---

name: always-on-guidance description: Always-on rule-oriented guidance for claude-plugin agents. Use to align behavior, tool usage, and model-specific defaults (GPT-5.2-code vs Opus 4.5) while avoiding deprecated bd/cass references. tags:

• guidance
• rules
• models tools:
• "*" related_skills:
• swarm-coordination
• testing-patterns

---

Always-On Guidance

Global Rules

• Follow instruction priority: system → developer → user → AGENTS.
• Use swarm plugin tools (hive_*, swarm_*, swarmmail_*, hivemind_*); avoid deprecated bd/cass references.
• Stay within assigned files; reserve before edits with ttl_seconds; release reservations on done; finish swarm work with swarm_complete.
• After every swarm_spawn_subtask, immediately call Task(subagent_type="swarm-worker", prompt="<prompt returned by swarm_spawn_subtask>").
• swarmmail_release_all is coordinator-only for stale/orphaned reservations.
• Keep outputs concise and action-oriented.

Model Defaults

GPT-5.2-code

• Prefer strict checklists and short imperatives.
• Ask a single clarifying question if blocked; otherwise proceed.
• Avoid speculative reasoning; state decisions plainly.
• Keep outputs minimal and non-narrative.

Opus 4.5

• Allow brief rationale (1–2 sentences) for decisions.
• Use sections when work has multiple phases.
• Suggest alternatives only when risk is high, then choose one.
• Stay compact; avoid long exposition.

Testing Discipline

• Use red → green → refactor when tests cover the touched area.
• If tests are absent or out of scope, state that explicitly.