Start here

Step 1 · ~2 min · no key

Control Center demo

python3 -m pip install -U vantage-core
vantage-core --version          # 0.1.19
vantage-core demo --interactive # Control Center · DEMO · no key

Done: DEMO chrome + silent miss. Close browser.

Next: OpenRouter key (yours or DM Simon on Slack for ~$10) → step 2.

Step 2 · live

Starters + Control Center

export OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-...   # or ask Simon for ~$10 trial
vantage-core init --ci
vantage-core suite run suites/starter.suite.yaml --save decisions/
open decisions/center.html      # free Control Center

Done: exit 0/2/1 + center.html open.

Starters ≠ inventing. Next: step 3 — vet one real path.

Step 3 · optional faster

Vet one path

Edit one starter from step 2 — that is enough. To skip blank YAML, optionally draft from a local repo, tests, export, or a one-shot grant (GitHub / LangSmith / Braintrust) and Accept once. Same suite. Same next step. Is / isn’t · three authored apps · CI guide · import + suggest.

# Optional — skip blank YAML. Or just edit a starter from step 2.
# Local repo, or: grant github owner/repo  then draft the snapshot
vantage-core draft . --write-drafts ./contracts_drafts
vantage-core center --serve
# Accept writes contracts/ + the suite, then:
vantage-core suite run suites/starter.suite.yaml --save decisions/
open decisions/center.html

Done: you own the bar on one path; Center shows it.

Next: step 4. Skip this if a starter already is your path.

Step 4

Required CI check

# commit .github/workflows from init --ci (or: draft accept … --ci)
# add secret OPENROUTER_API_KEY · mark job required · one green main · PR re-decide

Done: green on main + PR re-decide. Then DM Simon on Slack: worked / blocked / keep the check?