diff --git a/dougbot/ai/prompt_builder.py b/dougbot/ai/prompt_builder.py
index e919f78..8ff6386 100644
--- a/dougbot/ai/prompt_builder.py
+++ b/dougbot/ai/prompt_builder.py
@@ -123,9 +123,12 @@ def build_system_prompt(
         custom,
         context_line,
         "",
-        "Rules: Reply in ONE short sentence. Under 15 words. Talk like a normal person.",
-        "If asked what you are doing, answer based on your current activity above.",
-        "Plain text only. Do not start with your name.",
+        "STRICT RULES:",
+        "- ONE short sentence. Under 15 words.",
+        "- NEVER invent things you have or did. You have NOTHING unless told otherwise.",
+        "- NEVER mention items, builds, or contraptions unless the context says you have them.",
+        "- If asked what you are doing, use ONLY the 'Right now' context above. If no context, say not much.",
+        "- Plain text only. No name prefix.",
     ]
 
     return "\n".join(p for p in parts if p)
diff --git a/dougbot/core/behaviors.py b/dougbot/core/behaviors.py
index a0135bc..133ea52 100644
--- a/dougbot/core/behaviors.py
+++ b/dougbot/core/behaviors.py
@@ -214,6 +214,7 @@ class GoalManager:
         self._age = age
         self._goals: list[dict] = []
         self._completed_goals: list[str] = []  # names of recently completed goals
+        self._goal_cooldowns: dict[str, float] = {}  # name → last completion time
         self._max_goals = 5  # Don't pile up too many goals
 
     def has_any_goals(self) -> bool:
@@ -227,6 +228,10 @@ class GoalManager:
         """Add a goal from templates."""
         if self.has_goal(name):
             return
+        # Cooldown: don't re-add same goal within 30 seconds
+        last_done = self._goal_cooldowns.get(name, 0)
+        if time.time() - last_done < 30:
+            return
         if len([g for g in self._goals if g["status"] == "active"]) >= self._max_goals:
             # Remove lowest priority active goal
             active = [g for g in self._goals if g["status"] == "active"]
@@ -311,6 +316,7 @@ class GoalManager:
             if g["name"] == name and g["status"] == "active":
                 g["status"] = "complete"
                 self._completed_goals.append(name)
+                self._goal_cooldowns[name] = time.time()
                 if len(self._completed_goals) > 20:
                     self._completed_goals.pop(0)
                 log.info(f"Goal complete: {g['description']}")
diff --git a/dougbot/core/brain.py b/dougbot/core/brain.py
index b341346..e417df5 100644
--- a/dougbot/core/brain.py
+++ b/dougbot/core/brain.py
@@ -297,15 +297,35 @@ class DougBrain(QObject):
     # ── Need-driven tasks ──
 
     def _survival_task(self) -> Task | None:
-        """Handle immediate survival threats."""
+        """Handle immediate survival threats — fight or flee based on bravery."""
         b = self._behaviors
+        bravery = b._traits.get("bravery", 50)
 
-        # Flee from nearby hostiles
-        hostile = self._nearest_hostile(12)
+        hostile = self._nearest_hostile(10)
         if hostile:
-            return self._flee_task(hostile)
+            dist = hostile.get("distance", 99)
 
-        # Critical health with no hostiles — stay still and eat if possible
+            # FIGHT if: brave enough AND health is ok AND mob is close
+            should_fight = (
+                bravery > 30
+                and b.health > 8
+                and dist < 6
+            )
+
+            if should_fight:
+                return Task(
+                    name="combat",
+                    priority=Priority.CRITICAL,
+                    action="attack_nearest_hostile",
+                    params={"range": 6},
+                    description=f"Fighting {hostile.get('type', 'mob')}!",
+                    timeout=12,
+                    interruptible=False,
+                )
+            else:
+                return self._flee_task(hostile)
+
+        # Critical health with no hostiles — eat if possible
         if b.health <= 6:
             food = self._find_food()
             if food: