---
created: 2026-03-30T13:49:47.904Z
title: "Psyche strict rule: do not message anyone who didn't message you first"
area: psyche
files:
  - src/live/psyche.md
  - LIVE-SKILL.md
---

## Problem

Psyche subagents currently have no guard preventing them from initiating unsolicited messages to agents that haven't contacted them first. This can cause unexpected message loops, noise, and confusion in multi-agent sessions. The rule should be: Psyche must only reply to or interact with agents/perches that have already sent it a message. It should never cold-contact another agent.

## Solution

Add an explicit instruction to the Psyche prompt (`psyche.md`) and reinforce in `LIVE-SKILL.md` that Psyche must not deliver messages to any owl ID that hasn't first messaged Psyche. Track "known senders" from incoming messages and restrict outbound `$OWL reply`/`$OWL deliver` to that set.