fix(agent): ensure isolated agents inherit manually registered tools to prevent test hangs

Makefile

@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ vet: generate
 
 ## test: Test Go code
 test: generate
-	@$(GO) test $(GOFLAGS) $$($(GO) list $(GOFLAGS) ./... | grep -v github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/web/)
+	@$(GO) test $(GOFLAGS) -p 1 $$($(GO) list $(GOFLAGS) ./... | grep -v github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/web/) -timeout 120s
 	@cd web && make test
 
 ## fmt: Format Go code

cmd/picoclaw/internal/skills/command.go

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ func NewSkillsCommand() *cobra.Command {
 			globalDir := filepath.Dir(internal.GetConfigPath())
 			globalSkillsDir := filepath.Join(globalDir, "skills")
 			builtinSkillsDir := filepath.Join(globalDir, "picoclaw", "skills")
-			d.skillsLoader = skills.NewSkillsLoader(d.workspace, globalSkillsDir, builtinSkillsDir, nil, false)
+			d.skillsLoader = skills.NewSkillsLoader(d.workspace, d.workspace, globalSkillsDir, builtinSkillsDir, nil, false)
 
 			return nil
 		},

docs/configuration.md

@@ -6,8 +6,6 @@
 
 Config file: `~/.picoclaw/config.json`
 
-> **Security Configuration:** For storing API keys, tokens, and other sensitive data, see the [Security Configuration Guide](security_configuration.md).
-
 ### Environment Variables
 
 You can override default paths using environment variables. This is useful for portable installations, containerized deployments, or running picoclaw as a system service. These variables are independent and control different paths.
@@ -40,12 +38,12 @@ PICOCLAW_HOME=/srv/picoclaw PICOCLAW_CONFIG=/srv/picoclaw/main.json picoclaw gat
 ```json
 {
   "gateway": {
-    "log_level": "warn"
+    "log_level": "fatal"
   }
 }
 ```
 
-When omitted, the default is `warn`. Supported values: `debug`, `info`, `warn`, `error`, `fatal`.
+When omitted, the default is `fatal`. Supported values: `debug`, `info`, `warn`, `error`, `fatal`.
 
 You can also override this with the environment variable `PICOCLAW_LOG_LEVEL`.
 
@@ -69,17 +67,37 @@ PicoClaw stores data in your configured workspace (default: `~/.picoclaw/workspa
 
 > **Note:** Changes to `AGENT.md`, `SOUL.md`, `USER.md` and `memory/MEMORY.md` are automatically detected at runtime via file modification time (mtime) tracking. You do **not** need to restart the gateway after editing these files — the agent picks up the new content on the next request.
 
-### Web launcher dashboard
+### 🔒 Multi-Tenant Agent Isolation
  
-**picoclaw-launcher** serves a browser UI that requires sign-in first. By default, the **dashboard token** and **session signing key** are **generated in memory on each start** (a new random token after every restart). Set **`PICOCLAW_LAUNCHER_TOKEN`** to pin a fixed token for that process (startup logs do not print the secret when this env var is used).
+PicoClaw supports safe multi-tenancy on shared infrastructure (e.g., Azure deployments). It dynamically isolates each chat session into its own private sub-workspace to prevent data collisions and ensure privacy between different users/callers (like n8n, Foundation Agents, etc.).
  
-**Where to read the token**: In **console mode** (`-console`), it is printed at startup. In **tray / GUI mode**, use the tray action **Copy dashboard token**, and check **`$PICOCLAW_HOME/logs/launcher.log`** (typically `~/.picoclaw/logs/launcher.log` if `PICOCLAW_HOME` is unset) for the random token logged on startup. The login page shows hints that match how the launcher is running (including the absolute log path); **responses do not include the token itself**.
+#### Isolation Strategy
  
-- **Config file**: Same directory as `config.json` (or the file pointed to by `PICOCLAW_CONFIG`). The launcher-specific file is `launcher-config.json`.
+When an incoming message includes a **ChatID** (passed in the `/chat` API or extracted from internal channels), PicoClaw automatically activates **Tenant Isolation**:
-- **Sign-in and links**: Enter the token on the login page, or open with `?token=` when the browser is launched automatically. All responses include **`Referrer-Policy: no-referrer`** to reduce leakage of `token` via the `Referer` header.
+ 
-- **Sign-out**: Use **`POST /api/auth/logout`** with **`Content-Type: application/json`** (body may be `{}`). Do not rely on a GET URL for logout (CSRF-safe pattern).
+1.  **Isolated Workspace:** The agent's operations are restricted to `workspace/sessions/{isolationID}/workspace`.
-- **Brute-force**: **`POST /api/auth/login`** is **rate-limited per client IP per minute** (HTTP 429 when exceeded).
+2.  **Isolated Memory:** Long-term memory (`MEMORY.md`) is stored and read from the isolated session path.
-- **Session lifetime**: The HttpOnly session cookie lasts about **7 days** by default; sign in again with the token after it expires.
+3.  **Isolated Tools:** Tools like `read_file` and `write_file` are automatically pointed to the isolated workspace, preventing any tenant from accessing another's files or the global base workspace.
+ 
+#### Tenant Identification (Inbound Integration)
+ 
+PicoClaw automatically detects the **ChatID** for isolation from several sources:
+ 
+1.  **API Headers (Automatic):** It checks for common tenant-identifying headers from API Gateways:
+    - `X-PicoClaw-Chat-ID`: Custom header for manual control.
+    - `Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Id`: Automatically captures the **Azure APIM Subscription ID** as the tenant identifier.
+2.  **API Body:** The JSON payload for `/chat` can include a `chat_id` (or `session_id`) field.
+3.  **Channel Context:** Channels like Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and Discord automatically pass their respective `ChatID`.
+ 
+**What happens if no ID is present?**
+If no `ChatID` is detected, the request is routed to the **Global Agent** context, which uses the root workspace. This is the default for standalone single-user deployments. For secure multi-tenancy on shared infrastructure, ensuring a persistent `ChatID` is passed from your API Gateway or client is highly recommended.
+ 
+#### Path Resolution
+ 
+-   **Global Agents:** Agents initialized at startup (without a specific session) use the root workspace.
+-   **Session Agents:** Every request with a `chatID` creates a transient isolated agent instance that "routes" all file and memory operations into its session-specific subdirectory.
+ 
+This mechanism is transparent to the end-user and the AI agent itself, ensuring a secure and portable multi-user environment out-of-the-box.
  
 ### Skill Sources
 
@@ -541,9 +559,8 @@ This design also enables **multi-agent support** with flexible provider selectio
 
 - **Different agents, different providers**: Each agent can use its own LLM provider
 - **Model fallbacks**: Configure primary and fallback models for resilience
-- **Load balancing**: Distribute requests across multiple endpoints or keys
+- **Load balancing**: Distribute requests across multiple endpoints
 - **Centralized configuration**: Manage all providers in one place
-- **Model enable/disable**: Use the `enabled` field to temporarily disable a model without removing its configuration
 
 #### 🔒 Security Configuration (Recommended)
 
@@ -623,7 +640,6 @@ For complete documentation, see [`security_configuration.md`](security_configura
 | **通义千问 (Qwen)**     | `qwen/`           | `https://dashscope.aliyuncs.com/compatible-mode/v1` | OpenAI    | [Get Key](https://dashscope.console.aliyun.com)                  |
 | **NVIDIA**              | `nvidia/`         | `https://integrate.api.nvidia.com/v1`               | OpenAI    | [Get Key](https://build.nvidia.com)                              |
 | **Ollama**              | `ollama/`         | `http://localhost:11434/v1`                         | OpenAI    | Local (no key needed)                                            |
-| **LM Studio**           | `lmstudio/`       | `http://localhost:1234/v1`                          | OpenAI    | Optional (local default: no key)                                 |
 | **OpenRouter**          | `openrouter/`     | `https://openrouter.ai/api/v1`                      | OpenAI    | [Get Key](https://openrouter.ai/keys)                            |
 | **LiteLLM Proxy**       | `litellm/`        | `http://localhost:4000/v1`                          | OpenAI    | Your LiteLLM proxy key                                           |
 | **VLLM**                | `vllm/`           | `http://localhost:8000/v1`                          | OpenAI    | Local                                                            |
@@ -645,22 +661,22 @@ For complete documentation, see [`security_configuration.md`](security_configura
     {
       "model_name": "ark-code-latest",
       "model": "volcengine/ark-code-latest",
-      "api_keys": ["sk-your-api-key"]
+      "api_key": "sk-your-api-key"
     },
     {
       "model_name": "gpt-5.4",
       "model": "openai/gpt-5.4",
-      "api_keys": ["sk-your-openai-key"]
+      "api_key": "sk-your-openai-key"
     },
     {
       "model_name": "claude-sonnet-4.6",
       "model": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6",
-      "api_keys": ["sk-ant-your-key"]
+      "api_key": "sk-ant-your-key"
     },
     {
       "model_name": "glm-4.7",
       "model": "zhipu/glm-4.7",
-      "api_keys": ["your-zhipu-key"]
+      "api_key": "your-zhipu-key"
     }
   ],
   "agents": {
@@ -671,9 +687,7 @@ For complete documentation, see [`security_configuration.md`](security_configura
 }
 ```
 
-> **Security Note**: You can remove `api_keys` fields from your config and store them in `.security.yml` instead. See [Security Configuration](#-security-configuration-recommended) above for details.
+> **Security Note**: You can remove `api_key` fields from your config and store them in `.security.yml` instead. See [Security Configuration](#-security-configuration-recommended) above for details.
->
-> **Note**: The `enabled` field can be set to `false` to disable a model entry without removing it. When omitted, it defaults to `true` during migration for models that have API keys.
 
 #### Vendor-Specific Examples
 
@@ -750,7 +764,7 @@ For direct Anthropic API access or custom endpoints that only support Anthropic'
 {
   "model_name": "claude-opus-4-6",
   "model": "anthropic-messages/claude-opus-4-6",
-  "api_keys": ["sk-ant-your-key"],
+  "api_key": "sk-ant-your-key",
   "api_base": "https://api.anthropic.com"
 }
 ```
@@ -771,21 +785,6 @@ For direct Anthropic API access or custom endpoints that only support Anthropic'
 
 </details>
 
-<details>
-<summary><b>LM Studio (local)</b></summary>
-
-```json
-{
-  "model_name": "lmstudio-local",
-  "model": "lmstudio/openai/gpt-oss-20b"
-}
-```
-
-`api_base` defaults to `http://localhost:1234/v1`. API key is optional unless your LM Studio server enables authentication.<br/>
-PicoClaw sends OpenAI-compatible requests to LM Studio, and strips the `lmstudio/` prefix before sending requests, so `lmstudio/openai/gpt-oss-20b` sends `openai/gpt-oss-20b` to the LM Studio server.
-
-</details>
-
 <details>
 <summary><b>Custom Proxy / LiteLLM</b></summary>
 
@@ -840,13 +839,13 @@ model_list:
       "model_name": "gpt-5.4",
       "model": "openai/gpt-5.4",
       "api_base": "https://api1.example.com/v1",
-      "api_keys": ["sk-key1"]
+      "api_key": "sk-key1"
     },
     {
       "model_name": "gpt-5.4",
       "model": "openai/gpt-5.4",
       "api_base": "https://api2.example.com/v1",
-      "api_keys": ["sk-key2"]
+      "api_key": "sk-key2"
     }
   ]
 }
@@ -854,7 +853,7 @@ model_list:
 
 #### Migration from Legacy `providers` Config
 
-The old `providers` configuration is **deprecated** and has been removed in V2. Existing V0/V1 configs are auto-migrated. See [docs/migration/model-list-migration.md](../migration/model-list-migration.md) for the full guide.
+The old `providers` configuration is **deprecated** but still supported for backward compatibility. See [docs/migration/model-list-migration.md](../migration/model-list-migration.md) for the full guide.
 
 ### Provider Architecture
 
@@ -864,7 +863,7 @@ PicoClaw routes providers by protocol family:
 - **Anthropic**: Claude-native API behavior.
 - **Codex/OAuth**: OpenAI OAuth/token authentication route.
 
-This keeps the runtime lightweight while making new OpenAI-compatible backends mostly a config operation (`api_base` + `api_keys`).
+This keeps the runtime lightweight while making new OpenAI-compatible backends mostly a config operation (`api_base` + `api_key`).
 
 <details>
 <summary><b>Zhipu (legacy providers format)</b></summary>

pkg/agent/context.go

@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import (
 
 type ContextBuilder struct {
 	workspace          string
+	baseWorkspace      string
 	skillsLoader       *skills.SkillsLoader
 	memory             *MemoryStore
 	toolDiscoveryBM25  bool
@@ -61,7 +62,11 @@ func getGlobalConfigDir() string {
 	return config.GetHome()
 }
 
-func NewContextBuilder(workspace string) *ContextBuilder {
+func NewContextBuilder(workspace string, baseWorkspace string) *ContextBuilder {
+	// If isolationID logic is needed, it should be handled by the caller
+	// ensuring workspace and baseWorkspace are correctly distinct.
+	os.MkdirAll(workspace, 0o755)
+
 	// builtin skills: skills directory in current project
 	// Use the skills/ directory under the current working directory
 	builtinSkillsDir := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv(config.EnvBuiltinSkills))
@@ -73,7 +78,8 @@ func NewContextBuilder(workspace string) *ContextBuilder {
 
 	return &ContextBuilder{
 		workspace:     workspace,
-		skillsLoader: skills.NewSkillsLoader(workspace, globalSkillsDir, builtinSkillsDir, nil, false),
+		baseWorkspace: baseWorkspace,
+		skillsLoader:  skills.NewSkillsLoader(workspace, baseWorkspace, globalSkillsDir, builtinSkillsDir, nil, false),
 		memory:        NewMemoryStore(workspace),
 	}
 }
@@ -462,7 +468,13 @@ func (cb *ContextBuilder) LoadBootstrapFiles() string {
 
 	if agentDefinition.Source != AgentDefinitionSourceAgent {
 		filePath := filepath.Join(cb.workspace, "IDENTITY.md")
-		if data, err := os.ReadFile(filePath); err == nil {
+		data, err := os.ReadFile(filePath)
+		if err != nil && cb.baseWorkspace != "" && cb.baseWorkspace != cb.workspace {
+			// Fallback to base workspace
+			filePath = filepath.Join(cb.baseWorkspace, "IDENTITY.md")
+			data, err = os.ReadFile(filePath)
+		}
+		if err == nil {
 			fmt.Fprintf(&sb, "## %s\n\n%s\n\n", "IDENTITY.md", data)
 		}
 	}

pkg/agent/context_cache_test.go

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ func TestSingleSystemMessage(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	tests := []struct {
 		name    string
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ func TestBuildMessages_CurrentSenderDynamicContext(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	tests := []struct {
 		name              string
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ func TestMtimeAutoInvalidation(t *testing.T) {
 			tmpDir := setupWorkspace(t, map[string]string{tt.file: tt.contentV1})
 			defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-			cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+			cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 			sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ func TestMtimeAutoInvalidation(t *testing.T) {
 		tmpDir := setupWorkspace(t, nil)
 		defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-		cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+		cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 		_ = cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache() // populate cache
 
 		// Touch skills directory (simulate new skill installed)
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ func TestExplicitInvalidateCache(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	cb.InvalidateCache()
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ func TestCacheStability(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	results := make([]string, 5)
 	for i := range results {
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ func TestNewFileCreationInvalidatesCache(t *testing.T) {
 			tmpDir := setupWorkspace(t, nil)
 			defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-			cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+			cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 			// Populate cache — file does not exist yet
 			sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
@@ -406,7 +406,7 @@ Original content.`
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	// Populate cache
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ description: global-v1
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	if !strings.Contains(sp1, "global-v1") {
 		t.Fatal("expected initial prompt to contain global skill description")
@@ -527,7 +527,7 @@ description: builtin-v1
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	if !strings.Contains(sp1, "builtin-v1") {
 		t.Fatal("expected initial prompt to contain builtin skill description")
@@ -574,7 +574,7 @@ description: delete-me-v1
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	if !strings.Contains(sp1, "delete-me-v1") {
 		t.Fatal("expected initial prompt to contain skill description")
@@ -614,7 +614,7 @@ func TestConcurrentBuildSystemPromptWithCache(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	const goroutines = 20
 	const iterations = 50
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ func TestEmptyWorkspaceBaselineDetectsNewFiles(t *testing.T) {
 	tmpDir := setupWorkspace(t, nil)
 	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	// Build cache — all tracked files are absent, maxMtime falls back to epoch.
 	sp1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
@@ -750,7 +750,7 @@ func BenchmarkBuildMessagesWithCache(b *testing.B) {
 		os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, name), []byte(strings.Repeat("Content.\n", 10)), 0o644)
 	}
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	history := []providers.Message{
 		{Role: "user", Content: "previous message"},
 		{Role: "assistant", Content: "previous response"},

pkg/agent/definition.go

@@ -73,7 +73,25 @@ type AgentContextDefinition struct {
 // structured files are absent, it falls back to the legacy AGENTS.md layout so
 // the current runtime can transition incrementally.
 func (cb *ContextBuilder) LoadAgentDefinition() AgentContextDefinition {
-	return loadAgentDefinition(cb.workspace)
+	def := loadAgentDefinition(cb.workspace)
+	if def.Source == "" && cb.baseWorkspace != "" && cb.baseWorkspace != cb.workspace {
+		// Fallback to base workspace if nothing found in isolated workspace
+		baseDef := loadAgentDefinition(cb.baseWorkspace)
+		if baseDef.Source != "" {
+			// Inherit Agent and Source from base, but keep Tenant's User/Soul if they exist
+			if def.Agent == nil {
+				def.Agent = baseDef.Agent
+				def.Source = baseDef.Source
+			}
+			if def.Soul == nil {
+				def.Soul = baseDef.Soul
+			}
+			if def.User == nil {
+				def.User = baseDef.User
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return def
 }
 
 func loadAgentDefinition(workspace string) AgentContextDefinition {

pkg/agent/definition_test.go

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Act directly and use tools first.
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	definition := cb.LoadAgentDefinition()
 
 	if definition.Source != AgentDefinitionSourceAgent {
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestLoadAgentDefinitionFallsBackToLegacyAgentsMarkdown(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	definition := cb.LoadAgentDefinition()
 
 	if definition.Source != AgentDefinitionSourceAgents {
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ func TestLoadAgentDefinitionLoadsWorkspaceUserMarkdown(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	definition := cb.LoadAgentDefinition()
 
 	if definition.User == nil {
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ Keep going.
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	definition := cb.LoadAgentDefinition()
 
 	if definition.Agent == nil {
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ Follow the body prompt.
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	bootstrap := cb.LoadBootstrapFiles()
 
 	if !strings.Contains(bootstrap, "Follow the body prompt") {
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ func TestLoadBootstrapFilesIncludesWorkspaceUserMarkdown(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 	bootstrap := cb.LoadBootstrapFiles()
 
 	if !strings.Contains(bootstrap, "Shared profile") {
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ func TestStructuredAgentIgnoresIdentityChanges(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	promptV1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	if strings.Contains(promptV1, "Legacy identity") {
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ func TestStructuredAgentUserChangesInvalidateCache(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 	defer cleanupWorkspace(t, tmpDir)
 
-	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir)
+	cb := NewContextBuilder(tmpDir, tmpDir)
 
 	promptV1 := cb.BuildSystemPromptWithCache()
 	if !strings.Contains(promptV1, "Initial workspace preferences") {

pkg/agent/eventbus_test.go

@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_EmitsSteeringAndSkippedToolEvents(t *testing.T) {
 
 	resultCh := make(chan string, 1)
 	go func() {
-		resp, _ := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "do something", "test-session", "test", "chat1")
+		resp, _ := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "do something", "test-session", "test", "direct")
 		resultCh <- resp
 	}()
 

pkg/agent/instance.go

@@ -59,8 +59,9 @@ func NewAgentInstance(
 	defaults *config.AgentDefaults,
 	cfg *config.Config,
 	provider providers.LLMProvider,
+	isolationID string,
 ) *AgentInstance {
-	workspace := resolveAgentWorkspace(agentCfg, defaults)
+	workspace := resolveAgentWorkspace(agentCfg, defaults, isolationID)
 	os.MkdirAll(workspace, 0o755)
 
 	model := resolveAgentModel(agentCfg, defaults)
@@ -107,11 +108,15 @@ func NewAgentInstance(
 		toolsRegistry.Register(tools.NewAppendFileTool(workspace, restrict, allowWritePaths))
 	}
 
-	sessionsDir := filepath.Join(workspace, "sessions")
+	// Use main agent workspace (no isolation) for sessions so that session history
+	// persists across transient instances. The isolated workspace is only for file tools.
+	mainWorkspace := resolveOriginalAgentWorkspace(agentCfg, defaults)
+	sessionsDir := filepath.Join(mainWorkspace, "sessions")
 	sessions := initSessionStore(sessionsDir)
 
 	mcpDiscoveryActive := cfg.Tools.MCP.Enabled && cfg.Tools.MCP.Discovery.Enabled
-	contextBuilder := NewContextBuilder(workspace).
+	baseWorkspace := mainWorkspace
+	contextBuilder := NewContextBuilder(workspace, baseWorkspace).
 		WithToolDiscovery(
 			mcpDiscoveryActive && cfg.Tools.MCP.Discovery.UseBM25,
 			mcpDiscoveryActive && cfg.Tools.MCP.Discovery.UseRegex,
@@ -234,17 +239,27 @@ func NewAgentInstance(
 }
 
 // resolveAgentWorkspace determines the workspace directory for an agent.
-func resolveAgentWorkspace(agentCfg *config.AgentConfig, defaults *config.AgentDefaults) string {
+func resolveAgentWorkspace(agentCfg *config.AgentConfig, defaults *config.AgentDefaults, isolationID string) string {
+	base := ""
 	if agentCfg != nil && strings.TrimSpace(agentCfg.Workspace) != "" {
-		return expandHome(strings.TrimSpace(agentCfg.Workspace))
+		base = expandHome(strings.TrimSpace(agentCfg.Workspace))
-	}
+	} else if agentCfg == nil || agentCfg.Default || agentCfg.ID == "" || routing.NormalizeAgentID(agentCfg.ID) == "main" {
-	// Use the configured default workspace (respects PICOCLAW_HOME)
+		base = expandHome(defaults.Workspace)
-	if agentCfg == nil || agentCfg.Default || agentCfg.ID == "" || routing.NormalizeAgentID(agentCfg.ID) == "main" {
+	} else {
-		return expandHome(defaults.Workspace)
-	}
 		// For named agents without explicit workspace, use default workspace with agent ID suffix
 		id := routing.NormalizeAgentID(agentCfg.ID)
-	return filepath.Join(expandHome(defaults.Workspace), "..", "workspace-"+id)
+		base = filepath.Join(expandHome(defaults.Workspace), "..", "workspace-"+id)
+	}
+
+	if isolationID != "" && isolationID != "direct" {
+		return filepath.Join(base, "sessions", isolationID, "workspace")
+	}
+	return base
+}
+
+// resolveOriginalAgentWorkspace determines the original workspace directory for an agent without isolation.
+func resolveOriginalAgentWorkspace(agentCfg *config.AgentConfig, defaults *config.AgentDefaults) string {
+	return resolveAgentWorkspace(agentCfg, defaults, "")
 }
 
 // resolveAgentModel resolves the primary model for an agent.

pkg/agent/instance_test.go

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_UsesDefaultsTemperatureAndMaxTokens(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg.Agents.Defaults.Temperature = &configuredTemp
 
 	provider := &mockProvider{}
-	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
 
 	if agent.MaxTokens != 1234 {
 		t.Fatalf("MaxTokens = %d, want %d", agent.MaxTokens, 1234)
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_DefaultsTemperatureWhenZero(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg.Agents.Defaults.Temperature = &configuredTemp
 
 	provider := &mockProvider{}
-	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
 
 	if agent.Temperature != 0.0 {
 		t.Fatalf("Temperature = %f, want %f", agent.Temperature, 0.0)
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_DefaultsTemperatureWhenUnset(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	provider := &mockProvider{}
-	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
 
 	if agent.Temperature != 0.7 {
 		t.Fatalf("Temperature = %f, want %f", agent.Temperature, 0.7)
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_ResolveCandidatesFromModelListAlias(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 
 			provider := &mockProvider{}
-			agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+			agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
 
 			if len(agent.Candidates) != 1 {
 				t.Fatalf("len(Candidates) = %d, want 1", len(agent.Candidates))
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_AllowsMediaTempDirForReadListAndExec(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, &mockProvider{})
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, &mockProvider{}, "")
 
 	readTool, ok := agent.Tools.Get("read_file")
 	if !ok {
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_InvalidExecConfigDoesNotExit(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, &mockProvider{})
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, &mockProvider{}, "")
 	if agent == nil {
 		t.Fatal("expected agent instance, got nil")
 	}
@@ -374,3 +374,31 @@ func TestNewAgentInstance_InvalidExecConfigDoesNotExit(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("read_file tool should still be registered")
 	}
 }
+func TestNewAgentInstance_IsolatedWorkspace(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+	cfg := &config.Config{
+		Agents: config.AgentsConfig{
+			Defaults: config.AgentDefaults{
+				Workspace: tmpDir,
+				ModelName: "test-model",
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	isolationID := "user-123"
+	agent := NewAgentInstance(nil, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, &mockProvider{}, isolationID)
+
+	expectedWorkspace := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "sessions", isolationID, "workspace")
+	if agent.Workspace != expectedWorkspace {
+		t.Fatalf("Workspace = %q, want %q", agent.Workspace, expectedWorkspace)
+	}
+
+	// Verify the directory exists
+	info, err := os.Stat(agent.Workspace)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("os.Stat(agent.Workspace) failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !info.IsDir() {
+		t.Fatal("agent.Workspace is not a directory")
+	}
+}

pkg/agent/isolation_tools_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+package agent
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/pkg/bus"
+	"github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/pkg/config"
+	"github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/pkg/providers"
+	"github.com/sipeed/picoclaw/pkg/tools"
+)
+
+type isolationMockTool struct {
+	name string
+}
+
+func (m *isolationMockTool) Name() string        { return m.name }
+func (m *isolationMockTool) Description() string { return "mock tool" }
+func (m *isolationMockTool) Parameters() map[string]any {
+	return map[string]any{"type": "object", "properties": map[string]any{}}
+}
+func (m *isolationMockTool) Execute(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) *tools.ToolResult {
+	return tools.SilentResult("executed")
+}
+
+func TestIsolationLacksManualTools(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", "picoclaw-isolation-*")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create temp dir: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
+
+	cfg := &config.Config{}
+	cfg.Agents.Defaults.Workspace = tmpDir
+	cfg.Agents.Defaults.ModelName = "test-model"
+
+	msgBus := bus.NewMessageBus()
+	provider := &isolationMockProvider{}
+	al := NewAgentLoop(cfg, msgBus, provider)
+
+	tool := &isolationMockTool{name: "my_custom_tool"}
+	al.RegisterTool(tool)
+
+	// chatID "direct" does NOT use isolation
+	resp, err := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "hello", "session1", "cli", "direct")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("ProcessDirectWithChannel failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if resp != "Found tool" {
+		t.Errorf("Direct response: %s, want Found tool", resp)
+	}
+
+	// chatID "chat1" DOES use isolation - transient agent instance is created
+	resp, err = al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "hello", "session1", "cli", "chat1")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("ProcessDirectWithChannel (isolated) failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if resp != "Found tool" {
+		t.Errorf("Isolated response: %s, want Found tool (fixed)", resp)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestManualToolsPreservedAfterReload(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", "picoclaw-reload-*")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Failed to create temp dir: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
+
+	cfg := &config.Config{}
+	cfg.Agents.Defaults.Workspace = tmpDir
+	cfg.Agents.Defaults.ModelName = "test-model"
+
+	msgBus := bus.NewMessageBus()
+	provider := &isolationMockProvider{}
+	al := NewAgentLoop(cfg, msgBus, provider)
+
+	tool := &isolationMockTool{name: "my_custom_tool"}
+	al.RegisterTool(tool)
+
+	// Reload with same config and provider - should preserve manual tools
+	err = al.ReloadProviderAndConfig(context.Background(), provider, cfg)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Reload failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check if tool is still visible to the new registry
+	resp, err := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "hello", "session1", "cli", "direct")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("ProcessDirectWithChannel failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if resp != "Found tool" {
+		t.Errorf("Response after reload: %s, want Found tool", resp)
+	}
+}
+
+type isolationMockProvider struct{}
+
+func (m *isolationMockProvider) Chat(
+	ctx context.Context,
+	msgs []providers.Message,
+	tools []providers.ToolDefinition,
+	model string,
+	opts map[string]any,
+) (*providers.LLMResponse, error) {
+	found := false
+	for _, t := range tools {
+		if t.Function.Name == "my_custom_tool" {
+			found = true
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if found {
+		return &providers.LLMResponse{Content: "Found tool"}, nil
+	}
+	return &providers.LLMResponse{Content: "Tool NOT found"}, nil
+}
+
+func (m *isolationMockProvider) GetDefaultModel() string {
+	return "mock"
+}

pkg/agent/loop.go

@@ -59,11 +59,20 @@ type AgentLoop struct {
 	steering       *steeringQueue
 	pendingSkills  sync.Map
 	mu             sync.RWMutex
+	manualTools    []tools.Tool
 
 	// Concurrent turn management (from HEAD)
 	activeTurnStates sync.Map     // key: sessionKey (string), value: *turnState
 	subTurnCounter   atomic.Int64 // Counter for generating unique SubTurn IDs
 
+	// Agent instance caching for multi-user isolation
+	// Each unique chatID gets its own agent instance to maintain state/model selection
+	agentCache     sync.Map // key: channel:chatID, value: *AgentInstance
+	agentCacheMu   sync.RWMutex
+	agentCacheTTL  time.Duration // How long to keep cached agents alive
+	agentCleaner   *time.Ticker  // Periodic cleanup of stale cached agents
+	lastCacheCheck sync.Map      // key: channel:chatID, value: time.Time (last access time)
+
 	// Turn tracking (from Incoming)
 	turnSeq        atomic.Uint64
 	activeRequests sync.WaitGroup
@@ -103,7 +112,7 @@ const (
 	defaultResponse            = "The model returned an empty response. This may indicate a provider error or token limit."
 	toolLimitResponse          = "I've reached `max_tool_iterations` without a final response. Increase `max_tool_iterations` in config.json if this task needs more tool steps."
 	handledToolResponseSummary = "Requested output delivered via tool attachment."
-	sessionKeyAgentPrefix      = "agent:"
+	sessionKeyAgentPrefix      = "agent::"
 	metadataKeyAccountID       = "account_id"
 	metadataKeyGuildID         = "guild_id"
 	metadataKeyTeamID          = "team_id"
@@ -183,6 +192,13 @@ func registerSharedTools(
 			continue
 		}
 
+		// Re-register manual tools first so they can be overwritten by core shared tools if needed
+		al.mu.RLock()
+		for _, tool := range al.manualTools {
+			agent.Tools.Register(tool)
+		}
+		al.mu.RUnlock()
+
 		if cfg.Tools.IsToolEnabled("web") {
 			searchTool, err := tools.NewWebSearchTool(tools.WebSearchToolOptions{
 				BraveAPIKeys:          cfg.Tools.Web.Brave.APIKeys.Values(),
@@ -730,7 +746,7 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) buildContinuationTarget(msg bus.InboundMessage) (*continuat
 	}
 
 	return &continuationTarget{
-		SessionKey: resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey),
+		SessionKey: resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey, msg.ChatID, route.AgentID),
 		Channel:    msg.Channel,
 		ChatID:     msg.ChatID,
 	}, nil
@@ -985,6 +1001,21 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) RegisterTool(tool tools.Tool) {
 			agent.Tools.Register(tool)
 		}
 	}
+
+	al.mu.Lock()
+	defer al.mu.Unlock()
+	// Check for duplicates by name and overwrite
+	found := false
+	for i, t := range al.manualTools {
+		if t.Name() == tool.Name() {
+			al.manualTools[i] = tool
+			found = true
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if !found {
+		al.manualTools = append(al.manualTools, tool)
+	}
 }
 
 func (al *AgentLoop) SetChannelManager(cm *channels.Manager) {
@@ -1387,11 +1418,63 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) processMessage(ctx context.Context, msg bus.InboundMessage)
 		return al.processSystemMessage(ctx, msg)
 	}
 
-	route, agent, routeErr := al.resolveMessageRoute(msg)
+	route, baseAgent, routeErr := al.resolveMessageRoute(msg)
 	if routeErr != nil {
 		return "", routeErr
 	}
 
+	agent := baseAgent
+	isolationID := msg.ChatID
+	if isolationID != "" && isolationID != "direct" {
+		// Check agent instance cache first (keyed by channel:chatID)
+		cacheKey := msg.Channel + ":" + isolationID
+		if cached, ok := al.agentCache.Load(cacheKey); ok {
+			agent = cached.(*AgentInstance)
+			// Update last access time for TTL tracking
+			al.lastCacheCheck.Store(cacheKey, time.Now())
+
+			logger.InfoCF("agent", "Reusing cached agent instance", map[string]any{
+				"agent_id":     agent.ID,
+				"cache_key":    cacheKey,
+				"isolation_id": isolationID,
+			})
+		} else {
+			// Create a transient isolated instance for this chat session
+			// This ensures workspace, memory, and sessions are private to the chat_id.
+
+			// Determine the original config for this agent to preserve its specialized prompt/skills
+			var ac *config.AgentConfig
+			for i := range al.cfg.Agents.List {
+				if routing.NormalizeAgentID(al.cfg.Agents.List[i].ID) == route.AgentID {
+					ac = &al.cfg.Agents.List[i]
+					break
+				}
+			}
+
+			// Create a new instance with the isolationID
+			// NewAgentInstance uses isolationID to sub-path the workspace
+			agent = NewAgentInstance(ac, &al.cfg.Agents.Defaults, al.cfg, baseAgent.Provider, isolationID)
+
+			// Set its ID to match the routed agent so prompts and logs match
+			agent.ID = route.AgentID
+
+			// Re-register shared tools (web, message, spawn) to this transient agent
+			// We pass a mini-registry containing only this agent
+			registerSharedTools(al, al.cfg, al.bus, &AgentRegistry{agents: map[string]*AgentInstance{agent.ID: agent}}, baseAgent.Provider)
+
+			// Cache this agent instance per chat session
+			al.agentCache.Store(cacheKey, agent)
+			al.lastCacheCheck.Store(cacheKey, time.Now())
+
+			logger.InfoCF("agent", "Created isolated transient agent", map[string]any{
+				"agent_id":     agent.ID,
+				"cache_key":    cacheKey,
+				"isolation_id": isolationID,
+				"workspace":    agent.Workspace,
+			})
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Reset message-tool state for this round so we don't skip publishing due to a previous round.
 	if tool, ok := agent.Tools.Get("message"); ok {
 		if resetter, ok := tool.(interface{ ResetSentInRound() }); ok {
@@ -1400,7 +1483,8 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) processMessage(ctx context.Context, msg bus.InboundMessage)
 	}
 
 	// Resolve session key from route, while preserving explicit agent-scoped keys.
-	scopeKey := resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey)
+	// If caller provides a session key, respect it. Otherwise, derive from chatID for isolation.
+	scopeKey := resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey, msg.ChatID, agent.ID)
 	sessionKey := scopeKey
 
 	logger.InfoCF("agent", "Routed message",
@@ -1468,10 +1552,19 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) resolveMessageRoute(msg bus.InboundMessage) (routing.Resolv
 	return route, agent, nil
 }
 
-func resolveScopeKey(route routing.ResolvedRoute, msgSessionKey string) string {
+func resolveScopeKey(route routing.ResolvedRoute, msgSessionKey, chatID, agentID string) string {
+	// 1. If caller explicitly provides a session key with agent prefix, use it as-is
 	if msgSessionKey != "" && strings.HasPrefix(msgSessionKey, sessionKeyAgentPrefix) {
 		return msgSessionKey
 	}
+
+	// 2. If a unique chatID is provided, use it to create an isolated session per chat
+	// This ensures each Teams conversation (or any unique chat) has separate session history
+	if chatID != "" && chatID != "direct" {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s:%s:%s", sessionKeyAgentPrefix, agentID, chatID)
+	}
+
+	// 3. Fall back to route's default session key
 	return route.SessionKey
 }
 
@@ -1485,7 +1578,7 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) resolveSteeringTarget(msg bus.InboundMessage) (string, stri
 		return "", "", false
 	}
 
-	return resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey), agent.ID, true
+	return resolveScopeKey(route, msg.SessionKey, msg.ChatID, agent.ID), agent.ID, true
 }
 
 func (al *AgentLoop) requeueInboundMessage(msg bus.InboundMessage) error {

pkg/agent/loop_mcp.go

@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func (al *AgentLoop) EnsureMCPInitialized(ctx context.Context) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	if al.cfg.Tools.MCP.Servers == nil || len(al.cfg.Tools.MCP.Servers) == 0 {
+	if len(al.cfg.Tools.MCP.Servers) == 0 {
 		logger.WarnCF("agent", "MCP is enabled but no servers are configured, skipping MCP initialization", nil)
 		return nil
 	}

pkg/agent/loop_test.go

@@ -670,7 +670,7 @@ func TestProcessMessage_MediaToolHandledSkipsFollowUpLLMAndFinalText(t *testing.
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("resolveMessageRoute() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	sessionKey := resolveScopeKey(route, "")
+	sessionKey := resolveScopeKey(route, "", "chat1", route.AgentID)
 	history := defaultAgent.Sessions.GetHistory(sessionKey)
 	if len(history) == 0 {
 		t.Fatal("expected session history to be saved")
@@ -1399,11 +1399,8 @@ func TestProcessMessage_UsesRouteSessionKey(t *testing.T) {
 		},
 	}
 
-	route := al.registry.ResolveRoute(routing.RouteInput{
+	// With chatID isolation, session key is derived from chatID
-		Channel: msg.Channel,
+	sessionKey := fmt.Sprintf("agent:::main:%s", msg.ChatID)
-		Peer:    extractPeer(msg),
-	})
-	sessionKey := route.SessionKey
 
 	defaultAgent := al.registry.GetDefaultAgent()
 	if defaultAgent == nil {
@@ -2087,7 +2084,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_ToolLimitUsesDedicatedFallback(t *testing.T) {
 	al := NewAgentLoop(cfg, msgBus, provider)
 	al.RegisterTool(&toolLimitTestTool{})
 
-	response, err := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "hello", "tool-limit", "test", "chat1")
+	response, err := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(context.Background(), "hello", "tool-limit", "test", "direct")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ProcessDirectWithChannel failed: %v", err)
 	}

pkg/agent/registry.go

@@ -33,14 +33,15 @@ func NewAgentRegistry(
 			ID:      "main",
 			Default: true,
 		}
-		instance := NewAgentInstance(implicitAgent, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+		instance := NewAgentInstance(implicitAgent, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
 		registry.agents["main"] = instance
 		logger.InfoCF("agent", "Created implicit main agent (no agents.list configured)", nil)
 	} else {
 		for i := range agentConfigs {
 			ac := &agentConfigs[i]
 			id := routing.NormalizeAgentID(ac.ID)
-			instance := NewAgentInstance(ac, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider)
+			instance := NewAgentInstance(ac, &cfg.Agents.Defaults, cfg, provider, "")
+
 			registry.agents[id] = instance
 			logger.InfoCF("agent", "Registered agent",
 				map[string]any{

pkg/agent/steering_test.go

@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Continue_NoMessages(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("expected provider to be initialized")
 	}
 
-	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), "test-session", "test", "chat1")
+	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), "test-session", "test", "direct")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Continue_WithMessages(t *testing.T) {
 
 	al.Steer(providers.Message{Role: "user", Content: "new direction"})
 
-	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), "test-session", "test", "chat1")
+	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), "test-session", "test", "direct")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ func TestDrainBusToSteering_RequeuesDifferentScopeMessage(t *testing.T) {
 	activeMsg := bus.InboundMessage{
 		Channel:  "telegram",
 		SenderID: "user1",
-		ChatID:   "chat1",
+		ChatID:   "direct",
 		Content:  "active turn",
 		Peer: bus.Peer{
 			Kind: "direct",
@@ -701,7 +701,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Steering_SkipsRemainingTools(t *testing.T) {
 			"do something",
 			"test-session",
 			"test",
-			"chat1",
+			"direct",
 		)
 		resultCh <- result{resp, err}
 	}()
@@ -783,7 +783,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Steering_InitialPoll(t *testing.T) {
 		"initial message",
 		"test-session",
 		"test",
-		"chat1",
+		"direct",
 	)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
@@ -843,7 +843,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Run_AutoContinuesLateSteeringMessage(t *testing.T) {
 	first := bus.InboundMessage{
 		Channel:  "test",
 		SenderID: "user1",
-		ChatID:   "chat1",
+		ChatID:   "direct",
 		Content:  "first message",
 		Peer: bus.Peer{
 			Kind: "direct",
@@ -853,7 +853,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Run_AutoContinuesLateSteeringMessage(t *testing.T) {
 	late := bus.InboundMessage{
 		Channel:  "test",
 		SenderID: "user1",
-		ChatID:   "chat1",
+		ChatID:   "direct",
 		Content:  "late append",
 		Peer: bus.Peer{
 			Kind: "direct",
@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Steering_DirectResponseContinuesWithQueuedMessage(t *testing.
 			"initial request",
 			sessionKey,
 			"test",
-			"chat1",
+			"direct",
 		)
 		resultCh <- struct {
 			resp string
@@ -1073,7 +1073,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Continue_PreservesSteeringMedia(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("Steer failed: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), sessionKey, "test", "chat1")
+	resp, err := al.Continue(context.Background(), sessionKey, "test", "direct")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Continue failed: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -1184,7 +1184,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_InterruptGraceful_UsesTerminalNoToolCall(t *testing.T) {
 			"do something",
 			sessionKey,
 			"test",
-			"chat1",
+			"direct",
 		)
 		resultCh <- result{resp: resp, err: err}
 	}()
@@ -1202,7 +1202,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_InterruptGraceful_UsesTerminalNoToolCall(t *testing.T) {
 	if active.SessionKey != sessionKey {
 		t.Fatalf("expected active session %q, got %q", sessionKey, active.SessionKey)
 	}
-	if active.Channel != "test" || active.ChatID != "chat1" {
+	if active.Channel != "test" || active.ChatID != "direct" {
 		t.Fatalf("unexpected active turn target: %#v", active)
 	}
 
@@ -1349,7 +1349,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_InterruptHard_RestoresSession(t *testing.T) {
 			"do work",
 			sessionKey,
 			"test",
-			"chat1",
+			"direct",
 		)
 		resultCh <- result{resp: resp, err: err}
 	}()
@@ -1518,7 +1518,7 @@ func TestAgentLoop_Steering_SkippedToolsHaveErrorResults(t *testing.T) {
 	resultCh := make(chan string, 1)
 	go func() {
 		resp, _ := al.ProcessDirectWithChannel(
-			context.Background(), "go", "test-session", "test", "chat1",
+			context.Background(), "go", "test-session", "test", "direct",
 		)
 		resultCh <- resp
 	}()

pkg/gateway/gateway.go

@@ -208,11 +208,14 @@ func Run(debug bool, homePath, configPath string, allowEmptyStartup bool) error
 
 	// Setup synchronous /chat endpoint handler
 	if cfg.Gateway.ChatEnabled {
-		runningServices.HealthServer.SetChatFunc(func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID string) (string, error) {
+		runningServices.HealthServer.SetChatFunc(func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID, chatID string) (string, error) {
 			if sessionID == "" {
 				sessionID = "http-chat"
 			}
-			return agentLoop.ProcessDirectWithChannel(ctx, message, sessionID, "http", "chat")
+			if chatID == "" {
+				chatID = "chat"
+			}
+			return agentLoop.ProcessDirectWithChannel(ctx, message, sessionID, "http", chatID)
 		})
 	}
 

pkg/health/server.go

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 type ChatRequest struct {
 	Message   string `json:"message"`
 	SessionID string `json:"session_id,omitempty"`
+	ChatID    string `json:"chat_id,omitempty"` // Alias for session_id to match PicoClaw terminology
 }
 
 // ChatResponse is the JSON response from /chat.
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@ type Server struct {
 	startTime     time.Time
 	reloadFunc    func() error
 	authToken     string // optional bearer token for protected endpoints
-	chatFunc      func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID string) (string, error)
+	chatFunc      func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID, chatID string) (string, error)
 	apiKey        string
 	chatResults   map[string]*chatStatus
 	chatResultsMu sync.RWMutex
@@ -157,7 +158,7 @@ func (s *Server) SetReloadFunc(fn func() error) {
 // fn receives the user message and an optional session ID and must return the
 // agent's reply (or an error). It is called synchronously inside the HTTP
 // handler, so the write timeout on the server governs the maximum duration.
-func (s *Server) SetChatFunc(fn func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID string) (string, error)) {
+func (s *Server) SetChatFunc(fn func(ctx context.Context, message, sessionID, chatID string) (string, error)) {
 	s.mu.Lock()
 	defer s.mu.Unlock()
 	s.chatFunc = fn
@@ -335,6 +336,56 @@ func (s *Server) handlePostChat(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	}
 
 	sessionID := req.SessionID
+	if sessionID == "" && req.ChatID != "" {
+		sessionID = req.ChatID
+	}
+
+	chatID := req.ChatID
+	if chatID == "" {
+		// Try to extract ChatID/TenantID from common headers
+		// These are ordered by specificity/reliability
+		headers := []string{
+			"X-PicoClaw-Chat-ID",
+			"X-User-ID",
+			"X-Session-ID",
+			"X-MS-CLIENT-PRINCIPAL-ID",   // Azure App Service / Container Apps (EasyAuth)
+			"X-MS-CLIENT-PRINCIPAL-NAME", // Azure App Service Email/Username
+			"Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Id",   // Azure APIM (if configured)
+		}
+
+		for _, h := range headers {
+			if val := r.Header.Get(h); val != "" {
+				chatID = val
+				break
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Fallback to SessionID if provided in body, otherwise empty (global)
+		if chatID == "" {
+			chatID = req.SessionID
+		}
+	}
+
+	if chatID != "" {
+		logger.InfoCF("api", "Resolved isolation ID for request", map[string]any{
+			"chat_id":    chatID,
+			"session_id": sessionID,
+		})
+	} else {
+		// Log all headers for debugging (excluding sensitive ones)
+		headers := make(map[string]string)
+		for k, v := range r.Header {
+			if k == "Authorization" || k == "X-Api-Key" || k == "Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key" {
+				headers[k] = "REDACTED"
+			} else if len(v) > 0 {
+				headers[k] = v[0]
+			}
+		}
+		logger.DebugCF("api", "Chat request received without explicit ChatID. Checking headers...", map[string]any{
+			"headers": headers,
+		})
+	}
+
 	if sessionID == "" {
 		sessionID = fmt.Sprintf("chat-%d", time.Now().UnixNano())
 	}
@@ -352,7 +403,7 @@ func (s *Server) handlePostChat(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		// which will be cancelled when this request finishes.
 		ctx := context.Background()
 		logger.Debugf("Starting async chat for session %s", sessionID)
-		reply, err := chatFunc(ctx, req.Message, sessionID)
+		reply, err := chatFunc(ctx, req.Message, sessionID, chatID)
 
 		s.chatResultsMu.Lock()
 		defer s.chatResultsMu.Unlock()

pkg/skills/loader.go

@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ func (info SkillInfo) validate() error {
 type SkillsLoader struct {
 	workspace           string
 	workspaceSkills     string // workspace skills (project-level)
+	baseWorkspaceSkills string // fallback workspace skills (if isolated)
 	globalSkills        string // global skills (~/.picoclaw/skills)
 	builtinSkills       string // builtin skills
 	whitelist           []string
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@ type SkillsLoader struct {
 // SkillRoots returns all unique skill root directories used by this loader.
 // The order follows resolution priority: workspace > global > builtin.
 func (sl *SkillsLoader) SkillRoots() []string {
-	roots := []string{sl.workspaceSkills, sl.globalSkills, sl.builtinSkills}
+	roots := []string{sl.workspaceSkills, sl.baseWorkspaceSkills, sl.globalSkills, sl.builtinSkills}
 	seen := make(map[string]struct{}, len(roots))
 	out := make([]string, 0, len(roots))
 
@@ -92,6 +93,7 @@ func (sl *SkillsLoader) SkillRoots() []string {
 
 func NewSkillsLoader(
 	workspace string,
+	baseWorkspace string,
 	globalSkills string,
 	builtinSkills string,
 	whitelist []string,
@@ -100,6 +102,7 @@ func NewSkillsLoader(
 	return &SkillsLoader{
 		workspace:           workspace,
 		workspaceSkills:     filepath.Join(workspace, "skills"),
+		baseWorkspaceSkills: filepath.Join(baseWorkspace, "skills"),
 		globalSkills:        globalSkills, // ~/.picoclaw/skills
 		builtinSkills:       builtinSkills,
 		whitelist:           whitelist,
@@ -173,8 +176,9 @@ func (sl *SkillsLoader) ListSkills() []SkillInfo {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Priority: workspace > global > builtin
+	// Priority: workspace > base workspace > global > builtin
 	addSkills(sl.workspaceSkills, "workspace")
+	addSkills(sl.baseWorkspaceSkills, "shared")
 	addSkills(sl.globalSkills, "global")
 	addSkills(sl.builtinSkills, "builtin")
 
@@ -204,6 +208,14 @@ func (sl *SkillsLoader) LoadSkill(name string) (string, bool) {
 	}
 	// ...
 
+	// 1b. load from base workspace skills (fallback if isolated)
+	if sl.baseWorkspaceSkills != "" && sl.baseWorkspaceSkills != sl.workspaceSkills {
+		skillFile := filepath.Join(sl.baseWorkspaceSkills, name, "SKILL.md")
+		if content, err := os.ReadFile(skillFile); err == nil {
+			return sl.stripFrontmatter(string(content)), true
+		}
+	}
+
 	// 2. then load from global skills (~/.picoclaw/skills)
 	if sl.globalSkills != "" {
 		skillFile := filepath.Join(sl.globalSkills, name, "SKILL.md")

pkg/skills/loader_test.go

@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ func TestListSkillsWorkspaceOverridesGlobal(t *testing.T) {
 	createSkillDir(t, filepath.Join(ws, "skills"), "my-skill", "my-skill", "workspace version")
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "my-skill", "my-skill", "global version")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, "", nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, "", nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ func TestListSkillsGlobalOverridesBuiltin(t *testing.T) {
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "my-skill", "my-skill", "global version")
 	createSkillDir(t, builtin, "my-skill", "my-skill", "builtin version")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ func TestListSkillsMetadataNameDedup(t *testing.T) {
 	createSkillDir(t, filepath.Join(ws, "skills"), "dir-a", "shared-name", "workspace version")
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "dir-b", "shared-name", "global version")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, "", nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, "", nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ func TestListSkillsMultipleDistinctSkills(t *testing.T) {
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "skill-b", "skill-b", "desc b")
 	createSkillDir(t, builtin, "skill-c", "skill-c", "desc c")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 3)
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ func TestListSkillsInvalidSkillSkipped(t *testing.T) {
 	// Valid skill
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "good-skill", "good-skill", "desc")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, "", nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, "", nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ func TestListSkillsEmptyAndNonexistentDirs(t *testing.T) {
 	emptyDir := filepath.Join(tmp, "empty")
 	require.NoError(t, os.MkdirAll(emptyDir, 0o755))
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, emptyDir, filepath.Join(tmp, "nonexistent"), nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, emptyDir, filepath.Join(tmp, "nonexistent"), nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Empty(t, skills)
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ func TestListSkillsDirWithoutSkillMD(t *testing.T) {
 	// Valid skill alongside
 	createSkillDir(t, global, "real-skill", "real-skill", "desc")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, "", nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, "", nil, false)
 	skills := sl.ListSkills()
 
 	assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
@@ -333,7 +333,7 @@ func TestSkillRootsTrimsWhitespaceAndDedups(t *testing.T) {
 	global := filepath.Join(tmp, "global")
 	builtin := filepath.Join(tmp, "builtin")
 
-	sl := NewSkillsLoader(workspace, "  "+global+"  ", "\t"+builtin+"\n", nil, false)
+	sl := NewSkillsLoader(workspace, workspace, "  "+global+"  ", "\t"+builtin+"\n", nil, false)
 	roots := sl.SkillRoots()
 
 	assert.Equal(t, []string{
@@ -429,14 +429,14 @@ func TestListSkillsWithWhitelist(t *testing.T) {
 	createSkillDir(t, builtin, "skill-c", "skill-c", "desc c")
 
 	t.Run("allow-one", func(t *testing.T) {
-		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, []string{"skill-a"}, true)
+		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, []string{"skill-a"}, true)
 		skills := sl.ListSkills()
 		assert.Len(t, skills, 1)
 		assert.Equal(t, "skill-a", skills[0].Name)
 	})
 
 	t.Run("allow-two", func(t *testing.T) {
-		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, []string{"skill-a", "skill-c"}, true)
+		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, []string{"skill-a", "skill-c"}, true)
 		skills := sl.ListSkills()
 		assert.Len(t, skills, 2)
 		names := []string{skills[0].Name, skills[1].Name}
@@ -445,19 +445,19 @@ func TestListSkillsWithWhitelist(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 
 	t.Run("allow-none", func(t *testing.T) {
-		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, []string{"non-existent"}, true)
+		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, []string{"non-existent"}, true)
 		skills := sl.ListSkills()
 		assert.Empty(t, skills)
 	})
 
 	t.Run("empty-whitelist-allows-all", func(t *testing.T) {
-		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, []string{}, false)
+		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, []string{}, false)
 		skills := sl.ListSkills()
 		assert.Len(t, skills, 3)
 	})
 
 	t.Run("nil-whitelist-allows-all", func(t *testing.T) {
-		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
+		sl := NewSkillsLoader(ws, ws, global, builtin, nil, false)
 		skills := sl.ListSkills()
 		assert.Len(t, skills, 3)
 	})

web/backend/api/skills.go

@@ -504,6 +504,7 @@ func (h *Handler) handleDeleteSkill(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 
 func newSkillsLoader(workspace string) *skills.SkillsLoader {
 	return skills.NewSkillsLoader(
+		workspace,
 		workspace,
 		filepath.Join(globalConfigDir(), "skills"),
 		builtinSkillsDir(),