feat(quests): seed Trouble Beyond the Gate and the South Gate Warden

The demo character no longer starts with a free Basic Hide Bag: the
bagless HIDE capacity of 1 is what the quest chain exists to teach.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

apps/api/src/database/seeds/local-location.content.ts

@@ -159,18 +159,19 @@ export const SOUTH_GATE_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
       resultText:
         'Weathered notices flutter in the wind. A fresh one warns of raiders on the Burned Road and promises silver for every bandit killed.',
     },
+    // Was authored scenery with a line of result text until Slice 0.9 made the
+    // warden a real NPC with a quest to give. A hotspot carries result text or
+    // an `npcKey`, never both, so the text goes and the doorway stays.
     {
       key: 'gate-watch',
-      title: 'Gate Watch',
+      title: 'Halvik, Warden of the South Gate',
       actionLabel: 'Talk',
       type: 'NPC',
       iconKey: 'speak',
       xPercent: 45,
       yPercent: 52,
       enabled: true,
-      resultTitle: 'Gate Watch',
-      resultText:
-        '"Beyond the gate, Graufurt\'s protection ends. Whoever heads south does so at their own risk — and rarely comes back the way they left."',
+      npcKey: 'south-gate-warden',
     },
     // Borin stands at the gate rather than deeper in a town that does not
     // exist yet as a location. Carries `npcKey` instead of result text, so
@@ -200,12 +201,13 @@ export const SOUTH_GATE_LOCAL_CONTENT: LocalLocationContent = {
   localPrimaryActions: [
     {
       key: 'talk-to-watch',
-      label: 'Talk to the watch',
-      description: 'Ask about the situation',
+      label: 'Talk to the warden',
+      description: 'Ask about the road south',
       type: 'NPC',
       iconKey: 'speak',
       enabled: true,
       poiKey: 'gate-watch',
+      npcKey: 'south-gate-warden',
     },
     {
       key: 'trade-with-borin',

apps/api/src/database/seeds/npc-content.ts

@@ -10,13 +10,16 @@ import type {
 } from '../../npcs/npc.types';
 import { ITEM_IDS } from './item.constants';
 import { BASIC_HIDE_BAG_ID, BASIC_TROPHY_POUCH_ID } from './loot-bag-content';
+import { TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY } from './quest.constants';
 import { BORDER_GUARD_FACTION_ID } from './reputation-content';
 
 export const BORIN_NPC_ID = 'b0000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
+export const SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID = 'b0000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000002';
 export const BORIN_SHOP_ID = 'b1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
 export const BORIN_EXCHANGE_PROFILE_ID = 'b2000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
 
 export const BORIN_KEY = 'borin-quartermaster';
+export const SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY = 'south-gate-warden';
 export const BORIN_SHOP_KEY = 'borin-supplies';
 export const BORIN_EXCHANGE_KEY = 'borin-trade-in';
 
@@ -114,6 +117,42 @@ export const NPC_DEFINITIONS: SeedNpcDefinition[] = [
     ],
     enabled: true,
   },
+  /**
+   * Halvik, the South Gate Warden (Playable Slice 0.9 §2).
+   *
+   * §2 says to reuse an existing named gate NPC rather than inventing a
+   * duplicate. There was none: the gate watch was an authored hotspot with a
+   * line of result text, not an `NpcDefinition`. That hotspot becomes this
+   * person's doorway in `local-location.content.ts` instead of a second one
+   * being pinned beside it.
+   *
+   * Named rather than left as "South Gate Warden", because §2's own warning
+   * about duplicates assumes NPCs have names, and the screen renders a name
+   * and a title the way Borin's does.
+   *
+   * QUEST_GIVER and QUEST_TURN_IN sit together for the same reason Borin
+   * carries MERCHANT and RESOURCE_EXCHANGE: capabilities describe a person,
+   * they do not subclass one (NPC spec §2, §5). Nothing branches on them --
+   * what the warden can actually do comes from the quest assignments.
+   */
+  {
+    id: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    key: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+    name: 'Halvik',
+    title: 'Warden of the South Gate',
+    description:
+      'They have watched the road long enough to stop expecting good news from it. Whatever comes back through the gate, they want it counted.',
+    locationKey: 'south-gate',
+    factionKey: 'border-guard',
+    portraitPath: '/images/npcs/south-gate-warden.png',
+    artworkPath: null,
+    capabilities: [
+      NpcCapability.DIALOGUE,
+      NpcCapability.QUEST_GIVER,
+      NpcCapability.QUEST_TURN_IN,
+    ],
+    enabled: true,
+  },
 ];
 
 export interface SeedDialogueNode {
@@ -182,6 +221,78 @@ export const DIALOGUE_NODES: SeedDialogueNode[] = [
     responses: [],
     enabled: true,
   },
+  /**
+   * The warden's four lines (Slice 0.9 §3, §8).
+   *
+   * Gated on quest state rather than on which step is current: the beat-specific
+   * lines -- the referral, the thanks -- are content on the objectives and come
+   * back from the step endpoint that performs them (decision D4). These four
+   * cover what the warden says when you simply walk up, which is all a priority
+   * list needs to answer.
+   */
+  {
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    key: 'warden-quest-offer',
+    text: 'The road has gone bad. Start small. Bring me five Ashen Pelts from the rats beyond the gate. I want to know what the ash is doing to them.',
+    priority: 900,
+    conditions: [
+      {
+        type: GameConditionType.QUEST_ACTIVE,
+        key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+        value: false,
+      },
+      {
+        type: GameConditionType.QUEST_COMPLETED,
+        key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+        value: false,
+      },
+    ],
+    actions: [],
+    responses: [],
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    key: 'warden-quest-done',
+    text: 'The road is no safer, but at least someone is walking it. Whatever you drag back from now on, take it to Borin.',
+    priority: 700,
+    conditions: [
+      {
+        type: GameConditionType.QUEST_COMPLETED,
+        key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+        value: true,
+      },
+    ],
+    actions: [],
+    responses: [],
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    key: 'warden-quest-active',
+    text: 'Still out there, then. Five pelts, and no fewer. I am not paying for a guess.',
+    priority: 500,
+    conditions: [
+      {
+        type: GameConditionType.QUEST_ACTIVE,
+        key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+        value: true,
+      },
+    ],
+    actions: [],
+    responses: [],
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    key: 'warden-default',
+    text: "Beyond the gate, Graufurt's protection ends. Whoever heads south does so at their own risk.",
+    priority: 100,
+    conditions: [],
+    actions: [],
+    responses: [],
+    enabled: true,
+  },
 ];
 
 export interface SeedNpcShop {

apps/api/src/database/seeds/quest-content.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,229 @@
+import { NpcQuestRole, QuestObjectiveType } from '../../quests/quest.types';
+import {
+  BORIN_KEY,
+  BORIN_NPC_ID,
+  SOUTH_GATE_REFERRAL_FLAG,
+  SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+  SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+} from './npc-content';
+import {
+  QUEST_ASSIGNMENT_IDS,
+  QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS,
+  TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+  TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+} from './quest.constants';
+
+export interface SeedQuestDefinition {
+  id: string;
+  key: string;
+  title: string;
+  description: string;
+  rewardFactionKey: string | null;
+  rewardReputation: number;
+  rewardSilver: number;
+  enabled: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * The first quest (Playable Slice 0.9 §2).
+ *
+ * Rewards are deliberately thin. Slice 0.9 §9 names the Basic Hide Bag and
+ * system knowledge as the point of the chain, and warns against a Silver reward
+ * that undermines the merchant trade loop the quest exists to teach -- so
+ * `rewardSilver` is 0 (decision D3). There is no renown milestone either
+ * (decision D2): the demo character sits at Renown 1, the first trade-in takes
+ * them to 2, and a third point would reach the World Renown 3 gate that Slice
+ * 0.8.5 deliberately parked out of reach until Slice 0.11. §9 lists the
+ * milestone as optional, so leaving it out is the reading that keeps both
+ * slices honest. Both values are content, so retuning either is a seed change.
+ */
+export const QUEST_DEFINITIONS: SeedQuestDefinition[] = [
+  {
+    id: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+    title: 'Trouble Beyond the Gate',
+    description:
+      'The warden at the South Gate wants to know what the ash is doing to the creatures on the road. Five Ashen Pelts is how you show them.',
+    rewardFactionKey: 'border-guard',
+    rewardReputation: 10,
+    rewardSilver: 0,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+];
+
+export interface SeedQuestObjective {
+  id: string;
+  questId: string;
+  key: string;
+  orderIndex: number;
+  type: QuestObjectiveType;
+  targetKey: string;
+  requiredQuantity: number;
+  description: string;
+  npcLine: string | null;
+  hintText: string | null;
+  advanceWhenBlocked: boolean;
+  consumeOnComplete: boolean;
+  grantsLootBagKey: string | null;
+  setsFlagKey: string | null;
+  setsFlagNpcKey: string | null;
+  enabled: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * The chain, as five ordered steps (Slice 0.9 §3–§8).
+ *
+ * Two collect steps rather than one with a mid-step hint, because the trip back
+ * to the warden is something the player *does*, and a step is what the state
+ * machine can hold. `advanceWhenBlocked` on the first one is what hands them
+ * over at 1 / 5 instead of stranding them (§4, §13 "return step activates
+ * correctly"); the second one has the bag and is expected to finish (§7).
+ *
+ * Only the second collect step consumes. Both ask for five pelts, so consuming
+ * both would quietly demand ten (§8).
+ *
+ * Every player-facing line here is quoted from the slice document.
+ */
+export const QUEST_OBJECTIVES: SeedQuestObjective[] = [
+  {
+    id: QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS.collectPeltsFirst,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: 'collect-pelts-first',
+    orderIndex: 0,
+    type: QuestObjectiveType.COLLECT_ITEM,
+    targetKey: 'ash-pelt',
+    requiredQuantity: 5,
+    description: 'Collect Ashen Pelts',
+    npcLine: null,
+    hintText:
+      'You cannot carry enough pelts. Return to the South Gate Warden.',
+    advanceWhenBlocked: true,
+    consumeOnComplete: false,
+    grantsLootBagKey: null,
+    setsFlagKey: null,
+    setsFlagNpcKey: null,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS.reportCapacity,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: 'report-capacity',
+    orderIndex: 1,
+    type: QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+    targetKey: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+    requiredQuantity: 1,
+    description: 'Return to the South Gate Warden',
+    npcLine:
+      "Right. You're not equipped for hauling spoils yet. Go see Borin in Graufurt. Tell him I sent you. He'll complain, but he'll give you something useful.",
+    hintText: null,
+    advanceWhenBlocked: false,
+    consumeOnComplete: false,
+    grantsLootBagKey: null,
+    // Written onto Borin's row, not the warden's: a dialogue flag is per-NPC
+    // player state (NPC spec §7), and Borin's row is what the Hide Bag offer's
+    // 0.8.5 bypass reads (slice §6).
+    setsFlagKey: SOUTH_GATE_REFERRAL_FLAG,
+    setsFlagNpcKey: BORIN_KEY,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS.collectBag,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: 'collect-bag',
+    orderIndex: 2,
+    type: QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+    targetKey: BORIN_KEY,
+    requiredQuantity: 1,
+    description: 'Speak with Borin in Graufurt',
+    npcLine:
+      'But the South Gate Warden sent you. Fine. Take this. Bring it back full and make it worth my trouble.',
+    hintText: null,
+    advanceWhenBlocked: false,
+    consumeOnComplete: false,
+    // Slice 0.9 decision D1. §6 has Borin say "Take this" while also pointing
+    // at the 35-Silver offer the referral unlocks; a player standing here has
+    // no Silver, so the purchase alone would stall the chain. The step hands
+    // the bag over, and the referral flag from the previous step still opens
+    // the offer -- a visible consequence and a way back to a bag that is lost.
+    grantsLootBagKey: 'basic-hide-bag',
+    setsFlagKey: null,
+    setsFlagNpcKey: null,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS.collectPelts,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: 'collect-pelts',
+    orderIndex: 3,
+    type: QuestObjectiveType.COLLECT_ITEM,
+    targetKey: 'ash-pelt',
+    requiredQuantity: 5,
+    description: 'Collect Ashen Pelts',
+    npcLine: null,
+    hintText: null,
+    advanceWhenBlocked: false,
+    consumeOnComplete: true,
+    grantsLootBagKey: null,
+    setsFlagKey: null,
+    setsFlagNpcKey: null,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS.turnIn,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    key: 'turn-in',
+    orderIndex: 4,
+    type: QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+    targetKey: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+    requiredQuantity: 1,
+    description: 'Bring the pelts to the South Gate Warden',
+    npcLine:
+      "Good. That's enough for me. From now on, take hides and trophies to Borin. He'll pay for useful spoils, and word gets around when you keep the roads clear.",
+    hintText: null,
+    advanceWhenBlocked: false,
+    consumeOnComplete: false,
+    grantsLootBagKey: null,
+    setsFlagKey: null,
+    setsFlagNpcKey: null,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+];
+
+export interface SeedNpcQuestAssignment {
+  id: string;
+  npcId: string;
+  questId: string;
+  role: NpcQuestRole;
+  enabled: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Who does what (NPC spec §14).
+ *
+ * §14's own example is a quest offered by one person, moved forward by a second
+ * and handed back to the first. That is exactly this chain, and it is why the
+ * assignment is a row rather than an `isQuestGiver` flag on the NPC.
+ */
+export const NPC_QUEST_ASSIGNMENTS: SeedNpcQuestAssignment[] = [
+  {
+    id: QUEST_ASSIGNMENT_IDS.wardenOffer,
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    role: NpcQuestRole.OFFER,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_ASSIGNMENT_IDS.wardenTurnIn,
+    npcId: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    role: NpcQuestRole.TURN_IN,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+  {
+    id: QUEST_ASSIGNMENT_IDS.borinProgress,
+    npcId: BORIN_NPC_ID,
+    questId: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID,
+    role: NpcQuestRole.PROGRESS,
+    enabled: true,
+  },
+];

apps/api/src/database/seeds/quest.constants.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+// Stable quest content ids and keys (AGENTS.md §8).
+//
+// Their own file because both `npc-content.ts` and `quest-content.ts` need
+// them: the warden's dialogue gates on the quest key, and the quest content
+// needs the warden's NPC id. Sharing a constants module is how the seeds
+// already break that kind of knot (see `item.constants.ts`).
+
+export const TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY = 'trouble-beyond-the-gate';
+export const TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_QUEST_ID =
+  'c0000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001';
+
+/**
+ * An objective's `key` is only unique within its quest, so it cannot serve as
+ * an upsert conflict target. These ids are what make a re-seed re-tune a step
+ * instead of inserting a second one.
+ */
+export const QUEST_OBJECTIVE_IDS = {
+  collectPeltsFirst: 'c1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001',
+  reportCapacity: 'c1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000002',
+  collectBag: 'c1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003',
+  collectPelts: 'c1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000004',
+  turnIn: 'c1000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000005',
+} as const;
+
+export const QUEST_ASSIGNMENT_IDS = {
+  wardenOffer: 'c2000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001',
+  wardenTurnIn: 'c2000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000002',
+  borinProgress: 'c2000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000003',
+} as const;

apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.spec.ts

@@ -31,8 +31,21 @@ import {
   ROAD_BANDIT_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
   WILD_ROAD_DOG_LOOT_TABLE_ID,
 } from './item.constants';
+import { NpcQuestAssignment } from '../../quests/entities/npc-quest-assignment.entity';
+import { QuestDefinition } from '../../quests/entities/quest-definition.entity';
+import { QuestObjective } from '../../quests/entities/quest-objective.entity';
+import { NpcQuestRole, QuestObjectiveType } from '../../quests/quest.types';
 import { BASIC_HIDE_BAG_ID } from './loot-bag-content';
-import { BORIN_OFFER_IDS, SHOP_OFFERS } from './npc-content';
+import {
+  BORIN_KEY,
+  BORIN_NPC_ID,
+  BORIN_OFFER_IDS,
+  SHOP_OFFERS,
+  SOUTH_GATE_REFERRAL_FLAG,
+  SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+  SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+} from './npc-content';
+import { TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY } from './quest.constants';
 import { seedVisibleVerticalSlice } from './vertical-slice.seed';
 
 type Row = Record<string, unknown>;
@@ -92,53 +105,108 @@ class InMemoryRepository {
   });
 }
 
+/**
+ * Every table the seed touches, addressed by name.
+ *
+ * Named rather than positional: the seed writes more than twenty tables now,
+ * and a test that only cares about quest objectives should not have to count
+ * out placeholder repositories to reach them.
+ */
+interface SeedRepositories {
+  location: InMemoryRepository;
+  connection: InMemoryRepository;
+  character: InMemoryRepository;
+  monster: InMemoryRepository;
+  locationMonster: InMemoryRepository;
+  item: InMemoryRepository;
+  lootTable: InMemoryRepository;
+  lootEntry: InMemoryRepository;
+  characterItem: InMemoryRepository;
+  characterEquipment: InMemoryRepository;
+  reputationFaction: InMemoryRepository;
+  renownMilestone: InMemoryRepository;
+  lootBagDefinition: InMemoryRepository;
+  characterLootBag: InMemoryRepository;
+  npcDefinition: InMemoryRepository;
+  dialogueNode: InMemoryRepository;
+  npcShop: InMemoryRepository;
+  shopOffer: InMemoryRepository;
+  npcExchangeProfile: InMemoryRepository;
+  exchangeRule: InMemoryRepository;
+  questDefinition: InMemoryRepository;
+  questObjective: InMemoryRepository;
+  npcQuestAssignment: InMemoryRepository;
+}
+
+const REPOSITORY_KEYS: ReadonlyArray<keyof SeedRepositories> = [
+  'location',
+  'connection',
+  'character',
+  'monster',
+  'locationMonster',
+  'item',
+  'lootTable',
+  'lootEntry',
+  'characterItem',
+  'characterEquipment',
+  'reputationFaction',
+  'renownMilestone',
+  'lootBagDefinition',
+  'characterLootBag',
+  'npcDefinition',
+  'dialogueNode',
+  'npcShop',
+  'shopOffer',
+  'npcExchangeProfile',
+  'exchangeRule',
+  'questDefinition',
+  'questObjective',
+  'npcQuestAssignment',
+];
+
 function createDataSource(
-  locationRepository: InMemoryRepository,
-  connectionRepository: InMemoryRepository,
-  characterRepository: InMemoryRepository,
-  monsterRepository: InMemoryRepository,
-  locationMonsterRepository: InMemoryRepository,
-  itemRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  lootTableRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  lootEntryRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  characterItemRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  characterEquipmentRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  reputationFactionRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  renownMilestoneRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  lootBagDefinitionRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  characterLootBagRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  npcDefinitionRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  dialogueNodeRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  npcShopRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  shopOfferRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  npcExchangeProfileRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
-  exchangeRuleRepository: InMemoryRepository = new InMemoryRepository(),
+  overrides: Partial<SeedRepositories> = {},
 ): DataSource {
+  const repositories = Object.fromEntries(
+    REPOSITORY_KEYS.map((key) => [
+      key,
+      overrides[key] ?? new InMemoryRepository(),
+    ]),
+  ) as SeedRepositories;
+
+  const byEntity = new Map<unknown, InMemoryRepository>([
+    [LocationDefinition, repositories.location],
+    [LocationConnection, repositories.connection],
+    [Character, repositories.character],
+    [MonsterDefinition, repositories.monster],
+    [LocationMonster, repositories.locationMonster],
+    [ItemDefinition, repositories.item],
+    [LootTable, repositories.lootTable],
+    [LootTableEntry, repositories.lootEntry],
+    [CharacterItem, repositories.characterItem],
+    [CharacterEquipment, repositories.characterEquipment],
+    [ReputationFaction, repositories.reputationFaction],
+    [RenownMilestoneDefinition, repositories.renownMilestone],
+    [NpcDefinition, repositories.npcDefinition],
+    [DialogueNode, repositories.dialogueNode],
+    [NpcShop, repositories.npcShop],
+    [ShopOffer, repositories.shopOffer],
+    [NpcExchangeProfile, repositories.npcExchangeProfile],
+    [ExchangeRule, repositories.exchangeRule],
+    [LootBagDefinition, repositories.lootBagDefinition],
+    [CharacterLootBag, repositories.characterLootBag],
+    [QuestDefinition, repositories.questDefinition],
+    [QuestObjective, repositories.questObjective],
+    [NpcQuestAssignment, repositories.npcQuestAssignment],
+  ]);
+
   return {
     getRepository: jest.fn((entity: unknown) => {
-      if (entity === LocationDefinition) return locationRepository;
-      if (entity === LocationConnection) return connectionRepository;
-      if (entity === Character) return characterRepository;
-      if (entity === MonsterDefinition) return monsterRepository;
-      if (entity === LocationMonster) return locationMonsterRepository;
-      if (entity === ItemDefinition) return itemRepository;
-      if (entity === LootTable) return lootTableRepository;
-      if (entity === LootTableEntry) return lootEntryRepository;
-      if (entity === CharacterItem) return characterItemRepository;
-      if (entity === CharacterEquipment) return characterEquipmentRepository;
-      if (entity === ReputationFaction) return reputationFactionRepository;
-      if (entity === RenownMilestoneDefinition)
-        return renownMilestoneRepository;
-      if (entity === NpcDefinition) return npcDefinitionRepository;
-      if (entity === DialogueNode) return dialogueNodeRepository;
-      if (entity === NpcShop) return npcShopRepository;
-      if (entity === ShopOffer) return shopOfferRepository;
-      if (entity === NpcExchangeProfile) return npcExchangeProfileRepository;
-      if (entity === ExchangeRule) return exchangeRuleRepository;
-      if (entity === LootBagDefinition) return lootBagDefinitionRepository;
-      if (entity === CharacterLootBag) return characterLootBagRepository;
-
-      throw new Error('Unexpected repository');
+      const repository = byEntity.get(entity);
+      if (!repository) {
+        throw new Error('Unexpected repository');
+      }
+      return repository;
     }),
   } as unknown as DataSource;
 }
@@ -150,13 +218,13 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const characterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const monsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     Object.assign(characterRepository.rows[0], {
@@ -308,13 +376,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('seeds the local view content of the Burned Road with four points of interest', async () => {
     const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
@@ -364,13 +428,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('gives the South Gate its own local content so a second location needs no new component', async () => {
     const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
@@ -406,13 +466,13 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
       key: 'south-gate',
       name: 'Outdated South Gate',
     });
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
@@ -458,16 +518,16 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const itemRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const lootTableRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const lootEntryRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-      itemRepository,
-      lootTableRepository,
-      lootEntryRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+      item: itemRepository,
+      lootTable: lootTableRepository,
+      lootEntry: lootEntryRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
@@ -605,21 +665,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('seeds both starter loot bags idempotently', async () => {
     const lootBagDefinitionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      lootBagDefinitionRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      lootBagDefinition: lootBagDefinitionRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
@@ -643,40 +691,21 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     );
   });
 
-  it('gives the demo character only the Hide Bag, idempotently', async () => {
+  it('no longer hands the demo character a loot bag', async () => {
     const characterLootBagRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      characterLootBagRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      characterLootBag: characterLootBagRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
-    // Slice 0.8.5 decision: the Trophy Pouch is now a reputation-gated offer,
-    // so handing it to the demo character for free would undercut the
-    // showcase. The Hide Bag stays -- without it, HIDE capacity would drop to
-    // the bagless default of 1 with no way to raise it before Slice 0.9 grants
-    // it through the warden's referral. See the ASSUMPTION note in the seed.
-    expect(characterLootBagRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
-    expect(characterLootBagRepository.rows.map((row) => row.active)).toEqual([
-      true,
-    ]);
-    expect(
-      characterLootBagRepository.rows.map((row) => row.lootBagDefinitionId),
-    ).toEqual(['a0000000-0000-4000-8000-000000000001']);
+    // Slice 0.9 decision D5. The Hide Bag was a stopgap: Slice 0.8.5 turned the
+    // Trophy Pouch into a reputation-gated offer and left the Hide Bag in the
+    // seed so the hunting loop stayed playable until a quest could hand one
+    // over. That quest exists now, and the default HIDE capacity of 1 is the
+    // whole lesson the chain teaches (slice §4) -- a free bag would hide it.
+    expect(characterLootBagRepository.rows).toHaveLength(0);
   });
 
   it('seeds the starting sword as a real, equipped CharacterItem idempotently', async () => {
@@ -687,18 +716,15 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterItemRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterEquipmentRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      characterItemRepository,
-      characterEquipmentRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+      characterItem: characterItemRepository,
+      characterEquipment: characterEquipmentRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
@@ -729,18 +755,15 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterItemRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterEquipmentRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      characterItemRepository,
-      characterEquipmentRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+      characterItem: characterItemRepository,
+      characterEquipment: characterEquipmentRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     // Simulate the player having equipped earned loot instead.
@@ -764,18 +787,15 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const locationMonsterRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterItemRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const characterEquipmentRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      locationRepository,
-      connectionRepository,
-      characterRepository,
-      monsterRepository,
-      locationMonsterRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      characterItemRepository,
-      characterEquipmentRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      location: locationRepository,
+      connection: connectionRepository,
+      character: characterRepository,
+      monster: monsterRepository,
+      locationMonster: locationMonsterRepository,
+      characterItem: characterItemRepository,
+      characterEquipment: characterEquipmentRepository,
+    });
 
     // Simulate the demo character having already looted a worn-short-sword
     // naturally, under a DB-generated id that differs from the seed's
@@ -803,19 +823,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('seeds the Border Watch faction', async () => {
     const reputationFactionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      reputationFactionRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      reputationFaction: reputationFactionRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
@@ -830,40 +840,24 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
     const npcDefinitionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const npcShopRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
     const exchangeRuleRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      npcDefinitionRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      npcShopRepository,
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      exchangeRuleRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      npcDefinition: npcDefinitionRepository,
+      npcShop: npcShopRepository,
+      exchangeRule: exchangeRuleRepository,
+    });
 
     // Twice: seeds must be idempotent (NPC spec §32).
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
-    expect(npcDefinitionRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
-    expect(npcDefinitionRepository.rows[0]).toMatchObject({
-      key: 'borin-quartermaster',
-      enabled: true,
-    });
+    // Looked up by key rather than by position: Slice 0.9 put the warden at the
+    // same gate, so "the first row" stopped meaning "Borin".
+    const borin = npcDefinitionRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === BORIN_KEY,
+    ) as Row;
+    expect(borin).toMatchObject({ key: BORIN_KEY, enabled: true });
     // Placed in Graufurt via the location key, not a hardcoded id.
-    expect(npcDefinitionRepository.rows[0].locationId).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_ID);
+    expect(borin.locationId).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_ID);
     expect(npcShopRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
 
     // All four Burned Road trade goods are accepted (slice 0.8 §5), and the
@@ -882,20 +876,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('seeds the renown milestone the first trade-in completes', async () => {
     const renownMilestoneRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      renownMilestoneRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      renownMilestone: renownMilestoneRepository,
+    });
 
     await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
 
@@ -962,26 +945,9 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
 
   it('still holds exactly five offers after a re-seed, at the tuned numbers', async () => {
     const shopOfferRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
-    const dataSource = createDataSource(
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      new InMemoryRepository(),
-      shopOfferRepository,
-    );
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      shopOffer: shopOfferRepository,
+    });
 
     // Twice, because that is the whole point of the stable ids (NPC spec §32).
     // Both bag offers carry `itemDefinitionId: null`, so the pre-0.8.5 conflict
@@ -1053,4 +1019,214 @@ describe('seedVisibleVerticalSlice', () => {
       ],
     });
   });
+
+  it('seeds the South Gate Warden beside Borin at the gate', async () => {
+    const npcDefinitionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      npcDefinition: npcDefinitionRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    // Slice 0.9 §2 says to reuse an existing named gate NPC. There was none --
+    // the gate watch was authored scenery, not an NpcDefinition -- so the
+    // warden is new, and stands where Borin already does.
+    expect(npcDefinitionRepository.rows).toHaveLength(2);
+    const warden = npcDefinitionRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY,
+    ) as Row;
+    expect(warden).toMatchObject({
+      id: SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID,
+      enabled: true,
+      locationId: SOUTH_GATE_ID,
+      factionKey: 'border-guard',
+    });
+    expect(warden.capabilities).toEqual(
+      expect.arrayContaining(['QUEST_GIVER', 'QUEST_TURN_IN']),
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('seeds one quest with five ordered objectives, idempotently', async () => {
+    const questDefinitionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const questObjectiveRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questDefinition: questDefinitionRepository,
+      questObjective: questObjectiveRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    expect(questDefinitionRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(questDefinitionRepository.rows[0]).toMatchObject({
+      key: TROUBLE_BEYOND_THE_GATE_KEY,
+      title: 'Trouble Beyond the Gate',
+      enabled: true,
+    });
+
+    expect(questObjectiveRepository.rows).toHaveLength(5);
+    expect(
+      questObjectiveRepository.rows.map((row) => row.orderIndex),
+    ).toEqual([0, 1, 2, 3, 4]);
+    expect(questObjectiveRepository.rows.map((row) => row.type)).toEqual([
+      QuestObjectiveType.COLLECT_ITEM,
+      QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+      QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+      QuestObjectiveType.COLLECT_ITEM,
+      QuestObjectiveType.TALK_TO_NPC,
+    ]);
+  });
+
+  it('routes the first pelt hunt back to the warden when the bag is missing', async () => {
+    const questObjectiveRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questObjective: questObjectiveRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const collectSteps = questObjectiveRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.type === QuestObjectiveType.COLLECT_ITEM,
+    );
+
+    // Only the first one gives up at the carrying limit (slice §4). The second
+    // one happens with the bag in hand and is meant to be finished (§7).
+    expect(collectSteps.map((row) => row.advanceWhenBlocked)).toEqual([
+      true,
+      false,
+    ]);
+    expect(collectSteps[0].hintText).toBe(
+      'You cannot carry enough pelts. Return to the South Gate Warden.',
+    );
+    expect(collectSteps.map((row) => row.targetKey)).toEqual([
+      'ash-pelt',
+      'ash-pelt',
+    ]);
+    expect(collectSteps.map((row) => row.requiredQuantity)).toEqual([5, 5]);
+  });
+
+  it('writes the referral flag onto Borin, not onto the warden', async () => {
+    const questObjectiveRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questObjective: questObjectiveRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const referralStep = questObjectiveRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.setsFlagKey === SOUTH_GATE_REFERRAL_FLAG,
+    ) as Row;
+
+    // Dialogue flags are per-NPC state (NPC spec §7), and the 0.8.5 bypass on
+    // the Hide Bag offer is evaluated with Borin in context (slice §6).
+    expect(referralStep.setsFlagNpcKey).toBe(BORIN_KEY);
+    expect(referralStep.targetKey).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY);
+  });
+
+  it('hands the Basic Hide Bag over on the step at Borin', async () => {
+    const questObjectiveRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questObjective: questObjectiveRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const bagSteps = questObjectiveRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.grantsLootBagKey !== null,
+    );
+
+    expect(bagSteps).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(bagSteps[0]).toMatchObject({
+      targetKey: BORIN_KEY,
+      grantsLootBagKey: 'basic-hide-bag',
+    });
+  });
+
+  it('consumes pelts only on the second collect step', async () => {
+    const questObjectiveRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questObjective: questObjectiveRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    // Both steps ask for five pelts; consuming both would demand ten (§8).
+    const consuming = questObjectiveRepository.rows.filter(
+      (row) => row.consumeOnComplete === true,
+    );
+    expect(consuming).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(consuming[0].orderIndex).toBe(3);
+  });
+
+  it('pays reputation only, with no silver and no renown milestone', async () => {
+    const questDefinitionRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const renownMilestoneRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      questDefinition: questDefinitionRepository,
+      renownMilestone: renownMilestoneRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    // Slice 0.9 decisions D2/D3: a Silver payout would undercut the trade loop
+    // the quest exists to teach, and a renown milestone would reach World
+    // Renown 3 and open the Bandit Blade that Slice 0.8.5 parked until 0.11.
+    expect(questDefinitionRepository.rows[0]).toMatchObject({
+      rewardFactionKey: 'border-guard',
+      rewardReputation: 10,
+      rewardSilver: 0,
+    });
+    expect(renownMilestoneRepository.rows).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(renownMilestoneRepository.rows[0].key).toBe('first-goods-returned');
+  });
+
+  it('splits the quest across two NPCs by role', async () => {
+    const npcQuestAssignmentRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({
+      npcQuestAssignment: npcQuestAssignmentRepository,
+    });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    // NPC spec §14's worked example, in content: one person offers and
+    // receives, another moves it forward.
+    expect(npcQuestAssignmentRepository.rows).toHaveLength(3);
+    const roleByNpc = npcQuestAssignmentRepository.rows.map((row) => [
+      row.npcId,
+      row.role,
+    ]);
+    expect(roleByNpc).toEqual(
+      expect.arrayContaining([
+        [SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID, NpcQuestRole.OFFER],
+        [SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_NPC_ID, NpcQuestRole.TURN_IN],
+        [BORIN_NPC_ID, NpcQuestRole.PROGRESS],
+      ]),
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('turns the gate watch hotspot into the warden doorway', async () => {
+    const locationRepository = new InMemoryRepository();
+    const dataSource = createDataSource({ location: locationRepository });
+
+    await seedVisibleVerticalSlice(dataSource);
+
+    const southGate = locationRepository.rows.find(
+      (row) => row.key === 'south-gate',
+    ) as Row;
+    const watch = (
+      southGate.localPointsOfInterest as Array<Record<string, unknown>>
+    ).find((poi) => poi.key === 'gate-watch') as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    // A hotspot carries authored result text or an npcKey, never both -- the
+    // warden is a person now, not a plaque.
+    expect(watch.npcKey).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY);
+    expect(watch.resultText).toBeUndefined();
+
+    const action = (
+      southGate.localPrimaryActions as Array<Record<string, unknown>>
+    ).find((entry) => entry.poiKey === 'gate-watch') as Record<string, unknown>;
+    expect(action.npcKey).toBe(SOUTH_GATE_WARDEN_KEY);
+  });
 });

apps/api/src/database/seeds/vertical-slice.seed.ts

@@ -11,8 +11,10 @@ import { EquipmentSlot } from '../../items/equipment-slot.enum';
 import { ItemDefinition } from '../../items/entities/item-definition.entity';
 import { LootTableEntry } from '../../loot/entities/loot-table-entry.entity';
 import { LootTable } from '../../loot/entities/loot-table.entity';
-import { CharacterLootBag } from '../../loot-bags/entities/character-loot-bag.entity';
 import { LootBagDefinition } from '../../loot-bags/entities/loot-bag-definition.entity';
+import { NpcQuestAssignment } from '../../quests/entities/npc-quest-assignment.entity';
+import { QuestDefinition } from '../../quests/entities/quest-definition.entity';
+import { QuestObjective } from '../../quests/entities/quest-objective.entity';
 import { EncounterType } from '../../monsters/entities/encounter-type.enum';
 import { MonsterCategory } from '../../monsters/monster-category.enum';
 import { LocationMonster } from '../../monsters/entities/location-monster.entity';
@@ -43,7 +45,12 @@ import {
   BURNED_ROAD_LOCAL_CONTENT,
   SOUTH_GATE_LOCAL_CONTENT,
 } from './local-location.content';
-import { BASIC_HIDE_BAG_ID, LOOT_BAG_DEFINITIONS } from './loot-bag-content';
+import { LOOT_BAG_DEFINITIONS } from './loot-bag-content';
+import {
+  NPC_QUEST_ASSIGNMENTS,
+  QUEST_DEFINITIONS,
+  QUEST_OBJECTIVES,
+} from './quest-content';
 import { REPUTATION_FACTIONS } from './reputation-content';
 import {
   DIALOGUE_NODES,
@@ -88,6 +95,10 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
   const npcExchangeProfileRepository =
     dataSource.getRepository(NpcExchangeProfile);
   const exchangeRuleRepository = dataSource.getRepository(ExchangeRule);
+  const questDefinitionRepository = dataSource.getRepository(QuestDefinition);
+  const questObjectiveRepository = dataSource.getRepository(QuestObjective);
+  const npcQuestAssignmentRepository =
+    dataSource.getRepository(NpcQuestAssignment);
 
   const locations = [
     {
@@ -358,28 +369,14 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
     });
   }
 
-  // ASSUMPTION (Slice 0.8.5 decision): the demo character keeps the Hide Bag
-  // and no longer starts with the Trophy Pouch.
+  // The demo character starts with no loot bag at all (Slice 0.9 decision D5).
   //
-  // The pouch is now a reputation-gated offer (0.8.5 §4) and handing it over
-  // for free would make the slice's own showcase pointless. The Hide Bag stays
-  // until Slice 0.9 grants it through the warden's referral -- removing both
-  // now would drop HIDE capacity to the bagless default of 1 with no way to
-  // raise it, and the hunting loop would be unplayable in between.
-  //
-  // Delete this block once 0.9 hands the Hide Bag over in the quest.
-  const characterLootBagRepository = dataSource.getRepository(CharacterLootBag);
-  const existingBag = await characterLootBagRepository.findOneBy({
-    characterId: DEMO_CHARACTER_ID,
-    lootBagDefinitionId: BASIC_HIDE_BAG_ID,
-  });
-  if (!existingBag) {
-    await characterLootBagRepository.insert({
-      characterId: DEMO_CHARACTER_ID,
-      lootBagDefinitionId: BASIC_HIDE_BAG_ID,
-      active: true,
-    });
-  }
+  // Slice 0.8.5 left the Hide Bag here as a stopgap, with a note to remove it
+  // "once 0.9 hands the Hide Bag over in the quest". This is that moment: the
+  // bagless HIDE capacity of 1 is what the first quest is built to teach
+  // (0.9 §4), and a free bag would hide the lesson entirely. The quest's step
+  // at Borin grants the bag instead, and the migration clears the row from
+  // databases that were seeded before this change.
 
   // NPC content (NPC Specification V1 §32; Playable Slice 0.8).
   //
@@ -401,6 +398,16 @@ export async function seedVisibleVerticalSlice(
     ]);
   }
 
+  // Quest content (Playable Slice 0.9 §10; NPC spec §14).
+  //
+  // After the NPC upsert, because an assignment points at an NPC id. Objectives
+  // and assignments conflict on `id` rather than on a natural key: an
+  // objective's key is unique only within its quest, and an assignment has no
+  // natural key at all beyond the triple its unique index already covers.
+  await questDefinitionRepository.upsert(QUEST_DEFINITIONS, ['key']);
+  await questObjectiveRepository.upsert(QUEST_OBJECTIVES, ['id']);
+  await npcQuestAssignmentRepository.upsert(NPC_QUEST_ASSIGNMENTS, ['id']);
+
   await dialogueNodeRepository.upsert(DIALOGUE_NODES, ['npcId', 'key']);
   await npcShopRepository.upsert(NPC_SHOPS, ['key']);
   // By id, not by (shop, item): an offer may now sell a bag instead of an