context-bounded tool loop, debug pane, ambience mute, finalize_turn fence fix

.gitignore

@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@ __pycache__/
 *.pyc
 .env
 session/audio/
+llm.log

session/last_prompt.md

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+What do you do?

tools/engine.py

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ BOOK_PATH = SESSION_DIR / 'book.md'
 JOURNAL_PATH = SESSION_DIR / 'journal.md'
 AMBIENCE_PATH = SESSION_DIR / 'ambience.md'
 LOG_DIR = SESSION_DIR / 'log'
+LLM_LOG_PATH = SESSION_DIR / 'llm.log'
 TODAY = date.today().isoformat()
 
 
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@ class TurnResult:
     book_log: str = ""
     user_prompt: str = ""
     ambience: Optional[str] = None
+    log_entry: Optional[str] = None
     error: Optional[str] = None
     debug_info: str = ""
 
@@ -67,7 +69,8 @@ SYSTEM_PROMPT = Template("""You are the Dungeon Master for **The Chaos**, a solo
 - Use **bold** for emphasis, *italic* for thoughts/sounds.
 - NPC dialogue goes in **"quotes with bold names."**
 - Never present predefined choices — the player decides freely what to do.
-- Each turn should advance the story meaningfully.
+- **Stick to the player's intent.** Don't invent your own actions for the player unless forced by environment or circumstance (e.g., they trigger a trap, an NPC reacts, etc.).
+- **Keep turns short** — each turn covers a single action or brief exchange, not a full scene. Advance the story one step at a time.
 
 ## Game Rules (Quick Reference)
 
@@ -98,13 +101,22 @@ Favourable +1, Risky -1, Desperate -2, Well-prepared +1, Poor visibility -1, Rel
 
 Each turn follows this sequence:
 1. The player's action or response is given to you.
-2. Think about what happens. Read game state files, roll dice, or ask the player to roll.
+2. Think, read files, roll dice, or ask the player to roll — any number of steps.
-3. When ready, call **finalize_turn** to complete the turn.
+3. **You MUST call `finalize_turn` to end the turn.** There is no other way to complete a turn. The loop will keep calling you until you do.
 
 The **finalize_turn** tool produces all data for this turn:
-- **book_log** — Narrative of what happened this turn. Appended to the story book.
+- **book_log** `[Required]` — **Everything that happens this turn, narrated in full.** This is appended to the story book and forms the permanent record of the adventure. Include sensory details, dialogue, outcomes — the whole scene.
-- **user_prompt** — What the player sees next: describe the situation and ask what they do.
+- **user_prompt** `[Required]` — **Short prompt for the player only, NOT recorded in the book.** Ask what they do next. 1-3 sentences. Don't put important narrative details here — they belong in `book_log`.
-- **ambience** — One of: silence, calm, combat, dungeon, forest, tavern, tension, town, wilds.
+- **log_entry** `[Optional]` — One-sentence summary of what happened (action + outcome). Keep it tight.
+- **ambience** `[Optional]` — One of: silence, calm, combat, dungeon, forest, tavern, tension, town, wilds.
+
+### How the Loop Works
+
+Each round the system reads your ````tool` blocks, executes them, and feeds back the results. This repeats until you call `finalize_turn`. If you call tools but never call `finalize_turn`, the loop runs until it hits the round limit and the turn fails with an error.
+
+So: call `finalize_turn` when the player needs to see the outcome and make their next decision.
+
+**Important: Do not mix get tools with finalize_turn.** If you call `read_file`, `character_get`, `world_get`, or `journal_get` in a round, you are still gathering information — do NOT also call `finalize_turn` in that same round. Gather first, then finalize in a separate round.
 
 ### Journal & Quest Tracking
 
@@ -126,14 +138,14 @@ To read or update state files, use the dedicated tools:
 - **`character_get`** / **`character_update`** — Read or replace the full character sheet. ONLY update when HP/cash/gear/stats change.
 - **`world_get`** / **`world_update`** — Read or replace the full world state. ONLY update when NPCs/locations/threads change.
 
-IMPORTANT: You MUST call **finalize_turn** to end the turn. Until then you will be called again to continue thinking and gathering information.
+**IMPORTANT: `finalize_turn` is mandatory.** Every turn ends with `finalize_turn`. If you don't call it, the loop will keep feeding you tool results until it hits the round limit and the turn fails. See "How the Loop Works" above.
 
 ## Available Tools
 
-Tool calls go in their own fenced code block:
+Tool calls go in their own fenced code block (one call per block):
 
 ```tool
-{"tool": "tool_name", "args": {...}}
+{"tool": "read_file", "args": {"file": "character", "dm_status": "Checking Dillion's stats."}}
 ```
 
 You may also show reasoning inline:
@@ -146,16 +158,40 @@ Tools available:
 
 Every tool call **must** include a `"dm_status"` string in `args` — a short, public-facing description of what the DM is doing (e.g. `"consulting the archives"`, `"examining the wound"`, `"calculating the odds"`). The player sees this in the UI. Keep it vague — never reveal what the DM is actually reading or learning.
 
-- **read_file** — Read a game state file. `{"file": "character|world|book|log|journal", "dm_status": "..."}`
+Tool reference (`[R]` = required, `[O]` = optional):
-- **roll** — Auto-roll dice (outcome shown in status). `{"dice": "2d6", "modifier": "-1", "dm_status": "..."}`
+
-- **player_roll** — Ask the player to roll physical dice. **Use when the outcome is uncertain.** `{"dice": "2d6", "reason": "why", "dm_status": "..."}`
+- **read_file** — Read a game state file.
-- **character_get** — Read the full character sheet. `{"dm_status": "..."}`
+  `[R] file`: "character" | "world" | "book" | "log" | "journal"
-- **character_update** — Replace the character sheet (full content). `{"content": "...", "dm_status": "..."}`
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
-- **world_get** — Read the full world state. `{"dm_status": "..."}`
+- **roll** — Auto-roll dice (outcome shown in status).
-- **world_update** — Replace the world state (full content). `{"content": "...", "dm_status": "..."}`
+  `[O] dice`: "2d6" (default "1d6")
-- **journal_get** — Read the journal (TODO / DONE). `{"dm_status": "..."}`
+  `[O] modifier`: "-1" (default "0")
-- **journal_update** — Add or complete journal entries. `{"add": [...], "done": [...], "dm_status": "..."}`
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
-- **finalize_turn** — **Complete the turn.** Provide all turn data as args.
+- **player_roll** — Ask the player to roll physical dice. Use when the outcome is uncertain.
+  `[O] dice`: "2d6" (default "1d6")
+  `[O] reason`: "why the roll matters"
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **character_get** — Read the full character sheet.
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **character_update** — Replace the full character sheet.
+  `[R] content`: "full character sheet markdown"
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **world_get** — Read the full world state.
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **world_update** — Replace the full world state.
+  `[R] content`: "full world state markdown"
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **journal_get** — Read the journal (TODO / DONE).
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **journal_update** — Add or complete journal entries.
+  `[O] add`: ["new todo item", ...]
+  `[O] done`: ["completed item", ...]
+  `[R] dm_status`: "..."
+- **finalize_turn** — **REQUIRED to end the turn.** The loop will NOT stop without it. Call this ALONE — do not mix with get tools.
+  `[R] book_log`: "full narrative of what happened this turn — appended to story book (permanent record)"
+  `[R] user_prompt`: "short prompt for the player — NOT recorded, 1-3 sentences"
+  `[O] log_entry`: "one-sentence summary (action + outcome)"
+  `[O] ambience`: "soundscape name: silence|calm|combat|dungeon|forest|tavern|tension|town|wilds"
 
 When the player makes a choice, resolve it with the dice mechanics above. Describe the action, roll dice implicitly (describe the outcome, don't say "rolling dice"), apply damage/effects, and update state.
 
@@ -306,21 +342,24 @@ class GameEngine:
                 parts.append(
                 "## Instructions\n"
                 "Continue the story from where it left off. Think, "
-                    "gather information, then call finalize_turn."
+                "gather information, then call finalize_turn.\n"
+                "Put each tool call in its own ```tool block."
                 )
             else:
                 parts.append(
                     "## Instructions\n"
                     "Establish the opening scene. Dillion is at the "
                     "Splintered Tankard in the Keep. Describe the "
-                    "setting, then call finalize_turn."
+                    "setting, then call finalize_turn.\n"
+                    "Put each tool call in its own ```tool block."
                 )
         else:
             parts.append(
                 "## Instructions\n"
                 "Describe the outcome of the player's action using game "
                 "mechanics where appropriate. Think, gather information, "
-                "then call finalize_turn to complete the turn."
+                "then call finalize_turn to complete the turn.\n"
+                "Put each tool call in its own ```tool block."
             )
         return "\n\n".join(parts)
 
@@ -469,11 +508,12 @@ class GameEngine:
             "args": {"add": "Optional: list of new TODO items", "done": "Optional: list of completed items"},
         },
         "finalize_turn": {
-            "description": "Complete the turn with all required data.",
+            "description": "Complete the turn.",
             "args": {
-                "book_log": "Narrative of what happened (appended to story book)",
+                "book_log": "[Required] Full narrative — appended to story book (permanent record)",
-                "user_prompt": "What the player sees next — describe and ask what they do",
+                "user_prompt": "[Required] Short prompt for player — NOT recorded, 1-3 sentences",
-                "ambience": "Optional: soundscape name",
+                "log_entry": "[Optional] One-sentence summary",
+                "ambience": "[Optional] Soundscape name",
             },
         },
     }
@@ -620,17 +660,61 @@ class GameEngine:
         return re.findall(pattern, text, re.DOTALL)
 
     @staticmethod
-    def _extract_tool_calls(text: str) -> list[dict]:
+    def _extract_tool_calls(text: str, *, round_num: int = 0, on_debug: callable = None) -> list[dict]:
-        pattern = r"```tool\s*\n?(.*?)```"
+        """Extract tool calls from ```tool and ```json blocks.
-        blocks = re.findall(pattern, text, re.DOTALL)
+
+        Uses json.JSONDecoder.raw_decode for strict parsing; falls back to
+        heuristics if the LLM produces unescaped newlines in string values.
+        """
         calls = []
-        for block in blocks:
+        seen = set()
+
+        def _try_parse(raw: str) -> dict | None:
             try:
-                parsed = json.loads(block.strip())
+                obj = json.loads(raw)
-                if isinstance(parsed, dict) and "tool" in parsed:
+                if isinstance(obj, dict) and "tool" in obj:
-                    calls.append(parsed)
+                    return obj
             except json.JSONDecodeError:
                 pass
+            return None
+
+        for m in re.finditer(r"```(?:tool|json|finalize_turn)\s*\n?", text):
+            fence_type = m.group(0).strip("``` \n\r")
+            # 1) Strict: raw_decode from where the JSON should start
+            obj = None
+            try:
+                decoder = json.JSONDecoder()
+                obj, end = decoder.raw_decode(text, m.end())
+            except (json.JSONDecodeError, ValueError, StopIteration):
+                pass
+
+            if obj is None:
+                # 2) Fallback: find closing backticks and repair unescaped newlines in strings
+                close = text.find("```", m.end())
+                if close > 0:
+                    raw = text[m.end():close].strip()
+                    def _escape_in_strings(s: str) -> str:
+                        return re.sub(r'"(?:[^"\\]|\\.)*"', lambda x: x.group(0).replace("\n", "\\n"), s, flags=re.DOTALL)
+                    repaired = _escape_in_strings(raw)
+                    obj = _try_parse(repaired)
+
+            if obj is not None and isinstance(obj, dict):
+                # Normalize: fence type "finalize_turn" means the JSON is the args directly
+                if fence_type == "finalize_turn":
+                    obj = {"tool": "finalize_turn", "args": obj}
+                # If JSON has a "tool" key, keep as-is
+                if "tool" not in obj:
+                    obj = None
+
+            if obj is not None:
+                key = (obj["tool"], json.dumps(obj.get("args", {}), sort_keys=True))
+                if key not in seen:
+                    seen.add(key)
+                    calls.append(obj)
+            elif on_debug:
+                preview = text[m.end():m.end() + 120].replace("\n", "\\n")
+                on_debug("parse_error", {"round": round_num, "content": preview})
+
         return calls
 
     @staticmethod
@@ -651,6 +735,7 @@ class GameEngine:
         on_thought: callable = None,
         on_action: callable = None,
         on_player_roll: callable = None,
+        on_debug: callable = None,
     ) -> TurnResult:
         """
         Multi-turn generation with tool-use loop.
@@ -659,7 +744,7 @@ class GameEngine:
         MUST call **finalize_turn** to complete the turn. Until then the
         loop continues feeding tool results back.
 
-        `on_thought` / `on_action` may be called from a worker thread —
+        `on_thought` / `on_action` / `on_debug` may be called from a worker thread —
         use call_from_thread in the TUI.
         """
         system = self.build_system_prompt()
@@ -682,9 +767,22 @@ class GameEngine:
 
         max_rounds = 10
         debug_entries: list[str] = []
+        attempt = 0
+        round_used = 0
+        reminder_count = 0
 
-        for round_idx in range(max_rounds):
+        from datetime import datetime
-            round_log: list[str] = [f"── Round {round_idx + 1} ──"]
+        self._append_llm_log(f"\n{'='*60}")
+        self._append_llm_log(f"=== Turn — {datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')} ===")
+        self._append_llm_log(f"{'='*60}")
+        if player_action:
+            self._append_llm_log(f"Player: {player_action}")
+        elif last_prompt:
+            self._append_llm_log(f"Resume from: {last_prompt[:120]}")
+
+        while round_used < max_rounds:
+            attempt += 1
+            round_log: list[str] = [f"── Attempt {attempt} (round {round_used + 1}/{max_rounds}) ──"]
 
             try:
                 response = litellm.completion(
@@ -695,9 +793,18 @@ class GameEngine:
                     timeout=30,
                 )
                 text = response.choices[0].message.content or ""
+                self._append_llm_log(
+                    f"\n--- Attempt {attempt} ---\n{text}"
+                )
             except Exception as e:
+                self._append_llm_log(f"\n--- LLM ERROR (attempt {attempt}) ---\n{e}")
+                if on_debug:
+                    on_debug("llm_error", {"error": str(e)})
                 return TurnResult(error=f"LLM call failed: {e}")
 
+            if on_debug:
+                on_debug("llm_response", {"round": attempt, "text": text})
+
             # Thoughts
             thoughts = self._extract_thoughts(text)
             if thoughts:
@@ -705,9 +812,15 @@ class GameEngine:
             for t in thoughts:
                 if on_thought:
                     on_thought(t.strip())
+                if on_debug:
+                    on_debug("thought", {"round": attempt, "text": t.strip()})
 
             # Tool calls
-            tool_calls = self._extract_tool_calls(text)
+            tool_calls = self._extract_tool_calls(
+                text,
+                round_num=attempt,
+                on_debug=on_debug,
+            )
             finalize_call: dict | None = None
             other_calls: list[dict] = []
 
@@ -722,27 +835,67 @@ class GameEngine:
                 names = [tc.get("tool", "?") for tc in tool_calls]
                 round_log.append(f"  tools: {', '.join(names)}")
 
+            # Guard: no get tools alongside finalize_turn
+            get_tools = {"read_file", "character_get", "world_get", "journal_get"}
+            if finalize_call and any(tc.get("tool") in get_tools for tc in other_calls):
+                round_log.append("  mixed get + finalize — rejected")
+                debug_entries.append("\n".join(round_log))
+                messages = messages[:2]
+                messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": text})
+                messages.append({
+                    "role": "user",
+                    "content": "## Validation Error\nYou used a get tool (`read_file`, `character_get`, `world_get`, `journal_get`) and `finalize_turn` in the same round. Decide: either gather information (use get tools, then stop), or finalize the turn (call `finalize_turn` alone with all data). Do not mix them."
+                })
+                if on_debug:
+                    on_debug("validation_error", {"round": attempt, "type": "mixed_get_finalize", "tools": [tc.get("tool") for tc in other_calls]})
+                round_used += 1
+                continue
+
             # finalize_turn present → validate and return
             if finalize_call:
                 args = finalize_call.get("args", {})
                 errs = []
                 if not args.get("book_log"):
-                    errs.append("book_log is required")
+                    errs.append("book_log [Required]")
                 if not args.get("user_prompt"):
-                    errs.append("user_prompt is required")
+                    errs.append("user_prompt [Required]")
                 if errs:
+                    hint = (
+                        f"Expected:\n"
+                        f'{{"tool": "finalize_turn", "args": {{'
+                        f'"book_log": "...", '
+                        f'"user_prompt": "...", '
+                        f'"log_entry": "...", '
+                        f'"ambience": "..."'
+                        f"}}}}\n"
+                    )
                     round_log.append(f"  finalize_turn validation errors: {', '.join(errs)}")
                     debug_entries.append("\n".join(round_log))
+                    messages = messages[:2]
                     messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": text})
                     messages.append({
                         "role": "user",
-                        "content": f"## Validation Error\nfinalize_turn missing: {', '.join(errs)}. Please provide all required fields and call finalize_turn again."
+                        "content": f"## Validation Error\nMissing required field(s): {', '.join(errs)}.\n\n{hint}Please provide all required fields and call finalize_turn again."
                     })
+                    if on_debug:
+                        on_debug("validation_error", {"round": attempt, "type": "finalize_turn", "errors": errs})
+                    round_used += 1
                     continue
+                if on_debug:
+                    on_debug("finalize", {"round": attempt, "args": args})
+                round_used += 1
+                self._append_llm_log(
+                    f"\n--- FINALIZE (attempt {attempt}) ---\n"
+                    f"book_log: {args.get('book_log','')[:200]}\n"
+                    f"user_prompt: {args.get('user_prompt','')[:200]}\n"
+                    f"log_entry: {args.get('log_entry','')}\n"
+                    f"ambience: {args.get('ambience','')}\n"
+                )
                 return TurnResult(
                     book_log=args.get("book_log", ""),
                     user_prompt=args.get("user_prompt", ""),
                     ambience=args.get("ambience"),
+                    log_entry=args.get("log_entry"),
                 )
 
             # Execute other tools
@@ -756,15 +909,19 @@ class GameEngine:
                     if not args.get("dm_status"):
                         err_msg = (
                             f"**Validation Error:** Tool `{name}` missing required `dm_status`. "
-                            f"Describe what the DM is doing (e.g. "
+                            f"Add `\"dm_status\": \"what the DM is doing\"` to the args.\n"
-                            f'`"dm_status": "consulting the archives"`). Please retry.'
+                            f"Put each tool call in its own ```tool block."
                         )
                         results.append(err_msg)
                         round_log.append(f"  {name}: MISSING dm_status")
+                        if on_debug:
+                            on_debug("validation_error", {"round": attempt, "type": "tool", "tool": name, "error": "missing dm_status"})
                         continue
 
                     if on_action:
                         on_action(self._describe_tool_action(name, args))
+                    if on_debug:
+                        on_debug("tool_call", {"round": attempt, "tool": name, "args": args})
                     if name == "player_roll" and on_player_roll:
                         dice = args.get("dice", "1d6")
                         reason = args.get("reason", "a check")
@@ -774,24 +931,55 @@ class GameEngine:
                         result = self._execute_tool(name, args)
                     results.append(f"**Tool:** {name}\n**Args:** {json.dumps(args)}\n**Result:** {result}")
                     round_log.append(f"  {name}: OK")
+                    if on_debug:
+                        on_debug("tool_result", {"round": attempt, "tool": name, "result": result})
+                messages = messages[:2]
                 messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": text})
                 messages.append({
                     "role": "user",
                     "content": "## Tool Results\n\n" + "\n\n".join(results),
                 })
                 debug_entries.append("\n".join(round_log))
+                round_used += 1
                 continue
 
-            # No tools, no finalize → remind LLM
+            # No tools, no finalize
-            round_log.append("  no tool calls — prompted to use tools")
+            round_log.append("  no tool calls")
+
+            if not text.strip():
+                # Empty response — model may be slow. Give it time and retry without adding context.
+                if on_debug:
+                    on_debug("empty_response", {"round": attempt})
+                import time
+                time.sleep(2)
                 debug_entries.append("\n".join(round_log))
+                continue
+
+            # Plain-text reasoning (no ```tool/```thought blocks) — log in debug but don't show to player
+            round_used += 1
+            if on_debug:
+                on_debug("thought", {"round": attempt, "text": text.strip()})
+
+            debug_entries.append("\n".join(round_log))
+            messages = messages[:2]
             messages.append({"role": "assistant", "content": text})
-            messages.append({
+            reminder_count += 1
-                "role": "user",
+            if reminder_count % 3 == 0:
-                "content": "## Instructions\nUse tools to gather information or call **finalize_turn** to complete the turn."
+                reminder = (
-            })
+                    "## Instructions\n"
+                    "Respond with tool calls or finalize_turn.\n\n"
+                    "Put each tool call in its own ```tool block:\n"
+                    "```tool\n{\"tool\": \"character_get\", \"args\": {\"dm_status\": \"...\"}}\n```\n\n"
+                    "When ready, call **finalize_turn** with `book_log` and `user_prompt`."
+                )
+            else:
+                reminder = "Use tools to gather information or call **finalize_turn** to end the turn."
+            messages.append({"role": "user", "content": reminder})
+            if on_debug:
+                on_debug("no_tool_calls", {"round": attempt})
 
         debug_text = "\n\n".join(debug_entries)
+        self._append_llm_log(f"\n--- LOOP EXCEEDED ({max_rounds} rounds) ---\n{debug_text}")
         return TurnResult(
             error=f"Turn loop exceeded max rounds ({max_rounds}). Below is a debug log of what the LLM did each round:\n\n{debug_text}",
             debug_info=debug_text,
@@ -892,6 +1080,12 @@ class GameEngine:
         with open(log_path, "a") as f:
             f.write(entry.strip() + "\n")
 
+    def _append_llm_log(self, text: str) -> None:
+        """Append raw LLM activity to llm.log for debugging."""
+        LLM_LOG_PATH.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        with open(LLM_LOG_PATH, "a") as f:
+            f.write(text + "\n")
+
     def _update_journal(
         self, add: list[str] | None = None, done: list[str] | None = None
     ) -> None:

tools/run.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ Owns the TUI and game loop. Layout:
 """
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import json
 import os
 import random
 import sys
@@ -181,6 +182,7 @@ class AmbiencePlayer:
         self._options = {}
         self._device = None
         self._stream = None
+        self._muted = False
         self.load_options()
 
     @property
@@ -191,6 +193,17 @@ class AmbiencePlayer:
     def ambience_name(self):
         return self.current_ambience
 
+    @property
+    def is_muted(self):
+        return self._muted
+
+    def toggle_mute(self):
+        self._muted = not self._muted
+        if self._muted:
+            self._stop()
+        else:
+            self._load_current()
+
     def load_options(self):
         self._options = parse_ambience_options()
 
@@ -217,16 +230,23 @@ class AmbiencePlayer:
             name = AMBIENCE_PATH.read_text().strip().lower()
         except OSError:
             return
-        self._switch_to(name)
+        # Save the name even when muted — will play on unmute
+        self.current_ambience = name
+        self._stop()
+        if not self._muted and name != 'silence' and name in self._options:
+            self._play_current()
 
     def _switch_to(self, name):
         if name == self.current_ambience:
             return
         self.current_ambience = name
         self._stop()
-        if name == 'silence' or name not in self._options:
+        if self._muted or name == 'silence' or name not in self._options:
             return
-        tracks = self._options.get(name, [])
+        self._play_current()
+
+    def _play_current(self):
+        tracks = self._options.get(self.current_ambience, [])
         valid = [t for t in tracks if t.exists()]
         if not valid:
             return
@@ -238,6 +258,11 @@ class AmbiencePlayer:
         except Exception:
             self.current_ambience = None
 
+    def _load_current(self):
+        """Called on unmute — replay current ambience if not silence."""
+        if self.current_ambience and self.current_ambience != 'silence':
+            self._play_current()
+
 
 # module-level ref
 app_ambience_player = None
@@ -343,6 +368,31 @@ class TranscriptPane(AutoStatic):
             self.parent.scroll_end(animate=False)
 
 
+class DebugPane(Static):
+    """Scrolling log of LLM thoughts, tool calls, and results for this turn."""
+
+    MAX_LINES = 200
+
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+        self._lines: list[str] = []
+
+    def append(self, text: str) -> None:
+        self._lines.append(text)
+        if len(self._lines) > self.MAX_LINES:
+            self._lines.pop(0)
+        self.update("\n".join(self._lines[-100:]))
+        self.call_after_refresh(self._scroll_bottom)
+
+    def _scroll_bottom(self):
+        if self.parent and hasattr(self.parent, 'scroll_end'):
+            self.parent.scroll_end(animate=False)
+
+    def clear(self) -> None:
+        self._lines.clear()
+        self.update("")
+
+
 class CharPane(AutoStatic):
     def load(self):
         if not CHAR_PATH.exists():
@@ -422,6 +472,20 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         color: #c8c8c8;
         padding: 0 1;
     }
+    #debug-content {
+        background: #1a1a1a;
+        color: #88b0a0;
+        padding: 0 1;
+    }
+    #debug-content .dm-thought {
+        color: #c0a060;
+    }
+    #debug-content .dm-tool {
+        color: #60a0c0;
+    }
+    #debug-content .dm-result {
+        color: #80a080;
+    }
 
     /* Play tab */
     #play-narrative {
@@ -515,6 +579,25 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         height: 1;
         text-style: italic;
     }
+    #mute-btn {
+        dock: bottom;
+        width: 6;
+        height: 1;
+        background: #2a2a2a;
+        color: #888888;
+        border: none;
+        padding: 0 1;
+        min-width: 6;
+        margin: 0;
+    }
+    #mute-btn:hover {
+        background: #3a3a3a;
+        color: #cccccc;
+    }
+    #mute-btn.muted {
+        color: #ff6b6b;
+        text-style: bold;
+    }
     """
 
     BINDINGS = [
@@ -553,6 +636,9 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         self._book_pages = []
         self._prev_page_count = 0
 
+        # Debug log
+        self._debug_lines: list[str] = []
+
     # ── Compose ──────────────────────────────────────────
     def compose(self):
         yield Static(f"⚔  The Chaos  ╎  {TODAY}", id="banner")
@@ -585,7 +671,11 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
                             yield Button("Next >>", id="book-next")
                         with VerticalScroll(id="book-scroll"):
                             yield Static("", id="book-content")
+                with TabPane("DEBUG", id="debug-tab"):
+                    with VerticalScroll():
+                        yield DebugPane("", id="debug-content")
             yield StatusBar(id="status-bar")
+            yield Button("♫", id="mute-btn", classes="mute-button")
 
     def on_mount(self):
         ensure_log()
@@ -593,6 +683,7 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         self._init_book()
         self.set_interval(REFRESH_SECS, self._check_ambience)
         self.set_interval(REFRESH_SECS, self._reload_book)
+        self.call_after_refresh(self._update_mute_button)
         # Start the game
         self.call_after_refresh(self._begin_game)
 
@@ -617,6 +708,23 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         if app_ambience_player:
             app_ambience_player.poll()
 
+    def on_button_pressed(self, event: Button.Pressed) -> None:
+        if event.button.id == "mute-btn":
+            if app_ambience_player:
+                app_ambience_player.toggle_mute()
+                self._update_mute_button()
+
+    def _update_mute_button(self) -> None:
+        btn = self.query_one("#mute-btn", Button)
+        if app_ambience_player and app_ambience_player.is_muted:
+            btn.label = "♪ muted"
+            btn.classes = "muted"
+            btn.tooltip = "Unmute music"
+        else:
+            btn.label = "♫"
+            btn.classes = ""
+            btn.tooltip = "Mute music"
+
     # ── Game Loop ─────────────────────────────────────────
     def _call_llm(self, player_action: str | None = None):
         """Called when the player has acted — sends their action to the LLM."""
@@ -630,6 +738,14 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
 
         self._show_thinking()
 
+        # Clear debug for new turn
+        pane = self.query_one("#debug-content", DebugPane)
+        pane.clear()
+        if player_action:
+            self._append_debug(f"▶ player action: {player_action}")
+        else:
+            self._append_debug("▶ starting new turn")
+
         # Run generation in a daemon thread so it doesn't block the UI
         t = threading.Thread(
             target=self._run_generation,
@@ -648,16 +764,27 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         def on_action(action: str) -> None:
             self.call_from_thread(self._on_action, action)
 
+        def on_debug(event_type: str, data: dict) -> None:
+            self.call_from_thread(self._on_debug, event_type, data)
+
         result = self.engine.generate_with_tools(
             player_action=player_action,
             last_prompt=last_prompt,
             on_thought=on_thought,
             on_action=on_action,
             on_player_roll=self._on_player_roll,
+            on_debug=on_debug,
         )
 
         self.call_from_thread(self._on_generation_done, result, player_action)
 
+    def _append_debug(self, text: str) -> None:
+        """Append a line to the debug pane."""
+        from datetime import datetime
+        ts = datetime.now().strftime("%H:%M:%S")
+        pane = self.query_one("#debug-content", DebugPane)
+        pane.append(f"[{ts}] {text}")
+
     def _show_thinking(self) -> None:
         """Show the thinking indicator and start the animation timer."""
         self._dm_action = "DM is weaving the narrative"
@@ -688,6 +815,7 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         status.add_class("processing")
         spinner = self._spinner_frames[0]
         status.update(f"✦  {spinner} {display}  ✦")
+        self._append_debug(f"✦ {display}")
 
     def _on_action(self, action: str) -> None:
         """Display a DM action (tool call) in the status bar."""
@@ -697,9 +825,57 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         status.add_class("processing")
         spinner = self._spinner_frames[0]
         status.update(f"✦  {spinner} {action}  ✦")
+        self._append_debug(action)
+
+    def _on_debug(self, event_type: str, data: dict) -> None:
+        """Structured debug entry: visible description + technical detail."""
+        r = data.get("round", "")
+        if event_type == "llm_response":
+            text = data.get("text", "")
+            if text.strip():
+                preview = text[:200].replace("\n", "\\n").strip() + ("…" if len(text) > 200 else "")
+                self._append_debug(f"  LLM response: {preview}")
+            else:
+                self._append_debug(f"  LLM response: (empty)")
+        elif event_type == "thought":
+            thought = data.get("text", "")
+            display = thought[:60] + "…" if len(thought) > 60 else thought
+            self._append_debug(f"  💭 {display}")
+        elif event_type == "tool_call":
+            tool = data.get("tool", "?")
+            args = data.get("args", {})
+            desc = args.get("dm_status", tool)
+            self._append_debug(f"  🔧 {desc}")
+            self._append_debug(f"     {tool}({json.dumps(args)})")
+        elif event_type == "tool_result":
+            tool = data.get("tool", "?")
+            result = data.get("result", "")
+            preview = result[:80].replace("\n", " ").strip() + ("…" if len(result) > 80 else "")
+            self._append_debug(f"     → {preview}")
+        elif event_type == "validation_error":
+            err_type = data.get("type", "")
+            if err_type == "finalize_turn":
+                self._append_debug(f"  ✖ finalize_turn missing: {', '.join(data.get('errors', []))}")
+            elif err_type == "mixed_get_finalize":
+                tools = data.get("tools", [])
+                self._append_debug(f"  ✖ mixed get tools {tools} with finalize_turn — rejected")
+            else:
+                tool = data.get("tool", "?")
+                self._append_debug(f"  ✖ {tool} missing dm_status")
+        elif event_type == "finalize":
+            self._append_debug("  ✔ finalize_turn")
+        elif event_type == "no_tool_calls":
+            self._append_debug(f"  ⚠ no tool calls — reminded to use tools")
+        elif event_type == "parse_error":
+            self._append_debug(f"  ⚠ failed to parse tool block: {data.get('content', '')}")
+        elif event_type == "empty_response":
+            self._append_debug("  ⚠ empty response — waiting 2s, retrying without reminder")
+        elif event_type == "llm_error":
+            self._append_debug(f"  ✖ LLM error: {data.get('error', '')}")
 
     def _on_player_roll(self, dice: str, reason: str) -> str:
         """Called from worker thread. Shows roll popup, blocks until player responds."""
+        self.call_from_thread(self._append_debug, f"🎲 asks player to roll {dice} ({reason})")
         self.call_from_thread(self._show_roll_modal, dice, reason)
         self._roll_event.wait()
         self._roll_event.clear()
@@ -736,8 +912,21 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
 
         if result.error:
             self._show_error(result.error, result.debug_info)
+            self._append_debug(f"✖ error: {result.error}")
             return
 
+        # Log only after successful finalize — failed turns produce no side effects
+        from datetime import datetime
+        ts = datetime.now().strftime("%H:%M")
+        if player_action:
+            time_of_day = self._guess_time_of_day()
+            self.engine.append_log(f"- **{time_of_day}** — {player_action}")
+        if result.log_entry:
+            self.engine.append_log(f"- **{ts}** — {result.log_entry}")
+        elif result.book_log:
+            first_line = result.book_log.strip().split("\n")[0][:80]
+            self.engine.append_log(f"- **Turn** — {first_line}")
+
         # Archive the turn's book log
         if result.book_log:
             self.engine.archive_turn(result.book_log)
@@ -755,6 +944,7 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
         # Store for next turn
         self._last_prompt = result.user_prompt
         self._last_result = result
+        self._append_debug("✔ turn complete")
 
     def _display_scene(self, result: TurnResult) -> None:
         """Update the UI with the last story entry followed by the DM prompt."""
@@ -800,14 +990,6 @@ class ChaosTUI(App):
 
     def _handle_player_action(self, action: str) -> None:
         """Handle a player action typed in the input."""
-        # Log the action
-        from datetime import datetime
-        timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%H:%M")
-        time_of_day = self._guess_time_of_day()
-        log_entry = f"- **{time_of_day}** — {action}"
-        self.engine.append_log(log_entry)
-
-        # Call LLM to resolve
         self._call_llm(player_action=action)
 
     def _guess_time_of_day(self) -> str: