.discard)
             except Exception:
                 pass
             self._sse_response = None
@@ -513,7 +554,7 @@ class SignalAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Fetch an attachment via JSON-RPC and cache it. Returns (path, ext)."""
         result = await self._rpc("getAttachment", {
             "account": self.account,
-            "attachmentId": attachment_id,
+            "id": attachment_id,
         })
 
         if not result:

gateway/platforms/slack.py

@@ -9,10 +9,11 @@ Uses slack-bolt (Python) with Socket Mode for:
 """
 
 import asyncio
+import json
 import logging
 import os
 import re
-from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
+from typing import Dict, Optional, Any
 
 try:
     from slack_bolt.async_app import AsyncApp
@@ -37,8 +38,6 @@ from gateway.platforms.base import (
     SendResult,
     SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES,
     cache_document_from_bytes,
-    cache_image_from_url,
-    cache_audio_from_url,
 )
 
 
@@ -74,6 +73,11 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._handler: Optional[AsyncSocketModeHandler] = None
         self._bot_user_id: Optional[str] = None
         self._user_name_cache: Dict[str, str] = {}  # user_id → display name
+        self._socket_mode_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
+        # Multi-workspace support
+        self._team_clients: Dict[str, AsyncWebClient] = {}   # team_id → WebClient
+        self._team_bot_user_ids: Dict[str, str] = {}          # team_id → bot_user_id
+        self._channel_team: Dict[str, str] = {}                # channel_id → team_id
 
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
         """Connect to Slack via Socket Mode."""
@@ -83,23 +87,70 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             )
             return False
 
-        bot_token = self.config.token
+        raw_token = self.config.token
         app_token = os.getenv("SLACK_APP_TOKEN")
 
-        if not bot_token:
+        if not raw_token:
             logger.error("[Slack] SLACK_BOT_TOKEN not set")
             return False
         if not app_token:
             logger.error("[Slack] SLACK_APP_TOKEN not set")
             return False
 
-        try:
-            self._app = AsyncApp(token=bot_token)
+        # Support comma-separated bot tokens for multi-workspace
+        bot_tokens = [t.strip() for t in raw_token.split(",") if t.strip()]
 
-            # Get our own bot user ID for mention detection
-            auth_response = await self._app.client.auth_test()
-            self._bot_user_id = auth_response.get("user_id")
-            bot_name = auth_response.get("user", "unknown")
+        # Also load tokens from OAuth token file
+        from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+        tokens_file = get_hermes_home() / "slack_tokens.json"
+        if tokens_file.exists():
+            try:
+                saved = json.loads(tokens_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+                for team_id, entry in saved.items():
+                    tok = entry.get("token", "") if isinstance(entry, dict) else ""
+                    if tok and tok not in bot_tokens:
+                        bot_tokens.append(tok)
+                        team_label = entry.get("team_name", team_id) if isinstance(entry, dict) else team_id
+                        logger.info("[Slack] Loaded saved token for workspace %s", team_label)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("[Slack] Failed to read %s: %s", tokens_file, e)
+
+        try:
+            # Acquire scoped lock to prevent duplicate app token usage
+            from gateway.status import acquire_scoped_lock
+            self._token_lock_identity = app_token
+            acquired, existing = acquire_scoped_lock('slack-app-token', app_token, metadata={'platform': 'slack'})
+            if not acquired:
+                owner_pid = existing.get('pid') if isinstance(existing, dict) else None
+                message = f'Slack app token already in use' + (f' (PID {owner_pid})' if owner_pid else '') + '. Stop the other gateway first.'
+                logger.error('[%s] %s', self.name, message)
+                self._set_fatal_error('slack_token_lock', message, retryable=False)
+                return False
+
+            # First token is the primary — used for AsyncApp / Socket Mode
+            primary_token = bot_tokens[0]
+            self._app = AsyncApp(token=primary_token)
+
+            # Register each bot token and map team_id → client
+            for token in bot_tokens:
+                client = AsyncWebClient(token=token)
+                auth_response = await client.auth_test()
+                team_id = auth_response.get("team_id", "")
+                bot_user_id = auth_response.get("user_id", "")
+                bot_name = auth_response.get("user", "unknown")
+                team_name = auth_response.get("team", "unknown")
+
+                self._team_clients[team_id] = client
+                self._team_bot_user_ids[team_id] = bot_user_id
+
+                # First token sets the primary bot_user_id (backward compat)
+                if self._bot_user_id is None:
+                    self._bot_user_id = bot_user_id
+
+                logger.info(
+                    "[Slack] Authenticated as @%s in workspace %s (team: %s)",
+                    bot_name, team_name, team_id,
+                )
 
             # Register message event handler
             @self._app.event("message")
@@ -121,10 +172,13 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
             # Start Socket Mode handler in background
             self._handler = AsyncSocketModeHandler(self._app, app_token)
-            asyncio.create_task(self._handler.start_async())
+            self._socket_mode_task = asyncio.create_task(self._handler.start_async())
 
             self._running = True
-            logger.info("[Slack] Connected as @%s (Socket Mode)", bot_name)
+            logger.info(
+                "[Slack] Socket Mode connected (%d workspace(s))",
+                len(self._team_clients),
+            )
             return True
 
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
@@ -139,8 +193,25 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover - defensive logging
                 logger.warning("[Slack] Error while closing Socket Mode handler: %s", e, exc_info=True)
         self._running = False
+
+        # Release the token lock (use stored identity, not re-read env)
+        try:
+            from gateway.status import release_scoped_lock
+            if getattr(self, '_token_lock_identity', None):
+                release_scoped_lock('slack-app-token', self._token_lock_identity)
+                self._token_lock_identity = None
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         logger.info("[Slack] Disconnected")
 
+    def _get_client(self, chat_id: str) -> AsyncWebClient:
+        """Return the workspace-specific WebClient for a channel."""
+        team_id = self._channel_team.get(chat_id)
+        if team_id and team_id in self._team_clients:
+            return self._team_clients[team_id]
+        return self._app.client  # fallback to primary
+
     async def send(
         self,
         chat_id: str,
@@ -177,7 +248,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     if broadcast and i == 0:
                         kwargs["reply_broadcast"] = True
 
-                last_result = await self._app.client.chat_postMessage(**kwargs)
+                last_result = await self._get_client(chat_id).chat_postMessage(**kwargs)
 
             return SendResult(
                 success=True,
@@ -199,7 +270,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if not self._app:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
         try:
-            await self._app.client.chat_update(
+            await self._get_client(chat_id).chat_update(
                 channel=chat_id,
                 ts=message_id,
                 text=content,
@@ -233,7 +304,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return  # Can only set status in a thread context
 
         try:
-            await self._app.client.assistant_threads_setStatus(
+            await self._get_client(chat_id).assistant_threads_setStatus(
                 channel_id=chat_id,
                 thread_ts=thread_ts,
                 status="is thinking...",
@@ -252,7 +323,18 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         Prefers metadata thread_id (the thread parent's ts, set by the
         gateway) over reply_to (which may be a child message's ts).
+
+        When ``reply_in_thread`` is ``false`` in the platform extra config,
+        top-level channel messages receive direct channel replies instead of
+        thread replies.  Messages that originate inside an existing thread are
+        always replied to in-thread to preserve conversation context.
         """
+        # When reply_in_thread is disabled (default: True for backward compat),
+        # only thread messages that are already part of an existing thread.
+        if not self.config.extra.get("reply_in_thread", True):
+            existing_thread = (metadata or {}).get("thread_id") or (metadata or {}).get("thread_ts")
+            return existing_thread or None
+
         if metadata:
             if metadata.get("thread_id"):
                 return metadata["thread_id"]
@@ -275,7 +357,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if not os.path.exists(file_path):
             raise FileNotFoundError(f"File not found: {file_path}")
 
-        result = await self._app.client.files_upload_v2(
+        result = await self._get_client(chat_id).files_upload_v2(
             channel=chat_id,
             file=file_path,
             filename=os.path.basename(file_path),
@@ -377,7 +459,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if not self._app:
             return False
         try:
-            await self._app.client.reactions_add(
+            await self._get_client(channel).reactions_add(
                 channel=channel, timestamp=timestamp, name=emoji
             )
             return True
@@ -393,7 +475,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if not self._app:
             return False
         try:
-            await self._app.client.reactions_remove(
+            await self._get_client(channel).reactions_remove(
                 channel=channel, timestamp=timestamp, name=emoji
             )
             return True
@@ -403,7 +485,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
     # ----- User identity resolution -----
 
-    async def _resolve_user_name(self, user_id: str) -> str:
+    async def _resolve_user_name(self, user_id: str, chat_id: str = "") -> str:
         """Resolve a Slack user ID to a display name, with caching."""
         if not user_id:
             return ""
@@ -414,7 +496,8 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return user_id
 
         try:
-            result = await self._app.client.users_info(user=user_id)
+            client = self._get_client(chat_id) if chat_id else self._app.client
+            result = await client.users_info(user=user_id)
             user = result.get("user", {})
             # Prefer display_name → real_name → user_id
             profile = user.get("profile", {})
@@ -478,7 +561,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 response = await client.get(image_url)
                 response.raise_for_status()
 
-            result = await self._app.client.files_upload_v2(
+            result = await self._get_client(chat_id).files_upload_v2(
                 channel=chat_id,
                 content=response.content,
                 filename="image.png",
@@ -538,7 +621,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return SendResult(success=False, error=f"Video file not found: {video_path}")
 
         try:
-            result = await self._app.client.files_upload_v2(
+            result = await self._get_client(chat_id).files_upload_v2(
                 channel=chat_id,
                 file=video_path,
                 filename=os.path.basename(video_path),
@@ -579,7 +662,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         display_name = file_name or os.path.basename(file_path)
 
         try:
-            result = await self._app.client.files_upload_v2(
+            result = await self._get_client(chat_id).files_upload_v2(
                 channel=chat_id,
                 file=file_path,
                 filename=display_name,
@@ -607,7 +690,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return {"name": chat_id, "type": "unknown"}
 
         try:
-            result = await self._app.client.conversations_info(channel=chat_id)
+            result = await self._get_client(chat_id).conversations_info(channel=chat_id)
             channel = result.get("channel", {})
             is_dm = channel.get("is_im", False)
             return {
@@ -640,6 +723,11 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         user_id = event.get("user", "")
         channel_id = event.get("channel", "")
         ts = event.get("ts", "")
+        team_id = event.get("team", "")
+
+        # Track which workspace owns this channel
+        if team_id and channel_id:
+            self._channel_team[channel_id] = team_id
 
         # Determine if this is a DM or channel message
         channel_type = event.get("channel_type", "")
@@ -656,11 +744,12 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             thread_ts = event.get("thread_ts") or ts  # ts fallback for channels
 
         # In channels, only respond if bot is mentioned
-        if not is_dm and self._bot_user_id:
-            if f"<@{self._bot_user_id}>" not in text:
+        bot_uid = self._team_bot_user_ids.get(team_id, self._bot_user_id)
+        if not is_dm and bot_uid:
+            if f"<@{bot_uid}>" not in text:
                 return
             # Strip the bot mention from the text
-            text = text.replace(f"<@{self._bot_user_id}>", "").strip()
+            text = text.replace(f"<@{bot_uid}>", "").strip()
 
         # Determine message type
         msg_type = MessageType.TEXT
@@ -680,7 +769,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     if ext not in (".jpg", ".jpeg", ".png", ".gif", ".webp"):
                         ext = ".jpg"
                     # Slack private URLs require the bot token as auth header
-                    cached = await self._download_slack_file(url, ext)
+                    cached = await self._download_slack_file(url, ext, team_id=team_id)
                     media_urls.append(cached)
                     media_types.append(mimetype)
                     msg_type = MessageType.PHOTO
@@ -691,7 +780,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     ext = "." + mimetype.split("/")[-1].split(";")[0]
                     if ext not in (".ogg", ".mp3", ".wav", ".webm", ".m4a"):
                         ext = ".ogg"
-                    cached = await self._download_slack_file(url, ext, audio=True)
+                    cached = await self._download_slack_file(url, ext, audio=True, team_id=team_id)
                     media_urls.append(cached)
                     media_types.append(mimetype)
                     msg_type = MessageType.VOICE
@@ -722,7 +811,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         continue
 
                     # Download and cache
-                    raw_bytes = await self._download_slack_file_bytes(url)
+                    raw_bytes = await self._download_slack_file_bytes(url, team_id=team_id)
                     cached_path = cache_document_from_bytes(
                         raw_bytes, original_filename or f"document{ext}"
                     )
@@ -751,7 +840,7 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     logger.warning("[Slack] Failed to cache document from %s: %s", url, e, exc_info=True)
 
         # Resolve user display name (cached after first lookup)
-        user_name = await self._resolve_user_name(user_id)
+        user_name = await self._resolve_user_name(user_id, chat_id=channel_id)
 
         # Build source
         source = self.build_source(
@@ -788,6 +877,11 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         text = command.get("text", "").strip()
         user_id = command.get("user_id", "")
         channel_id = command.get("channel_id", "")
+        team_id = command.get("team_id", "")
+
+        # Track which workspace owns this channel
+        if team_id and channel_id:
+            self._channel_team[channel_id] = team_id
 
         # Map subcommands to gateway commands — derived from central registry.
         # Also keep "compact" as a Slack-specific alias for /compress.
@@ -819,34 +913,66 @@ class SlackAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         await self.handle_message(event)
 
-    async def _download_slack_file(self, url: str, ext: str, audio: bool = False) -> str:
-        """Download a Slack file using the bot token for auth."""
+    async def _download_slack_file(self, url: str, ext: str, audio: bool = False, team_id: str = "") -> str:
+        """Download a Slack file using the bot token for auth, with retry."""
+        import asyncio
         import httpx
 
-        bot_token = self.config.token
+        bot_token = self._team_clients[team_id].token if team_id and team_id in self._team_clients else self.config.token
+        last_exc = None
+
         async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0, follow_redirects=True) as client:
-            response = await client.get(
-                url,
-                headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {bot_token}"},
-            )
-            response.raise_for_status()
+            for attempt in range(3):
+                try:
+                    response = await client.get(
+                        url,
+                        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {bot_token}"},
+                    )
+                    response.raise_for_status()
 
-        if audio:
-            from gateway.platforms.base import cache_audio_from_bytes
-            return cache_audio_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
-        else:
-            from gateway.platforms.base import cache_image_from_bytes
-            return cache_image_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+                    if audio:
+                        from gateway.platforms.base import cache_audio_from_bytes
+                        return cache_audio_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+                    else:
+                        from gateway.platforms.base import cache_image_from_bytes
+                        return cache_image_from_bytes(response.content, ext)
+                except (httpx.TimeoutException, httpx.HTTPStatusError) as exc:
+                    last_exc = exc
+                    if isinstance(exc, httpx.HTTPStatusError) and exc.response.status_code < 429:
+                        raise
+                    if attempt < 2:
+                        logger.debug("Slack file download retry %d/2 for %s: %s",
+                                     attempt + 1, url[:80], exc)
+                        await asyncio.sleep(1.5 * (attempt + 1))
+                        continue
+                    raise
+        raise last_exc
 
-    async def _download_slack_file_bytes(self, url: str) -> bytes:
-        """Download a Slack file and return raw bytes."""
+    async def _download_slack_file_bytes(self, url: str, team_id: str = "") -> bytes:
+        """Download a Slack file and return raw bytes, with retry."""
+        import asyncio
         import httpx
 
-        bot_token = self.config.token
+        bot_token = self._team_clients[team_id].token if team_id and team_id in self._team_clients else self.config.token
+        last_exc = None
+
         async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0, follow_redirects=True) as client:
-            response = await client.get(
-                url,
-                headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {bot_token}"},
-            )
-            response.raise_for_status()
-        return response.content
+            for attempt in range(3):
+                try:
+                    response = await client.get(
+                        url,
+                        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {bot_token}"},
+                    )
+                    response.raise_for_status()
+                    return response.content
+                except (httpx.TimeoutException, httpx.HTTPStatusError) as exc:
+                    last_exc = exc
+                    if isinstance(exc, httpx.HTTPStatusError) and exc.response.status_code < 429:
+                        raise
+                    if attempt < 2:
+                        logger.debug("Slack file download retry %d/2 for %s: %s",
+                                     attempt + 1, url[:80], exc)
+                        await asyncio.sleep(1.5 * (attempt + 1))
+                        continue
+                    raise
+        raise last_exc

gateway/platforms/sms.py

@@ -17,12 +17,11 @@ Gateway-specific env vars:
 
 import asyncio
 import base64
-import json
 import logging
 import os
 import re
 import urllib.parse
-from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
 
 from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
 from gateway.platforms.base import (
@@ -107,7 +106,9 @@ class SmsAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         await self._runner.setup()
         site = web.TCPSite(self._runner, "0.0.0.0", self._webhook_port)
         await site.start()
-        self._http_session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
+        self._http_session = aiohttp.ClientSession(
+            timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30),
+        )
         self._running = True
 
         logger.info(
@@ -145,7 +146,9 @@ class SmsAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             "Authorization": self._basic_auth_header(),
         }
 
-        session = self._http_session or aiohttp.ClientSession()
+        session = self._http_session or aiohttp.ClientSession(
+            timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30),
+        )
         try:
             for chunk in chunks:
                 form_data = aiohttp.FormData()
@@ -262,7 +265,9 @@ class SmsAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         )
 
         # Non-blocking: Twilio expects a fast response
-        asyncio.create_task(self.handle_message(event))
+        task = asyncio.create_task(self.handle_message(event))
+        self._background_tasks.add(task)
+        task.add_done_callback(self._background_tasks.discard)
 
         # Return empty TwiML — we send replies via the REST API, not inline TwiML
         return web.Response(

gateway/platforms/telegram.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ Uses python-telegram-bot library for:
 """
 
 import asyncio
+import json
 import logging
 import os
 import re
@@ -25,6 +26,7 @@ try:
         filters,
     )
     from telegram.constants import ParseMode, ChatType
+    from telegram.request import HTTPXRequest
     TELEGRAM_AVAILABLE = True
 except ImportError:
     TELEGRAM_AVAILABLE = False
@@ -34,6 +36,7 @@ except ImportError:
     Application = Any
     CommandHandler = Any
     TelegramMessageHandler = Any
+    HTTPXRequest = Any
     filters = None
     ParseMode = None
     ChatType = None
@@ -59,6 +62,11 @@ from gateway.platforms.base import (
     cache_document_from_bytes,
     SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES,
 )
+from gateway.platforms.telegram_network import (
+    TelegramFallbackTransport,
+    discover_fallback_ips,
+    parse_fallback_ip_env,
+)
 
 
 def check_telegram_requirements() -> bool:
@@ -115,6 +123,9 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         super().__init__(config, Platform.TELEGRAM)
         self._app: Optional[Application] = None
         self._bot: Optional[Bot] = None
+        self._webhook_mode: bool = False
+        self._mention_patterns = self._compile_mention_patterns()
+        self._reply_to_mode: str = getattr(config, 'reply_to_mode', 'first') or 'first'
         # Buffer rapid/album photo updates so Telegram image bursts are handled
         # as a single MessageEvent instead of self-interrupting multiple turns.
         self._media_batch_delay_seconds = float(os.getenv("HERMES_TELEGRAM_MEDIA_BATCH_DELAY_SECONDS", "0.8"))
@@ -132,6 +143,17 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._polling_conflict_count: int = 0
         self._polling_network_error_count: int = 0
         self._polling_error_callback_ref = None
+        # DM Topics: map of topic_name -> message_thread_id (populated at startup)
+        self._dm_topics: Dict[str, int] = {}
+        # DM Topics config from extra.dm_topics
+        self._dm_topics_config: List[Dict[str, Any]] = self.config.extra.get("dm_topics", [])
+
+    def _fallback_ips(self) -> list[str]:
+        """Return validated fallback IPs from config (populated by _apply_env_overrides)."""
+        configured = self.config.extra.get("fallback_ips", []) if getattr(self.config, "extra", None) else []
+        if isinstance(configured, str):
+            configured = configured.split(",")
+        return parse_fallback_ip_env(",".join(str(v) for v in configured) if configured else None)
 
     @staticmethod
     def _looks_like_polling_conflict(error: Exception) -> bool:
@@ -214,7 +236,14 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             self._polling_network_error_count = 0
         except Exception as retry_err:
             logger.warning("[%s] Telegram polling reconnect failed: %s", self.name, retry_err)
-            # The next network error will trigger another attempt.
+            # start_polling failed — polling is dead and no further error
+            # callbacks will fire, so schedule the next retry ourselves.
+            if not self.has_fatal_error:
+                task = asyncio.ensure_future(
+                    self._handle_polling_network_error(retry_err)
+                )
+                self._background_tasks.add(task)
+                task.add_done_callback(self._background_tasks.discard)
 
     async def _handle_polling_conflict(self, error: Exception) -> None:
         if self.has_fatal_error and self.fatal_error_code == "telegram_polling_conflict":
@@ -272,8 +301,177 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             logger.warning("[%s] Failed stopping Telegram polling after conflict: %s", self.name, stop_error, exc_info=True)
         await self._notify_fatal_error()
 
+    async def _create_dm_topic(
+        self,
+        chat_id: int,
+        name: str,
+        icon_color: Optional[int] = None,
+        icon_custom_emoji_id: Optional[str] = None,
+    ) -> Optional[int]:
+        """Create a forum topic in a private (DM) chat.
+
+        Uses Bot API 9.4's createForumTopic which now works for 1-on-1 chats.
+        Returns the message_thread_id on success, None on failure.
+        """
+        if not self._bot:
+            return None
+        try:
+            kwargs: Dict[str, Any] = {"chat_id": chat_id, "name": name}
+            if icon_color is not None:
+                kwargs["icon_color"] = icon_color
+            if icon_custom_emoji_id:
+                kwargs["icon_custom_emoji_id"] = icon_custom_emoji_id
+
+            topic = await self._bot.create_forum_topic(**kwargs)
+            thread_id = topic.message_thread_id
+            logger.info(
+                "[%s] Created DM topic '%s' in chat %s -> thread_id=%s",
+                self.name, name, chat_id, thread_id,
+            )
+            return thread_id
+        except Exception as e:
+            error_text = str(e).lower()
+            # If topic already exists, try to find it via getForumTopicIconStickers
+            # or we just log and skip — Telegram doesn't provide a "list topics" API
+            if "topic_name_duplicate" in error_text or "already" in error_text:
+                logger.info(
+                    "[%s] DM topic '%s' already exists in chat %s (will be mapped from incoming messages)",
+                    self.name, name, chat_id,
+                )
+            else:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "[%s] Failed to create DM topic '%s' in chat %s: %s",
+                    self.name, name, chat_id, e,
+                )
+            return None
+
+    def _persist_dm_topic_thread_id(self, chat_id: int, topic_name: str, thread_id: int) -> None:
+        """Save a newly created thread_id back into config.yaml so it persists across restarts."""
+        try:
+            from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+            config_path = get_hermes_home() / "config.yaml"
+            if not config_path.exists():
+                logger.warning("[%s] Config file not found at %s, cannot persist thread_id", self.name, config_path)
+                return
+
+            import yaml as _yaml
+            with open(config_path, "r") as f:
+                config = _yaml.safe_load(f) or {}
+
+            # Navigate to platforms.telegram.extra.dm_topics
+            dm_topics = (
+                config.get("platforms", {})
+                .get("telegram", {})
+                .get("extra", {})
+                .get("dm_topics", [])
+            )
+            if not dm_topics:
+                return
+
+            changed = False
+            for chat_entry in dm_topics:
+                if int(chat_entry.get("chat_id", 0)) != int(chat_id):
+                    continue
+                for t in chat_entry.get("topics", []):
+                    if t.get("name") == topic_name and not t.get("thread_id"):
+                        t["thread_id"] = thread_id
+                        changed = True
+                        break
+
+            if changed:
+                with open(config_path, "w") as f:
+                    _yaml.dump(config, f, default_flow_style=False, sort_keys=False)
+                logger.info(
+                    "[%s] Persisted thread_id=%s for topic '%s' in config.yaml",
+                    self.name, thread_id, topic_name,
+                )
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("[%s] Failed to persist thread_id to config: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    async def _setup_dm_topics(self) -> None:
+        """Load or create configured DM topics for specified chats.
+
+        Reads config.extra['dm_topics'] — a list of dicts:
+        [
+            {
+                "chat_id": 123456789,
+                "topics": [
+                    {"name": "General", "icon_color": 7322096, "thread_id": 100},
+                    {"name": "Accessibility Auditor", "icon_color": 9367192, "skill": "accessibility-auditor"}
+                ]
+            }
+        ]
+
+        If a topic already has a thread_id in the config (persisted from a previous
+        creation), it is loaded into the cache without calling createForumTopic.
+        Only topics without a thread_id are created via the API, and their thread_id
+        is then saved back to config.yaml for future restarts.
+        """
+        if not self._dm_topics_config:
+            return
+
+        for chat_entry in self._dm_topics_config:
+            chat_id = chat_entry.get("chat_id")
+            topics = chat_entry.get("topics", [])
+            if not chat_id or not topics:
+                continue
+
+            logger.info(
+                "[%s] Setting up %d DM topic(s) for chat %s",
+                self.name, len(topics), chat_id,
+            )
+
+            for topic_conf in topics:
+                topic_name = topic_conf.get("name")
+                if not topic_name:
+                    continue
+
+                cache_key = f"{chat_id}:{topic_name}"
+
+                # If thread_id is already persisted in config, just load into cache
+                existing_thread_id = topic_conf.get("thread_id")
+                if existing_thread_id:
+                    self._dm_topics[cache_key] = int(existing_thread_id)
+                    logger.info(
+                        "[%s] DM topic loaded from config: %s -> thread_id=%s",
+                        self.name, cache_key, existing_thread_id,
+                    )
+                    continue
+
+                # No persisted thread_id — create the topic via API
+                icon_color = topic_conf.get("icon_color")
+                icon_emoji = topic_conf.get("icon_custom_emoji_id")
+
+                thread_id = await self._create_dm_topic(
+                    chat_id=int(chat_id),
+                    name=topic_name,
+                    icon_color=icon_color,
+                    icon_custom_emoji_id=icon_emoji,
+                )
+
+                if thread_id:
+                    self._dm_topics[cache_key] = thread_id
+                    logger.info(
+                        "[%s] DM topic cached: %s -> thread_id=%s",
+                        self.name, cache_key, thread_id,
+                    )
+                    # Persist thread_id to config so we don't recreate on next restart
+                    self._persist_dm_topic_thread_id(int(chat_id), topic_name, thread_id)
+
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
-        """Connect to Telegram and start polling for updates."""
+        """Connect to Telegram via polling or webhook.
+
+        By default, uses long polling (outbound connection to Telegram).
+        If ``TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_URL`` is set, starts an HTTP webhook server
+        instead.  Webhook mode is useful for cloud deployments (Fly.io,
+        Railway) where inbound HTTP can wake a suspended machine.
+
+        Env vars for webhook mode::
+
+            TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_URL    Public HTTPS URL (e.g. https://app.fly.dev/telegram)
+            TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_PORT   Local listen port (default 8443)
+            TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_SECRET Secret token for update verification
+        """
         if not TELEGRAM_AVAILABLE:
             logger.error(
                 "[%s] python-telegram-bot not installed. Run: pip install python-telegram-bot",
@@ -306,7 +504,26 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 return False
 
             # Build the application
-            self._app = Application.builder().token(self.config.token).build()
+            builder = Application.builder().token(self.config.token)
+            fallback_ips = self._fallback_ips()
+            if not fallback_ips:
+                fallback_ips = await discover_fallback_ips()
+                logger.info(
+                    "[%s] Auto-discovered Telegram fallback IPs: %s",
+                    self.name,
+                    ", ".join(fallback_ips),
+                )
+            if fallback_ips:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "[%s] Telegram fallback IPs active: %s",
+                    self.name,
+                    ", ".join(fallback_ips),
+                )
+                transport = TelegramFallbackTransport(fallback_ips)
+                request = HTTPXRequest(httpx_kwargs={"transport": transport})
+                get_updates_request = HTTPXRequest(httpx_kwargs={"transport": transport})
+                builder = builder.request(request).get_updates_request(get_updates_request)
+            self._app = builder.build()
             self._bot = self._app.bot
             
             # Register handlers
@@ -348,37 +565,76 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     else:
                         raise
             await self._app.start()
-            loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
 
-            def _polling_error_callback(error: Exception) -> None:
-                if self._polling_error_task and not self._polling_error_task.done():
-                    return
-                if self._looks_like_polling_conflict(error):
-                    self._polling_error_task = loop.create_task(self._handle_polling_conflict(error))
-                elif self._looks_like_network_error(error):
-                    logger.warning("[%s] Telegram network error, scheduling reconnect: %s", self.name, error)
-                    self._polling_error_task = loop.create_task(self._handle_polling_network_error(error))
-                else:
-                    logger.error("[%s] Telegram polling error: %s", self.name, error, exc_info=True)
+            # Decide between webhook and polling mode
+            webhook_url = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_URL", "").strip()
 
-            # Store reference for retry use in _handle_polling_conflict
-            self._polling_error_callback_ref = _polling_error_callback
+            if webhook_url:
+                # ── Webhook mode ─────────────────────────────────────
+                # Telegram pushes updates to our HTTP endpoint.  This
+                # enables cloud platforms (Fly.io, Railway) to auto-wake
+                # suspended machines on inbound HTTP traffic.
+                webhook_port = int(os.getenv("TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_PORT", "8443"))
+                webhook_secret = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_WEBHOOK_SECRET", "").strip() or None
+                from urllib.parse import urlparse
+                webhook_path = urlparse(webhook_url).path or "/telegram"
 
-            await self._app.updater.start_polling(
-                allowed_updates=Update.ALL_TYPES,
-                drop_pending_updates=True,
-                error_callback=_polling_error_callback,
-            )
+                await self._app.updater.start_webhook(
+                    listen="0.0.0.0",
+                    port=webhook_port,
+                    url_path=webhook_path,
+                    webhook_url=webhook_url,
+                    secret_token=webhook_secret,
+                    allowed_updates=Update.ALL_TYPES,
+                    drop_pending_updates=True,
+                )
+                self._webhook_mode = True
+                logger.info(
+                    "[%s] Webhook server listening on 0.0.0.0:%d%s",
+                    self.name, webhook_port, webhook_path,
+                )
+            else:
+                # ── Polling mode (default) ───────────────────────────
+                loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
+
+                def _polling_error_callback(error: Exception) -> None:
+                    if self._polling_error_task and not self._polling_error_task.done():
+                        return
+                    if self._looks_like_polling_conflict(error):
+                        self._polling_error_task = loop.create_task(self._handle_polling_conflict(error))
+                    elif self._looks_like_network_error(error):
+                        logger.warning("[%s] Telegram network error, scheduling reconnect: %s", self.name, error)
+                        self._polling_error_task = loop.create_task(self._handle_polling_network_error(error))
+                    else:
+                        logger.error("[%s] Telegram polling error: %s", self.name, error, exc_info=True)
+
+                # Store reference for retry use in _handle_polling_conflict
+                self._polling_error_callback_ref = _polling_error_callback
+
+                await self._app.updater.start_polling(
+                    allowed_updates=Update.ALL_TYPES,
+                    drop_pending_updates=True,
+                    error_callback=_polling_error_callback,
+                )
             
             # Register bot commands so Telegram shows a hint menu when users type /
             # List is derived from the central COMMAND_REGISTRY — adding a new
             # gateway command there automatically adds it to the Telegram menu.
             try:
                 from telegram import BotCommand
-                from hermes_cli.commands import telegram_bot_commands
+                from hermes_cli.commands import telegram_menu_commands
+                # Telegram allows up to 100 commands but has an undocumented
+                # payload size limit.  Skill descriptions are truncated to 40
+                # chars in telegram_menu_commands() to fit 100 commands safely.
+                menu_commands, hidden_count = telegram_menu_commands(max_commands=100)
                 await self._bot.set_my_commands([
-                    BotCommand(name, desc) for name, desc in telegram_bot_commands()
+                    BotCommand(name, desc) for name, desc in menu_commands
                 ])
+                if hidden_count:
+                    logger.info(
+                        "[%s] Telegram menu: %d commands registered, %d hidden (over 100 limit). Use /commands for full list.",
+                        self.name, len(menu_commands), hidden_count,
+                    )
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.warning(
                     "[%s] Could not register Telegram command menu: %s",
@@ -388,7 +644,20 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 )
             
             self._mark_connected()
-            logger.info("[%s] Connected and polling for Telegram updates", self.name)
+            mode = "webhook" if self._webhook_mode else "polling"
+            logger.info("[%s] Connected to Telegram (%s mode)", self.name, mode)
+
+            # Set up DM topics (Bot API 9.4 — Private Chat Topics)
+            # Runs after connection is established so the bot can call createForumTopic.
+            # Failures here are non-fatal — the bot works fine without topics.
+            try:
+                await self._setup_dm_topics()
+            except Exception as topics_err:
+                logger.warning(
+                    "[%s] DM topics setup failed (non-fatal): %s",
+                    self.name, topics_err, exc_info=True,
+                )
+
             return True
             
         except Exception as e:
@@ -404,7 +673,7 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             return False
     
     async def disconnect(self) -> None:
-        """Stop polling, cancel pending album flushes, and disconnect."""
+        """Stop polling/webhook, cancel pending album flushes, and disconnect."""
         pending_media_group_tasks = list(self._media_group_tasks.values())
         for task in pending_media_group_tasks:
             task.cancel()
@@ -442,6 +711,26 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._token_lock_identity = None
         logger.info("[%s] Disconnected from Telegram", self.name)
 
+    def _should_thread_reply(self, reply_to: Optional[str], chunk_index: int) -> bool:
+        """Determine if this message chunk should thread to the original message.
+
+        Args:
+            reply_to: The original message ID to reply to
+            chunk_index: Index of this chunk (0 = first chunk)
+
+        Returns:
+            True if this chunk should be threaded to the original message
+        """
+        if not reply_to:
+            return False
+        mode = self._reply_to_mode
+        if mode == "off":
+            return False
+        elif mode == "all":
+            return True
+        else:  # "first" (default)
+            return chunk_index == 0
+
     async def send(
         self,
         chat_id: str,
@@ -453,6 +742,10 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         if not self._bot:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
         
+        # Skip whitespace-only text to prevent Telegram 400 empty-text errors.
+        if not content or not content.strip():
+            return SendResult(success=True, message_id=None)
+        
         try:
             # Format and split message if needed
             formatted = self.format_message(content)
@@ -474,7 +767,16 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             except ImportError:
                 _NetErr = OSError  # type: ignore[misc,assignment]
 
+            try:
+                from telegram.error import BadRequest as _BadReq
+            except ImportError:
+                _BadReq = None  # type: ignore[assignment,misc]
+
             for i, chunk in enumerate(chunks):
+                should_thread = self._should_thread_reply(reply_to, i)
+                reply_to_id = int(reply_to) if should_thread else None
+                effective_thread_id = int(thread_id) if thread_id else None
+
                 msg = None
                 for _send_attempt in range(3):
                     try:
@@ -484,8 +786,8 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                                 chat_id=int(chat_id),
                                 text=chunk,
                                 parse_mode=ParseMode.MARKDOWN_V2,
-                                reply_to_message_id=int(reply_to) if reply_to and i == 0 else None,
-                                message_thread_id=int(thread_id) if thread_id else None,
+                                reply_to_message_id=reply_to_id,
+                                message_thread_id=effective_thread_id,
                             )
                         except Exception as md_error:
                             # Markdown parsing failed, try plain text
@@ -496,13 +798,41 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                                     chat_id=int(chat_id),
                                     text=plain_chunk,
                                     parse_mode=None,
-                                    reply_to_message_id=int(reply_to) if reply_to and i == 0 else None,
-                                    message_thread_id=int(thread_id) if thread_id else None,
+                                    reply_to_message_id=reply_to_id,
+                                    message_thread_id=effective_thread_id,
                                 )
                             else:
                                 raise
                         break  # success
                     except _NetErr as send_err:
+                        # BadRequest is a subclass of NetworkError in
+                        # python-telegram-bot but represents permanent errors
+                        # (not transient network issues). Detect and handle
+                        # specific cases instead of blindly retrying.
+                        if _BadReq and isinstance(send_err, _BadReq):
+                            err_lower = str(send_err).lower()
+                            if "thread not found" in err_lower and effective_thread_id is not None:
+                                # Thread doesn't exist — retry without
+                                # message_thread_id so the message still
+                                # reaches the chat.
+                                logger.warning(
+                                    "[%s] Thread %s not found, retrying without message_thread_id",
+                                    self.name, effective_thread_id,
+                                )
+                                effective_thread_id = None
+                                continue
+                            if "message to be replied not found" in err_lower and reply_to_id is not None:
+                                # Original message was deleted before we
+                                # could reply — clear reply target and retry
+                                # so the response is still delivered.
+                                logger.warning(
+                                    "[%s] Reply target deleted, retrying without reply_to: %s",
+                                    self.name, send_err,
+                                )
+                                reply_to_id = None
+                                continue
+                            # Other BadRequest errors are permanent — don't retry
+                            raise
                         if _send_attempt < 2:
                             wait = 2 ** _send_attempt
                             logger.warning("[%s] Network error on send (attempt %d/3), retrying in %ds: %s",
@@ -570,7 +900,9 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 except Exception:
                     pass  # best-effort truncation
                 return SendResult(success=True, message_id=message_id)
-            # Flood control / RetryAfter — back off and retry once
+            # Flood control / RetryAfter — short waits are retried inline,
+            # long waits return a failure immediately so streaming can fall back
+            # to a normal final send instead of leaving a truncated partial.
             retry_after = getattr(e, "retry_after", None)
             if retry_after is not None or "retry after" in err_str:
                 wait = retry_after if retry_after else 1.0
@@ -578,6 +910,8 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     "[%s] Telegram flood control, waiting %.1fs",
                     self.name, wait,
                 )
+                if wait > 5.0:
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=f"flood_control:{wait}")
                 await asyncio.sleep(wait)
                 try:
                     await self._bot.edit_message_text(
@@ -1054,6 +1388,148 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
         return text
     
+    # ── Group mention gating ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _telegram_require_mention(self) -> bool:
+        """Return whether group chats should require an explicit bot trigger."""
+        configured = self.config.extra.get("require_mention")
+        if configured is not None:
+            if isinstance(configured, str):
+                return configured.lower() in ("true", "1", "yes", "on")
+            return bool(configured)
+        return os.getenv("TELEGRAM_REQUIRE_MENTION", "false").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes", "on")
+
+    def _telegram_free_response_chats(self) -> set[str]:
+        raw = self.config.extra.get("free_response_chats")
+        if raw is None:
+            raw = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS", "")
+        if isinstance(raw, list):
+            return {str(part).strip() for part in raw if str(part).strip()}
+        return {part.strip() for part in str(raw).split(",") if part.strip()}
+
+    def _compile_mention_patterns(self) -> List[re.Pattern]:
+        """Compile optional regex wake-word patterns for group triggers."""
+        patterns = self.config.extra.get("mention_patterns")
+        if patterns is None:
+            raw = os.getenv("TELEGRAM_MENTION_PATTERNS", "").strip()
+            if raw:
+                try:
+                    loaded = json.loads(raw)
+                except Exception:
+                    loaded = [part.strip() for part in raw.splitlines() if part.strip()]
+                    if not loaded:
+                        loaded = [part.strip() for part in raw.split(",") if part.strip()]
+                patterns = loaded
+
+        if patterns is None:
+            return []
+        if isinstance(patterns, str):
+            patterns = [patterns]
+        if not isinstance(patterns, list):
+            logger.warning(
+                "[%s] telegram mention_patterns must be a list or string; got %s",
+                self.name,
+                type(patterns).__name__,
+            )
+            return []
+
+        compiled: List[re.Pattern] = []
+        for pattern in patterns:
+            if not isinstance(pattern, str) or not pattern.strip():
+                continue
+            try:
+                compiled.append(re.compile(pattern, re.IGNORECASE))
+            except re.error as exc:
+                logger.warning("[%s] Invalid Telegram mention pattern %r: %s", self.name, pattern, exc)
+        if compiled:
+            logger.info("[%s] Loaded %d Telegram mention pattern(s)", self.name, len(compiled))
+        return compiled
+
+    def _is_group_chat(self, message: Message) -> bool:
+        chat = getattr(message, "chat", None)
+        if not chat:
+            return False
+        chat_type = str(getattr(chat, "type", "")).split(".")[-1].lower()
+        return chat_type in ("group", "supergroup")
+
+    def _is_reply_to_bot(self, message: Message) -> bool:
+        if not self._bot or not getattr(message, "reply_to_message", None):
+            return False
+        reply_user = getattr(message.reply_to_message, "from_user", None)
+        return bool(reply_user and getattr(reply_user, "id", None) == getattr(self._bot, "id", None))
+
+    def _message_mentions_bot(self, message: Message) -> bool:
+        if not self._bot:
+            return False
+
+        bot_username = (getattr(self._bot, "username", None) or "").lstrip("@").lower()
+        bot_id = getattr(self._bot, "id", None)
+
+        def _iter_sources():
+            yield getattr(message, "text", None) or "", getattr(message, "entities", None) or []
+            yield getattr(message, "caption", None) or "", getattr(message, "caption_entities", None) or []
+
+        for source_text, entities in _iter_sources():
+            if bot_username and f"@{bot_username}" in source_text.lower():
+                return True
+            for entity in entities:
+                entity_type = str(getattr(entity, "type", "")).split(".")[-1].lower()
+                if entity_type == "mention" and bot_username:
+                    offset = int(getattr(entity, "offset", -1))
+                    length = int(getattr(entity, "length", 0))
+                    if offset < 0 or length <= 0:
+                        continue
+                    if source_text[offset:offset + length].strip().lower() == f"@{bot_username}":
+                        return True
+                elif entity_type == "text_mention":
+                    user = getattr(entity, "user", None)
+                    if user and getattr(user, "id", None) == bot_id:
+                        return True
+        return False
+
+    def _message_matches_mention_patterns(self, message: Message) -> bool:
+        if not self._mention_patterns:
+            return False
+        for candidate in (getattr(message, "text", None), getattr(message, "caption", None)):
+            if not candidate:
+                continue
+            for pattern in self._mention_patterns:
+                if pattern.search(candidate):
+                    return True
+        return False
+
+    def _clean_bot_trigger_text(self, text: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
+        if not text or not self._bot or not getattr(self._bot, "username", None):
+            return text
+        username = re.escape(self._bot.username)
+        cleaned = re.sub(rf"(?i)@{username}\b[,:\-]*\s*", "", text).strip()
+        return cleaned or text
+
+    def _should_process_message(self, message: Message, *, is_command: bool = False) -> bool:
+        """Apply Telegram group trigger rules.
+
+        DMs remain unrestricted. Group/supergroup messages are accepted when:
+        - the chat is explicitly allowlisted in ``free_response_chats``
+        - ``require_mention`` is disabled
+        - the message is a command
+        - the message replies to the bot
+        - the bot is @mentioned
+        - the text/caption matches a configured regex wake-word pattern
+        """
+        if not self._is_group_chat(message):
+            return True
+        if str(getattr(getattr(message, "chat", None), "id", "")) in self._telegram_free_response_chats():
+            return True
+        if not self._telegram_require_mention():
+            return True
+        if is_command:
+            return True
+        if self._is_reply_to_bot(message):
+            return True
+        if self._message_mentions_bot(message):
+            return True
+        return self._message_matches_mention_patterns(message)
+
     async def _handle_text_message(self, update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE) -> None:
         """Handle incoming text messages.
 
@@ -1063,14 +1539,19 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """
         if not update.message or not update.message.text:
             return
+        if not self._should_process_message(update.message):
+            return
 
         event = self._build_message_event(update.message, MessageType.TEXT)
+        event.text = self._clean_bot_trigger_text(event.text)
         self._enqueue_text_event(event)
     
     async def _handle_command(self, update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE) -> None:
         """Handle incoming command messages."""
         if not update.message or not update.message.text:
             return
+        if not self._should_process_message(update.message, is_command=True):
+            return
         
         event = self._build_message_event(update.message, MessageType.COMMAND)
         await self.handle_message(event)
@@ -1079,6 +1560,8 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Handle incoming location/venue pin messages."""
         if not update.message:
             return
+        if not self._should_process_message(update.message):
+            return
 
         msg = update.message
         venue = getattr(msg, "venue", None)
@@ -1222,6 +1705,8 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """Handle incoming media messages, downloading images to local cache."""
         if not update.message:
             return
+        if not self._should_process_message(update.message):
+            return
         
         msg = update.message
         
@@ -1245,7 +1730,7 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         
         # Add caption as text
         if msg.caption:
-            event.text = msg.caption
+            event.text = self._clean_bot_trigger_text(msg.caption)
         
         # Handle stickers: describe via vision tool with caching
         if msg.sticker:
@@ -1490,6 +1975,100 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 emoji, set_name,
             )
 
+    def _reload_dm_topics_from_config(self) -> None:
+        """Re-read dm_topics from config.yaml and load any new thread_ids into cache.
+
+        This allows topics created externally (e.g. by the agent via API) to be
+        recognized without a gateway restart.
+        """
+        try:
+            from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+            config_path = get_hermes_home() / "config.yaml"
+            if not config_path.exists():
+                return
+
+            import yaml as _yaml
+            with open(config_path, "r") as f:
+                config = _yaml.safe_load(f) or {}
+
+            dm_topics = (
+                config.get("platforms", {})
+                .get("telegram", {})
+                .get("extra", {})
+                .get("dm_topics", [])
+            )
+            if not dm_topics:
+                return
+
+            # Update in-memory config and cache any new thread_ids
+            self._dm_topics_config = dm_topics
+            for chat_entry in dm_topics:
+                cid = chat_entry.get("chat_id")
+                if not cid:
+                    continue
+                for t in chat_entry.get("topics", []):
+                    tid = t.get("thread_id")
+                    name = t.get("name")
+                    if tid and name:
+                        cache_key = f"{cid}:{name}"
+                        if cache_key not in self._dm_topics:
+                            self._dm_topics[cache_key] = int(tid)
+                            logger.info(
+                                "[%s] Hot-loaded DM topic from config: %s -> thread_id=%s",
+                                self.name, cache_key, tid,
+                            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.debug("[%s] Failed to reload dm_topics from config: %s", self.name, e)
+
+    def _get_dm_topic_info(self, chat_id: str, thread_id: Optional[str]) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Look up DM topic config by chat_id and thread_id.
+
+        Returns the topic config dict (name, skill, etc.) if this thread_id
+        matches a known DM topic, or None.
+        """
+        if not thread_id:
+            return None
+
+        thread_id_int = int(thread_id)
+
+        # Check cached topics first (created by us or loaded at startup)
+        for key, cached_tid in self._dm_topics.items():
+            if cached_tid == thread_id_int and key.startswith(f"{chat_id}:"):
+                topic_name = key.split(":", 1)[1]
+                # Find the full config for this topic
+                for chat_entry in self._dm_topics_config:
+                    if str(chat_entry.get("chat_id")) == chat_id:
+                        for t in chat_entry.get("topics", []):
+                            if t.get("name") == topic_name:
+                                return t
+                return {"name": topic_name}
+
+        # Not in cache — hot-reload config in case topics were added externally
+        self._reload_dm_topics_from_config()
+
+        # Check cache again after reload
+        for key, cached_tid in self._dm_topics.items():
+            if cached_tid == thread_id_int and key.startswith(f"{chat_id}:"):
+                topic_name = key.split(":", 1)[1]
+                for chat_entry in self._dm_topics_config:
+                    if str(chat_entry.get("chat_id")) == chat_id:
+                        for t in chat_entry.get("topics", []):
+                            if t.get("name") == topic_name:
+                                return t
+                return {"name": topic_name}
+
+        return None
+
+    def _cache_dm_topic_from_message(self, chat_id: str, thread_id: str, topic_name: str) -> None:
+        """Cache a thread_id -> topic_name mapping discovered from an incoming message."""
+        cache_key = f"{chat_id}:{topic_name}"
+        if cache_key not in self._dm_topics:
+            self._dm_topics[cache_key] = int(thread_id)
+            logger.info(
+                "[%s] Cached DM topic from message: %s -> thread_id=%s",
+                self.name, cache_key, thread_id,
+            )
+
     def _build_message_event(self, message: Message, msg_type: MessageType) -> MessageEvent:
         """Build a MessageEvent from a Telegram message."""
         chat = message.chat
@@ -1501,7 +2080,27 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             chat_type = "group"
         elif chat.type == ChatType.CHANNEL:
             chat_type = "channel"
-        
+
+        # Resolve DM topic name and skill binding
+        thread_id_raw = message.message_thread_id
+        thread_id_str = str(thread_id_raw) if thread_id_raw else None
+        chat_topic = None
+        topic_skill = None
+
+        if chat_type == "dm" and thread_id_str:
+            topic_info = self._get_dm_topic_info(str(chat.id), thread_id_str)
+            if topic_info:
+                chat_topic = topic_info.get("name")
+                topic_skill = topic_info.get("skill")
+
+            # Also check forum_topic_created service message for topic discovery
+            if hasattr(message, "forum_topic_created") and message.forum_topic_created:
+                created_name = message.forum_topic_created.name
+                if created_name:
+                    self._cache_dm_topic_from_message(str(chat.id), thread_id_str, created_name)
+                    if not chat_topic:
+                        chat_topic = created_name
+
         # Build source
         source = self.build_source(
             chat_id=str(chat.id),
@@ -1509,7 +2108,8 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             chat_type=chat_type,
             user_id=str(user.id) if user else None,
             user_name=user.full_name if user else None,
-            thread_id=str(message.message_thread_id) if message.message_thread_id else None,
+            thread_id=thread_id_str,
+            chat_topic=chat_topic,
         )
         
         # Extract reply context if this message is a reply
@@ -1527,5 +2127,6 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             message_id=str(message.message_id),
             reply_to_message_id=reply_to_id,
             reply_to_text=reply_to_text,
+            auto_skill=topic_skill,
             timestamp=message.date,
         )

gateway/platforms/telegram_network.py

@@ -0,0 +1,248 @@
+"""Telegram-specific network helpers.
+
+Provides a hostname-preserving fallback transport for networks where
+api.telegram.org resolves to an endpoint that is unreachable from the current
+host. The transport keeps the logical request host and TLS SNI as
+api.telegram.org while retrying the TCP connection against one or more fallback
+IPv4 addresses.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import asyncio
+import ipaddress
+import logging
+import os
+import socket
+from typing import Iterable, Optional
+
+import httpx
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+_TELEGRAM_API_HOST = "api.telegram.org"
+
+# DNS-over-HTTPS providers used to discover Telegram API IPs that may differ
+# from the (potentially unreachable) IP returned by the local system resolver.
+_DOH_TIMEOUT = 4.0  # seconds — bounded so connect() isn't noticeably delayed
+
+_DOH_PROVIDERS: list[dict] = [
+    {
+        "url": "https://dns.google/resolve",
+        "params": {"name": _TELEGRAM_API_HOST, "type": "A"},
+        "headers": {},
+    },
+    {
+        "url": "https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query",
+        "params": {"name": _TELEGRAM_API_HOST, "type": "A"},
+        "headers": {"Accept": "application/dns-json"},
+    },
+]
+
+# Last-resort IPs when DoH is also blocked.  These are stable Telegram Bot API
+# endpoints in the 149.154.160.0/20 block (same seed used by OpenClaw).
+_SEED_FALLBACK_IPS: list[str] = ["149.154.167.220"]
+
+
+def _resolve_proxy_url() -> str | None:
+    for key in ("HTTPS_PROXY", "HTTP_PROXY", "ALL_PROXY", "https_proxy", "http_proxy", "all_proxy"):
+        value = (os.environ.get(key) or "").strip()
+        if value:
+            return value
+    return None
+
+
+class TelegramFallbackTransport(httpx.AsyncBaseTransport):
+    """Retry Telegram Bot API requests via fallback IPs while preserving TLS/SNI.
+
+    Requests continue to target https://api.telegram.org/... logically, but on
+    connect failures the underlying TCP connection is retried against a known
+    reachable IP. This is effectively the programmatic equivalent of
+    ``curl --resolve api.telegram.org:443:<ip>``.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, fallback_ips: Iterable[str], **transport_kwargs):
+        self._fallback_ips = [ip for ip in dict.fromkeys(_normalize_fallback_ips(fallback_ips))]
+        proxy_url = _resolve_proxy_url()
+        if proxy_url and "proxy" not in transport_kwargs:
+            transport_kwargs["proxy"] = proxy_url
+        self._primary = httpx.AsyncHTTPTransport(**transport_kwargs)
+        self._fallbacks = {
+            ip: httpx.AsyncHTTPTransport(**transport_kwargs) for ip in self._fallback_ips
+        }
+        self._sticky_ip: Optional[str] = None
+        self._sticky_lock = asyncio.Lock()
+
+    async def handle_async_request(self, request: httpx.Request) -> httpx.Response:
+        if request.url.host != _TELEGRAM_API_HOST or not self._fallback_ips:
+            return await self._primary.handle_async_request(request)
+
+        sticky_ip = self._sticky_ip
+        attempt_order: list[Optional[str]] = [sticky_ip] if sticky_ip else [None]
+        for ip in self._fallback_ips:
+            if ip != sticky_ip:
+                attempt_order.append(ip)
+
+        last_error: Exception | None = None
+        for ip in attempt_order:
+            candidate = request if ip is None else _rewrite_request_for_ip(request, ip)
+            transport = self._primary if ip is None else self._fallbacks[ip]
+            try:
+                response = await transport.handle_async_request(candidate)
+                if ip is not None and self._sticky_ip != ip:
+                    async with self._sticky_lock:
+                        if self._sticky_ip != ip:
+                            self._sticky_ip = ip
+                            logger.warning(
+                                "[Telegram] Primary api.telegram.org path unreachable; using sticky fallback IP %s",
+                                ip,
+                            )
+                return response
+            except Exception as exc:
+                last_error = exc
+                if not _is_retryable_connect_error(exc):
+                    raise
+                if ip is None:
+                    logger.warning(
+                        "[Telegram] Primary api.telegram.org connection failed (%s); trying fallback IPs %s",
+                        exc,
+                        ", ".join(self._fallback_ips),
+                    )
+                    continue
+                logger.warning("[Telegram] Fallback IP %s failed: %s", ip, exc)
+                continue
+
+        assert last_error is not None
+        raise last_error
+
+    async def aclose(self) -> None:
+        await self._primary.aclose()
+        for transport in self._fallbacks.values():
+            await transport.aclose()
+
+
+def _normalize_fallback_ips(values: Iterable[str]) -> list[str]:
+    normalized: list[str] = []
+    for value in values:
+        raw = str(value).strip()
+        if not raw:
+            continue
+        try:
+            addr = ipaddress.ip_address(raw)
+        except ValueError:
+            logger.warning("Ignoring invalid Telegram fallback IP: %r", raw)
+            continue
+        if addr.version != 4:
+            logger.warning("Ignoring non-IPv4 Telegram fallback IP: %s", raw)
+            continue
+        if addr.is_private or addr.is_loopback or addr.is_link_local or addr.is_unspecified:
+            logger.warning("Ignoring private/internal Telegram fallback IP: %s", raw)
+            continue
+        normalized.append(str(addr))
+    return normalized
+
+
+def parse_fallback_ip_env(value: str | None) -> list[str]:
+    if not value:
+        return []
+    parts = [part.strip() for part in value.split(",")]
+    return _normalize_fallback_ips(parts)
+
+
+def _resolve_system_dns() -> set[str]:
+    """Return the IPv4 addresses that the OS resolver gives for api.telegram.org."""
+    try:
+        results = socket.getaddrinfo(_TELEGRAM_API_HOST, 443, socket.AF_INET)
+        return {addr[4][0] for addr in results}
+    except Exception:
+        return set()
+
+
+async def _query_doh_provider(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient, provider: dict
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Query one DoH provider and return A-record IPs."""
+    try:
+        resp = await client.get(
+            provider["url"], params=provider["params"], headers=provider["headers"]
+        )
+        resp.raise_for_status()
+        data = resp.json()
+        ips: list[str] = []
+        for answer in data.get("Answer", []):
+            if answer.get("type") != 1:  # A record
+                continue
+            raw = answer.get("data", "").strip()
+            try:
+                ipaddress.ip_address(raw)
+                ips.append(raw)
+            except ValueError:
+                continue
+        return ips
+    except Exception as exc:
+        logger.debug("DoH query to %s failed: %s", provider["url"], exc)
+        return []
+
+
+async def discover_fallback_ips() -> list[str]:
+    """Auto-discover Telegram API IPs via DNS-over-HTTPS.
+
+    Resolves api.telegram.org through Google and Cloudflare DoH, collects all
+    unique IPs, and excludes the system-DNS-resolved IP (which is presumably
+    unreachable on this network).  Falls back to a hardcoded seed list when DoH
+    is also unavailable.
+    """
+    async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=httpx.Timeout(_DOH_TIMEOUT)) as client:
+        doh_tasks = [_query_doh_provider(client, p) for p in _DOH_PROVIDERS]
+        system_dns_task = asyncio.to_thread(_resolve_system_dns)
+        results = await asyncio.gather(system_dns_task, *doh_tasks, return_exceptions=True)
+
+    # results[0] = system DNS IPs (set), results[1:] = DoH IP lists
+    system_ips: set[str] = results[0] if isinstance(results[0], set) else set()
+
+    doh_ips: list[str] = []
+    for r in results[1:]:
+        if isinstance(r, list):
+            doh_ips.extend(r)
+
+    # Deduplicate preserving order, exclude system-DNS IPs
+    seen: set[str] = set()
+    candidates: list[str] = []
+    for ip in doh_ips:
+        if ip not in seen and ip not in system_ips:
+            seen.add(ip)
+            candidates.append(ip)
+
+    # Validate through existing normalization
+    validated = _normalize_fallback_ips(candidates)
+
+    if validated:
+        logger.debug("Discovered Telegram fallback IPs via DoH: %s", ", ".join(validated))
+        return validated
+
+    logger.info(
+        "DoH discovery yielded no new IPs (system DNS: %s); using seed fallback IPs %s",
+        ", ".join(system_ips) or "unknown",
+        ", ".join(_SEED_FALLBACK_IPS),
+    )
+    return list(_SEED_FALLBACK_IPS)
+
+
+def _rewrite_request_for_ip(request: httpx.Request, ip: str) -> httpx.Request:
+    original_host = request.url.host or _TELEGRAM_API_HOST
+    url = request.url.copy_with(host=ip)
+    headers = request.headers.copy()
+    headers["host"] = original_host
+    extensions = dict(request.extensions)
+    extensions["sni_hostname"] = original_host
+    return httpx.Request(
+        method=request.method,
+        url=url,
+        headers=headers,
+        stream=request.stream,
+        extensions=extensions,
+    )
+
+
+def _is_retryable_connect_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
+    return isinstance(exc, (httpx.ConnectTimeout, httpx.ConnectError))

gateway/platforms/webhook.py

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ import hashlib
 import hmac
 import json
 import logging
+import os
 import re
 import subprocess
 import time
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 DEFAULT_HOST = "0.0.0.0"
 DEFAULT_PORT = 8644
 _INSECURE_NO_AUTH = "INSECURE_NO_AUTH"
+_DYNAMIC_ROUTES_FILENAME = "webhook_subscriptions.json"
 
 
 def check_webhook_requirements() -> bool:
@@ -68,7 +70,10 @@ class WebhookAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._host: str = config.extra.get("host", DEFAULT_HOST)
         self._port: int = int(config.extra.get("port", DEFAULT_PORT))
         self._global_secret: str = config.extra.get("secret", "")
-        self._routes: Dict[str, dict] = config.extra.get("routes", {})
+        self._static_routes: Dict[str, dict] = config.extra.get("routes", {})
+        self._dynamic_routes: Dict[str, dict] = {}
+        self._dynamic_routes_mtime: float = 0.0
+        self._routes: Dict[str, dict] = dict(self._static_routes)
         self._runner = None
 
         # Delivery info keyed by session chat_id — consumed by send()
@@ -96,6 +101,9 @@ class WebhookAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
+        # Load agent-created subscriptions before validating
+        self._reload_dynamic_routes()
+
         # Validate routes at startup — secret is required per route
         for name, route in self._routes.items():
             secret = route.get("secret", self._global_secret)
@@ -110,6 +118,17 @@ class WebhookAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         app.router.add_get("/health", self._handle_health)
         app.router.add_post("/webhooks/{route_name}", self._handle_webhook)
 
+        # Port conflict detection — fail fast if port is already in use
+        import socket as _socket
+        try:
+            with _socket.socket(_socket.AF_INET, _socket.SOCK_STREAM) as _s:
+                _s.settimeout(1)
+                _s.connect(('127.0.0.1', self._port))
+            logger.error('[webhook] Port %d already in use. Set a different port in config.yaml: platforms.webhook.port', self._port)
+            return False
+        except (ConnectionRefusedError, OSError):
+            pass  # port is free
+
         self._runner = web.AppRunner(app)
         await self._runner.setup()
         site = web.TCPSite(self._runner, self._host, self._port)
@@ -182,8 +201,46 @@ class WebhookAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         """GET /health — simple health check."""
         return web.json_response({"status": "ok", "platform": "webhook"})
 
+    def _reload_dynamic_routes(self) -> None:
+        """Reload agent-created subscriptions from disk if the file changed."""
+        from pathlib import Path as _Path
+        hermes_home = _Path(
+            os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", str(_Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+        ).expanduser()
+        subs_path = hermes_home / _DYNAMIC_ROUTES_FILENAME
+        if not subs_path.exists():
+            if self._dynamic_routes:
+                self._dynamic_routes = {}
+                self._routes = dict(self._static_routes)
+                logger.debug("[webhook] Dynamic subscriptions file removed, cleared dynamic routes")
+            return
+        try:
+            mtime = subs_path.stat().st_mtime
+            if mtime <= self._dynamic_routes_mtime:
+                return  # No change
+            data = json.loads(subs_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+            if not isinstance(data, dict):
+                return
+            # Merge: static routes take precedence over dynamic ones
+            self._dynamic_routes = {
+                k: v for k, v in data.items()
+                if k not in self._static_routes
+            }
+            self._routes = {**self._dynamic_routes, **self._static_routes}
+            self._dynamic_routes_mtime = mtime
+            logger.info(
+                "[webhook] Reloaded %d dynamic route(s): %s",
+                len(self._dynamic_routes),
+                ", ".join(self._dynamic_routes.keys()) or "(none)",
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("[webhook] Failed to reload dynamic routes: %s", e)
+
     async def _handle_webhook(self, request: "web.Request") -> "web.Response":
         """POST /webhooks/{route_name} — receive and process a webhook event."""
+        # Hot-reload dynamic subscriptions on each request (mtime-gated, cheap)
+        self._reload_dynamic_routes()
+
         route_name = request.match_info.get("route_name", "")
         route_config = self._routes.get(route_name)
 
@@ -363,7 +420,9 @@ class WebhookAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         )
 
         # Non-blocking — return 202 Accepted immediately
-        asyncio.create_task(self.handle_message(event))
+        task = asyncio.create_task(self.handle_message(event))
+        self._background_tasks.add(task)
+        task.add_done_callback(self._background_tasks.discard)
 
         return web.json_response(
             {

gateway/platforms/whatsapp.py

@@ -20,13 +20,15 @@ import json
 import logging
 import os
 import platform
+import re
 import subprocess
 
 _IS_WINDOWS = platform.system() == "Windows"
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
+from typing import Dict, Optional, Any
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_dir
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -74,6 +76,7 @@ from gateway.platforms.base import (
     MessageEvent,
     MessageType,
     SendResult,
+    SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES,
     cache_image_from_url,
     cache_audio_from_url,
 )
@@ -134,12 +137,140 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         )
         self._session_path: Path = Path(config.extra.get(
             "session_path",
-            get_hermes_home() / "whatsapp" / "session"
+            get_hermes_dir("platforms/whatsapp/session", "whatsapp/session")
         ))
         self._reply_prefix: Optional[str] = config.extra.get("reply_prefix")
+        self._mention_patterns = self._compile_mention_patterns()
         self._message_queue: asyncio.Queue = asyncio.Queue()
         self._bridge_log_fh = None
         self._bridge_log: Optional[Path] = None
+        self._poll_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
+        self._http_session: Optional["aiohttp.ClientSession"] = None
+        self._session_lock_identity: Optional[str] = None
+
+    def _whatsapp_require_mention(self) -> bool:
+        configured = self.config.extra.get("require_mention")
+        if configured is not None:
+            if isinstance(configured, str):
+                return configured.lower() in ("true", "1", "yes", "on")
+            return bool(configured)
+        return os.getenv("WHATSAPP_REQUIRE_MENTION", "false").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes", "on")
+
+    def _whatsapp_free_response_chats(self) -> set[str]:
+        raw = self.config.extra.get("free_response_chats")
+        if raw is None:
+            raw = os.getenv("WHATSAPP_FREE_RESPONSE_CHATS", "")
+        if isinstance(raw, list):
+            return {str(part).strip() for part in raw if str(part).strip()}
+        return {part.strip() for part in str(raw).split(",") if part.strip()}
+
+    def _compile_mention_patterns(self):
+        patterns = self.config.extra.get("mention_patterns")
+        if patterns is None:
+            raw = os.getenv("WHATSAPP_MENTION_PATTERNS", "").strip()
+            if raw:
+                try:
+                    patterns = json.loads(raw)
+                except Exception:
+                    patterns = [part.strip() for part in raw.splitlines() if part.strip()]
+                    if not patterns:
+                        patterns = [part.strip() for part in raw.split(",") if part.strip()]
+        if patterns is None:
+            return []
+        if isinstance(patterns, str):
+            patterns = [patterns]
+        if not isinstance(patterns, list):
+            logger.warning("[%s] whatsapp mention_patterns must be a list or string; got %s", self.name, type(patterns).__name__)
+            return []
+
+        compiled = []
+        for pattern in patterns:
+            if not isinstance(pattern, str) or not pattern.strip():
+                continue
+            try:
+                compiled.append(re.compile(pattern, re.IGNORECASE))
+            except re.error as exc:
+                logger.warning("[%s] Invalid WhatsApp mention pattern %r: %s", self.name, pattern, exc)
+        if compiled:
+            logger.info("[%s] Loaded %d WhatsApp mention pattern(s)", self.name, len(compiled))
+        return compiled
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _normalize_whatsapp_id(value: Optional[str]) -> str:
+        if not value:
+            return ""
+        normalized = str(value).strip()
+        if ":" in normalized and "@" in normalized:
+            normalized = normalized.replace(":", "@", 1)
+        return normalized
+
+    def _bot_ids_from_message(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> set[str]:
+        bot_ids = set()
+        for candidate in data.get("botIds") or []:
+            normalized = self._normalize_whatsapp_id(candidate)
+            if normalized:
+                bot_ids.add(normalized)
+        return bot_ids
+
+    def _message_is_reply_to_bot(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+        quoted_participant = self._normalize_whatsapp_id(data.get("quotedParticipant"))
+        if not quoted_participant:
+            return False
+        return quoted_participant in self._bot_ids_from_message(data)
+
+    def _message_mentions_bot(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+        bot_ids = self._bot_ids_from_message(data)
+        if not bot_ids:
+            return False
+        mentioned_ids = {
+            nid
+            for candidate in (data.get("mentionedIds") or [])
+            if (nid := self._normalize_whatsapp_id(candidate))
+        }
+        if mentioned_ids & bot_ids:
+            return True
+
+        body = str(data.get("body") or "")
+        lower_body = body.lower()
+        for bot_id in bot_ids:
+            bare_id = bot_id.split("@", 1)[0].lower()
+            if bare_id and (f"@{bare_id}" in lower_body or bare_id in lower_body):
+                return True
+        return False
+
+    def _message_matches_mention_patterns(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+        if not self._mention_patterns:
+            return False
+        body = str(data.get("body") or "")
+        return any(pattern.search(body) for pattern in self._mention_patterns)
+
+    def _clean_bot_mention_text(self, text: str, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+        if not text:
+            return text
+        bot_ids = self._bot_ids_from_message(data)
+        cleaned = text
+        for bot_id in bot_ids:
+            bare_id = bot_id.split("@", 1)[0]
+            if bare_id:
+                cleaned = re.sub(rf"@{re.escape(bare_id)}\b[,:\-]*\s*", "", cleaned)
+        return cleaned.strip() or text
+
+    def _should_process_message(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+        if not data.get("isGroup"):
+            return True
+        chat_id = str(data.get("chatId") or "")
+        if chat_id in self._whatsapp_free_response_chats():
+            return True
+        if not self._whatsapp_require_mention():
+            return True
+        body = str(data.get("body") or "").strip()
+        if body.startswith("/"):
+            return True
+        if self._message_is_reply_to_bot(data):
+            return True
+        if self._message_mentions_bot(data):
+            return True
+        return self._message_matches_mention_patterns(data)
     
     async def connect(self) -> bool:
         """
@@ -158,6 +289,29 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         
         logger.info("[%s] Bridge found at %s", self.name, bridge_path)
         
+        # Acquire scoped lock to prevent duplicate sessions
+        try:
+            from gateway.status import acquire_scoped_lock
+
+            self._session_lock_identity = str(self._session_path)
+            acquired, existing = acquire_scoped_lock(
+                "whatsapp-session",
+                self._session_lock_identity,
+                metadata={"platform": self.platform.value},
+            )
+            if not acquired:
+                owner_pid = existing.get("pid") if isinstance(existing, dict) else None
+                message = (
+                    "Another local Hermes gateway is already using this WhatsApp session"
+                    + (f" (PID {owner_pid})." if owner_pid else ".")
+                    + " Stop the other gateway before starting a second WhatsApp bridge."
+                )
+                logger.error("[%s] %s", self.name, message)
+                self._set_fatal_error("whatsapp_session_lock", message, retryable=False)
+                return False
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("[%s] Could not acquire session lock (non-fatal): %s", self.name, e)
+
         # Auto-install npm dependencies if node_modules doesn't exist
         bridge_dir = bridge_path.parent
         if not (bridge_dir / "node_modules").exists():
@@ -198,7 +352,8 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                                 print(f"[{self.name}] Using existing bridge (status: {bridge_status})")
                                 self._mark_connected()
                                 self._bridge_process = None  # Not managed by us
-                                asyncio.create_task(self._poll_messages())
+                                self._http_session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
+                                self._poll_task = asyncio.create_task(self._poll_messages())
                                 return True
                             else:
                                 print(f"[{self.name}] Bridge found but not connected (status: {bridge_status}), restarting")
@@ -303,14 +458,23 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                     print(f"[{self.name}]   Bridge log: {self._bridge_log}")
                     print(f"[{self.name}]   If session expired, re-pair: hermes whatsapp")
             
+            # Create a persistent HTTP session for all bridge communication
+            self._http_session = aiohttp.ClientSession()
+
             # Start message polling task
-            asyncio.create_task(self._poll_messages())
+            self._poll_task = asyncio.create_task(self._poll_messages())
             
             self._mark_connected()
             print(f"[{self.name}] Bridge started on port {self._bridge_port}")
             return True
             
         except Exception as e:
+            if self._session_lock_identity:
+                try:
+                    from gateway.status import release_scoped_lock
+                    release_scoped_lock("whatsapp-session", self._session_lock_identity)
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
             logger.error("[%s] Failed to start bridge: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
             self._close_bridge_log()
             return False
@@ -368,10 +532,32 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         else:
             # Bridge was not started by us, don't kill it
             print(f"[{self.name}] Disconnecting (external bridge left running)")
-        
+
+        # Cancel the poll task explicitly
+        if self._poll_task and not self._poll_task.done():
+            self._poll_task.cancel()
+            try:
+                await self._poll_task
+            except (asyncio.CancelledError, Exception):
+                pass
+        self._poll_task = None
+
+        # Close the persistent HTTP session
+        if self._http_session and not self._http_session.closed:
+            await self._http_session.close()
+        self._http_session = None
+
+        if self._session_lock_identity:
+            try:
+                from gateway.status import release_scoped_lock
+                release_scoped_lock("whatsapp-session", self._session_lock_identity)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.warning("[%s] Error releasing WhatsApp session lock: %s", self.name, e, exc_info=True)
+
         self._mark_disconnected()
         self._bridge_process = None
         self._close_bridge_log()
+        self._session_lock_identity = None
         print(f"[{self.name}] Disconnected")
     
     async def send(
@@ -382,7 +568,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         metadata: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Send a message via the WhatsApp bridge."""
-        if not self._running:
+        if not self._running or not self._http_session:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
         bridge_exit = await self._check_managed_bridge_exit()
         if bridge_exit:
@@ -390,36 +576,29 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         
         try:
             import aiohttp
+
+            payload = {
+                "chatId": chat_id,
+                "message": content,
+            }
+            if reply_to:
+                payload["replyTo"] = reply_to
             
-            async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                payload = {
-                    "chatId": chat_id,
-                    "message": content,
-                }
-                if reply_to:
-                    payload["replyTo"] = reply_to
-                
-                async with session.post(
-                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/send",
-                    json=payload,
-                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
-                ) as resp:
-                    if resp.status == 200:
-                        data = await resp.json()
-                        return SendResult(
-                            success=True,
-                            message_id=data.get("messageId"),
-                            raw_response=data
-                        )
-                    else:
-                        error = await resp.text()
-                        return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
-                        
-        except ImportError:
-            return SendResult(
-                success=False, 
-                error="aiohttp not installed. Run: pip install aiohttp"
-            )
+            async with self._http_session.post(
+                f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/send",
+                json=payload,
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
+            ) as resp:
+                if resp.status == 200:
+                    data = await resp.json()
+                    return SendResult(
+                        success=True,
+                        message_id=data.get("messageId"),
+                        raw_response=data
+                    )
+                else:
+                    error = await resp.text()
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
         except Exception as e:
             return SendResult(success=False, error=str(e))
 
@@ -430,28 +609,27 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         content: str,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Edit a previously sent message via the WhatsApp bridge."""
-        if not self._running:
+        if not self._running or not self._http_session:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
         bridge_exit = await self._check_managed_bridge_exit()
         if bridge_exit:
             return SendResult(success=False, error=bridge_exit)
         try:
             import aiohttp
-            async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                async with session.post(
-                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/edit",
-                    json={
-                        "chatId": chat_id,
-                        "messageId": message_id,
-                        "message": content,
-                    },
-                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=15)
-                ) as resp:
-                    if resp.status == 200:
-                        return SendResult(success=True, message_id=message_id)
-                    else:
-                        error = await resp.text()
-                        return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
+            async with self._http_session.post(
+                f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/edit",
+                json={
+                    "chatId": chat_id,
+                    "messageId": message_id,
+                    "message": content,
+                },
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=15)
+            ) as resp:
+                if resp.status == 200:
+                    return SendResult(success=True, message_id=message_id)
+                else:
+                    error = await resp.text()
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
         except Exception as e:
             return SendResult(success=False, error=str(e))
 
@@ -464,7 +642,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         file_name: Optional[str] = None,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Send any media file via bridge /send-media endpoint."""
-        if not self._running:
+        if not self._running or not self._http_session:
             return SendResult(success=False, error="Not connected")
         bridge_exit = await self._check_managed_bridge_exit()
         if bridge_exit:
@@ -485,22 +663,21 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
             if file_name:
                 payload["fileName"] = file_name
 
-            async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                async with session.post(
-                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/send-media",
-                    json=payload,
-                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=120),
-                ) as resp:
-                    if resp.status == 200:
-                        data = await resp.json()
-                        return SendResult(
-                            success=True,
-                            message_id=data.get("messageId"),
-                            raw_response=data,
-                        )
-                    else:
-                        error = await resp.text()
-                        return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
+            async with self._http_session.post(
+                f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/send-media",
+                json=payload,
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=120),
+            ) as resp:
+                if resp.status == 200:
+                    data = await resp.json()
+                    return SendResult(
+                        success=True,
+                        message_id=data.get("messageId"),
+                        raw_response=data,
+                    )
+                else:
+                    error = await resp.text()
+                    return SendResult(success=False, error=error)
 
         except Exception as e:
             return SendResult(success=False, error=str(e))
@@ -525,6 +702,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         image_path: str,
         caption: Optional[str] = None,
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Send a local image file natively via bridge."""
         return await self._send_media_to_bridge(chat_id, image_path, "image", caption)
@@ -535,6 +713,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         video_path: str,
         caption: Optional[str] = None,
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Send a video natively via bridge — plays inline in WhatsApp."""
         return await self._send_media_to_bridge(chat_id, video_path, "video", caption)
@@ -546,6 +725,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         caption: Optional[str] = None,
         file_name: Optional[str] = None,
         reply_to: Optional[str] = None,
+        **kwargs,
     ) -> SendResult:
         """Send a document/file as a downloadable attachment via bridge."""
         return await self._send_media_to_bridge(
@@ -555,45 +735,43 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
 
     async def send_typing(self, chat_id: str, metadata=None) -> None:
         """Send typing indicator via bridge."""
-        if not self._running:
+        if not self._running or not self._http_session:
             return
         if await self._check_managed_bridge_exit():
             return
         
         try:
             import aiohttp
-            
-            async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                await session.post(
-                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/typing",
-                    json={"chatId": chat_id},
-                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=5)
-                )
+
+            await self._http_session.post(
+                f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/typing",
+                json={"chatId": chat_id},
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=5)
+            )
         except Exception:
             pass  # Ignore typing indicator failures
     
     async def get_chat_info(self, chat_id: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         """Get information about a WhatsApp chat."""
-        if not self._running:
+        if not self._running or not self._http_session:
             return {"name": "Unknown", "type": "dm"}
         if await self._check_managed_bridge_exit():
             return {"name": chat_id, "type": "dm"}
         
         try:
             import aiohttp
-            
-            async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                async with session.get(
-                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/chat/{chat_id}",
-                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=10)
-                ) as resp:
-                    if resp.status == 200:
-                        data = await resp.json()
-                        return {
-                            "name": data.get("name", chat_id),
-                            "type": "group" if data.get("isGroup") else "dm",
-                            "participants": data.get("participants", []),
-                        }
+
+            async with self._http_session.get(
+                f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/chat/{chat_id}",
+                timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=10)
+            ) as resp:
+                if resp.status == 200:
+                    data = await resp.json()
+                    return {
+                        "name": data.get("name", chat_id),
+                        "type": "group" if data.get("isGroup") else "dm",
+                        "participants": data.get("participants", []),
+                    }
         except Exception as e:
             logger.debug("Could not get WhatsApp chat info for %s: %s", chat_id, e)
         
@@ -601,29 +779,26 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     
     async def _poll_messages(self) -> None:
         """Poll the bridge for incoming messages."""
-        try:
-            import aiohttp
-        except ImportError:
-            print(f"[{self.name}] aiohttp not installed, message polling disabled")
-            return
-        
+        import aiohttp
+
         while self._running:
+            if not self._http_session:
+                break
             bridge_exit = await self._check_managed_bridge_exit()
             if bridge_exit:
                 print(f"[{self.name}] {bridge_exit}")
                 break
             try:
-                async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
-                    async with session.get(
-                        f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/messages",
-                        timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
-                    ) as resp:
-                        if resp.status == 200:
-                            messages = await resp.json()
-                            for msg_data in messages:
-                                event = await self._build_message_event(msg_data)
-                                if event:
-                                    await self.handle_message(event)
+                async with self._http_session.get(
+                    f"http://127.0.0.1:{self._bridge_port}/messages",
+                    timeout=aiohttp.ClientTimeout(total=30)
+                ) as resp:
+                    if resp.status == 200:
+                        messages = await resp.json()
+                        for msg_data in messages:
+                            event = await self._build_message_event(msg_data)
+                            if event:
+                                await self.handle_message(event)
             except asyncio.CancelledError:
                 break
             except Exception as e:
@@ -639,6 +814,9 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
     async def _build_message_event(self, data: Dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[MessageEvent]:
         """Build a MessageEvent from bridge message data, downloading images to cache."""
         try:
+            if not self._should_process_message(data):
+                return None
+
             # Determine message type
             msg_type = MessageType.TEXT
             if data.get("hasMedia"):
@@ -665,7 +843,7 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                 user_name=data.get("senderName"),
             )
             
-            # Download image media URLs to the local cache so the vision tool
+            # Download media URLs to the local cache so agent tools
             # can access them reliably regardless of URL expiration.
             raw_urls = data.get("mediaUrls", [])
             cached_urls = []
@@ -696,12 +874,61 @@ class WhatsAppAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
                         print(f"[{self.name}] Failed to cache voice: {e}", flush=True)
                         cached_urls.append(url)
                         media_types.append("audio/ogg")
+                elif msg_type == MessageType.VOICE and os.path.isabs(url):
+                    # Local file path — bridge already downloaded the audio
+                    cached_urls.append(url)
+                    media_types.append("audio/ogg")
+                    print(f"[{self.name}] Using bridge-cached audio: {url}", flush=True)
+                elif msg_type == MessageType.DOCUMENT and os.path.isabs(url):
+                    # Local file path — bridge already downloaded the document
+                    cached_urls.append(url)
+                    ext = Path(url).suffix.lower()
+                    mime = SUPPORTED_DOCUMENT_TYPES.get(ext, "application/octet-stream")
+                    media_types.append(mime)
+                    print(f"[{self.name}] Using bridge-cached document: {url}", flush=True)
+                elif msg_type == MessageType.VIDEO and os.path.isabs(url):
+                    cached_urls.append(url)
+                    media_types.append("video/mp4")
+                    print(f"[{self.name}] Using bridge-cached video: {url}", flush=True)
                 else:
                     cached_urls.append(url)
                     media_types.append("unknown")
-            
+
+            # For text-readable documents, inject file content directly into
+            # the message text so the agent can read it inline.
+            # Cap at 100KB to match Telegram/Discord/Slack behaviour.
+            body = data.get("body", "")
+            if data.get("isGroup"):
+                body = self._clean_bot_mention_text(body, data)
+            MAX_TEXT_INJECT_BYTES = 100 * 1024
+            if msg_type == MessageType.DOCUMENT and cached_urls:
+                for doc_path in cached_urls:
+                    ext = Path(doc_path).suffix.lower()
+                    if ext in (".txt", ".md", ".csv", ".json", ".xml", ".yaml", ".yml", ".log", ".py", ".js", ".ts", ".html", ".css"):
+                        try:
+                            file_size = Path(doc_path).stat().st_size
+                            if file_size > MAX_TEXT_INJECT_BYTES:
+                                print(f"[{self.name}] Skipping text injection for {doc_path} ({file_size} bytes > {MAX_TEXT_INJECT_BYTES})", flush=True)
+                                continue
+                            content = Path(doc_path).read_text(errors="replace")
+                            fname = Path(doc_path).name
+                            # Remove the doc_<hex>_ prefix for display
+                            display_name = fname
+                            if "_" in fname:
+                                parts = fname.split("_", 2)
+                                if len(parts) >= 3:
+                                    display_name = parts[2]
+                            injection = f"[Content of {display_name}]:\n{content}"
+                            if body:
+                                body = f"{injection}\n\n{body}"
+                            else:
+                                body = injection
+                            print(f"[{self.name}] Injected text content from: {doc_path}", flush=True)
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            print(f"[{self.name}] Failed to read document text: {e}", flush=True)
+
             return MessageEvent(
-                text=data.get("body", ""),
+                text=body,
                 message_type=msg_type,
                 source=source,
                 raw_message=data,

gateway/session.py

@@ -13,15 +13,21 @@ import logging
 import os
 import json
 import re
+import threading
 import uuid
 from pathlib import Path
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
-from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
+def _now() -> datetime:
+    """Return the current local time."""
+    return datetime.now()
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # PII redaction helpers
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -59,7 +65,7 @@ def _looks_like_phone(value: str) -> bool:
 from .config import (
     Platform,
     GatewayConfig,
-    SessionResetPolicy,
+    SessionResetPolicy,  # noqa: F401 — re-exported via gateway/__init__.py
     HomeChannel,
 )
 
@@ -358,6 +364,12 @@ class SessionEntry:
     auto_reset_reason: Optional[str] = None  # "idle" or "daily"
     reset_had_activity: bool = False  # whether the expired session had any messages
     
+    # Set by the background expiry watcher after it successfully flushes
+    # memories for this session.  Persisted to sessions.json so the flag
+    # survives gateway restarts (the old in-memory _pre_flushed_sessions
+    # set was lost on restart, causing redundant re-flushes).
+    memory_flushed: bool = False
+    
     def to_dict(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         result = {
             "session_key": self.session_key,
@@ -375,6 +387,7 @@ class SessionEntry:
             "last_prompt_tokens": self.last_prompt_tokens,
             "estimated_cost_usd": self.estimated_cost_usd,
             "cost_status": self.cost_status,
+            "memory_flushed": self.memory_flushed,
         }
         if self.origin:
             result["origin"] = self.origin.to_dict()
@@ -410,6 +423,7 @@ class SessionEntry:
             last_prompt_tokens=data.get("last_prompt_tokens", 0),
             estimated_cost_usd=data.get("estimated_cost_usd", 0.0),
             cost_status=data.get("cost_status", "unknown"),
+            memory_flushed=data.get("memory_flushed", False),
         )
 
 
@@ -471,10 +485,8 @@ class SessionStore:
         self.config = config
         self._entries: Dict[str, SessionEntry] = {}
         self._loaded = False
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
         self._has_active_processes_fn = has_active_processes_fn
-        # on_auto_reset is deprecated — memory flush now runs proactively
-        # via the background session expiry watcher in GatewayRunner.
-        self._pre_flushed_sessions: set = set()  # session_ids already flushed by watcher
         
         # Initialize SQLite session database
         self._db = None
@@ -486,12 +498,17 @@ class SessionStore:
     
     def _ensure_loaded(self) -> None:
         """Load sessions index from disk if not already loaded."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+
+    def _ensure_loaded_locked(self) -> None:
+        """Load sessions index from disk. Must be called with self._lock held."""
         if self._loaded:
             return
-        
+
         self.sessions_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
         sessions_file = self.sessions_dir / "sessions.json"
-        
+
         if sessions_file.exists():
             try:
                 with open(sessions_file, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
@@ -504,7 +521,7 @@ class SessionStore:
                             continue
             except Exception as e:
                 print(f"[gateway] Warning: Failed to load sessions: {e}")
-        
+
         self._loaded = True
     
     def _save(self) -> None:
@@ -556,7 +573,7 @@ class SessionStore:
         if policy.mode == "none":
             return False
 
-        now = datetime.now()
+        now = _now()
 
         if policy.mode in ("idle", "both"):
             idle_deadline = entry.updated_at + timedelta(minutes=policy.idle_minutes)
@@ -597,7 +614,7 @@ class SessionStore:
         if policy.mode == "none":
             return None
         
-        now = datetime.now()
+        now = _now()
         
         if policy.mode in ("idle", "both"):
             idle_deadline = entry.updated_at + timedelta(minutes=policy.idle_minutes)
@@ -637,186 +654,192 @@ class SessionStore:
                 pass  # fall through to heuristic
         # Fallback: check if sessions.json was loaded with existing data.
         # This covers the rare case where the DB is unavailable.
-        self._ensure_loaded()
-        return len(self._entries) > 1
-    
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+            return len(self._entries) > 1
+
     def get_or_create_session(
-        self, 
+        self,
         source: SessionSource,
         force_new: bool = False
     ) -> SessionEntry:
         """
         Get an existing session or create a new one.
-        
+
         Evaluates reset policy to determine if the existing session is stale.
         Creates a session record in SQLite when a new session starts.
         """
-        self._ensure_loaded()
-        
         session_key = self._generate_session_key(source)
-        now = datetime.now()
-        
-        if session_key in self._entries and not force_new:
-            entry = self._entries[session_key]
-            
-            reset_reason = self._should_reset(entry, source)
-            if not reset_reason:
-                entry.updated_at = now
-                self._save()
-                return entry
+        now = _now()
+
+        # SQLite calls are made outside the lock to avoid holding it during I/O.
+        # All _entries / _loaded mutations are protected by self._lock.
+        db_end_session_id = None
+        db_create_kwargs = None
+
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+
+            if session_key in self._entries and not force_new:
+                entry = self._entries[session_key]
+
+                reset_reason = self._should_reset(entry, source)
+                if not reset_reason:
+                    entry.updated_at = now
+                    self._save()
+                    return entry
+                else:
+                    # Session is being auto-reset.
+                    was_auto_reset = True
+                    auto_reset_reason = reset_reason
+                    # Track whether the expired session had any real conversation
+                    reset_had_activity = entry.total_tokens > 0
+                    db_end_session_id = entry.session_id
             else:
-                # Session is being auto-reset.  The background expiry watcher
-                # should have already flushed memories proactively; discard
-                # the marker so it doesn't accumulate.
-                was_auto_reset = True
-                auto_reset_reason = reset_reason
-                # Track whether the expired session had any real conversation
-                reset_had_activity = entry.total_tokens > 0
-                self._pre_flushed_sessions.discard(entry.session_id)
-                if self._db:
-                    try:
-                        self._db.end_session(entry.session_id, "session_reset")
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        logger.debug("Session DB operation failed: %s", e)
-        else:
-            was_auto_reset = False
-            auto_reset_reason = None
-            reset_had_activity = False
-        
-        # Create new session
-        session_id = f"{now.strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}_{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
-        
-        entry = SessionEntry(
-            session_key=session_key,
-            session_id=session_id,
-            created_at=now,
-            updated_at=now,
-            origin=source,
-            display_name=source.chat_name,
-            platform=source.platform,
-            chat_type=source.chat_type,
-            was_auto_reset=was_auto_reset,
-            auto_reset_reason=auto_reset_reason,
-            reset_had_activity=reset_had_activity,
-        )
-        
-        self._entries[session_key] = entry
-        self._save()
-        
-        # Create session in SQLite
-        if self._db:
+                was_auto_reset = False
+                auto_reset_reason = None
+                reset_had_activity = False
+
+            # Create new session
+            session_id = f"{now.strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}_{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+
+            entry = SessionEntry(
+                session_key=session_key,
+                session_id=session_id,
+                created_at=now,
+                updated_at=now,
+                origin=source,
+                display_name=source.chat_name,
+                platform=source.platform,
+                chat_type=source.chat_type,
+                was_auto_reset=was_auto_reset,
+                auto_reset_reason=auto_reset_reason,
+                reset_had_activity=reset_had_activity,
+            )
+
+            self._entries[session_key] = entry
+            self._save()
+            db_create_kwargs = {
+                "session_id": session_id,
+                "source": source.platform.value,
+                "user_id": source.user_id,
+            }
+
+        # SQLite operations outside the lock
+        if self._db and db_end_session_id:
             try:
-                self._db.create_session(
-                    session_id=session_id,
-                    source=source.platform.value,
-                    user_id=source.user_id,
-                )
+                self._db.end_session(db_end_session_id, "session_reset")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.debug("Session DB operation failed: %s", e)
+
+        if self._db and db_create_kwargs:
+            try:
+                self._db.create_session(**db_create_kwargs)
             except Exception as e:
                 print(f"[gateway] Warning: Failed to create SQLite session: {e}")
-        
-        return entry
-    
-    def update_session(
-        self, 
-        session_key: str,
-        input_tokens: int = 0,
-        output_tokens: int = 0,
-        cache_read_tokens: int = 0,
-        cache_write_tokens: int = 0,
-        last_prompt_tokens: int = None,
-        model: str = None,
-        estimated_cost_usd: Optional[float] = None,
-        cost_status: Optional[str] = None,
-        cost_source: Optional[str] = None,
-        provider: Optional[str] = None,
-        base_url: Optional[str] = None,
-    ) -> None:
-        """Update a session's metadata after an interaction."""
-        self._ensure_loaded()
-        
-        if session_key in self._entries:
-            entry = self._entries[session_key]
-            entry.updated_at = datetime.now()
-            entry.input_tokens += input_tokens
-            entry.output_tokens += output_tokens
-            entry.cache_read_tokens += cache_read_tokens
-            entry.cache_write_tokens += cache_write_tokens
-            if last_prompt_tokens is not None:
-                entry.last_prompt_tokens = last_prompt_tokens
-            if estimated_cost_usd is not None:
-                entry.estimated_cost_usd += estimated_cost_usd
-            if cost_status:
-                entry.cost_status = cost_status
-            entry.total_tokens = (
-                entry.input_tokens
-                + entry.output_tokens
-                + entry.cache_read_tokens
-                + entry.cache_write_tokens
+
+        # Seed new DM thread sessions with parent DM session history.
+        # When a bot reply creates a Slack thread and the user responds in it,
+        # the thread gets a new session (keyed by thread_ts).  Without seeding,
+        # the thread session starts with zero context — the user's original
+        # question and the bot's answer are invisible.  Fix: copy the parent
+        # DM session's transcript into the new thread session so context carries
+        # over while still keeping threads isolated from each other.
+        if (
+            source.chat_type == "dm"
+            and source.thread_id
+            and entry.created_at == entry.updated_at  # brand-new session
+            and not was_auto_reset
+        ):
+            parent_source = SessionSource(
+                platform=source.platform,
+                chat_id=source.chat_id,
+                chat_type="dm",
+                user_id=source.user_id,
+                # no thread_id — this is the parent DM session
             )
-            self._save()
-            
-            if self._db:
+            parent_key = self._generate_session_key(parent_source)
+            with self._lock:
+                parent_entry = self._entries.get(parent_key)
+            if parent_entry and parent_entry.session_id != entry.session_id:
                 try:
-                    self._db.update_token_counts(
-                        entry.session_id,
-                        input_tokens=input_tokens,
-                        output_tokens=output_tokens,
-                        cache_read_tokens=cache_read_tokens,
-                        cache_write_tokens=cache_write_tokens,
-                        estimated_cost_usd=estimated_cost_usd,
-                        cost_status=cost_status,
-                        cost_source=cost_source,
-                        billing_provider=provider,
-                        billing_base_url=base_url,
-                        model=model,
-                    )
+                    parent_history = self.load_transcript(parent_entry.session_id)
+                    if parent_history:
+                        self.rewrite_transcript(entry.session_id, parent_history)
+                        logger.info(
+                            "[Session] Seeded DM thread session %s with %d messages from parent %s",
+                            entry.session_id, len(parent_history), parent_entry.session_id,
+                        )
                 except Exception as e:
-                    logger.debug("Session DB operation failed: %s", e)
-    
+                    logger.warning("[Session] Failed to seed thread session: %s", e)
+
+        return entry
+
+    def update_session(
+        self,
+        session_key: str,
+        last_prompt_tokens: int = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Update lightweight session metadata after an interaction."""
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+
+            if session_key in self._entries:
+                entry = self._entries[session_key]
+                entry.updated_at = _now()
+                if last_prompt_tokens is not None:
+                    entry.last_prompt_tokens = last_prompt_tokens
+                self._save()
+
     def reset_session(self, session_key: str) -> Optional[SessionEntry]:
         """Force reset a session, creating a new session ID."""
-        self._ensure_loaded()
-        
-        if session_key not in self._entries:
-            return None
-        
-        old_entry = self._entries[session_key]
-        
-        # End old session in SQLite
-        if self._db:
+        db_end_session_id = None
+        db_create_kwargs = None
+        new_entry = None
+
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+
+            if session_key not in self._entries:
+                return None
+
+            old_entry = self._entries[session_key]
+            db_end_session_id = old_entry.session_id
+
+            now = _now()
+            session_id = f"{now.strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}_{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+
+            new_entry = SessionEntry(
+                session_key=session_key,
+                session_id=session_id,
+                created_at=now,
+                updated_at=now,
+                origin=old_entry.origin,
+                display_name=old_entry.display_name,
+                platform=old_entry.platform,
+                chat_type=old_entry.chat_type,
+            )
+
+            self._entries[session_key] = new_entry
+            self._save()
+            db_create_kwargs = {
+                "session_id": session_id,
+                "source": old_entry.platform.value if old_entry.platform else "unknown",
+                "user_id": old_entry.origin.user_id if old_entry.origin else None,
+            }
+
+        if self._db and db_end_session_id:
             try:
-                self._db.end_session(old_entry.session_id, "session_reset")
+                self._db.end_session(db_end_session_id, "session_reset")
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Session DB operation failed: %s", e)
-        
-        now = datetime.now()
-        session_id = f"{now.strftime('%Y%m%d_%H%M%S')}_{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
-        
-        new_entry = SessionEntry(
-            session_key=session_key,
-            session_id=session_id,
-            created_at=now,
-            updated_at=now,
-            origin=old_entry.origin,
-            display_name=old_entry.display_name,
-            platform=old_entry.platform,
-            chat_type=old_entry.chat_type,
-        )
-        
-        self._entries[session_key] = new_entry
-        self._save()
-        
-        # Create new session in SQLite
-        if self._db:
+
+        if self._db and db_create_kwargs:
             try:
-                self._db.create_session(
-                    session_id=session_id,
-                    source=old_entry.platform.value if old_entry.platform else "unknown",
-                    user_id=old_entry.origin.user_id if old_entry.origin else None,
-                )
+                self._db.create_session(**db_create_kwargs)
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Session DB operation failed: %s", e)
-        
+
         return new_entry
 
     def switch_session(self, session_key: str, target_session_id: str) -> Optional[SessionEntry]:
@@ -827,52 +850,58 @@ class SessionStore:
         generating a fresh session ID, re-uses ``target_session_id`` so the
         old transcript is loaded on the next message.
         """
-        self._ensure_loaded()
+        db_end_session_id = None
+        new_entry = None
 
-        if session_key not in self._entries:
-            return None
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
 
-        old_entry = self._entries[session_key]
+            if session_key not in self._entries:
+                return None
 
-        # Don't switch if already on that session
-        if old_entry.session_id == target_session_id:
-            return old_entry
+            old_entry = self._entries[session_key]
 
-        # End the current session in SQLite
-        if self._db:
+            # Don't switch if already on that session
+            if old_entry.session_id == target_session_id:
+                return old_entry
+
+            db_end_session_id = old_entry.session_id
+
+            now = _now()
+            new_entry = SessionEntry(
+                session_key=session_key,
+                session_id=target_session_id,
+                created_at=now,
+                updated_at=now,
+                origin=old_entry.origin,
+                display_name=old_entry.display_name,
+                platform=old_entry.platform,
+                chat_type=old_entry.chat_type,
+            )
+
+            self._entries[session_key] = new_entry
+            self._save()
+
+        if self._db and db_end_session_id:
             try:
-                self._db.end_session(old_entry.session_id, "session_switch")
+                self._db.end_session(db_end_session_id, "session_switch")
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Session DB end_session failed: %s", e)
 
-        now = datetime.now()
-        new_entry = SessionEntry(
-            session_key=session_key,
-            session_id=target_session_id,
-            created_at=now,
-            updated_at=now,
-            origin=old_entry.origin,
-            display_name=old_entry.display_name,
-            platform=old_entry.platform,
-            chat_type=old_entry.chat_type,
-        )
-
-        self._entries[session_key] = new_entry
-        self._save()
         return new_entry
 
     def list_sessions(self, active_minutes: Optional[int] = None) -> List[SessionEntry]:
         """List all sessions, optionally filtered by activity."""
-        self._ensure_loaded()
-        
-        entries = list(self._entries.values())
-        
+        with self._lock:
+            self._ensure_loaded_locked()
+            entries = list(self._entries.values())
+
         if active_minutes is not None:
-            cutoff = datetime.now() - timedelta(minutes=active_minutes)
+            cutoff = _now() - timedelta(minutes=active_minutes)
             entries = [e for e in entries if e.updated_at >= cutoff]
-        
+
         entries.sort(key=lambda e: e.updated_at, reverse=True)
-        
+
         return entries
     
     def get_transcript_path(self, session_id: str) -> Path:
@@ -918,13 +947,17 @@ class SessionStore:
             try:
                 self._db.clear_messages(session_id)
                 for msg in messages:
+                    role = msg.get("role", "unknown")
                     self._db.append_message(
                         session_id=session_id,
-                        role=msg.get("role", "unknown"),
+                        role=role,
                         content=msg.get("content"),
                         tool_name=msg.get("tool_name"),
                         tool_calls=msg.get("tool_calls"),
                         tool_call_id=msg.get("tool_call_id"),
+                        reasoning=msg.get("reasoning") if role == "assistant" else None,
+                        reasoning_details=msg.get("reasoning_details") if role == "assistant" else None,
+                        codex_reasoning_items=msg.get("codex_reasoning_items") if role == "assistant" else None,
                     )
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Failed to rewrite transcript in DB: %s", e)
@@ -937,35 +970,51 @@ class SessionStore:
 
     def load_transcript(self, session_id: str) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Load all messages from a session's transcript."""
+        db_messages = []
         # Try SQLite first
         if self._db:
             try:
-                messages = self._db.get_messages_as_conversation(session_id)
-                if messages:
-                    return messages
+                db_messages = self._db.get_messages_as_conversation(session_id)
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.debug("Could not load messages from DB: %s", e)
-        
-        # Fall back to legacy JSONL
+
+        # Load legacy JSONL transcript (may contain more history than SQLite
+        # for sessions created before the DB layer was introduced).
         transcript_path = self.get_transcript_path(session_id)
-        
-        if not transcript_path.exists():
-            return []
-        
-        messages = []
-        with open(transcript_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            for line in f:
-                line = line.strip()
-                if line:
-                    try:
-                        messages.append(json.loads(line))
-                    except json.JSONDecodeError:
-                        logger.warning(
-                            "Skipping corrupt line in transcript %s: %s",
-                            session_id, line[:120],
-                        )
-        
-        return messages
+        jsonl_messages = []
+        if transcript_path.exists():
+            with open(transcript_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                for line in f:
+                    line = line.strip()
+                    if line:
+                        try:
+                            jsonl_messages.append(json.loads(line))
+                        except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                            logger.warning(
+                                "Skipping corrupt line in transcript %s: %s",
+                                session_id, line[:120],
+                            )
+
+        # Prefer whichever source has more messages.
+        #
+        # Background: when a session pre-dates SQLite storage (or when the DB
+        # layer was added while a long-lived session was already active), the
+        # first post-migration turn writes only the *new* messages to SQLite
+        # (because _flush_messages_to_session_db skips messages already in
+        # conversation_history, assuming they're persisted).  On the *next*
+        # turn load_transcript returns those few SQLite rows and ignores the
+        # full JSONL history — the model sees a context of 1-4 messages instead
+        # of hundreds.  Using the longer source prevents this silent truncation.
+        if len(jsonl_messages) > len(db_messages):
+            if db_messages:
+                logger.debug(
+                    "Session %s: JSONL has %d messages vs SQLite %d — "
+                    "using JSONL (legacy session not yet fully migrated)",
+                    session_id, len(jsonl_messages), len(db_messages),
+                )
+            return jsonl_messages
+
+        return db_messages
 
 
 def build_session_context(

gateway/status.py

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import os
 import sys
 from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from pathlib import Path
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
 from typing import Any, Optional
 
 _GATEWAY_KIND = "hermes-gateway"
@@ -26,7 +27,7 @@ _LOCKS_DIRNAME = "gateway-locks"
 
 def _get_pid_path() -> Path:
     """Return the path to the gateway PID file, respecting HERMES_HOME."""
-    home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+    home = get_hermes_home()
     return home / "gateway.pid"
 
 

gateway/sticker_cache.py

@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@ Cache location: ~/.hermes/sticker_cache.json
 """
 
 import json
-import os
 import time
-from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Optional
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home

gateway/stream_consumer.py

@@ -174,12 +174,12 @@ class GatewayStreamConsumer:
                         self._already_sent = True
                         self._last_sent_text = text
                     else:
-                        # Edit not supported by this adapter — stop streaming,
-                        # let the normal send path handle the final response.
-                        # Without this guard, adapters like Signal/Email would
-                        # flood the chat with a new message every edit_interval.
+                        # If an edit fails mid-stream (especially Telegram flood control),
+                        # stop progressive edits and let the normal final send path deliver
+                        # the complete answer instead of leaving the user with a partial.
                         logger.debug("Edit failed, disabling streaming for this adapter")
                         self._edit_supported = False
+                        self._already_sent = False
                 else:
                     # Editing not supported — skip intermediate updates.
                     # The final response will be sent by the normal path.

hermes

@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """
-Hermes Agent CLI Launcher
+Hermes Agent CLI launcher.
 
-This is a convenience wrapper to launch the Hermes CLI.
-Usage: ./hermes [options]
+This wrapper should behave like the installed `hermes` command, including
+subcommands such as `gateway`, `cron`, and `doctor`.
 """
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    from cli import main
-    import fire
-    fire.Fire(main)
+    from hermes_cli.main import main
+    main()

hermes_cli/__init__.py

@@ -11,5 +11,5 @@ Provides subcommands for:
 - hermes cron          - Manage cron jobs
 """
 
-__version__ = "0.4.0"
-__release_date__ = "2026.3.23"
+__version__ = "0.7.0"
+__release_date__ = "2026.4.3"

hermes_cli/auth.py

@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ PROVIDER_REGISTRY: Dict[str, ProviderConfig] = {
         id="alibaba",
         name="Alibaba Cloud (DashScope)",
         auth_type="api_key",
-        inference_base_url="https://dashscope-intl.aliyuncs.com/apps/anthropic",
+        inference_base_url="https://dashscope-intl.aliyuncs.com/compatible-mode/v1",
         api_key_env_vars=("DASHSCOPE_API_KEY",),
         base_url_env_var="DASHSCOPE_BASE_URL",
     ),
@@ -200,6 +200,10 @@ PROVIDER_REGISTRY: Dict[str, ProviderConfig] = {
         id="opencode-go",
         name="OpenCode Go",
         auth_type="api_key",
+        # OpenCode Go mixes API surfaces by model:
+        # - GLM / Kimi use OpenAI-compatible chat completions under /v1
+        # - MiniMax models use Anthropic Messages under /v1/messages
+        # Keep the provider base at /v1 and select api_mode per-model.
         inference_base_url="https://opencode.ai/zen/go/v1",
         api_key_env_vars=("OPENCODE_GO_API_KEY",),
         base_url_env_var="OPENCODE_GO_BASE_URL",
@@ -212,6 +216,14 @@ PROVIDER_REGISTRY: Dict[str, ProviderConfig] = {
         api_key_env_vars=("KILOCODE_API_KEY",),
         base_url_env_var="KILOCODE_BASE_URL",
     ),
+    "huggingface": ProviderConfig(
+        id="huggingface",
+        name="Hugging Face",
+        auth_type="api_key",
+        inference_base_url="https://router.huggingface.co/v1",
+        api_key_env_vars=("HF_TOKEN",),
+        base_url_env_var="HF_BASE_URL",
+    ),
 }
 
 
@@ -537,7 +549,11 @@ def _load_auth_store(auth_file: Optional[Path] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     except Exception:
         return {"version": AUTH_STORE_VERSION, "providers": {}}
 
-    if isinstance(raw, dict) and isinstance(raw.get("providers"), dict):
+    if isinstance(raw, dict) and (
+        isinstance(raw.get("providers"), dict)
+        or isinstance(raw.get("credential_pool"), dict)
+    ):
+        raw.setdefault("providers", {})
         return raw
 
     # Migrate from PR's "systems" format if present
@@ -605,6 +621,30 @@ def _save_provider_state(auth_store: Dict[str, Any], provider_id: str, state: Di
     auth_store["active_provider"] = provider_id
 
 
+def read_credential_pool(provider_id: Optional[str] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Return the persisted credential pool, or one provider slice."""
+    auth_store = _load_auth_store()
+    pool = auth_store.get("credential_pool")
+    if not isinstance(pool, dict):
+        pool = {}
+    if provider_id is None:
+        return dict(pool)
+    provider_entries = pool.get(provider_id)
+    return list(provider_entries) if isinstance(provider_entries, list) else []
+
+
+def write_credential_pool(provider_id: str, entries: List[Dict[str, Any]]) -> Path:
+    """Persist one provider's credential pool under auth.json."""
+    with _auth_store_lock():
+        auth_store = _load_auth_store()
+        pool = auth_store.get("credential_pool")
+        if not isinstance(pool, dict):
+            pool = {}
+            auth_store["credential_pool"] = pool
+        pool[provider_id] = list(entries)
+        return _save_auth_store(auth_store)
+
+
 def get_provider_auth_state(provider_id: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
     """Return persisted auth state for a provider, or None."""
     auth_store = _load_auth_store()
@@ -630,10 +670,25 @@ def clear_provider_auth(provider_id: Optional[str] = None) -> bool:
             return False
 
         providers = auth_store.get("providers", {})
-        if target not in providers:
-            return False
+        if not isinstance(providers, dict):
+            providers = {}
+            auth_store["providers"] = providers
 
-        del providers[target]
+        pool = auth_store.get("credential_pool")
+        if not isinstance(pool, dict):
+            pool = {}
+            auth_store["credential_pool"] = pool
+
+        cleared = False
+        if target in providers:
+            del providers[target]
+            cleared = True
+        if target in pool:
+            del pool[target]
+            cleared = True
+
+        if not cleared:
+            return False
         if auth_store.get("active_provider") == target:
             auth_store["active_provider"] = None
         _save_auth_store(auth_store)
@@ -685,13 +740,20 @@ def resolve_provider(
         "github-copilot-acp": "copilot-acp", "copilot-acp-agent": "copilot-acp",
         "aigateway": "ai-gateway", "vercel": "ai-gateway", "vercel-ai-gateway": "ai-gateway",
         "opencode": "opencode-zen", "zen": "opencode-zen",
+        "hf": "huggingface", "hugging-face": "huggingface", "huggingface-hub": "huggingface",
         "go": "opencode-go", "opencode-go-sub": "opencode-go",
         "kilo": "kilocode", "kilo-code": "kilocode", "kilo-gateway": "kilocode",
+        # Local server aliases — route through the generic custom provider
+        "lmstudio": "custom", "lm-studio": "custom", "lm_studio": "custom",
+        "ollama": "custom", "vllm": "custom", "llamacpp": "custom",
+        "llama.cpp": "custom", "llama-cpp": "custom",
     }
     normalized = _PROVIDER_ALIASES.get(normalized, normalized)
 
-    if normalized in {"openrouter", "custom"}:
+    if normalized == "openrouter":
         return "openrouter"
+    if normalized == "custom":
+        return "custom"
     if normalized in PROVIDER_REGISTRY:
         return normalized
     if normalized != "auto":
@@ -731,7 +793,12 @@ def resolve_provider(
             if has_usable_secret(os.getenv(env_var, "")):
                 return pid
 
-    return "openrouter"
+    raise AuthError(
+        "No inference provider configured. Run 'hermes model' to choose a "
+        "provider and model, or set an API key (OPENROUTER_API_KEY, "
+        "OPENAI_API_KEY, etc.) in ~/.hermes/.env.",
+        code="no_provider_configured",
+    )
 
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -878,15 +945,14 @@ def _save_codex_tokens(tokens: Dict[str, str], last_refresh: str = None) -> None
         _save_auth_store(auth_store)
 
 
-def _refresh_codex_auth_tokens(
-    tokens: Dict[str, str],
-    timeout_seconds: float,
-) -> Dict[str, str]:
-    """Refresh Codex access token using the refresh token.
-    
-    Saves the new tokens to Hermes auth store automatically.
-    """
-    refresh_token = tokens.get("refresh_token")
+def refresh_codex_oauth_pure(
+    access_token: str,
+    refresh_token: str,
+    *,
+    timeout_seconds: float = 20.0,
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Refresh Codex OAuth tokens without mutating Hermes auth state."""
+    del access_token  # Access token is only used by callers to decide whether to refresh.
     if not isinstance(refresh_token, str) or not refresh_token.strip():
         raise AuthError(
             "Codex auth is missing refresh_token. Run `hermes login` to re-authenticate.",
@@ -941,8 +1007,8 @@ def _refresh_codex_auth_tokens(
             relogin_required=True,
         ) from exc
 
-    access_token = refresh_payload.get("access_token")
-    if not isinstance(access_token, str) or not access_token.strip():
+    refreshed_access = refresh_payload.get("access_token")
+    if not isinstance(refreshed_access, str) or not refreshed_access.strip():
         raise AuthError(
             "Codex token refresh response was missing access_token.",
             provider="openai-codex",
@@ -950,11 +1016,33 @@ def _refresh_codex_auth_tokens(
             relogin_required=True,
         )
 
-    updated_tokens = dict(tokens)
-    updated_tokens["access_token"] = access_token.strip()
+    updated = {
+        "access_token": refreshed_access.strip(),
+        "refresh_token": refresh_token.strip(),
+        "last_refresh": datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat().replace("+00:00", "Z"),
+    }
     next_refresh = refresh_payload.get("refresh_token")
     if isinstance(next_refresh, str) and next_refresh.strip():
-        updated_tokens["refresh_token"] = next_refresh.strip()
+        updated["refresh_token"] = next_refresh.strip()
+    return updated
+
+
+def _refresh_codex_auth_tokens(
+    tokens: Dict[str, str],
+    timeout_seconds: float,
+) -> Dict[str, str]:
+    """Refresh Codex access token using the refresh token.
+    
+    Saves the new tokens to Hermes auth store automatically.
+    """
+    refreshed = refresh_codex_oauth_pure(
+        str(tokens.get("access_token", "") or ""),
+        str(tokens.get("refresh_token", "") or ""),
+        timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
+    )
+    updated_tokens = dict(tokens)
+    updated_tokens["access_token"] = refreshed["access_token"]
+    updated_tokens["refresh_token"] = refreshed["refresh_token"]
 
     _save_codex_tokens(updated_tokens)
     return updated_tokens
@@ -1293,6 +1381,205 @@ def _agent_key_is_usable(state: Dict[str, Any], min_ttl_seconds: int) -> bool:
     return not _is_expiring(state.get("agent_key_expires_at"), min_ttl_seconds)
 
 
+def resolve_nous_access_token(
+    *,
+    timeout_seconds: float = 15.0,
+    insecure: Optional[bool] = None,
+    ca_bundle: Optional[str] = None,
+    refresh_skew_seconds: int = ACCESS_TOKEN_REFRESH_SKEW_SECONDS,
+) -> str:
+    """Resolve a refresh-aware Nous Portal access token for managed tool gateways."""
+    with _auth_store_lock():
+        auth_store = _load_auth_store()
+        state = _load_provider_state(auth_store, "nous")
+
+        if not state:
+            raise AuthError(
+                "Hermes is not logged into Nous Portal.",
+                provider="nous",
+                relogin_required=True,
+            )
+
+        portal_base_url = (
+            _optional_base_url(state.get("portal_base_url"))
+            or os.getenv("HERMES_PORTAL_BASE_URL")
+            or os.getenv("NOUS_PORTAL_BASE_URL")
+            or DEFAULT_NOUS_PORTAL_URL
+        ).rstrip("/")
+        client_id = str(state.get("client_id") or DEFAULT_NOUS_CLIENT_ID)
+        verify = _resolve_verify(insecure=insecure, ca_bundle=ca_bundle, auth_state=state)
+
+        access_token = state.get("access_token")
+        refresh_token = state.get("refresh_token")
+        if not isinstance(access_token, str) or not access_token:
+            raise AuthError(
+                "No access token found for Nous Portal login.",
+                provider="nous",
+                relogin_required=True,
+            )
+
+        if not _is_expiring(state.get("expires_at"), refresh_skew_seconds):
+            return access_token
+
+        if not isinstance(refresh_token, str) or not refresh_token:
+            raise AuthError(
+                "Session expired and no refresh token is available.",
+                provider="nous",
+                relogin_required=True,
+            )
+
+        timeout = httpx.Timeout(timeout_seconds if timeout_seconds else 15.0)
+        with httpx.Client(
+            timeout=timeout,
+            headers={"Accept": "application/json"},
+            verify=verify,
+        ) as client:
+            refreshed = _refresh_access_token(
+                client=client,
+                portal_base_url=portal_base_url,
+                client_id=client_id,
+                refresh_token=refresh_token,
+            )
+
+        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+        access_ttl = _coerce_ttl_seconds(refreshed.get("expires_in"))
+        state["access_token"] = refreshed["access_token"]
+        state["refresh_token"] = refreshed.get("refresh_token") or refresh_token
+        state["token_type"] = refreshed.get("token_type") or state.get("token_type") or "Bearer"
+        state["scope"] = refreshed.get("scope") or state.get("scope")
+        state["obtained_at"] = now.isoformat()
+        state["expires_in"] = access_ttl
+        state["expires_at"] = datetime.fromtimestamp(
+            now.timestamp() + access_ttl,
+            tz=timezone.utc,
+        ).isoformat()
+        state["portal_base_url"] = portal_base_url
+        state["client_id"] = client_id
+        state["tls"] = {
+            "insecure": verify is False,
+            "ca_bundle": verify if isinstance(verify, str) else None,
+        }
+        _save_provider_state(auth_store, "nous", state)
+        _save_auth_store(auth_store)
+        return state["access_token"]
+
+
+def refresh_nous_oauth_pure(
+    access_token: str,
+    refresh_token: str,
+    client_id: str,
+    portal_base_url: str,
+    inference_base_url: str,
+    *,
+    token_type: str = "Bearer",
+    scope: str = DEFAULT_NOUS_SCOPE,
+    obtained_at: Optional[str] = None,
+    expires_at: Optional[str] = None,
+    agent_key: Optional[str] = None,
+    agent_key_expires_at: Optional[str] = None,
+    min_key_ttl_seconds: int = DEFAULT_AGENT_KEY_MIN_TTL_SECONDS,
+    timeout_seconds: float = 15.0,
+    insecure: Optional[bool] = None,
+    ca_bundle: Optional[str] = None,
+    force_refresh: bool = False,
+    force_mint: bool = False,
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Refresh Nous OAuth state without mutating auth.json."""
+    state: Dict[str, Any] = {
+        "access_token": access_token,
+        "refresh_token": refresh_token,
+        "client_id": client_id or DEFAULT_NOUS_CLIENT_ID,
+        "portal_base_url": (portal_base_url or DEFAULT_NOUS_PORTAL_URL).rstrip("/"),
+        "inference_base_url": (inference_base_url or DEFAULT_NOUS_INFERENCE_URL).rstrip("/"),
+        "token_type": token_type or "Bearer",
+        "scope": scope or DEFAULT_NOUS_SCOPE,
+        "obtained_at": obtained_at,
+        "expires_at": expires_at,
+        "agent_key": agent_key,
+        "agent_key_expires_at": agent_key_expires_at,
+        "tls": {
+            "insecure": bool(insecure),
+            "ca_bundle": ca_bundle,
+        },
+    }
+    verify = _resolve_verify(insecure=insecure, ca_bundle=ca_bundle, auth_state=state)
+    timeout = httpx.Timeout(timeout_seconds if timeout_seconds else 15.0)
+
+    with httpx.Client(timeout=timeout, headers={"Accept": "application/json"}, verify=verify) as client:
+        if force_refresh or _is_expiring(state.get("expires_at"), ACCESS_TOKEN_REFRESH_SKEW_SECONDS):
+            refreshed = _refresh_access_token(
+                client=client,
+                portal_base_url=state["portal_base_url"],
+                client_id=state["client_id"],
+                refresh_token=state["refresh_token"],
+            )
+            now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+            access_ttl = _coerce_ttl_seconds(refreshed.get("expires_in"))
+            state["access_token"] = refreshed["access_token"]
+            state["refresh_token"] = refreshed.get("refresh_token") or state["refresh_token"]
+            state["token_type"] = refreshed.get("token_type") or state.get("token_type") or "Bearer"
+            state["scope"] = refreshed.get("scope") or state.get("scope")
+            refreshed_url = _optional_base_url(refreshed.get("inference_base_url"))
+            if refreshed_url:
+                state["inference_base_url"] = refreshed_url
+            state["obtained_at"] = now.isoformat()
+            state["expires_in"] = access_ttl
+            state["expires_at"] = datetime.fromtimestamp(
+                now.timestamp() + access_ttl, tz=timezone.utc
+            ).isoformat()
+
+        if force_mint or not _agent_key_is_usable(state, max(60, int(min_key_ttl_seconds))):
+            mint_payload = _mint_agent_key(
+                client=client,
+                portal_base_url=state["portal_base_url"],
+                access_token=state["access_token"],
+                min_ttl_seconds=min_key_ttl_seconds,
+            )
+            now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+            state["agent_key"] = mint_payload.get("api_key")
+            state["agent_key_id"] = mint_payload.get("key_id")
+            state["agent_key_expires_at"] = mint_payload.get("expires_at")
+            state["agent_key_expires_in"] = mint_payload.get("expires_in")
+            state["agent_key_reused"] = bool(mint_payload.get("reused", False))
+            state["agent_key_obtained_at"] = now.isoformat()
+            minted_url = _optional_base_url(mint_payload.get("inference_base_url"))
+            if minted_url:
+                state["inference_base_url"] = minted_url
+
+    return state
+
+
+def refresh_nous_oauth_from_state(
+    state: Dict[str, Any],
+    *,
+    min_key_ttl_seconds: int = DEFAULT_AGENT_KEY_MIN_TTL_SECONDS,
+    timeout_seconds: float = 15.0,
+    force_refresh: bool = False,
+    force_mint: bool = False,
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Refresh Nous OAuth from a state dict. Thin wrapper around refresh_nous_oauth_pure."""
+    tls = state.get("tls") or {}
+    return refresh_nous_oauth_pure(
+        state.get("access_token", ""),
+        state.get("refresh_token", ""),
+        state.get("client_id", "hermes-cli"),
+        state.get("portal_base_url", DEFAULT_NOUS_PORTAL_URL),
+        state.get("inference_base_url", DEFAULT_NOUS_INFERENCE_URL),
+        token_type=state.get("token_type", "Bearer"),
+        scope=state.get("scope", DEFAULT_NOUS_SCOPE),
+        obtained_at=state.get("obtained_at"),
+        expires_at=state.get("expires_at"),
+        agent_key=state.get("agent_key"),
+        agent_key_expires_at=state.get("agent_key_expires_at"),
+        min_key_ttl_seconds=min_key_ttl_seconds,
+        timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
+        insecure=tls.get("insecure"),
+        ca_bundle=tls.get("ca_bundle"),
+        force_refresh=force_refresh,
+        force_mint=force_mint,
+    )
+
+
 def resolve_nous_runtime_credentials(
     *,
     min_key_ttl_seconds: int = DEFAULT_AGENT_KEY_MIN_TTL_SECONDS,
@@ -2010,7 +2297,8 @@ def _login_openai_codex(args, pconfig: ProviderConfig) -> None:
     config_path = _update_config_for_provider("openai-codex", creds.get("base_url", DEFAULT_CODEX_BASE_URL))
     print()
     print("Login successful!")
-    print(f"  Auth state: ~/.hermes/auth.json")
+    from hermes_constants import display_hermes_home as _dhh
+    print(f"  Auth state: {_dhh()}/auth.json")
     print(f"  Config updated: {config_path} (model.provider=openai-codex)")
 
 
@@ -2054,9 +2342,9 @@ def _codex_device_code_login() -> Dict[str, Any]:
 
     # Step 2: Show user the code
     print("To continue, follow these steps:\n")
-    print(f"  1. Open this URL in your browser:")
+    print("  1. Open this URL in your browser:")
     print(f"     \033[94m{issuer}/codex/device\033[0m\n")
-    print(f"  2. Enter this code:")
+    print("  2. Enter this code:")
     print(f"     \033[94m{user_code}\033[0m\n")
     print("Waiting for sign-in... (press Ctrl+C to cancel)")
 
@@ -2159,34 +2447,36 @@ def _codex_device_code_login() -> Dict[str, Any]:
     }
 
 
-def _login_nous(args, pconfig: ProviderConfig) -> None:
-    """Nous Portal device authorization flow."""
+def _nous_device_code_login(
+    *,
+    portal_base_url: Optional[str] = None,
+    inference_base_url: Optional[str] = None,
+    client_id: Optional[str] = None,
+    scope: Optional[str] = None,
+    open_browser: bool = True,
+    timeout_seconds: float = 15.0,
+    insecure: bool = False,
+    ca_bundle: Optional[str] = None,
+    min_key_ttl_seconds: int = 5 * 60,
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Run the Nous device-code flow and return full OAuth state without persisting."""
+    pconfig = PROVIDER_REGISTRY["nous"]
     portal_base_url = (
-        getattr(args, "portal_url", None)
+        portal_base_url
         or os.getenv("HERMES_PORTAL_BASE_URL")
         or os.getenv("NOUS_PORTAL_BASE_URL")
         or pconfig.portal_base_url
     ).rstrip("/")
     requested_inference_url = (
-        getattr(args, "inference_url", None)
+        inference_base_url
         or os.getenv("NOUS_INFERENCE_BASE_URL")
         or pconfig.inference_base_url
     ).rstrip("/")
-    client_id = getattr(args, "client_id", None) or pconfig.client_id
-    scope = getattr(args, "scope", None) or pconfig.scope
-    open_browser = not getattr(args, "no_browser", False)
-    timeout_seconds = getattr(args, "timeout", None) or 15.0
+    client_id = client_id or pconfig.client_id
+    scope = scope or pconfig.scope
     timeout = httpx.Timeout(timeout_seconds)
-
-    insecure = bool(getattr(args, "insecure", False))
-    ca_bundle = (
-        getattr(args, "ca_bundle", None)
-        or os.getenv("HERMES_CA_BUNDLE")
-        or os.getenv("SSL_CERT_FILE")
-    )
     verify: bool | str = False if insecure else (ca_bundle if ca_bundle else True)
 
-    # Skip browser open in SSH sessions
     if _is_remote_session():
         open_browser = False
 
@@ -2197,74 +2487,109 @@ def _login_nous(args, pconfig: ProviderConfig) -> None:
     elif ca_bundle:
         print(f"TLS verification: custom CA bundle ({ca_bundle})")
 
-    try:
-        with httpx.Client(timeout=timeout, headers={"Accept": "application/json"}, verify=verify) as client:
-            device_data = _request_device_code(
-                client=client, portal_base_url=portal_base_url,
-                client_id=client_id, scope=scope,
-            )
-
-            verification_url = str(device_data["verification_uri_complete"])
-            user_code = str(device_data["user_code"])
-            expires_in = int(device_data["expires_in"])
-            interval = int(device_data["interval"])
-
-            print()
-            print("To continue:")
-            print(f"  1. Open: {verification_url}")
-            print(f"  2. If prompted, enter code: {user_code}")
-
-            if open_browser:
-                opened = webbrowser.open(verification_url)
-                if opened:
-                    print("  (Opened browser for verification)")
-                else:
-                    print("  Could not open browser automatically — use the URL above.")
-
-            effective_interval = max(1, min(interval, DEVICE_AUTH_POLL_INTERVAL_CAP_SECONDS))
-            print(f"Waiting for approval (polling every {effective_interval}s)...")
-
-            token_data = _poll_for_token(
-                client=client, portal_base_url=portal_base_url,
-                client_id=client_id, device_code=str(device_data["device_code"]),
-                expires_in=expires_in, poll_interval=interval,
-            )
-
-        # Process token response
-        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
-        token_expires_in = _coerce_ttl_seconds(token_data.get("expires_in", 0))
-        expires_at = now.timestamp() + token_expires_in
-        inference_base_url = (
-            _optional_base_url(token_data.get("inference_base_url"))
-            or requested_inference_url
+    with httpx.Client(timeout=timeout, headers={"Accept": "application/json"}, verify=verify) as client:
+        device_data = _request_device_code(
+            client=client,
+            portal_base_url=portal_base_url,
+            client_id=client_id,
+            scope=scope,
         )
-        if inference_base_url != requested_inference_url:
-            print(f"Using portal-provided inference URL: {inference_base_url}")
 
-        auth_state = {
-            "portal_base_url": portal_base_url,
-            "inference_base_url": inference_base_url,
-            "client_id": client_id,
-            "scope": token_data.get("scope") or scope,
-            "token_type": token_data.get("token_type", "Bearer"),
-            "access_token": token_data["access_token"],
-            "refresh_token": token_data.get("refresh_token"),
-            "obtained_at": now.isoformat(),
-            "expires_at": datetime.fromtimestamp(expires_at, tz=timezone.utc).isoformat(),
-            "expires_in": token_expires_in,
-            "tls": {
-                "insecure": verify is False,
-                "ca_bundle": verify if isinstance(verify, str) else None,
-            },
-            "agent_key": None,
-            "agent_key_id": None,
-            "agent_key_expires_at": None,
-            "agent_key_expires_in": None,
-            "agent_key_reused": None,
-            "agent_key_obtained_at": None,
-        }
+        verification_url = str(device_data["verification_uri_complete"])
+        user_code = str(device_data["user_code"])
+        expires_in = int(device_data["expires_in"])
+        interval = int(device_data["interval"])
+
+        print()
+        print("To continue:")
+        print(f"  1. Open: {verification_url}")
+        print(f"  2. If prompted, enter code: {user_code}")
+
+        if open_browser:
+            opened = webbrowser.open(verification_url)
+            if opened:
+                print("  (Opened browser for verification)")
+            else:
+                print("  Could not open browser automatically — use the URL above.")
+
+        effective_interval = max(1, min(interval, DEVICE_AUTH_POLL_INTERVAL_CAP_SECONDS))
+        print(f"Waiting for approval (polling every {effective_interval}s)...")
+
+        token_data = _poll_for_token(
+            client=client,
+            portal_base_url=portal_base_url,
+            client_id=client_id,
+            device_code=str(device_data["device_code"]),
+            expires_in=expires_in,
+            poll_interval=interval,
+        )
+
+    now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+    token_expires_in = _coerce_ttl_seconds(token_data.get("expires_in", 0))
+    expires_at = now.timestamp() + token_expires_in
+    resolved_inference_url = (
+        _optional_base_url(token_data.get("inference_base_url"))
+        or requested_inference_url
+    )
+    if resolved_inference_url != requested_inference_url:
+        print(f"Using portal-provided inference URL: {resolved_inference_url}")
+
+    auth_state = {
+        "portal_base_url": portal_base_url,
+        "inference_base_url": resolved_inference_url,
+        "client_id": client_id,
+        "scope": token_data.get("scope") or scope,
+        "token_type": token_data.get("token_type", "Bearer"),
+        "access_token": token_data["access_token"],
+        "refresh_token": token_data.get("refresh_token"),
+        "obtained_at": now.isoformat(),
+        "expires_at": datetime.fromtimestamp(expires_at, tz=timezone.utc).isoformat(),
+        "expires_in": token_expires_in,
+        "tls": {
+            "insecure": verify is False,
+            "ca_bundle": verify if isinstance(verify, str) else None,
+        },
+        "agent_key": None,
+        "agent_key_id": None,
+        "agent_key_expires_at": None,
+        "agent_key_expires_in": None,
+        "agent_key_reused": None,
+        "agent_key_obtained_at": None,
+    }
+    return refresh_nous_oauth_from_state(
+        auth_state,
+        min_key_ttl_seconds=min_key_ttl_seconds,
+        timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
+        force_refresh=False,
+        force_mint=True,
+    )
+
+
+def _login_nous(args, pconfig: ProviderConfig) -> None:
+    """Nous Portal device authorization flow."""
+    timeout_seconds = getattr(args, "timeout", None) or 15.0
+    insecure = bool(getattr(args, "insecure", False))
+    ca_bundle = (
+        getattr(args, "ca_bundle", None)
+        or os.getenv("HERMES_CA_BUNDLE")
+        or os.getenv("SSL_CERT_FILE")
+    )
+
+    try:
+        auth_state = _nous_device_code_login(
+            portal_base_url=getattr(args, "portal_url", None) or pconfig.portal_base_url,
+            inference_base_url=getattr(args, "inference_url", None) or pconfig.inference_base_url,
+            client_id=getattr(args, "client_id", None) or pconfig.client_id,
+            scope=getattr(args, "scope", None) or pconfig.scope,
+            open_browser=not getattr(args, "no_browser", False),
+            timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
+            insecure=insecure,
+            ca_bundle=ca_bundle,
+            min_key_ttl_seconds=5 * 60,
+        )
+        inference_base_url = auth_state["inference_base_url"]
+        verify: bool | str = False if insecure else (ca_bundle if ca_bundle else True)
 
-        # Save auth state
         with _auth_store_lock():
             auth_store = _load_auth_store()
             _save_provider_state(auth_store, "nous", auth_state)
@@ -2276,34 +2601,29 @@ def _login_nous(args, pconfig: ProviderConfig) -> None:
         print(f"  Auth state: {saved_to}")
         print(f"  Config updated: {config_path} (model.provider=nous)")
 
-        # Mint an initial agent key and list available models
         try:
-            runtime_creds = resolve_nous_runtime_credentials(
-                min_key_ttl_seconds=5 * 60,
-                timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
-                insecure=insecure, ca_bundle=ca_bundle,
-            )
-            runtime_key = runtime_creds.get("api_key")
-            runtime_base_url = runtime_creds.get("base_url") or inference_base_url
+            runtime_key = auth_state.get("agent_key") or auth_state.get("access_token")
             if not isinstance(runtime_key, str) or not runtime_key:
-                raise AuthError("No runtime API key available to fetch models",
-                                provider="nous", code="invalid_token")
+                raise AuthError(
+                    "No runtime API key available to fetch models",
+                    provider="nous",
+                    code="invalid_token",
+                )
 
-            model_ids = fetch_nous_models(
-                inference_base_url=runtime_base_url,
-                api_key=runtime_key,
-                timeout_seconds=timeout_seconds,
-                verify=verify,
-            )
+            # Use curated model list (same as OpenRouter defaults) instead
+            # of the full /models dump which returns hundreds of models.
+            from hermes_cli.models import _PROVIDER_MODELS
+            model_ids = _PROVIDER_MODELS.get("nous", [])
 
             print()
             if model_ids:
+                print(f"Showing {len(model_ids)} curated models — use \"Enter custom model name\" for others.")
                 selected_model = _prompt_model_selection(model_ids)
                 if selected_model:
                     _save_model_choice(selected_model)
                     print(f"Default model set to: {selected_model}")
             else:
-                print("No models were returned by the inference API.")
+                print("No curated models available for Nous Portal.")
         except Exception as exc:
             message = format_auth_error(exc) if isinstance(exc, AuthError) else str(exc)
             print()

hermes_cli/auth_commands.py

@@ -0,0 +1,470 @@
+"""Credential-pool auth subcommands."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from getpass import getpass
+import math
+import time
+from types import SimpleNamespace
+import uuid
+
+from agent.credential_pool import (
+    AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY,
+    AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+    CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX,
+    SOURCE_MANUAL,
+    STATUS_EXHAUSTED,
+    STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST,
+    STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN,
+    STRATEGY_RANDOM,
+    STRATEGY_LEAST_USED,
+    SUPPORTED_POOL_STRATEGIES,
+    PooledCredential,
+    _normalize_custom_pool_name,
+    get_pool_strategy,
+    label_from_token,
+    list_custom_pool_providers,
+    load_pool,
+    _exhausted_ttl,
+)
+import hermes_cli.auth as auth_mod
+from hermes_cli.auth import PROVIDER_REGISTRY
+from hermes_constants import OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
+
+
+# Providers that support OAuth login in addition to API keys.
+_OAUTH_CAPABLE_PROVIDERS = {"anthropic", "nous", "openai-codex"}
+
+
+def _get_custom_provider_names() -> list:
+    """Return list of (display_name, pool_key) tuples for custom_providers in config."""
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+
+        config = load_config()
+    except Exception:
+        return []
+    custom_providers = config.get("custom_providers")
+    if not isinstance(custom_providers, list):
+        return []
+    result = []
+    for entry in custom_providers:
+        if not isinstance(entry, dict):
+            continue
+        name = entry.get("name")
+        if not isinstance(name, str) or not name.strip():
+            continue
+        pool_key = f"{CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX}{_normalize_custom_pool_name(name)}"
+        result.append((name.strip(), pool_key))
+    return result
+
+
+def _resolve_custom_provider_input(raw: str) -> str | None:
+    """If raw input matches a custom_providers entry name (case-insensitive), return its pool key."""
+    normalized = (raw or "").strip().lower().replace(" ", "-")
+    if not normalized:
+        return None
+    # Direct match on 'custom:name' format
+    if normalized.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        return normalized
+    for display_name, pool_key in _get_custom_provider_names():
+        if _normalize_custom_pool_name(display_name) == normalized:
+            return pool_key
+    return None
+
+
+def _normalize_provider(provider: str) -> str:
+    normalized = (provider or "").strip().lower()
+    if normalized in {"or", "open-router"}:
+        return "openrouter"
+    # Check if it matches a custom provider name
+    custom_key = _resolve_custom_provider_input(normalized)
+    if custom_key:
+        return custom_key
+    return normalized
+
+
+def _provider_base_url(provider: str) -> str:
+    if provider == "openrouter":
+        return OPENROUTER_BASE_URL
+    if provider.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        from agent.credential_pool import _get_custom_provider_config
+
+        cp_config = _get_custom_provider_config(provider)
+        if cp_config:
+            return str(cp_config.get("base_url") or "").strip()
+        return ""
+    pconfig = PROVIDER_REGISTRY.get(provider)
+    return pconfig.inference_base_url if pconfig else ""
+
+
+def _oauth_default_label(provider: str, count: int) -> str:
+    return f"{provider}-oauth-{count}"
+
+
+def _api_key_default_label(count: int) -> str:
+    return f"api-key-{count}"
+
+
+def _display_source(source: str) -> str:
+    return source.split(":", 1)[1] if source.startswith("manual:") else source
+
+
+def _format_exhausted_status(entry) -> str:
+    if entry.last_status != STATUS_EXHAUSTED:
+        return ""
+    code = f" ({entry.last_error_code})" if entry.last_error_code else ""
+    if not entry.last_status_at:
+        return f" exhausted{code}"
+    remaining = max(0, int(math.ceil((entry.last_status_at + _exhausted_ttl(entry.last_error_code)) - time.time())))
+    if remaining <= 0:
+        return f" exhausted{code} (ready to retry)"
+    minutes, seconds = divmod(remaining, 60)
+    hours, minutes = divmod(minutes, 60)
+    if hours:
+        wait = f"{hours}h {minutes}m"
+    elif minutes:
+        wait = f"{minutes}m {seconds}s"
+    else:
+        wait = f"{seconds}s"
+    return f" exhausted{code} ({wait} left)"
+
+
+def auth_add_command(args) -> None:
+    provider = _normalize_provider(getattr(args, "provider", ""))
+    if provider not in PROVIDER_REGISTRY and provider != "openrouter" and not provider.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        raise SystemExit(f"Unknown provider: {provider}")
+
+    requested_type = str(getattr(args, "auth_type", "") or "").strip().lower()
+    if requested_type in {AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY, "api-key"}:
+        requested_type = AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY
+    if not requested_type:
+        if provider.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+            requested_type = AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY
+        else:
+            requested_type = AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH if provider in {"anthropic", "nous", "openai-codex"} else AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY
+
+    pool = load_pool(provider)
+
+    if requested_type == AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY:
+        token = (getattr(args, "api_key", None) or "").strip()
+        if not token:
+            token = getpass("Paste your API key: ").strip()
+        if not token:
+            raise SystemExit("No API key provided.")
+        default_label = _api_key_default_label(len(pool.entries()) + 1)
+        label = (getattr(args, "label", None) or "").strip()
+        if not label:
+            label = input(f"Label (optional, default: {default_label}): ").strip() or default_label
+        entry = PooledCredential(
+            provider=provider,
+            id=uuid.uuid4().hex[:6],
+            label=label,
+            auth_type=AUTH_TYPE_API_KEY,
+            priority=0,
+            source=SOURCE_MANUAL,
+            access_token=token,
+            base_url=_provider_base_url(provider),
+        )
+        pool.add_entry(entry)
+        print(f'Added {provider} credential #{len(pool.entries())}: "{label}"')
+        return
+
+    if provider == "anthropic":
+        from agent import anthropic_adapter as anthropic_mod
+
+        creds = anthropic_mod.run_hermes_oauth_login_pure()
+        if not creds:
+            raise SystemExit("Anthropic OAuth login did not return credentials.")
+        label = (getattr(args, "label", None) or "").strip() or label_from_token(
+            creds["access_token"],
+            _oauth_default_label(provider, len(pool.entries()) + 1),
+        )
+        entry = PooledCredential(
+            provider=provider,
+            id=uuid.uuid4().hex[:6],
+            label=label,
+            auth_type=AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+            priority=0,
+            source=f"{SOURCE_MANUAL}:hermes_pkce",
+            access_token=creds["access_token"],
+            refresh_token=creds.get("refresh_token"),
+            expires_at_ms=creds.get("expires_at_ms"),
+            base_url=_provider_base_url(provider),
+        )
+        pool.add_entry(entry)
+        print(f'Added {provider} OAuth credential #{len(pool.entries())}: "{entry.label}"')
+        return
+
+    if provider == "nous":
+        creds = auth_mod._nous_device_code_login(
+            portal_base_url=getattr(args, "portal_url", None),
+            inference_base_url=getattr(args, "inference_url", None),
+            client_id=getattr(args, "client_id", None),
+            scope=getattr(args, "scope", None),
+            open_browser=not getattr(args, "no_browser", False),
+            timeout_seconds=getattr(args, "timeout", None) or 15.0,
+            insecure=bool(getattr(args, "insecure", False)),
+            ca_bundle=getattr(args, "ca_bundle", None),
+            min_key_ttl_seconds=max(60, int(getattr(args, "min_key_ttl_seconds", 5 * 60))),
+        )
+        label = (getattr(args, "label", None) or "").strip() or label_from_token(
+            creds.get("access_token", ""),
+            _oauth_default_label(provider, len(pool.entries()) + 1),
+        )
+        entry = PooledCredential.from_dict(provider, {
+            **creds,
+            "label": label,
+            "auth_type": AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+            "source": f"{SOURCE_MANUAL}:device_code",
+            "base_url": creds.get("inference_base_url"),
+        })
+        pool.add_entry(entry)
+        print(f'Added {provider} OAuth credential #{len(pool.entries())}: "{entry.label}"')
+        return
+
+    if provider == "openai-codex":
+        creds = auth_mod._codex_device_code_login()
+        label = (getattr(args, "label", None) or "").strip() or label_from_token(
+            creds["tokens"]["access_token"],
+            _oauth_default_label(provider, len(pool.entries()) + 1),
+        )
+        entry = PooledCredential(
+            provider=provider,
+            id=uuid.uuid4().hex[:6],
+            label=label,
+            auth_type=AUTH_TYPE_OAUTH,
+            priority=0,
+            source=f"{SOURCE_MANUAL}:device_code",
+            access_token=creds["tokens"]["access_token"],
+            refresh_token=creds["tokens"].get("refresh_token"),
+            base_url=creds.get("base_url"),
+            last_refresh=creds.get("last_refresh"),
+        )
+        pool.add_entry(entry)
+        print(f'Added {provider} OAuth credential #{len(pool.entries())}: "{entry.label}"')
+        return
+
+    raise SystemExit(f"`hermes auth add {provider}` is not implemented for auth type {requested_type} yet.")
+
+
+def auth_list_command(args) -> None:
+    provider_filter = _normalize_provider(getattr(args, "provider", "") or "")
+    if provider_filter:
+        providers = [provider_filter]
+    else:
+        providers = sorted({
+            *PROVIDER_REGISTRY.keys(),
+            "openrouter",
+            *list_custom_pool_providers(),
+        })
+    for provider in providers:
+        pool = load_pool(provider)
+        entries = pool.entries()
+        if not entries:
+            continue
+        current = pool.peek()
+        print(f"{provider} ({len(entries)} credentials):")
+        for idx, entry in enumerate(entries, start=1):
+            marker = "  "
+            if current is not None and entry.id == current.id:
+                marker = "← "
+            status = _format_exhausted_status(entry)
+            source = _display_source(entry.source)
+            print(f"  #{idx}  {entry.label:<20} {entry.auth_type:<7} {source}{status} {marker}".rstrip())
+        print()
+
+
+def auth_remove_command(args) -> None:
+    provider = _normalize_provider(getattr(args, "provider", ""))
+    index = int(getattr(args, "index"))
+    pool = load_pool(provider)
+    removed = pool.remove_index(index)
+    if removed is None:
+        raise SystemExit(f"No credential #{index} for provider {provider}.")
+    print(f"Removed {provider} credential #{index} ({removed.label})")
+
+
+def auth_reset_command(args) -> None:
+    provider = _normalize_provider(getattr(args, "provider", ""))
+    pool = load_pool(provider)
+    count = pool.reset_statuses()
+    print(f"Reset status on {count} {provider} credentials")
+
+
+def _interactive_auth() -> None:
+    """Interactive credential pool management when `hermes auth` is called bare."""
+    # Show current pool status first
+    print("Credential Pool Status")
+    print("=" * 50)
+
+    auth_list_command(SimpleNamespace(provider=None))
+    print()
+
+    # Main menu
+    choices = [
+        "Add a credential",
+        "Remove a credential",
+        "Reset cooldowns for a provider",
+        "Set rotation strategy for a provider",
+        "Exit",
+    ]
+    print("What would you like to do?")
+    for i, choice in enumerate(choices, 1):
+        print(f"  {i}. {choice}")
+
+    try:
+        raw = input("\nChoice: ").strip()
+    except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+        return
+
+    if not raw or raw == str(len(choices)):
+        return
+
+    if raw == "1":
+        _interactive_add()
+    elif raw == "2":
+        _interactive_remove()
+    elif raw == "3":
+        _interactive_reset()
+    elif raw == "4":
+        _interactive_strategy()
+
+
+def _pick_provider(prompt: str = "Provider") -> str:
+    """Prompt for a provider name with auto-complete hints."""
+    known = sorted(set(list(PROVIDER_REGISTRY.keys()) + ["openrouter"]))
+    custom_names = _get_custom_provider_names()
+    if custom_names:
+        custom_display = [name for name, _key in custom_names]
+        print(f"\nKnown providers: {', '.join(known)}")
+        print(f"Custom endpoints: {', '.join(custom_display)}")
+    else:
+        print(f"\nKnown providers: {', '.join(known)}")
+    try:
+        raw = input(f"{prompt}: ").strip()
+    except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+        raise SystemExit()
+    return _normalize_provider(raw)
+
+
+def _interactive_add() -> None:
+    provider = _pick_provider("Provider to add credential for")
+    if provider not in PROVIDER_REGISTRY and provider != "openrouter" and not provider.startswith(CUSTOM_POOL_PREFIX):
+        raise SystemExit(f"Unknown provider: {provider}")
+
+    # For OAuth-capable providers, ask which type
+    if provider in _OAUTH_CAPABLE_PROVIDERS:
+        print(f"\n{provider} supports both API keys and OAuth login.")
+        print("  1. API key (paste a key from the provider dashboard)")
+        print("  2. OAuth login (authenticate via browser)")
+        try:
+            type_choice = input("Type [1/2]: ").strip()
+        except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+            return
+        if type_choice == "2":
+            auth_type = "oauth"
+        else:
+            auth_type = "api_key"
+    else:
+        auth_type = "api_key"
+
+    auth_add_command(SimpleNamespace(
+        provider=provider, auth_type=auth_type, label=None, api_key=None,
+        portal_url=None, inference_url=None, client_id=None, scope=None,
+        no_browser=False, timeout=None, insecure=False, ca_bundle=None,
+    ))
+
+
+def _interactive_remove() -> None:
+    provider = _pick_provider("Provider to remove credential from")
+    pool = load_pool(provider)
+    if not pool.has_credentials():
+        print(f"No credentials for {provider}.")
+        return
+
+    # Show entries with indices
+    for i, e in enumerate(pool.entries(), 1):
+        exhausted = _format_exhausted_status(e)
+        print(f"  #{i}  {e.label:25s} {e.auth_type:10s} {e.source}{exhausted}")
+
+    try:
+        raw = input("Remove # (or blank to cancel): ").strip()
+    except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+        return
+    if not raw:
+        return
+
+    try:
+        index = int(raw)
+    except ValueError:
+        print("Invalid number.")
+        return
+
+    auth_remove_command(SimpleNamespace(provider=provider, index=index))
+
+
+def _interactive_reset() -> None:
+    provider = _pick_provider("Provider to reset cooldowns for")
+
+    auth_reset_command(SimpleNamespace(provider=provider))
+
+
+def _interactive_strategy() -> None:
+    provider = _pick_provider("Provider to set strategy for")
+    current = get_pool_strategy(provider)
+    strategies = [STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST, STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN, STRATEGY_LEAST_USED, STRATEGY_RANDOM]
+
+    print(f"\nCurrent strategy for {provider}: {current}")
+    print()
+    descriptions = {
+        STRATEGY_FILL_FIRST: "Use first key until exhausted, then next",
+        STRATEGY_ROUND_ROBIN: "Cycle through keys evenly",
+        STRATEGY_LEAST_USED: "Always pick the least-used key",
+        STRATEGY_RANDOM: "Random selection",
+    }
+    for i, s in enumerate(strategies, 1):
+        marker = " ←" if s == current else ""
+        print(f"  {i}. {s:15s} — {descriptions.get(s, '')}{marker}")
+
+    try:
+        raw = input("\nStrategy [1-4]: ").strip()
+    except (EOFError, KeyboardInterrupt):
+        return
+    if not raw:
+        return
+
+    try:
+        idx = int(raw) - 1
+        strategy = strategies[idx]
+    except (ValueError, IndexError):
+        print("Invalid choice.")
+        return
+
+    from hermes_cli.config import load_config, save_config
+    cfg = load_config()
+    pool_strategies = cfg.get("credential_pool_strategies") or {}
+    if not isinstance(pool_strategies, dict):
+        pool_strategies = {}
+    pool_strategies[provider] = strategy
+    cfg["credential_pool_strategies"] = pool_strategies
+    save_config(cfg)
+    print(f"Set {provider} strategy to: {strategy}")
+
+
+def auth_command(args) -> None:
+    action = getattr(args, "auth_action", "")
+    if action == "add":
+        auth_add_command(args)
+        return
+    if action == "list":
+        auth_list_command(args)
+        return
+    if action == "remove":
+        auth_remove_command(args)
+        return
+    if action == "reset":
+        auth_reset_command(args)
+        return
+    # No subcommand — launch interactive mode
+    _interactive_auth()

hermes_cli/banner.py

@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ import subprocess
 import threading
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional
 
 from rich.console import Console
 from rich.panel import Panel
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ def check_for_updates() -> Optional[int]:
     ``~/.hermes/.update_check``).  Returns the number of commits behind,
     or ``None`` if the check fails or isn't applicable.
     """
-    hermes_home = Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+    hermes_home = get_hermes_home()
     repo_dir = hermes_home / "hermes-agent"
     cache_file = hermes_home / ".update_check"
 
@@ -266,8 +267,18 @@ def build_welcome_banner(console: Console, model: str, cwd: str,
 
     _, unavailable_toolsets = check_tool_availability(quiet=True)
     disabled_tools = set()
+    # Tools whose toolset has a check_fn are lazy-initialized (e.g. honcho,
+    # homeassistant) — they show as unavailable at banner time because the
+    # check hasn't run yet, but they aren't misconfigured.
+    lazy_tools = set()
     for item in unavailable_toolsets:
-        disabled_tools.update(item.get("tools", []))
+        toolset_name = item.get("name", "")
+        ts_req = TOOLSET_REQUIREMENTS.get(toolset_name, {})
+        tools_in_ts = item.get("tools", [])
+        if ts_req.get("check_fn"):
+            lazy_tools.update(tools_in_ts)
+        else:
+            disabled_tools.update(tools_in_ts)
 
     layout_table = Table.grid(padding=(0, 2))
     layout_table.add_column("left", justify="center")
@@ -327,6 +338,8 @@ def build_welcome_banner(console: Console, model: str, cwd: str,
         for name in sorted(tool_names):
             if name in disabled_tools:
                 colored_names.append(f"[red]{name}[/]")
+            elif name in lazy_tools:
+                colored_names.append(f"[yellow]{name}[/]")
             else:
                 colored_names.append(f"[{text}]{name}[/]")
 
@@ -346,6 +359,8 @@ def build_welcome_banner(console: Console, model: str, cwd: str,
                     colored_names.append("[dim]...[/]")
                 elif name in disabled_tools:
                     colored_names.append(f"[red]{name}[/]")
+                elif name in lazy_tools:
+                    colored_names.append(f"[yellow]{name}[/]")
                 else:
                     colored_names.append(f"[{text}]{name}[/]")
             tools_str = ", ".join(colored_names)
@@ -402,16 +417,26 @@ def build_welcome_banner(console: Console, model: str, cwd: str,
     if mcp_connected:
         summary_parts.append(f"{mcp_connected} MCP servers")
     summary_parts.append("/help for commands")
+    # Show active profile name when not 'default'
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.profiles import get_active_profile_name
+        _profile_name = get_active_profile_name()
+        if _profile_name and _profile_name != "default":
+            right_lines.append(f"[bold {accent}]Profile:[/] [{text}]{_profile_name}[/]")
+    except Exception:
+        pass  # Never break the banner over a profiles.py bug
+
     right_lines.append(f"[dim {dim}]{' · '.join(summary_parts)}[/]")
 
     # Update check — use prefetched result if available
     try:
         behind = get_update_result(timeout=0.5)
         if behind and behind > 0:
+            from hermes_cli.config import recommended_update_command
             commits_word = "commit" if behind == 1 else "commits"
             right_lines.append(
                 f"[bold yellow]⚠ {behind} {commits_word} behind[/]"
-                f"[dim yellow] — run [bold]hermes update[/bold] to update[/]"
+                f"[dim yellow] — run [bold]{recommended_update_command()}[/bold] to update[/]"
             )
     except Exception:
         pass  # Never break the banner over an update check

hermes_cli/callbacks.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import getpass
 
 from hermes_cli.banner import cprint, _DIM, _RST
 from hermes_cli.config import save_env_value_secure
+from hermes_constants import display_hermes_home
 
 
 def clarify_callback(cli, question, choices):
@@ -131,7 +132,8 @@ def prompt_for_secret(cli, var_name: str, prompt: str, metadata=None) -> dict:
             }
 
         stored = save_env_value_secure(var_name, value)
-        cprint(f"\n{_DIM}  ✓ Stored secret in ~/.hermes/.env as {var_name}{_RST}")
+        _dhh = display_hermes_home()
+        cprint(f"\n{_DIM}  ✓ Stored secret in {_dhh}/.env as {var_name}{_RST}")
         return {
             **stored,
             "skipped": False,
@@ -183,7 +185,8 @@ def prompt_for_secret(cli, var_name: str, prompt: str, metadata=None) -> dict:
                 }
 
             stored = save_env_value_secure(var_name, value)
-            cprint(f"\n{_DIM}  ✓ Stored secret in ~/.hermes/.env as {var_name}{_RST}")
+            _dhh = display_hermes_home()
+            cprint(f"\n{_DIM}  ✓ Stored secret in {_dhh}/.env as {var_name}{_RST}")
             return {
                 **stored,
                 "skipped": False,
@@ -238,7 +241,8 @@ def approval_callback(cli, command: str, description: str) -> str:
         lock = cli._approval_lock
 
     with lock:
-        timeout = 60
+        from cli import CLI_CONFIG
+        timeout = CLI_CONFIG.get("approvals", {}).get("timeout", 60)
         response_queue = queue.Queue()
         choices = ["once", "session", "always", "deny"]
         if len(command) > 70:

hermes_cli/checklist.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ toggleable list of items.  Falls back to a numbered text UI when
 curses is unavailable (Windows without curses, piped stdin, etc.).
 """
 
+import sys
 from typing import List, Set
 
 from hermes_cli.colors import Colors, color
@@ -26,6 +27,10 @@ def curses_checklist(
         The indices the user confirmed as checked.  On cancel (ESC/q),
         returns ``pre_selected`` unchanged.
     """
+    # Safety: return defaults when stdin is not a terminal.
+    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
+        return set(pre_selected)
+
     try:
         import curses
         selected = set(pre_selected)

hermes_cli/claw.py

@@ -4,24 +4,28 @@ Usage:
     hermes claw migrate              # Interactive migration from ~/.openclaw
     hermes claw migrate --dry-run    # Preview what would be migrated
     hermes claw migrate --preset full --overwrite  # Full migration, overwrite conflicts
+    hermes claw cleanup              # Archive leftover OpenClaw directories
+    hermes claw cleanup --dry-run    # Preview what would be archived
 """
 
 import importlib.util
 import logging
+import shutil
 import sys
+from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from hermes_cli.config import get_hermes_home, get_config_path, load_config, save_config
+from hermes_constants import get_optional_skills_dir
 from hermes_cli.setup import (
     Colors,
     color,
     print_header,
     print_info,
     print_success,
-    print_warning,
     print_error,
+    print_warning,
     prompt_yes_no,
-    prompt_choice,
 )
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -29,8 +33,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 PROJECT_ROOT = Path(__file__).parent.parent.resolve()
 
 _OPENCLAW_SCRIPT = (
-    PROJECT_ROOT
-    / "optional-skills"
+    get_optional_skills_dir(PROJECT_ROOT / "optional-skills")
     / "migration"
     / "openclaw-migration"
     / "scripts"
@@ -47,6 +50,18 @@ _OPENCLAW_SCRIPT_INSTALLED = (
     / "openclaw_to_hermes.py"
 )
 
+# Known OpenClaw directory names (current + legacy)
+_OPENCLAW_DIR_NAMES = (".openclaw", ".clawdbot", ".moldbot")
+
+# State files commonly found in OpenClaw workspace directories that cause
+# confusion after migration (the agent discovers them and writes to them)
+_WORKSPACE_STATE_GLOBS = (
+    "*/todo.json",
+    "*/sessions/*",
+    "*/memory/*.json",
+    "*/logs/*",
+)
+
 
 def _find_migration_script() -> Path | None:
     """Find the openclaw_to_hermes.py script in known locations."""
@@ -73,24 +88,105 @@ def _load_migration_module(script_path: Path):
     return mod
 
 
+def _find_openclaw_dirs() -> list[Path]:
+    """Find all OpenClaw directories on disk."""
+    found = []
+    for name in _OPENCLAW_DIR_NAMES:
+        candidate = Path.home() / name
+        if candidate.is_dir():
+            found.append(candidate)
+    return found
+
+
+def _scan_workspace_state(source_dir: Path) -> list[tuple[Path, str]]:
+    """Scan an OpenClaw directory for workspace state files that cause confusion.
+
+    Returns a list of (path, description) tuples.
+    """
+    findings: list[tuple[Path, str]] = []
+
+    # Direct state files in the root
+    for name in ("todo.json", "sessions", "logs"):
+        candidate = source_dir / name
+        if candidate.exists():
+            kind = "directory" if candidate.is_dir() else "file"
+            findings.append((candidate, f"Root {kind}: {name}"))
+
+    # State files inside workspace directories
+    for child in sorted(source_dir.iterdir()):
+        if not child.is_dir() or child.name.startswith("."):
+            continue
+        # Check for workspace-like subdirectories
+        for state_name in ("todo.json", "sessions", "logs", "memory"):
+            state_path = child / state_name
+            if state_path.exists():
+                kind = "directory" if state_path.is_dir() else "file"
+                rel = state_path.relative_to(source_dir)
+                findings.append((state_path, f"Workspace {kind}: {rel}"))
+
+    return findings
+
+
+def _archive_directory(source_dir: Path, dry_run: bool = False) -> Path:
+    """Rename an OpenClaw directory to .pre-migration.
+
+    Returns the archive path.
+    """
+    timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d")
+    archive_name = f"{source_dir.name}.pre-migration"
+    archive_path = source_dir.parent / archive_name
+
+    # If archive already exists, add timestamp
+    if archive_path.exists():
+        archive_name = f"{source_dir.name}.pre-migration-{timestamp}"
+        archive_path = source_dir.parent / archive_name
+
+    # If still exists (multiple runs same day), add counter
+    counter = 2
+    while archive_path.exists():
+        archive_name = f"{source_dir.name}.pre-migration-{timestamp}-{counter}"
+        archive_path = source_dir.parent / archive_name
+        counter += 1
+
+    if not dry_run:
+        source_dir.rename(archive_path)
+
+    return archive_path
+
+
 def claw_command(args):
     """Route hermes claw subcommands."""
     action = getattr(args, "claw_action", None)
 
     if action == "migrate":
         _cmd_migrate(args)
+    elif action in ("cleanup", "clean"):
+        _cmd_cleanup(args)
     else:
-        print("Usage: hermes claw migrate [options]")
+        print("Usage: hermes claw <command> [options]")
         print()
         print("Commands:")
         print("  migrate          Migrate settings from OpenClaw to Hermes")
+        print("  cleanup          Archive leftover OpenClaw directories after migration")
         print()
-        print("Run 'hermes claw migrate --help' for migration options.")
+        print("Run 'hermes claw <command> --help' for options.")
 
 
 def _cmd_migrate(args):
     """Run the OpenClaw → Hermes migration."""
-    source_dir = Path(getattr(args, "source", None) or Path.home() / ".openclaw")
+    # Check current and legacy OpenClaw directories
+    explicit_source = getattr(args, "source", None)
+    if explicit_source:
+        source_dir = Path(explicit_source)
+    else:
+        source_dir = Path.home() / ".openclaw"
+        if not source_dir.is_dir():
+            # Try legacy directory names
+            for legacy in (".clawdbot", ".moldbot"):
+                candidate = Path.home() / legacy
+                if candidate.is_dir():
+                    source_dir = candidate
+                    break
     dry_run = getattr(args, "dry_run", False)
     preset = getattr(args, "preset", "full")
     overwrite = getattr(args, "overwrite", False)
@@ -127,7 +223,7 @@ def _cmd_migrate(args):
         print()
         print_error(f"OpenClaw directory not found: {source_dir}")
         print_info("Make sure your OpenClaw installation is at the expected path.")
-        print_info(f"You can specify a custom path: hermes claw migrate --source /path/to/.openclaw")
+        print_info("You can specify a custom path: hermes claw migrate --source /path/to/.openclaw")
         return
 
     # Find the migration script
@@ -200,6 +296,168 @@ def _cmd_migrate(args):
     # Print results
     _print_migration_report(report, dry_run)
 
+    # After successful non-dry-run migration, offer to archive the source directory
+    if not dry_run and report.get("summary", {}).get("migrated", 0) > 0:
+        _offer_source_archival(source_dir, getattr(args, "yes", False))
+
+
+def _offer_source_archival(source_dir: Path, auto_yes: bool = False):
+    """After migration, offer to rename the source directory to prevent state fragmentation.
+
+    OpenClaw workspace directories contain state files (todo.json, sessions, etc.)
+    that the agent may discover and write to, causing confusion. Renaming the
+    directory prevents this.
+    """
+    if not source_dir.is_dir():
+        return
+
+    # Scan for state files that could cause problems
+    state_files = _scan_workspace_state(source_dir)
+
+    print()
+    print_header("Post-Migration Cleanup")
+    print_info("The OpenClaw directory still exists and contains workspace state files")
+    print_info("that can confuse the agent (todo lists, sessions, logs).")
+    if state_files:
+        print()
+        print(color("  Found state files:", Colors.YELLOW))
+        # Show up to 10 most relevant findings
+        for path, desc in state_files[:10]:
+            print(f"      {desc}")
+        if len(state_files) > 10:
+            print(f"      ... and {len(state_files) - 10} more")
+    print()
+    print_info(f"Recommend: rename {source_dir.name}/ to {source_dir.name}.pre-migration/")
+    print_info("This prevents the agent from discovering old workspace directories.")
+    print_info("You can always rename it back if needed.")
+    print()
+
+    if auto_yes or prompt_yes_no(f"Archive {source_dir} now?", default=True):
+        try:
+            archive_path = _archive_directory(source_dir)
+            print_success(f"Archived: {source_dir} → {archive_path}")
+            print_info("The original directory has been renamed, not deleted.")
+            print_info(f"To undo: mv {archive_path} {source_dir}")
+        except OSError as e:
+            print_error(f"Could not archive: {e}")
+            print_info(f"You can do it manually: mv {source_dir} {source_dir}.pre-migration")
+    else:
+        print_info("Skipped. You can archive later with: hermes claw cleanup")
+
+
+def _cmd_cleanup(args):
+    """Archive leftover OpenClaw directories after migration.
+
+    Scans for OpenClaw directories that still exist after migration and offers
+    to rename them to .pre-migration to prevent state fragmentation.
+    """
+    dry_run = getattr(args, "dry_run", False)
+    auto_yes = getattr(args, "yes", False)
+    explicit_source = getattr(args, "source", None)
+
+    print()
+    print(
+        color(
+            "┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐",
+            Colors.MAGENTA,
+        )
+    )
+    print(
+        color(
+            "│          ⚕ Hermes — OpenClaw Cleanup                   │",
+            Colors.MAGENTA,
+        )
+    )
+    print(
+        color(
+            "└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘",
+            Colors.MAGENTA,
+        )
+    )
+
+    # Find OpenClaw directories
+    if explicit_source:
+        dirs_to_check = [Path(explicit_source)]
+    else:
+        dirs_to_check = _find_openclaw_dirs()
+
+    if not dirs_to_check:
+        print()
+        print_success("No OpenClaw directories found. Nothing to clean up.")
+        return
+
+    total_archived = 0
+
+    for source_dir in dirs_to_check:
+        print()
+        print_header(f"Found: {source_dir}")
+
+        # Scan for state files
+        state_files = _scan_workspace_state(source_dir)
+
+        # Show directory stats
+        try:
+            workspace_dirs = [
+                d for d in source_dir.iterdir()
+                if d.is_dir() and not d.name.startswith(".")
+                and any((d / name).exists() for name in ("todo.json", "SOUL.md", "MEMORY.md", "USER.md"))
+            ]
+        except OSError:
+            workspace_dirs = []
+
+        if workspace_dirs:
+            print_info(f"Workspace directories: {len(workspace_dirs)}")
+            for ws in workspace_dirs[:5]:
+                items = []
+                if (ws / "todo.json").exists():
+                    items.append("todo.json")
+                if (ws / "sessions").is_dir():
+                    items.append("sessions/")
+                if (ws / "SOUL.md").exists():
+                    items.append("SOUL.md")
+                if (ws / "MEMORY.md").exists():
+                    items.append("MEMORY.md")
+                detail = ", ".join(items) if items else "empty"
+                print(f"      {ws.name}/  ({detail})")
+            if len(workspace_dirs) > 5:
+                print(f"      ... and {len(workspace_dirs) - 5} more")
+
+        if state_files:
+            print()
+            print(color(f"  {len(state_files)} state file(s) that could cause confusion:", Colors.YELLOW))
+            for path, desc in state_files[:8]:
+                print(f"      {desc}")
+            if len(state_files) > 8:
+                print(f"      ... and {len(state_files) - 8} more")
+
+        print()
+
+        if dry_run:
+            archive_path = _archive_directory(source_dir, dry_run=True)
+            print_info(f"Would archive: {source_dir} → {archive_path}")
+        else:
+            if auto_yes or prompt_yes_no(f"Archive {source_dir}?", default=True):
+                try:
+                    archive_path = _archive_directory(source_dir)
+                    print_success(f"Archived: {source_dir} → {archive_path}")
+                    total_archived += 1
+                except OSError as e:
+                    print_error(f"Could not archive: {e}")
+                    print_info(f"Try manually: mv {source_dir} {source_dir}.pre-migration")
+            else:
+                print_info("Skipped.")
+
+    # Summary
+    print()
+    if dry_run:
+        print_info(f"Dry run complete. {len(dirs_to_check)} directory(ies) would be archived.")
+        print_info("Run without --dry-run to archive them.")
+    elif total_archived:
+        print_success(f"Cleaned up {total_archived} OpenClaw directory(ies).")
+        print_info("Directories were renamed, not deleted. You can undo by renaming them back.")
+    else:
+        print_info("No directories were archived.")
+
 
 def _print_migration_report(report: dict, dry_run: bool):
     """Print a formatted migration report."""
@@ -208,7 +466,6 @@ def _print_migration_report(report: dict, dry_run: bool):
     skipped = summary.get("skipped", 0)
     conflicts = summary.get("conflict", 0)
     errors = summary.get("error", 0)
-    total = migrated + skipped + conflicts + errors
 
     print()
     if dry_run:
@@ -242,7 +499,7 @@ def _print_migration_report(report: dict, dry_run: bool):
             print()
 
         if conflict_items:
-            print(color(f"  ⚠ Conflicts (skipped — use --overwrite to force):", Colors.YELLOW))
+            print(color("  ⚠ Conflicts (skipped — use --overwrite to force):", Colors.YELLOW))
             for item in conflict_items:
                 kind = item.get("kind", "unknown")
                 reason = item.get("reason", "already exists")
@@ -250,7 +507,7 @@ def _print_migration_report(report: dict, dry_run: bool):
             print()
 
         if skipped_items:
-            print(color(f"  ─ Skipped:", Colors.DIM))
+            print(color("  ─ Skipped:", Colors.DIM))
             for item in skipped_items:
                 kind = item.get("kind", "unknown")
                 reason = item.get("reason", "")
@@ -258,7 +515,7 @@ def _print_migration_report(report: dict, dry_run: bool):
             print()
 
         if error_items:
-            print(color(f"  ✗ Errors:", Colors.RED))
+            print(color("  ✗ Errors:", Colors.RED))
             for item in error_items:
                 kind = item.get("kind", "unknown")
                 reason = item.get("reason", "unknown error")

hermes_cli/codex_models.py

@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import os
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 DEFAULT_CODEX_MODELS: List[str] = [
+    "gpt-5.4-mini",
+    "gpt-5.4",
     "gpt-5.3-codex",
     "gpt-5.2-codex",
     "gpt-5.1-codex-max",
@@ -19,8 +21,9 @@ DEFAULT_CODEX_MODELS: List[str] = [
 ]
 
 _FORWARD_COMPAT_TEMPLATE_MODELS: List[tuple[str, tuple[str, ...]]] = [
-    ("gpt-5.3-codex", ("gpt-5.2-codex",)),
+    ("gpt-5.4-mini", ("gpt-5.3-codex", "gpt-5.2-codex")),
     ("gpt-5.4", ("gpt-5.3-codex", "gpt-5.2-codex")),
+    ("gpt-5.3-codex", ("gpt-5.2-codex",)),
     ("gpt-5.3-codex-spark", ("gpt-5.3-codex", "gpt-5.2-codex")),
 ]
 

hermes_cli/colors.py

@@ -1,8 +1,24 @@
 """Shared ANSI color utilities for Hermes CLI modules."""
 
+import os
 import sys
 
 
+def should_use_color() -> bool:
+    """Return True when colored output is appropriate.
+
+    Respects the NO_COLOR environment variable (https://no-color.org/)
+    and TERM=dumb, in addition to the existing TTY check.
+    """
+    if os.environ.get("NO_COLOR") is not None:
+        return False
+    if os.environ.get("TERM") == "dumb":
+        return False
+    if not sys.stdout.isatty():
+        return False
+    return True
+
+
 class Colors:
     RESET = "\033[0m"
     BOLD = "\033[1m"
@@ -16,7 +32,7 @@ class Colors:
 
 
 def color(text: str, *codes) -> str:
-    """Apply color codes to text (only when output is a TTY)."""
-    if not sys.stdout.isatty():
+    """Apply color codes to text (only when color output is appropriate)."""
+    if not should_use_color():
         return text
     return "".join(codes) + text + Colors.RESET

hermes_cli/commands.py

@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import os
 import re
 from collections.abc import Callable, Mapping
-from dataclasses import dataclass, field
-from pathlib import Path
+from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import Any
 
 from prompt_toolkit.auto_suggest import AutoSuggest, Suggestion
@@ -37,6 +36,7 @@ class CommandDef:
     subcommands: tuple[str, ...] = ()  # tab-completable subcommands
     cli_only: bool = False             # only available in CLI
     gateway_only: bool = False         # only available in gateway/messaging
+    gateway_config_gate: str | None = None  # config dotpath; when truthy, overrides cli_only for gateway
 
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -67,10 +67,13 @@ COMMAND_REGISTRY: list[CommandDef] = [
                gateway_only=True),
     CommandDef("background", "Run a prompt in the background", "Session",
                aliases=("bg",), args_hint="<prompt>"),
+    CommandDef("btw", "Ephemeral side question using session context (no tools, not persisted)", "Session",
+               args_hint="<question>"),
     CommandDef("queue", "Queue a prompt for the next turn (doesn't interrupt)", "Session",
                aliases=("q",), args_hint="<prompt>"),
     CommandDef("status", "Show session info", "Session",
                gateway_only=True),
+    CommandDef("profile", "Show active profile name and home directory", "Info"),
     CommandDef("sethome", "Set this chat as the home channel", "Session",
                gateway_only=True, aliases=("set-home",)),
     CommandDef("resume", "Resume a previously-named session", "Session",
@@ -79,8 +82,6 @@ COMMAND_REGISTRY: list[CommandDef] = [
     # Configuration
     CommandDef("config", "Show current configuration", "Configuration",
                cli_only=True),
-    CommandDef("model", "Show or change the current model", "Configuration",
-               args_hint="[name]"),
     CommandDef("provider", "Show available providers and current provider",
                "Configuration"),
     CommandDef("prompt", "View/set custom system prompt", "Configuration",
@@ -90,7 +91,10 @@ COMMAND_REGISTRY: list[CommandDef] = [
     CommandDef("statusbar", "Toggle the context/model status bar", "Configuration",
                cli_only=True, aliases=("sb",)),
     CommandDef("verbose", "Cycle tool progress display: off -> new -> all -> verbose",
-               "Configuration", cli_only=True),
+               "Configuration", cli_only=True,
+               gateway_config_gate="display.tool_progress_command"),
+    CommandDef("yolo", "Toggle YOLO mode (skip all dangerous command approvals)",
+               "Configuration"),
     CommandDef("reasoning", "Manage reasoning effort and display", "Configuration",
                args_hint="[level|show|hide]",
                subcommands=("none", "low", "minimal", "medium", "high", "xhigh", "show", "hide", "on", "off")),
@@ -119,6 +123,8 @@ COMMAND_REGISTRY: list[CommandDef] = [
                "Tools & Skills", cli_only=True),
 
     # Info
+    CommandDef("commands", "Browse all commands and skills (paginated)", "Info",
+               gateway_only=True, args_hint="[page]"),
     CommandDef("help", "Show available commands", "Info"),
     CommandDef("usage", "Show token usage for the current session", "Info"),
     CommandDef("insights", "Show usage insights and analytics", "Info",
@@ -208,7 +214,7 @@ def rebuild_lookups() -> None:
     GATEWAY_KNOWN_COMMANDS = frozenset(
         name
         for cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY
-        if not cmd.cli_only
+        if not cmd.cli_only or cmd.gateway_config_gate
         for name in (cmd.name, *cmd.aliases)
     )
 
@@ -262,20 +268,76 @@ for _cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY:
 # Gateway helpers
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-# Set of all command names + aliases recognized by the gateway
+# Set of all command names + aliases recognized by the gateway.
+# Includes config-gated commands so the gateway can dispatch them
+# (the handler checks the config gate at runtime).
 GATEWAY_KNOWN_COMMANDS: frozenset[str] = frozenset(
     name
     for cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY
-    if not cmd.cli_only
+    if not cmd.cli_only or cmd.gateway_config_gate
     for name in (cmd.name, *cmd.aliases)
 )
 
 
+def _resolve_config_gates() -> set[str]:
+    """Return canonical names of commands whose ``gateway_config_gate`` is truthy.
+
+    Reads ``config.yaml`` and walks the dot-separated key path for each
+    config-gated command.  Returns an empty set on any error so callers
+    degrade gracefully.
+    """
+    gated = [c for c in COMMAND_REGISTRY if c.gateway_config_gate]
+    if not gated:
+        return set()
+    try:
+        import yaml
+        config_path = os.path.join(
+            os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", os.path.expanduser("~/.hermes")),
+            "config.yaml",
+        )
+        if os.path.exists(config_path):
+            with open(config_path, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                cfg = yaml.safe_load(f) or {}
+        else:
+            cfg = {}
+    except Exception:
+        return set()
+    result: set[str] = set()
+    for cmd in gated:
+        val: Any = cfg
+        for key in cmd.gateway_config_gate.split("."):
+            if isinstance(val, dict):
+                val = val.get(key)
+            else:
+                val = None
+                break
+        if val:
+            result.add(cmd.name)
+    return result
+
+
+def _is_gateway_available(cmd: CommandDef, config_overrides: set[str] | None = None) -> bool:
+    """Check if *cmd* should appear in gateway surfaces (help, menus, mappings).
+
+    Unconditionally available when ``cli_only`` is False.  When ``cli_only``
+    is True but ``gateway_config_gate`` is set, the command is available only
+    when the config value is truthy.  Pass *config_overrides* (from
+    ``_resolve_config_gates()``) to avoid re-reading config for every command.
+    """
+    if not cmd.cli_only:
+        return True
+    if cmd.gateway_config_gate:
+        overrides = config_overrides if config_overrides is not None else _resolve_config_gates()
+        return cmd.name in overrides
+    return False
+
+
 def gateway_help_lines() -> list[str]:
     """Generate gateway help text lines from the registry."""
+    overrides = _resolve_config_gates()
     lines: list[str] = []
     for cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY:
-        if cmd.cli_only:
+        if not _is_gateway_available(cmd, overrides):
             continue
         args = f" {cmd.args_hint}" if cmd.args_hint else ""
         alias_parts: list[str] = []
@@ -296,24 +358,154 @@ def telegram_bot_commands() -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
     underscores.  Aliases are skipped -- Telegram shows one menu entry per
     canonical command.
     """
+    overrides = _resolve_config_gates()
     result: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
     for cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY:
-        if cmd.cli_only:
+        if not _is_gateway_available(cmd, overrides):
             continue
         tg_name = cmd.name.replace("-", "_")
         result.append((tg_name, cmd.description))
     return result
 
 
+_TG_NAME_LIMIT = 32
+
+
+def _clamp_telegram_names(
+    entries: list[tuple[str, str]],
+    reserved: set[str],
+) -> list[tuple[str, str]]:
+    """Enforce Telegram's 32-char command name limit with collision avoidance.
+
+    Names exceeding 32 chars are truncated.  If truncation creates a duplicate
+    (against *reserved* names or earlier entries in the same batch), the name is
+    shortened to 31 chars and a digit ``0``-``9`` is appended to differentiate.
+    If all 10 digit slots are taken the entry is silently dropped.
+    """
+    used: set[str] = set(reserved)
+    result: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+    for name, desc in entries:
+        if len(name) > _TG_NAME_LIMIT:
+            candidate = name[:_TG_NAME_LIMIT]
+            if candidate in used:
+                prefix = name[:_TG_NAME_LIMIT - 1]
+                for digit in range(10):
+                    candidate = f"{prefix}{digit}"
+                    if candidate not in used:
+                        break
+                else:
+                    # All 10 digit slots exhausted — skip entry
+                    continue
+            name = candidate
+        if name in used:
+            continue
+        used.add(name)
+        result.append((name, desc))
+    return result
+
+
+def telegram_menu_commands(max_commands: int = 100) -> tuple[list[tuple[str, str]], int]:
+    """Return Telegram menu commands capped to the Bot API limit.
+
+    Priority order (higher priority = never bumped by overflow):
+      1. Core CommandDef commands (always included)
+      2. Plugin slash commands (take precedence over skills)
+      3. Built-in skill commands (fill remaining slots, alphabetical)
+
+    Skills are the only tier that gets trimmed when the cap is hit.
+    User-installed hub skills are excluded — accessible via /skills.
+    Skills disabled for the ``"telegram"`` platform (via ``hermes skills
+    config``) are excluded from the menu entirely.
+
+    Returns:
+        (menu_commands, hidden_count) where hidden_count is the number of
+        skill commands omitted due to the cap.
+    """
+    core_commands = list(telegram_bot_commands())
+    # Reserve core names so plugin/skill truncation can't collide with them
+    reserved_names = {n for n, _ in core_commands}
+    all_commands = list(core_commands)
+
+    # Plugin slash commands get priority over skills
+    plugin_entries: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+    try:
+        from hermes_cli.plugins import get_plugin_manager
+        pm = get_plugin_manager()
+        plugin_cmds = getattr(pm, "_plugin_commands", {})
+        for cmd_name in sorted(plugin_cmds):
+            tg_name = cmd_name.replace("-", "_")
+            desc = "Plugin command"
+            if len(desc) > 40:
+                desc = desc[:37] + "..."
+            plugin_entries.append((tg_name, desc))
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    # Clamp plugin names to 32 chars with collision avoidance
+    plugin_entries = _clamp_telegram_names(plugin_entries, reserved_names)
+    reserved_names.update(n for n, _ in plugin_entries)
+    all_commands.extend(plugin_entries)
+
+    # Load per-platform disabled skills so they don't consume menu slots.
+    # get_skill_commands() already filters the *global* disabled list, but
+    # per-platform overrides (skills.platform_disabled.telegram) were never
+    # applied here — that's what this block fixes.
+    _platform_disabled: set[str] = set()
+    try:
+        from agent.skill_utils import get_disabled_skill_names
+        _platform_disabled = get_disabled_skill_names(platform="telegram")
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    # Remaining slots go to built-in skill commands (not hub-installed).
+    skill_entries: list[tuple[str, str]] = []
+    try:
+        from agent.skill_commands import get_skill_commands
+        from tools.skills_tool import SKILLS_DIR
+        _skills_dir = str(SKILLS_DIR.resolve())
+        _hub_dir = str((SKILLS_DIR / ".hub").resolve())
+        skill_cmds = get_skill_commands()
+        for cmd_key in sorted(skill_cmds):
+            info = skill_cmds[cmd_key]
+            skill_path = info.get("skill_md_path", "")
+            if not skill_path.startswith(_skills_dir):
+                continue
+            if skill_path.startswith(_hub_dir):
+                continue
+            # Skip skills disabled for telegram
+            skill_name = info.get("name", "")
+            if skill_name in _platform_disabled:
+                continue
+            name = cmd_key.lstrip("/").replace("-", "_")
+            desc = info.get("description", "")
+            # Keep descriptions short — setMyCommands has an undocumented
+            # total payload limit.  40 chars fits 100 commands safely.
+            if len(desc) > 40:
+                desc = desc[:37] + "..."
+            skill_entries.append((name, desc))
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    # Clamp skill names to 32 chars with collision avoidance
+    skill_entries = _clamp_telegram_names(skill_entries, reserved_names)
+
+    # Skills fill remaining slots — they're the only tier that gets trimmed
+    remaining_slots = max(0, max_commands - len(all_commands))
+    hidden_count = max(0, len(skill_entries) - remaining_slots)
+    all_commands.extend(skill_entries[:remaining_slots])
+    return all_commands[:max_commands], hidden_count
+
+
 def slack_subcommand_map() -> dict[str, str]:
     """Return subcommand -> /command mapping for Slack /hermes handler.
 
     Maps both canonical names and aliases so /hermes bg do stuff works
     the same as /hermes background do stuff.
     """
+    overrides = _resolve_config_gates()
     mapping: dict[str, str] = {}
     for cmd in COMMAND_REGISTRY:
-        if cmd.cli_only:
+        if not _is_gateway_available(cmd, overrides):
             continue
         mapping[cmd.name] = f"/{cmd.name}"
         for alias in cmd.aliases:
@@ -331,29 +523,8 @@ class SlashCommandCompleter(Completer):
     def __init__(
         self,
         skill_commands_provider: Callable[[], Mapping[str, dict[str, Any]]] | None = None,
-        model_completer_provider: Callable[[], dict[str, Any]] | None = None,
     ) -> None:
         self._skill_commands_provider = skill_commands_provider
-        # model_completer_provider returns {"current_provider": str,
-        #   "providers": {id: label, ...}, "models_for": callable(provider) -> list[str]}
-        self._model_completer_provider = model_completer_provider
-        self._model_info_cache: dict[str, Any] | None = None
-        self._model_info_cache_time: float = 0
-
-    def _get_model_info(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
-        """Get cached model/provider info for /model autocomplete."""
-        import time
-        now = time.monotonic()
-        if self._model_info_cache is not None and now - self._model_info_cache_time < 60:
-            return self._model_info_cache
-        if self._model_completer_provider is None:
-            return {}
-        try:
-            self._model_info_cache = self._model_completer_provider() or {}
-            self._model_info_cache_time = now
-        except Exception:
-            self._model_info_cache = self._model_info_cache or {}
-        return self._model_info_cache
 
     def _iter_skill_commands(self) -> Mapping[str, dict[str, Any]]:
         if self._skill_commands_provider is None:
@@ -592,52 +763,6 @@ class SlashCommandCompleter(Completer):
             sub_text = parts[1] if len(parts) > 1 else ""
             sub_lower = sub_text.lower()
 
-            # /model gets two-stage completion:
-            #   Stage 1: provider names (with : suffix)
-            #   Stage 2: after "provider:", list that provider's models
-            if base_cmd == "/model" and " " not in sub_text:
-                info = self._get_model_info()
-                if info:
-                    current_prov = info.get("current_provider", "")
-                    providers = info.get("providers", {})
-                    models_for = info.get("models_for")
-
-                    if ":" in sub_text:
-                        # Stage 2: "anthropic:cl" → models for anthropic
-                        prov_part, model_part = sub_text.split(":", 1)
-                        model_lower = model_part.lower()
-                        if models_for:
-                            try:
-                                prov_models = models_for(prov_part)
-                            except Exception:
-                                prov_models = []
-                            for mid in prov_models:
-                                if mid.lower().startswith(model_lower) and mid.lower() != model_lower:
-                                    full = f"{prov_part}:{mid}"
-                                    yield Completion(
-                                        full,
-                                        start_position=-len(sub_text),
-                                        display=mid,
-                                    )
-                    else:
-                        # Stage 1: providers sorted: non-current first, current last
-                        for pid, plabel in sorted(
-                            providers.items(),
-                            key=lambda kv: (kv[0] == current_prov, kv[0]),
-                        ):
-                            display_name = f"{pid}:"
-                            if display_name.lower().startswith(sub_lower):
-                                meta = f"({plabel})" if plabel != pid else ""
-                                if pid == current_prov:
-                                    meta = f"(current — {plabel})" if plabel != pid else "(current)"
-                                yield Completion(
-                                    display_name,
-                                    start_position=-len(sub_text),
-                                    display=display_name,
-                                    display_meta=meta,
-                                )
-                return
-
             # Static subcommand completions
             if " " not in sub_text and base_cmd in SUBCOMMANDS:
                 for sub in SUBCOMMANDS[base_cmd]:
@@ -719,32 +844,6 @@ class SlashCommandAutoSuggest(AutoSuggest):
         sub_text = parts[1] if len(parts) > 1 else ""
         sub_lower = sub_text.lower()
 
-        # /model gets two-stage ghost text
-        if base_cmd == "/model" and " " not in sub_text and self._completer:
-            info = self._completer._get_model_info()
-            if info:
-                providers = info.get("providers", {})
-                models_for = info.get("models_for")
-                current_prov = info.get("current_provider", "")
-
-                if ":" in sub_text:
-                    # Stage 2: after provider:, suggest model
-                    prov_part, model_part = sub_text.split(":", 1)
-                    model_lower = model_part.lower()
-                    if models_for:
-                        try:
-                            for mid in models_for(prov_part):
-                                if mid.lower().startswith(model_lower) and mid.lower() != model_lower:
-                                    return Suggestion(mid[len(model_part):])
-                        except Exception:
-                            pass
-                else:
-                    # Stage 1: suggest provider name with :
-                    for pid in sorted(providers, key=lambda p: (p == current_prov, p)):
-                        candidate = f"{pid}:"
-                        if candidate.lower().startswith(sub_lower) and candidate.lower() != sub_lower:
-                            return Suggestion(candidate[len(sub_text):])
-
         # Static subcommands
         if base_cmd in SUBCOMMANDS and SUBCOMMANDS[base_cmd]:
             if " " not in sub_text:

hermes_cli/config.py

@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import tempfile
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Dict, Any, Optional, List, Tuple
 
+from tools.tool_backend_helpers import managed_nous_tools_enabled as _managed_nous_tools_enabled
+
 _IS_WINDOWS = platform.system() == "Windows"
 _ENV_VAR_NAME_RE = re.compile(r"^[A-Za-z_][A-Za-z0-9_]*$")
 # Env var names written to .env that aren't in OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS
@@ -34,25 +36,111 @@ _EXTRA_ENV_KEYS = frozenset({
     "SIGNAL_ACCOUNT", "SIGNAL_HTTP_URL",
     "SIGNAL_ALLOWED_USERS", "SIGNAL_GROUP_ALLOWED_USERS",
     "DINGTALK_CLIENT_ID", "DINGTALK_CLIENT_SECRET",
+    "FEISHU_APP_ID", "FEISHU_APP_SECRET", "FEISHU_ENCRYPT_KEY", "FEISHU_VERIFICATION_TOKEN",
+    "WECOM_BOT_ID", "WECOM_SECRET",
     "TERMINAL_ENV", "TERMINAL_SSH_KEY", "TERMINAL_SSH_PORT",
     "WHATSAPP_MODE", "WHATSAPP_ENABLED",
     "MATTERMOST_HOME_CHANNEL", "MATTERMOST_REPLY_MODE",
     "MATRIX_PASSWORD", "MATRIX_ENCRYPTION", "MATRIX_HOME_ROOM",
 })
-
 import yaml
 
 from hermes_cli.colors import Colors, color
 from hermes_cli.default_soul import DEFAULT_SOUL_MD
 
 
+# =============================================================================
+# Managed mode (NixOS declarative config)
+# =============================================================================
+
+_MANAGED_TRUE_VALUES = ("true", "1", "yes")
+_MANAGED_SYSTEM_NAMES = {
+    "brew": "Homebrew",
+    "homebrew": "Homebrew",
+    "nix": "NixOS",
+    "nixos": "NixOS",
+}
+
+
+def get_managed_system() -> Optional[str]:
+    """Return the package manager owning this install, if any."""
+    raw = os.getenv("HERMES_MANAGED", "").strip()
+    if raw:
+        normalized = raw.lower()
+        if normalized in _MANAGED_TRUE_VALUES:
+            return "NixOS"
+        return _MANAGED_SYSTEM_NAMES.get(normalized, raw)
+
+    managed_marker = get_hermes_home() / ".managed"
+    if managed_marker.exists():
+        return "NixOS"
+    return None
+
+
+def is_managed() -> bool:
+    """Check if Hermes is running in package-manager-managed mode.
+
+    Two signals: the HERMES_MANAGED env var (set by the systemd service),
+    or a .managed marker file in HERMES_HOME (set by the NixOS activation
+    script, so interactive shells also see it).
+    """
+    return get_managed_system() is not None
+
+
+def get_managed_update_command() -> Optional[str]:
+    """Return the preferred upgrade command for a managed install."""
+    managed_system = get_managed_system()
+    if managed_system == "Homebrew":
+        return "brew upgrade hermes-agent"
+    if managed_system == "NixOS":
+        return "sudo nixos-rebuild switch"
+    return None
+
+
+def recommended_update_command() -> str:
+    """Return the best update command for the current installation."""
+    return get_managed_update_command() or "hermes update"
+
+
+def format_managed_message(action: str = "modify this Hermes installation") -> str:
+    """Build a user-facing error for managed installs."""
+    managed_system = get_managed_system() or "a package manager"
+    raw = os.getenv("HERMES_MANAGED", "").strip().lower()
+
+    if managed_system == "NixOS":
+        env_hint = "true" if raw in _MANAGED_TRUE_VALUES else raw or "true"
+        return (
+            f"Cannot {action}: this Hermes installation is managed by NixOS "
+            f"(HERMES_MANAGED={env_hint}).\n"
+            "Edit services.hermes-agent.settings in your configuration.nix and run:\n"
+            "  sudo nixos-rebuild switch"
+        )
+
+    if managed_system == "Homebrew":
+        env_hint = raw or "homebrew"
+        return (
+            f"Cannot {action}: this Hermes installation is managed by Homebrew "
+            f"(HERMES_MANAGED={env_hint}).\n"
+            "Use:\n"
+            "  brew upgrade hermes-agent"
+        )
+
+    return (
+        f"Cannot {action}: this Hermes installation is managed by {managed_system}.\n"
+        "Use your package manager to upgrade or reinstall Hermes."
+    )
+
+def managed_error(action: str = "modify configuration"):
+    """Print user-friendly error for managed mode."""
+    print(format_managed_message(action), file=sys.stderr)
+
+
 # =============================================================================
 # Config paths
 # =============================================================================
 
-def get_hermes_home() -> Path:
-    """Get the Hermes home directory (~/.hermes)."""
-    return Path(os.getenv("HERMES_HOME", Path.home() / ".hermes"))
+# Re-export from hermes_constants — canonical definition lives there.
+from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home  # noqa: F811,E402
 
 def get_config_path() -> Path:
     """Get the main config file path."""
@@ -109,16 +197,29 @@ def ensure_hermes_home():
 # =============================================================================
 
 DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
-    "model": "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6",
+    "model": "",
+    "fallback_providers": [],
+    "credential_pool_strategies": {},
     "toolsets": ["hermes-cli"],
     "agent": {
         "max_turns": 90,
+        # Tool-use enforcement: injects system prompt guidance that tells the
+        # model to actually call tools instead of describing intended actions.
+        # Values: "auto" (default — applies to gpt/codex models), true/false
+        # (force on/off for all models), or a list of model-name substrings
+        # to match (e.g. ["gpt", "codex", "gemini", "qwen"]).
+        "tool_use_enforcement": "auto",
     },
     
     "terminal": {
         "backend": "local",
+        "modal_mode": "auto",
         "cwd": ".",  # Use current directory
         "timeout": 180,
+        # Environment variables to pass through to sandboxed execution
+        # (terminal and execute_code).  Skill-declared required_environment_variables
+        # are passed through automatically; this list is for non-skill use cases.
+        "env_passthrough": [],
         "docker_image": "nikolaik/python-nodejs:python3.11-nodejs20",
         "docker_forward_env": [],
         "singularity_image": "docker://nikolaik/python-nodejs:python3.11-nodejs20",
@@ -145,7 +246,16 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
     
     "browser": {
         "inactivity_timeout": 120,
+        "command_timeout": 30,  # Timeout for browser commands in seconds (screenshot, navigate, etc.)
         "record_sessions": False,  # Auto-record browser sessions as WebM videos
+        "allow_private_urls": False,  # Allow navigating to private/internal IPs (localhost, 192.168.x.x, etc.)
+        "camofox": {
+            # When true, Hermes sends a stable profile-scoped userId to Camofox
+            # so the server can map it to a persistent browser profile directory.
+            # Requires Camofox server to be configured with CAMOFOX_PROFILE_DIR.
+            # When false (default), each session gets a random userId (ephemeral).
+            "managed_persistence": False,
+        },
     },
 
     # Filesystem checkpoints — automatic snapshots before destructive file ops.
@@ -155,11 +265,18 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "enabled": True,
         "max_snapshots": 50,  # Max checkpoints to keep per directory
     },
+
+    # Maximum characters returned by a single read_file call.  Reads that
+    # exceed this are rejected with guidance to use offset+limit.
+    # 100K chars ≈ 25–35K tokens across typical tokenisers.
+    "file_read_max_chars": 100_000,
     
     "compression": {
         "enabled": True,
-        "threshold": 0.50,
-        "summary_model": "",  # empty = use main configured model
+        "threshold": 0.50,            # compress when context usage exceeds this ratio
+        "target_ratio": 0.20,         # fraction of threshold to preserve as recent tail
+        "protect_last_n": 20,         # minimum recent messages to keep uncompressed
+        "summary_model": "",          # empty = use main configured model
         "summary_provider": "auto",
         "summary_base_url": None,
     },
@@ -182,49 +299,57 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
             "model": "",           # e.g. "google/gemini-2.5-flash", "gpt-4o"
             "base_url": "",        # direct OpenAI-compatible endpoint (takes precedence over provider)
             "api_key": "",         # API key for base_url (falls back to OPENAI_API_KEY)
-            "timeout": 30,         # seconds — increase for slow local vision models
+            "timeout": 30,         # seconds — LLM API call timeout; increase for slow local vision models
+            "download_timeout": 30,  # seconds — image HTTP download timeout; increase for slow connections
         },
         "web_extract": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,         # seconds — increase for slow local models
         },
         "compression": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 120,        # seconds — compression summarises large contexts; increase for local models
         },
         "session_search": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,
         },
         "skills_hub": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,
         },
         "approval": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",           # fast/cheap model recommended (e.g. gemini-flash, haiku)
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,
         },
         "mcp": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,
         },
         "flush_memories": {
             "provider": "auto",
             "model": "",
             "base_url": "",
             "api_key": "",
+            "timeout": 30,
         },
     },
     
@@ -232,11 +357,15 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "compact": False,
         "personality": "kawaii",
         "resume_display": "full",
+        "busy_input_mode": "interrupt",
         "bell_on_complete": False,
         "show_reasoning": False,
         "streaming": False,
+        "inline_diffs": True,     # Show inline diff previews for write actions (write_file, patch, skill_manage)
         "show_cost": False,       # Show $ cost in the status bar (off by default)
         "skin": "default",
+        "tool_progress_command": False,  # Enable /verbose command in messaging gateway
+        "tool_preview_length": 0,  # Max chars for tool call previews (0 = no limit, show full paths/commands)
     },
 
     # Privacy settings
@@ -299,6 +428,11 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "user_profile_enabled": True,
         "memory_char_limit": 2200,   # ~800 tokens at 2.75 chars/token
         "user_char_limit": 1375,     # ~500 tokens at 2.75 chars/token
+        # External memory provider plugin (empty = built-in only).
+        # Set to a provider name to activate: "openviking", "mem0",
+        # "hindsight", "holographic", "retaindb", "byterover".
+        # Only ONE external provider is allowed at a time.
+        "provider": "",
     },
 
     # Subagent delegation — override the provider:model used by delegate_task
@@ -310,6 +444,8 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "provider": "",    # e.g. "openrouter" (empty = inherit parent provider + credentials)
         "base_url": "",    # direct OpenAI-compatible endpoint for subagents
         "api_key": "",     # API key for delegation.base_url (falls back to OPENAI_API_KEY)
+        "max_iterations": 50,  # per-subagent iteration cap (each subagent gets its own budget,
+                               # independent of the parent's max_iterations)
     },
 
     # Ephemeral prefill messages file — JSON list of {role, content} dicts
@@ -317,6 +453,13 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
     # Never saved to sessions, logs, or trajectories.
     "prefill_messages_file": "",
     
+    # Skills — external skill directories for sharing skills across tools/agents.
+    # Each path is expanded (~, ${VAR}) and resolved.  Read-only — skill creation
+    # always goes to ~/.hermes/skills/.
+    "skills": {
+        "external_dirs": [],   # e.g. ["~/.agents/skills", "/shared/team-skills"]
+    },
+
     # Honcho AI-native memory -- reads ~/.honcho/config.json as single source of truth.
     # This section is only needed for hermes-specific overrides; everything else
     # (apiKey, workspace, peerName, sessions, enabled) comes from the global config.
@@ -331,6 +474,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "require_mention": True,       # Require @mention to respond in server channels
         "free_response_channels": "",  # Comma-separated channel IDs where bot responds without mention
         "auto_thread": True,           # Auto-create threads on @mention in channels (like Slack)
+        "reactions": True,             # Add 👀/✅/❌ reactions to messages during processing
     },
 
     # WhatsApp platform settings (gateway mode)
@@ -347,6 +491,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
     #   off    — skip all approval prompts (equivalent to --yolo)
     "approvals": {
         "mode": "manual",
+        "timeout": 60,
     },
 
     # Permanently allowed dangerous command patterns (added via "always" approval)
@@ -372,8 +517,14 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         },
     },
 
+    "cron": {
+        # Wrap delivered cron responses with a header (task name) and footer
+        # ("The agent cannot see this message").  Set to false for clean output.
+        "wrap_response": True,
+    },
+
     # Config schema version - bump this when adding new required fields
-    "_config_version": 10,
+    "_config_version": 11,
 }
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -388,6 +539,7 @@ ENV_VARS_BY_VERSION: Dict[int, List[str]] = {
     5: ["WHATSAPP_ENABLED", "WHATSAPP_MODE", "WHATSAPP_ALLOWED_USERS",
         "SLACK_BOT_TOKEN", "SLACK_APP_TOKEN", "SLACK_ALLOWED_USERS"],
     10: ["TAVILY_API_KEY"],
+    11: ["TERMINAL_MODAL_MODE"],
 }
 
 # Required environment variables with metadata for migration prompts.
@@ -511,14 +663,14 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "category": "provider",
     },
     "DASHSCOPE_API_KEY": {
-        "description": "Alibaba Cloud DashScope API key for Qwen models",
+        "description": "Alibaba Cloud DashScope API key (Qwen + multi-provider models)",
         "prompt": "DashScope API Key",
         "url": "https://modelstudio.console.alibabacloud.com/",
         "password": True,
         "category": "provider",
     },
     "DASHSCOPE_BASE_URL": {
-        "description": "Custom DashScope base URL (default: international endpoint)",
+        "description": "Custom DashScope base URL (default: coding-intl OpenAI-compat endpoint)",
         "prompt": "DashScope Base URL",
         "url": "",
         "password": False,
@@ -557,8 +709,31 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "category": "provider",
         "advanced": True,
     },
+    "HF_TOKEN": {
+        "description": "Hugging Face token for Inference Providers (20+ open models via router.huggingface.co)",
+        "prompt": "Hugging Face Token",
+        "url": "https://huggingface.co/settings/tokens",
+        "password": True,
+        "category": "provider",
+    },
+    "HF_BASE_URL": {
+        "description": "Hugging Face Inference Providers base URL override",
+        "prompt": "HF base URL (leave empty for default)",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "provider",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
 
     # ── Tool API keys ──
+    "EXA_API_KEY": {
+        "description": "Exa API key for AI-native web search and contents",
+        "prompt": "Exa API key",
+        "url": "https://exa.ai/",
+        "tools": ["web_search", "web_extract"],
+        "password": True,
+        "category": "tool",
+    },
     "PARALLEL_API_KEY": {
         "description": "Parallel API key for AI-native web search and extract",
         "prompt": "Parallel API key",
@@ -583,6 +758,38 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "category": "tool",
         "advanced": True,
     },
+    "FIRECRAWL_GATEWAY_URL": {
+        "description": "Exact Firecrawl tool-gateway origin override for Nous Subscribers only (optional)",
+        "prompt": "Firecrawl gateway URL (leave empty to derive from domain)",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "tool",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
+    "TOOL_GATEWAY_DOMAIN": {
+        "description": "Shared tool-gateway domain suffix for Nous Subscribers only, used to derive vendor hosts, e.g. nousresearch.com -> firecrawl-gateway.nousresearch.com",
+        "prompt": "Tool-gateway domain suffix",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "tool",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
+    "TOOL_GATEWAY_SCHEME": {
+        "description": "Shared tool-gateway URL scheme for Nous Subscribers only, used to derive vendor hosts (`https` by default, set `http` for local gateway testing)",
+        "prompt": "Tool-gateway URL scheme",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "tool",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
+    "TOOL_GATEWAY_USER_TOKEN": {
+        "description": "Explicit Nous Subscriber access token for tool-gateway requests (optional; otherwise read from the Hermes auth store)",
+        "prompt": "Tool-gateway user token",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": True,
+        "category": "tool",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
     "TAVILY_API_KEY": {
         "description": "Tavily API key for AI-native web search, extract, and crawl",
         "prompt": "Tavily API key",
@@ -615,6 +822,14 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "password": True,
         "category": "tool",
     },
+    "CAMOFOX_URL": {
+        "description": "Camofox browser server URL for local anti-detection browsing (e.g. http://localhost:9377)",
+        "prompt": "Camofox server URL",
+        "url": "https://github.com/jo-inc/camofox-browser",
+        "tools": ["browser_navigate", "browser_click"],
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "tool",
+    },
     "FAL_KEY": {
         "description": "FAL API key for image generation",
         "prompt": "FAL API key",
@@ -745,6 +960,20 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "password": False,
         "category": "messaging",
     },
+    "MATTERMOST_REQUIRE_MENTION": {
+        "description": "Require @mention in Mattermost channels (default: true). Set to false to respond to all messages.",
+        "prompt": "Require @mention in channels",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "messaging",
+    },
+    "MATTERMOST_FREE_RESPONSE_CHANNELS": {
+        "description": "Comma-separated Mattermost channel IDs where bot responds without @mention",
+        "prompt": "Free-response channel IDs (comma-separated)",
+        "url": None,
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "messaging",
+    },
     "MATRIX_HOMESERVER": {
         "description": "Matrix homeserver URL (e.g. https://matrix.example.org)",
         "prompt": "Matrix homeserver URL",
@@ -890,6 +1119,15 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
     },
 }
 
+if not _managed_nous_tools_enabled():
+    for _hidden_var in (
+        "FIRECRAWL_GATEWAY_URL",
+        "TOOL_GATEWAY_DOMAIN",
+        "TOOL_GATEWAY_SCHEME",
+        "TOOL_GATEWAY_USER_TOKEN",
+    ):
+        OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS.pop(_hidden_var, None)
+
 
 def get_missing_env_vars(required_only: bool = False) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
     """
@@ -1192,6 +1430,36 @@ def _expand_env_vars(obj):
     return obj
 
 
+def _normalize_root_model_keys(config: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """Move stale root-level provider/base_url into model section.
+
+    Some users (or older code) placed ``provider:`` and ``base_url:`` at the
+    config root instead of inside ``model:``.  These root-level keys are only
+    used as a fallback when the corresponding ``model.*`` key is empty — they
+    never override an existing ``model.provider`` or ``model.base_url``.
+    After migration the root-level keys are removed so they can't cause
+    confusion on subsequent loads.
+    """
+    # Only act if there are root-level keys to migrate
+    has_root = any(config.get(k) for k in ("provider", "base_url"))
+    if not has_root:
+        return config
+
+    config = dict(config)
+    model = config.get("model")
+    if not isinstance(model, dict):
+        model = {"default": model} if model else {}
+        config["model"] = model
+
+    for key in ("provider", "base_url"):
+        root_val = config.get(key)
+        if root_val and not model.get(key):
+            model[key] = root_val
+        config.pop(key, None)
+
+    return config
+
+
 def _normalize_max_turns_config(config: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     """Normalize legacy root-level max_turns into agent.max_turns."""
     config = dict(config)
@@ -1233,7 +1501,7 @@ def load_config() -> Dict[str, Any]:
         except Exception as e:
             print(f"Warning: Failed to load config: {e}")
     
-    return _expand_env_vars(_normalize_max_turns_config(config))
+    return _expand_env_vars(_normalize_root_model_keys(_normalize_max_turns_config(config)))
 
 
 _SECURITY_COMMENT = """
@@ -1333,11 +1601,14 @@ _COMMENTED_SECTIONS = """
 
 def save_config(config: Dict[str, Any]):
     """Save configuration to ~/.hermes/config.yaml."""
+    if is_managed():
+        managed_error("save configuration")
+        return
     from utils import atomic_yaml_write
 
     ensure_hermes_home()
     config_path = get_config_path()
-    normalized = _normalize_max_turns_config(config)
+    normalized = _normalize_root_model_keys(_normalize_max_turns_config(config))
 
     # Build optional commented-out sections for features that are off by
     # default or only relevant when explicitly configured.
@@ -1474,6 +1745,9 @@ def sanitize_env_file() -> int:
 
 def save_env_value(key: str, value: str):
     """Save or update a value in ~/.hermes/.env."""
+    if is_managed():
+        managed_error(f"set {key}")
+        return
     if not _ENV_VAR_NAME_RE.match(key):
         raise ValueError(f"Invalid environment variable name: {key!r}")
     value = value.replace("\n", "").replace("\r", "")
@@ -1609,6 +1883,7 @@ def show_config():
     keys = [
         ("OPENROUTER_API_KEY", "OpenRouter"),
         ("VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY", "OpenAI (STT/TTS)"),
+        ("EXA_API_KEY", "Exa"),
         ("PARALLEL_API_KEY", "Parallel"),
         ("FIRECRAWL_API_KEY", "Firecrawl"),
         ("TAVILY_API_KEY", "Tavily"),
@@ -1680,6 +1955,8 @@ def show_config():
     print(f"  Enabled:      {'yes' if enabled else 'no'}")
     if enabled:
         print(f"  Threshold:    {compression.get('threshold', 0.50) * 100:.0f}%")
+        print(f"  Target ratio: {compression.get('target_ratio', 0.20) * 100:.0f}% of threshold preserved")
+        print(f"  Protect last: {compression.get('protect_last_n', 20)} messages")
         _sm = compression.get('summary_model', '') or '(main model)'
         print(f"  Model:        {_sm}")
         comp_provider = compression.get('summary_provider', 'auto')
@@ -1728,6 +2005,9 @@ def show_config():
 
 def edit_config():
     """Open config file in user's editor."""
+    if is_managed():
+        managed_error("edit configuration")
+        return
     config_path = get_config_path()
     
     # Ensure config exists
@@ -1757,10 +2037,15 @@ def edit_config():
 
 def set_config_value(key: str, value: str):
     """Set a configuration value."""
+    if is_managed():
+        managed_error("set configuration values")
+        return
     # Check if it's an API key (goes to .env)
     api_keys = [
         'OPENROUTER_API_KEY', 'OPENAI_API_KEY', 'ANTHROPIC_API_KEY', 'VOICE_TOOLS_OPENAI_KEY',
-        'PARALLEL_API_KEY', 'FIRECRAWL_API_KEY', 'FIRECRAWL_API_URL', 'TAVILY_API_KEY',
+        'EXA_API_KEY', 'PARALLEL_API_KEY', 'FIRECRAWL_API_KEY', 'FIRECRAWL_API_URL',
+        'FIRECRAWL_GATEWAY_URL', 'TOOL_GATEWAY_DOMAIN', 'TOOL_GATEWAY_SCHEME',
+        'TOOL_GATEWAY_USER_TOKEN', 'TAVILY_API_KEY',
         'BROWSERBASE_API_KEY', 'BROWSERBASE_PROJECT_ID', 'BROWSER_USE_API_KEY',
         'FAL_KEY', 'TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN', 'DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN',
         'TERMINAL_SSH_HOST', 'TERMINAL_SSH_USER', 'TERMINAL_SSH_KEY',
@@ -1816,6 +2101,7 @@ def set_config_value(key: str, value: str):
     # config.yaml is authoritative, but terminal_tool only reads TERMINAL_ENV etc.
     _config_to_env_sync = {
         "terminal.backend": "TERMINAL_ENV",
+        "terminal.modal_mode": "TERMINAL_MODAL_MODE",
         "terminal.docker_image": "TERMINAL_DOCKER_IMAGE",
         "terminal.singularity_image": "TERMINAL_SINGULARITY_IMAGE",
         "terminal.modal_image": "TERMINAL_MODAL_IMAGE",
@@ -1849,7 +2135,7 @@ def config_command(args):
     elif subcmd == "set":
         key = getattr(args, 'key', None)
         value = getattr(args, 'value', None)
-        if not key or not value:
+        if not key or value is None:
             print("Usage: hermes config set <key> <value>")
             print()
             print("Examples:")

hermes_cli/copilot_auth.py

@@ -21,12 +21,11 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import json
 import logging
 import os
-import re
 import shutil
 import subprocess
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any, Optional
+from typing import Optional
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 

hermes_cli/cron.py

@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ def cron_list(show_all: bool = False):
     print()
 
     for job in jobs:
-        job_id = job.get("id", "?")[:8]
+        job_id = job.get("id", "?")
         name = job.get("name", "(unnamed)")
         schedule = job.get("schedule_display", job.get("schedule", {}).get("value", "?"))
         state = job.get("state", "scheduled" if job.get("enabled", True) else "paused")