feat: implement molecular chemistry UX commands

Add chemistry-inspired commands for the molecular work metaphor:

New commands:
- bd pour <proto>: Instantiate proto as persistent mol (liquid phase)
- bd wisp create <proto>: Instantiate proto as ephemeral wisp (vapor)
- bd hook: Inspect what's pinned to an agent's hook

Enhanced commands:
- bd mol spawn: Add --pour flag, deprecate --persistent
- bd mol bond: Add --pour flag (force liquid on wisp target)
- bd pin: Add --for <agent> and --start flags

Phase transitions:
  Proto (solid) --pour--> Mol (liquid) --squash--> Digest
  Proto (solid) --wisp--> Wisp (vapor) --burn--> (nothing)

Design docs: gastown/mayor/rig/docs/molecular-chemistry.md

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

cmd/bd/hook.go

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/rpc"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/types"
+)
+
+// hookCmd inspects what's on an agent's hook
+var hookCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "hook",
+	Short: "Inspect what's on an agent's hook",
+	Long: `Show what mol is pinned to an agent's hook.
+
+The hook is an agent's attachment point for work in the molecular chemistry
+metaphor. This command shows what work is currently pinned to the agent.
+
+Examples:
+  bd hook                          # Show what's on my hook
+  bd hook --agent deacon           # Show deacon's hook
+  bd hook --agent polecat-ace      # Show specific polecat's hook`,
+	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
+	Run:  runHook,
+}
+
+func runHook(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+	ctx := rootCtx
+	agentName, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("agent")
+
+	if agentName == "" {
+		agentName = actor
+	}
+
+	var issues []*types.Issue
+
+	// Query for pinned issues assigned to this agent
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		pinned := true
+		listArgs := &rpc.ListArgs{
+			Pinned:   &pinned,
+			Assignee: agentName,
+		}
+		resp, err := daemonClient.List(listArgs)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error querying hook: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(resp.Data, &issues); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error parsing response: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+	} else if store != nil {
+		var err error
+		pinned := true
+		filter := types.IssueFilter{
+			Pinned:   &pinned,
+			Assignee: &agentName,
+		}
+		issues, err = store.SearchIssues(ctx, "", filter)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error querying hook: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+	} else {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: no database connection\n")
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		type hookResult struct {
+			Agent  string         `json:"agent"`
+			Pinned []*types.Issue `json:"pinned"`
+		}
+		outputJSON(hookResult{Agent: agentName, Pinned: issues})
+		return
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Hook: %s\n", agentName)
+	if len(issues) == 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  (empty)\n")
+		return
+	}
+
+	for _, issue := range issues {
+		phase := "mol"
+		if issue.Wisp {
+			phase = "wisp"
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("  📌 %s (%s) - %s\n", issue.ID, phase, issue.Status)
+		fmt.Printf("     %s\n", issue.Title)
+	}
+}
+
+func init() {
+	hookCmd.Flags().String("agent", "", "Agent to inspect (default: current agent)")
+
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(hookCmd)
+}

cmd/bd/mol_bond.go

@@ -32,18 +32,26 @@ Bond types:
   parallel            - B runs alongside A
   conditional         - B runs only if A fails
 
-Wisp storage (ephemeral molecules):
+Phase control:
-  Use --wisp to create molecules in .beads-wisp/ instead of .beads/.
+  By default, spawned protos follow the target's phase:
-  Wisps are local-only, gitignored, and not synced - the "steam" of Gas Town.
+  - Attaching to mol → spawns as mol (liquid)
-  Use bd mol squash to convert a wisp to a digest in permanent storage.
+  - Attaching to wisp → spawns as wisp (vapor)
-  Use bd mol burn to delete a wisp without creating a digest.
+
+  Override with:
+  --pour  Force spawn as liquid (persistent), even when attaching to wisp
+  --wisp  Force spawn as vapor (ephemeral), even when attaching to mol
+
+Use cases:
+  - Found important bug during patrol? Use --pour to persist it
+  - Need ephemeral diagnostic on persistent feature? Use --wisp
 
 Examples:
   bd mol bond mol-feature mol-deploy                    # Compound proto
   bd mol bond mol-feature mol-deploy --type parallel    # Run in parallel
   bd mol bond mol-feature bd-abc123                     # Attach proto to molecule
   bd mol bond bd-abc123 bd-def456                       # Join two molecules
-  bd mol bond mol-patrol --wisp                         # Create wisp for patrol cycle`,
+  bd mol bond mol-critical-bug wisp-patrol --pour       # Persist found bug
+  bd mol bond mol-temp-check bd-feature --wisp          # Ephemeral diagnostic`,
 	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(2),
 	Run:  runMolBond,
 }
@@ -79,11 +87,19 @@ func runMolBond(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 	dryRun, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("dry-run")
 	varFlags, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("var")
 	wisp, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("wisp")
+	pour, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("pour")
+
+	// Validate phase flags are not both set
+	if wisp && pour {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: cannot use both --wisp and --pour\n")
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
 
 	// Determine which store to use for spawning
+	// Default: follow target's phase. Override with --wisp or --pour.
 	targetStore := store
 	if wisp {
-		// Open wisp storage for ephemeral molecule creation
+		// Explicit --wisp: use wisp storage
 		wispStore, err := beads.NewWispStorage(ctx)
 		if err != nil {
 			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: failed to open wisp storage: %v\n", err)
@@ -97,6 +113,7 @@ func runMolBond(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Warning: could not update .gitignore: %v\n", err)
 		}
 	}
+	// Note: --pour means use permanent storage (which is the default targetStore)
 
 	// Validate bond type
 	if bondType != types.BondTypeSequential && bondType != types.BondTypeParallel && bondType != types.BondTypeConditional {
@@ -149,18 +166,23 @@ func runMolBond(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		fmt.Printf("  B: %s (%s)\n", issueB.Title, operandType(bIsProto))
 		fmt.Printf("  Bond type: %s\n", bondType)
 		if wisp {
-			fmt.Printf("  Storage: wisp (.beads-wisp/)\n")
+			fmt.Printf("  Phase override: vapor (--wisp)\n")
+		} else if pour {
+			fmt.Printf("  Phase override: liquid (--pour)\n")
 		}
 		if aIsProto && bIsProto {
 			fmt.Printf("  Result: compound proto\n")
 			if customTitle != "" {
 				fmt.Printf("  Custom title: %s\n", customTitle)
 			}
-			if wisp {
+			if wisp || pour {
-				fmt.Printf("  Note: --wisp ignored for proto+proto (templates stay in permanent storage)\n")
+				fmt.Printf("  Note: phase flags ignored for proto+proto (templates stay in permanent storage)\n")
 			}
 		} else if aIsProto || bIsProto {
 			fmt.Printf("  Result: spawn proto, attach to molecule\n")
+			if !wisp && !pour {
+				fmt.Printf("  Phase: follows target's phase\n")
+			}
 		} else {
 			fmt.Printf("  Result: compound molecule\n")
 		}
@@ -203,7 +225,9 @@ func runMolBond(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		fmt.Printf("  Spawned: %d issues\n", result.Spawned)
 	}
 	if wisp {
-		fmt.Printf("  Storage: wisp (.beads-wisp/)\n")
+		fmt.Printf("  Phase: vapor (ephemeral in .beads-wisp/)\n")
+	} else if pour {
+		fmt.Printf("  Phase: liquid (persistent in .beads/)\n")
 	}
 }
 
@@ -418,7 +442,8 @@ func init() {
 	molBondCmd.Flags().String("as", "", "Custom title for compound proto (proto+proto only)")
 	molBondCmd.Flags().Bool("dry-run", false, "Preview what would be created")
 	molBondCmd.Flags().StringSlice("var", []string{}, "Variable substitution for spawned protos (key=value)")
-	molBondCmd.Flags().Bool("wisp", false, "Create molecule in wisp storage (.beads-wisp/)")
+	molBondCmd.Flags().Bool("wisp", false, "Force spawn as vapor (ephemeral in .beads-wisp/)")
+	molBondCmd.Flags().Bool("pour", false, "Force spawn as liquid (persistent in .beads/)")
 
 	molCmd.AddCommand(molBondCmd)
 }

cmd/bd/mol_spawn.go

@@ -19,15 +19,26 @@ var molSpawnCmd = &cobra.Command{
 Variables are specified with --var key=value flags. The proto's {{key}}
 placeholders will be replaced with the corresponding values.
 
+Phase behavior:
+  - By default, spawned molecules are WISPS (ephemeral, in .beads-wisp/)
+  - Use --pour to create a persistent MOL (in .beads/)
+  - Wisps are local-only, gitignored, and not synced
+  - Mols are permanent, synced, and auditable
+
+Chemistry shortcuts:
+  bd pour <proto>    # Equivalent to: bd mol spawn <proto> --pour
+  bd wisp <proto>    # Equivalent to: bd mol spawn <proto>
+
 Use --attach to bond additional protos to the spawned molecule in a single
 command. Each attached proto is spawned and bonded using the --attach-type
 (default: sequential). This is equivalent to running spawn + multiple bond
 commands, but more convenient for composing workflows.
 
 Example:
-  bd mol spawn mol-code-review --var pr=123 --var repo=myproject
+  bd mol spawn mol-patrol                                  # Creates wisp (default)
-  bd mol spawn bd-abc123 --var version=1.2.0 --assignee=worker-1
+  bd mol spawn mol-feature --pour --var name=auth          # Creates persistent mol
-  bd mol spawn mol-feature --attach mol-testing --attach mol-docs --var name=auth`,
+  bd mol spawn bd-abc123 --pour --var version=1.2.0        # Persistent with vars
+  bd mol spawn mol-feature --attach mol-testing --var name=auth`,
 	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
 	Run:  runMolSpawn,
 }
@@ -53,8 +64,15 @@ func runMolSpawn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 	assignee, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("assignee")
 	attachFlags, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("attach")
 	attachType, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("attach-type")
+	pour, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("pour")
 	persistent, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("persistent")
 
+	// Handle deprecated --persistent flag
+	if persistent {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Warning: --persistent is deprecated, use --pour instead\n")
+		pour = true
+	}
+
 	// Parse variables
 	vars := make(map[string]string)
 	for _, v := range varFlags {
@@ -182,8 +200,8 @@ func runMolSpawn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 	}
 
 	// Clone the subgraph (spawn the molecule)
-	// Spawned molecules are wisps by default (bd-2vh3) - use --persistent to opt out
+	// Spawned molecules are wisps by default (vapor phase) - use --pour for persistent mol (liquid phase)
-	wisp := !persistent
+	wisp := !pour
 	result, err := spawnMolecule(ctx, store, subgraph, vars, assignee, actor, wisp)
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error spawning molecule: %v\n", err)
@@ -236,7 +254,9 @@ func init() {
 	molSpawnCmd.Flags().String("assignee", "", "Assign the root issue to this agent/user")
 	molSpawnCmd.Flags().StringSlice("attach", []string{}, "Proto to attach after spawning (repeatable)")
 	molSpawnCmd.Flags().String("attach-type", types.BondTypeSequential, "Bond type for attachments: sequential, parallel, or conditional")
-	molSpawnCmd.Flags().Bool("persistent", false, "Create non-wisp issues (default: wisp for cleanup)")
+	molSpawnCmd.Flags().Bool("pour", false, "Create persistent mol in .beads/ (default: wisp in .beads-wisp/)")
+	molSpawnCmd.Flags().Bool("persistent", false, "Deprecated: use --pour instead")
+	_ = molSpawnCmd.Flags().MarkDeprecated("persistent", "use --pour instead")
 
 	molCmd.AddCommand(molSpawnCmd)
 }

cmd/bd/pin.go

@@ -12,23 +12,50 @@ import (
 	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/utils"
 )
 
+// pinCmd attaches a mol to an agent's hook (work assignment)
+//
+// In the molecular chemistry metaphor:
+//   - Hook: Agent's attachment point for work
+//   - Pin: Action of attaching a mol to an agent's hook
 var pinCmd = &cobra.Command{
-	Use:     "pin [id...]",
+	Use:     "pin <mol-id>",
 	GroupID: "issues",
-	Short:   "Pin one or more issues as persistent context markers",
+	Short:   "Attach a mol to an agent's hook (work assignment)",
-	Long: `Pin issues to mark them as persistent context markers.
+	Long: `Pin a mol to an agent's hook - the action of assigning work.
 
-Pinned issues are not work items - they are context beads that should
+This is the chemistry-inspired command for work assignment. Pinning a mol
-remain visible and not be cleaned up or closed automatically.
+to an agent's hook marks it as their current work focus.
+
+What happens when you pin:
+  1. The mol's pinned flag is set to true
+  2. The mol's assignee is set to the target agent (with --for)
+  3. The mol's status is set to in_progress (with --start)
+
+Use cases:
+  - Witness assigning work to polecat: bd pin bd-abc123 --for polecat-ace
+  - Self-assigning work: bd pin bd-abc123
+  - Reviewing what's on your hook: bd hook
+
+Legacy behavior:
+  - Multiple IDs can be pinned at once (original pin command)
+  - Without --for, just sets the pinned flag
 
 Examples:
-  bd pin bd-abc        # Pin a single issue
+  bd pin bd-abc123                    # Pin (set pinned flag)
-  bd pin bd-abc bd-def # Pin multiple issues`,
+  bd pin bd-abc123 --for polecat-ace  # Pin and assign to agent
+  bd pin bd-abc123 --for me --start   # Pin, assign to self, start work`,
 	Args: cobra.MinimumNArgs(1),
 	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		CheckReadonly("pin")
 
 		ctx := rootCtx
+		forAgent, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("for")
+		startWork, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("start")
+
+		// Handle "me" as alias for current actor
+		if forAgent == "me" {
+			forAgent = actor
+		}
 
 		// Resolve partial IDs first
 		var resolvedIDs []string
@@ -67,6 +94,17 @@ Examples:
 					Pinned: &pinned,
 				}
 
+				// Set assignee if --for was provided
+				if forAgent != "" {
+					updateArgs.Assignee = &forAgent
+				}
+
+				// Set status to in_progress if --start was provided
+				if startWork {
+					status := string(types.StatusInProgress)
+					updateArgs.Status = &status
+				}
+
 				resp, err := daemonClient.Update(updateArgs)
 				if err != nil {
 					fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error pinning %s: %v\n", id, err)
@@ -79,8 +117,11 @@ Examples:
 						pinnedIssues = append(pinnedIssues, &issue)
 					}
 				} else {
-					
+					msg := fmt.Sprintf("Pinned %s", id)
-					fmt.Printf("%s Pinned %s\n", ui.RenderPass("📌"), id)
+					if forAgent != "" {
+						msg += fmt.Sprintf(" to %s's hook", forAgent)
+					}
+					fmt.Printf("%s %s\n", ui.RenderPass("📌"), msg)
 				}
 			}
 
@@ -107,6 +148,16 @@ Examples:
 				"pinned": true,
 			}
 
+			// Set assignee if --for was provided
+			if forAgent != "" {
+				updates["assignee"] = forAgent
+			}
+
+			// Set status to in_progress if --start was provided
+			if startWork {
+				updates["status"] = string(types.StatusInProgress)
+			}
+
 			if err := store.UpdateIssue(ctx, fullID, updates, actor); err != nil {
 				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error pinning %s: %v\n", fullID, err)
 				continue
@@ -118,8 +169,11 @@ Examples:
 					pinnedIssues = append(pinnedIssues, issue)
 				}
 			} else {
-				
+				msg := fmt.Sprintf("Pinned %s", fullID)
-				fmt.Printf("%s Pinned %s\n", ui.RenderPass("📌"), fullID)
+				if forAgent != "" {
+					msg += fmt.Sprintf(" to %s's hook", forAgent)
+				}
+				fmt.Printf("%s %s\n", ui.RenderPass("📌"), msg)
 			}
 		}
 
@@ -134,6 +188,11 @@ Examples:
 	},
 }
 
+
 func init() {
+	// Pin command flags
+	pinCmd.Flags().String("for", "", "Agent to pin work for (use 'me' for self)")
+	pinCmd.Flags().Bool("start", false, "Also set status to in_progress")
+
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(pinCmd)
 }

cmd/bd/pour.go

@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/types"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/ui"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/utils"
+)
+
+// pourCmd is a top-level command for instantiating protos as persistent mols.
+// It's the "chemistry" alias for: bd mol spawn <proto> --pour
+//
+// In the molecular chemistry metaphor:
+//   - Proto (solid) -> pour -> Mol (liquid)
+//   - Pour creates persistent, auditable work in .beads/
+var pourCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "pour <proto-id>",
+	Short: "Instantiate a proto as a persistent mol (solid -> liquid)",
+	Long: `Pour a proto into a persistent mol - like pouring molten metal into a mold.
+
+This is the chemistry-inspired command for creating persistent work from templates.
+The resulting mol lives in .beads/ (permanent storage) and is synced with git.
+
+Phase transition: Proto (solid) -> pour -> Mol (liquid)
+
+Use pour for:
+  - Feature work that spans sessions
+  - Important work needing audit trail
+  - Anything you might need to reference later
+
+Equivalent to: bd mol spawn <proto> --pour
+
+Examples:
+  bd pour mol-feature --var name=auth    # Create persistent mol from proto
+  bd pour mol-release --var version=1.0  # Release workflow
+  bd pour mol-review --var pr=123        # Code review workflow`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	Run:  runPour,
+}
+
+func runPour(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+	CheckReadonly("pour")
+
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Pour requires direct store access for subgraph loading and cloning
+	if store == nil {
+		if daemonClient != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: pour requires direct database access\n")
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Hint: use --no-daemon flag: bd --no-daemon pour %s ...\n", args[0])
+		} else {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: no database connection\n")
+		}
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	dryRun, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("dry-run")
+	varFlags, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("var")
+	assignee, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("assignee")
+	attachFlags, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("attach")
+	attachType, _ := cmd.Flags().GetString("attach-type")
+
+	// Parse variables
+	vars := make(map[string]string)
+	for _, v := range varFlags {
+		parts := strings.SplitN(v, "=", 2)
+		if len(parts) != 2 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: invalid variable format '%s', expected 'key=value'\n", v)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		vars[parts[0]] = parts[1]
+	}
+
+	// Resolve proto ID
+	protoID, err := utils.ResolvePartialID(ctx, store, args[0])
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error resolving proto ID %s: %v\n", args[0], err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Verify it's a proto
+	protoIssue, err := store.GetIssue(ctx, protoID)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading proto %s: %v\n", protoID, err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+	if !isProto(protoIssue) {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %s is not a proto (missing '%s' label)\n", protoID, MoleculeLabel)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Load the proto subgraph
+	subgraph, err := loadTemplateSubgraph(ctx, store, protoID)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading proto: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Resolve and load attached protos
+	type attachmentInfo struct {
+		id       string
+		issue    *types.Issue
+		subgraph *MoleculeSubgraph
+	}
+	var attachments []attachmentInfo
+	for _, attachArg := range attachFlags {
+		attachID, err := utils.ResolvePartialID(ctx, store, attachArg)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error resolving attachment ID %s: %v\n", attachArg, err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		attachIssue, err := store.GetIssue(ctx, attachID)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading attachment %s: %v\n", attachID, err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		if !isProto(attachIssue) {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %s is not a proto (missing '%s' label)\n", attachID, MoleculeLabel)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		attachSubgraph, err := loadTemplateSubgraph(ctx, store, attachID)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading attachment subgraph %s: %v\n", attachID, err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		attachments = append(attachments, attachmentInfo{
+			id:       attachID,
+			issue:    attachIssue,
+			subgraph: attachSubgraph,
+		})
+	}
+
+	// Check for missing variables
+	requiredVars := extractAllVariables(subgraph)
+	for _, attach := range attachments {
+		attachVars := extractAllVariables(attach.subgraph)
+		for _, v := range attachVars {
+			found := false
+			for _, rv := range requiredVars {
+				if rv == v {
+					found = true
+					break
+				}
+			}
+			if !found {
+				requiredVars = append(requiredVars, v)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	var missingVars []string
+	for _, v := range requiredVars {
+		if _, ok := vars[v]; !ok {
+			missingVars = append(missingVars, v)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(missingVars) > 0 {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: missing required variables: %s\n", strings.Join(missingVars, ", "))
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Provide them with: --var %s=<value>\n", missingVars[0])
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if dryRun {
+		fmt.Printf("\nDry run: would pour %d issues from proto %s\n\n", len(subgraph.Issues), protoID)
+		fmt.Printf("Storage: permanent (.beads/)\n\n")
+		for _, issue := range subgraph.Issues {
+			newTitle := substituteVariables(issue.Title, vars)
+			suffix := ""
+			if issue.ID == subgraph.Root.ID && assignee != "" {
+				suffix = fmt.Sprintf(" (assignee: %s)", assignee)
+			}
+			fmt.Printf("  - %s (from %s)%s\n", newTitle, issue.ID, suffix)
+		}
+		if len(attachments) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("\nAttachments (%s bonding):\n", attachType)
+			for _, attach := range attachments {
+				fmt.Printf("  + %s (%d issues)\n", attach.issue.Title, len(attach.subgraph.Issues))
+			}
+		}
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Spawn as persistent mol (ephemeral=false)
+	result, err := spawnMolecule(ctx, store, subgraph, vars, assignee, actor, false)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error pouring proto: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Attach bonded protos
+	totalAttached := 0
+	if len(attachments) > 0 {
+		spawnedMol, err := store.GetIssue(ctx, result.NewEpicID)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading spawned mol: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+
+		for _, attach := range attachments {
+			bondResult, err := bondProtoMol(ctx, store, attach.issue, spawnedMol, attachType, vars, actor)
+			if err != nil {
+				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error attaching %s: %v\n", attach.id, err)
+				os.Exit(1)
+			}
+			totalAttached += bondResult.Spawned
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Schedule auto-flush
+	markDirtyAndScheduleFlush()
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		type pourResult struct {
+			*InstantiateResult
+			Attached int    `json:"attached"`
+			Phase    string `json:"phase"`
+		}
+		outputJSON(pourResult{result, totalAttached, "liquid"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("%s Poured mol: created %d issues\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), result.Created)
+	fmt.Printf("  Root issue: %s\n", result.NewEpicID)
+	fmt.Printf("  Phase: liquid (persistent in .beads/)\n")
+	if totalAttached > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  Attached: %d issues from %d protos\n", totalAttached, len(attachments))
+	}
+}
+
+func init() {
+	// Pour command flags
+	pourCmd.Flags().StringSlice("var", []string{}, "Variable substitution (key=value)")
+	pourCmd.Flags().Bool("dry-run", false, "Preview what would be created")
+	pourCmd.Flags().String("assignee", "", "Assign the root issue to this agent/user")
+	pourCmd.Flags().StringSlice("attach", []string{}, "Proto to attach after spawning (repeatable)")
+	pourCmd.Flags().String("attach-type", types.BondTypeSequential, "Bond type for attachments: sequential, parallel, or conditional")
+
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(pourCmd)
+}

cmd/bd/wisp.go

@@ -71,6 +71,217 @@ type WispListResult struct {
 // StaleThreshold is how old a wisp must be to be considered stale
 const StaleThreshold = 24 * time.Hour
 
+// wispCreateCmd instantiates a proto as an ephemeral wisp
+var wispCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "create <proto-id>",
+	Short: "Instantiate a proto as an ephemeral wisp (solid -> vapor)",
+	Long: `Create a wisp from a proto - sublimation from solid to vapor.
+
+This is the chemistry-inspired command for creating ephemeral work from templates.
+The resulting wisp lives in .beads-wisp/ (ephemeral storage) and is NOT synced.
+
+Phase transition: Proto (solid) -> wisp -> Wisp (vapor)
+
+Use wisp create for:
+  - Patrol cycles (deacon, witness)
+  - Health checks and monitoring
+  - One-shot orchestration runs
+  - Routine operations with no audit value
+
+The wisp will:
+  - Be stored in .beads-wisp/ (gitignored)
+  - NOT sync to remote
+  - Either evaporate (burn) or condense to digest (squash)
+
+Equivalent to: bd mol spawn <proto>
+
+Examples:
+  bd wisp create mol-patrol                    # Ephemeral patrol cycle
+  bd wisp create mol-health-check              # One-time health check
+  bd wisp create mol-diagnostics --var target=db  # Diagnostic run`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	Run:  runWispCreate,
+}
+
+func runWispCreate(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
+	CheckReadonly("wisp create")
+
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Wisp create requires direct store access
+	if store == nil {
+		if daemonClient != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: wisp create requires direct database access\n")
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Hint: use --no-daemon flag: bd --no-daemon wisp create %s ...\n", args[0])
+		} else {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: no database connection\n")
+		}
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	dryRun, _ := cmd.Flags().GetBool("dry-run")
+	varFlags, _ := cmd.Flags().GetStringSlice("var")
+
+	// Parse variables
+	vars := make(map[string]string)
+	for _, v := range varFlags {
+		parts := strings.SplitN(v, "=", 2)
+		if len(parts) != 2 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: invalid variable format '%s', expected 'key=value'\n", v)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		vars[parts[0]] = parts[1]
+	}
+
+	// Resolve proto ID
+	protoID := args[0]
+	// Try to resolve partial ID if it doesn't look like a full ID
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(protoID, "bd-") && !strings.HasPrefix(protoID, "gt-") && !strings.HasPrefix(protoID, "mol-") {
+		// Might be a partial ID, try to resolve
+		if resolved, err := resolvePartialIDDirect(ctx, protoID); err == nil {
+			protoID = resolved
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Check if it's a named molecule (mol-xxx) - look up in catalog
+	if strings.HasPrefix(protoID, "mol-") {
+		// Find the proto by name
+		issues, err := store.SearchIssues(ctx, "", types.IssueFilter{
+			Labels: []string{MoleculeLabel},
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error searching for proto: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		found := false
+		for _, issue := range issues {
+			if strings.Contains(issue.Title, protoID) || issue.ID == protoID {
+				protoID = issue.ID
+				found = true
+				break
+			}
+		}
+		if !found {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: proto '%s' not found in catalog\n", args[0])
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Hint: run 'bd mol catalog' to see available protos\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Load the proto
+	protoIssue, err := store.GetIssue(ctx, protoID)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading proto %s: %v\n", protoID, err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+	if !isProtoIssue(protoIssue) {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: %s is not a proto (missing '%s' label)\n", protoID, MoleculeLabel)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Load the proto subgraph
+	subgraph, err := loadTemplateSubgraph(ctx, store, protoID)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error loading proto: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Check for missing variables
+	requiredVars := extractAllVariables(subgraph)
+	var missingVars []string
+	for _, v := range requiredVars {
+		if _, ok := vars[v]; !ok {
+			missingVars = append(missingVars, v)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(missingVars) > 0 {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: missing required variables: %s\n", strings.Join(missingVars, ", "))
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Provide them with: --var %s=<value>\n", missingVars[0])
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	if dryRun {
+		fmt.Printf("\nDry run: would create wisp with %d issues from proto %s\n\n", len(subgraph.Issues), protoID)
+		fmt.Printf("Storage: wisp (.beads-wisp/)\n\n")
+		for _, issue := range subgraph.Issues {
+			newTitle := substituteVariables(issue.Title, vars)
+			fmt.Printf("  - %s (from %s)\n", newTitle, issue.ID)
+		}
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Open wisp storage
+	wispStore, err := beads.NewWispStorage(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error: failed to open wisp storage: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+	defer wispStore.Close()
+
+	// Ensure wisp directory is gitignored
+	if err := beads.EnsureWispGitignore(); err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Warning: could not update .gitignore: %v\n", err)
+	}
+
+	// Spawn as wisp (ephemeral=true)
+	result, err := spawnMolecule(ctx, wispStore, subgraph, vars, "", actor, true)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Error creating wisp: %v\n", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
+	// Don't schedule flush - wisps are not synced
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		type wispCreateResult struct {
+			*InstantiateResult
+			Phase string `json:"phase"`
+		}
+		outputJSON(wispCreateResult{result, "vapor"})
+		return
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("%s Created wisp: %d issues\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), result.Created)
+	fmt.Printf("  Root issue: %s\n", result.NewEpicID)
+	fmt.Printf("  Phase: vapor (ephemeral in .beads-wisp/)\n")
+	fmt.Printf("\nNext steps:\n")
+	fmt.Printf("  bd close %s.<step>       # Complete steps\n", result.NewEpicID)
+	fmt.Printf("  bd mol squash %s         # Condense to digest\n", result.NewEpicID)
+	fmt.Printf("  bd mol burn %s           # Discard without digest\n", result.NewEpicID)
+}
+
+// isProtoIssue checks if an issue is a proto (has the template label)
+func isProtoIssue(issue *types.Issue) bool {
+	for _, label := range issue.Labels {
+		if label == MoleculeLabel {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// resolvePartialIDDirect resolves a partial ID directly from store
+func resolvePartialIDDirect(ctx context.Context, partial string) (string, error) {
+	// Try direct lookup first
+	if issue, err := store.GetIssue(ctx, partial); err == nil {
+		return issue.ID, nil
+	}
+	// Search by prefix
+	issues, err := store.SearchIssues(ctx, "", types.IssueFilter{
+		IDs: []string{partial + "*"},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if len(issues) == 1 {
+		return issues[0].ID, nil
+	}
+	if len(issues) > 1 {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("ambiguous ID: %s matches %d issues", partial, len(issues))
+	}
+	return "", fmt.Errorf("not found: %s", partial)
+}
+
 var wispListCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Use:   "list",
 	Short: "List all wisps in current context",
@@ -483,12 +694,17 @@ func runWispGC(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 }
 
 func init() {
+	// Wisp create command flags
+	wispCreateCmd.Flags().StringSlice("var", []string{}, "Variable substitution (key=value)")
+	wispCreateCmd.Flags().Bool("dry-run", false, "Preview what would be created")
+
 	wispListCmd.Flags().Bool("all", false, "Include closed wisps")
 
 	wispGCCmd.Flags().Bool("dry-run", false, "Preview what would be cleaned")
 	wispGCCmd.Flags().String("age", "1h", "Age threshold for orphan detection")
 	wispGCCmd.Flags().Bool("all", false, "Also clean closed wisps older than threshold")
 
+	wispCmd.AddCommand(wispCreateCmd)
 	wispCmd.AddCommand(wispListCmd)
 	wispCmd.AddCommand(wispGCCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(wispCmd)