diff --git a/tools/engine.py b/tools/engine.py
index b416a4b..6b5230a 100644
--- a/tools/engine.py
+++ b/tools/engine.py
@@ -92,6 +92,8 @@ class GameEngine:
                 if attempt < MAX_RETRIES:
                     feedback = "Your response was empty. Generate a complete turn with narrative and state changes."
                     state.append_llm_log("\n[RETRY] empty response")
+                    if on_action:
+                        on_action("DM is weaving the tale...")
                     continue
                 return TurnResult(error="LLM returned empty response after retries")
 
@@ -141,6 +143,8 @@ class GameEngine:
                         if attempt < MAX_RETRIES:
                             feedback = "The narrative is nearly identical to the previous turn. Generate something new and different."
                             state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN REGENERATE] (duplicate) attempt {attempt + 2}")
+                            if on_action:
+                                on_action("DM is weaving the tale...")
                             continue
                         state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN DUPLICATE EXCEEDED] cannot generate unique narrative")
                         return TurnResult(
@@ -168,6 +172,8 @@ class GameEngine:
                     if attempt < MAX_RETRIES:
                         feedback = "The validation system could not process the previous turn. Please regenerate."
                         state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN REGENERATE] (unrecognized) attempt {attempt + 2}")
+                        if on_action:
+                            on_action("DM is consulting the fates...")
                         continue
                     state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN UNRECOGNIZED] cannot validate turn")
                     return TurnResult(
@@ -186,6 +192,8 @@ class GameEngine:
                     validator_tool = json.dumps({"tool": "validate", "args": {"valid": False, "reason": reason, "action": "regenerate"}})
                     feedback = f"The validation tool returned:\n```tool\n{validator_tool}\n```\n\nPlease regenerate the turn addressing the issues above. Keep the same player action but fix the problems described."
                     state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN REGENERATE] attempt {attempt + 2}: {reason}")
+                    if on_action:
+                        on_action("DM is searching for inspiration...")
                     continue
                 else:
                     state.append_llm_log(f"\n[TURN REGENERATE EXCEEDED] accepting despite: {reason}")
diff --git a/tools/run_widgets.py b/tools/run_widgets.py
index aa6e0a6..db35ad7 100644
--- a/tools/run_widgets.py
+++ b/tools/run_widgets.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 from textual.widgets import Static
+from rich.markdown import Markdown as RichMarkdown
 
 from run_utils import (
     CHAR_PATH, TODAY, REFRESH_SECS,