fixes to make quest tracking work better, also quest rejection in via the converation with the NPC

api/app/ai/narrative_generator.py

@@ -448,7 +448,9 @@ class NarrativeGenerator:
         npc_relationship: str | None = None,
         previous_dialogue: list[dict[str, Any]] | None = None,
         npc_knowledge: list[str] | None = None,
-        quest_offering_context: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+        quest_offering_context: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+        quest_ineligibility_context: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+        player_asking_for_quests: bool = False
     ) -> NarrativeResponse:
         """
         Generate NPC dialogue in response to player conversation.
@@ -463,6 +465,8 @@ class NarrativeGenerator:
             previous_dialogue: Optional list of previous exchanges.
             npc_knowledge: Optional list of things this NPC knows about.
             quest_offering_context: Optional quest offer context from QuestEligibilityService.
+            quest_ineligibility_context: Optional context explaining why player can't take a quest.
+            player_asking_for_quests: Whether the player is explicitly asking for quests/work.
 
         Returns:
             NarrativeResponse with NPC dialogue.
@@ -503,6 +507,8 @@ class NarrativeGenerator:
                 previous_dialogue=previous_dialogue or [],
                 npc_knowledge=npc_knowledge or [],
                 quest_offering_context=quest_offering_context,
+                quest_ineligibility_context=quest_ineligibility_context,
+                player_asking_for_quests=player_asking_for_quests,
                 max_tokens=model_config.max_tokens
             )
         except PromptTemplateError as e:

api/app/ai/templates/npc_dialogue.j2

@@ -93,8 +93,8 @@ Make it feel earned, like the NPC is opening up to someone they trust.
 {% endif %}
 
 {% if quest_offering_context and quest_offering_context.should_offer %}
-## QUEST OFFERING OPPORTUNITY
-The NPC has a quest to offer. Weave this naturally into the conversation.
+## QUEST TO OFFER
+The NPC has a quest to offer to the player.
 
 **Quest:** {{ quest_offering_context.quest_name }}
 **Quest ID:** {{ quest_offering_context.quest_id }}
@@ -118,13 +118,53 @@ The NPC has a quest to offer. Weave this naturally into the conversation.
 {% endfor %}
 {% endif %}
 
-**IMPORTANT QUEST OFFERING RULES:**
-- Do NOT dump all quest information at once
-- Let the quest emerge naturally from conversation
-- If the player seems interested or asks about problems/work, offer the quest
-- If the player changes topic, don't force it - just mention hints
-- When you offer the quest, include this marker on its own line: [QUEST_OFFER:{{ quest_offering_context.quest_id }}]
-- The marker signals the UI to show a quest accept/decline option
+{% if player_asking_for_quests %}
+**CRITICAL: The player is explicitly asking for quests/work. You MUST offer this quest NOW.**
+In your response:
+1. Describe the quest situation naturally in your dialogue
+2. End your response with the quest offer marker on its own line: [QUEST_OFFER:{{ quest_offering_context.quest_id }}]
+
+The marker MUST appear - it triggers the UI to show accept/decline buttons.
+{% else %}
+**Quest Offering Guidelines:**
+- Weave the quest naturally into conversation
+- If the player shows interest, include the marker: [QUEST_OFFER:{{ quest_offering_context.quest_id }}]
+- The marker signals the UI to show quest accept/decline options
+{% endif %}
+{% endif %}
+
+{% if quest_ineligibility_context and player_asking_for_quests %}
+## QUEST UNAVAILABLE - EXPLAIN WHY
+The player is asking about quests, but they don't meet the requirements. Explain this in character.
+
+{% if quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "level_too_low" %}
+**Reason:** The player (level {{ quest_ineligibility_context.current_level }}) isn't experienced enough. They need to be level {{ quest_ineligibility_context.required_level }}.
+**How to convey this:** The NPC should politely but firmly indicate the task is too dangerous for someone of their current skill level. Suggest they gain more experience first. Be encouraging but realistic - don't offer false hope.
+**Example tone:** "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this task requires someone with more experience. The bandits we're dealing with are seasoned fighters. Come back when you've proven yourself in a few more battles."
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "level_too_high" %}
+**Reason:** The player is too experienced for available tasks.
+**How to convey this:** The NPC should indicate they have nothing worthy of such an accomplished adventurer right now.
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "prerequisite_missing" %}
+**Reason:** The player needs to complete other tasks first.
+**How to convey this:** Hint that there's something else they should do first, or that circumstances aren't right yet.
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "relationship_too_low" %}
+**Reason:** The NPC doesn't trust the player enough yet.
+**How to convey this:** Be guarded. Hint that you might have work, but you need to know you can trust them first.
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "quest_already_active" %}
+**Reason:** The player is already working on this quest.
+**How to convey this:** Remind them they already accepted this task and should focus on completing it.
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "quest_already_completed" %}
+**Reason:** The player already completed this quest.
+**How to convey this:** Thank them again for their previous help, mention you have nothing else right now.
+{% elif quest_ineligibility_context.reason_type == "too_many_quests" %}
+**Reason:** The player has too many active quests.
+**How to convey this:** Suggest they finish some of their current commitments before taking on more.
+{% else %}
+**Reason:** {{ quest_ineligibility_context.message }}
+**How to convey this:** Politely decline, staying in character.
+{% endif %}
+
+**IMPORTANT:** Do NOT offer the quest. Explain the situation naturally in dialogue.
 {% endif %}
 
 {% if lore_context and lore_context.has_content %}