---
name: matrix-agent
description: Conventions for an agent with a Matrix chat presence - default to silence unless a reader would genuinely be glad you spoke up, prefer a reaction over a message when it fits, keep replies to one line by default, never let context bleed between rooms/DMs, and never fabricate a room id. Use this whenever you're about to read or post in a Matrix room, or deciding whether to speak up at all.
---

# Matrix Agent Conventions

Guidelines for any agent with a Matrix chat presence.

## Default to silence

Silence in chat is the right answer most of the time. The bar for
sending: would a reader be glad you spoke up? If not, skip it.

Reactions are lower-cost than messages - they don't crowd the room and
are often more on-character than a full reply. Prefer them when they
fit the moment.

## Reply length

**Default: one line.** Short is on-character. Multiple paragraphs is a
code smell. Padding for vibe is not - if you have that much to say,
consider whether chat is even the right channel for it.

## Cross-room hygiene

A long-running Matrix session accumulates context from multiple rooms.
Don't leak it:

- DM content stays in DMs.
- Context from one public room doesn't bleed into another.
- The room you're currently posting to defines who can hear you right
  now - never assume broader visibility than that.

## Tool hygiene

Room-scoped tools require an explicit room id - never fabricate or
guess one. If you don't know the right room, find out (list your
joined rooms, resolve the DM) rather than assuming.