# openclaw-channel plugin

**Critical infrastructure.** This plugin provides the `send_to_agent` tool — the only way agents can send messages to each other through the relay.

## What it does

Registers a single tool (`send_to_agent`) with Hermes' tool registry. The tool POSTs messages to the relay on www0, which routes them to the target agent's webhook.

## Why it matters

Without this plugin, agents cannot communicate with each other. Inter-agent coordination, delegation, and status reporting all depend on it.

**Do not remove this plugin.** It was accidentally deleted once (2026-05-09) and broke all inter-agent messaging until restored.

## Files

| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `__init__.py` | Plugin entrypoint — registers the tool with Hermes |
| `send_to_agent.py` | Tool implementation — schema, handler, auth |
| `plugin.yaml` | Plugin metadata |
| `README.md` | This file |

## Environment variables

| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `OPENCLAW_AGENT_ID` | This agent's name | `bastion` |
| `OPENCLAW_RELAY_URL` | Relay ingress URL | `http://www0:4100` |
| `OPENCLAW_RELAY_SECRET` | Auth secret for relay | (set in container .env) |

## Message types

- `fyi` — informational, no reply expected (default)
- `request` — recipient should reply
- `ack` — acknowledging a prior message; terminal

## Relay docs

Full architecture: `/opt/data/docs/hermes-comms-bridge.md`
Relay skill: `hermes-relay`