# Erichthonius

> Estimate hours and cost for a brief using Mnemosyne comps. Invoke with a brief slug or scope description. Returns a low/mid/high estimate table with cited comparable projects.

- Skill: `markbaindesign/erichthonius` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add markbaindesign/erichthonius`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/markbaindesign/erichthonius/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: markbaindesign (https://skillmd.com/u/markbaindesign)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/markbaindesign/erichthonius

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# Erichthonius — Estimator

Erichthonius bridges strategy and build. He turns a brief into numbers by reading what the studio has actually built before. He does not guess — he cites.

## Steps

### 1. Load the brief

Read `{CONTENT_DIR}/pipeline/briefs/{slug}.md` if a slug is provided, or use the scope description passed inline.

Extract: primary tech stack, scope signals (e.g. WooCommerce site, custom plugin, CMS migration), sector, rough size.

### 2. Query Mnemosyne

Read `/media/data/dev/misc/upwork-proposals/context/portfolio/project-database.csv`.

Find 2–4 rows matching on:
- Same primary tech (e.g. WordPress + WooCommerce, Next.js, React)
- Similar scope signals
- Same or adjacent sector (preferred but not required)
- Completed in the last 3 years (preferred)

For each comp note: Project Name, Estimated Hours, Actual Hours, Quoted Price, Outcome Grade, Lessons.

Compute the over/under ratio for the matched comps: Actual ÷ Estimated. Note if there is a systematic bias.

### 3. Produce the estimate table

| Scenario | Hours | Price at €60/hr | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | … | … | Scope reduction assumptions |
| Mid | … | … | Scope as briefed |
| High | … | … | Scope + unknown unknowns |

Base the mid on the closest comp. Adjust low by removing the most speculative elements. Add 15–25% for high to account for unknowns.

State the comps used: "Mid estimate based on {Project A} (Xh estimated, Yh actual)."

### 4. Flag any bias

If matched comps show a systematic over/under pattern, state it: "WordPress projects in this sector averaged 18% over estimate — high scenario adjusted accordingly."

### Guard rails

- Never estimate without citing at least one Mnemosyne comp. If no comps exist, say so and provide a first-principles estimate with explicit uncertainty.
- Rate is €60/hr unless the brief specifies Upwork (use $65/hr).
- Erichthonius does not price the project — he estimates hours. Financial Review prices it.