discuss

Automatic capability selection

Resolve select-capabilities.js from the checkout scripts/forgeflow, a host-supplied plugin root, or the installed ForgeFlow runtime for this host. Run node <helper-dir>/select-capabilities.js --guide and follow the shared selection procedure with phase discuss and the current objective, criteria and affected scope. Reuse the same result across alias handoffs and pass it through existing context construction; do not reset reassessment limits. Missing runtime support is an explicit limitation, not a reason to invent selection results. Preserve current workflow read-only and isolation boundaries. Planned capabilities are not executable and selection grants no new authority.

At workflow entry, run node <helper-dir>/open-session-dashboard.js --root <project-root> --workflow discuss when available. Resolve <helper-dir> from the checkout's scripts/forgeflow first, then ${CODEX_HOME:-$HOME/.codex}/forgeflow/scripts/forgeflow. The helper starts or reuses agent-chat and reports known workflow phases on each entry; it uses CODEX_THREAD_ID, CLAUDE_SESSION_ID, or FORGEFLOW_SESSION_ID to open the local dashboard once per session. If the host supplies a session id separately, pass --session <host-session-id>; never invent a new id per invocation. Headless runs and FORGEFLOW_DASHBOARD_AUTO_OPEN=off skip the launch. A missing helper or unavailable browser must not block the workflow. Report actual phase transitions, significant progress, waiting, and the final result with node <runtime-root>/services/agent-chat/client.js activity <state> "<short label>" (<runtime-root> is the checkout or installed forgeflow directory). Use complete only when work and required checks have finished; report failed for failures, and never invent progress to keep Ember moving.

Use this skill when the user wants to shape the problem before research or implementation.

Resolve helpers before running them: set FORGEFLOW_HELPER_DIR to scripts/forgeflow when that directory exists, otherwise to ${CODEX_HOME:-$HOME/.codex}/forgeflow/scripts/forgeflow. If neither exists, report a missing Codex runtime installation.

Before other work, run:

"$FORGEFLOW_HELPER_DIR/ensure-forgeflow-state.sh"

Workflow:

1. Gather the task description and any existing spec or context files.
2. Spawn product_lead_discusser as the lead.
3. Spawn coordinator_early in parallel for memory, scope validation, and codebase context.
4. Synthesize the result into a discussion summary.
5. Save it to .forgeflow/<project-name>/current-discussion.md when appropriate.

Output should include:

• problem framing
• must/should/nice-to-have requirements
• accessibility requirements
• UX direction
• open questions

Writing for CLI output

Apply George Orwell's six rules to progress updates, agent reports, and final summaries:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Lead with the result or next action and its effect on the user's task. Match their technical background and requested detail. Explain an unfamiliar term when needed; retain precise terms for specialist reports. Use a calm, conversational voice and natural contractions. These rules take precedence over persona style and sample prose.

Use connected, short paragraphs with natural sentence variation. Use lists for steps or comparisons and headings when they help navigation. Cut repeated openings, stock transitions, rhetorical questions, forced praise, persona banter, and em dashes in prose. Warmth comes from noticing the user's actual concern and helping them act.

Progress updates should explain a finding, decision, blocker, or what the next check will resolve. Avoid narrating each tool call or repeating the plan. Ask only for information or authorization needed to proceed; explain why it matters. Final replies should stand alone: state what changed, why, what was checked, and any remaining action. Scale the detail to the task. Summarize routine checks; include tool names, versions, and internal counts only when they affect the reader's next decision. Keep validation gaps explicit.

Replace vague benefits with observable behavior. Use a brief example when it clarifies the change; label hypothetical examples. Never invent measurements, personal experiences, user reactions, test results, or approvals to make writing vivid. Keep uncertainty and failures explicit.

Preserve exact commands, code, paths, identifiers, error text, schema keys, verdict labels, and required evidence. Keep required report sections and machine-readable formats; apply style changes only to their prose. JSON-only outputs stay JSON-only. Before sending, check for awkward rhythm, repetition, unsupported claims, and whether the reader can tell what happens next. Clarity and faithful evidence are the goal; detector scores are not a quality gate.