# Character State: ch-01

## Elara Vance
Location: Edge of the Whispering Woods, perimeter of Aethelgard
Physical: Exhausted, minor scratches from underbrush, no major injuries
Emotional: Overwhelmed and terrified by the realization of her powers
Active obligations: owes Aethelgard Village (protection from the blighted forest) (ch-01) -- UNPAID
Open loops: [Elara & Kaelen] the mystery of the silver pulsed energy (ch-01) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: knows she can manipulate the forest's life force — the Village Council
Arc: 10% -- Realized her connection to the forest is not just a myth but a dangerous reality.
Permanent: YES

## Kaelen Thorne
Location: Edge of the Whispering Woods, Aethelgard
Physical: No injuries, heightened alertness
Emotional: Deeply suspicious and conflicted
Active obligations: owes Aethelgard (his duty as a Warden to report anomalies) (ch-01) -- UNPAID
Open loops: [Kaelen & Elara] whether to report her to the High Wardens (ch-01) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: knows Elara triggered the forest’s reaction — the High Wardens
Arc: 5% -- Transitioned from a strict law-enforcer to a witness of a forbidden miracle.
Permanent: YES

## Elder Bram
Location: Aethelgard Village Square
Physical: Frail, leaning on a staff
Emotional: Grave and burdened by ancient knowledge
Active obligations: owes The Ancestors (preservation of the pact) (ch-01) -- UNPAID
Open loops: [Bram & The Forest] the weakening of the ancient seals (ch-01) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: knows the true origin of the "blight" — the rest of the village
Arc: 0% -- Remains the cautionary voice of the old ways.
Permanent: NO

# World State: ch-01

## NPC Memory
- Kaelen Thorne (Warden/Aethelgard): SUSPICIOUS -- Witnessed Elara silencing the forest -- Will monitor her closely before acting.
- Elder Bram (Village Elder/Aethelgard): ANXIOUS -- Observed the shift in the trees -- Fears the return of the Echoes.

## Faction Attitudes
- The Wardens: MILITANT -- Maintaining a strict quarantine of the Whispering Woods to prevent blight spread.
- Aethelgard Villagers: REPRESSIVE -- Fearful of any deviation from tradition, viewing the forest as a cursed entity.

## Active World Events
- The Awakening: The forest has responded to a human host for the first time in centuries, causing localized silver growth.