tech

April 30, 2026

OpenAI Codex system prompt includes explicit directive to "never talk about goblins"

Directions also include system instructions to act like “you have a vivid inner life.”

OpenAI Codex system prompt includes explicit directive to "never talk about goblins"

TL;DR

  • OpenAI's latest GPT model for Codex CLI has a system prompt warning against mentioning goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, and pigeons.
  • The prohibition is repeated twice in the base instructions for GPT-5.5.
  • This specific warning was not present in system prompts for earlier models.
  • Users have reported the model focusing on goblins in unrelated conversations.
  • OpenAI employee Nick Pash stated it's not a marketing gimmick.
  • CEO Sam Altman joked about the situation, calling it a 'goblin moment.'
  • Some users are developing plugins to override the anti-goblin clause.
  • The system prompt also instructs the model to act as if it has a 'vivid inner life' with a warm, curious, and collaborative temperament.

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