# Character State: ch-06

## Elara Vance
- **Location:** The Shimmering Falls, Northern Perimeter of the Elderwood.
- **Physical:** Bruised ribs; heavy spiritual depletion; damp, mud-streaked clothing.
- **Emotional:** Overwhelmed but resolute; mourning Elder Thalric.
- **Active Obligations:** Owes Kaelen a debt of protection (Ch-02) — UNPAID.
- **Open Loops:** Elara and the Grove Sentinels regarding the inner sanctum breach (Ch-05) — UNRESOLVED.
- **Known Secrets:** Location of the Sunstone shard (held by Kaelen); the corruption originates from the roots (kept from the Council).
- **Arc Progress:** 55%. Successfully harmonized with the Water Aspect; accepted the burden of the Vessel’s memories.
- **Status:** Permanent.

## Kaelen
- **Location:** The Shimmering Falls.
- **Physical:** Exhausted; mild cold-exposure symptoms (hacking cough) from the mist.
- **Emotional:** Protective; cynical toward the "Greater Good"; loyal to Elara over his own interests.
- **Active Obligations:** Owes Elara his life (Ch-02) — UNPAID.
- **Open Loops:** Conflict with the Seekers regarding his desertion (Ch-01) — UNRESOLVED.
- **Known Secrets:** Stole the map to the Grove (Ch-05) — UNRESOLVED.
- **Arc Progress:** 48%. Abandoned the plan to steal the Sigil; chose to guard Elara's vulnerability during her trance.
- **Status:** Permanent.

## Elder Thalric
- **Status:** DECEASED (Ch-05).
- **Legacy:** His absence leaves Oakhaven leaderless; Elara now carries his Sigil and spiritual burden.

## Mira
- **Location:** Oakhaven medical hut.
- **Physical/Emotional:** Uninjured; anxious; grieving Thalric.
- **Open Loops:** Managing waning supplies and refugee morale (Ch-05) — UNRESOLVED.
- **Arc Progress:** 20%. Stepping into administrative leadership.

## Thorne Blackroot
- **Location:** Ridge overlooking the Shimmering Falls.
- **Emotional:** Vengeful; contemptuous of Elara’s "purity."
- **Arc Progress:** 30%. Successfully tracked the Vessel; preparing an ambush.

# World State: ch-06

## NPC Memory
- **The Voice of the Falls:** FAVORABLE. Granted the Blessing of Tides to Elara after her trial of reflection. Allowed passage to the Stone Sanctum.
- **Grove Sentinels:** NEUTRAL. Recognized the Sigil and permitted passage; remain vigilant of the duo's exit.

## Faction Attitudes
- **The Circle of Thorns:** HOSTILE. Scouts have pinpointed Elara’s location. Thorne is moving to intercept at the Earth Sanctum.
- **The Elderwood Inhabitants:** CAUTIOUS. Observing the Vessel's progress through the ancient laws of blood and ritual.

## Active World Events
- **The Great Blight:** Escalating. Water spirits are becoming agitated; corruption is visibly tainting the Elderwood's waterways.
- **The Vessel Ritual:** Stage Two (Water) COMPLETED.
- **Current Objective:** Reach the Stone Sanctum to harmonize with the Earth Aspect. Requires passage through the blighted foothills.

## Canon Artifacts/Key Items
- **The Sigil:** Carried by Elara; faintly glowing after harmonization; causes physical pain when it contacts her bruised ribs.
- **The Sunstone Shard:** Carried by Kaelen; its location remains hidden from the Circle of Thorns.