diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c4774f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+# Agent Instructions
+
+This file is bootstrap guidance only. Napseer is the canonical project memory source.
+
+## Operating Order
+
+For non-trivial work:
+
+1. Consult BotAI MCP for read-only advisory guidance.
+2. Query Napseer for current project memory.
+3. Inspect this repository or runtime before changing anything.
+4. Make the smallest scoped change that satisfies the task.
+5. Verify with focused proof.
+6. Record durable outcomes in Napseer when behavior, product direction, security, plans, or operations change.
+
+## Memory Source
+
+Use Napseer as the only project memory source. Do not create scattered Markdown files for internal project understanding. Repository Markdown is only for bootstrap instructions or intentional public/versioned documentation.
+
+Start with:
+
+- `/rules/memory-source-policy`
+- `/documentation/features/gateway-terminal`
+- `/indexes/gateway-terminal-system`
+- `/documentation/product/ideal-mcp-and-cli`
+- `/documentation/security/overview`
+
+## Repository Scope
+
+This repository owns the gateway runtime implementation, terminal/chat execution managers, local gateway tools, service entrypoint, Docker image, and gateway tests. The backend owns relay/control-plane contracts, and the CLI owns operator installation and command UX.
+
+Live gateway chat relay remains disabled until the separate peer-ticket delivery, listener dispatch, chat frame schema, and UI integration are implemented together. Current cloud chat work uses encrypted REST chat storage.
+
+When gateway behavior changes, update the relevant Napseer feature, security, plan, or implementation-note node in the same work and verify with focused gateway tests.