FAQ: Oracles

Who sets the price of a synthetic?

No single entity. An optimistic oracle reports the reference value only when needed, at expiry or on dispute, and anyone can challenge an incorrect report by staking against it.

What if a reported value is wrong?

Dispute it within the challenge window. The dispute escalates and is resolved by economic stake; an incorrect reporter is slashed. If no one disputes in time, a wrong value can settle. This is a real risk.

How long does a dispute take?

From hours to several days, depending on escalation. During that window a position may be unsettleable or mispriced.

What's an event-triggered synth?

A synth minted against a discrete event, a dated question with a credible resolution source, rather than a continuous price. When the event resolves through the oracle, the synth's collateral mix rebalances along a formula fixed at mint. See Event-triggered synths.

What if the oracle never resolves the event?

The rebalance stalls until it does, or until a keeper cancels the request after the resolve window.