Degraded Mode

Degraded mode lets ORCA Framework continue when an external integration is missing, optional, or partially available.

Principles

• Do not block local work for optional tools.
• Preserve the system of record through local artifacts when direct writes are unavailable.
• State what the user must do manually.
• Record the missing capability so future agents do not assume full setup.

Examples

No Linear Connection

Use pasted issue context. Write specs, plans, QA reports, and ship checks as local artifacts. Ask the user to paste them into Linear or use another tracker.

No GitHub Integration

Use the local repo. Prepare commit messages, PR descriptions, draft issues, and release notes locally. Ask the user to create or update GitHub records manually.

No MCP Support

Use a CLI helper, native connector, browser workflow, or manual copy/paste path. Do not claim MCP-only features are available.

Read-Only Access

Read service context, then produce a local write artifact for the user to post manually.

Done Condition

Degraded mode is acceptable when the user can still complete the ORCA Framework phase with clear manual steps and no hidden loss of evidence.