# Character State: ch-04

## Elara Vance
Location: The Whispering Grove, near the crystalline falls
Physical: Minor scrapes on forearms; moderate physical exhaustion
Emotional: Rejuvenated yet cautious
Active obligations: owes Kaelen a debt of trust (Ch-02) -- UNPAID
Open loops: Elara and Kaelen investigating the source of the blight (Ch-03) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: CARRIED (Ch-01--unresolved): knows the location of the hidden archives -- the Village Council
Arc: 35% -- Elara successfully communed with the Grove's Heart, regaining her connection to the forest’s ancient rhythm.
Permanent: YES

## Kaelen
Location: The Whispering Grove, southern perimeter
Physical: No injuries; high alertness
Emotional: Skeptical but protective
Active obligations: owes Elara protection during the ritual (Ch-04) -- PAID
Open loops: Kaelen's suspicion regarding the Village Council's motives (Ch-03) -- UNRESOLVED
Known secrets: None
Arc: 30% -- Kaelen witnessed the forest respond to Elara, forcing him to accept the supernatural reality of the blight.
Permanent: YES

## Elder Thorne -- DECEASED (Ch-04)
Established: Struck down by a corrupted vine-construct during the defense of the Grove’s entrance.
Legacy: His death leaves the Village Council without its primary voice of moderation, increasing factional tension.

# World State: ch-04

## NPC Memory
- Sentry Mira (The Whispering Grove): GRATEFUL -- Elara saved her from a blight-thicket -- Mira is now a loyal informant for the duo.

## Faction Attitudes
- The Sentinels: SUPPORTIVE -- They witnessed the Grove's Heart reactivate, validating Elara's mission.
- The Village Council: HOSTILE -- They view the loss of Elder Thorne as a direct result of Elara’s "reckless" rituals.

## Active World Events
- The Awakening of the Grove: Ritual completed; the local blight is temporarily pushed back, blooming anew in a 1-mile radius.
- The Great Blight: Ongoing; spreading rapidly in the northern territories beyond the Whispering Grove's influence. Over 40% of the forest is now corrupted.