hermes

Explain Hermes Agent architecture, memory stores, skills layout, cron scheduler behavior, and tool discovery.

2|Updated Jan 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zot24/skills --skill hermes-zot24
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hermes
Source: https://github.com/zot24/skills/tree/main/skills/hermes/skills/hermes
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zot24/skills --skill hermes-zot24

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Helps developers and operators understand, configure, and troubleshoot the Hermes Agent so it runs reliably across CLI, gateway, and scheduled (cron) contexts. It converts scattered implementation details—memory layout, skill authoring rules, tool discovery, and scheduler behavior—into actionable guidance so issues are diagnosed and fixed faster.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Architecture & Memory: Explains Hermes's dual-store memory model (memory vs user), where those files live, and how Honcho integration persists profiles.
  • Skills & Tooling: Describes the SKILL.md structure, skill loading locations, and how skills auto-register as slash commands; includes how tools and MCP servers are discovered and filtered.
  • Cron & Scheduler: Details scheduler tick behavior, delivery targets, job storage, and common failure modes (missed ticks, provider fallbacks).
  • Use Case: Use when writing a new Hermes skill, diagnosing cron jobs that never fire, or auditing why a tool is unavailable in a gateway session.

Quick Start

Ask the hermes skill to explain why a cron job did not run and what files, scheduler settings, and gateway processes to inspect.

Frequently Asked Questions about hermes

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
Why does my Hermes cron job not run when scheduled?

Hermes cron jobs fail when scheduler tick behavior, delivery targets, or job storage configurations are incorrect. Inspecting scheduler settings, gateway processes, and provider fallbacks helps diagnose missed ticks and verify scheduled execution across CLI and gateway contexts.

How do I configure Hermes agent memory stores correctly?

Hermes uses a dual-store memory model separating memory and user data, with files stored in specific locations. Honcho integration persists user profiles, requiring correct file paths and store configurations to ensure reliable agent memory across CLI and gateway sessions.

How does Hermes discover and filter tools and MCP servers?

Hermes discovers tools and MCP servers through a registry system that filters availability based on session context. Tool registry semantics determine which tools appear in CLI versus gateway runs, affecting tool access for different execution environments.

What is the SKILL.md structure for authoring Hermes skills?

Hermes skills require a specific SKILL.md structure and must be placed in designated loading locations where they auto-register as slash commands. Following skill authoring rules ensures proper registration and availability across agent sessions.

Why is a tool unavailable in my Hermes gateway session?

Tool unavailability in Hermes gateway sessions stems from tool discovery and filtering rules within the registry. Auditing tool registry semantics and provider availability across CLI and gateway runs identifies why specific tools are excluded from active sessions.

What are common Hermes scheduler failure modes and how do I debug them?

Common Hermes scheduler failure modes include missed ticks and provider fallback errors. Debugging requires inspecting scheduler tick expectations, job storage files, delivery targets, and running recommended diagnostic commands to trace execution failures.