Hermes Agent: First Contact
The author explored Hermes Agent, an open-source Python framework from Nous Research, as an alternative to OpenClaw for their Discord bot. Hermes Agent is designed with vertically integrated models fine-tuned for function calling, unlike OpenClaw which treats models as black boxes. Initial setup for Hermes Agent presented minor usability issues, such as a portal login prompt and unclear default model settings. However, deeper research revealed that the Qwen 3.6 model, previously used with OpenClaw, had significant compatibility problems with tool-calling formats in llama.cpp, suggesting that the framework, not the model itself, was the source of previous flakiness. AI
IMPACT Hermes Agent's integrated model-framework approach may simplify LLM agent development by addressing tool-calling compatibility issues.