diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/subsystems.dm b/code/__DEFINES/subsystems.dm
index c28553cf46..bbdd31379a 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/subsystems.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/subsystems.dm
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_AIR_TURFS		40
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_DEFAULT		50
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_PARALLAX		65
-#define FIRE_PRIORITY_NPC			80
+#define FIRE_PRIORITY_NPC			99
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_MOBS			100
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_TGUI			110
 #define FIRE_PRIORITY_PROJECTILES	200
diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/npcpool.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/npcpool.dm
index 64836f7c99..5da02a344a 100644
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/npcpool.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/npcpool.dm
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ SUBSYSTEM_DEF(npcpool)
 	flags = SS_KEEP_TIMING | SS_NO_INIT
 	priority = FIRE_PRIORITY_NPC
 	runlevels = RUNLEVEL_GAME | RUNLEVEL_POSTGAME
+	wait = 5 SECONDS // currently defines how often mobs attack and flip out
+	// wait = 1 DECISECOND makes retreat/approach mobs just wiggle around in place and cheesegrate people
 
 	var/list/currentrun = list()