# fable-mode

Enforces execution structure for deep tasks with mapped stages, subagent delegation, failable checks, and disciplined self-review.

- skill · `type=skill` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, OpenCode · ★ 878
- Author: mrtooher
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/mrtooher/fable-mode/tree/HEAD/SKILL.md
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/fable-mode

## What it does

The skill structures how an agent executes multi-file work. It requires a numbered stage plan with explicit deliverables before any edits start. Churn is capped: no more than two structural replans are allowed per task. If a third reorganization is needed, the model must halt and prompt for user guidance.

When the host environment has agent tools and the user explicitly calls the skill, independent stages run concurrently via delegated workers. Indirect triggers keep execution in a single thread. Every stage must produce an artifact validated by a test that can actually fail, blocking lazy sign-offs.

The workflow tunes its overhead to the model tier. Stronger frontier models skip narrating the loop to focus on external checks, while lighter models face strict verification fences. Hitting a session budget limit of 75% or weekly 50% forces a pause to confirm next steps with the user.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add mrtooher/fable-mode --skill fable-mode -a claude-code
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `~/.claude/skills/fable-mode/SKILL.md` — Copy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/fable-mode/

### Codex

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add mrtooher/fable-mode --skill fable-mode -a codex
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.agents/skills/fable-mode/SKILL.md` — For all projects use ~/.agents/skills/

### Cursor

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add mrtooher/fable-mode --skill fable-mode -a cursor
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.cursor/skills/fable-mode/SKILL.md` — Cursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/

### GitHub Copilot

1. **GitHub CLI**
```bash
gh skill install mrtooher/fable-mode fable-mode
```

2. **Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.github/skills/fable-mode/SKILL.md`

### Gemini CLI

1. **Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add mrtooher/fable-mode --skill fable-mode -a gemini-cli
```

2. **Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini skills install https://github.com/mrtooher/fable-mode
```

### Windsurf (Devin Desktop)

**Manually: put the files in place**
- File: `.devin/skills/fable-mode/SKILL.md` — The legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works

### OpenCode

**Skills CLI (Vercel)**
```bash
npx skills add mrtooher/fable-mode --skill fable-mode -a opencode
```

### Claude.ai

**Claude.ai**
- Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills

Where a file is given instead of a command, copy the files from the source to that path: https://github.com/mrtooher/fable-mode/tree/HEAD/SKILL.md

## When to use it
- structure sprawling changes into sequential stages with clear outputs
- delegate disjoint implementation tasks to parallel subagents
- prevent fake completions through tests designed to expose flaws
- stop endless replanning loops on ambiguous requirements

## Example prompts
- Run fable-mode to migrate the database schema and adapt all queries.
- Refactor the payment gateway using fable mode with strict verification.
- Apply fable-mode to split this monolithic service into modular handlers.

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From the same set: [mrtooher/fable-mode](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/by/mrtooher/fable-mode.md) — 6 cards

---
NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md