34. Becoming a Validator

34.1 Key Generation

A validator requires two identities:

Consensus Key (BLS12-381): Used to sign blocks and Quorum Certificates.
On-Chain Address (Ed25519): Holds the DNR stake and receives block rewards.

Generate these using the CLI:

kortana-cli keygen --type bls > consensus.key
kortana-cli wallet new > operator.key

34.3 Validator Address Configuration

Load the BLS key into the isolated kortana-validator process, and point it to the local kortanad socket.

34.4 The `--check` Flag

Always run kortanad --check config.toml before starting the daemon. This parses the config, verifies the database integrity, and ensures no port collisions exist before attempting a full boot.

34.6 Responsibilities & Slashing Risks

Validators are expected to maintain 99.9% uptime. Running a validator on a flaky connection or misconfiguring keys will lead to missed slots (loss of revenue). Running two instances of the same validator key simultaneously will result in a double-sign, permanently slashing 100% of your bonded stake.