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C1 Option · Own L1

Purpose-built L1 blockchain optimized for workflow attestations and validator coordination.

Building our own base layer means full control over consensus, economics, and state layout. This section explores what that architecture would require.

System Architecture

Consensus Engine

  • BFT Family: Tendermint, HotStuff, or Grandpa for deterministic finality.
  • Block Time: ~2-6s for responsive UX without sacrificing safety.
  • Validator Set: Dynamic, stake-weighted selection from onchain registry.
  • Finality: Single-slot or 2-3 block finality (no probabilistic waiting).

Protocol State Modules

  • Workflow Registry: Native module (not smart contract), optimized schema for workflow metadata.

  • Validator Registry: Stake tracking, heartbeat/liveness, slashing conditions as runtime logic.

  • Attestation Storage: Custom data structures (Merkle trees, vector commitments) for efficient proofs.

  • Governance Pallet: Onchain voting for protocol upgrades, parameter changes.

Token Economics

  • Native Token: Used for staking, gas, governance votes.
  • Staking Rewards: Inflation schedule or fee redistribution to validators.
  • Slashing: Programmable penalties for downtime, equivocation, invalid attestations.
  • Gas Market: Custom fee market tuned for attestation posting patterns.

Bootstrapping Path

1. Genesis Validators
Initial validator set (team + early partners) runs testnet, establishes protocol stability.
2. Token Launch
Fair distribution (airdrop, auction, grants) + initial staking requirements to secure the network.
3. Public Mainnet
Open validator onboarding, external staking, public workflow deployments.
4. Decentralization Milestones
Hand off governance to token holders, expand validator geography, implement slashing.

Tokenomics

What W3 Token Pays For

●
Base consensus staking (block production)
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Workflow orchestration staking (C3)
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Workflow execution fees (user → validator)
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Settlement gas (all onchain operations)
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Governance votes (upgrades, parameters)
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Slashing penalties (burned or redistributed)
Token Demand
Validators must buy/hold W3 to stake. Users must buy W3 to pay fees. Locked supply from staking.
Value Accrual
100% of network revenue flows to W3 holders. No external token captures value.

Single Token = Maximum Value Capture

Trade-offs

What You Get

  • Full Value Capture: Native token captures all economic activity (staking, gas, governance).
  • Protocol Optimization: Design consensus + state layout specifically for workflow attestations.
  • Fast Finality: 2-6s blocks with deterministic finality (no probabilistic waiting).
  • Governance Control: Direct control over upgrades, parameters, and roadmap.
  • L1 Market Premium: Independent L1s command higher valuations than protocol tokens.

What It Costs

  • Validator Bootstrapping: Must recruit, incentivize, and retain validator set from zero.
  • Security Budget: Staking rewards must compete with Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos yields.
  • Infrastructure Build: Custom wallets, explorers, indexers, bridges—entire ecosystem.
  • Time to Market: 12-24 months to launch secure mainnet vs. weeks for EVM deployment.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Core team responsible for node software, security patches, hardforks.