agent-checkpoint-craft

name	agent-checkpoint-craft
description	Use when planning, executing, or auditing a long-running multi-phase initiative (≥ 5 phases, ≥ 1 calendar week, or any initiative with explicit operator pause points or agent self-checkpoints). Codifies the craft for authoring pause-record artifacts + self-checkpoint reports + the 7-item operator approval checklist + pause-fatigue mitigation. Triggers on operator pause point, agent self-checkpoint, pause record, pre-phase self-checkpoint, mid-phase self-checkpoint, post-phase self-checkpoint, operator approval checklist, soft-pause auto-clear, pause-point fatigue. Pairs with .cursor/rules/akos-agent-checkpoint-discipline.mdc (the WHEN); this skill is the HOW.
metadata	{"author":"FraysaXII"}

Agent-Checkpoint Craft

Codified at I86 Wave R close (drain7) to operationalise the D-IH-66-Q discipline (I66 P2 ratification). The craft turns long-running initiative governance from "agent drifts for 5.5 weeks without operator visibility" into structured checkpoint rhythm. Ratified by D-IH-86-CT alongside the parent rule.

When to use this skill

Read this skill before:

• Designing a phase plan that crosses ≥ 5 phases or ≥ 1 calendar week.
• Reaching a phase boundary that warrants a pause-point file.
• Starting a phase that will produce multiple substantive deliverables (3+ canonicals, ≥ 1 day of work, multi-file refactor).
• Authoring the operator-facing 7-item approval checklist at phase close.
• Triaging pause-point fatigue signals.

This skill assumes you have already read akos-agent-checkpoint-discipline.mdc.

Core principles

Principle 1 — Operator pause points control direction; agent self-checkpoints control reasoning quality