Loki Mode (Multi-Agent Startup)

# Loki Mode - OpenClaw Skill

When to use - User asks to "build", "implement", or "develop" a feature from a PRD - User provides a requirements document and wants autonomous execution - User says "loki mode" or references autonomous development - User wants to run a full SDLC cycle on a codebase

Prerequisites - `loki` CLI installed on the host (via `npm install -g loki-mode` or Homebrew) - One of: Claude Code, Codex CLI, or Gemini CLI installed - Corresponding API key set (ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, OPENAI_API_KEY, or GOOGLE_API_KEY)

How to invoke

Start a session Use the bash tool with background mode: ``` bash(command: "loki start <prd-path> --bg --yes --no-dashboard", pty: true, background: true, workdir: "<project-dir>") ```

• Key flags:
• `--bg`: Background mode (session outlives the tool call)
• `--yes`: Skip confirmation prompts
• `--no-dashboard`: Avoid port conflicts in sandboxed environments
• `--provider <claude|codex|gemini>`: Select AI provider (default: claude)
• `--budget <amount>`: Set cost limit in USD (auto-pause when exceeded)

Monitor progress Poll status every 30 seconds: ``` bash(command: "loki status --json", workdir: "<project-dir>") ```

• The JSON output contains:
• `version`: Loki Mode version string
• `status`: inactive, running, paused, stopped, completed, unknown
• `phase`: Current SDLC phase (e.g., BOOTSTRAP, DISCOVERY, ARCHITECTURE, DEVELOPMENT, QA, DEPLOYMENT)
• `iteration`: Current iteration number
• `provider`: Which AI provider is active (claude, codex, gemini)
• `pid`: Process ID of the running session (null if not running)
• `elapsed_time`: Seconds since session start
• `dashboard_url`: URL of the web dashboard (null if disabled)
• `task_counts`: Object with `total`, `completed`, `failed`, `pending` counts

For budget tracking (not in JSON output), read the budget file directly: ``` bash(command: "cat .loki/metrics/budget.json 2>/dev/null || echo '{}'", workdir: "<project-dir>") ``` Budget JSON fields: `budget_limit`, `budget_used`

Report progress to channel After each poll, summarize changes: - Phase transitions ("Moved from ARCHITECTURE to DEVELOPMENT") - Task completion counts ("12/20 tasks complete, 0 failed") - Elapsed time ("Running for 45 minutes") - Error states that need attention (failed tasks > 0, status is unknown)

• If budget tracking is active, include cost in updates:
• "Estimated cost: $4.50 / $50.00 budget"

Control commands - Pause: `bash(command: "loki pause", workdir: "<project-dir>")` - Resume: `bash(command: "loki resume", workdir: "<project-dir>")` - Stop: `bash(command: "loki stop", workdir: "<project-dir>")` - Status: `bash(command: "loki status", workdir: "<project-dir>")` - Logs: `bash(command: "loki logs --tail 50", workdir: "<project-dir>")`

Session complete When status becomes "stopped" or "completed": 1. Run `loki status --json` for final summary 2. Run `git log --oneline -20` to show commits made 3. Report final task counts, elapsed time, and duration 4. If council verdict exists, include it: `cat .loki/council/report.md`

Critical rules - ALWAYS use --bg flag (session must outlive the tool call) - ALWAYS use --yes flag (no confirmation prompts in non-interactive channels) - NEVER run loki in the OpenClaw workspace directory itself - Poll status rather than watching stdout (background mode detaches) - If session crashes, check `loki logs` before restarting - Respect budget limits -- include cost in every progress update when tracking is active - The --no-dashboard flag is recommended to avoid port conflicts in sandboxed environments