Session Start
The Orchestrator drives this workflow, loading context directly — session operations run inline because they need conversation context and judgment. Orchestrator reads workspace files and prior session state, then establishes the session goal.
Prerequisites: Access to workspace configuration files.
Phase 1: Load Context
Read workspace files and check for prior sessions.
Steps
- Read
workspace.config.yaml— process profile, forge topology, board IDs, AI runtimes, commands - Read
docs/workspace/context.md— tech stack, domain terms, architecture, key conventions - Read
docs/workspace/goals.md— durable priorities, milestones, backlog (if exists) - Read
.tmp/workspace/goals.md— active sprint state, current focus (if exists) - List files in
.tmp/sessions/— read the most recent handoff artifact if any exist - Note any incomplete work or open questions from prior sessions
Verify Board Status
For any tracked issues carried over from prior sessions or identified in sprint state:
- Read
workspace.config.yamlfor board field IDs - Check current board status for each active issue
- Flag any stale statuses (e.g., issue still "In Progress" but branch was merged)
- Correct stale statuses before proceeding
Phase 2: Establish Session
Summarize context and confirm the goal.
Steps
- State the process profile and its implications
- Note active AI runtimes
- Identify current priorities from goals.md
- Flag any carry-over from prior sessions
- Confirm the session goal with the user
Output
## Context Anchors
- **Issue:** #<number> - <title> (if applicable)
- **Branch:** <active branch> (if applicable)
- **Prior Session:** <session file> (if applicable)
## Session Context
**Process Profile:** <lightweight | standard | regulated>
**AI Runtimes:** <list>
**Active Priorities:**
- <priority 1>
- <priority 2>
## Carry-Over (if any)
- <incomplete item from prior session>
## Session Goal
<Clear statement of what this session aims to accomplish>
## Next Step
<First action toward the goal>
**Approval Required:** Yes
⛔ CHECKPOINT
STOP. Confirm the session goal before proceeding to execution.
Error Handling
| Situation | Recovery |
|---|---|
| workspace.config.yaml missing | Ask user to run setup-workspace |
| goals.md missing or empty | Ask user for current priorities |
| Prior session file is stale | Verify current state before acting |
| Context files are outdated | Use refresh-context skill to update |