diff --git a/pkg/agentic/auto_pr.go b/pkg/agentic/auto_pr.go
index 124b05d..a0f0305 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/auto_pr.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/auto_pr.go
@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ package agentic
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"fmt"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
+
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 )
 
 // autoCreatePR pushes the agent's branch and creates a PR on Forge
@@ -28,12 +28,12 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) autoCreatePR(wsDir string) {
 	diffCmd := exec.Command("git", "log", "--oneline", "origin/"+base+"..HEAD")
 	diffCmd.Dir = srcDir
 	out, err := diffCmd.Output()
-	if err != nil || len(strings.TrimSpace(string(out))) == 0 {
+	if err != nil || len(core.Trim(string(out))) == 0 {
 		// No commits — nothing to PR
 		return
 	}
 
-	commitCount := len(strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "\n"))
+	commitCount := len(core.Split(core.Trim(string(out)), "\n"))
 
 	// Get the repo's forge remote URL to extract org/repo
 	org := st.Org
@@ -42,20 +42,20 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) autoCreatePR(wsDir string) {
 	}
 
 	// Push the branch to forge
-	forgeRemote := fmt.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, st.Repo)
+	forgeRemote := core.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, st.Repo)
 	pushCmd := exec.Command("git", "push", forgeRemote, st.Branch)
 	pushCmd.Dir = srcDir
 	if pushErr := pushCmd.Run(); pushErr != nil {
 		// Push failed — update status with error but don't block
 		if st2, err := readStatus(wsDir); err == nil {
-			st2.Question = fmt.Sprintf("PR push failed: %v", pushErr)
+			st2.Question = core.Sprintf("PR push failed: %v", pushErr)
 			writeStatus(wsDir, st2)
 		}
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Create PR via Forge API
-	title := fmt.Sprintf("[agent/%s] %s", st.Agent, truncate(st.Task, 60))
+	title := core.Sprintf("[agent/%s] %s", st.Agent, truncate(st.Task, 60))
 	body := s.buildAutoPRBody(st, commitCount)
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 30*time.Second)
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) autoCreatePR(wsDir string) {
 	prURL, _, err := s.forgeCreatePR(ctx, org, st.Repo, st.Branch, base, title, body)
 	if err != nil {
 		if st2, err := readStatus(wsDir); err == nil {
-			st2.Question = fmt.Sprintf("PR creation failed: %v", err)
+			st2.Question = core.Sprintf("PR creation failed: %v", err)
 			writeStatus(wsDir, st2)
 		}
 		return
@@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) autoCreatePR(wsDir string) {
 }
 
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) buildAutoPRBody(st *WorkspaceStatus, commits int) string {
-	var b strings.Builder
+	b := core.NewBuilder()
 	b.WriteString("## Task\n\n")
 	b.WriteString(st.Task)
 	b.WriteString("\n\n")
-	b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("**Agent:** %s\n", st.Agent))
-	b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("**Commits:** %d\n", commits))
-	b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("**Branch:** `%s`\n", st.Branch))
+	b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("**Agent:** %s\n", st.Agent))
+	b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("**Commits:** %d\n", commits))
+	b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("**Branch:** `%s`\n", st.Branch))
 	b.WriteString("\n---\n")
 	b.WriteString("Auto-created by core-agent dispatch system.\n")
 	b.WriteString("Co-Authored-By: Virgil <virgil@lethean.io>\n")
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/dispatch.go b/pkg/agentic/dispatch.go
index 2100edf..08fee61 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/dispatch.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/dispatch.go
@@ -4,13 +4,12 @@ package agentic
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"dappco.re/go/core/process"
@@ -52,7 +51,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) registerDispatchTool(server *mcp.Server) {
 // agentCommand returns the command and args for a given agent type.
 // Supports model variants: "gemini", "gemini:flash", "gemini:pro", "claude", "claude:haiku".
 func agentCommand(agent, prompt string) (string, []string, error) {
-	parts := strings.SplitN(agent, ":", 2)
+	parts := core.SplitN(agent, ":", 2)
 	base := parts[0]
 	model := ""
 	if len(parts) > 1 {
@@ -120,7 +119,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) spawnAgent(agent, prompt, wsDir, srcDir string) (int, st
 		return 0, "", err
 	}
 
-	outputFile := filepath.Join(wsDir, fmt.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", agent))
+	outputFile := filepath.Join(wsDir, core.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", agent))
 
 	// Clean up stale BLOCKED.md from previous runs so it doesn't
 	// prevent this run from completing
@@ -172,13 +171,13 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) spawnAgent(agent, prompt, wsDir, srcDir string) (int, st
 		question := ""
 
 		blockedPath := filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "BLOCKED.md")
-		if blockedContent, err := coreio.Local.Read(blockedPath); err == nil && strings.TrimSpace(blockedContent) != "" {
+		if blockedContent, err := coreio.Local.Read(blockedPath); err == nil && core.Trim(blockedContent) != "" {
 			finalStatus = "blocked"
-			question = strings.TrimSpace(blockedContent)
+			question = core.Trim(blockedContent)
 		} else if exitCode != 0 || procStatus == "failed" || procStatus == "killed" {
 			finalStatus = "failed"
 			if exitCode != 0 {
-				question = fmt.Sprintf("Agent exited with code %d", exitCode)
+				question = core.Sprintf("Agent exited with code %d", exitCode)
 			}
 		}
 
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/epic.go b/pkg/agentic/epic.go
index 4668b35..6c624c5 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/epic.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/epic.go
@@ -6,10 +6,9 @@ import (
 	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
-	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -99,14 +98,14 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createEpic(ctx context.Context, req *mcp.CallToolRequest
 	}
 
 	// Step 2: Build epic body with checklist
-	var body strings.Builder
+	body := core.NewBuilder()
 	if input.Body != "" {
 		body.WriteString(input.Body)
 		body.WriteString("\n\n")
 	}
 	body.WriteString("## Tasks\n\n")
 	for _, child := range children {
-		body.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("- [ ] #%d %s\n", child.Number, child.Title))
+		body.WriteString(core.Sprintf("- [ ] #%d %s\n", child.Number, child.Title))
 	}
 
 	// Step 3: Create epic issue
@@ -156,7 +155,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createIssue(ctx context.Context, org, repo, title, body
 	}
 
 	data, _ := json.Marshal(payload)
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(data))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -168,7 +167,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createIssue(ctx context.Context, org, repo, title, body
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != 201 {
-		return ChildRef{}, coreerr.E("createIssue", fmt.Sprintf("create issue returned %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
+		return ChildRef{}, coreerr.E("createIssue", core.Sprintf("create issue returned %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
 	}
 
 	var result struct {
@@ -191,7 +190,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) resolveLabelIDs(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, n
 	}
 
 	// Fetch existing labels
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels?limit=50", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels?limit=50", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", url, nil)
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
 
@@ -250,7 +249,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createLabel(ctx context.Context, org, repo, name string)
 		"color": colour,
 	})
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/ingest.go b/pkg/agentic/ingest.go
index fee8452..84b11ab 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/ingest.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/ingest.go
@@ -5,12 +5,11 @@ package agentic
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 )
 
@@ -36,7 +35,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) ingestFindings(wsDir string) {
 	body := contentStr
 
 	// Skip quota errors
-	if strings.Contains(body, "QUOTA_EXHAUSTED") || strings.Contains(body, "QuotaError") {
+	if core.Contains(body, "QUOTA_EXHAUSTED") || core.Contains(body, "QuotaError") {
 		return
 	}
 
@@ -49,13 +48,13 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) ingestFindings(wsDir string) {
 	// Determine issue type from the template used
 	issueType := "task"
 	priority := "normal"
-	if strings.Contains(body, "security") || strings.Contains(body, "Security") {
+	if core.Contains(body, "security") || core.Contains(body, "Security") {
 		issueType = "bug"
 		priority = "high"
 	}
 
 	// Create a single issue per repo with all findings in the body
-	title := fmt.Sprintf("Scan findings for %s (%d items)", st.Repo, findings)
+	title := core.Sprintf("Scan findings for %s (%d items)", st.Repo, findings)
 
 	// Truncate body to reasonable size for issue description
 	description := body
@@ -78,7 +77,7 @@ func countFileRefs(body string) int {
 			}
 			if j < len(body) && body[j] == '`' {
 				ref := body[i+1 : j]
-				if strings.Contains(ref, ".go:") || strings.Contains(ref, ".php:") {
+				if core.Contains(ref, ".go:") || core.Contains(ref, ".php:") {
 					count++
 				}
 			}
@@ -99,7 +98,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createIssueViaAPI(repo, title, description, issueType, p
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
-	apiKey := strings.TrimSpace(apiKeyStr)
+	apiKey := core.Trim(apiKeyStr)
 
 	payload, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]string{
 		"title":       title,
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/mirror.go b/pkg/agentic/mirror.go
index f56423f..480cb2c 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/mirror.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/mirror.go
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -105,7 +106,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) mirror(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 
 		// Skip if too many files for one PR
 		if files > maxFiles {
-			sync.Skipped = fmt.Sprintf("%d files exceeds limit of %d", files, maxFiles)
+			sync.Skipped = core.Sprintf("%d files exceeds limit of %d", files, maxFiles)
 			synced = append(synced, sync)
 			continue
 		}
@@ -124,7 +125,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) mirror(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 		pushCmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "git", "push", "github", base+":refs/heads/dev", "--force")
 		pushCmd.Dir = repoDir
 		if err := pushCmd.Run(); err != nil {
-			sync.Skipped = fmt.Sprintf("push failed: %v", err)
+			sync.Skipped = core.Sprintf("push failed: %v", err)
 			synced = append(synced, sync)
 			continue
 		}
@@ -133,7 +134,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) mirror(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 		// Create PR: dev → main on GitHub
 		prURL, err := s.createGitHubPR(ctx, repoDir, repo, ahead, files)
 		if err != nil {
-			sync.Skipped = fmt.Sprintf("PR creation failed: %v", err)
+			sync.Skipped = core.Sprintf("PR creation failed: %v", err)
 		} else {
 			sync.PRURL = prURL
 		}
@@ -152,11 +153,11 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) mirror(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 // createGitHubPR creates a PR from dev → main using the gh CLI.
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) createGitHubPR(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo string, commits, files int) (string, error) {
 	// Check if there's already an open PR from dev
-	ghRepo := fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s", GitHubOrg(), repo)
+	ghRepo := core.Sprintf("%s/%s", GitHubOrg(), repo)
 	checkCmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "gh", "pr", "list", "--repo", ghRepo, "--head", "dev", "--state", "open", "--json", "url", "--limit", "1")
 	checkCmd.Dir = repoDir
 	out, err := checkCmd.Output()
-	if err == nil && strings.Contains(string(out), "url") {
+	if err == nil && core.Contains(string(out), "url") {
 		// PR already exists — extract URL
 		// Format: [{"url":"https://..."}]
 		url := extractJSONField(string(out), "url")
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createGitHubPR(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo string
 	}
 
 	// Build PR body
-	body := fmt.Sprintf("## Forge → GitHub Sync\n\n"+
+	body := core.Sprintf("## Forge → GitHub Sync\n\n"+
 		"**Commits:** %d\n"+
 		"**Files changed:** %d\n\n"+
 		"Automated sync from Forge (forge.lthn.ai) to GitHub mirror.\n"+
@@ -175,7 +176,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createGitHubPR(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo string
 		"Co-Authored-By: Virgil <virgil@lethean.io>",
 		commits, files)
 
-	title := fmt.Sprintf("[sync] %s: %d commits, %d files", repo, commits, files)
+	title := core.Sprintf("[sync] %s: %d commits, %d files", repo, commits, files)
 
 	prCmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "gh", "pr", "create",
 		"--repo", ghRepo,
@@ -191,7 +192,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createGitHubPR(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo string
 	}
 
 	// gh pr create outputs the PR URL on the last line
-	lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(prOut)), "\n")
+	lines := core.Split(core.Trim(string(prOut)), "\n")
 	if len(lines) > 0 {
 		return lines[len(lines)-1], nil
 	}
@@ -223,7 +224,7 @@ func commitsAhead(repoDir, base, head string) int {
 		return 0
 	}
 	var n int
-	fmt.Sscanf(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "%d", &n)
+	fmt.Sscanf(core.Trim(string(out)), "%d", &n)
 	return n
 }
 
@@ -235,7 +236,7 @@ func filesChanged(repoDir, base, head string) int {
 	if err != nil {
 		return 0
 	}
-	lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "\n")
+	lines := core.Split(core.Trim(string(out)), "\n")
 	if len(lines) == 1 && lines[0] == "" {
 		return 0
 	}
@@ -264,7 +265,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listLocalRepos(basePath string) []string {
 // extractJSONField extracts a simple string field from JSON array output.
 func extractJSONField(jsonStr, field string) string {
 	// Quick and dirty — works for gh CLI output like [{"url":"https://..."}]
-	key := fmt.Sprintf(`"%s":"`, field)
+	key := core.Sprintf(`"%s":"`, field)
 	idx := strings.Index(jsonStr, key)
 	if idx < 0 {
 		return ""
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/paths.go b/pkg/agentic/paths.go
index 737878d..6e88d27 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/paths.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/paths.go
@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
+
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 )
 
 // WorkspaceRoot returns the root directory for agent workspaces.
@@ -37,8 +38,8 @@ func AgentName() string {
 		return name
 	}
 	hostname, _ := os.Hostname()
-	h := strings.ToLower(hostname)
-	if strings.Contains(h, "snider") || strings.Contains(h, "studio") || strings.Contains(h, "mac") {
+	h := core.Lower(hostname)
+	if core.Contains(h, "snider") || core.Contains(h, "studio") || core.Contains(h, "mac") {
 		return "cladius"
 	}
 	return "charon"
@@ -49,9 +50,9 @@ func gitDefaultBranch(repoDir string) string {
 	cmd := exec.Command("git", "symbolic-ref", "refs/remotes/origin/HEAD", "--short")
 	cmd.Dir = repoDir
 	if out, err := cmd.Output(); err == nil {
-		ref := strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
-		if strings.HasPrefix(ref, "origin/") {
-			return strings.TrimPrefix(ref, "origin/")
+		ref := core.Trim(string(out))
+		if core.HasPrefix(ref, "origin/") {
+			return core.TrimPrefix(ref, "origin/")
 		}
 		return ref
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/paths_test.go b/pkg/agentic/paths_test.go
index 4735d5b..a1ca5e3 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/paths_test.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/paths_test.go
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ package agentic
 
 import (
 	"os"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 )
 
@@ -130,5 +130,5 @@ func TestValidPlanStatus_Bad(t *testing.T) {
 func TestGeneratePlanID_Good(t *testing.T) {
 	id := generatePlanID("Fix the login bug in auth service")
 	assert.True(t, len(id) > 0)
-	assert.True(t, strings.Contains(id, "fix-the-login-bug"))
+	assert.True(t, core.Contains(id, "fix-the-login-bug"))
 }
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/plan.go b/pkg/agentic/plan.go
index 9980c6c..1104aa6 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/plan.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/plan.go
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -282,11 +283,11 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) planList(_ context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 
 	var plans []Plan
 	for _, entry := range entries {
-		if entry.IsDir() || !strings.HasSuffix(entry.Name(), ".json") {
+		if entry.IsDir() || !core.HasSuffix(entry.Name(), ".json") {
 			continue
 		}
 
-		id := strings.TrimSuffix(entry.Name(), ".json")
+		id := core.TrimSuffix(entry.Name(), ".json")
 		plan, err := readPlan(dir, id)
 		if err != nil {
 			continue
@@ -336,8 +337,8 @@ func generatePlanID(title string) string {
 	}, title)
 
 	// Trim consecutive dashes and cap length
-	for strings.Contains(slug, "--") {
-		slug = strings.ReplaceAll(slug, "--", "-")
+	for core.Contains(slug, "--") {
+		slug = core.Replace(slug, "--", "-")
 	}
 	slug = strings.Trim(slug, "-")
 	if len(slug) > 30 {
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/plan_test.go b/pkg/agentic/plan_test.go
index 3f59669..2c6750f 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/plan_test.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/plan_test.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
@@ -137,9 +138,9 @@ func TestWriteReadPlan_Good_Roundtrip(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestGeneratePlanID_Good_Slugifies(t *testing.T) {
 	id := generatePlanID("Add Unit Tests for Agentic")
-	assert.True(t, strings.HasPrefix(id, "add-unit-tests-for-agentic"), "got: %s", id)
+	assert.True(t, core.HasPrefix(id, "add-unit-tests-for-agentic"), "got: %s", id)
 	// Should have random suffix
-	parts := strings.Split(id, "-")
+	parts := core.Split(id, "-")
 	assert.True(t, len(parts) >= 5, "expected slug with random suffix, got: %s", id)
 }
 
@@ -153,7 +154,7 @@ func TestGeneratePlanID_Good_TruncatesLong(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestGeneratePlanID_Good_HandlesSpecialChars(t *testing.T) {
 	id := generatePlanID("Fix bug #123: auth & session!")
-	assert.True(t, strings.Contains(id, "fix-bug"), "got: %s", id)
+	assert.True(t, core.Contains(id, "fix-bug"), "got: %s", id)
 	assert.NotContains(t, id, "#")
 	assert.NotContains(t, id, "!")
 	assert.NotContains(t, id, "&")
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/pr.go b/pkg/agentic/pr.go
index e1dcbd1..7149034 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/pr.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/pr.go
@@ -6,13 +6,12 @@ import (
 	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -75,7 +74,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createPR(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, CreatePROutput{}, coreerr.E("createPR", "failed to detect branch", err)
 		}
-		st.Branch = strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+		st.Branch = core.Trim(string(out))
 	}
 
 	org := st.Org
@@ -93,7 +92,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createPR(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 		title = st.Task
 	}
 	if title == "" {
-		title = fmt.Sprintf("Agent work on %s", st.Branch)
+		title = core.Sprintf("Agent work on %s", st.Branch)
 	}
 
 	// Build PR body
@@ -112,7 +111,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createPR(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 	}
 
 	// Push branch to Forge (origin is the local clone, not Forge)
-	forgeRemote := fmt.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, st.Repo)
+	forgeRemote := core.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, st.Repo)
 	pushCmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "git", "push", forgeRemote, st.Branch)
 	pushCmd.Dir = srcDir
 	pushOut, err := pushCmd.CombinedOutput()
@@ -132,7 +131,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createPR(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 
 	// Comment on issue if tracked
 	if st.Issue > 0 {
-		comment := fmt.Sprintf("Pull request created: %s", prURL)
+		comment := core.Sprintf("Pull request created: %s", prURL)
 		s.commentOnIssue(ctx, org, st.Repo, st.Issue, comment)
 	}
 
@@ -148,17 +147,17 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) createPR(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 }
 
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) buildPRBody(st *WorkspaceStatus) string {
-	var b strings.Builder
+	b := core.NewBuilder()
 	b.WriteString("## Summary\n\n")
 	if st.Task != "" {
 		b.WriteString(st.Task)
 		b.WriteString("\n\n")
 	}
 	if st.Issue > 0 {
-		b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("Closes #%d\n\n", st.Issue))
+		b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("Closes #%d\n\n", st.Issue))
 	}
-	b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("**Agent:** %s\n", st.Agent))
-	b.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("**Runs:** %d\n", st.Runs))
+	b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("**Agent:** %s\n", st.Agent))
+	b.WriteString(core.Sprintf("**Runs:** %d\n", st.Runs))
 	b.WriteString("\n---\n*Created by agentic dispatch*\n")
 	return b.String()
 }
@@ -171,7 +170,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeCreatePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo, head, base
 		"base":  base,
 	})
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -186,7 +185,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeCreatePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo, head, base
 		var errBody map[string]any
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&errBody)
 		msg, _ := errBody["message"].(string)
-		return "", 0, coreerr.E("forgeCreatePR", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, msg), nil)
+		return "", 0, coreerr.E("forgeCreatePR", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, msg), nil)
 	}
 
 	var pr struct {
@@ -201,7 +200,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeCreatePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo, head, base
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) commentOnIssue(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, issue int, comment string) {
 	payload, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]string{"body": comment})
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d/comments", s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d/comments", s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -303,7 +302,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listPRs(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inp
 }
 
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) listRepoPRs(ctx context.Context, org, repo, state string) ([]PRInfo, error) {
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls?state=%s&limit=10",
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls?state=%s&limit=10",
 		s.forgeURL, org, repo, state)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", url, nil)
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -315,7 +314,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listRepoPRs(ctx context.Context, org, repo, state string
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
-		return nil, coreerr.E("listRepoPRs", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing PRs for %s", resp.StatusCode, repo), nil)
+		return nil, coreerr.E("listRepoPRs", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing PRs for %s", resp.StatusCode, repo), nil)
 	}
 
 	var prs []struct {
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/prep.go b/pkg/agentic/prep.go
index ddc863b..d96d46a 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/prep.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/prep.go
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/base64"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
@@ -19,6 +18,7 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/lib"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ func NewPrep() *PrepSubsystem {
 	brainKey := os.Getenv("CORE_BRAIN_KEY")
 	if brainKey == "" {
 		if data, err := coreio.Local.Read(filepath.Join(home, ".claude", "brain.key")); err == nil {
-			brainKey = strings.TrimSpace(data)
+			brainKey = core.Trim(data)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) prepWorkspace(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReques
 
 	// Workspace root: .core/workspace/{repo}-{timestamp}/
 	wsRoot := WorkspaceRoot()
-	wsName := fmt.Sprintf("%s-%d", input.Repo, time.Now().UnixNano())
+	wsName := core.Sprintf("%s-%d", input.Repo, time.Now().UnixNano())
 	wsDir := filepath.Join(wsRoot, wsName)
 
 	// Create workspace structure
@@ -199,17 +199,17 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) prepWorkspace(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReques
 	taskSlug = strings.Trim(taskSlug, "-")
 	if taskSlug == "" {
 		// Fallback for issue-only dispatches with no task text
-		taskSlug = fmt.Sprintf("issue-%d", input.Issue)
+		taskSlug = core.Sprintf("issue-%d", input.Issue)
 		if input.Issue == 0 {
-			taskSlug = fmt.Sprintf("work-%d", time.Now().Unix())
+			taskSlug = core.Sprintf("work-%d", time.Now().Unix())
 		}
 	}
-	branchName := fmt.Sprintf("agent/%s", taskSlug)
+	branchName := core.Sprintf("agent/%s", taskSlug)
 
 	branchCmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "git", "checkout", "-b", branchName)
 	branchCmd.Dir = srcDir
 	if err := branchCmd.Run(); err != nil {
-		return nil, PrepOutput{}, coreerr.E("prep.branch", fmt.Sprintf("failed to create branch %q", branchName), err)
+		return nil, PrepOutput{}, coreerr.E("prep.branch", core.Sprintf("failed to create branch %q", branchName), err)
 	}
 	out.Branch = branchName
 
@@ -324,8 +324,8 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) writePlanFromTemplate(templateSlug string, variables map
 
 	// Substitute variables ({{variable_name}} → value)
 	for key, value := range variables {
-		content = strings.ReplaceAll(content, "{{"+key+"}}", value)
-		content = strings.ReplaceAll(content, "{{ "+key+" }}", value)
+		content = core.Replace(content, "{{"+key+"}}", value)
+		content = core.Replace(content, "{{ "+key+" }}", value)
 	}
 
 	// Parse the YAML to render as markdown
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) writePlanFromTemplate(templateSlug string, variables map
 	}
 
 	// Render as PLAN.md
-	var plan strings.Builder
+	plan := core.NewBuilder()
 	plan.WriteString("# Plan: " + tmpl.Name + "\n\n")
 	if task != "" {
 		plan.WriteString("**Task:** " + task + "\n\n")
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) writePlanFromTemplate(templateSlug string, variables map
 	}
 
 	for i, phase := range tmpl.Phases {
-		plan.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("## Phase %d: %s\n\n", i+1, phase.Name))
+		plan.WriteString(core.Sprintf("## Phase %d: %s\n\n", i+1, phase.Name))
 		if phase.Description != "" {
 			plan.WriteString(phase.Description + "\n\n")
 		}
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) pullWiki(ctx context.Context, org, repo, wsDir string) i
 		return 0
 	}
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/wiki/pages", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/wiki/pages", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", url, nil)
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
 
@@ -417,7 +417,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) pullWiki(ctx context.Context, org, repo, wsDir string) i
 			subURL = page.Title
 		}
 
-		pageURL := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/wiki/page/%s", s.forgeURL, org, repo, subURL)
+		pageURL := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/wiki/page/%s", s.forgeURL, org, repo, subURL)
 		pageReq, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", pageURL, nil)
 		pageReq.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
 
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) generateContext(ctx context.Context, repo, wsDir string)
 		"agent_id": "cladius",
 	})
 
-	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", s.brainURL+"/v1/brain/recall", strings.NewReader(string(body)))
+	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", s.brainURL+"/v1/brain/recall", core.NewReader(string(body)))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Accept", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "Bearer "+s.brainKey)
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) generateContext(ctx context.Context, repo, wsDir string)
 	}
 	json.Unmarshal(respData, &result)
 
-	var content strings.Builder
+	content := core.NewBuilder()
 	content.WriteString("# Context — " + repo + "\n\n")
 	content.WriteString("> Relevant knowledge from OpenBrain.\n\n")
 
@@ -512,7 +512,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) generateContext(ctx context.Context, repo, wsDir string)
 		memContent, _ := mem["content"].(string)
 		memProject, _ := mem["project"].(string)
 		score, _ := mem["score"].(float64)
-		content.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("### %d. %s [%s] (score: %.3f)\n\n%s\n\n", i+1, memProject, memType, score, memContent))
+		content.WriteString(core.Sprintf("### %d. %s [%s] (score: %.3f)\n\n%s\n\n", i+1, memProject, memType, score, memContent))
 	}
 
 	coreio.Local.Write(filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "CONTEXT.md"), content.String())
@@ -529,18 +529,18 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) findConsumers(repo, wsDir string) int {
 	}
 
 	var consumers []string
-	for _, line := range strings.Split(workData, "\n") {
-		line = strings.TrimSpace(line)
-		if !strings.HasPrefix(line, "./") {
+	for _, line := range core.Split(workData, "\n") {
+		line = core.Trim(line)
+		if !core.HasPrefix(line, "./") {
 			continue
 		}
-		dir := filepath.Join(s.codePath, strings.TrimPrefix(line, "./"))
+		dir := filepath.Join(s.codePath, core.TrimPrefix(line, "./"))
 		goMod := filepath.Join(dir, "go.mod")
 		modData, err := coreio.Local.Read(goMod)
 		if err != nil {
 			continue
 		}
-		if strings.Contains(modData, modulePath) && !strings.HasPrefix(modData, "module "+modulePath) {
+		if core.Contains(modData, modulePath) && !core.HasPrefix(modData, "module "+modulePath) {
 			consumers = append(consumers, filepath.Base(dir))
 		}
 	}
@@ -551,7 +551,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) findConsumers(repo, wsDir string) int {
 		for _, c := range consumers {
 			content += "- " + c + "\n"
 		}
-		content += fmt.Sprintf("\n**Breaking change risk: %d consumers.**\n", len(consumers))
+		content += core.Sprintf("\n**Breaking change risk: %d consumers.**\n", len(consumers))
 		coreio.Local.Write(filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "CONSUMERS.md"), content)
 	}
 
@@ -566,7 +566,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) gitLog(repoPath, wsDir string) int {
 		return 0
 	}
 
-	lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(output)), "\n")
+	lines := core.Split(core.Trim(string(output)), "\n")
 	if len(lines) > 0 && lines[0] != "" {
 		content := "# Recent Changes\n\n```\n" + string(output) + "```\n"
 		coreio.Local.Write(filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "RECENT.md"), content)
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) generateTodo(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, issu
 		return
 	}
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d", s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d", s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", url, nil)
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
 
@@ -600,11 +600,8 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) generateTodo(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, issu
 	}
 	json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&issueData)
 
-	content := fmt.Sprintf("# TASK: %s\n\n", issueData.Title)
-	content += fmt.Sprintf("**Status:** ready\n")
-	content += fmt.Sprintf("**Source:** %s/%s/%s/issues/%d\n", s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue)
-	content += fmt.Sprintf("**Repo:** %s/%s\n\n---\n\n", org, repo)
-	content += "## Objective\n\n" + issueData.Body + "\n"
+	content := core.Sprintf("# TASK: %s\n\n**Status:** ready\n**Source:** %s/%s/%s/issues/%d\n**Repo:** %s/%s\n\n---\n\n## Objective\n\n%s\n",
+		issueData.Title, s.forgeURL, org, repo, issue, org, repo, issueData.Body)
 
 	coreio.Local.Write(filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "TODO.md"), content)
 }
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/queue.go b/pkg/agentic/queue.go
index b5dbf50..a0a78d4 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/queue.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/queue.go
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	"gopkg.in/yaml.v3"
 )
@@ -139,7 +140,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) countRunningByAgent(agent string) int {
 
 // baseAgent strips the model variant (gemini:flash → gemini).
 func baseAgent(agent string) string {
-	return strings.SplitN(agent, ":", 2)[0]
+	return core.SplitN(agent, ":", 2)[0]
 }
 
 // canDispatchAgent checks if we're under the concurrency limit for a specific agent type.
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/remote.go b/pkg/agentic/remote.go
index 0a2e6e1..3071f5f 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/remote.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/remote.go
@@ -5,12 +5,11 @@ package agentic
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -96,7 +95,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) dispatchRemote(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReque
 		},
 	}
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("http://%s/mcp", addr)
+	url := core.Sprintf("http://%s/mcp", addr)
 	client := &http.Client{Timeout: 30 * time.Second}
 
 	// Step 1: Initialize session
@@ -104,7 +103,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) dispatchRemote(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReque
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, RemoteDispatchOutput{
 			Host:  input.Host,
-			Error: fmt.Sprintf("init failed: %v", err),
+			Error: core.Sprintf("init failed: %v", err),
 		}, coreerr.E("dispatchRemote", "MCP initialize failed", err)
 	}
 
@@ -114,7 +113,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) dispatchRemote(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReque
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, RemoteDispatchOutput{
 			Host:  input.Host,
-			Error: fmt.Sprintf("call failed: %v", err),
+			Error: core.Sprintf("call failed: %v", err),
 		}, coreerr.E("dispatchRemote", "tool call failed", err)
 	}
 
@@ -163,12 +162,12 @@ func resolveHost(host string) string {
 		"local":   "127.0.0.1:9101",
 	}
 
-	if addr, ok := aliases[strings.ToLower(host)]; ok {
+	if addr, ok := aliases[core.Lower(host)]; ok {
 		return addr
 	}
 
 	// If no port specified, add default
-	if !strings.Contains(host, ":") {
+	if !core.Contains(host, ":") {
 		return host + ":9101"
 	}
 
@@ -178,7 +177,7 @@ func resolveHost(host string) string {
 // remoteToken gets the auth token for a remote agent.
 func remoteToken(host string) string {
 	// Check environment first
-	envKey := fmt.Sprintf("AGENT_TOKEN_%s", strings.ToUpper(host))
+	envKey := core.Sprintf("AGENT_TOKEN_%s", core.Upper(host))
 	if token := os.Getenv(envKey); token != "" {
 		return token
 	}
@@ -191,12 +190,12 @@ func remoteToken(host string) string {
 	// Try reading from file
 	home, _ := os.UserHomeDir()
 	tokenFiles := []string{
-		fmt.Sprintf("%s/.core/tokens/%s.token", home, strings.ToLower(host)),
-		fmt.Sprintf("%s/.core/agent-token", home),
+		core.Sprintf("%s/.core/tokens/%s.token", home, core.Lower(host)),
+		core.Sprintf("%s/.core/agent-token", home),
 	}
 	for _, f := range tokenFiles {
 		if data, err := coreio.Local.Read(f); err == nil {
-			return strings.TrimSpace(data)
+			return core.Trim(data)
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/remote_client.go b/pkg/agentic/remote_client.go
index f49d024..08ce2e7 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/remote_client.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/remote_client.go
@@ -7,10 +7,9 @@ import (
 	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
-	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 )
 
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@ func mcpInitialize(ctx context.Context, client *http.Client, url, token string)
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
-		return "", coreerr.E("mcpInitialize", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
+		return "", coreerr.E("mcpInitialize", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
 	}
 
 	sessionID := resp.Header.Get("Mcp-Session-Id")
@@ -88,7 +87,7 @@ func mcpCall(ctx context.Context, client *http.Client, url, token, sessionID str
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
-		return nil, coreerr.E("mcpCall", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
+		return nil, coreerr.E("mcpCall", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d", resp.StatusCode), nil)
 	}
 
 	// Parse SSE response — extract data: lines
@@ -100,8 +99,8 @@ func readSSEData(resp *http.Response) ([]byte, error) {
 	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(resp.Body)
 	for scanner.Scan() {
 		line := scanner.Text()
-		if strings.HasPrefix(line, "data: ") {
-			return []byte(strings.TrimPrefix(line, "data: ")), nil
+		if core.HasPrefix(line, "data: ") {
+			return []byte(core.TrimPrefix(line, "data: ")), nil
 		}
 	}
 	return nil, coreerr.E("readSSEData", "no data in SSE response", nil)
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/resume.go b/pkg/agentic/resume.go
index 9422502..9b3c99a 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/resume.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/resume.go
@@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ package agentic
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) resume(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 	// Write ANSWER.md if answer provided
 	if input.Answer != "" {
 		answerPath := filepath.Join(srcDir, "ANSWER.md")
-		content := fmt.Sprintf("# Answer\n\n%s\n", input.Answer)
+		content := core.Sprintf("# Answer\n\n%s\n", input.Answer)
 		if err := coreio.Local.Write(answerPath, content); err != nil {
 			return nil, ResumeOutput{}, coreerr.E("resume", "failed to write ANSWER.md", err)
 		}
@@ -110,6 +110,6 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) resume(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 		Workspace:  input.Workspace,
 		Agent:      agent,
 		PID:        pid,
-		OutputFile: filepath.Join(wsDir, fmt.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", agent)),
+		OutputFile: filepath.Join(wsDir, core.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", agent)),
 	}, nil
 }
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/review_queue.go b/pkg/agentic/review_queue.go
index 515722a..9aae3ee 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/review_queue.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/review_queue.go
@@ -5,15 +5,14 @@ package agentic
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"regexp"
 	"strconv"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -160,7 +159,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) reviewRepo(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo, reviewer
 	// Check saved rate limit
 	if rl := s.loadRateLimitState(); rl != nil && rl.Limited && time.Now().Before(rl.RetryAt) {
 		result.Verdict = "rate_limited"
-		result.Detail = fmt.Sprintf("retry after %s", rl.RetryAt.Format(time.RFC3339))
+		result.Detail = core.Sprintf("retry after %s", rl.RetryAt.Format(time.RFC3339))
 		return result
 	}
 
@@ -173,14 +172,14 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) reviewRepo(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo, reviewer
 	output := string(out)
 
 	// Parse rate limit (both reviewers use similar patterns)
-	if strings.Contains(output, "Rate limit exceeded") || strings.Contains(output, "rate limit") {
+	if core.Contains(output, "Rate limit exceeded") || core.Contains(output, "rate limit") {
 		result.Verdict = "rate_limited"
 		result.Detail = output
 		return result
 	}
 
 	// Parse error
-	if err != nil && !strings.Contains(output, "No findings") && !strings.Contains(output, "no issues") {
+	if err != nil && !core.Contains(output, "No findings") && !core.Contains(output, "no issues") {
 		result.Verdict = "error"
 		result.Detail = output
 		return result
@@ -190,7 +189,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) reviewRepo(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo, reviewer
 	s.storeReviewOutput(repoDir, repo, reviewer, output)
 
 	// Parse verdict
-	if strings.Contains(output, "No findings") || strings.Contains(output, "no issues") || strings.Contains(output, "LGTM") {
+	if core.Contains(output, "No findings") || core.Contains(output, "no issues") || core.Contains(output, "LGTM") {
 		result.Verdict = "clean"
 		result.Findings = 0
 
@@ -226,7 +225,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) reviewRepo(ctx context.Context, repoDir, repo, reviewer
 		coreio.Local.Write(findingsFile, output)
 
 		// Dispatch fix agent with the findings
-		task := fmt.Sprintf("Fix CodeRabbit findings. The review output is in .core/coderabbit-findings.txt. "+
+		task := core.Sprintf("Fix CodeRabbit findings. The review output is in .core/coderabbit-findings.txt. "+
 			"Read it, verify each finding against the code, fix what's valid. Run tests. "+
 			"Commit: fix(coderabbit): address review findings\n\nFindings summary (%d issues):\n%s",
 			result.Findings, truncate(output, 1500))
@@ -288,15 +287,15 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) dispatchFixFromQueue(ctx context.Context, repo, task str
 func countFindings(output string) int {
 	// Count lines that look like findings
 	count := 0
-	for _, line := range strings.Split(output, "\n") {
-		trimmed := strings.TrimSpace(line)
-		if strings.HasPrefix(trimmed, "- ") || strings.HasPrefix(trimmed, "* ") ||
-			strings.Contains(trimmed, "Issue:") || strings.Contains(trimmed, "Finding:") ||
-			strings.Contains(trimmed, "⚠") || strings.Contains(trimmed, "❌") {
+	for _, line := range core.Split(output, "\n") {
+		trimmed := core.Trim(line)
+		if core.HasPrefix(trimmed, "- ") || core.HasPrefix(trimmed, "* ") ||
+			core.Contains(trimmed, "Issue:") || core.Contains(trimmed, "Finding:") ||
+			core.Contains(trimmed, "⚠") || core.Contains(trimmed, "❌") {
 			count++
 		}
 	}
-	if count == 0 && !strings.Contains(output, "No findings") {
+	if count == 0 && !core.Contains(output, "No findings") {
 		count = 1 // At least one finding if not clean
 	}
 	return count
@@ -339,7 +338,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) storeReviewOutput(repoDir, repo, reviewer, output string
 	coreio.Local.EnsureDir(dataDir)
 
 	timestamp := time.Now().Format("2006-01-02T15-04-05")
-	filename := fmt.Sprintf("%s_%s_%s.txt", repo, reviewer, timestamp)
+	filename := core.Sprintf("%s_%s_%s.txt", repo, reviewer, timestamp)
 
 	// Write raw output
 	coreio.Local.Write(filepath.Join(dataDir, filename), output)
@@ -352,7 +351,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) storeReviewOutput(repoDir, repo, reviewer, output string
 		"output":    output,
 		"verdict":   "clean",
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(output, "No findings") && !strings.Contains(output, "no issues") {
+	if !core.Contains(output, "No findings") && !core.Contains(output, "no issues") {
 		entry["verdict"] = "findings"
 	}
 	jsonLine, _ := json.Marshal(entry)
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/scan.go b/pkg/agentic/scan.go
index c466605..fd8e910 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/scan.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/scan.go
@@ -5,10 +5,10 @@ package agentic
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) scan(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, input
 	seen := make(map[string]bool)
 	var unique []ScanIssue
 	for _, issue := range allIssues {
-		key := fmt.Sprintf("%s#%d", issue.Repo, issue.Number)
+		key := core.Sprintf("%s#%d", issue.Repo, issue.Number)
 		if !seen[key] {
 			seen[key] = true
 			unique = append(unique, issue)
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listOrgRepos(ctx context.Context, org string) ([]string,
 	page := 1
 
 	for {
-		u := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/orgs/%s/repos?limit=50&page=%d", s.forgeURL, org, page)
+		u := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/orgs/%s/repos?limit=50&page=%d", s.forgeURL, org, page)
 		req, err := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", u, nil)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, coreerr.E("scan.listOrgRepos", "failed to create request", err)
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listOrgRepos(ctx context.Context, org string) ([]string,
 
 		if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
 			resp.Body.Close()
-			return nil, coreerr.E("scan.listOrgRepos", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing repos", resp.StatusCode), nil)
+			return nil, coreerr.E("scan.listOrgRepos", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing repos", resp.StatusCode), nil)
 	}
 
 		var repos []struct {
@@ -141,10 +141,10 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listOrgRepos(ctx context.Context, org string) ([]string,
 }
 
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) listRepoIssues(ctx context.Context, org, repo, label string) ([]ScanIssue, error) {
-	u := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues?state=open&limit=10&type=issues",
+	u := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues?state=open&limit=10&type=issues",
 		s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	if label != "" {
-		u += "&labels=" + strings.ReplaceAll(strings.ReplaceAll(label, " ", "%20"), "&", "%26")
+		u += "&labels=" + core.Replace(core.Replace(label, " ", "%20"), "&", "%26")
 	}
 	req, err := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", u, nil)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) listRepoIssues(ctx context.Context, org, repo, label str
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
-		return nil, coreerr.E("scan.listRepoIssues", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing issues for %s", resp.StatusCode, repo), nil)
+		return nil, coreerr.E("scan.listRepoIssues", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d listing issues for %s", resp.StatusCode, repo), nil)
 	}
 
 	var issues []struct {
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/status.go b/pkg/agentic/status.go
index 331aaf0..8349f6c 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/status.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/status.go
@@ -5,13 +5,12 @@ package agentic
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -154,13 +153,13 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) status(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, inpu
 				blockedPath := filepath.Join(wsDir, "src", "BLOCKED.md")
 				if data, err := coreio.Local.Read(blockedPath); err == nil {
 					info.Status = "blocked"
-					info.Question = strings.TrimSpace(data)
+					info.Question = core.Trim(data)
 					st.Status = "blocked"
 					st.Question = info.Question
 				} else {
 					// Dead PID without BLOCKED.md — check exit code from log
 					// If no evidence of success, mark as failed (not completed)
-					logFile := filepath.Join(wsDir, fmt.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", st.Agent))
+					logFile := filepath.Join(wsDir, core.Sprintf("agent-%s.log", st.Agent))
 					if _, err := coreio.Local.Read(logFile); err != nil {
 						info.Status = "failed"
 						st.Status = "failed"
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/verify.go b/pkg/agentic/verify.go
index 2a2f2ce..d939e83 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/verify.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/verify.go
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 )
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) attemptVerifyAndMerge(srcDir, org, repo, branch string,
 	testResult := s.runVerification(srcDir)
 
 	if !testResult.passed {
-		comment := fmt.Sprintf("## Verification Failed\n\n**Command:** `%s`\n\n```\n%s\n```\n\n**Exit code:** %d",
+		comment := core.Sprintf("## Verification Failed\n\n**Command:** `%s`\n\n```\n%s\n```\n\n**Exit code:** %d",
 			testResult.testCmd, truncate(testResult.output, 2000), testResult.exitCode)
 		s.commentOnIssue(context.Background(), org, repo, prNum, comment)
 		return testFailed
@@ -100,12 +100,12 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) attemptVerifyAndMerge(srcDir, org, repo, branch string,
 	defer cancel()
 
 	if err := s.forgeMergePR(ctx, org, repo, prNum); err != nil {
-		comment := fmt.Sprintf("## Tests Passed — Merge Failed\n\n`%s` passed but merge failed: %v", testResult.testCmd, err)
+		comment := core.Sprintf("## Tests Passed — Merge Failed\n\n`%s` passed but merge failed: %v", testResult.testCmd, err)
 		s.commentOnIssue(context.Background(), org, repo, prNum, comment)
 		return mergeConflict
 	}
 
-	comment := fmt.Sprintf("## Auto-Verified & Merged\n\n**Tests:** `%s` — PASS\n\nAuto-merged by core-agent dispatch system.", testResult.testCmd)
+	comment := core.Sprintf("## Auto-Verified & Merged\n\n**Tests:** `%s` — PASS\n\nAuto-merged by core-agent dispatch system.", testResult.testCmd)
 	s.commentOnIssue(context.Background(), org, repo, prNum, comment)
 	return mergeSuccess
 }
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) rebaseBranch(srcDir, branch string) bool {
 		}
 		repo = st.Repo
 	}
-	forgeRemote := fmt.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, repo)
+	forgeRemote := core.Sprintf("ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/%s/%s.git", org, repo)
 	push := exec.Command("git", "push", "--force-with-lease", forgeRemote, branch)
 	push.Dir = srcDir
 	return push.Run() == nil
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) flagForReview(org, repo string, prNum int, result mergeR
 	payload, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{
 		"labels": []int{s.getLabelID(ctx, org, repo, "needs-review")},
 	})
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo, prNum)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/issues/%d/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo, prNum)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) flagForReview(org, repo string, prNum int, result mergeR
 	if result == mergeConflict {
 		reason = "Merge conflict persists after rebase"
 	}
-	comment := fmt.Sprintf("## Needs Review\n\n%s. Auto-merge gave up after retry.\n\nLabelled `needs-review` for human attention.", reason)
+	comment := core.Sprintf("## Needs Review\n\n%s. Auto-merge gave up after retry.\n\nLabelled `needs-review` for human attention.", reason)
 	s.commentOnIssue(ctx, org, repo, prNum, comment)
 }
 
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) ensureLabel(ctx context.Context, org, repo, name, colour
 		"name":  name,
 		"color": "#" + colour,
 	})
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) ensureLabel(ctx context.Context, org, repo, name, colour
 
 // getLabelID fetches the ID of a label by name.
 func (s *PrepSubsystem) getLabelID(ctx context.Context, org, repo, name string) int {
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/labels", s.forgeURL, org, repo)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", url, nil)
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
 	resp, err := s.client.Do(req)
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeMergePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, prNu
 		"delete_branch_after_merge": true,
 	})
 
-	url := fmt.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls/%d/merge", s.forgeURL, org, repo, prNum)
+	url := core.Sprintf("%s/api/v1/repos/%s/%s/pulls/%d/merge", s.forgeURL, org, repo, prNum)
 	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", url, bytes.NewReader(payload))
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
 	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "token "+s.forgeToken)
@@ -333,7 +333,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeMergePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, prNu
 		var errBody map[string]any
 		json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&errBody)
 		msg, _ := errBody["message"].(string)
-		return coreerr.E("forgeMergePR", fmt.Sprintf("HTTP %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, msg), nil)
+		return coreerr.E("forgeMergePR", core.Sprintf("HTTP %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, msg), nil)
 	}
 
 	return nil
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) forgeMergePR(ctx context.Context, org, repo string, prNu
 
 // extractPRNumber gets the PR number from a Forge PR URL.
 func extractPRNumber(prURL string) int {
-	parts := strings.Split(prURL, "/")
+	parts := core.Split(prURL, "/")
 	if len(parts) == 0 {
 		return 0
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/agentic/watch.go b/pkg/agentic/watch.go
index 6fc9999..7dc54e5 100644
--- a/pkg/agentic/watch.go
+++ b/pkg/agentic/watch.go
@@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ package agentic
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"fmt"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) watch(ctx context.Context, req *mcp.CallToolRequest, inp
 						ProgressToken: progressToken,
 						Progress:      progressCount,
 						Total:         total,
-						Message:       fmt.Sprintf("%s completed (%s)", st.Repo, st.Agent),
+						Message:       core.Sprintf("%s completed (%s)", st.Repo, st.Agent),
 					})
 				}
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) watch(ctx context.Context, req *mcp.CallToolRequest, inp
 						ProgressToken: progressToken,
 						Progress:      progressCount,
 						Total:         total,
-						Message:       fmt.Sprintf("%s %s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Status, st.Agent),
+						Message:       core.Sprintf("%s %s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Status, st.Agent),
 					})
 				}
 
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ func (s *PrepSubsystem) watch(ctx context.Context, req *mcp.CallToolRequest, inp
 						ProgressToken: progressToken,
 						Progress:      progressCount,
 						Total:         total,
-						Message:       fmt.Sprintf("%s %s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Status, st.Agent),
+						Message:       core.Sprintf("%s %s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Status, st.Agent),
 					})
 				}
 			}
diff --git a/pkg/brain/bridge_test.go b/pkg/brain/bridge_test.go
index 6e8d3aa..baee24a 100644
--- a/pkg/brain/bridge_test.go
+++ b/pkg/brain/bridge_test.go
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"net/http"
 	"net/http/httptest"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	ws "dappco.re/go/core/ws"
 	"forge.lthn.ai/core/mcp/pkg/mcp/ide"
 	"github.com/gorilla/websocket"
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ func testBridge(t *testing.T) *ide.Bridge {
 	t.Helper()
 	srv := testWSServer(t)
 
-	wsURL := "ws" + strings.TrimPrefix(srv.URL, "http")
+	wsURL := "ws" + core.TrimPrefix(srv.URL, "http")
 	hub := ws.NewHub()
 	bridge := ide.NewBridge(hub, ide.Config{
 		LaravelWSURL:      wsURL,
diff --git a/pkg/brain/direct.go b/pkg/brain/direct.go
index bb5a195..be418c3 100644
--- a/pkg/brain/direct.go
+++ b/pkg/brain/direct.go
@@ -6,25 +6,19 @@ import (
 	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
 
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/agentic"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
 
-// agentName returns the identity of this agent.
-func agentName() string {
-	return agentic.AgentName()
-}
-
 // DirectSubsystem implements mcp.Subsystem for OpenBrain via direct HTTP calls.
 // Unlike Subsystem (which uses the IDE WebSocket bridge), this calls the
 // Laravel API directly — suitable for standalone core-mcp usage.
@@ -47,7 +41,7 @@ func NewDirect() *DirectSubsystem {
 	if apiKey == "" {
 		home, _ := os.UserHomeDir()
 		if data, err := coreio.Local.Read(filepath.Join(home, ".claude", "brain.key")); err == nil {
-			apiKey = strings.TrimSpace(data)
+			apiKey = core.Trim(data)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -119,7 +113,7 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) apiCall(ctx context.Context, method, path string, body
 	}
 
 	if resp.StatusCode >= 400 {
-		return nil, coreerr.E("brain.apiCall", fmt.Sprintf("API returned %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, string(respData)), nil)
+		return nil, coreerr.E("brain.apiCall", core.Sprintf("API returned %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, string(respData)), nil)
 	}
 
 	var result map[string]any
@@ -136,7 +130,7 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) remember(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest,
 		"type":     input.Type,
 		"tags":     input.Tags,
 		"project":  input.Project,
-		"agent_id": agentName(),
+		"agent_id": agentic.AgentName(),
 	})
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, RememberOutput{}, err
@@ -179,11 +173,11 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) recall(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, in
 		for _, m := range mems {
 			if mm, ok := m.(map[string]any); ok {
 				mem := Memory{
-					Content:   fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["content"]),
-					Type:      fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["type"]),
-					Project:   fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["project"]),
-					AgentID:   fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["agent_id"]),
-					CreatedAt: fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["created_at"]),
+					Content:   core.Sprintf("%v", mm["content"]),
+					Type:      core.Sprintf("%v", mm["type"]),
+					Project:   core.Sprintf("%v", mm["project"]),
+					AgentID:   core.Sprintf("%v", mm["agent_id"]),
+					CreatedAt: core.Sprintf("%v", mm["created_at"]),
 				}
 				if id, ok := mm["id"].(string); ok {
 					mem.ID = id
diff --git a/pkg/brain/messaging.go b/pkg/brain/messaging.go
index ad5e3a6..99aa648 100644
--- a/pkg/brain/messaging.go
+++ b/pkg/brain/messaging.go
@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@ package brain
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/url"
 
+	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/agentic"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 )
@@ -80,7 +81,7 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) sendMessage(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReques
 
 	result, err := s.apiCall(ctx, "POST", "/v1/messages/send", map[string]any{
 		"to":      input.To,
-		"from":    agentName(),
+		"from":    agentic.AgentName(),
 		"content": input.Content,
 		"subject": input.Subject,
 	})
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) sendMessage(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReques
 func (s *DirectSubsystem) inbox(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolRequest, input InboxInput) (*mcp.CallToolResult, InboxOutput, error) {
 	agent := input.Agent
 	if agent == "" {
-		agent = agentName()
+		agent = agentic.AgentName()
 	}
 	result, err := s.apiCall(ctx, "GET", "/v1/messages/inbox?agent="+url.QueryEscape(agent), nil)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -119,7 +120,7 @@ func (s *DirectSubsystem) conversation(ctx context.Context, _ *mcp.CallToolReque
 		return nil, ConversationOutput{}, coreerr.E("brain.conversation", "agent is required", nil)
 	}
 
-	result, err := s.apiCall(ctx, "GET", "/v1/messages/conversation/"+url.PathEscape(input.Agent)+"?me="+url.QueryEscape(agentName()), nil)
+	result, err := s.apiCall(ctx, "GET", "/v1/messages/conversation/"+url.PathEscape(input.Agent)+"?me="+url.QueryEscape(agentic.AgentName()), nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, ConversationOutput{}, err
 	}
@@ -137,12 +138,12 @@ func parseMessages(result map[string]any) []MessageItem {
 		mm, _ := m.(map[string]any)
 		messages = append(messages, MessageItem{
 			ID:        toInt(mm["id"]),
-			From:      fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["from"]),
-			To:        fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["to"]),
-			Subject:   fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["subject"]),
-			Content:   fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["content"]),
+			From:      core.Sprintf("%v", mm["from"]),
+			To:        core.Sprintf("%v", mm["to"]),
+			Subject:   core.Sprintf("%v", mm["subject"]),
+			Content:   core.Sprintf("%v", mm["content"]),
 			Read:      mm["read"] == true,
-			CreatedAt: fmt.Sprintf("%v", mm["created_at"]),
+			CreatedAt: core.Sprintf("%v", mm["created_at"]),
 		})
 	}
 	return messages
diff --git a/pkg/lib/lib.go b/pkg/lib/lib.go
index dc12398..b2b6bcb 100644
--- a/pkg/lib/lib.go
+++ b/pkg/lib/lib.go
@@ -27,8 +27,9 @@ import (
 	"io/fs"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"text/template"
+
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 )
 
 //go:embed prompt/*.md
@@ -160,8 +161,8 @@ func ExtractWorkspace(tmplName, targetDir string, data *WorkspaceData) error {
 
 		// Process .tmpl files through text/template
 		outputName := name
-		if strings.HasSuffix(name, ".tmpl") {
-			outputName = strings.TrimSuffix(name, ".tmpl")
+		if core.HasSuffix(name, ".tmpl") {
+			outputName = core.TrimSuffix(name, ".tmpl")
 			tmpl, err := template.New(name).Parse(string(content))
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
@@ -193,9 +194,9 @@ func ListTasks() []string {
 		if err != nil || d.IsDir() {
 			return nil
 		}
-		rel := strings.TrimPrefix(path, "task/")
+		rel := core.TrimPrefix(path, "task/")
 		ext := filepath.Ext(rel)
-		slugs = append(slugs, strings.TrimSuffix(rel, ext))
+		slugs = append(slugs, core.TrimSuffix(rel, ext))
 		return nil
 	})
 	return slugs
@@ -207,9 +208,9 @@ func ListPersonas() []string {
 		if err != nil || d.IsDir() {
 			return nil
 		}
-		if strings.HasSuffix(path, ".md") {
-			rel := strings.TrimPrefix(path, "persona/")
-			rel = strings.TrimSuffix(rel, ".md")
+		if core.HasSuffix(path, ".md") {
+			rel := core.TrimPrefix(path, "persona/")
+			rel = core.TrimSuffix(rel, ".md")
 			paths = append(paths, rel)
 		}
 		return nil
@@ -224,14 +225,12 @@ func listDir(fsys embed.FS, dir string) []string {
 	}
 	var slugs []string
 	for _, e := range entries {
+		name := e.Name()
 		if e.IsDir() {
-			name := e.Name()
 			slugs = append(slugs, name)
 			continue
 		}
-		name := e.Name()
-		ext := filepath.Ext(name)
-		slugs = append(slugs, strings.TrimSuffix(name, ext))
+		slugs = append(slugs, core.TrimSuffix(name, filepath.Ext(name)))
 	}
 	return slugs
 }
diff --git a/pkg/monitor/harvest.go b/pkg/monitor/harvest.go
index 642b2d4..c353342 100644
--- a/pkg/monitor/harvest.go
+++ b/pkg/monitor/harvest.go
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/agentic"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 )
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) harvestCompleted() string {
 	var parts []string
 	for _, h := range harvested {
 		if h.rejected != "" {
-			parts = append(parts, fmt.Sprintf("%s: REJECTED (%s)", h.repo, h.rejected))
+			parts = append(parts, core.Sprintf("%s: REJECTED (%s)", h.repo, h.rejected))
 			if m.notifier != nil {
 				m.notifier.ChannelSend(context.Background(), "harvest.rejected", map[string]any{
 					"repo":   h.repo,
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) harvestCompleted() string {
 				})
 			}
 		} else {
-			parts = append(parts, fmt.Sprintf("%s: ready-for-review %s (%d files)", h.repo, h.branch, h.files))
+			parts = append(parts, core.Sprintf("%s: ready-for-review %s (%d files)", h.repo, h.branch, h.files))
 			if m.notifier != nil {
 				m.notifier.ChannelSend(context.Background(), "harvest.complete", map[string]any{
 					"repo":   h.repo,
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) harvestCompleted() string {
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	return "Harvested: " + strings.Join(parts, ", ")
+	return "Harvested: " + core.Join(", ", parts...)
 }
 
 // harvestWorkspace checks a single workspace and pushes if ready.
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ func detectBranch(srcDir string) string {
 	if err != nil {
 		return ""
 	}
-	return strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+	return core.Trim(string(out))
 }
 
 // defaultBranch detects the default branch of the repo (main, master, etc.).
@@ -155,10 +155,10 @@ func defaultBranch(srcDir string) string {
 	cmd := exec.Command("git", "symbolic-ref", "refs/remotes/origin/HEAD", "--short")
 	cmd.Dir = srcDir
 	if out, err := cmd.Output(); err == nil {
-		ref := strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+		ref := core.Trim(string(out))
 		// returns "origin/main" — strip prefix
-		if strings.HasPrefix(ref, "origin/") {
-			return strings.TrimPrefix(ref, "origin/")
+		if core.HasPrefix(ref, "origin/") {
+			return core.TrimPrefix(ref, "origin/")
 		}
 		return ref
 	}
@@ -186,14 +186,14 @@ func countUnpushed(srcDir, branch string) int {
 		if err2 != nil {
 			return 0
 		}
-		lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out2)), "\n")
+		lines := core.Split(core.Trim(string(out2)), "\n")
 		if len(lines) == 1 && lines[0] == "" {
 			return 0
 		}
 		return len(lines)
 	}
 	var count int
-	fmt.Sscanf(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "%d", &count)
+	fmt.Sscanf(core.Trim(string(out)), "%d", &count)
 	return count
 }
 
@@ -220,20 +220,20 @@ func checkSafety(srcDir string) string {
 		".db": true, ".sqlite": true, ".sqlite3": true,
 	}
 
-	for _, file := range strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "\n") {
+	for _, file := range core.Split(core.Trim(string(out)), "\n") {
 		if file == "" {
 			continue
 		}
-		ext := strings.ToLower(filepath.Ext(file))
+		ext := core.Lower(filepath.Ext(file))
 		if binaryExts[ext] {
-			return fmt.Sprintf("binary file added: %s", file)
+			return core.Sprintf("binary file added: %s", file)
 		}
 
 		// Check file size (reject > 1MB)
 		fullPath := filepath.Join(srcDir, file)
 		info, err := os.Stat(fullPath)
 		if err == nil && info.Size() > 1024*1024 {
-			return fmt.Sprintf("large file: %s (%d bytes)", file, info.Size())
+			return core.Sprintf("large file: %s (%d bytes)", file, info.Size())
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ func countChangedFiles(srcDir string) int {
 	if err != nil {
 		return 0
 	}
-	lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "\n")
+	lines := core.Split(core.Trim(string(out)), "\n")
 	if len(lines) == 1 && lines[0] == "" {
 		return 0
 	}
@@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ func pushBranch(srcDir, branch string) error {
 	cmd.Dir = srcDir
 	out, err := cmd.CombinedOutput()
 	if err != nil {
-		return coreerr.E("harvest.pushBranch", strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), err)
+		return coreerr.E("harvest.pushBranch", core.Trim(string(out)), err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/pkg/monitor/monitor.go b/pkg/monitor/monitor.go
index 4f14c14..458b57c 100644
--- a/pkg/monitor/monitor.go
+++ b/pkg/monitor/monitor.go
@@ -17,11 +17,11 @@ import (
 	"net/url"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/agentic"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
 	coreerr "dappco.re/go/core/log"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
@@ -83,6 +83,19 @@ func New(opts ...Options) *Subsystem {
 	}
 }
 
+// loadBrainKey returns the API key from CORE_BRAIN_KEY env or ~/.claude/brain.key.
+func loadBrainKey() string {
+	if key := os.Getenv("CORE_BRAIN_KEY"); key != "" {
+		return key
+	}
+	home, _ := os.UserHomeDir()
+	data, err := coreio.Local.Read(filepath.Join(home, ".claude", "brain.key"))
+	if err != nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return core.Trim(data)
+}
+
 // debugChannel sends a debug message via the notifier so it arrives as a channel event.
 func (m *Subsystem) debugChannel(msg string) {
 	if m.notifier != nil {
@@ -194,7 +207,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) check(ctx context.Context) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	combined := strings.Join(messages, "\n")
+	combined := core.Join("\n", messages...)
 	m.notify(ctx, combined)
 
 	// Notify resource subscribers that agent status changed
@@ -242,7 +255,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) checkCompletions() string {
 			if !m.seenCompleted[wsName] {
 				m.seenCompleted[wsName] = true
 				if seeded {
-					newlyCompleted = append(newlyCompleted, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Agent))
+					newlyCompleted = append(newlyCompleted, core.Sprintf("%s (%s)", st.Repo, st.Agent))
 				}
 			}
 		case "running":
@@ -253,7 +266,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) checkCompletions() string {
 			if !m.seenCompleted[wsName] {
 				m.seenCompleted[wsName] = true
 				if seeded {
-					newlyCompleted = append(newlyCompleted, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%s) [%s]", st.Repo, st.Agent, st.Status))
+					newlyCompleted = append(newlyCompleted, core.Sprintf("%s (%s) [%s]", st.Repo, st.Agent, st.Status))
 				}
 			}
 		}
@@ -275,27 +288,21 @@ func (m *Subsystem) checkCompletions() string {
 		})
 	}
 
-	msg := fmt.Sprintf("%d agent(s) completed", len(newlyCompleted))
+	msg := core.Sprintf("%d agent(s) completed", len(newlyCompleted))
 	if running > 0 {
-		msg += fmt.Sprintf(", %d still running", running)
+		msg += core.Sprintf(", %d still running", running)
 	}
 	if queued > 0 {
-		msg += fmt.Sprintf(", %d queued", queued)
+		msg += core.Sprintf(", %d queued", queued)
 	}
 	return msg
 }
 
 // checkInbox checks for unread messages.
 func (m *Subsystem) checkInbox() string {
-	apiKeyStr := os.Getenv("CORE_BRAIN_KEY")
+	apiKeyStr := loadBrainKey()
 	if apiKeyStr == "" {
-		home, _ := os.UserHomeDir()
-		keyFile := filepath.Join(home, ".claude", "brain.key")
-		data, err := coreio.Local.Read(keyFile)
-		if err != nil {
-			return ""
-		}
-		apiKeyStr = data
+		return ""
 	}
 
 	// Call the API to check inbox
@@ -307,7 +314,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) checkInbox() string {
 	if err != nil {
 		return ""
 	}
-	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "Bearer "+strings.TrimSpace(apiKeyStr))
+	req.Header.Set("Authorization", "Bearer "+core.Trim(apiKeyStr))
 
 	client := &http.Client{Timeout: 10 * time.Second}
 	httpResp, err := client.Do(req)
@@ -397,7 +404,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) checkInbox() string {
 		})
 	}
 
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%d unread message(s) in inbox", unread)
+	return core.Sprintf("%d unread message(s) in inbox", unread)
 }
 
 // notify sends a log notification to all connected MCP sessions.
diff --git a/pkg/monitor/monitor_test.go b/pkg/monitor/monitor_test.go
index 9cfc4ab..aed6480 100644
--- a/pkg/monitor/monitor_test.go
+++ b/pkg/monitor/monitor_test.go
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ package monitor
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	"net/http/httptest"
 	"os"
@@ -13,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	"github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdk/mcp"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
@@ -126,9 +126,9 @@ func TestCheckCompletions_Good_NewCompletions(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("CORE_WORKSPACE", wsRoot)
 
 	for i := 0; i < 2; i++ {
-		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, fmt.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
+		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, core.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
 			"status": "completed",
-			"repo":   fmt.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
+			"repo":   core.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
 			"agent":  "claude:sonnet",
 		})
 	}
@@ -152,9 +152,9 @@ func TestCheckCompletions_Good_MixedStatuses(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("CORE_WORKSPACE", wsRoot)
 
 	for i, status := range []string{"completed", "running", "queued"} {
-		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, fmt.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
+		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, core.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
 			"status": status,
-			"repo":   fmt.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
+			"repo":   core.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
 			"agent":  "claude:sonnet",
 		})
 	}
@@ -563,9 +563,9 @@ func TestAgentStatusResource_Good(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("CORE_WORKSPACE", wsRoot)
 
 	for i, status := range []string{"completed", "running"} {
-		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, fmt.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
+		writeWorkspaceStatus(t, wsRoot, core.Sprintf("ws-%d", i), map[string]any{
 			"status": status,
-			"repo":   fmt.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
+			"repo":   core.Sprintf("repo-%d", i),
 			"agent":  "claude:sonnet",
 		})
 	}
@@ -767,10 +767,10 @@ func TestHarvestCompleted_Good_MultipleWorkspaces(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("CORE_WORKSPACE", wsRoot)
 
 	for i := 0; i < 2; i++ {
-		name := fmt.Sprintf("ws-%d", i)
+		name := core.Sprintf("ws-%d", i)
 		wsDir := filepath.Join(wsRoot, "workspace", name)
 
-		sourceDir := filepath.Join(wsRoot, fmt.Sprintf("source-%d", i))
+		sourceDir := filepath.Join(wsRoot, core.Sprintf("source-%d", i))
 		require.NoError(t, os.MkdirAll(sourceDir, 0755))
 		run(t, sourceDir, "git", "init")
 		run(t, sourceDir, "git", "checkout", "-b", "main")
@@ -786,7 +786,7 @@ func TestHarvestCompleted_Good_MultipleWorkspaces(t *testing.T) {
 		run(t, srcDir, "git", "add", ".")
 		run(t, srcDir, "git", "commit", "-m", "agent work")
 
-		writeStatus(t, wsDir, "completed", fmt.Sprintf("repo-%d", i), "agent/test-task")
+		writeStatus(t, wsDir, "completed", core.Sprintf("repo-%d", i), "agent/test-task")
 	}
 
 	mon := New()
diff --git a/pkg/monitor/sync.go b/pkg/monitor/sync.go
index ae5a964..9b60d52 100644
--- a/pkg/monitor/sync.go
+++ b/pkg/monitor/sync.go
@@ -4,17 +4,15 @@ package monitor
 
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
-	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
 	neturl "net/url"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"time"
 
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/agentic"
-	coreio "dappco.re/go/core/io"
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 )
 
 // CheckinResponse is what the API returns for an agent checkin.
@@ -42,7 +40,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) syncRepos() string {
 
 	agentName := agentic.AgentName()
 
-	checkinURL := fmt.Sprintf("%s/v1/agent/checkin?agent=%s&since=%d", apiURL, neturl.QueryEscape(agentName), m.lastSyncTimestamp)
+	checkinURL := core.Sprintf("%s/v1/agent/checkin?agent=%s&since=%d", apiURL, neturl.QueryEscape(agentName), m.lastSyncTimestamp)
 
 	req, err := http.NewRequest("GET", checkinURL, nil)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -50,14 +48,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) syncRepos() string {
 	}
 
 	// Use brain key for auth
-	brainKey := os.Getenv("CORE_BRAIN_KEY")
-	if brainKey == "" {
-		home, _ := os.UserHomeDir()
-		if data, err := coreio.Local.Read(filepath.Join(home, ".claude", "brain.key")); err == nil {
-			brainKey = strings.TrimSpace(data)
-		}
-	}
-	if brainKey != "" {
+	if brainKey := loadBrainKey(); brainKey != "" {
 		req.Header.Set("Authorization", "Bearer "+brainKey)
 	}
 
@@ -111,7 +102,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) syncRepos() string {
 		if err != nil {
 			continue
 		}
-		current := strings.TrimSpace(string(currentBranch))
+		current := core.Trim(string(currentBranch))
 
 		// Determine which branch to pull — use server-reported branch,
 		// fall back to current if server didn't specify
@@ -128,7 +119,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) syncRepos() string {
 		statusCmd := exec.Command("git", "status", "--porcelain")
 		statusCmd.Dir = repoDir
 		status, _ := statusCmd.Output()
-		if len(strings.TrimSpace(string(status))) > 0 {
+		if len(core.Trim(string(status))) > 0 {
 			continue // Don't pull if dirty
 		}
 
@@ -154,7 +145,7 @@ func (m *Subsystem) syncRepos() string {
 		return ""
 	}
 
-	return fmt.Sprintf("Synced %d repo(s): %s", len(pulled), strings.Join(pulled, ", "))
+	return core.Sprintf("Synced %d repo(s): %s", len(pulled), core.Join(", ", pulled...))
 }
 
 // lastSyncTimestamp is stored on the subsystem — add it via the check cycle.
diff --git a/pkg/setup/config.go b/pkg/setup/config.go
index fd7d349..25d4df3 100644
--- a/pkg/setup/config.go
+++ b/pkg/setup/config.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 
+	core "dappco.re/go/core"
 	"dappco.re/go/agent/pkg/lib"
 )
 
@@ -138,17 +139,17 @@ func detectGitRemote() string {
 	if err != nil {
 		return ""
 	}
-	url := strings.TrimSpace(string(output))
+	url := core.Trim(string(output))
 
 	// SSH: git@github.com:owner/repo.git or ssh://git@forge.lthn.ai:2223/core/agent.git
-	if strings.Contains(url, ":") {
-		parts := strings.SplitN(url, ":", 2)
+	if core.Contains(url, ":") {
+		parts := core.SplitN(url, ":", 2)
 		if len(parts) == 2 {
 			repo := parts[1]
-			repo = strings.TrimSuffix(repo, ".git")
+			repo = core.TrimSuffix(repo, ".git")
 			// Handle port in SSH URL (ssh://git@host:port/path)
-			if strings.Contains(repo, "/") {
-				segments := strings.SplitN(repo, "/", 2)
+			if core.Contains(repo, "/") {
+				segments := core.SplitN(repo, "/", 2)
 				if len(segments) == 2 && strings.ContainsAny(segments[0], "0123456789") {
 					repo = segments[1]
 				}
@@ -161,7 +162,7 @@ func detectGitRemote() string {
 	for _, host := range []string{"github.com/", "forge.lthn.ai/"} {
 		if idx := strings.Index(url, host); idx >= 0 {
 			repo := url[idx+len(host):]
-			return strings.TrimSuffix(repo, ".git")
+			return core.TrimSuffix(repo, ".git")
 		}
 	}