# Character State: ch-03

## Elara
Location: The Whispering Grove, near the Great Sentinel Tree
Physical: Exhausted, minor scratches from brush, glowing residue on palms
Emotional: Profoundly unsettled yet determined
Active obligations: owes Silas answers regarding the map (ch-03) -- UNPAID
Open loops: Elara and the Forest Spirits regarding the "unbinding" ritual (ch-03) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-01--unresolved): knows the map reacts to her blood -- Silas; knows the location of the hidden cache -- the Village Council 
Arc: 30% -- She has accepted her role as a conduit for the forest's magic rather than just a scholar.
Permanent: YES

## Silas
Location: The Whispering Grove, perimeter watch
Physical: No injuries, muscle tension from high-alert status
Emotional: Guarded and skeptical of the supernatural phenomena witnessed
Active obligations: owes Elara protection during the ritual (ch-03) -- PAID
Open loops: Silas and the Shadow Stalkers regarding Elara's trail (ch-03) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: knows the Blackwood mercenaries are already in the valley -- Elara
Arc: 25% -- He has transitioned from a mere guide to a protector who acknowledges the forest's sentient threats.
Permanent: YES

## Kaelen
Location: Village of Oakhaven, Healer's Hut
Physical: Recovering from the blight-cough, weak but communicative
Emotional: Anxious for Elara’s safety
Active obligations: owes Elara the truth about their father's journal (ch-02) -- UNPAID
Open loops: none
Known secrets: knows their father didn't die by accident -- Elara
Arc: 10% -- Remains a passive catalyst for Elara’s journey while managing the village's fear.
Permanent: NO

# World State: ch-03

## NPC Memory
- Elder Thorne (Oakhaven): UNTRUSTING -- Witnessed Elara leaving with the map -- Vowed to report the "theft" to the Council.
- The Grove Spirits (Whispering Grove): CURIOUS -- Responded to Elara's touch -- Will allow passage but demand a sacrifice later.

## Faction Attitudes
- The Wardens: HOSTILE -- Believe the awakening of the grove is a sign of a curse.
- The Shadow Stalkers: STALKING -- Tracking the resonance of the map; see Elara as a beacon.

## Active World Events
- The Great Awakening: The forest is reacting to Elara’s presence; flora is growing at an accelerated rate within a 5-mile radius.
- Mercenary Deployment: Blackwood scouts have reached the valley floors as of sunset.