Clarify agent responsibilities

README.md

@@ -71,6 +71,8 @@ Start with `agent-quickstart.md` when using this kit through Codex.
 
 `manifest.json` contains the same copy map in a machine-readable format for agents.
 
+Agents should read `manifest.json` before copying files. It is the source of truth for target paths, required files, optional files, and placeholder names.
+
 <p align="center"><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/andreasbm/readme/master/assets/lines/rainbow.png" alt="-----------------------------------------------------" width="100%"></p>
 
 ## Placeholders
@@ -96,6 +98,28 @@ AUDIT_COMMAND
 
 If a placeholder does not apply, remove it instead of inventing fake information.
 
+Agents must not leave unresolved placeholders in copied files unless the value is genuinely unknown and marked as `PENDING`.
+
+<p align="center"><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/andreasbm/readme/master/assets/lines/rainbow.png" alt="-----------------------------------------------------" width="100%"></p>
+
+## Agent Responsibilities
+
+When applying this kit, an agent should:
+
+- read `manifest.json` first,
+- choose `new-repository.md` or `existing-project.md`,
+- check `git status --short` before editing,
+- preserve unrelated user changes,
+- use the manifest copy map for target paths,
+- replace applicable placeholders,
+- remove non-applicable placeholder sections,
+- keep `AGENTS.md` and `.codex/project.md` aligned,
+- update `README.md` whenever README blueprint files change,
+- update security and release docs when release behavior changes,
+- run `git diff --check` before finishing,
+- run the cheapest reliable verification command,
+- poll pushed Gitea workflow runs until success or a concrete blocker.
+
 <p align="center"><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/andreasbm/readme/master/assets/lines/rainbow.png" alt="-----------------------------------------------------" width="100%"></p>
 
 ## Gitea API Token