diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 396c3dc..02f7183 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -10,13 +10,13 @@ exposes tools for reading and writing state without touching the API directly.
 
 ### Session Protocol
 
-**On receiving your first message — before writing any response text — call
-`get_state_summary()` immediately.** Do not greet, do not ask what to do.
-Call the tool first, then respond based on what you find.
+**On receiving your first message — before writing any response text — orient
+yourself immediately.** Do not greet, do not ask what to do.
 
 **At the start of every session:**
-1. Call `get_state_summary()` — orients you to active workstreams, blocking decisions,
-   and recent progress. If it fails, the API is likely offline:
+1. Read `.custodian-brief.md` — offline-safe orientation that works without MCP.
+2. Call `get_state_summary()` for richer cross-domain context (skip if unreachable).
+   If it fails, the API is likely offline:
    ```
    cd ~/the-custodian/state-hub && make api
    ```