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
+## QUEST TO OFFER
-The NPC has a quest to offer. Weave this naturally into the conversation.
+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:**
+{% if player_asking_for_quests %}
-- Do NOT dump all quest information at once
+**CRITICAL: The player is explicitly asking for quests/work. You MUST offer this quest NOW.**
-- Let the quest emerge naturally from conversation
+In your response:
-- If the player seems interested or asks about problems/work, offer the quest
+1. Describe the quest situation naturally in your dialogue
-- If the player changes topic, don't force it - just mention hints
+2. End your response with the quest offer marker on its own line: [QUEST_OFFER:{{ quest_offering_context.quest_id }}]
-- 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
+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 %}

api/app/api/npcs.py

@@ -195,25 +195,47 @@ def talk_to_npc(npc_id: str):
 
         # Check for quest eligibility
         quest_offering_context = None
+        quest_ineligibility_context = None  # For explaining why player can't take a quest
+        player_asking_for_quests = _is_player_asking_for_quests(topic)
         try:
             quest_eligibility_service = get_quest_eligibility_service()
             location_type = _get_location_type(session.game_state.current_location)
 
+            # If player is explicitly asking about quests, bypass probability roll
+            force_probability = 1.0 if player_asking_for_quests else None
+
             eligibility_result = quest_eligibility_service.check_eligibility(
                 npc_id=npc_id,
                 character=character,
                 location_type=location_type,
-                location_id=session.game_state.current_location
+                location_id=session.game_state.current_location,
+                force_probability=force_probability
             )
 
             if eligibility_result.should_offer_quest and eligibility_result.selected_quest_context:
                 quest_offering_context = eligibility_result.selected_quest_context.to_dict()
+                # Add should_offer flag for template conditional check
+                quest_offering_context['should_offer'] = True
                 logger.debug(
                     "Quest eligible for offering",
                     npc_id=npc_id,
                     quest_id=quest_offering_context.get("quest_id"),
                     character_id=character.character_id
                 )
+            elif player_asking_for_quests and eligibility_result.blocking_reasons:
+                # Player asked for quests but isn't eligible - tell them why
+                quest_ineligibility_context = _build_ineligibility_context(
+                    eligibility_result.blocking_reasons,
+                    character.level,
+                    npc_id
+                )
+                if quest_ineligibility_context:
+                    logger.debug(
+                        "Quest ineligible - providing reason to AI",
+                        npc_id=npc_id,
+                        reason=quest_ineligibility_context.get("reason_type"),
+                        character_level=character.level
+                    )
         except Exception as e:
             # Don't fail the conversation if quest eligibility check fails
             logger.warning(
@@ -251,6 +273,8 @@ def talk_to_npc(npc_id: str):
             "relationship_level": interaction.get("relationship_level", 50),
             "previous_dialogue": previous_dialogue,  # Pass conversation history
             "quest_offering_context": quest_offering_context,  # Quest offer if eligible
+            "quest_ineligibility_context": quest_ineligibility_context,  # Why player can't take quest
+            "player_asking_for_quests": player_asking_for_quests,  # Player explicitly asking for work
         }
 
         # Enqueue AI task
@@ -483,3 +507,139 @@ def _get_location_type(location_id: str) -> str:
         return "dungeon"
 
     return "town"  # Default for town centers, squares, etc.
+
+
+def _build_ineligibility_context(
+    blocking_reasons: dict[str, str],
+    character_level: int,
+    npc_id: str
+) -> dict | None:
+    """
+    Build context explaining why a player can't take a quest.
+
+    Parses the blocking reasons and creates a structured context
+    that the AI can use to explain to the player why they can't
+    help with the quest yet.
+
+    Args:
+        blocking_reasons: Dict of quest_id -> reason string
+        character_level: Player's current level
+        npc_id: The NPC they're talking to
+
+    Returns:
+        Dict with reason_type, message, and details, or None if no relevant reason
+    """
+    if not blocking_reasons:
+        return None
+
+    # Look through blocking reasons for level-related issues
+    for quest_id, reason in blocking_reasons.items():
+        if "level too low" in reason.lower():
+            # Extract required level from reason string like "Character level too low (need 3)"
+            import re
+            match = re.search(r'need (\d+)', reason)
+            required_level = int(match.group(1)) if match else character_level + 1
+
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "level_too_low",
+                "current_level": character_level,
+                "required_level": required_level,
+                "message": f"The player is level {character_level} but needs to be level {required_level}",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "level too high" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "level_too_high",
+                "current_level": character_level,
+                "message": "The player is too experienced for this task",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "prerequisite" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "prerequisite_missing",
+                "message": "The player hasn't completed a required earlier task",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "already active" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "quest_already_active",
+                "message": "The player is already working on this quest",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "already completed" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "quest_already_completed",
+                "message": "The player has already completed this quest",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "relationship" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "relationship_too_low",
+                "message": "The NPC doesn't trust the player enough yet",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+        if "max" in reason.lower() and "quest" in reason.lower():
+            return {
+                "reason_type": "too_many_quests",
+                "message": "The player already has too many active quests",
+                "quest_id": quest_id,
+            }
+
+    return None
+
+
+def _is_player_asking_for_quests(topic: str) -> bool:
+    """
+    Detect if the player is explicitly asking about quests or work.
+
+    This is used to bypass the probability roll when the player
+    clearly intends to find quests.
+
+    Args:
+        topic: The player's message/conversation topic
+
+    Returns:
+        True if player is asking about quests, False otherwise
+    """
+    topic_lower = topic.lower()
+
+    # Quest-related keywords
+    quest_keywords = [
+        "quest",
+        "quests",
+        "any work",
+        "work for me",
+        "job",
+        "jobs",
+        "task",
+        "tasks",
+        "help you",
+        "help with",
+        "need help",
+        "anything i can do",
+        "can i help",
+        "how can i help",
+        "i'd love to help",
+        "i would love to help",
+        "want to help",
+        "like to help",
+        "offer my services",
+        "hire me",
+        "bounty",
+        "bounties",
+        "adventure",
+        "mission",
+        "missions",
+    ]
+
+    for keyword in quest_keywords:
+        if keyword in topic_lower:
+            return True
+
+    return False

api/app/data/npcs/crossville/npc_mayor_aldric.yaml

@@ -13,15 +13,11 @@ personality:
     - increasingly desperate
     - hiding something significant
   speech_style: |
-    Speaks with the practiced cadence of a politician - measured words,
+    Speaks with the practiced cadence of a politician - measured words.
-    careful pauses for effect. His voice wavers slightly when stressed,
+    His voice wavers slightly when stressed, has a habit of clearing his 
-    and he has a habit of clearing his throat before difficult topics.
+    throat before difficult topics. Uses formal address even in casual conversation.
-    Uses formal address even in casual conversation.
   quirks:
-    - Constantly adjusts his mayoral chain of office
     - Glances at his manor when the Old Mines are mentioned
-    - Keeps touching a ring on his left hand
-    - Offers wine to guests but never drinks himself
 
 appearance:
   brief: Tall, thin man with receding grey hair, worry lines, and expensive but slightly disheveled clothing

api/app/tasks/ai_tasks.py

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ Usage:
 """
 
 import json
+import re
 import uuid
 from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from enum import Enum
@@ -712,7 +713,9 @@ def _process_npc_dialogue_task(
             npc_relationship=context.get('npc_relationship'),
             previous_dialogue=context.get('previous_dialogue'),
             npc_knowledge=context.get('npc_knowledge'),
-            quest_offering_context=context.get('quest_offering_context')
+            quest_offering_context=context.get('quest_offering_context'),
+            quest_ineligibility_context=context.get('quest_ineligibility_context'),
+            player_asking_for_quests=context.get('player_asking_for_quests', False)
         )
 
         # Get NPC info for result
@@ -723,8 +726,44 @@ def _process_npc_dialogue_task(
         # Get previous dialogue for display (before adding new exchange)
         previous_dialogue = context.get('previous_dialogue', [])
 
+        # Parse for quest offer marker and extract structured data for UI
+        dialogue_text = response.narrative
+        quest_offer_data = None
+
+        quest_offer_match = re.search(r'\[QUEST_OFFER:([^\]]+)\]', dialogue_text)
+        if quest_offer_match:
+            offered_quest_id = quest_offer_match.group(1).strip()
+
+            # Remove the marker from displayed dialogue (clean up whitespace around it)
+            dialogue_text = re.sub(r'\s*\[QUEST_OFFER:[^\]]+\]\s*', ' ', dialogue_text).strip()
+
+            # Get quest details from the offering context for UI display
+            quest_ctx = context.get('quest_offering_context')
+            if quest_ctx:
+                quest_offer_data = {
+                    'quest_id': offered_quest_id,
+                    'quest_name': quest_ctx.get('quest_name', 'Unknown Quest'),
+                    'quest_description': quest_ctx.get('quest_description', ''),
+                    'rewards': quest_ctx.get('rewards', {}),
+                    'npc_id': npc_id,
+                }
+                logger.info(
+                    "Quest offer detected in NPC dialogue",
+                    quest_id=offered_quest_id,
+                    quest_name=quest_ctx.get('quest_name'),
+                    npc_id=npc_id,
+                    character_id=character_id
+                )
+            else:
+                # AI mentioned a quest but no context was provided - log warning
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Quest offer marker found but no quest_offering_context available",
+                    quest_id=offered_quest_id,
+                    npc_id=npc_id
+                )
+
         result = {
-            "dialogue": response.narrative,
+            "dialogue": dialogue_text,
             "tokens_used": response.tokens_used,
             "model": response.model,
             "context_type": response.context_type,
@@ -734,6 +773,7 @@ def _process_npc_dialogue_task(
             "character_name": character_name,
             "player_line": context['conversation_topic'],
             "conversation_history": previous_dialogue,  # History before this exchange
+            "quest_offer": quest_offer_data,  # Structured quest offer for UI (None if no quest offered)
         }
 
         # Save dialogue exchange to chat_messages collection and update character's recent_messages cache
@@ -743,15 +783,16 @@ def _process_npc_dialogue_task(
                 location_id = context.get('game_state', {}).get('current_location')
 
                 # Save to chat_messages collection (also updates character's recent_messages)
+                # Note: Save the cleaned dialogue_text (without quest markers) for display
                 chat_service = get_chat_message_service()
                 chat_service.save_dialogue_exchange(
                     character_id=character_id,
                     user_id=user_id,
                     npc_id=npc_id,
                     player_message=context['conversation_topic'],
-                    npc_response=response.narrative,
+                    npc_response=dialogue_text,  # Use cleaned text without quest markers
                     context=MessageContext.DIALOGUE,  # Default context, can be enhanced based on quest/shop interactions
-                    metadata={},  # Can add quest_id, item_id, etc. when those systems are implemented
+                    metadata={'quest_offer_id': quest_offer_data.get('quest_id') if quest_offer_data else None},
                     session_id=session_id,
                     location_id=location_id
                 )

public_web/app/views/game_views.py

@@ -601,6 +601,7 @@ def poll_job(session_id: str, job_id: str):
             nested_result = result.get('result', {})
             if nested_result.get('context_type') == 'npc_dialogue':
                 # NPC dialogue response - return dialogue partial
+                # Include quest_offer data for inline quest offer card
                 return render_template(
                     'game/partials/npc_dialogue_response.html',
                     npc_name=nested_result.get('npc_name', 'NPC'),
@@ -608,6 +609,8 @@ def poll_job(session_id: str, job_id: str):
                     conversation_history=nested_result.get('conversation_history', []),
                     player_line=nested_result.get('player_line', ''),
                     dialogue=nested_result.get('dialogue', 'No response'),
+                    quest_offer=nested_result.get('quest_offer'),  # Quest offer data for UI card
+                    npc_id=nested_result.get('npc_id'),  # NPC ID for accept/decline
                     session_id=session_id
                 )
             else:
@@ -1429,6 +1432,158 @@ def talk_to_npc(session_id: str, npc_id: str):
         return f'<div class="error">Failed to talk to NPC: {e}</div>', 500
 
 
+# ===== Quest Accept/Decline Routes =====
+
+@game_bp.route('/session/<session_id>/quest/accept', methods=['POST'])
+@require_auth
+def accept_quest(session_id: str):
+    """
+    Accept a quest offer from NPC chat.
+
+    Called when player clicks 'Accept Quest' button on inline quest offer card.
+    Returns updated card with confirmation message and triggers toast notification.
+    """
+    client = get_api_client()
+    quest_id = request.form.get('quest_id')
+    npc_id = request.form.get('npc_id')
+    npc_name = request.form.get('npc_name', 'NPC')
+
+    if not quest_id:
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='error',
+            error_message='No quest specified',
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+    try:
+        # Get character_id from session
+        session_response = client.get(f'/api/v1/sessions/{session_id}')
+        session_data = session_response.get('result', {})
+        character_id = session_data.get('character_id')
+
+        if not character_id:
+            return render_template(
+                'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+                action='error',
+                error_message='Session error - no character found',
+                session_id=session_id
+            )
+
+        # Call API to accept quest
+        response = client.post('/api/v1/quests/accept', {
+            'character_id': character_id,
+            'quest_id': quest_id,
+            'npc_id': npc_id
+        })
+
+        result = response.get('result', {})
+        quest_name = result.get('quest_name', 'Quest')
+
+        logger.info(
+            "quest_accepted",
+            quest_id=quest_id,
+            quest_name=quest_name,
+            character_id=character_id,
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='accept',
+            quest_name=quest_name,
+            npc_name=npc_name,
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+    except APIError as e:
+        logger.error(
+            "failed_to_accept_quest",
+            quest_id=quest_id,
+            session_id=session_id,
+            error=str(e)
+        )
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='error',
+            error_message=str(e),
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+
+@game_bp.route('/session/<session_id>/quest/decline', methods=['POST'])
+@require_auth
+def decline_quest(session_id: str):
+    """
+    Decline a quest offer from NPC chat.
+
+    Called when player clicks 'Decline' button on inline quest offer card.
+    Returns updated card with decline confirmation.
+    """
+    client = get_api_client()
+    quest_id = request.form.get('quest_id')
+    npc_id = request.form.get('npc_id')
+    npc_name = request.form.get('npc_name', 'NPC')
+
+    if not quest_id:
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='error',
+            error_message='No quest specified',
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+    try:
+        # Get character_id from session
+        session_response = client.get(f'/api/v1/sessions/{session_id}')
+        session_data = session_response.get('result', {})
+        character_id = session_data.get('character_id')
+
+        if not character_id:
+            return render_template(
+                'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+                action='error',
+                error_message='Session error - no character found',
+                session_id=session_id
+            )
+
+        # Call API to decline quest
+        client.post('/api/v1/quests/decline', {
+            'character_id': character_id,
+            'quest_id': quest_id,
+            'npc_id': npc_id
+        })
+
+        logger.info(
+            "quest_declined",
+            quest_id=quest_id,
+            character_id=character_id,
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='decline',
+            quest_name='',  # Not needed for decline message
+            npc_name=npc_name,
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+    except APIError as e:
+        logger.error(
+            "failed_to_decline_quest",
+            quest_id=quest_id,
+            session_id=session_id,
+            error=str(e)
+        )
+        return render_template(
+            'game/partials/quest_action_response.html',
+            action='error',
+            error_message=str(e),
+            session_id=session_id
+        )
+
+
 # ===== Shop Routes =====
 
 @game_bp.route('/session/<session_id>/shop-modal')

public_web/static/css/play.css

@@ -2662,3 +2662,273 @@
     background: #ef4444;
     color: white;
 }
+
+/* ===== QUEST OFFER CARD ===== */
+/* Inline card that appears in NPC chat when quest is offered */
+
+.quest-offer-card {
+    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.15), rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.1));
+    border: 2px solid var(--action-premium);
+    border-radius: 8px;
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+    padding: 1rem;
+    animation: questCardAppear 0.4s ease;
+}
+
+@keyframes questCardAppear {
+    from {
+        opacity: 0;
+        transform: translateY(-10px);
+    }
+    to {
+        opacity: 1;
+        transform: translateY(0);
+    }
+}
+
+.quest-offer-header {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
+    padding-bottom: 0.5rem;
+    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.3);
+}
+
+.quest-offer-icon {
+    font-size: 1.25rem;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-label {
+    font-size: var(--text-xs);
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+    color: var(--action-premium);
+    font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-content {
+    margin-bottom: 1rem;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-title {
+    font-family: var(--font-heading);
+    font-size: var(--text-lg);
+    color: var(--accent-gold);
+    margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-description {
+    font-size: var(--text-sm);
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+    margin: 0 0 0.75rem 0;
+    line-height: 1.5;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-rewards {
+    display: flex;
+    flex-wrap: wrap;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    align-items: center;
+}
+
+.rewards-label {
+    font-size: var(--text-xs);
+    color: var(--text-muted);
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.reward-item {
+    font-size: var(--text-sm);
+    padding: 0.25rem 0.5rem;
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
+}
+
+.reward-gold {
+    color: var(--accent-gold);
+}
+
+.reward-xp {
+    color: #10b981;
+}
+
+.quest-offer-actions {
+    display: flex;
+    gap: 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.quest-btn {
+    flex: 1;
+    padding: 0.625rem 1rem;
+    font-size: var(--text-sm);
+    font-weight: 600;
+    border: none;
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    transition: all 0.2s ease;
+}
+
+.quest-btn--accept {
+    background: #10b981;
+    color: white;
+}
+
+.quest-btn--accept:hover {
+    background: #059669;
+    transform: translateY(-1px);
+}
+
+.quest-btn--decline {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+    border: 1px solid var(--play-border);
+}
+
+.quest-btn--decline:hover {
+    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
+    color: var(--text-primary);
+}
+
+/* Quest action result (replaces card after action) */
+.quest-action-result {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    gap: 0.75rem;
+    padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    margin-top: 1rem;
+    animation: questCardAppear 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.quest-action-result--accept {
+    background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.15);
+    border: 1px solid #10b981;
+}
+
+.quest-action-result--decline {
+    background: rgba(107, 114, 128, 0.15);
+    border: 1px solid var(--play-border);
+}
+
+.quest-action-result--error {
+    background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.15);
+    border: 1px solid #ef4444;
+}
+
+.quest-action-icon {
+    font-size: 1.5rem;
+}
+
+.quest-action-message {
+    flex: 1;
+}
+
+.quest-action-message strong {
+    display: block;
+    color: var(--text-primary);
+    margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.quest-action-message p {
+    margin: 0;
+    font-size: var(--text-sm);
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+}
+
+
+/* ===== TOAST NOTIFICATIONS ===== */
+/* Fixed position notifications for quick feedback */
+
+.toast-container {
+    position: fixed;
+    top: 1rem;
+    right: 1rem;
+    z-index: 9999;
+    display: flex;
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+    max-width: 350px;
+    pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.toast {
+    display: flex;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: space-between;
+    padding: 0.75rem 1rem;
+    border-radius: 6px;
+    font-size: var(--text-sm);
+    box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
+    opacity: 0;
+    transform: translateX(100%);
+    transition: all 0.3s ease;
+    pointer-events: auto;
+}
+
+.toast--visible {
+    opacity: 1;
+    transform: translateX(0);
+}
+
+.toast--dismissing {
+    opacity: 0;
+    transform: translateX(100%);
+}
+
+.toast--success {
+    background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.95);
+    color: white;
+}
+
+.toast--error {
+    background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.95);
+    color: white;
+}
+
+.toast--info {
+    background: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.95);
+    color: white;
+}
+
+.toast-message {
+    flex: 1;
+    margin-right: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.toast-close {
+    background: none;
+    border: none;
+    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
+    font-size: 1.25rem;
+    cursor: pointer;
+    padding: 0;
+    line-height: 1;
+    transition: color 0.2s ease;
+}
+
+.toast-close:hover {
+    color: white;
+}
+
+/* Mobile responsiveness for quest card */
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+    .quest-offer-card {
+        margin-top: 0.75rem;
+        padding: 0.75rem;
+    }
+
+    .quest-offer-actions {
+        flex-direction: column;
+    }
+
+    .quest-btn {
+        width: 100%;
+    }
+
+    .toast-container {
+        left: 1rem;
+        right: 1rem;
+        max-width: none;
+    }
+}

public_web/static/js/toast.js

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+/**
+ * Toast Notification System
+ * Provides temporary notifications for game events (quest acceptance, errors, etc.)
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ *   showToast('Quest accepted!', 'success');
+ *   showToast('Failed to save', 'error');
+ *   showToast('Item added to inventory', 'info');
+ */
+
+/**
+ * Show a toast notification
+ * @param {string} message - The message to display
+ * @param {string} type - Type of toast: 'success', 'error', or 'info'
+ * @param {number} duration - Duration in ms before auto-dismiss (default: 4000)
+ */
+function showToast(message, type = 'info', duration = 4000) {
+    // Create toast container if it doesn't exist
+    let container = document.getElementById('toast-container');
+    if (!container) {
+        container = document.createElement('div');
+        container.id = 'toast-container';
+        container.className = 'toast-container';
+        document.body.appendChild(container);
+    }
+
+    // Create toast element
+    const toast = document.createElement('div');
+    toast.className = `toast toast--${type}`;
+    toast.innerHTML = `
+        <span class="toast-message">${escapeHtml(message)}</span>
+        <button class="toast-close" onclick="dismissToast(this.parentElement)" aria-label="Close">&times;</button>
+    `;
+
+    // Add to container
+    container.appendChild(toast);
+
+    // Trigger animation (small delay for DOM to register element)
+    requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+        toast.classList.add('toast--visible');
+    });
+
+    // Auto-remove after duration
+    setTimeout(() => {
+        dismissToast(toast);
+    }, duration);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Dismiss a toast notification with animation
+ * @param {HTMLElement} toast - The toast element to dismiss
+ */
+function dismissToast(toast) {
+    if (!toast || toast.classList.contains('toast--dismissing')) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    toast.classList.add('toast--dismissing');
+    toast.classList.remove('toast--visible');
+
+    // Remove from DOM after animation completes
+    setTimeout(() => {
+        if (toast.parentElement) {
+            toast.remove();
+        }
+    }, 300);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Escape HTML to prevent XSS
+ * @param {string} text - Text to escape
+ * @returns {string} Escaped text
+ */
+function escapeHtml(text) {
+    const div = document.createElement('div');
+    div.textContent = text;
+    return div.innerHTML;
+}
+
+// Make functions globally available
+window.showToast = showToast;
+window.dismissToast = dismissToast;

public_web/templates/game/partials/npc_dialogue_response.html

@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ Expected context:
 - player_line: What the player just said
 - dialogue: NPC's current response
 - session_id: For any follow-up actions
+- quest_offer: Optional quest offer data {quest_id, quest_name, quest_description, rewards, npc_id}
+- npc_id: NPC identifier for quest accept/decline
 #}
 
 {# Only show CURRENT exchange (removed conversation_history loop) #}
@@ -23,6 +25,50 @@ Expected context:
     </div>
 </div>
 
+{# Quest Offer Card - appears inline after NPC dialogue when quest is offered #}
+{% if quest_offer %}
+<div class="quest-offer-card" id="quest-offer-{{ quest_offer.quest_id }}">
+    <div class="quest-offer-header">
+        <span class="quest-offer-icon">&#128220;</span>
+        <span class="quest-offer-label">Quest Offered</span>
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="quest-offer-content">
+        <h4 class="quest-offer-title">{{ quest_offer.quest_name }}</h4>
+        <p class="quest-offer-description">{{ quest_offer.quest_description }}</p>
+
+        {% if quest_offer.rewards %}
+        <div class="quest-offer-rewards">
+            <span class="rewards-label">Rewards:</span>
+            {% if quest_offer.rewards.gold %}
+            <span class="reward-item reward-gold">{{ quest_offer.rewards.gold }} gold</span>
+            {% endif %}
+            {% if quest_offer.rewards.experience %}
+            <span class="reward-item reward-xp">{{ quest_offer.rewards.experience }} XP</span>
+            {% endif %}
+        </div>
+        {% endif %}
+    </div>
+
+    <div class="quest-offer-actions">
+        <button class="quest-btn quest-btn--accept"
+                hx-post="{{ url_for('game.accept_quest', session_id=session_id) }}"
+                hx-vals='{"quest_id": "{{ quest_offer.quest_id }}", "npc_id": "{{ quest_offer.npc_id }}", "npc_name": "{{ npc_name }}"}'
+                hx-target="#quest-offer-{{ quest_offer.quest_id }}"
+                hx-swap="outerHTML">
+            Accept Quest
+        </button>
+        <button class="quest-btn quest-btn--decline"
+                hx-post="{{ url_for('game.decline_quest', session_id=session_id) }}"
+                hx-vals='{"quest_id": "{{ quest_offer.quest_id }}", "npc_id": "{{ quest_offer.npc_id }}", "npc_name": "{{ npc_name }}"}'
+                hx-target="#quest-offer-{{ quest_offer.quest_id }}"
+                hx-swap="outerHTML">
+            Decline
+        </button>
+    </div>
+</div>
+{% endif %}
+
 {# Trigger history refresh after new message #}
 <div hx-trigger="load"
      _="on load trigger newMessage on body"

public_web/templates/game/partials/quest_action_response.html

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+{#
+Quest Action Response - Replaces quest offer card after accept/decline.
+Shows confirmation message and triggers toast notification + sidebar refresh.
+
+Expected context:
+- action: 'accept', 'decline', or 'error'
+- quest_name: Name of the quest (for accept message)
+- npc_name: Name of the NPC offering the quest
+- error_message: Error details (for error action)
+- session_id: For sidebar refresh
+#}
+
+{% if action == 'error' %}
+{# Error state - display error message #}
+<div class="quest-action-result quest-action-result--error">
+    <div class="quest-action-icon">&#9888;</div>
+    <div class="quest-action-message">
+        <strong>Error</strong>
+        <p>{{ error_message | default('Something went wrong') }}</p>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+{% elif action == 'accept' %}
+{# Quest accepted - show success message #}
+<div class="quest-action-result quest-action-result--accept">
+    <div class="quest-action-icon">&#10004;</div>
+    <div class="quest-action-message">
+        <strong>Quest Accepted!</strong>
+        <p>{{ npc_name }} nods approvingly. Check your quest log for details.</p>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+{# Trigger toast notification #}
+<script>
+    if (typeof showToast === 'function') {
+        showToast('Quest "{{ quest_name }}" accepted!', 'success');
+    }
+</script>
+
+{# Refresh quests accordion to show newly accepted quest #}
+<div hx-get="{{ url_for('game.quests_accordion', session_id=session_id) }}"
+     hx-trigger="load"
+     hx-target="#accordion-quests"
+     hx-swap="innerHTML"
+     style="display: none;"></div>
+
+{% elif action == 'decline' %}
+{# Quest declined - show confirmation message #}
+<div class="quest-action-result quest-action-result--decline">
+    <div class="quest-action-icon">&#10006;</div>
+    <div class="quest-action-message">
+        <strong>Quest Declined</strong>
+        <p>{{ npc_name }} understands. Perhaps another time.</p>
+    </div>
+</div>
+
+{# Trigger toast notification #}
+<script>
+    if (typeof showToast === 'function') {
+        showToast('Quest declined', 'info');
+    }
+</script>
+
+{% endif %}

public_web/templates/game/play.html

@@ -154,4 +154,7 @@ document.addEventListener('keydown', function(e) {
 
 <!-- Responsive Modal Navigation -->
 <script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/responsive-modals.js') }}"></script>
+
+<!-- Toast Notifications -->
+<script src="{{ url_for('static', filename='js/toast.js') }}"></script>
 {% endblock %}