# Getting Started

Choose the path that matches what you are trying to accomplish. AeThex is an ecosystem of identity, development, intelligence, community, and research services; you do not need to learn every part before beginning.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Documentation status | Active |
| Maintainer | AeThex |
| Last verified | 2026-06-26 |
| Service map | [[Service Directory]] |

## Choose your path

<div class="docs-grid">
<a class="docs-card" href="/Passport-Quickstart">Create an identity</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Project-Quickstart">Start a project</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/API-Quickstart">Use the API</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/KAEL-Quickstart">Talk to KAEL</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Discord-Integration">Connect Discord</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/GameForge">Enter GameForge</a>
</div>

## Understand the system

AeThex is organized around several connected layers:

| Layer | Purpose | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Routes people to AeThex services | [aethex.net](https://aethex.net) |
| Identity | Establishes who a person or organization is | [[Passport Quickstart]] |
| Platform | Provides developer systems and shared infrastructure | [aethex.dev](https://aethex.dev) |
| Intelligence | Provides KAEL chat, memory, workflows, and integrations | [[KAEL Quickstart]] |
| Foundation | Governs community and public-interest programs | [[Foundation]] |
| Labs | Explores experimental systems | [[Labs]] |
| GameForge | Supports game-development cohorts and credentials | [[GameForge]] |

## Identity first

Use [aethex.id](https://aethex.id) when a workflow requires an AeThex identity. Passport can connect identity across supported AeThex services.

Before authorizing a service:

- Verify the hostname.
- Review the requested permissions.
- Never share authentication codes, cookies, API keys, or operator tokens.
- Use [aethex.support](https://aethex.support) when the expected flow is unclear.

## Build with the public API

The AeThex API is available at `https://api.aethex.tech`.

Start with:

```bash
curl https://api.aethex.tech/health
```

Then follow [[API Quickstart]] for a streaming KAEL request and [[OpenAPI Reference]] for the public contract.

## Use KAEL

- [chat.aethex.tech](https://chat.aethex.tech) is the conversational surface.
- [kael.aethex.tech](https://kael.aethex.tech) is the dedicated KAEL system surface.
- `api.aethex.tech` provides programmatic access.

KAEL capabilities depend on identity, clearance, active model availability, and enabled integrations. See [[KAEL Capabilities]].

## Join the community

- Join the AeThex Discord at [discord.gg/athx](https://discord.gg/athx).
- Review [[Community]] for participation guidance.
- Use [[Discord Integration]] for the distinction between AeThex Bot and KAEL’s Discord application.

## Get help

| Need | Destination |
|---|---|
| Product documentation | [docs.aethex.support](https://docs.aethex.support) |
| Guided support | [aethex.support](https://aethex.support) |
| Current service health | [status.aethex.tech](https://status.aethex.tech) |
| Community help | [discord.gg/athx](https://discord.gg/athx) |
| Service inventory | [[Service Directory]] |

## Continue learning

- [[Platform Overview]]
- [[Architecture]]
- [[Security]]
- [[Documentation Standards]]