docs: document system-context prompt hook guidance

docs/concepts/agent-loop.md

@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ See [Hooks](/automation/hooks) for setup and examples.
 These run inside the agent loop or gateway pipeline:
 
 - **`before_model_resolve`**: runs pre-session (no `messages`) to deterministically override provider/model before model resolution.
-- **`before_prompt_build`**: runs after session load (with `messages`) to inject `prependContext`, `systemPrompt`, `prependSystemContext`, or `appendSystemContext` before prompt submission.
+- **`before_prompt_build`**: runs after session load (with `messages`) to inject `prependContext`, `systemPrompt`, `prependSystemContext`, or `appendSystemContext` before prompt submission. Use `prependContext` for per-turn dynamic text and system-context fields for stable guidance that should sit in system prompt space.
 - **`before_agent_start`**: legacy compatibility hook that may run in either phase; prefer the explicit hooks above.
 - **`agent_end`**: inspect the final message list and run metadata after completion.
 - **`before_compaction` / `after_compaction`**: observe or annotate compaction cycles.

docs/tools/plugin.md

@@ -431,6 +431,54 @@ Notes:
 - Plugin-managed hooks show up in `openclaw hooks list` with `plugin:<id>`.
 - You cannot enable/disable plugin-managed hooks via `openclaw hooks`; enable/disable the plugin instead.
 
+### Agent lifecycle hooks (`api.on`)
+
+For typed runtime lifecycle hooks, use `api.on(...)`:
+
+```ts
+export default function register(api) {
+  api.on(
+    "before_prompt_build",
+    (event, ctx) => {
+      return {
+        prependSystemContext: "Follow company style guide.",
+      };
+    },
+    { priority: 10 },
+  );
+}
+```
+
+Important hooks for prompt construction:
+
+- `before_model_resolve`: runs before session load (`messages` are not available). Use this to deterministically override `modelOverride` or `providerOverride`.
+- `before_prompt_build`: runs after session load (`messages` are available). Use this to shape prompt input.
+- `before_agent_start`: legacy compatibility hook. Prefer the two explicit hooks above.
+
+`before_prompt_build` result fields:
+
+- `prependContext`: prepends text to the user prompt for this run. Best for turn-specific or dynamic content.
+- `systemPrompt`: full system prompt override.
+- `prependSystemContext`: prepends text to the current system prompt.
+- `appendSystemContext`: appends text to the current system prompt.
+
+Prompt build order in embedded runtime:
+
+1. Apply `prependContext` to the user prompt.
+2. Apply `systemPrompt` override when provided.
+3. Apply `prependSystemContext + current system prompt + appendSystemContext`.
+
+Merge and precedence notes:
+
+- Hook handlers run by priority (higher first).
+- For merged context fields, values are concatenated in execution order.
+- `before_prompt_build` values are applied before legacy `before_agent_start` fallback values.
+
+Migration guidance:
+
+- Move static guidance from `prependContext` to `prependSystemContext` (or `appendSystemContext`) so providers can cache stable system-prefix content.
+- Keep `prependContext` for per-turn dynamic context that should stay tied to the user message.
+
 ## Provider plugins (model auth)
 
 Plugins can register **model provider auth** flows so users can run OAuth or