# set_agent_instructions

[MAINTENANCE] Set or update the custom agent_instructions for a project. Instructions are injected into every start_session response so AI sessions see them automatically — no need to repeat in every session. Pass null or empty string to clear. Use for persistent rules like coding conventions, deploy steps, or codebase notes. Persistent-state disclosure: on hosted Meridian, supplied text and project/session metadata are sent to and stored in Meridian's service; self-hosted deployments keep them in the configured local SQLite/Postgres database. This data is visible in the dashboard/API and later project context or handoffs. Delete individual tasks, notes, or decisions where supported, or delete the project/account using the documented controls. Do not include secrets.

Agent View of the PolicyLayer registry record for `set_agent_instructions`. HTML page: https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/set-agent-instructions

## Facts

- Tool: `set_agent_instructions`
- Server: Meridian (`@meridianmcp/mcp`) — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian.md
- Install: `npx -y @meridianmcp/mcp`
- Homepage: https://github.com/meridianmcp/Meridian
- Risk category: Write (Medium risk)
- Registry record: grade F, identity unverified
- Server auth posture: open
- Server CORS policy: *
- Server rate-limited: no
- Parameters: 3 (1 required)
- Recommended policy verdict: Rate-limited

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `project_id` | string | no |  |
| `instructions` | string | yes | Markdown text injected at session start. Pass null to clear. |
| `project_name` | string | no | Project name — an alternative to project_id; resolved to the id internally. project_id wins if both are given. |

Parameters from the server's own tool schema.

## Example call (MCP tools/call, JSON-RPC 2.0)

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "set_agent_instructions",
    "arguments": {
      "instructions": "<instructions>"
    }
  }
}
```

## Why set_agent_instructions is rated Medium

This tool creates or modifies persistent configuration data (agent instructions) rather than deleting it irreversibly. While it affects system behavior by injecting instructions into sessions, the changes are reversible—instructions can be updated or cleared.

From the tool's own definition: "Tool description states 'Set or update the custom agent_instructions' and 'Pass null or empty string to clear', indicating reversible creation and modification of data. The instructions are stored in a database (SQLite/Postgres) and can be updated or cleared."

Risk signals: Bulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

## Use case

AI agents use set_agent_instructions to create or update resources in Meridian, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Meridian environment.

## Recommended policy (PolicyLayer)

Verdict: **Rate-limited**. Enforced by the PolicyLayer MCP gateway (https://policylayer.com/mcp-gateway) before a call reaches Meridian:

```json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_agent_instructions": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_agent_instructions_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Other tools on Meridian (174)

- `archive_decision` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/archive-decision.md
- `batch_mutate` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/batch-mutate.md
- `claim_sprint_item` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/claim-sprint-item.md
- `clear_capability_profile` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/clear-capability-profile.md
- `clone_profile_layer` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/clone-profile-layer.md
- `delete_custom_hook` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/delete-custom-hook.md
- `delete_note` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/delete-note.md
- `delete_sprint_item_pointer` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/delete-sprint-item-pointer.md
- `fan_out_sprint_items` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/fan-out-sprint-items.md
- `purge_ai_log` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/purge-ai-log.md
- `record_handoff_correction` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/record-handoff-correction.md
- `release_docx_region_claims` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/release-docx-region-claims.md
- `request_hitl` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/request-hitl.md
- `reset_plugin_override` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/reset-plugin-override.md
- `reset_profile_layer` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/reset-profile-layer.md
- `complete_wave_gate` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/complete-wave-gate.md
- `execute_batch` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/execute-batch.md
- `prospect_symbol` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/prospect-symbol.md
- `run_verification` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/run-verification.md
- `start_session` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/start-session.md
- `analyze_model_efficiency` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/analyze-model-efficiency.md
- `analyze_sprint` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/analyze-sprint.md
- `batch_read` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/batch-read.md
- `find_outputs_by_source` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/find-outputs-by-source.md
- `find_similar_equation` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/find-similar-equation.md
- `find_similar_figure` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/find-similar-figure.md
- `find_similar_table` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/find-similar-table.md
- `find_symbol_usages` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/find-symbol-usages.md
- `get_agent_instructions` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/get-agent-instructions.md
- `get_blog_posts` — Read — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian/get-blog-posts.md
- …and 144 more: https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian.md

## For agents

This record is a snapshot. Live verdicts and the full registry:

- Check every server in your MCP config at once: `npx -y policylayer stack`
- Vet a server before you add it: install the mcp-precheck skill — `npx skills add https://policylayer.com` (skill text: https://policylayer.com/skill.md)
- Query the registry over MCP: endpoint `https://api.policylayer.com/mcp` — tools `check_mcp_server`, `check_mcp_stack`, `check_tool`, `search_registry`, `get_change_events`

---

Source: the PolicyLayer MCP registry — one continuously verified record per MCP server. Full record: https://policylayer.com/registry?q=io-github-ajc3xc-meridian · API: https://policylayer.com/registry/api · Policy library: https://policylayer.com/policies/io-github-ajc3xc-meridian