> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zen.land/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Agent Staking

> How agent staking works and why it matters.

## Dual Staking Model

Zenland agents stake two types of assets:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Stablecoin Stake" icon="dollar-sign">
    USDC or USDT that determines your Maximum Arbitratable Value.
  </Card>

  <Card title="DAO Token Stake" icon="coins">
    Zenland DAO tokens that show protocol alignment.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Stablecoin Stake

Your stablecoin stake has two purposes:

### 1. Determines MAV

```
MAV = Stablecoin Stake × MAV Multiplier

Example:
$1,000 × 20 = $20,000 MAV
```

You can only handle escrows up to your MAV.

### 2. Slashing Collateral

If you're found to have acted in bad faith, the DAO can slash your stablecoin stake.

<Warning>
  Slashing is serious. Only stake what you're willing to risk.
</Warning>

***

## DAO Token Stake

Token stake shows commitment to the Zenland ecosystem:

* **Alignment:** You have a stake in the protocol's success
* **Governance:** Your tokens give you voting power
* **Reputation Signal:** Higher token stake signals commitment

### Minimum Requirements

| Stake Type | Minimum            |
| ---------- | ------------------ |
| Stablecoin | \~\$100 equivalent |
| DAO Token  | \~100 tokens       |

<Note>
  Minimums are set by DAO governance and can change.
</Note>

***

## MAV Mechanics

### How MAV Protects Users

If an agent has MAV of \$20,000:

* They can't be selected for a \$25,000 escrow
* Their stake is proportionally significant to the escrows they handle
* Bad behavior risks meaningful financial loss

### MAV Multiplier

The multiplier is set by the DAO:

| Multiplier | Meaning                                    |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| 10x        | Conservative, high agent skin in game      |
| 20x        | Balanced approach (current setting)        |
| 50x        | More permissive, favor agent accessibility |

***

## Staking More

To increase your MAV:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Agent Settings">
    Go to your agent dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Add Stake'">
    Choose stablecoins and/or DAO tokens
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve & Deposit">
    Confirm the transaction
  </Step>

  <Step title="MAV Updates">
    Your new MAV is active immediately
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Withdrawing Stake

Withdrawal has several safety mechanisms:

### Conditions for Withdrawal

1. **No active cases** — All invited disputes must be resolved
2. **Cooldown period** — 30 days since last case resolution
3. **Partial withdrawal okay** — As long as remaining stake meets minimums

### The `activeCases` Counter

```
When invited to dispute: activeCases++
When dispute resolves: activeCases--

Can withdraw only when: activeCases == 0
```

### Cooldown Period

After your last case resolves, you must wait 30 days before withdrawing.

**Why?** Prevents agents from:

* Taking a bribe
* Making a bad decision
* Immediately unstaking to avoid consequences

***

## Slashing

The DAO can slash agent stakes for misconduct:

### Slashable Offenses

| Offense                   | Severity | Typical Slash  |
| ------------------------- | -------- | -------------- |
| Accepting bribes          | Critical | Up to 100%     |
| Clear bias/collusion      | High     | 25-75%         |
| Repeated unjust decisions | Medium   | 10-50%         |
| Ignoring cases            | Low      | Warning to 10% |

### Slashing Process

1. Community member reports agent
2. DAO investigates through governance
3. Proposal to slash is voted on
4. If passed, stake is transferred to treasury or victim

<Note>
  Slashing requires DAO vote. No individual can slash an agent.
</Note>

***

## Economic Security

The staking model creates these incentives:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Honest behavior is profitable" icon="check">
    Build reputation → Get more cases → Earn more fees
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Dishonesty is costly" icon="xmark">
    Accept bribe → Get slashed → Lose stake + reputation
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="MAV prevents over-leveraging" icon="shield">
    Can't handle escrows much larger than stake → Limited blast radius
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Card title="Understand Agent Fees" icon="percent" href="/agents/agent-fees">
  Learn about earning potential →
</Card>