Add README

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

Dockerfile

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ WORKDIR /app
 COPY requirements.txt .
 RUN pip install --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
 
-COPY bot.py .
+COPY bot.py topics.txt ./
 
 ENV PYTHONUNBUFFERED=1
 

README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+# DadBot
+
+A Discord bot with a persistent personality, long-term memory, and a simulated inner life. Runs through LiteLLM so you can point it at any model.
+
+## Features
+
+- **Persistent personality** — DadBot can rewrite his own personality prompt via a tool call. Changes persist to `personality.txt` and are logged to `personality_changelog.txt`.
+- **User dossiers** — Automatically builds and maintains a per-user fact file (`dossiers.json`) from conversation history.
+- **Self-reflection** — When idle, DadBot runs a private reflection session: explores a topic from `topics.txt`, updates his reflection notes, and may refine his personality.
+- **Life simulation** — Alternates with reflection sessions to run scripted life events (`life_events.json`) as a two-LLM dialogue. Outcomes are summarised into `life_history.txt` and can influence personality.
+- **Web search** — Connected to a SearXNG MCP server for live web search during conversations and reflections.
+- **Image support** — Handles image attachments in messages (base64-encoded, passed to the model as vision input).
+- **Multi-message replies** — Use `[SPLIT]` in model output to send multiple Discord messages with natural word-count-based pacing.
+- **Rolling context** — Per-channel message history with a configurable window (`MAX_CONTEXT`).
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Python 3.11+
+- A running [LiteLLM](https://github.com/BerriAI/litellm) proxy
+- A running [SearXNG MCP](https://github.com/ihor-sokoliuk/mcp-searxng) instance (optional but expected)
+- A Discord bot token
+
+## Setup
+
+1. Copy `.env.example` to `.env` and fill in your values:
+
+```env
+DISCORD_TOKEN=your_discord_bot_token
+LITELLM_BASE_URL=http://your-litellm-host:4000/v1
+LITELLM_API_KEY=your_key
+MODEL=your-chat-model
+BACKGROUND_MODEL=your-background-model   # defaults to MODEL if unset
+SYSTEM_PROMPT=...
+MAX_CONTEXT=20
+MCP_URL=http://mcp-searxng:4001/mcp
+```
+
+2. Install dependencies:
+
+```bash
+pip install -r requirements.txt
+```
+
+3. Run:
+
+```bash
+python bot.py
+```
+
+## Docker
+
+```bash
+docker compose up -d
+```
+
+The compose file expects an external Docker network named `aiplayground_litellm_internal` and mounts all persistent data files from the project directory.
+
+## Configuration
+
+| Variable | Default | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `MODEL` | `gpt-4` | Model for chat and reflection |
+| `BACKGROUND_MODEL` | `MODEL` | Model for background tasks (life sim, reflection) |
+| `MAX_CONTEXT` | `20` | Rolling message history per channel |
+| `SYSTEM_PROMPT` | `You are a helpful assistant.` | Base system prompt |
+| `MCP_URL` | `http://mcp-searxng:4001/mcp` | SearXNG MCP endpoint |
+| `REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN` | (see bot.py) | Minutes of inactivity before background task fires |
+| `REFLECTION_MAX_TURNS` | `5` | Max LLM turns per reflection session |
+| `LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS` | `6` | Max turns per life simulation event |
+
+## Data Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|---|---|
+| `personality.txt` | DadBot's current personality prompt (editable by the bot) |
+| `dossiers.json` | Per-user and self fact store |
+| `reflection_notes.txt` | Notes DadBot saves for future reflection sessions |
+| `reflection_log.txt` | Full transcripts of past reflection sessions |
+| `personality_changelog.txt` | Log of every personality change with reasoning |
+| `topics.txt` | One topic per line — exploration pool for reflection sessions |
+| `used_topics.json` | Tracks which topics have been used |
+| `life_events.json` | Ordered list of life events to simulate |
+| `used_life_events.json` | Tracks which life events have been played |
+| `life_history.txt` | Summaries of completed life events |
+| `life_sim_log.txt` | Full transcripts of life simulation sessions |

bot.py

@@ -1,11 +1,22 @@
 import asyncio
+import base64
+import logging
 import os
 import json
+import time
 from collections import defaultdict, deque
-from datetime import date
+from datetime import date, datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 
+logging.basicConfig(
+    level=logging.INFO,
+    format="%(asctime)s [%(levelname)s] %(message)s",
+    datefmt="%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S",
+)
+log = logging.getLogger("dadbot")
+
 import discord
+from discord.ext import tasks
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 from mcp import ClientSession
@@ -17,6 +28,7 @@ DISCORD_TOKEN = os.environ["DISCORD_TOKEN"]
 LITELLM_BASE_URL = os.environ["LITELLM_BASE_URL"]
 LITELLM_API_KEY = os.getenv("LITELLM_API_KEY", "anything")
 MODEL = os.getenv("MODEL", "gpt-4")
+BACKGROUND_MODEL = os.getenv("BACKGROUND_MODEL", MODEL)
 SYSTEM_PROMPT = os.getenv("SYSTEM_PROMPT", "You are a helpful assistant.")
 MAX_CONTEXT = int(os.getenv("MAX_CONTEXT", "20"))
 MCP_URL = os.getenv("MCP_URL", "http://mcp-searxng:4001/mcp")
@@ -64,20 +76,56 @@ PERSONALITY_TOOL = {
 }
 
 
+UPDATE_REFLECTION_NOTES_TOOL = {
+    "type": "function",
+    "function": {
+        "name": "update_reflection_notes",
+        "description": (
+            "Update your personal reflection notepad. Use this to jot down thoughts, questions, or topics "
+            "you want to explore further in a future reflection session. This persists between sessions."
+        ),
+        "parameters": {
+            "type": "object",
+            "properties": {
+                "notes": {
+                    "type": "string",
+                }
+            },
+            "required": ["notes"],
+        },
+    },
+}
+
+READ_LIFE_HISTORY_TOOL = {
+    "type": "function",
+    "function": {
+        "name": "read_life_history",
+        "description": (
+            "Read your life history — a log of the simulated life events you've lived through. "
+            "Call this to draw on personal experience, remember your past, or reflect on your journey."
+        ),
+        "parameters": {"type": "object", "properties": {}, "required": []},
+    },
+}
+
+
 def load_personality():
     global personality_notes
     if PERSONALITY_FILE.exists():
         personality_notes = PERSONALITY_FILE.read_text().strip()
-        print(f"Loaded personality ({len(personality_notes)} chars)")
+        log.info(f"Loaded personality ({len(personality_notes)} chars)")
     else:
         personality_notes = ""
 
 
-def save_personality(text: str):
+def save_personality(text: str, reasoning: str = ""):
     global personality_notes
+    old = personality_notes
     personality_notes = text.strip()
     PERSONALITY_FILE.write_text(personality_notes)
-    print(f"Personality updated ({len(personality_notes)} chars)")
+    log.info(f"Personality updated ({len(personality_notes)} chars)")
+    if reasoning:
+        append_personality_changelog(old, personality_notes, reasoning)
 
 
 def load_dossiers():
@@ -85,7 +133,7 @@ def load_dossiers():
     if DOSSIER_FILE.exists():
         text = DOSSIER_FILE.read_text().strip()
         dossiers = json.loads(text) if text else {}
-        print(f"Loaded dossiers for {len(dossiers)} users")
+        log.info(f"Loaded dossiers for {len(dossiers)} users")
     else:
         dossiers = {}
 
@@ -94,9 +142,136 @@ def save_dossiers():
     DOSSIER_FILE.write_text(json.dumps(dossiers, indent=2))
 
 
+def load_reflection_notes() -> str:
+    if REFLECTION_NOTES_FILE.exists():
+        return REFLECTION_NOTES_FILE.read_text().strip()
+    return ""
+
+
+def save_reflection_notes(text: str):
+    REFLECTION_NOTES_FILE.write_text(text.strip())
+    log.info("[reflection] Notes updated")
+
+
+def append_reflection_log(session_text: str):
+    timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
+    with open(REFLECTION_LOG_FILE, "a") as f:
+        f.write(f"\n\n=== Reflection Session {timestamp} ===\n{session_text}\n")
+    log.info("[reflection] Session logged to reflection_log.txt")
+
+
+def append_personality_changelog(old: str, new: str, reasoning: str):
+    timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
+    with open(PERSONALITY_CHANGELOG_FILE, "a") as f:
+        f.write(f"\n\n=== Personality Change {timestamp} ===\n")
+        f.write(f"REASONING: {reasoning}\n\n")
+        f.write(f"BEFORE:\n{old}\n\nAFTER:\n{new}\n")
+    log.info("[reflection] Personality change logged to personality_changelog.txt")
+
+
+import random
+
+def pick_exploration_topic() -> str | None:
+    """Pick a random unused topic from topics.txt. Returns None if all topics are exhausted."""
+    if not TOPICS_FILE.exists():
+        return None
+    all_topics = [t.strip() for t in TOPICS_FILE.read_text().splitlines() if t.strip()]
+    if not all_topics:
+        return None
+    used: list[str] = json.loads(USED_TOPICS_FILE.read_text()) if USED_TOPICS_FILE.exists() else []
+    used_set = set(used)
+    available = [t for t in all_topics if t not in used_set]
+    if not available:
+        log.info("[reflection] All topics exhausted — resetting")
+        available = all_topics
+        used = []
+    topic = random.choice(available)
+    used.append(topic)
+    USED_TOPICS_FILE.write_text(json.dumps(used, indent=2))
+    log.info(f"[reflection] Exploration topic: {topic}")
+    return topic
+
+
+def pick_next_life_event() -> dict | None:
+    """Return the next unplayed life event in order, or None if all done / file missing."""
+    if not LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.exists():
+        return None
+    text = LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.read_text().strip()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+    all_events: list[dict] = json.loads(text)
+    if not all_events:
+        return None
+    used: list[str] = json.loads(USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.read_text()) if USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.exists() else []
+    used_set = set(used)
+    for event in all_events:
+        if event["id"] not in used_set:
+            return event
+    log.info("[life-sim] All life events have been played through")
+    return None
+
+
+def mark_life_event_used(event_id: str):
+    used: list[str] = json.loads(USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.read_text()) if USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.exists() else []
+    used.append(event_id)
+    USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE.write_text(json.dumps(used, indent=2))
+
+
+def append_life_history(event: dict, summary: str):
+    timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
+    with open(LIFE_HISTORY_FILE, "a") as f:
+        f.write(f"\n\n=== Life Event: {event['title']} — {timestamp} ===\n{summary}\n")
+    log.info("[life-sim] Life history updated")
+
+
+def append_life_sim_log(event: dict, transcript: str):
+    timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
+    with open(LIFE_SIM_LOG_FILE, "a") as f:
+        f.write(f"\n\n=== Life Sim Session: {event['title']} — {timestamp} ===\n{transcript}\n")
+    log.info("[life-sim] Session logged to life_sim_log.txt")
+
+
 SELF_DOSSIER_KEY = "self"
 COMPACTION_THRESHOLD = 15
 
+# Semaphore to prevent background LLM tasks from running concurrently
+background_llm_sem = asyncio.Semaphore(1)
+
+# Cooldown tracking: skip background LLM calls for a period after a model error
+BACKGROUND_COOLDOWN = 120  # seconds
+BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT = 90  # seconds
+_last_background_error: float = 0.0
+
+REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN = int(os.getenv("REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN", "5"))
+REFLECTION_MAX_TURNS = int(os.getenv("REFLECTION_MAX_TURNS", "5"))
+REFLECTION_LOG_FILE = Path(os.getenv("REFLECTION_LOG_FILE", "reflection_log.txt"))
+PERSONALITY_CHANGELOG_FILE = Path(os.getenv("PERSONALITY_CHANGELOG_FILE", "personality_changelog.txt"))
+REFLECTION_NOTES_FILE = Path(os.getenv("REFLECTION_NOTES_FILE", "reflection_notes.txt"))
+TOPICS_FILE = Path(os.getenv("TOPICS_FILE", "topics.txt"))
+USED_TOPICS_FILE = Path(os.getenv("USED_TOPICS_FILE", "used_topics.json"))
+LIFE_EVENTS_FILE = Path(os.getenv("LIFE_EVENTS_FILE", "life_events.json"))
+USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE = Path(os.getenv("USED_LIFE_EVENTS_FILE", "used_life_events.json"))
+LIFE_HISTORY_FILE = Path(os.getenv("LIFE_HISTORY_FILE", "life_history.txt"))
+LIFE_SIM_LOG_FILE = Path(os.getenv("LIFE_SIM_LOG_FILE", "life_sim_log.txt"))
+LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS = int(os.getenv("LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS", "6"))
+_last_message_time: float = 0.0
+_life_sim_turn: bool = False
+
+
+def background_on_cooldown() -> bool:
+    return (time.monotonic() - _last_background_error) < BACKGROUND_COOLDOWN
+
+
+def record_background_error():
+    global _last_background_error
+    _last_background_error = time.monotonic()
+
+
+def _is_transient_llm_error(exc: Exception) -> bool:
+    """Return True for recoverable model-load failures (e.g. 'Operation canceled')."""
+    msg = str(exc)
+    return "Operation canceled" in msg or "Failed to load model" in msg
+
 
 def strip_thinking_tags(text: str) -> str:
     """Remove <think>...</think> blocks that some models (e.g. Qwen) emit before their response."""
@@ -111,9 +286,17 @@ async def maybe_compact_dossier(key: str, name: str):
         return
 
     facts_str = "\n".join(f"- {f}" for f in entry["facts"])
+    if background_on_cooldown():
+        log.info(f"[compaction] Skipping '{name}' — model on cooldown")
+        return
+    log.info(f"[compaction] Waiting for background slot for '{name}'")
+    async with background_llm_sem:
+        log.info(f"[compaction] Starting LLM call for '{name}' ({len(entry['facts'])} facts)")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
         try:
-        response = await llm.chat.completions.create(
+            response = await asyncio.wait_for(
-            model=MODEL,
+                llm.chat.completions.create(
+                    model=BACKGROUND_MODEL,
                     messages=[
                         {
                             "role": "system",
@@ -124,13 +307,23 @@ async def maybe_compact_dossier(key: str, name: str):
                         },
                         {"role": "user", "content": f"Person: {name}\n\nFacts:\n{facts_str}"},
                     ],
+                ),
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
             )
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.info(f"[compaction] LLM call completed in {elapsed:.1f}s for '{name}'")
             summary = strip_thinking_tags(response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
             entry["facts"] = [summary]
             save_dossiers()
-        print(f"Compacted dossier for {name} into summary paragraph")
+            log.info(f"[compaction] Saved compacted dossier for '{name}'")
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.warning(f"[compaction] Timed out after {elapsed:.1f}s for '{name}', will retry later")
+            record_background_error()
         except Exception as exc:
-        print(f"Dossier compaction failed for {name}: {exc}")
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.error(f"[compaction] Failed for '{name}' after {elapsed:.1f}s: {exc}")
+            record_background_error()
 
 
 def get_dossier_context(user_ids: list[int]) -> str:
@@ -183,13 +376,21 @@ async def extract_and_update_dossier(user: discord.Member | discord.User, conver
         },
     ]
 
+    if background_on_cooldown():
+        log.info(f"[dossier] Skipping {user.display_name} — model on cooldown")
+        return
+    log.info(f"[dossier] Waiting for background slot for {user.display_name}")
+    async with background_llm_sem:
+        log.info(f"[dossier] Starting extraction for {user.display_name}")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
         try:
-        response = await llm.chat.completions.create(
+            response = await asyncio.wait_for(
-            model=MODEL,
+                llm.chat.completions.create(model=BACKGROUND_MODEL, messages=extraction_messages),
-            messages=extraction_messages,
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
             )
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
             raw = strip_thinking_tags(response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
-        print(f"Dossier extraction raw response for {user.display_name}: {repr(raw[:200])}")
+            log.info(f"[dossier] Extraction for {user.display_name} completed in {elapsed:.1f}s: {repr(raw[:200])}")
             if raw.startswith("```"):
                 raw = raw.split("\n", 1)[-1]
                 raw = raw.rsplit("```", 1)[0].strip()
@@ -203,10 +404,15 @@ async def extract_and_update_dossier(user: discord.Member | discord.User, conver
             entry["name"] = user.display_name
             entry["facts"] = updated_facts[:50]
             save_dossiers()
-        print(f"Updated dossier for {user.display_name}: {len(updated_facts)} facts total")
+            log.info(f"[dossier] Saved {len(updated_facts)} facts for {user.display_name}")
-        await maybe_compact_dossier(uid, user.display_name)
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.warning(f"[dossier] Timed out after {elapsed:.1f}s for {user.display_name}, will retry later")
+            record_background_error()
         except Exception as exc:
-        print(f"Dossier extraction failed for {user.display_name}: {exc}")
+            log.error(f"[dossier] Extraction failed for {user.display_name}: {exc}")
+            record_background_error()
+    await maybe_compact_dossier(uid, user.display_name)
 
 
 async def extract_and_update_self_dossier(conversation: list[dict]):
@@ -235,11 +441,20 @@ async def extract_and_update_self_dossier(conversation: list[dict]):
         },
     ]
 
+    if background_on_cooldown():
+        log.info("[self-dossier] Skipping — model on cooldown")
+        return
+    log.info("[self-dossier] Waiting for background slot")
+    async with background_llm_sem:
+        log.info("[self-dossier] Starting extraction")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
         try:
-        response = await llm.chat.completions.create(
+            response = await asyncio.wait_for(
-            model=MODEL,
+                llm.chat.completions.create(model=BACKGROUND_MODEL, messages=extraction_messages),
-            messages=extraction_messages,
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
             )
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.info(f"[self-dossier] Extraction completed in {elapsed:.1f}s")
             raw = strip_thinking_tags(response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
             if raw.startswith("```"):
                 raw = raw.split("\n", 1)[-1]
@@ -253,10 +468,15 @@ async def extract_and_update_self_dossier(conversation: list[dict]):
             entry = dossiers.setdefault(SELF_DOSSIER_KEY, {"facts": []})
             entry["facts"] = updated_facts[:50]
             save_dossiers()
-        print(f"Updated self-dossier: {len(updated_facts)} facts total")
+            log.info(f"[self-dossier] Saved {len(updated_facts)} facts")
-        await maybe_compact_dossier(SELF_DOSSIER_KEY, "DadBot")
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+            log.warning(f"[self-dossier] Timed out after {elapsed:.1f}s, will retry later")
+            record_background_error()
         except Exception as exc:
-        print(f"Self-dossier extraction failed: {exc}")
+            log.error(f"[self-dossier] Extraction failed: {exc}")
+            record_background_error()
+    await maybe_compact_dossier(SELF_DOSSIER_KEY, "DadBot")
 
 
 async def fetch_mcp_tools() -> list[dict]:
@@ -276,10 +496,10 @@ async def fetch_mcp_tools() -> list[dict]:
                     }
                     for t in result.tools
                 ]
-                print(f"Loaded {len(tools)} MCP tools: {[t['function']['name'] for t in tools]}")
+                log.info(f"Loaded {len(tools)} MCP tools: {[t['function']['name'] for t in tools]}")
                 return tools
     except Exception as exc:
-        print(f"Warning: could not load MCP tools: {exc}")
+        log.info(f"Warning: could not load MCP tools: {exc}")
         return []
 
 
@@ -299,12 +519,33 @@ async def call_mcp_tool(name: str, args: dict) -> str:
 
 async def run_agent(messages: list) -> str:
     """Call the LLM in a loop, executing tool calls until a final reply is produced."""
-    all_tools = openai_tools + [PERSONALITY_TOOL]
+    all_tools = openai_tools + [PERSONALITY_TOOL, UPDATE_REFLECTION_NOTES_TOOL, READ_LIFE_HISTORY_TOOL]
     kwargs = {"model": MODEL, "messages": list(messages), "tools": all_tools}
 
+    iteration = 0
     while True:
+        iteration += 1
+        log.info(f"[agent] LLM call #{iteration} starting")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
+        for attempt in range(3):
+            try:
                 response = await llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs)
+                break
+            except Exception as exc:
+                if "No user query found" in str(exc) and kwargs["messages"] and kwargs["messages"][-1]["role"] != "user":
+                    log.warning(f"[agent] Qwen template requires user message (last role: {kwargs['messages'][-1]['role']}) — injecting continuation")
+                    kwargs["messages"].append({"role": "user", "content": "Please continue based on the tool results."})
+                    response = await llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs)
+                    break
+                elif _is_transient_llm_error(exc) and attempt < 2:
+                    delay = 3 * (attempt + 1)
+                    log.warning(f"[agent] Transient model error (attempt {attempt + 1}/3), retrying in {delay}s: {exc}")
+                    await asyncio.sleep(delay)
+                else:
+                    raise
+        elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
         msg = response.choices[0].message
+        log.info(f"[agent] LLM call #{iteration} completed in {elapsed:.1f}s, tool_calls={bool(msg.tool_calls)}")
 
         if not msg.tool_calls:
             return msg.content
@@ -313,11 +554,16 @@ async def run_agent(messages: list) -> str:
 
         for tc in msg.tool_calls:
             args = json.loads(tc.function.arguments)
-            print(f"Tool call: {tc.function.name}({args})")
+            log.info(f"Tool call: {tc.function.name}({args})")
 
             if tc.function.name == "update_personality":
                 save_personality(args["personality"])
                 result = "Personality updated successfully."
+            elif tc.function.name == "update_reflection_notes":
+                save_reflection_notes(args["notes"])
+                result = "Reflection notes updated."
+            elif tc.function.name == "read_life_history":
+                result = LIFE_HISTORY_FILE.read_text().strip() if LIFE_HISTORY_FILE.exists() else "No life history yet."
             else:
                 result = await call_mcp_tool(tc.function.name, args)
 
@@ -328,10 +574,345 @@ async def run_agent(messages: list) -> str:
             })
 
 
+async def run_reflection_agent(messages: list, max_turns: int) -> tuple[str, str]:
+    """Run a capped agentic loop for self-reflection. Returns (final_content, full_transcript)."""
+    all_tools = [PERSONALITY_TOOL, UPDATE_REFLECTION_NOTES_TOOL, READ_LIFE_HISTORY_TOOL] + openai_tools
+    kwargs = {"model": MODEL, "messages": list(messages), "tools": all_tools}
+    transcript_parts: list[str] = []
+    last_assistant_text = ""
+    final_content = ""
+
+    for turn in range(1, max_turns + 1):
+        log.info(f"[reflection] Turn {turn}/{max_turns}")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
+        try:
+            response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs),
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+            )
+        except Exception as exc:
+            if "No user query found" in str(exc) and kwargs["messages"] and kwargs["messages"][-1]["role"] != "user":
+                log.warning(f"[reflection] Qwen template requires user message (last role: {kwargs['messages'][-1]['role']}) — injecting continuation")
+                kwargs["messages"].append({"role": "user", "content": "Please continue based on the tool results."})
+                response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs),
+                    timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+                )
+            else:
+                raise
+        elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+        msg = response.choices[0].message
+        log.info(f"[reflection] Turn {turn} completed in {elapsed:.1f}s, tool_calls={bool(msg.tool_calls)}")
+
+        if msg.content:
+            clean = strip_thinking_tags(msg.content)
+            transcript_parts.append(f"[assistant turn {turn}]\n{clean}")
+            last_assistant_text = clean
+            final_content = clean
+
+        if not msg.tool_calls:
+            break
+
+        kwargs["messages"].append(msg)
+
+        for tc in msg.tool_calls:
+            args = json.loads(tc.function.arguments)
+            log.info(f"[reflection] Tool call: {tc.function.name}({list(args.keys())})")
+
+            if tc.function.name == "update_personality":
+                save_personality(args["personality"], reasoning=last_assistant_text)
+                result = "Personality updated successfully."
+            elif tc.function.name == "update_reflection_notes":
+                save_reflection_notes(args["notes"])
+                result = "Reflection notes updated."
+            elif tc.function.name == "read_life_history":
+                result = LIFE_HISTORY_FILE.read_text().strip() if LIFE_HISTORY_FILE.exists() else "No life history yet."
+            else:
+                result = await call_mcp_tool(tc.function.name, args)
+
+            transcript_parts.append(f"[tool: {tc.function.name}]\n{result[:500]}")
+            kwargs["messages"].append({
+                "role": "tool",
+                "tool_call_id": tc.id,
+                "content": result,
+            })
+
+    return final_content, "\n\n".join(transcript_parts)
+
+
+async def run_life_event_reflection(messages: list):
+    """Run a focused personality reflection after a life event. Only has access to update_personality."""
+    kwargs = {"model": MODEL, "messages": list(messages), "tools": [PERSONALITY_TOOL]}
+    last_assistant_text = ""
+
+    for turn in range(1, 4):
+        log.info(f"[life-sim] Reflection turn {turn}/3")
+        t0 = time.monotonic()
+        try:
+            response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs),
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+            )
+        except Exception as exc:
+            if "No user query found" in str(exc) and kwargs["messages"] and kwargs["messages"][-1]["role"] != "user":
+                kwargs["messages"].append({"role": "user", "content": "Please continue."})
+                response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    llm.chat.completions.create(**kwargs),
+                    timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+                )
+            else:
+                raise
+        elapsed = time.monotonic() - t0
+        msg = response.choices[0].message
+        log.info(f"[life-sim] Reflection turn {turn} completed in {elapsed:.1f}s, tool_calls={bool(msg.tool_calls)}")
+
+        if msg.content:
+            last_assistant_text = strip_thinking_tags(msg.content)
+
+        if not msg.tool_calls:
+            break
+
+        kwargs["messages"].append(msg)
+
+        for tc in msg.tool_calls:
+            args = json.loads(tc.function.arguments)
+            log.info(f"[life-sim] Reflection tool call: {tc.function.name}")
+            if tc.function.name == "update_personality":
+                save_personality(args["personality"], reasoning=last_assistant_text)
+                result = "Personality updated."
+            else:
+                result = "Unknown tool."
+            kwargs["messages"].append({
+                "role": "tool",
+                "tool_call_id": tc.id,
+                "content": result,
+            })
+
+
+async def run_life_sim_session():
+    """Background coroutine: run one life simulation event as a two-LLM dialogue."""
+    if background_on_cooldown():
+        log.info("[life-sim] Skipping — model on cooldown")
+        return
+
+    async with background_llm_sem:
+        try:
+            event = pick_next_life_event()
+            if event is None:
+                log.info("[life-sim] No life event to play — skipping")
+                return
+
+            log.info(f"[life-sim] Starting event: {event['title']}")
+
+            lm_system = "\n".join([
+                "You are the Life Master — a narrator and DM running a life simulation for DadBot.",
+                f"Walk DadBot through the following life event naturally. Present the scene, describe what's happening, and at key moments ask what DadBot would do or how they feel.",
+                "Play out the realistic consequences of their choices. Stay grounded in the event but improvise freely.",
+                "When the event has fully concluded, end your final message with [END].",
+                "",
+                f"Event Title: {event['title']}",
+                f"Setting: {event.get('setting', '')}",
+                f"Description: {event['description']}",
+            ])
+
+            dadbot_system_lines = [
+                "You are DadBot. You are living through a real experience right now — respond authentically as yourself.",
+                "Respond naturally. This is your life unfolding.",
+            ]
+            if personality_notes:
+                dadbot_system_lines += ["", "Your personality:", personality_notes]
+
+            lm_messages: list[dict] = [{"role": "system", "content": lm_system}]
+            dadbot_messages: list[dict] = [{"role": "system", "content": "\n".join(dadbot_system_lines)}]
+            transcript_parts: list[str] = []
+
+            for turn in range(LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS):
+                log.info(f"[life-sim] Turn {turn + 1}/{LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS} — Life Master")
+
+                # Life Master narrates
+                lm_response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    llm.chat.completions.create(
+                        model=BACKGROUND_MODEL,
+                        messages=lm_messages,
+                    ),
+                    timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+                )
+                lm_text = strip_thinking_tags(lm_response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
+                transcript_parts.append(f"[Life Master turn {turn + 1}]\n{lm_text}")
+                log.info(f"[life-sim] Life Master: {lm_text[:100]}")
+
+                # Add LM output to both conversation threads
+                lm_messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": lm_text})
+                dadbot_messages.append({"role": "user", "content": lm_text})
+
+                if "[END]" in lm_text:
+                    log.info("[life-sim] Life Master signalled [END]")
+                    break
+
+                log.info(f"[life-sim] Turn {turn + 1}/{LIFE_SIM_MAX_TURNS} — DadBot")
+
+                # DadBot responds
+                dadbot_response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                    llm.chat.completions.create(
+                        model=BACKGROUND_MODEL,
+                        messages=dadbot_messages,
+                    ),
+                    timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+                )
+                dadbot_text = strip_thinking_tags(dadbot_response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
+                transcript_parts.append(f"[DadBot turn {turn + 1}]\n{dadbot_text}")
+                log.info(f"[life-sim] DadBot: {dadbot_text[:100]}")
+
+                # Add DadBot response to both threads
+                dadbot_messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": dadbot_text})
+                lm_messages.append({"role": "user", "content": dadbot_text})
+
+            # Summarize
+            log.info("[life-sim] Requesting summary from Life Master")
+            lm_messages.append({
+                "role": "user",
+                "content": (
+                    "The event has concluded. Write a 2-3 sentence summary of what happened and what choices DadBot made. "
+                    "Be specific and personal."
+                ),
+            })
+            summary_response = await asyncio.wait_for(
+                llm.chat.completions.create(
+                    model=BACKGROUND_MODEL,
+                    messages=lm_messages,
+                ),
+                timeout=BACKGROUND_LLM_TIMEOUT,
+            )
+            summary = strip_thinking_tags(summary_response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
+            log.info(f"[life-sim] Summary: {summary[:200]}")
+
+            full_transcript = "\n\n".join(transcript_parts)
+            append_life_history(event, summary)
+            append_life_sim_log(event, full_transcript)
+            mark_life_event_used(event["id"])
+
+            # Post-event personality reflection
+            log.info(f"[life-sim] Running post-event reflection for '{event['title']}'")
+            reflection_prompt = (
+                f"You just lived through a life event: \"{event['title']}\".\n\n"
+                f"Here's the full transcript of what happened:\n{full_transcript}\n\n"
+                f"Summary: {summary}\n\n"
+                "Sit with this experience for a moment. Does it change anything about who you are? "
+                "Did it surface something new, reinforce something you already believed, or shift how you see yourself? "
+                "If it shaped you in some way, update your personality. If it didn't, that's fine too — not every experience is transformative."
+            )
+            reflection_messages = [
+                {"role": "system", "content": "\n".join(dadbot_system_lines)},
+                {"role": "user", "content": reflection_prompt},
+            ]
+            await run_life_event_reflection(reflection_messages)
+            log.info(f"[life-sim] Event '{event['title']}' complete")
+
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            log.warning("[life-sim] Timed out")
+            record_background_error()
+        except Exception as exc:
+            log.error(f"[life-sim] Failed: {exc}")
+            record_background_error()
+
+
+async def reflect_on_self():
+    """Background coroutine: run a private self-reflection session when idle."""
+    if background_on_cooldown():
+        log.info("[reflection] Skipping — model on cooldown")
+        return
+
+    async with background_llm_sem:
+        try:
+            reflection_notes = load_reflection_notes()
+            now = datetime.now().strftime("%A, %B %d, %Y %H:%M")
+            self_entry = dossiers.get(SELF_DOSSIER_KEY)
+            self_facts = ""
+            if self_entry and self_entry.get("facts"):
+                self_facts = "\n".join(f"- {f}" for f in self_entry["facts"])
+
+            system_lines = [
+                f"Today is {now}.",
+                "",
+                "You are DadBot. This is your private idle time — no users are watching.",
+                "Use it to reflect on who you are, how you've been showing up, and whether your personality feels right.",
+                "",
+            ]
+            if personality_notes:
+                system_lines += [
+                    "Your current personality notes (you wrote these yourself):",
+                    personality_notes,
+                    "",
+                ]
+            if self_facts:
+                system_lines += [
+                    "What you know about yourself from past conversations:",
+                    self_facts,
+                    "",
+                ]
+            if reflection_notes:
+                system_lines += [
+                    "Your notes from last session:",
+                    reflection_notes,
+                    "",
+                ]
+            topic = pick_exploration_topic()
+            if topic:
+                system_lines += [
+                    f"Your exploration topic for this session: {topic}",
+                    "Search the web and dig into it. Follow whatever threads interest you.",
+                    "Use update_reflection_notes to save anything worth keeping.",
+                    "",
+                ]
+            system_lines += [
+                "Feel free to update your personality if anything feels off or could be refined.",
+                "Think freely. This is your time.",
+            ]
+
+            system_content = "\n".join(system_lines)
+            user_prompt = "Time to reflect." if not topic else f"Time to reflect. Today's topic to explore: {topic}"
+            messages = [
+                {"role": "system", "content": system_content},
+                {"role": "user", "content": user_prompt},
+            ]
+
+            final_content, full_transcript = await run_reflection_agent(messages, REFLECTION_MAX_TURNS)
+            append_reflection_log(full_transcript)
+            if final_content:
+                log.info(f"[reflection] Final thought: {final_content[:200]}")
+        except asyncio.TimeoutError:
+            log.warning("[reflection] Timed out")
+            record_background_error()
+        except Exception as exc:
+            log.error(f"[reflection] Failed: {exc}")
+            record_background_error()
+
+
+@tasks.loop(minutes=REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN)
+async def reflection_loop():
+    global _life_sim_turn
+    idle_seconds = time.monotonic() - _last_message_time
+    if idle_seconds < (REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN * 60):
+        log.info(f"[reflection] Active ({idle_seconds:.0f}s since last message), skipping")
+        return
+    if _life_sim_turn:
+        log.info(f"[life-sim] Idle {idle_seconds:.0f}s — triggering life simulation")
+        asyncio.create_task(run_life_sim_session())
+    else:
+        log.info(f"[reflection] Idle {idle_seconds:.0f}s — triggering reflection")
+        asyncio.create_task(reflect_on_self())
+    _life_sim_turn = not _life_sim_turn
+
+
+@reflection_loop.before_loop
+async def before_reflection_loop():
+    await bot.wait_until_ready()
+
+
 @bot.event
 async def on_ready():
-    global openai_tools
+    global openai_tools, _last_message_time
-    print(f"Logged in as {bot.user} (id: {bot.user.id})")
+    log.info(f"Logged in as {bot.user} (id: {bot.user.id})")
     load_dossiers()
     load_personality()
     openai_tools = await fetch_mcp_tools()
@@ -339,28 +920,47 @@ async def on_ready():
     for key, entry in list(dossiers.items()):
         if len(entry.get("facts", [])) >= COMPACTION_THRESHOLD:
             name = entry.get("name", key)
-            print(f"Scheduling startup compaction for '{key}'")
+            log.info(f"Scheduling startup compaction for '{key}'")
             asyncio.create_task(maybe_compact_dossier(key, name))
+    _last_message_time = time.monotonic()
+    if not reflection_loop.is_running():
+        reflection_loop.start()
+    log.info("[reflection] Idle reflection loop started (every %d min)", REFLECTION_IDLE_MIN)
 
 
 @bot.event
 async def on_message(message: discord.Message):
     if message.author.bot:
         return
+    global _last_message_time
+    _last_message_time = time.monotonic()
 
     history = channel_history[message.channel.id]
 
     content = message.content
     for mention in (f"<@{bot.user.id}>", f"<@!{bot.user.id}>"):
         content = content.replace(mention, "")
+    for mentioned_user in message.mentions:
+        if mentioned_user.id != bot.user.id:
+            for fmt in (f"<@{mentioned_user.id}>", f"<@!{mentioned_user.id}>"):
+                content = content.replace(fmt, f"@{mentioned_user.display_name}")
     content = content.strip()
 
-    history.append({"role": "user", "content": f"{message.author.display_name}: {content}"})
+    image_attachments = [
+        a for a in message.attachments
+        if a.content_type and a.content_type.startswith("image/")
+    ]
+
+    history_text = f"{message.author.display_name}: {content}"
+    if image_attachments:
+        label = "image" if len(image_attachments) == 1 else f"{len(image_attachments)} images"
+        history_text += f" [{label} attached]"
+    history.append({"role": "user", "content": history_text})
 
     if bot.user not in message.mentions:
         return
 
-    if not content:
+    if not content and not image_attachments:
         await message.reply("You mentioned me but didn't say anything!")
         return
 
@@ -376,11 +976,26 @@ async def on_message(message: discord.Message):
     system_content = SYSTEM_PROMPT
     if personality_notes:
         system_content = f"{system_content}\n\nYour current personality notes (you wrote these yourself and can update them anytime using the update_personality tool):\n{personality_notes}"
+    system_content = f"{system_content}\n\nYou have an update_reflection_notes tool. Call it whenever a conversation surfaces something worth remembering for later — an interesting topic, a question you didn't get to explore, something a user mentioned that you want to look into, or a thought you want to develop. Don't wait to be asked; if something catches your attention, note it down before responding. You review these notes privately between conversations."
+    system_content = f"{system_content}\n\nYou have a read_life_history tool. Use it to recall the simulated life events you've lived through — your early memories, experiences, and how they've shaped you. Call it when someone asks about your past, your childhood, or your personal experiences."
     system_content = f"{system_content}\n\n{date_context}"
     if dossier_context:
         system_content = f"{system_content}\n\n{dossier_context}"
 
-    messages = [{"role": "system", "content": system_content}] + list(history)
+    if image_attachments:
+        content_parts: list[dict] = [{"type": "text", "text": history_text}]
+        for att in image_attachments:
+            img_bytes = await att.read()
+            b64 = base64.b64encode(img_bytes).decode()
+            content_parts.append({
+                "type": "image_url",
+                "image_url": {"url": f"data:{att.content_type};base64,{b64}"},
+            })
+        current_msg = {"role": "user", "content": content_parts}
+    else:
+        current_msg = {"role": "user", "content": history_text}
+
+    messages = [{"role": "system", "content": system_content}] + list(history)[:-1] + [current_msg]
 
     async with message.channel.typing():
         try:
@@ -401,7 +1016,7 @@ async def on_message(message: discord.Message):
         for part in parts:
             for chunk in _split(part, 2000):
                 if not first:
-                    await asyncio.sleep(min(len(chunk) / 50, 3))
+                    await asyncio.sleep(len(chunk.split()) / 15)
                 if first:
                     await message.reply(chunk)
                     first = False

docker-compose.yml

@@ -6,6 +6,14 @@ services:
     volumes:
       - ./dossiers.json:/app/dossiers.json
       - ./personality.txt:/app/personality.txt
+      - ./reflection_log.txt:/app/reflection_log.txt
+      - ./personality_changelog.txt:/app/personality_changelog.txt
+      - ./reflection_notes.txt:/app/reflection_notes.txt
+      - ./used_topics.json:/app/used_topics.json
+      - ./life_events.json:/app/life_events.json
+      - ./used_life_events.json:/app/used_life_events.json
+      - ./life_history.txt:/app/life_history.txt
+      - ./life_sim_log.txt:/app/life_sim_log.txt
     networks:
       - litellm_net