Input Token Overheads

Audit every source of per-turn input token cost on a Hermes Agent instance. Measure each, rank by cost, act on the top consumers.

When to Use

• User says "token overhead", "context too large", "why is input so expensive"
• Model output quality degrades from context dilution
• Cost optimization — fewer input tokens per turn means lower API spend
• After adding skills, plugins, or tools — verify the overhead delta

The Overhead Map

Every turn, Hermes injects these blocks into the system prompt before the user's message: