Hermes · Configuring Models

One main model to think. Eight auxiliary slots for side-jobs. Push the busywork onto cheap models.

Hermes has two kinds of model slots. Your main model is what the agent thinks with, every message, every tool call. Then eight auxiliary slots handle offloaded side-jobs (compression, vision, web extract, approval scoring, title generation, MCP routing, skills search). Each defaults to auto, which borrows your main model, so on Opus you pay Opus rates to write session titles. Override the slots with a cheap, fast model and the side-jobs cost a fraction. Four overrides earn their keep: Title Gen (flash, almost always), Compression + Web Extract (no reasoning needed), Vision (when your main can't see), Approval (smart mode). Switch the main with hermes model, /model --global, or the dashboard "Use as"; define aliases for the models you reach for. Changes apply to new sessions; /model hot-swaps the open one.