delegation

Transferring staking power from one neuron to another, enabling token holders to participate in consensus and governance without running validator infrastructure.

mechanism

A delegator bonds tokens to a chosen validator (hero in cyber, bostrom). The validator’s voting power increases proportionally. Rewards flow back to delegators minus the validator’s commission. Tokens remain owned by the delegator but are locked for the unbonding period.

role in proof of stake

consensus algorithms in proof-of-stake networks rely on delegation to concentrate stake among competent validators while preserving broad participation. Delegation lowers the barrier to securing the network.

risks

• slashing: if the validator misbehaves (double signing, extended downtime), delegated tokens are partially destroyed
• centralization: stake concentrating in few validators reduces Byzantine fault tolerance
• opportunity cost: bonded tokens are illiquid during the unbonding period

governance

Delegated stake carries governance voting power. Validators vote on proposals on behalf of their delegators unless the delegator votes independently (vote override).

connections

Core mechanism of staking economics in cyber and bostrom. Governed by consensus algorithms (Tendermint BFT). Delegation patterns visible in the knowledge graph as neuron-to-hero edges.