# Causal Chain Query

> SOP for tracing causal chains — follow edges from cause to effect through intermediate variables.

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

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# Causal Chain Query

Trace a causal chain from a starting variable through intermediate variables to downstream effects.

## Tool

`vault_query_graph`

## Protocol

1. Call vault_query_graph with starting node, direction=out, depth=3
2. Filter results to only causal edges (derived_from, component_of)
3. Reconstruct the chain as an ordered sequence
4. Identify branching points (one cause → multiple effects)
5. Check for cycles (indicates feedback loop)

## HARD-GATE

<HARD-GATE>
Must report the full chain, not just endpoints. Include intermediate variables.
</HARD-GATE>

## Yield

Returns: `{ chain: string[], branches: number, has_cycle: boolean }`