diff --git a/internal/cmd/deacon.go b/internal/cmd/deacon.go
index 17286bcc..3d0971e2 100644
--- a/internal/cmd/deacon.go
+++ b/internal/cmd/deacon.go
@@ -413,9 +413,11 @@ func startDeaconSession(t *tmux.Tmux, sessionName, agentOverride string) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("creating deacon settings: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	// Build startup command first
-	// Export GT_ROLE and BD_ACTOR in the command since tmux SetEnvironment only affects new panes
-	startupCmd, err := config.BuildAgentStartupCommandWithAgentOverride("deacon", "", townRoot, "", "", agentOverride)
+	// Build startup command with initial prompt for autonomous patrol.
+	// The prompt triggers GUPP: deacon starts patrol immediately without waiting for input.
+	// This prevents the agent from sitting idle at the prompt after SessionStart hooks run.
+	initialPrompt := "I am Deacon. Start patrol: check gt hook, if empty create mol-deacon-patrol wisp and execute it."
+	startupCmd, err := config.BuildAgentStartupCommandWithAgentOverride("deacon", "", townRoot, "", initialPrompt, agentOverride)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("building startup command: %w", err)
 	}