# Character State: ch-17

## Elara Vance
Location: The Great Atrium, Oakhaven
Physical: Persistent rib pain; palm Sigil glowing with steady amber light; physically drained from the transition.
Emotional: Profoundly relieved but weary; feeling the weight of sudden sovereignty.
Active obligations: Owes Kaelen protection (Ch-06)—UNPAID.
Open loops: 
- Establishing new Council (Ch-15)—IN PROGRESS.
- Managing integrated society (Ch-16)—UNRESOLVED.
- Addressing Sun-Guard legacies with Kaelen (Ch-17)—UNRESOLVED.
Known secrets: 
- CARRIED (Ch-15—unresolved): Oakhaven Elders orchestrated initial Blight.
- CARRIED (Ch-15—unresolved): Council Ledger secured in High Pavilion.
Arc: 100% — Fully transitioned from fugitive to the living heart of Oakhaven; the "Age of Roots" is officially inaugurated through her authority.
Permanent: YES

## Kaelen
Location: The Great Atrium, Oakhaven
Physical: No injuries; standing vigil by the central hearth.
Emotional: Vigilant and introspective; curious about the artifacts revealed by the integration.
Active obligations: None.
Open loops: 
- Sun-Guard lineage revelation (Ch-15)—UNRESOLVED.
- Grove map secrets (Ch-15)—UNRESOLVED.
Known secrets: 
- CARRIED (Ch-15—unresolved): Hidden Sun-Guard caches.
- CARRIED (Ch-15—unresolved): Grove map location.
Arc: 95% — Transitioned from a silent protector to a partner in the city's new biological governance.
Permanent: YES

## Mira
Location: Lower Gardens, Oakhaven
Physical: Smeared with damp earth and chlorophyll; hands calloused.
Emotional: Exuberant and purposeful.
Active obligations: Directing the "First Sowing" (Ch-16)—IN PROGRESS.
Open loops: None.
Known secrets: None.
Arc: 70% — Fully established as the bridge between the High Vessel’s will and the common citizenry’s labor.
Permanent: NO

## Elder Bram -- DECEASED (Ch-16)
Established: Life force was reclaimed by root-cuffs during the Great Integration surge.
Legacy: His absence creates a power vacuum that Elara is forced to fill, ending the era of the Old Council.

# World State: ch-17

## NPC Memory
- Sower Jenik (Gardens): GRATEFUL — Witnessed the first sprout of the "Heart-Grain" — Pledged loyalty to the new greenery.

## Faction Attitudes
- Villagers of Oakhaven: ADORING/RELIANT — They view the forest integration as a miracle rather than a curse; look to Elara for all legal guidance.
- Forest Dwellers: CURIOUS — Spirit-wisps are appearing in the Atrium; a tentative peace exists between the unseen and the seen.

## Active World Events
- The Dawn of Roots: Transition is complete; the city's stone is now reinforced by sentient timber.
- The Great Planting: A city-wide effort to replace stone-based storage with living larders.

## Critical Items
- Council Ledger: Remains at High Pavilion; legal proof of the Elders' treason.
- Vessel Sigil: Permanent on Elara’s palm; serves as the city’s heartbeat and ultimate "key."