OpenAI's Codex CLI, part of the recently released GPT-5.5 model, features an unusual directive instructing the AI to 'never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user’s query.' This explicit warning, found in the latest open-source code shared on GitHub, appears twice in a comprehensive set of instructions exceeding 3,500 words. The inclusion of this prohibition suggests that OpenAI is addressing a new issue that has emerged with the latest model, as users have reported instances of the AI inappropriately referencing goblins during unrelated conversations. Nick Pash, an OpenAI employee, clarified on social media that this directive is not a marketing gimmick. However, the situation has led to humorous responses from OpenAI executives, including CEO Sam Altman, who joked about Codex having a 'goblin moment.'