Query

• Direct matches - The question mentions a concept or entity that has a page
• Indirect matches - The question relates to themes covered by existing pages
• Source summaries that might contain relevant claims

Phase 2: Read Relevant Pages

Read the identified pages. For complex questions, follow cross-references to additional pages.

Depth judgment:

• Simple question ("What is X?") - One or two pages may suffice.
• Synthesis question ("How does X relate to Y?") - Read all pages touching both topics.
• Broad overview - Skim many pages, read key ones deeply.

Phase 3: Synthesize an Answer

• Answer with inline citations to wiki pages using footnotes.
• If the wiki doesn't have enough information: say so explicitly. Suggest what sources might fill the gap.
• If the wiki has contradictory information: present both sides with their sources. Don't silently pick one.

Match the answer format to the question:

Phase 4: Offer to File

If the answer is substantial and reusable (not a simple fact lookup), offer to save it:

"This comparison might be useful to reference later. Want me to file it as a synthesis page?"

If yes:

1. Create wiki/syntheses/<slug>.md with proper frontmatter (see Synthesis page type in AGENTS.md).
2. Add it to wiki/index.md.
3. Log the query and filing in wiki/log.md.

Edge Cases

• Wiki has no information: Say "the wiki doesn't have information on this yet" rather than answering from general knowledge. The wiki is the source of truth.
• General knowledge needed: If you must supplement, label it clearly: "The wiki doesn't cover this, but generally speaking..."
• Stale pages: If relevant pages haven't been updated recently and the topic is fast-moving, mention this: "Note: the relevant pages were last updated on [date]."
• Cross-topic queries: If the question spans multiple topics, check indexes from both topics. Mention which topic each piece of information comes from.