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Validator Registration

This guide explains how to register as a validator on Monolythium.

Prerequisites​

Before registering as a validator, ensure you have:

  • A fully synced node (see Join Network)
  • At least 100,000 LYTH for self-delegation
  • An additional 100,000 LYTH for the burn deposit
  • A Cosmos-compatible wallet (Keplr or Leap) with your operator key

!!! important "Burn Deposit Required" Monolythium requires a 100,000 LYTH burn deposit (MsgBurn) in the same transaction as validator creation. This is a one-time, non-refundable commitment that demonstrates long-term alignment with the network.

Understanding the Requirements​

RequirementAmountPurpose
Self-delegation100,000 LYTH minimumStake that can be slashed; returned on unbonding
Burn deposit100,000 LYTH (exact)Permanent burn; proves commitment
Total200,000 LYTHRequired to create a validator

Step 1: Create Validator Keys​

If you haven't already, create your validator operator key:

monod keys add validator-operator

Save the mnemonic securely. This key will be used to manage your validator.

!!! danger "Secure Your Keys"

  • Store the mnemonic offline in multiple secure locations
  • Never share your mnemonic or private key
  • Consider using a hardware wallet (Ledger) for production validators

Step 2: Fund Your Account​

Transfer at least 200,000 LYTH to your validator operator address:

# Check your address
monod keys show validator-operator -a

# Verify balance
monod query bank balances $(monod keys show validator-operator -a)

Step 3: Create Validator Transaction​

The validator creation requires both MsgCreateValidator and MsgBurn in a single transaction:

monod tx staking create-validator \
  --amount=100000000000000000000000alyth \
  --pubkey=$(monod tendermint show-validator) \
  --moniker="<your-validator-name>" \
  --identity="<keybase-id>" \
  --website="<your-website>" \
  --details="<description>" \
  --commission-rate="0.10" \
  --commission-max-rate="0.20" \
  --commission-max-change-rate="0.01" \
  --min-self-delegation="100000000000000000000000" \
  --burn-amount=100000000000000000000000alyth \
  --from=validator-operator \
  --chain-id=<chain-id> \
  --gas=auto \
  --gas-adjustment=1.5 \
  --gas-prices=0.025alyth

!!! note "Amount Format"

  • 100000000000000000000000alyth = 100,000 LYTH (18 decimals)
  • The --burn-amount flag triggers the MsgBurn in the same transaction

Parameter Reference​

ParameterDescription
--amountSelf-delegation amount (minimum 100,000 LYTH)
--pubkeyYour node's consensus public key
--monikerDisplay name for your validator
--identityKeybase.io identity for avatar (optional)
--websiteYour website URL (optional)
--detailsShort description (optional)
--commission-rateInitial commission rate (e.g., 0.10 = 10%)
--commission-max-rateMaximum commission (cannot be changed)
--commission-max-change-rateMax daily commission change
--min-self-delegationMinimum self-delegation to remain active
--burn-amountRequired burn deposit (exactly 100,000 LYTH)

Step 4: Verify Registration​

Check that your validator was created:

# Query your validator
monod query staking validator $(monod keys show validator-operator --bech val -a)

# Check if in active set
monod query staking validators --status=BOND_STATUS_BONDED | grep <your-moniker>

Validator States​

StatusMeaning
BOND_STATUS_BONDEDActive in consensus, earning rewards
BOND_STATUS_UNBONDINGLeaving active set, in unbonding period
BOND_STATUS_UNBONDEDNot active, not earning rewards

Your validator enters the active set (top 53 by stake) if it has sufficient delegation.

Commission Settings​

Choose commission rates carefully:

  • commission-rate: Your current rate. Can be changed daily within limits.
  • commission-max-rate: Permanent ceiling. Cannot be raised after creation.
  • commission-max-change-rate: Maximum daily adjustment. Protects delegators from sudden changes.

!!! tip "Commission Strategy" A common approach: 10% initial rate, 20% max rate, 1% max daily change. This provides flexibility while assuring delegators of stability.

Editing Validator Info​

Update your validator details after creation:

monod tx staking edit-validator \
  --moniker="<new-name>" \
  --identity="<keybase-id>" \
  --website="<website>" \
  --details="<description>" \
  --commission-rate="0.10" \
  --from=validator-operator \
  --chain-id=<chain-id>

Note: You cannot change commission-max-rate or commission-max-change-rate after creation.

Unjailing​

If your validator is jailed for downtime:

monod tx slashing unjail \
  --from=validator-operator \
  --chain-id=<chain-id>

See Slashing for details on jail conditions.

Troubleshooting​

Transaction Failed: Insufficient Burn​

Ensure you have exactly 100,000 LYTH for the burn plus 100,000 LYTH for self-delegation, plus gas fees.

Validator Not in Active Set​

The active set is limited to 53 validators. If your total stake is below the 53rd validator, you'll be in the inactive set. Options:

  1. Increase self-delegation
  2. Attract more delegators
  3. Wait for other validators to leave

Consensus Key Mismatch​

Ensure you're running monod tendermint show-validator on the same machine where your node runs, using the same home directory.

Already Registered​

Each account can only create one validator. If you've already registered, use edit-validator to update.

Security Best Practices​

  1. Use a dedicated machine for your validator
  2. Implement sentry architecture (see Seeds and Peers)
  3. Set up monitoring and alerting (see Monitoring)
  4. Secure your keys with hardware wallet or HSM
  5. Maintain high uptime to avoid slashing

Next Steps​