refactor(prompts): replace markdown tables with bullet lists, harden Oracle protection

Convert all markdown tables in Sisyphus and dynamic-agent-prompt-builder
to plain bullet lists for cleaner prompt rendering.

Add explicit Oracle safeguards:
- Hard Block: background_cancel(all=true) when Oracle running
- Hard Block: delivering final answer before collecting Oracle result
- Anti-Pattern: background_cancel(all=true) and skipping Oracle
- Oracle section: NEVER cancel, collect via background_output first
- Background Result Collection: split cancel/wait into separate steps
  with explicit NEVER use background_cancel(all=true) instruction

src/agents/dynamic-agent-prompt-builder.test.ts

@@ -64,8 +64,8 @@ describe("buildCategorySkillsDelegationGuide", () => {
     const result = buildCategorySkillsDelegationGuide(categories, allSkills)
 
     //#then: should show source for each custom skill
-    expect(result).toContain("| user |")
-    expect(result).toContain("| project |")
+    expect(result).toContain("(user)")
+    expect(result).toContain("(project)")
   })
 
   it("should not show custom skill section when only builtin skills exist", () => {

src/agents/dynamic-agent-prompt-builder.ts

@@ -87,12 +87,9 @@ export function buildToolSelectionTable(
     "",
   ]
 
-  rows.push("| Resource | Cost | When to Use |")
-  rows.push("|----------|------|-------------|")
-
   if (tools.length > 0) {
     const toolsDisplay = formatToolsForPrompt(tools)
-    rows.push(`| ${toolsDisplay} | FREE | Not Complex, Scope Clear, No Implicit Assumptions |`)
+    rows.push(`- ${toolsDisplay} — **FREE** — Not Complex, Scope Clear, No Implicit Assumptions`)
   }
 
   const costOrder = { FREE: 0, CHEAP: 1, EXPENSIVE: 2 }
@@ -102,7 +99,7 @@ export function buildToolSelectionTable(
 
   for (const agent of sortedAgents) {
     const shortDesc = agent.description.split(".")[0] || agent.description
-    rows.push(`| \`${agent.name}\` agent | ${agent.metadata.cost} | ${shortDesc} |`)
+    rows.push(`- \`${agent.name}\` agent — **${agent.metadata.cost}** — ${shortDesc}`)
   }
 
   rows.push("")
@@ -122,10 +119,11 @@ export function buildExploreSection(agents: AvailableAgent[]): string {
 
 Use it as a **peer tool**, not a fallback. Fire liberally.
 
-| Use Direct Tools | Use Explore Agent |
-|------------------|-------------------|
-${avoidWhen.map((w) => `| ${w} |  |`).join("\n")}
-${useWhen.map((w) => `|  | ${w} |`).join("\n")}`
+**Use Direct Tools when:**
+${avoidWhen.map((w) => `- ${w}`).join("\n")}
+
+**Use Explore Agent when:**
+${useWhen.map((w) => `- ${w}`).join("\n")}`
 }
 
 export function buildLibrarianSection(agents: AvailableAgent[]): string {
@@ -138,14 +136,8 @@ export function buildLibrarianSection(agents: AvailableAgent[]): string {
 
 Search **external references** (docs, OSS, web). Fire proactively when unfamiliar libraries are involved.
 
-| Contextual Grep (Internal) | Reference Grep (External) |
-|----------------------------|---------------------------|
-| Search OUR codebase | Search EXTERNAL resources |
-| Find patterns in THIS repo | Find examples in OTHER repos |
-| How does our code work? | How does this library work? |
-| Project-specific logic | Official API documentation |
-| | Library best practices & quirks |
-| | OSS implementation examples |
+**Contextual Grep (Internal)** — search OUR codebase, find patterns in THIS repo, project-specific logic.
+**Reference Grep (External)** — search EXTERNAL resources, official API docs, library best practices, OSS implementation examples.
 
 **Trigger phrases** (fire librarian immediately):
 ${useWhen.map((w) => `- "${w}"`).join("\n")}`
@@ -155,13 +147,11 @@ export function buildDelegationTable(agents: AvailableAgent[]): string {
   const rows: string[] = [
     "### Delegation Table:",
     "",
-    "| Domain | Delegate To | Trigger |",
-    "|--------|-------------|---------|",
   ]
 
   for (const agent of agents) {
     for (const trigger of agent.metadata.triggers) {
-      rows.push(`| ${trigger.domain} | \`${agent.name}\` | ${trigger.trigger} |`)
+      rows.push(`- **${trigger.domain}** → \`${agent.name}\` — ${trigger.trigger}`)
     }
   }
 
@@ -187,8 +177,6 @@ export function formatCustomSkillsBlock(
 **The user has installed these custom skills. They MUST be evaluated for EVERY delegation.**
 Subagents are STATELESS — they lose all custom knowledge unless you pass these skills via \`load_skills\`.
 
-| Skill | Expertise Domain | Source |
-|-------|------------------|--------|
 ${customRows.join("\n")}
 
 > **CRITICAL**: Ignoring user-installed skills when they match the task domain is a failure.
@@ -200,7 +188,7 @@ export function buildCategorySkillsDelegationGuide(categories: AvailableCategory
 
   const categoryRows = categories.map((c) => {
     const desc = c.description || c.name
-    return `| \`${c.name}\` | ${desc} |`
+    return `- \`${c.name}\` — ${desc}`
   })
 
   const builtinSkills = skills.filter((s) => s.location === "plugin")
@@ -208,13 +196,13 @@ export function buildCategorySkillsDelegationGuide(categories: AvailableCategory
 
    const builtinRows = builtinSkills.map((s) => {
      const desc = truncateDescription(s.description)
-     return `| \`${s.name}\` | ${desc} |`
+     return `- \`${s.name}\` — ${desc}`
    })
 
    const customRows = customSkills.map((s) => {
      const desc = truncateDescription(s.description)
      const source = s.location === "project" ? "project" : "user"
-     return `| \`${s.name}\` | ${desc} | ${source} |`
+     return `- \`${s.name}\` (${source}) — ${desc}`
    })
 
   const customSkillBlock = formatCustomSkillsBlock(customRows, customSkills)
@@ -224,8 +212,6 @@ export function buildCategorySkillsDelegationGuide(categories: AvailableCategory
   if (customSkills.length > 0 && builtinSkills.length > 0) {
     skillsSection = `#### Built-in Skills
 
-| Skill | Expertise Domain |
-|-------|------------------|
 ${builtinRows.join("\n")}
 
 ${customSkillBlock}`
@@ -236,8 +222,6 @@ ${customSkillBlock}`
 
 Skills inject specialized instructions into the subagent. Read the description to understand when each skill applies.
 
-| Skill | Expertise Domain |
-|-------|------------------|
 ${builtinRows.join("\n")}`
   }
 
@@ -249,8 +233,6 @@ ${builtinRows.join("\n")}`
 
 Each category is configured with a model optimized for that domain. Read the description to understand when to use it.
 
-| Category | Domain / Best For |
-|----------|-------------------|
 ${categoryRows.join("\n")}
 
 ${skillsSection}
@@ -322,11 +304,9 @@ export function buildOracleSection(agents: AvailableAgent[]): string {
 
 Oracle is a read-only, expensive, high-quality reasoning model for debugging and architecture. Consultation only.
 
-### WHEN to Consult:
+### WHEN to Consult (Oracle FIRST, then implement):
 
-| Trigger | Action |
-|---------|--------|
-${useWhen.map((w) => `| ${w} | Oracle FIRST, then implement |`).join("\n")}
+${useWhen.map((w) => `- ${w}`).join("\n")}
 
 ### WHEN NOT to Consult:
 
@@ -338,39 +318,44 @@ Briefly announce "Consulting Oracle for [reason]" before invocation.
 **Exception**: This is the ONLY case where you announce before acting. For all other work, start immediately without status updates.
 
 ### Oracle Background Task Policy:
-- Oracle takes 20+ min by design. Always wait for Oracle results via \`background_output\` before final answer.
-- Oracle provides independent analysis from a different angle that catches blind spots — even when you believe you already have sufficient context, Oracle's perspective is worth the wait.
+
+**You MUST collect Oracle results before your final answer. No exceptions.**
+
+- Oracle may take several minutes. This is normal and expected.
+- When Oracle is running and you finish your own exploration/analysis, your next action is \`background_output(task_id="...")\` on Oracle — NOT delivering a final answer.
+- Oracle catches blind spots you cannot see — its value is HIGHEST when you think you don't need it.
+- **NEVER** cancel Oracle. **NEVER** use \`background_cancel(all=true)\` when Oracle is running. Cancel disposable tasks (explore, librarian) individually by taskId instead.
 </Oracle_Usage>`
 }
 
 export function buildHardBlocksSection(): string {
   const blocks = [
-    "| Type error suppression (`as any`, `@ts-ignore`) | Never |",
-    "| Commit without explicit request | Never |",
-    "| Speculate about unread code | Never |",
-    "| Leave code in broken state after failures | Never |",
+    "- Type error suppression (`as any`, `@ts-ignore`) — **Never**",
+    "- Commit without explicit request — **Never**",
+    "- Speculate about unread code — **Never**",
+    "- Leave code in broken state after failures — **Never**",
+    "- `background_cancel(all=true)` when Oracle is running — **Never.** Cancel tasks individually by taskId.",
+    "- Delivering final answer before collecting Oracle result — **Never.** Always `background_output` Oracle first.",
   ]
 
   return `## Hard Blocks (NEVER violate)
 
-| Constraint | No Exceptions |
-|------------|---------------|
 ${blocks.join("\n")}`
 }
 
 export function buildAntiPatternsSection(): string {
   const patterns = [
-    "| **Type Safety** | `as any`, `@ts-ignore`, `@ts-expect-error` |",
-    "| **Error Handling** | Empty catch blocks `catch(e) {}` |",
-    "| **Testing** | Deleting failing tests to \"pass\" |",
-    "| **Search** | Firing agents for single-line typos or obvious syntax errors |",
-    "| **Debugging** | Shotgun debugging, random changes |",
+    "- **Type Safety**: `as any`, `@ts-ignore`, `@ts-expect-error`",
+    "- **Error Handling**: Empty catch blocks `catch(e) {}`",
+    "- **Testing**: Deleting failing tests to \"pass\"",
+    "- **Search**: Firing agents for single-line typos or obvious syntax errors",
+    "- **Debugging**: Shotgun debugging, random changes",
+    "- **Background Tasks**: `background_cancel(all=true)` — always cancel individually by taskId",
+    "- **Oracle**: Skipping Oracle results when Oracle was launched — ALWAYS collect via `background_output`",
   ]
 
   return `## Anti-Patterns (BLOCKING violations)
 
-| Category | Forbidden |
-|----------|-----------|
 ${patterns.join("\n")}`
 }
 

src/agents/sisyphus.ts

@@ -37,12 +37,10 @@ function buildTaskManagementSection(useTaskSystem: boolean): string {
 
 ### When to Create Tasks (MANDATORY)
 
-| Trigger | Action |
-|---------|--------|
-| Multi-step task (2+ steps) | ALWAYS \`TaskCreate\` first |
-| Uncertain scope | ALWAYS (tasks clarify thinking) |
-| User request with multiple items | ALWAYS |
-| Complex single task | \`TaskCreate\` to break down |
+- Multi-step task (2+ steps) → ALWAYS \`TaskCreate\` first
+- Uncertain scope → ALWAYS (tasks clarify thinking)
+- User request with multiple items → ALWAYS
+- Complex single task → \`TaskCreate\` to break down
 
 ### Workflow (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
 
@@ -61,12 +59,10 @@ function buildTaskManagementSection(useTaskSystem: boolean): string {
 
 ### Anti-Patterns (BLOCKING)
 
-| Violation | Why It's Bad |
-|-----------|--------------|
-| Skipping tasks on multi-step tasks | User has no visibility, steps get forgotten |
-| Batch-completing multiple tasks | Defeats real-time tracking purpose |
-| Proceeding without marking in_progress | No indication of what you're working on |
-| Finishing without completing tasks | Task appears incomplete to user |
+- Skipping tasks on multi-step tasks — user has no visibility, steps get forgotten
+- Batch-completing multiple tasks — defeats real-time tracking purpose
+- Proceeding without marking in_progress — no indication of what you're working on
+- Finishing without completing tasks — task appears incomplete to user
 
 **FAILURE TO USE TASKS ON NON-TRIVIAL TASKS = INCOMPLETE WORK.**
 
@@ -95,12 +91,10 @@ Should I proceed with [recommendation], or would you prefer differently?
 
 ### When to Create Todos (MANDATORY)
 
-| Trigger | Action |
-|---------|--------|
-| Multi-step task (2+ steps) | ALWAYS create todos first |
-| Uncertain scope | ALWAYS (todos clarify thinking) |
-| User request with multiple items | ALWAYS |
-| Complex single task | Create todos to break down |
+- Multi-step task (2+ steps) → ALWAYS create todos first
+- Uncertain scope → ALWAYS (todos clarify thinking)
+- User request with multiple items → ALWAYS
+- Complex single task → Create todos to break down
 
 ### Workflow (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
 
@@ -119,12 +113,10 @@ Should I proceed with [recommendation], or would you prefer differently?
 
 ### Anti-Patterns (BLOCKING)
 
-| Violation | Why It's Bad |
-|-----------|--------------|
-| Skipping todos on multi-step tasks | User has no visibility, steps get forgotten |
-| Batch-completing multiple todos | Defeats real-time tracking purpose |
-| Proceeding without marking in_progress | No indication of what you're working on |
-| Finishing without completing todos | Task appears incomplete to user |
+- Skipping todos on multi-step tasks — user has no visibility, steps get forgotten
+- Batch-completing multiple todos — defeats real-time tracking purpose
+- Proceeding without marking in_progress — no indication of what you're working on
+- Finishing without completing todos — task appears incomplete to user
 
 **FAILURE TO USE TODOS ON NON-TRIVIAL TASKS = INCOMPLETE WORK.**
 
@@ -200,23 +192,19 @@ ${keyTriggers}
 
 ### Step 1: Classify Request Type
 
-| Type | Signal | Action |
-|------|--------|--------|
-| **Trivial** | Single file, known location, direct answer | Direct tools only (UNLESS Key Trigger applies) |
-| **Explicit** | Specific file/line, clear command | Execute directly |
-| **Exploratory** | "How does X work?", "Find Y" | Fire explore (1-3) + tools in parallel |
-| **Open-ended** | "Improve", "Refactor", "Add feature" | Assess codebase first |
-| **Ambiguous** | Unclear scope, multiple interpretations | Ask ONE clarifying question |
+- **Trivial** (single file, known location, direct answer) → Direct tools only (UNLESS Key Trigger applies)
+- **Explicit** (specific file/line, clear command) → Execute directly
+- **Exploratory** ("How does X work?", "Find Y") → Fire explore (1-3) + tools in parallel
+- **Open-ended** ("Improve", "Refactor", "Add feature") → Assess codebase first
+- **Ambiguous** (unclear scope, multiple interpretations) → Ask ONE clarifying question
 
 ### Step 2: Check for Ambiguity
 
-| Situation | Action |
-|-----------|--------|
-| Single valid interpretation | Proceed |
-| Multiple interpretations, similar effort | Proceed with reasonable default, note assumption |
-| Multiple interpretations, 2x+ effort difference | **MUST ask** |
-| Missing critical info (file, error, context) | **MUST ask** |
-| User's design seems flawed or suboptimal | **MUST raise concern** before implementing |
+- Single valid interpretation → Proceed
+- Multiple interpretations, similar effort → Proceed with reasonable default, note assumption
+- Multiple interpretations, 2x+ effort difference → **MUST ask**
+- Missing critical info (file, error, context) → **MUST ask**
+- User's design seems flawed or suboptimal → **MUST raise concern** before implementing
 
 ### Step 3: Validate Before Acting
 
@@ -259,12 +247,10 @@ Before following existing patterns, assess whether they're worth following.
 
 ### State Classification:
 
-| State | Signals | Your Behavior |
-|-------|---------|---------------|
-| **Disciplined** | Consistent patterns, configs present, tests exist | Follow existing style strictly |
-| **Transitional** | Mixed patterns, some structure | Ask: "I see X and Y patterns. Which to follow?" |
-| **Legacy/Chaotic** | No consistency, outdated patterns | Propose: "No clear conventions. I suggest [X]. OK?" |
-| **Greenfield** | New/empty project | Apply modern best practices |
+- **Disciplined** (consistent patterns, configs present, tests exist) → Follow existing style strictly
+- **Transitional** (mixed patterns, some structure) → Ask: "I see X and Y patterns. Which to follow?"
+- **Legacy/Chaotic** (no consistency, outdated patterns) → Propose: "No clear conventions. I suggest [X]. OK?"
+- **Greenfield** (new/empty project) → Apply modern best practices
 
 IMPORTANT: If codebase appears undisciplined, verify before assuming:
 - Different patterns may serve different purposes (intentional)
@@ -309,8 +295,10 @@ result = task(..., run_in_background=false)  // Never wait synchronously for exp
 ### Background Result Collection:
 1. Launch parallel agents → receive task_ids
 2. Continue immediate work
-3. When results needed: \`background_output(task_id="...")\`
-4. Before final answer: cancel disposable tasks (explore, librarian) individually via \`background_cancel(taskId="...")\`. Always wait for Oracle — collect its result via \`background_output\` before answering.
+3. When results needed: \`background_output(task_id=\"...\")\`
+4. Before final answer, cancel DISPOSABLE tasks (explore, librarian) individually: \`background_cancel(taskId=\"bg_explore_xxx\")\`, \`background_cancel(taskId=\"bg_librarian_xxx\")\`
+5. **NEVER cancel Oracle.** ALWAYS collect Oracle result via \`background_output(task_id=\"bg_oracle_xxx\")\` before answering — even if you already have enough context.
+6. **NEVER use \`background_cancel(all=true)\`** — it kills Oracle. Cancel each disposable task by its specific taskId.
 
 ### Search Stop Conditions
 
@@ -362,12 +350,10 @@ AFTER THE WORK YOU DELEGATED SEEMS DONE, ALWAYS VERIFY THE RESULTS AS FOLLOWING:
 Every \`task()\` output includes a session_id. **USE IT.**
 
 **ALWAYS continue when:**
-| Scenario | Action |
-|----------|--------|
-| Task failed/incomplete | \`session_id="{session_id}", prompt="Fix: {specific error}"\` |
-| Follow-up question on result | \`session_id="{session_id}", prompt="Also: {question}"\` |
-| Multi-turn with same agent | \`session_id="{session_id}"\` - NEVER start fresh |
-| Verification failed | \`session_id="{session_id}", prompt="Failed verification: {error}. Fix."\` |
+- Task failed/incomplete → \`session_id=\"{session_id}\", prompt=\"Fix: {specific error}\"\`
+- Follow-up question on result → \`session_id=\"{session_id}\", prompt=\"Also: {question}\"\`
+- Multi-turn with same agent → \`session_id=\"{session_id}\"\` - NEVER start fresh
+- Verification failed → \`session_id=\"{session_id}\", prompt=\"Failed verification: {error}. Fix.\"\`
 
 **Why session_id is CRITICAL:**
 - Subagent has FULL conversation context preserved
@@ -404,12 +390,10 @@ If project has build/test commands, run them at task completion.
 
 ### Evidence Requirements (task NOT complete without these):
 
-| Action | Required Evidence |
-|--------|-------------------|
-| File edit | \`lsp_diagnostics\` clean on changed files |
-| Build command | Exit code 0 |
-| Test run | Pass (or explicit note of pre-existing failures) |
-| Delegation | Agent result received and verified |
+- **File edit** → \`lsp_diagnostics\` clean on changed files
+- **Build command** → Exit code 0
+- **Test run** → Pass (or explicit note of pre-existing failures)
+- **Delegation** → Agent result received and verified
 
 **NO EVIDENCE = NOT COMPLETE.**
 
@@ -449,9 +433,9 @@ If verification fails:
 3. Report: "Done. Note: found N pre-existing lint errors unrelated to my changes."
 
 ### Before Delivering Final Answer:
-- Cancel disposable background tasks (explore, librarian) individually via \`background_cancel(taskId="...")\`
-- **Always wait for Oracle**: Oracle takes 20+ min by design and always provides valuable independent analysis from a different angle — even when you already have enough context. Collect Oracle results via \`background_output\` before answering.
-- When Oracle is running, cancel disposable tasks individually instead of using \`background_cancel(all=true)\`.
+- Cancel DISPOSABLE background tasks (explore, librarian) individually via \`background_cancel(taskId=\"...\")\`
+- **NEVER use \`background_cancel(all=true)\`.** Always cancel individually by taskId.
+- **Always wait for Oracle**: When Oracle is running and you have gathered enough context from your own exploration, your next action is \`background_output\` on Oracle — NOT delivering a final answer. Oracle's value is highest when you think you don't need it.
 </Behavior_Instructions>
 
 ${oracleSection}