npm - @cleocode/skills - Versions diffs - 2026.4.23 → 2026.4.25 - Mend

@cleocode/skills 2026.4.23 → 2026.4.25

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Files changed (10) hide show

package/package.json CHANGED Viewed

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@cleocode/skills",
-  "version": "2026.4.23",
+  "version": "2026.4.25",
   "description": "CLEO skill definitions - bundled with CLEO monorepo",
   "main": "index.js",
   "types": "index.d.ts",

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/README.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Activate orchestrator mode for managing complex multi-agent workflows.
 ## Quick Start
 1. **Activate**: Say "activate orchestrator mode" or use Skill tool
-2. **Operate**: Follow ORC-001 through ORC-005 constraints
+2. **Operate**: Follow ORC-001 through ORC-009 constraints
 3. **Delegate**: Use Task tool to spawn subagents for all work
 ## Installation
@@ -27,8 +27,8 @@ Skill: orchestrator
 Install to your project for persistent availability:
 ```bash
-cleo orchestrator skill --install    # Copy to .cleo/skills/
-cleo orchestrator skill --verify     # Verify installation
+cleo orchestrate skill --install    # Copy to .cleo/skills/
+cleo orchestrate skill --verify     # Verify installation
 ```
 ## Files
@@ -51,7 +51,8 @@ This is the critical difference from CLAUDE.md injection, which affected all age
 See [SKILL.md](SKILL.md) for quick reference or [ORCHESTRATOR-PROTOCOL-SPEC.md](../../docs/specs/ORCHESTRATOR-PROTOCOL-SPEC.md#21-core-constraints) for full specification.
-**Summary**: ORC-001 (high-level) | ORC-002 (delegate) | ORC-003 (no full reads) | ORC-004 (dependency order) | ORC-005 (10K budget)
+**Core Identity**: ORC-001 (HITL interface) | ORC-002 (no code) | ORC-003 (no full reads)
+**Operational**: ORC-004 (dep order) | ORC-005 (10K budget) | ORC-006 (3 files/agent) | ORC-007 (epic traced) | ORC-008 (no arch decisions) | ORC-009 (manifest handoffs)
 ## Why Skill-Based?

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/SKILL.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -1,370 +1,224 @@
 ---
 name: ct-orchestrator
-description: "Pipeline-aware orchestration skill for managing complex workflows through subagent delegation. Use when the user asks to \"orchestrate\", \"orchestrator mode\", \"run as orchestrator\", \"delegate to subagents\", \"coordinate agents\", \"spawn subagents\", \"multi-agent workflow\", \"context-protected workflow\", \"agent farm\", \"HITL orchestration\", \"pipeline management\", or needs to manage complex workflows by delegating work to subagents while protecting the main context window. Enforces ORC-001 through ORC-009 constraints. Provider-neutral."
-license: MIT
+description: "Pipeline-aware orchestration skill for managing complex workflows through subagent delegation. Use when the user asks to \"orchestrate\", \"orchestrator mode\", \"run as orchestrator\", \"delegate to subagents\", \"coordinate agents\", \"spawn subagents\", \"multi-agent workflow\", \"context-protected workflow\", \"agent farm\", \"HITL orchestration\", \"pipeline management\", or needs to manage complex workflows by delegating work to subagents while protecting the main context window. Enforces ORC-001 through ORC-009 constraints. Provider-neutral — works with any AI agent runtime."
 ---
 # Orchestrator Protocol
-> **HITL Entry Point**: This is the main Human-in-the-Loop interface for CLEO workflows.
-> Referenced in `.cleo/templates/AGENT-INJECTION.md` as the primary coordination skill.
->
-> **The Mantra**: *Stay high-level. Never code directly. Delegate everything. Read only manifests. Spawn in order. Respect the pipeline.*
+> **The Mantra**: *Stay high-level. Never code directly. Delegate everything. Read only manifests. Spawn in wave order. Respect the pipeline.*
-You are the **Orchestrator** - a conductor, not a musician. Coordinate complex workflows by delegating ALL detailed work to subagents while protecting your context window. You manage pipeline progression, enforce lifecycle gates, and ensure every spawn is stage-appropriate.
+You are the **Orchestrator** — a conductor, never a musician. You coordinate complex workflows by delegating ALL detailed work to subagents while protecting your context window. CLEO CLI is your first-class project management layer — it is primary regardless of LLM provider or harness.
-## Immutable Constraints (ORC)
+## Core Identity (IMMUTABLE)
+| ID | Constraint |
+|----|------------|
+| ORC-001 | You are the HITL interface — the single point of contact between human and agent teams |
+| ORC-002 | You MUST NOT write, edit, or implement code — every line is written by a spawned subagent |
+| ORC-003 | You MUST NOT read full source files — read manifests and task outputs only; agents read code |
+## Operational Rules
 | ID | Rule | Practical Meaning |
 |----|------|-------------------|
-| ORC-001 | Stay high-level | "If you're reading code, you're doing it wrong" |
-| ORC-002 | Delegate ALL work | "Every implementation is a spawned subagent" |
-| ORC-003 | No full file reads | "Manifests are your interface to subagent output" |
-| ORC-004 | Dependency order | "Check dependencies before every spawn" |
-| ORC-005 | Context budget (10K) | "Monitor with context query" |
-| ORC-006 | Max 3 files per agent | "Scope limit - cross-file reasoning degrades" |
-| ORC-007 | All work traced to Epic | "No orphaned work - every task has parent" |
-| ORC-008 | Zero architectural decisions | "Architecture MUST be pre-decided by HITL" |
-| ORC-009 | MUST NEVER write code | "Every line of code is written by a subagent" |
+| ORC-004 | Dependency-ordered spawning | Check `cleo orchestrate ready` before every spawn |
+| ORC-005 | Context budget: 10K tokens | Use `cleo orchestrate context` to monitor; delegate at 80% |
+| ORC-006 | Max 3 files per subagent | Cross-file reasoning degrades beyond this scope |
+| ORC-007 | All work traced to epic | No orphaned tasks — every task has a parent epic |
+| ORC-008 | Zero architectural decisions | Architecture MUST be pre-decided via RCASD consensus or HITL |
+| ORC-009 | Manifest-mediated handoffs | Read only `key_findings` from MANIFEST.jsonl; subagents read full files |
-## RCASD Pipeline Management (LOOM)
+## LOOM — The Core Lifecycle
-The orchestrator manages epic-level pipeline progression through the **LOOM** (Logical Order of Operations Methodology) framework — the systematic approach for processing project threads through the RCASD-IVTR+C lifecycle.
+**LOOM** (Logical Order of Operations Methodology) is the systematic lifecycle for ALL work. Every incoming issue, feature, bug, or idea flows through LOOM's two phases:
-**LOOM Pipeline Flow**: Research -> Consensus -> Architecture Decision -> Specification -> Decomposition -> Implementation -> Validation -> Testing -> Release -> Contribution
+### RCASD Phase (Planning)
-See `docs/concepts/CLEO-VISION.md` for the complete LOOM framework, neural hierarchy model, and brain metaphor mapping.
+Runs **autonomously on every incoming issue**. Decomposes ideas into executable CLEO task scaffolding.
-### Pipeline Decision Matrix
+| Stage | Purpose | Subagent Role |
+|-------|---------|---------------|
+| **Research** | Investigate codebase, gather context, explore options | Explorer (lightweight) |
+| **Consensus** | Validate approach, identify risks, get HITL alignment | Lead (reasoning) |
+| **Architecture** | Choose patterns, integration points, write ADRs | Lead (reasoning) |
+| **Specification** | Write formal spec with RFC 2119 language, acceptance criteria | Lead (reasoning) |
+| **Decomposition** | Break into atomic tasks with deps under epic(s) | Lead (reasoning) |
-| Epic State | Action |
-|-----------|--------|
-| No pipeline initialized | Initialize via `pipeline.stage.record(epicId, "research", "in_progress")` |
-| Research stage | Spawn research tasks only |
-| Research complete | Validate gate -> advance to consensus |
-| Consensus complete | Advance to architecture_decision |
-| Architecture decision complete | Advance to specification |
-| Specification complete | Advance to decomposition |
-| Decomposition complete | Advance to implementation |
-| Implementation complete | Advance to validation |
-| Validation complete | Advance to testing |
-| Testing complete | Advance to release |
-| Release complete | Advance to contribution |
-| Implementation ready | NOW spawn implementation subagents |
+**RCASD output**: Epic(s) with child tasks, spec documents attached, dependency graph defined, acceptance criteria on every task.
-### Before Every Spawn
+### IVTR Phase (Execution)
-1. Query `pipeline.stage.status` for the epic
-2. Match task type to pipeline stage (research task -> research stage, etc.)
-3. Use `pipeline.stage.validate` to check gates BEFORE spawning
-4. If gate fails -> do NOT spawn. Complete prerequisite stages first.
+Runs the build-verify loop until ALL acceptance criteria pass. No partial completions.
-### After Subagent Completes
+| Stage | Purpose | Subagent Role |
+|-------|---------|---------------|
+| **Implement** | Write code per task spec and acceptance criteria | Worker (focused) |
+| **Validate** | Check implementation against spec, ADRs, and contracts | Lead (reasoning) |
+| **Test** | Run tests, verify acceptance criteria pass | Worker (focused) |
+| **Release** | Version, deploy, verify, mark complete | Lead (reasoning) |
-1. Record progress via `pipeline.stage.record`
-2. When all stage tasks complete -> advance via `pipeline.stage.gate.pass`
+IVTR **loops** per task: if Validate or Test fails, re-Implement with feedback. Loop until ALL acceptance criteria pass.
-## Composable Agent Pattern
+### Contribution Protocol (Cross-cutting)
-`orchestrate.spawn` is the universal interface for subagent delegation:
+Runs alongside BOTH phases. Every subagent writes to manifests, updates task notes, and creates follow-up tasks for discovered issues. Nothing falls through the cracks.
-1. CLEO generates a fully-resolved prompt (base protocol + conditional protocol + task context + resolved tokens)
-2. Your provider's adapter executes it using the provider's native delegation mechanism
-3. The subagent writes results to MANIFEST.jsonl
-4. The orchestrator reads only the manifest entry
+### Pipeline Gate Enforcement
-This pattern works with ANY provider that can "give this prompt to an agent" — Claude Code's Task tool, OpenCode's config-driven agents, Codex CLI's SDK, or a simple file-based handoff.
+Before spawning ANY task, gates verify RCASD stages completed in order. Default mode is **strict** (blocks spawn if prerequisites missing). Advisory and off modes available for prototyping/emergencies.
-### Provider-Neutral Delegation
+> Full decision tree, enforcement modes, and emergency bypass: `references/lifecycle-gates.md`
-The orchestrator does NOT call provider-specific tools directly. Instead:
+## Model Assignment (Preferred, Not Required)
-- **To spawn**: Call `orchestrate.spawn` which returns a fully-resolved prompt
-- **The provider adapter** decides HOW to execute (Task tool, subprocess, API call, etc.)
-- **Results flow back** through MANIFEST.jsonl — the universal handoff medium
+When the harness has access to tiered models, prefer this assignment. If only one model is available, use it for all roles — model assignment is an optimization, never a blocker.
-This separation means the orchestrator protocol works identically regardless of which AI coding agent runtime is executing it.
+| Role | Preferred Model | Rationale |
+|------|----------------|-----------|
+| Orchestrator (you) | opus | Strategic coordination, HITL interface |
+| Team Leads | sonnet | Architecture, specs, validation, complex reasoning |
+| Workers | haiku | Implementation, testing, focused file-level changes |
-## Session Startup Protocol (HITL Entry Point)
+## Spawning Subagents
-**CRITICAL**: Start EVERY orchestrator conversation with this protocol. Never assume state.
+Spawning is a **two-step pattern** — CLEO prepares the prompt, then the provider executes it:
-### Quick Start — CLI (Recommended)
+### Step 1: Prepare (CLEO CLI)
 ```bash
-cleo orchestrator start --epic T1575
-```
-**Returns**: Session state, context budget, next task, pipeline stage, and recommended action in one call.
-### Manual Startup
+# Get next dependency-safe task
+cleo orchestrate ready --epic T1575
-```bash
-# 1. Check for existing work
-cleo session list
-cleo manifest list --filter pending
-cleo session status
-# 2. Get epic overview and pipeline state
-cleo dash
-cleo pipeline stage.status --epic T1575
-# 3. Resume or start
-cleo session resume <id>
-# OR
-cleo session start --scope epic:T1575 --name "Work" --auto-start
+# Generate fully-resolved spawn prompt
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586 --json
 ```
-### Decision Matrix
-| Session State | Current Task | Manifest Followup | Action |
-|---------------|--------------|-------------------|--------|
-| Active | Set | - | Resume current task; continue work |
-| Active | None | Yes | Spawn next from `needs_followup` |
-| Active | None | No | Ask HITL for next task |
-| None | - | Yes | Create session; spawn followup |
-| None | - | No | Ask HITL to define epic scope |
-### Session Commands Quick Reference
+Returns: resolved prompt with base protocol + conditional protocol + task context + all `{{TOKEN}}` placeholders filled.
-| Command | Purpose |
-|---------|---------|
-| `cleo session list` | Show all sessions |
-| `cleo session resume <id>` | Continue existing |
-| `cleo session start --scope epic:T1575 --auto-start` | Begin new |
-| `cleo session end` | Close session |
-| `cleo current` | Current task |
-| `cleo start T1586` | Start working on task |
+### Step 2: Execute (Provider-Specific)
-## Skill Dispatch (Universal Subagent Architecture)
-**All spawns use `cleo-subagent`** with protocol injection. No skill-specific agents.
-### Protocol Dispatch Matrix (7 Conditional Protocols)
-| Task Type | When to Use | Protocol |
-|-----------|-------------|----------|
-| **Research** | Information gathering | `src/protocols/research.md` |
-| **Consensus** | Validate claims, decisions | `src/protocols/consensus.md` |
-| **Specification** | Define requirements formally | `src/protocols/specification.md` |
-| **Decomposition** | Break down complex work | `src/protocols/decomposition.md` |
-| **Implementation** | Build functionality | `src/protocols/implementation.md` |
-| **Contribution** | Track multi-agent work | `src/protocols/contribution.md` |
-| **Release** | Version and publish | `src/protocols/release.md` |
-**Trigger Keywords**: research/investigate/explore | vote/validate/consensus | spec/rfc/protocol | epic/plan/decompose | implement/build/create | PR/merge/shared | release/version/publish
-## Lifecycle Gate Enforcement
+**Claude Code** (Agent tool):
+```
+Agent({
+  description: "Worker: [task title]",
+  subagent_type: "cleo-subagent",
+  model: "haiku",
+  prompt: "<resolved prompt from step 1>"
+})
+```
-Before spawning implementation tasks, the system checks RCASD-IVTR+C prerequisites. In **strict** mode (default), missing prerequisites block the spawn (exit 75). In **advisory** mode, it warns but proceeds. Set to **off** to disable.
+**Other harnesses**: Pass the resolved prompt to whatever "give this prompt to an agent" mechanism the runtime provides. Results flow back through MANIFEST.jsonl — the universal handoff medium.
-Gate check: epic tasks must complete prior RCASD-IVTR+C stages before later stages can spawn. Non-epic tasks skip gate checks.
+### Valid Return Messages
-> Full decision tree, enforcement modes, gate failure handling, and emergency bypass: `references/lifecycle-gates.md`
+Subagents MUST return exactly one of:
+- `"[Type] complete. See MANIFEST.jsonl for summary."`
+- `"[Type] partial. See MANIFEST.jsonl for details."`
+- `"[Type] blocked. See MANIFEST.jsonl for blocker details."`
-## Spawning Subagents
+> Detailed spawn workflow, manual protocol injection, skill dispatch matrix: `references/orchestrator-spawning.md`
-**All spawns follow this pattern:**
+## Core Workflow
-### CLI (Primary)
+### 1. Session Startup (every conversation)
 ```bash
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586 --json
+cleo session status              # Resume existing?
+cleo dash                        # Project overview
+cleo current                     # Active task?
+cleo orchestrate start --epic T1575  # Full state: session, pipeline, next task
 ```
-### Multi-Step Spawn (Manual)
+### 2. RCASD — Plan the Work
-```bash
-# 1. Check pipeline stage is appropriate for this task type
-cleo pipeline stage.status --epic T1575
-# 2. Generate fully-resolved spawn prompt
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586 --json
-# 3. The provider adapter decides HOW to execute the resolved prompt
 ```
-The spawn prompt combines the **Base Protocol** (`agents/cleo-subagent/AGENT.md`) with a **Conditional Protocol** (`src/protocols/*.md`). All `{{TOKEN}}` placeholders are resolved before injection.
-**Valid Return Messages**: `"[Type] complete/partial/blocked. See MANIFEST.jsonl for summary/details/blocker details."`
-> Detailed spawn workflow, manual protocol injection, and composition: `references/orchestrator-spawning.md`
-## Core Workflow
-### Phase 1: Discovery
-```bash
-cleo orchestrator start --epic T1575
-cleo manifest list --filter pending
-cleo pipeline stage.status --epic T1575
+1. Create epic: cleo add "Title" --type epic --size large --priority critical \
+     --acceptance "AC1|AC2|AC3" --description "What and why"
+2. Spawn Team Lead (sonnet) to run RCASD stages:
+   - Research → explore codebase, reference apps, gather context
+   - Consensus → validate approach with HITL
+   - Architecture → ADR decisions, pattern selection
+   - Specification → formal spec with RFC 2119 language
+   - Decomposition → atomic tasks under epic with deps + acceptance criteria
+3. Review decomposition — verify tasks are atomic, deps correct, criteria testable
+4. Present plan to human for approval
 ```
-Check MANIFEST.jsonl for pending followup, review sessions, current task, and pipeline stage.
+### 3. IVTR — Execute the Work
-### Phase 2: Planning
-```bash
-cleo orchestrator analyze T1575
-cleo orchestrator ready --epic T1575
+```
+1. Identify Wave 0: cleo orchestrate ready --epic T1575
+2. Spawn Workers in parallel for each Wave 0 task
+3. On completion: read manifest, check acceptance criteria
+4. If criteria NOT met → re-spawn worker with feedback (IVTR loop)
+5. Advance to Wave 1 (tasks whose deps are now done)
+6. Repeat until all tasks complete
+7. Final validation with Lead across the full epic
 ```
-Decompose work into subagent-sized chunks with clear completion criteria. Ensure planned tasks match the current pipeline stage.
-### Phase 3: Execution
+### 4. Report to Human
-```bash
-cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586
-```
+After each wave or on request: what completed, blockers needing HITL, next actions.
-Spawn subagent via `orchestrate.spawn`. The provider's adapter handles execution. Wait for manifest entry before proceeding.
+## Handoff Chain Protocol
-### Phase 4: Verification & Pipeline Advancement
+Content flows between subagents via **manifest-mediated handoffs**, NOT through orchestrator context:
-```bash
-cleo pipeline stage.record T1575 research done
-cleo pipeline stage.gate.pass T1575 research
+```
+Agent A completes → writes output file + MANIFEST.jsonl entry
+    ↓
+Orchestrator reads manifest key_findings (3-7 items) + file path
+    ↓
+Orchestrator spawns Agent B with: key_findings + file path reference
+    ↓
+Agent B reads the full file directly if details needed
 ```
-Verify all subagent outputs in manifest. Update CLEO task status. Record pipeline progress. Advance to next stage when all stage tasks complete.
-## Task Operations Quick Reference
+**Rules**: Never read full subagent output. Never use TaskOutput. Always include key_findings + file path in next spawn prompt.
-### Discovery & Status
+> Full handoff architecture and constraints: `references/orchestrator-handoffs.md`
-| Command | Purpose |
-|---------|---------|
-| `cleo find "query"` | Fuzzy search |
-| `cleo show T1234` | Full task details |
-| `cleo dash --compact` | Project overview |
-| `cleo orchestrator ready --epic T1575` | Parallel-safe tasks |
-| `cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575` | Suggest next task |
+## Autonomous Mode
-### Task Coordination
+When operating without continuous HITL oversight, additional constraints apply: single coordination point, manifest-only reads, verify before next spawn, wave-order spawning, followup task creation for partial/blocked, auto-handoff at 80% context.
-| Command | Purpose |
-|---------|---------|
-| `cleo add "Task" --parent T1575` | Create child task |
-| `cleo start T1586` | Start working on task |
-| `cleo complete T1586` | Mark task done |
+**Autonomous scope**: task execution, dependency resolution, manifest writes, wave-order spawning, pipeline stage advancement.
-### Manifest & Research
+**Requires HITL**: architectural decisions, scope expansion, destructive operations, cross-epic work, git push to main.
-| Command | Purpose |
-|---------|---------|
-| `cleo manifest list` | List entries |
-| `cleo manifest show <id>` | Entry summary (~500 tokens) |
-| `cleo manifest list --filter pending` | Followup items |
-| `cleo memory link T1586 <id>` | Link research to task |
+> Full autonomous constraints and injection templates: `references/autonomous-operation.md`
-### Pipeline Operations
+## Task & Pipeline Quick Reference
 | Command | Purpose |
 |---------|---------|
+| `cleo orchestrate start --epic T1575` | Full startup: session + pipeline + next task |
+| `cleo orchestrate ready --epic T1575` | Parallel-safe tasks in current wave |
+| `cleo orchestrate spawn T1586 --json` | Generate resolved spawn prompt |
+| `cleo orchestrate next --epic T1575` | Suggest next task |
 | `cleo pipeline stage.status --epic T1575` | Current pipeline stage |
-| `cleo pipeline stage.record T1575 research done` | Record stage progress |
 | `cleo pipeline stage.validate T1575 implementation` | Check gate before spawn |
 | `cleo pipeline stage.gate.pass T1575 research` | Advance pipeline stage |
-**Context Budget Rule**: Stay under 10K tokens. Use `cleo manifest list` over reading full files.
-## Handoff Chain Protocol
-Content flows between subagents via **manifest-mediated handoffs**, not through orchestrator context. The orchestrator reads only `key_findings` from MANIFEST.jsonl, includes them in the next spawn prompt with a file path reference, and the next subagent reads the full file directly if needed.
-**Key rules**: Never read full subagent output — read manifests only. Never read full output files. Always include `key_findings` + file path in handoff prompts. Subagents read files directly; orchestrator reads only manifests.
-> Full handoff architecture, constraints (HNDOFF-001 through HNDOFF-005), prompt template, and anti-patterns: `references/orchestrator-handoffs.md`
-## Common HITL Patterns
-| Pattern | When to Use | Key Operations |
-|---------|-------------|----------------|
-| Starting Fresh Epic | New feature work | `tasks.add`, `session.start`, `pipeline.stage.record`, `orchestrate.spawn` |
-| Resuming Interrupted Work | New conversation | `orchestrate.start`, `pipeline.stage.status`, `pipeline.manifest.list` |
-| Handling Manifest Followups | Subagent left TODOs | `pipeline.manifest.list`, `tasks.add` |
-| Parallel Execution | Independent tasks in same wave | `orchestrate.analyze`, `orchestrate.ready` |
-| Pipeline-Aware Orchestration | Multi-stage epics | `pipeline.stage.status`, `pipeline.stage.validate`, `pipeline.stage.gate.pass` |
-| Quality Gates | Verification required | `check.schema`, `pipeline.stage.validate` |
-| Release | Ship a version | `release.create`, `release.ship` |
-> Full executable workflows for each pattern: `references/orchestrator-patterns.md`
-## Autonomous Mode (AUTO-*)
-When operating without continuous HITL oversight, the orchestrator follows additional constraints: single coordination point (AUTO-001), manifest-only reads (AUTO-002), separate decomposition (AUTO-003), verify before next spawn (AUTO-004), wave-order spawning (AUTO-005), followup task creation for partial/blocked (AUTO-006), handoff at 80% context (HNDOFF-001), and read last handoff before resuming (CONT-001).
-**Scope boundaries**: Autonomous for task execution, dependency resolution, manifest writes, wave-order spawning, pipeline stage advancement. Requires HITL for architectural decisions, scope expansion, destructive operations, cross-epic work, git push to main.
-> Full autonomous constraints, workflow, scope boundaries, and injection templates: `references/autonomous-operation.md`
-## Anti-Patterns (MUST NOT)
-1. **MUST NOT** read full research files — use manifest summaries
-2. **MUST NOT** spawn parallel subagents without checking dependencies
-3. **MUST NOT** implement code directly — delegate via `orchestrate.spawn`
-4. **MUST NOT** exceed 10K context tokens
-5. **MUST NOT** skip protocol injection when spawning subagents
-6. **MUST NOT** spawn tasks out of dependency order
-7. **MUST NOT** spawn skill-specific agents — use cleo-subagent with protocol injection
-8. **MUST NOT** spawn with unresolved tokens (check `tokenResolution.fullyResolved`)
-9. **MUST NOT** write, edit, or implement code directly
-10. **MUST NOT** spawn tasks that don't match the current pipeline stage
-11. **MUST NOT** skip pipeline gate validation before spawning
-## Tool Boundaries (MANDATORY)
-| Rule | Rationale |
-|------|-----------|
-| **MUST NOT** implement code directly | Delegate via `orchestrate.spawn` — all implementation is subagent work |
-| **MUST NOT** read full subagent output | Read manifests only — subagent output stays in subagent context |
-| **MUST** use `orchestrate.spawn` for all delegation | Single spawn mechanism; returns fully-resolved prompt for provider adapter |
-| **MUST** check pipeline stage before spawning | Ensure task type matches current RCASD stage |
-**Subagents read full files. Orchestrator reads only manifests.**
-## JSDoc Provenance Requirements
-All code changes MUST include provenance tags:
-```javascript
-/**
- * @task T1234
- * @epic T1200
- * @why Business rationale (1 sentence)
- * @what Technical summary (1 sentence)
- */
-```
----
+| `cleo find "query"` | Search tasks |
+| `cleo show T1234` | Full task details |
+| `cleo add "Task" --parent T1575` | Create child task |
+| `cleo start T1586` / `cleo complete T1586` | Task lifecycle |
+| `cleo manifest list --filter pending` | Followup items |
+| `cleo session end --note "summary"` | End session with handoff context |
 ## References
-| Topic | Reference |
-|-------|-----------|
-| Spawn workflow | `references/orchestrator-spawning.md` |
-| Protocol compliance | `references/orchestrator-compliance.md` |
-| Token injection | `references/orchestrator-tokens.md` |
-| Error recovery | `references/orchestrator-recovery.md` |
-| Autonomous mode | `references/autonomous-operation.md` |
-| Lifecycle gates | `references/lifecycle-gates.md` |
-| HITL patterns | `references/orchestrator-patterns.md` |
-| Handoff chains | `references/orchestrator-handoffs.md` |
-## Shared References
+| Topic | File |
+|-------|------|
+| Spawn workflow & skill dispatch | `references/orchestrator-spawning.md` |
+| Protocol compliance & retry | `references/orchestrator-compliance.md` |
+| Token injection system | `references/orchestrator-tokens.md` |
+| Error recovery & context budget | `references/orchestrator-recovery.md` |
+| Autonomous operation | `references/autonomous-operation.md` |
+| Lifecycle gate enforcement | `references/lifecycle-gates.md` |
+| Common HITL patterns | `references/orchestrator-patterns.md` |
+| Handoff chain protocol | `references/orchestrator-handoffs.md` |
+| Subagent protocol block | `references/SUBAGENT-PROTOCOL-BLOCK.md` |
 @skills/_shared/task-system-integration.md
 @skills/_shared/subagent-protocol-base.md
----
-## External Documentation
-- [AUTONOMOUS-ORCHESTRATION-SPEC.md](../../docs/specs/AUTONOMOUS-ORCHESTRATION-SPEC.md) - Autonomous mode
-- [PROJECT-LIFECYCLE-SPEC.md](../../docs/specs/PROJECT-LIFECYCLE-SPEC.md) - Full lifecycle
-- [PROTOCOL-STACK-SPEC.md](../../docs/specs/PROTOCOL-STACK-SPEC.md) - 7 conditional protocols
-- [RCSD-PIPELINE-SPEC.md](../../docs/specs/RCSD-PIPELINE-SPEC.md) - RCASD-IVTR+C pipeline
-- [ORCHESTRATOR-VISION.md](../../docs/ORCHESTRATOR-VISION.md) - Core philosophy
-- [ORCHESTRATOR-PROTOCOL.md](../../docs/guides/ORCHESTRATOR-PROTOCOL.md) - Practical workflows
-- [orchestrator.md](../../docs/commands/orchestrator.md) - CLI command reference

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/orchestrator-prompt.txt CHANGED Viewed

@@ -1,13 +1,20 @@
 You are an orchestrator. You MUST NOT implement code directly.
-Delegate ALL work to subagents via CLEO's orchestrate.spawn operation.
-The spawn operation generates a fully-resolved prompt; your provider's
-adapter decides HOW to execute it.
+LOOM (RCASD → IVTR) is the core lifecycle for ALL work:
+- RCASD: Research → Consensus → Architecture → Specification → Decomposition
+- IVTR: Implement → Validate → Test → Release (loops until acceptance criteria pass)
+- Contribution: cross-cutting protocol throughout both phases
-Manage the RCASD-IVTR+C pipeline for your epic. Before spawning any
-subagent, check pipeline gates via pipeline.stage.validate. Do not
-spawn implementation work until research, specification, and
-decomposition stages are complete.
+Delegate ALL work to subagents. Spawning is two steps:
+1. `cleo orchestrate spawn T####` generates a fully-resolved prompt
+2. Pass that prompt to the provider's agent mechanism (Agent tool, subprocess, etc.)
+Before spawning, check pipeline gates via `cleo pipeline stage.validate`.
+Do not spawn implementation work until RCASD stages are complete.
+CLEO CLI is the first-class project management layer — primary regardless
+of LLM provider or harness. Model assignment (opus/sonnet/haiku) is
+preferred when available, never a blocker.
 Read only manifests, never full subagent outputs. Subagents write
 to MANIFEST.jsonl; you read key_findings from manifest entries.

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/autonomous-operation.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Use this protocol block when operating autonomously:
 ### WORKFLOW
 1. **Session**: `cleo session list` → resume OR start with `--scope epic:T####`
-2. **Waves**: `cleo orchestrator analyze T####` → compute dependency waves
+2. **Waves**: `cleo orchestrate analyze T####` → compute dependency waves
 3. **Spawn Loop**:
    - Spawn subagent via Task tool (subagent_type: cleo-subagent)
    - Wait for return message
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ Use this protocol block when operating autonomously:
 | "NEVER read Task Output" | Read manifest summaries only | AUTO-002 |
 | "epic-architect creates full chain" | Decomposition is spawned subagent | AUTO-003 |
 | Skip verification between spawns | Verify manifest before next spawn | AUTO-004 |
-| No wave ordering | Use `cleo orchestrator analyze` | AUTO-005 |
+| No wave ordering | Use `cleo orchestrate analyze` | AUTO-005 |
 | "Read TaskOutput for results" | Read manifest key_findings only | TOOL-001 |
 ## Decision Trees
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ cleo session list --scope epic:<epic_id>
 cleo session resume <session_id>
 # 5. Continue from next_tasks
-cleo orchestrator next --epic <epic_id>
+cleo orchestrate next --epic <epic_id>
 ```
 ## Exit Codes

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/orchestrator-compliance.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ fi
 ### Enforcement Sequence
 ```
-1. Generate spawn prompt  ->  orchestrator_spawn_for_task() or cleo orchestrator spawn
+1. Generate spawn prompt  ->  orchestrator_spawn_for_task() or cleo orchestrate spawn
 2. VERIFY protocol block  ->  Check prompt contains "SUBAGENT PROTOCOL"
 3. Spawn subagent         ->  Task tool with validated prompt
 4. Receive return message ->  VALIDATE against allowed formats

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/orchestrator-patterns.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -15,20 +15,20 @@ cleo add "Implement auth system" --type epic --size large --phase core
 cleo session start --scope epic:T1575 --auto-start
 # 3. Spawn planning subagent (decomposition protocol)
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1575  # Auto-detects epic → uses decomposition protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1575  # Auto-detects epic → uses decomposition protocol
 # 4. Wait for decomposition completion
 cleo research show <research-id>
 # 5. Continue with wave-0 tasks
-cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate next --epic T1575
 ```
 ## Pattern: Resuming Interrupted Work
 ```bash
 # 1. Check state on conversation start
-cleo orchestrator start --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate start --epic T1575
 # Shows: session active, current T1586, next task T1589
 # 2. Check for incomplete subagent work
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ cleo research pending
 # 3. Resume focused task or spawn followup
 cleo show T1586 --brief
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586  # Re-spawn if needed
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586  # Re-spawn if needed
 ```
 ## Pattern: Handling Manifest Followups
@@ -52,19 +52,19 @@ cleo add "Add error handling to auth" --parent T1586 --depends T1586
 cleo add "Write auth tests" --parent T1586 --depends T1586
 # 3. Spawn for new tasks
-cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1590
+cleo orchestrate next --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1590
 ```
 ## Pattern: Parallel Execution
 ```bash
 # 1. Analyze dependency waves
-cleo orchestrator analyze T1575
+cleo orchestrate analyze T1575
 # Shows: Wave 0: T1578, T1580, T1582 (no deps)
 # 2. Verify parallel safety
-cleo orchestrator ready --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate ready --epic T1575
 # Returns: ["T1578", "T1580", "T1582"]
 # 3. Spawn multiple subagents (different sessions)
@@ -84,10 +84,10 @@ cleo phase show
 # Returns: "core"
 # 2. Get tasks in current phase
-cleo orchestrator ready --epic T1575 --phase core
+cleo orchestrate ready --epic T1575 --phase core
 # 3. Spawn within phase context
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586
 # 4. When phase complete, advance
 cleo phases stats
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ cleo research show <research-id>
 cleo show T1586
 # 3. Spawn validation subagent
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1590  # Validation task
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1590  # Validation task
 # 4. Set verification gates
 cleo verify T1586 --gate testsPassed
@@ -144,14 +144,14 @@ See `src/protocols/release.md` for the full release protocol specification.
 ```bash
 # RCASD-IVTR+C PIPELINE (setup phase)
-cleo orchestrator spawn T100  # research protocol
-cleo orchestrator spawn T101  # consensus protocol
-cleo orchestrator spawn T102  # specification protocol
-cleo orchestrator spawn T103  # decomposition protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T100  # research protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T101  # consensus protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T102  # specification protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T103  # decomposition protocol
 # EXECUTION (core phase)
-cleo orchestrator spawn T104  # implementation protocol
-cleo orchestrator spawn T105  # implementation protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T104  # implementation protocol
+cleo orchestrate spawn T105  # implementation protocol
 # ...more implementation tasks...
 # CONTRIBUTION (tracked automatically)

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/orchestrator-recovery.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -19,10 +19,10 @@
 ```bash
 # Check current context usage
-cleo orchestrator context
+cleo orchestrate context
 # With specific token count
-cleo orchestrator context --tokens 5000
+cleo orchestrate context --tokens 5000
 ```
 **Status Thresholds**:
@@ -100,14 +100,14 @@ cleo config set retention.autoEndActiveAfterDays 14  # Extend to 2 weeks
 ```bash
 # Full protocol validation
-cleo orchestrator validate
+cleo orchestrate validate
 # Validate for specific epic
-cleo orchestrator validate --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate validate --epic T1575
 # Validate specific subagent output
-cleo orchestrator validate --subagent research-id-2026-01-18
+cleo orchestrate validate --subagent research-id-2026-01-18
 # Manifest only
-cleo orchestrator validate --manifest
+cleo orchestrate validate --manifest
 ```

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/orchestrator-spawning.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -3,37 +3,61 @@
 > Referenced from: @skills/ct-orchestrator/SKILL.md
 > Load when: Need details on spawning subagents, skill dispatch, template selection, or programmatic spawning workflows
-## Subagent Spawning
+## Two-Step Spawn Pattern
-### Quick Spawn Workflow
+Spawning is ALWAYS a two-step process: CLEO **prepares** the prompt, then the provider **executes** it.
+### Step 1: Prepare via CLEO CLI
 ```bash
-# 1. Get next ready task
-cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575
+# Get next dependency-safe task
+cleo orchestrate next --epic T1575
-# 2. Generate spawn command with prompt
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586
+# Generate fully-resolved spawn prompt
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586
-# 3. Or specify a skill template
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586 --template ct-research-agent
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586 --template RESEARCH-AGENT  # aliases work
+# Or specify a skill template
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586 --template ct-research-agent
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586 --template RESEARCH-AGENT  # aliases work
 ```
-### Manual Spawn (when CLI spawn unavailable)
-Use Task tool with `subagent_type="general-purpose"` and include:
-1. Subagent protocol block (RFC 2119 requirements)
-2. Context from previous agents (manifest `key_findings` ONLY)
-3. Clear task definition and completion criteria
-### Spawn Output
 The `spawn` command returns:
 - `taskId`: Target task
 - `template`: Skill used
 - `topicSlug`: Slugified topic name
 - `outputFile`: Expected output filename
-- `prompt`: Complete prompt ready for Task tool
+- `prompt`: Complete prompt with base protocol + conditional protocol + task context + resolved tokens
+### Step 2: Execute via Provider
+**Claude Code** (preferred when available):
+```
+Agent({
+  description: "Worker: Implement auth module (T1586)",
+  subagent_type: "cleo-subagent",
+  model: "haiku",           // preferred, not required
+  prompt: "<resolved prompt from step 1>"
+})
+```
+**Team Lead spawn** (for RCASD planning, validation):
+```
+Agent({
+  description: "Team Lead: Auth system architecture (T1575)",
+  subagent_type: "cleo-subagent",
+  model: "sonnet",          // preferred, not required
+  prompt: "<resolved prompt from step 1>"
+})
+```
+**Other harnesses** (Cursor, OpenCode, Codex, etc.): Pass the resolved prompt to whatever "give this prompt to an agent" mechanism the runtime provides. Results flow back through MANIFEST.jsonl.
+### Fallback Spawn (when CLI spawn unavailable)
+Use the provider's agent mechanism directly with:
+1. Subagent protocol block from `references/SUBAGENT-PROTOCOL-BLOCK.md`
+2. Context from previous agents (manifest `key_findings` ONLY)
+3. Clear task definition and completion criteria
 ---
@@ -86,11 +110,11 @@ skills/ct-documentor/SKILL.md
 ```bash
 # Step 1: Get ready task
-cleo orchestrator next --epic T1575
+cleo orchestrate next --epic T1575
 # Returns: { nextTask: { id: "T1586", title: "...", priority: "high" } }
 # Step 2: Generate spawn prompt (handles all token injection)
-spawn_result=$(cleo orchestrator spawn T1586)
+spawn_result=$(cleo orchestrate spawn T1586)
 # Step 3: Extract prompt and use with Task tool
 prompt=$(echo "$spawn_result" | jq -r '.result.prompt')

package/skills/ct-orchestrator/references/orchestrator-tokens.md CHANGED Viewed

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ The `spawn` command handles token injection automatically. For manual injection,
 # 3. Gets task context from CLEO
 # 4. Extracts manifest summaries
 # 5. Injects all tokens
-cleo orchestrator spawn T1586 --template ct-research-agent
+cleo orchestrate spawn T1586 --template ct-research-agent
 ```
 ### Manual Token Injection