Nous Research has bundled Bot Mode as default in Hermes Agent v0.20.3 for Hermes Desktop, replacing the single-agent session list with a roster of named bots that each have their own chat, memory, skills and pinned model for multi-agent workflows on the desktop.
Key technical details:
* Standalone repo archived; active development continues in-tree at `apps/desktop/src/plugins/hermes-bots/`, first shipped as a one-day public beta plugin by co-founder Teknium
* Bots are stored as isolated profiles under `~/.hermes/profiles//` with own config, memory, skills, credentials and history; managed via existing `profiles.*` gateway RPCs `list, create, describe, configure`
* Avatars generated via the `image.generate` RPC; options include geometric faces in seven shapes/ten colors or uploaded/generated portraits/pixel pets
* Routines are ordinary Hermes cron jobs namespaced ` bot: » `; bot-to-bot messaging uses a persistent Agent Inbox with CLI handoffs e.g. `hermes -p chat -c "Agent Inbox" -q "..."` and `@mention` handoffs
* Per-bot config via New Agent dialog supports cloning a profile, pinning provider/model, custom SOUL.md and skills; duplicates clone config, skills, SOUL.md, memory and appearance
* Bundled version adds Groups for roster sections synced across machines, Group chats for 2-6 bots with up to three serial rounds, and a multi-source roster pulling bots from every connection under Settings → Connections