Commit bc4d162

@@ -618,6 +618,40 @@ tissue init
 - Currently fails to checkout/use the existing local branch
 - May create a new orphan branch instead
 
+---
+
+### Test 10: Remote connectivity issues (SSH errors)
+**Setup:**
+```bash
+# Clone a repository that has an issues branch on remote
+# but SSH known_hosts has changed
+git clone git@github.com:example/repo.git test-tissue-10
+cd test-tissue-10
+# Simulate SSH key mismatch by corrupting known_hosts
+```
+
+**Test:**
+```bash
+tissue init
+```
+
+**Current Behavior (BUG):**
+- Shows warning: "Warning: Could not list refs for remote origin: ssh: handshake failed: knownhosts: key mismatch"
+- Proceeds to create a NEW orphan issues branch locally
+- This will conflict with the remote branch when SSH is fixed
+
+**Expected Result:**
+- Should detect that remote checking failed due to connectivity
+- Should NOT automatically create a new orphan branch
+- Should either:
+  - Error out with message: "Could not verify remote branches due to SSH error. Please fix SSH connectivity or use --force-local to create local branch anyway"
+  - OR prompt user for confirmation before creating local branch
+
+**Implementation Notes:**
+- Need to track whether remotes were successfully checked vs. having no branch
+- Distinguish between "remote has no issues branch" and "couldn't check remote"
+- Add --force-local flag to bypass remote checks when explicitly needed
+
 ## Expected User Experience
 
 ### Scenario 1: Fresh repository, single remote