CLI reference

Intention-oriented commands. Run from the governed project (or pass --path).

retornatus --help
retornatus gate --help
retornatus skill --help

Continuity

Command	Purpose
`init`	Create `.retornatus/`
`integrate`	Hub skill + detected Environment bridges
`project-init`	Brownfield map → `project/project.md`
`wake` / `wake --bridges`	Reconstruct state; rebuild index; optional bridges
`doctor`	Process vs Brakes scores + governance hygiene
`status`	Derived Change status
`ops list` / `ops show` / `ops run`	Operational hygiene loops

Command	Purpose
`change classify`	Ceremony lane QUICK / STANDARD / COMPLEX
`change elicit`	Requirements analysis / Situation readiness (`--answer`, `--write`; exit 1 if insufficient)
`change create`	Demand → Situation → Contract → optional Action/Tasks
`change overview`	Claims ↔ Evidence dashboard
`change activate`	Activate draft Contract
`change reopen`	Material Contract version (archive prior)
`change learn`	Record Learning
`change create --task/--depends/--resource`	Explicit Task graph
`change create --lane`	Pin ceremony lane

Command	Purpose
`task start` / `complete` / `fail` / `reopen`	Durable Task lifecycle
`loop next` / `loop next --all-ready`	Ready work projection

Command	Purpose
`intake analyze --prompt`	Stage-based prompt analysis; propose Skill with human questions
`intake analyze --answer TOPIC=…`	Record human answers (SPECIALIZATION / NEED / CREATE)
`intake analyze --create-skill`	Create DRAFT Skill only when `create_authorized=true`

Command	Purpose
`skill need --prompt` / `--action`	Assess specialization need (Action optional)
`skill create` / `list` / `activate` / `evolve` / `export`	Specialization lifecycle (manual create still allowed)

Command	Purpose
`evidence add --claim`	Claim-bound Evidence (`--git-state` optional)
`gate contract` / `evidence` / `skill-research` / `assurance` / `policy` / `budget`	STOP gates
`policy check --effect` / `--action`	ALLOW / DENY / REQUIRE_HUMAN
`verify` / `verify --receipt`	Assurance over Contract DONE (+ optional HMAC receipt)
`receipt verify <path>`	Check a portable receipt against the local key
`action budget <A-id> --max N`	Set Action attempt ceiling (`--clear` removes it)
`assurance plan` / `assurance review`	Independent review path
`run` / `run --assurance` / `run --strict-policy`	Assemble ExecutionContext
`lesson from-gate`	Learning from gate failure (+ optional Rule Candidate)

Command	Purpose
`finding add`	Record observation (auto-number)
`question open` / `resolve` / `reopen`	Question lifecycle

Command	Purpose
`decision record`	Human Decision
`rule propose` / `rule activate --decision`	Rule Candidate → Rule

Command	Purpose
`inspect <id>`	Print artifact JSON
`search <query>`	FTS5 over index
`execution record` / `execution list`	Host execution observations

IDs are stable strings such as C-0001, C-0001/A-001, S-0001, R-0001, D-0001.